Vehicle door handle structure

Abstract

A vehicle door handle structure is provided. In the vehicle door handle structure, a door handle (30) is provided at an upper side relative to a decorative molding (14) among side doors (10), a user hooks a finger around the door handle and pulls the door handle forward when opening the side door (10) from the outside, a bag-like space (36) for inserting the finger is formed behind the door handle, and the door handle (30) is inclined forward relative to a vehicle ground surface (Ca) with an entrance (38) of the bag-like space (36) oriented upward.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-019076, filed on February 9, 2022, the entire contents of which, including the description, claims, drawings and abstract, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification discloses the structure of a vehicle door handle operated when opening a side door of a vehicle from the outside. Background Technology

[0004] Generally, an exterior door handle (hereinafter referred to as "door handle") is provided on the outer surface of the side door of a vehicle, which is operated when opening the side door from the outside. In the past, the door handle was mostly located on the sheet metal part, which is lower than the side window, that is, on the door body. However, in recent years, in order to increase the freedom of the appearance design of the door body, a solution has been proposed to place the door handle on the upper side, that is, higher than the belt molding.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for placing a door handle on the upper side of a decorative trim strip by blocking the rear end of the window frame. According to the technique, since it is not necessary to place a door handle on the door body that is lower than the decorative trim strip, the design freedom of the door body is increased.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-111869 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] In Patent Document 1, when opening the side door, fingers are inserted into a pocket-shaped space behind the door handle, and the door handle is pulled forward. In Patent Document 1, the door handle is positioned in a rear-facing posture with the entrance to this pocket-shaped space (hereinafter referred to as the "pocket entrance") facing the rear and lower side of the vehicle. In other words, in Patent Document 1, the right-side door handle is positioned such that, when viewed from the front of the user standing on the outside of the door, the pocket entrance faces downward to the left, and the left-side door handle is positioned such that, when viewed from the front of the user standing on the outside of the door, the pocket entrance faces downward to the right. In this case, there is a problem that it is difficult to operate the door handle with the "right hand," which is easier to apply force with.

[0011] To be more specific, under normal circumstances, when operating a car door handle, the user stands roughly in front of the door handle. In this position, there are two hand postures when operating the door handle: the "positive hand," which is to bend the fingers outwards when the palm is viewed from a human perspective to grasp the door handle, and the "negative hand," which is to hook the fingertips onto the door handle when the palm is viewed from a human perspective to be closer to the human perspective.

[0012] When operating the door handle of Patent Document 1 with the right hand, the right-hand door handle is used, and the left-hand door handle is used. However, to insert the fingertips of the right hand into the door handle, which is located at chest height, in a backward-facing posture, the elbow needs to be raised significantly. For example, in the case of the right-hand door, to insert the fingertips of the right hand into the pocket-shaped opening facing downward and to the left when viewed from the user's perspective, the right elbow needs to be raised significantly. However, since raising the elbow significantly is a slightly difficult posture for the user, the door handle of Patent Document 1 is less operable for the user.

[0013] Therefore, this specification discloses a vehicle door handle structure that is easier for users to operate.

[0014] Methods for solving problems

[0015] The vehicle door handle structure disclosed in this specification is characterized by having a door handle disposed in the side door, above the decorative trim strip. When opening the side door from the outside of the vehicle, the user hooks their finger onto the door handle and pulls it forward. A pocket-shaped space for inserting fingers is formed behind the door handle, and the door handle is tilted forward relative to the vehicle's ground surface with the entrance of the pocket-shaped space facing the rear-upward direction of the vehicle.

[0016] By employing the structure in question, the door handle can be gripped with the right hand even without raising the elbow, thereby improving operability when opening the door.

[0017] In this case, the following method can also be adopted, namely, it also includes: a cup-shaped panel, which is configured to overlap the door handle in the vehicle width direction at least a portion thereof, and bulges inward in the vehicle width direction through an opposing portion opposite to the door handle, thereby forming the pocket-shaped space between it and the door handle; a release switch, which is provided in the door handle at a position where the user presses it with their finger during the opening action, and is operated to output an electrical signal to instruct the electric latch actuator to release the latch of the side door, the door handle being provided with its surface being approximately parallel to the general surface of the side window, and the release switch being inclined relative to the surface of the door handle such that the operating surface of the release switch moves away from the surface of the door handle as it moves inward in the direction of insertion of the finger.

[0018] By employing the structure described herein, the operating surface of the release switch is tilted relative to the surface of the door handle, allowing the operating surface to be pressed with fingers even without inserting them deeply into the pocket-like space. Furthermore, this effectively prevents the hand from being trapped in the gap between the cup-shaped panel and the door handle when operating with the opposite hand.

[0019] Alternatively, the door handle can be configured such that its rear edge extends outward in the vehicle width direction compared to its front edge, and bends midway through its movement.

[0020] By employing the structure in question, a wider bag-shaped entrance can be secured, and hand pinching can be effectively prevented.

[0021] Alternatively, it can be configured such that the operating surface of the release switch has irregularities that increase friction.

[0022] By employing the structure in question, finger slippage can be effectively prevented, and since the user can identify the position of the release switch by touch, the latch can be released more appropriately.

[0023] Alternatively, the door handle can be positioned such that, with a portion of a hand's fingers inserted into the pocket-like space, the other fingers of that hand cannot reach the periphery of the side door.

[0024] The structure in question can prevent fingers from being accidentally caught in the car door.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] The technology disclosed in this manual can further improve the operability of the door when opening. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the side door of a vehicle viewed from the outside.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 2 BB cross-sectional view.

[0030] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates how to open a side door with the right hand.

[0031] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates how to open a side door by using the back of your hand.

[0032] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the different arm postures caused by the different orientations of the bag-shaped inlet.

[0033] Figure 7 An image illustrating the hand posture when operating the door handle of this example with the reverse hand.

[0034] Figure 8 An image illustrating the hand posture when operating the comparative example car door handle with the reverse hand. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The structure of the vehicle door handle will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the side door of the vehicle viewed from the outside. Additionally, Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A, Figure 3 for Figure 2 The BB sectional view. Additionally, in the following figures, "Up", "Fr", and "Rh" refer to the top, front, and right sides of the vehicle, respectively.

[0036] Figure 1 The side door 10 shown is a door mounted on a four-door vehicle. Although in the case of a four-door vehicle, there are two side doors arranged side-by-side on its side, Figure 1 The side door 10 is located on the side of the rear seats. However, the structure around the door handle 30 described later can also be applied to other side doors. Furthermore, the side door 10 located on the right side of the vehicle and the side door 10 located on the left side are symmetrical and have basically the same structure. Therefore, in the following description, the side door 10 located on the right side will be used as an example.

[0037] The side door 10 in this example is opened and closed by swinging at its front end around a hinge axis A1 extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The side door 10 is roughly divided into upper and lower sections by a decorative strip 14 extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The portion lower than the decorative strip 14 functions as the door body 12, which is constructed by combining metal panel materials. Windows 16 and 26 are arranged higher than the decorative strip 14. The power window 16 is a window that can be raised and lowered and occupies most of the upper area of ​​the side door 10. A fixed window 26 is arranged behind the power window 16. A boundary frame 24 extending in a generally vertical direction is provided at the boundary between the fixed window 26 and the power window 16. Furthermore, a decorative panel, or decorative element 28, made of black resin is provided behind the fixed window 26.

[0038] A door handle 30 is also provided between the fixed window glass 26 and the trim piece 28. The door handle 30 is a component operated by the user when opening the side door 10 from the outside of the vehicle. Conventionally, such door handles 30 are mostly located on the door body 12. However, in this example, the door handle 30 is positioned adjacent to the trim piece 14, above it, at the rear corner of the fixed window glass 26. In this way, by positioning the door handle 30 above the trim piece 14 rather than below it, the door body 12 can be made into a simpler design with fewer protrusions, giving the observer a more refined impression.

[0039] Furthermore, since the door handle 30 in this example is positioned above the trim strip 14, its installation height H1 is higher than that of conventional door handles installed on the door body 12. To be more specific, although it varies depending on the vehicle model or the user's physique, the installation height H1 of the door handle 30 in this example is generally lower than the shoulder position of an average-sized adult and higher than the elbow with the arm down.

[0040] For a more detailed description of the door handle 30, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 , Figure 3 This will be explained in the following way. As explained by... Figure 3As clearly stated, the door handle 30 is made of panel material disposed on a surface substantially parallel to the general surface S2 of the window glass 16, 26. A cup-shaped panel 32 is disposed on the inner side of the door handle 30 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the cup-shaped panel 32 can be a separate component from the trim piece 28, or it can be constructed by extending a portion of the trim piece 28. The portion of the cup-shaped panel 32 opposite the door handle 30 bulges inward in the vehicle width direction. Thus, a pocket-shaped space 36 for the user's fingers to be inserted is formed between the door handle 30 and the cup-shaped panel 32. Both the door handle 30 and the cup-shaped panel 32 are panel components made of resin. When opening the side door 10, the user inserts their fingers into the pocket-shaped space 36 and then pulls the door handle 30 and even the side door 10 forward.

[0041] In this example, the door handle 30 is fixed in a forward-leaning posture with the bag-shaped entrance 38 of the bag-shaped space 36 facing the rear and upward of the vehicle. More specifically, the door handle 30 is fixed at an angle θ1 formed by its rear end edge and the vehicle's contact surface Ca (refer to...). Figure 1 The side door 10 is set to a position between 50 degrees and 70 degrees. Although the position is set in this way to make it easier to open the side door 10 with the "right hand", this will be described later.

[0042] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a release switch 34 is fixed on the back of the door handle 30. The release switch 34 is an electronic switch that outputs an electrical signal to release the latch of the side door 10 when it is operated. When the release signal is output, an electric latch actuator (not shown) is driven, thereby automatically releasing the latch of the side door 10.

[0043] In this example, the release switch 34 is positioned on the back of the door handle 30, specifically where it is pressed with a finger when the door is open. This configuration ensures that the release switch 34 is touched when the user wants to open the side door 10, even without their awareness. As a result, the user can naturally pull the side door 10 closer to the front and release the latch, allowing the side door 10 to open smoothly.

[0044] As Figure 3 As shown, the release switch 34 has an operating surface 40 that outputs a signal when pressed by a user. The release switch 34 is arranged at an angle relative to the surface of the door handle 30 such that the operating surface 40 moves away from the surface of the door handle 30 as it moves inward in the direction of finger insertion (i.e., forward and downward). For example, the angle θ2 formed by the operating surface 40 and the surface of the door handle 30 is 20 degrees or more and less than 40 degrees.

[0045] Furthermore, although the door handle 30 is roughly parallel to the general surface S2, there is a slightly curved portion 42 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, halfway from its front end toward its rear end. As a result, the area near the rear end of the door handle 30 is slightly inclined relative to the general surface S2 (and even the main surface of the door handle 30). This inclination angle θ3 is, for example, 4 degrees or more.

[0046] Next, the reasons for this structure will be explained. First, regarding the hand posture when opening the side door 10, we will refer to... Figure 4 , Figure 5 Let's explain. As mentioned above, when opening the side door 10 from the outside of the vehicle, the user inserts their fingers into the pocket-like space 36 and pulls the door handle 30 towards the front. At this time, there are "positive hand" and "negative hand" postures. As... Figure 4 As shown, the "right hand" position is when, viewed from a human perspective, the palm faces outwards, and the fingertips of the four fingers (excluding the thumb) are bent to grasp the door handle 30. Normally, the right hand is used when operating the right-side door handle 30, and the left hand is used when operating the left-side door handle 30. Furthermore, as... Figure 5 As shown, "reverse hand" refers to the posture of inserting the four fingers, excluding the thumb, into the pocket-shaped space 36 with the palm facing forward when viewed from a human perspective. Normally, the left hand is used when operating the door handle 30 of the right side door 10 with the reverse hand, and the right hand is used when operating the door handle 30 of the left side door 10 with the reverse hand.

[0047] Next, in this example, the reasons for orienting the bag-shaped inlet 38 towards the rear-upward direction will be explained by comparing it with other examples. Various problems arise when the bag-shaped inlet 38 is oriented in a direction other than rear-upward. For example, if the bag-shaped inlet 38 is oriented directly upward, falling objects may intrude into the bag-shaped space 36 and remain there. Furthermore, if the bag-shaped inlet 38 is oriented forward, floating foreign objects may intrude into the bag-shaped space 36 during vehicle movement. Orienting the bag-shaped inlet 38 directly downward avoids these problems. However, if the bag-shaped inlet 38 is oriented directly downward, the user needs to insert their fingers into the bag-shaped space 36 from below. To insert fingers into the bag-shaped space 36, which is positioned higher than the user's elbow, the user needs to significantly bend their wrist to move their palm diagonally downward from the wrist, resulting in a very unnatural posture.

[0048] Therefore, the case where the bag-shaped inlet 38 faces rearward was considered. However, when the bag-shaped inlet 38 faces the rear or lower rear of the vehicle, it is difficult to perform the opening action under the handlebars. For this, refer to... Figure 6 Let me explain. Figure 6 For example, an image representing a human arm.

[0049] Here, when inserting the fingertips of the right hand into the bag-shaped inlet 38 facing the rear of the vehicle, as... Figure 6 As shown in the upper part, for a person, the hand needs to be in a posture that moves forward roughly horizontally from the wrist. In this case, the elbow 100 needs to be raised to approximately the same height as the bag-shaped opening 38. Furthermore, when inserting the fingers of the right hand into the bag-shaped opening 38 facing downward and backward, as... Figure 6 As shown in the middle, for a person, their hand needs to be in a posture that moves diagonally downwards from the wrist. In this case, the elbow 100 needs to be raised above the bag-shaped opening 38. Such a posture, where the elbow 100 is raised to the same level as or above the bag-shaped opening 38, is unnatural and difficult for a person to adopt. Therefore, when the bag-shaped opening 38 is facing backwards or downwards, there is a problem with poor operability when opening the side door 10.

[0050] On the other hand, when inserting the fingertips of the right hand into the pouch-like inlet 38 facing backward and upward, as... Figure 6 As shown in the lower part, for a person, their hand needs to be in a posture that moves diagonally upward from the wrist. In this case, the elbow 100 can remain in a downward posture. Therefore, with the bag-shaped entrance 38 facing upward and rearward, the user can open the side door 10 in a natural posture without adopting a forced posture. Therefore, in this example, the door handle 30 is tilted forward so that its bag-shaped entrance 38 faces upward and rearward.

[0051] Next, the reason for tilting the release switch 34 at an angle θ2 relative to the surface of the door handle 30 will be explained. As mentioned above, although the door handle 30 in this example is easy to operate with the right hand, depending on the user's preference or the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, it may sometimes be operated with the left hand. In particular, when multiple vehicles are parked side by side in the width direction, sufficient space on the outer side in the width direction cannot be guaranteed, making it difficult for the user to open the side door 10 while remaining directly in front of it. In this case, the user will stand diagonally behind the side door 10 and operate the door handle 30 with the left hand.

[0052] Figure 7 , Figure 8This is an image showing the hand posture when operating the car door handle with the back of the hand for 30 seconds. Figure 7 This indicates the operations within the structure of this example. Figure 8 This represents the operation in structures where angle θ2 is small. Furthermore, in... Figure 7 , Figure 8 The upper part shows the situation before the side door 10 is opened, and the lower part shows the situation when the opening of the side door 10 has progressed to a certain extent.

[0053] As by Figure 7 The upper part and Figure 8 As clearly demonstrated by the comparison of the upper part, the angle θ2 is smaller and the operating surface 40 of the release switch 34 is approximately parallel to the surface of the door handle 30 (i.e. Figure 8 (the case where) and the case where the angle θ2 is large (i.e.) Figure 7 Compared to the previous situation, you need to tilt the back of your hand in a direction roughly parallel to the door handle 30 and insert your fingertips into the inside of the pocket-shaped space 36.

[0054] In this state, pulling the door handle 30 opens the side door 10. Since the side door 10 is a rotating door, its tilt relative to the vehicle's longitudinal direction increases as it opens further. As a result, as the side door 10 opens further, such as Figure 7 The lower part and Figure 8 As shown in the lower part, the cup-shaped panel 32 becomes easier to touch the back of the user's hand. At this time, when the angle θ2 is small ( Figure 8 In the case of the lower part of the door, because the fingertips are deeply inserted into the inside of the pocket-shaped space 36, the back of the hand will strongly touch the cup-shaped panel 32, making it easy for the hand to be trapped between the cup-shaped panel 32 and the door handle 30. As a result, the user will feel uncomfortable, or it will be difficult to pull the hand out of the pocket-shaped space 36 after the side door 10 is opened.

[0055] To avoid such problems, in this example, the release switch 34 is configured to be tilted relative to the surface of the door handle 30, with an angle θ2 of 20 degrees or more. By adopting this configuration, the release switch 34 can be operated even without inserting fingers deeply. Furthermore, since fingers are not inserted deeply, even if the tilt angle of the side door 10 changes as the side door 10 is opened, it is possible to effectively prevent the hand from being trapped between the cup-shaped panel 32 and the door handle 30. Moreover, after the side door 10 is opened, the hand can be easily removed from the pocket-shaped space 36.

[0056] Furthermore, in this example, a curved portion 42 extending outward in the vehicle width direction is provided near the rear end of the door handle 30. That is, the rear end of the door handle 30 is inclined at an angle θ3 relative to the general surface S2. By adopting the structure involved, the distance L2 between the rear end of the door handle 30 and the cup-shaped panel 32 can be widened (see reference). Figure 3 It can also more effectively prevent fingers from being pinched.

[0057] However, even with a large angle θ2, the back of the hand can easily touch the cup-shaped panel 32 when the side door 10 is opened. To prevent this, in this example, the exposed portion 32a, which is approximately parallel to the general surface S2 and protrudes outwards, and the bulging portion 32b, which bulges inwards in the vehicle width direction, are connected by a gently curved R-section 44. Furthermore, in this example, multiple uneven surfaces are formed on the operating surface 40 to increase friction. By providing such uneven surfaces, finger slippage can be prevented. Moreover, by providing uneven surfaces, the user can perceive whether their fingertip has touched the operating surface 40 through tactile feedback. As a result, by providing uneven surfaces, the release switch 34 can be operated more appropriately.

[0058] Next, the detailed structure of the other parts will be explained. In this example, the door handle 30 is positioned such that, with some fingers of the hand inserted into the pocket-like space 36, other fingers cannot reach the periphery of the side door 10. More specifically, it makes... Figure 1 The distance L1, which is the shortest distance from the upper end of the pocket-shaped space 36 to the periphery of the side door 10, is greater than the distance from the first joint of the index finger of a straight outstretched hand to the tip of the thumb. This is to prevent fingers from being accidentally caught in the door during operation of the side door 10.

[0059] Furthermore, in this example, the bag-shaped space 36 is set to a size that allows a gloved hand to be inserted. Specifically, the width L3 of the bag-shaped entrance 38 (refer to...) Figure 3 The shortest distance L2 between the door handle 30 and the cup-shaped panel 32 is set to be large enough compared to the thickness of a gloved hand.

[0060] Furthermore, the release switch 34 is positioned such that, when the fingertip is placed on the operating surface 40, the tip of the fingernail does not interfere with the front wall of the cup-shaped panel 32. Additionally, the protrusion L4 of the operating surface 40 extending from the inner end of the door handle 30 in the vehicle width direction (refer to...) Figure 3 The operating stroke of the release switch 34 is set to exceed the limit.

[0061] Furthermore, in this example, the vertical dimension H2 from the lower end of the bag-shaped space 36 to the lower end of the release switch 34 (refer to...) Figure 2 The vertical dimension H3 from the top of the pocket-shaped space 36 to the top of the release switch 34 is less than the width of two fingers (e.g., the ring and little fingers). By employing the proposed structure, if at least two fingers are inserted in a reverse hand position, any one of the fingers will inevitably contact the release switch 34. In other words, by employing the proposed structure, the release switch 34 can be easily pressed with a finger even if the user is unaware of the position of their fingers inside the pocket-shaped space 36.

[0062] Furthermore, the structure described so far is an example. As long as the door handle 30 is positioned at least slightly above the trim strip 14, and further, the door handle 30 is arranged in a forward-leaning posture with the bag-shaped entrance 38 of the bag-shaped space 36 behind it facing upwards and backwards, other structures can be appropriately modified. For example, in the above description, a structure is used where the operation of the release switch 34 activates the electric latch actuator, thereby electrically releasing the latch. However, a mechanical latch mechanism can be provided instead of an electric latch mechanism. For example, instead of the release switch 34, a lever that swings when the door handle 30 is pulled can be provided. In this case, the movement of the lever is simply transmitted to the latch via a wire or the like to release the latch. Moreover, the various dimensions, angles, and shapes described above are examples and can be appropriately modified.

[0063] Symbol Explanation

[0064] 10. Side door; 12. Door body; 14. Decorative trim strip; 16. Window glass; 24. Boundary frame; 26. Fixed window glass; 28. Trim piece; 30. Door handle; 32. Cup-shaped panel; 34. Release switch; 36. Pocket-shaped space; 38. Pocket-shaped entrance; 40. Operating surface; 42. Bend; 44. Rear section; 100. Elbow; A1. Hinge axis.

Claims

1. A vehicle door handle structure, characterized in that, have: The outer door handle is located in the side door, above the trim strip. When the side door is opened from the outside, the user hooks the outer door handle with their fingers and pulls it forward. A pocket-shaped space for inserting fingers is formed behind the outer door handle. A cup-shaped panel is configured to overlap at least a portion of the outer door handle in the vehicle width direction and to bulge inward in the vehicle width direction through an opposing portion opposite the outer door handle, thereby forming the pocket-shaped space between the panel and the outer door handle. The release switch is located in the outer door handle at a position where the user presses it with their finger during the opening action, and when operated, it outputs an electrical signal to instruct the electric latch actuator to release the latch of the side door. The outer door handle is tilted forward relative to the vehicle's ground surface with the entrance to the bag-shaped space facing the rear-upward direction of the vehicle. The outer door handle is positioned with its surface roughly parallel to the general surface of the side window. The release switch is tilted relative to the surface such that its operating surface moves away from the surface of the outer door handle as it moves inward toward the insertion direction of the finger. The operating surface protrudes from the inner end of the outer door handle in the vehicle width direction, and the protrusion has a rear end and a front end in the vehicle longitudinal direction, with the rear end being closer to the surface of the outer door handle than the front end.

2. The vehicle door handle structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Furthermore, the outer door handle bends midway by extending its rear edge outward in the vehicle width direction compared to its front edge.

3. The vehicle door handle structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, On the operating surface of the release switch, there are irregularities that increase friction.

4. The vehicle door handle structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The outer door handle is positioned such that, with some fingers of a hand inserted into the pocket-like space, the other fingers of that hand cannot reach the periphery of the side door.

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