Vehicle door handle device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle door handle device capable of reducing the number of components.SOLUTION: A vehicle door handle device 1 includes a handle case 3 which has a hole 25a, a cylinder lock which is arranged to face the hole 25a and switches a door lock device between a lock state and an unlock state, a cover member 170 which is turnably journaled to the handle case 3 and can be switched between a covering state of covering a key hole of the cylinder lock and an exposing state of exposing the key hole by turning at the hole 25a, a lever member 190 for opening a latch of the door lock device, and an energizing member 200 for energizing the lever member 190 to an initial position. The cover member 170 includes an operation part 173 for operating the lever member 190 by rotation from the covering state to the exposing state, and the energizing member 200 rotates the cover member 170 from the exposing state to the covering state through the operation part 173 when returning the operated lever member 190 to the initial position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle door handle device including a cover member (flap) that covers the keyhole of a cylinder lock. In such a vehicle door handle device, the flap is pivotally supported with respect to the housing, and by pushing one end of the flap, the flap rotates and the keyhole is exposed so that a key can be inserted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle door handle device described in Patent Document 1, in order to open the door, it is necessary to insert and rotate a key into the cylinder lock in a state where the flap is pushed open, and then operate the handle to activate a lever member to release the latch. Further, the handle is operated while holding down the flap that is biased in the initial position direction by a spring so that it does not return to the initial position. Therefore, a spring for biasing the flap in the initial position direction and a spring for biasing the lever member in the initial position direction are required, increasing the number of parts.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle door handle device capable of reducing the number of parts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a vehicle door handle device comprising: a handle case having a hole; a cylinder lock portion positioned facing the hole and for switching the door lock device between a locked state and an unlocked state; a cover member rotatably supported on the handle case and capable of switching by rotation between a covered state that covers the keyhole of the cylinder lock portion and an exposed state that exposes it in the hole; a lever member for opening the latch portion of the door lock device; and a biasing member for biasing the lever member to its initial position, wherein the cover member includes an operating portion that operates the lever member by rotating from the covered state to the exposed state, and the biasing member, when returning the operated lever member to its initial position, rotates the cover member from the exposed state to the covered state via the operating portion. When rotated, the operating part is in contact with the lever member, and at least one of the contact portions of the operating part and the lever member exhibits a curved shape when viewed along the axis of rotation. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the number of parts in a vehicle door handle device can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing a vehicle door system equipped with a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view showing a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a side door equipped with a vehicle door handle device, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the case component as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the case component as seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Figure 2. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the cover component as seen from the outside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the cover component as seen from the inside in the vehicle width direction. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram (enlarged view of the main part) showing a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction, with the cover member in a closed state. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction, with the cover member in a closed state. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram (enlarged view of the main part) showing a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction, with the cover member in an open state. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram (enlarged view of the main part) showing a vehicle door handle device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the inside in the vehicle width direction, with the cover member in an open state. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, with reference to the drawings as appropriate, using as an example the case in which the vehicle door handle device of the present invention is applied to the side door for the left front seat (driver's seat in a left-hand drive vehicle) of a vehicle. In the reference drawings, "front and rear" refers to the front and rear direction in the direction of travel of the vehicle, i.e., the front and rear direction of the vehicle body, and "left and right" refers to the left and right direction (vehicle width direction) as seen from the driver's seat. Such expressions regarding direction are based on the state in which the side door is closed.

[0010] <Door System> As shown in FIG. 1, the door system A according to an embodiment of the present invention is a system for switching the locked state / unlocked state of the side door 2 (see FIG. 3) or switching the latch locked state / latch released state of the unlocked side door 2 when the side door 2 is closed. The side door 2 is a door that can open and close an opening formed on the side surface of the vehicle body with the front end portion of the side door 2 as a rotation axis (hinge). The door system A includes a control unit A1, a door lock device A2, and a vehicle door handle device 1.

[0011] <Control unit> The control unit A1 is a so-called ECU (Electrical Control Unit) composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an input / output circuit, etc. The control unit A1 acquires a control signal output from the vehicle door handle device 1 and controls the door lock device A2 based on the acquired control signal.

[0012] <Door lock device> The door lock device A2 includes a latch portion A21, a latch operating portion A22, a lock portion A23, and a lock operating portion A24.

[0013] ≪Latch portion≫ The latch portion A21 is a latch mechanism configured to be able to switch between a latch locked state in which the closed side door 2 and the vehicle body are locked to each other and a latch released state in which the locking between the closed side door 2 and the vehicle body is released.

[0014] ≪Latch operating portion≫ The latch operating portion A22 is composed of a motor or the like and switches the state of the latch portion A21 between the latch locked state and the latch released state based on the control of the control unit A1.

[0015] ≪Lock portion≫ The locking mechanism A23 is configured to switch between a locked state in which the latch cannot be switched from the latch-locked state to the latch-open state, and an unlocked state in which the latch can be switched from the latch-locked state to the latch-open state, when the side door 2 is closed and the latching mechanism A21 is in the latch-locked state.

[0016] ≪Locking mechanism≫ The locking mechanism A24 is composed of a motor and the like, and switches the state of the locking mechanism A23 between a locked state and an unlocked state based on the control of the control unit A1.

[0017] <Vehicle door handle device> As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vehicle door handle device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed between the outer panel 2a and the inner panel 2b that constitute the side door 2. As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle door handle device 1 comprises a handle case 3, a switch unit 4, a sensor unit 5, a cylinder lock unit 6 (see Figure 10), a cover unit 7, and a lever unit 8.

[0018] <Handle Case> The handle case 3 is the part that a user outside the vehicle grasps when opening and closing the side door 2. The handle case 3 comprises a base member 10, a case member 20, a gasket 30, and a molding 40.

[0019] ≪Base component≫ The base member 10 is a resin member that constitutes the main part of the handle case 3. The base member 10 integrally comprises a rectangular frame portion 11, a switch mounting portion 12, a cylinder lock mounting portion 13, a lever mounting portion 14, a sensor installation portion 15, and an opening 16 formed inside the frame portion 11, and a plurality (four in this embodiment) of flange portions 17 formed outside the frame portion 11.

[0020] (Frame) The frame portion 11 integrally comprises an upper edge portion 11a and a lower edge portion 11b that are spaced apart vertically from each other and extend in the front-rear direction, a front edge portion 11c that connects the front ends of the upper edge portion 11a and the lower edge portion 11b, and a rear edge portion 11d that connects the rear ends of the upper edge portion 11a and the lower edge portion 11b.

[0021] (Switch mounting area) The switch mounting portion 12 is the part to which the switch portion 4 is attached. The switch mounting portion 12 extends downward from the middle of the upper edge portion 11a in the vehicle width direction of the frame portion 11. The switch mounting portion 12 is inclined outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes downward. A rectangular opening 12a is formed in the switch mounting portion 12.

[0022] (Cylinder lock mounting section) The cylinder lock mounting portion 13 is the part to which the cylinder lock portion 6 is attached. The cylinder lock mounting portion 13 extends forward from the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the rear edge portion 11d of the frame portion 11. The cylinder lock mounting portion 13 has a cylindrical portion 13a that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction. The cylindrical portion 13a is inclined to move forward as it goes outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] (Lever mounting section) The lever mounting portion 14 is the part to which the lever portion 8 is attached. The lever mounting portion 14 extends upward from the inner end in the vehicle width direction of the lower edge portion 11b (rear portion) of the frame portion 11. The lever mounting portion 14 has a cylindrical portion 14a that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] (Sensor installation area) The sensor mounting section 15 is the part that covers the sensor section 5 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The sensor mounting section 15 extends upward from the outer end in the vehicle width direction of the lower edge 11b (front part) of the frame section 11.

[0025] (Opening) The opening 16 is a rectangular frame-shaped area surrounded by the upper switch mounting portion 12, the rear cylinder lock mounting portion 13, the rear lower lever mounting portion 14, and the lower sensor mounting portion 15. The user can open and close the side door 2 by inserting their hand into the opening 16 and grasping the upper edge of the opening 16.

[0026] (Flange section) The flange portion 17 extends outward from the inner ends in the vehicle width direction of the four corners of the frame portion 11. The flange portion 17 is attached to the inner panel 2b of the side door 2 using a collar C1 and bolts (not shown).

[0027] Case components The case member 20 is a resin member that, in cooperation with the base member 10, constitutes a closed space (housing) on ​​the inside of the opening 16 in the vehicle width direction. The case member 20 is attached to the base member 10 using screw tapping T1. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the case member 20 integrally comprises a slanted wall portion 21, an inner wall portion 22 extending upward from the upper end of the slanted wall portion 21, and a lower wall portion 23 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the slanted wall portion 21. The case member 20 also integrally comprises a front wall portion 24 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the front end of the slanted wall portion 21, and a rear wall portion 25 extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the rear ends of the slanted wall portion 21 and the inner wall portion 22.

[0028] The inclined wall portion 21 is the part that faces the opening 16 when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and it is inclined so that it moves inward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward.

[0029] The inner wall portion 22 is the part that faces the switch mounting portion 12 when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] The lower wall portion 23 is inclined downwards as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the lower wall portion 23 is connected to the lower end of the front wall portion 24, and the rear end of the lower wall portion 23 is connected to the lower end of the rear wall portion 25. The front end of the lower wall portion 23 abuts against the upper end of the sensor mounting portion 15. The lower wall portion 23 has a hole portion 23a and a mark portion 23b formed therein.

[0031] The rear wall portion 25 is inclined to move rearward as it extends outward in the vehicle width direction. A hole 25a is formed in the rear wall portion 25 at a position that overlaps with the cylinder lock mounting portion 13 (see Figure 4) when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction. On the inner surface of the rear wall portion 25 in the vehicle width direction, a pin mounting portion 25b is formed slightly forward of the midpoint in the front-rear direction at the upper and lower edges of the hole portion 25a. The pin mounting portion 25b is a cylindrical portion through which the pin 160, described later, is inserted.

[0032] Gasket As shown in Figure 4, the gasket 30 is a rectangular frame-shaped resin member that covers the outer edge of the opening 16 in the vehicle width direction. The gasket 30 is attached to the base member 10 by means of claws formed on the gasket 30 engaging with holes formed in the base member 10, or by claws formed on the base member 10 engaging with holes in flanges formed on the gasket 30.

[0033] Molding The molding 40 is a rectangular frame-shaped resin member that is attached to the gasket 30 so as to protrude outward from the gasket 30 in the vehicle width direction. The molding 40 is softer (has elasticity) than the gasket 30 and contacts the outer panel 2a of the side door 2 (see Figure 3).

[0034] <Switch section> The switch unit 4 is a switch that electrically operates the latch operating unit A22 (see Figure 1) of the door lock device A2 through user operation. The switch unit 4 comprises a case 50, a tact switch 60, a slider 70, a button 80, and a seal 90.

[0035] ≪Case≫ The case 50 is a box-shaped resin component attached to the outside of the switch mounting portion 12 in the vehicle width direction, covering the opening 12a. The case 50 is attached to the switch mounting portion 12 using screw tapping T2. A hole 50a is formed in the case 50.

[0036] ≪Tactile Switch≫ The tact switch 60 is housed within the case 50 and is electrically connected to the control unit A1 (see Figure 1) via external wiring (not shown) passing through a hole 50a in the case 50.

[0037] Slider The slider 70 is a resin component housed within the case 50 so as to be slidable in the vehicle width direction. A biasing member (spring) S is interposed between the slider 70 and the case 50.

[0038] Buttons The button 80 is a resin component that is attached to the opening 12a so as to cover the inside of the case 45 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] ≪Stickers≫ The seal 90 is a resin component that is sandwiched between the case 50 and the button 80 and closes the space between the case 50 and the switch mounting portion 12.

[0040] <Sensor section> Sensor unit 5 is a sensor that electrically operates the latch operating unit A22 and the lock operating unit A24 (see Figure 1) of the door lock device A2 in response to user operation. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, sensor unit 5 comprises a case 100, a circuit board (control unit) 110, a sensor plate 120, a switch 130, a button 140, and an NFC (Near Field Communication) antenna 150.

[0041] ≪Case≫ Case 100 is a resin component having a housing shape with an opening at the bottom. A hole 100a is formed in the upper wall of case 100. Case 100 is attached to the lower surface of the lower wall 23 of case member 20 using screw tapping T3.

[0042] Circuit board The circuit board 110 is housed within the case 100. Various components are mounted on the circuit board 110, and it is connected to the control unit A1 (see Figure 1) via wiring located in the case 100.

[0043] ≪Sensor Plate≫ The sensor plate 120 is a capacitive sensor housed in the case 100 and electrically connected to the substrate 110. Butyl tape BT is attached to the upper wall of the case 100, above the sensor plate 120.

[0044] The circuit board 110 and the sensor plate 120 are fixed to the case 100 by potting P filled inside the case 100.

[0045] ≪Switch≫ The switch 130 is mounted on the circuit board 110 and housed inside the case 100. The tip of the switch 130 protrudes upward from the hole 100a in the case 100.

[0046] Buttons Button 140 is positioned in the hole 23a of the lower wall portion 23 of the case member 20.

[0047] ≪NFC Antenna≫ The NFC antenna 150 is located on the upper wall of the case 100 and is connected to the circuit board 110 in a communicative manner.

[0048] <Cylinder lock section> As shown in Figure 1, the cylinder lock portion 6 operates the lock portion A23 through user operation using a key. A keyhole 6a into which a key can be inserted is formed at the tip of the cylinder lock portion 6 (outer end in the vehicle width direction). The cylinder lock portion 6 is positioned so as to face the hole portion 25a, that is, on the vehicle side of the hole portion 25a, and so that (at least the keyhole 6a) overlaps with the hole portion 25a when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the side door 2. It is housed in the cylindrical portion 13a of the cylinder lock mounting portion 13 and attached to the base member 10 using a nut N and a bolt (not shown) (see Figure 4).

[0049] <Cover section> As shown in Figure 4, the cover portion 7 is configured to be switchable between a state in which the cylinder lock portion 6 is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by closing the opening 16, and a state in which the cylinder lock portion 6 is accessible from the outside in the vehicle width direction by opening the opening 16. The cover portion 7 comprises a pin 160 and a cover member 170.

[0050] ≪Pin≫ The pin 160 is a rod-shaped resin component that serves as the pivot (forward and reverse rotation) axis for the cover member 170.

[0051] ≪Cover component≫ The cover member 170 is a resin member having a flat plate shape that covers the cylinder lock portion 6 from the outside in the vehicle width direction by closing the opening 16. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the cover member 170 integrally comprises a cover portion 171 and an operating portion 172 that conform to the shape of the hole portion 25a, an operating portion 173, a flange portion 174, and a pin mounting portion 175.

[0052] (Cover section) The cover portion 171 is positioned within the hole portion 25a in a location that overlaps with the cylinder lock mounting portion 13 when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] (Operation unit) The operating section 172 extends forward from the front end of the cover section 171 and is positioned within the hole 25a at a location that overlaps with the opening 16 when viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] (Operating part) The operating part 173 is the part that operates the lever member 190, which will be described later, by the rotation of the cover member 170. The operating part 173 integrally comprises a shaft portion 173a extending inward in the vehicle width direction from the inner surface of the operating part 172 in the vehicle width direction, and an engaging portion 173b formed at the tip of the shaft portion 173a. The engaging portion 173b has a spherical shape (spherical cap shape).

[0055] (Flange section) The flange portion 174 extends forward from the inward end in the vehicle width direction at the front end of the operating portion 172.

[0056] (Pin mounting section) The pin mounting portion 175 is formed at the boundary between the cover portion 171 and the operating portion 172 (inward in the vehicle width direction) and is a cylindrical portion through which the pin 160 is inserted.

[0057] <Lever section> As shown in Figure 4, the lever portion 8 is the part that operates the latch portion A21 (see Figure 1) by the rotation of the cover member 170. The lever portion 8 comprises a shaft 180, a lever member 190, a biasing member 200, a bush 210, and a rod 220.

[0058] ≪Shaft≫ The shaft 180 is an axial metal member that serves as the pivot axis for the lever member 190. The shaft 180 is housed in the cylindrical portion 14a of the lever mounting portion 14.

[0059] ≪Lever component≫ The lever member 190 is a metal member for switching the latch portion A21 (see Figure 1) of the door lock device A2 from a latch-locked state to a latch-open state. The lever member 190 has a generally L-shape and integrally comprises a base portion 191 and a first piece portion 192 and a second piece portion 193 extending radially from the base portion 191.

[0060] (base) The base portion 191 is the pivot point of the lever member 190. A hole 191a is formed in the base portion 191. A pin for attaching the base portion 191 to the shaft 180 is inserted through the hole 191a.

[0061] (First part) The tip of the first piece 192 has an engaging portion (flange portion) 192a that engages (comes into contact with) the operating portion 173 of the cover member 170.

[0062] (Second part) The second piece 193 is positioned at a circumferential offset from the first piece 192 (at a different phase from the first piece 192). A hole 193a is formed at the tip of the second piece 193.

[0063] <<Biasing Member>> The biasing member 200 is a spring that biases the lever member 190 toward its initial position (the position where the engaging portion 192a contacts the operating portion 173 of the closed cover member 170). The biasing member 200 is externally mounted on the shaft 180, and a collar C3 is interposed between the biasing member 200 and the base portion 191 of the lever member 190.

[0064] ≪Bush≫ The bush 210 is a resin component that engages the rod 220 with the hole 193a of the second piece 193.

[0065] ≪Rod≫ The rod 220 is a rod-shaped metal member that transmits the rotation of the lever member 190 to the latch portion A21 of the door lock device A2. One end of the rod 220 is attached to the hole 193a of the second piece 193 via the bush 210. The other end of the rod 220 is engaged with the latch portion A21 via a link mechanism or the like (not shown).

[0066] <Example of operation> Next, an example of the operation of the door system A equipped with the vehicle door handle device 1 will be explained, mainly using Figure 1 (refer to other drawings as appropriate).

[0067] ≪Normal door opening operation during boarding (manual)≫ When a user carrying a smart key (FOB) approaches the vehicle, the control unit A1 detects the smart key through communication with the smart key and, based on the detection result, activates the lock operating unit A24 of the door lock device A2 to switch the lock unit A23 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Subsequently, when the user puts their hand into the opening 12a and pushes the button 80 outward in the vehicle width direction with their fingers, the slider 70 slides outward in the vehicle width direction against the biasing force of the biasing member S and comes into contact with the tact switch 60. In this state, the tact switch 60 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit A1 via wiring. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit A1 activates the latch operating unit A22 of the door lock device A2 to switch the latch unit A21 from the latch locked state to the latch open state. In this state, the user can manually open the side door 2 by grasping the periphery of the opening 12a of the vehicle door handle device 1.

[0068] ≪Normal door opening operation during boarding (automatic)≫ When a user reaches into the opening 16 and presses the button 140 with their finger, thereby pressing the switch 130 via the button 140, the circuit board 110 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit A1 according to the result of the operation of the button 140 (i.e., the result of pressing the switch 130). Based on this electrical signal, the control unit A1 activates the lock operating unit A24 and the latch operating unit A22 of the door lock device A2, switching the locking unit A23 from the locked state to the unlocked state, and switching the latch unit A21 from the latch engaged state to the latch open state. Subsequently, the control unit A1 automatically opens the side door 2 by controlling a door operating unit (not shown).

[0069] ≪Door opening operation (manual) when smart key is not present≫ When a user places a terminal device (such as a smartphone) into the opening 16 and holds the terminal device over the NFC antenna 150, the circuit board 110 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit A1 (see Figure 1) in accordance with the control signal transmitted via the NFC antenna 150. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit A1 activates the lock operating unit A24 of the door lock device A2, switching the lock unit A23 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Even if the terminal device's power is off, the NFC antenna 150 can supply power to the terminal device, allowing the terminal device to transmit control signals to the NFC antenna 150.

[0070] Next, when the user inserts their hand into the opening 12a and pushes the button 80 outward in the vehicle width direction with their fingers, the slider 70 slides outward in the vehicle width direction against the biasing force of the biasing member S and comes into contact with the tact switch 60. In this state, the tact switch 60 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit A1 via the wiring. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit A1 activates the latch operating part A22 of the door lock device A2 to switch the latch part A21 from the latch locked state to the latch open state. In this state, the user can manually open the side door 2 by gripping the periphery of the opening 12a of the vehicle door handle device 1.

[0071] ≪Door lock operation after exiting the vehicle≫ When a user reaches into the opening 16 and touches the mark 23b on the lower wall 23 of the case member 20 with their finger, the circuit board 110 outputs an electrical signal to the control unit A1 according to the detection result (change in capacitance) of the sensor plate 120. Based on this electrical signal, the control unit A1 activates the lock operating unit A24 of the door lock device A2 to switch the lock unit A23 from the unlocked state to the locked state. For example, even if the smart key detection result is obtained for a predetermined time after the sensor plate 120 detection result is obtained, the control unit A1 can switch the lock unit A23 to the locked state and maintain it.

[0072] ≪Door opening operation (manual) when the vehicle battery is dead≫ First, when a user inserts their hand into the opening 16 and presses the operating part 172 of the cover member 170 with their fingers, the cover member 170 rotates around the pin 160 as an axis. The cover member 171 switches from a covered state that covers the keyhole 6a of the cylinder lock member 6 (see Figures 10, 11, and 12) to an exposed state that exposes the keyhole 6a (see Figures 13, 14, and 15).

[0073] Here, the operating part 173 (engaging part 173b) of the cover member 170 slides and presses against the engaging part 192a of the lever member 190 against the biasing force of the biasing member 200, thereby operating the lever member 190 (rotating it around the shaft 180). Note that since the locking part A23 is in the locked state, the lever part 8 cannot switch the latch part A21 from the latched state to the latched state.

[0074] Next, when the user inserts the key (smart key) into the keyhole 6a and operates the cylinder lock unit 6, the cylinder lock unit 6 switches the lock unit A23 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0075] Next, when the user releases their fingers from the operating part 172, the cover member 170 is pushed from the lever member 190 by the biasing force of the biasing member 200 and rotates around the pin 160 as an axis. The cover part 171 switches from an exposed state that exposes the keyhole 6a (see Figures 13, 14, and 15) to a covered state that covers the keyhole 6a of the cylinder lock part 6 (see Figures 10, 11, and 12).

[0076] Here, the flange portion 174 abuts against the inner surface of the peripheral edge of the hole portion 25a in the vehicle width direction, thereby restricting the rotation range of the cover member 170. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the hole portion 25a and the outer circumferential surface of the cover member 170, specifically the portions extending in the direction of the rotation axis away from the rotation axis (pin 160) (portions 25a1 and 25a2 on the inner circumferential surface of the hole portion 25a (see Figures 5 and 6), and portions 171a and 172a on the outer circumferential surface of the cover member 170 (see Figures 8 and 9)), are inclined to allow rotation by pushing the operating portion 172 from a state where the cover member 170 is blocking the hole portion 25a, while restricting rotation in the opposite direction.

[0077] Next, when the user puts their hand into the opening 16 and presses the operating part 172 of the cover member 170 again with their fingers, the cover member 170 rotates around the pin 160 as an axis. The cover member 171 switches from a covered state that covers the keyhole 6a of the cylinder lock member 6 (see Figures 10, 11, and 12) to an exposed state that exposes the keyhole 6a (see Figures 13, 14, and 15).

[0078] Here, the operating part 173 (engaging part 173b) of the cover member 170 slides and presses against the engaging part 192a of the lever member 190 against the biasing force of the biasing member 200, thereby operating the lever member 190 (rotating it around the shaft 180). In this case, since the lock part A23 is in the unlocked state, the lever part 8 switches the latch part A21 from the latch locked state to the latch open state. In this state, the user can manually open the side door 2 by gripping the peripheral edge of the opening 12a of the vehicle door handle device 1.

[0079] <Shape of the engagement portion of the cover member and lever member> The shape of the portion of the operating portion 173 (specifically, the engaging portion 173b) that engages (contacts) with the engaging portion 192a is a curved shape (in this embodiment, an arc shape) that is convex toward the engaging portion 192a when viewed along the axis of rotation of the cover member 170 (in this embodiment, a plan view). Alternatively, the shape of the portion of the engaging portion 192a that engages (contacts) with the operating portion 173 (specifically, the engaging portion 173b) may be a curved shape (for example, an arc shape) that is convex toward the engaging portion 173b when viewed along the axis of rotation of the lever member 190 (in this embodiment, viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction).

[0080] Furthermore, at least one of the engaging (contacting) portions of the engaging portion 173b and the engaging portion 192a may be configured to have a spherical crown shape that is convex toward the other side. Also, at least one of the engaging (contacting) portions of the engaging portion 173b and the engaging portion 192a may be configured to have a curved shape (for example, an arc shape) that is convex toward the other side along their sliding direction.

[0081] According to the above structure, the engaging parts 173b and 192a can slide against each other, changing the engagement point, and force can be transmitted to each other by utilizing the curved shape of the engaging parts 173b and 192a.

[0082] A vehicle door handle device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a handle case 3 having a hole 25a; a cylinder lock portion 6 positioned facing the hole 25a for switching a door lock device A2 between a locked state and an unlocked state; a cover member 170 rotatably supported on the handle case 3 and capable of switching between a covered state that covers the keyhole 6a of the cylinder lock portion 6 in the hole 25a and an exposed state that exposes it by rotation; a lever member 190 for opening the latch portion A21 of the door lock device A2; and a biasing member 200 for biasing the lever member 190 to its initial position. The cover member 170 includes an operating portion 173 that operates the lever member 190 by rotating from the covered state to the exposed state, and the biasing member 200 rotates the cover member 170 from the exposed state to the covered state via the operating portion 173 when returning the operated lever member 190 to its initial position. Therefore, since the vehicle door handle device 1 uses the biasing force of the biasing member 200 for the lever member 190 to return the cover member 170 to its initial position, there is no need to provide a biasing member specifically for the cover member 170, thus reducing the number of parts. In addition, the vehicle door handle device 1 can prevent the cover member 170 from falling off or getting lost.

[0083] In the vehicle door handle device 1, the operating part 173 is in contact with the lever member 190, and at least one of the contact portions of the operating part 173 and the lever member 190 has a curved shape when viewed along the axis of the pivot shaft. Therefore, the vehicle door handle device 1 can improve operability by optimizing the transmission of force between the cover member 170 and the lever member 190, and by smoothing the operation of the cover member 170 and the lever member 190.

[0084] In the vehicle door handle device 1, the lever member 190 can open the latch portion A21 when the door lock device A2 is in the unlocked state, and cannot open the latch portion A21 when the door lock device A2 is in the locked state. Therefore, the vehicle door handle device 1 can suitably maintain the locked state and the closed state when the lever member 190 is operated while the door is locked.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the door to which the vehicle door handle device 1 is applied is not limited to a hinged door, but may also be a sliding door. Furthermore, the door to which the vehicle door handle device 1 is applied may be a type that can be opened and closed manually, or a type that can be opened and closed automatically. Furthermore, the door to which the vehicle door handle device 1 is applied is not limited to a side door, but may also be a back door provided on the rear of the vehicle body.

[0086] Furthermore, the cover member 170 of the vehicle door handle device 1 may be configured to have an operating part (such as a pulling projection) that is operated by pulling the cover member 171, instead of an operating part 172 that is operated by pushing. Also, the cover member 170 of the vehicle door handle device 1 is not limited to emergency use, but can also be used as a handle for releasing the door latch as usual. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1. Vehicle door handle device 3 Handle Case 6. Cylinder lock section 6a Keyhole 16 Opening 170 Cover component 171 Cover section 172 Operation section 173 Operating part 174 Flange section 190 Lever member 200 biasing member A2 Door lock device A21 Latch section A23 Locking part

Claims

1. A handle case having a hole, A cylinder lock section is positioned facing the aforementioned hole and is used to switch the door lock device between a locked state and an unlocked state. A cover member is pivotally supported on the handle case and can be switched by rotation between a covered state that covers the keyhole of the cylinder lock portion and an exposed state that exposes it in the hole portion. A lever member for releasing the latch portion of the door lock device, A biasing member that biases the lever member to its initial position, Equipped with, The cover member is equipped with an actuation part that operates the lever member by rotating from the covered state to the exposed state, The biasing member, when returning the activated lever member to its initial position, rotates the cover member from the exposed state to the covered state via the actuation part. The operating part is in contact with the lever member, At least one of the operating part and the contact portion of the lever member exhibits a curved shape when viewed along the axis of the pivot shaft. A vehicle door handle device characterized by the following features.

2. A handle case having a hole, A cylinder lock section is positioned facing the aforementioned hole and is used to switch the door lock device between a locked state and an unlocked state. The handle case is rotatably supported by a mounting portion formed on the vehicle-side surface of the wall portion in which the hole is formed, and the cover member is capable of switching between a covered state that covers the keyhole of the cylinder lock portion and an exposed state that exposes the hole by rotation. A lever member for releasing the latch portion of the door lock device, A biasing member that biases the lever member to its initial position, Equipped with, The cover member is A cover portion positioned to overlap the keyhole in the covered state when viewed from the outside of the vehicle, An operating section extending from the cover portion is provided for rotating the cover member from the covered state to the exposed state and for operating the lever member, An operating part that operates the lever member by rotating it from the covered state to the exposed state, Equipped with, The cover member is pivotally supported by the mounting portion at the boundary between the cover portion and the operating portion. The biasing member, when returning the activated lever member to its initial position, rotates the cover member from the exposed state to the covered state via the actuation part. A vehicle door handle device characterized by the following features.

3. The lever member can open the latch when the door lock device is unlocked, but cannot open the latch when the door lock device is locked. A vehicle door handle device according to claim 1 or 2.

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