Door handle device for vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle door handle device (1) comprises: a handle element (2) configured to pivot from a retracted position, in which the handle element (2) is flush with a surface of a door panel (9), through a projecting position to an open position, in which a door is opened; and a stop device (6). The handle element (2) comprises: a gripping section (222) to be grasped by a user when the handle element (2) is in the projecting position; and an extension section (23) projecting inwards from the gripping section (222) in a vehicle width direction. The stop device (6) is configured such that, when the handle element (2) is in the retracted position, a first retaining element (615) and a second retaining element (62) engage the extension section (23) in an up-down direction between them.clamping, and that when the handle element (2) is in a position other than the retracted position, the first retaining element (615) and the second retaining element (62) are separated from each other in order to release the extension section (23) from clamping.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The following invention relates to a door handle device for a vehicle. General state of the art

[0002] For example, as described in JP 2017-101488 A, a so-called flush-mounted (or pop-up-type) door handle device has recently been developed, which allows a door panel and a door handle to be flush with each other. In such a door handle device, a handle element is configured to pivot from a retracted position through a protruding position to an open position. The flush-mounted door handle device improves the aerodynamic performance of a vehicle. Summary

[0003] During travel of the vehicle, for example, the handle member is in the retracted position in which the handle member is flush with the door panel. The handle member pivots about a rotary shaft provided at a front end portion of the handle member by means of a drive device when a user approaches the door with a key to, for example, get into the vehicle. Consequently, a rear end portion of the handle member projects from the door panel and moves to the projected position (also called a holding position). The user can open the door by holding a projected portion of the handle member and pivoting the handle member to an opening position further outward from the projected position. Such a door handle is also called a flush-fitting or recessed door handle.A flush-mounted single-hinge door handle is a door handle that has a hinge at a front or rear portion of the vehicle in a forward-backward direction. The door handle is rotated to open the door.

[0004] In this configuration, the front end portion of the handle member is relatively stable in operation because the rotary shaft is arranged at the front end portion. However, since a rear end portion of the handle member is far away from the rotary shaft, the accuracy of operation is likely to deteriorate compared to the front end portion. For example, rattle (positional deviation) in the up-down direction when the handle member is moved to the retracted position is relatively larger at the rear end portion than at the front end portion. In a case where the handle member comes into contact with another member such as a door panel, malfunction of the handle member may occur due to an increase in sliding resistance or the like. Therefore, a designer must design a gap (fitting gap) between the door panel and the handle member in consideration of the occurrence of rattle.This means that the rattling of the rear end section of the handle element affects the design of the fitting gap.

[0005] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a door handle device for a vehicle capable of suppressing rattling of a handle member in an up-down direction when the handle member moves from a projected position to a retracted position.

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a door handle device for a vehicle includes a handle member, a driving device, and a receiving member. The handle member is configured to pivot about a rotating shaft provided at one end portion in a longitudinal direction of the handle member, from a retracted position in which the handle member is flush with a surface of a door panel, through a projecting position in which the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the handle member projects outward from the door panel in a width direction of the vehicle, to an open position in which a door is opened. The driving device pivots the handle member from the retracted position to the projected position. The receiving member is disposed on an inner side of the door panel in the width direction of the vehicle and receives the handle member in the retracted position.The grip member includes a body portion and an extension portion. The body portion has, at one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof, a shaft holding portion that holds the rotary shaft, and a gripping portion formed at a portion including the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the body portion to enable a user to grip the gripping portion when the grip member is in the projecting position. The extension portion projects inward from the gripping portion in the width direction of the vehicle. A stopper device including a first holding member and a second holding member is provided in the receiving member. The stopper device is configured such that, when the grip member is in the retracted position, the first holding member and the second holding member sandwich the extension portion in an up-down direction.clamp, and that when the handle element is in a position other than the retracted position, the first holding element and the second holding element are separated from each other in order to release the clamping of the extension section by the first holding element and the second holding element.

[0007] According to the present invention, when the handle member is in the retracted position, the extending portion located at the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the handle member, which is remote from the rotating shaft, is positioned so that the extending portion in the up-down direction is sandwiched between the first holding member and the second holding member. In this way, the other end portion of the handle member in its longitudinal direction, which is likely to rattle in the up-down direction, is located at a predetermined position when the handle member is in the retracted position. When the handle member is in a position other than the retracted position, the first holding member and the second holding member are separated from each other. Therefore, the extending portion can move smoothly without being caught by the stopper device.According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress rattling of the handle member in the up-down direction when the handle member moves from the projected position to the retracted position. Short description of the figures

[0008] The objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of the present invention will become more apparent when the following detailed description of an embodiment is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a conceptual view of a door handle device for a vehicle in a retracted position according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is a conceptual view of the door handle device according to the embodiment, which is in an open position; Fig. 3 a sectional view (conceptual view) along a line III-III in Fig. 1 is; Fig. 4 a sectional view (conceptual view) along a line IV-IV in Fig. 1 is; Fig. 5 is a conceptual view showing a cross section of a stopper device in a fully opened state according to the embodiment; and Fig. 6 is a conceptual view showing a cross section of the stopper device in a holding state according to the embodiment. Description

[0009] Hereinafter, a door handle device 1 for a vehicle (hereinafter abbreviated as "door handle device") according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the following embodiment, but can be changed and modified based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The door handle device 1 of the present embodiment is a single-hinge type flush door handle having a hinge at a front portion of the door handle device 1 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0010] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the door handle device 1 is provided outside a door (side door) 90 of a vehicle. The surface of the door 90 is formed by a door panel 9. A handle element 2 of the door handle device 1 protrudes from the door panel 9 by a driving force of a driving device 3. Specifically, the door handle device 1 includes the handle element 2, the driving device 3, a receiving element 4, a damping element 5, and a stopper device 6, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shown.

[0011] The handle member 2 is configured to pivot about a pivot shaft 2a provided at one end portion (front end portion) in a longitudinal direction of the handle member 2, from a retracted position through a projected position to an open position. The retracted position is a position in which the handle member 2 is flush with the surface of the door panel 9. The projected position is a position in which the handle member 2 projects outward from the door panel 9 in a vehicle width direction (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle width direction"). The open position is a position in which the door 90 is opened. It can be said that the open position is a position in which the door 90 is unlocked. An angle between the handle member 2 and the door panel 9 increases in the order of the retracted position, the projected position, and the open position.The handle element 2 is pivoted by the drive device 3 from the retracted position to the protruding position. The handle element 2 pivots from the protruding position to the open position by a user's force. The handle element 2 is also referred to as a handle lever and is primarily made of metal. Regarding the position of the handle element 2, the position in... Fig. 1 represents the retracted position and the position in Fig. 2 represents the open position. The protruding position is a position between the retracted position and the open position. The handle element 2 is configured such that it can be pivoted between the retracted position and the open position.

[0012] The handle member 2 returns from the projected position to the retracted position at a predetermined time by a force of a spring 2b (described later). For example, when the user who has a key of an unmanned, stopped vehicle approaches the vehicle, the drive device 3 is actuated by a radio signal emitted from the key. This causes the handle member 2 in the retracted position to pivot to the projected position. When the user grasps the handle member 2 in the projected position and pivots the handle member 2 to the open position, a locking mechanism (not shown) is actuated, so that the door 90 is opened. When the user closes the door 90 after getting in, the drive device 3 no longer generates force, so that the handle member 2 is returned to the retracted position by the force of the spring 2b.

[0013] The handle element 2 comprises a surface portion 21, a body portion 22, and an extension portion 23. The surface portion 21 is a portion that forms a surface (outer surface) of the handle element 2. The surface portion 21 is a plate-shaped element and is flush with the door panel 9 when the handle element 2 is in the retracted position. When the handle element 2 is in the retracted position, a predetermined gap is formed between an outer edge of the surface portion 21 and the door panel 9. This gap is an operating gap and is designed so that the door panel 9 does not obstruct the pivoting movement of the handle element 2. Fig. 4 shows an upper and a lower portion of the gap (fitting gap). The surface portion 21 is connected to an outer side of the body portion 22 in the vehicle width direction.

[0014] The body portion 22 is disposed on an inner side of the surface portion 21 in the vehicle width direction. The body portion 22 and the surface portion 21 move in conjunction with each other. The rotary shaft 2a is disposed at an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the body portion 22. In other words, the rotary shaft 2a is disposed at a front portion of the body portion 22. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of the vehicle. That is, one side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the front of the vehicle, and the other side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the rear of the vehicle. The width of the body portion 22 in the front-rear direction corresponds to the width of the surface portion 21 in the front-rear direction.

[0015] The rotary shaft 2a extends in the up-down direction and is held, for example, by a structure (not shown) in the door 90. The rotary shaft 2a is provided with a spring 2b, which biases the handle element 2 toward the retracted position. The spring 2b is, for example, a torsion spring. The spring 2b biases (presses) the body portion 22 around the rotary shaft 2a in Fig. 3 counterclockwise.

[0016] The body portion 22 includes a shaft holding portion 221, a gripping portion 222, and an intermediate portion 223. The shaft holding portion 221 is located at one end portion (front end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 22 and holds the rotating shaft 2a. Thus, a hinge is provided at the front portion of the grip member 2 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The gripping portion 222 is located at the other end portion (rear end portion) in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 22. The gripping portion 222 is configured to be gripped by the user when the grip member 2 is in the projecting position. The intermediate portion 223 is located at the center in the longitudinal direction of the body portion 22 and connects the shaft holding portion 221 and the gripping portion 222.

[0017] The gripping portion 222 has a size in the vehicle width direction that is smaller than the sizes of the shaft holding portion 221 and the intermediate portion 223 in the vehicle width direction. An inner end surface 222a of the gripping portion 222 in the vehicle width direction is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than an inner wall portion 223a of the intermediate portion 223 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when the grip member 2 is in the projecting position, the user can hook his / her fingers into the gripping portion 222. Note that a front-back rectangular cross-section of the intermediate portion 223 has a groove shape opening outward in the vehicle width direction ( Fig. 4). The forward-backward orthogonal cross-section is a cross-section obtained by cutting an object along a plane orthogonal to the forward-backward direction.

[0018] The shaft holding portion 221 is provided with a lever-shaped transmission member 24, which extends inward from the rotary shaft 2a in the vehicle width direction. The transmission member 24 extends in a radial direction of the rotary shaft 2a. When the transmission member 24 pivots about the rotary shaft 2a, the handle member 2 pivots about the rotary shaft 2a in conjunction with the pivoting movement of the transmission member 24. When a mechanism portion 31 is rotated by the drive device 3 in Fig. 3 is moved to the right, the transmission member 24 and the handle member 2 pivot clockwise. Thus, the body portion 22 has, at one end portion in the longitudinal direction, the shaft holding portion 221 that holds the rotary shaft 2a, and the gripping portion 222 formed at a portion including the other end portion in the longitudinal direction such that the gripping portion 222 can be gripped by the user when the handle member 2 is in the projecting position.

[0019] The extension portion 23 protrudes inward from the gripping portion 222 in the vehicle width direction. The extension portion 23 is formed such that an upper wall portion of the gripping portion 222 extends inward in the vehicle width direction. That is, the extension portion 23 extends continuously inward from the upper wall portion of the gripping portion 222 in the vehicle width direction. The extension portion 23 of the present embodiment also extends inward from a part of the body portion 22 in the vehicle width direction. The extension portion 23 is formed at a portion of the grip member 2 that includes the gripping portion 222. An inner end portion of the extension portion 23 in the vehicle width direction is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than an inner wall portion 223a of the intermediate portion 223 in the vehicle width direction.The inner end portion of the extending portion 23 in the vehicle width direction is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than an inner wall portion 41a of a body portion receiving portion 41 in the vehicle width direction (described later). The extending portion 23 is formed in a flat plate shape extending in the vehicle width direction and the front-rear direction.

[0020] When the grip member 2 is in the projecting position, the extension portion 23 protrudes inward from an upper portion of the gripping portion 222 in the vehicle width direction to cover the inner end surface 222a of the gripping portion 222 in the vehicle width direction. The extension portion 23 has a function of concealing the inner end surface 222a of the gripping portion 222, so that the user cannot see the inner end surface 222a from above when the grip member 2 is in the projecting position. Therefore, when the grip member 2 is in the projecting position, the user is encouraged to grip the grip member 2 from below instead of from above. That is, the user grips the gripping portion 222 from below the grip member 2.

[0021] With this configuration, for example, the user is prevented from closing the door 90 while grasping the handle member 2 from above, and a large load is prevented from being applied to the mechanism portion 31. Furthermore, the presence of the extension portion 23 can prevent a bag or the like of a passerby from being caught by the handle member 2, which is in the projecting position.

[0022] The drive device 3 is a device that pivots the handle element 2 from the retracted position to the extended position. The drive device 3 is, for example, an electric motor. The drive device 3 exerts a force on the transmission element 24 via the mechanism section 31.

[0023] The drive device 3 pivots the transmission element 24 to pivot the handle element 2. The drive device 3 can pivot the handle element 2 from the projected position to the retracted position by applying a force to the mechanism portion 31 that is opposite to that applied to pivot the handle element 2 to the projected position.

[0024] The mechanism section 31 comprises, for example, a plurality of gears and transmits a force of the drive device 3 to the transmission element 24. The mechanism section 31 and the transmission element 24 are in engagement with each other. When the mechanism section 31 is in Fig. 3 is moved to the right by the drive device 3, the distal end portion of the transmission member 24 is moved to the right, so that the handle member 2 pivots from the retracted position to the projected position. The drive device 3 moves the handle member 2 between the retracted position and the projected position based on a command from a control device 7. The control device 7 is, for example, an ECU and is configured to receive the radio signal of the key. When the drive device 3 does not apply a force to the mechanism portion 31, the handle member 2 is returned to the retracted position by the spring 2b. When the handle member 2 is moved from the projected position to the retracted position, the control device 7, for example, interrupts the power supply to the drive device 3.

[0025] The receiving member 4 is arranged on the inside of the door panel 9 in the vehicle width direction and receives the handle member 2 when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position. The receiving member 4 is a plate-shaped member in the form of a container that opens outward in the vehicle width direction. The receiving member 4 can be referred to as a groove-forming portion of the door panel 9. The receiving member 4 is spaced apart from the handle member 2. The receiving member 4 completely covers the body portion 22 and the extension portion 23 of the handle member 2 when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position. The receiving member 4 includes a body portion receiving portion 41 and an extension portion receiving portion 42.

[0026] The body portion receiving portion 41 receives the body portion 22 of the grip member 2. In a portion of the body portion receiving portion 41 corresponding to the transmission member 24, a through window is formed to allow the transmission member 24 to move in the front-backward direction. A cushion member 5 is provided on the inner wall portion 41a of the body portion receiving portion 41 in the vehicle width direction. The cushion member 5 is an elastic member that absorbs shock. In the present embodiment, the cushion member 5 is a rubber member. The cushion member 5 is provided in the receiving member 4 and comes into contact with the grip member 2 when the grip member 2 is in the retracted position to position the grip member 2. The cushion member 5 is fitted into a through hole formed in the wall portion 41a.The intermediate portion 223 of the handle member 2 comes into contact with the damper member 5 when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position. A key cylinder 8 is arranged at a rear end portion of the body portion receiving portion 41 so as to extend inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] The extension portion receiving portion 42 protrudes inward from the body portion receiving portion 41 in the vehicle width direction and receives the extension portion 23 of the handle member 2. The extension portion receiving portion 42 extends inward in the vehicle width direction from an upper end portion of the wall portion 41a. The extension portion receiving portion 42 has the shape of a container that opens outward in the vehicle width direction. The interior of the extension portion receiving portion 42 and the interior of the body portion receiving portion 41 communicate with each other. The body portion 22 and the extension portion 23 move together in the receiving member 4.

[0028] The extension portion receiving portion 42 and the extension portion 23 are designed so that they do not come into contact with each other. That is, the extension portion 23 and the extension portion receiving portion 42 are separated or spaced from each other regardless of the position of the extension portion 23. Although not shown, the above-mentioned portions of the grip member 2 are connected to each other, and the above-mentioned portions of the receiving member 4 are connected to each other. Stopper device

[0029] The stopper device 6 is arranged in the extension section receiving section 42 of the receiving element 4. As shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the stopper device 6 includes a holding mechanism member 61 including a first holding member 615; and a second holding member 62. The stopper device 6 is configured such that, when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position, the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 sandwich the extending portion 23 in the up-down direction. The stopper device 6 is configured such that, when the handle member 2 is in a position other than the retracted position, the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 are separated from each other to release the extending portion 23 from being clamped by the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62.That is, when the handle member 2 is in a position other than the retracted position, the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 are separated from the extension portion 23, and the extension portion 23 is released. In the present embodiment, the distance between the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 increases as the handle member 2 moves from the retracted position toward the projected position.

[0030] The holding mechanism member 61 of the present embodiment is formed as a whole in an L-shape. The holding mechanism member 61 is configured to be rotatable about a rotating shaft (corresponding to a "stopper rotating shaft") 61a extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The rotating shaft 61a is provided at a corner portion of the L-shaped holding mechanism member 61. The holding mechanism member 61 includes a first arm portion 611, a second arm portion 612, a shaft installation portion 613, a damping rubber 614, the first holding member 615, and a spring 616.

[0031] The shaft installation portion 613 connects the first arm portion 611 and the second arm portion 612. The rotating shaft 61a for the holding mechanism member 61 is installed in the shaft installation portion 613. The first arm portion 611 and the second arm portion 612 extend from the shaft installation portion 613 in respective directions that intersect each other. In the present embodiment, the first arm portion 611 and the second arm portion 612 extend orthogonally to each other from the shaft installation portion 613. The first arm portion 611, the second arm portion 612, and the shaft installation portion 613 form the L-shape.

[0032] Generally, the first arm portion 611 extends downward from the rotating shaft 61a, and the second arm portion 612 extends outward from the rotating shaft 61a in the vehicle width direction. The first arm portion 611 is disposed below the second arm portion 612 and inward of the second arm portion 612 in the vehicle width direction. The first arm portion 611 and the second arm portion 612 pivot together around the rotating shaft 61a, which is installed in the shaft installation portion 613.

[0033] The first arm portion 611 is formed in a plate shape. One surface of the first arm portion 611 faces outward in the vehicle width direction. The damping rubber 614 in the shape of a plate is attached to the other surface of the first arm portion 611. The damping rubber 614 is provided on the first arm portion 611 so as to face the extending portion receiving portion 42 (a wall portion 42a). When the grip member 2 is in the retracted position, the damping rubber 614 contacts the inner wall portion 42a of the extending portion receiving portion 42 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the damping rubber 614 is provided on the first arm portion 611 so as to contact the extending portion receiving portion 42 when the grip member 2 is in the retracted position. The damping rubber 614 is an elastic element which absorbs the impact orAbsorbs shocks, that is, an example of a damping element.

[0034] The second arm portion 612 is formed in a plate shape. One surface of the second arm portion 612 faces downward when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position. The first holding member 615 protrudes from one surface of the second arm portion 612. The first holding member 615 contacts an upper surface of the extension portion 23 when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position. The first arm portion 611, the second arm portion 612, the shaft installation portion 613, and the first holding member 615 are integrally molded as a metal member or resin member.

[0035] The spring 616 biases the holding mechanism element 61 in a direction in which the first holding element 615 and the second holding element 62 are separated from each other. The spring 616 corresponds to an example of a biasing element (which does not require electrical power). The spring 616 biases the holding mechanism element 61 in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 counterclockwise. The spring 616 is, for example, a torsion spring provided with respect to the rotary shaft 61a.

[0036] The second holding member 62 protrudes upward from a lower wall portion 42b of the extending portion receiving portion 42. The second holding member 62 is formed at a position facing or opposing the first holding member 615 across the extending portion 23 when the grip member 2 is in the retracted position. The second holding member 62 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. When the grip member 2 is in the retracted position, the second holding member 62 is in contact with the extending portion 23. When the grip member 2 is in the retracted position, the first holding member 615 is in contact with one surface of the extending portion 23 in the up-down direction (i.e., the upper surface), and the second holding member 62 is in contact with the other surface of the extending portion 23 in the up-down direction (i.e., a lower surface).

[0037] An upper surface of the second holding member 62 is located lower than the position of the lower surface of the extension portion 23 when the handle member 2 is in the projecting position. This positional relationship is designed to allow some rattling of the handle member 2 in the up-down direction. Accordingly, in a situation where the extension portion 23 moves, the second holding member 62 is prevented from interfering with the movement of the extension portion 23. Operation of the stopper device

[0038] As in Fig. 5, in a state where the extending portion 23 is not in contact with the first arm portion 611, the second arm portion 612 is pressed against the upper portion of the extending portion receiving portion 42 by the spring 616. This state is referred to as a fully opened state. In the fully opened state, the protruding end surface of the first holding member 615 is directed downward and outward in the vehicle width direction. In the fully opened state, the protruding end surface of the first holding member 615 is higher than the upper surface of the extending portion 23. In the fully opened state, the upper surface of the second holding member 62 is lower than the lower surface of the extending portion 23. In the fully opened state, the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 are in the farthest state.In the fully opened state, the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 are configured so that they do not contact the extension portion 23. In the fully opened state, the positions of the extension portion 23, the first holding member 615, and the second holding member 62 in the up-down direction are configured taking into account the rattling of the handle member 2 in the up-down direction. Thus, in the fully opened state, an operating gap is formed between the extension portion 23 and the stopper device 6.

[0039] When the handle member 2 is at least between the projecting position and the open position, the stopper device 6 is in the fully opened state. For example, as the handle member 2 moves from the retracted position to the projecting position, the extension portion 23 and the first arm portion 611 are separated from each other, and the stopper device 6 is placed in the fully opened state.

[0040] When the handle member 2 moves from the projected position to the retracted position, the extension portion 23 moves inward in the vehicle width direction while passing between the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 in the fully opened state. The movement of the handle member 2 to the retracted position causes the extension portion 23 to come into contact with the first arm portion 611 of the holding mechanism member 61, so that the first arm portion 611 is pushed inward in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the holding mechanism member 61 rotates about the rotating shaft 61a against the biasing force of the spring 616. That is, the holding device member 61 rotates in a direction in which the first holding member 615 approaches the second holding member 62 (hereinafter referred to as a "holding direction"). Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the holding mechanism member 61 rotates clockwise. The rotating shaft 61a extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and is held by the extending portion receiving portion 42.

[0041] The rotation of the holding mechanism member 61 in the holding direction causes the first holding member 615 to come into contact with the extension portion 23. When the extension portion 23 continues to press the first arm portion 611, the first holding member 615 pushes the extension portion 23 downward, so that the extension portion 23 comes into contact with the second holding member 62. This causes the extension portion 23 to be clamped and fixed between the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62. This state is referred to as a holding state.

[0042] Since the extension portion 23 is slightly moved downward by pressing the first holding member 615, the handle member 2 is slightly inclined in the held state. The handle member 2 may be slightly inclined due to a gap between the rotary shaft 2a and the shaft holding portion 221. Taking the inclination of the handle member 2 into account, the position, etc., of the handle member 2 are designed so that the handle member 2 is flush with the door panel 9 in the retracted position.

[0043] In the holding state, the damping rubber 614 is in contact with the wall portion 42a of the extending portion receiving portion 42. The extending portion 23 presses the first arm portion 611 to exert a force for compressing the damping rubber 614. In the present embodiment, the damping rubber 614 comes into contact with the wall portion 42a just before the stopper device 6 is placed in the holding state. The extending portion 23 is clamped between the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 according to a deformation of the damping rubber 614. Accordingly, the grip member 2 including the extending portion 23 is positioned at a predetermined position. The stopper device 6 can be referred to as a positioning device.

[0044] On the other hand, when the handle member 2 moves from the retracted position to the projected position, the extending portion 23 moves outward in the vehicle width direction. The first arm portion 611 moves outward in the vehicle width direction following the extending portion 23 by the force of the spring 616. The holding mechanism member 61 is rotated by the spring 616 in a direction in which the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 are separated from each other. The extending portion 23 separates from the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 while moving outward and slightly upward in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. 5, when the extending portion 23 moves outward in the vehicle width direction, the extending portion 23 separates from the first arm portion 611, and the second arm portion 612 comes into contact with the upper portion of the extending portion receiving portion 42.

[0045] The holding mechanism member 61 is configured such that, when the handle member 2 pivots from the projected position to the retracted position, the first arm portion 611 is pressed by the extension portion 23 and moves inward in the vehicle width direction, causing the second arm portion 612 to pivot about the pivot shaft 61a to cause the first holding member 615 to approach the extension portion 23. Further, the holding mechanism member 61 is configured such that, when the handle member 2 pivots from the retracted position to the projected position, the second arm portion 612 pivots outward around the pivot shaft 61a by the spring 616 in accordance with the movement of the extension portion 23 in the vehicle width direction to separate or detach the first holding member 615 from the extension portion 23.

[0046] According to the present embodiment, when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position, the extension portion 23 located at the rear end portion of the handle member 2 is positioned or brought into a predetermined position by being sandwiched or clamped between the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62. As a result, the rear end portion of the handle member 2, which is likely to rattle in the up-down direction, is located in a predetermined position when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position. When the handle member 2 is in a position other than the retracted position, the holding mechanism member 61 and the second holding member 62 are separated from each other. Thus, the extension portion 23 can move smoothly or smoothly without being caught by the stopper device 6.According to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress rattling of the handle member 2 in the up-down direction when the handle member 2 moves from the projected position to the retracted position. Since the first holding member 615 and the second holding member 62 sandwich the extending portion 23 in the up-down direction, it is possible to directly suppress deviation of the handle member 2 in the up-down direction.

[0047] Since the stopper device 6 of the present embodiment includes the holding mechanism member 61, the stopper device 6 is brought into the fully open state by the force of the spring 616 and into the holding state by pressing the extension portion 23. It is unnecessary to supply electric power to the stopper device 6 and to control the stopper device 6. Thus, this configuration is advantageous in terms of power saving and configuration simplification. Furthermore, since the first arm portion 611 and the second arm portion 612 extend orthogonally to each other, the stopper device 6 can be made compact. Miscellaneous

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the details of the illustrated embodiment. For example, the extension portion 23 may protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from a lower portion (lower wall portion) of the gripping portion 222. The extension portion 23 may protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from an intermediate portion of the gripping portion 222 in the up-down direction. The first holding member 615 and / or the second holding member 62 may be configured to operate by electric power. For example, the first holding member 615 and / or the second holding member 62 may be configured to be movable in the up-down direction by a drive source, e.g., a motor driven by electric power. In this case, the drive source may be controlled by the control device 7.In a case where the drive source is provided for the first holding member 615, the first holding member 615 approaches the second holding member 62 based on a command from the control device 7 when the handle member 2 is in the retracted position, and moves away from the second holding member 62 when the handle member 2 moves from the retracted position to the projected position. Thus, the stopper device 6 may be electrically driven.

[0049] In the Fig. 5 and Fig.6, the stopper device 6 may be arranged upside down. The rotary shaft 2a (hinge) of the grip member 2 may be arranged at the rear end portion of the body portion 22. In this case, the gripping portion 222 represents a front end portion of the body portion 22. Terms such as "pivoting," "rotating," and "moving" used in the description of the present embodiment have substantially the same meaning and can be substituted for one another as appropriate. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2017 - 101 488 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Door handle device (1) for a vehicle, comprising: a handle member (2) configured to pivot about a rotary shaft (2a) provided at one end portion in a longitudinal direction of the handle member (2) from a retracted position in which the handle member (2) is flush with a surface of a door panel (9), through a projected position in which the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the handle member (2) projects outward from the door panel (9) in a width direction of the vehicle, to an open position in which a door is opened; a drive device (3) for pivoting the handle element (2) from the retracted position into the projecting position; and a receiving element (4) which is arranged on an inner side of the door panel (9) in the width direction of the vehicle, the receiving element (4) receiving the handle element (2) in the retracted position, wherein the handle element (2) comprises: a body portion (22) comprising, at one end portion in a longitudinal direction thereof, a shaft holding portion (221) which holds the rotary shaft (2a), and a gripping portion (222) formed at a portion including the other end portion in the longitudinal direction of the body portion (22) to enable a user to grip the gripping portion (222) when the grip member (2) is in the projecting position; an extension portion (23) projecting inward from the gripping portion (222) in the width direction of the vehicle; wherein a stopper device (6) with a first holding element (615) and a second holding element (62) is provided in the receiving element (4), and wherein the stopper device (6) is configured such that, when the handle element (2) is in the retracted position, the first holding element (615) and the second holding element (62) clamp the extension section (23) in an up-down direction, and that, when the handle element (2) is in a position other than the retracted position, the first holding element (615) and the second holding element (62) are separated from each other to release the clamping of the extension section (23) by the first holding element (615) and the second holding element (62). [2] Door handle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the receiving element (4) comprises: a body portion receiving portion (41) which receives the body portion (22) of the handle member (2) when the handle member (2) is in the retracted position; and an extension portion receiving portion (42) which projects inwardly in the width direction of the vehicle from the body portion receiving portion (41) and receives the extension portion (23) of the handle member (2) when the handle member (2) is in the retracted position, and wherein the stopper device (6) is arranged in the extension section receiving section (42). [3] The door handle device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the extending portion (23) extends inwardly from an upper portion of the gripping portion (222) in the width direction of the vehicle to cover an inner end surface of the gripping portion (222) in the width direction of the vehicle when the handle member (2) is in the projecting position. [4] Door handle device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stopper device (6) comprises a holding mechanism element (61) which comprises a first arm portion (611), a second arm portion (612), a shaft installation portion (613), a damping element (614), the first holding element (615) and a biasing element (616), wherein a stopper rotary shaft (61a) corresponding to a rotary shaft of the holding mechanism member (61) is installed on the shaft installation portion (613), wherein the first arm portion (611) and the second arm portion (612) extend from the shaft installation portion (613) in respective directions intersecting each other, wherein the biasing element (616) biases the holding mechanism element (61) in a direction in which the first holding element (615) and the second holding element (62) are spaced apart from each other, wherein the damping element (614) is provided on the first arm portion (611) to contact the receiving element (4) when the handle element (2) is in the retracted position, wherein the first holding element (615) is provided on the second arm portion (612) so that it faces the second holding element (62) when the handle element (2) is in the retracted position, wherein the holding mechanism element (61) is configured such that: is pressed onto the first arm portion (611) by the extension portion (23) of the handle member (2) and is moved inward in the width direction of the vehicle when the handle member (2) pivots from the projecting position to the retracted position, so that the second arm portion (612) pivots about the stopper rotary shaft (61a) to bring the first holding member (615) into contact with the extension portion (23), and the extending portion (23) of the handle member (2) moves outward in the width direction of the vehicle when the handle member (2) pivots from the retracted position to the projecting position, so that the second arm portion (612) pivots about the stopper rotating shaft (61a) by the biasing member (616) to separate the first holding member (615) from the extending portion (23) of the handle member (2). [5] The door handle device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first arm portion (611) and the second arm portion (612) extend from the shaft installation portion (613) so as to be orthogonal to each other.

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