A retractable rearview mirror mechanism for automobiles

Abstract

This application relates to a retractable rearview mirror mechanism for automobiles, belonging to the field of automotive component retraction control technology. It includes a vehicle body and a mounting plate disposed on the inner side of the vehicle body. A drive motor is mounted on the mounting plate, and a lead screw is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. A telescopic block is threaded onto the lead screw. A guide rail is provided on the mounting plate, and a sliding block is slidably disposed on the guide rail and fixedly connected to the telescopic block. The rearview mirror is mounted on the sliding block, and a clearance opening is provided on the vehicle body for avoiding the rearview mirror. This application enables the rearview mirror and camera to retract to the inner side of the vehicle body when not in use, effectively protecting the rearview mirror and camera.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive component telescopic control technology, and in particular to a telescopic mechanism for automotive rearview mirrors. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, rearview mirrors are crucial components for ensuring driving safety. Traditional rearview mirrors, relying solely on mirror reflection to provide limited rearward visibility, are no longer adequate for complex driving scenarios. To enhance driving safety and convenience, many cars have begun installing cameras on their rearview mirrors to provide a clearer, wider field of vision and reduce the safety hazards posed by blind spots. However, rearview mirrors and cameras are located on the outermost part of the vehicle, most vulnerable to external impacts. Their delicate structure makes them relatively fragile, and damage increases driving risks. Therefore, protecting the car's rearview mirrors and the cameras mounted on them is of great importance.

[0003] Currently, to protect car rearview mirrors and cameras, a common practice is to retract the rearview mirrors towards the vehicle when not in use, while keeping the cameras close to the vehicle body, reducing the amount of the mirrors and cameras protruding from the sides of the car. This method can protect the rearview mirrors and cameras to some extent, preventing damage from scratches or collisions caused by external objects.

[0004] However, the aforementioned method of retracting the rearview mirror has significant shortcomings. While retracting the rearview mirror towards the vehicle reduces the risk of the protruding part being scratched or collided to some extent, the retracted rearview mirror and camera are still exposed on the outside of the vehicle. In this state, if a scratch or collision occurs, the rearview mirror and camera are still very easy to be damaged, especially since the camera is a high-precision electronic component, and the repair cost is usually high after damage. In addition, the rearview mirror and camera exposed outside the vehicle may also be affected by environmental factors such as rain, dust, and direct sunlight, which will shorten their service life and reduce their effectiveness. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problem that rearview mirrors and cameras remain exposed on the outside of the vehicle body after being retracted, thus making them susceptible to damage, this application provides a rearview mirror telescopic mechanism for automobiles.

[0006] This application provides a retractable rearview mirror mechanism for automobiles, which adopts the following technical solution: A telescopic rearview mirror mechanism for automobiles includes a vehicle body and a mounting plate disposed on the inner side of the vehicle body. A drive motor is disposed on the mounting plate, and a lead screw is coaxially and fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor. A telescopic block is threadedly connected to the lead screw. A guide rail is disposed on the mounting plate, and a sliding block is slidably disposed on the guide rail. The sliding block is fixedly connected to the telescopic block. The rearview mirror is disposed on the sliding block, and a clearance for avoiding the rearview mirror is provided on the vehicle body.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the drive motor drives the lead screw to rotate, and the telescopic block on the lead screw is fixedly connected to the sliding block slidably set on the guide rail. This allows the telescopic block to move along the axis of the lead screw, and the telescopic block drives the sliding block to slide on the guide rail, thereby realizing the extension and retraction of the rearview mirror and the camera. The clearance allows the rearview mirror and the camera to smoothly enter and exit the vehicle body during the extension and retraction process, avoiding interference with the vehicle body. The whole system allows the rearview mirror and the camera to be completely stored inside the vehicle body when not in use, avoiding damage from scratches or collisions by external objects. It also reduces the impact of environmental factors such as rain, dust, and direct sunlight on the rearview mirror and the camera, extending their service life.

[0008] Preferably, the mounting plate is provided with a control module and a communication module. The communication module is used to receive start or stop signals from the vehicle control system, and both the communication module and the drive motor are electrically connected to the control module.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the communication module can receive start or stop signals from the vehicle control system, and the control module can control the operation of the drive motor according to the signal, thereby realizing the automated control of the rearview mirror telescopic mechanism, improving the convenience and intelligence of use.

[0010] Preferably, limit switches are respectively provided on both sides of the telescopic block on the mounting plate, and any one of the limit switches is electrically connected to the control module.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the limit switches on both sides of the telescopic block are electrically connected to the control module, which can accurately detect the sliding limit of the telescopic block. When the telescopic block slides to the preset position and contacts the limit switch, the limit switch can send a stop signal to the control module in time, avoiding excessive operation of the drive motor and damage to the telescopic mechanism components, effectively limiting the telescopic range of the rearview mirror, and ensuring the safety and stability of the mechanism operation.

[0012] Preferably, the ends of the telescopic block that contact the two limit switches are chamfered.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, after chamfering is made on the telescopic block, the impact force can be reduced when the telescopic block contacts the limit switch, thereby reducing damage to the limit switch and improving the service life of the limit switch. At the same time, the contact process between the telescopic block and the limit switch can be made smoother.

[0014] Preferably, two guide rails are arranged in parallel, the sliding block includes a connecting block and two sliding blocks disposed on the connecting block, and the two sliding blocks are respectively slidably disposed on the two guide rails, the connecting block is fixedly connected to the telescopic block, and the rearview mirror is disposed on the connecting block.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the combination of two parallel guide rails and two sliding blocks makes the sliding of the sliding blocks on the guide rails more stable, thereby making the rearview mirror connected to the connecting block run more smoothly during the extension and retraction process, avoiding the rearview mirror from shaking or shifting during the extension and retraction process, and ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the extension and retraction of the rearview mirror.

[0016] Preferably, the mounting plate is provided with stops at both ends of the guide rail to form an abutment with the sliding block.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the mounting plate is equipped with stops at both ends of the guide rail that abut against the sliding block. This can further limit the sliding stroke of the sliding block, prevent the sliding block from sliding out of the guide rail, ensure the stable operation of the rearview mirror telescopic mechanism, and thus better protect the rearview mirror and camera.

[0018] Preferably, a baffle for blocking the avoidance opening is rotatably connected to the vehicle body, and a reset component for driving the baffle to reset is provided at the rotatable connection between the baffle and the vehicle body.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, when the rearview mirror extends to the outside of the vehicle body, the baffle can be rotated open to avoid the rearview mirror. When the rearview mirror retracts to the inside of the vehicle body, the reset component can drive the baffle to reset to block the avoidance opening, thereby preventing external dust, rainwater, debris and other objects from entering the inside of the vehicle body through the avoidance opening, protecting the components on the mounting plate from contamination or damage, and maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of the vehicle body appearance.

[0020] Preferably, the rearview mirror is equipped with a sensing module for detecting obstacles, and the sensing module is electrically connected to the control module.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the sensing module on the rearview mirror is electrically connected to the control module, which can monitor obstacles on the retraction path of the rearview mirror in real time. When the sensing module detects an obstacle, it can send a signal to the control module in a timely manner. The control module then controls the drive motor to stop running, avoiding collision between the rearview mirror and the obstacle during the retraction process, further improving the safety of the retraction mechanism and reducing the risk of damage to the rearview mirror and obstacles.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: 1. Through the cooperation of drive motor, lead screw, telescopic block, guide rail and sliding block, the rearview mirror and camera can be retracted to the inside of the vehicle body through the avoidance opening when not in use, reducing the risk of damage caused by scratches or collisions from external objects, and also reducing the impact of environmental factors such as rain, dust and direct sunlight, extending service life and improving the use effect; 2. The communication module receives signals from the vehicle control system and controls the drive motor through the control module to realize automated control of the rearview mirror extension. The limit switch precisely controls the extension block's stroke, and the chamfered end of the extension block makes it contact the limit switch more smoothly. The stop block further prevents the sliding block from sliding off the guide rail, thus improving the accuracy, stability, and reliability of the rearview mirror extension. 3. Under the drive of the reset component, the baffle on the vehicle body can block the clearance opening when the rearview mirror retracts, preventing external dust, rainwater, debris and other objects from entering the inside of the vehicle body through the clearance opening, protecting the components on the mounting plate from contamination or damage. The sensor module on the rearview mirror is used to monitor obstacles and prevent the rearview mirror from colliding with obstacles during the extension and retraction process, further improving the safety of the extension and retraction mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the main overall structure in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 2 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the main telescopic block structure in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 3 This is an isometric schematic diagram (with the rearview mirror extended) that mainly illustrates the overall structure in Embodiment 2 of this application. Figure 4 This is a partial isometric schematic diagram of the baffle structure in Embodiment 2 of this application (with the rearview mirror retracted).

[0024] Reference numerals: 1. Vehicle body; 11. Clearance opening; 12. Baffle; 2. Mounting plate; 21. Control module; 22. Communication module; 23. Stop block; 3. Drive motor; 4. Lead screw; 5. Telescopic block; 51. Drive block; 52. Abutment block; 521. Chamfer; 6. Guide rail; 61. Groove; 7. Sliding block; 71. Connecting block; 72. Sliding block; 721. Slide groove; 7211. Protrusion; 8. Rearview mirror; 81. Camera; 9. Limit switch; 10. Sensing module. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1 -Appendix Figure 4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0026] Embodiment 1 of this application discloses a telescopic mechanism for a rearview mirror used in automobiles.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A rearview mirror telescopic mechanism for automobiles includes a vehicle body 1 and a mounting plate 2 disposed inside the vehicle body 1. A drive motor 3 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 2 by bolts. A lead screw 4 is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 3, and a telescopic block 5 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 4. A guide rail 6 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 2 by welding and arranged parallel to the lead screw 4. A sliding block 7 is slidably disposed on the guide rail 6 and is fixedly connected to the telescopic block 5. A rearview mirror 8 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 7 by bolts. A clearance opening 11 for avoiding the rearview mirror 8 is provided on the vehicle body 1. A control module 21 and a communication module 22 are fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 2. The communication module 22 is used to receive start or stop signals from the vehicle control system, and both the communication module 22 and the drive motor 3 are electrically connected to the control module 21.

[0028] In actual use, when the vehicle control system sends a start signal, the communication module 22 receives the signal and transmits it to the control module 21. The control module 21 then sends an extension command to the drive motor 3, causing the output shaft of the drive motor 3 to drive the lead screw 4 to rotate. Since the lead screw 4 is threadedly connected to the telescopic block 5, and the telescopic block 5 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 7 which is slidably set on the guide rail 6, during the rotation of the lead screw 4, the telescopic block 5 will move linearly along the axis of the lead screw 4. At the same time, the sliding block 7 will slide synchronously on the guide rail 6 with the telescopic block 5, thereby driving the rearview mirror 8 fixed on the sliding block 7 to extend out of the outside of the vehicle body 1 through the clearance opening 11 on the vehicle body 1, so that the driver can observe the rear view through the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81. When the vehicle control system issues a stop signal, the communication module 22 transmits the signal to the control module 21 again. The control module 21 then sends a retraction command to the drive motor 3, causing the output shaft of the drive motor 3 to drive the lead screw 4 to rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the telescopic block 5 will drive the sliding block 7 to retract in the opposite direction, thereby driving the rearview mirror 8 to retract to the inside of the vehicle body 1 through the avoidance opening 11 on the vehicle body 1. This allows the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81 to be completely retracted into the inside of the vehicle body 1 when not in use, avoiding damage from scratches or collisions caused by external objects. It also reduces the impact of environmental factors such as rain, dust, and direct sunlight on the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81, extending their service life.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The guide rails 6 are arranged in parallel. The sliding block 7 includes a connecting block 71 and two sliding blocks 72 fixedly connected to the connecting block 71 by bolts. The two sliding blocks 72 are respectively slidably arranged on the two guide rails 6. In this embodiment, grooves 61 are formed along the axial direction on the sidewalls of each guide rail 6. Each sliding block 72 has a groove 721 that forms a sliding fit with the guide rail 6 on the side close to the corresponding guide rail 6. A protrusion 7211 that fits into the groove 61 is integrally formed on the inner wall of each groove 721. The connecting block 71 is fixedly connected to the telescopic block 5 by welding, and the rearview mirror 8 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 71 by bolts.

[0030] In practical use, when the drive motor 3 drives the lead screw 4 to rotate according to the instructions of the control module 21, the telescopic block 5 moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw 4. At the same time, the connecting block 71 moves synchronously with the telescopic block 5, thereby driving the two sliding blocks 72 to form a sliding engagement with the two guide rails 6 respectively. This makes the sliding block 7 slide more smoothly and steadily on the guide rails 6, effectively reducing shaking and offset during the sliding process. The protrusion 7211 on the inner wall of the slide groove 721 is embedded in the groove 61 on the side wall of the guide rail 6, further ensuring that the rearview mirror 8 is accurately and stably positioned during the telescopic process, without any jamming or abnormal shaking. This ensures that the driver can clearly and accurately observe the rear view through the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81, improving driving safety.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Limit switches 9 are fixedly installed on both sides of the telescopic block 5 in the telescopic direction by bolts on the mounting plate 2. The ends of the telescopic block 5 that contact the two limit switches 9 are provided with chamfers 521. Each of the limit switches 9 is electrically connected to the control module 21. In this embodiment, the telescopic block 5 includes a drive block 51 threaded to the lead screw 4 and an abutment block 52 fixedly connected to the drive block 51 by welding. The side of the abutment block 52 near the sliding block 7 is fixedly connected to the connecting block 71 by welding. The side of the abutment block 52 away from the sliding block 7 forms an abutment fit with the limit switch 9. The chamfer 521 is provided at the end of the abutment block 52 that abuts with the two limit switches 9.

[0032] In practical use, when the telescopic block 5 moves linearly under the drive of the lead screw 4, the abutment block 52 moves synchronously with the drive block 51. Since the abutment block 52 has chamfers 521 at both ends, when it moves to the position of contacting the limit switch 9, the chamfers 521 design allows the abutment block 52 to abut against the limit switch 9 more smoothly, avoiding damage to the limit switch 9 caused by the impact force generated by direct collision. At the same time, after the limit switch 9 is triggered, it will send a signal to the control module 21. The control module 21 will determine whether the telescopic block 5 has reached the preset limit position based on the received signal, thereby controlling the drive motor 3 to stop rotating in time, preventing the telescopic block 5 from interfering with or being damaged by other components due to excessive movement, and ensuring the reliability and safety of the entire telescopic mechanism.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mounting plate 2 has stop blocks 23 at both ends of the guide rail 6, which are bolted together to form an abutment fit with the sliding block 7. In actual use, when the sliding block 7 moves linearly on the guide rail 6, the stop blocks 23 can further limit the movement and prevent the sliding block 7 from disengaging from the guide rail 6 due to excessive movement, ensuring that the sliding block 7 runs stably within the preset stroke range. At the same time, the stop blocks 23 are bolted to the mounting plate 2, which is convenient for disassembly and replacement. When the stop blocks 23 are worn or damaged due to long-term use, they can be easily repaired or replaced, reducing maintenance costs.

[0034] The implementation principle of Embodiment 1 of this application is as follows: The communication module 22 receives the start or stop signal of the vehicle control system and transmits it to the control module 21. The control module 21 controls the drive motor 3 to drive the lead screw 4 to rotate according to the signal, so that the telescopic block 5, which is threaded to the lead screw 4, moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw 4. At the same time, it drives the sliding block 7, which is fixedly connected to the telescopic block 5, to slide along the guide rail 6, thereby driving the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81 to extend or retract through the clearance opening 11 on the vehicle body 1. During the extension and retraction of the rearview mirror 8, the double sliding blocks 72 of the sliding block 7 form an embedded sliding cooperation with the two guide rails 6 respectively, ensuring a smooth extension and retraction process without jamming. The limit switch 9 on the mounting plate 2 cooperates with the chamfer 521 structure of the telescopic block 5 to achieve precise limit of the extension and retraction stroke and protect the components. The stops 23 at both ends of the guide rail 6 further prevent the sliding block 7 from disengaging from the guide rail 6. Through the coordination of the mechanical structure and the electronic control system, the reliable extension and retraction of the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81 are achieved, extending their service life and improving driving safety.

[0035] This application also discloses a rearview mirror telescopic mechanism for automobiles in Embodiment 2, which differs from Embodiment 1 in that: Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4A baffle 12 for blocking the clearance opening 11 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 1. A reset member for driving the baffle 12 to reset is provided at the rotatable connection between the baffle 12 and the vehicle body 1. In this embodiment, the reset member is a torsion spring. One end of the baffle 12 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the clearance opening 11 via a hinge. The baffle 12 and the side of the rearview mirror 8 away from the drive motor 3 jointly block the clearance opening 11. In actual use, when the rearview mirror 8 is in the retracted state, the baffle 12, under the action of the reset member, blocks the clearance opening 11 together with the rearview mirror 8. This effectively prevents dust, rainwater and other impurities from entering the interior of the vehicle body 1, avoiding impurities from corroding or jamming the telescopic mechanism, thereby extending the service life of the telescopic mechanism and improving its working stability. When the rearview mirror 8 needs to be extended, as the rearview mirror 8 extends, the baffle 12 can rotate outward of the vehicle body 1 under the pushing action of the rearview mirror 8, providing sufficient space for the extension of the rearview mirror 8 and ensuring that the rearview mirror 8 can be smoothly extended to the normal use position.

[0036] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The rearview mirror 8 is fixedly equipped with a sensor module 10 for monitoring obstacles, and the sensor module 10 is electrically connected to the control module 21. In this embodiment, there are two sensor modules 10, and the two sensor modules 10 are respectively fixedly installed on both sides of the retraction direction of the rearview mirror 8. In actual use, the two sensor modules 10 can monitor the obstacle situation on both sides of the retraction direction of the rearview mirror 8 in real time. Once the sensor module 10 detects the presence of an obstacle, it will immediately transmit the monitoring signal to the control module 21. After receiving the signal, the control module 21 will quickly adjust the retraction action of the rearview mirror 8, such as stopping the rearview mirror 8 from continuing to extend or retract, or changing its retraction speed, thereby effectively avoiding collisions between the rearview mirror 8 and the camera 81 and obstacles, ensuring the safe operation of the retraction mechanism, and also improving the safety and convenience of vehicle use.

[0037] The implementation principle of Embodiment 2 of this application is as follows: Based on Embodiment 1, the baffle 12 connected to the vehicle body 1 is rotated and cooperates with the reset component. When the rearview mirror 8 is retracted, the baffle 12 and the rearview mirror 8 jointly block the clearance opening 11 to prevent impurities from entering. When the rearview mirror 8 is extended, the baffle 12 rotates to the outside of the vehicle body 1 under the pushing action of the rearview mirror 8, providing sufficient space for the extension of the rearview mirror 8. The sensing module 10 on the rearview mirror 8 monitors obstacles on both sides of the extension direction of the rearview mirror 8 in real time, and transmits the signal to the control module 21 after detecting the obstacle. The control module 21 then adjusts the extension action of the rearview mirror 8 according to the signal, further ensuring the safe operation of the extension mechanism and the safety and convenience of vehicle use.

[0038] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A telescopic mechanism for a car rearview mirror, characterized in that: The device includes a vehicle body (1) and a mounting plate (2) located inside the vehicle body (1). A drive motor (3) is mounted on the mounting plate (2). A lead screw (4) is coaxially fixedly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (3). A telescopic block (5) is threaded onto the lead screw (4). A guide rail (6) is mounted on the mounting plate (2). A sliding block (7) is slidably mounted on the guide rail (6). The sliding block (7) is fixedly connected to the telescopic block (5). A rearview mirror (8) is mounted on the sliding block (7). A clearance opening (11) for avoiding the rearview mirror (8) is provided on the vehicle body (1).

2. The retractable mechanism for a rearview mirror in an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting plate (2) is provided with a control module (21) and a communication module (22). The communication module (22) is used to receive start or stop signals from the vehicle control system. The communication module (22) and the drive motor (3) are both electrically connected to the control module (21).

3. The retractable mechanism for a rearview mirror in an automobile according to claim 2, characterized in that: Limit switches (9) are respectively provided on both sides of the telescopic block (5) on the mounting plate (2), and any one of the limit switches (9) is electrically connected to the control module (21).

4. The automotive rearview mirror telescopic mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ends of the telescopic block (5) that contact the two limit switches (9) are all chamfered (521).

5. The retractable mechanism for a rearview mirror in an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two guide rails (6) are arranged in parallel. The sliding block (7) includes a connecting block (71) and two sliding blocks (72) arranged on the connecting block (71). The two sliding blocks (72) are respectively slidably arranged on the two guide rails (6). The connecting block (71) is fixedly connected to the telescopic block (5). The rearview mirror (8) is arranged on the connecting block (71).

6. The automotive rearview mirror telescopic mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting plate (2) is provided with stops (23) at both ends of the guide rail (6) to form an abutment with the sliding block (7).

7. The retractable mechanism for a rearview mirror in an automobile according to claim 1, characterized in that: A baffle (12) for blocking the clearance opening (11) is rotatably connected to the vehicle body (1), and a reset member for driving the baffle (12) to reset is provided at the rotatable connection between the baffle (12) and the vehicle body (1).

8. The retractable mechanism for a rearview mirror in an automobile according to claim 2, characterized in that: The rearview mirror (8) is equipped with a sensing module (10) for monitoring obstacles, and the sensing module (10) is electrically connected to the control module (21).

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