What Is a Door Handle?
Door handles are handles for opening and closing doors.
They are also called door knobs. The function of a door handle is to open and close the door, but there are several types depending on the type of action used to open and close the door.
Examples of door handles for automotive applications include the grip type, flap type, outer door handle type, and button type. The types of door handles have evolved over time and safety considerations into several types, and continue to do so today.
Uses of Door Handles
Door handles are handles for opening and closing doors, and can be used anywhere as a switch to open and close doors by a certain action.
There are many types of in-vehicle door handles, each with different operations to open and close the door. Non-vehicular door handles include pull handles, stick handles, bar handles, lever handles, and grip balls.
Principle of Door Handles
The mechanism for opening doors with in-vehicle door handles is generally a mechanical, opening and closing. The door can be unlocked by a wiring harness inside the door.
Door handles operate differently depending on the type.
1. Grip Type
In the case of the grip type, the door is opened by grasping the door handles and pulling them forward. The grip is designed so that the hand can be inserted from either the top or bottom to hold the door handles when opening or closing the door, making it easy to open or close the door even when wearing thick gloves.
2. Flap Type
In the flap type, the door is opened by inserting the hand from the bottom and raising the plate-shaped door handles. This type requires less force than the grip type and can be easily operated even by those with limited strength. Since door handles do not protrude from the door, they are less susceptible to air resistance.
Structure of Door Handles
Door handles are available in cylindrical, lever-handle, and push-pull types.
1. Cylindrical Type
Traditional door knobs are cylindrical and have been widely used for interior doors and front doors. They are still often used today, but they must be turned by hand, and it is more effective to replace them with lever-handle types as a measure against infection. There are two types: one that is separate from the key and one that is integrated with the key.
2. Lever Handle Type
The lever handle type can be opened and closed simply by lowering the handle. This reduces the burden on the weak elderly and is suitable for barrier-free rooms. There are types with a separate key on top of the lever handle and types with the lever handle and key integrated into one unit.
3. Push-Pull Type
Push-pull type is often used for entrance doors. The door is opened by lightly pushing the Door Handles when exiting, and pulled when entering. No great force is required, and the key is attached to the top and bottom of the handle for high security.
Types of Door Handles
There are several types of door handles and materials.
1. Aluminum Handle
Aluminum is light and strong. It is soft and easy to process, and is available in a wide range of designs. It has an elegant luster and shimmers when it reflects light. It conducts heat easily and is not suitable for extremely hot or cold places.
It can be cleaned by simply wiping with water and wiping dry. If stains or rust are a concern, wipe with a diluted solution of neutral detergent or polish with a fine-grit sandpaper.
2. Iron Handle
Iron is brittle and rusts easily, but handles are made of steel alloyed with an increased amount of carbon. Steel is harder and stronger than iron and easier to work with. It is black and goes well with wooden furniture.
To clean a door handle, wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. If it gets dirty, wipe with a cloth moistened with neutral detergent and absorb the water with a dry cloth. Wax is effective in preventing rust.
3. Brass Handle
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper. It has a beautiful luster and is also called brass. The color will fade and become astringent, but it can be polished to bring it back to luster as many times as you like. However, it is weak against water and prone to rust and discoloration.
It should be cleaned by wiping it dry with a soft cloth. If stains are a concern, wipe with neutral detergent and then dry.