"Stable telescopic handle"

Abstract

Telescopic handle (1) for a case, comprising a handle element (2) and at least one telescopic device (4), wherein the handle element (2) can be connected to a support structure of the case via the telescopic device (4), wherein the telescopic device (4) comprises an outer base tube (6) which can be connected to the support structure, and at least one adjusting tube (8) which is mounted in the base tube (6) so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable along a telescopic axis (X), wherein an adapter piece (10) is arranged on an end section of the at least one adjusting tube (8) pointing towards the base tube (6), wherein the adapter piece (10) has a contact section (12) for contact with an inner circumference of the base tube (6) and a mounting section (14),wherein the assembly section (14) of the adapter piece (10) in a pre-assembly state not connected to the end section of the adjusting tube (8) has an interference in cross-section with respect to the telescopic axis (X) compared to the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube (8) in the end section, and at least the interference of the assembly section (14) is made of a softer material than the end section of the adjusting tube (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a telescopic handle for a suitcase. The telescopic handle comprises a handle element and at least one telescopic mechanism. The handle element is connectable to a support structure of the suitcase via the telescopic mechanism. The telescopic mechanism includes an outer base tube, which is connectable to the support structure, and at least one adjustable tube that can be extended and retracted telescopically into the base tube along a telescopic axis. This at least one adjustable tube is connected to the handle element. An adapter piece is arranged on an end section of the at least one adjustable tube that points towards the base tube. The adapter piece has a contact section for resting against an inner circumference of the base tube and a mounting section. Furthermore, the adapter piece, with its mounting section pointing in a plug-in direction, is inserted into an end section of the adjustable tube and connected to the end section of the adjustable tube.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a telescopic handle and a case with such a telescopic handle.

[0003] Numerous telescopic handles of the aforementioned type are known from the prior art. A disadvantage of these designs is that the connection between the mounting section of the adapter and the end section of the adjusting tube is particularly prone to fit issues. Manufacturing tolerances of the adapter often prevent it from being inserted into the inner circumference of the adjusting tube during assembly of the telescopic handle, or they result in sufficient play between the adapter and the adjusting tube to allow the adapter to move considerably in the radial direction within the end section. This play reduces the stability of the telescopic handle, leading to accelerated wear of the adapter material and resulting in an uncomfortable user experience.Furthermore, an oversize component necessitates reworking the adapter and / or the adjusting tube during assembly of the telescopic handle, resulting in additional effort and often leading to such parts being declared unusable. While manufacturing tolerances could be reduced through the use of special materials and production processes, such measures would again involve increased effort. Therefore, as a general rule, existing suitcase handles often rely on a manufacturing process whose efficiency needs to be optimized.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that the adapter piece is mounted to the inner circumference of the base tube or the adjusting tube by means of at least one spring-loaded steel ball. This steel ball is located in the contact section of the adapter piece and is pre-tensioned radially towards the inner circumference of the base tube or the adjusting tube. This results in the steel ball being in constant contact with the respective inner circumference throughout the entire extension and retraction movement, which increases the stability of the telescopic handle. A disadvantage of this design is that during the extension and retraction movement, or when the steel ball slides along the inner circumference of the base tube or adjusting tube (often made of aluminum), material is worn away from the inner circumference of the respective base tube or adjusting tube, negatively impacting its function and extension and retraction behavior.

[0005] As is known, a telescopic handle also includes a locking mechanism for positively locking the adjusting tube in a maximum retracted position and / or in a maximum extended position and / or several intermediate positions within the base tube. Preferably, the handle element of the telescopic handle has a push button for releasing the locking mechanism arranged in the adjusting tube. In this case, the push button can, for example, be mechanically connected to the locking mechanism via a push rod arranged in the adjusting tube. The locking mechanism can, for example, comprise the spring-loaded steel ball described above, which positively engages in recesses in the circumferential wall of the base tube at specific positions for the retracted position, extended position, and / or intermediate positions and is locked in these positions by the locking mechanism.

[0006] In particular, the locking mechanism is engaged by a spring-loaded locking bolt mounted in the adapter piece, which, when at rest, makes contact with a rack located in the adjusting tube. The locking mechanism is designed such that the bolt does not make contact with the rack during a sliding adjustment movement.

[0007] It is also known from the prior art that ease of use can be improved by having the telescopic mechanism have at least two adjusting tubes arranged in the base tube along the telescopic axis so that they can be extended and retracted telescopically. Advantageously, this increases the maximum length of the telescopic handle when the adjusting tubes are extended and / or reduces the minimum length of the telescopic handle when the adjusting tubes are retracted. Preferably, in this embodiment with two or more adjusting tubes, the innermost adjusting tube is connected to the handle element.

[0008] Furthermore, telescopic handles are also known from the prior art in which stability is improved by connecting the handle element to the case's supporting structure by means of two identically designed telescopic devices. The telescopic axes of the telescopic devices are aligned parallel to each other.

[0009] Furthermore, it is known from the prior art that the adapter piece is mounted to the contact section on the inner circumference of the base tube or the adjusting tube by means of at least one plastic tongue. In particular, the adapter piece and the plastic tongue are manufactured or injection-molded as a single piece. This plastic tongue is formed in the contact section of the adapter piece and exhibits elastic properties in the radial direction towards the inner circumference of the base tube or the adjusting tube. As a result, the plastic tongue, analogous to a steel ball, is always in contact with the respective inner circumference throughout the entire extension and retraction movement, which also increases the stability of the telescopic handle in this case. A disadvantage has been found to be that during the extension and retraction movement, the plastic tongue...When the plastic tongue slides along the inner circumference of the base tube or adjusting tube, which is often made of aluminum, material is worn away from the plastic tongue, negatively impacting its function and extension / retraction behavior. The plastic tongues also frequently suffer from material fatigue, causing the telescopic handle to prematurely lose its full functionality.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of overcoming the disadvantages known from the prior art, in particular to provide a stable, durable telescopic handle which can preferably be manufactured efficiently.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Because the mounting section, in a pre-assembly state not connected to the end section of the adjusting tube, has an interference in cross-section with respect to the telescopic axis compared to the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube in the end section, and because at least the interference of the mounting section is made of a softer material than the end section of the adjusting tube, the adjusting tube itself can reduce the interference of the mounting section when the adapter piece with its mounting section is inserted into the end region of the adjusting tube. Manufacturing tolerances of the inner circumference of the adjusting tube or the outer circumference of the adapter piece can be largely neglected by the embodiment according to the invention.Furthermore, each adapter piece, when assembled, inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube, and connected to the end section of the adjusting tube, has an individually tailored or adapted fit, in particular without any play that negatively affects the material and / or ease of use. This gives the telescopic handle according to the invention high stability and allows for efficient production in a synergistic manner.

[0012] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the adapter consists in the fact that the adapter, in the assembly section, has at least one, and in particular at least four, sacrificial elements projecting radially to the telescopic axis, made of a softer material than the end section of the respective adjusting tube. Preferably, the sacrificial element is designed such that, in the pre-assembled state, the assembly section has an interference in cross-section relative to the telescopic axis compared to the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube in the end section.

[0013] Advantageously, the sacrificial element protrudes from a base surface of the adapter piece in the assembly section. It can be provided that the base surface of the adapter piece in the assembly section forms a base circumference in cross-section with respect to the telescopic axis, which, preferably also taking manufacturing tolerances into account, is smaller than or equal to the inner circumference of the end section of the adjusting tube. In particular, when the adapter piece with the assembly section is inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube, the adjusting tube merely cuts off the sacrificial element in such a way that the assembly section can be precisely positioned and secured in the end section of the adjusting tube. Advantageously, this minimizes material removal and reduces the insertion force required to insert the assembly section into the end section of the adjusting tube.

[0014] In particular, the sacrificial element can be designed as a single stud or as a bead running around the base of the mounting section. A particularly advantageous embodiment consists in the sacrificial element being designed as a sacrificial rib extending axially to the telescope axis, at least partially, over the mounting section.

[0015] It has proven advantageous if the sacrificial rib is designed to rise radially outwards towards the telescope axis, pointing against the insertion direction, such that the assembly section, in its pre-assembled state, has a minimum circumference at the end of the sacrificial rib facing forward in the insertion direction and a maximum circumference at the end of the sacrificial rib facing away from the insertion direction. At least in the region of the maximum circumference of the assembly section, it is provided that the cross-section of the assembly section relative to the telescope axis has an interference with the inner circumference of the adjusting tube in the end section. The rising design of the sacrificial rib particularly facilitates assembly. It is especially advantageous if two or four rising sacrificial ribs are provided and these are evenly distributed around the circumference of the assembly section, as this centers the adapter piece or the assembly section when it is inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube.

[0016] The problem is further solved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 6. By having the adapter piece in the assembly section at least one locking groove recessed on its outer circumference, and by having the end section of the adjusting tube have a locking tab formed in its circumferential wall corresponding to the locking groove, the locking tab of the adjusting tube engages in the locking groove in such a way that the adapter piece is at least positively locked against axial movement relative to the telescopic axis relative to the adjusting tube. This prevents axial play between the adapter piece and the adjusting tube. In particular, the plastic deformability of the locking tab of the adjusting tube is utilized.

[0017] Advantageously, the locking tab is in an undeformed state when the adapter is inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube. The locking groove is advantageously positioned in the assembly section such that, when the assembly section is fully inserted into the end section, the locking groove is adjacent to the locking tab, allowing the locking tab to be pressed into the locking groove to secure the adapter. In particular, pressing the locking tab into the locking groove results in material deformation of the locking tab.

[0018] The locking tab can advantageously be formed by two slots running parallel to each other in the wall of the adjusting tube. The slots are, in particular, punched into the wall of the adjusting tube.

[0019] The problem is further solved according to the invention by the features of the characterizing part of claim 7. In the contact section, the adapter piece has a clamping element designed to extend radially outwards towards the telescopic axis and elastically for contact with the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube or the preceding further adjusting tube according to the telescopic arrangement, such that the clamping element is held in a tensioned state by the respective inner circumference of the base tube or the adjusting tube against a restoring force.

[0020] Preferably, the clamping element is arranged in a receiving groove, which is recessed in the contact section of the adapter piece and opens radially outwards towards the telescopic axis. In particular, the clamping element is designed as a metallic leaf spring. The leaf spring provides high resistance to material fatigue.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the leaf spring rests on a flat groove base of the receiving groove. It is expediently provided that the leaf spring is held in a form-fit manner, both translationally and rotationally, relative to the groove base by the groove walls of the receiving groove. In particular, the leaf spring and the receiving groove are designed to correspond such that the leaf spring, in the tensioned state, is supported against the groove walls and the groove base.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the leaf spring comprises a contact element with a flat contact surface for bearing against the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube or adjusting tube in the telescopic arrangement. Compared to the steel ball known from the prior art, the contact element provides a larger bearing surface for bearing against the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube or adjusting tube in the telescopic arrangement than would be possible with the point contact of the steel ball. As the contact surface slides over the respective inner circumference, the material of the adjusting tube is thus subjected to less stress, which in particular ensures the functionality of the telescopic handle and more stable operation over a longer period.

[0023] For the arrangement of the support element with the flat contact surface and the provision of the clamping function, it has proven preferable that, according to one embodiment, at least two, and in particular four, angled extensions pointing towards the groove base are integrally formed on the support element such that the contact surface extends parallel to the groove base and is spaced apart from the groove base, at least in an unclamped state of the leaf spring. In particular, the extensions bear against the groove walls and the groove base when the leaf spring is clamped.

[0024] The outriggers are particularly advantageous in their symmetrical trapezoidal shape. It is expediently designed that a first, shorter base side of the trapezoidal outrigger is connected to the support element, while a second, longer base side, extending parallel to the first, is designed to rest against the bottom and one of the groove walls. This design provides a particularly large support surface for each outrigger against one of the groove walls and the bottom of the groove, while simultaneously improving elastic deformability because only the shorter base side of the trapezoidal outrigger is connected to the support element.

[0025] Preferably, a locking mechanism, otherwise already known from the prior art, for force-fit fixing of the adjusting tube in a maximum retraction position and / or in a maximum extension position and / or several intermediate positions in the base tube can be arranged in the adapter piece.

[0026] In a design with multiple adjusting tubes, it is expedient to arrange the adapter piece on the end sections of all adjusting tubes pointing towards the base tube, with the contact sections of the adapter pieces being adapted to the inner circumference of the preceding base tube or adjusting tube according to the telescopic arrangement.

[0027] A telescopic arrangement within the meaning of the invention means, in particular, that the base tube forms an outermost tube segment, wherein a first adjusting tube is mounted along the telescopic axis in the inner circumference of the base tube so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable, and advantageously a second adjusting tube is mounted in the inner circumference of the first adjusting tube so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable, and, for example, a third adjusting tube is mounted in the inner circumference of the second adjusting tube so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable, and so on. It is always provided that, in the extended state of the adjusting tubes, the innermost adjusting tube is arranged at the greatest axial distance from the base tube relative to the telescopic axis and is connected to the handle element.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the circumferential wall of the base tube and / or the adjusting tube has thinner areas extending along its length, which are stabilized by adjacent, also lengthwise, thicker areas of the circumferential wall relative to the thinner areas. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the telescopic handle while maintaining sufficient stability. Advantageously, the thicker areas of the circumferential wall of the base tube and / or the adjusting tube are arranged circumferentially on the base tube or adjusting tube such that they are positioned opposite the clamping element, contact sections, and / or sacrificial ribs of the adapter piece of the respective inserted adjusting tube. This ensures that the forces transmitted via the adapter piece are primarily absorbed by the more stable, thicker areas of the circumferential wall.

[0029] The thinner sections of the base tube or the adjusting tube are advantageously produced using the extrusion process. For this, aluminum coils heated to a dough-like consistency are pressed through a die corresponding to the planned cross-sectional shape of the base tube or the adjusting tube.

[0030] The telescopic handle according to one of the aforementioned embodiments enables a particularly advantageous manufacturing process. A method according to the invention for manufacturing a telescopic handle according to one of the aforementioned variants comprises at least the following steps, whereby the sequence of the process steps is not essential.

[0031] A telescopic device comprising a base tube and at least one adjusting tube is provided. According to the invention, the adapter piece, with its mounting section made of a material at least partially softer than the adjusting tube, is pressed into the end section of the at least one adjusting tube in the insertion direction.

[0032] It is necessary to provide an adapter piece which has an excess in one assembly section compared to the end section of the adjusting tube, so that the excess of the assembly section of the adapter piece is at least partially cut off from the end section of the adjusting tube when it is pressed in.

[0033] If the adapter piece with its mounting section is completely positioned within the end section of the adjusting tube, it is advantageous to have at least a force-fit connection between the end section and the mounting section axially to the telescopic axis. As an additional aid, the mounting section can be further secured, in particular by means of a locking tab that is pressed into a locking groove in the mounting section. Alternatively or additionally, a material-fit connection can also be provided.

[0034] A further step according to the invention consists in that at least one adjusting tube with the adapter piece arranged at the end section is arranged in the inner circumference of the base tube in such a way that a contact section of the adapter piece rests against an inner circumference of the base tube and the adjusting tube is mounted in the base tube in a telescopic manner so as to be extendable and retractable along a telescopic axis.

[0035] A further procedural step consists of connecting at least one adjusting tube to the handle element.

[0036] It goes without saying that when manufacturing a telescopic handle with a telescopic device with more than one, in particular two, telescopically arranged adjusting tubes, a corresponding adapter piece can be inserted and fixed in the end section of each adjusting tube in the aforementioned manner.Similarly, when manufacturing a telescopic handle with a telescopic device with more than one adjusting tube, it is self-evident that a first adjusting tube with its adapter piece arranged at the end section is arranged in the inner circumference of the base tube in such a way that a contact section of the adapter piece rests against an inner circumference of the base tube and the adjusting tube can be extended and retracted telescopically into the base tube along a telescopic axis, and at least a second adjusting tube with its adapter piece arranged at the end section is arranged in the inner circumference of the first adjusting tube in such a way that a contact section of the adapter piece rests against an inner circumference of the first adjusting tube and the second adjusting tube can be extended and retracted telescopically into the first adjusting tube along a telescopic axis.

[0037] A case according to the invention comprises a receiving body and a support structure connected to the receiving body, the support structure being connected to a handle to facilitate transport. According to the invention, the support structure is connected to a telescopic handle according to one of the preceding embodiments, so that the case has high stability and long-lasting functionality.

[0038] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures and the dependent subclaims.

[0039] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an embodiment of a suitcase handle, Fig. 2 a schematic view of another embodiment of a suitcase handle, Fig. 3 a top view of an embodiment of an adapter piece, Fig. 4 a top view of another embodiment of an adapter piece, Fig. 5 a top view of another embodiment of an adapter piece, Fig. 6 a sectional view axial to a telescopic axis X - X through the adapter piece according to Fig. 3, Fig. 7 a top view of an embodiment of an actuating tube, Fig. 8 a sectional view axial to a telescopic axis X - X through the adapter piece according to Fig. 4 in one in the adjusting tube according to Fig. 7 assembled state, and Fig. 9 a sectional view perpendicular to a telescope axis X - X through a base tube.

[0040] In the various figures of the drawing, identical parts are always labelled with the same reference symbols.

[0041] The following description claims that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and not to all or several features of the described combinations of features; rather, each individual partial feature of the exemplary embodiment(s) is also significant for the subject matter of the invention, independent of all other partial features described in connection therewith, both on its own and in combination with any features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0042] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a telescopic handle 1 for a suitcase. The telescopic handle 1 has a handle element 2 and at least one telescopic mechanism 4. The handle element 2 can be connected to a support structure of the suitcase (not shown) via the telescopic mechanism 4.

[0043] The telescopic device 4 has an outer base tube 6. This base tube 6 can be connected to the support structure of the case. Furthermore, at least one adjusting tube 8 is provided, which is mounted in the base tube 6 so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable along a telescopic axis X. An advantageous variant of the adjusting tube 8 is shown in Fig. 7 shown. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are sections of the respective adjusting tubes 8 that extend telescopically into the base tube 6 and are marked with dotted lines.

[0044] It is planned, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows that at least one adjusting tube 8 is connected to the handle element 2. In the case of the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the two illustrated, special embodiments, two adjusting tubes 8 are connected to the handle element 2. The at least one adjusting tube 8 consists in particular of a metal, preferably aluminium or a fiber-reinforced plastic, most preferably a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0045] Accordingly Fig. An adapter piece 10 is arranged on an end section of at least one adjusting tube 8 that points towards the base tube 6. The direction pointing towards the base tube 6 is indicated by arrow B.

[0046] This, especially in the Fig. As shown in Figures 3 to 6, adapter piece 10 has a connection section 12 for connection to an inner circumference of the base tube 6 and a mounting section 14. The mounting section 14 is oriented in a insertion direction S, as shown in Figure 3 to 6. Fig. 8 shown, inserted into an end section of the actuating tube 8 and connected.

[0047] According to the invention, it is provided that the assembly section 14 is located in a, in particular in the Fig. In the pre-assembly state shown in Figures 3 to 6, which is not connected to the end section of the adjusting tube 8, the cross-section of the telescopic axis X has an interference with the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube 8 in the end section. Furthermore, according to the invention, at least the interference of the assembly section 14 is made of a softer material than the end section of the adjusting tube 8.

[0048] The advantage of the invention lies particularly in the fact that when the adapter piece 10 with its mounting section 14 is joined to the end region of the adjusting tube 8, the adjusting tube 8 itself can compensate for the excess material of the mounting section 14. This is particularly advantageous in the following areas: Fig. Figure 8 shows that the adjusting tube 8 forms part of the assembly section 14 of the adapter piece 10, which is made of a softer material than the end section of the adjusting tube 8, see in particular the comparison with the adapter piece 10 in the unconnected pre-assembly state according to Fig. 6, cut off. Advantageously, each adapter piece 10, when mounted, inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube 8 and connected to the end section of the adjusting tube 8, has an individually tailored or adapted fit, in particular without any play that negatively affects the material and / or ease of use.

[0049] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a particular embodiment of the telescopic handle 1 or the telescopic device 4. According to this preferred embodiment, the telescopic device 4 has at least two adjusting tubes 8 arranged to be telescopically extendable and retractable into the base tube 6 along the telescopic axis X. Advantageously, the innermost adjusting tube 8 is connected to the handle element 2. It is preferably provided that the adapter piece 10 is attached to the end sections of the adjusting tubes 8 facing the base tube 6, analogous to Fig. 8, arranged. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the system sections 12 of the adapter pieces 10 are each adapted to the inner circumference of the preceding base tube 6 or adjusting tube 8 according to the telescopic arrangement.

[0050] A telescopic arrangement within the meaning of the invention means in particular that the base tube 6, as in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows an outermost tube segment, with the telescope axis X, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that a first adjusting tube 8 is mounted in the inner circumference of the base tube 6 so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable, and expediently, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows a second adjusting tube 8 being telescopically extendable and retractable within the inner circumference of the first adjusting tube 8, and, for example, according to an embodiment not shown, a third adjusting tube 8 being telescopically extendable and retractable within the inner circumference of the second adjusting tube 8, and so on. It is always provided that, in the extended state of the adjusting tubes 8, the innermost adjusting tube 8 is arranged at the furthest axial distance from the base tube 6 relative to the telescopic axis X and is connected to the handle element 2.

[0051] Preferably, the adapter piece 10 has at least one sacrificial element in the assembly section 14. This sacrificial element projects radially to the telescopic axis X and is made of a softer material than the end section of the respective adjusting tube 8. Advantageous variants, in particular, have at least four projecting sacrificial elements. Fig. Figures 3 to 6 show particularly preferred embodiments of the adapter piece 10, which have six sacrificial elements. The top views of the adapter piece 10 according to the Fig. Figures 3 to 4 show only three sacrificial elements, with three sacrificial elements also formed on the reverse side. Preferably, the sacrificial element is designed such that, in the pre-assembly state, the assembly section 14 has an interference in cross-section with respect to the telescopic axis X relative to the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube 8 in the end section.

[0052] Advantageously, at least one sacrificial element is made of the same material as the remaining part of the assembly section 14 of the adapter piece 10 adjacent to the sacrificial element. In particular, the entire adapter piece 10 is made of the same material, especially by injection molding. Alternatively, at least one sacrificial element is made of a different material than the remaining part of the assembly section 14 of the adapter piece 10 adjacent to the sacrificial element, wherein at least the sacrificial element is made of a softer material than the end section of the respective adjusting tube 8. Advantageously, the mounting section 12 of the adapter piece 10 may also be made of a different material than the sacrificial element and / or the remaining part of the assembly section 14 of the adapter piece 10 adjacent to the sacrificial element.

[0053] The sacrificial element is expediently positioned on a base area of ​​16 of the adapter piece 10, as shown in Fig. Figure 6 shows the assembly section 14. It can be provided that the base surface 16 of the adapter piece 10 in assembly section 14 forms a basic circumference in cross-section with respect to the telescopic axis X, which in particular, preferably also taking into account manufacturing tolerances, is smaller than or equal to the inner circumference of the end section of the adjusting tube 8.

[0054] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, it is advantageously provided that when the adapter piece 10 with the mounting section 14 is inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube in the insertion direction S, the adjusting tube 8 only cuts off the sacrificial element in such a way that the mounting section 14 can be precisely positioned and fastened in the end section of the adjusting tube 8. This advantageously minimizes material removal and reduces the insertion force required to insert the mounting section 14 into the end section of the adjusting tube.

[0055] According to one variant not shown, the sacrificial element can be designed as a single stud. In particular, the adapter piece 10 can have a plurality of single studs arranged regularly or randomly on the base surface 16. Another preferred variant consists in the sacrificial element being designed as a bead circumferentially around the base surface 16 of the assembly section 14.

[0056] A particularly advantageous one, in the Fig. The embodiment shown in figures 3 to 5 consists in the sacrificial element being designed as a sacrificial rib 18 extending axially to the telescope axis X, at least partially over the mounting section 14. In the Fig. Figures 3 to 5 show that the adapter piece 10 has at least one central sacrificial rib 18 and two sacrificial ribs 18 running parallel to and adjacent to the central sacrificial rib 18. In particular, the central sacrificial rib 18 is wider, measured perpendicular to its axial extent, than the two adjacent sacrificial ribs 18, also measured perpendicular to their axial extents.

[0057] The in the Fig. The variant of the sacrificial rib 18 or ribs 18 shown in Figures 3 to 6 has proven to be particularly advantageous. According to this preferred embodiment, at least one sacrificial rib 18 is designed to rise radially outwards towards the telescopic axis X, pointing in the direction of insertion S, such that the assembly section 14 has a minimum circumference at a forward end of the sacrificial rib 18 in the insertion direction S and a maximum circumference at an end of the sacrificial rib 18 pointing away from the insertion direction S in the pre-assembled state. This embodiment is particularly evident from the figures shown in Figures 3 to 6. Fig. The central sacrificial rib 18 shown in Figure 6 is recognizable. At least in the area of ​​the maximum circumference of the mounting section 14, it is provided that the mounting section 14 has an interference in cross-section with respect to the telescopic axis X with respect to the inner circumference of the adjusting tube 8 in the end section. Advantageously, the rising design of the sacrificial rib 18 facilitates the arrangement or insertion of the mounting section 14 into the end section of the adjusting tube 8. Preferably, the mounting section 14 has two or four, in particular six, rising sacrificial ribs 18. It has also proven advantageous that, according to an optional variant, the sacrificial ribs 18 are distributed so evenly over the circumference of the mounting section 14 that the adapter piece 10 or the mounting section 14 is centered in the end section of the adjusting tube 8 when inserted in the insertion direction S.

[0058] According to an optional variant, it is advantageous that the adapter piece 10 is located in assembly section 14, as shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 and 8 show that the device has at least one locking groove 20 recessed on its outer circumference. The locking groove 20 serves in particular for connecting and arranging the adapter piece 10 with / in the end section of the adjusting tube 8. It has proven advantageous that the end section of the adjusting tube 8 has a locking tab 22 corresponding to the locking groove 20. The locking tab 22 can advantageously be formed by two slots 23 running parallel to each other in the wall of the adjusting tube. The slots 23 are, in particular, punched into the wall of the adjusting tube 8.

[0059] In Fig. Figure 8 shows how, according to this preferred embodiment, in a state where the adapter piece 10 is connected in the end section of the adjusting tube 8, a corresponding locking tab 22 of the adjusting tube 8 engages in the locking groove 20 such that the adapter piece 10 is at least positively locked against movement relative to the adjusting tube 8 axially to the telescopic axis X. The locking tab 22 is preferably transferable from an undeformed to a deformed state, wherein in the deformed state the locking tab 22 projects at least partially into the inner circumference of the adjusting tube 8.

[0060] Advantageously, the locking tab 22 is in an undeformed state when the adapter piece 10 is inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube 8. The locking groove 20 is preferably arranged in the mounting section 14 such that, when the mounting section 14 is fully inserted into the end section, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the locking groove 20 is arranged adjacent to the locking tab 22, so that the locking tab 22 can be pressed into the locking groove 20 to fix the adapter piece 10. Fig. 8 The locking tab 22 is pressed into the locking groove 20 and is suitably in its deformed state. In particular, when the locking tab 22 is pressed into the locking groove 20, a material deformation of the locking tab 22 takes place.

[0061] The locking groove 20 can advantageously be recessed in the base surface 16 of the assembly section 14, according to an embodiment not shown. Alternatively, a preferred variant provides that the locking groove 20 is formed in the sacrificial rib 18 extending axially to the telescopic axis X, in particular the central sacrificial rib 18, as shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 and 8 are shown. In particular, at the location of the locking groove 20, the sacrificial rib 18 is interrupted in such a way that the sacrificial rib 18 forms two side walls and the base surface 16 advantageously forms a groove base.

[0062] A particularly preferred embodiment of the locking tab 22 provides that the locking tab 22, as in Fig. Figure 7 shows that the locking mechanism is formed by means of two incisions perpendicular to the telescope axis X in the end section of the adjusting tube 8. In particular, the locking tab 22 is transferred by means of plastic deformation.

[0063] According to one variant, it is advantageously provided that the adapter piece 10 in the installation section 12 has a clamping element 24 that is elastically designed and points radially outwards towards the telescopic axis X, as shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 and 8 show the clamping element 24. The clamping element 24 serves to rest against the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube 6 or adjusting tube 8 according to the telescopic arrangement and is in particular designed and arranged such that the clamping element 24 is held in a clamped state by the respective inner circumference of the base tube 6 or the adjusting tube 8 against a restoring force.

[0064] Preferably the clamping element 24 is as shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 and 8 show the clamping element 24 arranged in a receiving groove 26, which is recessed in the mounting section 12 of the adapter piece 10 and opens radially outwards towards the telescopic axis X. In particular, the clamping element 24 is arranged as shown in the Fig. 3 to 6 and 8 are shown as a metallic leaf spring 24.

[0065] In the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 and 8 further illustrate a suitable embodiment of the receiving groove 26 and the clamping element 24, according to which the receiving groove 26, viewed from above in the direction of a groove base of the receiving groove 26, has a rectangular profile, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown, or preferably a cross-shaped profile or a +-shaped profile, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows, or alternatively, a special embodiment (not shown) provides that the receiving groove 26 has a square profile when viewed from the bottom of the groove.

[0066] Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment, the clamping element 24, designed as a metallic leaf spring 24, rests on the groove base, which is preferably flat, in the receiving groove 26 and is held in a form-fit manner relative to the groove base, both translationally and rotationally, by the groove walls of the receiving groove 26. This variant is particularly advantageous in the Fig. Figures 3 to 5 are shown. Preferably, the leaf spring 24 and the receiving groove 26 are designed to correspond such that the leaf spring 24 is supported against the groove walls and the groove bottom when under tension.

[0067] In particular, the leaf spring 24 has a contact element 28 with a flat contact surface for contact with the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube 6 or adjusting tube 8 according to the telescopic arrangement. Advantageously, it can additionally or alternatively be provided that the leaf spring 24 has at least two, in particular four, extensions 30 angled towards the bottom of the groove. It is particularly preferred that the extensions 30 are integrally formed on the contact element 28 such that the contact surface extends parallel to the bottom of the groove and is spaced apart from the bottom of the groove, at least in an unstressed state of the leaf spring 24, as is particularly evident in the Fig. 6 and Fig. 8 is shown.

[0068] In particular, the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24, as shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 5 show a top view of the groove base of the receiving groove 26, arranged corresponding to the receiving groove 26. In particular, the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a rectangular profile corresponds to the receiving groove 26 in the top view, looking towards the bottom of the receiving groove 26. In particular, the extensions 30 are arranged at 180° to each other, especially on opposite sides of the support element 28, and are specifically formed onto the support element 28.

[0069] According to one embodiment (not shown), the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24 has a cross-shaped or +-shaped profile corresponding to the cross-shaped or +-shaped profile of the receiving groove 26 when viewed from above in the direction of the groove base. In particular, in the latter example, the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24 has four extensions 30 that are offset from each other by 90° and angled towards the groove base.

[0070] Advantageously, the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24 can be designed to correspond to the receiving groove 26 such that the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24 can be arranged in at least two different installation positions in the mounting section 12 of the adapter piece 10. Advantageously, in Fig. Figure 5 shows a variant embodiment in which the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24 is designed to correspond to the cross-shaped or +-shaped profile of the receiving groove 26 when viewed from above in the direction of the groove base of the receiving groove 26, such that the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24 can be arranged in two installation positions rotated by 90° in the mounting section 12 of the adapter piece 10. Fig. 5 is the second installation position, rotated by 90°, indicated by dotted lines of the clamping element 24 or the leaf spring 24.

[0071] Preferably, the outriggers 30 are symmetrically trapezoidal, as exemplified in the Fig. Figures 3 to 5 are shown. It is advantageous to design the outriggers 30 such that a first shorter base side of the trapezoidal outrigger is connected to the support element 28 and a second longer base side of the trapezoidal outrigger, extending parallel to the first base side, is designed to abut the groove base and one of the groove walls.

[0072] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows advantageous embodiments of the telescopic handle 1, according to which two telescopic devices 4 are provided that are connected to the handle element 2. It is provided that the handle element 2 can be connected to the support structure of the case by means of two identically designed telescopic devices 4, the telescopic axes of the telescopic devices 4 being aligned parallel to each other. The telescopic devices 4 correspond to one of the previously described embodiment variants.

[0073] A suitcase according to the invention (not shown) comprises a receiving body and a support structure connected to the receiving body. According to the invention, the support structure is connected to a telescopic handle 1 according to one of the preceding embodiments. The suitcase is particularly advantageously designed as a rolling suitcase.

[0074] A method according to the invention for manufacturing a telescopic handle 1 according to one of the aforementioned embodiments comprises at least the following steps, wherein in particular the sequence of the method steps is not essential.

[0075] A telescopic device 4 with a base tube 6 and at least one adjusting tube 8 is provided. According to the invention, the adapter piece 10 with its mounting section 14, made of a material at least partially softer than the adjusting tube 8, is inserted into the end section of the at least one adjusting tube 8, as shown in Fig. 8 shown, pressed in in the S direction.

[0076] It is to be provided that an adapter piece 10 is supplied with a mounting section 14 which has an excess dimension compared to the end section of the adjusting tube 8. This ensures that when the mounting section 14 of the adapter piece 10 is pressed into the end section of the adjusting tube 8, the excess material of the mounting section 14, which is made of a softer material than the end section of the adjusting tube 8, is cut off.

[0077] When the adapter piece 10 with its mounting section 14 is completely inserted into the end section of the adjusting tube 8, as shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the end section is advantageously connected axially to the telescopic axis X with the mounting section 14 by means of at least a force-fit connection. Alternatively, the mounting section 14 can be additionally fixed, in particular by means of a locking tab 22, which is pressed into a locking groove 20 in the mounting section 14. Alternatively or additionally, a material-fit connection can also be provided.

[0078] A further step according to the invention consists in that at least one adjusting tube 8 with the adapter piece 10 arranged at the end section is arranged in the inner circumference of the base tube 6 such that a contact section 12 of the adapter piece 10 rests against an inner circumference of the base tube 6 and the adjusting tube 8 is mounted in the base tube 6 in a telescopic manner so as to be extendable and retractable along a telescopic axis X.

[0079] A further process step consists of connecting at least one adjusting tube 8 to the handle element 2.

[0080] It goes without saying that when manufacturing a telescopic handle 1 with a telescopic device 4 with more than one, in particular two, telescopically arranged adjusting tubes, a corresponding adapter piece 10 can be inserted and fixed in the end section of each adjusting tube 8 in the manner described above.Similarly, in the manufacture of the telescopic handle 1 with a telescopic device 4 with more than one adjusting tube 8, it is self-evident that a first adjusting tube 8 with its adapter piece 10 arranged at the end section is arranged in the inner circumference of the base tube 6 such that a contact section 12 of the adapter piece 10 rests against an inner circumference of the base tube 6 and the adjusting tube 8 can be extended and retracted telescopically into the base tube 6 along a telescopic axis X and at least a second adjusting tube 8 with its adapter piece 10 arranged at the end section is arranged in the inner circumference of the first adjusting tube 8 such that a contact section 12 of the adapter piece 10 rests against an inner circumference of the first adjusting tube 8 and the second adjusting tube 8 can be extended and retracted telescopically into the first adjusting tube 8 along a telescopic axis X.

[0081] The invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and described, but also encompasses all embodiments that have the same effect within the meaning of the invention. It is expressly emphasized that the embodiments are not limited to all features in combination; rather, each individual feature can also have inventive significance independently of all other features. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features from all disclosed individual features. This means that, in principle, virtually any individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. Reference symbol list 1 telescopic handle 2 handle elements 4 Telescopic device 6 Base tube 8 adjusting tube 10 adapter pieces 12 Plant section 14 Assembly section 16 Base area 18 sacrificial rib 20 locking groove 22 locking tabs 23 slots 24 Clamping element, leaf spring 26 recordings 28 Plant element 30 booms 34 diluted area 36 relatively thicker area X Telescopic axis S Plug direction B To the base pipe direction

Claims

[1] Telescopic handle (1) for a case, comprising a handle element (2) and at least one telescopic device (4), wherein the handle element (2) can be connected to a support structure of the case via the telescopic device (4), wherein the telescopic device (4) comprises an outer base tube (6) which can be connected to the support structure, and at least one adjusting tube (8) which is mounted in the base tube (6) so as to be telescopically extendable and retractable along a telescopic axis (X), wherein the at least one adjusting tube (8) is connected to the handle element (2), wherein an adapter piece (10) is arranged on an end section of the at least one adjusting tube (8) pointing towards the base tube (6), wherein the adapter piece (10) has a contact section (12) for contacting an inner circumference of the base tube (6) and a mounting section (14), wherein the adapter piece (10) with the mounting section (14) is inserted into and connected to an end section of the adjusting tube (8) in a plugging direction (S). is,characterized by , that the assembly section (14) of the adapter piece (10) in a pre-assembly state not connected to the end section of the adjusting tube (8) has an excess in cross-section to the telescopic axis (X) relative to the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube (8) in the end section, and at least the excess of the assembly section (14) is made of a softer material than the end section of the adjusting tube (8). [2] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the adapter piece (10) in the assembly section (14) has at least one, in particular at least four, sacrificial elements projecting radially to the telescopic axis (X) made of a softer material than the end section of the respective adjusting tube (8), wherein the sacrificial element is designed such that in the pre-assembly state the assembly section (14) has an interference in cross-section to the telescopic axis (X) compared to the respective inner circumference of the adjusting tube (8) in the end section. [3] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the sacrificial element is designed as a sacrificial rib (18) extending axially to the telescope axis (X) at least partially over the assembly section (14). [4] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that the sacrificial rib (18) is designed to rise radially outwards towards the telescopic axis (X) in a manner that the assembly section (14) has a minimum circumference at a forward end of the sacrificial rib (18) in the pre-assembly state in the insertion direction (S) and has a maximum circumference at an end of the sacrificial rib (18) pointing against the insertion direction (S), wherein at least in the area of ​​the maximum circumference the assembly section (14) has the excess in cross-section to the telescopic axis (X) to the inner circumference of the adjusting tube (8) in the end section. [5] Telescopic handle (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adapter piece (10) in the assembly section (14) has at least one locking groove (20) recessed on its outer circumference, and in a state of the adapter piece (10) connected to the end section of the adjusting tube (8) a corresponding locking tab (22) of the adjusting tube (8) formed in the end section of the adjusting tube (8) engages in the locking groove (20) in such a way, in particular is pressed in, that the adapter piece (10) is at least positively locked against movement relative to the adjusting tube (8) axially to the telescopic axis (X). [6] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the locking tab (22) is formed by two slots (23) running parallel to each other in the wall of the adjusting tube, which are advantageously punched into the wall of the adjusting tube. [7] Telescopic handle (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adapter piece (10) in the installation section (12) has a clamping element (24) designed to extend radially outwards to the telescopic axis (X) and elastically designed for contact with the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube (6) or adjusting tube (8) according to the telescopic arrangement, such that the clamping element (24) is held in a tensioned state by the respective inner circumference of the base tube (6) or adjusting tube (8) against a restoring force. [8] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the adapter piece (10) in the installation section (12) has a recessed receiving groove (26) opening radially outwards to the telescopic axis (X), and the elastic clamping element (24) is arranged in the receiving groove (26). [9] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 8, characterized by, that the clamping element (24) is designed as a metallic leaf spring (24), wherein the leaf spring (24) rests on a flat groove base of the receiving groove (26) and is held translationally and rotationally relative to the groove base by groove walls of the receiving groove (26) at least in a form-fitting manner, wherein the leaf spring (24) and the receiving groove (26) are designed to correspond in such a way that the leaf spring (24) is supported on the groove walls and the groove base in the tensioned state. [10] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 9, characterized by, that the leaf spring (24) has a contact element (28) with a flat contact surface for contact with the respective inner circumference of the preceding base tube (6) or adjusting tube (8) according to the telescopic arrangement, wherein at least two, in particular four, angled extensions (30) pointing towards the groove base are formed on the contact element (28) such that the contact surface extends parallel to the groove base and is arranged spaced apart from the groove base at least in an unstressed state of the leaf spring (24). [11] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 10, characterized by , that the cantilevers (30) are symmetrically trapezoidal, wherein a first shorter base side of the trapezoidal cantilever is connected to the support element (28) and a second longer base side of the trapezoidal cantilever extending parallel to the first base side is designed to abut the groove base and one of the groove walls. [12] Telescopic handle (1) according to the preamble of claim 1 or according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the circumferential wall of the base tube (6) and / or the adjusting tube (8) has thinned areas (34) of the circumferential wall extending along its length, which are stabilized by adjacent thicker areas (36) of the circumferential wall also extending along its length relative to the thinned areas (34). [13] Telescopic handle (1) according to claim 12, characterized by , that the relatively thicker areas (36) of the circumferential wall are arranged circumferentially on the base tube (6) or adjusting tube (8) and opposite to the clamping element (24), to the mounting section (12) and / or to sacrificial ribs of the adapter piece (10) of the respective inserted adjusting tube (8). [14] Case comprising a receiving body and a support structure connected to the receiving body; characterized bythat the support structure is connected to a telescopic handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [15] Method for manufacturing a telescopic handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, for a suitcase, comprising at least the steps of: - Providing a telescopic device (4) with a base tube (6) and at least one adjusting tube (8), - Connecting at least one adjusting tube (8) to a handle element (2), characterized by, that an adapter piece (10) with a mounting section (14) made of a material at least partially softer than the adjusting tube (8), which has an excess of material compared to the end section of the adjusting tube (8), is pressed into the end section of the adjusting tube (8) in such a way as to point in a insertion direction (S) that the end section of the adjusting tube (8) cuts into the mounting section (14) of the adapter piece (10), wherein at least one adjusting tube (8) with the adapter piece (10) arranged on the end section is arranged in the base tube (6) such that a contact section (12) of the adapter piece (10) rests against an inner circumference of the base tube (6) and the adjusting tube (8) is mounted in the base tube (6) in a telescopic manner so as to be extendable and retractable along a telescopic axis (X).

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