Handle for a vehicle door and procedure

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle (10) for a vehicle door (12) of a motor vehicle, comprising a handle upper part (14) configured to provide a gripping surface, a handle base (16) configured to support the handle upper part (14), and a plurality of handle segments (20) arranged side by side and movable relative to the handle base (16) in a pushing direction, wherein a leaf spring (30) is provided which is configured to return the handle segments (20) to a rest position (P1) and to provide haptic feedback during an adjustment towards a working position (P2). The invention further relates to a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handle for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting a handle.

[0002] Such handles are used in motor vehicles to enable manual operation of the vehicle door, whereby a specialist usually provides a component which provides a gripping surface and includes a mechanical support element, enabling an opening process to be carried out.

[0003] It is already known that handles provide such components for operating a vehicle door and can consist of a single piece. Furthermore, it is known that handles for motor vehicles have a fixed geometry and do not allow for variable adjustment to different hand sizes or gripping habits.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide an ergonomic and compact design by means of a handle.

[0005] This problem is solved by means of a handle having the features of claim 1, and by means of a method. Advantageous embodiments of the handle according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the handle can be used to carry out the respective method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0006] One aspect of the invention relates to a handle for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, comprising a handle upper part providing a gripping surface, a handle base supporting the handle upper part, and a plurality of handle segments arranged side by side and movable relative to the handle base in a pushing direction. The handle upper part can provide an outer cover and / or a supporting element, while the handle base forms a structural base on which the handle upper part rests. The plurality of handle segments provides an adjustable gripping area, thereby enabling variable geometry. The relationship between the handle upper part and the handle base allows for a defined arrangement of the handle segments, thus enabling ergonomic handling. The term "handle segment" refers to a component designed as a movable handle segment.

[0007] To solve the problem of the invention and thus create an ergonomic and compact design, the invention provides for a leaf spring which returns the handle segments to a rest position and provides haptic feedback during adjustment towards a working position. The leaf spring generates a restoring force, which moves the handle segments to a starting position after actuation. The relationship between the handle segment and the leaf spring is based on elastic tension, thus enabling haptic feedback during actuation. This allows for an ergonomic feel in the hand, as feedback is perceptible and a natural gripping motion is supported. This specific design solves the problem of the invention by achieving a compact structure with variable geometry.

[0008] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a clamping board is arranged which rests against the handle segments and is displaceable in the pressing direction by means of at least one guide pin, thereby enabling uniform movement of the handle segments. The clamping board can be a planar component that couples the handle segments, while a guide pin provides linear guidance. The interaction between the clamping board and the guide pin enables a defined movement, resulting in a smooth gripping motion. This can be particularly helpful in a compact housing where several handle segments are moved in a coordinated manner.

[0009] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one clamping screw is provided, which presses the upper part of the handle against the handle segments, thus enabling a fixed operating position. The clamping screw is manually actuated, thereby achieving a fixed setting of the handle geometry. The relationship between the upper part of the handle and the handle segment is achieved via a defined force transmission, which allows for stable use in different vehicle types.

[0010] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the handle segments are made of a plastic material, which provides elastic deformability. Plastic materials can be, for example, polyamide or POM, thus providing low weight and a malleable surface. This is particularly advantageous when a compact design with variable shape is required.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the grip segments can be adjusted individually or in groups independently of one another in the direction of pressure, thus enabling differentiated adaptation to different hand sizes. The combination of independent movement with a restoring force allows for flexible adaptation to different users, resulting in an ergonomic hand feel.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for adjusting a handle on a vehicle door of a motor vehicle, wherein the handle segments are moved towards a usable position against a restoring force generated by a leaf spring, and wherein the handle segments are subsequently fixed in the usable position by pressing the upper part of the handle against the handle segments, thereby maintaining a contour. The method comprises manual actuation as well as mechanical fixing, thus enabling individual shaping.

[0013] In other words, the handle is designed not only to include an adjustable grip area, but also to offer a mechanical return and locking mechanism, thus creating a variable and ergonomic grip contour. The combination of these features essentially results in improved handling that surpasses the current state of the art.

[0014] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0015] This shows: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a handle on a vehicle door in an upper and a lower view; Fig. 2 a cross-section of the handle in its rest position and the associated sectional views; and Fig. 3 a cross-section of the handle in its usable position.

[0016] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a handle 10 on a vehicle door 12 in an upper and a lower view, each oriented in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X, vehicle's transverse direction Y, and vehicle's vertical direction Z. The handle 10 has a handle upper part 14, which extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction X and forms the part visible from the outside. Below the handle upper part 14 is its handle base 16, which is connected to the vehicle door 12 and serves as a supporting structure. Its handle holder 18 mechanically connects the handle base 16 to the handle upper part 14.

[0018] Between the upper part of the handle 14 and the base of the handle 16, several movable handle segments 20 are provided, which are adjustable in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle in order to enable locally differentiated adaptation of the handle contour to individual finger shapes and thereby provide a reproducible, ergonomic handle shape.

[0019] In the lower perspective view, its clamping screws 22 are also visible; these are rotatably mounted in the handle base 16 and their threads engage in its holder, the upper handle part 24. By turning the clamping screws 22, the upper handle part 14 can be pulled towards the handle segments 20 or detached from them, so that either a gap 32 exists between the upper handle part 14 and the handle segments 20, or a clamping contact is created.

[0020] The illustration shows that the entirety of the grip segments 20 extends over a section of the grip extension in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle and forms a longitudinal adaptation zone for a finger contour 34 (in Fig. 3) provides.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the handle 10 in rest position P1 as well as the associated sectional views AA, BB and CC, each oriented in the coordinate system with vehicle longitudinal direction X, vehicle transverse direction Y and vehicle vertical direction Z.

[0022] The upper handle part 14 is positioned above, with its base 16 located below it. The base 16 is connected to the vehicle door 12 via its handle holder 18. A handle segment 20 is shown between the upper handle part 14 and the base 16, its outer end resting against a clamping board 28. The clamping board 28 is guided relative to the base 16 in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle by means of guide pins 26. A gap 32 is shown between the upper handle part 14 and the surface of the handle segment 20. This gap is present when the clamping screws 22 are loosened and allows free deformation in the Y direction. The leaf spring 30 is fixed to the base 16 and is supported by the clamping board 28. The leaf spring 30 presses the clamping board 28, and thus the handle segment 20, towards the base 16, so that a defined initial position exists in the rest position P1.

[0023] Section AA shows the arrangement of several handle segments 20 next to each other in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle and their support on the clamping board 28, which shows how the segments 20 are guided together over the clamping board 28 and behave as a connected deformable structure under the action of the leaf spring 30.

[0024] Section BB shows the engagement of the clamping screw 22 in the holder handle upper part 24 and its bearing in the handle base carrier 16, which shows how the clamping screw 22 enables a force transmission between handle upper part 14 and handle segment 20 and, when tightened, fixes the set handle contour.

[0025] Section CC shows the positional relationship of handle top 14, gap 32, handle segment 20, clamping board 28, leaf spring 30 and guide pin 26, which makes clear how gap 32 enables the movement of the handle segment 20, how clamping board 28 and leaf spring 30 generate the return to rest position P1 and how guide pin 26 defines the translational movement in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle.

[0026] In rest position P1, the grip segment 20 rests against the grip base 16 due to the force of the leaf spring 30, without a finger contour 34. Optionally, its grip area can be covered by a flexible mat that extends across the grip segments 20 in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle and provides protection against water, dirt, and ice.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the handle 10 in operating position P2.

[0028] In contrast to rest position P1, in operating position P2 the grip segments 20 are displaced outwards in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle by hand movement. The fingers grip the grip base 16, while the fingertips rest on the grip segments 20 and press them outwards against the restoring force generated by the leaf spring 30. The clamping board 28 is thereby moved along the guide pins 26 together with the grip segments 20 until the clamping board 28 abuts the guide pin 26 that is displaced furthest outwards. A finger contour 34 forms on the grip segments 20, corresponding to the individual finger shape. During this process, mechanical tension is present in the leaf spring 30, resulting in haptic feedback.

[0029] When, in the operating position P2, the upper part of the handle 14 is moved towards the handle segments 20 by tightening the clamping screws 22, the gap 32 is reduced or closed and the handle segment 20 is fixed between the upper part of the handle 14 and the handle base support 16 or clamping board 28.

[0030] The finger contour 34 created in operating position P2 is retained after the hand is removed. If a new shape is desired, the clamping screws 22 are loosened, creating the gap 32, and the leaf spring 30 returns the clamping board 28 and the handle segments 20 to their rest position P1. The process can then be repeated. Optionally, the handle segments 20 can be covered by an elastically compliant mat made of plastic, leather, or fabric that adapts to movement in the Y direction.

[0031] In summary, the invention proposes a dynamic vehicle segment grip. Reference symbol list 10 handle 12 Vehicle door 14 Handle top 16 handle bases 18 handle holders 20 handle segment 22 Clamping screw 24 Holders Handle Top 26 guide pins 28 clamping boards 30 leaf spring 32 gaps 34 Finger contour P1 Resting position P2 Usable position X Vehicle longitudinal direction Y Vehicle transverse direction Z Vehicle lifting direction

Claims

[1] Handle (10) for a vehicle door (12) of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a handle upper part (14) designed to provide a gripping surface, - a handle base support (16) designed to support the handle upper part (14), and - a plurality of handle segments (20) arranged side by side and movable relative to the handle base carrier (16) in a pressing direction, characterized by , that a leaf spring (30) is provided which is designed to return the handle segments (20) to a rest position (P1) and to provide haptic feedback during an adjustment towards a working position (P2). [2] Handle (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a clamping board (28) is arranged which rests against the handle segments (20) and is displaceable in the pressing direction by means of at least one guide bolt (26). [3] Handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one clamping screw (22) is arranged which is designed to press the upper part of the handle (14) against the handle segments (20) so that a contour formed in the usable position (P2) can be fixed. [4] Handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the handle segments (20) are made of a plastic material which provides elastic deformability. [5] Handle (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the handle segments (20) can be adjusted individually or in groups independently of each other in the direction of pressure. [6] Method for adjusting a handle (10) on a vehicle door (12) of a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the handle segments (20) are moved in the direction of a usable position (P2) against a restoring force generated by a leaf spring (30), wherein the handle segments (20) are subsequently fixed in the usable position (P2) by pressing the upper part of the handle (14) against the handle segments (20), so that a contour formed on the handle segments (20) is maintained.

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