Abstract:
A device for retaining a functional part, for example, a roof handle, in a vehicle is provided that includes a retaining element to which the functional part can be indirectly or directly fixed. The retaining element has at least one retaining element-side hinge region around which a retaining element portion can be folded and/or pivoted relative to a further retaining element portion when a pressure force acts substantially toward the retaining element. The at least one hinge region, as viewed in cross-section, can be formed by a retaining element profile section projecting from the retaining element plane, which section, when a pressure force acts on the retaining element folds open or closed about a folding axis and/or a pivot axis formed on the profile section side.

Description:
[0001]    This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2010/007474, which was filed on Dec. 9, 2010, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. DE 10 2009 057 833.1, which was filed in Germany on Dec. 10, 2009, and which are both herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a device for retaining a functional part, for example, a roof grab handle, in a vehicle. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Background Art 
         [0005]    This type of device for retaining, for example, a roof grab handle as a functional part is generally known. For example, German Offenlegungsschrift DE 103 58 118 A1 discloses a multipart holding component for a roof grab handle, which is attached to a vehicle body and has an approximately L-shaped basic form. One of the L-legs in this case extends approximately horizontal in the mounted basic state. The roof grab handle is mounted on this L-leg. With the application of a pressure force acting towards the roof handle or the holding component, as is the case, for example, in a head impact of a vehicle passenger, the L-leg bearing the roof handle is displaced upward, whereby this L-leg pivots upward around a pivot axis formed in the transitional area between a horizontal L-leg and a vertical L-leg. 
         [0006]    German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2005 033 080 A1 discloses further a structure of a retaining part for a roof handle, which is formed as a single piece and has two tension plates and a pressure plate. The two tension plates are arranged spaced apart at the retaining part, whereby the pressure plate is arranged between the two tension plates. The two tension plates in the mounted state are slipped or inserted in wall recesses on the vehicle body side, so that these engage behind the respective associated wall recess edge region. In such an inserted state of the retaining part, the pressure plate is in an abutment joint from outside on the vehicle body. The tension plates and the pressure plates are dimensioned here so that the pressure plate in the mounted state under pretension abuts the vehicle interior wall. For the final fixation, further fixing screws are provided by means of which the retaining part is screwed in addition to the vehicle body. In the case of a tensile force load, which is applied, for example, via the roof grab handle to the body, the retaining part can be supported via the tension plates on the vehicle body. When a pressure force is applied in the opposite direction, the retaining part, in contrast, is displaced toward the vehicle interior wall, whereby here then the pressure plate deforms with energy absorption. 
         [0007]    German Utility Model No. DE 295 17 468 U1 also discloses a handle arrangement, in which a roof handle is formed movable against the action of an elastic spring. The spring device, in contrast, is stopped when a tensile load acts on the handle. 
         [0008]    German Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2005 053 647 A1 discloses a fixing device for a coat hook as a functional part in the interior of a vehicle, in which between a base plate of the coat hook and the vehicle body an intermediate part is provided, which has deformable or collapsible ribs, which upon application of a pressure force deform or collapse toward the coat hook as the functional part and thereby enable a displacement of the functional part. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for retaining a functional part, in particular a roof grab handle, in a vehicle, which is formed in a simple way in terms of production and manufacturing technology and/or which has a deformation behavior, variably suitable for the most diverse applications and defined upon application of a pressure force. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, a device for retaining a functional part, in particular a roof grab handle, in a vehicle is provided, the device has a retaining element to which the functional part can be fixed directly or indirectly, whereby the retaining element on the retaining element side has at least one hinge region, around which a retaining element portion, when a pressure force is applied acting substantially toward the retaining element, can be folded and/or pivoted relative to another retaining element portion, particularly one to which pressure is not applied or is less applied. According to an embodiment of the invention, the at least one hinge region, as viewed in cross section, is formed by a retaining element profile section, which projects from the retaining element plane and which when a pressure force is applied to the retaining element folds open or closed around a folding and/or pivot axis formed on the profile section side. This type of retaining element profile section, projecting from the retaining element plane, outward curving, or formed or folded out of the retaining element plane, enables a defined hinge formation which, depending on the specific installation situations, can be provided at the most diverse retaining element positions. In contrast to conventional retaining elements, which can be bent only around angled retaining element regions, the structural degree of freedom therefore increases considerably with the solution according to the invention. By means of the retaining element profile section projecting or protruding from the retaining element plane, on the one hand, an especially simple and defined, as well as functionally reliable, pivoting of a retaining element portion relative to another retaining element portion can thus be achieved, whereby simultaneously the retaining element profile section, as will be described in greater detail below, can also be designed in a simple manner so that when a tensile force is applied opposite to the pressure force it does not fold open or closed. 
         [0011]    According to an embodiment, the retaining element profile section, as viewed in cross section, can be formed U- or V-shaped, whereby the profile section leg regions, protruding from the retaining element, either abut one another in an abutment joint or are separated from one another at least in areas by a profile section gap. This type of leg abutment joint can be provided especially for cases in which the retaining element profile section is to fold open upon application of a pressure force. For those cases in which the retaining element profile section is to fold closed, in contrast, a suitable profile section gap is then to be provided which defines a folding or pivoting path. A profile section gap can, of course, also be provided in those embodiments in which the retaining element profile section is to fold open upon application of a pressure force. The leg regions of the profile section in this case, depending on the design, can be made of the same or different length. Alternatively or in addition to this, the profile section leg regions, for example, can project perpendicular or substantially perpendicular from the retaining element plane or also, however, can be inclined at an angle to the retaining element plane. The respective specific embodiment arises through the respective specific installation situation. This type of retaining element profile section, formed U- or V-shaped in cross section, can be produced in a simple manner in terms of production and manufacturing technology, for example, in the case of a sheet metal construction by simple folding, bending, or deep drawing of the appropriate sheet metal region. In the case of a plastic construction, for example, such a retaining element profile section can also be produced simply, for example, by injection molding. In an embodiment, the folding and/or pivot axis can be formed in the area of the U- or V-base. In this case, no additional measures, such as, for example, defined material weakening or the like, are then necessary to form in the retaining element profile section a defined folding and/or pivot axis, which, however, can be basically provided if necessary. 
         [0012]    According to an embodiment, the at least one retaining element profile section in the basic mounted state can protrude substantially upward, in the vehicle vertical axis direction. In this respect, the retaining element portion, connected directly or indirectly to the functional part, upon application of a pressure force is displaceable upward into a free space on the vehicle body side with the folding open or swinging open of the retaining element profile section. It can be provided alternatively, particularly in conjunction with an approximately horizontally extending retaining element in the mounted state, that the at least one retaining element profile section, with a U- or V-shaped cross section, protrudes downward in the vehicle vertical axis direction, whereby a profile section gap defining a pivoting or folding path is formed between the profile section leg regions. As a result, the retaining element portion, directly or indirectly connected to the functional part, upon application of a pressure force, with the folding closed of the retaining element profile section can be displaced upward into a free space on the vehicle side. The two previously described embodiments, depending on the individual conditions, can be used and enable an especially functionally reliable swinging open or folding closed of the retaining element profile section upon application of a pressure force with simultaneous energy absorption. 
         [0013]    According to another embodiment, it is provided that, as viewed in cross section, a support element, bracing the transitional region upon the application of a tensile or pressure force, is arranged and/or configured in at least one transitional region, on the outside of the profile section, between the retaining element profile section and the retaining element region adjacent thereto and/or between retaining element sections, extending at an angle to one another. The support element can be configured, for example, as an embossing or a bead-like design. With a support element of this type, it can be assured in a simple manner that upon application of a pressure force folding occurs around the retaining element profile section and not optionally in addition or alternatively in possible other bending or radial or transitional regions between retaining element sections arranged at an angle to one another. In this regard, it has proven especially advantageous that, as viewed in the profile section longitudinal extension direction, a majority of spaced apart support elements can be arranged and/or configured in the predefined transitional regions. In the case of the retaining element profile section, it has proven especially advantageous to arrange the support elements on both sides of the profile section, optionally offset to one another in the profile section longitudinal extension direction. 
         [0014]    According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is provided that the retaining element can be made of the same material and as a single piece, for example, from a sheet metal material. This type of single-piece retaining element structure is especially simple and inexpensive in terms of manufacturing and production technology. 
         [0015]    Furthermore, it is especially advantageous, particularly in conjunction with a retaining element profile section that folds open, when in the profile section gap at least one leg-side stop element, preferably formed like a strip or nib or extension and/or particularly by a local embossment, is arranged or configured, which upon application of a defined tensile force, substantially directed away from the retaining element, in an abutment joint abuts the other profile section leg or a leg-side counterstop element, arranged or configured there, and which releases the folding open or swinging open of the retaining element profile section upon the application of a pressure force. Such stop elements upon application of a tensile force therefore enable an advantageous blocking of the hinge region, formed by the retaining element profile section, and assure that the retaining element profile section folds open only upon application of a defined pressure force. The retaining element profile section thereby during application of a tensile force does not represent a material weakness, which has a negative effect on the flexibility of the retaining element during application of a tensile force. 
         [0016]    The retaining element in this regard, as viewed in cross section, may have a first retaining element section, which extends approximately horizontally in the mounted state and to which, as viewed in cross section, a lateral retaining element section, protruding at an angle therefrom, attaches to at least one side for fixing the functional part to the retaining element and/or for fixing the retaining element to the vehicle body. Overall, a Z-shaped retaining element structure especially is advantageous, whereby it is preferably provided further that at least one retaining element profile section can be arranged in the first retaining element section. This type of structure enables a fixing to a lateral vehicle body, for example, in the roof edge region or to a side wall region or a fastening of a roof grab handle, for example, as a functional element in conjunction with a horizontal retaining element section, having at least one retaining element profile section, as a result of which a structure is provided in which the retaining element part, acted upon by a pressure force, can pivot in a defined and especially functionally reliable manner into the free space on the vehicle side. Especially in conjunction with a retaining element design of this type, in which single or a plurality of retaining element sections protrude at an angle, the previously described embodiment of the transitional regions with support elements, which brace the transitional regions during application of a tensile and/or pressure force, is of particular advantage. 
         [0017]    According to an embodiment of the present inventive concept, it is provided that the retaining element is configured as having many parts with a partition plane in the area of the retaining element profile section, so that a first profile section portion, particularly a first profile section leg region, of a first retaining element part is fixedly connectable to a second profile section portion, particularly to a second profile section leg region, of a second retaining element. The connection can be made, for example, by bonding, for example, by a weld connection. This type of multipart retaining element structure is in fact more expensive to produce than a retaining element made as a single piece, but it enables greater structural degrees of freedom, especially in conjunction with the very closely adjacent or integral design of profile section support regions, which act during application of a pressure force, on the one hand, and the profile section folding regions, which act during application of a pressure force, on the other, as will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0018]    For example, the at least one retaining element profile section, as viewed in the profile section longitudinal extension direction, can be formed at least in areas so that upon application of a defined tensile force, substantially directed away from the retaining element, a first profile section region in a profile section support region is supported by a second profile section region. As a result, for example, in conjunction with a U- or V-shaped profile section design with a profile section gap between the profile section leg regions, in an advantageous dual function a profile section region can be configured that folds closed to a desired degree upon application of a pressure force and is supporting upon application of a tensile force action. 
         [0019]    According to an embodiment, it is provided that the functional part is connected directly or indirectly to the first retaining element part, whereby the first retaining element part further has the first profile section region, which is supported by a part of the second profile section region forming the second retaining element region. The first retaining element part in this case can have at least in the support region a smaller wall or material thickness than the second retaining element part. Alternatively or in addition to this, the second retaining element part can be fixed directly or indirectly to the vehicle body, for example, attached by means of a weld screw or the like. Because the second retaining element part has a greater wall or material thickness at least in the support region than the first retaining element part, a functionally reliable support in the profile section support region is possible. Because of the smaller wall or material thickness of the first retaining element part, however, at the same time the folding and thereby the energy absorption are also favorably affected. Further, the greater wall or material thickness of the second retaining element part also results in an especially stable connection to the vehicle body. 
         [0020]    According to another embodiment, it is provided to this end that the retaining element, as viewed in the profile section longitudinal extension direction, has at least one section in which a profile section support region is formed, whereby it is preferably provided that the retaining element has an approximately central material recess to which, as viewed in the profile section longitudinal extension direction, on both sides a retaining element profile section with at least one retaining element support region, extending over at least one portion, is attached. This type of structure with a material recess is relatively cost-effective and inexpensive in its production. In addition, as a result on both sides of the material recess, as viewed in the profile section longitudinal extension direction, preferred spaced apart profile section regions configured mirror symmetric are formed, which upon application of a pressure force form an especially favorable hinge and joint function for a functionally reliable folding open or closed. 
         [0021]    In conjunction with the multipart structure of the retaining element, it has proven especially favorable and advantageous in terms of functional technology that the retaining element profile section in the area outside the profile section support region is formed by a U-shaped or V-shaped bent tab, which is configured at the first retaining element part and is connected to an angled, edge-side leg of the second retaining element part. This connection occurs particularly by means of a flat abutment joint and by bonding, for example, by welding. Such tabs have the particular advantage that they can be bent in the profile section support region upward and can engage behind or under with an edge region of the leg, so that different profile section support regions or folding regions can be formed with relatively simple measures. 
         [0022]    For additional support, it can be provided further that a support plate is connected, particularly welded, to the retaining element profile section, said plate which extends in the mounted state in the vehicle vertical axis direction or downward inclined against the vehicle vertical axis direction, preferably into a free space between a head airbag and a roof liner. To this end, the support plate preferably has at least one leg, which is connected in the profile section support region, for example, is connected by bonding in a flat abutment joint. An additional bracing of the profile section support region can be achieved with such a support plate. 
         [0023]    Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  shows schematically a cross section through an embodiment of a device for retaining a roof grab handle here as a functional part; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  shows a structure according to  FIG. 1  upon application of a pressure force; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  shows schematically a perspective plan view of a retaining element of an embodiment of a device for retaining, for example, a roof grab handle as a functional part; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a view, rotated about 180°, of the retaining element according to  FIG. 3  with an optional support plate; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5   a  shows schematically a longitudinal section along the line A-A of  FIG. 3  in the mounted state of the retaining element; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5   b  shows a view according to  FIG. 5   a  upon application of a pressure force; 
           [0031]      FIG. 6   a  shows schematically a longitudinal section along the line B-B of  FIG. 3  in the mounted state of the retaining element; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 6   b  shows a view according to  FIG. 6   a  upon application of a pressure force. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    A cross section through an embodiment of a device  1  of the invention for retaining a roof grab handle  2  in a vehicle is shown schematically in  FIG. 1 . Device  1  has a plate-shaped retaining element  3 , which has a first retaining element section  4  approximately horizontal in the mounted state, at each end side of which an angled retaining element section as a second retaining element section  5  and third retaining element section  6  is attached, so that retaining element  3  is formed approximately Z-shaped. 
         [0034]    Second retaining element section  5  in this regard is attached, for example, by means of fastening screws or weld screws to a side part  7  of the vehicle body, which is otherwise not shown here. Third retaining element section  6 , which is angled downward here, in other words, in the negative vehicle vertical axis direction Z, is substantially parallel here or in an abutment joint to a headliner  8 . Further, roof grab handle  2 , which is shown here only very schematically, is attached to this third retaining element section. The vehicle transverse axis direction is defined here by Y. 
         [0035]    As can be derived further from  FIG. 1 , in the two transitional regions  9 ,  10  on the outside of the profile section, and in the transitional regions  11 ,  12  between retaining element sections  4 ,  5 , and  6 , which are angled to one another, a support element  13 , formed, for example, by a bead as a local embossment, is provided whose function will be discussed in greater detail below. 
         [0036]    Further, a retaining element profile section  14  is configured, projecting upward from the retaining element plane in the vehicle vertical axis direction in the first retaining element section; the profile section in the cross section regarded here is configured substantially U-shaped, whereby the two profile section leg regions  15 ,  16  are separated from one another by a profile section gap  17 . In this profile section gap  17  at each leg, stop elements  18 ,  19  are constructed which, for example, are configured by a local embossment and which in the mounted basic position shown here are adjacent to one another. 
         [0037]    Stop elements  18 ,  19  and/or support elements  13  extend here in the longitudinal extension direction of profile section  14  or of retaining element  3  to a predefined extent, said longitudinal direction directed into the plane of the figure, whereby it is preferably provided that in this longitudinal extension direction a plurality of stop elements  18 ,  19  or support elements  13  are provided having a defined distance from one another. Of course, it is also possible to form stop elements  18 ,  19  and/or support elements  13  as continuous in the longitudinal extension direction, in other words, without interruptions. 
         [0038]    In the application of the tensile force, shown in  FIG. 1  by the force arrow F z  and applied, for example, via roof grab handle  2 , support elements  13  bring about a bracing of transitional regions  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  and stop elements  18 ,  19  go solid in gap  17  of profile section  14 , so that an overall firmer retaining element structure is provided, which can absorb relatively high tensile forces. 
         [0039]    In a pressure force application F D , acting substantially toward roof grab handle  2 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , support elements  13  also cause a bracing of transitional regions  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12 , whereby, however, profile section  14  then forms a hinge here, which in the area of the U-base provides a folding axis  20 , around which a retaining element portion  21 , bearing roof grab handle  2 , is folded or pivoted relative to a retaining element portion  22 . Retaining element portion  21  pivots thereby upward with absorption of energy into a free space  23  on the vehicle body side. 
         [0040]    It is to be understood that profile section  14  is shown here only by way of example and schematically. Of course, profile section  14 , for example, based on the figure plane of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , can also be arranged further left or leg regions  15 ,  16  can be configured different in length or inclined. The presently shown schematic embodiment serves only for the exemplary explanation of the present inventive concept. 
         [0041]    In  FIG. 2 , further, to clarify the displacement of retaining element portion  21 , the basic position of retaining element portion  21 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , is drawn in with dashed lines. Further, the headliner is not shown here for the sake of clarity. 
         [0042]    In  FIGS. 3 to 6 , now a second alternative embodiment of device  1  of the invention for retaining a roof grab handle  2  is shown by way of example. In this regard,  FIGS. 3 and 4  show different perspective plan views of a retaining element  24 , which, in contrast to retaining element  3  of the embodiment according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is not configured as a single piece but of many parts, namely, in particular with a partition plane in the area of a retaining element profile section  25 , especially evident from  FIGS. 5 and 6 . As is evident from the overview of  FIGS. 3 to 6 , retaining element  24  has a first retaining element part  26 , which preferably has a smaller material thickness or wall thickness than second retaining element part  27  connected thereby, for example, by welding. 
         [0043]    This second retaining element part  27  is, for example, attached by means of a weld screw  28  to a side part  7  of the vehicle body and here has an edge-side leg  29 , angled substantially downward into the figure plane of  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in the negative vehicle vertical axis direction Z. 
         [0044]    As is particularly evident from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , retaining element  24  in a middle area has a material recess  30 , which merges from first retaining element part  26  to second retaining element part  27  or vice versa, so that in the connection area of the two retaining element parts  26 ,  27  an approximately fork-like structure results; i.e., second retaining element  27  has, for example, two legs  29  on both sides of material recess  30 , which are connected to first retaining element part  26  in a manner described in greater detail below. 
         [0045]    As  FIG. 6   a , which shows a section along the line B-B of  FIG. 3 , clarifies, first retaining element part  26  in the connection area to second retaining element part  27  has a U-shaped, bent tab  31 , which with an outer side of the tab lies flat in a flat abutment joint against the associated leg region of leg  29  and is connected to it, for example, by means of a weld joint. 
         [0046]    In the area of the section along line A-A of  FIG. 3 , tab  31 , as shown in  FIG. 5   a , in contrast, is bent downward and, in so doing, engages the free end of leg  29  beneath and behind, which is slightly shortened inwardly in this area, to enable a flat abutment joint in the bottom or rear engagement area of bent tab  32 , whereby here as well preferably a weld connection between leg  29  and bent tab  32  is provided. 
         [0047]    As is particularly evident from  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a profile section support region  33  with bent tab  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 5   a  and  5   b , first attaches to both sides of material recess  30  of retaining element  24 , thus in a mirror symmetrical manner, said region to which the profile section region, shown in  FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , with unbent tab  31  attaches directly. 
         [0048]    Leg  29  together with U-shaped tab  31  and bent tab  32  therefore forms a profile section  25  here, which protrudes substantially downward in the negative vehicle vertical axis direction Z from the retaining element plane and which again has an approximately V- or U-shaped cross-sectional shape, whereby leg regions  29 ,  34  of this profile section  25  again enclose a defined gap  35  between them. Here as well, the V- or U-base forms a folding axis  36 . 
         [0049]    Roof grab handle  2 , which is not shown here in detail, is connected further to first retaining element part  26 . Furthermore, here first retaining element part  26  is supported, for example, via an adapter element  37  by headliner  8 . 
         [0050]    The mode of operation of this second embodiment variant will be described in greater detail below with use of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0051]    As is evident particularly from  FIG. 5   a , upon application of a tensile force in the direction of the force arrow F z , first retaining element part  26  with bent tab  32 , engaging below and/or behind leg  29  of second retaining element part  27 , is supported on this very leg  29 , so that thereby an overall more rigid retaining element structure  24  is provided. Upon application of a pressure force in the direction of the force arrow F D , in contrast, as shown schematically in  FIGS. 5   b  and  6   b , first retaining element part  26  folds around folding axis  36  upward into a free space  38 , whereby profile element support region  33  does not impede or interfere with this folding. 
         [0052]    Optionally, as is evident particularly from  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a support plate  39  can also be connected to the retaining element structure, said plate which in the area of its connection to second retaining element part  27  is configured U-shaped with support plate legs  40  and in the mounted state extends downward into the free space between headliner  8  and a head airbag  41 . This optional support plate  39  has an energy-absorbing function during application of a pressure force. 
         [0053]    The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.