Rearview mirror, method for removing foreign matter from a rearview mirror using an air flow, and vehicle

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of automobile parts, in particular to a rearview mirror, a method for removing foreign matter from the rearview mirror by using air flow and a vehicle. The rearview mirror comprises a mirror shell, a mirror surface arranged in the mirror shell, and an air inlet and outlet pipeline assembly. The mirror shell is provided with a flow guide opening. The air inlet and outlet pipeline assembly comprises two air inlets and a plurality of air outlets. One of the air inlets is connected with the flow guide opening, and the other air inlet is used for being connected with an air conditioning system in the vehicle. The plurality of air outlets are arranged at the outer periphery of the mirror surface and are used for blowing off foreign matter on the mirror surface by using air blown out by the air conditioning system in the vehicle and air flowing into the flow guide opening. The problems of complex structure of the mirror surface wiper scheme, increased air resistance, unable to remove dust by electric heating, and high cost in the prior art can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a rearview mirror, a method for removing foreign objects from the rearview mirror using airflow, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As an important component of commercial vehicles, the rearview mirror's main function is to provide the driver with a clear view and ensure vehicle safety.

[0003] Currently, in addition to providing basic visibility, the main issues that need to be addressed with rearview mirrors are water removal, dust removal, and defrosting of the mirror surface.

[0004] To address the above issues, the main solutions currently available in the industry are: 1. Adding a mirror wiper to remove dirt from the mirror surface; 2. Adding an electric heating element to remove water droplets adhering to the mirror surface.

[0005] However, the mirror-finish wiper design is structurally complex, requiring either an internal motor and drive mechanism or an externally mounted motor and wiper arm. An internal motor design results in a bulky rearview mirror, while an external motor design affects the appearance and airflow around the mirror, impacting overall vehicle drag. Furthermore, due to its complex structure and numerous moving parts, coupled with the inherent vibration of the rearview mirror itself, this design carries a significant reliability risk.

[0006] Heated rearview mirrors are a widely adopted solution by major OEMs. However, user surveys reveal the following issues: 1) While the heating element removes water, it doesn't remove dust. For users in Northwest China and mountainous construction sites, where water and dust / mud are present, the heating removes water but not dust, making the dust adhere even more firmly, requiring manual wiping. 2) When driving through highways with poor air quality, rainwater carrying dust adheres to the mirrors after heating. However, wiping by opening windows at high speeds is inconvenient, forcing users to frequently open windows to wipe the mirrors at service areas or while driving, causing significant inconvenience and safety hazards. 3) The cost of heated mirrors is significantly increased. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide a rearview mirror, a method for removing foreign objects from the rearview mirror using airflow, and a vehicle, which can solve the problems of complex structure, increased wind resistance, inability of electric heating to remove dust, and high cost of existing mirror wiper solutions.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] On one hand, the present invention provides a rearview mirror, comprising:

[0010] A mirror housing and a mirror surface disposed therein, wherein the mirror housing is provided with a flow guide port;

[0011] The air inlet and outlet pipeline assembly includes two air inlets and multiple air outlets. One air inlet is connected to the guide port, and the other air inlet is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system. The multiple air outlets are respectively located on the outer periphery of the mirror surface to use the air blown out by the vehicle air conditioning system and the air flowing in from the guide port to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface.

[0012] In some alternative solutions, the air intake and exhaust pipe assembly includes an intake pipe, an air circuit adapter, and multiple exhaust pipes. The exhaust port of the intake pipe is connected to the air circuit adapter. The intake pipe includes two intake ports, one of which is connected to the guide port, and the other intake port is used to connect to the vehicle's air conditioning system. The intake ports of the multiple exhaust pipes are connected to the air circuit adapter, and the exhaust ports of the multiple exhaust pipes are respectively located on the outer periphery of the mirror.

[0013] In some alternative solutions, the air intake pipe includes a first air intake pipe and a three-way valve. The air inlet of the first air intake pipe is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system, and the air outlet is connected to the air circuit adapter. The three-way valve is located on the first air intake pipe, and the other air inlet of the three-way valve is connected to the guide port.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the three-way valve includes:

[0015] An inner inlet pipe includes a first connecting section and an outer pressurizing section connected at the end, wherein the diameter of the outer pressurizing section is larger than the diameter of the first connecting section, and a connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the outer pressurizing section.

[0016] The outlet pipe includes a second connecting section and an internal pressurization section. The internal pressurization section is conical and located inside the outer pressurization section. Its large-diameter end is connected to the second connecting section, and its small-diameter end is spaced a set distance from the first connecting section. The diameter of the small-diameter end of the internal pressurization section is smaller than the diameter of the first connecting section.

[0017] An external inlet pipe, one end of which is connected to the connecting hole, and the other end of which is connected to the guide port;

[0018] A sealing cap is fitted over the outside of the second connecting section and covers the end of the external pressurization section.

[0019] In some alternative designs, the small-diameter end of the internal boost section is provided with a flared section, the small-diameter end of which is connected to the small-diameter end of the internal boost section. The large-diameter end of the flared section bends into the flow cavity between the internal and external boost sections. The first connecting section is connected to the external boost section by an annular connecting plate. The middle part of the annular connecting plate protrudes arc-shaped towards the inlet end of the first connecting section, forming a flow channel with the flared section leading into the internal boost section. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel gradually decreases from the flow cavity towards the internal boost section.

[0020] In some alternative configurations, the air outlet above the mirror faces downward, the air outlets on both sides of the mirror face opposite sides and are tilted downward, and the air outlet below the mirror faces outward and is tilted downward.

[0021] In some alternative designs, the mirror housing is provided with a downwardly angled flow port located below the mirror surface.

[0022] In some alternative designs, the flow guide is funnel-shaped and located in the middle of the lower half of the mirror housing.

[0023] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for removing foreign objects from a rearview mirror using airflow, for removing foreign objects from any of the above-mentioned rearview mirrors, comprising the following steps:

[0024] Determine the current foreign object removal environment of the vehicle:

[0025] When in the first foreign object removal environment, the gas flowing in through the guide port is used to remove foreign objects from the mirror surface;

[0026] When in the second foreign object removal environment, the air supplied by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the duct are used together to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface;

[0027] When in the second foreign object removal environment, the warm air blown out by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the vents are used together to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface.

[0028] Secondly, the present invention also provides a vehicle including any of the rearview mirrors described above.

[0029] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: By setting an air guide on the side of the rearview mirror housing facing the direction of vehicle travel, natural airflow during vehicle movement is introduced. This airflow is combined with indoor air conditioning blowing and heating to form different functional modes, specifically addressing the mirror cleaning problem under different environmental conditions. Compared with existing water removal functions, this solution, in the first foreign object removal environment, does not require the vehicle to generate heat or drive the wipers to remove foreign objects, thus saving energy. Furthermore, it allows some of the wind obstructed by the rearview mirror to pass through the mirror, reducing wind resistance. In addition, compared with heating and wiper solutions, this solution also achieves dust removal, significantly reducing costs. Moreover, this solution has a simple structure, is less prone to mechanical failure, and improves reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of the rearview mirror in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the air inlet and outlet pipeline assembly installed on the mirror housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the airflow direction in the three-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air inlet and outlet pipeline assembly installed on the mirror housing in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the flow guide in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] In the diagram: 1. Mirror housing; 11. Air guide port; 12. Rear cover; 13. Mirror frame; 14. Mirror holder; 2. Mirror surface; 3. Inlet and outlet air pipe assembly; 31. Inlet air pipe; 311. First inlet air pipe; 312. Three-way valve; 3121. Inner inlet pipe; 1211. First connecting section; 1212. External pressurization section; 1213. Annular connecting plate; 3122. Outlet pipe; 1221. Second connecting section; 1222. Internal pressurization section; 1223. Trumpet section; 3123. External inlet air pipe; 3124. Sealing cover; 32. Air circuit adapter; 33. Outlet air pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the present invention provides a rearview mirror, comprising: a mirror housing 1 and a mirror surface 2 disposed therein, and an air inlet / outlet pipe assembly 3. The mirror housing 1 is provided with a guide port 11; the air inlet / outlet pipe assembly 3 includes two air inlets and multiple air outlets, wherein one air inlet is connected to the guide port 11, the other air inlet is used to connect to the vehicle's air conditioning system, and the multiple air outlets are respectively disposed on the outer periphery of the mirror surface 2 for using the air blown out by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the guide port 11 to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2.

[0041] When removing foreign objects from the mirror surface 2 of the rearview mirror, the current environment in which the vehicle is cleaning is first determined: In the first cleaning environment, the air flowing in through the guide port 11 is used to remove foreign objects from the mirror surface 2. After the rearview mirror is installed on the vehicle, the guide port 11 on the mirror housing 1 faces forward in the direction of vehicle travel. When the vehicle is moving, air can be introduced and flow out from multiple air outlets on the outer periphery of the mirror surface 2, thereby blowing away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2. In the second cleaning environment, the air blown by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the guide port 11 are used together to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2. In the third cleaning environment, the warm air blown by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the guide port 11 are used together to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2. This solution introduces natural airflow during vehicle travel by setting the guide port 11 on the side of the rearview mirror housing 1 facing forward in the direction of vehicle travel. This airflow is combined with the air intake from the interior air conditioning system (blowing and heating) to form different functional modes, specifically addressing the mirror cleaning problem under different environmental conditions. Compared to existing water removal functions, this solution eliminates the need for vehicle-generated heat and windshield wipers to remove debris in the first debris removal environment, saving energy. Furthermore, it allows some wind obstructed by the rearview mirrors to pass through them, reducing wind resistance. In addition, compared to heating and wiper-based solutions, this solution also provides dust removal, significantly reducing costs. Moreover, its simple structure reduces the likelihood of mechanical failures, thus improving reliability.

[0042] In this example, the mirror housing 1 includes a mirror frame 13, a mirror holder 14, and a rear cover 12. The mirror surface 2 is installed in the mounting groove of the mirror holder 14 and fixed by the mirror frame 13. The rear cover 12 covers the rear side of the mirror holder 14, facing the front side in the driving direction. A guide port 11 is provided on the rear cover 12.

[0043] Foreign objects refer to rain, snow, and dust. The first foreign object removal environment refers to light rain, light snow, and light dust; the second foreign object removal environment refers to moderate rain, moderate snow, and more dust; and the first foreign object removal environment refers to heavy rain, heavy snow, more dust, and cold weather with icy surfaces. Specific judgments can be set according to needs, using data from rain and temperature sensors to determine the vehicle's environment. In this example, there are 16 air vents: 3 at the top and bottom, and 5 on the left and right sides.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the air inlet and outlet pipe assembly 3 includes an air inlet pipe 31, an air circuit adapter 32, and multiple air outlet pipes 33. The air outlet of the air inlet pipe 31 is connected to the air circuit adapter 32. The air inlet pipe 31 includes two air inlets, one of which is connected to the guide port 11, and the other air inlet is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system. The air inlets of the multiple air outlet pipes 33 are connected to the air circuit adapter 32, and the air outlets of the multiple air outlet pipes 33 are respectively located on the outer periphery of the mirror surface 2.

[0045] In this embodiment, the two air inlets of the air inlet pipe 31 are connected to the guide port 11 and the vehicle air conditioning system respectively, and the air outlet is connected to the air circuit adapter 32. The gas sent by the vehicle air conditioning system and the gas introduced by the guide port 11 can be directed to the air circuit adapter 32, and the gas can be directed to the outer periphery of the mirror 2 through multiple air outlet pipes 33 to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the intake pipe 31 includes a first intake pipe 311 and a three-way valve 312. The intake port of the first intake pipe 311 is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system, and the outlet is connected to the air circuit adapter 32. The three-way valve 312 is disposed on the first intake pipe 311, and the other intake port of the three-way valve 312 is connected to the guide port 11.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first air intake pipe 311 includes air pipe A and air pipe B, which are connected by a three-way valve 312. One end of air pipe A is connected to one of the air inlets of the three-way valve 312, and one end of air pipe B is connected to the air outlet of the three-way valve 312. The other end of air pipe A is connected to the vehicle's air conditioning system, and the other end of air pipe B is connected to an air circuit adapter 32. The air circuit adapter 32 is used to evenly distribute the incoming gas to multiple air outlet pipes 33. The other air inlet of the three-way valve 312 is connected to a guide port 11. When the other air inlet of the three-way valve 312 cannot be connected to the guide port 11, the air inlet of the second air intake pipe is connected to the guide port 11, and the air outlet is connected to the other air inlet of the three-way valve 312. In this way, natural wind and the air supplied by the vehicle's air conditioning system are combined to remove foreign objects from the mirror 2.

[0048] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the three-way valve 312 includes: an inner inlet pipe 3121, an outlet pipe 3122, an outer inlet pipe 3123, and a sealing cap 3124.

[0049] The inner inlet pipe 3121 includes a first connecting section 1211 and an outer pressurizing section 1212 connected at the end, with the diameter of the outer pressurizing section 1212 being larger than the diameter of the first connecting section 1211. A connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the outer pressurizing section 1212. The outlet pipe 3122 includes a second connecting section 1221 and an inner pressurizing section 1222. The inner pressurizing section 1222 is conical and is located inside the outer pressurizing section 1212. Its large-diameter end is connected to the second connecting section 1221, and its small-diameter end is spaced a certain distance from the first connecting section 1211. The diameter of the small-diameter end of the inner pressurizing section 1222 is smaller than the diameter of the first connecting section 1211. One end of the outer inlet pipe 3123 is connected to the connecting hole, and the other end is connected to the guide port 11. The sealing cap 3124 is sleeved on the outside of the second connecting section 1221 and covers the end of the outer pressurizing section 1212.

[0050] In this embodiment, a conical inner booster section 1222 is placed inside an outer booster section 1212. One end of an outer inlet pipe 3123 is connected to a connecting hole in the outer booster section 1212, and the other end is connected to a guide port 11. When the vehicle is in motion, gas enters the flow cavity between the inner booster section 1222 and the outer booster section 1212 through the guide port 11 and the outer inlet pipe 3123. After the airflow surrounds the flow cavity, a gap exists between the small-diameter end of the inner booster section 1222 and the end of the first connecting section 1211. Therefore, the gas flows into the cavity of the inner booster section 1222 from the gap between the inner booster section 1222 and the first connecting section 1211 through the flow cavity. Furthermore, since the large-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 is connected to the second connecting section 1221, and the diameter of the small-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 is smaller than the diameter of the first connecting section 1211, the gap formed by the interval between the small-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 and the end of the first connecting section 1211 is adjusted by setting a distance so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow cavity. According to the formula flow rate = velocity * cross-sectional area, under the premise that the input airflow has a constant velocity, the velocity can be increased by reducing the cross-sectional area. In this example, the outer diameter of the external booster section 1212 is 14.4 mm, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow cavity is designed to be 505 mm². 2 After circulating around the flow cavity, the airflow flows through the gap into the conical inner pressurization section 1222. The gap is designed to be 0.5 mm wide, and its cross-sectional area is 171 mm². 2 According to the formula Flow Rate = Velocity * Cross-sectional Area, under the premise of constant input airflow velocity, reducing the cross-sectional area to one-third can increase the flow velocity three times. This design improves gas flow and better cleans mirror 2.

[0051] Additionally, when the vehicle's air conditioning system is turned on, gas enters through the first connecting section 1211 of the inner inlet pipe 3121. The diameter of the small-diameter end of the inner pressurization section 1222 is smaller than the diameter of the first connecting section 1211; this reduction in cross-sectional area also increases the flow velocity. The diameter of the inner pressurization section 1222 gradually increases along the gas flow direction. Due to the increased gas velocity passing through the small-diameter end of the inner pressurization section 1222, a negative pressure is formed within the inner pressurization section 1222, further increasing the gas velocity. This design achieves a better cleaning effect on the mirror surface 2.

[0052] In some optional embodiments, the small-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 is provided with a flared section 1223, the small-diameter end of the flared section 1223 is connected to the small-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222, and the large-diameter end of the flared section 1223 bends into the flow cavity between the internal booster section 1222 and the external booster section 1212. The first connecting section 1211 and the external booster section 1212 are connected by an annular connecting plate 1213. The middle part of the annular connecting plate 1213 protrudes arc-shaped towards the inlet end of the first connecting section 1211, forming a flow channel with the flared section 1223 into the internal booster section 1222. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel gradually decreases from the flow cavity to the internal booster section 1222.

[0053] In this embodiment, since the small-diameter end of the horn-mouth section 1223 connects with the small-diameter end of the inner pressurization section 1222, the large-diameter end of the horn-mouth section 1223 bends into the flow cavity between the inner pressurization section 1222 and the outer pressurization section 1212. Furthermore, the annular connecting plate 1213 between the first connecting section 1211 and the outer pressurization section 1212 protrudes arc-shaped towards the inlet end of the first connecting section 1211, forming a flow channel with the horn-mouth section 1223 leading into the inner pressurization section 1222. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel gradually decreases from the flow cavity towards the inner pressurization section 1222. According to the formula Flow Rate = Velocity * Cross-sectional Area, under the premise of constant input airflow velocity, a smaller cross-sectional area allows for an increase in velocity. Furthermore, a flared section 1223 is provided at the small-diameter end of the internal pressurization section 1222. This, combined with the annular connecting plate 1213 between the first connecting section 1211 and the external pressurization section 1212, forms an arc-shaped protrusion towards the inlet end of the first connecting section 1211. This makes the flow channel from the flow cavity into the internal pressurization section 1222 smoother, reducing flow resistance and flow velocity loss. Additionally, it effectively reduces the possibility of gas flowing in from the tracheal tube A entering the flow channel.

[0054] In some alternative embodiments, the air outlet above the mirror 2 faces downward, the air outlets on both sides of the mirror 2 face opposite sides and are tilted downward, and the air outlet below the mirror 2 faces outward from the mirror 2 and is tilted downward.

[0055] In this embodiment, the air outlet located above the mirror 2 is configured to face downwards, which can blow foreign objects on the mirror 2 downwards. The air outlets located on both sides of the mirror 2 are configured to face opposite sides and tilt downwards, which can blow foreign objects on the mirror 2 towards the center of the mirror 2, and work in conjunction with the downward blowing from the air outlet above the mirror 2. The air outlet located below the mirror 2 faces outwards from the mirror 2 and tilts downwards, which can generate negative pressure at the bottom of the mirror 2, accelerating the movement of foreign objects on the mirror 2 downwards.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, the mirror housing 1 is provided with a downwardly inclined guide port located below the mirror surface 2. In this example, the downwardly inclined guide port provided on the mirror housing 1 below the mirror surface 2 is used to install the air outlet located below the mirror surface 2. In addition, the downwardly inclined guide port can also facilitate the discharge of foreign objects and prevent foreign objects from accumulating at the mirror housing 1 below the mirror surface 2.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, in some alternative embodiments, the flow guide 11 is funnel-shaped and located in the middle of the lower half of the mirror housing 1.

[0058] In this example, the air inlet 11 is funnel-shaped to facilitate the inflow of gas when the vehicle is in motion. The location of the air inlet 11 is determined according to the size and position of the gas to allow for the introduction of more gas. In this example, it is located in the middle of the lower half of the mirror housing 1. Specifically, the upper and lower openings of the air inlet 11 are arranged at the lower quarter of the mirror housing, and the left and right positions are located at the middle of the inner quarter of the driver's compartment. This position can receive airflow from the vehicle directly in front, as well as airflow introduced by the front deflector, to maximize the airflow entering the rearview mirror of this patent during driving.

[0059] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for removing foreign objects from a rearview mirror using airflow, for removing foreign objects from the rearview mirror described in any of the above-mentioned cases, comprising the following steps:

[0060] Determine the current foreign object removal environment of the vehicle:

[0061] In this example, the foreign object removal environment is set as follows: First foreign object removal environment, corresponding to normal mode; Second foreign object removal environment, corresponding to enhanced mode; Third foreign object removal environment, corresponding to rain / snow enhanced mode. The first foreign object removal environment refers to light rain, light snow, and light dust; the second foreign object removal environment refers to moderate rain, moderate snow, and more dusty environments; and the third foreign object removal environment refers to heavy rain, heavy snow, more dusty environments, and cold weather environments where the mirrors are icy. Specific judgments can be set according to needs, using data from rain and temperature sensors to determine the vehicle's environment.

[0062] When in the first foreign object removal environment, the gas flowing in through the guide port 11 is used to remove foreign objects from the mirror surface 2;

[0063] When in the second foreign object removal environment, the air supplied by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the gas flowing in through the duct 11 are used together to blow away the foreign objects on the mirror 2.

[0064] When in the second foreign object removal environment, the warm air blown out by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the gas flowing in through the duct 11 are used together to blow away the foreign objects on the mirror 2.

[0065] Specifically, in the first foreign object removal environment, i.e., normal mode: during vehicle operation, the airflow is guided into the air circuit assembly through the guide port 11 on the mirror housing. When the airflow flows through the three-way valve 312, the airflow speed is accelerated according to the special structural characteristics of the three-way valve 312 itself. The airflow then enters the air circuit adapter 32, where the airflow is evenly distributed to the 16 air outlets around the perimeter. The airflow flows through these 16 air outlets to the corresponding 16 air outlets on the mirror frame. The airflow blows onto the mirror surface through the 16 air outlets on the mirror frame. Through airflow flushing and continuous blowing of air onto the mirror surface, a gas protective layer is formed, realizing the removal of water and dust from the mirror surface.

[0066] When in the second foreign object removal environment, the enhanced mode is used: when there is a lot of rain or dust, the natural wind blowing from the vehicle may not be enough. At this time, it is necessary to turn on the air conditioning blowing mode in the driver's cabin. The airflow flows from the air conditioning vents through the pipes arranged in the door to the rearview mirror air circuit assembly. The airflow is further accelerated at the boost valve, which greatly increases the air volume of the mirror blowing.

[0067] When in the third foreign object removal environment, the rain and snow enhancement mode is used: When encountering cold rain and snow, frozen rain and snowflakes will adhere to the mirror surface during driving, or there will be snow or ice on the mirror surface before the vehicle is started. At this time, the first two modes cannot cope with the situation, and it is necessary to turn on the air conditioning heating mode in the driver's cabin. At this time, the air blown into the rearview mirror air passage in the driver's cabin is a warm airflow, which can eliminate snow and ice on the mirror surface in a short time and achieve mirror cleaning in rain and snow driving conditions.

[0068] This solution introduces natural airflow from the vehicle's movement by setting an air intake 11 on the side of the rearview mirror housing 1 facing the direction of travel. This airflow is combined with the air intake from the interior air conditioning (blowing and heating) to create different functional modes, specifically addressing mirror cleaning issues under various environmental conditions. Compared to existing water removal functions, this solution, in the first foreign object removal scenario, does not require the vehicle to generate heat or drive the wipers, thus saving energy. Furthermore, it allows some of the wind obstructed by the rearview mirror to pass through, reducing wind resistance. In addition, compared to heating and wiper solutions, this solution also provides dust removal, significantly reducing costs. Moreover, the solution has a simple structure, is less prone to mechanical failure, and improves reliability.

[0069] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a vehicle including any of the above-mentioned rearview mirrors.

[0070] When removing foreign objects from the mirror surface 2 of the rearview mirror, the current environment in which the vehicle is cleaning is first determined: In the first cleaning environment, the air flowing in through the guide port 11 is used to remove foreign objects from the mirror surface 2. After the rearview mirror is installed on the vehicle, the guide port 11 on the mirror housing 1 faces forward in the direction of vehicle travel. When the vehicle is moving, air can be introduced and flow out from multiple air outlets on the outer periphery of the mirror surface 2, thereby blowing away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2. In the second cleaning environment, the air blown by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the guide port 11 are used together to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2. In the third cleaning environment, the warm air blown by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the air flowing in through the guide port 11 are used together to blow away foreign objects on the mirror surface 2. This solution introduces natural airflow during vehicle travel by setting the guide port 11 on the side of the rearview mirror housing 1 facing forward in the direction of vehicle travel. This airflow is combined with the air intake from the interior air conditioning system (blowing and heating) to form different functional modes, specifically addressing the mirror cleaning problem under different environmental conditions. Compared to existing water removal functions, this solution eliminates the need for vehicle-generated heat and windshield wipers to remove debris in the first debris removal environment, saving energy. Furthermore, it allows some wind obstructed by the rearview mirrors to pass through them, reducing wind resistance. In addition, compared to heating and wiper-based solutions, this solution also provides dust removal, significantly reducing costs. Moreover, its simple structure reduces the likelihood of mechanical failures, thus improving reliability.

[0071] A conical inner booster section 1222 is placed inside the outer booster section 1212. One end of the outer inlet pipe 3123 is connected to the connecting hole of the outer booster section 1212, and the other end is connected to the guide port 11. When the vehicle is in motion, gas enters the flow cavity between the inner booster section 1222 and the outer booster section 1212 through the guide port 11 and the outer inlet pipe 3123. After the airflow surrounds the flow cavity, because there is a gap between the small diameter end of the inner booster section 1222 and the end of the first connecting section 1211, the gas flows into the cavity of the inner booster section 1222 through the gap between the inner booster section 1222 and the first connecting section 1211. In addition, since the large-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 is connected to the second connecting section 1221, and the diameter of the small-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 is smaller than the diameter of the first connecting section 1211, the gap formed by the small-diameter end of the internal booster section 1222 and the end of the first connecting section 1211 is adjusted by setting a distance so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the gap is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow cavity. According to the formula flow rate = velocity * cross-sectional area, under the premise that the input airflow is at a constant velocity, the cross-sectional area is reduced and the velocity can be increased.

[0072] Because the small-diameter end of the flared section 1223 connects with the small-diameter end of the inner pressurization section 1222, the large-diameter end of the flared section 1223 bends into the flow cavity between the inner pressurization section 1222 and the outer pressurization section 1212. Furthermore, the annular connecting plate 1213 between the first connecting section 1211 and the outer pressurization section 1212 protrudes arc-shaped towards the inlet end of the first connecting section 1211, forming a flow channel with the flared section 1223 leading into the inner pressurization section 1222. The cross-sectional area of ​​this flow channel gradually decreases from the flow cavity towards the inner pressurization section 1222. According to the formula Flow Rate = Velocity * Cross-sectional Area, under the premise of constant input airflow velocity, a smaller cross-sectional area allows for an increase in velocity. Furthermore, a flared section 1223 is provided at the small-diameter end of the internal pressurization section 1222. This, combined with the annular connecting plate 1213 between the first connecting section 1211 and the external pressurization section 1212, forms an arc-shaped protrusion towards the inlet end of the first connecting section 1211. This makes the flow channel from the flow cavity into the internal pressurization section 1222 smoother, reducing flow resistance and flow velocity loss. Additionally, it effectively reduces the possibility of gas flowing in from the tracheal tube A entering the flow channel.

[0073] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0074] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0075] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A rearview mirror characterized in that, include: A mirror housing (1) and a mirror surface (2) disposed therein, wherein the mirror housing (1) is provided with a flow guide (11). The air inlet and outlet pipe assembly (3) includes two air inlets and multiple air outlets. One air inlet is connected to the guide port (11), and the other air inlet is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system. Multiple air outlets are respectively arranged on the outer periphery of the mirror (2) to use the gas blown out by the vehicle air conditioning system and the gas flowing in through the guide port (11) to blow away foreign objects on the mirror (2). The air intake and exhaust pipe assembly (3) includes an air intake pipe (31) and an air circuit adapter (32). The air outlet of the air intake pipe (31) is connected to the air circuit adapter (32). The air intake pipe (31) includes two air inlets, one of which is connected to the guide port (11), and the other air inlet is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system. The intake pipe (31) includes a first intake pipe (311) and a three-way valve (312). The intake port of the first intake pipe (311) is used to connect to the vehicle air conditioning system, and the outlet is connected to the air circuit adapter (32). The three-way valve (312) is located on the first intake pipe (311), and the other intake port of the three-way valve (312) is connected to the guide port (11). The three-way valve (312) includes: an inner inlet pipe (3121), which includes a first connecting section (1211) and an outer pressure boosting section (1212) connected at the end, and the diameter of the outer pressure boosting section (1212) is larger than the diameter of the first connecting section (1211), and a connecting hole is provided on the side wall of the outer pressure boosting section (1212); The outlet pipe (3122) includes a second connecting section (1221) and an internal pressurization section (1222). The internal pressurization section (1222) is conical and is located inside the external pressurization section (1212). The large-diameter end is connected to the second connecting section (1221), and the small-diameter end is spaced apart from the first connecting section (1211) by a set distance. The diameter of the small-diameter end of the internal pressurization section (1222) is smaller than the diameter of the first connecting section (1211). An external inlet pipe (3123) is connected at one end to the connecting hole and at the other end to the guide port (11); A sealing cap (3124) is fitted over the outside of the second connecting section (1221) and covers the end of the external pressurization section (1212); The small-diameter end of the internal booster section (1222) is provided with a flared end section (1223), the small-diameter end of the flared end section (1223) is connected to the small-diameter end of the internal booster section (1222), and the large-diameter end of the flared end section (1223) bends into the flow cavity between the internal booster section (1222) and the external booster section (1212). The first connecting section (1211) and the external booster section (1212) are connected by an annular connecting plate (1213), the middle part of the annular connecting plate (1213) protrudes arc-shaped towards the inlet end of the first connecting section (1211), and forms a flow channel with the flared end section (1223) leading into the internal booster section (1222), and the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel gradually decreases from the flow cavity to the internal booster section (1222).

2. The rearview mirror as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet and outlet pipeline assembly (3) also includes multiple air outlet pipelines (33), the air inlets of the multiple air outlet pipelines (33) are connected to the air circuit adapter (32), and the air outlets of the multiple air outlet pipelines (33) are respectively located on the outer periphery of the mirror surface (2).

3. The rearview mirror as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The air outlet located above the mirror (2) faces downward, the air outlets located on both sides of the mirror (2) face the opposite side and are tilted downward, and the air outlet located below the mirror (2) faces the outside of the mirror (2) and is tilted downward.

4. The rearview mirror as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mirror housing (1) is provided with a downwardly inclined guide port located below the mirror surface (2).

5. The rearview mirror as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guide (11) is flared and located in the middle of the lower half of the mirror housing (1).

6. A method for removing foreign objects from a rearview mirror using airflow, used for removing foreign objects from a rearview mirror as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Determine the current foreign object removal environment of the vehicle: When in the first foreign matter removal environment, the gas flowing in through the guide port (11) is used to remove foreign matter from the mirror surface (2); When in the second foreign object removal environment, the air supplied by the vehicle air conditioning system and the gas flowing in through the duct (11) are used to blow away the foreign objects on the mirror (2); When in the third foreign object removal environment, the warm air blown out by the vehicle's air conditioning system and the gas flowing in through the duct (11) are used together to blow away the foreign objects on the mirror (2).

7. A vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the rearview mirror as described in any one of claims 1-5.

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