Handle device

Abstract

Provided is a handle device capable of effectively reducing impact sound generated when a handle is closed. A handle device (10) is provided with: a fixing member (12) having a cylindrical portion with one end open and the other end bottom; a handle (14) which is rotatably provided to the fixed member (12) and which is rotated to open and close; a biasing member that biases the handle (14) in the closing direction; and a piston which is inserted into the cylinder part and can advance and retreat. The piston has a sliding portion provided on the outer peripheral surface. When the handle (14) rotates in the closing direction, the piston is pressed and retreats towards the bottom part, and the sliding part slides on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder part in response to the retreating, so that resistance is applied to the closing action of the handle (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a handle device having a piston between the handle and a fixed member. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a locking device for an opening / closing body that is assembled in an openable / closable manner at the opening of a fixed body. The locking device includes: a locking member disposed at the opening of the fixed body; an operating member for sliding the locking member; a base member for rotatably supporting the operating member; and a rubber damper attached to the base member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2020 / 080343

[0006] Although a damper was provided to address the impact noise caused by the rotation of the operating component as described in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to achieve a more effective reduction in impact noise. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a handle device that can effectively reduce the impact noise generated when the handle is closed.

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a handle device comprising: a fixing member having a cylindrical portion with an open end and a bottom at the other end; a handle rotatably disposed on the fixing member, which can be rotated to an open state and a closed state; a force-applying member applying force to the handle in a closing direction; and a piston inserted into the cylindrical portion and configured to move forward and backward. The piston has a sliding portion disposed on its outer peripheral surface. When the handle is rotated in the closing direction, the piston is pressed and retracted towards the bottom, and correspondingly, the sliding portion slides on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion, thereby providing resistance to the closing action of the handle.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to the present invention, a handle device can be provided that can effectively reduce the impact noise generated when the handle is closed. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the handle device in the closed state of an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the handle device in the open state of an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the handle device in an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The handle device shown is shown in a sectional view along line segment A-A.

[0015] Figure 5 (a) is the front view of the piston. Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the piston.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The handle device shown is shown in a B-B sectional view.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of the handle device shown.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the handle device in its fully open position.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the piston in the first modified example.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the piston in the second modified example.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the fixed component in the third variation.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the handle device in the third variation.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0024] 10: Handle assembly; 12: Fixing component; 14: Handle; 16: Force-applying component; 18: Spring; 20: Piston; 22: Side wall portion; 24: Shaft support portion; 26: Elastic claw portion; 28: First support protrusion portion; 30: Cylindrical portion; 32: First assembly portion; 34: Second assembly portion; 36: Suspension portion; 37: Bottom; 38: Stop portion; 39: Insertion hole; 40: Outer surface; 42: Side wall portion; 44: Bearing portion; 46: Protective wall portion; 48: Transmission part; 50: Back side; 52: Second support protrusion; 54: Abutment part; 56: Opening part; 58: Buffer part; 58a: Step part; 60: Extension part; 60a: Bottom surface; 62: Sliding part; 64: Rib; 66: Opening; 68: Bottom; 70: Throttling part; 72: Column part; 74: Locking member; 76: Groove part; 78: Sliding part; 80: Fitting part; 82: Holding part; 84: Buffer member; 254: Connecting part. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the handle device 10 in the closed state of an embodiment. Figure 2This is a perspective view of the handle device 10 in the open state of an embodiment. The handle device 10 is mounted on the opening / closing body and is used to open and close the opening / closing body.

[0026] The opening / closing body is provided in an opening of a fixed object such as a glove box on a vehicle, functioning as a cover. A locking member is supported on the opening / closing body and is linked to the operation of the handle device 10. The locking member locks the opening / closing body when it closes the opening of the fixed object. When the user operates the handle device 10, the locking member can unlock, opening the opening / closing body. In other words, the handle device 10 also functions as a locking device. A mounting hole for mounting the handle device 10 is formed in the opening / closing body.

[0027] The handle device 10 is not limited to being mounted on the opening and closing mechanism of the glove box; for example, it can also be mounted on the opening and closing mechanism of the console box. The handle device 10 can also be located on a fixed body for the user to hold. The fixed body is not limited to the glove box; it can also be an interior panel or a body panel.

[0028] Figure 1 The handle 14 of the handle device 10 shown is in a closed state relative to the fixed member 12. Figure 2 The handle 14 shown is in an open state relative to the fixed member 12. The handle device 10 will be described with reference to the new drawings.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the handle assembly 10. The handle assembly 10 includes a fixing member 12, a handle 14, a force-applying member 16, a spring 18, a piston 20, and a locking member (not shown). The fixing member 12 is fixed to an opening / closing body or a fixed body. The handle 14 is rotatably mounted on the fixing member 12, and can be rotated to be in an open or closed state.

[0030] The force-applying component 16 abuts against both the fixed component 12 and the handle 14, applying force to the handle 14 in the closing direction. The force-applying component 16 is a helical spring, but it is not limited to this design; the force-applying component 16 can also be a leaf spring.

[0031] The piston 20 is positioned between the fixed member 12 and the handle 14 to suppress the impact noise generated when the handle 14 contacts the fixed member 12 when closed. The spring 18 exerts a force on the piston 20 toward the handle 14. The torque exerted by the spring 18 on the handle 14 via the piston 20 is much smaller than the torque exerted by the force-applying member 16 on the handle 14.

[0032] The fixing member 12 has a side wall portion 22, a shaft support portion 24, an elastic claw portion 26, a first support protrusion portion 28, a cylindrical portion 30, a first assembly portion 32, a second assembly portion 34, a suspension portion 36, a bottom portion 37, a stop portion, and an insertion hole 39.

[0033] The sidewall portions 22 are formed in a pair, facing each other. The shaft support 24 protrudes from the outer surface of the sidewall portion 22 and is formed in an arc shape. The shaft support 24 supports the handle 14. The elastic claw portion 26 is formed in a flexible manner on the sidewall portion 22. The first support protrusion 28 protrudes upward and supports one end of the force-applying member 16.

[0034] The first mounting portion 32 extends forward of the fixing member 12. The second mounting portion 34 is formed at the rear of the fixing member 12 and is formed in the shape of a flexible claw. The flexible claw portion 26, the first mounting portion 32, and the second mounting portion 34 are respectively engaged with the opening and closing body. The suspension portion 36 is located at the upper end of the front part of the fixing member 12.

[0035] The cylinder 30 houses the spring 18 and the piston 20. The cylinder 30 opens on the side of the handle 14. An insertion hole 39 is formed through the bottom 37, allowing a portion of the handle 14 to be inserted.

[0036] The handle 14 has an outer surface 40, a side wall portion 42, a bearing portion 44, a protective wall portion 46, a transmission portion 48, a back surface, and a second support protrusion. The outer surface 40 is formed at a position exposed from the mounting hole of the opening and closing body and is located on the surface of the handle device 10.

[0037] The sidewall portions 42 are formed in a pair facing each other. The bearing portion 44 is formed in the sidewall portion 42 in a hole-like manner and is formed in an arc shape. The bearing portion 44 receives the shaft support portion 24 of the fixing member 12. The protective wall portion 46 is formed across the pair of sidewall portions 42 in a manner orthogonal to the back of the handle 14. The protective wall portion 46 prevents the user's fingers from reaching into the inside of the handle device 10.

[0038] The transmission part 48 is formed in a columnar shape, extending from the back side in a direction perpendicular to the back side, and is inserted into the insertion hole 39 of the fixing member 12, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it extends from the back side of the fixing member 12. The transmission part 48 moves to the back side of the fixing member 12 as the handle 14 rotates.

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The handle assembly 10 shown is a cross-sectional view along line segment A-A. One end of the force-applying member 16 is supported by the first support protrusion 28 of the fixing member 12, and the other end is supported by the second support protrusion 52 of the handle 14. The second support protrusion 52 is formed on the back surface 50. The force-applying member 16 exerts a force on the handle 14 in the closing direction against the spring 18.

[0040] The transmission part 48 is inserted into the insertion hole 39 of the fixing member 12. The stop part 38 is formed at the edge of the bottom 37 forming the insertion hole 39. The stop part 38 abuts against the transmission part 48, preventing the handle 14 from rotating in the opening direction. The piston 20 acts on the handle 14 to rotate in the closing direction.

[0041] The transmission part 48 is inserted into the insertion hole 74a of the locking member 74. The transmission part 48 transmits a stroke to the locking member 74 in accordance with the rotational action of the handle 14, causing the locking member 74 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. Figure 4 When the handle 14 is closed, the locking member 74 is in the locked position. When the handle 14 is fully open, the locking member 74 is in the unlocked position. The locking member 74 is provided on the opening and closing body and locked to the fixed body, but it is not limited to this solution. It can also be provided on the fixed body and locked to the opening and closing body.

[0042] Figure 5 (a) is the front view of piston 20. Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view of piston 20. Piston 20 is formed of soft resin material. Piston 20 has an abutment portion 54, an opening portion 56, a buffer portion 58, an extension portion 60, and a sliding portion 62.

[0043] The abutment portion 54 is located at one end of the piston 20 and abuts against the back surface 50 of the handle 14. The opening portion 56 is located at the other end of the piston 20 and is open. The buffer portion 58 is formed by bulging outward from one end of the piston 20. The end of the buffer portion 58 becomes the abutment portion 54. The buffer portion 58 has a stepped portion 58a that extends radially outward.

[0044] The extension 60 is cylindrical and open at the other end. A bottom surface 60a is formed on one end side of the extension 60. The extension 60 forms a space to accommodate the spring 18. The spring 18 is located inside the extension 60, and one end of it abuts against the bottom surface 60a.

[0045] A sliding portion 62 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the extension 60, protruding radially outward in an annular shape. The sliding portion 62 is located at the other end of the piston 20 and at the open end side of the extension 60. The sliding portion 62 slides on the cylindrical portion 30 of the fixing member 12.

[0046] Rib 64 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of piston 20. Rib 64 is formed at the midpoint of piston 20, away from sliding portion 62. When handle 14 is rotated in the closing direction, piston 20 is subjected to a force from handle 14 in a direction intersecting the central axis of cylinder 30, but rib 64 inhibits piston 20 tilting and functions as a guide during piston 20's forward and backward movement. Rib 64 is formed such that its diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of cylinder 30. Rib 64 is located closer to the abutment portion 54 than the bottom surface 60a.

[0047] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The handle device 10 shown is a cross-sectional view along line segment B-B. Furthermore, Figure 7 yes Figure 6A partially enlarged view of the handle assembly 10 shown. The cylinder 30 has an opening 66, a bottom 68, a throttling section 70, and a column 72. The cylinder 30, spring 18, and piston 20 are coaxially arranged. The cylinder 30 is located on the opposite side of the force-applying member 16 across the rotation axis of the handle 14.

[0048] An opening 66 is located at one end of the cylindrical section 30, and a bottom 68 is located at the other end of the cylindrical section 30. A throttling section 70 is formed at the bottom 68, connecting the interior of the cylindrical section 30 to the exterior. A column 72 is erected from the bottom 68. The column 72 is inserted into and supports the spring 18.

[0049] The piston 20 is inserted into the cylinder 30 and is designed to move forward and backward. The outer diameter of the sliding part 62 is larger than the inner diameter of the cylinder 30. Therefore, the sliding part 62 contacts and seals against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 30 throughout its entire circumference. Consequently, in response to the forward and backward movement of the piston 20, the sliding part 62 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 30, providing resistance.

[0050] The extension 60 opens toward the bottom 68 of the cylinder 30. Ignoring the throttling section 70, the piston 20 and the cylinder 30 form a closed space. The pressure in this space changes as the piston 20 moves forward and backward, thus functioning as a damper.

[0051] Spring 18 is housed in the cylinder 30 and located inside the extension 60. One end of spring 18 abuts against the bottom 68, and the other end abuts against the bottom surface 60a of piston 20, applying force to piston 20 in the direction of travel from cylinder 30. Therefore, the travel of piston 20 does not become resistance to handle 14, and piston 20 can follow handle 14 rotating in the opening direction. Spring 18 is positioned inside extension 60, thus allowing piston 20 and spring 18 to be axially shortened. Sliding portion 62 is formed in extension 60 and located on the opening 56 side of extension 60. By extending 60, piston 20 is made longer, so that when handle 14 is opened and piston 20 extends significantly from cylinder 30, extension 60 remains inside cylinder 30, preventing piston 20 from tipping over. Sliding portion 62 presses against cylinder 30 at the opening end of extension 60, thus easily maintaining the posture of piston 20.

[0052] When the piston 20 retracts, the stepped portion 58a contacts the edge of the opening 66 of the cylinder portion 30 and stops retraction, thus stopping the closing action of the handle 14. As a result, direct contact between the handle 14 and the fixed member 12 when closed can be prevented, and the buffer portion 58 can absorb the impact when the handle 14 closes.

[0053] The central axis of the cylinder 30 intersects the outer surface 40 and is approximately orthogonal to the outer surface 40 in the closed state. The piston 20 abuts against the back surface 50, and the configuration of the piston 20 and the cylinder 30 suppressing the impact of closing the handle 14 is arranged on the back side of the outer surface 40, which can be configured to not be exposed, thus enabling the handle device 10 to be miniaturized.

[0054] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly 10 in the fully open position. When the handle 14 is in the fully open position, the piston 20 is held in contact with the back surface 50 by the force exerted by the spring 18. When the user removes his / her fingers from the handle 14, the handle 14 rotates in the closing direction via the force-applying member 16.

[0055] When the handle 14 is rotated in the closing direction, the piston 20 is pressed back towards the bottom 68, and the sliding part 62 slides on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder 30 accordingly, thereby applying resistance to the closing action of the handle 14. As a result, the impact noise when the handle 14 is closed can be reduced.

[0056] The space in the cylinder 30 sealed by the sliding part 62 is compressed due to the retraction of the piston 20, thereby applying resistance to the closing action of the handle 14. As a result, the impact noise when the handle 14 collides with the fixed member 12 can be significantly reduced by the friction of the sliding part 62 and the compressed air pressure. The compressed air in the cylinder 30 is gradually discharged through the throttling part 70.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the piston 120 in the first modified example. Piston 120 and... Figure 7 The piston 20 shown has a different shape. The piston 120 has an abutment portion 54, an opening portion 56, an extension portion 60, a rib 64, and a groove portion 76. The groove portion 76 is formed in a ring shape on the outer peripheral surface of the extension portion 60.

[0058] The sliding portion 78 is formed into a ring shape from rubber material and is held by the groove 76. The sliding portion 78 contacts and seals the inner circumference of the cylinder 30 throughout its entire circumference. When the piston 120 retracts, the sliding portion 78 slides on the inner circumference of the cylinder 30 in accordance with the retraction, thereby applying resistance to the closing action of the handle 14. The space of the cylinder 30 sealed by the sliding portion 78 is compressed due to the retraction of the piston 120, thereby applying resistance to the closing action of the handle 14.

[0059] The width of the groove 76 along the central axis of the piston 120 is greater than the diameter of the sliding part 78, allowing the sliding part 78 to move axially within the groove 76. Therefore, when the sliding part 78 is not in contact with the inner wall of the groove 76, the groove 76 functions as a throttling part, connecting the inside of the cylinder 30 with the outside.

[0060] Figure 10This is a diagram used to illustrate the piston 220 in the second modified example. (and...) Figure 9 Compared to piston 120 shown, piston 220 is not forced by spring 18, but is configured to follow the movement of handle 14 in order to be connected to handle 14.

[0061] The piston 220 has a connecting portion 254, a rib 64, and a groove 76. The connecting portion 254 is provided on one end side of the piston 220, and the groove 76 is provided on the other end side of the piston 220. The connecting portion 254 is formed as a flange extending radially outward and is always connected to the handle 14.

[0062] The handle 14 has a fitting portion 80 formed on the back surface 50. The fitting portion 80 has claws that protrude radially inward. The fitting portion 80 may be a pair of opposing elastic claws. The fitting portion 80 engages with the connecting portion 254 in a snap-fit ​​manner. Since the piston 220 is always connected to the handle 14, a spring that applies force to the piston 220 is not required.

[0063] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the fixing member 312 in the third variation. The fixing member 312 and... Figure 3 Compared to the fixed member 12 shown, the cylindrical portion 30 is positioned differently and differs in that it has a retaining portion 82. The retaining portion 82 can hold the buffer member. The cylindrical portion 30 and the retaining portion 82 are separated in the width direction and are configured to be approximately equidistant from the first support protrusion 28, i.e., the force-applying member 16.

[0064] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the handle device 310 in the third variation. Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The cross-section at the position of line segment C-C of the fixed member 312 shown. The handle device 310 not only has a piston 20, but also a buffer member 84.

[0065] The retaining part 82 is formed in a cylindrical shape, allowing a portion of the buffer member 84 to be inserted. The retaining part 82 has a plurality of claw parts 82a.

[0066] The buffer member 84 has a protrusion 84a that projects radially outward midway along the axial direction. The buffer member 84 is bulging at one end and extends outward from the retaining portion 82. The claw portion 82a engages with the protrusion 84a to retain the buffer member 84. Thus, the axial movement of the buffer member 84 is restricted.

[0067] The damping member 84 can be installed more cost-effectively than the spring 18 and piston 20. On the other hand, compared to the damping member 84, the spring 18 and piston 20 can significantly reduce the impact noise when the handle 14 is closed. The handle assembly 310 can be configured with either the air damper of the spring 18 and piston 20 or the damping member 84. Thus, the choice between the spring 18 and piston 20 or the damping member 84 can be made depending on the application.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various design changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, and such modified embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A handle device, characterized in that, have: A fixing member having a cylindrical part that is open at one end and has a bottom at the other end; A handle is provided on the fixed component in a rotatable manner, and can be rotated to be in an open or closed state; The force-applying component applies force to the handle in the closing direction; and A piston is inserted into the cylindrical portion and is configured to move forward and backward. The piston has a sliding portion provided on its outer peripheral surface. The piston is pressed back toward the bottom when the handle is rotated in the closing direction, and the sliding part slides on the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder accordingly, thereby giving resistance to the closing action of the handle.

2. The handle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle has: Exterior surface; and The piston is received on the back side of the outer surface. The central axis of the cylindrical section intersects with the outer surface.

3. The handle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sliding part is formed in a ring shape and contacts the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical part to form a seal. The cylinder or the piston has a throttling section that connects the interior and exterior of the cylinder.

4. The handle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: A spring is housed in the cylindrical portion, one end of the spring abutting against the bottom and the other end of the spring abutting against the piston, the spring exerting a force on the piston in the direction of travel from the cylindrical portion.

5. The handle device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The piston is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an extension that opens toward the bottom. The spring is located inside the extension. The sliding portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the extension and is located on the opening side of the extension.

6. The handle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The piston has ribs that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the piston. The rib is formed at the midway of the piston, away from the sliding part.

7. The handle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The piston has a buffer portion formed at one end. The buffer section has a stepped portion that extends radially outward. When the piston is pressed back by the handle, the stepped portion contacts the opening edge of the cylinder and stops retraction, thus stopping the closing action of the handle.

8. The handle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The piston has a connecting portion formed at one end and always connected to the handle. The handle has a fitting portion that engages with the connecting portion.

9. The handle device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, have: The locking component can move to a locked position and a unlocked position. The handle moves the locking component to the locked position or the unlocked position by rotating it.

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