Roof grab handle for vehicles

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a roof grab handle for vehicles according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2019 116 491 A1 discloses a roof grab handle for vehicles in which a handle body is held by two bearing elements, each of which can be fixed to an opening on the vehicle roof via an insertion part. For locking, each bearing element has protruding clips with spring bars that engage when inserted through the opening on the vehicle roof and grip a rim behind the opening. A locking element is inserted into the clip to secure the bearing element against being pulled out. To ensure sufficient holding force of the spring bars on the bearing element, each spring bar is made of a flexible metal sheet and must be inserted through the opening on the vehicle roof with a certain amount of force. This complicates the installation of the roof grab handle, especially when the same person has to install a large number of roof grab handles in a single day.Furthermore, dismantling the roof grab handle is difficult if it ever needs to be replaced, because the spring bars have to be bent using a special tool.

[0003] WO 2008 / 055838 A1 discloses a holding device for a grab handle in which a separate spreading element is fixed to a support part, which can be inserted into a hole and locked via a locking element. The spreading element has spring-loaded tongues that engage the edge of an opening to secure the support part.

[0004] US Patent 8,146,208 B2 discloses a grab handle that can be fixed to a vehicle body using metal clamps. The clamps have spring-loaded ribs to engage behind a mounting opening. Similar grab handles are also shown in US Patent 2014 / 0093311 and JP Patent 2009 030796.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a roof grab handle for vehicles that is easy to install and can withstand high holding forces.

[0006] This problem is solved with a roof grab handle having the features of claim 1.

[0007] In the roof grab handle according to the invention, at least one clamping element is provided on an insertable part that can be inserted into an opening. After installation, this clamping element can engage behind an edge of the opening. A locking bar is provided in the insertable part, allowing the clamping element to be locked in the position engaging the edge. This allows the insertable part to be inserted with minimal force, as the clamping element can be moved into a position engaging the edge of the opening by moving the locking bar. This allows the clamping element to be inserted through the opening with little or no resistance. In this way, the installation forces can be decoupled from the subsequent holding forces.Furthermore, the roof grab handle can be easily removed by first partially pulling the bolt out of the insert in a two-stage process, before pulling the bearing block with the insert out of the opening.

[0008] For a compact design, the bolt can be inserted into a channel on the insertion part. The bolt can be slidably held on the bearing block between a pre-assembled position with at least one movable clamping element and a locked position with at least one locked clamping element.

[0009] The insert with the channel is preferably integrally formed with the bearing block, which has a support section that is wider than that of the insert and can be braced against the vehicle roof. This allows the roof grab handle to be manufactured with fewer components. The clamping body is preferably made of a different material than the insert, in particular a material with higher strength.

[0010] According to the invention, the insert part has a recess in at least one wall for receiving the at least one clamping element. This allows forces to be transferred from the wall to the clamping element and the edge of the opening in the locked position. The wall of the insert part above the clamping element can be designed with a low profile, resulting in a reduction of the installation volume compared to previously known fasteners with locking tabs. The recess is designed as a cage that holds the clamping element loosely against the insert part and limits its movement out of the insert part. The clamping element can move with some play within the cage before being clamped by the locking mechanism. The clamping element can be held captive in the recess in the wall if the insert part at least pre-fixes the clamping element.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the bolt has at least one pressure surface that is inclined relative to the insertion direction and by means of which the at least one clamping element can be moved outwards from the insertion part. The pressure surface, inclined relative to the insertion direction, for example with an inclination of between 1° and 10°, can be used to clamp the clamping element outwards in order to ensure a play-free fixation of the clamping element and the bearing block at the edge of the opening.

[0012] For ease of assembly, the bolt can preferably be locked in the locked position on the bearing block or the insert, whereby correspondingly flexible locking tabs or other locking devices can be formed on the bolt and / or the insert. Instead of flexible locking tabs, a clamping mechanism can also be used to fix the bolt, the locking action preferably being audibly and haptically perceptible during assembly.

[0013] The locking bar preferably comprises at least one flexible web on which the at least one clamping element can be fixed in a pre-assembled position, in which the locking bar is at least partially inserted into the insertion part and the at least one clamping element is already located in the recess on the insertion part. From this pre-assembled position, the locking bar can then be moved relative to the insertion part and the clamping element held therein in order to remove the at least one clamping element from a receptacle on the flexible web and to position the flexible web in the locked position, spaced apart from the at least one clamping element.This allows movement of the clamping element perpendicular to the insertion direction in the pre-assembled position via the flexible web, while this movement is blocked by the bolt after it is moved into the locking position, because adjacent to the clamping element there is no flexible web, but rather the bolt, in particular made of solid material, that contacts the at least one clamping element. The at least one flexible web of the bolt can optionally have one or more slots at its end, into which a stabilizing web can be inserted into the channel of the insertion part when the bolt is inserted.

[0014] The at least one clamping element is preferably substantially cylindrical. It can be a cylindrical tube, sleeve, or made from a solid material, preferably metal. Optionally, the clamping element can be made from wound wire, which increases its elasticity. The wire's cross-section can be circular, square, or polygonal. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping element has at least one cutting edge that can be driven at least partially into the edge of the opening, so that in the locked position, the bearing block is also secured against axial displacement of the clamping element. The outer diameter of the cylindrical clamping element is preferably less than 8 mm, particularly between 4 mm and 6 mm.Furthermore, the clamping element can be designed as a sleeve and slotted, particularly in the axial direction, to increase elasticity. Additionally, the at least one clamping element can also have a different geometry, for example, be designed as a sphere or barrel.

[0015] Preferably, two clamping elements are provided on opposite sides of the insert, each supported at the edge of the opening. This centers the insert via the clamping elements and also increases the holding forces. Optionally, more than two clamping elements can be provided on the insert, in particular three or four clamping elements. Each clamping element preferably consists of a different material than the insert and / or the latch.

[0016] The roof grab handle preferably has two bearing blocks on which a pivotable handle body is held. The bearing blocks are preferably insertable into recesses in the handle body when the handle body is folded up, allowing the handle body to adapt optimally to the contour of the vehicle roof. The roof grab handle does not necessarily have to be directly fixed to a metal sheet of the vehicle roof, but can also be fixed indirectly via one or more intermediate components on the vehicle roof.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the handle body includes a pressure piece by means of which the bolt can be inserted into the insertion part. This allows the optimized leverage on the handle body to be used to insert the bolt with minimal effort. Preferably, the handle body has two pressure pieces, and a pivoting movement of the handle body inserts one bolt simultaneously onto one of the two bearing blocks via each pressure piece. This reduces the number of assembly steps, since both bolts can be moved into the locked position with a single movement.

[0018] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is an exploded view of a roof grab handle according to the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the roof grab handle of Figure 1 during assembly; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the roof grab handle of the Figure 1 in the pre-assembled position; Figure 4 a sectional view of the roof grab handle of the Figure 1 in the locking position; Figure 5 a perspective view of the roof grab handle in the mounted position looking towards the vehicle roof; Figure 6 a detail view of a mounted bearing block according to a modified embodiment; Figures 7A to 7E several views of different clamping bodies, and Figures 8A to 8C several views of the roof grab handle latch; Figure 9 a sectional view through a modified roof grab handle during installation; Figure 10 an exploded view of a bearing block with a roof grab handle latch Figure 9 , and Figures 11A and 11B two sectional views of the roof grab handle of the Figure 9in the position complained about.

[0019] A roof grab handle 1 comprises two mounting blocks 2, on which a U-shaped handle body 3 is pivotably mounted or optionally rigidly fixed. Each mounting block 2 is attached to a vehicle roof 4 at an opening 5 surrounded by a rim 6. The schematically depicted vehicle roof 4 can be made of a metal sheet and be directly provided with two openings 5, or other components can be attached to the vehicle roof 4, which have an opening to which the roof grab handle 1 is attached.

[0020] In Figure 1The rear bearing block 2 is shown in the locked position, while the front bearing block 2 is shown in a pre-assembled position. Each bearing block 2 includes an insert 7 that can be inserted into the opening 5 on the vehicle roof 4. The insert 7 has recesses 9 on opposite walls, each serving to receive a clamping element 8.

[0021] A latch 10 can be inserted into each bearing block 2, which can be slid into a channel on the bearing block 2 and the insertion part 7. The latch 10 comprises a handle section 11, which can be mounted on the bearing block 2 on the side facing the handle body 3 and can be locked in place by means of at least one locking lug 12. For this purpose, the flexible locking lug 12 is provided with a projection that can be locked into a receptacle on the bearing block 2.

[0022] The locking bar 10 comprises two flexible webs 13 on the side facing away from the handle section 11, each web 13 having a recessed, in particular curved, receptacle 14 on the side facing the clamping body 8. This receptacle rests against an outer contour of the clamping body 8 in the pre-assembled position. Adjacent to the receptacle 14 is a pressure surface 15, which is inclined towards the insertion direction and by means of which the clamping body 8 can be moved towards an outer side of the insertion part 7 in order to clamp it.

[0023] In Figure 2The roof grab handle 1 is shown in a mounted position in which a widened section of the mounting bracket rests on the underside of the vehicle roof 4 and the respective insert 7 is inserted through the opening 5 in the vehicle roof 4. In one mounting bracket 2, the locking bolt 10 is already inserted into the locking position, and the handle section 11 is essentially flush with a surface of the mounting bracket 2. The other locking bolt 10 is still located outside the mounting bracket 2.

[0024] In Figure 3Figure 1 shows a cross-section through the roof grab handle 1 in the area of ​​a bearing block 2, with the latch 10 in a pre-assembled position. Clamping elements 8 are inserted into the receptacles 14 on each of the two flexible webs 13 of the latch 10. In this pre-assembled position, the bearing block 2, together with the latch 10, can be inserted through the opening 5 with minimal effort, as the clamping elements 8 can press the flexible webs 13 inwards at the edge 6, causing the clamping elements 8 to lock into place at the edge 6 of the opening 5 after insertion. In this pre-assembled position, the roof grab handle 1 can also be removed from the vehicle roof 4 with minimal effort by pulling the insert 7 out of the opening 5.

[0025] To lock the bearing block 2 to the vehicle roof 4, the latch 10 is inserted into the channel 16 on the insertion part 7, so that the two clamping elements 8 are each removed from the receptacle 14 on the flexible webs 13. The clamping elements 8 now come into contact with the pressure surface 15, which is inclined to the insertion direction and presses the clamping elements outwards until the Figure 4 The position shown is reached. In the locking position, the flexible webs 13 are spaced apart from the clamping bodies, and these are pressed outwards by the pressure surface 15, whereby the recess 9 in the wall of the insertion part 7 has a smaller size than the outer diameter of the clamping body 8, so that it cannot be completely pushed out of the insertion part 7 by the pressure surface 15.

[0026] When the handle body 3 is pulled in this locking position, force is transmitted into the vehicle roof 4 via the insertion part 7 and the two clamping elements 8, which rest against the edge 6 of the opening 5. Movement of the clamping elements 8 towards each other is prevented by the latch 10, which is dimensionally stable between the clamping elements 8 and is preferably made of solid material in this area. The insertion depth of the latch 10 can be limited by a protruding stop 17 that interacts with a contact surface on the bearing block 2. Optionally, stops to limit the insertion depth can also be provided at other positions. Furthermore, the latch 10 is engaged in the locking position via the at least one detent 12.

[0027] In Figure 5The roof grab handle 1 is shown in a mounted position in which the two insertion parts 7 are guided through the vehicle roof 4. The height of the insertion part 7 is low compared to previously known solutions, for example, less than 20 mm, and in particular less than 15 mm, so that only a small volume above the vehicle roof 4 is required for mounting the roof grab handle 1. The clamping elements 8 rest on opposite sides of the insertion part 7 against the edge 6 of the opening 5 and thus center the insertion part 7.

[0028] In Figure 6Figure 1 shows a detailed view of a modified bearing block 2, in which the essentially cylindrical clamping body 8 has a radially projecting cutting edge 18 on each of its opposite sides. This projecting cutting edge 18, produced, for example, by bending over an end section of a tubular material, can dig into the material of the rim 6 at the opening 5 when the insert 7 is loaded, thus preventing the bearing block 2 from shifting axially in the direction of the clamping body 8 after the insert 7 has been fixed. The clamping body 8 also has an axial slot 19, which simplifies its manufacture.

[0029] In the Figures 7A to 7E Various clamping elements are shown that can be mounted on a plug-in part 7. The clamping elements are preferably made of metal, but can also be made of other materials. Figure 7AA cylindrical clamping body 8 is shown, designed as a sleeve or tube, for example made of metal. This clamping body 8 can optionally be provided with an axial slot 19, as shown in Figure 7B As shown. In addition to the axial slot 19, a radially projecting cutting edge 18 can be formed on one end section or on opposite end sections to secure the clamping body 8 against axial displacement.

[0030] In the Figure 7D A modified clamping body 8' is shown, which is manufactured from a solid material instead of being a sleeve. Instead of a smooth cylindrical outer wall, the outer wall can also be profiled or embossed to make the clamping body 8' slip-resistant.

[0031] In Figure 7EA clamping element 8" is shown, which is made from a wound wire 20. The wire 20 is formed in a helix and can be inserted into the recess 9 on the insertion part 7. Instead of a circular cross-section of the wire 20, wires with a different cross-sectional geometry can also be used, for example, square or polygonal with an outer corner, so that the shape of the wire ensures increased protection against axial displacement of the clamping element 8".

[0032] In the Figures 8A to 8C The bolt 10 is shown in detail, which has a pin-shaped element with a substantially rectangular cross-section, on which bendable webs 13 are formed at the ends. Each web 13 has the rounded receptacle 14 and the pressure surface 15. The pin of the bolt 10 widens towards the handle section 11 and can thus be inserted into the bearing block 2 and locked there via the locking web 12.

[0033] The in Figure 9The roof-mounted grab handle shown differs from the previous embodiment by a stabilizing rib 25 that connects two opposing walls on the channel 16 of the insert 7. The stabilizing rib 25 reinforces the insert 7 in an area above the vehicle roof 4. Furthermore, it is shown that, to facilitate installation, the latch 10 does not need to be mounted manually, but rather the handle body 3 can be inserted. For this purpose, a pressure piece 22 in the form of a protruding rib is formed on the handle body 3. When the handle body 3 is pivoted about an axis 21, this pressure piece 22 presses against the handle section 11 of the latch 10, so that the latch 10 is inserted into the channel 16. The pressure piece 22 can slide along the handle section 11.This allows for smooth assembly because a handle 23 on the handle body 3 is positioned at a greater distance L1 from the axis 21 than from the pressure piece 22, which is positioned at a distance L2 from the handle. The effective lever length results in an optimized leverage ratio when inserting the bolt 10. Furthermore, by pivoting the handle body 3 from its pre-assembled position, both bolts 10 can be inserted simultaneously into the locking position.

[0034] In Figure 10 The bearing block 2 is connected to a bolt 10 of the roof grab handle. Figure 9 shown. It can be seen that the stabilizing rib 25 divides the channel 16 into two separate chambers. In order to be able to slide the bolt 10 with the flexible ribs 13 into the channel 16, the ribs 13 are provided at their ends with a slot 24 into which the stabilizing rib 25 can be inserted during assembly.

[0035] In the Figures 11A and 11B The locked position is shown, in which the bolt 10 is fully inserted into the channel 16 by rotating the handle body 3, and the clamping elements 8 are pressed outwards by the pressure surface 15. If a downward force is applied to the handle body 3, this results in a force in the insertion part 7 acting on the two clamping elements 8, each of which is supported on one side by the bolt and additionally by the edge 6 around the opening 6. Due to the symmetrical design, the applied forces can be optimally transferred into the vehicle roof 4.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiments, each bearing block 2 is individually fixed to an opening in the vehicle roof 4. It is, of course, possible to connect the two bearing blocks 2 and mount them as a unit. The bearing blocks 2 can also be integrally formed. Reference symbol list

[0037] 1 Roof grab handle 2 Bearing block 3 Handle body 4 Vehicle roof 5 Opening 6 Edge 7 Insert part 8, 8', 8" Clamping body 9 Recess 10 Latch 11 Handle section 12 Detent bar 13 Bar 14 Receptacle 15 Pressure surface 16 Channel 17 Stop 18 Cutting edge 19 Slot 20 Wire 21 Axis 22 Pressure piece 23 Handle bracket 24 Slot 25 Stabilizing bar

Claims

1. Roof handle (1) for vehicles with at least one bearing block (2) on which a handle body (3) is held and which can be fixed to an opening (5) on a vehicle roof (4), the opening being surrounded by an edge (6), wherein the at least one bearing block (2) comprises an insertion part (7) which can be inserted through the opening (5) with at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") that can be positioned to reach behind the edge (6) of the opening (5), wherein a latch (10) that can be inserted into the insertion part (7) is provided, by means of which the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") can be locked in the position reaching behind the edge (6) and a recess (9) for the reception of the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") is formed in a wall on the insertion part (7), characterized in that the recess (9) is formed as a cage which holds the clamping body (8, 8', 8") loosely on the insertion part (7).

2. Roof handle according to claim 1, characterised in that the latch (10) can be pushed into a channel (16) on the insertion part (7).

3. Roof handle according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the latch (10) comprises at least one pressing surface (15) which is aligned at an angle to the insertion direction and by means of which the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") can be moved outwards from the insertion part (7).

4. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latch (10) can be latched in a locked position on the bearing block (2).

5. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the latch (10) comprises at least one bendable web (13) on which the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") can be fixed in a pre-mounted position and the latch (10) can be displaced relative to the clamping body (8, 8', 8") held on the insertion part (7) in order to position the bendable web (13) in the locked position at a distance from the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8").

6. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") has a substantially cylindrical shape.

7. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping body (8, 8', 8") comprises at least one cutting edge (18) which can be driven at least partially into the edge (6) in the opening (5).

8. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one clamping body (8") is made of a wound wire (20).

9. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two clamping bodies (8, 8', 8") are provided on opposite sides of the insertion part (7), each of which is supported on the edge (6) of the opening (5).

10. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the roof handle (1) includes two bearing blocks (2) on which the handle body (3) is pivotably held.

11. Roof handle according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the handle body (3) includes at least one pressing piece (22), by means of which the latch (10) can be pushed into the insertion part (7).

12. Roof handle according to claim 11, characterised in that the handle body (3) includes two pressing pieces (22) and, by a pivoting movement of the handle body (3) by each pressing piece (22), a latch (10) can be pushed in simultaneously on one of the two bearing blocks (2).

13. Vehicle with a vehicle roof (4), to which at least one roof handle (1) according to one of the preceding claims is fixed.