JP7750164B2 - Outside handle device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an outside handle device installed on a vehicle door.

Technology relating to an outside handle device installed on a vehicle door is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1 discloses a door handle device for vehicle doors that includes an electric actuator that drives an opening mechanism that sets a closed vehicle door to an openable state. The door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1 normally unlatches using a touch sensor located on the handle, and in the event of an abnormality where the touch sensor does not respond, the pin that secures the handle is removed to enable the handle to be unlatched.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-133371

However, with the door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when an abnormality occurs, the driver must pull the handle in a way that is different from the normal operation. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the operability of the handle with the door handle device disclosed in Patent Document 1.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an outside handle device that can improve steering operability.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the outside handle device of the present invention is connected to an electric unlatch mechanism that electrically transitions a latch mechanism from a latched state in which a vehicle door is engaged with the vehicle body to an unlatched state in which the door is not engaged with the vehicle body, and a mechanical unlatch mechanism that mechanically transitions the latch mechanism to the unlatched state, and is an outside handle device that activates the electric unlatch mechanism or the mechanical unlatch mechanism. The outside handle device comprises a frame fixed to the inside of the door, a handle that is positioned on the outer surface of the door and supported by the frame, and has a touch sensor or switch on its inner surface that activates the electric unlatch mechanism, and a support shaft that moves around the handle. The device comprises a connecting member that is rotatably supported by the frame, connected to the mechanical unlatch mechanism, and that activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism when rotated in a predetermined direction around the support shaft; and a restricting member that is fixed to the frame and restricts rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction. The handle is movable from a first position, which is the position of the handle in the latched state, to a second position that is located further outward from the door than the first position. The restricting member restricts rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and releases the restriction on the connecting member when the handle moves to the second position.

With this configuration, the outside handle device can activate the electric unlatch mechanism in response to pulling the handle during normal operating conditions when the electric unlatch mechanism operates normally, while preventing the mechanical unlatch mechanism from operating. Furthermore, in abnormal operating conditions when the electric unlatch mechanism does not operate normally, the outside handle device can activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism in response to the same normal operating conditions, i.e., pulling the handle. Therefore, the outside handle device can perform a series of handle operations to transition the latch mechanism to the unlatched state under normal and abnormal operating conditions. This allows the outside handle device to improve handle operability.

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

With this configuration, even with a simple configuration, the outside handle device can operate the handle to transition the latch mechanism to the unlatched state in a single series of operations under normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore, the outside handle device can easily improve the operability of the handle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the regulating member is configured as a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end fixed to the frame, and the free end of the regulating member abuts against the overhang member, thereby restricting the outward movement of the overhang member. While the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, the free end of the regulating member abuts against the overhang member, causing the regulating member to bend. When the handle moves to the second position, the abutment of the free end against the overhang member is released, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member.

With this configuration, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device can operate the handle to transition the latch mechanism to the unlatched state in a single series of operations under normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore, the outside handle device can further easily improve the operability of the handle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the free end is formed with a hook-shaped claw portion that intersects the inward direction and bends in a direction toward the overhang member, the claw portion having a first end face that is the end face in the inward direction, a second end face that is the end face in the direction toward the overhang member, and a corner portion formed by the first end face and the second end face, and the first end face or the corner portion of the restricting member abuts against the overhang member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the first end face and the corner portion disengage from the overhang member and the second end face abuts against the overhang member, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member.

In this manner, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device can be structured to give the user a sense of control before and after the handle moves to the second position. In other words, even with a small number of parts, the outside handle device can be structured to provide a sense of control between the normal and abnormal operation of the handle to transition to the unlatched state, while also providing the user with a sense of control between the normal and abnormal operation. Furthermore, the outside handle device can provide a powerful feeling when pulling the handle in an abnormal situation, similar to pulling a fixed handle. Therefore, the outside handle device can further improve the operability of the handle.

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

In this manner, the outside handle device allows the second inclined surface of the protruding member and the second end surface of the restricting member to smoothly abut against each other by pushing the handle inward, allowing the protruding member and restricting member to easily return to their latched state configuration. Therefore, the outside handle device can further improve the operability of the handle.

The present invention provides an outside handle device that can improve handle operability.

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

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components with the same reference numerals in each embodiment have the same function in each embodiment unless otherwise specified, and their description will be omitted.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ringed lever 43 is rotatably supported on the base member 22 via a support shaft S4. The ringed lever 43 can rotate in an unlocking direction 45, which is the direction in which it rotates as the second rod 42 moves downward, and in a locking direction 44, which is the direction opposite to the unlocking direction 45. The ringed lever 43 may be biased by a biasing member (not shown) to rotate in the locking direction 44.

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

Now, using Figure 5, we will explain the operation by which the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 transitions the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state. When the connecting member 55 rotates in the unlock direction 61 as the handle 51 moves outward, the first rod 41 rotates in the unlock direction 61. When the first rod 41 rotates in the unlock direction 61, the second rod 42 moves downward and presses the ring portion 43a downward. When the ring portion 43a is pressed downward, the lever portion 43b rotates in the unlock direction 45, and the other end of the lever portion 43b presses the other end of the pole 25 in the unlock direction 27. When the other end of the pole 25 is pressed in the unlock direction 27 by the lever 31, the pole 25 rotates in the unlock direction 27, and one end of the pole 25 disengages from the latch 21. When one end of the pole 25 is released, the latch 21 rotates in the unlatch direction 24 due to the biasing force of the biasing member and is no longer engaged with the striker 4. This allows the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 to transition the latch mechanism 20 from a latched state to an unlatched state.

[Outside handle device]
Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the outside of the outside handle device 50. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the inside of the outside handle device 50. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 6.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The biasing member 56 biases the connecting member 55 so that the connecting member 55 rotates in the locking direction 60. The biasing member 56 is configured, for example, by a spring. The biasing member 56 is supported by the first frame 531.

The protruding member 57 is formed in a plate shape that protrudes outward from the sliding member 54 in a direction intersecting the outward direction (e.g., forward). The protruding member 57 may be formed integrally with the sliding member 54. The protruding member 57 moves outward or inward relative to the guide rail portion 531a as the sliding member 54 moves outward or inward. The protruding member 57 is positioned inside the lower end 55b of the connecting member 55 and abuts against the lower end 55b of the connecting member 55. The protruding member 57 restricts rotation of the connecting member 55, which is biased by the biasing member 56, in the locking direction 60. The outward movement of the protruding member 57 is restricted by the restricting member 58.

The restricting member 58 restricts the rotation of the connecting member 55 in the unlocking direction 61 via the overhanging member 57. The restricting member 58 is fixed to the first frame 531. The restricting member 58 may be formed integrally with the first frame 531. The restricting member 58 is positioned adjacent to the slide member 54 in the direction in which the overhanging member 57 overhangs from the slide member 54. The restricting member 58 is positioned below the lower end 55b of the connecting member 55. The restricting member 58 is positioned outward of the overhanging member 57.

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

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

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

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

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

Position P1 is the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 is in a latched state. Position P2, as described below, can be the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 transitions to the unlatched state due to operation of the electric unlatch mechanism 30 under normal circumstances when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 is operating normally. Position P3, as described below, can be the position of the handle 51 when the latch mechanism 20 transitions to the unlatched state due to operation of the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 under abnormal circumstances when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 is not operating normally. Position P2 is located further outward than position P1. Position P3 is located further outward than positions P1 and P2. The handle 51 can move from position P1 to position P2, then to position P3.

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

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

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

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

However, with the outside handle device 50 of this embodiment, the user can transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state by pulling the handle 51 further outward from the state shown in Figure 9.

If the user pulls the handle 51 further outward from the position shown in Figure 9, the handle 51 moves from position P2 to position P3, as shown in Figure 10. In this case, one end 51a of the handle 51 moves further outward than in the case shown in Figure 9. The other end 51b of the handle 51 will move outward if the hinge part 533 is not fully extended in the case shown in Figure 9. Both the one end 51a and the other end 51b of the handle 51 are significantly separated from the outer surface of the door 10. The handle 51 is positioned in the front-to-rear direction.

As shown in Figure 10, the first end face 58d or corner 58f formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 disengages from the first inclined surface 57b of the overhang member 57. The restricting member 58, which had been bent downward, returns to its original position by moving upward. Then, the second end face 58e formed on the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against the second inclined surface 57c of the overhang member 57. The free end 58b is no longer abutting against the overhang member 57. As a result, the restricting member 58 releases the restriction on the outward movement of the overhang member 57.

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

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

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

As a result, the outside handle device 50 can activate the electric unlatch mechanism 30 in response to pulling the handle 51 during normal operation when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 operates normally, while preventing the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 from operating. Furthermore, during abnormal operation when the electric unlatch mechanism 30 does not operate normally, the outside handle device 50 can activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism 40 in response to pulling the handle 51, the same operation as during normal operation. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can perform a series of operations on the handle 51 to transition the latch mechanism 20 to the unlatched state under normal and abnormal conditions. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can improve the operability of the handle 51.

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

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

Furthermore, in the outside handle device 50, the restricting member 58 is configured as a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end 58a fixed to the frame 53, and the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against the overhang member 57, thereby restricting the outward movement of the overhang member 57. While the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P2, the free end 58b of the restricting member 58 abuts against the overhang member 57, causing the restricting member 58 to bend. When the handle 51 moves to position P3, the free end 58b is no longer abutting against the overhang member 57, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member 57.

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

Furthermore, in the outside handle device 50, a hook-shaped claw portion 58c is formed on the free end 58b, which crosses inward and bends toward the overhang member 57. The claw portion 58c has a first end face 58d, which is the end face facing inward, a second end face 58e, which is the end face facing the overhang member 57, and a corner portion 58f formed by the first end face 58d and the second end face 58e. The restricting member 58 abuts the overhang member 57 at the first end face 58d or the corner portion 58f while the handle 51 moves from position P1 to position P3. When the handle 51 moves to position P3, the first end face 58d and the corner portion 58f disengage from the overhang member 57 and the second end face 58e abuts against the overhang member 57, thereby releasing the restriction on the overhang member 57.

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

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

As a result, by pushing the handle 51 inward, the outside handle device 50 can smoothly abut the second inclined surface 57c of the protruding member 57 and the second end surface 58e of the restricting member 58, allowing the protruding member 57 and the restricting member 58 to easily return to their latched position. Therefore, the outside handle device 50 can further improve the operability of the handle 51.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The present invention allows the configuration of one embodiment to be added to the configuration of another embodiment, the configuration of one embodiment to be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment to be deleted.

1...Vehicle, 2...Vehicle body, 4...Striker, 10...Door, 20...Latch mechanism, 30...Electrical unlatching mechanism, 40...Mechanical unlatching mechanism, 50...Outside handle device, 51...Handle, 51a...One end, 52...Sensor, 53...Frame, 54...Sliding member, 55...Connecting member, 56...Biasing member, 57...Protruding member, 57b...First inclined surface, 57c...Second inclined surface, 58...Restricting member, 58a...Fixed end, 58b...Free end, 58c...Claw portion, 58d...First end surface, 58e...Second end surface, 58f...Corner portion, 60...Lock direction (reverse direction), 61...Unlock direction (predetermined direction), θ1...Inclination angle, θ2...Inclination angle, P1...Position (first position), P3...Position (second position), S5...Support shaft

Claims (4)

An outside handle device connected to an electric unlatch mechanism that electrically transitions a latch mechanism in a latched state in which a vehicle door is engaged with a vehicle body to an unlatched state in which the door is not engaged with the vehicle body, and a mechanical unlatch mechanism that mechanically transitions the latch mechanism to the unlatched state, and that operates the electric unlatch mechanism or the mechanical unlatch mechanism,
a frame fixed to the interior of the door;
a handle disposed on the outer surface of the door and supported by the frame, the handle having a touch sensor or switch on its inner surface for activating the electric unlatch mechanism;
a connecting member that is supported by the frame so as to be rotatable about a support shaft along the handle, that is connected to the mechanical unlatch mechanism, and that activates the mechanical unlatch mechanism when rotated about the support shaft in a predetermined direction;
a restricting member fixed to the frame and configured to restrict rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction;
a biasing member supported by the frame and biasing the connecting member so that the connecting member rotates in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction;
a slide member that extends from one end of the handle inward of the door, is supported by the frame, and moves outward of the door relative to the frame as the handle moves;
a protruding member that protrudes from the slide member in a direction intersecting the outward direction and moves in the outward direction relative to the frame as the slide member moves,
the handle is movable from a first position, which is a position of the handle in the latched state, to a second position, which is located in the outward direction from the first position;
the restricting member restricts the rotation of the connecting member in the predetermined direction until the handle moves from the first position to the second position, and releases the restriction on the connecting member when the handle moves to the second position;
the protruding member restricts the rotation of the connecting member biased by the biasing member in the reverse direction,
the restricting member restricts the outward movement of the protruding member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and releases the restriction on the protruding member when the handle is moving to the second position;
When the restriction by the restricting member is released, the overhanging member presses the connecting member in the outward direction as the sliding member moves in the outward direction,
The outside handle device is characterized in that, when the connecting member is pressed outward by the protruding member, it rotates in the predetermined direction to activate the mechanical unlatch mechanism. the restricting member is configured by a cantilever beam extending inward from a fixed end fixed to the frame, and a free end of the restricting member abuts against the protruding member to restrict the outward movement of the protruding member;
The outside handle device according to claim 1, characterized in that the free end of the regulating member abuts against the protruding member and bends while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the abutment of the free end against the protruding member is released, thereby releasing the restriction on the protruding member. a hook-shaped claw portion is formed at the free end, the hook-shaped claw portion intersecting the inward direction and bending in a direction toward the protruding member;
the claw portion has a first end surface which is an end surface in the inward direction, a second end surface which is an end surface in a direction toward the protruding member, and a corner portion formed by the first end surface and the second end surface,
The outside handle device according to claim 2, characterized in that the first end face or the corner of the regulating member abuts against the protrusion member while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moved to the second position, the first end face and the corner come off the protrusion member and the second end face abuts against the protrusion member, thereby releasing the restriction on the protrusion member. the protruding member has a first inclined surface inclined with respect to the inward direction so as to face the first end surface or the corner portion, and a second inclined surface bent from the first inclined surface so as to move away from the first end surface as it advances in the inward direction and is inclined with respect to the inward direction,
the first end surface or the corner portion of the regulating member abuts against the first inclined surface while the handle is moving from the first position to the second position, and when the handle is moving to the second position, the first end surface or the corner portion comes off the first inclined surface and the second end surface abuts against the second inclined surface;
the second end surface is inclined with respect to the inner direction along the second inclined surface,
The outside handle device according to claim 3, wherein an inclination angle of the second inclined surface relative to the inward direction is smaller than an inclination angle of the first inclined surface relative to the inward direction.