Vehicle door stopper device

Abstract

To provide a door stopper for a vehicle capable of adjusting a stroke amount of a side door by an easy operation and with a simple structure.SOLUTION: A door stopper device 100 comprises: a first cylinder 106 installed in a side door 102; a second cylinder 108 installed inside the first cylinder 106; a rod 110 connecting a vehicle body side and the second cylinder 108, which is pulled out from the first cylinder 106 when the side door 102 is opened, and pushed back inside the first cylinder 106 when the side door 102 is closed; a repulsion member 126 that energizes the second cylinder 108 in a direction of the rod 110 returning inside the first cylinder 106; an operation part 154 installed in the side door 102; a sensor 156 capable of detecting a fully closed state of the side door 102; and a control part 152 that restricts the rod 110 from being pulled out from the first cylinder 106 when the operation part 154 receives an operation while the side door 102 is open, and removes the restriction when the fully closed state is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door stopper device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, side doors of vehicles and the like are provided with a door stopper device that fixes the side door so that it does not open beyond a predetermined opening degree. According to the door stopper device, by restricting the stroke amount of the side door, it is possible to prevent the side door from accidentally opening and contacting other structures. For example, the vehicle door device of Patent Document 1 includes a latch drive device 21 and a door opening degree fixing device 31 for a swing door 10, and it is possible to fix and release the swing door 10 via an operation switch 40.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, an input operation of the operation switch 40 is required every time the door is fixed or released. In addition, the technology of Patent Document 1 also requires the construction of a complicated control system for inputting the automatic stop angle and determining the angle, etc., and there is a risk that the implementation may be limited to relatively high-class vehicles.

[0005] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle door stopper device that can adjust the stroke amount of a side door with a simple operation and a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a typical configuration of a vehicle door stopper device according to the present invention is a vehicle door stopper device capable of adjusting the stroke amount of a hinged side door. In the vehicle door stopper device, a first cylinder installed on one of the side door or the vehicle body side, a second cylinder movably installed in the first cylinder, a rod connecting the other of the side door or the vehicle body side and the second cylinder, the rod being pulled out from the first cylinder when the side door is opened and pushed back into the first cylinder when the side door is closed, a repulsion member for biasing the second cylinder in a direction in which the rod returns into the first cylinder, an operation unit provided on the side door and operable by a user, a sensor capable of detecting a fully closed state of the side door, and a control unit that restricts the pulling out of the rod from the first cylinder when the operation unit receives a predetermined operation when the side door is open and eliminates the restriction when the fully closed state is detected.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a vehicle door stopper device capable of adjusting the stroke amount of a side door with a simple operation and a simple structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A vehicle door stopper device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle door stopper device capable of adjusting the stroke amount of a hinged side door, and includes a first cylinder installed on one of the side door or the vehicle body side, a second cylinder movably installed in the first cylinder, a rod connecting the other of the side door or the vehicle body side and the second cylinder, which is pulled out from the first cylinder when the side door is opened and pushed back into the first cylinder when the side door is closed, a repulsion member that biases the second cylinder in a direction in which the rod returns into the first cylinder, an operation unit provided on the side door and operable by a user, a sensor capable of detecting a fully closed state of the side door, and a control unit that restricts the pulling out of the rod from the first cylinder when the operation unit receives a predetermined operation while the side door is open and releases the restriction when the fully closed state is detected.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the user can prevent the side door from opening wider than the current opening degree by operating the operation unit. For example, when getting in or out of the vehicle, by performing a button operation with the side door open, the opening degree of the side door at that time can be set as the upper limit of the opening degree, preventing the side door from accidentally opening due to strong wind, its own weight, etc. and contacting the adjacent vehicle or other structures. At this time, it is possible not to restrict the side door in the closing direction, eliminating the need for an operation to release the fixation and enabling a smooth door closing operation.

[0011] The above-mentioned side door may be connected to the vehicle body side by a door hinge at the front side of the vehicle, the first cylinder installed inside the side door with its tip facing the door hinge, the rod passing through the tip of the first cylinder to connect the second cylinder to the vehicle body side, and the repulsive member installed inside the first cylinder further tip side than the second cylinder to urge the second cylinder toward the rear end of the first cylinder.

[0012] According to the above configuration, a vehicle door stopper device capable of limiting the opening degree of a side door can be preferably realized. In addition, since the first cylinder and the second cylinder extend in the front-rear direction inside the side door, the device can function as a door beam that protects the side door in the event of a side collision.

[0013] The vehicle door stopper device further includes a partition member installed within the first cylinder so as to be movable on the side opposite the rod as viewed from the second cylinder; a first fluid filled within the first cylinder on the side opposite the second cylinder as viewed from the partition member and urging the partition member toward the second cylinder; a branch passage connecting two locations within the first cylinder on the second cylinder side of the partition member and spanning the movement range of the second cylinder; a second fluid filled within the first cylinder on the second cylinder side as viewed from the partition member and the branch passage; and an adjustment valve that opens and closes the branch passage, and the control unit may limit the extension of the rod by closing the adjustment valve and remove the restriction by opening the adjustment valve.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the second fluid flows back and forth between the front and rear of the second cylinder via the branch passage, allowing the second cylinder to move smoothly. Also, the adjustment valve blocks the second fluid, fixing the position of the second cylinder and thereby restricting the movement of the rod and preventing the door from opening any further.

[0015] The vehicle door stopper device may further include a first slide member and a second slide member that are movably installed adjacent to each other within the second cylinder, and a third fluid that is filled within the second cylinder; the rod is tubular and has one end connected to the center of the first slide member, and an opening is provided on the side of the rod within the second cylinder through which the third fluid can enter and exit; the first slide member and the second slide member have one or more through holes that are provided in positions where they overlap; and when the operating unit receives a predetermined operation while the side door is open, the control unit closes the adjustment valve and rotates the first slide member via the rod to close the through hole, thereby sealing the second cylinder and restricting the movement of the rod back to the first cylinder.

[0016] According to the above configuration, a user can fix the opening angle of the side door by operating the operating unit. For example, in the above configuration, when the through holes of the first slide member and the second slide member overlap, the third fluid can move from inside the second cylinder to the outside through the rod. In other words, because the interior of the second cylinder is not sealed, the slide members and the rod can move back into the second cylinder, allowing the side door to be closed. On the other hand, when the rod and the first slide member rotate, the overlap of the through holes is released, preventing the third fluid from entering or exiting, and the interior of the second cylinder is sealed. Therefore, the slide members and the rod cannot move within the second cylinder, preventing the side door from closing.

[0017] The vehicle door structure may further include a 360° rotatable joint portion connecting the rod to the side door or the other of the vehicle body side.

[0018] The above-described joint portion allows the rod to move and rotate smoothly when the side door is opened or closed. [Example]

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant descriptions, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of a vehicle door stopper device (hereinafter, door stopper device 100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) is a diagram showing the side door 102 on the left side of the vehicle. Hereinafter, in FIG. 1 and all other drawings of the present application, the vehicle front-rear direction is exemplified by arrows F (Forward) and B (Backward), the left and right in the vehicle width direction are exemplified by arrows L (Leftward) and R (Rightward), and the vehicle up-down direction is exemplified by arrows U (upward) and D (downward).

[0021] The door stopper device 100 is a device for adjusting the stroke amount of a hinge-type side door 102, and is installed inside the side door 102 in this embodiment. The side door 102 is formed by combining a door outer panel that becomes the design surface on the outside of the vehicle and a door inner panel on the inside of the vehicle. The door stopper device 100 can be installed between these door outer panel and door inner panel so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0022] FIG. 1(b) is a diagram exemplifying the state in which the side door 102 of FIG. 1 is opened. The side door 102 is connected to the vehicle body side by a door hinge 104 at the front side of the vehicle, and is opened and closed with the door hinge 104 as a rotation axis.

[0023] When the door stopper device 100 is within the range when opening and closing the side door 102, it can set the upper limit (limit) of the opening degree so that the side door 102 cannot be opened further by receiving the operation of the user. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the side door 102 from being unintentionally opened by strong wind, its own weight, etc. and coming into contact with a structure such as a neighboring vehicle (commonly called door punch).

[0024] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing the door stopper device 100 of FIG. 1(a). The first cylinder 106 is a cylindrical container and is installed inside the side door 102 (see FIG. 1(a)). Inside the first cylinder 106, a second cylinder 108, which is also a cylindrical container, is movably installed.

[0025] A part of the rod 110 is exposed from the first cylinder 106, and it connects the second cylinder 108 inside the first cylinder 106 and the vehicle body side. Since the rod 110 is connected to the vehicle body side, when the side door 102 is opened, it is pulled out from the first cylinder 106, and when the side door 102 is closed, it is pushed back into the first cylinder 106.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating each member of the door stopper device 100 of FIG. 2(a). FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the first cylinder 106 of FIG. 2(a).

[0027] The first cylinder 106 is provided with a central hole 114 through which the rod 110 (see FIG. 2) reciprocates at the tip 112, and is installed inside the side door 102 with the tip 112 facing the door hinge 104 (see FIG. 1(b)).

[0028] The branch path 116 is provided so as to connect two locations before and after straddling the moving range of the second cylinder 108 in the first cylinder 106.

[0029] The regulating valve 118 is a valve that opens and closes the branch path 116. The regulating valve 118 is electrically connected to a control unit 152 described later, and its operation is controlled by the control unit 152.

[0030] FIG. 3(b) is a view showing the second cylinder 108, the partition member 130, and the repulsion member 126 of FIG. 2(a). The second cylinder 108 has a cylindrical main body portion 120 that fits inside the first cylinder 106 (see FIG. 3(a)), and an extension portion 122 that protrudes from the central hole 114 of the first cylinder 106. A pin 124 that interferes with the edge of the central hole 114 of the first cylinder 106 is provided at the tip of the extension portion 122.

[0031] The repulsion member 126 can employ a coil spring. The repulsion member 126 is provided around the extension portion 122 of the second cylinder 108 inside the first cylinder 106 (see FIG. 3(a)). The repulsion member 126 is provided on the tip 112 side of the first cylinder 106 rather than the main body portion 120 of the second cylinder 108, and biases the main body portion 120 of the second cylinder 108 toward the rear end 128 side of the first cylinder 106, that is, biases the second cylinder 108 in the direction in which the rod 110 returns into the first cylinder 106.

[0032] The partition member 130 is, for example, a disk-shaped member, and is movably installed on the rear end 128 side opposite to the rod 110 when viewed from the second cylinder 108 inside the first cylinder 106 (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0033] The first cylinder 106 shown in FIG. 2 is filled with a predetermined fluid. For example, the first fluid 132 is filled on the side of the first cylinder 106 opposite to the second cylinder 108 when viewed from the partition member 130. The first fluid 132 is a fluid that biases the partition member 130 toward the second cylinder 108 side, and for example, a gas with a high volume change rate is used.

[0034] The second fluid 134 is filled in the first cylinder 106 on the side of the second cylinder 108 from the partition member 130 and in the branch path 116. The second fluid 134 is a fluid that moves back and forth in the branch path 116 as the second cylinder 108 moves, and for example, a liquid such as oil with a low friction coefficient and a small volume change rate is used.

[0035] As described above, the first fluid 132 (gas) with a high rate of volume change biases the partition member 130 toward the tip side of the first cylinder 106, and the second fluid 134 (liquid) with a low coefficient of friction moves back and forth around the second cylinder 108, enabling the second cylinder 108 to move smoothly.

[0036] The inside of the second cylinder 108 is filled with a third fluid 136. For example, air can be used as the third fluid 136. As will be described later, the rod 110 has a tubular structure, and the air, which is the third fluid 136, can move between the inside and outside of the second cylinder 108 through the rod 110.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a view showing the rod 110 of FIG. 2(a). FIG. 4(a) is a view showing the rod 110, the first slide member 140, and the second slide member 142 of FIG. 2(a).

[0038] The rod 110 extends through the central hole 114 at the tip 112 of the first cylinder 106 (see FIG. 3(a)) and connects the second cylinder 108 inside the first cylinder 106 to the vehicle body side. A pin 138 that interferes with the periphery of the central hole 114 is provided on the rod 110, and the rear end side including the pin 138 is inserted into the inside of the main body 120 of the second cylinder 108 (see FIG. 3(b)). The tip side of the rod 110 beyond the pin 138 enters and exits the inside and outside of the first cylinder 106 together with the extension 122 of the second cylinder 108 along with the opening and closing operation of the side door 102 (see FIG. 1(b)).

[0039] The first slide member 140 and the second slide member 142 are cylindrical members and are installed adjacent to the inside of the main body 120 of the second cylinder 108. The first slide member 140 and the second slide member 142 can slide inside the main body 120 of the second cylinder 108.

[0040] The first slide member 140 is connected to one end of the rod 110. The second slide member 142 has a hole 144 in the center, and is attached to the rod 110 in the range between the first slide member 140 and the pin 138.

[0041] 4(d) is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the rod 110 of FIG. 3(c). The rod 110 is tubular, with one end connected to the center of the first slide member 140 and the other end exposed to the outside of the first cylinder 106.

[0042] An opening 146 is provided on the side of the rod 110 that is located inside the main body 120 of the second cylinder 108 (see FIG. 3(b)). The opening 146 is connected to an opening 148 on the opposite end of the rod 110. The provision of the openings 146 and 148 allows the third fluid 136 inside the second cylinder 108 to pass in and out of the rod 110.

[0043] A plurality of through holes 150a to 150d are provided in first slide member 140 and second slide member 142. Through holes 150a and 150b and through holes 150c and 150d are provided at positions that overlap each other.

[0044] The third fluid 136 inside the second cylinder 108 (see FIG. 2) can pass through the through holes 150a to 150d into the opening 146, and then pass through the rod 110 and flow out to the outside from the opening 148 on the opposite side. When the rod 110 is rotated by the rotating part 158, the through holes 150a and 150b and the through holes 150c and 150d are misaligned and closed, preventing the third fluid 136 from flowing out and sealing the second cylinder 108.

[0045] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing the door stopper device 100 in the fully closed state and the fully open state of the side door 102 in Fig. 1(b). Fig. 5A is a diagram showing the fully closed state of the side door 102 in Fig. 1(b). As described above, the first cylinder 106 is installed inside the side door 102.

[0046] Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing the door stopper device 100 in the fully closed state of the side door 102 in Figure 5(a). In the fully closed state of the side door 102, the second cylinder 108 is biased by the repulsion member 126 and is located on the rear end 128 side within the first cylinder 106. At this time, the first slide member 140 and the second slide member 142 are located on the front end side of the main body portion 120 of the second cylinder 108.

[0047] In the fully closed state of the side door 102, the regulating valve 118 is opened to allow the second fluid 134 to pass through. And the through holes 150a - 150d of the first slide member 140 and the second slide member 142 are arranged in a continuous line and are opened to allow the third fluid 136 to pass through.

[0048] Figure 5(c) is a diagram showing the fully open state of the side door 102 in Figure 1(b). Since the front end of the rod 110 is connected to the vehicle body side, when the side door 102 is opened, the rod 110 is pulled out from the first cylinder 106.

[0049] Figure 5(d) is a diagram showing the door stopper device 100 in the fully open state of the side door 102 in Figure 5(c). The branch path 116 connects two locations on the side of the second cylinder 108 rather than the partition member 130 within the first cylinder 106 and straddles the movement range of the second cylinder 108.

[0050] When the rod 110 is pulled out from the first cylinder 106, the main body portion 120 of the second cylinder 108 is also pulled by the pin 138 of the rod 110 and moves to the front end side within the first cylinder 106. By this operation, the repulsion member 126 is compressed and the second fluid 134 flows through the branch path 116 to the rear of the second cylinder 108. Also, the partition member 130 is biased by the first fluid 132 and moves toward the second cylinder 108 side, biasing the second fluid 134 toward the second cylinder 108 side.

[0051] Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing an outline of further components included in the door stopper device 100 of Fig. 2(a). The door stopper device 100 of this embodiment is based on the operation from the fully closed state to the fully open state of the side door 102 shown in Fig. 5, and is also capable of preventing the side door 102 from opening beyond a desired opening angle, i.e., of adjusting the stroke amount.

[0052] The door stopper device 100 includes a control unit 152. The control unit 152 is capable of electrically controlling each of the components.

[0053] The operation unit 154 is configured with switches, a touch panel, etc. that can be operated by the user, and is provided near the armrest of the door inner panel of the side door 102 (see FIG. 1(a)).

[0054] The sensor 156 is capable of detecting at least the fully closed state of the side door 102. The fully closed state of the side door 102 (see FIG. 1(a)) can be detected through the position of the rod 110, for example.

[0055] The control valve 118 is provided in the branch passage 116 and can block the movement of the second fluid 134 (see FIG. 2) to make the second cylinder 108 immovable.

[0056] The rotating portion 158 is a mechanism for rotating the rod 110 (see FIG. 2), and is provided, for example, on a portion of the rod 110 exposed from the first cylinder .

[0057] 2, the rod 110 is connected to the vehicle body side by a joint 160 that can rotate 360°. The provision of the joint 160 allows the movement of the rod 110 accompanying the opening and closing of the side door 102 and the rotation of the rod 110 by the rotating part 158 to be carried out smoothly.

[0058] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the door stopper device 100 of Fig. 6. The processing of Fig. 7 starts from the fully closed state of the side door 102 shown in Fig. 5(b). The flowchart of Fig. 7 will be explained below with reference to Figs. 8, 9, etc.

[0059] In step 200, the sensor 156 (see FIG. 6) detects whether the side door 102 (see FIG. 8(a)) is fully closed, i.e., whether the side door 102 is open. If the side door 102 is open, the process proceeds to step 202; if it is not open, step 200 is repeated.

[0060] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the door stopper device 100 when the stroke amount of the side door 102 of Figure 1(b) is limited. Figure 8(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the side door 102 of Figure 1(b) is partially open.

[0061] After the user opens the side door 102 to a desired opening degree, the door stopper device 100 can set the opening degree at that time to a limit by operating the operating unit 154 (see Figure 6), thereby preventing the side door 102 from opening any further.

[0062] 7, the control unit 152 (see FIG. 6) determines whether or not a limit has been set. If a limit has been set, the control unit 152 proceeds to step 204, where it closes the regulator valve 118.

[0063] Figure 8(b) is a diagram showing the door stopper device 100 in the state shown in Figure 8(a). When the control valve 118 is closed, the second fluid 134 cannot move back and forth between the front and rear of the second cylinder 108, and the position of the second cylinder 108 is fixed. This restricts the rod 110 from being drawn out of the first cylinder 106, and the side door 102 (see Figure 8(a)) cannot be opened any further.

[0064] As described above, in the door stopper device 100, when the regulating valve 118 is open (see Fig. 5(d)), since the second fluid 134 flows back and forth between the front and rear of the second cylinder 108 via the branch passage 116, the second cylinder 108 can move. When the regulating valve 118 is closed (see Fig. 8(b)), since the second fluid 134 is blocked, the position of the second cylinder 108 is fixed. Thereby, the movement of the rod 110 can be restricted, and the side door 102 can be prevented from opening further.

[0065] Fig. 8(c) is a view of the side door 102 of Fig. 8(a) in a closed state. The door stopper device 100 can operate in the direction of closing the side door 102 even when the regulating valve 118 is closed.

[0066] Fig. 8(d) shows the door stopper device 100 in the state of Fig. 8(c). When the regulating valve 118 is closed, since the second fluid 134 cannot move, the second cylinder 108 cannot move. However, inside the second cylinder 108, the first slide member 140 that supports the rod 110 can move toward the rear end 128 side.

[0067] In the state of Fig. 8(b), since the second slide member 142 is pushed toward the rear end 128 side by the repelling member 126, the first slide member 140 is located on the front side of the main body portion 120 of the second slide member 142. Therefore, even when the position of the second cylinder 108 is fixed, the rod 110 connected to the first slide member 140 can move inside the second cylinder 108 toward the rear end 128 side of the first cylinder 106. Thus, even when the regulating valve 118 is closed, the side door 102 can be closed.

[0068] Here, the maximum stroke amount a of the second cylinder 108 in the first cylinder 106 shown in Fig. 8(b) and the maximum stroke amount b of the rod 110 in the second cylinder 108 shown in Fig. 8(d) are set to satisfy the relationship b>a. With this relationship, even if an opening limit is set when the side door 102 is fully open, the amount of movement of the rod 110 can be ensured, and the operation of closing the side door 102 shown in Fig. 8(d) becomes possible.

[0069] 7, after the control valve 118 is closed, the sensor 156 determines whether the side door 102 is closed in step 206. If the side door 102 is closed, the process proceeds to step 208, and if it is not closed, the process returns to step 204.

[0070] In step 208, the control unit 152 opens the adjustment valve 118. When the adjustment valve 118 in Fig. 8(d) is opened, the second cylinder 108 is released from its fixed position, and the restriction on the extension of the rod 110 is also lifted. Then, the second cylinder 108 is pushed back to the rear by the force of the repulsive member 126, and the door stopper device 100 returns to the initial state in Fig. 5(b), and the series of processes ends.

[0071] As described above, according to the door stopper device 100 of this embodiment, the user can prevent the side door 102 (see FIG. 8(a)) from opening beyond the current opening degree by operating the operation unit 154. For example, when getting on or off a vehicle, by operating the button with the side door 102 open, the degree to which the side door 102 is open at that time can be set as the upper limit of the opening degree, thereby preventing the side door 102 from opening unintentionally due to strong winds or the like and coming into contact with an adjacent vehicle or other structures.

[0072] Even when the opening limit is set, the door stopper device 100 can move in the direction of closing the side door 102 (see Fig. 8(c)). When the sensor 156 detects that the side door 102 is fully closed, the control valve 118 is automatically opened. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to perform an operation to release the opening limit, and the door closing operation can be performed smoothly.

[0073] In the door stopper device 100 of this embodiment, after the user opens the side door 102 to an arbitrary opening degree and operates the operation unit 154, it is also possible to fix the side door 102 at the opening degree at that time.

[0074] In step 202 of Fig. 7, if the opening limit is not set, in step 210, the control unit 152 (see Fig. 6) determines whether the fixing operation of the side door 102 has been performed. If the operation has been performed, the process proceeds to step 212 and subsequent steps. If the operation has not been performed, the side door 102 is assumed to perform a normal opening and closing operation (see Fig. 5), and a series of processes ends.

[0075] When proceeding to step 212 and subsequent steps, the control unit 152 (see Fig. 6) closes the control valve 118. Then, in the subsequent step 214, the control unit 152 closes the second cylinder 108.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the door stopper device 100 when the side door 102 in Fig. 1(b) is fixed. Fig. 9(a) is a diagram showing a state where the side door 102 in Fig. 1(b) is opened halfway and fixed. By fixing the side door 102, it will not move due to strong wind or its own weight.

[0077] Fig. 9(b) is a diagram showing the door stopper device 100 in the fixed state of the side door 102 in Fig. 9(a). The process of step 214 is performed by the control unit 152 (see Fig. 6) rotating the rod 110 via the rotating unit 158, thereby rotating the first slide member 140.

[0078] 9(c) is a cross-sectional view of the rotated rod 110 of FIG. 9(b). When the rod 110 is rotated, the through-holes 150a and 150b of the first slide member 140 and the through-holes 150c and 150d of the second slide member 142 are misaligned. When the through-holes 150a to 150d are closed, the third fluid 136 cannot flow into the opening 146 of the rod 110 in the second cylinder 108, and the interior of the second cylinder 108 becomes sealed. This prevents the first slide member 140 and the rod 110 from moving rearward of the second cylinder 108, restricting the rod 110 from returning to the first cylinder 106.

[0079] In this way, according to the door stopper device 100 of this embodiment, the user can fix the opening degree so that the side door 102 does not close by operating the operating portion 154 (see FIG. 6).

[0080] 8(b), for example, the through holes 150a to 150d of the first slide member 140 and the second slide member 142 overlap, and the third fluid 136 can move from inside the second cylinder 108 to the outside through the rod 110. Therefore, the slide members 140, 142 and the rod 110 can move in a direction returning to inside the second cylinder 108, and the side door 102 can be closed.

[0081] 9(b), the rotation of the rod 110 and the first slide member 140 releases the overlap between the through holes 150a to 150d, preventing the third fluid 136 from entering or exiting, and sealing the interior of the second cylinder 108. As a result, the slide members 140, 142 and the rod 110 cannot move within the second cylinder 108, and the side door 102 cannot be closed.

[0082] In step 216 of FIG. 7, if the user performs an operation to release the fixation of the side door 102, the process proceeds to step 218; otherwise, the process returns to step 212. In step 218, the control unit 152 (see FIG. 6) releases the regulating valve 118. Then, in step 220, the control unit 152 rotates the rotating unit 158 to align the through holes 150a, 150b of the first slide member 140 with the through holes 150c, 150d of the second slide member 142, thereby eliminating the sealed state of the second cylinder 108. Thus, the series of processes ends.

[0083] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to preferably realize the door stopper device 100 capable of adjusting the stroke amount of the side door 102 with a simple structure. Note that as shown in FIG. 1(a) and the like, the door stopper device 100 can also function as a door beam that protects the side door 102 during a side collision because the first cylinder 106, the second cylinder 108, and the rod 110 extend in the front-rear direction inside the side door 102.

[0084] Furthermore, as another form, the door stopper device 100 can also be configured such that the first cylinder 106 and the like are provided on the vehicle body side instead of the side door 102. For example, when the first cylinder 106 is provided on the vehicle body side in FIG. 1(b), the rod 110 is configured to connect the second cylinder 108 on the vehicle body side and the side door 102. With this configuration, the door stopper device 100 can also be configured such that the rod 110 is pulled out from the first cylinder 106 when the side door 102 is opened, and thus can exhibit the function of adjusting the stroke amount of the side door 102 described above.

[0085] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to such examples. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that those also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0086] The present invention can be used for a vehicle door stopper device.

Explanation of Signs

[0087] 100… Door stopper device, 102… Side door, 104… Door hinge, 106… First cylinder, 108… Second cylinder, 110… Rod, 112… Tip, 114… Central hole, 116… Branch path, 118… Control valve, 120… Main body portion, 122… Extension portion, 124… Pin, 126… Resilient member, 128… Rear end, 130… Partition member, 132… First fluid, 134… Second fluid, 136… Third fluid, 138… Pin, 140… First slide member, 142… Second slide member, 144… Hole portion, 146… Opening, 148… Opening, 150a~150d… Through hole, 152… Control unit, 154… Operation unit, 156… Sensor, 158… Rotating portion, 160… Joint portion

Claims

1. In a vehicle door stopper device capable of adjusting the stroke amount of a hinged side door, a first cylinder installed on one of the side door or the vehicle body side; a second cylinder movably installed in the first cylinder; a rod connecting the other of the side door or the vehicle body side and the second cylinder, which is pulled out from the first cylinder when the side door is opened and pushed back into the first cylinder when the side door is closed; a repulsive member that biases the second cylinder in a direction in which the rod returns into the first cylinder; an operation part provided on the side door and operable by a user; a sensor capable of detecting a fully closed state of the side door; and a control part that restricts the pulling out of the rod from the first cylinder when the operation part receives a predetermined operation while the side door is open, and eliminates the restriction when the fully closed state is detected. A vehicle door stopper device characterized by comprising the above.

2. The side door has its front side connected to the vehicle body side by a door hinge, the first cylinder is installed inside the side door with its tip facing the door hinge, the rod penetrates the tip of the first cylinder and connects the second cylinder and the vehicle body side, and the repulsive member is installed on the tip side of the second cylinder in the first cylinder and biases the second cylinder toward the rear end side of the first cylinder. The vehicle door stopper device according to Claim 1.

3. The vehicle door stopper device further comprises a partition member movably installed on the side opposite to the rod as viewed from the second cylinder in the first cylinder; a first fluid filled on the side opposite to the second cylinder as viewed from the partition member in the first cylinder and biasing the partition member toward the second cylinder side; a branch path connecting two locations straddling the movement range of the second cylinder on the side of the second cylinder rather than the partition member in the first cylinder; a second fluid filled in the first cylinder on the side of the second cylinder and the branch path as viewed from the partition member; and an adjustment valve for opening and closing the branch path, wherein the control part restricts the pulling out of the rod by closing the adjustment valve and eliminates the restriction by opening the adjustment valve. The vehicle door stopper device according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. The vehicle door stopper device further comprises A first slide member and a second slide member that are movably installed adjacent to each other within the second cylinder; A third fluid filled within the second cylinder; The rod is tubular, with one end connected to the center of the first slide member, and an opening through which the third fluid can enter and exit is provided on the side portion of the rod within the second cylinder. The first slide member and the second slide member have one or more through holes provided at positions overlapping each other. When the operation unit receives a predetermined operation while the side door is open, the control unit closes the regulating valve and rotates the first slide member via the rod to close the through hole, thereby sealing the second cylinder and restricting the movement of the rod back to the first cylinder. The vehicle door stopper device according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. The vehicle door stopper device according to claim 4, characterized in that the vehicle door structure further includes a 360° rotatable joint portion connecting the side door or the other of the vehicle body side and the rod.

Images