rearview mirror structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a rearview mirror structure that can simultaneously and effectively suppress mirror vibration during vehicle operation and improve visibility from the cabin, comprising: a mirror unit (16); a support member (22) and a frame member (21) for fixing the mirror unit (16) to the side door. The mirror unit (16) includes: a rearview mirror body (11); a mirror base (12) including a front end (12b) fixed to the rearview mirror body (11) and a base end (12a) away from the front end (12b); a rotation shaft (24) connected to the base end (12a) and supporting the rearview mirror body (11) and the mirror base (12) and allowing it to rotate freely between a mirror use position and a storage position; and an electric rotation unit (13) disposed in the side door and rotating the rearview mirror body (11) and the mirror base (12) about the axis (S) of the rotation shaft (24) to move between the mirror use position and the storage position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a rearview mirror structure. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional rearview mirror structures, as described in Patent Document 1, a rearview mirror structure with an electrically driven rotating unit is known, which allows the rearview mirror to move automatically between a usable position and a stored position.

[0003] The rearview mirror structure includes: a rearview mirror body with a mirror; a mirror mount protruding from the side door in the vehicle width direction; and an electrically driven rotating unit housed in the rearview mirror body. The mirror mount is a part having a base end and a front end, extending in the vehicle width direction and forming an arm portion of the rearview mirror. The base end of the mirror mount is fixed to the side door, and the rearview mirror body is mounted on the front end of the mirror mount in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0004] The rearview mirror body is driven by the rotation of an internally housed electric rotating unit, which rotates through the front end of the mirror mount, allowing it to move between a usable position and a stowed position. The usable position refers to the position where the rearview mirror body protrudes outwards from the front end of the mirror mount in the width direction of the vehicle, and is visible to the naked eye from inside the cabin. The stowed position refers to the position where the rearview mirror body extends approximately parallel to the side door.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent document: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-179680. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the above-mentioned rearview mirror structure, the interior of the rearview mirror body houses an electric retraction unit. Therefore, the vertical torque generated at the position of the electric rotating unit increases proportionally to the length of the mirror base, resulting in increased mirror vibration when the vehicle is in motion.

[0009] Furthermore, because the rearview mirror body houses the electric rotating unit, the front-to-back width of the rearview mirror body (i.e., the width of the vehicle in the front-to-back direction) is large, which may obstruct the visibility from the cabin.

[0010] The above technical problems can be solved if the rearview mirror does not have an electric rotating unit, but then the main body of the rearview mirror must be manually stored, which reduces its convenience.

[0011] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a rearview mirror structure that can simultaneously and effectively suppress mirror vibration during vehicle operation, improve visibility from the cabin, and has an electrically rotating unit.

[0012] Technical means to solve technical problems

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the rearview mirror structure of the present invention is a rearview mirror structure on a vehicle side door, characterized by comprising: a mirror unit; a frame member disposed inside the side door; a support member for fixing the mirror unit to the frame member; wherein, the mirror unit comprises: a rearview mirror body having a mirror for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle; a mirror base having a front end fixed to the rearview mirror body and a base end away from the front end; a rotation pivot connected to the base end of the mirror base, supporting the rearview mirror body and the mirror base and allowing it to freely rotate between a mirror use position where the mirror can be seen with the naked eye from the cabin and a retracted position located inside the vehicle width direction of the mirror use position; an electric rotation unit for rotating the rearview mirror body and the mirror base about the axis of the rotation pivot, thereby moving between the mirror use position and the retracted position; wherein, the electric rotation unit is disposed inside the side door.

[0014] According to the above technical solution, in a structure comprising a mirror unit, and the mirror unit including a rearview mirror body, a mirror base, a rotating support shaft, and an electric rotating unit that rotates the rearview mirror body and the mirror base about the axis of the rotating support shaft, the heavy electric rotating unit of the mirror unit is disposed inside the side door. Therefore, the vertical torque generated in the rearview mirror due to road input (i.e., vibration or external force mainly caused by road surface unevenness) during vehicle travel is reduced, thus suppressing mirror vibration. Furthermore, the support member fixes the mirror unit, including the electric rotating unit, to the frame member, thereby improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit, which effectively suppresses mirror vibration.

[0015] Furthermore, since the electric rotating unit is located inside the side door, the front-to-back width of the rearview mirror body can be reduced compared to the previous rearview mirror structure, which housed the electric rotating unit in the rearview mirror body, thus improving visibility from the cockpit.

[0016] In the above-described rearview mirror structure, preferably, the rotating pivot is configured to pass between the support member and the frame member; the rearview mirror structure further includes a wiring harness, which is connected to the rotating pivot in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating pivot, at the portion where the support member and the frame member overlap; the frame member has a first opening at the portion overlapping with the support member for the wiring harness to pass through, the size of the first opening being approximately such that the wiring harness will not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening when the rearview mirror body and the mirror mount rotate; the support member has a pair of fixing portions fixed at positions on both sides of the first opening in the frame member.

[0017] According to the above technical solution, in the structure where the wiring harness connected to the rotating support shaft passes through the first opening of the frame member, the size of the first opening is approximately such that the wiring harness will not contact the inner periphery of the first opening when the rearview mirror body and mirror mount rotate. This prevents the wiring harness connected to the rotating support shaft from contacting the inner periphery of the first opening of the frame member when the electric rotating unit is operating. Furthermore, a pair of fixing parts of the support member are fixed to both sides of the first opening, thereby supporting the load transfer function and suppressing a decrease in the load transfer function of the frame member during a side collision of the vehicle.

[0018] In the above-described rearview mirror structure, preferably, the frame member has a first ridge line located outside the frame member in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, the first opening is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge line, and the pair of fixed parts of the support member are respectively fixed at positions above and below the first ridge line on both sides of the first opening in the direction along the first ridge line of the frame member.

[0019] According to the above technical solution, the frame member has a first ridge line located outside the frame member in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the portion along the first ridge line has high rigidity. A pair of fixed parts of the support member are respectively fixed at positions above and below the first ridge line in the frame member, thereby improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit. On the other hand, although a first opening is formed in the frame member at a position orthogonal to the first ridge line, since a pair of fixed parts of the support member are respectively fixed at positions above and below the first ridge line on both sides of the first opening in the direction along the first ridge line in the frame member, the decrease in the load transfer function of the frame member during a side collision of the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0020] In the above-described rearview mirror structure, preferably, the support member further has a mounting portion, the mounting portion having a second opening opposite to the first opening of the frame member and mounting the rotating shaft in a state surrounding the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, the pair of fixing portions being connected to both sides of the mounting portion in a manner that clamps the mounting portion, and the wiring harness being connected to the rotating shaft in a state passing through the first opening and the second opening.

[0021] According to the above technical solution, the mounting portion of the support member houses the rotating shaft, and a pair of fixing portions connected to both sides of the mounting member are fixed to the frame member, thus ensuring stable mounting of the rotating shaft. Furthermore, the wiring harness is connected to the rotating shaft while passing through the first opening of the frame member and the second opening of the mounting portion, so that the wiring harness remains connected to the rotating shaft even when the rearview mirror body and mirror mount rotate.

[0022] In the above-described rearview mirror structure, it is preferable that the supporting member also has a rib arch connecting the mounting portion and the fixing portion.

[0023] According to the above technical solution, the supporting component also has a rib arch connecting the placement part and the fixing part, thereby improving the supporting rigidity of the mirror unit and further suppressing the decline in the load transfer function of the frame component.

[0024] In the above-mentioned rearview mirror structure, the frame member is preferably a waistline reinforcement member that extends along the waistline of the lower edge of the side door window in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0025] According to the above technical solution, by fixing the mirror unit to the waistline reinforcement commonly used in conventional car door structures, the above rearview mirror structure can be widely applied to conventional car door structures.

[0026] In the above-described rearview mirror structure, the supporting member is preferably made of die-cast aluminum.

[0027] According to the above technical solution, aluminum die casting has good formability and can be used to make support components of sufficient thickness, thus enabling the production of support components with high rigidity.

[0028] In the above-described rearview mirror structure, preferably the rotating support shaft is fixed to the base end of the mirror mount, and after being subjected to the rotational driving force from the electric rotating unit, it can rotate together with the mirror mount around the axis of the rotating support shaft.

[0029] According to the above technical solution, the mirror mount can be rotated by the rotational driving force from the electric rotating unit alone, and the rearview mirror structure is simple.

[0030] In the above-mentioned rearview mirror structure, it can also be designed such that: the frame member has a first ridge line located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the support member is fixed at the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line in the frame member respectively.

[0031] According to the above technical solution, the frame member has a first ridge line located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the portion along the first ridge line has high rigidity. Support members are respectively fixed to the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line in the frame member, thus improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit.

[0032] Invention Effects

[0033] According to the rearview mirror structure of the present invention, it can simultaneously and effectively suppress mirror vibration during vehicle movement and improve visibility from the cabin. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the side door, which has a rearview mirror with a rearview mirror structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 Looking from the cockpit Figure 1 A picture of a rearview mirror;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top view showing the rearview mirror in its intended position for use.

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the rearview mirror in its stowed position;

[0038] Figure 5 Looking from the front of the vehicle Figure 1 A diagram showing the rearview mirror in its intended position for use.

[0039] Figure 6 Looking from the front of the vehicle Figure 1 A diagram showing the rearview mirror in its stowed position;

[0040] Figure 7 Is Figure 1 The image shows the side door with the outer door panel removed, revealing the waistline reinforcement inside the side door.

[0041] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Enlarged view of the central mirror unit fixed to the waistline reinforcement;

[0042] Figure 9 It is to remove Figure 8Enlarged view of the configuration of the first ridge and the first opening of the rear waistline reinforcement of the mirror unit and support member;

[0043] Figure 10 Is Figure 8 A diagram of the cover component has been added to the XI-XI line cross-sectional view;

[0044] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 XI-XI line cross-sectional view;

[0045] Figure 12 yes Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of line XII-XII;

[0046] Figure 13 Is Figure 8 A diagram of the cover component has been added to the cross-sectional view along line XIII-XIII;

[0047] Figure 14 Is Figure 3 An illustration of a rearview mirror in its designated position, showing the inner side of the main body of the rearview mirror tilted outward relative to an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface of the mirror.

[0048] Figure 15 Is Figure 3 An illustration showing a rearview mirror in a position where the inner side of the main body of the rearview mirror is not visible from the cockpit, thus improving visibility from the cockpit.

[0049] Figure 16 As a comparative example of the present invention, in conventional rearview mirrors, the rearview mirror body that houses the electric rotating unit has a large front-to-back width, so the inner side of the rearview mirror body can be seen from the cockpit, thereby obstructing the visibility when looking from the cockpit. Detailed Implementation

[0050] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figures 1-2 A side door 1 of a vehicle in which the rearview mirror structure of the present invention is shown. In this side door 1, a rearview mirror 2 is disposed near the waistline BL of the upper end 3a of the door panel 3 and on the rear side of the A pillar 4. The door opening 5 formed by the A pillar 4 and the waistline BL is provided with a door glass 6.

[0052] like Figures 1-7As shown, the rearview mirror structure in the vehicle side door 1 of this embodiment is a structure in which a rearview mirror 2 that can be electrically retracted is mounted on the side door 1. Specifically, the main parts of the rearview mirror structure include: a mirror unit 16 containing the aforementioned rearview mirror 2; a frame member, i.e., a waistline reinforcement member 21, provided inside the side door 1; and a support member 22 that fixes the mirror unit 16 to the waistline reinforcement member 21.

[0053] The mirror unit 16 includes: a rearview mirror body 11 and a mirror base 12, constituting a rearview mirror 2; a rotating support shaft 24 (see reference). Figures 12-13 The rearview mirror body 11 and mirror base 12 are supported and can rotate freely between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2; the electric rotation unit 13 is used for moving the rearview mirror body 11 and mirror base 12. The electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1.

[0054] Furthermore, the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment also includes a cover member 27 located on the outside of the side door 1.

[0055] The following sections will describe the components of the rearview mirror structure in turn. First, we will explain the components of the mirror unit 16 (rearview mirror body 11, mirror mount 12, rotating support shaft 24, and electric rotating unit 13).

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the rearview mirror body 11 includes a mirror 14 for obtaining a view behind the vehicle and a housing 15. The mirror 14 is an optical mirror that reflects light and is mounted on the rear side of the housing 15 (specifically, on the side where the mirror is mounted). Figure 3 (The mirror is positioned in position P1, facing the rearward side). Additionally, the housing 15 of the rearview mirror body 11 houses internal mechanisms 37 such as a mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the mirror 14's vertical Z-direction and vehicle width Y-direction angles, or a defrosting unit for the mirror 14 (see reference). Figure 13 ).

[0057] Mirror mount 12 is the part that constitutes the arm of rearview mirror 2, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, it includes a front end portion 12b fixed to the rearview mirror body portion 11 and a base end portion 12a away from the front end portion 12b.

[0058] More specifically, the rearview mirror body 11 is fixed to the front end 12b of the mirror mount 12, and the mirror 14 extends substantially parallel to the mirror mount 12.

[0059] The base end 12a of the mirror mount 12 is mounted on the rotating support shaft 24, so that the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12 can move between the mirror use position P1, where the mirror 14 can be seen with the naked eye from the cabin, and the storage position P2, which is located inside the mirror use position P1 in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0060] In this embodiment, Figures 10-13 The rotating support shaft 24 shown is connected to the base end portion 12a of the mirror mount 12, and in this embodiment, it is fixed to the base end portion 12a. Through this structure, the rotating support shaft 24 supports the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12, and allows it to rotate about the axis S of the rotating support shaft 24, thereby aligning the mirror in the mirror usage position P1 (see reference 1). Figure 3 and Figure 5 ) and storage location P2 (refer to Figure 4 and Figure 6 It moves freely between them. (For example) Figure 13 As shown, the rotating support shaft 24 is configured to pass between the support member 22 and the waistline reinforcement member 21.

[0061] The rotating support shaft 24 extends from the base end 12a into the side door 1 and rotates by means of the electric rotating unit 13.

[0062] Specifically, such as Figures 10-13 As shown, a through hole 26 is formed on the door panel 3 (outer panel) constituting the outer side of the side door 1. The rotation support shaft 24 passes through the through hole 26 of the door panel 3 and connects to the output shaft 35 (described later) of the electric rotation unit 13 disposed in the space 20 inside the side door 1. Figure 13 They are coaxially connected.

[0063] The electric rotating unit 13 has a structure that moves the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12 between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2. Specifically, as Figure 13 As shown, the electric rotation unit 13 includes a sleeve 31, a motor 32, a reducer 33 that reduces the torque generated by the motor 32, a torque limiter 34, and an output shaft 35 that outputs rotational driving force. The sleeve 31 houses the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35. Furthermore, a rotating support shaft 24 and a bearing 36 that supports and allows the rotating support shaft 24 to rotate freely are also housed in the sleeve 31. Therefore, the main components of the electric rotation unit 13—the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35—are arranged on the axis of the rotating support shaft 24. The output shaft 35 is connected to the rotating support shaft 24 and can rotate integrally. Thus, when subjected to the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13, it can rotate together with the mirror mount 12 about the axis S of the rotating support shaft 24.

[0064] Furthermore, when the motor 32 is working, if the rotating support shaft 24 generates excessive torque, the torque limiter 34 can block the transmission of torque, thereby suppressing the load on the motor 32.

[0065] The preferred bearing 36 is a ball bearing or roller bearing that supports the rotating shaft 24 with relatively low rotational resistance.

[0066] The electric rotation unit 13 is fixed to the waistline reinforcement 21 by the support member 22.

[0067] The waistline reinforcement 21 is located inside the side door 1 and is a skeletal component constituting the frame of the side door 1. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the waistline reinforcement 21 is fixed to the interior door panel 7 inside the side door 1 (see reference). Figure 7 and Figure 13 Furthermore, the waistline BL extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X along the lower edge of the side door 1 window (i.e., the lower edge of the door opening 5 where the door glass 6 is located). In this embodiment, the waistline reinforcement 21 is made of extruded aluminum material.

[0068] like Figures 8-11 As shown, the waistline reinforcement 21 of this embodiment has a first ridge line 211, a second ridge line 212, and a third ridge line 213 that are located on the outer side Y2 of the waistline reinforcement 21 in the vehicle width direction and extend parallel to each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. The first ridge line 211 is located between the second ridge line 212 and the third ridge line 213, closest to the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the first ridge line 211 constitutes the ridge line that protrudes outward the most on the surface of the waistline reinforcement 21 facing the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction, and is the part with the highest rigidity and the strongest resistance to impact during a side collision of the vehicle.

[0069] Specifically, such as Figure 8 and Figures 10-12 As shown, the support member 22 includes a semi-cylindrical mounting portion 22a, a pair of fixing portions 22b located on both sides of the mounting portion 22a in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, and a pair of rib arches 22d connecting the mounting portion 22a and the pair of fixing portions 22b respectively. The support member 22 is made of die-cast aluminum. That is, the mounting portion 22a, the pair of fixing portions 22b, and the rib arches 22d are integrally formed.

[0070] The mounting part 22a mounts the rotating support shaft 24 in a manner that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating support shaft 24. Specifically, the holding part 22a mounts the sleeve 31 in a manner that surrounds and houses the sleeve 31 of the electric rotating unit 13 and the rotating support shaft 24.

[0071] A pair of fixing parts 22b are connected to both sides of the mounting part 22a (both sides in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X) by clamping the mounting part 22a. The pair of fixing parts 22b are fastened to the waistline reinforcement member 21 by bolts 28. In this embodiment, the pair of fixing parts 22b are fixed at positions on both sides of the first opening 21a in the waistline reinforcement member 21, which will be described later. Thus, the support member 22 can fix the mirror unit 16 to the waistline reinforcement member 21.

[0072] The rib arch 22d is a triangular plate-like part that connects the mounting part 22a and the fixing part 22b, thereby increasing the rigidity of the support member 22.

[0073] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the door structure of this embodiment also includes a wiring harness 25, which is connected to the rotating support shaft 24 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction C of the rotating support shaft 24, at the portion where the support member 22 overlaps with the waistline reinforcement member 21. Figures 10-13 As shown, the wiring harness 25 extends from the space 20 inside the side door 1 to the rearview mirror body 11 and is electrically connected to the internal machine 37 (such as a mirror adjustment unit) inside the rearview mirror body 11.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 9 and Figures 12-13 As shown, the waistline reinforcement 21 has a first opening 21a for the wire harness 25 to pass through at the portion that overlaps with the support member 22, that is, at the position opposite to the placement portion 22a of the support member 22. The first opening 21a is formed in the waistline reinforcement 21 at the position where it intersects with the first ridge line 211.

[0075] The size of the first opening 21a is approximately such that the wiring harness 25 will not contact the inner periphery of the first opening 21a when the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12 rotate. In this way, as... Figure 12 As shown, even if the wiring harness 25 rotates with the rotation of the pivot shaft 24 and revolves in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X, the wiring harness 25 will not come into contact with the inner periphery of the first opening 21a.

[0076] A pair of fixing parts 22b of the support member 22 are respectively fixed to the upper and lower sides of the first ridge 211 on both sides of the first opening 21a along the direction of the first ridge 211 (i.e., the vehicle's front-rear direction X). Specifically, the pair of fixing parts 22b are fixed by bolts 28 to the upper part 21b of the first ridge 211 and the lower flange part 21c of the first ridge 211 on the outer side of the waistline reinforcement 21.

[0077] The mounting part 22a has a second opening 22c that is opposite to the first opening 21a of the waistline reinforcement 21.

[0078] Furthermore, a third opening 31a is formed in the sleeve 31 of the electric rotating unit 13 at a position opposite to the first opening 21a. Also, the rotating support shaft 24 of this embodiment is a hollow cylindrical shape, and a fourth opening 24a is formed on its circumferential surface at a position opposite to the third opening 31a.

[0079] Therefore, the wiring harness 25 is connected to the rotating shaft 24 while passing through the first opening 21a and the second opening 22c. Specifically, the wiring harness 25 extends from the inside of the side door 1 through the first opening 21a of the waistline reinforcement 21, the second opening 22c of the mounting portion 22a of the support member 22, the third opening 31a of the sleeve 31, and the fourth opening 24a of the rotating shaft 24, into the interior of the rotating shaft 24 (see reference). Figure 12 The center harness 25 extends upward through the portion 25a inside the rotating support 24. Furthermore, the harness 25 extends through the interior of the rotating support 24 and the mirror mount 12 to the interior machine 37 inside the rearview mirror body 11 and is electrically connected to the interior machine 37.

[0080] Furthermore, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the mounting portion 22a of the support member 22 is semi-cylindrical in shape. Therefore, even if the wire harness 25 is laid as described above, the sleeve 31 can be inserted into the mounting portion 22a of the support member from above without the wire harness 25 interfering with the mounting portion 22a.

[0081] The cover component 27 covers the gap between the through hole 26 and the rotating support shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle. Specifically, as... Figures 10-13 As shown, the sleeve 31 housing the electric rotating unit 13 with the rotating shaft 24 and the mounting portion 22a of the support member 22 covering the sleeve 31 are exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the through hole 26 of the door panel 3. On the lower side of the base end 12a of the mirror mount 12, the cover member 27 covers the sleeve 31 and the mounting portion 22a that house the rotating shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle, and covers the gap between the through hole 26 and the mounting portion 22a.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, in order to improve visibility from inside the cabin, in this embodiment, when the rearview mirror body 11 is in the mirror usage position P1, from a top-down perspective, relative to an imaginary line L1 that is orthogonal to the surface of the mirror 14 and passes through the inner end 11a of the rearview mirror body 11 on the side of the side door 1, the inner side surface 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 facing the side door 1 is inclined outwards (i.e., inclined away from the side door 1). That is, relative to the imaginary line L1, the inner side surface 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 extends along a line L2 that extends outwards from the inner end 11a of the rearview mirror body 11. In other words, Figure 14When the rearview mirror body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, in a top-down view, the thickness of the rearview mirror body 11 in the front-rear direction X decreases (becomes tapered) as it moves from the middle position of the rearview mirror body 11 in the vehicle width direction Y toward the inner end 11a on the side of the upper door 1 in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0083] Based on the shape of the rearview mirror body 11 as described above, such as Figure 15 As shown, the inner side 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 no longer obstructs the view from the cockpit. As a result, the space S1 in front of the rearview mirror body 11, that is, the space S1 enclosed by the inner end 11a of the rearview mirror body 11, the A pillar 4 and the waistline BL, can be ensured to have a wide field of view, thus improving visibility.

[0084] Additionally, for reference, in the comparative examples of the present invention, such as Figure 16 As shown in the rearview mirror 50, in a structure where an electric rotating unit (not shown) is housed in the rearview mirror body 51, the front-to-back width of the rearview mirror body 51 increases. Therefore, as the front-to-back width increases, the inner side 51b of the rearview mirror body 51 will appear in the field of vision when viewed from inside the cockpit. Consequently, the field of vision in the space S2 in front of the rearview mirror body 51, that is, the space S2 enclosed by the inner end 51a of the rearview mirror body 51, the A pillar 4, and the waistline BL, becomes narrower, and visibility decreases.

[0085] (Features of this embodiment) (1)

[0087] like Figures 1-7 As shown, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the rearview mirror structure on the side door 1 of the vehicle includes: a mirror unit 16; a frame member, i.e., a waistline reinforcement member 21, provided in the side door 1; and a support member 22 for fixing the mirror unit 16 to the waistline reinforcement member 21.

[0088] The mirror unit 16 includes: a rearview mirror body 11 having a mirror 14 for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle; a mirror mount 12 having a front end portion 12b fixed to the rearview mirror body 11 and a base end portion 12a away from the front end portion 12b; and a rotating support shaft 24 (see reference). Figures 12-13 The rearview mirror body 11 and mirror base 12 are connected to and supported by the base end 12a of the mirror mount 12, allowing them to freely rotate between the mirror use position P1 where the mirror 14 can be observed with the naked eye and the storage position P2 located inside the mirror use position P1 in the vehicle width direction Y. The electric rotation unit 13 causes the rearview mirror body 11 and mirror base 12 to rotate about the axis S of the rotation support shaft 24, thereby moving them between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2. The electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1.

[0089] According to the above scheme, in the structure having a mirror unit 16, and the mirror unit 16 including a rearview mirror body 11, a mirror base 12, a rotating support shaft 24, and an electric rotating unit 13 that rotates the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror base 12 about the axis S of the rotating support shaft 24, the heavy electric rotating unit 13 of the mirror unit 16 is disposed inside the side door 1. Therefore, when the vehicle is driving, the torque in the vertical direction Z generated by the input from the road surface (i.e., vibration or external force mainly in the vertical direction Z caused by the unevenness of the road surface) will be reduced, which can suppress the vibration of the mirror 14. Furthermore, the support member 22 fixes the mirror unit 16, including the electric rotating unit 13, to the frame member, i.e., the waistline reinforcement member 21, thereby improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16. Therefore, the vibration of the mirror 14 can be effectively suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, since the electric rotation unit 13 is installed inside the side door 1, the front-to-back width of the rearview mirror body 11 can be reduced compared to the conventional rearview mirror structure in which the electric rotation unit 13 is housed in the rearview mirror body 11, thus improving visibility from the cockpit.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-described technical solution, the electric rotating unit 13 moves the mirror mount 12, along with the rearview mirror body 11, from the mirror usage position P1 to the storage position P2. Therefore, when the rearview mirror body 11 and mirror mount 12 are moved to the storage position P2, the amount of protrusion of the rearview mirror body 11 and mirror mount 12 from the side of the side door 1 in the vehicle width direction Y can be reduced, thus minimizing the vehicle width dimension. (2)

[0093] like Figure 13 As shown, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the rotation pivot 24 is configured between the support member 22 and the waistline reinforcement 21. The rearview mirror structure also includes a wiring harness 25, which connects to the rotation pivot 24 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction C of the rotation pivot 24, at the portion where the support member 22 and the waistline reinforcement 21 overlap. Figure 9 and Figures 12-13 As shown, the waistline reinforcement 21 has a first opening 21a for the wiring harness 25 to pass through in the portion overlapping with the support member 22. The size of the first opening 21a is approximately such that the wiring harness 25 will not contact the inner periphery of the first opening 21a when the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12 rotate. The support member 22 has a pair of fixing portions 22b fixed on both sides of the first opening 21a in the waistline reinforcement 21.

[0094] According to the above technical solution, in the structure where the wire harness 25 connected to the rotating support shaft 24 passes through the first opening 21a of the waistline reinforcement member 21, the size of the first opening 21a is approximately such that the wire harness 25 will not contact the inner periphery of the first opening 21a when the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12 rotate. Therefore, as Figure 12 As shown, when the electric rotating unit 13 is working, even if the wiring harness 25 rotates in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X as the rotating support shaft 24 rotates, it will prevent the wiring harness 25 connected to the rotating support shaft 24 from contacting the inner periphery of the first opening 21a of the waistline reinforcement member 21. Furthermore, the pair of fixing portions 22bg of the support member 22 are fixed to both sides of the first opening 21a, thereby supporting the load transfer function (specifically, the load transfer function in the vehicle's longitudinal direction X) and preventing the load transfer function of the waistline reinforcement member 21 from decreasing during a side collision of the vehicle. (3)

[0096] like Figures 8-11 As shown, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the waistline reinforcement 21 has a first ridge 211 located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. A first opening 21a is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge 211. A pair of fixing portions 22b of the support member 22 are respectively fixed to the upper and lower sides of the first ridge 211 at positions on both sides of the first opening 21a in the direction along the first ridge 211 of the waistline reinforcement 21.

[0097] According to the above technical solution, the waistline reinforcement 21 has a first ridge 211 located on the outer side Y2 of the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. The portion along the first ridge 211 (i.e., the portion of the first ridge 211 that protrudes outward Y2 in the vehicle width direction) has high rigidity. A pair of fixed parts of the support member 22 are respectively fixed at the upper and lower sides of the first ridge 211 in the waistline reinforcement 21, thereby improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16. On the other hand, although a first opening 21a is formed at the position where it intersects with the first ridge 211 in the waistline reinforcement 21, since a pair of fixed parts 22b of the support member 22 are respectively fixed at the upper and lower sides of the first ridge 211 on both sides of the first opening 21a in the direction along the first ridge 211 in the waistline reinforcement 21, the decrease in the load transfer function of the waistline reinforcement 21 during a side collision of the vehicle can be suppressed. (4)

[0099] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, such as Figures 12-13As shown, the support member 22 also has a mounting portion 22a, which mounts the rotating support shaft 24 in a manner that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating support shaft 24. The mounting portion 22a has a second opening 22c opposite to the first opening 21a of the waistline reinforcement member 21. A pair of fixing portions 22b are connected to both sides of the mounting portion 22a in a manner that clamps the mounting portion 22a. The wire harness 25 is connected to the rotating support shaft 24 while passing through the first opening 21a and the second opening 22c.

[0100] According to the above technical solution, the mounting portion 22a of the support member 22 houses the rotating support shaft 24, and a pair of fixing portions 22b connected to both sides of the support member 22 are fixed to the waistline reinforcement member 21, thus ensuring stable mounting of the rotating support shaft 24. Furthermore, the wiring harness 25 is connected to the rotating support shaft 24 while passing through the first opening 21a of the waistline reinforcement member 21 and the second opening 22c of the mounting portion 22a, thus maintaining the connection between the wiring harness 25 and the rotating support shaft 24 even when the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror mount 12 rotate. (5)

[0102] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, such as Figure 8 and Figure 12 As shown, the support member 22 also has a rib arch 22d connecting the placement part 22a and the fixing part 22b. According to the above technical solution, the support member 22 also has a rib arch 22d connecting the placement part 22a and the fixing part 22b, thereby improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16 and further suppressing the decrease in the load transfer function of the waistline reinforcement 21. (6)

[0104] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, a waistline reinforcement member 21 extending along the waistline BL of the lower edge of the side door window in the vehicle longitudinal direction X is used as a skeleton member.

[0105] According to the above technical solution, by fixing the mirror unit 16 to the waistline reinforcement 21 commonly used in conventional car door structures, the above rearview mirror structure can be widely applied to conventional car door structures. (7)

[0107] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the support member 22 is made of die-cast aluminum. According to the above technical solution, die-cast aluminum has good formability, and a support member 22 of sufficient thickness can be made, thus enabling the production of a support member 22 with high rigidity. Furthermore, the support member 22 made of die-cast aluminum has high rigidity, thus achieving a good vibration suppression effect. (8)

[0109] like Figure 13As shown, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the rotating support shaft 24 is fixed to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12. After being subjected to the rotational driving force from the electric rotating unit 13, it can rotate together with the mirror base 12 around the axis S of the rotating support shaft 24.

[0110] According to the above technical solution, the mirror mount 12 can be rotated by rotating the rotating support shaft 24 only by the rotational driving force from the electric rotating unit 13, and the rearview mirror structure is simple. (9)

[0112] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1, so the electric rotation unit 13 can be protected from the influence of foreign objects outside the vehicle by the door panel 3 that constitutes the outer side of the side door 1. Alternatively, the electric rotation unit 13 can also be disposed outside the side door 1, but in this case, a large cover component or the like is required to protect the electric rotation unit 13. (10)

[0114] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 (specifically, the main components are the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35) is arranged on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24.

[0115] According to the above technical solution, the electric rotation unit 13 is arranged on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24, thus making the power transmission system that transmits power from the electric rotation unit 13 to the rotation support shaft 24 simple and compact. Therefore, the electric rotation unit 13 can be installed within the limited space of the side door 1. (11)

[0117] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, a through hole 26 is formed on the door panel 3 constituting the outer side of the side door 1 for the rotation pivot 24 to pass through. The rearview mirror structure also includes a cover member 27 that covers the gap between the through hole 26 and the rotation pivot 24 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0118] According to the above technical solution, the cover component 27 covers the gap between the through hole 26 and the rotating support shaft 24 of the door panel 3 from the outside of the vehicle, thereby improving the vehicle's aesthetics and preventing water from seeping into the door panel 3 through the gap. (12)

[0120] In the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, the waistline reinforcement 21 is made of extruded aluminum material.

[0121] According to the above technical solution, the waistline reinforcement 21 is made of extruded aluminum material, which can simultaneously ensure the supporting rigidity of the electric rotating unit 13 and the lightweight of the vehicle. (13)

[0123] like Figure 14As shown, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, when the rearview mirror body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, from a top-down perspective, relative to the imaginary line L1 that is orthogonal to the surface of the mirror 14 and passes through the inner end 11a of the rearview mirror body 11, the inner side 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 facing the side door 1 is inclined outward of the vehicle.

[0124] According to the above technical solution, when the rearview mirror body 11 is in the mirror usage position P1, the inner side surface 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 is inclined outward relative to the imaginary line L1 orthogonal to the surface of the mirror, so that the inner side surface 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 no longer obstructs the view from inside the cabin. In this way, the visibility from inside the cabin can be maximized, thereby further improving visibility. (14)

[0126] like Figure 14 As shown, in the rearview mirror structure of this embodiment, when the rearview mirror body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, the thickness of the rearview mirror body 11 in the front-rear direction X decreases as it moves from the middle position of the rearview mirror body 11 in the vehicle width direction Y toward the inner end 11a on the side of the upper door 1 in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0127] In the above technical solution, when the rearview mirror body 11 is in the mirror usage position P1, the thickness of the rearview mirror body 11 in the longitudinal direction X decreases from the middle position in the vehicle width direction Y towards the inner end 11a in the vehicle width direction Y. As a result, the inner side 11b of the rearview mirror body 11 no longer obstructs the field of vision when looking from the cabin. In this way, the visibility when looking from the cabin can be maximized, thereby further improving visibility.

[0128] (Variation example)

[0129] (A)

[0130] In the above embodiment, the rotating support shaft 24 is fixed to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12. After being driven by the rotational force from the electric rotating unit 13, it can rotate together with the mirror base 12 around the axis S of the rotating support shaft 24. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The present invention is designed such that the rotating support shaft 24 is connected to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12, and the electric rotating unit 13 causes the rearview mirror body 11 and the mirror base 12 to rotate around the axis S of the rotating support shaft 24. Therefore, a variation of the present invention can be designed such that the rotating support shaft 24 is a stationary shaft, the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 is mounted on the rotating support shaft 24 and rotates freely relative to the rotating support shaft 24, and the electric rotating unit 13 directly rotates the mirror base 12 without passing through the rotating support shaft 24.

[0131] (B)

[0132] In the above embodiment, the first opening 21a is formed to intersect with the first ridge 211 of the skeleton member, i.e., the waistline reinforcement 21. However, the first opening 21a is formed to allow the wire harness 25 to pass through, and it is not a necessary structure of the present invention. Therefore, it can also be designed so that the waistline reinforcement 21 does not have the first opening 21a. That is, as another variation of the present invention, as a structure without the first opening 21a, the waistline reinforcement 21 can be designed to have a first ridge 211 located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction X, and the support members 22 are respectively fixed at the upper and lower sides of the first ridge 211 in the waistline reinforcement 21. This technical solution also makes the waistline reinforcement 21 have a first ridge 211 located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction X, and the part along the first ridge 211 has high rigidity. The support members 22 are respectively fixed at the upper and lower sides of the first ridge 211 in the waistline reinforcement 21, thus improving the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16.

[0133] (C)

[0134] The mirror of the present invention encompasses various methods, as long as they are used to obtain a rear view of a vehicle. For example, in addition to the optical mirror 14 described above, which obtains a rear view by reflecting light from behind the vehicle, the concept of the mirror of the present invention also includes a so-called digital mirror in which a television camera is provided in the rearview mirror body 11, and a rear view can be obtained using the television camera.

[0135] Numbering Explanation

[0136] 1 side door

[0137] 2 rearview mirrors

[0138] 3 door panels

[0139] 11. Rearview mirror body

[0140] 12 mirror base

[0141] 12a base end

[0142] 12b front end

[0143] 13 electric rotating units

[0144] 14 mirrors

[0145] 21 Waistline Reinforcement Component (Skeleton Component)

[0146] 21a First opening

[0147] 22 Supporting Components

[0148] 22a Installation Section

[0149] 22b Fixing part

[0150] 22c second opening

[0151] 22d ribbed arch

[0152] 24 Rotating support shaft

[0153] 31 casings

[0154] 32 motors

[0155] 33 reducer

[0156] 34 Torque limiter

[0157] 35 Output Shaft

[0158] 36 bearing

[0159] 211 First edge

[0160] BL waistline

[0161] P1 Mirror Usage Location

[0162] P2 storage location

Claims

1. A rearview mirror structure, which is a rearview mirror structure on the side door of a vehicle, characterized in that... include: Mirror unit; A skeleton component is located inside the side door; A supporting member is used to fix the mirror unit to the frame member; wherein, The mirror unit includes: a rearview mirror body portion having a mirror for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle; The mirror mount has a front end fixed to the rearview mirror body and a base end away from the front end; Rotate the support shaft to connect with the base end of the mirror mount, and support the rearview mirror body and the mirror mount so that it can freely rotate between the mirror use position and the storage position. The mirror use position is the position where the mirror can be seen with the naked eye from the cabin, and the storage position is the position located inside the vehicle width direction of the mirror use position. An electric rotating unit causes the rearview mirror body and the mirror mount to rotate about the axis of the rotating support shaft, thereby moving the mirror between the usage position and the storage position; wherein, The electric rotation unit is installed inside the side door; The support member also has a mounting portion and a pair of fixing portions. The mounting portion mounts the rotating shaft in a manner that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating shaft. The pair of fixing portions are connected to both sides of the mounting portion in a manner that clamps the mounting portion. The fixing part is fastened to the frame component by bolts.

2. The rearview mirror structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating support shaft is configured to pass between the support member and the frame member; It also includes a wire harness, which is connected to the rotating shaft in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotating shaft, at the portion where the support member and the skeleton member overlap. The skeleton member has a first opening in the portion overlapping with the support member for the wire harness to pass through. The size of the first opening is approximately such that the wiring harness will not come into contact with the inner periphery of the first opening when the rearview mirror body and the mirror mount rotate; the pair of fixing parts are fixed to the positions on both sides of the first opening in the frame member.

3. The rearview mirror structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The frame member has a first ridge line located outside the frame member in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The first opening is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge line. The pair of fixed parts of the support member are respectively fixed in the skeleton member at positions above and below the first ridge line on both sides of the first opening along the direction of the first ridge line.

4. The rearview mirror structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The mounting portion has a second opening opposite to the first opening of the skeleton member; The wire harness is connected to the rotating support shaft while passing through the first opening and the second opening.

5. The rearview mirror structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The supporting member also has a rib arch connecting the placement part and the fixing part.

6. The rearview mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The frame member is a waistline reinforcement that extends along the waistline of the lower edge of the side door window in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

7. The rearview mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The support component is made of die-cast aluminum.

8. The rearview mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The rotating support shaft is fixed to the base end of the mirror mount. When subjected to the rotational driving force from the electric rotating unit, it can rotate together with the mirror mount around the axis of the rotating support shaft.

9. The rearview mirror structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame member has a first ridge line located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The supporting components are respectively fixed at the positions above and below the first ridge line in the skeleton component.

Images