Door handle device

Abstract

The invention provides a door handle device which improves operability of emergency operation in the door handle device. A door handle device (1) is provided with: a base (4) defining a recess (3) facing an opening (2b) of a door panel (2a); and a handle (7) which is disposed on the outside of the door panel (2a) so as to be adjacent to the opening (2b), is rotatably supported by the base (4), and can switch the latch mechanism (8) to an open state by a rotation operation to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a door handle device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bowl-shaped door handle device having a recessed portion formed in an outer panel of a vehicle door. When opening the vehicle door, a user places a finger in the recessed portion to operate the door handle device.

[0003] The recessed portion of the door handle device is provided with: an operating member for the user to push up with a finger; a detection switch for electrically opening the latch mechanism; and an emergency mechanism (including a rod and a cable) for mechanically opening the latch mechanism when the vehicle door cannot be opened electrically due to insufficient power of the vehicle battery (in an emergency). Normally, if the operating member is slightly pushed upward, the detection switch becomes turned on, and as a result, the latch release motor operates and the latch mechanism is electrically opened. On the other hand, in an emergency, if the operating member is pushed upward with force, the rod of the emergency mechanism rotates. The rod is connected to the latch mechanism via a cable, so the latch mechanism is opened by the rotation of the rod.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-151800

[0007] In the door handle device of Patent Document 1, the operating member is arranged in the recessed portion. Therefore, it is difficult to operate when the operating load required for an emergency push-up operation, ie, an emergency operation, is high, and there is room for improvement in operability. Summary of the invention

[0008] The technical problem of the present invention is to improve the operability of emergency operation in a door handle device.

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a door handle device, comprising: a base, which is arranged on the inner side of a door panel of the vehicle door in a manner to define a recess facing an opening, wherein the opening is formed in the door panel; a door opening operation detection unit, which is arranged in the recess and detects a user's operation for electrically opening a latch mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism holds the vehicle door in a closed state so that it can be opened relative to a vehicle body; and a handle, which is arranged on the outer side of the door panel in a manner adjacent to the opening, is rotatably supported on the base, and is connected to the latch mechanism via a traction member, and can switch the latch mechanism to an open state via the traction member by a rotation operation toward the outside.

[0010] The handle is arranged on the outer side of the door panel in a manner adjacent to the opening of the door panel to which the recessed portion provided with the door opening operation portion faces. That is, the handle is not arranged in the recessed portion but is arranged on the outer side of the door panel. Therefore, in an emergency operation, the user can easily reach the handle. In addition, the emergency operation is achieved by rotating the handle toward the outside, so the opening operation is easy to perform. For these reasons, the operability of the emergency operation is improved.

[0011] The handle may be a bezel-type handle which is disposed adjacent to the opening along an opening edge of the opening and has an opening communicating with the recessed portion at the center.

[0012] There are few opportunities to open the door by emergency operation, so providing a handle dedicated to emergency operation will increase the number of parts, enlarge the door handle device, and increase the cost. By setting the handle for emergency operation as a frame-type handle, that is, using the frame as a decorative component as a handle for emergency operation, the increase in the number of parts and the enlargement of the door handle device can be suppressed to achieve cost reduction.

[0013] Alternatively, one end of the frame-type handle may be rotatably supported by the base, and the other end of the frame-type handle may be rotatably operated toward the outside.

[0014] The frame handle is a relatively large component of the door handle device. Therefore, by rotating the frame handle, which is supported to rotate at one end, outward at the other end, the distance between the rotation axis and the user's operating position becomes larger, and the operating load can be reduced by the lever principle, which can further improve the operability.

[0015] Alternatively, there is a locking member that can be moved to a locked position and an unlocked position by manual operation, wherein the locked position is a position in which the locking member engages with the frame-type handle to hold the frame-type handle in a non-rotatable position, and the unlocked position is a position in which the locking member enables the frame-type handle to rotate.

[0016] When the door is opened normally, which is not an emergency operation, i.e., when the electric latch mechanism is opened by the door opening operation detection unit and the door is opened subsequently, the frame handle is held by the locking member so as not to be able to rotate. Therefore, the frame handle can be prevented from being rotated when the door is opened normally, and operability when the door is opened normally can be ensured.

[0017] The locking member may be arranged in the recessed portion.

[0018] By arranging the locking member in the recessed portion, the design of the outer side of the vehicle body door is not impaired.

[0019] Alternatively, the frame-type handle can be rotated to an initial position, a pop-up position and an operating position, wherein the initial position is a position where the frame-type handle is arranged along the outer side of the door panel, the pop-up position is a position where the other end of the frame-type handle is suspended from the outer side of the door panel, and the operating position is a position where the frame-type handle is further rotated from the pop-up position and the latch mechanism is opened via the traction member. The door handle device further comprises: a force applying portion, which moves the frame-type handle from the initial position to the pop-up position when the locking member moves from the locking position to the unlocking position; and a locking portion, which holds the frame-type handle at the pop-up position.

[0020] Emergency operation is rarely used, and most users cannot understand the operation method. By placing the frame-type door handle in the pop-up position when the locking member is moved to the unlocking position, the user can be prompted to rotate the frame-type handle, and the user can perform the emergency operation by feeling.

[0021] Alternatively, the biasing portion is a spring that elastically biases the frame-type handle from the initial position toward the pop-up position, and the locking portion is a cable rod to which the pulling member is connected.

[0022] The spring and the rod can form a pop-up mechanism with a simple structure, that is, a mechanism in which the frame-type handle moves to the pop-up position when the locking member moves from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0023] Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the door handle device of the present invention, the operability of emergency operation can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a front view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line II-II.

[0027] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the front side.

[0029] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when viewed from the back side.

[0030] Figure 6It is a block diagram of a door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of the emergency mechanism when viewed from the front side.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the emergency mechanism when viewed from the back side.

[0033] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of the frame-type handle when viewed from the front side.

[0034] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of the frame-type handle when viewed from the back side.

[0035] Fig.11 This is a perspective view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the bezel-type handle is located at the initial position, as seen from the front side.

[0036] Fig.12 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII.

[0037] Fig.13 It is a rear view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the frame-type handle is in the initial position.

[0038] Fig.14 This is a perspective view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the bezel-type handle is located at the pop-up position, as seen from the front side.

[0039] Fig.15 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of line XV-XV.

[0040] Fig.16 It is a rear view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the frame-type handle is located at the pop-up position.

[0041] Fig.17 This is a perspective view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the bezel-type handle is located at the operation position, as seen from the front side.

[0042] Fig.18 It is along Fig.17 A cross-sectional view taken along line XVII-XVII.

[0043] Fig.19 It is a rear view of the door handle device according to the embodiment of the present invention when the frame-type handle is in the operation position.

[0044] Fig. 20 It is a schematic front view of the door handle device of the first modified example.

[0045] Fig.21 It is a schematic front view of the door handle device of the second modified example.

[0046] Fig. 22 It is a schematic front view of the door handle device of the third modified example.

[0047] Description of Reference Numerals

[0048] 1: Door handle device; 2: Door; 2a: Outer panel; 2b: Opening; 3: Recess; 4: Base; 5: Frame; 5a: Opening; 5b: Gripping portion; 5c: Window hole; 6: Bowl; 6a: Top wall; 6b: Side wall; 7: Frame handle; 7a: Handle body; 7b: Axis support; 7c: Operating portion; 7d: Opening; 7e: Extension; 7f: Top; 7g: Protrusion; 8: Latch mechanism; 9: ECU; 10A, 10B: Actuator; 11: Human body sensing sensor; 12: Release switch; 13: Touch sensor; 14: Lock cylinder; 21: Emergency mechanism Structure; 22: cable rod; 22a: cable connecting part; 22b: operated part; 23: cable; 23a: external part; 23b: internal cable; 24: locking member; 24a: top; 24b: protrusion; 25: first force spring (force part); 25a: winding part; 25b, 25c: end; 26: second force spring; 26a: winding part; 26b, 26c: end; 27: third force spring; 28: first pin; 29: cable fixing member; 30: second pin; 40: frame; 41: frame-type handle; 42: decorative member; 43: handle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Next, the door handle device for a vehicle door according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the X direction indicates the vehicle length direction (positive direction is the front side), the Y direction indicates the vehicle height direction (positive direction is the upper side), and the Z direction indicates the vehicle width direction (positive direction is the outer side).

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The door handle device 1 includes a base 4, which is fixed to the inner side (inside the vehicle) of the outer panel (door panel) 2a of the transversely rotating vehicle door 2 by screw fastening. The base 4 faces the opening 2b formed in the outer panel 2a and is elongated in the vehicle length direction, and defines a recess 3 that is recessed from the outer side of the outer panel 2a to the vehicle interior. Figure 3 As shown most clearly, the base 4 includes: a frame 5 having an opening 5a extending in the vehicle width direction and having a shape corresponding to the opening 2b; and a bowl 6 mounted on the inner side of the frame 5 to block the opening from the inner side. The recess 3 is mainly defined by the bowl 6. In addition, the door handle device 1 includes a frame-type handle 7 (described in detail later) rotatably supported on the base 4.

[0051] The door handle device 1 has a latch mechanism 8 (only in Figure 6 ) is operated. The latch mechanism 8 is a well-known structure, which can keep the vehicle door 2 in a closed state so that it can be opened relative to the vehicle body. More specifically, the latch mechanism 8 includes: a fork that can engage with a striker provided on the vehicle body to keep the vehicle door 2 in a closed state; and a latch that can engage with the fork. The latch can be switched to a latched state in which the striker and the fork are engaged by engaging with the fork, and an unlatched state in which the fork is not engaged. In addition, the latch mechanism 8 can switch between an unlocked state in which the latch can be switched from a latched state to an unlatched state, and a locked state in which the switching cannot be performed. Normally, that is, when the vehicle-mounted battery can supply the required power, the door handle device 1 can electrically perform the switching from the locked state of the latch mechanism 8 to the unlocked state and the switching from the latched state of the latch mechanism 8 to the unlatched state. On the other hand, when the vehicle door cannot be opened electrically due to insufficient power of the vehicle battery (in an emergency), the door handle device 1 can manually switch from the locked state to the unlocked state of the latch mechanism 8 and from the latched state to the unlatched state of the latch mechanism 8. Hereinafter, the operation of the door handle device 1 in an emergency is sometimes referred to as an emergency operation.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 If the latch mechanism 8 is in the unlatched state, the user can insert his hand (mainly fingers other than the thumb) into the recess 3 of the door handle device 1 and grasp the base 4, more specifically, grasp the part above the opening 5a in the frame 5, that is, the grasping part 5b to rotate the door 2 and open the door 2 relative to the vehicle body.

[0053] When the user rotates the opened door 2 to close it, the fork of the latch mechanism engages with the striker, and the latch is mechanically switched from the unlatched state to the latched state.

[0054] Hereinafter, a configuration and operation of the door handle device 1 for electrically operating the latch mechanism 8 in normal times will be described.

[0055] The door handle device 1 has only Figure 6 ECU9 and two actuators (including at least a motor) 10A, 10B are schematically shown in FIG. ECU9 controls the actions of actuators 10A, 10B based on inputs from sensors and switches described later. Actuator 10A switches latch mechanism 8 from a locked state to an unlocked state or from an unlocked state to a locked state. Actuator 10B switches the latch of latch mechanism 8 from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 6, the door handle device 1 includes a human body sensing sensor 11 and a release switch 12 arranged in the recess 3. The human body sensing sensor 11 is mounted on the base 4, more specifically, on the top wall 6a of the bowl 6. The human body sensing sensor 11 is an electrostatic capacitance sensor having an electrode as a sensing unit, and detects the hand of the user inserted into the recess 3. Other sensors that detect the hand of the user in a non-contact manner, such as an infrared sensor, can be used instead of the human body sensing sensor 11. In addition, in order to improve the detection sensitivity, the electrode of the human body sensing sensor 11 can also be arranged along the edge of the gripping portion 5b of the frame 5. In the present embodiment, the release switch 12 is a mechanical switch, more specifically, a button-type switch. The release switch 12 is mounted on the base 4, more specifically, on the gripping portion 5b of the frame 5. The release switch 12 accepts the user's instruction to switch the latch mechanism from a latched state to an unlatched state. The release switch 12 is not limited to a button type, and other mechanical switches or touch sensors can be used.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 6 The door handle device 1 includes a touch sensor 13 mounted on the frame-type handle 7. The touch sensor 13 receives a user's instruction to switch the latch mechanism 8 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0058] When the vehicle door 2 is normally opened, first, the human body sensing sensor 11 detects the user's hand inserted into the recess 3, and sends a signal indicating the detection of the hand to the ECU 9. The ECU 9 that receives the signal from the human body sensing sensor 11 operates the actuator 10A to switch the latch mechanism 8 from a locked state to an unlocked state. Next, when the user operates the release switch 12, a signal indicating the operation is sent from the release switch 12 to the ECU 9. The ECU 9 that receives the signal from the release switch 12 operates the actuator 10B to switch the latch of the latch mechanism 8 from a latched state to an unlatched state. Through the above operations, the vehicle door 2 can be opened, and when the user inserts his hand into the recess 3 and grasps the gripping portion 5b to pull it toward him, the vehicle door 2 is opened.

[0059] When the vehicle door 2 is closed normally, when the vehicle door 2 opened as described above is rotated to be closed, the latch of the latch mechanism 8 is mechanically switched from the unlocked state to the latched state. In this state, when the user touches the reaction part of the touch sensor 13, a signal is sent from the touch sensor 13 to the ECU 9. The ECU 9, which receives the signal from the touch sensor 13, operates the actuator 10A to switch the latch mechanism 8 from the unlocked state to the locked state.

[0060] Next, a description will be given of a configuration of the door handle device 1 that is provided for manually operating the latch mechanism 8 in an emergency.

[0061] The door handle device 1 includes a lock cylinder 14 (only when the latch mechanism 8 is manually switched from the locked state to the unlocked state) for manually switching the latch mechanism 8 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Figure 6 ). By inserting a mechanical key (not shown) into the lock cylinder 14 and rotating it, the latch mechanism 8 can be switched from the locked state to the unlocked state. The lock cylinder 14 is, for example, provided on the outer plate 2a near the frame-type handle 7, but there is no particular limitation on where the lock cylinder 14 is provided on the vehicle body.

[0062] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown most clearly, the door handle device 1 includes an emergency mechanism 21. The emergency mechanism 21 in this embodiment includes a frame handle 7, a cable lever 22, a cable 23, a locking member 24, a first urging spring 25, a second urging spring 26, and a third urging spring 27.

[0063] Also refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The frame-type handle 7 includes a handle body 7a, an axial support 7b, and an operating portion 7c. The axial support 7b and the operating portion 7c are provided on one end side (front side in the vehicle length direction) of the handle body 7a. As described in detail later, in the frame-type handle 7, the axial support 7b on one end side is rotatably supported on the base 4, but the other end side (rear side in the vehicle length direction) opposite to the axial support 7b, i.e., the rear end of the handle body 7a, is neither connected to the base 4 nor to the outer plate. In this way, the frame-type handle 7 is supported on the base 4 in the form of a so-called cantilever rod.

[0064] Reference Figure 1 , Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 The handle body 7a is provided with an opening 7d at its center, and the whole is in an elliptical ring shape that is thin in the vehicle height direction when viewed from the front. When the frame-type handle 7 is located in the initial position (normal position), the handle body 7a is arranged on the outer side of the outer panel 2a in a manner adjacent to the opening 2b of the outer panel 2a provided on the vehicle door 2, more specifically, adjacent to the opening 2b along the opening edge of the opening 2b. Therefore, when the frame-type handle 7 is located in the initial position, the opening 7d of the handle body 7a is connected to the recess 3. The handle body 7a of the frame-type handle 7 is a component used for the operation of switching the latch mechanism 8 from a latched state to an unlatched state during emergency operation as described later, and functions as a decorative component for decorating the opening 2b of the outer panel 2a provided on the vehicle door 2 under normal circumstances.

[0065] Next refer to Figure 1 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 as well as Fig.12, a touch sensor 13 is provided on the outside of the handle body 7a. On the other hand, a protrusion 7g is provided on the inside of the handle body 7a, and the protrusion 7g protrudes to the rear side in the vehicle length direction, and as described later, a locking member 24 is releasably engaged.

[0066] Reference Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The base end of the extension part 7e extending in the vehicle length direction is connected to the end of the handle body 7a, and the shaft support part 7b is provided at the end of the extension part 7e. The shaft support part 7b is a cylindrical shape extending in the vehicle height direction and open at both ends. The operating part 7c extends from the lower end side of the shaft support part 7b in the vehicle height direction to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Figure 5 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The first pin 28 fixed to the base 4, more specifically, to the outer side of the frame 5, in a posture extending in the vehicle height direction is inserted into the shaft support portion 7b, whereby the frame-type handle 7 is rotatably supported on the base 4. In addition, the lower side of the first pin 28 in the vehicle length direction is inserted through the winding portion 25a of the first force spring 25 as the force applying portion. The end 25b of one side of the first force spring 25 is locked to the base 4, and the end 25c of the other side is locked to the operating portion 7c. Therefore, the frame-type handle 7 is elastically urged in the direction of opening by the first force spring 25.

[0067] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Fig.13 The operating portion 7 c of the frame-type handle 7 is inserted into the window hole 5 c provided in the frame 5 , thereby penetrating the frame 5 from the outside to the inside, and the top end 7 f thereof is located on the inner side of the frame 5 .

[0068] Next refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 as well as Fig.13 The cable 23 includes an outer member 23a and an inner cable 23b inserted into the outer member 23a. The outer member 23a is fixed to a cable fixture 29 provided inside the frame 5. One end of the inner cable 23b is connected to the cable rod 22, and the other end is connected to the latch mechanism 8.

[0069] The cable rod 22 is arranged on the inner side of the frame 5. In addition, the middle portion of the cable rod 23 is supported to be rotatable by the second pin 30 fixed to the frame 5 in a posture extending in the vehicle width direction. The cable rod 22 has a cable connecting portion 22a at one end thereof to which the internal cable 23b is connected, and has an operated portion 22b at the other end that is paired with the operating portion 7c of the aforementioned frame-type handle 7. In addition, a protrusion 22c that protrudes toward the inside of the vehicle is formed between the middle portion of the cable rod 22 and the cable connecting portion 22a. The second pin 30 is inserted into the winding portion 26a of the second biasing spring 26. The end 26b on one side of the second biasing spring 26 is locked to the base 4, and the end 26c on the other side is locked to the cable rod 22. Therefore, the cable rod 22 is moved by the second biasing spring 26 in the direction of sending out the internal cable 23b ( Fig.13 In addition, near the second pin 30 in the frame 5, there are provided: a first stopper 5g, which is opposed to the protrusion 22c on one circumferential side of the second pin 30 in a contactable / separable manner; and a second stopper 5h, which is opposed to the protrusion 22c on the other circumferential side of the second pin 30 in a contactable / separable manner. The first stopper 5g and the second stopper 5h are configured to be separated by a circumferential interval of approximately 90° to limit the circumferential rotation range of the cable rod 22. Therefore, when the frame-type handle 7 is in the initial position before operation, the cable rod 22 is rotated toward one circumferential side (at Fig.13 The protrusion 22c is rotated clockwise in the middle and is maintained in a state where the protrusion 22c abuts against the first stopper 5g.

[0070] like Fig.13 As shown, the positions, sizes and shapes of the operating portion 7c and the operated portion 22b are set so that a gap C is formed between the top end 7f of the operating portion 7c of the frame-type handle 7 and the operated portion 22b of the cable lever 22 when the frame-type handle 7 is in the initial position.

[0071] As described in detail later, when the frame-type handle 7 is rotated, the top end 7f of the operating portion 7c presses the operated portion 22b of the cable lever 22, and the cable lever 22 rotates. Then, when the cable lever 22 rotates, the internal cable 23b connected to one end of the cable connecting portion 22a is pulled in, and as a result, the latch mechanism 8 connected to the other end of the internal cable 23b is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0072] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 The locking member 24 is provided in the recess 3, more specifically, on the side wall 6b of the bowl 6 at the rear side in the vehicle length direction. The locking member 24 is provided to keep the frame handle 7 in a non-rotatable state in normal times and to enable the frame handle 7 to rotate only in emergency operations. Fig.12The locking member 24 is supported by the bowl portion 6 so as to be able to move linearly in the vehicle length direction, and the top portion 24a is exposed in the recess 3. The locking member 24 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, and also has a protrusion 24b protruding from its end toward the front side in the vehicle length direction. Normally, the top end of the protrusion 24b engages with the protrusion 7g of the frame-type handle 7 on the outside in the vehicle width direction. A third force spring 27 is compressed and installed between the bowl portion 6 and the side opposite to the top 24a of the locking member 24. The locking member 24 is elastically biased toward the front side in the vehicle length direction by the third force spring 27. By this elastic force, normally, the top end of the protrusion 24b is maintained in a state of being engaged with the protrusion 7g of the frame-type handle 7 on the outside in the vehicle width direction, thereby maintaining the frame-type handle 7 in a state that cannot rotate around the first pin 28.

[0073] The following describes the emergency operation of opening the door 2 in an emergency. Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown, the frame-type handle 7 is located at an initial position arranged along the outer side of the outer plate 2a, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, a gap C is provided between the top end 7f of the operating portion 7c of the frame-type handle 7 and the operated portion 22b of the cable rod 22. In an emergency operation, the user first inserts a mechanical key into the lock cylinder 14 to rotate the lock cylinder 14, thereby switching the latch mechanism 8 from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0074] Next, the user inserts his hand into the recess 3 to press the locking member 24 toward the rear side in the vehicle length direction against the elastic urging force of the third urging spring 27. By pressing the locking member 24, the locking member 24 is moved from Fig.12 The position (locking position) where the top of the protrusion 24b is engaged with the protrusion 7g of the frame-type handle 7 in the outer side in the vehicle width direction is as shown in FIG. Fig.15 The top end of the protrusion 24b shown in the figure is disengaged from the position (unlocked position) of the engagement with the protrusion 7g of the frame-type handle 7 and moves linearly. That is, through this pressing operation, the frame-type handle 7 is switched from a non-rotatable state to a rotatable state. By releasing the engagement between the protrusion 24 of the locking member 24 and the protrusion 7g of the frame-type handle 7, the frame-type handle 7 rotates around the first pin 28 using the elastic force of the first force spring 25. Through this rotation, as shown in FIG. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the frame handle 7 is in a pop-up position in which the end portion (the end portion opposite to the first pin 28 and the shaft support portion 7b) on the rear side in the vehicle length direction is suspended toward the outer side of the outer plate 2a. That is, the first biasing spring 25 elastically biases the frame handle 7 in a manner of rotating from the initial position to the pop-up position.

[0075] Pop-up location Fig.16As shown, the frame-type handle 7 is maintained by the top end 7f of the operating portion 7c of the frame-type handle 7 abutting against the operated portion 22b of the cable rod 22. In other words, the top end 7f of the operating portion 7c abuts against the operated portion 22b of the cable rod 22, and the frame-type handle 7, which is released from the engagement with the locking member 24, is maintained so as not to be further rotated beyond the ejected position due to the elastic force of the first force spring 25. At this time, the force of the second force spring 26 that applies the force to the cable rod 22 is greater than the force of the first force spring 25 that applies the force to the frame-type handle 7, so the cable rod 22 is not rotated due to the force of the first force spring 25.

[0076] like Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown, when the user is in the pop-up position ( Fig.14 and Fig.15 ) When the frame handle 7 is further rotated about the first pin 28 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction and is located in the operating position, the latch mechanism 8 switches from the latched state to the unlatched state, and the vehicle door 2 can be opened relative to the vehicle body as usual. Specifically, by rotating the frame handle 7 from the pop-up position to the operating position, the top end 7f of the operating portion 7c of the frame handle 7 presses the operated portion 22b of the cable lever 22. As a result, Fig.19 As shown, the cable lever 22 rotates against the elastic urging force of the second urging spring 26. When the cable lever 22 rotates, the inner cable 23b connected to the cable connecting portion 22a is pulled in, and the latch mechanism 8 switches to the unlocked state.

[0077] The frame-type handle 7 is arranged on the outer side of the outer plate 2a in a manner adjacent to the opening 2b of the outer plate 2a facing the recessed portion 3 provided with the release switch (door opening operation portion) 12. That is, the frame-type handle 7 is not arranged in the recessed portion 3 but is arranged on the outer side of the outer plate 2a. Therefore, during emergency operation, the user can easily reach the frame-type handle 7. In addition, the emergency operation is achieved by rotating the frame-type handle 7 toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction, so the opening operation is easy to perform. For these reasons, the operability of the emergency operation is improved.

[0078] There are few opportunities to open the vehicle door 2a by emergency operation, so providing a handle dedicated to emergency operation will increase the number of parts, enlarge the door handle device 1, and increase the cost accordingly. By setting the handle for emergency operation as a frame-type handle 7, that is, using the frame as a decorative component as a handle for emergency operation, the increase in the number of parts and the enlargement of the door handle device 1 can be suppressed to achieve cost reduction.

[0079] The frame-type handle 7 is a relatively large component of the door handle device 1. Therefore, by rotating the other end of the frame-type handle 7 supported to rotate at one end outward, the distance between the rotation axis and the user's operating position becomes larger, and the operating load can be reduced by the lever principle, which can further improve the operability.

[0080] When the vehicle door is opened normally, which is not an emergency operation, i.e., when the electric latch mechanism is opened by the release switch 1 and the vehicle door 2 is subsequently opened, the frame handle 7 is held in a non-rotatable state by the locking member 24. Therefore, the frame handle 7 can be prevented from being rotated when the vehicle door is opened normally, and operability when the vehicle door is opened normally can be ensured.

[0081] By arranging the lock member 24 in the recessed portion 3 , the design of the outer side of the vehicle body door 2 is not impaired.

[0082] The frequency of emergency operation is low, and most users cannot understand the operation method. By moving the locking member 24 to the unlocking position, the frame type door handle 7 is in the pop-up position ( Fig.14 and Fig.15 ), which can prompt the user to rotate the frame-type handle 7, and the user can perform emergency operations by feeling.

[0083] Figure 20 to Figure 22 Modified examples of the door handle device 1 are shown. In these modified examples, points not particularly mentioned are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0084] exist Fig. 20 and Fig.21 In the modified example, a part of the frame 40 but not the whole is the frame-type handle 41 similar to the embodiment, and the remaining part is a fixed decorative member 42 instead of a handle. Fig. 20 In the modified example, the rear side of the frame 40 in the vehicle length direction is a frame-type handle 41, and the front side in the vehicle length direction is a decorative component 42. Fig.21 In the modified example, the upper side of the frame 40 in the vehicle height direction is a frame-type handle 41, and the lower side in the vehicle height direction is a decorative component 42.

[0085] exist Fig. 22 In the modified example, in addition to the fixed decorative member 42 which is not a handle, a handle 43 (having the same function as the frame-type handle 7 of the embodiment) is provided which is arranged on the outer panel 2a adjacent to the opening 2b of the outer panel 2a.

Claims

1. A door handle device, comprising: The base is arranged on the inner side of the door panel of the vehicle door in a manner to define a recessed portion facing the opening, wherein The opening is formed in the door panel; a door opening operation detection unit disposed in the recessed portion and detecting a user's operation for electrically opening a latch mechanism that holds the door in a closed state so as to be openable relative to a vehicle body; and The handle is arranged on the outer side of the door panel adjacent to the opening, is rotatably supported by the base, and is connected to the latch mechanism via a pulling member. The latch mechanism can be switched to an open state via the pulling member by rotating the handle toward the outside.

2. The door handle device according to claim 1, wherein: The handle is a frame-type handle that is arranged adjacent to the opening along an opening edge of the opening and has an opening communicating with the recessed portion at the center.

3. The door handle device according to claim 2, wherein: One end side of the frame-type handle is rotatably supported by the base, and the other end side of the frame-type handle can be rotated toward the outside.

4. The door handle device according to claim 3, wherein: A locking member is provided which can be moved to a locking position and an unlocking position by manual operation, wherein the locking position is a position in which the locking member engages with the frame-type handle to hold the frame-type handle in a non-rotatable state, and the unlocking position is a position in which the locking member enables the frame-type handle to rotate.

5. The door handle device according to claim 4, wherein: The locking member is disposed in the recess.

6. The door handle device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The frame-type handle can be rotated to an initial position, a pop-up position and an operating position, wherein the initial position is a position where the frame-type handle is arranged along the outer side of the door panel, the pop-up position is a position where the other end of the frame-type handle is suspended from the outer side of the door panel, and the operating position is a position where the frame-type handle is further rotated from the pop-up position and the latch mechanism is opened via the traction member. The locking member further comprises: a force applying portion, which causes the frame-type handle to move from the initial position to the pop-up position when the locking member moves from the locking position to the unlocking position; and The locking portion holds the frame-type handle in the pop-up position.

7. The door handle device according to claim 6, wherein: The biasing part is a spring that elastically biases the frame-type handle from the initial position toward the pop-up position. The locking portion is a cable rod connected to the traction member.

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