Door handle device

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle device for operating a door lock device. A cover of a lock cylinder and a lock cylinder configuration part of a base are miniaturized. A door handle device (20) is provided with: a base (21) having a handle arrangement part (21a) and a lock cylinder arrangement part (21b); a handle (25) which is rotatably mounted on the handle arrangement part (21a); a lock cylinder (45) attached to the lock cylinder disposition section (21b); and a cover (47) attached to the lock cylinder arrangement part (21b). The cover (47) is provided with a cover main body (47a) and a mounting part (47b), and a mounting hole (21g) is formed in the lock cylinder arrangement part (21b). When viewed from the direction in which the axis (A) of the through-hole (21e) extends, the mounting hole (21g) is provided so that at least a portion thereof is located between a first reference line (L1) that passes through the upper end of the through-hole (21e) and extends in the left-right direction and a second reference line (L2) that passes through the lower end of the through-hole (21e) and extends in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A vehicle door is equipped with a door lock device and a door handle device. The door lock device includes a latch mechanism that can switch between a latched state, which holds the door closed relative to the vehicle body, and an unlatched state, which allows the door to be opened relative to the vehicle body. The door lock device also includes a locking mechanism that can switch between an unlocked state and a locked state. In the unlocked state, the latch mechanism can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state, while in the locked state, the latch mechanism cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state. The latch mechanism and locking mechanism are operated by the door handle device.

[0003] The door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a handle mounted on a base and a lock cylinder. Operating the handle switches the door lock device's latch mechanism from a latched state to an unlatched state. Operating the lock cylinder using a mechanical key switches the door lock device's locking mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0004] The lock cylinder of patent document 1 is arranged adjacent to the handle and is covered and hidden by a cover when not in operation. In order to prevent the cover from falling off from the base when the lock cylinder is operated, a mounting piece is provided on the cover, and a mounting hole for mounting the mounting piece is provided on the lock cylinder arrangement portion of the base.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: French Patent No. 2819539

[0008] In Patent Document 1, the cover's mounting holes are spaced apart below the through-hole in the lock cylinder receiving portion that exposes the lock cylinder. This disadvantageously increases the size of the lock cylinder receiving portion of the cover and base. In other words, Patent Document 1 makes no consideration of miniaturizing the cover and base that cover the lock cylinder. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention relates to a door handle device for operating a door lock device, and a technical problem thereof is miniaturization of a lock core cover and a lock core configuration portion of a base.

[0010] The present invention provides a door handle device comprising: a base having a handle configuration portion, and a lock core configuration portion arranged adjacent to the handle configuration portion and including a through hole penetrating from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior, the base being mounted on the door; a handle being mounted on the handle configuration portion in a rotatable manner so as to be exposed on the vehicle exterior side of the door, the handle being used to perform an opening operation on a door lock device mounted on the door; a lock core being mounted on the lock core configuration portion in a manner such that a key hole is exposed on the vehicle exterior side via the through hole, the lock core being used to perform an unlocking operation on the door lock device; and a cover being mounted on the vehicle exterior side of the lock core configuration portion, wherein in the door handle device, the cover has a rotatable manner so as to enable A cover body covering the keyhole in a manner that the keyhole including the through hole is exposed, and a mounting portion protruding from the cover body, a mounting hole for mounting the mounting portion is provided in the lock core configuration portion, and when viewed from the direction in which the axis of the through hole extends, the mounting hole is arranged in a manner that at least a portion is located between a first reference line passing through the upper end of the through hole and extending in the left-right direction and a second reference line passing through the lower end of the through hole and extending in the left-right direction, or in a manner that at least a portion is located between a third reference line passing through the left end of the through hole and extending in the up-down direction and a fourth reference line passing through the right end of the through hole and extending in the up-down direction.

[0011] The mounting hole for mounting the cover's mounting portion is arranged so that at least a portion thereof is located between a first reference line passing through the upper end of the through-hole exposing the keyhole and a second reference line passing through the lower end of the through-hole, or so that at least a portion thereof is located between a third reference line passing through the left end of the through-hole and a fourth reference line passing through the right end of the through-hole. Therefore, the cover body can be made as small as possible within the range that covers the through-hole including the keyhole of the lock cylinder. Therefore, the occupied area required to form the lock cylinder configuration portion can also be made as narrow as possible within the range that the cover can be configured. As a result, the lock cylinder cover and the lock cylinder configuration portion of the base can be miniaturized, thereby miniaturizing the door handle device as a whole.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] The present invention relates to a door handle device for operating a door lock device, which can miniaturize a cover of a key cylinder and a key cylinder arrangement portion of a base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a door handle device and a door lock device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the door handle device as seen from the front side.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the door handle device with the cover removed, as viewed from the rear side.

[0018] Figure 5 It means Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of the state in which the cover is opened.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the handle and cover exploded relative to the base.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the back side of the cover after it is disassembled relative to the base.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the lock cylinder arrangement portion and cover of the base.

[0022] Figure 9 It is a rear perspective view of the hood.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a rear view showing a state where the through hole is covered with a cover.

[0024] Description of Reference Numerals

[0025] 1: Door; 2: Outer panel; 5: ECU; 10: Door lock device; 11: Latch mechanism; 12: Actuator; 13: Latch switching mechanism; 14: Lock mechanism; 15: Actuator; 16: Lock switching mechanism; 20: Door handle device; 21: Base; 21a: Handle configuration portion; 21b: Lock cylinder configuration portion; 21c: Partition wall; 21d: Outer wall; 21e: Through hole; 21f: Mounting frame; 21g: Mounting hole; 21h: Positioning hole; 21i: Insertion groove; 21j: Lock receiving portion; 21k: Elastic piece; 21m: Lock claw; 22: Cover; 25: Handle; 25a: Rear portion; 25b: Front portion; 26: Operation portion; 27: Rotation shaft; 28: Antenna; 30: Transmission lever; 30a: Operation receiving portion; 31: Rotation shaft; 33: Release switch; 35: Terminal Rod; 37: Rotation axis; 39: Lock switch; 40: Open rod; 41: Rotation axis; 43: Rod; 45: Lock cylinder; 45a: Keyhole; 46: Pick; 47: Cover; 47a: Cover body; 47b: Mounting portion; 47c: Foot; 47d: First foot; 47e: Locking protrusion; 47f: Second foot; 47g: Slit; 47h: Elastic sheet; 47i: Locking claw; 47j: Positioning protrusion; 47k: Raised strip; 47m: Abutment portion; 47n: Inclined portion; 47p: Locking portion; 47q: First portion; 47r: Second portion; 47s: Stopper; 50: Limiting rod; 51: Rotation axis; 54: Emergency button; 55: Rotation axis; A: Axis of the through hole; L1: First reference line; L2: Second reference line; L3: Third reference line; L4: Fourth reference line. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The door handle device 20 of an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the outer panel (door panel) 2 of the door 1 and operates the door lock device 10 mounted on the same door 1 to open the closed door 1. The door handle device 20 of this embodiment is used for a left-side door whose hinge axis extends in the vehicle height direction. However, the door handle device 20 can also be used for a right-side door, a sliding door, or a rear door.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, the X direction represents vehicle length, with the arrow pointing in the direction indicating the rear and the direction opposite the arrow indicating the front. The Y direction represents vehicle width, with the arrow pointing in the direction indicating the inside (vehicle interior) and the direction opposite the arrow indicating the outside (vehicle exterior). The Z direction represents vehicle height, with the arrow pointing in the direction indicating the top and the direction opposite the arrow indicating the bottom.

[0029] Reference Figure 1The door handle device 20 is connected to the vehicle's ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 5. The ECU 5 includes a computing unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit (all not shown). It reads programs pre-stored in the storage unit and executes information processing according to the procedures specified by the program. The ECU 5 is also connected to the door lock device 10. Based on input signals from the door handle device 20, the ECU 5 electrically activates the door lock device 10.

[0030] The door lock device 10 is briefly described. Figure 3 The door 1 is shown disposed on an end plate (not shown). The door lock device 10 includes a latch mechanism 11 , an actuator 12 , a latch switching mechanism 13 , a lock mechanism 14 , an actuator 15 , and a lock switching mechanism 16 .

[0031] The latch mechanism 11 includes a fork and a claw, and can be switched between a latched state and an unlatched state. In the latched state, the fork holds the striker of the vehicle body, Figure 3 The door 1 is shown to remain in a closed state. In the unlatched state, the fork releases the striker and the door 1 can be opened.

[0032] The latch mechanism 11 switches from the unlatched state to the latched state by closing the open door 1 and causing the striker to enter the fork. Switching the latch mechanism 11 from the latched state to the unlatched state (opening operation) from outside the vehicle is performed by operating the door handle device 20. However, this differs between normal operation, when the latch mechanism 11 can be electrically actuated by the actuator 12 via the latch switching mechanism 13, and emergency operation, when this is not possible. Switching the latch mechanism 11 by operating the door handle device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0033] The lock mechanism 14 is composed of a plurality of levers and switches between an unlocked state and a locked state. In the unlocked state, the latch mechanism 11 can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state via the latch switching mechanism 13. In the locked state, the latch mechanism 11 cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state via the latch switching mechanism 13.

[0034] The locking mechanism 14 is switched from the unlocked state to the locked state from the outside of the vehicle by operating the door handle device 20. This switching of the locking mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state from the outside of the vehicle is performed by operating the door handle device 20, but the switching differs between normal operation, when the locking mechanism 14 can be electrically actuated by the actuator 15, and emergency operation, when this cannot be achieved. Switching of the locking mechanism 14 by operating the door handle device 20 will be described in detail later.

[0035] Hereinafter, the door handle device 20 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0036] The door handle device 20 is provided with a door handle 20 which is electrically operated by the ECU 5 in normal operation. Figure 1 The door lock device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is operated and the door lock device 10 is operated manually in an emergency. Specifically, Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the door handle device 20 includes a base 21, a cover 22, a handle 25, and a transmission lever 30. In addition, the door handle device 20 includes a release switch 33, an end lever 35, a lock switch 39, an open lever 40, a lock cylinder 45, a restriction lever 50, and an emergency button 54.

[0037] The handle 25 is a flush handle that is elongated in the vehicle length direction and extends flush with the outer panel 2. It is rotated for operation in both normal and emergency situations. The handle 25 is provided with an operating portion 26 that projects inward in the vehicle width direction and operates a transmission lever 30. The transmission lever 30 is positioned adjacent to the vehicle interior side of the handle 25 and includes an operation receiving portion 30a that receives operations performed via the operating portion 26. It rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 25 in both normal and emergency situations.

[0038] The release switch 33 is used to normally Figure 1 The detection part for the operation of the latch mechanism 11 and the lock mechanism 14 is arranged adjacent to the transmission rod 30. The end rod 35 and the lock switch 39 are used to normally operate the latch mechanism 11 and the lock mechanism 14. Figure 1 The illustrated locking mechanism 14 is configured to operate on the vehicle interior side of the front end portion of the handle 25 in the vehicle length direction.

[0039] The opening lever 40 is used to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the transmission lever 30 in an emergency. Figure 1 The latch mechanism 11 shown in FIG. 1 is configured to operate on the lower side of the transmission rod 30. The lock cylinder 45 is used to lock the latch in an emergency. Figure 1 The illustrated locking mechanism 14 is configured to operate and is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the handle 25 in the vehicle length direction.

[0040] The restriction lever 50 is used to restrict the rotation of the handle 25 via the transmission lever 30 in normal circumstances to restrict the operating force of the handle 25 from being transmitted to the opening lever 40. Figure 1 The latch mechanism 11 is shown in FIG. 1 . The emergency button 54 is a structure for releasing the restriction by the restriction lever 50 in an emergency.

[0041] use Figure 1The control of the door lock device 10 by the ECU 5 shown is executed when authentication with the electronic key (not shown) carried by the user is successful. That is, under normal circumstances, if authentication with the electronic key is not successful, the door lock device 10 is not operated by the ECU 5. The antenna 28 used for wireless communication between the ECU 5 and the electronic key is housed in the handle 25.

[0042] Hereinafter, the operation of the door lock device 10 performed by operating the door handle device 20 will be described.

[0043] (Normal opening operation)

[0044] When the door lock device 10 is normally opened, Figure 3 The portion 25a of the handle 25 at the rear side of the rotation axis 27 in the initial position shown by the solid line is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 In the process, the handle 25 is rotated in the direction A1, and the transmission rod 30 supported by the rotating shaft 31 is rotated in the direction A1. Figure 4 By rotating the transmission lever 30, the release switch 33 is switched from the off state to the on state, outputting an opening signal. As a result, Figure 1 The ECU 5 shown in FIG. 1 switches the locking mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state by means of an actuator 15, and then switches the latch mechanism 11 from the latched state to the unlatched state by means of an actuator 12 via a latch switching mechanism 13. Figure 3 Door 1 shown.

[0045] The rotation of the handle 25 by the operation of the rear portion 25a is restricted by the contact between the transmission lever 30 and the restriction lever 50. Figure 3 The normal operating position is indicated by the dashed line in FIG. In this restricted state, the transmission lever 30 can operate the release switch 33 as described above, but cannot operate (press) the opening lever 40. In other words, the operating force of the handle 25 is not normally transmitted to the opening lever 40 via the transmission lever 30. This prevents competition between the electric and manual switching of the latch mechanism 11, which could cause problems in the door lock device 10.

[0046] (Normal locking operation)

[0047] When the door lock device 10 is normally locked, the portion 25b of the handle 25 at the initial position, which is closer to the front side than the rotation axis 27, is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 3 The normal locking operation position shown by the dotted line is rotated in the direction A2, and the end rod 35 supported by the rotating shaft 37 is in the Figure 3By rotating the end rod 35, the lock switch 39 switches from the off state to the on state, outputting a lock signal. As a result, Figure 1 The ECU 5 shown uses the actuator 15 to electrically switch the locking mechanism 14 from the unlocked state to the locked state. Figure 3 Door 1 shown.

[0048] (Opening operation in case of emergency)

[0049] The door lock device 10 is opened when in emergency. Figure 1 The unlocking operation of the lock mechanism 14 and the unlatching operation of the latch mechanism 11 are performed in the illustrated order.

[0050] When the door lock device 10 is unlocked in an emergency, Figure 2 The cover 47 in the vehicle is moved outward in the vehicle width direction, i.e., in the direction E1, so that the key hole of the lock cylinder 45 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle. Then, a mechanical key (not shown) is inserted into the lock cylinder 45 and turned. Figure 1 The lock mechanism 14 to which the operating force is transmitted is locked by the lock switching mechanism 16 shown, and is switched from the locked state to the unlocked state by manual operation.

[0051] Next, when the door lock device 10 is opened in an emergency, the rear portion 25a of the handle 25 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 2 In the process, the handle 25 is rotated in the direction A1, and the transmission rod 30 is in the Figure 4 However, in an emergency, the latch mechanism 11 cannot be opened electrically. In addition, the rotation of the handle 25 by operating the rear portion 25a is limited by the contact between the transmission lever 30 and the limiting lever 50, as in normal operation. Figure 3 The normal operating position is shown by the dot-dash line.

[0052] Then, in an emergency, the emergency button 54 exposed by the rotation of the handle 25 is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction. Figure 4 The limiting rod 50, which is supported by the rotating shaft 51, rotates in the middle direction G1. Figure 4 The transmission lever 30 is rotated in the direction F1 so as to be away from the transmission lever 30. As a result, the restriction on the rotation of the transmission lever 30 in the direction B1 by the restriction lever 50 is released.

[0053] Since the restriction of the transmission rod 30 is released, the handle 25 can be rotated in the direction A1 to Figure 3 The emergency operation position shown by the double dotted line in FIG. Figure 4The opening lever 40 is further rotated in the direction B1. As a result, the opening lever 40 supported by the rotating shaft 41 is pressed. Figure 4 Thus, the operating force of the handle 25 is transmitted through the transmission rod 30, the opening rod 40, the rod 43, Figure 1 The locking mechanism 14 and the latch switching mechanism 13 shown are transmitted to the latch mechanism 11, and the latch mechanism 11 is switched from the latch state to the unlatched state by manual operation. As a result, the door can be opened. Figure 3 Door 1 shown.

[0054] In the door handle device 20 configured in this manner, in the present embodiment, the portion of the base 21 where the key cylinder 45 is disposed (key cylinder disposing portion 21 b ) and the cover 47 covering the key cylinder 45 are miniaturized.

[0055] Hereinafter, the configuration of the base 21 , the handle 25 , the key cylinder 45 , and the cover 47 will be described in detail.

[0056] Reference Figure 3 The base 21 is mounted on the vehicle interior side relative to the outer panel 2. The handle 25 and cover 47 are mounted on the vehicle exterior side relative to the base 21, exposed to the vehicle exterior through a through-hole in the outer panel 2. The lock cylinder 45 is mounted on the base 21 so as to be located on the vehicle widthwise inner side of the cover 47 relative to the base 21. The transmission lever 30, the restriction lever 50, and the emergency button 54 are all mounted on the vehicle interior side relative to the base 21 and covered by the cover 22.

[0057] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The base 21 includes a handle arrangement portion 21 a and a key cylinder arrangement portion 21 b that are adjacently provided in the vehicle length direction.

[0058] The handle configuration portion 21a is formed by a groove that is recessed from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle length direction. An operating portion 26 for the handle 25 is provided on the rear side in the vehicle length direction (see FIG. Figure 3 ) is a through hole that penetrates toward the inside of the vehicle. The end rod 35 and the emergency button 54 are arranged to Figure 3 The vehicle length direction front side of the handle arrangement portion 21a exposed in the normal operation position is indicated by the one-dot chain line.

[0059] The lock cylinder portion 21b is located adjacent to the rear side of the handle portion 21a in the vehicle length direction. The lock cylinder portion 21b is separated from the handle portion 21a by a partition wall 21c extending in the vehicle width and vehicle height directions. Furthermore, the lock cylinder portion 21b includes an outer wall 21d that is connected to the outer end of the partition wall 21c in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle length and vehicle height directions.

[0060] A through hole 21e is provided on the outer wall 21d. The through hole 21e extends from the outside of the vehicle to the inside of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and is used to expose the key hole 45a of the lock cylinder 45 to the outside of the vehicle. The through hole 21e is circular and has an axis A extending in the vehicle width direction. However, the shape of the through hole 21e can also be a shape other than a circle. Figure 7 A mounting frame 21f is provided on the vehicle interior side of the through hole 21e for mounting the key cylinder 45. The mounting frame 21f protrudes from the hole edge of the through hole 21e toward the vehicle width direction inner side in a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0061] Reference Figures 5 to 7 A pair of mounting holes 21g and a pair of positioning holes 21h are provided on the outer wall 21d of the handle arrangement portion 21a, and a lock receiving portion 21j is provided on the partition wall 21c.

[0062] The mounting holes 21g penetrate the outer wall 21d in the vehicle width direction and are used to movably mount the mounting portion 47b of the cover 47. The pair of mounting holes 21g are provided on the opposite side of the handle arrangement portion 21a from the through hole 21e, i.e., on the rear side in the vehicle length direction, and are spaced apart in the vehicle height direction.

[0063] Reference Figure 8 , when viewed from the direction in which the axis A of the through hole 21e extends, the pair of mounting holes 21g are arranged so that a portion of each is located between the pair of reference lines L1 and L2, and the remaining portion is located outside the pair of reference lines L1 and L2. The first reference line L1 is defined as passing through the upper end of the through hole 21e and extending in the vehicle length direction ( Figure 8 The second reference line L2 is defined as a tangent line extending along the vehicle length through the lower end of the through-hole 21e. However, the mounting hole 21g may be positioned entirely between the pair of reference lines L1 and L2. In other words, the mounting hole 21g only needs to be positioned so that at least a portion of it lies between the pair of reference lines L1 and L2.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 The positioning hole 21h is provided to position the cover 47 when the through hole 21e is blocked by the cover 47. The positioning hole 21h is roughly quadrilateral and penetrates the outer wall 21d in the vehicle width direction. A pair of positioning holes 21h are respectively provided on the side opposite to the mounting hole 21g (the front side in the vehicle length direction), that is, on the side of the handle configuration portion 21a, relative to the through hole 21e, and are spaced apart in the vehicle height direction. Of the pair of positioning holes 21h, the positioning hole 21h located on the upper side is provided at the same height position as the mounting hole 21g on the upper side, and the positioning hole 21h located on the lower side is provided at the same height position as the mounting hole 21g on the lower side. More specifically, each positioning hole 21h is provided between the upper end and the lower end of the corresponding mounting hole 21g in the height direction.

[0065] The lock receiving portion 21j is provided to maintain the state in which the through hole 21e is blocked by the cover 47. The lock receiving portion 21j is provided on the side of the handle arrangement portion 21a in the partition wall 21c so as to be adjacent to the handle 25. More specifically, the partition wall 21c is provided with an insertion groove 21i, which is recessed from the front side to the rear side in the vehicle length direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. The lock receiving portion 21j is provided in the insertion groove 21i. The lock receiving portion 21j has an elastic piece 21k with a cantilever structure. The inner end of the elastic piece 21k in the vehicle width direction is connected to the partition wall 21c, and the outer end of the elastic piece 21k in the vehicle width direction is a free end. A locking claw 21m is provided at the outer end of the elastic piece 21k in the vehicle width direction, which protrudes toward the front side in the vehicle length direction toward the handle 25.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The handle 25 is arranged on the handle arrangement portion 21a in a manner to be located on the vehicle outer side of the base 21 and is mounted on the base 21 via a rotation shaft 27 extending in the vehicle height direction. The handle 25 can be rotated by the rotation shaft 27 via the rotation shaft 27. Figure 3 The normal operating position is shown by the dotted line in Figure 3 The initial position shown by the solid line is Figure 3 The handle 25 is rotated in the direction A1 or A2 between the emergency operation positions shown by the double dotted line. Figure 3 When the initial position is shown by the solid line, it cannot be Figure 1 The latch mechanism 11 shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the normal operating position shown by the single dotted line, the Figure 1 The latch mechanism 11 shown in FIG. Figure 3 In the emergency operation position shown by the double-dotted line, the Figure 1 The latch mechanism 11 shown in FIG. Figure 3 The transmission rod 30 shown in FIG. 1 is biased in the direction B2 by a spring, and the handle 25 is moved toward Figure 3 The initial position indicated by the solid line is biased in the direction A2.

[0067] The lock cylinder 45 is provided for manually unlocking the locking mechanism 14 in an emergency. The lock cylinder 45 includes a keyhole 45a for inserting a mechanical key. The lock cylinder 45 is mounted from the inside of the vehicle to the mounting frame 21f of the lock cylinder mounting portion 21b via a through-hole 21e, with the keyhole 45a exposed to the outside of the vehicle. The lock cylinder 45 is screwed into place. This allows the lock cylinder 45 to be positioned adjacent to the handle 25, rearward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 5The cover 47 is provided to normally cover the keyhole 45a of the lock cylinder 45 including the through hole 21e. The cover 47 includes a cover body 47a and a mounting portion 47b. The cover 47 is mounted on the vehicle outer side of the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b in a manner that can be opened and closed in the vehicle length direction and is opened only in an emergency.

[0069] Figures 2 to 4 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 The cover 47 covering the key hole 45a including the through hole 21e is shown in a closed state. Figures 5 to 8 The cover 47 is shown in an open position, where the keyhole 45a including the through hole 21e is exposed. The structure of the cover 47 will be described below with reference to the closed position.

[0070] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The cover body 47a is slightly smaller than the outer wall 21d of the key cylinder receiving portion 21b and covers the key hole 45a of the lock cylinder 45, including the through hole 21e, so as to expose the key hole 45a. The cover body 47a is formed into a flat plate shape that is as small as possible within the range that covers the key hole 45a of the lock cylinder 45, including the through hole 21e of the key cylinder receiving portion 21b, and the pair of positioning holes 21h.

[0071] When the cover 47 is closed, the outer surface of the cover body 47a is flush with the outer surfaces of the handle 25 and the outer surface of the outer panel 2. The dimensions of the cover body 47a in the vehicle height direction are the same as the dimensions of the handle 25 in the vehicle height direction. While allowing for insertion of a mechanical key, a gap is maintained as small as possible between the cover body 47a and the handle 25 in the closed state. This means that a user's finger is unlikely to be inserted into this gap.

[0072] Reference Figures 5 to 7 as well as Figure 9 The mounting portion 47b protrudes from the cover body 47a toward the vehicle interior and is removably mounted in the mounting hole 21g of the key cylinder mounting portion 21b. The mounting portion 47b comprises a pair of legs 47c, which protrude from the cover body 47a at intervals in the vehicle height direction, corresponding to the pair of mounting holes 21g. However, the number of mounting holes 21g and legs 47c is sufficient to mount the cover 47 without causing it to detach, and can be either one or three or more.

[0073] Each leg portion 47c is L-shaped when viewed from the vehicle height direction, and is composed of a first leg portion 47d and a second leg portion 47f.

[0074] The first leg portion 47d protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the cover body 47a. The first leg portion 47d is provided near the rear end of the cover body 47a in the vehicle length direction, and is spaced apart so as to be located near the upper and lower ends in the vehicle height direction. The cross-sectional shape of the first leg portion 47d, taken along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first leg portion 47d extends, that is, in this embodiment, along an XY plane extending in the vehicle length and vehicle height directions, is smaller than the shape of the mounting hole 21g of the key cylinder receiving portion 21b.

[0075] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 Each of the pair of first legs 47d is provided with a locking protrusion 47e. When the cover 47 is closed, the locking protrusion 47e locks onto the edge of the mounting hole 21g on the inner-vehicle surface of the outer wall 21d. The locking protrusions 47e protrude from the upper surface of the upper first leg 47d and the lower surface of the lower first leg 47d, respectively. The distance between the tops of the upper and lower locking protrusions 47e and 47e is greater than the distance between the upper edge of the upper mounting hole 21g and the lower edge of the lower mounting hole 21g, so long as they can penetrate the corresponding mounting holes 21g.

[0076] The second leg portion 47f is connected to the end of the first leg portion 47d on the vehicle interior side and projects along the cover body 47a in a direction away from the cover body 47a, i.e., toward the rear in the vehicle length direction. The second leg portion 47f is bent relative to the first leg portion 47d so that the angle formed with the first leg portion 47d is greater than 90 degrees, and in this embodiment, is 110 degrees. The cross-sectional shape of the second leg portion 47f, taken along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the second leg portion 47f extends, is smaller than the shape of the mounting hole 21g of the key cylinder receiving portion 21b.

[0077] A pair of second elastic pieces 47h are provided in the second leg portion 47f by forming a slit 47g. The slit 47g penetrates the second leg portion 47f in the vehicle width direction and extends from the top end (the rear end in the vehicle length direction) of the second leg portion 47f toward the first leg portion 47d. The pair of second elastic pieces 47h are provided above and below the slit 47g.

[0078] The pair of second elastic pieces 47h are provided with locking claws 47i, which are used to prevent the cover 47 from becoming loose. Figure 5In the open state shown, the cover 47 falls off from the lock core configuration portion 21b. The locking claw 47i protrudes from the top end of the second elastic piece 47h to the side opposite to the slit 47g. That is, the locking claw 47i protrudes upward from the second elastic piece 47h located on the upper side of the pair of second elastic pieces 47h, and protrudes downward from the second elastic piece 47h located on the lower side. In a state in which the pair of second elastic pieces 47h are bent in a direction approaching each other, the dimension between the protruding ends of the pair of locking claws 47i is smaller than the dimension of the mounting hole 21g of the lock core configuration portion 21b in the vehicle height direction. On the other hand, in a state in which the pair of second elastic pieces 47h are not bent, the dimension between the protruding ends of the pair of locking claws 47i is larger than the dimension of the mounting hole 21g in the vehicle height direction. Thus, when the cover 47 is made Figure 5 In the open state shown, the pair of locking claws 47i are locked to the edges of the mounting holes 21g on the surface of the outer wall 21d on the vehicle interior side, thereby preventing the cover 47 from falling off.

[0079] The cover 47 is also provided with a Figure 2 In the closed state shown, the positioning protrusion 47j, the locking portion 47p, and the stopper 47s each protrude from the cover body 47a toward the vehicle width direction inner side.

[0080] The positioning tab 47j is inserted into the positioning hole 21h of the lock cylinder mounting portion 21b to position the cover 47 and restrict movement of the cover 47 in the vehicle length and vehicle height directions. The positioning tab 47j is a plate-shaped structure extending in the vehicle length and vehicle width directions. It is located on the side of the cover body 47a opposite the foot portion 47c, i.e., on the vehicle length front side. A pair of positioning tabs 47j are spaced apart in the vehicle height direction. Each of the positioning tabs 47j includes a ridge 47k that protrudes in the vehicle height direction and extends in the vehicle width direction. The ridge 47k is provided on the upper positioning tab 47j of the pair of positioning tabs 47j so as to protrude upward, and on the lower positioning tab 47j so as to protrude downward.

[0081] The positioning tab 47j, which includes a ridge 47k, includes an abutment portion 47m that abuts the edge of the positioning hole 21h in the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b. In this embodiment, the rear end surface of the positioning tab 47j in the vehicle length direction and the outer end surface of the ridge 47k in the vehicle height direction respectively constitute the abutment portion 47m. The abutment portion 47m of the positioning tab 47j abuts the edge of the positioning hole 21h, thereby restricting movement of the cover 47 in the closed position in the vehicle length direction. The abutment portion 47m of the ridge 47k abuts the edge of the positioning hole 21h, thereby restricting movement of the cover 47 in the closed position in the vehicle height direction.

[0082] The positioning protrusion 47j including the ridge portion 47k is provided with an inclined portion 47n. The inclined portion 47n is used to adjust the cover 47 from the Figure 5 The open state shown is closed to Figure 2 In the closed position shown, it can slide in contact with the edge of the positioning hole 21h. Specifically, the inclined portion 47n is provided by chamfering on each of the positioning protrusion 47j and the ridge portion 47k. The inclined portion 47n of the positioning protrusion 47j is provided at the top corner of the positioning protrusion 47j on the rear side in the vehicle length direction. The inclined portion 47n of the ridge portion 47k is provided at the top corner of the ridge portion 47k on the outside in the vehicle height direction.

[0083] The locking portion 47p is to keep the cover 47 in place. Figure 2 The locking portion 47p protrudes from the side of the cover body 47a opposite to the mounting portion 47b toward the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b so as to be located adjacent to the handle 25. The locking portion 47p is substantially U-shaped and includes a pair of first portions 47q protruding from the cover body 47a toward the vehicle width direction, and a second portion 47r connected to the top ends of the pair of first portions 47q. Figure 5 The open state shown is closed to Figure 2 In the closed state shown, the locking claw 21m of the lock receiving portion 21j is engaged with the second portion 47r. As a result, the locking portion 47p is locked to the lock receiving portion 21j.

[0084] The stopper 47s is used to prevent the cover 47 from being excessively pressed inward in the vehicle width direction and to prevent Figure 2 The cover 47 is provided to prevent the cover 47 from shaking in the closed state shown in FIG. In this embodiment, three stoppers 47s are provided. One of the three stoppers 47s is provided between a pair of legs 47c at the rear side of the cover body 47a in the vehicle length direction and at the center in the vehicle height direction. The remaining two of the three stoppers 47s are connected to a pair of positioning protrusions 47j and protrude toward the front side in the vehicle length direction. Figure 2 In the closed state shown, the stoppers 47s are in contact with the outer wall 21d of the key cylinder arrangement portion 21b. The outer wall 21d of the key cylinder arrangement portion 21b is sandwiched between the stoppers 47s and the locking protrusions 47e.

[0085] In the door handle device 20 thus constructed, in an emergency, the user manipulates the rear portion 25a of the handle 25 inward in the vehicle width direction and then inserts the mechanical key between the handle 25 and the cover 47. The user then manipulates the mechanical key so that the locking claw 21m moves rearward in the vehicle length direction. This releases the lock on the locking portion 47p by the lock receiving portion 21j. Furthermore, the locking protrusion 47e of the cover 47 passes over the edge of the mounting hole 21g of the key cylinder mounting portion 21b, and the cover body 47a moves outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0086] Next, the user pinches the cover body 47a with his fingers and moves the cover body 47a outward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, after the first leg 47d of the cover 47 moves outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the mounting hole 21g of the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b, the second leg 47f moves outward in the vehicle width direction in conjunction with the rotation. This movement is stopped by the locking claw 47i of the cover 47 being locked around the mounting hole 21g in the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b. As a result, the cover 47 can be positioned relative to the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b. Figure 5 Shown in open state.

[0087] exist Figure 5 In the open state of the cover 47 shown, the key hole 45a of the lock cylinder 45 is exposed. Therefore, the user can manually lock the lock cylinder 45 by inserting the mechanical key into the key hole 45a and operating the lock cylinder 45. Figure 1 The locking mechanism 14 is shown switched from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0088] On the other hand, when the cover 47 is Figure 5 The open state shown becomes Figure 2 In the closed state shown, the user pinches the cover body 47a and moves the cover body 47a inward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the second leg portion 47f of the cover 47 moves inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the mounting hole 21g of the key cylinder arrangement portion 21b, and the first leg portion 47d moves inward in the vehicle width direction as the cover 47 rotates.

[0089] Next, when the cover body 47a is positioned along the outer wall 21d of the lock cylinder portion 21b, the user presses the cover body 47a inward in the vehicle width direction. This causes the locking protrusion 47e of the cover 47 to pass over the edge of the mounting hole 21g of the lock cylinder portion 21b and latch onto the inner side of the outer wall 21d. Furthermore, the locking portion 47p of the cover 47 is locked to the lock receiving portion 21j of the lock cylinder portion 21b. This closes the cover 47 relative to the lock cylinder portion 21b, preventing it from opening.

[0090] The door handle device 20 constructed as described above has the following features.

[0091] Mounting hole 21g, for mounting mounting portion 47b of cover 47, is positioned so that at least a portion thereof is located between a first reference line L1 extending through the upper end of through-hole 21e, which exposes keyhole 45a, and a second reference line L2 extending through the lower end of through-hole 21e. Thus, cover body 47a can be made as small as possible within the range that covers keyhole 45a of lock cylinder 45, including through-hole 21e. Consequently, the area required to form lock cylinder mounting portion 21b can be minimized within the range within which cover 47 can be mounted. Consequently, cover 47 of lock cylinder 45 and lock cylinder mounting portion 21b of base 21 can be miniaturized, thereby miniaturizing door handle device 20 as a whole.

[0092] A first leg portion 47d, which protrudes from the cover body 47a in the leg portion 47c constituting the mounting portion 47b, is provided with a locking protrusion 47e that locks with the edge of the mounting hole 21g. Thus, while the locking protrusion 47e maintains the keyhole 45a of the lock cylinder 45, including the through-hole 21e, closed by the cover 47, the cover body 47a can be prevented from tilting.

[0093] The second leg portion 47f includes a pair of second elastic pieces 47h, each of which is provided with a locking claw 47i protruding toward the side opposite the slit 47g. Thus, by bending the pair of second elastic pieces 47h toward each other, the leg portion 47c can be easily inserted and mounted in the mounting hole 21g. Furthermore, when the leg portion 47c is inserted into the mounting hole 21g, the locking claws 47i effectively prevent the cover 47 from falling off.

[0094] A positioning tab 47j is provided on the cover body 47a, and a positioning hole 21h is provided in the lock cylinder receiving portion 21b. The positioning tab 47j includes an abutment portion 47m that abuts against the edge of the positioning hole 21h. Thus, when the cover body 47a covers the keyhole 45a of the lock cylinder 45, including the through-hole 21e, the abutment portion 47m abuts against the edge of the positioning hole 21h, positioning the cover body 47a relative to the lock cylinder receiving portion 21b. This prevents any shaking of the cover 47 when closed.

[0095] The positioning tab 47j of the cover 47 is provided with an inclined portion 47n that can slide against the edge of the positioning hole 21h of the lock cylinder receiving portion 21b. Consequently, when the cover body 47a is rotated using the foot portion 47c as a fulcrum to insert the positioning tab 47j into the positioning hole 21h of the lock cylinder receiving portion 21b, the inclined portion 47n slides against the edge of the positioning hole 21h. This improves the operability of the cover body 47a when covering the keyhole 45a of the lock cylinder 45, including the through hole 21e.

[0096] The cover body 47a is provided with a locking portion 47p, and the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b is provided with a lock receiving portion 21j for the locking portion 47p to lock. Thus, by rotating the cover body 47a with the foot portion 47c as a fulcrum, the locking portion 47p is locked to the lock receiving portion 21j, and the key hole 45a of the lock cylinder 45 including the through hole 21e can be reliably maintained in a state where the cover body 47a covers the key hole 45a.

[0097] The locking portion 47p and the lock receiving portion 21j are positioned adjacent to the handle 25, with the outer surface of the handle 25 and the outer surface of the cover body 47a being flush with each other. This makes it difficult to release the lock between the locking portion 47p and the lock receiving portion 21j and open the cover 47 relative to the key cylinder receiving portion 21b. Therefore, when the lock cylinder 45 is not in use, accidental opening of the cover 47 is prevented.

[0098] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0099] For example, the cover 47 may be mounted on the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b so as to be openable / closable in the vehicle height direction relative to the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b. Figure 8 , the mounting hole 21g of the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b is provided so that at least a portion thereof is located between a third reference line L3 passing through the left end of the through hole 21e and extending in the vertical direction and a fourth reference line L4 passing through the right end of the through hole 21e and extending in the vertical direction.

[0100] Alternatively, the positioning protrusion 47j may be provided on the lock cylinder arrangement portion 21b, and the positioning hole 21h may be provided on the cover body 47a. In this case, it is preferred that the positioning hole 21h formed on the cover body 47a is formed by Figure 3 In the closed state shown, the recessed portion is recessed from the vehicle interior to the vehicle exterior and does not penetrate in the vehicle width direction.

[0101] The locking portion 47p may be provided on the key cylinder arrangement portion 21b, and the lock receiving portion 21j may be provided on the cover body 47a.

Claims

1. A door handle device, comprising: a base having a handle arrangement portion and a lock cylinder arrangement portion provided adjacent to the handle arrangement portion and including a through hole extending from the vehicle exterior to the vehicle interior, the base being mounted on the door; a handle rotatably mounted on the handle arrangement portion so as to be exposed on the vehicle exterior side of the door, the handle being used to open a door lock device mounted on the door; a lock cylinder mounted on the lock cylinder arrangement portion in a manner such that a key hole is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the through hole, the lock cylinder being used to unlock the door lock device; and A cover is mounted on the vehicle outer side of the lock cylinder configuration portion, In the door handle device, The cover includes a cover body that covers the keyhole so as to expose the keyhole including the through hole, and a mounting portion that protrudes from the cover body. The lock core configuration portion is provided with a mounting hole for mounting the mounting portion. When viewed from the direction in which the axis of the through hole extends, the mounting hole is arranged in a manner such that at least a portion is located between a first reference line passing through the upper end of the through hole and extending in the left-right direction and a second reference line passing through the lower end of the through hole and extending in the left-right direction, or in a manner such that at least a portion is located between a third reference line passing through the left end of the through hole and extending in the up-down direction and a fourth reference line passing through the right end of the through hole and extending in the up-down direction.

2. The door handle device according to claim 1, wherein The mounting portion is composed of a pair of legs protruding from the cover body. The leg portion is composed of a first leg portion and a second leg portion, wherein the first leg portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the cover body, and the second leg portion is connected to an end portion of the first leg portion on the vehicle interior side and protrudes along the cover body in a direction away from the cover body, and the leg is mounted to the mounting hole in a manner that is movable relative to the mounting hole. The first leg portion is provided with a locking protrusion that is locked to an edge of the mounting hole when the key hole including the through hole is covered by the cover body.

3. The door handle device according to claim 2, wherein: The second leg portion includes a slit extending from a top end of the second leg portion toward the first leg portion, and a pair of elastic pieces located on both sides of the slit. The pair of elastic pieces are respectively provided with locking claws protruding toward a side opposite to the slit.

4. The door handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: One of the cover body and the lock core arrangement portion is provided with a positioning protrusion protruding toward the other of the cover body and the lock core arrangement portion. The other of the cover body and the lock core arrangement portion is provided with a positioning hole into which the positioning protrusion can be inserted. The positioning protrusion includes an abutting portion capable of abutting against a hole edge of the positioning hole.

5. The door handle device according to claim 4, wherein The positioning protrusion is provided with an inclined portion that can slidably contact the hole edge of the positioning hole.

6. The door handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A locking portion is provided on one of the cover body and the lock cylinder arrangement portion and protrudes from a side opposite to the mounting portion toward the other of the cover body and the lock cylinder arrangement portion. The other of the cover body and the key cylinder placement portion is provided with a lock receiving portion that locks the lock portion.

7. The door handle device according to claim 6, wherein: The mounting hole is provided on a side opposite to the handle arrangement portion relative to the through hole. The locking portion and the lock receiving portion are provided adjacent to the handle, The outer surface of the handle and the outer surface of the cover body are located in the same plane.

Images