Door handle device

Abstract

To provide a door handle device configured to improve unlocking operability using a mechanical key, while improving the design including outer appearance of a door.SOLUTION: A door handle device 20 includes: a base 25; a key cylinder 27 mounted on the base 25 so that a slot 27a is exposed to the outside; a handle 30 pivotally supported by the base 25 so as to permit rotation from an initial position covering the slot 27a, via an unlocking position that secures a gap S with the slot 27a, to an open operation position for opening a door 1; and a holding member 71 which holds the handle 30 in the unlocking position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A door latch device having a latch mechanism that can be switched from a latched state holding a striker disposed on a vehicle body to an unlatched state releasing the striker is disposed on a vehicle door. The door latch device further includes a lock mechanism that switches the latch mechanism between an unlocked state and a locked state. When the lock mechanism is in the unlocked state, the latch mechanism can be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state. When the lock mechanism is in the locked state, the latch mechanism cannot be switched from the latched state to the unlatched state. This door latch device is operated by a door handle device attached to the same door.

[0003] The door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is rotatably disposed on the outer side of the door. This door handle device includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting the operating force of the handle to the latch mechanism of the door latch device to switch from the latched state to the unlatched state. Further, the door handle device includes a key cylinder for transmitting the operating force of the mechanical key to the lock mechanism of the door latch device to switch to either the unlocked state or the locked state. The key cylinder is disposed so as to be hidden on the back (inside the vehicle) of the handle so as not to be visible from the outside in order to improve the design including the appearance of the door on which the door handle device is disposed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the door handle device of Patent Document 1, since the key cylinder is arranged on the back of the handle, when performing an unlocking operation, it is necessary to hold the handle in the open operation state with one hand and insert and operate a mechanical key into the key cylinder with the other hand. Since such an operation using both hands is difficult, there is room for improvement in the unlocking operability by the mechanical key in the door handle device of Patent Document 1.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a door handle device that can improve the unlocking operability by a mechanical key while improving the design including the appearance of the door.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes a base disposed inside a door panel of a door, a key cylinder attached to the base such that an insertion port for inserting a key is exposed to the outside, and from an initial position where the insertion port is covered from the outside of the door panel, through an unlocking position where a gap into which the key can be inserted is secured between the insertion port, to an open operation position where a door latch device that holds the door in a closed state with respect to the vehicle body can be switched to an open state, and rotation from the open operation position through the unlocking position to the initial position are permitted, a handle pivotally supported by the base, and a holding member that holds the handle in the unlocking position.

[0008] When the handle is in the initial position, it covers the insertion port of the key cylinder, so the design including the appearance of the door can be improved. On the other hand, the handle is rotatable from the initial position through the unlocking position to the open operation position and can be held in the unlocking position by the holding member. The handle held in the unlocking position by the holding member does not return to the initial position even when the hand is released. That is, the user does not need to hold the handle in the unlocking position. Also, a gap into which the key can be inserted is secured between the handle held in the unlocking position and the insertion port of the key cylinder. Therefore, since the user can easily perform an unlocking operation involving rotation by inserting the key into the insertion port of the key cylinder with one hand, the unlocking operability can be improved.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] In the present invention, while improving the design property including the appearance of the door, the unlocking operability by the mechanical key can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Figure 25

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a door handle device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to an outer panel (door panel) 2 of a door 1 and operates a door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5 disposed on the same door 1 to enable the closed door 1 to be opened. The door handle device 20 of the present embodiment is for a right side door. However, the door handle device 20 may be for a left side door, a slide door, or a hatchback door.

[0013] The X direction in the attached drawings is the vehicle length direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the rear side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the front side. The Y direction is the vehicle width direction and the thickness direction of the door 1 in the present invention, the direction indicated by the arrow is the inner side (inside the vehicle), and the direction opposite to the arrow is the outer side (outside the vehicle). The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the upper side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the lower side.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 5, the door handle device 20 is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 5 mounted on the vehicle. The ECU 5 has a computing unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit (not shown in the figures). It reads out a program pre-stored in the storage unit and executes information processing according to the steps instructed by the program. Also, the ECU 5 performs wireless communication with an electronic key (not shown) and conducts authentication processing of the electronic key. The door latch device 10 is further connected to the ECU 5. Based on the signal input from the door handle device 20, the ECU 5 operates the door latch device 10 electrically.

[0015] To explain the outline of the door latch device 10, the door latch device 10 is arranged along the end panel (not shown) of the door 1 shown in FIG. 2. The door latch 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.

[0016] 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 and keeps the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 in the closed state. In the unlatched state, the fork releases the striker and the door 1 can be opened. The switching from the unlatched state to the latched state is performed by the entry (rotation) of the striker into the fork when closing the open door 1. The switching from the latched state to the unlatched state (opening operation) is performed in two ways by operating the door handle device 20. In the first method, the ECU 5 drives the actuator 12 based on the signal input from the release switch (detection unit) 35 provided in the door handle device 20, and the actuator 12 operates the latch switching mechanism 13 to perform it electrically. In the second method, when the user rotates the handle 30 provided in the door handle device 20, the operating force is transmitted to the latch switching mechanism 13 through the transmission mechanism 40 and the lock mechanism 14 to perform it manually.

[0017] The locking mechanism 14 is composed of a plurality of levers and the like, and can be switched between an unlocked state in which the operating force of the handle 30 can be transmitted to the latch switching mechanism 13 and a locked state in which the operating force of the handle 30 cannot be transmitted to the latch switching mechanism 13. The switching between the unlocked state and the locked state is performed in two ways by operating the door handle device 20. In the first method, for example, in an emergency such as when the vehicle collides, a vibration sensor (not shown) that detects the impact outputs a collision signal, and the ECU 5 that receives the collision signal activates the actuator 15 to perform the operation electrically. In the second method, the user operates the key cylinder 27 provided in the door handle device 20, and manually performs the operation by transmitting the operating force to the lock switching mechanism 16 via a rod (transmission member).

[0018] In the door latch device 10 configured as described above, it is not necessary to operate the key cylinder 27 during normal operation when it can be operated electrically. Therefore, by arranging the key cylinder 27 on the back (inside the vehicle) of the handle 30 and avoiding exposure to the outside, the designability of the door handle device 20 including the appearance of the door 1 can be improved. However, in this case, when the door latch device 10 cannot be operated electrically in an emergency, the operability when inserting a mechanical key (not shown) into the key cylinder 27 to unlock is impaired. Therefore, the door handle device 20 of the present embodiment is provided with a holding mechanism 70 that holds the handle 30 rotated to a position where the key cylinder 27 can be operated (the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20), thereby improving the operability when opening the door 1 in an emergency.

[0019] Hereinafter, the door handle device 20 of the present embodiment will be specifically described.

[0020] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the door handle device 20 includes a base 25 attached to the inner side of the outer panel 2. The door handle device 20 further includes a key cylinder 27, a handle 30, a holding mechanism 70, a transmission mechanism 40, an actuator 50, and a regulating mechanism 60, all of which are attached to the base 25. The holding mechanism 70 is composed of a hold lever (holding member) 71 and a handle lever (operating member) 73. The transmission mechanism 40 is composed of a joint (intermediate member) 41 and a latch lever (operating member) 44. The regulating mechanism 60 is composed of a push button (operating portion) 61 and a regulating member 63.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 5, when the door handle device 20 can electrically operate the door latch device 10, the touch sensor 36 provided on the handle 30 detects a pop-up operation by the user and outputs a signal, and the ECU 5 operates the actuator 50 to open the handle 30 from the initial position to the unlocking position. Also, normally, the door handle device 20 detects an opening operation by the user through the release switch 35 provided on the handle 30 and outputs a signal, and the ECU 5 electrically operates the latch mechanism 11 to open.

[0022] On the other hand, when the door handle device 20 cannot electrically operate the door latch device 10 in an emergency, the operating force of the handle 30 is transmitted to the latch switching mechanism 13 through the transmission mechanism 40 to manually operate the latch mechanism 11 to open. If this manual opening operation is performed normally, since the latch mechanism 11 will be simultaneously opened by both the electric operation by the actuator 12 and the manual operation by the transmission mechanism 40 (lock mechanism 14), malfunction may occur. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotation of the handle 30 is restricted by the regulating mechanism 60 to suppress an unintended manual opening operation during normal times.

[0023] In an emergency, the door handle device 20 transmits the operating force of the key cylinder 27 to the lock switching mechanism 16, and manually switches the lock mechanism 14 between the unlocked state and the locked state alternately. In order to improve the operability of the key cylinder 27 by a mechanical key, the handle 30 can be held at the unlocked position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 by the holding mechanism 70.

[0024] Next, the configurations of the base 25, the key cylinder 27, the handle 30, the holding mechanism 70, the transmission mechanism 40, the actuator 50, and the restricting mechanism 60 will be specifically described.

[0025] (Configuration of the base) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the base 25 is disposed inside the outer panel 2 and is fixed to a boss (not shown) provided in the outer panel 2 by bolting. The base 25 has an elongated rectangular shape in the vehicle length direction when viewed directly from the outside in the vehicle width direction (the thickness direction of the door 1). The handle 30 is attached to the outside of the base 25 in the vehicle width direction. Inside the base 25 in the vehicle width direction, the key cylinder 27 other than the handle 30, the holding mechanism 70, the transmission mechanism 40, the actuator 50, and the restricting mechanism 60 are attached.

[0026] The base 25 includes a rectangular tubular frame wall 25a and a partition wall 25b provided inside the frame wall 25a. The base 25 is formed with a recess 25c that is recessed from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction and faces an opening 2a formed in the outer panel 2. The recess 25c has an elongated shape in the vehicle length direction so as to surround the outer periphery of the handle 30 and includes a tubular peripheral wall 25d that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. A part of the partition wall 25b constitutes the bottom of the recess 25c. The outer end of the peripheral wall 25d in the vehicle width direction is the opening 25e of the recess 25c.

[0027] The base 25 is further provided with an exposure hole 25f, a cylinder mounting portion 25g, a through hole 25h, a guide groove 25i, a shaft portion 25j, an exposure hole 25k, and a holding mechanism housing portion 25m. These configurations will be described in detail later.

[0028] (Configuration of the key cylinder) The key cylinder 27 is used to manually switch the locking mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 5 between the locked state and the unlocked state in an emergency. The key cylinder 27 is not used under normal circumstances. The key cylinder 27 includes an insertion port 27a for inserting a mechanical key and a rod 28 that rotates by operating the mechanical key.

[0029] The key cylinder 27 is attached at the rearmost position in the vehicle length direction inside the vehicle width direction of the base 25. The rear side in the vehicle length direction of the base 25 is the tip portion that is farthest from the rotation axis 33 of the handle 30 and can form the largest gap S (see FIG. 20) with the base 25 when the handle 30 is opened.

[0030] In order to expose the insertion port 27a to the outside of the vehicle, a circular exposure hole 25f is provided in the recess 25c of the base 25. A cylinder mounting portion 25g is provided on the back side of the partition wall 25b so as to surround the exposure hole 25f. The cylinder mounting portion 25g is in a cylindrical shape protruding inward in the vehicle width direction and is inclined upward from the inside to the outside in the vehicle width direction. By attaching to the cylinder mounting portion 25g, the key cylinder 27 is inclined upward toward the outside of the vehicle. Thereby, the mechanical key can be inserted obliquely downward from above the handle 30 into the insertion port 27a.

[0031] (Configuration of the handle) Referring to FIG. 5, the handle 30 is provided to perform the opening operation of the latch mechanism 11 of the door latch device 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the handle 30 is disposed in the recess 25c from the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the base 25 and is rotatably supported by the rotation axis 33.

[0032] The steering wheel 30 can be rotated about the rotation axis 33 between the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 and the open operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 by the operation of the user. More specifically, the steering wheel 30 can be rotated about the rotation axis 33 in the direction A1 (outward in the vehicle width direction) from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 and the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 in sequence, and then to the open operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 by the open operation of the user. Further, the steering wheel 30 can be rotated about the rotation axis 33 in the direction A2 (inward in the vehicle width direction) from the open operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 to the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 and the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 in sequence, and then to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 by the biasing force of the kick spring (biasing member) 34 shown in FIG. 4. One end of the kick spring 34 is locked to the steering wheel 30, and the other end of the kick spring 34 is locked to the base 25.

[0033] In the initial position before the operation shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, a part of the steering wheel 30 on the vehicle interior side is located within the recess 25c of the base 25 and surrounded by the peripheral wall 25d. That is, the steering wheel 30 closes the opening 25e of the recess 25c when rotated to the initial position. The closing here means a state where there is no gap for the user to insert a finger between the steering wheel 30 and the peripheral wall 25d. Thus, when looking at the steering wheel 30 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the insertion port 27a (see FIG. 20) of the key cylinder 27 located at the back of the steering wheel 30 within the recess 25c is covered and hidden by the steering wheel 30.

[0034] In the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the handle 30 rotates outward in the vehicle width direction from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, and a gap S (see FIG. 20) is formed with respect to the opening 25e of the recess 25c so that the mechanical key can be inserted and the push button 61 of the restriction mechanism 60 can be operated. That is, in this state, a part of the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 and the push button 61 of the restriction mechanism 60 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle. Here, FIG. 17 shows the state of the unlocking position when the handle 30 is operated in the direction A1 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16. FIG. 19 shows the state of the unlocking position when the handle 30 is operated in the direction A2 after passing through the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16. In the following description, depending on the operation situation of the handle 30, it may be referred to as the unlocking position shown in FIG. 17 and the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19.

[0035] In the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18, the handle 30 rotates further outward in the vehicle width direction than the unlocking positions shown in FIGS. 17 and 19. In the opening operation positions shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the handle 30 rotates further outward in the vehicle width direction than the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18. In these states, a part of the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 and the push button 61 of the restriction mechanism 60 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the handle 30 is composed of a base member 31 and a cover 32 that covers the outside of the base 31 in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The base member 31 is provided with a shaft mounting portion 31a having a shaft hole through which a rotary shaft 33 passes. The shaft mounting portion 31a projects vertically from the base member 31. The handle 30 is disposed in the recess 25c of the base 25 shown in FIG. 3, and the rotary shaft 33 is passed through the base 25 and the shaft mounting portion 31a, whereby the handle 30 is pivotally supported by the base 25. In the vehicle length direction, the shaft mounting portion 31a is provided on the rear side of the front end of the entire length of the handle 30 and on the front side of the center. Thereby, by pushing the front end portion 30a on the front side in the vehicle length direction of the handle 30 relative to the shaft mounting portion 31a inward in the vehicle width direction, the handle 30 can be rotated in the direction A1 as in the state of the unlocking position shown in FIG. 17.

[0038] The base member 31 is provided with a bearing portion 31b for rotatably supporting the joint 41 of the transmission mechanism 40. The bearing portion 31b is constituted by a pair of projecting pieces 31c provided at intervals in the vehicle height direction. Each projecting piece 31c has a shaft hole, projects inward in the vehicle width direction from above and below the shaft mounting portion 31a, and extends along the XY plane. Referring to FIG. 3, the bearing portion 31b penetrates the partition wall 25b of the base 25 and is disposed from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. The base 25 is provided with a through hole 25h for passing through the bearing portion 31b. The through hole 25h has a rectangular shape and is provided at an offset position on the front side in the vehicle length direction of the recess 25c.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, a release switch (detection portion) 35 and a touch sensor 36 are attached to the internal space defined by the base member 31 and the cover 32.

[0040] The release switch 35 is disposed on the rear side in the vehicle length direction within the handle 30. The release switch 35 is constituted by a push switch that outputs a signal in the on state and blocks the output of the signal in the off state, and is connected to the ECU 5. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, an operation member 37 that is movable in the vehicle width direction is attached to the inside in the vehicle width direction of the handle 30. The operation member 37 is located within the recess 25c of the base 25 and is inoperable when the handle 30 is in the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16.

[0041] The release switch 35 is turned on and outputs a signal when the user holds the steering wheel 30 and moves the operating member 37 outward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, when the authentication of the electronic key is successful, the ECU 5 shown in FIG. 5 operates the actuator 12 to open the latch mechanism 11. As a result, the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 can be opened. On the other hand, when the authentication of the electronic key is not successful, the ECU 5 does not operate the actuator 12 or open the latch mechanism 11 even if it receives a signal from the release switch 35. However, the detection unit is not limited to the release switch (push switch) 35 and can be changed as necessary as long as it can detect the opening operation of the user.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5, the touch sensor 36 is disposed near the shaft mounting portion 31a, which is in front of the release switch 35 in the vehicle length direction within the steering wheel 30. The touch sensor 36 is constituted by a capacitance sensor capable of detecting an operation by the user based on a change in capacitance and is connected to the ECU 5. That is, the touch sensor 36 detects the operation of the user via the cover 32.

[0043] The touch sensor 36 outputs a signal when the user touches (performs a pop-up operation) the vicinity of the shaft mounting portion 31a of the cover 32 of the steering wheel 30. As a result, the ECU 5 shown in FIG. 5 operates the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20 to rotate the steering wheel 30 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 17. However, the detection unit for the pop-up operation is not limited to the touch sensor (capacitance sensor) 36 and can be changed as necessary as long as it can detect the pop-up operation by the user.

[0044] (Configuration of the holding mechanism) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the holding mechanism 70 includes a hold lever 71, an action spring (biasing member) 72, and a handle lever 73. Among them, the handle lever 73 has an integral structure with the handle 30, and the other hold lever 71 and action spring 72 are separate structures from the handle 30. These are provided below the recess 25c in the base 25 and are arranged in a generally rectangular tube-shaped holding mechanism housing portion 25m that penetrates in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] When the handle 30 is rotated, the handle lever 73 rotates integrally in conjunction. After rotating the handle 30 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the regulation release position shown in FIG. 18, the opening operation of the handle 30 is temporarily stopped and returned to the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19. As a result, the handle lever 73 that rotates integrally with the handle 30 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34 shown in FIG. 4 is held by the hold lever 71 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 19. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, the handle 30 is held in the unlocking position, and the key cylinder 27 can be maintained in an exposed state where it can be operated.

[0046] Hereinafter, mainly referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the configurations of the hold lever 71, the action spring 72, the handle lever 73, and the damper 77 will be specifically described.

[0047] The hold lever 71 is arranged from the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the holding mechanism housing portion 25m of the base 25 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 so as to be adjacent to the front side in the vehicle length direction of the handle lever 73. The hold lever 71 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion (not shown) provided in the holding mechanism housing portion 25m so as to project in the vehicle height direction. Thereby, the hold lever 71 is rotatable to the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16, the holding position shown in FIGS. 11 and 19, and the retracted position shown in FIG. 24.

[0048] The hold lever 71 in the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 is biased by an action spring 72 in the direction E1 toward the holding position shown in FIGS. 11 and 19. The rotation of the hold lever 71 due to the biasing is restricted by the handle lever 73 and permitted by releasing the restriction of the handle lever 73. A holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 in the non-holding position, which will be described in detail later, is located outside the rotation orbit of the handle lever 73. The rotational angle position of the hold lever 71 in the non-holding position is located between the rotational angle position of the hold lever 71 in the holding position shown in FIGS. 11 and 19 and the rotational angle position of the hold lever 71 in the retracted position shown in FIG. 24. That is, the hold lever 71 is rotatable between the holding position shown in FIGS. 11 and 19 and the retracted position shown in FIG. 24 via the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16.

[0049] The hold lever 71 in the holding position shown in FIGS. 11 and 19 holds the handle 30 in the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 via the handle lever 73. The hold lever 71 in the holding position has rotated in the direction E1, which is outward in the vehicle width direction (clockwise in FIG. 11), with respect to the hold lever 71 in the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16. The rotation of the hold lever 71 in the direction E1 beyond the holding position due to the biasing force of the action spring 72 is restricted by a stopper (not shown) formed on the base 25. The holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 in the holding position is located within the rotation orbit of the handle lever 73 and restricts the rotation of the handle lever 73 due to the rotation of the handle 30 from the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 toward the initial position shown in FIG. 16.

[0050] The hold lever 71 at the retracted position shown in Fig. 24 allows the rotation of the handle lever 73 due to the rotation of the handle 30. The hold lever 71 at the retracted position is rotated in the direction E2 (counterclockwise in Fig. 11) inward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the hold lever 71 at the non-holding position shown in Figs. 10 and 16. That is, the retracted position shown in Fig. 24 is located on the opposite side of the holding position shown in Figs. 11 and 19 with respect to the non-holding position shown in Figs. 10 and 16. The hold lever 71 is held at the retracted position by the action spring 72. The holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 at the retracted position is located outside the rotation orbit of the handle lever 73, and cannot contact the handle lever 73.

[0051] Referring to Figs. 8 to 10, the hold lever 71 includes a base portion 71a, a holding portion 71b, a first operation receiving portion 71d, a second operation receiving portion 71f, and a biasing receiving portion 71g.

[0052] The base portion 71a is provided with a shaft hole and is rotatably supported by a shaft portion (not shown) formed in the holding mechanism accommodating portion 25m of the base 25 shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0053] The holding portion 71b restricts the rotation of the handle lever 73 due to the rotation of the handle 30 when the hold lever 71 is rotated to the holding position shown in Figs. 11 and 19, and holds the handle 30 at the unlocking position shown in Figs. 19 and 20. The holding portion 71b is plate-shaped and extends along the XY plane, projects radially outward from the base portion 71a, and is inclined rearward in the vehicle length direction and inward in the vehicle width direction toward the handle lever 73. A locking piece 71c protruding in the vehicle length direction is provided at the tip of the holding portion 71b.

[0054] The first operation receiving part 71d receives the operating force caused by the rotation of the handle 30 from the regulation release position shown in Fig. 18 to the opening operation position shown in Figs. 22 and 23 via the handle lever 73, and rotates the hold lever 71 in the direction E2 from the holding position shown in Figs. 11 and 19 to the retracted position shown in Fig. 24. The first operation receiving part 71d is generally triangular, is integrally provided on the holding part 71b, and protrudes upward from the holding part 71b. The receiving surface 71e of the first operation receiving part 71d is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction and outward in the vehicle width direction from the holding part 71b.

[0055] The second operation receiving part 71f receives the operating force caused by the rotation of the handle 30 from the unlocking position shown in Fig. 19 to the initial position shown in Figs. 1 and 16 via the handle lever 73, and rotates the hold lever 71 in the direction E1 from the retracted position shown in Fig. 24 to the non-holding position shown in Figs. 10 and 16. The second operation receiving part 71f is provided at an interval on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the holding part 71b. The second operation receiving part 71f protrudes radially outward from the base part 71a toward the handle lever 73. The second operation receiving part 71f is located on the same plane as the holding part 71b and is spaced apart from the first operation receiving part 71d in the vehicle height direction.

[0056] The biasing force receiving part 71g receives the biasing force of the action spring 72 and rotates the hold lever 71 in the direction E1 or the direction E2. The biasing force receiving part 71g protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction and inward in the vehicle width direction from the base part 71a. A V-shaped groove 71h is formed in the biasing force receiving part 71g. By this groove 71h, a first receiving part 71i that receives the biasing force in the direction E1 by the action spring 72 and a second receiving part 71j that receives the biasing force in the direction E2 are formed.

[0057] The action spring 72 biases the hold lever 71 in the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 in the direction E1, while biasing the hold lever 71 rotated to the retracted position shown in FIG. 24 rather than the non-holding position in the direction E2 to hold it in the retracted position. The action spring 72 is arranged from the inner side in the vehicle width direction in the holding mechanism housing portion 25m of the base 25 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 so as to be adjacent to the front side in the vehicle length direction of the hold lever 71.

[0058] The action spring 72 includes a wound portion 72a wound in a spiral shape, a first arm portion 72b protruding from one end of the wound portion 72a, and a second arm portion 72c protruding from the other end of the wound portion 72a. The first arm portion 72b is locked to the base 25 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The second arm portion 72c is locked to the biasing receiving portion 71g of the hold lever 71.

[0059] The second arm portion 72c includes a convex portion (holding portion) 72d protruding toward the hold lever 71. The convex portion 72d is V-shaped when viewed in the vehicle height direction, and includes a first portion 72e and a second portion 72f that are inclined in a direction approaching each other as they approach the biasing receiving portion 71g of the hold lever 71. The first portion 72e is constituted by the tip portion of the second arm portion 72c, and the second portion 72f is constituted by a portion located closer to the wound portion 72a than the first portion 72e. The first portion 72e locks to the first receiving portion 71i of the biasing receiving portion 71g when the hold lever 71 is rotated to the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16, and biases the hold lever 71 in the direction E1. The second portion 72f locks to the second receiving portion 71j of the biasing receiving portion 71g when the hold lever 71 is rotated to the retracted position shown in FIG. 24 rather than the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16, biases the hold lever 71 in the direction E2, and holds it in the retracted position.

[0060] When the steering wheel 30 rotates to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, the handle lever 73 restricts the hold lever 71 to the non-holding position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16. Further, when the steering wheel 30 is operated from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 beyond the regulation release position shown in FIG. 18 and then returned toward the initial position, further rotation is restricted by the hold lever 71, and the steering wheel 30 is held at the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20.

[0061] The handle lever 73 is integrally provided on the axially attached portion 31a protruding downward among the base members 31 constituting the steering wheel 30. The handle lever 73 is arranged from the outside in the vehicle width direction in the holding mechanism housing portion 25m of the base 25 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The handle lever 73 protrudes radially outward from the axially attached portion 31a and is inclined forward in the vehicle length direction and inward in the vehicle width direction toward the hold lever 71. The handle lever 73 is plate-shaped and extends along the XY plane, and is located on the same plane as the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71. A locked piece 73a that locks to the hold lever 71 is provided at the tip of the handle lever 73 farthest from the rotation shaft 33. The locked piece 73a protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 16, when the steering wheel 30 rotates to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, the handle lever 73 abuts on one side of the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 in the non-holding position, and restricts the rotation of the hold lever 71 in the direction E1. By the overlapping amount of the handle lever 73 including the locked piece 73a and the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71, the timing (rotation angle range) for releasing the rotation restriction of the hold lever 71 by the handle lever 73 can be set.

[0063] When the steering wheel 30 rotates to the regulation release position shown in Fig. 18, the steering wheel lever 73 rotates to the regulation release position shown in the same Fig. 18, releases the rotation regulation of the hold lever 71, and allows rotation in the direction E1. In this state, when the steering wheel 30 is rotated in the direction A2 toward the unlocking position shown in Fig. 19, the steering wheel lever 73 is held by the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71.

[0064] Referring to Figs. 11 and 19, when the steering wheel lever 73 rotates in the direction A1 and passes through the regulation release position shown in Fig. 18, and then the steering wheel 30 rotates to the unlocking position shown in Fig. 19 by rotating in the direction A2, the steering wheel lever 73 abuts against the tip of the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 in the holding position, and the rotation in the direction A2 is restricted. In this restricted state, the engaged piece 73a of the steering wheel lever 73 is engaged with the locking piece 71c of the hold lever 71. Thereby, the release of the holding of the steering wheel lever 73 by the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 is suppressed due to the slight movement of the steering wheel lever 73 or the hold lever 71 caused by vibration.

[0065] Referring to Figs. 8 to 10, adjacent to the upper side of the steering wheel lever 73, a retraction operation portion 74, a return operation portion 75, and a gear portion 76 are further provided on the shaft mounting portion 31a of the base member 31. These are arranged from the outside in the vehicle width direction in the holding mechanism housing portion 25m of the base 25 shown in Figs. 3 and 4. The retraction operation portion 74, the return operation portion 75, and the gear portion 76 may be integrally provided on the steering wheel lever 73 and may be a configuration provided in the steering wheel lever 73.

[0066] When the handle 30 rotates in the direction A1 from the regulation release position shown in Fig. 18 to the opening operation position shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the retraction operation part 74 presses the first operation receiving part 71d, and rotates the hold lever 71 in the direction E2 from the hold position shown in Figs. 11 and 19 to the retraction position shown in Fig. 24. The retraction operation part 74 is provided at an interval outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the handle lever 73. The retraction operation part 74 projects radially outward from the shaft mounting part 31a and extends forward in the vehicle length direction toward the hold lever 71. The retraction operation part 74 is plate-shaped and extends along the XY plane, and is located on the same plane as the first operation receiving part 71d.

[0067] When the handle 30 rotates a predetermined angle in the direction A1 from the regulation release position shown in Fig. 18, the retraction operation part 74 rotates to the retraction operation position shown in Fig. 21. The retraction operation part 74 at this retraction operation position abuts against the first operation receiving part 71d, and rotates the hold lever 71 in the direction E2 toward the retraction position shown in Fig. 24. Further, when the handle 30 rotates to the opening operation position shown in Figs. 22 and 23, the retraction operation part 74 rotates to the operation end position shown in the same Fig. 22. The retraction operation part 74 at this operation end position is released from abutting against the first operation receiving part 71d, and ends the rotation operation of the hold lever 71 in the direction E2 toward the retraction position shown in Fig. 24.

[0068] When rotating the handle 30 in the direction A2 from the opening operation position shown in Figs. 22 and 23 to the initial position shown in Figs. 1 and 16, the return operation part 75 presses the second operation receiving part 71f, and rotates the hold lever 71 in the direction E1 from the retraction position shown in Fig. 24 to the non-holding position shown in Figs. 10 and 16. The return operation part 75 is constituted by a convex part protruding downward from the retraction operation part 74, and is located on the same plane as the second operation receiving part 71f of the handle 30.

[0069] When the handle 30 rotates in the direction A2 beyond the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19, the return operation unit 75 rotates to the return operation position shown in FIG. 24. The return operation unit 75 at this return operation position abuts against the second operation receiving portion 71f and starts the return operation of the hold lever 71 in the direction E1. The return operation by the return operation unit 75 ends when the handle 30 rotates to the initial position shown in FIG. 25. After the end of the return operation by the return operation unit 75, the hold lever 71 is biased in the direction E1 by the biasing force of the action spring 72.

[0070] The gear portion 76 is in the shape of a sector plate extending along the XY plane, protruding radially outward from the shaft mounting portion 31a, and extending rearward in the vehicle length direction and inward in the vehicle width direction toward the side opposite to the hold lever 71. Teeth for meshing with the damper 77 are provided on the outer periphery of the gear portion 76.

[0071] When the handle 30 rotates in the direction A2 from the open operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 by the biasing force of the kick spring 33, the damper 77 attenuates the operating speed of the handle 30. The damper 77 is disposed adjacent to the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the gear portion 76 and is meshed with the teeth of the gear portion 76.

[0072] (Movement of the holding mechanism) Referring to FIG. 15, the movement of the handle lever 73 including the retraction operation unit 74 and the return operation unit 75, and the hold lever 71 when the handle 30 is opened in an emergency will be described. In other words, the hold lever 71, the handle lever 73, the retraction operation unit 74, and the return operation unit 75 are formed so that the movement shown in FIG. 15 is achieved.

[0073] When the user opens the handle 30 at the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, the user pushes the front end 30a of the handle 30 inward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the handle 30 rotates in the direction A1 toward the unlocked position shown in FIG. 17 (Pa1 in FIG. 15), and in conjunction with this rotation, the handle lever 73 rotates in the direction A1 (Pb1 in FIG. 15). However, at this point, the hold lever 71 is restricted to the non-holding position by the rotation restriction by the handle lever 73 (Pc1 in FIG. 15).

[0074] Subsequently, when the user rotates the handle 30 beyond the unlocked position shown in FIG. 17 to the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 by operating the handle 30 in the direction A1 while gripping the main body portion 30b (Pa2 in FIG. 15), the handle lever 73 similarly rotates to the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 (Pb2 in FIG. 15). As a result, the restriction of the holding portion 71b by the handle lever 73 is released, and the hold lever 71 rotates to the holding position by the biasing force of the action spring 72 (Pc2 in FIG. 15).

[0075] When the user rotates the handle 30 to the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18, the user returns the handle 30 in the direction A2 toward the unlocked position shown in FIG. 19 (Pa3 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle lever 73 also rotates in the direction A2 (Pb3 in FIG. 15), and when it rotates to the held position shown in FIG. 19, further rotation is restricted by the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 (Pb4 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle 30 is held at the unlocked positions shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 (Pa4 in FIG. 15). In this state, the user unlocks the key cylinder 27.

[0076] After the unlocking operation, the user resumes operating the handle 30 in the direction A1 from the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19 toward the opening operation positions shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 (Pa5 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle lever 73 also rotates in the direction A1 (Pb5 in FIG. 15). Then, when the handle 30 rotates beyond the regulation release position shown in FIG. 18 in the direction A1 (Pa6 in FIG. 15) and the retraction operation portion 74 rotates to the retraction operation position shown in FIG. 21 (Pb6 in FIG. 15), the retraction operation portion 74 abuts against the first operation receiving portion 71d of the hold lever 71. Thereby, due to the rotation of the retraction operation portion 74 caused by the rotation of the handle 30, the hold lever 71 starts to rotate in the direction E2 (Pc3 in FIG. 15).

[0077] Subsequently, when the handle 30 is rotated to the opening operation positions shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 (Pa7 in FIG. 15), the retraction operation portion 74 also rotates to the operation end position shown in FIG. 22 (Pb7 in FIG. 15). As a result, the hold lever 71 rotates to the retraction position shown in FIG. 24 (Pc4 in FIG. 15) along with the biasing force of the action spring 72 and is held by the convex portion 72d.

[0078] Thereafter, the user returns the handle 30 in the direction A2 toward the initial positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 (Pa8 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle lever 73 also rotates in the direction A2 (Pb8 in FIG. 15). At this time, the hold lever 71 is held at the retraction position shown in FIG. 24 by the action spring 72 (Pc5 in FIG. 15). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24, the rotation of the handle 30 toward the initial positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 beyond the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19 (Pa9 in FIG. 15) is not obstructed by the hold lever 71 via the handle lever 73.

[0079] Subsequently, when the handle 30 rotates to the position shown in FIG. 24 in the direction A2, the return operation unit 75 rotates to the return operation position shown in FIG. 24 (Pb9 in FIG. 15) and abuts against the second operation receiving portion 71f of the hold lever 71. As a result, the hold lever 71 starts to rotate in the direction E1 (Pc6 in FIG. 15). At this time, the handle lever 73 is positioned beyond the held position shown in FIG. 17 and toward the restriction position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 (Pa10 in FIG. 15). Therefore, the rotation of the hold lever 71 in the direction E1 due to the operation of the return operation unit 75 and the biasing force of the action spring 72 is restricted at the non-held position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 by abutting against the handle lever 73 (Pc7 in FIG. 15).

[0080] As described above, the handle 30 can be held at the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19 by the hold lever 71 via the handle lever 73. In this state, a gap S into which a key can be inserted is secured between the handle 30 and the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27, and it is not necessary for the user to hold the handle 30. Therefore, the user can insert the key into the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 with one hand and easily perform an operation involving rotation, thus improving the unlocking operability.

[0081] The hold lever 71 at the held position shown in FIGS. 11 and 19 is rotated to the retracted position shown in FIG. 24 by the retraction operation unit 74 by operating the handle 30 from the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19 to the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Therefore, when returning the handle 30 to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, it is possible to prevent the handle lever 73 from being re-held by the hold lever 71.

[0082] The hold lever 71 at the retracted position shown in FIG. 24 is returned to the non-held position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 by the return operation unit 75 when returning the handle 30 from the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16. Therefore, the user can easily return the hold lever 71 to the state before operation without performing any special operation, thus improving the convenience.

[0083] (Configuration of the transmission mechanism) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the transmission mechanism 40 includes a joint 41 and a latch lever 44, and is disposed on the inner side in the vehicle width direction on the side opposite to the handle 30 of the base 25. The joint 41 and the latch lever 44 transmit the operating force of the handle 30 for opening the latch mechanism 11 shown in FIG. 5 to the latch switching mechanism 13 of the door latch device 10 in the event of an emergency. Further, the joint 41 transmits the driving force of the actuator 50 to the handle 30 during normal times, and rotates the handle 30 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 17.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the joint 41 is elongated in the vehicle length direction like the handle 30, has a thick plate shape in the vehicle width direction, and is swingably supported on a rotating shaft 42 disposed on the handle 30. A shaft hole 41a penetrating the rotating shaft 42 is provided on the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the joint 41. The joint 41 is disposed between a pair of protruding pieces 31c of the bearing portion 31b with respect to the handle 30, and is pivotally supported by penetrating the rotating shaft 42.

[0085] The joint 41 moves in the direction B1 (rear side in the vehicle length direction) from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the contact position (see FIG. 15) and the opening operation restriction position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 in sequence, and then to the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30 in the direction A1. Further, the joint 41 moves in the direction B2 (front side in the vehicle length direction) along the vehicle length direction from the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 to the opening operation restriction position and the contact position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 in sequence, and then to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30 in the direction A2 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the latch lever 44 is disposed adjacent to the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the joint 41. The latch lever 44 is rotatably supported by the shaft portion 25j of the base 25, rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30 via the joint 41, and transmits the operating force of the handle 30 to the latch switching mechanism 13 via the locking mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 5. The latch lever 44 includes a base portion 44a, an operating arm portion 44b, and a protruding portion (holding portion) 44d, and is L-shaped as a whole.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the protruding portion 44d is pressed by the movement of the joint 41 in the direction B1, the latch lever 44 rotates about the shaft portion 25j shown in FIG. 4 from the non-operating position through the restricted position to the operating position in the direction C1 (clockwise in FIG. 3). Further, when the pressing of the joint 41 against the protruding portion 44d is released, the latch lever 44 rotates about the shaft portion 25j shown in FIG. 4 from the operating position through the restricted position to the non-operating position in the direction C2 (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) by the biasing force of the kick spring (biasing member) 45. One end of the kick spring 45 is locked to the latch lever 44, and the other end of the kick spring 45 is locked to the base 25.

[0088] The operating arm portion 44b protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction from the base portion 44a. A connection portion 44c for mechanically connecting to the locking mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 5 is provided at the tip of the operating arm portion 44b. The other end of a wire (not shown) whose one end is connected to the locking mechanism 14 shown in FIG. 5 is connected to the connection portion 44c.

[0089] The protruding portion 44d is generally quadrangular prism-shaped and protrudes downward from the base portion 44a. That is, the protruding portion 44d protrudes in a direction intersecting with the directions B1 and B2 in which the operation arm portion 44b and the joint 41 move. The front surface of the protruding portion 44d in the vehicle length direction receives the operating force of the steering wheel 30 via the joint 41 by the contact of the pressing operation portion 41c of the joint 41. The rear surface of the protruding portion 44d in the vehicle length direction restricts the rotation of the latch lever 44, the movement of the joint 41, and the rotation of the steering wheel 30 by the contact of the restricting member 63 provided in the restricting mechanism 60. The outer surface of the protruding portion 44d in the vehicle width direction holds the restricting member 63 in the restriction release position shown in FIGS. 21 and 22.

[0090] (Configuration of the actuator) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the actuator 50 normally rotates the steering wheel 30 via the joint 41. The actuator 50 is disposed at the front end in the vehicle length direction on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the base 25. More specifically, the actuator 50 is attached adjacent to the front side in the vehicle length direction with respect to the joint 41. The actuator 50 includes a motor 51 and a movable member 52 that rotates by the rotation of the motor 51 and moves the joint 41.

[0091] The actuator 50 is controlled by the ECU 5 shown in FIG. 5. By the ECU 5, the actuator 50 moves the joint 41 in the direction B1 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the opening operation restriction position shown in FIG. 17, thereby rotating the steering wheel 30 in conjunction with the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 20 (opening operation). By the ECU 5, the actuator 50 is returned to the initial state before operation (return operation). By the return operation of the actuator 50, the steering wheel 30 and the joint 41 move to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34. The actuator 50 can be changed as necessary as long as it is configured to be able to rotate the steering wheel 30 via the joint 41.

[0092] (Configuration of the restricting mechanism) Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the regulating mechanism 60 includes a push button 61 and a regulating member 63, and is disposed between the key cylinder 27 and the latch lever 44 in the longitudinal direction within the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the base 25.

[0093] In the non-operating state of the push button 61, the regulating mechanism 60 restricts the rotation of the latch lever 44 in the direction C1 from the regulated position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the opening operation position shown in FIG. 22 by the regulating member 63. Thereby, the rotation of the handle 30 from the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is restricted via the latch lever 44 and the joint 41. On the other hand, by pressing the push button 61 inward in the vehicle width direction, the rotation restriction of the latch lever 44 by the regulating member 63 is released and rotation is allowed. Thus, the rotation restriction of the handle 30 from the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 is also released and rotation is allowed.

[0094] The push button 61 rotates the regulating member 63 from the regulating position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the regulation release position shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. The push button 61 is disposed adjacent to the front side in the longitudinal direction of the key cylinder 27 with respect to the base 25 and is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 62. The push button 61 thus disposed is rotatable (movable forward and backward) between the non-operating position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 and the operating position shown in FIG. 18.

[0095] The push button 61 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle through an exposed hole 25k provided in the recess 25c of the base 25. When the handle 30 is in the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, the push button 61 is positioned so as to overlap the back of the handle 30 and is covered by the handle 30 when viewed directly from the outside in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, as most clearly shown in FIG. 20, the push button 61 is exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction when the handle 30 is in the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, the restricting member 63 is disposed between the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 and the push button 61 with respect to the base 25, and is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 64. The rotation shaft 64 extends in the vehicle height direction in the same manner as the rotation shafts 33 and 42 of the handle 30 and the joint 41, and extends in a direction intersecting the shaft portion 25j of the latch lever 44 and the rotation shaft 62 of the push button 61.

[0097] The restricting member 63 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 64 from the restricting position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 to the restriction release position shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 in the direction D1 (outer side in the vehicle width direction) by the operation of the push button 61. Further, the restricting member 63 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 64 from the restriction release position shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 to the restricting position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 in the direction D2 (inner side in the vehicle width direction) by the biasing force of a kick spring (biasing member) 65. One end of the kick spring 65 is locked to the restricting member 63, and the other end of the kick spring 65 shown in FIG. 4 is locked to the base 25.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the restricting member 63 includes a base portion 63a, an operation receiving portion 63b, and a contact portion 63c.

[0099] The operation receiving portion 63b is plate-shaped and protrudes from the base portion 63a to the rear side in the vehicle length direction where the push button 61 is located. When the restricting member 63 is in the restricting position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, the end portion on the rear side in the vehicle length direction of the operation receiving portion 63b is in contact with the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the push button 61. Thereby, the operation receiving portion 63b can receive the operation of the push button 61 in the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0100] The contact portion 63c is a plate shape with a thickness in the vehicle width direction thicker than that of the operation receiving portion 63b, and protrudes forward in the vehicle length direction from the base portion 63a so as to face the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44. When the regulating member 63 is in the regulating position shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 and the latch lever 44 is in the non-operating position, the contact portion 63c faces the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 corresponding to the vehicle width direction and spaced apart in the vehicle length direction, and is located within the rotation locus of the protruding portion 44d. Therefore, in this state, the contact portion 63c restricts the rotation of the latch lever 44 in the direction C1 by the contact of the protruding portion 44d. On the other hand, when the regulating member 63 is in the regulation release position shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the contact portion 63c is adjacent to the outside in the vehicle width direction with respect to the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 and is located outside the rotation locus. Therefore, in this state, the contact portion 63c is in sliding contact with the protruding portion 44d and allows the rotation of the latch lever 44.

[0101] (Opening operation of the door latch device) Next, the operation of the door handle device 20 when switching the latch mechanism 11 to the unlatched state to open the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 when the lock mechanism 14 of the door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5 is in the locked state will be described.

[0102] (Normal opening operation) In the normal state where the door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5 can be operated electrically, the user first operates the touch sensor 36 of the door handle device 20. Then, if the ECU 5 cannot receive the identification signal from the electronic key or the identification signal received from the electronic key is inconsistent, the ECU 5 stores a flag indicating authentication failure in the storage unit. Then, the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20 is not operated.

[0103] On the other hand, when the touch sensor 36 of the door handle device 20 is operated, if the identification signal received from an electronic key (not shown) matches, the ECU 5 stores a flag indicating successful authentication in the storage unit and activates the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20. As a result, the joint 41 moves in the direction B1 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the unlocking operation restriction position shown in FIG. 17. Consequently, the handle 30 rotates in the direction A1 from the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 to the unlocking position shown in FIG. 17 in conjunction with the joint 41.

[0104] Subsequently, the user grips the main body portion 30b of the handle 30 that has protruded from the recess 25c of the base 25 and operates the operating member 37. As a result, the release switch 35 is turned on and outputs a signal, and the ECU 5 that has received this signal activates the actuator 12 of the door latch device 10 to switch the latch mechanism 11 to the unlatched state. As a result, the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 becomes openable. Thereafter, the ECU 5 stops the operation of the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20. As a result, the actuator 50 returns to the initial state, and the handle 30 and the joint 41 return to the initial positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34.

[0105] (Emergency opening operation) In the event of an emergency when the door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5 cannot be operated electrically, the user can make the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 openable by operating the door handle device 20 according to the procedure shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. Hereinafter, only the outline will be described for the content that overlaps with the above-mentioned "movement of the holding mechanism".

[0106] First, the user pushes the front end portion 30a of the handle 30 inward in the vehicle width direction and rotates the handle 30 in the direction A1 toward the unlocking position shown in FIG. 17 (Pa1 in FIG. 15). In conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30, the handle lever 73 rotates in the direction A1 (Pb1 in FIG. 15), and the joint 41 moves in the direction B1 (Pd1 in FIG. 15).

[0107] Subsequently, the user grips the main body portion 30b of the handle 30 and pulls it in the direction A1 toward the unlocking position shown in FIG. 17. As a result, the handle lever 73 continues to rotate in the direction A1, and the joint 41 moves in the direction B1. When the joint 41 moves to the contact position (Pd2 in FIG. 15), the pressing operation portion 41c contacts the protruding portion 44d, causing the latch lever 44 to start rotating in the direction C1 (Pe1 in FIG. 15).

[0108] Subsequently, when the unlocking operation of the handle 30 causes the latch lever 44 to rotate in the direction C1 to the restricted position via the joint 41 (Pe2 in FIG. 15), as shown in FIG. 17, the protruding portion 44d contacts the contacted portion 63c of the restricting member 63. As a result, the rotation of the latch lever 44 in the direction C1 is restricted. Consequently, the movement of the joint 41 in the direction B1 is also restricted (Pd3 in FIG. 15), and the rotation of the handle 30 in the direction A1 is also restricted.

[0109] When the restricted state shown in FIG. 17 is reached, the user holds the handle 30 in the rotated state and presses the push button 61 in the recess 25c that is exposed inward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in conjunction with the movement of the push button 61, the restricting member 63 rotates in the direction D1 from the restricting position shown in FIG. 17 to the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 (Pf1, Pf2 in FIG. 15). As a result, the restrictions on the latch lever 44, the joint 41, and the handle 30 by the restricting member 63 are released, and they become movable.

[0110] Subsequently, while the user is operating the push button 61, the user resumes rotating the handle 30 in the direction A1. As a result, the movement of the joint 41 in the direction B1 is also resumed, and the rotation of the latch lever 44 in the direction C1 is also resumed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18, the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 is positioned inside the vehicle width direction of the contact portion 63c of the restricting member 63. Therefore, when the finger is released from the push button 61, the restricting member 63 rotates in the direction D2 by the biasing force of the kick spring 65 and is maintained at the restriction release position by the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44.

[0111] Thereafter, when the handle 30 is rotated in the direction A1 to the unlocking position shown in FIG. 18 (Pa2 in FIG. 15), as described above, the handle lever 73 also rotates to the unlocking position shown in FIG. 18 (Pb2 in FIG. 15). As a result, the restriction of the holding portion 71b by the handle lever 73 is released, and the hold lever 71 rotates from the non-holding position (Pc1 in FIG. 15) to the holding position (Pc2 in FIG. 15).

[0112] Therefore, the user returns the handle 30 in the direction A2 toward the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19 (Pa3 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle lever 73 also rotates in the direction A2, and when it rotates to the held position shown in FIG. 19, the rotation is restricted by the holding portion 71b of the hold lever 71 (Pb4 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle 30 is held at the unlocking position shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 (Pa4 in FIG. 15). Further, the joint 41 moves in the direction B2 to the unlocking operation restriction position (Pd4 in FIG. 15), and the latch lever 44 rotates in the direction C2 (Pe3 in FIG. 15). As a result, since the latch lever 44 returns to the restricted position, the holding of the regulating member 63 by the protruding portion 44d is released (Pf3 in FIG. 15), and the regulating member 63 returns to the regulating position (Pf4 in FIG. 15).

[0113] Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, with the handle 30 held at the unlocking position, the user inserts a mechanical key into the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 exposed in the recess 25c and performs an unlocking operation. As a result, the lock switching mechanism 16 of the door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5 is operated to switch the lock mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0114] Thereafter, the user presses the push button 61 in the recess 25c inward in the vehicle width direction again. As a result, in conjunction with the movement of the push button 61, the regulating member 63 rotates in the direction D1 from the regulating position shown in FIG. 19 toward the unlocking position shown in FIG. 21 (Pf5, Pf6 in FIG. 15). As a result, the restrictions on the latch lever 44, the joint 41, and the handle 30 by the regulating member 63 are released again, and these become movable.

[0115] Subsequently, the user resumes the operation of the handle 30 from the unlocking position shown in FIG. 19 in the direction A1 (Pa5 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle lever 73 also rotates in the direction A1 (Pb5 in FIG. 15), the joint 41 also moves in the direction B1 (Pd5 in FIG. 15), and the latch lever 44 also rotates in the direction C1 (Pe4 in FIG. 15). Further, the restricting member 63 is held at the restriction release position.

[0116] Subsequently, the user operates the handle 30 beyond the restriction release position shown in FIG. 18 (Pa6 in FIG. 15) in the direction A1 to the opening operation position shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 (Pa7 in FIG. 15). During this time, the handle lever 73 including the retraction operation portion 74 and the hold lever 71 move in the same manner as the "movement of the holding mechanism" described above (Pb6, Pb7, Pc3, Pc4 in FIG. 15). Further, the joint 41 moves in the direction B1 to the opening operation position (Pd6 in FIG. 15), and the latch lever 44 rotates in the direction C1 to the opening operation position (Pe5 in FIG. 15). As a result, the latch switching mechanism 13 is operated via the unlocking state lock mechanism 14 of the door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5, and the latch mechanism 11 is switched from the latched state to the unlatched state. As a result, the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 becomes openable.

[0117] Thereafter, the user returns the handle 30 in the direction A2 toward the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 16 (Pa8 to Pa10 in FIG. 15). As a result, the handle lever 73 including the return operation portion 75 and the hold lever 71 move in the same manner as the "movement of the holding mechanism" described above (Pb8, Pb9, Pc5 to Pc7 in FIG. 15). Further, the joint 41 moves in the direction B2 from the opening operation position to the initial position through the opening operation restriction position and the contact position in order by the biasing force of the kick spring 34 (Pd7, Pd8 in FIG. 15). Further, the latch lever 44 rotates in the direction C2 from the opening operation position through the restricted position (Pe6 in FIG. 15) to the non-operating position (Pe7 in FIG. 15) by the biasing force of the kick spring 45. Further, when the latch lever 44 rotates to the non-restricted position, the restricting member 63 rotates from the restriction release position (Pf7 in FIG. 15) to the restriction position by the biasing force of the kick spring 65 (Pf8 in FIG. 15).

[0118] In this way, when the handle 30 returns to the initial position after the opening operation, the holding of the contact portion 63c of the regulating member 63 by the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 is released, and the regulating member 63 returns to the regulating position. That is, when the handle 30 is returned from the opening operation position to the initial position, the latch lever 44 is not regulated by the regulating member 63 again, so it is not necessary to operate the push button 61.

[0119] The door handle device 20 configured in this way has the following features.

[0120] When the handle 30 is in the initial position, it covers the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27, so the design property including the appearance of the door 1 can be improved. On the other hand, the handle 30 is rotatable from the initial position through the unlocking position to the opening operation position, and can be held at the unlocking position by the hold lever 71. The handle 30 held at the unlocking position by the hold lever 71 does not return to the initial position even if the hand is released. That is, the user does not need to hold the handle 30 at the unlocking position. Also, a gap S into which a key can be inserted is secured between the handle 30 held at the unlocking position and the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27. Therefore, since the key can be inserted into the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 with one hand and the unlocking operation involving rotation can be easily performed, the unlocking operability can be improved.

[0121] The hold lever 71 is movable between a non-holding position that allows the rotation of the handle lever 73 due to the rotation of the handle 30 and a holding position that regulates the rotation of the handle lever 73 to hold the handle 30 at the unlocking position. That is, the handle 30 is switched between a state where rotation is allowed and a state where rotation is regulated via the handle lever 73 by the hold lever 71. Therefore, the hold lever 71 can surely hold the handle 30 at the unlocking position.

[0122] The hold lever 71 is moved from the non-holding position to the holding position by the rotation of the handle 30 to the regulation release position between the unlocking position and the opening operation position, and the contact with the handle lever 73 is released. That is, no drive source such as a motor is required to switch the hold lever 71 from the non-holding position to the holding position. Therefore, an increase in the cost of the door handle device 20 can be suppressed.

[0123] The handle 30 is provided with a retraction operation portion 74 that moves the hold lever 71 from the holding position toward the non-holding position by rotation from the unlocking position to the opening operation position. That is, by simply operating the handle 30 to open the door 1, the holding of the handle 30 by the hold lever 71 can be released, improving convenience.

[0124] More specifically, the hold lever 71 is located on the side opposite to the holding position with respect to the non-holding position and is movable to a retracted position where it cannot contact the handle lever 73. The retraction operation portion 74 moves the hold lever 71 from the holding position through the non-holding position to the retracted position by rotation from the unlocking position to the opening operation position. Moreover, the hold lever 71 is held in the retracted position by the convex portion (holding portion) 72d of the action spring 72. Thereby, when the handle 30 operated to the opening operation position is returned to the initial position, it is possible to prevent the handle lever 73 from being re-held by the hold lever 71. Therefore, the opening operability of the door 1 by the door handle device 20 can be improved.

[0125] It is provided with an action spring 72 for biasing the hold lever 71. When the hold lever 71 is in the non-holding position, the first portion 72e of the action spring 72 biases the hold lever 71 toward the holding position. While when the hold lever 71 is in the retracted position, the second portion 72f of the action spring 72 holds the hold lever 71 in the retracted position. In this way, without using a drive source such as a motor, the action spring 72 can move and hold the hold lever 71 from the non-holding position to the holding position, and can also move and hold it from the non-holding position to the retracted position. That is, since the holding portion can be simply and reliably configured by the action spring 72, an increase in the cost of the door handle device 20 can be suppressed.

[0126] The handle 30 is provided with a return operation portion 75 that moves the hold lever 71 from the retracted position to the non-holding position when the handle 30 rotates from the unlocked position to the initial position. That is, by returning the handle 30 that has completed the opening operation to the initial position, the hold lever 71 also returns to the non-holding position. Therefore, the user can easily return the hold lever 71 to the state before operation without performing any special operation, thus improving convenience.

[0127] The transmission mechanism 40 for manually opening the door latch device 10 that holds the door 1 in a closed state with respect to the vehicle body includes a joint 41 that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30, and a latch lever 44 that moves by the contact of the joint 41 and operates the door latch device 10 to perform an opening operation. Therefore, by rotating the handle 30 to the open operation position, the door latch device 10 can be manually opened to reliably open the door 1.

[0128] It further includes an actuator 50 that rotates the handle 30 from the initial position to the unlocked position via the joint 41, and a release switch 35 that outputs a signal for electrically operating the door latch device 10 to perform an opening operation. Thereby, normally, the door latch device 10 can be electrically operated to perform an opening operation, thus improving the convenience for the user.

[0129] Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0130] For example, the hold lever 71 may hold the handle 30 with another member interposed between the hold lever 71 and the handle lever 73, or may directly hold the handle 30. Further, the hold lever 71 may be movable between a non-holding position and a holding position by linear motion. Further, the holding member may be configured to hold the handle 30 in the unlocked position. Further, the hold lever 71 may be configured to rotate to any one of a non-holding position, a holding position, and a retracted position by a mechanism using a drive source such as a motor.

[0131] The rotation of the hold lever 71 from the holding position to the retracted position may be performed by a member other than the retraction operation portion 74. Further, the rotation of the hold lever 71 from the retracted position to the non-holding position may be performed by a member other than the return operation portion 75. Further, the holding of the hold lever 71 in the retracted position may be performed by a member other than the convex portion 72d of the action spring 72.

[0132] When the door handle device 20 is used for a door latch device 10 that does not require the operation of the electric latch mechanism 11 and the lock mechanism 14, the actuator 50 and the restriction mechanism 60 may not be provided.

[0133] The emergency opening operation of the handle 30 is configured to operate the push button 61 twice. However, by adjusting the intervals among the joint 41, the latch lever 44, and the restricting member 63, the first or second operation shown in FIG. 15 can be made unnecessary.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0134] 1 Door 2 Outer Panel (Door Panel) 5 ECU 10 Door Latch Device 11 Latch Mechanism 12 Actuator 13 Latch Switching Mechanism 14 Lock mechanism 15 Actuator 16 Lock switching mechanism 20 Door handle device 25 Base 25a Frame wall 25b Partition wall 25c Recess 25d Peripheral wall 25e Opening 25f Exposed hole 25g Cylinder mounting part 25h Through hole 25i Guide groove 25j Shaft part 25k Exposed hole 25m Holding mechanism housing part 27 Key cylinder 27a Insertion port 28 Rod 30 Handle 30a Front end part 30b Body part 31 Base member 31a Shaft mounting part 31b Bearing part 31c Projection 32 Cover 33 Rotation shaft 34 Kick spring 35 Release switch (detection part) 36 Touch sensor 37 Operating member 40 Transmission mechanism 41 Joint (intermediate member) 41a Shaft hole 41b Guide projection 41c Pressing operation part 41d Operation receiving part 42 Rotation shaft 44 Latch lever (actuating member) 44a Base part 44b Operating arm part 44c Connection part 44d Protrusion 45 Kick spring 50 Actuator 51 Motor 52 Movable member 60 Regulation mechanism 61 Push button 62 Rotation axis 63 Regulation member 63a Base portion 63b Operation receiving portion 63c Contact portion 64 Rotation axis 65 Kick spring 70 Holding mechanism 71 Hold lever (holding member) 71a Base portion 71b Holding portion 71c Locking piece 71d First operation receiving portion 71e Receiving surface 71f Second operation receiving portion 71g Biasing receiving portion 71h Groove 71i First receiving portion 71j Second receiving portion 72 Action spring (biasing member) 72a Winding portion 72b First arm portion 72c Second arm portion 72d Protrusion (holding portion) 72e First portion 72f Second portion 73 Handle lever (actuating portion) 73a Locked piece 74 Retraction operation portion 75 Return operation portion 76 Gear portion 77 Damper S Gap X Vehicle length direction Y Vehicle width direction (door thickness direction) Z Vehicle height direction

Claims

1. A base disposed inside a door panel of a door, A key cylinder attached to the base such that an insertion port for inserting a key is exposed to the outside, A handle pivotally supported by the base so that it can rotate from an initial position where the insertion port is covered from the outside of the door panel to an unlocking position where a gap for inserting the key is secured between the insertion port and the door, and then to an open operation position where a door latch device that holds the door in a closed state with respect to the vehicle body can be switched to an open state, and further rotate from the open operation position through the unlocking position to the initial position, A holding member that holds the handle at the unlocking position A door handle device comprising.

2. The handle includes an operating part that can rotate integrally with the handle, The holding member is movable between a non-holding position that allows the rotation of the operating part due to the rotation of the handle from the initial position to the unlocking position, and a holding position that restricts the rotation of the operating part due to the rotation of the handle from the unlocking position to the initial position and holds the handle at the unlocking position. The door handle device according to claim 1.

3. When the handle rotates from the initial position to the unlocking position, the movement of the holding member to the holding position is restricted by contact with the operating part, and when the handle rotates to a release position between the unlocking position and the open operation position, the contact with the operating part is released and the holding member moves to the holding position. The door handle device according to claim 2.

4. The handle includes a retracting operation part that contacts the holding member by rotating from the unlocking position to the open operation position and moves the holding member from the holding position toward the non-holding position. The door handle device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The holding member is located on the side opposite to the holding position with respect to the non-holding position and is movable to a retracted position where it cannot contact the operating part, The retracting operation part is configured to move the holding member from the holding position through the non-holding position to the retracted position by rotating the handle from the unlocking position to the open operation position, The door handle device according to claim 4, further comprising a holding part that holds the holding member at the retracted position.

6. An urging member having a convex part including a first part and a second part that protrude toward the holding member and are inclined in a direction approaching each other as they approach the holding member, The holding portion is constituted by the convex portion, when the holding member is in the non-holding position, the first portion of the biasing member abuts against the holding member and biases the holding member from the non-holding position toward the holding position, while when the holding member is in the retracted position, the second portion of the biasing member abuts against the holding member and holds the holding member in the retracted position. The door handle device according to claim 5.

7. The handle rotates integrally with the handle, and when the handle rotates from the unlocking position to the initial position, it abuts against the holding member and includes a return operation portion that moves the holding member from the retracted position to the non-holding position. The door handle device according to claim 6.

8. It includes a transmission mechanism that manually operates the door latch device by rotating the handle to the open operation position, The transmission mechanism is an intermediate member that moves in conjunction with the rotation of the handle, and an operating member that moves by the abutment of the intermediate member that moves by rotating the handle to the open operation position and operates the door latch device to perform an opening operation. The door handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. an actuator that rotates the handle from the initial position to the unlocking position via the intermediate member, and a detection portion that outputs a signal for electrically operating the door latch device to perform an opening operation. The door handle device according to claim 8, further comprising.

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