Handle assembly and movable vehicle element

Abstract

The invention relates to a handle arrangement (1) comprising at least: - a support element (4), - a handle element (2) which is movably arranged on the support element (4) between a non-use position (100) and a use position (102), and - an adjustment mechanism (6) which couples the handle element (2) and the support element (4) together, wherein the adjustment mechanism (6) is configured to move the handle element (2) between the non-use position (100) and the use position (102) by actuation, wherein the adjustment mechanism (6) comprises at least a setting cam (6.1) and a setting lever (6.2) and the handle element (2) is configured as a handle lever (6.3) which on the one hand engages with the setting cam (6.1) and on the other hand is articulated to the setting lever (6.2) and is movable between the non-use position (100) and the use position (102) by means of this.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a handle arrangement, in particular a door handle arrangement, and a movable vehicle element, in particular a vehicle door, with such a handle arrangement.

[0002] Vehicle door handle arrangements are generally known. Vehicle doors typically include an external door handle, which is mechanically or electrically coupled to a locking mechanism. For example, actuating the door handle moves the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position, thus allowing the vehicle door to be opened. The vehicle door may include a door handle where an external gripping surface is positioned approximately flush with an outer door surface when the door handle is in a rest or non-use position. By means of an adjustment mechanism, the door handle can be moved outward into an operating or use position, making it accessible to a user.

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved handle arrangement which, in particular, enables comfortable movement of a handle element. Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a movable vehicle element with an improved handle arrangement.

[0004] The problem is solved according to the invention with a handle arrangement having the features of claim 1. With regard to the movable vehicle element, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 11.

[0005] The handle arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one support element, a handle element which is movably arranged on the support element between a non-use position and a use position, and an adjustment mechanism which couples the handle element and the support element together, wherein the adjustment mechanism is designed to move the handle element between the non-use position and the use position by actuation, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one extension cam and an extension lever, and the handle element is designed as a handle lever, in particular a pivotally mounted one, which on the one hand is in engagement with the extension cam and on the other hand is pivotally connected to the extension lever and is movable between the non-use position and the use position by means of this.

[0006] In particular, the release lever is designed as a lever hinged on one side. For example, the release lever has a first lever end that is hinged to the support element and a second lever end that rests against the release cam.

[0007] In one possible embodiment, the ejector cam can be designed as a cam disk. In particular, the ejector cam can be disk-shaped or plate-shaped.

[0008] The extension cam can, for example, have a cam contour configured to execute a constant extension movement for the handle element and a resulting adjustable handle position, independent of any cam rotation. In particular, the extension cam can have a cylindrical contour, a circular contour, a circular arc contour, or the like, section by section or area. The handle element is in permanent engagement with the cam contour. The extension cam is, in particular, a drive cam that is adjustable, and especially rotatable, by means of an actuator, especially a motor.

[0009] Additionally, the elevating cam can be designed as a handle support for the handle element. For example, the elevating cam is rotatably mounted on the support element around a fixed cam axis.

[0010] Additionally, the adjustment mechanism can include a coupling. For example, the extension cam and the extension lever are also coupled to each other via the coupling. The extension cam, the extension lever, and the coupling can thus form an extension joint mechanism of the adjustment mechanism.

[0011] The advantages achieved with the invention consist in particular of a better insensitivity of the handle arrangement to manufacturing tolerances.

[0012] The advantages achieved with the invention also include, in particular, the fact that such a handle arrangement with only one-sided extension lever in combination with an extension cam enables a comfortable, load-efficient, and less wear-prone extension movement of the handle element. Furthermore, the handle element can be positioned more easily and securely. Such an adjustment mechanism with extension cam and extension lever is also robust and requires little maintenance.

[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a semi-transparent representation of a handle arrangement in a non-use position, Figure 2 is a side view of the handle arrangement in the non-use position, Figure 3 is a semi-transparent representation of the handle arrangement in a use position, Figure 4 is a side view of the handle arrangement in the use position, Figure 5 is a rear view of the handle arrangement in the non-use position, Figure 6 is a rear view of the handle arrangement in the use position, Figure 7 is another rear view of the handle arrangement in the non-use position, Figure 8 is another rear view of the handle arrangement in the use position, and Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of an application example of the previously described handle arrangement on a vehicle.

[0014] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0015] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a semi-transparent representation of a handle arrangement 1 in a non-use position 100.

[0016] The handle arrangement 1 comprises a handle element 2, in particular an outer door handle of a movable vehicle element 22, such as a door 24, in particular a vehicle door, a tailgate 26 or the like, as shown in Figure 9 depicted.

[0017] The handle element 2 can be mechanically or electrically coupled to a locking mechanism (not shown) for a door lock (not shown). For example, actuation of the handle element 2 moves the locking mechanism from a locked position to an unlocked position to allow the opening of the associated door 24 or the movable vehicle element 22.

[0018] The handle element 2, in particular an outer handle surface of the handle element 2, is positioned approximately flush with an outer door surface of an outer vehicle door wall of the vehicle door when the handle element 2 is in the non-use position 100 (also called the starting position or rest position), as shown in Figure 1 shown.

[0019] The handle assembly 1 is designed as an assembly module in which all components of the handle assembly 1 can be pre-assembled and is positioned as the assembly module on the movable vehicle element, such as the vehicle door.

[0020] The handle arrangement 1 comprises at least one support element 4 and the handle element 2, which is attached to the support element 4 between the non-use position 100 and a use position 102 (shown in Figures 3 and 4 , also called grip position or intermediate position) is arranged in a movable manner.

[0021] The handle arrangement 1 also includes an adjustment mechanism 6, which couples the handle element 2 and the support element 4 together, in particular in terms of movement.

[0022] The adjustment mechanism 6 is designed to move the handle element 2 between the non-use position 100 and the use position 102 by actuation.

[0023] The adjusting mechanism 6 comprises at least one extension cam 6.1 and an extension lever 6.2, and the handle element 2, designed, for example, as a handle lever 6.3. The handle lever 6.3 engages with the extension cam 6.1 on one side and is pivotally connected to the extension lever 6.2 on the other. The handle lever 6.3 can be moved between the unused position 100 and the used position 102 by means of the extension cam 6.1 and the extension lever 6.2.

[0024] The ejector cam 6.1 serves for force transmission, in particular the transmission of compressive forces.

[0025] Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism 6 includes a number of support points 4.4 for the handle element 2. The support points 4.4 are designed as end stops on the support bracket 4.2. The support points 4.4 serve to support the handle element 2 in the operating position 102. In this position 102, the handle element 2 comes into contact with the support points 4.4 under preload and is supported by them. The handle element 2 includes a number of counter-support surfaces 2.2 corresponding to the number of support points 4.4. The counter-support surfaces 2.2 are designed as end stops on the handle side.

[0026] In other words, the handle element 2 and the bearing bracket 4.2, acting as a support element 4, comprise the support points 4.4 and the counter-support surfaces 2.2 as corresponding end stops, which abut each other in the operating position 102. The handle element 2 can be resettable and made free of play by means of a return element 8. The return element 8 presses against the release cam 6.1 to eliminate play. The return element 8 is, for example, a return spring, in particular a coil spring, compression spring, tension spring, or the like, and serves to return the handle element 2 from the operating position 102 to the non-operating position 100 and to eliminate play in the handle element 2 in all positions except the operating position 102.

[0027] In operating position 102, the handle element 2 is free of play due to the cam 6.1, which presses against the stops 4.4. In this operating position, the handle element 2 is fixed, particularly with respect to all directions.

[0028] As in Figure 7 and 8 As shown, the adjustment mechanism 6 comprises four support points 4.4 on the bearing bracket 4.2 and four counter-support surfaces 2.2 of the handle element 2 which abut these in the operating position 102, so that the handle element 2 is pre-tensioned against the bearing bracket 4.2 in the extended operating position 102.

[0029] The support points 4.4 limit the movement of the handle element 2 when extending it into the operating position 102. The support points 4.4 ensure that the handle element 2 cannot be moved beyond the operating position 102, in particular that it cannot be pulled. Thus, the support points 4.4 act as end stops for the extension movement 104 of the handle element 2 into the operating position 102.

[0030] In addition, the eject cam 6.1 and the eject lever 6.2 can be coupled to each other via a coupling 6.4, in particular a connecting rod, for example a push rod or pull rod.

[0031] The extension cam 6.1, the extension lever 6.2 and the handle lever 6.3 and optionally the coupling 6.4 form an extension joint mechanism.

[0032] The ejector cam 6.1 is designed, for example, as a cam disk. The ejector cam 6.1 has a predefined cam contour 6.1.1, which is configured to control and define an ejector movement 104 accordingly. The ejector cam 6.1 can, for example, be disk-shaped or plate-shaped. The cam contour 6.1.1 can be designed section by section or area as a cylindrical contour, a circular contour, a circular arc contour, or the like. This allows the ejector movement 104 executed by means of the cam contour 6.1.1 and the resulting adjustable grip position of the grip element 2 to be constant in the relevant contour sections or areas, independent of the cam rotation.

[0033] Simultaneously, the ejector cam 6.1 can also be designed as a handle carrier 4.1 of the handle element 2. For this purpose, the ejector cam 6.1 is mounted fixedly on the carrier element 4 so as to be rotatable about a cam rotation axis 6.1.2, wherein the handle element 2 is permanently engaged with the ejector cam 6.1, designed as a handle carrier 4.1, via a counter-cam element 2.1, in particular in permanent engagement with the cam contour 6.1.1.

[0034] For example, the counter-cam element 2.1 is designed as a rolling element 2.1.1. The rolling element 2.1.1 is rotatably mounted on the handle element 2 about a rolling axis 2.1.2. The rolling element 2.1.1 is specifically configured to transmit both radial and axial forces, exerted on the rolling element 2.1.1 by means of the ejector cam 6.1, in particular its cam contour 6.1.1, to the handle element 2.

[0035] The opening lever 6.2 is designed, in particular, as a lever mechanism. The opening lever 6.2 comprises at least two lever elements 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 that are rigidly connected to one another. In particular, the two lever elements 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 are rigidly connected to one another via a common lever axis 6.2.3. The two lever elements 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 are rigidly connected to one another at a predetermined angle, in particular at an acute angle or in a V-shape.

[0036] The extension lever 6.2 thus enables a large extension range with low pushing or pulling force during the extension movement 104. The extension lever 6.2 is also designed as a bearing bracket 4.2. This secures the handle element 2 vertically and horizontally in its operating position 102 and holds it stably in this operating position 102.

[0037] The first lever element 6.2.1 is articulated to the handle element 2 at a first pivot point 2.1.4. The second lever element 6.2.2 is articulated to the coupling 6.4 at a second pivot point 6.4.1. The two lever elements 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 are pivotally mounted about the common lever axis 6.2.3 at a common pivot point 6.2.4 on the support element 4.

[0038] Additionally, a return element 8, in particular a spring, for example a compression spring, coil spring or the like, may be provided. The return element 8 is in particular mounted or supported on the carrier element 4, in particular on a first bearing receptacle 4.3, and on the handle element 2, in particular on a second bearing receptacle 2.1.3, on the other hand.

[0039] Additionally, a drive unit 10 is motion-coupled with the extension lever 6.2. Alternatively or additionally, the drive unit 10 can also be motion-coupled with the coupling 6.4 and / or the extension cams 6.1. The extension lever 6.2 simultaneously functions as a drive lever and can, for this purpose, be motion-coupled with the drive unit 10, in particular an electromechanical drive unit or a mechanical drive unit, in a manner not shown in detail.

[0040] The advantages achieved with the invention consist in particular in the fact that such a handle arrangement 1 with only one single-sided extension lever 6.2 as bearing bracket 4.2 and drive lever in combination with an extension cam 6.1 as handle carrier 4.1 enables a comfortable and load-efficient and less wear-prone extension movement of the handle element 2.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a side view of handle arrangement 1 according to Figure 1in the non-use position 100.

[0042] The handle assembly 1 is shown facing the return element 8. The release cam 6.1 is arranged in a plane with the return element 8. The handle element 2 is flush with the support element 4. The support element 4 can in turn be mounted flush in the vehicle element (not shown).

[0043] The coupling 6.4, designed as a connecting rod or transmission rod, for transmitting the drive movement of the extension lever 6.2 to the extension cam 6.1 is arranged parallel to the extension lever 6.2 in the area of ​​the common lever axis 6.2.3.

[0044] The return element 8 is relaxed. Alternatively, the return element 8 can be slightly tensioned to hold and store the handle element 2 quietly in the non-use position 100 by holding the handle element 2 under tension against the support element 4, in particular by pulling it towards an outer side of the support element 4.

[0045] Figure 3 shows a semi-transparent representation of the handle arrangement 1 in the operating position 102. Figure 4 shows a side view of the handle arrangement 1 in this operating position 102.

[0046] The extension lever 6.2, designed as a bearing bracket 4.2, is in its extended position to secure and support the handle element 2 vertically in its operating position 102.

[0047] The extension cam 6.1, designed as a handle carrier 4.1, is in its extended and supporting position to secure and support the handle element 2 vertically in its operating position 102. The extension cam 6.1 is in a self-locking connection 12 with the counter-cam element 2.1, the holding force of which, in particular the frictional force, is greater than the restoring force of the restoring element 8.

[0048] Furthermore, the drive unit 10, which acts on the extension lever 6.2 (also called the setting lever), is self-locking in the extended position of the extension lever 6.2. The drive unit 10 can, for example, be a cam drive. Alternative self-locking drive units 10 can also be used. For example, a crank mechanism or a worm gear mechanism can be used as the self-locking drive unit 10.

[0049] Both by the self-locking connection 12 of the ejector cam 6.1 and the counter-cam element 2.1 and by the self-locking drive unit 10 (shown schematically in Figure 1 and 3 The handle element 2 is securely positioned and held in the operating position 102, particularly vertically and horizontally. In other words, the handle element 2 is "fixed to concrete" in all directions in the operating position 102. Additionally, the handle element 2 is vertically supported by means of the abutting support points 4.4 and the counter-support surfaces 2.2.

[0050] By retracting the handle element 2 towards the support element 4 using the drive unit 10, the self-locking mechanism of the extension cam 6.1 on the counter-cam element 2.1 is released. After the self-locking mechanism is released, the handle element 2 can additionally be returned to its non-use position 100 by means of the return element 8 by its pressure on the extension cam 6.1 (shown in Figure 1 ).

[0051] The return element 8 is designed in such a way that it exerts pressure on the release cam 6.1 even in the non-use position 100, so that the latter is always in contact with the counter-cam element 2.1 to eliminate play. Thus, these two elements 6.1 and 2.1 are pre-tensioned relative to each other and therefore held free of play.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a rear view of the handle arrangement 1 in the non-use position 100. Figure 6shows a rear view of the handle arrangement 1 in the operating position 102. Figure 7 shows another rear view of the handle arrangement 1 in the non-use position 100. Figure 8 shows another rear view of the handle arrangement 1 in the operating position 102.

[0053] The ejector cam 6.1, acting as handle carrier 4.1, is in its initial or rest position. The ejector lever 6.2, acting as bearing bracket 4.2, is also in its initial or rest position.

[0054] The coupling 6.4 is on the one hand articulated via the second pivot point 6.4.1 to the lever element 6.2.2, which is fixedly connected to the common lever axis 6.2.3.

[0055] On the other hand, the coupling 6.4 is indirectly pivotally mounted on the extension cam 6.1 via a third pivot point 6.4.2 of a cam lever 6.1.3, which is pivotally mounted on the extension cam 6.1.

[0056] The ejector cam 6.1 is non-rotatably connected to the cam pivot axis 6.1.2. The cam lever 6.1.3 is also non-rotatably connected to the cam pivot axis 6.1.2.

[0057] If a driving force now acts on the opening lever 6.2, this driving force is transmitted via the coupling 6.4 in the form of an adjusting movement 106, in particular a pushing movement or conversely a pulling movement, to the cam lever 6.1.3 and via this to the opening cam 6.1, so that it is moved accordingly to perform the opening movement 104, which is essentially perpendicular to the actuating movement.

[0058] The rolling element 2.1.1 as counter-cam element 2.1 comprises a guide surface 2.1.5 (shown in Figure 6 ), in which the elevating cam 6.1 is guided during the adjustment movement 106. The guide surface 2.1.5 can, for example, be designed as a groove, in particular a V-shaped or U-shaped groove, for example as a circumferential groove.

[0059] Figure 9Figure 1 schematically shows an application example of the previously described handle arrangement 1 for a vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 has several movable vehicle elements 22. For example, the vehicle 20 has a door 24 and / or a tailgate 26 as movable vehicle elements 22, into which the handle arrangement 1, which is pre-assembled, in particular as a mounting module 28, can be mounted on the vehicle 20 in its pre-assembled state. The handle arrangement 1 can additionally be designed as an actuation module for an electronic locking system. Depending on its installation location, the handle arrangement 1 can be configured to open the door 24 or the tailgate 26 and optionally to unlock, lock, open, and / or close the electronic locking system, for example, an electronic lock, of the door 24 or the tailgate 26. In particular, the actuation module serves to detect at least one manual actuation by a user's hand.For improved clarity, a coordinate system is shown, featuring a longitudinal axis x, a transverse axis y, and a vertical axis z. The actuation module can be implemented in handle arrangement 1. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0060] 1 Handle assembly 2 Handle element 2.1 Counter cam element 2.1.1 Roller element 2.1.2 Roller pivot axis 2.1.3 Second bearing receptacle 2.1.4 First pivot point 2.1.5 Guide surface 2.2 Counter support surface 4 Carrier element 4.1 Handle carrier 4.2 Bearing bracket 4.3 First bearing receptacle 4.4 Support point 6 Adjustment mechanism 6.1 Adjustment cam 6.1.1 Cam contour 6.1.2 Cam pivot axis 6.1.3 Cam lever 6.2 Adjustment lever 6.2.1, 6.2.2 Lever elements 6.2.3 Common lever axis 6.2.4 Common pivot point 6.3 Handle lever 6.4 Coupling 6.4.1 Second pivot point 6.4.2 Third pivot point 8 Return element 10 Drive unit 12 self-locking connection 20 Vehicle 22 Movable vehicle element 24 Door 26 Tailgate 28 Mounting module 100 Non-use position 102 Use position 104 Display movement 106 Adjustment movement x Longitudinal axis y Transverse axis z Vertical axis

Claims

1. Handle arrangement (1) comprising at least: - a support element (4), - a handle element (2) which is movably arranged on the support element (4) between a non-use position (100) and a use position (102), and - an adjustment mechanism (6) which couples the handle element (2) and the support element (4) together, wherein the adjustment mechanism (6) is configured to move the handle element (2) between the non-use position (100) and the use position (102) by actuation, wherein the adjustment mechanism (6) comprises at least a setting cam (6.1) and a setting lever (6.2) and the handle element (2) is configured as a handle lever (6.3) which is engaged on the one hand with the setting cam (6.1) and on the other hand is articulated to the setting lever (6.2) and is movable between the non-use position (100) and the use position (102) by means of this.

2. Handle arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the extension lever (6.2) is designed as a lever hinged on one side.

3. Handle arrangement (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extension lever (6.2) has a first lever end which is hinged to the support element (4) and a second lever end which is in contact with the extension cam (6.1).

4. Handle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the eject cam (6.1) is designed as a cam disk.

5. Handle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension cam (6.1) has a cam contour (6.1.1) which is configured to perform an extension movement for the handle element (2) and a resulting adjustable operating position (102) of the handle element (2) independently of a cam rotation.

6. Handle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the extension cam (6.1) is additionally designed as a handle carrier (4.1) of the handle element (4).

7. Handle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment mechanism (6) comprises a coupling (6.4).

8. Handle arrangement (1) according to claim 7, wherein the extension cam (6.1) and the extension lever (6.2) are additionally coupled to each other via the coupling (6.4).

9. Handle arrangement (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the extension cam (6.1), the extension lever (6.2) and the coupling (6.4) form an extension joint mechanism.

10. Handle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a pre-assemblable mounting module.

11. Movable vehicle element (22) with a handle arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle arrangement (1) is in particular designed as a pre-assembled mounting module (28) and can be mounted on the vehicle element (22).

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