Vehicle rearview mirror device and control method thereof

Abstract

A vehicle rearview mirror device is electrically connected with a control unit. The vehicle rearview mirror device includes a main mirror, a first driving module, a second driving module, a camera module and a sub-mirror assembly. The main mirror has an opening. The first driving module includes a first transmission member. The second driving module includes a second transmission member. The long axis direction of the first transmission member is different from the long axis direction of the second transmission member. The camera module is arranged on the first transmission member. The camera module includes a lens corresponding to the opening. The sub-mirror assembly is connected to the second transmission member. The control unit controls the first transmission member to drive the camera module to move away from the main mirror and controls the second transmission member to drive the sub-mirror assembly to move to correspond to the opening according to a fault signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle rearview mirror device, and more particularly to an electronic vehicle rearview mirror device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Whether it's a motorcycle or a car, rearview mirrors are essential for checking what's behind the vehicle. For cars, common rearview mirrors include the center interior mirror and the left and right side mirrors. With technological advancements, image display technology is also widely used in car rearview mirrors to assist driving safety. These rearview mirrors using image display technology are often referred to as electronic rearview mirrors, which offer a wider field of view than traditional rearview mirrors.

[0003] Currently, electronic rearview mirrors are commonly used inside vehicles. These consist of cameras mounted outside the vehicle that transmit images to the interior mirror for display. To improve driving safety, some vehicles also use electronic rearview mirrors on both the left and right sides, providing a wider field of view by displaying images. However, if these electronic rearview mirrors malfunction while driving, the driver will lose visibility to the left and right sides, effectively rendering them useless and making it impossible to know what's happening to the left and right rear. Therefore, improvements are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a vehicle rearview mirror device and its control method, which solves the safety problems of well-known vehicle exterior electronic rearview mirrors by designing the vehicle rearview mirror device including a main mirror surface, a first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module and a secondary mirror surface assembly.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a vehicle rearview mirror device electrically connected to a control unit. The vehicle rearview mirror device includes a main mirror surface, a first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module, and a secondary mirror assembly. The main mirror surface has an opening. The first drive module includes a first transmission member. The second drive module includes a second transmission member, the major axis of which is not the same as the major axis of the first transmission member. The camera module is disposed on the first transmission member. The camera module includes a lens corresponding to the opening. The secondary mirror assembly is connected to the second transmission member. The control unit is electrically connected to the first and second drive modules. Based on a fault signal, the control unit controls the first transmission member to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface, and controls the second transmission member to move the secondary mirror assembly to the position corresponding to the opening.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary mirror assembly includes a secondary mirror and at least one extension. The extension is disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror and is detachably connected to the camera module.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes at least one first magnetic element disposed on the surface of the camera module facing the secondary mirror assembly. The secondary mirror assembly includes at least one second magnetic element disposed at one end of the extension, and the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary mirror assembly includes a first limiting structure, and the second transmission member has a second limiting structure. The first limiting structure is disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror assembly is housed in the second limiting structure via the first limiting structure to be detachably connected to the second transmission member.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the secondary mirror assembly moves to the position corresponding to the opening, the first transmission member drives the camera module to move towards the main mirror, thereby connecting the camera module with the extension of the secondary mirror assembly. Furthermore, the secondary mirror is moved by the camera module to the opening housed in the main mirror, and the first limiting structure moves out of the second limiting structure of the second transmission member.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit controls the first transmission member to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface based on the start signal. The secondary mirror assembly is moved by the camera module to the second limiting structure of the second transmission member, where it is housed in the first limiting structure. The control unit controls the second transmission member to move the secondary mirror assembly away from the aperture.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the secondary mirror assembly moves away from the hole, the control unit controls the first transmission component to drive the camera module to move towards the main mirror.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is moved by the first transmission member to the opening in which the lens is housed on the main mirror surface.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the major axis of the second transmission member is parallel to the main mirror surface.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the major axis of the first transmission member is perpendicular to the main mirror surface.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle rearview mirror device further includes a housing. A main mirror is disposed on one side of the housing. A first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module, and a secondary mirror assembly are disposed inside the housing.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention further provides a control method for a vehicle rearview mirror device, applied to a vehicle rearview mirror device. The vehicle rearview mirror device includes a main mirror surface, a first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module, and a secondary mirror assembly. The main mirror surface has an opening. The first drive module includes a first transmission member, and the second drive module includes a second transmission member, wherein the major axis direction of the first transmission member is different from the major axis direction of the second transmission member. The camera module is disposed on the first transmission member and includes a lens corresponding to the opening. The secondary mirror assembly is connected to the second transmission member. The first drive module and the second drive module are electrically connected to a control unit. The control method includes the following steps: the control unit controls the first transmission member to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface according to a fault signal; and the control unit controls the second transmission member to move the secondary mirror assembly to the position corresponding to the opening.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary mirror assembly includes a secondary mirror and at least one extension, the extension being disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror. The extension is detachably connected to a camera module. The secondary mirror assembly includes a first limiting structure, and a second transmission member has a second limiting structure. The secondary mirror assembly is accommodated in the second limiting structure via the first limiting structure to be detachably connected to the second transmission member. When the secondary mirror assembly moves to the opening corresponding to the primary mirror, the following steps are further included: the first transmission member drives the camera module to move towards the primary mirror, so that the camera module is connected to the extension of the secondary mirror assembly; and the secondary mirror is moved by the camera module to the opening accommodated in the primary mirror, and the first limiting structure moves out of the second limiting structure of the second transmission member.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control method of the vehicle rearview mirror device further includes the following steps: the control unit controls the first transmission member to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface according to the start signal, and the secondary mirror assembly is moved by the camera module to the first limiting structure and housed in the second limiting structure of the second transmission member; the control unit controls the second transmission member to move the secondary mirror assembly away from the hole; and the control unit controls the first transmission member to move the camera module towards the main mirror surface.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the camera module is moved by the first transmission member to the opening in which the lens is housed on the main mirror surface.

[0020] As described above, the vehicle rearview mirror device and its control method according to the present invention include a main mirror surface, a first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module, and a secondary mirror surface assembly. The first drive module includes a first transmission member connected to the camera module. The second drive module includes a second transmission member connected to the secondary mirror surface assembly. Furthermore, the major axis directions of the first and second transmission members are different, allowing the camera module and the secondary mirror surface assembly to move separately to the openings corresponding to the main mirror surface. When the camera module malfunctions, the first transmission member can also drive the camera module to move away from the main mirror surface, and the second transmission member can drive the secondary mirror surface assembly to the opening, thereby allowing the secondary mirror surface assembly and the main mirror surface to together form a mirror surface for use as a conventional rearview mirror. In other words, even if the camera module malfunctions, the vehicle rearview mirror device retains the function of a rearview mirror, thereby improving driving safety. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle rearview mirror device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of a vehicle rearview mirror device is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle rearview mirror device.

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the camera module and the secondary mirror assembly.

[0025] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the secondary mirror assembly and part of the second transmission component.

[0026] Figure 6A This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connection between a vehicle rearview mirror device and a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6B and Figure 6C This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a vehicle rearview mirror device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the sub-mirror assembly moving to the first position.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The diagram shows the camera module moving to the second position.

[0030] Figure 9for Figure 8 The diagram shows the sub-mirror assembly moving to the third position.

[0031] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The diagram shows the camera module moving to the start position.

[0032] Figure 11 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the camera module moving to the start position.

[0033] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] Car rearview mirror device 1 Main mirror 10

[0035] Opening 11 First drive module 20

[0036] First transmission component 21, first rack 211

[0037] First track 212 First drive unit 22

[0038] Gear 221 Second drive module 30

[0039] Second transmission component 31, second rack 311

[0040] Second track 312 Second limiting structure 313

[0041] Second drive unit 32 Gear 321

[0042] Camera module 40, Camera body 41

[0043] Lens 411, Top cover 42

[0044] Lower cover 43 First magnetic component 44

[0045] Secondary mirror assembly 50, secondary mirror 51

[0046] Connector 52, First limiting structure 521

[0047] Extension 522 Second magnetic component 53

[0048] Housing 60 Control Unit 9

[0049] Steps S10 to S90 Detailed Implementation

[0050] To better understand the technical content of the present invention, preferred specific embodiments are described below.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle rearview mirror device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shown is an exploded view of a vehicle rearview mirror device. Figure 3 for Figure 1 Please refer to the cross-sectional schematic diagram of the vehicle rearview mirror device shown below. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. First, the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 of this embodiment is an exterior rearview mirror applied to the left and right sides of a vehicle body, and it is an electronic rearview mirror. Furthermore, the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 of this embodiment includes a main mirror surface 10, a first drive module 20, a second drive module 30, a camera module 40, a secondary mirror assembly 50, and a housing 60. The main mirror surface 10 is disposed on one side of the housing 60, for example, on the rear side of the vehicle rearview mirror device 1, i.e., the side of the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 facing the rear of the vehicle body. The first drive module 20, the second drive module 30, the camera module 40, and the secondary mirror assembly 50 are disposed inside the housing 60.

[0052] In this embodiment, the main mirror 10 has an opening 11. In different states (e.g., driving state, fault state, or off state), the opening 11 can respectively accommodate parts of the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50. In this embodiment, the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50 are movably disposed within the housing 60 and are driven by the first drive module 20 and the second drive module 30, respectively.

[0053] The first drive module 20 in this embodiment includes a first transmission member 21 and a first drive unit 22. The first transmission member 21 is connected to the first drive unit 22, and the first drive unit 22 can be a motor, providing power for the movement of the first transmission member 21. Furthermore, a camera module 40 is disposed on the first transmission member 21, such that the first transmission member 21 can drive the camera module 40 to move back and forth along the long axis of the first transmission member 21. In this embodiment, the camera module 40 can be driven by the first transmission member 21 to the main mirror surface 10 and the rear side (within) of the vehicle rearview mirror device 1. Figure 1 For example, the camera module 40 moves between the main mirror 10 and the rear side. Specifically, the first transmission member 21 is disposed between the main mirror 10 and the rear side, and the long axis of the first transmission member 21 is not parallel to the main mirror 10. Preferably, the long axis of the first transmission member 21 is perpendicular to the main mirror 10. When the first transmission member 21 is driven by the first drive unit 22, it can drive the camera module 40 to move towards or away from the main mirror 10.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first transmission component 21 includes a first rack 211 and a first track 212. The first track 212 is disposed within the housing 60, and the major axis of the first track 212 is perpendicular to the main mirror surface 10. Furthermore, the first rack 211 is disposed on the first track 212, allowing it to move closer to or further away from the main mirror surface 10 along the first track 212. The first drive unit 22 also has a gear 221, which meshes with the first rack 211, enabling the first drive unit 22 to drive the first rack 211 to move along the first track 212. It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, only the smooth surfaces of the first rack 211 and gear 221 are shown for illustration, without depicting their toothed structures. Additionally, in other embodiments, the first transmission component 21 can also be other transmission structures, such as belts or chains, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0055] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Please refer to the exploded view of the camera module and secondary mirror assembly shown below. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the camera module 40 of this embodiment is connected to the first transmission member 21 and disposed on the first rack 211. The camera module 40 of this embodiment includes a camera body 41, an upper cover 42, and a lower cover 43. The upper cover 42 and the lower cover 43 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the camera body 41. The lower cover 43 is disposed on the front half of the first rack 211. Therefore, the camera module 40 can be driven by the first rack 211 of the first transmission member 21, and thus can move closer to or away from the main mirror surface 10 along the first track 212. Furthermore, the camera body 41 of the camera module 40 includes a lens 411, which corresponds to the opening 11. Specifically, the first transmission member 21 can be disposed corresponding to the opening 11, that is, the long axis of the first transmission member 21 faces the opening 11. Therefore, the first drive module 20 can drive the camera module 40 to move, so that the lens 411 moves closer to or further away from the opening 11.

[0056] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the second drive module 30 includes a second transmission member 31 and a second drive unit 32. Similarly, the second drive unit 32 can be a motor, connected to the second transmission member 31 to provide power for the movement of the second transmission member 31. Preferably, in this embodiment, the sub-mirror assembly 50 is detachably connected to the second transmission member 31. In other embodiments, the sub-mirror assembly 50 can also be directly connected to the second transmission member 31. When the sub-mirror assembly 50 is connected to the second transmission member 31, the second transmission member 31 can drive the sub-mirror assembly 50 to move back and forth along the long axis of the second transmission member 31. In this embodiment, the long axis of the second transmission member 31 is different from the long axis of the first transmission member 21, allowing the camera module 40 and the sub-mirror assembly 50 to move respectively to the opening 11 of the main mirror 10. Preferably, the long axis of the second transmission member 31 is parallel to the main mirror 10, allowing the sub-mirror assembly 50 to move closer to or further away from the opening 11 in a similar translational manner.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the second transmission component 31 also includes a second rack 311 and a second track 312. The second track 312 is disposed on the rear side of the main mirror surface 10 (i.e., the side of the main mirror surface 10 facing the interior of the housing 60), such that the major axis of the second track 312 is parallel to the main mirror surface 10. Furthermore, one end of the second track 312 corresponds to the opening 11 of the main mirror surface 10. The second rack 311 is disposed on the second track 312, and can thus move along the second track 312 to approach or move away from the opening 11. Similarly, the second drive unit 32 also has a gear 321 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 As shown, it meshes with the second rack 311, allowing the second drive unit 32 to drive the second rack 311 to move along the second track 312. Similarly, for the sake of simplicity, only the smooth surfaces of the second rack 311 and gear 321 are shown for illustration, without depicting the toothed structure. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the second transmission member 31 can also be other transmission structures such as a belt or chain; this invention is not limited to these.

[0058] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shown illustrates the secondary mirror assembly and part of the second transmission component, where part of the second transmission component 31 is the second rack 311. Please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the secondary mirror assembly 50 includes a secondary mirror 51 and a connector 52, with the secondary mirror 51 disposed on the front surface of the connector 52. Preferably, the connector 52 includes a first limiting structure 521, which is located on the side of the connector 52 opposite to the secondary mirror 51. In other words, the first limiting structure 521 is disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror 51. Correspondingly, the second transmission member 31 has a second limiting structure 313, which in this embodiment is located on the second rack 311. Through the structure of the first limiting structure 521 and the second limiting structure 313, the secondary mirror assembly 50 is detachably connected to the second transmission member 31. When the first limiting structure 521 is accommodated in the second limiting structure 313, the second drive module 30 can drive the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move on the rear side of the main mirror 10, causing the secondary mirror 51 to move away from or closer to the opening 11. In this embodiment, the first limiting structure 521 is a protrusion, and the second limiting structure 313 is a groove. The shapes of the first limiting structure 521 and the second limiting structure 313 are matched so that they can fit together, allowing the secondary mirror assembly 50 to be detachably connected to the second transmission member 31. The first limiting structure 521 and the second limiting structure 313 can be selected according to actual needs, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0059] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the connector 52 of the secondary mirror assembly 50 further includes at least one extension 522; in this embodiment, two extensions 522 are used as an example. The extension 522 is also located on the side of the connector 52 opposite to the secondary mirror 51, that is, the extension 522 is disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror 51. Furthermore, the extension 522 extends towards the camera module 40 and is detachably connected to the camera module 40. Specifically, the camera module 40 includes at least one first magnetic element 44, which is disposed on the surface of the camera module 40 facing the secondary mirror assembly 50. In this embodiment, the camera module 40 includes, for example, two first magnetic elements 44, which are respectively disposed on the side of the upper cover 42 and the lower cover 43 facing the secondary mirror assembly 50. Preferably, the upper cover 42 and the lower cover 43 each have a groove corresponding to the extension 522 on the surface facing the secondary mirror assembly 50, and the first magnetic element 44 is disposed within the groove. Correspondingly, the secondary mirror assembly 50 includes two second magnetic elements 53, which are respectively disposed at one end of the two extensions 522.

[0060] When the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 approach each other, the first magnetic element 44 and the second magnetic element 53 attract each other, allowing the extension 522 to be embedded in the groove where the first magnetic element 44 is provided, thereby connecting the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40. When the pulling force exerted by the first transmission member 21 on the camera module 40 away from the main mirror 10 is greater than the magnetic attraction force between the first magnetic element 44 and the second magnetic element 53, the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 separate. In short, this embodiment utilizes the characteristics of the first magnetic element 44 and the second magnetic element 53 to allow the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 to be detachably connected. The first magnetic element 44 and the second magnetic element 53 can be implemented by two magnets, or by magnets combined with other magnetic materials; this invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 can also be connected by snap-fit ​​or other detachable structures; this invention is not limited thereto.

[0061] With the aforementioned structure, the first drive module 20 and the second drive module 30 can drive the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move closer to or further away from the opening 11 of the main mirror 10 in different states (e.g., driving state, fault state, or off state). The control method in conjunction with the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 will be further explained below. Figure 6A This is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connection between a vehicle rearview mirror device and a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6B and Figure 6C This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a vehicle rearview mirror device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown.

[0062] In this embodiment, the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 is electrically connected to the control unit 9. The control unit can be an electronic control unit (ECU). Specifically, the control unit 9 is electrically connected to the first drive module 20 and the second drive module 30, and is also electrically connected to the first drive unit 22 and the second drive unit 32. The control unit 9 controls the rotational speed of the (motors) of the first drive unit 22 and the second drive unit 32, thereby controlling the operation of the first transmission component 21 and the second transmission component 31, and the position of the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50.

[0063] It should also be noted that, Figure 6B and Figure 6CThe process steps begin with the rearview mirror device 1 in a closed state (i.e., when the vehicle is turned off). The following description uses the rearview mirror device 1 in a closed state as an example to illustrate the control method of a preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the rearview mirror device 1 is in a closed state when the vehicle is turned off, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown. At this time, the secondary mirror 51 of the secondary mirror assembly 50 corresponds to the opening 11 of the primary mirror 10. Preferably, in this embodiment, the secondary mirror 51 is housed within the opening 11. Furthermore, the secondary mirror assembly 50 is interconnected with the camera module 40. At this time, the first limiting structure 521 of the secondary mirror assembly 50 is located outside the second limiting structure 313 of the second transmission member 31 (see reference). Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the secondary mirror assembly 50 is not connected to the second drive module 30. After the vehicle is started, proceed to step S10.

[0064] Step S10: The control unit 9 controls the first transmission component 21 to move the camera module 40 away from the main mirror 10 according to the start signal, and the secondary mirror component 50 is moved to the first position by the camera module 40.

[0065] Figure 7 for Figure 3 Please refer to the schematic diagram showing the sub-mirror assembly moving to the first position. Figures 1 to 6B ,and Figure 7 As shown. The control unit 9 can control the first drive module 20 according to the start signal, so that the first drive unit 22 drives the first transmission member 21 to move the camera module 40 away from the main mirror surface 10, that is, away from the opening 11. For example, the gear 221 of the first drive unit 22 can rotate counterclockwise to drive the first rack 211 to move away from the main mirror surface 10. Since the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 are connected to each other through the second magnetic member 53 and the first magnetic member 44, the camera module 40 can simultaneously pull the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move, so that the secondary mirror 51 moves out of the opening 11, and the first limiting structure 521 inserts into the second limiting structure 313. It should be noted that the second magnetic member 53 and the first magnetic member 44 can be referred to Figure 2 or Figure 4 For information on the first limiting structure 521 and the second limiting structure 313, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 .

[0066] In short, the control unit 9 controls the first transmission member 21 to move the camera module 40 away from the main mirror 10 according to the start signal, while the secondary mirror assembly 50 is simultaneously moved by the camera module 40 to the second limiting structure 313 of the second transmission member 31, where the first limiting structure 521 is housed. Specifically, the first position referred to in this embodiment is the position where the secondary mirror 51 moves out of the opening 11 (i.e., the secondary mirror 51 is not housed in the opening 11), and the first limiting structure 521 is inserted into the second limiting structure 313 of the second rack 311, so that the secondary mirror assembly 50 is connected to the second transmission member 31.

[0067] Step S20: The camera module 40 continues to move away from the main mirror 10 and moves to the second position.

[0068] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Please refer to the diagram showing the camera module moving to the second position. Figure 4 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 8 As shown. In steps S10 and S20, the control unit 9 controls the first drive module 20, for example, controls the gear 221 of the first drive unit 22 to rotate continuously counterclockwise, so that the first transmission member 21 continuously drives the camera module 40 to move away from the main mirror 10. After the secondary mirror assembly 50 is connected to the second transmission member 31, the secondary mirror assembly 50 is fixed to the second transmission member 31 (step S10) and will no longer be driven by the camera module 40 (step S20).

[0069] Specifically, since the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 are detachably connected, i.e., connected via the second magnetic element 53 and the first magnetic element 44, when the first transmission element 21 continuously applies a pulling force away from the primary mirror 10 to the camera module 40, the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50 can be separated. This is the second position described in this embodiment. In other words, the second position described in this embodiment refers to the position where the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50 are separated.

[0070] Step S30: Control unit 9 controls the second transmission component 31 to drive the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move away from the hole 11 to the third position.

[0071] Figure 9 for Figure 8 Please refer to the schematic diagram showing the sub-mirror assembly moving to the third position. Figure 5 , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 9As shown. In step S10, the secondary mirror assembly 50 is connected to the second transmission member 31 by means of the first limiting structure 521 being inserted into the second limiting structure 313 of the second rack 311. In step S30, the control unit 9 can control the second drive module 30 to cause the second rack 311 of the second transmission member 31 to drive the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move along the second track 312 in a direction away from the hole 11. The secondary mirror 51 is translated to the rear side of the main mirror 10, which is the third position referred to in this embodiment. In short, the control unit 9 can control the second transmission member 31 to drive the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move in a direction away from the hole 11 and to the rear side of the main mirror 10 to avoid blocking the camera module 40 from moving towards the opening 11 (i.e., step S40).

[0072] Step S40: Control unit 9 controls the first transmission component 21 to move camera module 40 toward the main mirror surface 10 to the start position.

[0073] Figure 10 for Figure 8 The diagram shown illustrates the camera module moving to the start position. Figure 11 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the camera module moving to the start position. Please refer to it. Figure 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown. After the secondary mirror assembly 50 moves away from the hole 11 (i.e., step S30), the control unit 9 controls the first drive module 20, for example, controls the gear 221 of the first drive unit 22 to rotate clockwise, causing the first rack 211 of the first transmission member 21 to drive the camera module 40 to move closer to the opening 11. Furthermore, the camera module 40 moves to the position where the lens 411 is housed in the opening 11 of the main mirror 10, allowing the camera module 40 to begin capturing images. In this embodiment, the position where the lens 411 of this camera module 40 is housed in the opening 11 is called the starting position. When the vehicle is in motion, the camera module 40 is in the starting position to capture images, allowing the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 to be used as an electronic rearview mirror.

[0074] Step S50: Does the control unit 9 receive a fault signal?

[0075] Step S51: Does the control unit 9 receive an engine shutdown signal?

[0076] When the vehicle is in motion, the control unit 9 executes steps S50 and S51 to monitor whether the camera module 40 is malfunctioning or whether the vehicle has entered a shutdown state. In this embodiment, if the control unit 9 does not receive a fault signal (step S50) and does not receive a shutdown signal (step S51), it means that the camera module 40 is still capturing images normally and the vehicle is still in motion. Therefore, the camera module 40 continues to operate, that is, the lens 411 is housed in the opening 11 (i.e., in the start position).

[0077] If the control unit 9 receives a fault signal (step S50) or a shutdown signal (step S51), the control unit 9 can also control the first drive module 20 and the second drive module 30 to execute steps S60 to S90, causing the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50 to return to the off position. In other embodiments, steps S60 to S90 may only be executed when the control unit 9 receives a fault signal (step S50). In other words, step S51 may be omitted from the control method, and this invention is not limited thereto.

[0078] Step S60: Based on the fault signal or engine shutdown signal, the control unit 9 controls the first transmission component 21 to move the camera module 40 away from the main mirror surface 10.

[0079] Please refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6C , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown. When the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 malfunctions or the vehicle stalls, the control unit 9 can control the first drive unit 22 of the first drive module 20 according to the fault signal or stall signal, so that the first transmission component 21 drives the camera module 40 to move away from the main mirror surface 10 and move it to the second position. That is, the camera module 40 moves from... Figure 10 Move to Figure 9 The position is shown. The mechanism by which the first transmission component 21 drives the camera module 40 can be found in steps S10 and S20, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] Step S70: Control unit 9 controls second transmission component 31 to move secondary mirror assembly 50 to the position corresponding to opening 11.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6C , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown. Next, the control unit 9 controls the second drive unit 32 of the second drive module 30, causing the second transmission member 31 to drive the secondary mirror assembly 50 to move towards the opening 11, and move it to the position corresponding to the opening 11, as shown. Figure 8As shown. In other words, the secondary mirror assembly 50 moves from the rear side (i.e., the third position) of the primary mirror 10 to the position corresponding to the opening 11, that is, the secondary mirror assembly 50 moves from... Figure 9 Move to Figure 8 The position shown. At this time, the secondary mirror 51 of the secondary mirror assembly 50 corresponds to the opening 11, but is not yet accommodated in the opening 11, and the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the second transmission member 31 are still connected to each other (i.e., the first position).

[0082] Furthermore, steps S70 and S30 are actions in opposite directions. The mechanism by which the secondary mirror assembly 50 is driven by the second transmission member 31 can be directly referred to the description of step S30, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Step S80: The first transmission component 21 drives the camera module 40 to move towards the main mirror 10, so that the camera module 40 is connected to the extension 522 of the secondary mirror assembly 50.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 6A , Figure 6C , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown. When the secondary mirror 51 of the secondary mirror assembly 50 moves to the position corresponding to the opening 11, the control unit 9 controls the first drive unit 22, causing the first transmission member 21 to drive the camera module 40 again towards the main mirror 10, until the camera module 40 connects with the extension 522 of the secondary mirror assembly 50. That is, the camera module 40 moves from... Figure 8 Move to Figure 7 The location shown.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 4 As shown, when the camera module 40 approaches the extension 522 of the sub-mirror assembly 50, the first magnetic element 44 located on the camera module 40 can attract the second magnetic element 53 located on the extension 522, causing the extension 522 to be embedded in the grooves of the upper cover 42 and the lower cover 43, thereby connecting the camera module 40 and the sub-mirror assembly 50.

[0086] Step S90: The secondary mirror assembly 50 is moved by the camera module 40 towards the opening 11 to the closed position.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 6A , Figure 6C , Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown. Finally, the control unit 9 controls the first drive unit 22, causing the first transmission member 21 to continuously drive the camera module 40 towards the main mirror 10. Since the camera module 40 and the secondary mirror assembly 50 are interconnected (in step S80), the secondary mirror assembly 50 is driven by the camera module 40 to move towards the opening 11 until the secondary mirror 51 is accommodated in the opening 11 of the main mirror 10. At this time, the first limiting structure 521 of the secondary mirror assembly 50 moves out from the second limiting structure 313 of the second transmission member 31. In other words, both the secondary mirror assembly 50 and the camera module 40 move from... Figure 7 Move to the position shown Figure 1 and Figure 3 The indicated closing position.

[0088] Since the secondary mirror 51 is housed within the opening 11 of the primary mirror 10, the primary mirror 10 and the secondary mirror 51 together form a complete mirror surface, thus enabling its use as a traditional rearview mirror. In other words, when the image acquisition function of the vehicle camera module 40 malfunctions, the structure of the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 in this embodiment allows the secondary mirror 51 to be moved to be housed within the opening 11 to form a complete mirror surface, thereby retaining the function of a rearview mirror.

[0089] In summary, the control method for the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 in this embodiment involves executing steps S10 to S40 to cause the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 to... Figure 1 The closed position shown (sub-mirror 51 accommodated in opening 11) is switched to... Figure 11 The operation of the indicated start position (lens 411 housed in opening 11). When a fault signal or engine shutdown signal is received (step S50 or step S51), steps S60 to S90 are executed to move the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 from the start position (e.g., ...). Figure 11 ) Convert to closed position (e.g.) Figure 1 ).

[0090] In other embodiments, the secondary mirror assembly 50 may also be fixedly disposed on the second transmission member 31 of the second drive module 30, without being connected to the camera module 40. In driving mode, such as... Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, the lens 411 of the camera module 40 is housed within the opening 11. When the camera module 40 malfunctions, the control unit 9, based on the fault signal, controls the first transmission component 21 to move the camera module 40 away from the main mirror surface 10, as shown. Figure 9 As shown. That is, similar to the aforementioned step S60, but without restricting the camera module 40 to move to the second position. Next, the control unit 9 controls the second transmission member 31 to move the secondary mirror assembly 50 to the position corresponding to the opening 11 (i.e., step S70), as shown. Figure 8As shown. At this time, although the secondary mirror surface 51 is not contained within the opening 11, it still corresponds to the opening 11. Therefore, the secondary mirror surface 51 and the main mirror surface 10 can still jointly form a mirror surface, thus achieving the same effect of maintaining the rearview mirror function. In short, in the embodiment where the secondary mirror surface assembly 50 is fixedly disposed on the second transmission member 31, the control method of the vehicle rearview mirror device 1 can achieve the effect of maintaining the rearview mirror function when the camera module 40 fails by having only steps S60 and S70.

[0091] In summary, the vehicle rearview mirror device and its control method according to the present invention include a main mirror surface, a first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module, and a secondary mirror surface assembly. The first drive module includes a first transmission member connected to the camera module. The second drive module includes a second transmission member connected to the secondary mirror surface assembly. Furthermore, the major axis directions of the first and second transmission members are different, allowing the camera module and the secondary mirror surface assembly to move separately to the openings corresponding to the main mirror surface. When the camera module malfunctions, the first transmission member can also drive the camera module to move away from the main mirror surface, and the second transmission member can drive the secondary mirror surface assembly to the opening, thereby allowing the secondary mirror surface assembly and the main mirror surface to together form a mirror surface for use as a conventional rearview mirror. In other words, even if the camera module malfunctions, the vehicle rearview mirror device retains the function of a rearview mirror, thereby improving driving safety.

[0092] It should be noted that the above embodiments are examples for the purpose of illustration, and the scope of the claims of this invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims, and not limited to the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A vehicle rearview mirror device, characterized in that, Electrically connected to the control unit, the vehicle rearview mirror device includes: The main mirror surface has an opening; A first drive module, which includes a first transmission component; The second drive module includes a second transmission component, wherein the major axis direction of the first transmission component is different from the major axis direction of the second transmission component; A camera module, disposed on the first transmission member, the camera module including a lens corresponding to the opening; and The secondary mirror assembly is connected to the second transmission component, wherein, The control unit is electrically connected to the first drive module and the second drive module. Based on the fault signal, the control unit controls the first transmission component to drive the camera module to move away from the main mirror surface, and controls the second transmission component to drive the secondary mirror surface assembly to move to the position corresponding to the opening. The secondary mirror assembly includes a secondary mirror and at least one extension, the extension being disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror and detachably connected to the camera module; The secondary mirror assembly includes a first limiting structure, and the second transmission member has a second limiting structure. The first limiting structure is disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror, and the secondary mirror assembly is housed in the second limiting structure through the first limiting structure to be detachably connected to the second transmission member.

2. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera module includes at least one first magnetic element disposed on the surface of the camera module facing the sub-mirror assembly, and the sub-mirror assembly includes at least one second magnetic element disposed at one end of the extension, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element attract each other.

3. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the sub-mirror assembly moves to the position corresponding to the opening, the first transmission member drives the camera module to move towards the main mirror, so that the camera module is connected to the extension of the sub-mirror assembly, and the sub-mirror is moved by the camera module to the opening of the main mirror, and the first limiting structure moves out of the second limiting structure of the second transmission member.

4. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control unit controls the first transmission component to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface according to the start signal. The secondary mirror component is moved by the camera module to the second limiting structure of the second transmission component, where the first limiting structure is housed. The control unit controls the second transmission component to move the secondary mirror component away from the opening.

5. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the secondary mirror assembly moves away from the opening, the control unit controls the first transmission component to move the camera module toward the main mirror.

6. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The camera module is moved by the first transmission component to the opening in which the lens is housed on the main mirror.

7. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The major axis of the second transmission component is parallel to the main mirror surface.

8. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The major axis of the first transmission component is perpendicular to the main mirror surface.

9. The vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The housing has a main mirror disposed on one side, and the first drive module, the second drive module, the camera module, and the secondary mirror assembly are disposed inside the housing.

10. A control method for a vehicle rearview mirror device, characterized in that, An application is made in a vehicle rearview mirror device, the vehicle rearview mirror device including a main mirror surface, a first drive module, a second drive module, a camera module, and a secondary mirror surface assembly. The main mirror surface has an opening. The first drive module includes a first transmission component, and the second drive module includes a second transmission component, wherein the major axis direction of the first transmission component is different from that of the second transmission component. The camera module is disposed on the first transmission component and includes a lens corresponding to the opening. The secondary mirror surface assembly is connected to the second transmission component. The first drive module and the second drive module are electrically connected to a control unit. The control method includes the following steps: The control unit controls the first transmission component to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface based on the fault signal; and The control unit controls the second transmission component to move the sub-mirror assembly to the position corresponding to the opening; The secondary mirror assembly includes a secondary mirror and at least one extension, the extension being disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror and detachably connected to the camera module; The secondary mirror assembly includes a first limiting structure, and the second transmission member has a second limiting structure. The first limiting structure is disposed on the rear side of the secondary mirror, and the secondary mirror assembly is housed in the second limiting structure through the first limiting structure to be detachably connected to the second transmission member.

11. The control method for the vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 10, characterized in that, After the secondary mirror assembly is moved to the position corresponding to the opening, the following steps are also included: The first transmission member drives the camera module to move towards the main mirror surface, connecting the camera module to the extension of the secondary mirror assembly; and The secondary mirror is moved by the camera module to the opening housed in the primary mirror, and the first limiting structure moves out of the second limiting structure of the second transmission member.

12. The control method for the vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 11, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The control unit controls the first transmission component to move the camera module away from the main mirror surface according to the start signal. The secondary mirror surface assembly is moved by the camera module to the second limiting structure of the first limiting structure, which is housed in the second limiting structure of the second transmission component. The control unit controls the second transmission component to move the secondary mirror assembly away from the opening; and The control unit controls the first transmission component to move the camera module toward the main mirror surface.

13. The control method for the vehicle rearview mirror device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The camera module is moved by the first transmission component to the opening in which the lens is housed on the main mirror.

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