Abstract:
The invention relates to a device ( 10 ) for actuating the closure of a movable part ( 12 ) of a motor vehicle, in particular a door, or hatchback, or similar, comprising a support ( 11 ) that can be fixed to the inner face of the movable part ( 12 ), a bearing unit ( 20 ) that can be pivoted about a first axis ( 13 ) provided on the support ( 11 ) and a handle element ( 40 ) with a first ( 41 ) and a second end ( 42 ), said first and second end ( 41, 42 ) being located on the bearing unit ( 20 ). According to the invention, the bearing unit ( 20 ) is equipped with a retaining element ( 24 ) which lies at a distance from the first axis ( 13 ) and on which the first end ( 41 ) is situated. Said first end ( 41 ) at least partially surrounds the retaining element ( 24 ).

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to a device for operating a lock on a movable part of a motor vehicle, in particular a door or a tailgate or the like, having a carrier which can be attached to the inside of the movable part, a bearing unit which is pivotable about a first axis provided on the carrier and a grip element, which has a first and a second grip end, such that the first and second grip ends are arranged on the bearing unit. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    DE 102 17 488 B4 discloses a device having a carrier which can be mounted from the inside of the door of the motor vehicle in the area of the exterior door panel. The carrier has a bearing pin for a bearing receptacle, which is situated in a bearing unit. Furthermore, a grip is provided, which can be connected at its first and second grip ends to the bearing unit, which is pivotable about an axis. The bearing unit is designed as a lever extending over the entire length of the grip. The process of installing the grip on the lever is accomplished by a resetting movement with two movement phases. First, the grip is moved perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lever in an insertion phase. Then in a displacement phase, the grip is moved parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lever. The first grip end of the grip here consists of a protruding journal that engages in a mating coupling part of the lever designed as a journal hole. The movement phases described here have proven to be complicated in assembly, which is a disadvantage. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0003]    The disclosure provides a device of the type defined above, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided, in particular to create a device with which the complexity of assembly of the grip element can be minimized. 
         [0004]    To do so, it is provided according to the present invention that the bearing unit is configured with a holding element at a distance from the first axis, such that the first grip end is arranged on this holding element, and the first grip end at least partially surrounds the holding element. 
         [0005]    In contrast to the prior art cited above, the configuration of the bearing unit is simplified. At the same time, the complexity of assembly is reduced because only the first grip end need be guided to the holding element without any complex movement phases such as those required in the prior art, whereby the first grip end surrounds the holding element in an area of its cross section in such a way that reliable positioning of the grip element on the movable part is ensured. 
         [0006]    In the assembly of the grip element on the bearing unit, the first grip end is advantageously pivotable on the holding element. This facilitates the assembly process of the grip element. After the first grip element has been arranged on the holding element, in particular being in contact with it, the final position of the grip element can be achieved manually by a pivoting movement about the holding element. Then the second grip end, for example, may be attached to the bearing unit in a form-fitting and/or friction-locked or bonded manner. 
         [0007]    It is especially advantageous that in an assembly of the grip element, the first grip end is guided to the holding element and then the second grip end is moved toward the bearing unit by a pivoting movement of the grip element around the holding element, the second grip end being attachable to the bearing unit. The holding element advantageously runs parallel to the first axis, about which the bearing unit can be pivoted. The bearing unit is embodied here as a type of “lever” which moves on the inside of the door as an element “accompanying” the grip. To minimize assembly costs, the carrier can be prefabricated with the bearing unit as a modular unit and attached to the inside of the moving part. The bearing unit is advantageously mounted on the carrier without any tolerance. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding element forms a one-piece component with the bearing unit. This component may be, for example, an injection molded part made of metal, in particular aluminum. As an alternative, a plastic material may also be used, of course. 
         [0009]    In a special embodiment of the inventive device, the holding element has at least one positioning means, so that an improved horizontal positioning of the first grip end can be achieved. In this way, it is additionally possible to preclude an unwanted tilting mobility of the grip element. The positioning element causes the first grip end, in particular the grip element, to be reliably held in the horizontal position in each of its possible positions. Thus unwanted friction in the operation of the grip element can be effectively prevented. While the user is operating the grip element, according to the invention the grip element together with the bearing unit is pivoted about the first axis, such that the first and second grip ends are arranged fixedly and immovably on the bearing unit and are pivoted together with the bearing unit about the first axis. In addition, the positioning means serve to allow the first grip end to be attached to the holding element in the correct position. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the positioning means may be formed by a groove provided on the holding element. The first grip end is accommodated by the groove so that the grip end is in contact with the walls of the groove and thus a reliable horizontal bearing of the first grip end is ensured. 
         [0010]    It is particularly advantageous that there is a loose fit between the grip end and the holding element. In a special embodiment of the inventive device, there is a zero fit between the first grip end and the holding element. Since the bearing unit with the grip element can simultaneously move about the first axis during the operation of the grip element, there cannot be any friction between the first grip end and the holding element or the second grip end and the bearing unit. There is preferably a tolerance-free clamping of the first grip end on the holding element in x, y and z direction. In this way unwanted friction spots on the inventive device can be prevented. 
         [0011]    The first axis is advantageously formed by a pin on which the bearing unit is pivotably mounted. The one end of the bearing unit preferably forms a closed bearing on the first axis. The pin here may extend through bearing bores in the bearing unit such that the pin, which may be cylindrical in configuration, is attached at its free ends to the carrier. 
         [0012]    One measure for improving the invention may provide for the first grip end to be configured as an elongated hole that is open at one end, such that the first grip end surrounds the holding element in at least some areas. The installation complexity of the arrangement of the first grip end on the holding element is thereby greatly simplified. In addition, tolerances which may occur in injection molding of the relevant components such as the grip element, bearing unit, etc., or which may occur with temperature fluctuations can be effectively compensated over the aforementioned longitudinal hole on the first grip end. In one possible embodiment of the invention, in one of the last assembly steps, the grip element is guided from the outside through openings in the movable part on the bearing unit, such that a reliable fixation of the first and second grip ends on the bearing unit occurs. This assembly is preferably performed at defined temperatures. Then under normal conditions under which high temperature fluctuations may also occur, there may also be expansion of the grip element, for example. Since the first and second grip ends are each fixedly arranged on the bearing unit, no changes in position can occur in these locations due to temperature fluctuations, thereby ensuring reliable functioning of the device, in particular a reliable movement of the grip element in manual operation. 
         [0013]    In addition, it is possible to provide for the area of the first grip end which is open at one end to be aligned toward the first axis. In this exemplary embodiment, the elongated hole in the first grip end is held against the holding element of the bearing unit such that no additional fastening means are needed for the grip element in the area of the first grip end in an advantageous manner. 
         [0014]    In another alternative, the area of the first grip end which is open at one end is aligned toward the interior of the motor vehicle. In this case, it may be reasonable to additionally attach the grip element to the holding element in the area of the first grip end in a form-fitting and/or friction-locked and/or physically bonded manner. In the assembly procedure, for example, the first grip end may be attached to the holding element via additional catch elements. 
         [0015]    It is especially advantageous that an outgoing unit leading to the lock is provided on the bearing unit and/or on the grip element. In the operation of the grip element, the lock of the movable part of the vehicle is operated via the outgoing unit, in particular being opened when an unlocked position is provided in the lock. The lock cylinder of the inventive device may also be connected to an additional outgoing unit which acts on the lock in operation of the lock cylinder, thereby locking or unlocking the lock. The outgoing unit may be implemented via a Bowden cable, for example. 
         [0016]    As an alternative, a coupling element rotatably mounted on a second axis of rotation may be provided, an outgoing unit leading to the lock acting on this coupling element and the coupling element being in operative connection with the bearing unit. In an operation of the grip element, the bearing unit is at the same time pivoted about the first axis, whereby the bearing unit moves the coupling element so that the outgoing unit is also moved via the coupling element. The bearing unit is preferably pivotable together with the grip element out of a first position into a second position and vice-versa. The first position here is the resting position. In the second position of the grip element, an operation of the lock to open the movable part is triggered, whereby the grip element has previously been moved by a defined angle range out of the movable part around the first axis of rotation. In its first position, the bearing unit preferably contacts a first stop element. In the second position, the bearing unit may contact a second stop element in the second position.&#39; Said stop elements may be integrated into the stationary carrier, for example.  1  Translator&#39;s Note: Redundant phrase “in the second position” in this short sentence. 
         [0017]    In a special embodiment, a spring element which is in operative connection with the coupling element and the bearing unit is provided, such that in the second position of the bearing unit, the spring element exerts a restoring force such that the bearing unit is automatically movable into its first position. The coupling element may preferably be configured with a receptacle in which the outgoing unit is held. The outgoing unit may be attached at its one end to said receptacle in a form-fitting and/or friction-locked and/or bonded manner. 
         [0018]    In order for operation of the lock and an opening of the movable part, in particular the vehicle door, not to occur in a side impact, at least one mass equalizing weight is integrated into the inventive device. An especially compact configuration is achieved by integrating the mass equalizing weight into the coupling element. 
         [0019]    In addition it is possible to provide for the inventive device to be monitored by an electric controller. For technical safety reasons, it may be advantageous if, in addition to detecting the position of the bearing unit, the positions of the grip element or the coupling element are also detected. This may be accomplished by means of sensors, for example, in particular magnetic field sensors which detect the magnetic field of a permanent magnet attached to the coupling element, to the bearing unit or to the grip element. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    Additional advantages, features and details of the present invention are derived from the following description in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention either individually or in any combination. In the drawings: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  shows a simplified diagram of an inventive device for operation of a lock on a motor vehicle door in a first position, 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  shows the inventive device according to  FIG. 2  in a second position, 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  shows a simplified sectional view according to the sectional line III-III from  FIG. 1 , 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  shows a simplified sectional view according to the sectional line IV-IV from  FIG. 2 , 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment of the invention in an enlarged diagram in the area of the first axis of rotation and 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  shows another alternative embodiment of the invention in an enlarged diagram in the area of the first grip end. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]      FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4  show an inventive device  10  for operation of a lock on a motor vehicle door  12 . The device  10  has a stationary carrier  11  which is attached to the inside of the movable door  12 . A first axis  13  is provided on the left area of the carrier  11 , a bearing unit  20  being pivotably arranged thereon. The bearing unit  20  is embodied as a type of lever. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the grip element  40  has a first and a second grip end  41 ,  42  such that the second grip end  42  is attached to the free end  23  of the bearing unit  20 . 
         [0028]    The bearing unit  20  is embodied with a holding element  24  at a distance from the first axis  13 , the first grip end  41  being arranged thereon, such that the first grip end  41  at least partially surrounds the holding element  24 . In the present embodiment of the invention, the first grip end  41  is configured as an open elongated hole at one end, wherein the first grip end  41  with its elongated hole surrounds the first axis  13  at least in some areas. The first axis  13  has a pin  13   a  which is arranged on the left area of the carrier  11 . The bearing unit  20  is mounted to pivot about the pin  13   a  wherein the pin  13   a  extends through bores (not shown) in the bearing unit  20 . 
         [0029]    In the present exemplary embodiment, there is a loose fit with some play between the first grip end  41  and the holding element  24 . If the user operates the grip element  40 , as indicated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , then the bearing unit  20  is pivoted about the first axis  13  via the second grip end  42 . Since the bearing unit  20  and the grip element  40  are moving in parallel, there is no relative movement between the two said components  20 ,  40 , therefore there cannot be any friction between the two components  20 ,  40 . 
         [0030]    It is particularly advantageous that in the assembly of the grip element  40  on the bearing unit  20 , the first grip end  41  is pivotable on the holding element  24 . In the process of assembly of the grip element  40 , the first grip end  41  is guided on the holding element  24 , and then the second grip end  42  is moved by a pivoting movement of the grip element  40  about the holding element  24  toward the bearing unit  20  to which the second grip end  42  is then attached. This may be a form-fitting and/or friction-locked and/or bonded connection, for example. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the second grip end  42  is connected to the bearing unit  20  by a screw connection  25 , although it is not shown explicitly here. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 , the holding element  24  runs parallel to the first axis  13 . The holding element  24  with the bearing unit  20  forms a one-piece component here. The holding element  24 , which is provided as a type of connecting strut within the construction of the bearing unit  20 , forms a one-piece component together with the bearing unit  20 . In addition, the holding element  24  serves as a reinforcement in the bearing unit  20 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  show clearly that the area of the first grip end  41  which is open at one end is aligned toward the first axis  13 . This means that the elongated hole in the first grip end  41  is facing the first axis  13 . 
         [0032]    In another alternative of the invention, the area of the first grip end  41  that is open at one end may be directed toward the interior of the motor vehicle, which is shown in the schematic diagram in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment according to  FIG. 6 , a screw connection  25  is additionally provided, reliably securing the first grip end  41  on the holding element  24 . In contrast to this, no additional fastening element is required according to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4  to secure the first grip end  41  on the holding element  24 . 
         [0033]    In addition,  FIGS. 1 to 4  show an outgoing unit  14  leading to the lock. In the present exemplary embodiment, the outgoing unit  14  is provided on a coupling element  30  which is rotatably mounted on another axis of rotation  15  such that the coupling element  30  is operatively connected to the bearing unit  20 . In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the outgoing unit  14  leading to the lock may be provided on the bearing unit  20  or on the grip element  40  or even on the stationary carrier  11 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the bearing unit  20  has an end face  21  which faces the grip element  40 . Furthermore, the coupling element  30 , which can be pivoted about the second axis of rotation  15 , is configured with a contact area  31  on which the end face  21  acts during the movement of the bearing unit  20 . 
         [0034]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the bearing unit  20  together with the grip element  40  is pivotable out of a first position (see  FIG. 3 ) into a second position (see  FIG. 4 ) and vice-versa. The first position here is the resting position. During the movement from the first position into the second position, the outgoing unit  14  is operated, so that if a lock on a vehicle, which is not shown explicitly here, is already in the unlocking position, the vehicle door  12  can be opened in this way. In the present exemplary embodiment, the outgoing unit  14  is a Bowden cable which extends to the lock. The outgoing unit  14  is held on a receptacle  33  which forms a common component of the same material as the coupling element  30  and is pivotable about the second axis of rotation  15 . The roll-type receptacle  33  is embodied as a groove  33   a , in which the outgoing unit  14 , in particular the Bowden cable, is guided and held. In operation of the grip element  40 , the bearing unit  20  is pivoted about the first axis of rotation  13 . At the same time the end face  21  presses on the contact area  31  of the coupling element  30  so that the coupling element  30  rotates about the second axis of rotation  15 . During the movement of the bearing unit  20 , the contact area  31  of the coupling element  30  rolls on the end face  21 . In the first position of the bearing unit  20  according to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the contact area  31  which is in contact with the end face  21  of the bearing unit  20  is at a defined distance from the second axis of rotation  15 . While the coupling element  30  is rotating about the second axis of rotation  15 , the receptacle  33  also rotates in the same direction of rotation, such that the Bowden cable  14  is wound onto the receptacle  33  by a certain amount. This results in a tensile force on the outgoing unit  14  which acts directly on the lock. 
         [0035]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the carrier  11  is connected to the pivotable bearing unit  20  on the inside  12  of the door. The grip element  40  is only subsequently attached to the lever  20  and to the first axis  13  namely from the outside of the door  12 . As can be seen well in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 , the carrier  11  has a first and a second stop element  16   a ,  16   b . The bearing unit  20  is in contact with the first stop element  16   a  on the right in its first position. 
         [0036]    In addition, the inventive device has a spring element  32  which is operatively connected to the coupling element  30  and the bearing unit  20 . In the second position of the bearing unit  20 , the spring element  32  exerts such a restoring force that the bearing unit  20  automatically moves into its first position according to  FIG. 1 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the coupling element  30  has a journal  35  onto which the spring element  32  is attached (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0037]    The coupling element  30  is also designed with two mass equalizing weights  34  which are also moved out of the first position into the second position about the second axis of rotation  15  during the movement of the bearing unit  20 . These mass equalizing weights  34  serve to prevent the bearing unit  20  from being unintentionally forced into its second position due to the resulting centrifugal forces in a side impact, for example, which would trigger an unwanted opening of the door  12 . In this case the mass equalizing weights  34  counteract the centrifugal forces in effect, so that movement of the bearing unit  20  about the first axis of rotation  13  in the direction of the second position is prevented. 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  shows another exemplary embodiment of the invention where the holding element  24  has at least one positioning means  22  so that a horizontal support of the first grip end  41  can be achieved. The positioning means  22  are formed by a groove  24   a  provided on the holding element  24 . The groove  24   a  accommodates the first grip end  41  reliably. The remaining arrangement of the inventive device corresponds essentially to the exemplary embodiment according to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 . Whereas the grip element  40  is operated by the user, the bearing unit  20  is pivoted about the axis of rotation  13  so that the groove  24   a  holds the first grip end  41  in its horizontal position. 
         [0039]    The carrier  11  is also designed with a passage  36  in which a closing cylinder (not shown) is inserted into the carrier  11  and secured there. The closing cylinder may also have an outlet which acts on the lock in operation of the lock cylinder, thereby locking or unlocking it.