Door handle apparatus

Abstract

A door handle apparatus 20 comprises: a handle 30 that is capable of rotating from an initial position before operation, through a normal operation position, and to an emergency operation position; a detection unit 35 that outputs a signal for electrically opening a door latch apparatus 10; a transmission mechanism 40 that manually opens the door latch apparatus 10 via operation of the handle 30; and a restriction mechanism 60 that is capable of moving to a restriction position at which the rotation of the handle 30 is restricted and to a restriction release position at which said restriction is released. An operation member 44 has a holding part 44d for holding a restriction member 63 in the restriction release position. Through movement of the operation member 44 due to rotation of the handle 30 past the normal operation position toward the initial position, the holding of the restriction member 63 by the holding part 44d is released and the restriction member 63 returns to the restriction position.

Description

Door handle device

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

[0002] A door latch device is provided on a vehicle door and includes a latch mechanism that can switch from a latched state, in which a striker located on the vehicle body is held, to an unlatched state, in which the striker can be released. This door latch device is operated by a door handle device attached to the same door.

[0003] The door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a switch that outputs a signal indicating that the handle has been operated to open, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the operating force of the handle to the door latch device. Under normal circumstances, when the handle is operated to a normal operating position, the switch is turned on and outputs a signal. Upon receiving this signal, the door latch device electrically switches the latch mechanism from a latched state to an unlatched state using an actuator. In an emergency, when the actuator is inoperable, the handle is operated beyond the normal operating position to an emergency operating position, and this operating force is transmitted to the door latch device via the transmission mechanism, allowing the latch mechanism to be manually switched from the latched state to the unlatched state.

[0004] In this type of door handle device, if the handle is unintentionally operated to the emergency operating position under normal circumstances, the latch mechanism of the door latch device may malfunction because it is operated both electrically by the actuator and manually by the transmission mechanism. Therefore, the door handle device of Patent Document 1 is provided with a trigger button that restricts operation of the handle from the normal operating position to the emergency operating position. In other words, the handle cannot be operated to the emergency operating position unless the trigger button is operated.

[0005] JP 2011-94436 A

[0006] In the door handle device of Patent Document 1, when returning the handle that has been operated to the emergency operating position to its initial position, the trigger button must be operated again or continuously. In other words, the handle must be operated with one hand and the trigger button must be operated intermittently or continuously with the other hand. Therefore, the door handle device of Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of operability when opening the door in an emergency.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a door handle device that can improve operability when opening a door in an emergency while suppressing unintentional handle operation to an emergency operation position under normal circumstances.

[0008] The present invention provides a door latch device that holds the door closed relative to the vehicle body, and a detection unit that outputs a signal to electrically operate a door latch device to open the door by detecting operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position. The detection unit detects operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position and outputs a signal to electrically operate a door latch device to open the door by detecting operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position. The detection unit has an operating member that can move in conjunction with the rotation of the handle, and the door latch device is manually operated to open by moving the operating member due to the rotation of the handle to the emergency operation position. The detection unit detects operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position and outputs a signal to electrically operate a door latch device to open the door by detecting operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position. The detection unit detects operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position and outputs a signal to electrically operate a door latch device to open the door by detecting operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position. The detection unit detects operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position and outputs a signal to electrically operate a door latch device to open the door by detecting operation of the operating member ... and a restricting member that can be moved by operation of the operation receiving portion from a restricting position that restricts rotation of the handle from the normal operation position to the emergency operation position to a restricting release position that releases restriction on rotation of the handle via the operating member, wherein the operating member has a holding portion that holds the restricting member in the restricting release position when the restricting member is located at the restricting release position and the operating member moves due to rotation of the handle from the normal operation position toward the emergency operation position, and when the operating member moves due to rotation of the handle toward the initial position beyond the normal operation position, the holding of the restricting member by the holding portion is released and the restricting member returns to the restricting position.

[0009] The door latch device includes a restricting member that can move from a restricting position, where the actuating member contacts and restricts the handle from rotating from the normal operation position to the emergency operation position, to a restriction release position, where the restriction on the handle movement via the actuating member is released. This prevents the handle from being operated to the emergency operation position unless the operation receiving portion of the restricting member is operated by the user, thereby preventing the latch mechanism from being operated by both the actuator and the transmission mechanism of the door latch device under normal circumstances.

[0010] The actuating member has a retaining portion that holds the restricting member in the unrestricted position when the restricting member is moved to the unrestricted position by rotating the handle from the normal operation position to the emergency operation position. As a result, when the handle is positioned between the normal operation position and the emergency operation position, the restricting member does not restrict the rotation of the handle via the actuating member. On the other hand, when the actuating member is moved by rotating the handle toward the initial position beyond the normal operation position, the retention of the restricting member by the retaining portion is released, and the restricting member returns to the restricted position. In other words, when the handle is returned to the initial position after being rotated to the emergency operation position, the actuating member is not restricted again by the restricting member, so there is no need to operate the restricting member via the operation receiving portion. This improves operability when manually opening the door by operating the door handle device in an emergency when the door latch device cannot be electrically operated.

[0011] The present invention can improve the operability when opening the door in an emergency while suppressing unintentional operation of the handle to the emergency operation position during normal operation.

[0012] 18. A perspective view of a door handle device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. An exploded perspective view of the door handle device of FIG. 1. An exploded perspective view of the door handle device of FIG. 1, as viewed from the rear side. A block diagram showing the relationship between the door handle device of FIG. 1 and a door latch device. A perspective view of the handle, transmission mechanism, and restriction mechanism, as viewed from the front side. A perspective view of the handle, transmission mechanism, and restriction mechanism, as viewed from the rear side. An exploded perspective view of the handle, transmission mechanism, and restriction mechanism, as viewed from the front side. An exploded perspective view of the handle, transmission mechanism, and restriction mechanism, as viewed from the rear side. An enlarged view of part X in FIG. 16. An enlarged view showing a state in which the push button is operated in the state of FIG. 10. An enlarged view of part XII in FIG. 18. A bottom view showing the movement during an emergency-opening operation. A time chart showing the movement during an emergency-opening operation. A bottom view of the non-operated state of FIG. 13. A bottom view of the restricted state of FIG. 13. A perspective view of FIG. 16. A bottom view of the opening operation state of FIG. 13. A bottom view of the returning process of FIG. 13. 12 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 10 of the door handle device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 23 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the push button is operated to rotate the latch lever in the state of FIG. 20. FIG. 24 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 12 of the door handle device according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1 and 2, a door handle device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to an outer panel (door panel) 2 of a door 1, and enables the door 1 to be opened from a closed state by operating a door latch device 10 (shown in FIG. 5) also arranged on the same door 1. The door handle device 20 in this embodiment is for a right side door. However, the door handle device 20 may also be for a left side door, a sliding door, or a hatchback door.

[0015] In the accompanying drawings, the X direction is the vehicle length direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the rear side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the front side. The Y direction is the vehicle width direction and the thickness direction of the door 1 in the present invention, the direction indicated by the arrow is the inside (inside of the vehicle) and the direction opposite to the arrow is the outside (outside of the vehicle). The Z direction is the vehicle height direction, the direction indicated by the arrow is the up side, and the direction opposite to the arrow is the down side.

[0016] Referring to Figure 5, the door handle device 20 is connected to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 5 mounted on the vehicle. The ECU 5 has a calculation unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit (all not shown), and reads out a program pre-stored in the storage unit and executes information processing according to steps instructed by the program. The ECU 5 also wirelessly communicates with an electronic key (not shown) and authenticates the electronic key. The door latch device 10 is also connected to the ECU 5. The ECU 5 electrically activates the door latch device 10 based on a signal input from the door handle device 20.

[0017] To provide an overview of the door latch device 10, the door latch device 10 is disposed along an end panel (not shown) of the door 1 shown in Figure 2. The door latch device 10 includes a latch mechanism 11, an actuator 12, a latch switching mechanism 13, a lock mechanism 14, an actuator 15, and a lock switching mechanism 16.

[0018] The latch mechanism 11 includes a fork and a claw, and can be switched between a latched state and an unlatched state. In the latched state, the fork holds a striker on the vehicle body, holding the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 in a closed state. In the unlatched state, the fork releases the striker, allowing the door 1 to be opened. Switching from the unlatched state to the latched state is achieved by closing the open door 1 and causing the striker to enter (rotate) the fork. Switching from the latched state to the unlatched state (opening operation) is achieved in two ways by operating the door handle device 20. In the first method, a signal is input from a release switch (detector) 35 included in the door handle device 20, and the ECU 5 drives the actuator 12, which then activates the latch switching mechanism 13 electrically. In the second method, the user rotates the handle 30 included in the door handle device 20, transmitting an operating force to the latch switching mechanism 13 via the transmission mechanism 40 and the locking mechanism 14, thereby achieving manual switching.

[0019] The lock mechanism 14 is composed of a plurality of levers and the like, and can be switched between an unlocked state in which the operating force of the handle 30 can be transmitted to the latch switching mechanism 13, and a locked state in which the operating force of the handle 30 cannot be transmitted to the latch switching mechanism 13. Switching between the unlocked state and the locked state is performed in two ways by operating the door handle device 20. In the first method, in an emergency, for example, when the vehicle crashes, a vibration sensor (not shown) detects an impact and outputs a collision signal, and the ECU 5, which receives the collision signal, activates the actuator 15 to electrically switch the lock mechanism 14. In the second method, the user operates a key cylinder 27 provided in the door handle device 20, which transmits an operating force to the lock switching mechanism 16 via a rod (transmission member), thereby manually switching the lock mechanism 14.

[0020] In the door latch device 10 configured as described above, if the latch mechanism 11 is simultaneously opened by both the electric operation of the actuator 12 and the manual operation of the transmission mechanism 40 under normal circumstances, malfunction may occur. Therefore, the door handle device 20 of this embodiment is provided with a restriction mechanism 60 that restricts the rotation of the handle 30, thereby suppressing unintended manual opening operations under normal circumstances. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the door handle device 20 equipped with the restriction mechanism 60 improves operability when opening the door 1 in an emergency.

[0021] The door handle device 20 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0022] 1 to 4 , the door handle device 20 includes a base 25 attached to the vehicle interior side of the outer panel 2. The door handle device 20 further includes a key cylinder 27, a handle 30, a transmission mechanism 40, an actuator 50, and a restriction mechanism 60, all of which are attached to the base 25. The transmission mechanism 40 is made up of a joint (intermediate member) 41 and a latch lever (actuating member) 44. The restriction mechanism 60 is made up of a push button (operating portion) 61 and a restriction member 63.

[0023] 5, in the door handle device 20, during normal operation when the door latch device 10 can be electrically operated, a pop-up operation by the user is detected by a touch sensor 36 provided on the handle 30, a signal is output, and the ECU 5 operates the actuator 50 to open the handle 30 from the initial position to the unlocked position. Also, during normal operation, the door handle device 20 detects an opening operation by the user by a release switch 35 provided on the handle 30, a signal is output, and the ECU 5 electrically opens the latch mechanism 11.

[0024] On the other hand, in an emergency when the door latch device 10 cannot be electrically operated, the door handle device 20 transmits the operating force of the key cylinder 27 to the lock switching mechanism 16, and manually switches the lock mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state. Also, in an emergency, the door handle device 20 transmits the operating force of the handle 30 to the latch switching mechanism 13 via the transmission mechanism 40 and the lock mechanism 14, and manually operates the latch mechanism 11 to open.

[0025] Next, the configurations of the base 25, the key cylinder 27, the handle 30, the transmission mechanism 40, the actuator 50, and the restriction mechanism 60 will be described in detail.

[0026] 2 to 4, the base 25 is disposed inside the outer panel 2 and is fixed by bolts to bosses (not shown) provided on the outer panel 2. When viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction (thickness direction of the door 1), the base 25 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the vehicle length direction. A handle 30 is attached to the outside of the base 25 in the vehicle width direction. A key cylinder 27, a transmission mechanism 40, an actuator 50, and a restriction mechanism 60, other than the handle 30, are attached to the inside of the base 25 in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] The base 25 includes a rectangular cylindrical frame wall 25a and a partition wall 25b provided within the frame wall 25a. The base 25 includes a recess 25c that is recessed from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction and faces the opening 2a formed in the outer panel 2. The recess 25c has an elongated shape in the vehicle length direction so as to surround the outer periphery of the handle 30, and includes a cylindrical peripheral wall 25d that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. A part of the partition wall 25b forms the bottom of the recess 25c. The outer end of the peripheral wall 25d in the vehicle width direction is an opening 25e of the recess 25c.

[0028] The base 25 is further provided with an exposure hole 25f, a cylinder attachment portion 25g, a through hole 25h, a guide groove 25i, a shaft portion 25j, and an exposure hole 25k. These components will be described in detail later.

[0029] (Configuration of Key Cylinder) The key cylinder 27 is used to manually alternately switch the lock mechanism 14 shown in Figure 5 between a locked state and an unlocked state in an emergency. The key cylinder 27 is not normally used. The key cylinder 27 has an insertion port 27a into which a mechanical key (not shown) is inserted, and a rod 28 that rotates when the mechanical key is operated.

[0030] The key cylinder 27 is attached to the base 25 at the rearmost position in the vehicle length direction on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. A circular exposure hole 25f is provided in the recess 25c of the base 25 to expose the insertion port 27a to the exterior of the vehicle. A cylinder attachment portion 25g is provided on the back side of the partition wall 25b to surround this exposure hole 25f. The cylinder attachment portion 25g is tubular and protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction, and is inclined upward from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. When attached to the cylinder attachment portion 25g, the key cylinder 27 is inclined upward toward the exterior of the vehicle. This allows the mechanical key to be inserted into the insertion port 27a diagonally downward from above the handle 30.

[0031] 5, the handle 30 is provided to perform an opening operation of the latch mechanism 11 of the door latch device 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the handle 30 is disposed in the recess 25c of the base 25 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and is rotatably supported on a rotation shaft (second rotation shaft) 33.

[0032] The handle 30 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 33 in a direction A1 (outward in the vehicle width direction) by a user's operation from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 to the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17 and to the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18. Furthermore, the handle 30 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 33 in a direction A2 (inward in the vehicle width direction) by the biasing force of a kick spring (biasing member) 34 shown in Figure 4 from the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18 to the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17 and to the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15. One end of the kick spring 34 is engaged with the handle 30, and the other end of the kick spring 34 is engaged with the base 25.

[0033] 1 and 15 , a portion of the handle 30 on the vehicle interior side is located within the recess 25c of the base 25 and is surrounded by the peripheral wall 25d. In other words, when the handle 30 is rotated to the initial position, it closes the opening 25e of the recess 25c. "Closed" here means that there is no gap between the handle 30 and the peripheral wall 25d into which the user can insert their finger. As a result, when the handle 30 is viewed from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the insertion port 27a (see FIG. 17 ) of the key cylinder 27, which is located at the back of the handle 30 within the recess 25c, is covered by the handle 30.

[0034] 16 and 17, the handle 30 is rotated outward in the vehicle width direction from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 and is positioned with a gap S from the opening 25e of the recess 25c that allows insertion of the mechanical key and operation of the push button 61 of the restriction mechanism 60. In other words, in this state, the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 and a part of the push button 61 of the restriction mechanism 60 are exposed outside the vehicle.

[0035] In the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18, the handle 30 is rotated outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17. Of course, in this state, the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 and a part of the push button 61 of the restriction mechanism 60 are exposed outside the vehicle.

[0036] 6 to 9, the handle 30 is made up of a base member 31 and a cover 32 that covers the outer side of the base 31 in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] The base member 31 is provided with a pivot portion 31a having a shaft hole through which the rotation shaft 33 passes. The pivot portion 31a protrudes vertically from the base member 31. The handle 30 is disposed in the recess 25c of the base 25 shown in FIG. 3 , and the rotation shaft 33 passes through the base 25 and the pivot portion 31a, thereby pivotally supporting the handle 30 on the base 25. In the vehicle length direction, the pivot portion 31a is located rearward of the front end and forward of the center of the entire length of the handle 30. As a result, by pushing the front end portion 30a of the handle 30, which is forward of the pivot portion 31a in the vehicle length direction, inward in the vehicle width direction, the handle 30 can be rotated in the direction A1, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , as in the normal operating position.

[0038] The base member 31 is provided with a bearing portion 31b for rotatably supporting the joint 41 of the transmission mechanism 40. The bearing portion 31b is composed of a pair of protrusions 31c spaced apart in the vehicle height direction. Each protrusion 31c has an axial hole, protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from above and below the axle mounting portion 31a, and extends along the XY plane. Referring to FIG. 3 , the bearing portion 31b penetrates the partition wall 25b of the base 25 and is disposed from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. The base 25 is provided with a through hole 25h for passing the bearing portion 31b through. The through hole 25h is rectangular and is provided in a position offset toward the front side of the recess 25c in the vehicle length direction.

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

[0040] The release switch 35 is located on the rear side in the vehicle length direction within the handlebar 30. The release switch 35 is configured as a push switch that outputs a signal when in the ON state and blocks the signal output when in the OFF state, and is connected to the ECU 5. With reference to Figures 2, 4, and 9, an operating member 37 that is movable in the vehicle width direction is attached to the inside of the handlebar 30 in the vehicle width direction. When the handlebar 30 is in the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15, the operating member 37 is located in the recess 25c of the base 25 and cannot be operated.

[0041] The release switch 35 is turned on and outputs a signal when the user grips the handle 30 and moves the operating member 37 outward in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the ECU 5 shown in Fig. 5 activates the actuator 12 to open the latch mechanism 11 if the electronic key is authenticated. As a result, the door 1 shown in Fig. 2 can be opened. On the other hand, if the electronic key is not authenticated, the ECU 5 does not activate the actuator 12 or open the latch mechanism 11 even if it receives a signal from the release switch 35.

[0042] The release switch 35 may be attached to the base 25, for example, and may be configured so that the handle 30 comes into contact with the release switch 35 and switches to the on state when the handle 30 is operated from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 to the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17. In other words, the release switch 35 may be made operable by rotating the handle 30 from the initial position to the normal operation position, or may be operated by rotating the handle 30 from the initial position to the normal operation position. The detection unit is not limited to the release switch (push switch) 35, and may be changed as needed as long as it is configured to detect the user's opening operation.

[0043] 1 and 5 , the touch sensor 36 is disposed in the handle 30 near the axle mounting portion 31 a, which is further forward in the vehicle length direction than the release switch 35. The touch sensor 36 is configured as a capacitance sensor that can detect a user operation based on a change in capacitance, and is connected to the ECU 5. In other words, the touch sensor 36 detects the user operation via the cover 32.

[0044] The touch sensor 36 outputs a signal when the user touches the vicinity of the pivot portion 31a of the cover 32 of the handle 30 (performs a pop-up operation). In response to this, the ECU 5 shown in Fig. 5 activates the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20, causing the handle 30 to rotate from the initial position shown in Figs. 1 and 15 to the normal operation position shown in Figs. 16 and 17. However, the detector for the pop-up operation is not limited to the touch sensor (capacitive sensor) 36, and can be changed as needed as long as it has a configuration that can detect a pop-up operation by the user.

[0045] 2 to 4, the transmission mechanism 40 includes a joint 41 and a latch lever 44, and is disposed on the inside of the base 25 in the vehicle width direction on the opposite side from the handle 30. In an emergency, the joint 41 and the latch lever 44 transmit the operating force of the handle 30 for operating the latch mechanism 11 shown in Fig. 5 to the latch switching mechanism 13 of the door latch device 10. Furthermore, under normal circumstances, the joint 41 transmits the driving force of the actuator 50 to the handle 30, rotating the handle 30 from the initial position shown in Figs. 1 and 15 to the normal operating position shown in Figs. 16 and 17.

[0046] 6 to 9, the joint 41 is a plate-like member that is elongated in the vehicle length direction and thick in the vehicle width direction, similar to the handle 30, and is swingably supported by a rotating shaft 42 arranged on the handle 30. A shaft hole 41a through which the rotating shaft 42 passes is provided on the rear side of the joint 41 in the vehicle length direction. The joint 41 is arranged between a pair of protruding pieces 31c of the bearing portion 31b with respect to the handle 30, and is pivotally supported by attaching the rotating shaft 42 passing through.

[0047] 1 and 15, the joint 41 moves in direction B1 (rearward in the vehicle length direction) in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30 in direction A1, from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15, through the abutment position (see Figure 14) and the opening operation restricted position shown in Figures 16 and 17, in that order, to the opening operation position shown in Figure 18. Furthermore, when the hand is released from the handle 30, the joint 41 moves in direction B2 (forward in the vehicle length direction) in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30 in direction A2 due to the biasing force of the kick spring 34, from the opening operation position shown in Figure 18, through the opening operation restricted position and the abutment position (see Figure 14) shown in Figures 16 and 17, in that order, to the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15.

[0048] 1 and 15, the joint 41 is located at the initial position shown in the same Figures 1 and 15. In the initial position, the joint 41 does not abut against either the latch lever 44 or the movable member 52 of the actuator 50, and is located at a distance from them.

[0049] When the handle 30 is located at a predetermined position between the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 and the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17, the joint 41 is located at an abutment position (see Figure 14) where it abuts against the latch lever 44. The movable member 52 of the actuator 50 abuts against the joint 41 in the abutment position under normal circumstances, but is located at a distance from the joint 41 in an emergency.

[0050] When the handle 30 is in the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17, the joint 41 is also in the opening operation restricted position shown in the same Figures 16 and 17. The joint 41 in the opening operation restricted position abuts against the latch lever 44, and movement in direction B1 is restricted by the restriction mechanism 60 with which the latch lever 44 abuts. Furthermore, the movable member 52 of the actuator 50 abuts against the joint 41 in the opening operation restricted position under normal circumstances, but is positioned at a distance from the joint 41 in an emergency without abutting. However, the opening operation restricted position of the joint 41 may be located in direction A1 (outward in the vehicle width direction) relative to the normal operation position of the handle 30 shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0051] When the handle 30 is in the emergency operation position shown in Fig. 18, the joint 41 is in the open operation position also shown in Fig. 18. The joint 41 in the open operation position abuts against the latch lever 44, and the restriction on movement in directions B1 and B2 by the restriction mechanism 60 is released. In addition, the movable member 52 of the actuator 50 is positioned at a distance from the joint 41 in the open operation position without abutting it, both in normal times and in an emergency.

[0052] The joint 41 has a pair of guide protrusions 41b that protrude upward and downward. The pair of guide protrusions 41b are provided at a distance from each other on the vehicle longitudinal front side relative to the shaft hole 41a. These guide protrusions 41b are respectively disposed in guide grooves 25i (only the lower side is shown in FIG. 4) formed in the base 25 shown in FIG. 3, and guide the movement direction of the joint 41 in the predetermined directions B1 and B2.

[0053] The end of the joint 41 facing in direction B1, which is rearward of the shaft hole 41a in the vehicle length direction, constitutes a pressing operation portion 41c for pressing and actuating the latch lever 44. The end of the joint 41 facing in direction B2, which is forward of the guide protrusion 41b in the vehicle length direction, constitutes an operation receiving portion 41d that receives the driving force of the actuator 50. In addition, an operation protrusion 41e is provided at the upper end of the joint 41 for operating a pair of switches 43 that detect the movement position of the joint 41. The pair of switches 43 are attached to the base 25.

[0054] 2 to 4, the latch lever 44 is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the joint 41 in the vehicle length direction. The latch lever 44 is rotatably supported on the shaft portion 25j of the base 25, rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30 via the joint 41, and transmits the operating force of the handle 30 to the latch switching mechanism 13 via the lock mechanism 14 shown in Fig. 5. The latch lever 44 has a base portion 44a, an operating arm portion 44b, and a protrusion (holding portion) 44d, and is L-shaped overall.

[0055] 6, 7, and 14, when the protrusion 44d is pressed by the movement of the joint 41 in direction B1, the latch lever 44 rotates about the shaft 25j shown in FIG. 4 in direction C1 (clockwise in FIG. 3) from the inoperative position through the regulated position to the open operating position. Furthermore, when the pressure of the joint 41 against the protrusion 44d is released, the latch lever 44 rotates about the shaft 25j shown in FIG. 4 in direction C2 (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) from the open operating position through the regulated position to the inoperative position by the biasing force of the kick spring (biasing member) 45. One end of the kick spring 45 is engaged with the latch lever 44, and the other end of the kick spring 45 is engaged with the base 25.

[0056] The latch lever 44 is located in the inoperative position shown in Figures 14 and 15 when the handle 30 is located in the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15. Furthermore, the latch lever 44 is located in the restricted position shown in Figures 14 and 16 when the handle 30 is located in the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17. Furthermore, the latch lever 44 is located in the open operation position shown in Figures 14 and 18 when the handle 30 is located in the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18. The latch lever 44 located in the inoperative position or the restricted position cannot open the latch mechanism 11 shown in Figure 5. The latch lever 44 located in the open operation position opens the latch mechanism 11 shown in Figure 5.

[0057] 6 to 9, the base portion 44a is generally cylindrical and is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 25j that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction from the base 25 shown in FIG.

[0058] The operating arm 44b protrudes rearward in the vehicle length direction from the base 44a. A connecting portion 44c is provided at the tip of the operating arm 44b for mechanically connecting to the locking mechanism 14 shown in Fig. 5. One end of a wire (not shown) is connected to the other end of the wire (not shown) shown in Fig. 5.

[0059] The protrusion 44d has a generally rectangular prism shape and protrudes downward from the base 44a. That is, the protrusion 44d protrudes in a direction intersecting the directions B1 and B2 in which the operating arm 44b and the joint 41 move. Referring to FIGS. 10 to 12 , the front surface of the protrusion 44d in the vehicle length direction constitutes an operation receiving surface 44e that receives the operating force of the handlebar 30 via the joint 41 when the pressing operation portion 41c of the joint 41 abuts against it. The rear surface of the protrusion 44d in the vehicle length direction constitutes an abutment surface 44f that restricts the rotation of the latch lever 44, the movement of the joint 41, and the rotation of the handlebar 30 when the restricting member 63 of the restricting mechanism 60 abuts against it. Referring to FIG. 12 , the outer surface of the protrusion 44d in the vehicle width direction constitutes a holding surface 44g that holds the restricting member 63 in the unrestricted position. The holding surface 44g is a flat surface extending along the XZ plane. This holding surface 44g releases the holding of the regulating member 60 when the latch lever 44 is rotated by rotating the handle 30 toward the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 15 beyond the normal operating position shown in FIGS.

[0060] 2 to 5, the actuator 50 normally rotates the steering wheel 30 via the joint 41. The actuator 50 is disposed on the inner side of the base 25 in the vehicle width direction, at the end on the front side in the vehicle length direction. More specifically, the actuator 50 is attached adjacent to and on the front side in the vehicle length direction of the joint 41. The actuator 50 includes a motor 51 and a movable member 52 that rotates with rotation of the motor 51 to move the joint 41. When the actuator 50 is in an initial state before operation, the movable member 52 is positioned at a distance in the vehicle length direction from the operation receiving portion 41d of the joint 41.

[0061] The actuator 50 is controlled by the ECU 5 shown in Figure 5. The actuator 50 moves the joint 41 in direction B1 from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 to the opening operation restricted position shown in Figures 16 and 17 by the ECU 5, thereby rotating the handle 30 to the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17 (opening operation). The actuator 50 is returned to its initial state before operation by the ECU 5 (returning operation). By the returning operation of the actuator 50, the handle 30 and the joint 41 move to the initial positions shown in Figures 1 and 15 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34. The actuator 50 can be modified as needed as long as it is configured to rotate the handle 30 via the joint 41.

[0062] (Configuration of the restriction mechanism) Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the restriction mechanism 60 includes a push button 61 and a restriction member 63, and is disposed on the inner side of the base 25 in the vehicle width direction, between the key cylinder 27 and the latch lever 44 in the vehicle length direction.

[0063] When the push button 61 is not operated, the restriction mechanism 60 restricts, by the restriction member 63, the rotation of the latch lever 44 in the direction C1 from the restricted position shown in Figures 14 and 16 to the open operating position shown in Figures 14 and 18. This restricts the rotation of the handle 30 from the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17 to the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18 via the latch lever 44 and the joint 41. On the other hand, by pressing the push button 61 inward in the vehicle width direction, the restriction on the rotation of the latch lever 44 by the restriction member 63 is released, allowing the rotation. This also releases the restriction on the rotation of the handle 30 from the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17 to the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18, allowing the rotation.

[0064] The push button 61 is provided to rotate the restricting member 63 from the restricting position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 to the unrestricted position shown in FIGS. 12 and 18. The push button 61 is disposed adjacent to the front side of the key cylinder 27 in the vehicle length direction relative to the base 25 and is rotatably supported on a rotation shaft (third rotation shaft) 62. The push button 61 thus disposed can move forward and backward (rotate) between the non-operating position shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 and the operating position shown in FIG. 11. However, because the rotation angle range between the non-operating position shown in FIGS. 10 and 12 and the operating position shown in FIG. 11 is extremely narrow, it can be said that the push button 61 can essentially move linearly in the vehicle width direction. Of course, the push button 61 can be modified as needed as long as it is configured to rotate the restricting member 63 from the restricting position shown in FIGS. 10 and 16 to the unrestricted position shown in FIGS. 12 and 18.

[0065] 6 to 9, the push button 61 has a rectangular base portion 61a that is long in the vehicle height direction. The lower portion of this base portion 61a is rotatably supported by a rotation shaft 62 disposed on the base 25. The rotation shaft 62 extends in the vehicle length direction so as to intersect with the axes of the rotation shafts 33 and 42 of the handle 30 and the joint 41, and the shaft portion 25j of the latch lever 44.

[0066] The push button 61 further includes an operating portion 61b that bulges outward in the vehicle width direction from the base portion 61a. To expose the operating portion 61b to the outside of the vehicle, an exposure hole 25k is provided in the recess 25c of the base 25. The exposure hole 25k has a rectangular shape corresponding to the operating portion 61b and is provided adjacent to the front side in the vehicle length direction of the exposure hole 25f that includes the insertion port 27a. In other words, the exposure hole 25k is provided near the rear end in the vehicle length direction within the recess 25c.

[0067] 1 and 15, when the steering wheel 30 is viewed head-on from the outside in the vehicle width direction, the exposure hole 25k including the operation portion 61b is positioned so as to overlap the back of the steering wheel 30 and is covered by the steering wheel 30. On the other hand, the exposure hole 25k including the operation portion 61b is exposed to the outside in the vehicle width direction when the steering wheel 30 is positioned in the normal operation position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and when the steering wheel 30 is positioned in the emergency operation position shown in FIG.

[0068] 2 to 4 , the restricting member 63 is disposed on the base 25 between the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 and the push button 61, and is rotatably supported on a rotation shaft (first rotation shaft) 64. The rotation shaft 64 extends in the vehicle height direction, similar to the rotation shafts 33, 42 of the handle 30 and the joint 41, and extends in a direction intersecting the shaft 25j of the latch lever 44 and the rotation shaft 62 of the push button 61.

[0069] By operating the push button 61, the restricting member 63 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 64 in a direction D1 (outward in the vehicle width direction) from the restricting position shown in Figures 10 and 16 to the unrestricted position shown in Figures 12 and 18. Furthermore, the restricting member 63 can be rotated about the rotation shaft 64 in a direction D2 (inward in the vehicle width direction) from the unrestricted position shown in Figures 12 and 18 to the restricting position shown in Figures 10 and 16 by the biasing force of a kick spring (biasing member) 65. One end of the kick spring 65 is engaged with the restricting member 63, and the other end of the kick spring 65 shown in Figure 4 is engaged with the base 25.

[0070] 6 to 9, the restricting member 63 includes a base portion 63a, an operation receiving portion 63b, and a contact portion 63c.

[0071] The base portion 63 a is cylindrical and extends in the vehicle height direction, has a shaft hole through which the rotation shaft 64 passes, and is rotatable around the rotation shaft 64 .

[0072] The operation receiving portion 63b is plate-shaped and protrudes from the base portion 63a rearward in the vehicle length direction, i.e., toward the position of the push button 61. When the restricting member 63 is in the restricting position shown in Figures 10 and 16, the rear end of the operation receiving portion 63b in the vehicle length direction abuts against the inner side of the push button 61 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the operation receiving portion 63b to receive operation of the push button 61 inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0073] The abutment portion 63c is connected to the base portion 63a via the extension portion 63d. The abutment portion 63c and the extension portion 63d are plate-shaped and have a thickness in the vehicle width direction that is thicker than the thickness of the operation receiving portion 63b. The abutment portion 63c and the extension portion 63d protrude from the base portion 63a toward the front side in the vehicle length direction, i.e., toward the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44. The abutment portion 63c is bent inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the extension portion 63d. More specifically, when the restricting member 63 is positioned in the restriction release position shown in Figures 12 and 18, the abutment portion 63c extends generally parallel to the retaining surface 44g of the latch lever 44, although it is slightly inclined inward in the vehicle width direction from the rear side to the front side in the vehicle length direction. If the orientation of the abutment portion 63c relative to the retaining surface 44g can be ensured, the extension portion 63d may not be provided.

[0074] 10 to 12, the tip surface of the abutment portion 63c on the front side in the vehicle length direction forms an abutted surface 63e against which the latch lever 44 abuts, and the surface on the inner side in the vehicle width direction forms a sliding contact surface 63f against which the latch lever 44 slides. In other words, the abutment portion 63c is configured so that a compressive force acts in the protruding direction when the latch lever 44 abuts against it. Because the rigidity in the protruding direction against external forces is higher than the rigidity in the shearing direction, the strength of the abutment portion 63c against the abutment of the latch lever 44 can be ensured.

[0075] 10 and 16 and the latch lever 44 is in the non-operating position, the abutment surface 63e faces the abutment surface 44f of the latch lever 44 in the vehicle width direction and at a distance in the vehicle length direction. In other words, in this state, the abutment surface 63e is located within the rotation locus of the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 and restricts the rotation of the latch lever 44 in direction C1 by contact with the protrusion 44d. On the other hand, when the restricting member 63 is located in the non-operating position shown in FIGS. 12 and 18, the abutment surface 63e is adjacent to the abutment surface 44f of the latch lever 44 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. In other words, in this state, the abutment surface 63e is located outside the rotation locus of the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 and allows the latch lever 44 to rotate without abutting against the abutment surface 44f.

[0076] The sliding surface 63f comes into sliding contact with the holding surface 44g of the latch lever 44 only when the restricting member 63 is located at the released position shown in Figures 12 and 18 and the latch lever 44 is rotated from the restricted position shown in Figures 14 and 16 toward the open operating position shown in Figures 14 and 18. In other words, the sliding surface 63f cannot come into sliding contact with the holding surface 44g in any state other than this. As a result, when the sliding contact of the sliding surface 63f with the holding surface 44g is released by the rotation of the latch lever 44, that is, when the retention of the abutting portion 63c by the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 is released, the restricting member 60 returns to the restricted position shown in Figures 10 and 16.

[0077] (Opening Operation of Door Latch Device) Next, we will explain the operation of the door handle device 20 when the lock mechanism 14 of the door latch device 10 shown in Figure 5 is in the locked state and the latch mechanism 11 is switched to the unlatched state to open the door 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0078] 5, when the door latch device 10 can be electrically operated, the user first operates the touch sensor 36 of the door handle device 20. If the ECU 5 cannot receive an identification signal from the electronic key or if the identification signal received from the electronic key does not match the signal, the ECU 5 stores a flag indicating authentication has failed in the storage unit, and the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20 is not operated.

[0079] On the other hand, when the touch sensor 36 of the door handle device 20 is operated, if the identification signal received from the electronic key (not shown) matches, the ECU 5 stores a flag indicating successful authentication in the storage unit and activates the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20. This causes the joint 41 to move in direction B1 from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 to the opening operation restricted position shown in Figures 16 and 17. As a result, in conjunction with the joint 41, the handle 30 rotates in direction A1 from the initial position shown in Figures 1 and 15 to the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0080] Next, the user grasps the main body 30b of the handle 30 that has advanced from the recess 25c of the base 25 and operates the operating member 37. This turns on the release switch 35 and outputs a signal. The ECU 5, upon receiving this signal, activates the actuator 12 of the door latch device 10 to switch the latch mechanism 11 to an unlatched state. As a result, the door 1 shown in FIG. 2 becomes openable. The ECU 5 then stops the operation of the actuator 50 of the door handle device 20. This returns the actuator 50 to its initial state, and the biasing force of the kick spring 34 returns the handle 30 and the joint 41 to their initial positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 15.

[0081] In an emergency when the door latch device 10 shown in Figure 5 cannot be electrically operated, the user can open the door 1 shown in Figure 2 by operating the door handle device 20 in the steps shown in Figures 13 and 14.

[0082] Specifically, the user first pushes the front end 30a of the handlebar 30 inward in the vehicle width direction, causing the handlebar 30 to rotate in a direction A1 (Pa1 in FIG. 14) toward the normal operation position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, and the joint 41 moves in a direction B1 (Pb1 in FIG. 14) in conjunction with this rotation.

[0083] Next, the user grasps the main body 30b of the handle 30 that has advanced from the recess 25c of the base 25 and pulls it in direction A1 toward the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17. This causes the joint 41 to move in direction B1 in conjunction with the rotation of the handle 30. When the joint 41 moves in direction B1 to the abutment position (Pb2 in Figure 14), the pressing operation portion 41c abuts against the operation receiving surface 44e of the protrusion 44d, causing the latch lever 44 to start rotating in direction C1 (Pc1 in Figure 14).

[0084] When the latch lever 44 rotates in the direction C1 to the restricted position via the joint 41 by the opening operation of the handle 30, the abutment surface 44f of the protrusion 44d abuts against the abutment portion 63c of the restricting member 63, as shown in Figures 16 and 17. This restricts the rotation of the latch lever 44 in the direction C1 toward the open operating position shown in Figure 18 (Pc2 in Figure 14). As a result, movement of the joint 41 in the direction B1 toward the open operating position is also restricted (Pb3 in Figure 14), and the rotation of the handle 30 in the direction A1 toward the emergency operating position is also restricted (Pa2 in Figure 14).

[0085] 16 and 17, the user holds the handle 30 in a rotated position and inserts the mechanical key into the insertion port 27a of the key cylinder 27 in the exposed recess 25c to perform the unlocking operation, thereby operating the lock switching mechanism 16 of the door latch device 10 shown in FIG. 5 and switching the lock mechanism 14 from the locked state to the unlocked state.

[0086] Next, the user pushes the push button 61 in the exposed recess 25c toward the inside of the vehicle width direction. This pushes the push button 61 toward the inside of the vehicle, and in conjunction with the movement of the push button 61, the restricting member 63 rotates in direction D2 from the restricting position shown in Fig. 10 to the unrestricted position shown in Fig. 11 (Pd1, Pd2 in Fig. 14). As a result, the restriction of the latch lever 44, the joint 41, and the handle 30 by the restricting member 63 is released, and these become movable.

[0087] Next, while the push button 61 is still being operated, the handle 30 is resumed in rotation in direction A1 toward the emergency operation position shown in FIG. 18 (Pa3 in FIG. 14). This resumes movement of the joint 41 in direction B1 toward the open operation position (Pb4 in FIG. 14), and rotation of the latch lever 44 in direction C1 toward the open operation position is also resumed (Pc3 in FIG. 14). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 18, the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 is positioned inside the abutment portion 63c of the regulating member 63 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, when the push button 61 is released, the biasing force of the kick spring 65 attempts to rotate the regulating member 63 in direction D2 toward the regulating position, but the sliding surface 63f abuts against the holding surface 44g, so the regulating member 63 is maintained in the unrestricted position (Pd3 in FIG. 14).

[0088] Next, when the user performs an opening operation and the handle 30 is rotated in direction A1 to the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18 (Pa4 in Figure 14), the joint 41 moves in direction B1 to the open operation position (Pb5 in Figure 14), and the latch lever 44 rotates in direction C1 to the open operation position (Pc4 in Figure 14). This operates the latch switching mechanism 13 via the unlocked lock mechanism 14 of the door latch device 10 shown in Figure 5, switching the latch mechanism 11 from the latched state to the unlatched state. As a result, the door 1 shown in Figure 2 becomes openable.

[0089] When the above opening operation is completed, the user releases the handle 30. As a result, the handle 30 is rotated in direction A2 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34 from the emergency operation position shown in FIG. 18 through the normal operation position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 (Pa5 in FIG. 14 ) to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 15 (Pa6 in FIG. 14 ). The joint 41 is also moved in direction B2 by the biasing force of the kick spring 34, sequentially passing through the opening operation restricted position and the abutting position (Pb6 and Pb7 in FIG. 14 ) to the initial position (Pb8 in FIG. 14 ). The latch lever 44 is also rotated in direction C2 by the biasing force of the kick spring 45, passing through the open operation restricted position (Pc5 in FIG. 14 ) to the non-operated position (Pc6 in FIG. 14 ).

[0090] FIG. 19 shows the return process (Pa5 in FIG. 14 ) of the handle 30 after it has passed the normal operation position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 during its return from the emergency operation position shown in FIG. 18 to the initial position shown in FIGS. 1 and 15 . In this state, the joint 41 has passed the open operation restricted position (Pb6 in FIG. 14 ), and the latch lever 44 has passed the restricted position (Pc5 in FIG. 14 ). Therefore, the holding surface 44g of the latch lever 44 and the sliding surface 63f of the restricting member 63 are spaced apart in the vehicle length direction and are in a non-contact state. Therefore, the protruding portion 44d of the latch lever 44 releases the contact portion 63c of the restricting member 63, and the restricting member 63 rotates from the released position (Pd4 in FIG. 14 ) to the restricted position (Pd5 in FIG. 14 ) due to the biasing force of the kick spring 65.

[0091] In this way, when the handle 30 returns to the initial position after the opening operation, the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 releases the abutment portion 63c of the restricting member 63, and the restricting member 63 returns to the restricting position. In other words, when the handle 30 is returned to the initial position from the emergency operation position, the latch lever 44 is not restricted again by the restricting member 63, so there is no need to operate the push button 61.

[0092] The door handle device 20 configured in this manner has the following features.

[0093] The door latch device 10 includes a restricting member 63 that can move from a restricting position, in which the latch lever 44 abuts against the restricting member 63, to a restriction-release position, in which the restriction on the movement of the handle 30 via the latch lever 44 is released. As a result, the handle 30 cannot be operated to the emergency operation position unless the operation receiving portion 63b of the restricting member 63 is operated by the user, thereby preventing the latch mechanism 11 from being operated both electrically by the actuator 12 of the door latch device 10 and manually by the transmission mechanism 40 (lock mechanism 14).

[0094] The latch lever 44 has a retaining portion 44d that holds the restricting member 63 in the unrestricted position when the restricting member 63 moves to the unrestricted position and is moved by rotation of the handle 30 from the normal operation position toward the emergency operation position. As a result, when the handle 30 is positioned between the normal operation position and the emergency operation position, the rotation of the handle 30 is not restricted by the restricting member 63 via the latch lever 44. On the other hand, when the latch lever 44 moves due to rotation of the handle 30 toward the initial position beyond the normal operation position, the retention of the restricting member 63 by the retaining portion 44d is released, and the restricting member 63 returns to the restricted position. In other words, when the handle 30 is returned to the initial position after being rotated to the emergency operation position, the latch lever 44 is not restricted again by the restricting member 63, and therefore there is no need to operate the restricting member 63 via the operation receiving portion 63b. This improves operability when manually opening the door 1 by operating the door handle device 20 in an emergency when the door latch device 10 cannot be electrically operated.

[0095] The protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 faces the restricting member 63 in the restricting position and includes an abutment surface 44f that abuts against the restricting member 63 when the handle 30 rotates from the initial position to the normal operation position. Therefore, when the restricting member 63 is in the restricting position, the handle 30 can rotate from the initial position to the normal operation position without being restricted by the restricting member 63 via the latch lever 44. Furthermore, the protrusion 44d that constitutes the retaining portion includes a retaining surface 44g that extends along the restricting member 63 that is in the unrestricted position. In other words, one surface of the outer circumferential surface that constitutes the protrusion 44d constitutes the abutment surface 44f, and the other surface constitutes the retaining surface 44g. Therefore, the restriction of rotation of the handle 30 by the restricting member 63 in the restricting position and the retention of the restricting member 63 in the unrestricted position can be achieved with a simple configuration.

[0096] The restricting member 63 has an operation receiving portion 63b protruding from a base portion 63a to one side and an abutting portion 63c protruding to the other side. The abutting portion 63c protrudes toward the abutting surface 44f of the latch lever 44 positioned in the restricting position, and since the rigidity of the abutting portion 63c in the protruding direction, in which a compressive force acts due to the abutment of the latch lever 44, is higher than the rigidity in the shearing direction, the strength of the abutting portion 63c can be ensured. Therefore, even if the thickness of the abutting portion 63c of the restricting member 63 is thin, the movement of the latch lever 44 can be restricted, and the restricting member 63 can be made smaller.

[0097] The restricting member 63 is provided with a biasing member 65 that biases the restricting member 63 from the restriction release position toward the restriction position. Therefore, the restricting member 63, which is rotated to the restriction release position by the operation of the operation receiving portion 63b and held at the restriction release position by the latch lever 44, can be reliably returned to the restricting position by the movement of the latch lever 44 caused by the rotation of the handle 30 toward the initial position beyond the normal operating position.

[0098] The first rotation axis 64 of the restricting member 63 extends along the second rotation axis 33 of the handle 30. In other words, the handle 30 and the restricting member 63 can be arranged along the same direction of the base 25, so that the dimension of the base 25 in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the handle 30 can be reduced.

[0099] The third rotation shaft 62 of the push button 61, which operates the operation receiving portion 63b of the restricting member 63, extends in a direction intersecting the thickness direction Y of the door 1 and the first rotation shaft 64. This allows the operating force of the push button 61 to be transmitted to the operation receiving portion 63b of the restricting member 63, reliably moving the abutment portion 63c from the restricting position to the release position. In addition, the operation receiving portion 63b of the door handle device 20 can be easily operated from above.

[0100] The actuator 50 rotates the handle 30 from the initial position to the normal operation position via the intermediate member 41 for moving the latch lever 44, and the detection unit 35 is disposed on the handle 30 so as to face the door 1. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the detection unit 35 disposed on the handle 30 becomes operable by the actuation of the intermediate member 41 by the actuator 50. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is possible to prevent the door 1 from being opened by unintentionally operating the detection unit 35 in a non-operated state.

[0101] Other embodiments and various modifications of the present invention will be described below, but in these descriptions, points that are not particularly mentioned are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the drawings referred to below, the same elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0102] (Second embodiment) Referring to Figures 20 to 22, the door handle device 20 of the second embodiment differs from the door handle device 20 of the first embodiment in that the protrusion (retaining portion) 44d of the latch lever 44 holds the regulating member 63 in the release position only when the restriction by the regulating mechanism 60 is released.

[0103] Specifically, a holding surface 44g, a difference surface 44h, and an inclined surface 44i are formed on the surface of the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 that is on the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 21, similarly to the first embodiment, the holding surface 44g holds the restricting member 63 in the unrestricted position by the contact of the contact portion 63c.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 22 , the difference surface 44h is connected to the retaining surface 44g via the inclined surface 44i and is positioned at a distance from the retaining surface 44g on the vehicle widthwise inward side. In other words, the outer surface of the protrusion 44d in the vehicle widthwise direction has an uneven shape. The difference surface 44h allows the restricting member 63 to move from the unrestricted position shown in FIG. 21 to the restricted position shown in FIG. 20 but does not hold the restricting member 63 in the unrestricted position. The difference surface 44h is positioned parallel to the retaining surface 44g, and the abutment portion 63c abuts against the difference surface 44h to hold the restricting member 63 at an intermediate position between the restricted position shown in FIG. 20 and the unrestricted position shown in FIG. 21 . However, the difference surface 44h may be inclined relative to the retaining surface 44g, or the restricting member 63 may be movable to the restricted position shown in FIG. 20 .

[0106] The inclined surface 44i is continuous with the front end of the holding surface 44g in the vehicle length direction and the rear end of the difference surface 44h in the vehicle length direction, and is inclined inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends from the rear side to the front side in the vehicle length direction. When the handle 30 is rotated from the normal operation position to the emergency operation position, the inclined surface 44i guides the abutment portion 63c from the holding surface 44g to the difference surface 44h, i.e., guides the restricting member 63 from the unrestricted position toward the restricted position. On the other hand, when the handle 30 is returned from the emergency operation position to the normal operation position, the inclined surface 44i guides the abutment portion 63c from the difference surface 44h to the holding surface 44g by the rotation of the latch lever 44, i.e., guides the restricting member 63 from the restricted position to the unrestricted position.

[0107] The abutment portion 63c of the restricting member 63 includes a protrusion 63g that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction. The protrusion 63g is provided to prevent portions of the abutment portion 63c, including the extension portion 63d, other than the protrusion 63g from interfering with the holding surface 44g of the latch lever 44 when the restricting member 63 rotates from the restriction release position shown in Fig. 21 to the intermediate position shown in Fig. 22. The front end surface of the abutment portion 63c, including the protrusion 63g, in the vehicle length direction constitutes an abutted surface 63e with which the latch lever 44 abuts. The inner surface of the protrusion 63g of the abutment portion 63c in the vehicle width direction constitutes a sliding contact surface 63f with which the latch lever 44 slides.

[0108] In the second embodiment configured in this manner, as in the first embodiment, when the latch lever 44 is rotated from the inoperative position to the regulated position via the joint 41 by operating the handle 30, the abutment surface 44f abuts against the abutment surface 63e of the regulating member 63, as shown in Figure 20, and the rotation of the handle 30 is restricted via the latch lever 44 and the joint 41.

[0109] Subsequently, when the push button 61 is operated to rotate the restricting member 63 to the release position, and the opening operation of the handle 30 is resumed, the retaining surface 44g retains the restricting member 63 in the release position, as shown in Fig. 21 . Subsequently, with continued handle operation, the restricting member 63 rotates toward the restricting position along the inclined surface 44i due to the biasing force of the kick spring 65 shown in Fig. 4 , and is then retained in the intermediate position by the difference surface 44h, as shown in Fig. 22 . In this state, the rotation of the latch lever 44 is not restricted by the restricting member 63. Therefore, the handle 30 can be rotated to the emergency operation position, and the latch mechanism 11 of the door latch device 10 shown in Fig. 5 can be opened.

[0110] When the above opening operation is completed and the handle 30 is released, the handle 30 and joint 41 rotate toward the initial position due to the biasing force of the kick spring 34 shown in FIG. 4. As a result, the latch lever 44 rotates toward the inoperative position due to the biasing force of the kick spring 45 shown in FIG. 4. When the handle 30 returns from the emergency operation position to the normal operation position, the rotation of the latch lever 44 causes the inclined surface 44i to guide the restricting member 63 from the restricting position side to the unrestricted position. Thereafter, when the handle 30 rotates past the normal operation position toward the initial position, the protrusion 44d of the latch lever 44 releases the hold of the abutting portion 63c, and the restricting member 63 returns to the restricted position shown in FIG. 20.

[0111] The door handle device 20 of the second embodiment configured as described above can prevent unintentional operation of the handle to the emergency operation position under normal circumstances, as in the first embodiment. Moreover, when opening the door in an emergency, there is no need to operate the push button 61 again, improving operability.

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0113] For example, the operating member may be constituted by the joint 41, and movement of the joint 41 caused by rotation of the handle 30 from the normal operation position shown in Figures 16 and 17 to the emergency operation position shown in Figure 18 under normal circumstances may be restricted by a restricting member 63. Furthermore, the operating member whose movement is restricted by the restricting member 63 may be changed as necessary as long as it is a component that constitutes the transmission mechanism 40.

[0114] The restriction mechanism 60 may be configured with only the restriction member 63, and the operation receiving portion 63b may function as the operation portion. In other words, the restriction mechanism 60 may be configured without using the push button 61.

[0115] The directions in which the rotation axis 33 of the handle 30, the rotation axis 42 of the joint 41, and the shaft portion (rotation axis) 25j of the latch lever 44 extend can be changed as needed, as long as the configuration is such that the rotation of the handle 30 can be transmitted to the latch lever 44 via the joint 41.

[0116] The push button 61 and the regulating member 63 are not limited to being rotatably attached, but can be modified as needed as long as the operating force of the push button 61 can be transmitted to the regulating member 63 and the regulating member 63 can be moved from a regulating position where it can abut against the latch lever 44 to a deregulating position where it cannot abut against the latch lever 44.

[0117] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Door 2 Outer panel (door panel) 2a Opening 5 ECU 10 Door latch device 11 Latch mechanism 12 Actuator 13 Latch switching mechanism 14 Lock mechanism 15 Actuator 16 Lock switching mechanism 20 Door handle device 25 Base 25a Frame wall 25b Partition wall 25c Recess 25d Peripheral wall 25e Opening 25f Exposure hole 25g Cylinder mounting portion 25h Through hole 25i Guide groove 25j Shaft portion 25k Exposure hole 27 Key cylinder 27a Insertion port 28 Rod 30 Handle 30a Front end portion 30b Main body portion 31 Base member 31a Shaft mounting portion 31b Bearing portion 31c Projection piece 32 Cover 33 Rotation shaft (second rotation shaft) 34 Kick spring 35 Release switch (detection unit) 36 Touch sensor 37 Operation member 40 Transmission mechanism 41 Joint (intermediate member) 41a Shaft hole 41b Guide protrusion 41c Press operation unit 41d Operation receiving unit 41e Operation protrusion 42 Rotation shaft 43 Switch 44 Latch lever (operating member) 44a Base 44b Operation arm unit 44c Connection unit 44d Protrusion (holding unit) 44e Operation receiving surface 44f Contact surface 44g Holding surface 44h Differential surface 44i Inclined surface 45 Kick spring 50 Actuator 51 Motor 52 Movable member 60 Restriction mechanism 61 Push button 61a Base 61b Operation unit 62 Rotation shaft (third rotation shaft) 63 Restriction member 63a Base 63b Operation receiving portion 63c Contact portion 63d Extension portion 63e Contacted surface 63f Sliding surface 63g Convex portion 64 Rotation shaft (first rotation shaft) 65 Kick spring (biasing member) S Gap X Vehicle length direction Y Vehicle width direction (door thickness direction) Z Vehicle height direction

Claims

1. A door device comprising: a base fixed to a door; a handle journaled on said base and capable of rotating from an initial position before operation, via a normal operation position, to an emergency operation position for opening said door, and from the emergency operation position via the normal operation position to said initial position; a detection unit which, upon detection of operation of the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position, outputs a signal to electrically open a door latch device which holds said door in a closed state relative to a vehicle body; a transmission mechanism having an operating member which can move in conjunction with the rotation of said handle, and which manually operates to open said door latch device by movement of said operating member due to rotation of said handle to the emergency operation position; and a restricting member which has an operation receiving unit and which, upon operation of said operation receiving unit, can be moved from a restricting position which restricts the rotation of the handle from the normal operation position to the emergency operation position by contact of said operating member to a restricting release position in which restriction of the rotation of the handle via said operating member is released, The actuating member has a holding portion that holds the restricting member in the restricting position when the restricting member is located in the unrestricted position and the actuating member moves due to rotation of the handle from the normal operation position toward the emergency operation position, and when the actuating member moves due to rotation of the handle toward the initial position beyond the normal operation position, the hold of the restricting member by the holding portion is released and the restricting member returns to the restricting position.

2. A door handle device as described in claim 1, wherein the operating member includes a contact surface facing the regulating member in the regulating position and contacting the regulating member when the handle is rotated from the initial position to the normal operation position, and a retaining surface extending along the regulating member in the unrestricted position, and has a protrusion that constitutes the retaining portion.

3. The door handle device as described in claim 2, wherein the regulating member has: a base portion rotatable around a first rotation axis extending along the base so as to intersect in the thickness direction of the door; an operating receiving portion protruding from the base to one side in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and the first rotation axis; and an abutting portion protruding from the base to the other side in the direction intersecting the thickness direction and the first rotation axis so as to move toward the abutting surface of the operating member when located at the regulating position, and abutting against the abutting surface that moves as the handle is rotated from the initial position to the normal operating position.

4. A door handle device as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the protrusion of the operating member is connected to the retaining surface via an inclined surface on the opposite side of the abutment surface and includes a difference surface that allows movement of the restricting member from the release position toward the restricting position, and the movement of the operating member when the handle is rotated from the emergency operation position via the normal operation position to the initial position causes the inclined surface to move the restricting member from the restricting position via the release position to the restricting position.

5. The door handle device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a biasing member that biases the restricting member from the unrestricted position toward the restricting position.

6. The door handle assembly of claim 3, wherein said first axis of rotation extends along said handle's second axis of rotation.

7. The door handle device according to claim 6, further comprising a push button that is rotatable about a third rotation axis that extends in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and the first rotation axis and that operates the operation receiving portion of the regulating member.

8. A door handle device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the transmission mechanism has an intermediate member between the handle and the operating member which moves in conjunction with the rotation of the handle and moves the operating member by abutting against the operating member, an actuator is provided which rotates the handle from the initial position to the normal operation position via the intermediate member, and the detection unit is disposed on the handle so as to face the door.

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