Detection device and door handle

Abstract

A detection device that is provided inside a door handle which is for a vehicle and which has an inner case, the detection device comprising: a base part that has a longitudinal shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the door handle, is provided and fixed with respect to the inner case, and is deformed when pressure is applied to the inner case; a displacement member that has a long shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the door handle, that opposes the base part, that has one end or both ends connected to the base part, and that has a displacement part that is displaced relative to the base part when the base part is deformed; and a sensor that detects displacement of the displacement part.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device and a door handle. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a technology for unlocking or locking a vehicle door by detecting the bending deformation of a substrate inside a vehicle door handle when pressure is applied to the door handle using a pressure sensor provided on the substrate inside the door handle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-130392 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, as the distance from the place where the pressure of the door handle is applied to the pressure sensor increases, the load is less easily transmitted to the pressure sensor, and therefore, for example, in order to increase the detection accuracy of the pressure applied to the door handle regardless of the place where the pressure is applied, it is necessary to install multiple pressure sensors, which may complicate the configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A detection device in one embodiment is a detection device that is installed inside a door handle for a vehicle having an inner case, and is equipped with a base having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle, fixedly installed relative to the inner case, and deformed when pressure is applied to the inner case, a displacement member having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle, installed opposite the base, one or both of one end and the other end being connected to the base, and having a displacement part that displaces relative to the base as the base deforms, and a sensor that detects displacement of the displacement part. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to one embodiment, pressure applied to the inside of a door handle can be detected more reliably with a relatively simple configuration. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a door handle according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the vehicle exterior side; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a door handle according to a first embodiment, as viewed from inside a vehicle; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an attached state of a door handle according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a door handle according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a door handle according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of a door handle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the detection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 7B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the detection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the detection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second modified example of the detection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third modified example of the detection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth modified example of the detection device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fifth modified example of the detection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a door handle according to a second embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a door handle according to a second embodiment; [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view of a door handle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16B] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the detection device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the detection device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience, in the following description, the Z-axis direction (direction corresponding to the height direction of the vehicle) in the drawing is the up-down direction, the Y-axis direction (direction corresponding to the width direction of the vehicle) in the drawing is the width direction, and the X-axis direction (direction corresponding to the length direction of the vehicle) in the drawing is the front-rear direction. In addition, the positive side of the Y-axis in the drawing is the outside and the outside side of the vehicle, and the negative side of the Y-axis in the drawing is the inside and the inside side of the vehicle.

[0009] [First embodiment] (Outline of Door Handle 100) Fig. 1 is an external perspective view of the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the vehicle exterior side. Fig. 2 is an external perspective view of the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the vehicle interior side. The door handle 100 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is a thin, rod-like part extending along the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the vehicle. The door handle 100 is attached to the vehicle exterior surface 30A (see Fig. 3) of a vehicle door 30, and is a part that is held by the user's hand when the user opens or closes the door 30.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the door handle 100 includes a case 100A. The case 100A is a component that forms the overall shape of the door handle 100. The case 100A is formed from a resin material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin or PC (Polycarbonate) resin. The case 100A has an inner case 110 that faces the inside of the vehicle (Y-axis negative side) and an outer case 120 that faces mainly the outside of the vehicle (Y-axis positive side). Both the inner case 110 and the outer case 120 have a longitudinal shape in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The case 100A is formed by combining the inner case 110 and the outer case 120 with each other.

[0011] 2, an opening 120B extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is formed in an interior surface 120A provided on the interior side (Y-axis negative side) of the outer case 120. The opening 120B has substantially the same shape as the outer shape of the inner case 110. The inner case 110 is fitted into the opening 120B.

[0012] A recess 100B curved toward the outside of the vehicle (positive side of the Y axis) is formed on the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis) and at the center in the front-rear direction (X axis direction) of the door handle 100. A pair of flat installation surfaces 100C are provided on both ends of the door handle 100 on the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis) and in the front-rear direction (X axis direction). The installation surface 100C is formed by the inside surface 120A of the outer case 120 and the inside surfaces of the fixing portion 112 and the fixing portion 113 provided on the inner case 110.

[0013] 3 is a diagram showing an installation state of the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the door handle 100 is fixed to the door 30 by screwing, with each of the pair of installation surfaces 100C being in close contact with the vehicle exterior surface 30A of the door 30.

[0014] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the door handle 100 has a recess 100B, which forms a space (see FIG. 3) between the door handle 100 and the vehicle exterior surface 30A of the door 30 into which the user's hand can be inserted, thereby enabling the user to grasp the door handle 100 with their hand.

[0015] (Internal structure of door handle 100) Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are exploded perspective views of the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment, showing a cross-section in the XY plane (a cross-section passing through the center in the Z-axis direction of the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140) seen from above the door handle 100 (Z-axis positive direction).

[0016] <Configuration of Case 100A> As shown in Figs. 4 to 6, the door handle 100 includes a case 100A. The case 100A can be separated into an inner case 110 and an outer case 120. The inner case 110 is integrated with the outer case 120 by being fitted into an opening 120B (see Fig. 5) that is formed in the outer case 120 and has substantially the same shape as the inner case 110. The inner case 110 has a gripping portion 111, a fixing portion 112, and a fixing portion 113.

[0017] The grip portion 111 is provided at the center of the inner case 110 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) and is a longitudinal portion extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The grip portion 111 is a portion to which pressure is applied by the user's hand in the vehicle exterior direction (Y-axis positive direction) when opening the door 30. An exterior surface 111A of the grip portion 111 on the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side) is flat. A substrate 130 is installed on the exterior surface 111A. An interior surface 111B of the grip portion 111 on the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side) is curved and extends along the recess 100B (see Figs. 1 to 3) of the door handle 100, forming a part of the recess 100B. The grip portion 111 has a thickness dimension in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) that decreases from the end portion in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) toward the center, so that the rigidity is increased at both ends and the grip portion 111 is less likely to deform.

[0018] The fixing part 112 is provided at the front end (front end of the vehicle) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the inner case 110, and is a part fixed to the outer case 120. The fixing part 112 is a generally flat plate-shaped part extending forward (X-axis positive direction) from the front end of the grip part 111. The fixing part 112 has a base part 112A and a base connection part 112B. The base part 112A is provided away from the front end of the grip part 111. The base part 112A is a part that is screwed and fixed to the outer case 120 by a screw (not shown) that penetrates the base part 112A in the Y-axis direction. The base connection part 112B is provided so as to connect between the base part 112A and the front end of the grip part 111. The dimension of base connection portion 112B in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is set so that base connection portion 112B is not easily deformed when pressure is applied to grip portion 111.

[0019] The fixing part 113 is provided at the rear end (the end on the rear side of the vehicle) in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the inner case 110, and is a part fixed to the outer case 120. The fixing part 113 has a shape symmetrical to the fixing part 112 with respect to the YZ plane. The fixing part 113 is a generally flat part extending rearward (X-axis negative direction) from the rear end of the grip part 111. The fixing part 113 has a base part 113A and a base connection part 113B. The base part 113A is provided away from the rear end of the grip part 111. The base part 113A is a part fixed to the outer case 120 by a screw (not shown) that penetrates the base part 113A in the Y-axis direction. The base connection part 113B is provided so as to connect between the base part 113A and the rear end of the grip part 111. The dimension of base connection portion 113B in the height direction (Z-axis direction) is set so that base connection portion 113B is not easily deformed when pressure is applied to grip portion 111.

[0020] <Internal configuration of case 100A> 4 to 6, the door handle 100 includes, inside the case 100A, a substrate 130, a strain sensor 140, and a holder 150. The substrate 130, the strain sensor 140, and the holder 150 constitute the detection device 10.

[0021] The substrate 130 is an example of a "base." It is a resinous, flat-plate-like member that is elastically deformable with the longitudinal direction being the front-rear direction. The substrate 130 is fixedly installed to the vehicle-exterior surface 111A on the vehicle-exterior side (positive side of the Y-axis) of the gripping portion 111 of the inner case 110 by any fixing means (e.g., double-sided tape, etc.). As a result, when pressure is applied to the door handle 100, the substrate 130 elastically deforms so as to curve convexly toward the vehicle exterior together with the gripping portion 111 of the inner case 110.

[0022] The strain sensor 140 is mounted on the front end (the end on the X-axis positive side) of the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130, and detects pressure being applied to the door handle 100. As shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the strain sensor 140 has a fixing portion 141 and a shaft portion 142.

[0023] The fixing portion 141 is a flat portion having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and is made of synthetic resin or ceramic. The fixing portion 141 is fixed at its surface on the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side) to a front end portion (X-axis positive side end portion) of the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130.

[0024] Shaft portion 142 is formed integrally with fixed portion 141, and has a columnar shape that protrudes toward the exterior side (positive side of the Y axis) from the center of the surface of fixed portion 141 on the exterior side (positive side of the Y axis). The tip portion of shaft portion 142 is fitted into recess 154 (see FIG. 5) formed on the surface of holder 150 on the interior side of the vehicle.

[0025] When pressure is applied to the door handle 100, the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 is pushed down in the X-axis direction by the holder 150 displaced in the X-axis direction, causing a strain in the fixed part 141. A plurality of strain elements (not shown) are provided on the surface of the fixed part 141 on the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side). This allows the strain sensor 140 to detect the strain of the fixed part 141 by the plurality of strain elements, i.e., to detect that pressure has been applied to the door handle 100.

[0026] The holder 150 is an example of a "displacement member." The holder 150 is a flat, elastically deformable resin member with the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) as its longitudinal direction. That is, the holder 150 has an elongated shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100. The holder 150 is disposed opposite the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130.

[0027] The holder 150 has a connection part 151A at one end 151 which is the end on the rear side (negative side of the X-axis), and is fixedly connected to the end on the rear side (negative side of the X-axis) of the substrate 130 by the connection part 151A. The holder 150 has the other end 152 which is the end on the front side (positive side of the X-axis) which is a displacement part, and the displacement part is displaced relative to the substrate 130 in the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100 (X-axis direction) as the substrate 130 deforms (bends).

[0028] The holder 150 has a side wall 150A, a plurality of protruding portions 150B, and a plurality of legs 153. Each of the plurality of legs 153 extends from the upper (Z-axis positive) side surface and the lower (Z-axis negative) side surface of the holder 150 toward the substrate 130, and keeps the distance between the holder 150 and the substrate 130 in the Y-axis direction constant. Specifically, each leg 153 has a tip portion 153A extending beyond the substrate 130, and the tip portion 153A is formed in a shape bent at a right angle toward the inside of the holder 150 (the central portion of the holder 150 in the Z-axis direction), and the edge of the substrate 130 is sandwiched between the tip portion 153A and the plurality of protruding portions 150B of the holder 150. As a result, the legs 153 and the protruding parts 150B sandwich the edge of the holder 150 so as to restrict the movement of the holder 150 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) while allowing the holder 150 to move in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) relative to the substrate 130. In this embodiment, as a configuration for restricting the movement of the holder 150 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) while allowing the holder 150 to move in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) relative to the substrate 130, a side wall 150A, multiple protruding parts 150B, and multiple legs 153 are provided, and the edge of the substrate 130 is sandwiched between the tip part 153A and the multiple protruding parts 150B of the holder 150. However, the position of the substrate 130 to be sandwiched is not limited to the edge of the substrate 130. For example, an opening groove may be provided along the X direction in the center of the Z axis direction of the substrate 130, and both inner edges of this opening groove in the Z axis direction may be clamped between the tip portion 153A and multiple protruding portions 150B of the holder 150.

[0029] The holder 150 is connected to the substrate 130 by multiple legs 153, and when pressure is applied to the door handle 100, the holder 150 elastically deforms so as to curve convexly toward the outside of the vehicle, together with the gripping portion 111 of the inner case 110 and the substrate 130.

[0030] The holder 150 has a space 150C recessed from the surface on the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side) toward the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side) over the entire area in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and the space 150C can accommodate the strain sensor 140 mounted on the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130. Note that in this embodiment, the space 150C is formed by the side wall 150A, but this is not limiting, and for example, the space 150C may be formed by a recessed portion recessed toward the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side).

[0031] A recess 154 (see FIG. 5) is formed on the innermost bottom surface of the space 150C in the holder 150 and at a position facing the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 (i.e., the other end 152 which is the displacement portion of the holder 150) and is recessed toward the vehicle exterior (positive side of the Y axis). The recess 154 is an example of an "engagement portion". The tip of the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 is fitted into the recess 154 and engaged therewith. As a result, when pressure is applied to the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment, the holder 150 is able to push down the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 in the X axis direction as the holder 150 is displaced in the X axis direction. Note that the method of engaging the shaft 142 with the holder 150 is not limited to fitting, and other methods (for example, gluing, fitting and further gluing, etc.) may be used.

[0032] (Operation of the detection device 10) 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. The detection device 10 according to the first embodiment can detect the pressure applied to the inner case 110 by the user's hand using the strain sensor 140.

[0033] Specifically, a case will be described in which pressure is applied by the user's hand to grip portion 111 of inner case 110 of door handle 100 in the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (positive direction of the Y axis) (arrow A shown in FIG. 7).

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7A, when no pressure is applied to gripping portion 111, the front end portion (the end portion on the positive side of the X-axis) of substrate 130 and the front end portion (the end portion on the positive side of the X-axis) of holder 150 are at the same position in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction).

[0035] 7A, fixed portion 141 of strain sensor 140 is fixed to exterior surface 130A of substrate 130. A tip portion of shaft portion 142 of strain sensor 140 is fitted into recess 154 provided in a front end portion (the end portion on the X-axis positive side) of holder 150.

[0036] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7B, when pressure is applied to grip portion 111 of inner case 110, grip portion 111 elastically deforms so as to bend toward the vehicle exterior (positive side on the Y axis) because both ends (fixed portions 112, 113) of inner case 110 are fixed to outer case 120. At the same time, substrate 130 and holder 150 elastically deform so as to bend toward the vehicle exterior (positive side on the Y axis) together with grip portion 111. At this time, as shown in Fig. 7B, due to the difference in the radius of curvature between substrate 130 and holder 150, a positional deviation occurs in the front-rear direction (X axis direction) between the front end portion (end portion on the positive side on the X axis) of substrate 130 and the front end portion (end portion on the positive side on the X axis) of holder 150.

[0037] 7B, the front end (end on the positive side of the X-axis) of holder 150 is displaced backward (in the negative direction of the X-axis) relative to the front end (end on the positive side of the X-axis) of substrate 130 (arrow B in FIG. 7). As a result, the front end (end on the positive side of the X-axis) of holder 150 can push shaft 142 of strain sensor 140 backward (in the negative direction of the X-axis).

[0038] In the strain sensor 140, tilting of the shaft portion 142 generates a strain in the fixed portion 141. The strain sensor 140 detects the strain of the fixed portion 141 by a plurality of strain elements (not shown), and outputs a strain detection signal representing the strain as a pressure detection signal representing the application of pressure by the user's hand. Note that the strain sensor 140 may have one strain element in the front-rear direction (X direction), and in short, it is sufficient that at least one strain element is provided so as to be able to detect the pressure applied to the inner case 110 by the user's hand.

[0039] The detection device 10 of the first embodiment is a detection device 10 provided inside a door handle 100 for a vehicle having an inner case 110, and includes a substrate 130 having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100, fixedly installed relative to the inner case 110, and deforming when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, a holder 150 having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100, provided opposite the substrate 130, one end 151 connected to the substrate 130, and having a displacement portion that displaces relative to the substrate 130 as the substrate 130 deforms, and a strain sensor 140 that detects the displacement of the displacement portion.

[0040] As a result, when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment can deform the substrate 130 and the holder 150 together with the inner case 110, and displace the displacement portion of the holder 150 relative to the substrate 130. Therefore, the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment can more reliably detect the pressure applied to the inside of the door handle 100 with a relatively simple configuration by detecting the displacement of the displacement portion of the holder 150 at one location using the strain sensor 140.

[0041] In the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment, the holder 150 has one end 151 connected to the substrate 130 and the other end 152 which is a displacement portion, and the displacement portion is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100.

[0042] As a result, the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment detects the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100 when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, and can more reliably detect the pressure applied to the inside of the door handle 100 with a relatively simple configuration. In this embodiment, the displacement of the other end 152 that is the farthest from the connection portion 151A is detected. Therefore, in this embodiment, a large displacement caused by the difference in the radius of curvature when the substrate 130 and the holder 150 are bent can be detected, but it is not necessary to detect the displacement of the other end 152 of the holder 150, and it is also possible to detect the displacement of the middle portion of the holder 150.

[0043] Moreover, in the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment, the holder 150 has a plurality of legs 153 that extend toward the substrate 130 and hold the edge of the substrate 130.

[0044] As a result, the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment can maintain a constant distance between the holder 150 and the substrate 130, and can deform the holder 150 together with the substrate 130 when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, and can detect a large displacement due to a difference in the radius of curvature, but the legs 153 are not necessarily required. If the legs 153 are omitted, the substrate 130 deforms when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, but the holder 150 does not deform. Therefore, even if the legs 153 are omitted, although the relative amount of displacement is smaller than when both the substrate 130 and the holder 150 deform, a relative displacement in the X-axis direction occurs between the substrate 130 and the holder 150, and a load that tilts toward the shaft 142 can be applied, so that the pressure applied to the inner case 110 can be detected. In this way, it is not necessary for the holder 150 to be configured to deform concentrically with the substrate 130, but rather it is sufficient that a relative displacement in the X-axis direction occurs between the substrate 130 and the holder 150, so that a tilting load can be applied to the shaft portion 142.

[0045] In the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment, the strain sensor 140 detects a strain that occurs in association with the displacement of the displacement portion of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100.

[0046] As a result, the detection device 10 of the first embodiment can more reliably detect the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100 by generating a distortion in the distortion sensor 140.

[0047] In the detection device 10 of the first embodiment, the strain sensor 140 has a fixed portion 141 fixedly installed on the substrate 130, and an axis portion 142 protruding from the fixed portion 141 toward the holder 150, and the axis portion 142 engages with a recess 154 provided in the displacement portion.

[0048] As a result, the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment can more reliably detect the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100 by tilting the shaft portion 142 to generate a distortion in the distortion sensor 140. Note that the recess 154 may be formed, for example, by a through hole, and the point is that it is sufficient that the shaft portion 142 is configured to tilt in accordance with the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion).

[0049] (First Modification of Detection Device 10) Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 8, the detection device 10 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment includes an optical distance sensor 160 that detects the movement distance of the other end 152 of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the door handle 100, instead of the strain sensor 140 of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the distance sensor 160 is provided on the outer surface 130A of the substrate 130 on the vehicle exterior side, on the front side (X-axis positive side) of the other end 152 of the holder 150, facing the other end 152 of the holder 150. When pressure is applied to inner case 110, the other end 152 (displacement portion) displaces in response to the pressure. In the detection device 10 of the first embodiment, the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) is detected by detecting the pressure. In the first modified example, however, the distance sensor 160 detects a change (displacement) in distance D1 between the distance sensor 160 and the other end 152 (displacement portion) of holder 150, thereby detecting the pressure applied to inner case 110.

[0050] (Second Modification of Detection Device 10) FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the detection device 10 according to the second modified example of the first embodiment includes an electrostatic sensor 161 that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance accompanying the movement of the other end 152 of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the door handle 100, instead of the strain sensor 140 of the first embodiment. The main difference from the first modified example is that the distance is measured by electrostatic method instead of optical method. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the electrostatic sensor 161 has a first electrode 161A and a second electrode 161B. The first electrode 161A is provided on the other end 152 of the holder 150. The second electrode 161B is provided on the outer surface 130A of the substrate 130, in front of the first electrode 161A (X-axis positive side), facing the first electrode 161A. When pressure is applied to the inner case 110, the detection device 10 of the second modified example detects the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) in the X direction by detecting a change in capacitance due to a change in distance D2 between the first electrode 161A and the second electrode 161B using the electrostatic sensor 161, thereby detecting the pressure applied to the inner case 110.

[0051] (Third Modification of Detection Device 10) FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the detection device 10 according to the third modified example of the first embodiment includes an electrostatic sensor 162 that detects a change in electrostatic capacitance accompanying the movement of the other end 152 of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the door handle 100, instead of the strain sensor 140 of the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the electrostatic sensor 162 has a first electrode 162A and a second electrode 162B. The first electrode 162A is provided on the vehicle interior surface 150A of the other end 152 of the holder 150. The second electrode 162B is provided on the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130 so as to face the first electrode 162A. When pressure is applied to the inner case 110, the detection device 10 of the third modified example detects the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) in the X direction by detecting a change in capacitance due to a change in the overlapping area between the first electrode 162A and the second electrode 162B using the electrostatic sensor 162, thereby detecting the pressure applied to the inner case 110.

[0052] (Fourth Modification of Detection Device 10) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the detection device 10 according to the fourth modified example of the first embodiment includes a piezoelectric sensor 163 that detects a pressure caused by the movement of the other end 152 of the holder 150 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the door handle 100, instead of the strain sensor 140 of the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the piezoelectric sensor 163 is approximately rectangular and has a shape in which the center part of the side surface on the X side protrudes. In addition, a protrusion 152A protruding toward the inside of the vehicle (the substrate 130 side) is provided on the vehicle-interior surface 150A of the other end 152 of the holder 150. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the piezoelectric sensor 163 is provided on the vehicle-exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130 behind the protrusion 152A (X-axis negative side), and the protrusion 152A and the piezoelectric sensor 163 are provided in contact with each other. When pressure is applied to the inner case 110, the detection device 10 of the fourth modified example detects the change in the pressing force applied to the piezoelectric sensor 163 by the protrusion 152A, thereby detecting the displacement of the other end 152 (displacement portion) in the X direction and detecting the pressure applied to the inner case 110.

[0053] (Fifth Modification of Detection Device 10) FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the detection device 10 according to the fifth modified example of the first embodiment has an elastic cap 143 attached to the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140, and the elastic cap 143 may be fitted into an opening 155 provided in the other end 152 of the holder 150. This allows the detection device 10 according to the fifth modified example to couple the shaft portion 142 and the other end 152 without rattling. In addition, in the first embodiment, in order to enable detection even when a small load is applied to the inner case 110, it is necessary to fit the recess 154 and the tip of the shaft portion 142 without rattling. However, due to problems with part accuracy and assembly accuracy, the device may be assembled in a state where the distance from the connection portion 151A to the recess 154 and the distance from the end of the rear side (X-axis negative side) of the substrate 130 to the tip of the shaft portion 142 are misaligned. In this case, even when no pressure is being applied to the gripping portion 111, an initial load is applied from the other end 152 of the holder 150 to the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140. However, by providing an elastic cap 143, it is possible to prevent a large force from being applied in the initial state.

[0054] Second Embodiment (Internal structure of door handle 100-2) Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 are exploded perspective views of the door handle 100-2 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the door handle 100-2 according to the second embodiment, showing a cross section along the XY plane as seen from above the door handle 100-2 (positive direction of the Z axis).

[0055] <Configuration of Case 100A> As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the door handle 100-2 includes a case 100A. The case 100A is similar to the case 100A included in the door handle 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] <Internal configuration of case 100A> 13 to 15, the door handle 100-2 includes a substrate 130, a strain sensor 140, and a holder 170 inside the case 100A. The substrate 130, the strain sensor 140, and the holder 170 configure the detection device 20.

[0057] The substrate 130 and the strain sensor 140 included in the detection device 20 are similar to the substrate 130 and the strain sensor 140 included in the detection device 10 according to the first embodiment. However, in the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment, the fixing portion 141 of the strain sensor 140 is fixed to the center of the substrate 130 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) on the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130. Also, in the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment, the tip portion of the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140 is fitted into a recess 174 formed on the vehicle interior surface of the holder 170.

[0058] Furthermore, in the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment, when pressure is applied to the door handle 100-2, the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140 is pressed toward the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis) by the center portion of the holder 170 displaced toward the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis), causing a strain in the fixed portion 141. A plurality of strain elements (not shown) are provided on the surface of the fixed portion 141 facing the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis). This allows the strain sensor 140 to detect the strain of the fixed portion 141 by the plurality of strain elements, i.e., to detect that pressure has been applied to the door handle 100-2.

[0059] The holder 170 is an example of a "displacement member." The holder 170 is an elastically deformable flat resin member with the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) as its longitudinal direction. That is, the holder 170 has a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100-2. The holder 170 is shorter in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) than the substrate 130, and is provided opposite to the center of the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130.

[0060] The holder 170 has a pair of legs 173 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at one end 171, which is the end on the rear side (negative side of the X-axis), and the pair of legs 173 engage with a pair of upper and lower edges on the rear side (negative side of the X-axis) at the center of the substrate 130.

[0061] In addition, the holder 170 has a pair of legs 173 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) at the other end 172, which is the end on the front side (positive side of the X-axis), and the pair of legs 173 engage with a pair of upper and lower edges on the front side (negative side of the X-axis) at the center of the substrate 130.

[0062] Each of the legs 173 extends from the upper (Z-axis positive) side and the lower (Z-axis negative) side of the holder 170 toward the substrate 130, and the surface of the holder 170 on the substrate 130 side abuts against the vehicle exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130, thereby maintaining a constant relative positional relationship between the legs 173 of the holder 170 and the substrate 130. The tip of each leg 173 is bent at a right angle toward the inside of the holder 170 (the center of the holder 170 in the Z-axis direction), and the edge of the substrate 130 is sandwiched between the tip and the surface of the holder 170 on the substrate 130 side. As a result, each leg 173 fits into the substrate 130 and is fixed vertically, and sandwiches the edge of the holder 170 so as to restrict movement of the holder 170 in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) and the up-down direction (Z-axis direction). Each leg 173 may be fixed to the substrate 130 by adhesion instead of by fitting.

[0063] Moreover, since the center of holder 170 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) is a displacement portion, and multiple legs 173 are perpendicular to substrate 130, the vehicle exterior side (positive side of the Y-axis) of multiple legs 173 collapses outward (in a direction moving away from the center of holder 170 in the X-axis direction) as substrate 130 deforms (curves), and as a result, the displacement portion displaces toward the vehicle interior side (i.e., in a direction approaching substrate 130). That is, the displacement portion at the center of holder 170 approaches vehicle exterior surface 130A of substrate 130 while maintaining a horizontal state by being pulled to both sides in the X-axis direction by multiple legs 173 as multiple legs 173 collapse.

[0064] In this way, holder 170 elastically deforms to approach grip portion 111 of inner case 110 and substrate 130 when pressure is applied to door handle 100-2.

[0065] A recess 174 is formed in the center of the surface of the holder 170 on the vehicle interior side (at a position facing the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140) so as to be recessed toward the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side). The recess 174 is an example of an "engagement portion." The tip of the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 is fitted into the recess 174 to engage with it. As a result, when pressure is applied to the door handle 100-2 according to the second embodiment, the center of the holder 170 is displaced toward the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side) so that the center of the holder 170 can press the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 toward the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side). Note that the recess 174 may not be provided, and the tip surface of the shaft 142 may be made to abut against the center of the surface of the holder 170 on the vehicle interior side.

[0066] (Operation of the detection device 20) 16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment. The detection device 20 according to the second embodiment can detect the pressure applied to the inner case 110 by the user's hand using the strain sensor 140.

[0067] Specifically, a case will be described in which pressure is applied by the user's hand to grip portion 111 of inner case 110 of door handle 100-2 in the direction toward the outside of the vehicle (positive direction of the Y axis) (arrow A shown in FIG. 16).

[0068] As shown in FIG. 16A, when no pressure is applied to the gripping portion 111, the holder 170 is parallel to the exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130, and each of the multiple legs 173 of the holder 170 is perpendicular to the exterior surface 130A of the substrate 130.

[0069] 16A, fixing portion 141 of strain sensor 140 is fixed to the center of exterior surface 130A of substrate 130. The tip of shaft 142 of strain sensor 140 is fitted into recess 174 provided in the center of the interior surface of holder 170.

[0070] 16B, when pressure is applied to grip portion 111 of inner case 110, grip portion 111 elastically deforms so as to bend toward the vehicle exterior (positive Y-axis side) because both ends (fixed portions 112, 113) of inner case 110 are fixed to outer case 120. At the same time, substrate 130 fixed to grip portion 111 elastically deforms so as to bend toward the vehicle exterior (positive Y-axis side) together with grip portion 111. As a result, the center portion of substrate 130 is displaced in a direction approaching holder 170 (positive Y-axis direction) (arrow B shown in FIG. 16). At this time, as described above, the leg 173 falls so as to maintain a perpendicular relationship with the substrate 130, and as shown in FIG. 16B, the distance between the end of the front (X-axis positive side) leg 173 on the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side) and the end of the rear (X-axis negative side) leg 173 on the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side), which are connected to the substrate 130, increases, and the holder 170 expands in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction), and elastically deforms toward the vehicle interior side so as to become flat. As a result, the center of the holder 170 is displaced in a direction approaching the substrate 130 (Y-axis negative direction) (arrow C shown in FIG. 16). Coupled with the elastic deformation of the substrate 130 so as to bend toward the vehicle exterior side (Y-axis positive side), the center of the holder 170 can press the shaft 142 of the strain sensor 140 toward the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side).

[0071] 16, a pair of grooves 175 are formed on the front and rear of the surface of the holder 170 on the vehicle interior side (Y-axis negative side), the grooves 175 being cut out in a straight line extending in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). This allows the holder 170 to have a shape that is easily stretched and deformed as described above.

[0072] In the strain sensor 140, pressure applied to the shaft portion 142 generates a strain in the fixed portion 141. The strain sensor 140 detects the strain of the fixed portion 141 by a plurality of strain elements (not shown), and outputs a strain detection signal indicative of the strain as a pressure detection signal indicative of pressure being applied by the user's hand.

[0073] The detection device 20 of the second embodiment is a detection device 20 provided inside a door handle 100-2 for a vehicle having an inner case 110, and includes a substrate 130 having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100-2, fixedly installed relative to the inner case 110, and deforming when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, a holder 170 having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle 100-2, provided opposite the substrate 130, both one end 171 and the other end 172 being connected to the substrate 130, and having a displacement portion that displaces relative to the substrate 130 as the substrate 130 deforms, and a strain sensor 140 that detects the displacement of the displacement portion.

[0074] As a result, when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment can deform the substrate 130 and the holder 170 together with the inner case 110, and displace the displacement portion of the holder 170 relative to the substrate 130. Therefore, the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment can more reliably detect the pressure applied to the inside of the door handle 100-2 with a relatively simple configuration by detecting the displacement of the displacement portion of the holder 170 at one location using the strain sensor 140.

[0075] In the detection device 20 of the second embodiment, the holder 170 has both one end 171 and the other end 172 connected to the substrate 130, and the central portion between the one end 171 and the other end 172 is a displacement portion, which displaces in a direction approaching the substrate 130.

[0076] As a result, the detection device 20 of the second embodiment can detect the displacement of the center of the holder 170 in the direction toward the substrate 130 when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, thereby more reliably detecting the pressure applied to the inside of the door handle 100-2 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0077] In the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment, the strain sensor 140 is a strain sensor that detects a strain that occurs with the displacement of the displacement section in a direction approaching the substrate 130.

[0078] As a result, the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment can more reliably detect the displacement of the center portion of the holder 170 in the direction approaching the substrate 130 by generating a strain in the strain sensor 140.

[0079] In addition, in the detection device 20 of the second embodiment, the strain sensor 140 has a fixed portion 141 fixedly installed on the substrate 130 and an axis portion 142 protruding from the fixed portion 141 toward the holder 170, and the axis portion 142 engages with an engagement portion provided in the displacement portion.

[0080] As a result, the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment can more reliably detect the displacement of the center of the holder 170 in the direction approaching the substrate 130 by pressing the shaft 142 to generate a distortion in the distortion sensor 140. In this embodiment, the groove 175 is provided, and the upper surface of the center of the holder 170 has a shape that protrudes toward the positive side of the Y axis compared to the upper ends of the legs 173 (hereinafter, referred to as a "protruding shape"). Therefore, when the upper ends of the legs 173 are expanded, a force in a direction that stretches the upper ends of the legs 173 in the X axis direction is applied to the part connecting the upper ends of the legs 173. Therefore, the upper surface of the center of the holder 170 is displaced toward the negative side of the Y axis. However, the groove 175 and the protruding shape are not essential configurations. For example, the part connecting the upper ends of the legs 173 of the holder 170 may be made thin so as to be elastically deformed in the X axis direction. In this case, deformation of substrate 130 towards the outside of the vehicle (positive side of the Y axis) presses shaft portion 142 towards the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis), so that the pressure applied to inner case 110 can be detected.

[0081] (One Modification of the Detection Device 20) 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 17, in the detection device 20 according to the second embodiment, the holder 170 and the strain sensor 140 may be arranged at an end of the substrate 130 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) instead of at the center of the substrate 130 in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). In the example illustrated in Fig. 17, the holder 170 and the strain sensor 140 are arranged at the front end of the substrate 130 (the end on the positive side of the X-axis).

[0082] As shown in FIG. 17, in the door handle 100-2 of the second embodiment, when pressure is applied to the inner case 110, the substrate 130 bends overall, so that regardless of where the holder 170 and the strain sensor 140 are positioned in the longitudinal direction of the substrate 130, the holder 170 is deformed in the same manner, and the central portion of the holder 170 can press the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140.

[0083] For example, as shown in FIG. 17B, when pressure is applied to the gripping portion 111 of the inner case 110 (arrow A in FIG. 17), the gripping portion 111 and the substrate 130 are elastically deformed so as to bend toward the outside of the vehicle (positive side of the Y axis). As a result, the installation portion of the substrate 130 on which the strain sensor 140 is installed is displaced in a direction approaching the holder 170 (positive direction of the Y axis) (arrow B in FIG. 17). At this time, as shown in FIG. 17B, the holder 170 is expanded in the longitudinal direction (X axis direction), and the holder 170 is elastically deformed toward the inside of the vehicle. As a result, the center portion of the holder 170 is displaced in a direction approaching the substrate 130 (negative direction of the Y axis) (arrow C in FIG. 17). As a result, the center portion of the holder 170 can press the shaft portion 142 of the strain sensor 140 toward the inside of the vehicle (negative side of the Y axis).

[0084] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0085] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-110981, filed on July 2, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10,20 Detection device 30 Doors 30A Vehicle outside surface 100,100-2 Door handle 100A Case 100B Recess 100C installation surface 110 Inner case 111 Gripping part 111A Vehicle exterior surface 111B Car interior surface 112 Fixed part 112A Pedestal 112B Pedestal connection part 113 Fixed part 113A Pedestal 113B Pedestal connection part 120 Outer case 120A Car interior surface 120B opening 130 Substrate 130A Vehicle outside surface 140 Strain Sensor 141 Fixed part 142 Shaft 143 Elastic Cap 150 Holder 150C space section 151 One end 151A Connection 152 Other end 152A Protrusion 153 Legs 154 Recess 155 Opening 160 Distance Sensor 161 Electrostatic Sensor 161A 1st electrode 161B 2nd electrode 162 Electrostatic Sensor 162A 1st electrode 162B 2nd electrode 163 Piezoelectric Sensor 170 Holder 171 One end 172 Other end 173 Legs 174 Recess 175 Groove

Claims

1. A detection device provided inside a door handle for a vehicle having an inner case, a base portion having a longitudinal shape extending along a longitudinal direction of the door handle, the base portion being fixedly installed relative to the inner case, and deforming when pressure is applied to the inner case; a displacement member having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle, facing the base, one or both of one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction being connected to the base, and having a displacement portion that is displaced relative to the base in response to the deformation of the base; a sensor for detecting the displacement of the displacement portion; Equipped with The displacement member is The one end is connected to the base portion, and the other end is the displacement portion, and the displacement portion is displaced relative to the base portion in the longitudinal direction of the door handle. A detection device comprising:

2. The displacement member is A plurality of legs extending toward the base and holding the edge of the base.

2. The detection device according to claim 1 .

3. The sensor includes: A distortion sensor detects distortion caused by the displacement of the displacement portion in the longitudinal direction of the door handle.

3. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The sensor includes: The movable member has a fixed portion fixed to the base and a shaft portion protruding from the fixed portion toward the displacement member, and the shaft portion engages with an engagement portion provided on the displacement member.

4. The detection device according to claim 3.

5. A detection device provided inside a door handle for a vehicle having an inner case, a base portion having a longitudinal shape extending along a longitudinal direction of the door handle, the base portion being fixedly installed relative to the inner case, and deforming when pressure is applied to the inner case; a displacement member having a longitudinal shape extending along the longitudinal direction of the door handle, facing the base, one or both of one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction being connected to the base, and having a displacement portion that is displaced relative to the base in response to the deformation of the base; a sensor for detecting the displacement of the displacement portion; Equipped with The displacement member is A detection device in which both the one end and the other end are connected to the base via legs, the central portion between the one end and the other end is the displacement portion, and the displacement portion is displaced in a direction approaching the base as the outer side of the leg falls outward as the base deforms.

6. The sensor includes: A strain sensor that detects a strain generated when the displacement portion moves toward the base portion.

6. The detection device according to claim 5.

7. The sensor includes: The movable member has a fixed portion fixed to the base and a shaft portion protruding from the fixed portion toward the displacement member, and the shaft portion engages with an engagement portion provided on the displacement member.

7. The detection device according to claim 6.

8. A door handle for a vehicle, a case formed by combining an outer case provided on the vehicle exterior side and an inner case provided on the vehicle interior side; The detection device according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5 to 7, which is provided inside the case; A door handle comprising:

9. As the base portion deforms, the vehicle exterior side of the leg falls outward, the displacement member extends in the longitudinal direction, and the displacement member elastically deforms toward the vehicle interior side so as to become flat, whereby the displacement portion is displaced in a direction approaching the base portion.

6. The detection device according to claim 5.

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