Door handle device for vehicle

Abstract

To reduce the number of parts without lowering the mounting strength of a door handle device for a vehicle to a vehicle door.SOLUTION: The door handle device 10 for a vehicle is provided with a frame 11 made of a resin material and a nut 12 and a retainer 13 made of a metal material, and the movement of the nut 12 to the outside of the vehicle is restricted by engaging a frame engaging part 31 of the nut 12 with a surface on the inside of the vehicle of the frame 11. The rotation restricting portion 43 of the retainer 13 is engaged with the frame 11 in a state where the male screw portion 41 of the retainer 13 is screwed to the nut 12, so that the rotation of the retainer 13 with respect to the frame 11 is restricted, and the outer panel 90 is sandwiched between the nut end surface 301 of the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 and the head portion 40 of the retainer 13 in a state where the male screw portion 41 of the retainer 13 is screwed to the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 accommodated in the accommodation hole 211 of the frame 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a door handle device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The vehicle door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a resin frame (referred to as a "handle support member" in Patent Document 1). A through-hole is provided in the frame, penetrating in the vehicle width direction, and a cylindrical metal collar (referred to as a "spacer" in Patent Document 1) is inserted into this through-hole from the exterior of the vehicle. The shank of a nut, which has a shaft and a head, is inserted into this collar from the exterior of the vehicle. A bolt is further inserted into this through-hole from the interior of the vehicle, and the bolt is screwed onto the nut. Before the vehicle door handle device described in Patent Document 1 is assembled to the vehicle door, a bush (referred to as a "nut position restricting member" in Patent Document 1) is interposed between the collar and the nut, thereby maintaining the head of the nut away from the collar and restricting rotation of the nut and bolt.

[0003] To assemble the door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 to a vehicle door, first, the door handle device is placed on a panel member (outer panel) of the vehicle door so that a predetermined portion of the panel member is positioned between the collar and the head of the nut. Then, by rotating the bolt in this state, the predetermined portion of the panel member is clamped between the collar and the head of the nut. This fastens and fixes the frame to the panel member.

[0004] According to the door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the panel member is clamped by a metal collar and nut, ensuring the strength of the frame's attachment to the panel member. In contrast, in a configuration in which the axial force of the bolt and nut (axial compressive force of the bolt and nut) is supported by the frame without using a metal collar, the force fixing the frame to the panel member (axial force of the bolt and nut) decreases when the resin softens due to an increase in temperature. Therefore, the door handle device of Patent Document 1 is advantageous in terms of frame attachment strength. However, the vehicle door handle device of Patent Document 1 requires a metal collar and bushing to keep the nut in a raised position before the collar and nut clamp the panel member. This results in a large number of parts. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-101408 Summary of the Invention

[0006] (Problem to be solved by the invention) In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of parts of a vehicle door handle device while ensuring the strength of fixing the vehicle door handle device to the vehicle door.

[0007] (Means for solving the problem) A door handle device for a vehicle according to the present invention is A door handle device for a vehicle that is attached to a panel member that forms an exterior surface of a vehicle door, a frame formed of resin and disposed on the vehicle interior side of the panel member; a first fixing member including: a cylindrical portion formed of metal and having a screw hole exposed at an end surface; and a flange-shaped frame engaging portion located at an end of the cylindrical portion opposite the end surface and extending radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; a second fixing member formed of metal and including a head, a male screw portion protruding from the head and provided with a screw that can be screwed into the screw hole of the first fixing member, and a rotation restricting portion that is provided on the head and can engage with the frame; And in preparation, the frame is provided with an accommodation hole that is a through hole that communicates between a first surface that is a surface facing the panel member and a second surface that is a surface opposite to the first surface, and is configured to be able to accommodate the tubular portion of the first fixing member; When the cylindrical portion of the first fixing member is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the end surface of the cylindrical portion is exposed to the first surface side of the frame, and the frame engaging portion of the first fixing member engages with the second surface of the frame, When the male thread portion of the second fixing member is threadedly engaged with the first fixing member accommodated in the accommodation hole, the rotation restricting portion engages with the frame, thereby restricting rotation of the second fixing member relative to the frame, With the male threaded portion of the second fixing member threadedly engaged with the tubular portion of the first fixing member accommodated in the accommodation hole, the panel member is clamped between the end face of the tubular portion of the first fixing member and the head of the second fixing member, and the frame engaging portion of the first fixing member engages with the second surface of the frame, thereby fixing the frame to the panel member.

[0008] According to the present invention, a metal collar as in the conventional art is not required. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a metal nut accommodated in a nut accommodating hole of the frame and a metal bolt threaded onto the nut directly sandwich the panel member (the metal bolt and the nut directly contact the panel member), thereby fixing the frame to the panel member. Therefore, this configuration can increase the strength with which the panel member is clamped (i.e., the fixing strength of the vehicle door handle device to the vehicle door) compared to a configuration in which the panel member and the frame are sandwiched between, for example, a bolt and a nut. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of parts of the vehicle door handle device can be reduced while ensuring the fixing strength of the vehicle door handle device to the vehicle door. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a main part of a door handle device for a vehicle. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the nut. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the nut. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the retainer. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the retainer. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the nut accommodating portion and its vicinity. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing the configuration of the nut accommodating portion and its vicinity. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a retainer is threadedly engaged with a nut. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is threadedly engaged with the nut. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a bolt is threaded into a nut. [Figure 6B]FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the bolt is threaded into the nut. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the nut, the retainer, and the outer panel. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a main part of a door handle device for a vehicle according to a modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a nut that is applied to a vehicle door handle device according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the retainer is screwed onto the nut. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a door handle device for a vehicle may be simply referred to as a "door handle device." In addition, in the following description, the directions of the door handle device and its components are based on the directions of the vehicle to which the door handle device is attached. In each drawing, the front side of the door handle device and its components is indicated by an arrow Fr, the rear side by an arrow Rr, the upper side by an arrow Up, the lower side by an arrow Dw, the outer side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "outside the vehicle") by an arrow Out, and the inner side in the vehicle width direction (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "inside the vehicle") by an arrow In. The front-rear direction is an example of a first direction in the present invention, and the up-down direction is an example of a second direction in the present invention.

[0011] <Outline of Door Handle Device Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the frame 11, nut 12, and retainer 13, which are components of the door handle device 10. Note that FIG. 1 is a perspective view of these components as seen from outside the vehicle. The door handle device 10 is configured as an assembly (sometimes called an "assembly") in which multiple components are assembled together. The multiple components that make up the door handle device 10 include the frame 11, nut 12, retainer 13, and an outside door handle (not shown), and the door handle device 10 is attached to an outer panel 90 of the vehicle door (see FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7).

[0012] The outer panel 90 is an example of a panel member of the present invention. The outer panel 90 is a plate-like member that forms the outer surface of the vehicle door and is made of a metal plate. An opening (see FIG. 7; hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a panel opening 91) that penetrates the outer panel 90 in the vehicle width direction is provided at the location where the door handle device 10 is attached. The panel opening 91 includes a slit portion 92 that extends further rearward from its rear edge. The slit portion 92 can also be described as a recess or groove that is open at the front and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The width (vertical dimension) of the slit portion 92 is larger than the outer diameter of a male thread portion 41 of a retainer 13 (described later) and smaller than the outer diameter of a tubular portion 30 of the retainer 13.

[0013] <frame> The frame 11 is a member fixed to the outer panel 90 of the vehicle door. It can also be said that the frame 11 is a member for rotatably attaching an outside door handle to the outer panel 90 of the vehicle door. The frame 11 is a member molded from a resin material and has a long, rod-like shape. The frame 11 is disposed on the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 90 (i.e., inside the vehicle door) with its longitudinal direction oriented approximately parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, and is fixed to the outer panel 90 by a nut 12 and a retainer 13, which will be described later.

[0014] The frame 11 is configured to be able to hold a nut 12, and is configured so that a retainer 13 can be screwed onto the held nut 12 from the outside of the vehicle. An outside door handle is rotatably connected to the frame 11. The outside door handle is disposed on the outside of the vehicle of the outer panel 90, and is connected to the frame 11 through a panel opening 91 in the outer panel 90.

[0015] A panel abutment portion 20 and a nut accommodating portion 21 are provided at a position near the front of the frame 11. The panel abutment portion 20 is located at the outer end of the frame 11, and its outer surface, a panel abutment surface 201, is a substantially flat surface that is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the outer panel 90. The panel abutment surface 201 is an example of the first surface of the present invention. When the door handle device 10 is attached to the outer panel 90, the panel abutment surface 201 faces and abuts (comes into contact with) the inner surface of the outer panel 90. The nut accommodating portion 21 is provided with an accommodating hole 211 into which a tubular portion 30 of a nut 12, which will be described later, can be accommodated (inserted) from the inner side of the vehicle. Details of the frame 11 will be described later.

[0016] <Nuts and retainers> The nut 12 and the retainer 13 are members for clamping the outer panel 90 from the inside and outside of the vehicle, thereby fixing the frame 11 to the outer panel 90 (i.e., fixing the door handle device 10 to the vehicle door). The nut 12 is an example of a first fixing member of the present invention, and the retainer 13 is an example of a second fixing member of the present invention. Both the nut 12 and the retainer 13 are metal members.

[0017] 2A and 2B are perspective views showing the configuration of the nut 12. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the nut 12 includes a cylindrical portion 30, a frame engaging portion 31, and an operating portion 32.

[0018] The tubular portion 30 is a portion having a substantially cylindrical configuration. The tubular portion 30 is provided with a screw hole 302 into which a male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 (described later) can be screwed from the vehicle exterior side. The end surface of the tubular portion 30 on the vehicle exterior side (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "nut end surface 301") is the portion of the nut 12 located furthest outward from the vehicle exterior side, and is a flat surface that is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle width direction.

[0019] The frame engaging portion 31 is located at the end of the cylindrical portion 30 on the vehicle interior side, and is a flange-shaped portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 30. The frame engaging portion 31 can also be described as a disk-shaped portion that is larger in diameter than the cylindrical portion 30 and is approximately coaxial with the cylindrical portion 30. A plurality of rotation limiting portions 311 are provided on the vehicle interior end surface of the frame engaging portion 31 and on a portion of the outer periphery near the vehicle interior end, so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the frame engaging portion 31. The rotation limiting portions 311 are configured to engage with a nut holding portion 22 of the frame 11, which will be described later, to limit the rotation of the nut 12 relative to the frame 11. The rotation limiting portions 311 are recesses that are open on the vehicle interior side and the outer periphery.

[0020] The operating portion 32 is a portion configured to be able to engage with a tool for rotating the nut 12 relative to the frame 11. The operating portion 32 is located on the innermost side of the nut 12. A tool hole 321 is provided on the inner end surface of the operating portion 32 (i.e., the inner end surface of the nut 12).

[0021] 3A and 3B are perspective views showing the configuration of retainer 13. As shown in Fig. 3A and 3B, retainer 13 includes a head 40, a male thread portion 41, and two rotation restricting portions 43.

[0022] The head 40 is a part having a flat plate-like configuration extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the vehicle width direction (the direction of the surface of the outer panel 90 facing the vehicle exterior). The vehicle interior surface of the head 40 is a flat surface approximately perpendicular to the vehicle width direction. A standing portion engaging portion 401 is provided at the rear end of the head 40. The standing portion engaging portion 401 is a recess that opens to the rear when viewed in the vehicle width direction, and has dimensions and a shape that allow a standing portion 23 of the frame 11, which will be described later, to fit into it. The male thread portion 41 is a male thread that can be threaded into the screw hole 302 of the nut 12. The male thread portion 41 is a part that protrudes from the vehicle interior surface of the head 40 toward the vehicle interior. The two rotation restricting portions 43 are parts that restrict rotation of the retainer 13 relative to the frame 11 by engaging with the frame 11. The two rotation restricting portions 43 have rod-like structures that protrude from the upper and lower ends of the front end of the head 40 toward the vehicle interior (ie, the same side as the male thread portion 41).

[0023] A movement restricting portion 431 is provided at the end of each of the two rotation restricting portions 43 on the vehicle interior side. The movement restricting portion 431 is a portion for restricting movement of the retainer 13 toward the vehicle exterior side relative to the frame 11. The movement restricting portion 431 has a protrusion-like configuration that protrudes rearward from the end of each of the two rotation restricting portions 43 on the vehicle interior side.

[0024] <Details of frame configuration> Next, the details of the configuration of frame 11 will be described. Figures 4A and 4B are perspective views showing the configuration of nut accommodating portion 21 of frame 11 and the vicinity thereof, as viewed from the vehicle interior side. Note that Fig. 4A shows a state in which nut 12 and retainer 13 are not assembled to frame 11, and Fig. 4B shows a state in which nut 12 and retainer 13 are assembled to frame 11. As shown in these figures, nut accommodating portion 21 and nut holding portion 22 are provided on the vehicle interior side of panel abutting portion 20. Note that the vehicle interior side surface of panel abutting portion 20 is an example of a third surface of the present invention.

[0025] The nut accommodating portion 21 is configured to be able to accommodate the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12 from the vehicle interior side. Specifically, the nut accommodating portion 21 has a cylindrical configuration that protrudes from the vehicle interior surface of the panel abutting portion 20 toward the vehicle interior side. A accommodating hole 211 is provided in the nut accommodating portion 21. The accommodating hole 211 is a through hole that is open at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and the opening of the accommodating hole 211 on the vehicle exterior side is located on the panel abutting surface 201 (panel abutting portion 20). It can also be said that the accommodating hole 211 is a through hole that communicates from the vehicle exterior side surface of the frame 11 to the vehicle interior side surface. A nut engagement surface 212, which is the vehicle interior end surface of the nut accommodating portion 21, is a flat surface that is approximately perpendicular to the vehicle width direction (the axial direction of the nut accommodating portion 21). The nut engagement surface 212 is an example of a second surface in the present invention. The inner diameter of the accommodating hole 211 is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12, and smaller than the outer diameter of the frame engaging portion 31. Therefore, the nut accommodating portion 21 can accommodate the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12 from the vehicle interior side. The distance from the panel abutting surface 201 to the nut engaging surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21 is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the axial dimension of the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12 (more specifically, the distance from the nut end face 301 of the tubular portion 30 to the vehicle exterior end face of the frame engaging portion 31). The nut end face 301 on the vehicle interior side of the nut accommodating portion 21 is an example of a second surface of the present invention.

[0026] The nut holding portion 22 holds the nut 12 so that the nut 12 accommodated in the nut accommodating portion 21 does not move toward the vehicle interior, and limits the rotation of the nut 12 relative to the frame. The nut holding portion 22 is located on the outer periphery of the accommodating hole 211 when viewed in the vehicle width direction (when viewed in the axial direction of the accommodating hole 211), and has a rod-like configuration that protrudes toward the vehicle interior. The nut holding portion 22 is elastically deformable so that its tip end (inner side) moves in a direction away from the center of the accommodating hole 211. A nut engagement hook 221 is provided at the tip end (inner side end) of the nut holding portion 22. The nut engagement hook 221 is located on the inner side of the vehicle with respect to the nut engagement surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21 in the vehicle width direction, and has a protruding configuration that protrudes toward the center of the accommodating hole 211 when viewed in the vehicle width direction (when viewed in the axial direction of the nut accommodating portion 21). The specific function of the nut holding portion 22 will be described later.

[0027] A standing portion 23 is provided on the panel abutment surface 201. The standing portion 23 is a portion for preventing or suppressing the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 from contacting the inner peripheral surface of the panel opening 91 when the door handle device 10 is attached to the outer panel 90 (described later). The standing portion 23 has a protruding configuration that protrudes from the panel abutment surface 201 toward the vehicle exterior, and is provided adjacent to the accommodating hole 211 on the rear side of the opening of the accommodating hole 211. The standing portion 23 has a shape that is long in the up-down direction when viewed in the vehicle width direction. The up-down dimension of the standing portion 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 and is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the width (up-down dimension) of the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91.

[0028] In addition, a frame opening 24 is provided in the frame 11. The frame opening 24 is located in front of the panel abutting portion 20 and is a through-hole that penetrates in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] <Door handle device assembly structure> Next, the assembly structure of the door handle device 10 will be described. Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of the panel abutment portion 20 of the frame 11 and its vicinity. Note that Figures 5A and 5B show the state before being assembled to the outer panel 90, and Figures 6A and 6B show the state after being assembled to the outer panel 90. Figures 5A and 6A show cross sections cut along a plane approximately perpendicular to the front-rear direction, and Figures 5B and 6B show cross sections cut along a plane approximately perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0030] First, the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 is inserted into the receiving hole 211 of the nut receiving portion 21 of the frame 11 from the vehicle interior side. Then, the nut end face 301 of the cylindrical portion 30 (and the opening of the screw hole 302 appearing on the nut end face 301) is exposed on the vehicle exterior side of the frame 11.

[0031] When the nut 12 is pressed into the accommodating hole 211 from the vehicle interior side, the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12 presses the nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22 radially outward of the accommodating hole 211. This causes the nut holding portion 22 to elastically deform, allowing the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12 to move over the nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22 from the vehicle interior side to the vehicle exterior side. When the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12 moves to the vehicle exterior side of the nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22 and the vehicle exterior end face of the frame engaging portion 31 comes into contact with the nut engagement surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21, the nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22 engages with the vehicle interior side surface of the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12 (it can also be said that the nut engagement hook 221 overlaps with the vehicle interior side of the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12) and enters the rotation restricting portion 311.

[0032] With this configuration, movement of the nut 12 in the vehicle width direction relative to the frame 11 is restricted. That is, movement of the nut 12 toward the vehicle exterior is restricted by contact of the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12 with the nut engagement surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21. Furthermore, movement of the nut 12 toward the vehicle interior is restricted by contact of the nut engagement hook portion 221 of the nut holding portion 22 with the vehicle interior side of the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12 (the vehicle interior surface of the rotation limiting portion 311). Therefore, the nut 12 is held so as not to come out of the nut accommodating portion 21. However, the nut 12 is allowed to move in the vehicle width direction to a certain extent relative to the frame 11. Specifically, when the vehicle exterior end surface of the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12 contacts the nut engagement surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21 of the frame 11, the nut 12 cannot move further toward the vehicle exterior, but can move a certain distance toward the vehicle interior from that position (see FIGS. 5A and 5B ). The nut end surface 301 of the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 is substantially flush with the panel contact surface 201 of the frame 11 (see FIG. 6A).

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, when the "force that rotates the nut 12" applied to the nut 12 is less than a predetermined value, the nut 12 cannot rotate relative to the frame 11, and when the force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the nut 12 can rotate relative to the frame 11. Note that this predetermined value is not particularly limited. This predetermined value may be set so that rotation of the nut 12 is restricted when an inertial force generated in the frame 11 and the nut 12 due to transportation of the door handle device 10 or the like acts as a force that rotates the nut 12, but rotation of the nut 12 is permitted when a user (worker) applies force to the nut 12 using a tool. This predetermined value is set depending on the shape and dimensions of the nut holding portion 22, etc.

[0034] The retainer 13 is assembled to the nut 12 from the vehicle exterior side of the frame 11. Specifically, in a state in which the movement restricting portion 431 of the rotation restricting portion 43 of the retainer 13 is hooked onto the front end portion (the end surface facing the front of the frame opening 24) of the panel abutting portion 20 of the frame 11 (in other words, in a state in which the movement restricting portion 431 is in contact with the vehicle interior surface of the panel abutting portion 20, or in a state in which the movement restricting portion 431 is located more vehicle interior than the vehicle interior surface of the panel abutting portion 20), the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 is fitted into the threaded hole 302 of the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12. Then, when the nut 12 is rotated in a predetermined direction relative to the frame 11 in this state, the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 threadably engages with the threaded hole 302 of the nut 12, and the retainer 13 moves toward the vehicle interior side.

[0035] Since the operating portion 32 of the nut 12 is exposed on the vehicle interior side of the frame 11, a user can rotate the nut 12 relative to the frame 11 by inserting a tool into the tool hole 321 of the nut 12 from the vehicle interior side of the frame 11. Furthermore, the rotation restricting portion 43 of the retainer 13 fits into the frame opening 24. The rotation restricting portion 43 of the retainer 13 contacts the end face of the frame opening 24 (more specifically, the front end face of the panel abutment portion 20). This prevents the retainer 13 from rotating relative to the frame 11. Therefore, when rotating the nut 12, the user does not need to hold the retainer 13 to prevent it from rotating relative to the frame 11.

[0036] When the nut 12 and the retainer 13 are screwed together, the retainer 13 is held relative to the frame 11 via the nut 12 .

[0037] In this state, when the nut 12 is rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction, the retainer 13 moves toward the exterior of the vehicle. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B , the movement restricting portion 431 of the frame engaging portion 31 engages with the interior surface of the panel abutting portion 20 of the frame 11 (in other words, it is caught on the front end of the panel abutting portion 20). This restricts the movement of the retainer 13 toward the exterior of the vehicle from that position. Furthermore, when the nut 12 is further rotated in the direction opposite to the predetermined direction in this state, the nut 12 moves toward the interior of the vehicle. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5A , the nut engagement hook portion 221 of the nut holding portion 22 comes into contact with the interior surface of the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12 (the interior surface of the rotation restricting portion 311), and the nut engagement hook portion 221 of the nut holding portion 22 enters the rotation restricting portion 311 of the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12. This restricts movement of the nut 12 toward the inside of the vehicle, and also limits the rotation of the nut 12 relative to the frame 11. Note that "rotation is limited" means that the nut 12 cannot rotate relative to the frame 11 when the "force (torque) that rotates the nut 12" applied to the nut 12 is less than a predetermined value, and the nut 12 can rotate relative to the frame 11 when the force is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0038] Specifically, when the nut 12 attempts to rotate relative to the frame 11, the outer peripheral surface of the rotation limiting portion 311 comes into contact with the nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22, and a force is applied to the nut engagement hook 221 such that the nut engagement hook 221 is pushed outward from the rotation trajectory of the frame engagement portion 31. If the force rotating the nut 12 is less than a predetermined value, the force pushing out the nut engagement hook 221 is also small, resulting in little or no deformation of the nut holding portion 22. In this state, the nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22 is inside the rotation trajectory of the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12, preventing the nut 12 from rotating relative to the frame 11. On the other hand, if the force rotating the nut 12 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the force pushing out the nut engagement hook 221 also becomes large, pushing the nut engagement hook 221 outward from the rotation trajectory of the frame engagement portion 31. Therefore, the nut 12 can rotate relative to the frame 11.

[0039] The nut holding portion 22 may be configured not to restrict rotation of the nut 12 when the nut 12 is located at the outer end of its movable range relative to the frame 11 (nut accommodating portion 21) (i.e., a position where the outer end face of the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12 contacts the nut engaging surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21). In other words, the nut engagement hook portion 221 of the nut holding portion 22 may be configured not to contact the nut 12 when the nut 12 is located at the outer end of its movable range relative to the frame 11 (nut accommodating portion 21).

[0040] In this state, the movement of the nut 12 toward the vehicle interior is restricted by the nut holding portion 22, and therefore the retainer 13 cannot move toward the vehicle interior either. Furthermore, since the rotation of the nut 12 is restricted and the rotation of the retainer 13 is restricted, movement of the retainer 13 due to relative rotation between the nut 12 and the retainer 13 is also prevented. Therefore, the head 40 of the retainer 13 is held in a state spaced away from the panel abutting surface 201 of the panel abutting portion 20 of the frame 11 and the nut end face 301 of the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12 toward the vehicle exterior.

[0041] The distance between the vehicle interior surface of head 40 of retainer 13 and panel abutment surface 201 of frame 11 is greater than the thickness of outer panel 90. To achieve this state, the distance between the vehicle interior surface of head 40 of retainer 13 and the vehicle exterior surface of nut engagement hook 221 of nut holding portion 22 of retainer 13 is greater than the sum of the thickness of panel abutment portion 20 of frame 11 and the thickness of outer panel 90.

[0042] Then, in this state, the frame 11 is assembled to the outer panel 90. Specifically, first, the frame 11 is positioned on the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 90 so that the standing portion 23 of the frame 11 and the head portion 40 of the retainer 13 assembled to the frame 11 protrude from the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 90 to the vehicle exterior side through the panel opening 91. Then, when the frame 11 moves rearward relative to the outer panel 90, the standing portion 23 of the frame 11 and the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 enter the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91. At this time, the head portion 40 of the retainer 13 is positioned on the vehicle exterior side of the vehicle exterior surface of the outer panel 90.

[0043] Because the standing portion 23 is provided on the rear side of the accommodating hole 211, when the frame 11 moves rearward, the standing portion 23 of the frame 11 enters the slit portion 92 before the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13. The vertical dimension of the standing portion 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 and is approximately the same as or slightly smaller than the vertical dimension of the slit portion 92. Furthermore, when viewed in the front-rear direction, the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 is located between the upper and lower ends of the standing portion 23 in the vertical direction. This prevents or suppresses the male thread portion 41 from contacting the inner circumferential surface of the slit portion 92 when the frame 11 moves rearward. This prevents or suppresses damage to the paint film on the surface of the outer panel 90 due to contact with the male thread portion 41.

[0044] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the frame 11 is assembled to the outer panel 90. As shown in Fig. 7, when the erected portion 23 and the male thread portion 41 are inserted into the slit portion 92, the head 40 of the retainer 13 overlaps with a portion near the slit portion 92 as viewed in the vehicle width direction. Also, the nut end face 301 of the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12 overlaps with a portion of the panel opening 91 near the slit portion 92. Note that in Fig. 8, the area where the head 40 of the retainer 13 overlaps with the portion near the slit portion 92 and the area where the nut end face 301 of the tubular portion 30 of the nut 12 overlaps with the panel opening 91 are hatched.

[0045] When the nut 12 is rotated in the predetermined direction in this state, the nut end face 301 of the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 approaches the head 40 of the retainer 13. Then, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the outer panel 90 is sandwiched between the nut end face 301 of the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 and the head 40 of the retainer 13. In this state, the nut 12 and the retainer 13, which are metal members, come into direct contact with the outer panel 90 and sandwich the outer panel 90.

[0046] If the distance from the nut end surface 301 of the cylindrical portion 30 of the nut 12 to the vehicle-exterior end surface of the frame engagement portion 31 is slightly smaller than the distance from the panel abutment surface 201 of the frame 11 to the nut engagement surface 212 of the nut accommodating portion 21, the nut accommodating portion 21 will be elastically compressed and deformed in the vehicle width direction when the frame 11 is clamped between the nut 12 and the retainer 13. Therefore, the frame 11 will be pressed against the vehicle-interior surface of the outer panel 90 by the frame engagement portion 31 of the retainer 13. In this case, the frame 11 will be firmly fixed to the outer panel 90 (in other words, without any rattle or the like).

[0047] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the metal nut 12 accommodated in the nut accommodating portion 21 of the frame 11 and the metal retainer 13 screwed onto the nut 12 directly sandwich the outer panel 90 without using the resin frame 11 in between (the metal nut 12 and the retainer 13 come into direct contact with the outer panel 90). Therefore, with this configuration, the strength with which the outer panel 90 is clamped (i.e., the fixing strength of the door handle device 10 to the vehicle door) can be increased compared to a configuration in which the fastening is performed via the frame 11 made of a resin material (for example, a configuration in which the frame 11 and the outer panel 90 are sandwiched together by a nut and a bolt).

[0048] In particular, since resin materials may soften in high-temperature environments, in a configuration in which the outer panel 90 is sandwiched together with the frame 11, the force with which the frame 11 and the outer panel 90 are sandwiched may decrease in high-temperature environments. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the nut 12 and the retainer 13 directly sandwich the outer panel 90, so even if the frame 11 softens, the force with which the nut 12 and the retainer 13 sandwich the outer panel 90 does not decrease. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the fixing strength of the door handle device 10 in high-temperature environments.

[0049] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the frame 11 can be fixed to the outer panel 90 by rotating the nuts 12 from the inside of the vehicle. Therefore, the process of placing the frame 11 on the inside side of the outer panel 90 and the process of fixing the frame 11, which has been placed on the inside side of the outer panel 90, to the outer panel 90 can be performed consecutively from the inside side of the outer panel 90. Therefore, assembly of the frame 11 to the outer panel 90 is easy.

[0050] Furthermore, rotation of the retainer 13 relative to the frame 11 is restricted by the rotation restricting portion 43. Furthermore, rotation of the nut 12 relative to the frame 11 is restricted by the rotation limiting portion 311. Therefore, at least one of the nut 12 and the retainer 13 is prevented from rotating during the period from when the nut 12 and the retainer 13 are assembled to the frame 11 until the frame 11 is assembled to the outer panel 90. With this configuration, the distance between the head 40 of the retainer 13 and the panel abutting surface 201 of the frame 11 is prevented from changing. Therefore, when assembling the frame 11 to the outer panel 90, it is not necessary to adjust the distance between the head 40 of the retainer 13 and the panel abutting surface 201 of the frame 11 again. Furthermore, because the rotation of the nut 12 and the retainer 13 is restricted or limited, the nut 12 and the retainer 13 are prevented from falling off the frame 11.

[0051] Furthermore, because rotation of the retainer 13 is restricted, when fixing the frame 11 to the outer panel 90, it is only necessary to rotate the nut 12. In other words, there is no need to "hold the retainer 13 with a tool or the like so that the retainer 13 does not rotate together with the nut 12." Therefore, this configuration makes the work easier.

[0052] Furthermore, when the retainer 13 is configured to include a rotation restricting portion 43 that protrudes toward the vehicle interior, as in this embodiment, the structure of the vehicle exterior side of the frame 11 can be simplified. That is, in a configuration in which a structure for restricting the rotation of the retainer 13 is provided on the vehicle exterior side of the frame 11, the vehicle width dimension of the frame 11 increases. Furthermore, in such a configuration, the outside door handle must be positioned to avoid the structure. This reduces the degree of freedom in designing the shape of the outside door handle. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the bolt rotation is restricted by a separate member (such as a waterproof pad, not shown), the torque applied to the nut 12 when threading the nut 12 and the retainer 13 together is transmitted to the separate member via the retainer 13. This may result in deformation or displacement of the separate member.

[0053] In contrast, according to this embodiment, since no structure for restricting the rotation of the retainer 13 is provided on the vehicle exterior side, an increase in the vehicle width dimension of the frame 11 can be prevented or suppressed, or the frame 11 can be made smaller. Furthermore, since the outside door handle and the frame 11 do not interfere with each other, the design freedom of the outside door handle is not reduced. Since the nut accommodating portion 21 is located on the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 90, the design freedom of the outside door handle is not affected. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to restrict the rotation of the retainer 13 using a separate member such as a waterproof pad, deformation or displacement of the separate member does not occur. In other words, the nut 12 can be rotated to attach the frame 11 to the outer panel 90 without affecting any member other than the frame 11.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, when attaching the frame 11 to the outer panel 90, damage to the paint film of the outer panel 90 caused by the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 coming into contact with the outer panel 90 can be prevented or suppressed. That is, when assembling the frame 11 to the outer panel 90, the upright portion 23 of the frame 11 and the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 are slid from the front and inserted into the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91. At this time, if the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13, which is made of metal, comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91, there is a risk of damaging the paint film applied to the outer panel 90. If rust occurs in the damaged area and is washed away by rainwater or the like, the appearance of the vehicle door will be impaired.

[0055] According to the present embodiment, the standing portion 23 provided on the frame 11 prevents or suppresses the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 from contacting the outer panel 90. Specifically, the frame 11 is provided with the standing portion 23 that is located on the rear side of the retainer 13 when the retainer 13 is assembled to the frame 11. The vertical dimension of this standing portion 23 is larger than the outer diameter of the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13. Therefore, when the standing portion 23 of the frame 11 and the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 are slid and inserted into the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91 from the front side, the standing portion 23 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91, thereby preventing or suppressing the male thread portion 41 of the retainer 13 from contacting the inner circumferential surface of the slit portion 92 of the panel opening 91. Since the frame 11 is made of resin, even if the erected portions 23 come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the slit portions 92 at the opening of the outer panel 90, there is little risk of damaging the coating of the outer panel 90.

[0056] <Modification> Next, a door handle device 10 according to a modified example will be described. In the following description, the same components as those in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as those in the above embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a main part of the door handle device 10 according to the modified example. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a nut 12a applied to the door handle device 10 according to the modified example. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the door handle device according to the modified example, and is a view showing a cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. In Fig. 10, the outer panel 90 is omitted.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the nut 12a of the door handle device 10 according to the modified example has a frame engagement portion 31 with a rotation-preventing shape. Specifically, the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12a has a polygonal shape when viewed in the axial direction. However, the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12a does not have a recess like the rotation-restricting portion 311. The nut engagement hook 221 of the nut holding portion 22 provided on the frame 11 is configured to engage with the outer peripheral surface and the inner-side end surface of the frame engagement portion 31. As described above, the nut holding portion 22 is elastically deformable by bending such that its tip end (the inner-side end) moves away from the center of the receiving hole 211. The nut engagement hook 221 engages with the inner-side end surface of the frame engagement portion 31 of the nut 12a, thereby restricting movement of the nut 12a toward the inner side of the vehicle. The nut holding portion 22 comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the frame engagement portion 31, thereby restricting rotation of the nut 12a relative to the frame 11. With this configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as with a configuration in which the rotation limiting portion 311 is provided on the frame engaging portion 31 of the nut 12a.

[0058] <Summary of the embodiment> (1) The vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment includes: A vehicle door handle device 10 that is attached to a panel member (outer panel 90) that forms the exterior surface of a vehicle door, a frame 11 formed of resin and disposed on the vehicle interior side of the panel member (outer panel 90); a first fixing member (nut 12) including a cylindrical portion 30 formed of metal and having a screw hole 302 exposed at an end surface (nut end surface 301) of the cylindrical portion 30; and a flange-shaped frame engaging portion 31 located at an end of the cylindrical portion 30 opposite the end surface (nut end surface 301) and extending radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 30; a second fixing member (retainer 13) formed of metal and including: a head 40; a male screw portion 41 protruding from the head 40 and provided with a screw that can be threaded into the screw hole 302 of the first fixing member (nut 12); and a rotation restricting portion 43 provided on the head 40 and engageable with the frame 11; And in preparation, The frame 11 is provided with an accommodation hole 211 that is a through hole communicating between a first surface (panel abutment surface 201) that is a surface facing the panel member (outer panel 90) and a second surface (nut engagement surface 212) that is a surface opposite to the first surface (panel abutment surface 201), and that is configured to be able to accommodate the tubular portion 30 of the first fixing member (nut 12), When the cylindrical portion 30 of the first fixing member (nut 12) is accommodated in the accommodation hole 211, the end face (nut end face 301) of the cylindrical portion 30 is exposed on the side of the first surface (panel abutment surface 201) of the frame 11, and the frame engaging portion 31 of the first fixing member (nut 12) engages with the second surface (nut engaging surface 212) of the frame 11, When the male thread portion 41 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) is threadedly engaged with the first fixing member (nut 12) accommodated in the accommodation hole 211, the rotation restricting portion 43 engages with the frame 11, thereby restricting the rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13) relative to the frame 11, When the male threaded portion 41 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) is threadedly engaged with the tubular portion 30 of the first fixing member (nut 12) accommodated in the accommodating hole 211, the panel member (outer panel 90) is clamped between the end face (nut end face 301) of the tubular portion 30 of the first fixing member (nut 12) and the head 40 of the second fixing member (retainer 13), and the frame engaging portion 31 of the first fixing member (nut 12) engages with the second surface (nut engaging surface 212) of the frame 11, thereby fixing the frame 11 to the panel member (outer panel 90).

[0059] In the vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment, the panel member (outer panel 90) is directly clamped between the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13). Therefore, with this configuration, a metal collar as in the conventional case is not required, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, the vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment can increase the strength with which the panel member (outer panel 90) is clamped (i.e., the fixing strength of the vehicle door handle device 10 to the vehicle door) compared to a configuration in which the frame 11 is clamped together with the panel member (outer panel 90) by, for example, bolts and nuts. In particular, even if the frame 11 is softened due to high ambient temperature, a decrease in the fixing strength can be prevented.

[0061] Furthermore, in the vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment, the rotation restricting portion 43 provided on the second fixing member (retainer 13) engages with the frame 11, thereby restricting the rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13) relative to the frame 11. Therefore, during the period from when the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13) are assembled to the frame 11 until when the frame 11 is assembled to the panel member (outer panel 90), axial movement of the second fixing member (retainer 13) due to rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13) and detachment of the second fixing member (retainer 13) are prevented or suppressed. Furthermore, because rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13) relative to the frame 11 is restricted, when the first fixing member (nut 12) is rotated to screw the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13) together (when the panel member (outer panel 90) is clamped between the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13)), it is not necessary to hold the second fixing member (retainer 13) so as not to rotate. This improves workability.

[0062] (2) A door handle device 10 for a vehicle according to this embodiment, The rotation restricting portion 43 has a generally rod-shaped configuration that protrudes from the head 40 toward the same side as the male thread portion 41, The frame 11 is provided with an opening penetrating in the vehicle width direction, The rotation restricting portion 43 engages with the opening, thereby restricting the rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13) relative to the frame 11.

[0063] With this configuration, during the period from when the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13) are assembled to the frame 11 until when the frame 11 is assembled to the panel member (outer panel 90), axial movement of the second fixing member (retainer 13) due to rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13) and detachment of the second fixing member (retainer 13) are prevented or suppressed. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is not necessary to provide a structure that protrudes from the first surface (panel abutment surface 201) of the frame 11 toward the vehicle exterior to restrict rotation of the second fixing member (retainer 13). Therefore, the portion of the frame 11 that protrudes toward the vehicle exterior can be reduced, thereby minimizing the impact on the shape and dimensions of the outside door handle provided on the vehicle exterior side of the frame 11.

[0064] (3) A vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment, The frame 11 is provided with a nut holding portion 22 that engages with the opposite end of the frame engagement portion 31 of the first fixing member (nut 12) accommodated in the accommodating hole 211 to hold the first fixing member (nut 12) so that the first fixing member (nut 12) does not slip out of the accommodating hole 211, and that limits the rotation of the first fixing member (nut 12) relative to the frame 11.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the first fixing member (nut 12) accommodated in the accommodation hole 211 is prevented from falling off from the accommodation hole 211. Therefore, when the first fixing member (nut 12) is accommodated in the accommodation hole 211 and the male thread portion 41 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) is screwed onto the first fixing member (nut 12) accommodated in the accommodation hole 211, it is not necessary to hold the first fixing member (nut 12) to prevent the first fixing member (nut 12) from moving in the axial direction or falling off from the accommodation hole 211, thereby improving the workability of the assembly work. Furthermore, rotation of the first fixing member (nut 12) due to inertial forces, etc. is prevented from occurring between the time when the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13) are assembled to the frame 11 and the time when the frame 11 is assembled to the panel member (outer panel 90), thereby preventing or suppressing axial movement of the second fixing member (retainer 13) due to rotation of the first fixing member (nut 12) and falling off of the second fixing member (retainer 13).

[0066] (4) The vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment includes: the frame 11 includes a third surface (the surface of the panel abutment portion 20 facing the interior of the vehicle) that is located between the first surface (the panel abutment surface 201) and the second surface (the nut engagement surface 212) and faces the same side as the second surface (the nut engagement surface 212), The rotation regulating portion 43 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) has a movement 431 regulating portion that engages with the third surface to regulate movement of the second fixing member (retainer 13) in a direction in which it separates from the first fixing member (nut 12).

[0067] According to this embodiment, the movement restricting portion 431 of the rotation restricting portion 43 engages with the frame 11, which makes it easy to maintain a predetermined distance from the first surface (panel abutting surface 201) of the head portion 40. That is, in a configuration in which the panel member (outer panel 90) is clamped between the first fixing member (nut 12) and the retainer 13, before the panel member (outer panel 90) is clamped between the first fixing member (nut 12) and the second fixing member (retainer 13), it is necessary to keep the head portion 40 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) separated from the first surface (panel abutting surface 201) so that the panel member (outer panel 90) can be disposed between the head portion 40 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) and the end surface (nut end surface 301) of the first fixing member (nut 12). According to this embodiment, when the first fixing member (nut 12) is rotated to move the head 40 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) away from the first surface (panel abutment surface 201), the movement restricting portion 431 of the rotation restricting portion 43 engages with the frame 11, thereby positioning the second fixing member (retainer 13). This improves the workability of positioning the second fixing member (retainer 13). Furthermore, because the position of the second fixing member (retainer 13) is maintained, it is not necessary to readjust the position of the second fixing member (retainer 13) when assembling the frame 11 to the panel member (outer panel 90), thereby improving the workability of the assembly work.

[0068] (5) The vehicle door handle device 10 according to this embodiment includes: the frame 11 includes an upright portion 23 that protrudes from the first surface (the panel abutting surface 201) and is adjacent in a first direction to the male thread portion 41 of the second fixing member (retainer 13) that screws into the first fixing member (nut 12) accommodated in the accommodation hole 211, The dimensions of the standing portion 23 in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the axis of the male screw portion 41 are larger than the outer diameter of the male screw portion 41, When viewed in the first direction, the male thread portion 41 is located between both ends of the standing portion 23 in the second direction with respect to the second direction.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the male thread portion 41 of the second fixing member (retainer 13), which is a metal member, is prevented or suppressed from contacting the inner peripheral surface of the panel opening 91. Therefore, damage to the coating applied to the panel member (outer panel 90) is prevented or suppressed.

[0070] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be modified within the scope of the spirit thereof, and such modifications are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 10...vehicle door handle device, 11...frame, 12...nut (first fixing member), 13...retainer (second fixing member), 20...frame panel abutment portion, 201...frame panel abutment surface, 21...nut accommodating portion, 211...accommodating hole, 212...nut engagement surface, 22...nut holding portion, 221...nut engagement hook portion, 23...standing portion, 24...frame opening, 30...nut cylindrical portion, 301...nut end face (end face of cylindrical portion), 302...screw hole, 31...frame engaging portion, 311...rotation limiting portion, 32...operating portion, 321...tool hole, 40...retainer head, 401...standing portion engaging portion, 41...male thread portion, 43...rotation restricting portion, 431...movement restricting portion, 90...outer panel, 91...panel opening, 92...slit portion

Claims

1. A door handle device for a vehicle that is attached to a panel member that forms an exterior surface of a vehicle door, a frame formed of resin and disposed on the vehicle interior side of the panel member; a first fixing member including: a cylindrical portion formed of metal and having a screw hole exposed at an end surface; and a flange-shaped frame engaging portion located at an end of the cylindrical portion opposite the end surface and extending radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion; a second fixing member formed of metal and including a head, a male screw portion protruding from the head and provided with a screw that can be screwed into the screw hole of the first fixing member, and a rotation restricting portion that is provided on the head and can engage with the frame; And in preparation, the frame is provided with an accommodation hole that is a through hole that communicates between a first surface that is a surface facing the panel member and a second surface that is a surface opposite to the first surface, and is configured to be able to accommodate the tubular portion of the first fixing member; When the cylindrical portion of the first fixing member is accommodated in the accommodation hole, the end surface of the cylindrical portion is exposed to the first surface side of the frame, and the frame engaging portion of the first fixing member engages with the second surface of the frame, When the male thread portion of the second fixing member is threadedly engaged with the first fixing member accommodated in the accommodation hole, the rotation restricting portion engages with the frame, thereby restricting rotation of the second fixing member relative to the frame, A door handle device for a vehicle, configured so that when the male threaded portion of the second fixing member is threadedly engaged with the tubular portion of the first fixing member accommodated in the accommodation hole, the panel member is clamped between the end face of the tubular portion of the first fixing member and the head of the second fixing member, and the frame engaging portion of the first fixing member engages with the second surface of the frame to fix the frame to the panel member.

2. 2. The vehicle door handle device according to claim 1, the rotation restricting portion has a generally rod-shaped configuration that protrudes from the head toward the same side as the male thread portion, The frame is provided with an opening penetrating in the vehicle width direction, The rotation restricting portion engages with the opening, thereby restricting rotation of the second fixing member relative to the frame.

3. 2. The vehicle door handle device according to claim 1, A door handle device for a vehicle, wherein the frame engages with the opposite end of the frame engagement portion of the first fixing member accommodated in the accommodating hole to hold the first fixing member so that the first fixing member does not slip out of the accommodating hole, and the frame is provided with a nut holding portion that limits the rotation of the first fixing member relative to the frame.

4. 2. The vehicle door handle device according to claim 1, the frame has a third surface located between the first surface and the second surface and facing the same side as the second surface; A door handle device for a vehicle, wherein the rotation restricting portion of the second fixed member is equipped with a movement restricting portion that restricts movement of the second fixed member in a direction in which it separates from the first fixed member by engaging with the third surface.

5. 2. The vehicle door handle device according to claim 1, the frame includes an upright portion protruding from the first surface and adjacent in a first direction to the male thread portion of the second fixing member that screws into the first fixing member accommodated in the accommodation hole, a dimension of the erected portion in the first direction and a dimension of the erected portion in a second direction perpendicular to the axis of the male thread portion are larger than an outer diameter of the male thread portion; A door handle device for a vehicle, wherein, when viewed in the first direction, the male thread portion is located between both ends of the upright portion in the second direction with respect to the second direction.

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