U.S. patent application number 10/545290 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for component for vehicle interiors, in particular roof handle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olho Sinsheim GmbH. Invention is credited to Thomas Bauer.
Application Number | 20060143868 10/545290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7979961 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060143868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bauer; Thomas |
July 6, 2006 |
Component for vehicle interiors, in particular roof handle
Abstract
A component (10) for vehicle interiors comprising a first fixed
assembly (12) that can be mounted on the wall (18) of the vehicle
interior and a second assembly (14) that is displaceably attached
to the first assembly (12), the second assembly (14) being
displaceable in opposition to the action of elastic elements (20)
from a resting position into a position of use and vice versa and
the second assembly (14) being displaced from the position of use
into the resting position, or being maintained in the resting
position by the sole action of the elastic elements (20), has the
distinguishing feature that the elastic elements (20) take the form
of at least one elastically extensible strap or cable or an
elastically extensible cord.
Inventors: |
Bauer; Thomas;
(Eppingen-Muhlbach, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20045-9998
US
|
Assignee: |
Olho Sinsheim GmbH
Sinsheim
DE
|
Family ID: |
7979961 |
Appl. No.: |
10/545290 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
February 4, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE04/00182 |
371 Date: |
August 11, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
16/438 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 3/023 20130101;
Y10T 16/50 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
016/438 |
International
Class: |
A45C 13/22 20060101
A45C013/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 11, 2003 |
DE |
203 02 226.2 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A handle component for a vehicle interior, comprising: a first
assembly adapted to be mounted to the wall of a vehicle interior; a
second assembly attached to the first assembly and movable between
a resting position and a use position; and at least one elastic
element adapted to bias the second assembly toward the resting
position and to resist movement of the second assembly toward the
use position, wherein the elastic element comprises at least one of
an extendible strap, cable, or cord.
23. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the at least one
elastic element is located between the first assembly and the
second assembly.
24. The handle component of claim 22, wherein at least one of the
first assembly or the second assembly is injection molded, and the
at least one elastic element is co-molded with at least one of the
first assembly or the second assembly.
25. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the at least one
elastic element comprises an elastomer material.
26. The handle component of claim 25, wherein the elastomer
material is at least one of rubber, Elastan (registered trademark),
Dorlastan (registered trademark), or thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE).
27. The handle component of claim 25, wherein the at least one
elastic element comprises silicone.
28. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the handle component
is adapted to attach to a roof of the vehicle interior, and the
first assembly comprises a fixed bearing unit and the second
assembly comprises a movable stirrup handle.
29. The handle component of claim 28, wherein the stirrup handle is
adapted to at least one of translate or rotate with respect to the
fixed bearing unit between the resting position and the use
position.
30. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the second assembly
has a projection unit, and the at least one elastic element extends
from the first assembly and around the projection unit in the form
of a loop.
31. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the at least one
elastic element comprises an elastic limit stop for the second
assembly against the first assembly when in the resting
position.
32. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the at least one
elastic element comprises an elastic limit stop for the second
assembly against the first assembly when in the use position.
33. The handle component of claim 22, further comprising a reel
attached to the second assembly and adapted for rotation of the
second assembly with respect to the first assembly; wherein the at
least one elastic element is at least partially wound onto the reel
when rotating from the resting position into the use position.
34. The handle component of claim 33, wherein the reel is attached
to the second assembly by a positively interlocking connection.
35. The handle component of claim 33, wherein the reel is
integrally formed with the second assembly.
36. The handle component of claim 33, further comprising a damping
unit located inside the reel, wherein the damping unit exercises a
damping effect on the rotational movement of the second assembly
with respect to the first assembly.
37. The handle component of claim 36, wherein the damping unit
comprises a viscous damper.
38. The handle component of claim 22, further comprising at least
one elastic damping unit formed onto the at least one elastic
element, wherein upon movement of the second assembly, the at least
one elastic damping unit slides along a wall of the first assembly
and thereby produce a damping action on the movement to the second
assembly.
39. The handle component of claim 38, wherein the at least one
elastic damping unit comprises at least one elastic tab.
40. The handle component of claim 38, wherein the at least one
elastic element and the at least one elastic damping unit comprise
an integrally co-molded component.
41. The handle component of claim 33, wherein the at least one
elastic element is molded onto the reel and is anchored to the
first assembly.
42. The handle component of claim 22, wherein: the second assembly
has a projection unit, and the at least one elastic element extends
from the first assembly and around the projection unit in the form
of a loop; and the at least one elastic element includes a
projecting area that acts an elastic limit stop for the second
assembly against the first assembly when in at least one of the use
position or the resting position.
43. The handle component of claim 22, wherein: the second assembly
has a projection unit, and the at least one elastic element extends
from the first assembly and around the projection unit in the form
of a loop; and the at least one elastic element has an annular or
oval profile that acts an elastic limit stop for the second
assembly against the first assembly when in at least one of the use
position or the resting position.
44. The handle component of claim 22, wherein the at least one
elastic element includes an elastic limit stop for the second
assembly against the first assembly when in at least one of the
resting position or the use position, wherein the elastic limit
stop is molded onto the at least one elastic element.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a component for vehicle
interiors comprising a first fixed assembly that can be mounted on
the wall of the vehicle interior and a second assembly that is
displaceably attached to the first assembly, the second assembly
being displaceable in opposition to the action of elastic elements
from a resting position into a position of use and vice versa and
the second assembly being displaced from the position of use into
the resting position, or being maintained in the resting position
by the sole action of the elastic elements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] For roof handles in the interior of vehicles use is made of
so-called pull handles, which on the one hand allow the roof
handle, when not required, to rest closely against the internal
wall of the vehicle and which, when in use, afford more manual
freedom to grip the handle securely, owing to the relative
displacement between the fixed first assembly and the displaceable
second assembly. On release, the pull handle automatically returns
into the resting position under the action of the elastic
elements.
[0003] Metal springs are known to be used as elastic elements.
Metal springs, however, have a tendency to generate unwanted noise
during operation. In addition, the settling behavior of the metal
springs changes with age, so that over time the movement
characteristics of the handle vary. Furthermore such metal springs
have a tendency to corrosion, so that solutions have had to be
developed which provide metal springs with an additional coating.
This leads, however, to increased manufacturing costs, which make
their use uneconomic.
[0004] In order to ensure a good limit stop behavior of the pull
handle, a two-component part is usually formed, that is to say an
elastically pliable limit stop unit is additionally molded onto a
plastic carrier part. This again means an increased manufacturing
cost.
[0005] Roof folding handles are also known, which are subject to
the action of elastic elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Proceeding from the state of the art described, the object
of the present invention is to specify a component for vehicle
interiors which is economic to manufacture, which avoids the
disadvantages referred to in the state of the art, which ensures
consistently reliable functioning and which imparts an agreeable
operating sensation.
[0007] The inventive component of the said type is endowed with the
features of the independent claim 1. Advantageous developments and
further embodiments form the subject matter of the subordinate
claims.
[0008] Accordingly, a distinguishing feature of the component
according to the invention is that the elastic elements take the
form of at least one elastically extensible strap or cable, or an
elastically extensible cord.
[0009] According to the invention therefore, the metal spring prone
to problems is replaced by an elastic strap or cable or an elastic
cord which can be readily molded on.
[0010] A distinguishing feature of an especially preferred
development is that the elastic elements are already biased towards
the resting position.
[0011] A distinguishing feature of an especially preferred
alternative development, which is economic to manufacture, is that
the assemblies take the form of injection molded plastic parts and
the elastic elements are provided as elements molded onto the first
assembly or second assembly.
[0012] Possible materials for the elastic elements include
elastomers such as rubber, Elastan (registered trademark) or
Dorlastan (registered trademark) or thermoplastic elastomers
(TPE).
[0013] Silicone is a material especially preferred for the elastic
elements. Silicone not only possesses outstanding mechanical
characteristics and can be readily injection molded but also in its
material properties behaves consistently at different
temperatures.
[0014] The component according to the invention may be configured
as any kinematic component in the vehicle interior.
[0015] In this context a distinguishing feature of an especially
preferred design variant is that the component takes the form of a
roof handle, the first assembly taking the form of a fixed bearing
unit and the second assembly that of a displaceable stirrup handle,
the stirrup handle performing a translational movement and/or a
rotational movement from the resting position into the position of
use and vice versa.
[0016] A distinguishing feature of an embodiment that is
particularly easy to implement in design terms and ensures a
consistently reliable functioning, and which moreover makes the two
assemblies easy to put together, is that the second assembly has a
projection unit, the elastic elements being attached to or molded
onto the first assembly and enclosing the projection unit in a
looped shape.
[0017] According to the invention, it is possible and particularly
advantageous for the elastic elements to be formed (in an injection
molding process, for example) in such a way that they
simultaneously constitute an elastic limit stop in the resting
position and/or in the position of use.
[0018] A distinguishing feature of an especially advantageous
embodiment is that the second assembly performs a rotational
movement and has a rotational bearing, in particular a reel, onto
which the elastic elements are at least partially wound on the
outer surface of the rotational bearing or reel when moving from
the resting position into the position, or from which they are
unwound in the opposite direction.
[0019] At the same time the rotational bearing or reel may
advantageously be attached by a positively interlocking connection
to the second assembly. It is also possible, however, for the
rotational bearing or reel to be integrally formed with the second
assembly.
[0020] In an advantageous development the reel itself may be
provided with a damping unit, which takes the form, for example, of
a viscous damper, permitting an overall damped movement of the
second assembly.
[0021] A distinguishing feature of an especially advantageous
design variant, which in an especially simple design permits a
damped movement of the second assembly, is that at least one
elastic damping unit is formed onto the elastic elements, said unit
under the movement of the second assembly sliding along a fixed
wall of the first assembly, so that the friction produces a damping
action on the movement of the second assembly.
[0022] An advantageous further embodiment permits an especially
economic form of manufacture in that the elastic elements and the
elastic damping unit take the form of an integrally molded
component, the elastic damping unit preferably having at least one
elastic tab.
[0023] According to an advantageous development the elastic
elements are molded on the reel of the second rotatable assembly
and are anchored to the first assembly.
[0024] With the component according to the invention it is possible
to obtain substantial advantages compared to the state of the art,
as will be described in the following examples:
[0025] With the component according to the invention the spring
noises deriving from the metal springs during operation are
completely suppressed. A separate stop buffer can be entirely
dispensed with, since through an appropriate design of the elastic
elements the stop buffer may take the form of a single, preferably
molded component. The usual metal spring and the requisite spring
cover can be entirely dispensed with. A distinguishing feature of
the component as a whole is a shallow spring characteristic curve,
imparting an agreeable operating sensation. The additional molded
attachment of an elastic damping unit means that the elastic
elements themselves can transfer a certain damping action to the
displacement of the second assembly.
[0026] One significant embodiment resides in the fact that
silicone, which can not only be used without any injection molding
problems and has outstanding mechanical characteristics but also
has material properties that do not vary with temperature, is used
as material for the elastic elements.
[0027] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention will be
inferred from the features described further in the claims and from
the exemplary embodiments specified below. Unless they are
obviously mutually exclusive, the features of the claims may be
freely combined with one another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention and advantageous embodiments and developments
thereof will be described and explained in more detail below with
reference to the examples represented in the drawing. According to
the invention the features set forth in the description and in the
drawing may each be applied individually, or severally in any
combination. In the drawing:
[0029] FIG. 1a, b shows a schematic perspective view of a roof
handle for vehicle interiors, which takes the form of a pull handle
and is subject to the action of elastic elements, in a resting
position and in a position of use,
[0030] FIG. 2a, b shows a schematic perspective view of a roof
handle for vehicle interiors, which takes the form of a folding
handle and is subject to the action of elastic elements, in a
resting position and in a position of use,
[0031] FIG. 3 shows a schematic section through the roof handle
according to FIG. 1 along the section line I-I in a resting
position, showing the elastic elements,
[0032] FIG. 4 shows a schematic section through the roof handle
according to FIG. 1 along the section line I-I in a position of
use, showing the elastic elements,
[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic section perpendicular to the
section line I-I in FIG. 1 (plan view), showing the elastic
elements,
[0034] FIG. 6a shows a schematic and transparent perspective view
of a detail of the roof handle according to FIG. 1 in the bearing
area, with elastic elements in the form of a loop,
[0035] FIG. 6b shows a schematic perspective view of the elastic
elements according to FIG. 6a detached,
[0036] FIG. 7 shows a schematic section through the roof handle
according to FIG. 2 along the section line II-II in a resting
position, showing the elastic elements and
[0037] FIG. 8 shows a schematic section through the roof handle
according to FIG. 2 along the section line II-II showing the
elastic elements, in the position of use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] FIGS. 1a and b shows a component 10, which takes the form of
a roof handle 10 for vehicle interiors, the roof handle 10 being
configured as a so-called "pull handle", which can be brought
manually from a rest position (FIG. 1a) into a position of use
(FIG. 1b).
[0039] The roof handle 10 has a first fixed assembly 12, which
takes the form of a bearing unit 12 and which in the assembled
state is fixed to the wall 18 of a vehicle interior. Attached to
the bearing unit 12 is a second assembly 14, which is displaceable
in a translational movement basically perpendicular to the wall 18
and which takes the form of a stirrup handle 14. The two end areas
of the U-shaped stirrup handle 14 are attached to corresponding
bearing units 12 at both sides. Elastic elements, which will be
further described below, act on the stirrup handle 14 in the area
of the bearing unit 12. In using the roof handle 10, the stirrup
handle 14 is first gripped in the resting position according to
FIG. 1a and is drawn out in the direction of the arrow Z basically
perpendicular to the wall 18 in opposition to the action of the
elastic elements. The clearance between the stirrup handle 14 and
the wall 18 is thereby increased, ensuring greater manual operating
freedom. As soon as the stirrup handle 14 is released when no
longer required, the action of the elastic elements causes it to
perform an automatic return movement R and it thereby returns from
the position of use according to FIG. 1b into the resting position
according to FIG. 1a.
[0040] The schematic construction of the stirrup handle 14 in the
area of the bearing unit 12 along the section line I-I in FIG. 1a
with the elastic elements is represented in more detail in FIG.
3.
[0041] A laterally extending projection unit 22 is formed onto the
stirrup handle 14 in each end face area. A plate unit 28, onto the
top of which elastic elements 20 are formed, is attached to the
bearing unit 12 arranged in areas beneath the projection unit 22.
The elastic elements 20 take the form of a loop-like strap
surrounding the projection unit 22. On the upper side of the
projection unit 22 the elastic elements 20 have a protecting height
U, compared to the outer surface of the projection unit 22, which
forms an upper elastic limit stop 30 for the drawn-out position
according to FIG. 4. A lower limit stop 32, which is oval in shape
and which is connected to the plate unit 28, is integrally formed
onto the underside of the loop-shaped elastic elements 20 basically
perpendicular to the plane of the loop. The lower limit stop 32
serves as elastic stop on the underside of the projection unit 22
in the resting position according to FIG. 3.
[0042] The stirrup handle 14 can be displaced in a translational
movement relative to the bearing unit 12 basically perpendicular to
the wall 18 (arrows Z, R). For this purpose guide devices, which
are not shown in further detail in FIGS. 3 to 6, are provided on
the wall of the bearing unit 12.
[0043] In using the roof handle 10 the stirrup handle 14 is gripped
and is displaced upwards in the direction of the arrow Z according
to FIG. 3. This draw-out movement Z can be effected until the upper
limit stop 30 of the loop-shaped elastic elements 20 impact
elastically on the upper inner side of the bearing unit 12. The
position of use is then reached. If the stirrup handle 14 is
released in the state according to FIG. 4, under the action of the
elastic elements 20 it will automatically return in the direction
of the arrow R into the resting position according to FIG. 3, until
the underside of the projection unit 22 impacts elastically against
the lower limit stop 32, which is formed onto the elastic elements
20.
[0044] The loop-shaped elastic elements 20 are led around the
projection unit 22 preferably already biased towards the resting
position according to FIG. 3.
[0045] FIG. 6a shows a detailed perspective view of a detail of the
attachment of the elastic elements 20 in the area of the bearing
unit 12, the bearing unit 12 itself being omitted.
[0046] FIG. 6b shows a schematic perspective view of the elastic
elements 20 with their lower limit stop 32 and the plate unit 28,
which form their base. Alternatively, elastic damping units 24,
which take the form of elastic tabs 26, as indicated by dashed
lines in FIG. 6b, may be molded, preferably in one piece, onto the
webs of the loop of the elastic elements 20. These elastic tabs 26
are in contact with the inner wall of the bearing unit 12. As soon
as the stirrup handle 14 is displaced, the tabs 26 also move owing
to the elasticity of the loop-shaped elastic elements 20, with the
result that a frictional force builds up between the tabs 26 and
the inner wall of the bearing unit 12, the force ultimately
exerting a damping action on the extending and retracting movement
of the stirrup handle 14.
[0047] FIG. 6b further shows an alternative schematic
representation of the lower elastic limit stop 32. Whilst retaining
the oval shape of the lower limit stop 32, upward-pointing stop
projections 34, which clearly define the stop position of the
projection unit 22 of the stirrup handle 14, are formed onto this
stop.
[0048] FIGS. 2a and b show a schematic perspective view of a roof
handle 50, which takes the form of a folding handle, in the resting
position and in the position of use. A first fixed assembly 52,
which takes the form of a bearing unit 52, is attached to the wall
18 of the vehicle interior. The bearing unit 52 has a base plate 64
and forward-projecting bearing flanges 66, which are spaced
parallel to one another and each have a bearing recess 68. A
second, displaceable assembly 54, which takes the form of a
U-shaped stirrup handle 54 is furthermore provided. The end face
areas of the flanges of the U-shaped stirrup handle 54 are
rotatably supported in the recesses 68 of the bearing flanges 66 by
way of a rotational bearing not represented in more detail in FIGS.
2a and b. The stirrup handle 54 can thereby be swiveled about the
axis of rotation 56 formed by the bearing recesses 68 in the
direction of the arrow D1 or D2 from the resting position into the
position of use and vice versa. In so doing the stirrup handle 54
is under the influence of the elastic elements 60, in opposition to
the action of which the roof handle 50 can be swiveled from the
resting position into the position of use, and which cause the roof
handle 50 to be automatically folded back into the resting position
when it is released from the position of use.
[0049] The elastic elements 60 are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7
to 9.
[0050] Inside the stirrup handle 54, in the area of the attachment
to the bearing units 52, a reel 62, which is supported in the
bearing recesses so that it can rotate about a pin structure, not
represented further, is attached to the stirrup handle 54. The
elastic elements 70 take the form of an elastic strap 70. The
elastic strap 70 is on the one hand attached to the bearing unit 52
and on the other is molded onto the reel 62.
[0051] Integrally formed on to the elastic strap 70, in what is in
FIG. 9 the left-hand end area thereof, is a T-shaped anchoring unit
72, by means of which the elastic strap 70 can be anchored in a
corresponding recess on the bearing unit 52. The end area 74 of the
elastic strap 70 situated opposite the anchoring unit 72 is formed
or molded onto the reel 62. At the same time the geometry of the
attachment is designed so that when the stirrup handle 54 is turned
from the resting position (FIG. 7) into the position of use (FIG.
8) areas of the elastic strap 70 are peripherally wound onto the
external contour of the reel 62.
[0052] A return force thereby builds up inside the elastic elements
60, which when the stirrup handle 54 is released in the position of
use according to FIG. 8 causes it to be automatically folded back
into the resting position according to FIG. 7.
[0053] The elastic strap 70 is preferably fitted so that it is
already biased towards the resting position in FIG. 7.
[0054] FIG. 9 shows the deformation of the elastic elements due to
rotation of the stirrup handle 54 and the reel 62 about D1,
represented by a dot-and-dash line. FIG. 9 furthermore shows
projection units 76 which at the end are formed onto the reel 62
and which ensure a positively interlocking connection between the
reel 62 and the stirrup handle 54.
[0055] According to FIG. 9 a splined unit 78 is formed onto the
outside of the reel 62, said unit permitting an extensive
attachment of what in FIG. 9 is the right-hand area 74 of the
elastic strap 70 and at the same time ensuring that the elastic
strap 70 rests tangentially on the external contour of the reel 62
in the resting position. This allows an attachment of the elastic
strap 70 to the reel 62 which is economic to manufacture, whilst at
the same time ensuring a consistently reliable functioning.
[0056] Silicone is preferably used as material for the elastic
strap 20, 60. However, any other elastomer may also be used.
[0057] The exemplary embodiments represented show roof handles.
However, the present invention is not limited to use in roof
handles. The use of elastic elements of the type described can be
used in any kinematic components for vehicle interiors, such as
ashtrays, cup-holders or movable coat hooks etc.
[0058] The elastic elements shown represent only exemplary
embodiments. Strap, cable or cord-like elastic elements of widely
varying geometry may be used.
* * * * *