Tilting mechanism of a visual recognition device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a tilting mechanism of a visual recognition device for a vehicle that seeks to reduce abnormal noise when a rotating part rotates. The tilting mechanism has a structure that supports a rotating part (28) on a shaft (24) of a fixed part (26) in a rotatable manner. A compression coil spring (38) is mounted on the shaft outer sleeve. A plate (34) is mounted on the free end side of the shaft in a manner that clamps a washer (32). The outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the center hole (32a) of the washer have different diameter portions (24c, 32b) respectively. A radial gap (g) is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the center hole of the washer. The tilting mechanism has a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism causes the washer to move radially relative to the shaft, and narrows or reduces the gap to zero at the different diameter portions at at least one location facing each other. The engagement of the different diameter portions with each other suppresses the rotation of the washer in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tilting mechanism that supports a rotating part for mounting a main body of a visual recognition unit such as a mirror or camera on the side of a vehicle vehicle in a rotatable manner to a fixed part on the side of the vehicle body, in a way that allows the rotating part to be moved to at least a position of use. The tilting mechanism aims to reduce abnormal noise when the rotating part rotates. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle door rearview mirrors are generally configured such that a rotating part with a mirror plate is rotatably supported on a fixed part erected on the outer surface of the door, allowing the rotating part to be moved to a storage position and a use position (expanded position).

[0003] An example of a mechanism around an axle in a conventional manually retractable door rearview mirror, where the rotating part is supported rotatably on a fixed part, is shown in the diagram. Figure 2 The mechanism is briefly described below. Shaft 24 is erected and fixed to a base (not shown) by screws, which is fixed to the outer surface of the door. Shaft 24 and the base constitute the mounting part of the rearview mirror. Alternatively, the base and shaft may be integrally cast or molded into a single structure. A frame (not shown) supports shaft 24 in a rotatable manner. The axis 30 (central axis) of shaft 24 constitutes the rotation axis of the rotating part. With the frame of the rotating part supported on shaft 24, a compression coil spring (not shown) is fitted over shaft 24 in a telescoping manner. Furthermore, a washer 32 on the upper side of the compression coil spring is fitted over shaft 24 in a lifting manner. The lower end face of the compression coil spring rests on a base plate supported by the frame of the rotating part. A washer 32 is supported on the upper end face of the compression coil spring. With the washer 32 pressed down to overcome the spring force of the compression coil spring and the compression coil spring shortened (compressed), a U-shaped plate 34 (U-plate) is inserted from the side of the shaft 24 into the two grooves 24d on both sides of the shaft 24 and installed on the shaft 24. Thus, the upward movement of the washer 32 relative to the shaft 24 is locked by the plate 34. If the compression coil spring is released in this state, the force of the compression coil spring is applied between the bottom plate of the rotating part frame and the washer 32, and this applied force is maintained. This force acts as a force pressing the rotating part against the fixed part. At the contact surface between the rotating part and the fixed part, a recessed-protrusion fitting structure is formed at equal intervals at multiple locations along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 30. Furthermore, in Figure 2The diagram shows the upper surface 24e of the shaft base serving as the abutment surface of the fixing part. The fitting structure engages when the rotating part is in at least the use position. This engagement allows the rotating part to be held in the use position. Furthermore, if a force exceeding a predetermined value in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis is applied to the rotating part in the use position, the engagement disengages, allowing the rotating part to move towards a storage position. Alternatively, if a force exceeding a predetermined value in the reverse circumferential direction is applied to the rotating part in the use position, the rotating part can be moved to a tiltable forward position.

[0004] A two-sided portion 24c is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 24. A two-sided portion 32b is also formed on the inner circumferential surface of the center hole 32a of the washer 32. The two-sided portions 24c and 32b engage with each other. The two-sided portions 24c and 32b constitute a rotation locking mechanism that locks the washer 32 in the circumferential direction of the axis 30. When assembled with... Figure 2 When the tilting mechanism of the manually retractable rearview mirror is in its tilting state, if the rotating part is manually rotated in the circumferential direction of axis 30, the following actions occur: The lower end face of the compression coil spring rests on the base plate of the frame supporting the rotating part, and the compression coil spring abuts against the part on which it is supported in a pressed state, thereby rotating integrally with the frame. On the other hand, the opposite side 24c of the shaft 24 and the opposite side 32b of the washer 32 engage with each other, thereby locking the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft 24. Therefore, at this time, the compression coil spring and the washer 32 slide between the upper end face of the compression coil spring and the lower surface of the washer 32 while rotating relative to each other in the circumferential direction of axis 30.

[0005] In addition, as a prior art document that discloses a tilting mechanism for a car door rearview mirror with a structure that uses a washer and a U-plate to fix a compression coil spring to the shaft, there is, for example, the following patent document 1.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-315128 Summary of the Invention

[0009] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0010] In having Figure 2 The manually retractable door rearview mirror with tilting mechanism has the following problem: when the rotating part is manually moved from the retracted position to the use position, and also when it is moved from the use position to the retracted position, abnormal noises (such as impact sounds) are produced.

[0011] The present invention provides a tilting mechanism for a vehicle vision recognition device that aims to reduce (including the case where no abnormal noise is generated) abnormal noise when the rotating part rotates, thereby solving the above-mentioned problems in the prior art.

[0012] Solutions for solving problems

[0013] The inventors used experiments to test the presence of Figure 2 The manually retractable rearview mirror with tilting mechanism confirmed the cause of the aforementioned impact sound. The result showed that the impact sound was generated by the collision between the outer circumferential surface of shaft 24 and the inner circumferential surface of washer 32. (Refer to...) Figure 3A , Figure 3B This explains the mechanism by which impact sounds are generated. Figure 3A , Figure 3B Indicates that in the assembly having Figure 2 The cross section of the shaft 24 at the location where the washer 32 is present (i.e., the location along the axis 30) in the manually retractable rearview mirror of the tilting mechanism represents the positional relationship between the washer 32 and the shaft 24 at that location. Figure 3A This indicates the state before the rotating part rotates. Figure 3B This indicates the state when the rotating part has rotated. Figure 3A In this configuration, shaft 24 is inserted into the center hole 32a of washer 32. Opposite sides 24c of shaft 24 and opposite sides 32b of washer 32 face each other. In this state, a gap g is formed between the outer circumferential surface of shaft 24 and the inner circumferential surface of washer 32. This gap g inevitably occurs when shaft 24 has a tapered tip due to draft angles, etc. That is, when assembling… Figure 2 When installing a tilting mechanism for a car door rearview mirror, the washer 32 needs to be temporarily pressed down when the compression coil spring and washer 32 are fitted onto the shaft 24 and the plate 34 is inserted into the slot 24d. At this time, if the shaft 24 is thicker at the bottom due to its narrow top, the center hole 32a of the washer 32 needs to be sized to correspond to the thickness of the shaft at the pressed position in order to press down the washer 32. As a result, when the compression coil spring is released from its compressed (shortened) state after the plate 34 is inserted into the slot 24d and returns to the height where the washer 32 and plate 34 are locked, a gap g is generated between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 24 and the inner circumferential surface of the washer 32. Furthermore, this gap g is also due to manufacturing errors (tolerances) in the shaft 24 and washer 32. Moreover, if gap g is generated, when manually moving the rotating part from the storage position to the use position, and vice versa, as... Figure 3BAs shown, at the initial displacement, washer 32 rotates together with the compression coil spring in the circumferential direction of axis 30. The midpoint of the circumferential direction of the opposite side portion 32b of the inner circumferential surface of washer 32 collides with the opposite side portion 24c of the outer circumferential surface of coaxial 24 and the boundary position P of the circular portion 24g, preventing further rotation and thus stopping the rotation of washer 32. This collision produces an impact sound. In particular, if the gap g is large, the impact sound becomes louder. Additionally, friction noise sometimes occurs between washer 32 and plate 34 during the rotation of washer 32. This invention provides a tilting mechanism for a vehicle vision recognition device that aims to reduce abnormal noise during the rotation of the rotating part by addressing the problems in the prior art.

[0014] In the tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device of the present invention, the tilting mechanism includes: a fixed part having a shaft and fixed to the vehicle body; a rotating part configured to support the main body of the vision recognition part and supported on the fixed part in a manner that allows rotation in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the shaft; a compression coil spring sleeved on the shaft of the fixed part supporting the rotating part, applying a pressing force between the rotating part and the fixed part; a washer having a central hole on the free end side of the shaft on which the compression coil spring is sleeved, the shaft being inserted into the central hole and the washer being sleeved on the shaft; a plate mounted on the free end side of the shaft on which the compression coil spring and the washer are sleeved, locking the movement of the washer toward the free end side of the shaft due to the force of the compression coil spring; and an offset mechanism, on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the central hole of the washer. A radial gap is formed between the shaft and the washer. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft has a reducing portion formed at one or more locations along the circumferential direction of the shaft's central axis, with a diameter different from that of other locations along the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of the washer's central hole has a reducing portion formed at one or more locations along the circumferential direction of the central axis of the central hole, with a diameter different from that of other locations along the circumferential direction. The biasing mechanism acts between the shaft and the washer, causing the washer to move radially relative to the shaft, thereby biasing the position of the washer's central hole relative to the position of the shaft. This narrows or reduces the gap between the reducing portions at at least one facing location. Thus, when a rotational force is applied to the washer in the circumferential direction of the shaft, the biasing mechanism uses the engagement of the reducing portions to suppress the rotation of the washer. The reducing portion can be composed of, for example, a non-circular portion such as an edge portion or a D-shaped cut-off portion, or various other shapes. According to the present invention, the offset mechanism moves the washer radially relative to the shaft, thereby offsetting the position of the washer's center hole relative to the shaft, narrowing or reducing the gap between the different diameter portions at at least one facing each other. Therefore, when a rotational force in the circumferential direction of the shaft is applied to the washer, the engagement of the different diameter portions at the points where the gap is narrowed or zero can suppress the rotation of the washer. This reduces abnormal noise when the rotating part rotates.

[0015] In this invention, the biasing mechanism can be configured such that the biasing mechanism has a clamping portion formed in the plate and a clamping portion formed in the washer, respectively positioned on the opposite side of the portion with narrowed or zero gap, separated by the shaft. The clamping portion is clamped between the shaft and the clamping portion, restricting the gap between the shaft and the clamping portion caused by the gap to be narrower than a predetermined state, thereby biasing the position of the center hole of the washer relative to the position of the shaft. Here, when the portion with different diameters is composed of opposite sides, the biasing mechanism can bias the position of the center hole of the washer, for example, in a direction opposite to the faces of the opposite sides.

[0016] In this invention, the washer can be configured such that it has a wall portion that rises upwards from the outer periphery of the washer, the space on the inner periphery of the wall portion constitutes a plate storage space for storing the plate, the biasing mechanism has an abutting portion where the outer periphery of the plate stored in the plate storage space abuts against the inner wall surface of the wall portion, the abutting portion of the wall portion constitutes the clamping portion, and the portion of the plate between the abutting portion and the shaft constitutes the clamped portion.

[0017] In this invention, the clamped portion can be configured such that the plate side protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plate and protrudes radially outward toward the plate, and the plate abuts against the abutting portion of the wall portion at the plate side protrusion.

[0018] In this invention, the clamping portion can be configured such that the inner wall surface of the wall portion of the washer has a washer-side protrusion that protrudes radially inward toward the washer, and the washer abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the plate at the washer-side protrusion.

[0019] In this invention, the biasing mechanism can be configured such that the opposing surfaces of the washer and the plate opposite each other in a direction along the central axis of the shaft have a concave-convex fitting structure, the fitting structure on the washer side constitutes the clamping portion, and the portion of the plate between the fitting structure on the plate side and the shaft constitutes the clamped portion.

[0020] In this invention, the clamped portion can be configured such that it has an insertion portion protruding downward from the inner periphery of the plate, the insertion portion being inserted into the gap at a position opposite to the portion of the unequal diameter portion where the gap narrows or becomes zero across the shaft, and the inner periphery of the center hole of the washer forming the clamping portion at the position where the insertion portion is inserted into the gap. Here, if the unequal diameter portion is composed of opposite sides, for example, the clamped portion can be configured such that it has an insertion portion protruding downward from the inner periphery of the plate, one side of the opposite side of the washer forming the clamping portion, and the insertion portion is inserted into the gap between one side of the washer forming the clamping portion and one side of the shaft opposite to that side.

[0021] In this invention, the tilting mechanism can be configured such that an additional plate is clamped between the opposing surfaces of the washer and the plate, which are opposite each other in a direction along the central axis of the shaft; the biasing mechanism has a clamping portion formed in the additional plate and a clamping portion formed in the washer; the clamping portion is clamped between the shaft and the clamping portion, restricting the gap formed by the gap between the shaft and the clamping portion to be narrower than a predetermined state, thereby biasing the position of the center hole of the washer relative to the position of the shaft. Here, "biasing it" means, for example, biasing it in a direction opposite to the faces of the opposing sides when the differential diameter portion is composed of opposite sides.

[0022] In this invention, the biasing mechanism can be configured such that at least one of the abutting surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion forms an inclined surface, which is inclined relative to the central axis of the shaft (i.e., inclined relative to the direction along the central axis). This inclined surface converts a portion of the force of the compression coil spring applied to the washer into a force that moves the washer radially relative to the shaft, causing the abutting surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion to slide relative to each other along the inclined surface. This causes the position of the center hole of the washer to be biased relative to the position of the shaft. Here, regarding "radial direction," when the differential diameter portion is composed of opposite sides, for example, it corresponds to the direction of the opposite direction of the faces of the opposite sides. Furthermore, regarding "biasing it," when the differential diameter portion is composed of opposite sides, for example, it corresponds to biasing it towards the direction of the opposite direction of the faces of the opposite sides.

[0023] In this invention, the tilting mechanism can be configured, for example, as follows: The tilting surface is configured such that, at a position where the abutting surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion slide against each other due to the force of the compression coil spring, the outer circumferential surface of the shaft abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer at the portion where the gap narrows or becomes zero, thereby locking the radial movement of the washer relative to the shaft. Thus, the tilting mechanism is configured to maintain the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer pressed against each other due to the force of the compression coil spring at the portion where the gap narrows or becomes zero.

[0024] Here, when the differential diameter portion is composed of opposing sides, the tilting mechanism can be configured, for example, as follows: The tilting surface is set such that, at a position where the contact surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion slide along the tilting surface due to the force of the compression coil spring, the surfaces of the opposing sides abut against each other on one side of the shaft in the opposite direction, thus locking the movement of the washer in that direction. Therefore, the tilting mechanism is maintained in a state where the surfaces of the opposing sides are pressed against each other on one side of the shaft due to the force of the compression coil spring in the opposite direction. In this case, the clamped portion can be configured to have a straight portion that presses against the other of the two surfaces constituting the opposing sides of the shaft. In this way, the surfaces of the opposing sides of the shaft press against the straight portion of the clamped portion, thus more reliably suppressing the rotation of the clamped portion in the circumferential direction of the shaft, and more reliably suppressing the rotation of the washer in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

[0025] In this invention, the tilting mechanism can be configured, for example, as follows: The washer has a wall portion that extends upwards from the outer periphery of the washer. The space on the inner periphery of this wall portion constitutes a plate storage space for receiving the plate. The washer has an auxiliary member disposed in the plate storage space. The auxiliary member is clamped between the outer peripheral surface of the plate and the inner wall surface of the wall portion to form the clamping portion. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1A It means in Figure 4 The diagram shows the state in which the washer and plate are assembled on the shaft section in Embodiment 1 (the state in actual use), and is a cross-sectional view of the shaft section in the direction orthogonal to the axis where the washer and plate are located along the axial direction.

[0027] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A EE-oriented sectional view.

[0028] Figure 2This is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the tilting mechanism and the mechanism around the shaft in a conventional manually retractable car door rearview mirror.

[0029] Figure 3A It is assembled with Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the tilting mechanism of the manually retractable rearview mirror of the car door, showing the position of the washer at the axis of the shaft in a direction orthogonal to the axis, before the rotating part is rotated.

[0030] Figure 3B Is with Figure 3A A sectional view at the same location and with the same cross-sectional direction, indicating that the rotating part is from... Figure 3A The positional relationship between the washer and the shaft when the shaft is rotated.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and is an exploded perspective view of a car door rearview mirror to which the present invention is applied.

[0032] Figure 5A Yes Figure 4 A top view showing the detailed structure of the washer.

[0033] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A AA-direction sectional view.

[0034] Figure 5C yes Figure 5B Enlarged view of part B.

[0035] Figure 6A Yes Figure 4 A top view showing the detailed structure of the plate.

[0036] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A CC-direction sectional view.

[0037] Figure 6C yes Figure 6B Enlarged view of part D.

[0038] Figure 7 It is cut at the location of the groove used for mounting the plate with a plane orthogonal to the axis of the shaft. Figure 4 A sectional view formed by the shaft section.

[0039] Figures 8A to 8D This means that in Figure 4 The diagrams illustrating the steps of assembling the washer and plate to the shaft portion in Embodiment 1 show cross-sections formed by cutting with a plane passing through the central axis of the shaft portion and orthogonal to the surfaces of opposite sides of the shaft portion. These diagrams... Figure 8A This indicates the first step (the step of installing washers).

[0040] Figure 8B Indicates the following Figure 8A The second step in the process (the step of compressing the compression coil spring).

[0041] Figure 8C Indicates the following Figure 8B The third step in the process (the process of inserting the plate).

[0042] Figure 8D Indicates the following Figure 8C The fourth step of the process (the state where the compression of the coil spring is released and the assembly of the washer and plate is completed).

[0043] Figure 9A , Figure 9B It means in Figure 4 The diagrams show the assembled state of the washer and plate relative to the shaft portion in Embodiment 1. These diagrams... Figure 9A It is a sectional view obtained by cutting through a plane that passes through the central axis of the shaft and is orthogonal to the surface of the opposite side of the shaft.

[0044] Figure 9B Is Figure 9A In the state of complete assembly, relative to Figure 9A The cross-sectional view is located at a position rotated 90 degrees around the central axis 30.

[0045] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention, showing the relationship with Embodiment 1. Figure 1B Cross sections at the same location.

[0046] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention, showing the relationship with Embodiment 1. Figure 1B Cross sections at the same location.

[0047] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 4 of the present invention, showing a modified example of the configuration of the plate side protrusions, and is a top view of the assembly of the washer and plate to the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 5 of the present invention, showing a modified example of the configuration of the plate side protrusions, and is a top view of the assembly of the washer and plate to the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0049] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 6 of the present invention, showing a modified example of the configuration of the plate side protrusions, and is a top view of the assembly of the washer and plate to the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 7 of the present invention, showing an example of the configuration of the washer side protrusion, and is a top view of the washer and plate assembled on the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0051] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 8 of the present invention, showing a modified example of the configuration of the washer side protrusion, and is a top view of the washer and plate assembled on the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0052] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 9 of the present invention, showing a modified example of the configuration of the washer side protrusion, and is a top view of the washer and plate assembled on the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0053] Figure 18 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 10 of the present invention, showing a modified example of the configuration of the washer side protrusion, and is a top view of the washer and plate assembled on the shaft portion and viewed from the axial direction of the shaft portion.

[0054] Figure 19A This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 11 of the present invention, showing the state after the washer and plate are assembled to the shaft portion, and is a cross-sectional view of the shaft portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis where the washer and plate are located.

[0055] Figure 19B yes Figure 19A FF view of the section.

[0056] Figure 20A This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 12 of the present invention, showing the state after the washer and plate are assembled to the shaft portion, and is a cross-sectional view in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion where the washer and plate are located.

[0057] Figure 20B yes Figure 20A GG-direction sectional view.

[0058] Figure 21A This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 13 of the present invention, showing the state after the washer and plate are assembled to the shaft portion, and is a cross-sectional view of the shaft portion in the direction orthogonal to the axis where the washer and plate are located.

[0059] Figure 21B yes Figure 21A HH-direction sectional view.

[0060] Figure 22A This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 14 of the present invention, showing the state after the washer and plate are assembled to the shaft portion, and is a cross-sectional view in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the shaft portion where the washer and plate are located.

[0061] Figure 22B yes Figure 22A Sectional view from direction II.

[0062] Figure 23 This is a diagram illustrating Embodiment 15 of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the same location as Figure 1 of Embodiment 1.

[0063] Figure 24 This is a diagram illustrating embodiment 16 of the present invention, and is in contrast to embodiment 15. Figure 23 A sectional view created by cutting the same part.

[0064] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating embodiment 17 of the present invention, and is in contrast to embodiment 15. Figure 23 A sectional view created by cutting along the same section.

[0065] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0066] 20. Rearview mirror of the car door; 22. Base; 24. Shaft; 24a. Shaft base; 24b. Shaft rod; 24c. Opposite side (different diameter part); 24c1, 24c2. Opposite side surface (surface of opposite side); 24d. Groove; 24d1. Bottom of the groove; 24e. Upper surface of the shaft base; 24f. Stepped part; 24g. Circular part; 24h. D-shaped cut-off part (different diameter part of the shaft rod); 24i. Protrusion; 24j. Serrated or wavy surface (different diameter part of the shaft rod); 25. Through hole; 26. Fixing part; 28. Rotating part; 30. Shaft axis (central axis of the shaft) 32. Washer; 32a. Center hole; 32b. Opposite side (different diameter part); 32b1, 32b2. Opposite side face (face of opposite side); 32c. Center axis of washer (center axis of center hole of washer); 32d. Flat part; 32e. Wall part; 32f. Plate storage space; 32g. Inner wall surface; 32g1. Inclined surface; 32g2. Rounded corner surface; 32g3. Flat surface; 32h. Inner circumferential corner of upper end face of wall part; 32i. Washer side protrusion (offset mechanism); 32j. Corner part; 32k. Eccentricity prevention protrusion; 3 2m, D-shaped cut-off portion (different diameter portion of the center hole of the washer); 32n, recess; 32p, serrated or wavy surface (different diameter portion of the center hole of the washer); 34, plate; 34a, parallel portion; 34b, opening; 34c, arc-shaped portion; 34d, opposite side portion; 34e, inlet; 34f, inner peripheral surface of the arc-shaped portion; 34f1, 34f2, arc-shaped portion; 34f3, straight portion; 34g, plate side protrusion (biasing mechanism); 34g1, top surface of the plate side protrusion; 34g2, upper corner of the inclined top surface; 34h, outer peripheral surface of the arc-shaped portion; 36. Frame; 36a, Inner cylinder; 36b, Outer cylinder; 36c, Base plate; 36d, Cylindrical space; 36e, Circular space; 38, Compression coil spring; 40, Clamping part; 42, Clamped part; 44, Concave-convex fitting structure; 44a, Concave part; 44b, Convex part; 46, Insertion part; 48, Auxiliary part; 48a, Inclined surface of auxiliary part; 50, Additional plate; 50a, Center hole; 50a1, Straight part; 50b, Side protrusion of additional plate; 50b1, Top surface of side protrusion of additional plate; P, Boundary position between opposite sides of the outer circumference of the shaft and the circular part; g, Clearance. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, in each of the following embodiments, [the following description refers to...]. Figure 2 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B The corresponding parts in the conventional construction use the same reference numerals. Furthermore, the corresponding parts in each embodiment also use the same reference numerals.

[0068] Implementation Method 1

[0069] Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 The following is an exploded view of a car door rearview mirror 20 to which the present invention is applied. This car door rearview mirror 20 has the following structure: A base 22 is a door component mounted on the vehicle body, and is made of die-casting materials such as zinc or aluminum, or hard resin (such as reinforced resin). An axle 24 is erected and fixed to the base 22 by screws. The base 22 and the axle 24 constitute the fixing part 26 of the car door rearview mirror. Furthermore, there are cases where the base 22 and the axle 24 are integrally cast or integrally formed into a single structure. When the axle 24 and the base 22 are integrally formed, the axle 24 and the base 22 are formed of the same material. When the axle 24 and the base 22 are separate components, the axle 24 is made of die-casting materials such as zinc or aluminum, or hard resin (such as reinforced resin).

[0070] Shaft 24 is constructed by coaxially arranging the lower, larger-diameter shaft base 24a and the upper, smaller-diameter shaft rod 24b into a single unit. The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft base 24a, orthogonal to the axis 30, is circular. The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft rod 24b, orthogonal to the axis 30, is circular except for the non-circular (straight) opposite edge 24c (the unequal diameter portion of the shaft rod 24a) and the groove 24d. A through hole 25 is formed in shaft 24, extending vertically along the axis 30. Shaft 24 is erected and fixed to base 22 by screws on the lower surface of shaft base 24a. Shaft rod 24b has a tapered tip due to draft angles, etc. On the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 24b, at a position symmetrical to each other across the axis 30 of the shaft 24 (the central axis of the shaft 24 and the axis of rotation of the rotating portion 28), two surfaces constituting the opposing side portions 24c are formed in a manner extending along the direction of the axis 30 of the shaft 24 (more precisely, slightly inclined relative to the axis 30). That is, the opposing side portions 24c have two surfaces (hereinafter referred to as "opposing side surfaces") 24c1 and 24c2 formed by cutting the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 24b with two substantially parallel planes (more precisely, corresponding to the shape of the top of the shaft portion 24b being narrow, with the spacing widening towards the lower side). The opposing side portions 24c serve to engage with the opposing side portion 32b of the center hole 32a of the washer 32, which will be discussed later, and thus lock the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the circumferential direction of the axis 30 of the shaft 24. Furthermore, at a position symmetrical to each other on the upper part of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 24b, separated by the axis 30 of the shaft 24 (here, a position rotated 90 degrees relative to the opposite side portion 24c in the circumferential direction of the axis 30), two slots 24d are formed in a direction orthogonal to the axis 30 for the plate 34 to be inserted.

[0071] The frame 36 of the rotating part 28 is supported on the shaft 24 in a manner that allows it to rotate freely in the circumferential direction of the axis 30. The axis 30 of the shaft 24 constitutes the axis of rotation of the rotating part 28. The frame 36 is made of die castings of zinc, aluminum, etc., or a one-piece molded product of hard resin (reinforced resin, etc.). On the front surface of the free end side (the side away from the axis 30) of the frame 36, a mirror plate (not shown) constituting the main body of the visual recognition part is mounted by means of a mirror actuator (not shown). The mirror actuator is driven by a motor to adjust the mirror angle in the up, down, left, and right directions under remote control from inside the vehicle. On the base end side (the side closer to the axis 30) of the frame 36, an inner cylinder 36a and an outer cylinder 36b extending in the up and down direction are formed coaxially. The inner cylinder 36a and the outer cylinder 36b are supported at their lower parts by a base plate 36c ( Figure 9A , Figure 9B The inner cylinder 36a and outer cylinder 36b are interconnected. The cylindrical space 36d formed between the inner cylinder 36a and outer cylinder 36b is blocked by the bottom plate 36c. The cylindrical space 36e formed on the inner circumference of the inner cylinder 36a constitutes a through hole that penetrates the frame 36 in the vertical direction. The shaft portion 24b is inserted into the cylindrical space 36e from below. The upper part of the shaft portion 24b protrudes upward from the upper end of the inner cylinder 36a and is exposed to the external space. The bottom plate 36c of the frame 36 between the inner cylinder 36a and outer cylinder 36b ( Figure 9A , Figure 9B The lower surface of the shaft base 24a is supported on the upper surface 24e of the shaft base 24a, and is supported on the inner circumference of the cylindrical space 36e so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction of the axis 30 of the shaft 24. A sun visor (also called a mirror housing) not shown covers the frame 36 and is mounted on the frame 36. The frame 36, which houses the mirror actuator, mirror plate, and sun visor, constitutes the rotating part 28 of the door rearview mirror.

[0072] A compression coil spring 38 is housed in the cylindrical space 36d of the frame 36 in a manner coaxial with the shaft 24 and with free extension and retraction. Figure 9A , Figure 9B Thus, the compression coil spring 38 is in a state where its extension and retraction are freely extended and retracted onto the shaft portion 24b. The lower end face of the compression coil spring 38 rests on the base plate 36c, which is supported between the inner cylinder 36a and the outer cylinder 36b. Figure 9A , Figure 9BThe upper surface of the cylindrical space 36a (bottom surface of the cylindrical space 36d). With the shaft portion 24b inserted into the cylindrical space 36e and the compression coil spring 38 housed in the cylindrical space 36d, an annular washer 32 is fitted over the shaft portion 24b, which protrudes upward from the upper end of the inner cylinder 36a, in a manner that allows for free lifting and lowering. That is, the washer 32 is fitted over the shaft portion 24b by inserting the shaft portion 24b into the center hole 32a of the washer 32 on the upper side of the compression coil spring 38 (the free end side of the shaft portion 24b). The washer 32 is supported on the upper end face of the compression coil spring 38. On the inner circumferential surface of the center hole 32a of the washer 32, two surfaces constituting opposite sides 32b are formed at positions symmetrically across the central axis of the center hole 32a. That is, the opposite side portion 32b has two surfaces (hereinafter referred to as "opposite side surfaces") 32b1 and 32b2 formed by cutting the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 32a with two parallel planes. At the position where the opposite side portion 24c of the shaft portion 24b and the opposite side portion 32b of the washer 32 face each other (i.e., the relative rotation angle position of the shaft portion 24b and the washer 32 in the circumferential direction of the axis 30), the shaft portion 24b can be inserted into the central hole 32a of the washer 32. With the washer 32 fitted over the shaft portion 24b, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b in the circumferential direction of the axis 30 is restricted by the engagement of the opposite side portions 24c and 32b. That is, the opposite side portions 24c and 32b constitute a rotation locking mechanism that locks the washer 32 in the circumferential direction of the axis 30 even without the force exerted by the compression coil spring 38.

[0073] With washer 32 sleeved over the upper side of compression coil spring 38 onto shaft portion 24b, U-shaped plate 34 (U-plate) is installed on shaft portion 24b. By pressing washer 32 against the spring force of compression coil spring 38, compression coil spring 38 is shortened (compressed). Plate 34 is inserted into the two slots 24d on both sides of shaft portion 24b from the side of shaft portion 24b on the upper side of washer 32 (free end side of shaft portion 24b), thereby installing plate 34 relative to shaft portion 24b. Specifically, parallel portions 34a, 34a of plate 34 are inserted into slots 24d, 24d of shaft portion 24b, and while sliding parallel portions 34a, 34a of plate 34, shaft portion 24b enters the opening 34b of plate 34, thus installing plate 34 on shaft portion 24b. This results in the upward movement of washer 32 being locked by plate 34. If the compression spring 38 is released from its position in this state, the force of the compression spring 38 is applied between the base plate 36c of the frame 36 and the washer 32. Figure 9A , Figure 9BThis force acts as a pressing force that presses the rotating part 28 against the fixed part 26 in the direction along the axis 30. The contact surfaces of the rotating part 28 and the fixed part 26 under this pressing force (the lower surface of the base plate 36c of the frame 36 and the upper surface 24e of the shaft base 24a, see reference 20) are also affected. Figure 9A , Figure 9B Along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 30, a plurality of interlocking structures (not shown) are formed at equal intervals at multiple locations. These interlocking structures engage when the rotating part 28 is in at least the use position. The engagement, applied by the compression coil spring 38, holds the rotating part 28 in the use position. Furthermore, if a force exceeding a predetermined value in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 30 is applied to the rotating part 28 in the use position, the engagement disengages, allowing the rotating part 28 to rotate and shift towards the storage position. Alternatively, if a force exceeding a predetermined value in the reverse circumferential direction is applied to the rotating part 28 in the use position, the engagement disengages, allowing the rotating part 28 to rotate and shift towards a forward tilting position.

[0074] If the rotating part 28 is manually rotated in the circumferential direction of axis 30 while the rearview mirror 20 is assembled as described above, the lower end face of the compression coil spring 38 abuts against the upper surface of the base plate 36c between the inner cylinder 36a and the outer cylinder 36b in a pressed state. Therefore, the compression coil spring 38 and the rotating part 28 rotate together in the circumferential direction of axis 30. On the other hand, the opposite side 24c of the shaft 24 and the opposite side 32b of the washer 32 engage with each other, thus preventing the washer 32 from rotating relative to the shaft 24. Therefore, at this time, the compression coil spring 38 and the washer 32 slide between the upper end face of the compression coil spring 38 and the lower surface of the washer 32 while rotating relative to each other in the circumferential direction of axis 30.

[0075] Reference Figures 5A to 5C And explanation Figure 4 The detailed structure of washer 32. Washer 32 is manufactured by stamping a metal sheet such as an iron alloy. For example... Figure 5AAs shown, the top view (outer shape) of the washer 32 is circular, with a central hole 32a formed in the center of the surface. On the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 32a, at a position symmetrical to the central axis 32c (which is the same as the central axis of the washer 32), are opposite sides 32b (the portion of the central hole 32a of the washer 32). These opposite sides 32b (the portion of the central hole 32a of the washer 32) have opposite sides 32b1 and 32b2 formed by cutting the inner circumferential surface with parallel planes. The inner circumferential surface of the central hole 32 is circular, centered on the central axis 32c, excluding the case where the opposite sides 32b are not circular (straight lines). The size (diameter) of the center hole 32a is set such that, at a predetermined height position along the axis 30 (i.e., the position where the washer 32, fitted onto the shaft portion 24b, is secured by the plate 34), a relatively large gap is created circumferentially between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 24b and the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 32a. That is, as described above, the shaft portion 24b has a tapered shape at its tip due to the draft angle, etc. On the other hand, when the plate 34 is inserted into the groove 24d of the shaft portion 24b during the assembly process of the rearview mirror 20, the washer 32 needs to be lowered to a position where the plate 34 can be inserted into the groove 24d. The center hole 32a is set to a size corresponding to the thickness of the shaft portion 24b at its predetermined lowering position, so that the washer 32 can be lowered relative to the tapered shaft portion 24b to that predetermined lowering position. As a result, when the rearview mirror 20 of the door is assembled (the washer 32 is raised to the upper part of the shaft 24b), a relatively large gap is generated between the outer peripheral surface of the upper part of the shaft 24b and the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 32a of the washer 32.

[0076] like Figure 5B As shown, the washer 32 has: a flat portion 32d, which constitutes the central portion; and a wall portion 32e, which is formed by rising upwards from the outer periphery of the flat portion 32d. The space on the inner periphery of the wall portion 32e constitutes a plate storage space 32f for storing the plate 34. The cross-sectional shape of the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e is as follows: Figure 5C The inner wall surface 32g is formed as shown in the enlarged representation. Specifically, it has an inclined surface 32g1, a rounded corner surface 32g2, and a flat surface 32g3. The inclined surface 32g1 rises obliquely upwards from the outer periphery of the flat portion 32d. The rounded corner surface 32g2 gradually flattens outwards from the upper part of the inclined surface 32g1. The flat surface 32g3 is continuous with the outer periphery of the rounded corner surface 32g2 and extends parallel to the flat portion 32d to the outermost periphery of the washer 32. Based on this shape of the inner wall surface 32g, the plate 34 is easily induced (easily introduced) into the plate storage space 32f by utilizing the force of the compression coil spring 38, as discussed later.

[0077] On the lower surface of the flat portion 32d of the washer 32, four eccentricity-preventing protrusions 32k are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, centered on the central axis 32c of the washer 32. The eccentricity-preventing protrusions 32k are positioned close to the inner circumferential surface of the central opening of the upper end face of the compression coil spring 38, which abuts against the lower surface of the washer 32. Figure 9A , Figure 9B The eccentricity prevention protrusion 32k serves to prevent the compression coil spring 38 from becoming eccentric (the central axis of the compression coil spring 38 deviates from the central axis 30 of the shaft 24). Furthermore, in addition to... Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 9A , Figure 9B In the diagrams other than those shown, the illustration of the 32k protrusion used to prevent eccentricity is omitted.

[0078] Reference Figures 6A to 6C And explanation Figure 4 The detailed structure of plate 34. Plate 34 is manufactured into a flat plate of uniform thickness by die-cutting a metal plate, such as an iron alloy, similar to that of gasket 32, through a stamping process. For example... Figure 6A As shown, the top view of plate 34 is approximately U-shaped. That is, plate 34 has two parallel portions 34a, 34a that are parallel to each other, and an arc-shaped portion 34c that connects one end of the parallel portions 34a, 34a to each other in an arc shape. Plate 34 has an opening 34b formed by the parallel portions 34a, the arc-shaped portion 34c, and the parallel portions 34a. The opening 34b is open at the free end of the parallel portions 34a, 34a, forming an inlet 34e for the shaft portion 24b to enter. Meanwhile, the parallel opposing edges 34d, 34d of the parallel portions 34a, 34a are inserted into the grooves 24d, 24d of the shaft portion 24b. Figure 4 While the shaft portion 24b is being inserted into the opening portion 34b through the inlet 34e, the shaft portion 24b is housed in the opening portion 34b with the parallel portions 34a, 34a engaged with the grooves 24d, 24d. Thus, the movement of the plate 34 mounted on the shaft portion 24b along the axis 30 is locked. The width of the opening portion 34b (the distance between the relative edges 34d, 34d) is greater than the outer dimension of the shaft portion 24b housed in the opening portion 34b (the distance between the bottoms 24d1, 24d1 of the grooves 24d, 24d, refer to...). Figure 7 To a slightly greater extent. Therefore, plate 34 is essentially unable to rotate in the circumferential direction of axis 30 of shaft portion 24b.

[0079] The inner circumferential surface 34f of the arc-shaped portion 34c is formed in a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 24b at the position where the plate 34 is mounted to the shaft portion 24b. That is, the inner circumferential surface 34f of the arc-shaped portion 34c is composed of two arc-shaped portions 34f1 and 34f2 on both sides and a straight portion 34f3 connecting the arc-shaped portions 34f1 and 34f2. The outer ends of the arc-shaped portions 34f1 and 34f2 are connected to the opposite sides 34d and 34d respectively. When the washer 32 and the plate 34 are mounted on the shaft portion 24b and are under the force of the compressed coil spring 38, the straight portion 34f3 is pressed against the opposite side surface 24c2 (plane) of the shaft portion 24b in a parallel and close contact. Figure 1A , Figure 1B Thus, plate 34 reliably prevents the axis 30 of shaft portion 24b from wobbling in the circumferential direction. At this time, the arcuate portions 34f1 and 34f2 face the circular portions 24g (arc-shaped outer peripheral surfaces) on both sides of the opposite side surface 24c2 of shaft portion 24b with approximately no gap. Figure 1A ).

[0080] A plate-side protrusion 34g is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the arcuate portion 34c of plate 34, protruding radially outward toward the plate 34. The plate-side protrusion 34g constitutes part of the biasing mechanism. In Embodiment 1, as... Figure 6C As shown, the top surface 34g1 of the side protrusion 34g is formed as a surface perpendicular to the surface of the plate 34.

[0081] Reference Figure 7 And explanation Figure 4 The cross-sectional shape of the shaft portion 24b at the location of the groove 24d, orthogonal to the axis 30. The cross-sectional shape of the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 24b, orthogonal to the axis 30, excluding the opposite sides 24c and the groove 24d, is circular (circular portion 24g). The cross-sectional shapes of the opposite sides 24c1 and 24c2 are mutually parallel straight lines arranged in positions symmetrical to each other across the axis 30. The cross-sectional shapes of the bottoms 24d1 and 24d1 of the grooves 24d and 24d are mutually parallel straight lines arranged in positions symmetrical to each other across the axis 30. The cross-sectional shapes of the opposite sides 24c1 and 24c2 and the cross-sectional shapes of the bottoms 24d1 and 24d1 of the grooves 24d and 24d extend in mutually orthogonal directions. A through hole 25 is formed in the shaft portion 24b, extending vertically through the shaft 24. A power supply cable for a mirror actuator, etc., passes through the through hole 25.

[0082] Here, refer to Figures 8A to 8D The steps for assembling the washer 32 and the plate 34 into the shaft portion 24b are explained. Furthermore, Figures 8A to 8D The illustrations of the compression coil spring 38 and the frame 36 are omitted.

[0083] (Step 1:) Figure 8A )

[0084] The shaft portion 24b penetrates the cylindrical space 36e of the frame 36. Figure 4 The frame 36 is supported on the shaft 24, and the compression coil spring 38 is housed in the cylindrical space 36d of the frame 36. In this state, the shaft portion 24b passes through the central hole 32a of the washer 32, and the washer 32 is placed and supported on the upper end face of the compression coil spring 38. A gap g is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 32a of the washer 32 and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 24b. This is because when the plate 34 is inserted into the groove 24d, the washer 32 descends to a position sufficiently lower than the groove 24d relative to the shaft portion 24b, which is thicker at the lower side.

[0085] (Step 2:) Figure 8B )

[0086] Pressing down the washer 32 compresses the coil spring 38. The compression stops at the position where the washer 32 is locked in place by the step portion 24f at the lower end of the opposite sides 24c1 and 24c2 of the shaft portion 24b.

[0087] (Step 3:) Figure 8C )

[0088] The plate 34 is inserted into the groove 24d from the side of the shaft portion 24b.

[0089] (Step 4:) Figure 8D )

[0090] Release the compression of the coil spring 38. As a result, the washer 32 is pushed upwards by the force of the coil spring 38, pressing against and locking it in place with the plate 34. The plate 34 is housed in the plate housing space 32f on the upper surface of the washer 32. (See regarding...) Figure 5C As explained above, a rounded corner surface 32g2 and an inclined surface 32g1 are formed on the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 from the top. Therefore, the plate 34 is easily induced into the plate storage space 32f by the force of the compression coil spring 38. Through the above process, the assembly of the washer 32 and the plate 34 relative to the shaft portion 24b is completed.

[0091] Figure 9A , Figure 9B The assembly state of the washer 32 and plate 34 relative to the shaft portion 24b is shown in a manner including the compression coil spring 38 and the frame 36. Figure 9A This indicates the cross-section formed by cutting with a plane that passes through the central axis 30 of the shaft portion 24b and is orthogonal to the opposite side surfaces 24c1 and 24c2 of the shaft portion 24b. Figure 9B Indicates to make Figure 9AThe cross-section is located at a position rotated 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the central axis 30. A compression coil spring 38 is disposed in a compressed state between the bottom surface (upper surface of the base plate 36c) of the cylindrical space 36d of the frame 36 and the lower surface of the washer 32. The washer 32 is pushed upward by the force of the compression coil spring 38 and locked against the plate 34. The lower surface of the base plate 36c and the upper surface 24e of the shaft base 24a between the inner cylinder 36a and the outer cylinder 36b of the frame 36 are pressed together by the force of the compression coil spring 38. As described above, a concave-convex fitting structure is formed along the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 30 on its pressing and abutting surfaces to hold the frame 36 (rotating part 28) in at least the usable position. If a predetermined force or more is applied to the rotating part 28 in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis 30, the concave-convex fitting disengages, and the rotating part 28 rotates in the storage direction or a forward tilting direction. When the frame 36 disengages from the engagement of the concave and convex parts, it rises relative to the axis 24 in the direction along the axis 30 by an amount corresponding to the height of the concave and convex parts, and falls down by an amount corresponding to the height of the concave and convex parts when they re-engage.

[0092] Figure 1A , Figure 1B This diagram shows the positional relationship of the shaft 24b, washer 32, and plate 34 with the washer 32 and plate 34 assembled on the shaft 24b. The plate 34 is housed within a plate housing space 32f on the upper surface of the washer 32. The washer 32 is held in place by a compression coil spring 38 (not shown) which applies force and presses against the plate 34. Figure 1B As shown, the width "a" of the plate 34 at the circumferential position of the plate-side protrusion 34g (i.e., the position in the circumferential direction of the axis 30) is set to "a > b" relative to the width "b" of the planar portion 32d of the washer 32 at that circumferential position. Since there is a gap g between the shaft portion 24b and the center hole 32a of the washer 32, by setting this dimension (i.e., a > b), the washer 32 is biased relative to the shaft portion 24b towards the plate-side protrusion 34g. That is, the central axis 32c of the washer 32 is biased relative to the axis 30 of the shaft portion 24b. Figure 1A , Figure 1B The center hole 32a of the washer 32 is offset to the right relative to the shaft portion 24b in a direction toward the plate-side protrusion 34g. Therefore, the clearance g of the opposite side portion 24c of the shaft portion 24b is... Figure 1A , Figure 1B It appears that the gap increases on the right side of the shaft portion 24b and decreases on the left side. If the value obtained by adding the gaps g on the left and right sides is set as "c", then in embodiment 1, as... Figure 1BAs shown, this is set to "a≥(b+c)". As a result, on the left side of the shaft portion 24b, the opposite side surface 24c1 of the shaft portion 24b faces parallel to the opposite side surface 32b1 of the washer 32, and the gap g between these two surfaces is zero (the opposite side surfaces 24c1 and 32b1 are in contact). Furthermore, on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, the opposite side surface 24c2 of the shaft portion 24b faces parallel to the straight section 34f3 of the inner circumferential surface 34f of the plate 34, and the gap between these two surfaces is zero (the opposite side surface 24c2 and the straight section 34f3 are in contact). That is, the shaft portion 24b is clamped from left and right by the opposite side surface 32b1 of the washer 32 on the left side of the shaft portion 24b and the straight section 34f3 of the plate 34 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, with zero gap (in a gapless manner). This zero-gap state is maintained by the force of the compressed helical spring 38. Therefore, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b, which accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28, is not generated (regarding...). Figure 3B (The rotation was explained). As a result, no impact sound is produced at the beginning of the rotation of the rotating part 28 (impact sound caused by the collision between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft part 24b and the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 32a of the washer 32, friction sound between the washer 32 and the plate 34, etc.). That is, even if the rotating part 28 is rotated, Figure 1A , Figure 1BThe positional relationship of each part does not change. Especially when it is set to "a > (b + c)", the plate 34 is held in a locked state by the force of the compression coil spring 38, with the top surface 34g1 of the plate side protrusion 34g pressed against the inclined surface 32g1 of the wall portion 32e of the washer at the midpoint of the height direction (as a result, the plate 34 is slightly tilted relative to the washer 32). As a result, on the left side of the shaft portion 24b, the opposite side surface 24c1 of the shaft portion 24b and the opposite side surface 32b1 of the washer 32 are pressed against each other in a close contact manner, and on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, the opposite side surface 24c2 of the shaft portion 24b and the surface of the straight portion 34f3 of the inner peripheral surface 34f of the plate 34 are pressed against each other in a close contact manner. That is, the opposite side 32b1 of the washer 32 on the left side of the shaft 24b and the straight part 34f3 of the plate 34 on the right side of the shaft 24b are clamped together from the left and right by the force of the compression coil spring 38. Therefore, even if there are slight errors in dimensions a, b, and c due to tolerances, and even if dimensions a, b, and c change slightly due to changes over the years, the tip of the plate side protrusion 34g will lower the inclined surface 32g1 of the wall part 32e of the washer 32 by the force of the compression coil spring 38 to absorb the dimensional changes. As a result, the gap g between the opposite side surfaces 24c1 and 32b1 on the left side can be maintained at zero. In addition, when it is set to "a < (b + c)", there is a possibility that the gap g between the opposite side surfaces 24c1 and 32b1 on the left side is not zero, but as long as "a > b", the gap g is not zero. Figures 2-3B Compared to the conventional design shown, the gap g between the opposite sides 24c1 and 32b1 on the left side can be reduced. As a result, the initial impact noise of the rotating part 28 can be reduced compared to the conventional design. Therefore, as long as the relationship between dimensions a, b, and c is set to any one of the following, the effect of reducing the initial impact noise of rotation can be obtained.

[0093] • "(b+c)>a>b": Compared with previous designs, it can reduce the impact noise at the beginning of rotation.

[0094] • “a=(b+c)”: This makes the initial impact sound of the rotation zero.

[0095] • “a>(b+c)”: It can absorb dimensional changes caused by tolerances and changes over time, and keep the initial impact sound of rotation at zero.

[0096] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the "clamping part" and "clamped part" of the present invention are... Figure 1AThe following portions correspond to the following areas: The clamping portion 40 corresponds to the portion of the inner wall surface 32g of the washer 32e that abuts against the plate-side protrusion 34g. The clamped portion 42 corresponds to the area of ​​the plate 34 from the plate-side protrusion 34g to the inner circumferential surface 34f. In other words, the area of ​​the plate 34 clamped by the clamping portion 40 of the washer 32 and the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b corresponds to the clamped portion 42. The clamped portion 42 restricts the distance between the clamping portion 40 of the washer 32 and the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b. Figure 1B The dimension a is narrow, so the gap g between the opposite sides 24c1 and 32b1 on the left side does not increase.

[0097] Implementation Method 2

[0098] Embodiment 2 of the present invention is shown in Figure 10 This is based on Embodiment 1, but with changes to the cross-sectional shape of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 and the shape of the top surface 34g1 of the plate-side protrusion 34g of the plate 34. Otherwise, it is the same as Embodiment 1. Figure 10 Indicates and Figure 1B The cross-section is at the same location. In Embodiment 2, the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 has a cross-sectional shape that rises perpendicularly upwards from the outer periphery of the planar portion 32d. Therefore, the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e is formed as a surface that is perpendicular to the planar portion 32d. The space on the inner periphery of the wall portion 32e constitutes a plate storage space 32f for storing the plate 34. The top surface 34g1 of the plate-side protrusion 34g of the plate 34 is formed obliquely downwards. The assembly of the washer 32 and the plate 34 relative to the shaft portion 24b can be performed in accordance with Embodiment 1. Figures 8A to 8D (Steps 1 through 4) are performed in the same manner. At this time, in conjunction with... Figure 8D In the corresponding fourth step, the following action occurs. If the compression of the coil spring 38 is released, the downwardly inclined top surface 34g1 of the plate side protrusion 34g abuts against the inner circumferential corner 32h of the upper end surface of the washer 32e. As the plate 34 descends relative to the washer 32 due to the force of the coil spring 38, the washer 32 slides relative to the shaft portion 24b due to the sliding of the corner 32h and the inclined top surface 34g1. Figure 10 It slides to the right. Thus, plate 34 is induced into the plate storage space 32f, ultimately reaching... Figure 10 The state shown is as described. Assembly is completed through the above procedures. In the assembled state, the corner portion 32h disengages from the inclined top surface 34g1. Instead, the upper corner portion 34g2 of the top surface 34g1 abuts against the upright inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32. Alternatively, it may not be as shown... Figure 10Assembly is not completed with the plate 34 fully retracted into the plate storage space 32f. Instead, assembly is completed by setting the dimension a of the plate 34 to be slightly longer, so that it abuts against the midpoint between the corner 32h and the inclined top surface 34g1 (a semi-fitted state where the plate 34 is not fully retracted into the plate storage space 32f). Thus, similar to the structure described in Embodiment 1, it becomes a structure capable of absorbing dimensional changes caused by tolerances and aging.

[0099] Implementation Method 3

[0100] Embodiment 3 of the present invention is shown in Figure 11 This is based on Embodiment 1, but with a change in the shape of the top surface 34g1 of the plate-side protrusion 34g. Otherwise, it is the same as Embodiment 1. Figure 11 Indicates and Figure 1B The cross-section is at the same location. In embodiment 3, the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 has Figure 5C The wall portion 32e shown has the same cross-sectional shape as that in Embodiment 1. Specifically, the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e has: an inclined surface 32g1 that rises obliquely upwards from the outer periphery of the flat surface portion 32d; a rounded corner surface 32g2 that gradually flattens outwards from the upper part of the inclined surface 32g1; and a flat surface 32g3 that is continuous with the outer periphery of the rounded corner surface 32g2 and is formed parallel to the flat surface portion 32d to the outermost periphery of the washer 32. On the other hand, the top surface 34g1 of the plate-side protrusion 34g of the plate 34 is formed obliquely downwards. The inclination angles of the two inclined surfaces 32g1 and 34g1 are set equally. The assembly of the washer 32 and the plate 34 relative to the shaft portion 24b is possible with that described in Embodiment 1. Figures 8A to 8D (Steps 1 through 4) are performed in the same manner. At this time, in conjunction with... Figure 8D In the corresponding fourth process, the following action occurs. If the compression of the coil spring 38 is released, the inclined surfaces 32g1 and 34g1 abut against each other. Due to the force of the coil spring 38, the inclined surfaces 32g1 and 34g1 slide against each other, and the plate 34 descends relative to the washer 32. As the plate 34 descends, the washer 32 moves relative to the shaft portion 24b... Figure 11 It slides to the right. Thus, plate 34 is induced into the plate storage space 32f, ultimately reaching... Figure 11 The state shown is the result of assembly through the above steps. Alternatively, it could be something other than as depicted. Figure 11Assembly is not completed when plate 34 is fully retracted into plate storage space 32f. Instead, by setting the dimension a of plate 34 to be slightly longer, assembly is completed midway on inclined surface 32g1 before inclined surface 34g1 has fully descended (resulting in plate 34 not being fully retracted into plate storage space 32f). Thus, similar to the structure described in Embodiment 1, it becomes a structure capable of absorbing dimensional changes caused by tolerances and aging.

[0101] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 3, either the top surface 34g1 of the side protrusion 34g or the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 is set as an inclined surface, and the other is set as a surface that is upright relative to the flat portion 32d. Alternatively, both the top surface 34g1 and the inner wall surface 32g (32g1) can be set as inclined surfaces, but both the top surface 34g1 and the inner wall surface 32g can also be set as upright surfaces. Especially when the dimensional relationship is "(b+c)>a>b", even if both the top surface 34g1 and the inner wall surface 32g are upright surfaces, a small gap can be formed between the top surface 34g1 and the inner wall surface 32g. Therefore, the plate 34 can be easily induced into and stored in the plate storage space 32f.

[0102] Implementation Methods 4-6

[0103] Embodiments 4 to 6 of the present invention are respectively shown in Figures 12-14 In this context, embodiments 4 to 6 are derived by changing the arrangement of the protrusions on the plate side, respectively, in relation to embodiment 1. Figures 12-14 All are top views showing the assembly of the washer and plate onto the shaft and viewed along the axis of the shaft. Common reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those in Embodiment 1. Embodiments 4 through 6 are described.

[0104] (Implementation Method 4:) Figure 12 )

[0105] Figure 12 The illustrated embodiment 4 is formed by widely forming a plate-side protrusion 34g in the circumferential direction of axis 30. The top surface 34g1 of the plate-side protrusion 34g abuts against the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 with its entire circumferential width.

[0106] (Implementation Method 5:) Figure 13 )

[0107] Figure 13 The embodiment 5 shown is formed by forming plate-side protrusions 34g at two locations in the circumferential direction of axis 30. The top surface 34g1 of each plate-side protrusion 34g abuts against the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32.

[0108] (Implementation method 6:) Figure 14)

[0109] Figure 14 The embodiment 6 shown is formed by forming a plate-side protrusion 34g over the entire width of the plate 34 in the circumferential direction of the axis 30. The top surface 34g1 of the plate-side protrusion 34g abuts against the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 over its entire circumferential width.

[0110] In embodiments 4 to 6, the clamping portion 40 corresponds to the part of the inner wall surface 32g of the washer 32e that abuts against the plate-side protrusion 34g. The clamped portion 42 corresponds to the region of the plate 34 from the plate-side protrusion 34g to the straight section 34f3 of the inner circumferential surface of the plate 34. That is, the region of the plate 34 clamped by the clamping portion 40 of the washer 32 and the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b corresponds to the clamped portion 42.

[0111] Implementation Methods 7-10

[0112] Embodiments 7 to 10 of the present invention are respectively shown in Figures 15-18 In this context, embodiments 7 to 10 are derived by changing the position of the protrusion from the plate 34 side to the washer 32 side, respectively, in relation to embodiments 1 and 4 to 6. Figures 15-18 All are top views showing the assembly of washer 32 and plate 34 onto shaft portion 24b and viewed along the axis 30 of shaft portion 24b. Common reference numerals are used for parts corresponding to those in Embodiment 1. Embodiments 7-10 are described.

[0113] (Implementation Method 7:) Figure 15 )

[0114] Figure 15 The illustrated embodiment 7 is an embodiment 1 ( Figure 1A The plate-side protrusion 34g is provided on the side of the washer 32 in a manner that maintains its original position. That is, a washer-side protrusion 32i is formed on the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32, protruding radially inward toward the washer 32. The top surface of the washer-side protrusion 32i of the washer 32 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 34h of the plate 34. The washer-side protrusion 32i constitutes part of the biasing mechanism.

[0115] (Implementation Method 8:) Figure 16 )

[0116] Figure 16 The illustrated embodiment 8 is an embodiment 4 ( Figure 12The plate-side protrusion 34g is provided on the side of the washer 32 in a manner that maintains its original position. That is, a washer-side protrusion 32i with a wide circumferential direction is formed on the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32, protruding radially inward toward the washer 32. The washer 32 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 34h of the plate 34 along the entire circumferential length of the top surface of the washer-side protrusion 32i.

[0117] (Implementation Method 9:) Figure 17 )

[0118] Figure 17 The illustrated embodiment 9 is an embodiment 5 ( Figure 13 The two plate-side protrusions 34g are provided on the side of the washer 32 in a manner that maintains their original positions. That is, on the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32, two portions in the circumferential direction of the axis 30 are formed with washer-side protrusions 32i protruding radially inward toward the washer 32. The top surfaces of the two washer-side protrusions 32i of the washer 32 abut against the outer peripheral surface 34h of the plate 34, respectively.

[0119] (Implementation Method 10:) Figure 18 )

[0120] Figure 18 The illustrated embodiment 10 is an embodiment 6 ( Figure 14 The plate 34 has a side protrusion 34g that extends across its entire width and is positioned to the side of the washer 32. Specifically, a washer-side protrusion 32i is formed on the inner wall surface 32g of the washer 32e, extending radially inward towards the washer 32 across the entire width of the outer peripheral surface of the arcuate portion 34c facing the plate 34. The washer 32 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 34h of the arcuate portion 34c of the plate 34 along its entire circumferential length at the top surface of the washer-side protrusion 32i.

[0121] In embodiments 7 to 10, the clamping portion 40 corresponds to the top surface of the washer-side protrusion 32i of the washer 32. The clamped portion 42 corresponds to the region of the plate 34 from the contact surface that abuts against the washer-side protrusion 32i to the inner circumferential surface of the plate 34. That is, the region of the plate 34 clamped by the clamping portion 40 of the washer 32 and the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b corresponds to the clamped portion 42.

[0122] Furthermore, in embodiments 4 to 10, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the top surface of the washer-side protrusion 32i and the outer peripheral surface of the plate 34 abutting against the top surface can also be set to any of the following:

[0123] • Designate one as an inclined surface and the other as a non-inclined surface (vertical surface).

[0124] Both are set as inclined surfaces.

[0125] Both are set to vertical surfaces.

[0126] Implementation Method 11

[0127] Embodiment 11 of the present invention is shown in Figure 19A , Figure 19B In the middle. This is formed by the interlocking structure 44 of the washer 32 and the plate 34 forming a concave-convex fit between their opposing surfaces. Besides having the interlocking structure 44, and not having... Figure 1A , Figure 1B Except for the plate-side protrusion 34g, it is the same as in Embodiment 1. The concave-convex fitting structure 44 is configured with a recess 44a formed on the upper surface of the washer 32 and a protrusion 44b formed on the lower surface of the plate 34. The recess 44a and the protrusion 44b are arranged in a manner that is slightly offset from each other in the radial direction of the washer 32. Thus, the recess 44a and the protrusion 44b are fitted together in a semi-fitted state in the radial direction of the washer 32. The concave-convex fitting structure 44 is positioned such that the compression coil spring 38 (not shown) does not interfere with the concave-convex fitting structure 44 on the lower surface of the washer 32. The force of the compression coil spring 38 presses the washer 32 relative to the plate 34 in the direction along the axis 30, thereby generating a force in a direction orthogonal to the axis 30 between the outer peripheral wall surface of the recess 44a and the outer peripheral wall surface of the protrusion 44b. As a result, the straight portion 34f3 of the inner circumferential surface of the plate 34 presses against the opposite side 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, and the opposite side 32b1 on the left side of the washer 32 presses against the opposite side 24c1 on the left side of the shaft portion 24b. Thus, the opposite side 24c of the shaft portion 24b is clamped from both sides by the plate 34 and the washer 32. Therefore, the gap g between the opposite sides 24c1 and 32b1 on the left side is zero, and thus, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b, which accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28, is not generated, and the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not generated. The clamping portion 40 corresponds to the outer circumferential wall surface of the recess 44a of the washer 32. The clamped portion 42 corresponds to the area between the outer circumferential wall surface of the protrusion 44b of the plate 34 and the straight portion 34f3. Furthermore, in embodiment 11, the recessed portion 44a and the convex portion 44b constituting the interlocking structure 44 are respectively formed in... Figure 19B The concave and convex portions appear to face downwards, but instead of or simultaneously with them, the concave portion 44a and the convex portion 44b can also be formed as... Figure 19B The concave and convex portions appear to face upwards. Furthermore, in embodiment 11, the interlocking structure 44 with concave and convex parts is arranged in... Figure 19A The position appears to correspond to the arc-shaped portion 34c of plate 34, but instead of simultaneously, the concave and convex fitting structures 44 can be respectively arranged in the... Figure 19A The positions appear to correspond to the two parallel portions 34a, 34a of plate 34. In this case, Figure 19AThe interlocking structure 44 remains in its original position (i.e., without causing...). Figure 19A The interlocking structure 44 with its concave and convex parts (which rotates and moves parallel to each other in the direction of the central axis 30 of the shaft) is respectively arranged in the parallel parts 34a, 34a.

[0128] Implementation Method 12

[0129] Embodiment 12 of the present invention is shown in Figure 20A , Figure 20B In this configuration, the insertion portion 46 is integrally formed by protruding downward from the inner periphery of the plate 34. The insertion portion 46 is formed in a wedge shape, with the plate thickness thinning downward. Besides having the insertion portion 46, there are also those without... Figure 1A , Figure 1B Except for the side protrusion 34g, it is the same as in Embodiment 1. The insertion part 46 is inserted into the gap g between the right-side opposite surfaces 24c2 and 32b2. The washer 32 is pressed relative to the plate 34 in the direction along the axis 30 by the force of the compression coil spring 38 (not shown), thereby generating a force in the direction orthogonal to the axis 30 between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part 46 and the right-side opposite surface 32b2 of the washer 32. As a result, the left-side opposite surface 32b1 of the washer 32 presses against the left-side opposite surface 24c1 of the shaft part 24b, thereby achieving a state in which the opposite surface 24c of the shaft part 24b is clamped from the left and right by the plate 34 and the washer 32. As a result, the gap g between the left-side opposite surfaces 24c1 and 32b1 is zero, thereby preventing the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft part 24b that accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28, and preventing the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating part 28. The clamping part 40 corresponds to the opposite side 32b2 on the right side of the washer 32. The clamped part 42 corresponds to the insertion part 46.

[0130] Implementation Method 13

[0131] Embodiment 13 of the present invention is shown in Figure 21A , Figure 21B In this case, the washer 32 has an auxiliary member 48 as part of the washer 32, and the clamping portion 40 is formed by the inclined surface 48a of the auxiliary member 48. Here, the method used in embodiment 2 is described. Figure 10 The washer 32, as described in [the previous section], has a structure in which the wall portion 32e rises perpendicularly upwards from the outer periphery of the planar portion 32d. It is the same as in Embodiment 1, except that the plate 34 does not have a side protrusion, the washer 32 has an auxiliary member 48, and the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 rises perpendicularly from the planar portion 32d. The auxiliary member 48 is made of die-casting materials such as zinc or aluminum, or hard resin (reinforced resin, etc.). The top view shape of the auxiliary member 48 is as follows... Figure 21A As shown, it is bow-shaped. The auxiliary component 48 is stored in the plate storage space 32f, as shown. Figure 21BThe corner 32j of the washer 32 is positioned between the flat portion 32d and the wall portion 32e. The auxiliary member 48 has an inclined surface 48a on its front surface. The washer 32 is pressed against the plate 34 in the direction along the axis 30 by the force of the compressed coil spring 38 (not shown), so that the outer peripheral surface of the plate 34 and the inclined surface 48a of the auxiliary member 48 press against each other. As a result, the straight portion 34f3 of the inner peripheral surface of the plate 34 presses against the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, and the opposite side surface 32b1 on the left side of the washer 32 presses against the opposite side surface 24c1 on the left side of the shaft portion 24b, thereby achieving a state in which the opposite side surface 24c of the shaft portion 24b is clamped from the left and right by the plate 34 and the washer 32. Therefore, the gap g between the opposite sides 24c1 and 32b1 on the left is zero. Consequently, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b, which accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28, is not generated, and the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not produced. The clamping part 40 corresponds to the inclined surface 48a of the auxiliary member 48 of the washer 32. The clamped part 42 corresponds to the area between the contact surface of the plate 34 that abuts against the auxiliary member 48 and the straight part 34f3.

[0132] Implementation Method 14

[0133] Embodiment 14 of the present invention is shown in Figure 22A , Figure 22B In this embodiment, an additional plate 50 is inserted between the opposing surfaces of the washer 32 and the plate 34, and a clamping portion 42 is formed on the additional plate 50. Except for the presence of the additional plate 50, the absence of side protrusions on the plate 34, and the increased height of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 (height of the plate storage space 32f) corresponding to the stacked additional plate 50, it is the same as in Embodiment 1. The additional plate 50 is integrally formed into a flat plate of uniform thickness by forming the same iron alloy or other metal as the washer 32 and the plate 34 through stamping or other processes. Figure 22A As shown, the top view of the additional plate 50 is approximately annular. That is, the additional plate 50 is circular in shape, sized to be housed within the plate storage space 32f. A central hole 50a is formed at the center of the additional plate 50 for the shaft portion 24b to pass through. An additional plate side protrusion 50b is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the additional plate 50, protruding radially outward toward the additional plate 50. The additional plate side protrusion 50b constitutes part of the biasing mechanism. In embodiment 14, as... Figure 22B As shown, the top surface 50b1 of the side protrusion 50b of the supplementary plate is formed at a right angle to the surface of the plate 34. A straight portion 50a1 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the central hole 50a of the supplementary plate 50, radially separated from the surface of the supplementary plate 50 and opposite to the side protrusion 50b. (As shown...) Figure 22BAs shown in the cross-sectional view, the width "a" between the top surface 50b1 of the additional plate side protrusion 50b and the straight portion 50a1 is set to "a > b" relative to the width "b" of the planar portion 32d of the washer 32 at its cross-sectional position. An inclined surface 32g1 is formed on the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32. The additional plate side protrusion 50b is clamped between the plate 34 and the washer 32 in the thickness direction by the force of the compression coil spring 38 (not shown). The additional plate 50 is clamped in the radial direction between the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 and the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b at the circumferential position where the additional plate side protrusion 50b exists. The top surface 50b1 of the additional plate side protrusion 50b presses against the inclined surface 32g1 of the washer 32. As a result, the straight portion 50a1 of the inner circumferential surface of the additional plate 50 presses against the opposite side surface 24c2 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, and the opposite side surface 32b1 on the left side of the washer 32 presses against the opposite side surface 24c1 on the left side of the shaft portion 24b. Thus, the opposite side surface 24c of the shaft portion 24b is clamped from both sides by the additional plate 50 and the washer 32. As a result, the gap g between the opposite side surfaces 24c1 and 32b1 on the left side is zero, and thus, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b that accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not generated, and the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not generated. The clamping portion 40 corresponds to the part where the top surface 50b1 of the protrusion 50b on the side of the additional plate abuts in the inclined surface 32g1 of the inner wall surface 32g of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32. The clamped portion 42 corresponds to the area between the top surface 50b1 of the side protrusion 50b of the additional plate and the straight portion 50a1. Furthermore, even when the additional plate 50 is assembled by flipping it left and right relative to the shaft portion 24b (i.e., in...), Figure 22A , Figure 22B Even when assembled with the additional plate side protrusion 50b positioned on the left side of the shaft portion 24b, the same effect as described above is achieved.

[0134] Implementation Method 15

[0135] Embodiment 15 of the present invention is shown in Figure 23 In this embodiment, D-shaped cut-off portions 24h and 32m are used to replace the opposite sides 24c of the shaft portion 24b and the opposite sides 32b of the washer 32 (Fig. 1). General reference numerals are used for the parts corresponding to those in Embodiment 1. Figure 23In the case of the shaft portion 24b, a plane constituting a D-shaped cut-out portion 24h (a reducing portion of the shaft portion 24a) is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 24b, extending in the direction along the axis 30 of the shaft 24. More precisely, this plane extends slightly inclined relative to the axis 30, following the draft angle of the shaft portion 24b. On the other hand, a D-shaped cut-out portion 32m (a reducing portion of the center hole 32a of the washer 32) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the center hole 32a of the washer 32. The inner peripheral surface 34f of the arc-shaped portion 34c of the plate 34 is formed in an arc shape along its entire circumferential length. That is, the inner peripheral surface 34f of the arc-shaped portion 34c of the plate 34 does not have the straight portion 34f3 shown in FIG1. Figure 23 This indicates the actual use state in which the top surface 34g1 of the plate side protrusion 34g is held in place by the force of the compression coil spring 38 (Fig. 1), and the inclined surface 32g1 of the wall portion 32e of the washer 32 is pressed against each other at a mid-position or lower end in the height direction. At this time, on the left side of the shaft portion 24b, the D-shaped cutouts 24h and 32m are pressed against each other in close contact along their entire circumferential length. For example... Figure 23 As shown, the top view of the contact surfaces of the D-shaped cutouts 24h and 32m is a straight line. Furthermore, on the right side of the shaft portion 24b, the circular portion 24g of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 24b presses against the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 34f of the arc-shaped portion 34c of the plate 34. That is, the shaft portion 24b is clamped from both sides by the force of the compression coil spring 38 using the D-shaped cutout 32m of the washer 32 on the left side of the shaft portion 24b and the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 34f of the plate 34 on the right side of the shaft portion 24b. This maintains the gap g between the D-shaped cutouts 24h and 32m at zero. Consequently, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b that accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not generated, and the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not produced. The clamping portion 40 corresponds to the part of the inner wall surface 32g of the washer 32e that abuts against the plate-side protrusion 34g. The clamped portion 42 corresponds to the area of ​​the plate 34 where the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface 34f from the plate-side protrusion 34g to the arc-shaped portion 34c abuts against the circular portion 24g of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 24b. Furthermore, according to having Figure 23 The structure of the D-shaped cut-off portions 24h and 32m, compared with the structure having opposite sides 24c and 32b as shown in Figure 1, has a different central hole 32a in the washer 32. Figure 23 The width in the left and right directions of the paper increases. Therefore, according to Figure 23 With this structure, when the washer 32 is not under the force of the compressed helical spring 38, there is a possibility that the washer 32 may rotate freely relative to the shaft portion 24b. However, even in this case, the washer 32 is under the force of the compressed helical spring 38. Figure 23In the shown state, the D-shaped cutouts 24h and 32m press against each other, therefore, the washer 32 does not rotate freely relative to the shaft portion 24b, and there is no rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b that accompanies the rotation of the rotating portion 28, and no initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating portion 28 is produced. Therefore, the present invention also applies to a structure in which the washer 32 rotates freely relative to the shaft portion 24b when the washer 32 is not under the force of the compressed coil spring 38. That is, the present invention also applies to a structure that does not have a rotation locking mechanism such as an opposite side portion that locks the free rotation of the washer 32 in the circumferential direction of the axis 30 even when there is no force from the compressed coil spring 38.

[0136] Implementation Method 16

[0137] Embodiment 16 of the present invention is shown in Figure 24 In embodiment 15, this is achieved by providing a mating portion composed of concave and convex features on the abutting surfaces of the D-shaped cutout portions 24h and 32m. Figure 24 In the middle, to and Figure 23 In embodiment 15, the corresponding parts are represented by common reference numerals. Figure 24 In the width direction of the D-shaped cutout 24h in the shaft portion 24b ( Figure 24 A protrusion 24i is formed in the central portion of the paper (in the vertical direction) extending in the direction along the axis 30 of the shaft 24. Furthermore, more precisely, the protrusion 24i extends slightly inclined relative to the axis 30, following the draft angle of the shaft portion 24b. On the other hand, in the width direction of the D-shaped cutout portion 32m of the washer 32 (in the vertical direction), Figure 24 A recess 32n is formed in the center of the paper (vertical direction). The protrusion 24i and the recess 32n are loosely fitted together in the circumferential direction of the axis 30, thereby allowing the washer 32 to move freely relative to the shaft portion 24b in the direction along the axis 30. According to... Figure 24 The structure ensures that even when the washer 32 is not under the force of the compressed helical spring 38, the protrusion 24i and the concave portion 32n are loosely fitted together in the circumferential direction of the axis 30. Therefore, the washer 32 does not rotate freely relative to the shaft portion 24b. If the washer 32 is under the force of the compressed helical spring 38, the D-shaped cutouts 24h and 32m press against each other while the protrusion 24i and the concave portion 32n are engaged. Therefore, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b that accompanies the rotation of the rotating portion 28 is not generated, and the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating portion 28 is not generated.

[0138] Implementation Method 17

[0139] Embodiment 17 of the present invention is shown in Figure 25In this embodiment, the D-shaped cutout portions 24h and 32m of embodiment 15 are replaced by an interlocking portion composed of serrated or wavy protrusions. Figure 25 In the middle, to and Figure 23 In embodiment 15, the corresponding parts are represented by common reference numerals. Figure 25 In the middle, a serrated or wavy surface 24j (the unequal diameter portion of the shaft portion 24a) is formed on the outer peripheral surface on the left side of the shaft portion 24b. The cross-sectional shape of this surface 24j, which is orthogonal to the axis 30, is as follows: Figure 25 As shown, the surface 24j is serrated or wavy, and it is formed in a manner that extends along the axis 30. More precisely, surface 24j extends slightly inclined relative to the axis 30, following the draft angle of the shaft portion 24b. On the other hand, a serrated or wavy surface 32p (a portion of the center hole 32a of the washer 32 with a different diameter) is formed on the inner circumferential surface to the left of the center hole 32a of the washer 32. The serrated or wavy surfaces 24j and 32p loosely fit each other in the circumferential direction along the axis 30, thereby allowing the washer 32 to move freely relative to the shaft portion 24b in the direction along the axis 30. Figure 25 In this structure, when the washer 32 is not under the force of the compressed helical spring 38, the serrated or wavy surfaces 24j and 32p are loosely fitted together in the circumferential direction of the axis 30. Therefore, the washer 32 does not rotate freely relative to the shaft portion 24b. If the washer 32 is under the force of the compressed helical spring 38, the serrated or wavy surfaces 24j and 32p press against each other in a mutually interlocking state. Therefore, the rotation of the washer 32 relative to the shaft portion 24b that accompanies the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not generated, and the initial impact sound of the rotation of the rotating part 28 is not generated.

[0140] In the various embodiments described, either or both of the washer 32 and plate 34 can be rotated left and right relative to the shaft portion 24b for assembly. For example, in Figure 1A , Figure 1B In this configuration, the plate-side protrusion 34g can be disposed on the left side of the shaft portion 24b. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described, the case where only one of the plate-side protrusion 34g (or an additional plate-side protrusion 50b) and the washer-side protrusion 32i is provided as a protrusion constituting the biasing mechanism has been described; however, it is also possible to provide both the plate-side protrusion 34g (or an additional plate-side protrusion 50b) and the washer-side protrusion 32i simultaneously.

[0141] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the present invention is also applicable to either a structure having a rotary locking mechanism that locks the washer in the circumferential direction of the shaft axis without the force exerted by the compression helical spring, or a structure without such a rotary locking mechanism.

[0142] In the described embodiment, the present invention has been applied to a vehicle vision recognition device having a mirror plate as the main body of the vision recognition unit. However, the present invention can also be applied to a vehicle vision recognition device having a camera and other main bodies of the vision recognition unit.

Claims

1. A tilting mechanism for a vehicle vision recognition device, wherein, The tilting mechanism has: A fixing part, which has an axle and is fixed to the vehicle body; The rotating part is configured to accommodate the main body of the visual recognition part and is supported on the fixed part in such a way that it can rotate in the circumferential direction of the central axis of the shaft; A compression coil spring is sleeved on the shaft of the fixed part that supports the rotating part, and applies a pressing force between the rotating part and the fixed part; A washer having a central hole on the free end side of the shaft on which the compression coil spring is fitted, the shaft being inserted into the central hole and the washer being fitted onto the shaft; A plate, mounted on the free end of the shaft, which is fitted with the compression coil spring and the washer, locks the washer in place to prevent movement of the washer toward the free end of the shaft due to the force of the compression coil spring. Biased institutions, A radial gap is formed between the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft has a variator portion, which is formed at one or more locations along the circumferential direction of the shaft's central axis, and the diameter of this variator portion differs from the diameter of other locations along the circumferential direction. The inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer has a variable diameter portion, which is formed at one or more locations along the circumferential direction of the central axis of the center hole, and the diameter of the variable diameter portion is different from the diameter of the other locations along the circumferential direction. The biasing mechanism acts between the shaft and the washer to move the washer radially relative to the shaft, thereby biasing the position of the center hole of the washer relative to the position of the shaft, so as to narrow or reduce the gap between the different diameter portions at at least one of the mutually facing locations. Thus, when a rotational force in the circumferential direction of the shaft is applied to the washer, the biasing mechanism inhibits the rotation of the washer by the engagement of the different diameter portions.

2. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing mechanism has a clamping portion formed in the plate and a clamping portion formed in the washer, which are respectively positioned on the opposite side of the portion with a different diameter, located across the shaft, at the location where the gap narrows or becomes zero. The clamped portion is clamped between the shaft and the clamping portion, restricting the gap between the shaft and the clamping portion caused by the gap to be narrower than a predetermined state, thereby causing the position of the center hole of the washer to be offset relative to the position of the shaft.

3. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 2, wherein, The washer has a wall portion that extends upwards from the outer periphery of the washer, and the space on the inner periphery of this wall portion constitutes a plate storage space for storing the plate. The biasing mechanism has an abutting portion where the outer peripheral surface of the plate, which is housed in the plate storage space, abuts against the inner wall surface of the wall portion. The abutting portion of the wall constitutes the clamping portion. The portion of the plate between the abutting portion and the shaft constitutes the clamped portion.

4. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 3, wherein, The clamped portion has a plate-side protrusion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the plate, protruding radially outward toward the plate. The plate abuts against the abutting portion of the wall at the protrusion on the side of the plate.

5. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 3, wherein, The clamping portion has a washer-side protrusion on the inner wall surface of the wall portion of the washer, protruding radially inward toward the washer. The washer abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the plate at the washer side protrusion.

6. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 4, wherein, The clamping portion has a washer-side protrusion on the inner wall surface of the wall portion of the washer, protruding radially inward toward the washer. The washer abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the plate at the washer side protrusion.

7. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, The biasing mechanism has an inclined surface formed by at least one of the contact surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion. The inclined surface is a surface that is inclined relative to the central axis of the shaft. The inclined surface converts a portion of the force of the compression helical spring applied to the washer into a force that moves the washer radially relative to the axis, causing the abutting surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion to slide relative to each other along the inclined surface, thereby causing the position of the center hole of the washer to be offset relative to the position of the axis.

8. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 7, wherein, The inclined surface is configured such that, at a position where the abutting surfaces of the clamping portion and the clamped portion slide along the inclined surface due to the force of the compression coil spring, at the point where the gap narrows or becomes zero, the outer circumferential surface of the shaft abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer, thereby locking the radial movement of the washer relative to the shaft. Thus, the tilting mechanism is configured such that, at the portion where the gap narrows or becomes zero, the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer are pressed against each other due to the force of the compression helical spring.

9. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer each have opposite sides that constitute the differential diameter portion. The biasing mechanism biases the position of the center hole of the washer relative to the position of the shaft, so as to narrow or reduce the gap to zero at a location on one of the two faces that form the opposite side portion, which are separated by the shaft.

10. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 7, wherein, The outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer each have opposite sides that constitute the differential diameter portion. The biasing mechanism biases the position of the center hole of the washer relative to the position of the shaft, so as to narrow or reduce the gap to zero at a location on one of the two faces that form the opposite side portion, which are separated by the shaft.

11. The tilting mechanism of the vehicle vision recognition device according to claim 8, wherein, The outer circumferential surface of the shaft and the inner circumferential surface of the center hole of the washer each have opposite sides that constitute the differential diameter portion. The biasing mechanism biases the position of the center hole of the washer relative to the position of the shaft, so as to narrow or reduce the gap to zero at a location on one of the two faces that form the opposite side portion, which are separated by the shaft.

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