Outside handle device

Abstract

To provide an outside handle device capable of improving the operability of a handle.SOLUTION: An outside handle device 50 includes: a connecting member 55 supported by a frame 53 so as to rotate around a support shaft S5 along a handle 51, connected to a mechanical unlatch mechanism 40, and causing the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 to operate when rotated in an unlocking direction 61 around the support shaft S5; and a regulating member 58 fixed to the frame 53 and regulating the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlocking direction 61. The handle 51 is movable from a position P1 which is a position of the handle 51 when a latch mechanism 20 is in a latched state, to a position P3 which is positioned further toward the outside of a door 10 than the position P1. The regulating member 58 restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlock direction 61 until the handle 51 moves from the position P1 to the position P3, and when the handle 51 moves to the position P3, releases the restriction on the connecting member 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an outside handle device provided on a door of a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Techniques relating to outside handle devices provided on vehicle doors are known (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a door handle device applied to a vehicle door that includes an electric actuator that drives an opening mechanism that sets a closed vehicle door to an openable state. The door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 normally unlatches using a touch sensor arranged on the handle, and in the event of an abnormality where the touch sensor does not respond, removes a pin that fixes the handle, thereby making the handle ready for unlatching. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-133371 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurs, the handle must be pulled in a different way from the normal operation. Therefore, the door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of handle operability.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and has an object to provide an outside handle device that can improve the operability of the handle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the outside handle device of the present invention is connected to an electric unlatch mechanism that electrically transitions a latch mechanism in a latched state in which a vehicle door is engaged with a vehicle body to an unlatched state in which the door is not engaged with the vehicle body, and a mechanical unlatch mechanism that mechanically transitions the latch mechanism to the unlatched state, and is an outside handle device that operates the electric unlatch mechanism or the mechanical unlatch mechanism, and includes a frame fixed to the inside of the door, a handle that is disposed on the outer surface of the door and supported by the frame, and has a touch sensor or switch on its inner surface that activates the electric unlatch mechanism, and a support shaft that rotates around the handle. The latch mechanism includes a connecting member that is rotatably supported by the frame, connected to the mechanical unlatch mechanism, and that activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism when rotated in a predetermined direction around the support shaft, and a regulating member that is fixed to the frame and regulates the rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction, wherein the handle is movable from a first position, which is the position of the handle in the latched state, to a second position that is located further outward from the door than the first position, and the regulating member regulates the rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction until the handle moves from the first position to the second position, and releases the regulation on the connecting member when the handle moves to the second position.

[0008] With this configuration, the outside handle device can activate the electric unlatch mechanism in response to the operation of pulling the handle when the electric unlatch mechanism normally operates, and can also prevent the mechanical unlatch mechanism from operating. Furthermore, in an abnormal situation where the electric unlatch mechanism does not normally operate, the outside handle device can activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism in response to the same operation as under normal circumstances, i.e., pulling the handle. Therefore, the outside handle device can perform a series of handle operations to transition the latch mechanism to the unlatched state under normal circumstances and under abnormal circumstances. As a result, the outside handle device can improve the operability of the handle.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the outside handle device further comprises: a biasing member that is supported by the frame and biases the connecting member so that the connecting member rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction; a slide member that extends from one end of the handle inward of the door and is supported by the frame and moves outward relative to the frame as the handle moves; and a protruding member that protrudes from the slide member in a direction intersecting the outward direction and moves outward relative to the frame as the slide member moves, and the protruding member is biased by the biasing member. The restricting member restricts the outward movement of the protruding member until the handle moves from the first position to the second position, and when the handle moves to the second position, the restriction on the protruding member is released, and when the restriction by the restricting member is released, the protruding member presses the connecting member outward as the sliding member moves outward, and when the connecting member is pressed outward by the protruding member, it rotates in the predetermined direction to activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism.

[0010] With this configuration, even with a simple configuration, the outside handle device can perform a series of handle operations to transition the latch mechanism to the unlatched state under normal and abnormal conditions, thereby easily improving the operability of the handle.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the regulating member is formed by a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end fixed to the frame, and the free end of the regulating member abuts against the protrusion member, thereby restricting the outward movement of the protrusion member. While the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, the free end of the regulating member abuts against the protrusion member, causing the regulating member to bend, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the abutment of the free end against the protrusion member is released, thereby releasing the restriction on the protrusion member.

[0012] With this configuration, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device can perform a series of handle operations to transition the latch mechanism to the unlatched state under normal and abnormal conditions, thereby further improving the operability of the outside handle device.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the free end is formed with a hook-shaped claw portion that intersects the inward direction and bends in a direction toward the protrusion member, and the claw portion has a first end face that is the end face in the inward direction, a second end face that is the end face in the direction toward the protrusion member, and a corner portion formed by the first end face and the second end face, and the regulating member releases the restriction on the protrusion member by causing the first end face or the corner portion to abut against the protrusion member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the first end face and the corner portion come off the protrusion member and the second end face abuts against the protrusion member.

[0014] With this configuration, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device can achieve a structure that gives the user a sense of control before and after the handle moves to the second position. In other words, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device can achieve a structure in which the operation of the handle to transition to the unlatched state is a series of operations in normal and abnormal situations, while giving the user a sense of control between the normal operation and the abnormal operation. Moreover, the outside handle device can make the operation of pulling the handle in an abnormal situation an operation that gives a powerful feeling, similar to pulling a fixed handle. Therefore, the outside handle device can further improve the operability of the handle.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the protruding member has a first inclined surface that is inclined toward the inward direction so as to face the first end face or the corner portion, and a second inclined surface that bends from the first inclined surface and inclined toward the inward direction so as to move away from the first end face as it progresses in the inward direction, and the regulating member has the first end face or the corner portion abutting against the first inclined surface while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the first end face or the corner portion disengages from the first inclined surface and the second end face abuts against the second inclined surface, the second end face inclining toward the inward direction along the second inclined surface, and the inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the inward direction is smaller than the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the inward direction.

[0016] With this configuration, the outside handle device can smoothly bring the second inclined surface of the protruding member and the second end surface of the restricting member into contact with each other by pushing the handle inward, and can easily return the protruding member and the restricting member to their latched state configurations. Thus, the outside handle device can further improve the operability of the handle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outside handle device that can improve the operability of the handle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with a door device to which an outside handle device is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the door device when the latch mechanism is in a latched state. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a view of the latch mechanism viewed along the support shaft. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the latch mechanism transitioning to an unlatched state by the electric unlatch mechanism. [Figure 5]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation in which the latch mechanism transitions to an unlatched state by the mechanical unlatch mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outside of the outside handle device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outside handle device. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line AA shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram illustrating the state of the outside handle device when the user pulls the handle outward from the state shown in FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating the state of the outside handle device when the user pulls the handle further outward from the state shown in FIG. 9 in an abnormal state. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components with the same reference numerals in each embodiment have the same functions in each embodiment unless otherwise specified, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] In this embodiment, the forward and backward directions of the vehicle are also referred to as the "forward direction" and the "rearward direction," respectively. The upward and downward directions of the vehicle are also referred to as the "upward direction" and the "downward direction," respectively. In a vehicle with the doors closed, the direction from inside the vehicle cabin to outside the vehicle cabin is also referred to as the "outward direction," and the direction from outside the vehicle cabin to inside the vehicle cabin is also referred to as the "inward direction."

[0021] In this embodiment, a side door device provided on the side of a vehicle will be described as an example of a door device to which the outside handle device is applied. However, the door device may also be a door device provided on the rear of the vehicle, for example.

[0022] [Door device] FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle 1 equipped with a door device 5 to which an outside handle device 50 is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of the door device 5 when the latch mechanism 20 is in a latched state. FIG. 3 is a diagram of the latch mechanism 20 viewed along the support shaft S1. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the electrical unlatch mechanism 30 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state.

[0023] 2, 4, and 5, for convenience of explanation, the perspective view showing the outside handle device 50 is drawn as a perspective view seen from a different direction from the perspective views showing the latch mechanism 20, the electric unlatch mechanism 30, and the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40. The door 10 is not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Components other than the connecting member 55 of the outside handle device 50 are not shown in FIGS.

[0024] The door device 5 includes a door 10, a latch mechanism 20, an electric unlatch mechanism 30, a mechanical unlatch mechanism 40, and an outside handle device 50.

[0025] The door 10 is, for example, a side door of a vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the front end of the door 10 is rotatably connected to an A-pillar 2a of a vehicle body 2 via a pair of upper and lower hinges 3. The door 10 includes a door outer panel and a door inner panel provided on the outer and inner sides of the vehicle 1 in the vehicle width direction, respectively. An internal space is formed between the door outer panel and the door inner panel.

[0026] The latch mechanism 20 includes a latch 21 that engages with a striker 4 provided on a B-pillar 2b of the vehicle body 2. In this embodiment, the state of the latch mechanism 20 in which the latch 21 is engaged with the striker 4 is also referred to as a "latched state." In this embodiment, the state of the latch mechanism 20 in which the latch 21 is not engaged with the striker 4 is also referred to as an "unlatched state." In the unlatched state, the door 10 is allowed to open. In the latched state, the door 10 is not allowed to open.

[0027] The latch 21 is rotatably supported via a support shaft S1 on a base member 22 provided at the rear end of the door 10. The latch 21 can rotate in a latching direction 23 in which it engages with the striker 4, and in an unlatch direction 24, which is the opposite direction to the latching direction 23. The latch 21 is biased by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown) so as to rotate in the unlatch direction 24. The latch 21 abuts against one end of a pole 25 included in the latch mechanism 20, and the rotation of the latch 21 in the unlatch direction 24 is restricted by this one end of the pole 25.

[0028] The pole 25 is rotatably supported on the base member 22 via a support shaft S2. The pole 25 can rotate in a locking direction 26, which restricts rotation of the latch 21 in the unlatch direction 24, and in an unlocking direction 27, which is the opposite direction to the locking direction 26. The pole 25 is biased to rotate in the locking direction 26 by a biasing member such as a spring (not shown). One end of the pole 25 abuts against the latch 21. The other end of the pole 25 abuts against one end of a lever 31 included in the electric unlatch mechanism 30. Rotation of the pole 25 in the locking direction 26 is restricted by one end of the lever 31.

[0029] The electric unlatch mechanism 30 electrically transitions the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state. The electric unlatch mechanism 30 includes an ECU 32 electrically connected to a touch sensor or switch 52 (hereinafter also referred to as the "sensor 52"), which will be described later, of the outside handle device 50. The sensor 52 detects an operation of the handle 51 by a user who owns the smart key and transmits an operation signal of the handle 51 to the ECU 32. Upon receiving the operation signal of the handle 51 transmitted from the sensor 52, the ECU 32 activates the electric actuator 33 included in the electric unlatch mechanism 30. The electric actuator 33 is, for example, configured by an electric motor having a screw gear formed on its output shaft. The screw gear of the electric actuator 33 meshes with a gear 34 having teeth formed on its outer circumferential surface and a protrusion 34a formed on its side. The protrusion 34a of the gear 34 abuts against the other end of the lever 31.

[0030] The lever 31 is rotatably supported on the base member 22 via a support shaft S3. The lever 31 can rotate in a locking direction 35, which is a direction in which the lever rotates in association with the rotation of the pole 25 in the locking direction 26, and in an unlocking direction 36, which is the opposite direction to the locking direction 35. One end of the lever 31 abuts against the other end of the pole 25. The other end of the lever 31 abuts against a protrusion 34a of the gear. The rotation of the lever 31 in the locking direction 35 is restricted by the protrusion 34a of the gear.

[0031] Here, referring to Figure 4, an operation of the electric unlatch mechanism 30 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state will be described. When an operation signal for the handle 51 is sent from the sensor 52 and the electric actuator 33 is activated, the electric actuator 33 rotates the gear 34. When the gear 34 rotates, the protrusion 34a of the gear 34 presses the other end of the lever 31 in the unlock direction 36. When the other end of the lever 31 is pressed in the unlock direction 36 by the protrusion 34a, the lever 31 rotates in the unlock direction 36, and the other end of the lever 31 presses the other end of the pawl 25 in the unlock direction 27. When the other end of the pawl 25 is pressed in the unlock direction 27 by the lever 31, the pawl 25 rotates in the unlock direction 27, and one end of the pawl 25 disengages from the latch 21. When one end of the pole 25 is released, the latch 21 rotates in the unlatch direction 24 due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and becomes disengaged from the striker 4. This allows the electric unlatch mechanism 30 to transition the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0032] The mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 is a mechanism that mechanically transitions the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state. As shown in FIG. 2 , the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 includes a first rod 41 connected to a connecting member 55 (described later) of the outside handle device 50. The connecting member 55 rotates around a support shaft S5 along the handle 51 in an unlocking direction 61 (a predetermined direction) or in a locking direction 60, which is the opposite direction, as the handle 51 moves outward or inward. The first rod 41 extends along the support shaft S5. One end of the first rod 41 is connected to the connecting member 55. The other end of the first rod 41 is connected to one end of the second rod 42. The first rod 41 rotates as the connecting member 55 rotates in the unlocking direction 61 or the locking direction 60.

[0033] The second rod 42 is formed to be long and extends obliquely downward toward the latch mechanism 20. One end of the second rod 42 is connected to the first rod 41 so as to be rotatable around the first rod 41. A bent portion 42a that is bent in a crank shape along a support shaft S4 is formed between one end and the other end of the second rod 42. The bent portion 42a of the second rod 42 is inserted into and abuts against a ring portion 43a of the ring-equipped lever 43. The second rod 42 moves downward or upward as the first rod 41 rotates in the unlocking direction 61 or the locking direction 60.

[0034] The ringed lever 43 is rotatably supported via a support shaft S4 relative to the base member 22. The ringed lever 43 can rotate in an unlocking direction 45, which is a direction in which the ringed lever rotates in association with downward movement of the second rod 42, and in a locking direction 44, which is the opposite direction to the unlocking direction 45. The ringed lever 43 may be biased by a biasing member (not shown) so as to rotate in the locking direction 44.

[0035] The ring-equipped lever 43 has a ring portion 43a and a lever portion 43b. The ring portion 43a abuts against the bent portion 42a of the second rod 42. The lever portion 43b extends from the ring portion 43a toward the other end of the pole 25. One end of the lever portion 43b is fixed to the ring portion 43a. The other end of the lever portion 43b is located directly below the other end of the pole 25.

[0036] Here, referring to Figure 5, an operation of the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state will be described. When the connecting member 55 rotates in the unlock direction 61 as the handle 51 moves outward, the first rod 41 rotates in the unlock direction 61. When the first rod 41 rotates in the unlock direction 61, the second rod 42 moves downward and presses the ring portion 43a downward. When the ring portion 43a is pressed downward, the lever portion 43b rotates in the unlock direction 45, and the other end of the lever portion 43b presses the other end of the pawl 25 in the unlock direction 27. When the other end of the pawl 25 is pressed in the unlock direction 27 by the lever 31, the pawl 25 rotates in the unlock direction 27, and one end of the pawl 25 disengages from the latch 21. When one end of the pole 25 is released, the latch 21 rotates in the unlatch direction 24 due to the biasing force of the biasing member, and becomes disengaged from the striker 4. This allows the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 to transition the latch mechanism 20 from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0037] [Outside handle device] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the outside of the outside handle device 50. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outside handle device 50. Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line AA shown in Fig. 6.

[0038] The outside handle device 50 is connected to the electric unlatch mechanism 30 and the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40, and is a device that activates the electric unlatch mechanism 30 or the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40. Under normal circumstances, when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 operates normally, the outside handle device 50 can activate the electric unlatch mechanism 30 to transition the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state. Under abnormal circumstances, when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 does not operate normally, the outside handle device 50 can activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 to transition the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[0039] The outside handle device 50 includes a handle 51 , a sensor 52 , a frame 53 , a slide member 54 , a connecting member 55 , a biasing member 56 , a protruding member 57 , and a restricting member 58 .

[0040] The frame 53 is fixed to the inside of the door 10. The frame 53 is positioned above and in front of the base member 22 of the door 10. The frame 53 supports the handle 51. The frame 53 is composed of a first frame 531 that supports one end 51a of the handle 51 and a second frame 532 that supports the other end 51b of the handle 51. The frame 53 does not require a frame that supports the area between the one end 51a and the other end 51b of the handle 51. This allows the outside handle device 50 to have a smaller and lighter frame 53.

[0041] The first frame 531 supports one end 51a of the handle 51. The first frame 531 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-rear and up-down directions. The first frame 531 has a guide rail portion 531a and a holder portion 531b. The guide rail portion 531a extends inward from the center of the first frame 531 in the front-rear direction. The guide rail portion 531a is formed in a plate shape extending in the inward-outward and up-down directions. The guide rail portion 531a supports the slide member 54 so that it can move in the inward-outward direction, and guides the movement of the slide member 54. The holder portion 531b holds the key cylinder. The holder portion 531b is arranged on the opposite side in the front-rear direction from the surface of the guide rail portion 531a that supports the slide member 54.

[0042] The second frame 532 supports the other end 51b of the handle 51. The second frame 532 is formed in a rectangular shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. The second frame 532 is disposed forward of the first frame 531. A foldable hinge part 533 that can be unfolded outward is attached to the second frame 532. The other end 51b of the handle 51 is connected to the tip of the hinge part 533.

[0043] The handle 51 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape that extends in the front-rear direction and curves outward. The handle 51 is disposed on the outer surface of the door 10. One end 51a of the handle 51 is supported by the first frame 531 via a slide member 54. The other end 51b of the handle 51 is supported by the second frame 532 via a hinge part 533. Intermediate portions 51c of the one end 51a and the other end 51b of the handle 51 are disposed with a gap in the outward direction relative to the outer surface of the door 10. A user's hand that operates the handle 51 is inserted into this gap.

[0044] A sensor 52 that activates the electric unlatch mechanism 30 is provided on the inner surface of the middle portion 51c of the handle 51. The sensor 52 is configured with a touch sensor or a switch. The elements, circuit board, etc. of the sensor 52 are arranged inside the handle 51. A signal cable, etc. of the sensor 52 is wired from the inside of the handle 51 to the other end 51b of the handle 51 and connected to the ECU 32. The sensor 52 detects an operation of pulling the handle 51 by a user who owns a smart key, and transmits an operation signal of the handle 51 to the ECU 32. Whether the operator of the handle 51 is a user who owns a smart key may be determined by the ECU 32, etc. that controls the smart key system (also called a smart entry system) of the vehicle 1.

[0045] The slide member 54 is formed in a plate shape extending inward from one end 51a of the handle 51. The slide member 54 may be formed integrally with the one end 51a of the handle 51. The slide member 54 fits into the guide rail portion 531a of the first frame 531. The slide member 54 is supported by the guide rail portion 531a so as to be movable inward and outward. As the handle 51 moves outward or inward, the slide member 54 moves outward or inward relative to the guide rail portion 531a.

[0046] The connecting member 55 is a member that is connected to the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40. The connecting member 55 is configured by, for example, a bell crank. The connecting member 55 is supported by the first frame 531. The connecting member 55 is arranged adjacent to the slide member 54 in the front-to-rear direction. The connecting member 55 has a connecting hole 55a into which the first rod 41 of the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 is inserted. The connecting hole 55a is arranged at the upper end of the connecting member 55 above the support shaft S5. The lower end 55b of the connecting member 55 is located below the support shaft S5 and abuts against the overhang member 57.

[0047] The connecting member 55 is rotatably supported by the first frame 531 via a support shaft S5. The support shaft S5 is disposed along the handle 51 and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The connecting member 55 rotates around the support shaft S5 in an unlocking direction 61 (a predetermined direction) or a locking direction 60 (a direction opposite to the predetermined direction) as the handle 51 moves outward or inward. When the connecting member 55 rotates in the unlocking direction 61, it activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40.

[0048] The biasing member 56 biases the connecting member 55 so that the connecting member 55 rotates in the locking direction 60. The biasing member 56 is formed of, for example, a spring or the like. The biasing member 56 is supported by the first frame 531.

[0049] The overhanging member 57 is formed in a plate shape that overhangs from the slide member 54 in a direction intersecting the outward direction (for example, forward). The overhanging member 57 may be formed integrally with the slide member 54. The overhanging member 57 moves outward or inward relative to the guide rail portion 531a as the slide member 54 moves outward or inward. The overhanging member 57 is disposed inside the lower end portion 55b of the connecting member 55, and abuts against the lower end portion 55b of the connecting member 55. The overhanging member 57 restricts rotation of the connecting member 55, which is biased by the biasing member 56, in the locking direction 60. The outward movement of the overhanging member 57 is restricted by a restricting member 58.

[0050] The restricting member 58 is a member that restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlocking direction 61 via the overhanging member 57. The restricting member 58 is fixed to the first frame 531. The restricting member 58 may be formed integrally with the first frame 531. The restricting member 58 is arranged adjacent to the slide member 54 in the overhanging direction of the overhanging member 57 from the slide member 54. The restricting member 58 is arranged below the lower end portion 55b of the connecting member 55. The restricting member 58 is arranged outward of the overhanging member 57.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, the restricting member 58 is configured by a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end 58a fixed to the first frame 531. That is, the outer end of the restricting member 58 is the fixed end 58a, and the inner end of the restricting member 58 is a free end 58b. The free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against the overhanging member 57. The restricting member 58 restricts the outward movement of the overhanging member 57 by having the free end 58b abut against the overhanging member 57. By restricting the outward movement of the overhanging member 57, the restricting member 58 restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlocking direction 61.

[0052] A hook-shaped claw portion 58c is formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58, which intersects inward and bends in a direction (e.g., upward) toward the overhanging member 57. The claw portion 58c has a first end face 58d that is the end face facing inward, a second end face 58e that is the end face facing the overhanging member 57, and a corner portion 58f formed by the first end face 58d and the second end face 58e. The first end face 58d or the corner portion 58f abuts against the overhanging member 57. The second end face 58e is inclined inward along a second inclined surface 57c of the overhanging member 57, which will be described later.

[0053] The protruding member 57 has a contact surface 57a that is perpendicular to the inward / outward direction and contacts the connecting member 55, a first inclined surface 57b that is inclined inward so as to face the first end face 58d or the corner 58f, and a second inclined surface 57c that bends from the first inclined surface 57b and is inclined inward so as to move away from the first end face 58d of the protruding member 57 as it extends inward. The first inclined surface 57b of the protruding member 57 abuts against the first end face 58d or the corner 58f. The inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 57c with respect to the inward direction is smaller than the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 57b with respect to the inward direction.

[0054] The operation of the outside handle device 50 will be described using Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the state of the outside handle device 50 when the latch mechanism 20 is in the latched state. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the state of the outside handle device 50 when the user pulls the handle 51 outward from the state shown in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the state of the outside handle device 50 when the user pulls the handle 51 further outward from the state shown in Figure 9 in the event of an abnormality. Note that Figures 9 and 10 correspond to Figure 8.

[0055] Here, as shown in Fig. 8, the position of the handle 51 before the user pulls the handle 51 when the door 10 is closed is defined as position P1 (first position). As shown in Fig. 9, the position of the handle 51 when the user pulls the handle 51 outward from the position shown in Fig. 8 is defined as position P2. As shown in Fig. 10, the position of the handle 51 when the user pulls the handle 51 further outward from the position shown in Fig. 9 in the event of an abnormality is defined as position P3 (second position).

[0056] Position P1 is the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 is in a latched state. Position P2 can be the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 transitions to the unlatched state due to operation of the electric unlatch mechanism 30 under normal circumstances when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 operates normally, as will be described later. Position P3 can be the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 transitions to the unlatched state due to operation of the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 under abnormal circumstances when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 does not operate normally, as will be described later. Position P2 is located outward from position P1. Position P3 is located outward from positions P1 and P2. The handle 51 can move from position P1 to position P3 via position P2.

[0057] When the latch mechanism 20 is in the latched state, the handle 51 is located at position P1 as shown in FIG. 8 . In this state, one end 51a and the other end 51b of the handle 51 are disposed on the outer surface of the door 10. The handle 51 is positioned along the outer surface of the door 10. The slide member 54 and the extension member 57 are in a state prior to being moved outward. A first end surface 58d or a corner 58f formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against a first inclined surface 57b of the extension member 57. The connecting member 55 is biased by the biasing member 56 to rotate in the locking direction 60, and abuts against the abutment surface 57a of the extension member 57.

[0058] When the user pulls the handle 51 outward from the position shown in FIG. 8, the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P2 as shown in FIG. 9. In this case, one end 51a of the handle 51 moves slightly outward compared to the position shown in FIG. 8. The other end 51b of the handle 51 moves farther outward compared to the position shown in FIG. 8 as the hinge parts 533 unfold. The other end 51b of the handle 51 is now farther from the outer surface of the door 10 than the one end 51a. The handle 51 is in an inclined position relative to the outer surface of the door 10.

[0059] In the case shown in FIG. 9, the slide member 54 and the overhang member 57 move slightly outward compared to the case shown in FIG. 8 in response to the outward movement of the one end 51a of the handle 51. However, the first end face 58d or the corner 58f formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against the first inclined surface 57b of the overhang member 57, restricting the outward movement of the slide member 54 and the overhang member 57. At this time, the restricting member 58 is pressed outward by the first inclined surface 57b of the overhang member 57, and therefore can bend downward (in the direction opposite to the direction in which the claw portion 58c moves toward the overhang member 57) with the fixed end 58a as a fulcrum. Because the outward movement of the slide member 54 and the overhang member 57 is restricted by the restricting member 58, the abutting surface 57a of the overhang member 57 cannot press the lower end 55b of the connecting member 55 to an extent that would cause the connecting member 55 to rotate in the unlocking direction 61. Therefore, the connecting member 55 does not rotate in the unlocking direction 61 and does not activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 .

[0060] 9, under normal circumstances when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 operates normally, an operation signal from the sensor 52 to the handle 51 is transmitted, and the electric unlatch mechanism 30 can be activated. This causes the latch mechanism 20 to transition to the unlatched state. On the other hand, under abnormal circumstances when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 does not operate normally, the latch mechanism 20 does not transition to the unlatched state.

[0061] However, in the outside handle device 50 of this embodiment, the user can shift the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state by pulling the handle 51 further outward from the state shown in FIG.

[0062] If the user further pulls the handle 51 outward from the position shown in FIG. 9, the handle 51 moves from position P2 to position P3 as shown in FIG. 10. In this case, one end 51a of the handle 51 moves outward from the position shown in FIG. 9. The other end 51b of the handle 51 moves outward unless the hinge part 533 is fully extended in the position shown in FIG. 9. The handle 51 is in a state where both the one end 51a and the other end 51b are significantly separated from the outer surface of the door 10. The handle 51 assumes a position along the front-to-rear direction.

[0063] In the case shown in FIG. 10 , the first end surface 58d or corner 58f formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 comes off the first inclined surface 57b of the overhang member 57. The restricting member 58, which had been bent downward, returns to its original position by moving upward. Then, the second end surface 58e formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 comes into contact with the second inclined surface 57c of the overhang member 57. The free end 58b is no longer abutting against the overhang member 57. As a result, the restricting member 58 releases the restriction on the outward movement of the overhang member 57.

[0064] When the restriction by the restricting member 58 is released, the abutment surface 57a of the protruding member 57 moves outward in conjunction with the outward movement of the slide member 54, and presses the connecting member 55 outward. When pressed outward by the protruding member 57, the connecting member 55 rotates in the unlocking direction 61, actuating the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40. This causes the latch mechanism 20 to transition to the unlatched state.

[0065] If the user further pulls the handle 51 outward from the position shown in FIG. 10 , the handle 51 moves further outward from position P3, and the door 10 is completely opened. In this case, the second end surface 58e formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 disengages from the second inclined surface 57c of the overhanging member 57. The overhanging member 57 then moves outward beyond the claw portion 58c of the restricting member 58. However, the second end surface 58e of the restricting member 58 is inclined inward along the second inclined surface 57c of the overhanging member 57. In addition, the inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 57c of the overhanging member 57 relative to the inward direction is smaller than the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 57b of the overhanging member 57 relative to the inward direction. This allows the second inclined surface 57c of the overhanging member 57 and the second end surface 58e of the restricting member 58 to smoothly abut against each other when the user pushes the handle 51 inward. Therefore, when the user pushes the handle 51 inward, the protrusion member 57 and the regulating member 58 can easily return to the arrangement shown in Figure 8, in which the first inclined surface 57b of the protrusion member 57 abuts against the first end surface 58d or corner 58f of the regulating member 58.

[0066] [Action and effect] As described above, the outside handle device 50 of this embodiment is connected to the electric unlatch mechanism 30 that electrically transitions the latch mechanism 20, which is in a latched state in which the vehicle door 10 is engaged with the vehicle body 2, to an unlatched state in which the door 10 is not engaged with the vehicle body 2, and the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 that mechanically transitions the latch mechanism 20 to an unlatched state. The outside handle device 50 activates the electric unlatch mechanism 30 or the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40. The outside handle device 50 includes a frame 53 fixed to the interior of the door 10 and a handle 51 that is disposed on the outer surface of the door 10 and supported by the frame 53, and has a sensor 52 that activates the electric unlatch mechanism 30 on its inner surface. The outside handle device 50 is supported by the frame 53 to be rotatable about a spindle S5 along the handle 51, and includes a connecting member 55 that is connected to the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 and activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 when rotated about the spindle S5 in the unlocking direction 61 (a predetermined direction). The outside handle device 50 is fixed to the frame 53 and includes a restricting member 58 that restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlocking direction 61. The handle 51 is movable from a position P1 (first position), which is the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 is in a latched state, to a position P3 (second position), which is located further outward from the door 10 than position P1. The restricting member 58 restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlocking direction 61 until the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P3, and releases the restriction on the connecting member 55 when the handle 51 moves to position P3.

[0067] As a result, the outside handle device 50 can activate the electric unlatch mechanism 30 in response to the operation of pulling the handle 51 during normal operation when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 operates normally, and can also prevent the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 from operating. Furthermore, during an abnormality when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 does not operate normally, the outside handle device 50 can activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 in response to the same operation as during normal operation, i.e., pulling the handle 51. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can perform a series of operations of the handle 51 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state during normal operation and during an abnormality. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can improve the operability of the handle 51.

[0068] Furthermore, the outside handle device 50 includes a biasing member 56 that is supported by the frame 53 and biases the connecting member 55 so that the connecting member 55 rotates in a locking direction 60, which is the opposite direction to the unlocking direction 61. The outside handle device 50 includes a slide member 54 that extends from one end 51a of the handle 51 toward the inside of the door 10, is supported by the frame 53, and moves outward relative to the frame 53 as the handle 51 moves. The outside handle device 50 also includes an overhanging member 57 that overhangs from the slide member 54 in a direction intersecting the outward direction and moves outward relative to the frame 53 as the slide member 54 moves. The overhanging member 57 restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55, which is biased by the biasing member 56, in the locking direction 60. The restricting member 58 restricts the outward movement of the overhanging member 57 while the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P3, and releases the restriction on the overhanging member 57 when the handle 51 moves to position P3. When the restriction by the restricting member 58 is released, the protruding member 57 presses the connecting member 55 outward as the slide member 54 moves outward. When the connecting member 55 is pressed outward by the protruding member 57, it rotates in the unlocking direction 61 and activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40.

[0069] As a result, even with a simple configuration, the outside handle device 50 can perform a series of operations on the handle 51 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state under normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can easily improve the operability of the handle 51.

[0070] Furthermore, in the outside handle device 50, the restricting member 58 is configured as a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end 58a fixed to the frame 53, and restricts the outward movement of the overhang member 57 by having a free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abut against the overhang member 57. While the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P2, the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against the overhang member 57, causing the restricting member 58 to bend, and when the handle 51 moves to position P3, the abutment of the free end 58b against the overhang member 57 is released, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member 57.

[0071] As a result, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device 50 can perform a series of operations on the handle 51 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state under normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can further easily improve the operability of the handle 51.

[0072] Furthermore, in the outside handle device 50, a hook-shaped claw portion 58c is formed on the free end 58b, which intersects inward and bends in a direction toward the overhang member 57. The claw portion 58c has a first end face 58d that is an end face facing inward, a second end face 58e that is an end face facing the overhang member 57, and a corner portion 58f formed by the first end face 58d and the second end face 58e. When the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P3, the first end face 58d or the corner portion 58f of the restricting member 58 abuts against the overhang member 57, and when the handle 51 moves to position P3, the first end face 58d and the corner portion 58f come off the overhang member 57 and the second end face 58e abuts against the overhang member 57, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member 57.

[0073] As a result, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device 50 can realize a structure that gives the user a sense of control before and after the handle 51 moves to position P3. In other words, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device 50 can realize a structure that allows the operation of the handle 51 to transition to the unlatched state to be a series of operations in normal and abnormal conditions, while giving the user a sense of control between the normal operation and the abnormal operation. Moreover, the outside handle device 50 can make the operation of the handle 51 in an abnormal condition an operation that gives a powerful feeling, as if pulling the fixed handle 51. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can further improve the operability of the handle 51.

[0074] Furthermore, the protruding member 57 has a first inclined surface 57b inclined inward to face the first end surface 58d or the corner 58f, and a second inclined surface 57c bent inward from the first inclined surface 57b and inclined inward so as to move away from the first end surface 58d as it moves inward. When the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P3, the first end surface 58d or the corner 58f of the restricting member 58 abuts against the first inclined surface 57b. When the handle 51 moves to position P3, the first end surface 58d or the corner 58f disengages from the first inclined surface 57b, and the second end surface 58e abuts against the second inclined surface 57c. The second end surface 58e is inclined inward along the second inclined surface 57c. The inclination angle θ2 of the second inclined surface 57c relative to the inward direction is smaller than the inclination angle θ1 of the first inclined surface 57b relative to the inward direction.

[0075] As a result, the outside handle device 50 can smoothly bring the second inclined surface 57c of the protruding member 57 and the second end surface 58e of the restricting member 58 into contact with each other by pushing the handle 51 inward, and can easily return the protruding member 57 and the restricting member 58 to their arrangement configuration in the latched state. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can further improve the operability of the handle 51.

[0076] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as defined in the claims. In the present invention, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1...vehicle, 2...vehicle body, 4...striker, 10...door, 20...latch mechanism, 30...electrical unlatch mechanism, 40...mechanical unlatch mechanism, 50...outside handle device, 51...handle, 51a...one end, 52...sensor, 53...frame, 54...slide member, 55...connecting member, 56...urging member, 57...extending member, 57b...first inclined surface, 57c...second inclined surface, 58...regulating member, 58a...fixed end, 58b...free end, 58c...claw portion, 58d...first end face, 58e...second end face, 58f...corner portion, 60...locking direction (reverse direction), 61...unlocking direction (predetermined direction), θ1...inclination angle, θ2...inclination angle, P1...position (first position), P3...position (second position), S5...support shaft

Claims

1. An outside handle device connected to an electric unlatch mechanism that electrically transitions a latch mechanism in a latched state in which a vehicle door is engaged with a vehicle body to an unlatched state in which the door is not engaged with the vehicle body, and a mechanical unlatch mechanism that mechanically transitions the latch mechanism to the unlatched state, and that operates the electric unlatch mechanism or the mechanical unlatch mechanism, a frame fixed to the interior of the door; a handle disposed on the outer surface of the door and supported by the frame, the handle having a touch sensor or switch on its inner surface for activating the electric unlatch mechanism; a connecting member that is supported by the frame so as to be rotatable about a support shaft along the handle, that is connected to the mechanical unlatch mechanism, and that activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism when rotated about the support shaft in a predetermined direction; a restricting member fixed to the frame and configured to restrict rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction; a biasing member supported by the frame and biasing the connecting member so that the connecting member rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction; a slide member that extends from one end of the handle inward of the door, is supported by the frame, and moves outward of the door relative to the frame as the handle moves; a protruding member that protrudes from the slide member in a direction intersecting the outward direction and moves in the outward direction relative to the frame as the slide member moves, the handle is movable from a first position, which is a position of the handle in the latched state, to a second position, which is located in the outward direction from the first position; the restricting member restricts the rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction until the handle moves from the first position to the second position, and releases the restriction on the connecting member when the handle moves to the second position; the protruding member restricts the rotation of the connecting member biased by the biasing member in the reverse direction, the restricting member restricts the outward movement of the protruding member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and releases the restriction on the protruding member when the handle is moving to the second position; When the restriction by the restricting member is released, the overhanging member presses the connecting member in the outward direction as the sliding member moves in the outward direction, When the connecting member is pressed outward by the protruding member, it rotates in the predetermined direction to activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism. An outside handle device characterized by the above.

2. the restricting member is configured by a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end fixed to the frame, and a free end of the restricting member abuts against the protruding member to restrict the outward movement of the protruding member; The restricting member bends as the free end abuts against the overhang member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the abutment of the free end against the overhang member is released, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member.

2. The outside handle device according to claim 1.

3. a hook-shaped claw portion is formed at the free end, the hook-shaped claw portion intersecting the inward direction and bending in a direction toward the protruding member; the claw portion has a first end surface which is an end surface in the inward direction, a second end surface which is an end surface in a direction toward the protruding member, and a corner portion formed by the first end surface and the second end surface, The first end surface or the corner portion of the regulating member abuts against the protruding member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the first end surface and the corner portion come off the protruding member and the second end surface abuts against the protruding member, thereby releasing the restriction on the protruding member.

3. The outside handle device according to claim 2.

4. the protruding member has a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the inward direction so as to face the first end surface or the corner portion, and a second inclined surface bent from the first inclined surface so as to move away from the first end surface as it advances in the inward direction and is inclined with respect to the inward direction, the first end surface or the corner portion of the regulating member abuts against the first inclined surface while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moving to the second position, the first end surface or the corner portion comes off the first inclined surface and the second end surface abuts against the second inclined surface; the second end surface is inclined with respect to the inner direction along the second inclined surface, The inclination angle of the second inclined surface with respect to the inward direction is smaller than the inclination angle of the first inclined surface with respect to the inward direction.

4. The outside handle device according to claim 3.

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