Semi-open power generation vehicle door limiter

Abstract

This invention provides a simpler and more reasonable door limiter. The door limiter for automobiles is designed to generate stress in the opening direction, allowing fingers to be inserted and moved in the opening direction when the latch is released, thereby opening the door. Existing door limiters incorporate an elastic component, which is held by a limiting linkage arm and a through-arm component. When the door is fully closed, the elastic component is pressed, generating stress in the opening direction. When the latch is released, this stress pushes the door in the opening direction. Because of the elastic component, the door can be closed by overcoming the elastic force in the closing direction. The force required to partially open the door is generated by the accumulated elastic force from pressing the elastic component when closing the door. Alternatively, a limiting linkage arm with an inclined surface can be used to generate stress in the opening direction when the door is fully closed. This inclined surface allows movement of a slider or roller that presses the limiting linkage arm of the door limiter. The door is temporarily positioned in a slightly open state by a limit switch, after which the operator can manually open the door further. When the latch is released, the door opens to the exact desired degree, allowing the operator to insert their fingers to open it. Therefore, the structure is extremely simple, requiring no complex drive mechanisms such as actuators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a door check for automobile doors.

[0002] More specifically, it relates to a door limiter that has the following function: in the increasingly common doorless car doors in recent years, it can create a gap when the latch is released, allowing fingers to be inserted to open the door. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, designs without door handles have emerged, aiming to achieve sleek, wind-resistant door designs. In this case, a handle designed for finger-pulling is needed to open the door. Therefore, door handles with recessed grooves on the side of the car body or concealed handles that protrude from the door surface during operation, often embedded in the door, exist. However, these designs become more complex, increase wind resistance, and have design flaws, resulting in numerous disadvantages.

[0004] Therefore, there exists a structure that does not use recesses, hidden door handles, etc., but allows for easy opening and closing of the car door in the simplest way. After the car door is fully closed and locked, when the latch is released in order to open the car door, the car door will open to a gap large enough to insert a finger, the so-called half-open state. After that, the operator can insert their fingers into the gap of the car door and apply force in the direction of opening the car door.

[0005] Patent document 1 discloses a door pop-out mechanism that enables the door to open even when the user has difficulty opening the door, thereby improving the operability of the door.

[0006] However, this mechanism has the problem that "when a user's hands are occupied due to carrying luggage, etc., it is difficult for the user to operate the car door." (paragraph 0003). Therefore, the following structure is adopted: "It has: a first component, which is configured to be supported on the vehicle body and transmit force to the car door; a second component, which is configured to store the applied external force and transmit the stored force to the first component; and a triggering component, which is used to release the force stored in the second component. When the triggering component releases the force stored in the second component, the first component opens the car door based on the force transmitted from the second component." Paragraph 0006: "The second lever 4 moves with the movement of the limiting link 11, causing the second gear 41 to rotate. When the second gear 41 rotates with the movement of the second lever 4, the first gear 31 meshing with the second gear 41 rotates, thereby causing the first lever 3 to move and stretch the spring 1, thus enabling the spring 1 to store force. Therefore, the user can further open the door from the rotated position after the pop-out action, thereby enabling the user to unintentionally apply force to the spring 1, so that the door will open again through the pop-out mechanism 100" (paragraph 0025). That is, although the door pops out under the action of the spring, a complex structure such as two levers with gears and a spring must be used.

[0007] Patent document 2 discloses an invention that addresses the problem that "in order to provide a contact surface for the user's hand when manually moving the closing element, a common outer door handle is typically used. The placement of such an outer door handle on the outer panel of the closing element is aerodynamically disadvantageous, increases the risk of injury in a collision, restricts design freedom, and significantly increases cost" (paragraph 0004). The invention provides an "automobile door lock assembly that can optimize the contact surface for the user's hand at a lower cost" (paragraph 0005), configured such that "using a movement drive 6, the closing element 3 can be moved from..." Figure 1 The closing position shown in a is moved to... Figure 1 The gap position shown in b. Thus, an engagement gap 8 can be formed between the closing element 3 and the vehicle body 2 (paragraph 0024), but a drive device 6 is required, which results in a complex structure and a large number of parts.

[0008] Figure 8 of Patent Document 3 discloses an assembly that applies pressure to a door limiter to bring the door to a half-open state. This assembly has the following structure: an actuator 106 pushes a spring 126 to press a rod 116 to the half-open position, thereby pressing the connecting portion 604 of the door limiter to the half-open position (paragraph 0046). However, this assembly requires additional components such as the actuator 106 for pressing the spring 126, the rod 116 for pressing the connecting portion, and other parts to achieve the half-open position of the door.

[0009] Existing technical documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-086529

[0012] Patent document 2 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-515014

[0013] Patent Document 3: U.S. Application Publication No. 2015 / 0330133 Summary of the Invention

[0014] Technical issues

[0015] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to achieve a more simple structure that keeps the car door in a half-open state when the latch is released. In particular, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a simpler and more reasonable car door limiter, wherein the car door limiter is configured to generate stress in the opening direction, so that when the latch is released, a finger can be inserted and the car door moved in the opening direction, thereby opening the car door.

[0016] Problem-solving methods

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the inventors conducted in-depth research and obtained the following insights. Based on these insights, further research was carried out, and the present invention was finally completed.

[0018] The existing door limiter is equipped with an elastic component. This elastic component is clamped by the limit linkage arm and the component through which the arm passes. When the door is fully closed, the elastic component is pressed and becomes stressed in the opening direction. When the door latch is released, the stress pushes the door in the opening direction.

[0019] Because of the use of elastic components, the door can be closed by overcoming the elastic force in the closing direction, and the force that makes the door partially open is generated by the elastic force accumulated by pressing the elastic components when closing the door.

[0020] Alternatively, a limiting linkage arm with an inclined surface can be used to generate stress in the opening direction when the door is fully closed. This inclined surface allows a check slider or roller that presses against the door limiter's limiting linkage arm via elastic force to rotate. In this configuration, the elastic force accumulated when closing the door by overcoming the pressing force of the slider or roller generates a force that partially opens the door.

[0021] The door is temporarily positioned in a slightly ajar state by the limit switch, after which the operator can manually open the door further. When the latch is released, the door opens to the exact desired angle, allowing the operator to insert their fingers to open it.

[0022] Therefore, the structure is extremely simple and does not require complex drive mechanisms such as actuators.

[0023] The present invention includes the following methods.

[0024] [1] A door limiter for a hinged car door, wherein,

[0025] The device is configured to include a door-side component and a body-side component. A component, i.e., a housing, of one of the door-side components or the body-side component penetrates the other component, i.e., a limiting linkage arm, and has an opening direction stress generating structure. The opening direction stress generating structure generates an elastic stress in the door opening direction when the door is fully closed, and applies the stress directly to the limiting linkage arm. When the latch that maintains the door in the closed state is released, the stress can make the door partially open.

[0026] [2] According to the door limiter described in [1], the opening degree of the door in the partially open state is 1cm to 10cm at the end opposite to the hinge of the door.

[0027] [3] According to the door limiter described in [1] or [2], the opening direction stress at the door handle position is 5 to 50 N.

[0028] [4] The door limiter according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein a limiting position for holding the door is provided in the partially open state position based on the opening direction stress.

[0029] [5] The door limiter according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the stress generating structure is configured such that the door limiter force generates stress in the door opening direction when the door is fully closed, through the mountain shape of the limit linkage arm of the door limiter itself and the reaction force of the elastic body in the housing.

[0030] [6] The door limiter according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the stress generating structure is an elastic body held between the limit linkage arm and the housing.

[0031] [7] According to the door limiter described in [6], the elastic body is fixed to the limit linkage arm and is integral with it.

[0032] The inventors noticed the problem of overly complex structures in the prior art and implemented the above-mentioned structure.

[0033] That is, by adopting the above structure, without the need for a drive function or actuator, the stress that will press the door into a half-open state can be accumulated in the elastomer simply by applying stress to the door to bring it to a fully closed state.

[0034] In addition, in a structure that generates opening-direction pressing force by means of a limiting roller provided on the limiting linkage arm of the door limiter, stress can also be accumulated in the elastic body in the direction of half-opening of the door, wherein the limiting roller presses on the mountain-shaped slope of the recess formed at the limiting position.

[0035] In this configuration, the door limiter has a concave-convex structure on the side of the limit linkage arm, and the limiter function is achieved by pressing the limit slider or roller on the side with elastic force. When the limit slider or roller rotates along the concave-convex structure, the pressing force holds the limit slider or roller in the concave portion, thereby achieving the limiter function. The opening direction stress generation structure of the present invention, which uses a pressing mountain-shaped slope, is such that the limit linkage arm has a concave-convex structure, so that the pressing force of the limit slider or roller pressing the slope of the concave-convex structure acts as a stress in the opening direction of the door when it is fully closed.

[0036] If a concave-convex structure is provided on the limit linkage arm to set the position where the gap of the operating door reaches the desired gap as the initial limit position, then the stress in the direction of door opening disappears at the initial limit position, and the door stops at the desired half-open position.

[0037] The effects of the invention

[0038] According to the present invention, although its structure is extremely simple, the stress accumulated when the door is closed can also drive the door in the opening direction by means of the above-mentioned function, namely by the release of the latch for opening the door.

[0039] The door driven in the opening direction can be positioned to stop by the door limiter, so that the gap between the door and the door when it is manually opened further is as desired.

[0040] By configuring the elastomer to be fixed to the limit link arm of the door limiter, the elastomer can be replaced at the same time when the limit link arm is replaced, thus making it easier to maintain its function.

[0041] Furthermore, according to the structure of the present invention, simply by replacing the door limiter without the door opening function with a door limiter having the elastomer of the present invention, it is possible to replace it with a door that automatically forms a gap for placing a hand when the door latch is released, without the need for additional parts. In addition, due to its simple structure, there is an excellent effect of requiring almost no or no space for additional functions. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a door limiter according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2 The diagram showing a door limiter according to one aspect of the present invention illustrates the elastic body and... Figure 1 Diagrams showing different types of elastomers.

[0044] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the state in which the door is stopped in the partially open position when the door is in a partially open state, according to one aspect of the present invention. Figure 3 The 'a' in the text is not distinguished from the 'a' in the text. Figure 2 correspond, Figure 3 part b in Figure 1 correspond.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a door limiter in a partially open state, where the stress generated by the elastic body and the inclined surface of the present invention is applied. The housing other than the limit roller inside the housing is omitted from the diagram.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a diagram of another embodiment of the invention, namely a door limiter that uses only the opening direction stress generated by the mountain-shaped inclined surface and the limiting slider or roller, wherein... Figure 5 Part 5a in the diagram shows the housing and limit linkage arm for housing the limit slider or roller in the fully closed state. Figure 5 Part 5b in the diagram only represents the limit linkage arm. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 This illustrates the overall structure of one embodiment of the door limiter of the present invention.

[0048] For ease of understanding, the car door and the main body of the car are not shown in this figure; only the limiter is shown.

[0049] The door limiter is a device in which a concave-convex structure is provided on the surface of the limit linkage arm 2 that passes through the housing 1 fixed to the door. A pressing component, i.e. a slider or roller, provided in the housing 1 slides along the concave-convex structure and holds the limit linkage arm in a preset limit position by its pressing force.

[0050] The invention is characterized by a mechanism that directly applies stress to the limiting linkage arm, in Figure 1 In the illustrated configuration, the elastic body 3 is located at the end of the limiting linkage arm 2 on the vehicle body side. Figure 1In this configuration, the elastic body 3 is, for example, a rubber block 3. When the door is fully closed, the elastic body 3 is sandwiched between the body-side end flange 4 of the limiting linkage arm and the housing 1, and is compressed compared to its natural size. Therefore, when the door is fully closed, the elastic body 3 causes stress between the end flange 4 of the limiting linkage arm and the housing 1 in the direction of opening the door.

[0051] When the latch of the closed door is released and the door becomes rotatable, the elastic force stored in the elastic body 3 causes the door to move in the direction of separation between the housing 1 and the connecting rod end flange 4.

[0052] To ensure that the door stops at the position where a hand can be placed, as described above, a recess for limiting the door opening can be provided on the limiting linkage arm at the position where the door opening just reaches that degree.

[0053] Figure 2 Show alternative Figure 1 The rubber block 3 uses a helical spring 5 as an example of an elastomer.

[0054] The spring is not limited to a coil spring; it can be any type of spring. In addition, an inflatable air bladder can be used instead of a rubber or other elastic block or spring. Any other component can also be used, as long as it can store elastic force through compression.

[0055] Figure 2 This indicates the way the limiting linkage arm passes through the center of the elastic body.

[0056] Furthermore, the elastomer is not a single unit, but can be arranged in multiple units and configured to directly apply the opening direction stress to the limiting link arm.

[0057] Figure 3 This refers to the aforementioned door limiter, which stops in a state where it is just open enough to fit a finger. Additionally, Figure 3 Part (b) of the text is related to Figure 1 correspond, Figure 3 Part (a) in Figure 2 correspond.

[0058] exist Figure 3 In the partially open state, the elastomer is not subjected to any pressure, but is in its natural state and is not compressed.

[0059] Alternatively, in the partially open state, although a limiting force sufficient to hold the door in place is generated, the limiting position can also be set such that the elastic body still retains a certain degree of pressure in the door opening direction when compressed. This setting offers the advantage of allowing for more comfortable manual further opening.

[0060] The partial opening state of the car door can be set to any opening degree, but preferably, the opening degree is set to 1cm to 10cm at the end of the car door opposite to the hinge.

[0061] Figure 4 As shown, as a mechanism that generates stress in the door opening direction when fully closed, a mountain-shaped concave-convex inclined surface 7 is provided on the limit linkage arm to convert the pressing force of the limit roller 6 into a force that moves the arm in the door opening direction. The concave-convex inclined surface 7 is an inclined surface pressed by the limit roller 6, which is provided in the housing, by the elastic force.

[0062] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the pressing force is generated by the roller 6, but it is not limited to the roller. It can be any mechanism that applies pressing force to the limit linkage arm, or it can be a limit slider of any structure that moves on the surface.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the component through which the limiting linkage arm 2 of the door limiter passes, namely the housing 1 that houses the limiting slider or roller 6, is omitted; only the limiting slider or roller 6 and the limiting linkage arm 2 are shown.

[0064] Figure 4 The state indicates the position of the roller in the partially open and stopped state. In the fully closed state, the limiting roller 6 is located on the left inclined surface 7, configured such that the force of the roller pressing arm generates stress in the direction of pushing the limiting linkage arm, i.e., the opening direction.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the example, a block-shaped elastic body 3 is also provided, which, in addition to the release force applied by the inclined surface 7 and the limiting slider or roller, also applies the release force generated by the elastic body.

[0066] Figure 4 In the structure shown, the inclined plane 7 is relatively small, but its size is sufficient to generate door opening direction stress when the door is fully closed.

[0067] When the door is fully closed, the stress in the opening direction is generated only by the elastic body. That is, when the door is fully closed, the limit slider or roller can also be positioned on the flat surface after passing over the inclined plane 7.

[0068] Depending on the situation, it may also be possible to use only inclined planes and sliders or rollers, or only elastomers, or any combination thereof.

[0069] The opening direction stress can be adjusted to any value. Preferably, at the door handle position, the opening direction stress is set to 5 to 50 N, and more preferably to 10 to 20 N.

[0070] Figure 5 Part 5a in Figure 5Part 5b in the diagram is a door limiter that does not have an elastomer, but only uses a mountain-shaped slope and a limiting slider or roller to generate opening directional stress. Figure 5 5a in the diagram represents the housing and limit linkage arm for housing the limit slider or roller in the fully closed state. Figure 5 Figure 5b shows only the limit linkage arm.

[0071] exist Figure 5 In step 5a, the door is in a fully closed state, and the limiting slider or roller 6 is located on the inclined surface 7 of the limiting linkage arm so that the limiting linkage arm 2 generates a force in the opening direction through the pressing pressure of the limiting slider or roller 6.

[0072] When the door latch is released, the limiting slider or roller 6 presses against the inclined plane 7, causing the limiting linkage arm 2 to move in the opening direction. The door opens, and the limiting slider or roller 6 enters a stable position that partially opens the limiting linkage arm 2, becoming a stable position with... Figure 4 The same state, and remains partially open.

[0073] Figure 4 The limiting linkage arm 2 shown has an elastic body 3 at the position where it is clamped by the door side component and the body side component. Figure 5 5a in Figure 5 Figure 5b shows the limiting link arm 2 without the elastic body.

[0074] In this invention, whether it is a structure that generates stress in the opening direction through the elastic body held by the limiting linkage arm 2 and the housing 1 in the fully closed state, or a structure that generates stress in the opening direction through the force of the limiting slider or roller 6 pressing on the inclined surface of the limiting linkage arm 2 in the fully closed state, or a structure having both an elastic body and an inclined surface for generating stress in the opening direction, it can be easily installed in the setting position of the limiting linkage arm in the prior art. Furthermore, without changing the design of other parts or with only minor changes, it is possible to achieve an action that the limiting linkage arm in the prior art cannot achieve: automatically opening to a partially open state and maintaining a stable position in the partially open state.

[0075] The ability of this simple structure to automatically move to the partially opened position is a superior effect that existing devices that require additional special structures to achieve partial opening cannot predict at all.

[0076] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0077] 1. Shell;

[0078] 2. Limiting linkage arm;

[0079] 3. Elastomers;

[0080] 4. Side end flange of the vehicle body;

[0081] 5. Helical springs;

[0082] 6. Limit slider or roller;

[0083] 7 bevel.

Claims

1. A door limiter for a hinged car door, characterized in that, The device is configured to include a door-side component and a body-side component. A component, i.e., a housing, of one of the door-side components or the body-side component penetrates the other component, i.e., a limiting linkage arm, and has an opening direction stress generating structure. The opening direction stress generating structure generates elastic stress in the door opening direction when the door is fully closed, and applies the stress directly to the limiting linkage arm. When the latch that maintains the door in the closed state is released, the stress can make the door partially open.

2. The door limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the end of the door opposite to the hinge, the opening degree of the door in the partially open state is 1cm to 10cm.

3. The door limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that, At the door handle position, the stress in the opening direction is 5 to 50 N.

4. The door limiter according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the partially open state position based on the opening direction stress, a limiting position for maintaining the door is provided.

5. The door limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stress-generating structure is configured such that, through the mountain-shaped limit linkage arm of the door limiter itself and the reaction force of the elastic body inside the housing, the door limiter force generates stress in the door opening direction when the door is fully closed.

6. The door limiter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stress-generating structure is an elastic body held between the limiting link arm and the housing.

7. The door limiter according to claim 6, characterized in that, The elastic body is fixed to the limiting linkage arm and is integrated with it.

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