Vehicle side mirror device

Abstract

When the motor for the electric retractable device is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the support shaft, a compact and highly rigid frame is provided. [Solution] The vehicle side mirror device 1 comprises a frame 32 that supports the mirror 31, a support shaft 16 that rotatably supports the inner portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction, a motor for an electric folding device provided on the frame 32, and a motor housing portion 41 which is integrally molded at least a portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction in the portion inward of the support shaft 16, and in which the motor for the electric folding device is housed in the portion inward of the support shaft 16.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle side mirror device disposed, for example, on the side of an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, a vehicle side mirror device has a mirror base fixed to a vehicle body such as a door and a mirror head attached to the mirror base, and an electric retraction device rotates an inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the mirror head around a support shaft with respect to the mirror base so that it can be switched between a retracted state and a use state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the vehicle side mirror device of Patent Document 1, a motor for the electric retraction device is disposed inside the vehicle width direction from the support shaft.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, vibration of the mirror during driving can cause deterioration of visibility, so it is desirable to reduce it as much as possible. In response to this, a structure in which the center of gravity position of the mirror head is brought closer to the support shaft by disposing the motor for the electric retraction device inside the vehicle width direction from the support shaft can be considered. By bringing the center of gravity position of the mirror head closer to the support shaft, the mirror head becomes less likely to vibrate compared to when it is far from the support shaft, and as a result, vibration of the mirror during driving can be reduced.

[0005] However, when the motor for the electric mirror retraction device is to be positioned inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the pivot shaft, it is usually difficult to secure space inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the pivot shaft, so the problem is how to position the motor for the electric mirror retraction device in such a location. Furthermore, from the perspective of mirror vibration during driving, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the frame that supports the mirror, but determining what kind of frame structure is suitable in terms of rigidity for positioning the motor for the electric mirror retraction device inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the pivot shaft presents a high level of structural design difficulty.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of the above, and its purpose is to enable a compact and highly rigid frame when the motor for the electric retractable device is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the support shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, one aspect of this disclosure may be based on a vehicle side mirror device disposed on the side of a vehicle and equipped with an electric retraction device. The vehicle side mirror device comprises a mirror head having a mirror for rearward viewing and a frame supporting the mirror; a mirror base fixed to the side of the vehicle and extending upward, having a pivot shaft that rotatably supports the inner portion of the frame in the vehicle width direction; an electric retraction device motor provided on the frame and generating power to switch the mirror head from an open state to a retracted state and from the retracted state to an open state by rotating the frame around the pivot shaft; and a motor housing portion in which at least a portion of the frame is integrally molded with respect to the portion of the frame in the vehicle width direction inward of the pivot shaft, and the electric retraction device motor is housed in the portion of the frame in the vehicle width direction inward of the pivot shaft.

[0008] With this configuration, the vehicle's side mirror device is mounted on the side of the vehicle, and by operating the motor for the electric folding device, the mirror head can be switched from the open state to the folded state, and vice versa. Since this motor for the electric folding device is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the pivot shaft, the center of gravity of the mirror head can be brought closer to the pivot shaft, making the mirror head less prone to vibration compared to when it is further away from the pivot shaft. As a result, the vibration of the mirror during driving can be reduced.

[0009] Since the motor housing, which houses the motor for the electrically operated retractable device, is integrally molded into the frame, the frame becomes more compact compared to cases where a separate motor bracket is provided. Furthermore, the integral molding of the motor housing into the frame makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the frame.

[0010] The motor housing portion may have a concave shape that opens upward. In this case, the frame has a covering member that covers the motor housing portion from above, so that after the motor for the electric storage device is housed in the motor housing portion from above, the motor housing portion can be covered from above with the covering member.

[0011] A through-hole for inserting the support shaft may be formed in the inner portion of the frame in the vehicle width direction, extending vertically. In this case, the motor housing can accommodate the portion of the support shaft above the through-hole. This allows the upper portion of the support shaft and the motor for the electric retraction device to be housed in a common motor housing.

[0012] The covering member can be shaped to extend in the vehicle width direction so as to cover the area above the motor for the electric retraction device and the area above the support shaft. This allows the area above the motor for the electric retraction device and the area above the support shaft to be covered by a common covering member.

[0013] The dimensions of the motor housing in the vehicle width direction can be made longer than the dimensions in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This allows the motors and support shafts for the electric retractable device, which are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction, to be housed in a single motor housing.

[0014] The frame is integrally molded with the outer portion of the motor housing in the vehicle width direction, extends vertically and outward in the vehicle width direction, and may have a mirror support plate portion that supports the mirror.

[0015] An intermediate member may be provided inside the motor housing to which the motor for the electric storage device is assembled. The intermediate member can be fastened and secured by screws to screw holes formed inside the motor housing. This allows the motor for the electric storage device to be housed in the motor housing as an assembly with the intermediate member and fastened and secured by screws. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As explained above, the motor housing is integrally molded in the part of the frame that is inward in the vehicle width direction from the pivot axis, and the motor for the electric retraction device is housed in this motor housing. This makes it possible to create a compact and highly rigid frame, and also suppresses vibration of the mirrors during driving. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle side mirror device according to an embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear of the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a vehicle side mirror device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the base body, electric retraction device, and frame along the vehicle width direction. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the frame and the electric retraction mechanism. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a plan view of the base body, the electric retraction device, and the frame. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 5 with the covering member removed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the visor, under cover, and under panel. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the visor, under cover, and under panel. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the under cover. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a rear view of the under cover. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a right side view of the under cover. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the portion where the under cover is assembled.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a vehicle side mirror device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. This vehicle side mirror device 1 is a so-called door mirror that is fixed to the front end of a door (a part of the vehicle) disposed on the side of a vehicle such as an automobile and is mainly used for rearward confirmation. In this embodiment, the vehicle side mirror device 1 provided on the right side of the vehicle will be described. However, since the vehicle side mirror device provided on the left side (not shown) has a left-right symmetric structure with the right-side one, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0020] The vehicle side mirror device 1 includes a mirror base 10 and a mirror head 30. The mirror head 30 is rotatable with respect to the mirror base 10. In the description of this embodiment, as shown in each figure, the front side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "front", the rear side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "rear", the left side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "left", and the right side of the vehicle is simply referred to as "right". The left-right direction is the vehicle width direction.

[0021] (Configuration of Mirror Base 10) The mirror base 10 is fixed to the outer panel P of the door (shown as a dashed line only in Figure 1), which is part of the vehicle, and supports the mirror head 30. As shown in Figure 2 and other figures, the mirror base 10 comprises a base body 11, a base-side upper cover member 12, a base-side lower cover member 13, and a sealing material 14 made of an elastic material. The base body 11 is made of, for example, a resin material, but may also be made of, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0022] The base body 11 has a fixed portion 15 that is fixed to the outer panel P of the door, and a support shaft 16 that is integrally molded with the fixed portion 15, extends upward, and rotatably supports the inner portion in the vehicle width direction of the frame (described later) of the mirror head 30. A sealing material 14 is interposed between the fixed portion 15 and the outer panel P of the door. The fixed portion 15 is fixed to the outer panel P of the door or a reinforcement (not shown) by fastening members such as screws, although these are not shown.

[0023] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken by cutting through the axis A of the support shaft 16 and extending in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 3, the support shaft 16 is integrally molded with the right side portion (outer portion in the vehicle width direction) of the fixed part 15, and the support shaft 16 and the fixed part 15 constitute a single component. The axis A of the support shaft 16 extends in the vertical direction and may extend vertically or be inclined with respect to the vertical line. The mirror head 30 can be retracted by rotating the mirror head 30 around the axis A of the support shaft 16.

[0024] The base end (lower end) of the support shaft 16 is provided with a large-diameter portion 16a, which has a larger diameter than the tip end (upper portion) of the base end. The upper surface 16b of the large-diameter portion 16a extends in a direction intersecting the axis A and also extends in an annular shape around the axis A. An annular groove 16c extending in an annular shape around the axis A is formed on the upper surface 16b of the large-diameter portion 16a. The tip end portion of the support shaft 16, which is closer to the large-diameter portion 16a, is a small-diameter portion 16d. A recess 16e extending continuously in the circumferential direction is formed on the upper part of the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter portion 16d.

[0025] The support shaft 16 is cylindrical and hollow inside. Specifically, openings are formed at the upper and lower ends of the support shaft 16, respectively, to open up the internal space. The internal space communicates with the outside through the opening at the upper end, and the internal space communicates with the outside through the opening at the lower end. By making the inside of the support shaft 16 hollow, it is possible to reduce weight while ensuring high rigidity. For example, a harness can be passed through the inside of the support shaft 16.

[0026] (Configuration of mirror head 30) As shown in Figure 2, the mirror head 30 includes a rearward-looking mirror 31, a frame 32 that supports the mirror 31, an angle adjustment device 33 for adjusting the angle of the mirror 31, an electric retraction device 34, and a visor 35. In this embodiment, the mirror 31 has a horizontally elongated shape in which the dimension in the vehicle width direction is longer than the dimension in the vertical direction, but it is not limited to this, and the dimensions in the vehicle width direction and the vertical direction may be the same, or it may have a vertically elongated shape in which the dimension in the vehicle width direction is shorter than the dimension in the vertical direction, and its shape is not particularly limited.

[0027] The visor 35 is a resin part made by, for example, injection molding a resin material. The visor 35 has a frame portion 35a in which the mirror 31 is housed, a vertical plate portion 35b integrally molded with the front part of the frame portion 35a, and an extension portion 35c extending forward from the left side portion (inner portion in the vehicle width direction) at the lower part of the frame portion 35a. Since the frame portion 35a is formed to surround the mirror 31, it has a long shape in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] The frame portion 35a and the extension portion 35c of the visor 35 constitute the design portion of the mirror head 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the frame portion 35a is located on the rear side of the mirror head 30 and forms the design surface of the rear portion of the mirror head 30, making it visible from the outside. The extension portion 35c is formed to extend from the rear to the front of the lower inner side of the mirror head 30 in the vehicle width direction, forming the design surface of the lower inner side of the mirror head 30 in the vehicle width direction, making it visible from the outside. Thus, the frame portion 35a and the extension portion 35c constitute a part of the outer shape of the mirror head 30, and the visor 35, which includes this part of the outer shape, is an exterior component. The surfaces of the frame portion 35a and the extension portion 35c of the visor 35 may be painted surfaces with paint or the like, or they may be bare resin surfaces.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the vertical plate portion 35b of the visor 35 is located on the rear side of the frame 32. This vertical plate portion 35b has an opening 35d formed to penetrate the vertical plate portion 35b in the front-rear direction. The rear portion of the angle adjustment device 33 fits into the opening 35d. The back surface (front surface) of the mirror 31 is attached to the rear portion of the angle adjustment device 33. The front portion of the angle adjustment device 33 is attached from the rear to the outer portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction. The mirror 31 is supported by the frame 32 via the angle adjustment device 33.

[0030] The angle adjustment device 33 contains, although not shown in the diagram, a motor and rotation mechanism for rotating the mirror 31 around a vertical line, and a motor and rotation mechanism for rotating the mirror 31 around a horizontal line. The angle adjustment device 33 can be operated from inside the vehicle, and the angle of the mirror 31 can be adjusted by rotating the mirror 31 around a vertical line or a horizontal line. The structure of the angle adjustment device 33 is not particularly limited.

[0031] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the frame 32 is a resin part made by injection molding of a resin material, for example, and has a shape that is long in the vehicle width direction to correspond to the shape of the mirror 31. A mirror support plate portion 40 extending in the vertical direction and the vehicle width direction is formed on the outer part of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction. The mirror support plate portion 40 is integrally molded with the outer part of the motor housing portion 41 in the vehicle width direction, which will be described later. By integrally molding the mirror support plate portion 40 and the motor housing portion 41, the number of parts can be reduced and the rigidity of the frame 32 can be increased. An angle adjustment device 33 is attached to the mirror support plate portion 40.

[0032] An electric retraction device 34 is provided on the inner portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the electric retraction device 34 includes an electric retraction device motor 34a that generates power to switch the mirror head 30 from the operational state (shown in Figure 1) to the retracted state (not shown) and from the retracted state to the operational state by rotating the frame 32 around the pivot shaft 16, and a drive mechanism 34b that converts the rotational force of the electric retraction device motor 34a into rotational force of the mirror head 30. The drive mechanism 34b includes a drive gear 34d fixed to the output shaft 34c of the electric retraction device motor 34a, an intermediate gear unit 34e, a ring gear 34f, a spring 34g, and a retaining ring 34h. The intermediate gear unit 34e is a gear unit for transmitting the rotational force input from the drive gear 34d to the ring gear 34f.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the narrow-diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16 is inserted into the ring gear 34f, and in this state, the ring gear 34f is positioned near the lower end of the narrow-diameter portion 16d. The axis of the ring gear 34f and the axis A of the narrow-diameter portion 16d coincide. The inner circumferential surface of the ring gear 34f and the outer circumferential surface of the narrow-diameter portion 16d are engaged with each other, making relative rotation in the circumferential direction impossible.

[0034] The spring 34g is a coil spring, with the narrow-diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16 inserted through the spring 34g. The lower end of the spring 34g abuts against the upper end surface of the ring gear 34f. The retaining ring 34h engages with a recess 16e formed in the narrow-diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16. The lower surface of the retaining ring 34h abuts against the upper end of the spring 34g, and the retaining ring 34h applies a compressive force to the spring 34g. Therefore, the spring 34g constantly applies a downward biasing force to the ring gear 34f, maintaining the engagement between the inner circumferential surface of the ring gear 34f and the outer circumferential surface of the narrow-diameter portion 16d. The spring 34g is a component used in the clutch mechanism, and when a large external force is applied to the mirror head 30, it moves the ring gear 34f upward relative to the support shaft 16 against the biasing force of the spring 34g, thereby enabling the rotation of the mirror head 30. This clutch mechanism is a conventionally known mechanism. The clutch mechanism can be provided as needed and is not essential to the present invention.

[0035] When the motor 34a for the electric retraction device rotates in one direction, the rotational force of the motor 34a is transmitted to the ring gear 34f via the drive gear 34d and the intermediate gear unit 34e. Since the ring gear 34f is not rotatable relative to the pivot shaft 16, the motor 34a, the drive gear 34d, and the intermediate gear unit 34e all rotate around the ring gear 34f. This unidirectional rotation of the motor 34a allows the mirror head 30 to be switched from the deployed state to the retracted state.

[0036] On the other hand, when the motor 34a for the electric retraction device is rotated in the other direction, the motor 34a, the drive gear 34d, and the intermediate gear unit 34e rotate in the opposite direction around the ring gear 34f. This rotation of the motor 34a in the other direction allows the mirror head 30 to be switched from the retracted state to the operational state.

[0037] In this embodiment, the motor 34a for the electric retractable device is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the support shaft 16. Specifically, a motor housing section 41 for housing the motor 34a for the electric retractable device inward in the vehicle width direction from the support shaft 16 is integrally molded with the frame 32. The motor housing section 41 has a concave shape that opens upward, allowing the motor 34a for the electric retractable device, the drive mechanism 34b, etc., to be housed in the motor housing section 41 from above. In this embodiment, the dimension of the motor housing section 41 in the vehicle width direction is longer than the dimension in the front-rear direction, but this is not limited to this, and the dimensions of the motor housing section 41 in the vehicle width direction and the dimensions in the front-rear direction may be about the same, or the dimension of the motor housing section 41 in the vehicle width direction may be shorter than the dimension in the front-rear direction.

[0038] The motor housing 41 houses not only the motor 34a for the electric retraction device but also the drive mechanism 34b. The motor 34a for the electric retraction device is located further outward in the vehicle width direction than the ring gear 34f, spring 34g, and retaining ring 34h of the drive mechanism 34b. To accommodate this, the dimensions of the motor housing 41 in the vehicle width direction are longer than its dimensions in the front-rear direction. The drive gear 34d of the drive mechanism 34b is located directly below the motor 34a for the electric retraction device.

[0039] A through-hole 32a is formed in the inner portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction, through which the narrow-diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16 is inserted, extending vertically. The portion in which the through-hole 32a is formed is the bottom wall portion 41a of the motor housing 41, and therefore the motor housing 41 also accommodates the portion of the support shaft 16 above the through-hole 32a (the narrow-diameter portion 16d). Thus, the motor housing 41 accommodates not only the motor 34a and drive mechanism 34b for the electric retraction device, but also the narrow-diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16, making it larger than a housing that only accommodates the motor 34a for the electric retraction device. The inner portion of the motor housing 41 in the vehicle width direction is the portion that accommodates the motor 34a for the electric retraction device, and this inner portion in the vehicle width direction is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the support shaft 16. In other words, at least a portion of the motor housing 41 is integrally molded with the portion of the frame 32 inward in the vehicle width direction from the support shaft 16. The motor 34a for the electric retraction device and the portion of the support shaft 16 above the through hole 32a are then housed in a configuration aligned in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] The motor 34a for the electric retraction device is housed in the motor housing 41 with its output shaft 34c extending vertically and protruding downwards. Therefore, the drive gear 34d, intermediate gear unit 34e, and ring gear 34f of the drive mechanism 34b are housed in the lower part of the motor housing 41. The spring 34g and retaining ring 34h are housed in the motor housing 41 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the motor 34a for the electric retraction device and above the ring gear 34f.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the frame 32 has a covering member 42 that covers the open portion of the motor housing 41 from above. The covering member 42 is separate from the motor housing 41 and extends in the vehicle width direction so as to cover the above of the motor 34a for the electric storage device, the above of the narrow diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16, and the above of the retaining ring 34h. A bulging portion 42a that bulges upward is formed on the inner portion of the covering member 42 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figure 4, a plurality of locking pieces 42b are formed on the periphery of the covering member 42, extending downward along the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 41b of the motor housing 41, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. A locking hole 42c is formed in each locking piece 42b. On the other hand, a protrusion 41c is formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 41b of the motor housing 41 in the portion corresponding to the locking hole 42c. When the motor housing 41 is completely covered with the covering member 42, the protrusions 41c of each locking piece 42b engage with the locking holes 42c, preventing the covering member 42 from detaching from the motor housing 41.

[0042] An intermediate member 43 is provided inside the motor housing 41, to which the motor 34a for the electric retraction device is assembled. On the outer side of the intermediate member 43 in the vehicle width direction, a motor holding recess 43a is formed that opens upward, holding the main body of the motor 34a for the electric retraction device in a housed state. A circuit board 44 is positioned on top of the motor 34a for the electric retraction device held in the motor holding recess 43a. The circuit board 44 is housed within the bulge 42a of the cover member 42.

[0043] An insertion hole 43b is formed in the inner portion of the intermediate member 43 in the vehicle width direction, through which the upper end of the narrow-diameter portion 16d of the support shaft 16 is inserted. The intermediate member 43 is fastened and fixed by screws B to a screw hole 41d formed inside the motor housing 41.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle side mirror device 1 includes an under cover 50 that covers the inner portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction from below, an under panel 51 that covers at least the portion of the frame 32 that is wider than the under cover 50 in the vehicle width direction from below, and a front cover 60 that covers the frame 32 from the front. The under cover 50, under panel 51, and front cover 60 are made of, for example, resin material that has been injection molded. The front cover 60 is formed to open to the rear and downward. The rear edge of the front cover 60 is positioned to contact the frame portion 35a of the visor 35 from the front.

[0045] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the under cover 50 and under panel 51 constitute the lower design portion of the mirror head 30, and therefore the lower design portion of the mirror head 30 has a two-part structure. Specifically, the under cover 50 is provided at the bottom of the mirror head 30 and forms the design surface at the bottom of the inner portion of the mirror head 30 in the vehicle width direction, and is a part that is visible from the outside. The under panel 51 is provided at the bottom of the mirror head 30 and extends from the outer portion to the inner portion of the mirror head 30 in the vehicle width direction, and forms the design surface at the bottom of the outer portion to the inner portion of the mirror head 30 in the vehicle width direction, and is a part that is visible from the outside. In this way, the under cover 50 and under panel 51 constitute part of the external shape of the mirror head 30 and are exterior components. The surfaces of the under cover 50 and under panel 51 may be painted surfaces with paint or the like, or they may be bare resin surfaces.

[0046] The under cover 50 has a cover portion 50a that extends in the vehicle width direction and the front-rear direction so as to cover at least the inner portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction from below. As shown in Figure 9, a support shaft insertion hole 50b is formed in the middle portion of the cover portion 50a in the vehicle width direction through which the support shaft 16 is inserted. The support shaft insertion hole 50b is circular in plan view and has an inner diameter that allows the large diameter portion 16a of the support shaft 16 to be inserted. The center of the support shaft insertion hole 50b is located on the axis A of the support shaft 16.

[0047] As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the under cover 50 has a protruding plate portion 50c that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the cover portion 50a so as to surround the large-diameter portion 16a of the support shaft 16. The protruding plate portion 50c is provided in a portion that is radially outward from the peripheral edge of the support shaft insertion hole 50b, and is provided along the peripheral edge of the support shaft insertion hole 50b. There may be one or more protruding plate portions 50c. If there is one protruding plate portion 50c, it may be provided to form a continuous annular shape in the circumferential direction of the support shaft insertion hole 50b, or it may be provided only in a part of the circumferential direction. If there are multiple protruding plate portions 50c, the multiple protruding plate portions 50c may be provided intermittently in the circumferential direction of the support shaft insertion hole 50b. In this embodiment, two protruding plate portions 50c are provided intermittently in the circumferential direction of the support shaft insertion hole 50b. One protruding plate portion 50c is provided along the peripheral edge of the inner portion of the support shaft insertion hole 50b in the vehicle width direction, and the other protruding plate portion 50c is provided along the peripheral edge of the outer portion of the support shaft insertion hole 50b in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] The protruding plate portion 50c corresponds to the shape of the support shaft insertion hole 50b and therefore has an arc shape in plan view. Specifically, each protruding plate portion 50c has an arc shape with the center of the support shaft insertion hole 50b as the center of the arc. By providing the protruding plate portion 50c around the support shaft insertion hole 50b in this way, the protruding plate portion 50c functions like a rib, thereby increasing the rigidity of the cover portion 50a having the support shaft insertion hole 50b. In addition, because the protruding plate portion 50c has an arc shape, it is less likely to tip over compared to, for example, a flat plate.

[0049] The cover portion 50a is provided with a fastened portion 50d that is fastened to the frame 32 by a fastening member (not shown). The fastened portion 50d is formed in a vertically elongated cylindrical shape and consists of a boss having a screw hole into which the fastening member is screwed. The base end (lower end) of the fastened portion 50d is integrated with the base end (lower end) of the protruding plate portion 50c.

[0050] The cover portion 50a is also provided with a locking claw 50e. The locking claw 50e is designed to lock onto the frame 32. The locking claw 50e may be provided as needed and may be omitted.

[0051] The protruding plate portion 50c is configured to position the under cover 50 in the vertical direction by contacting the lower surface of the frame 32. That is, as shown in Figure 12, the under cover 50 is positioned to cover the motor housing portion 41, which is the inner portion of the frame 32 in the vehicle width direction, from below, and is assembled to the bottom wall portion 41a of the motor housing portion 41. At this time, the upper end of the protruding plate portion 50c contacts the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 41a of the motor housing portion 41, preventing the under cover 50 from moving any further upward. In other words, the vertical positioning of the under cover 50 can be easily performed simply by contacting the upper end of the protruding plate portion 50c with the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 41a of the motor housing portion 41. In particular, in this embodiment, by providing multiple protruding plate portions 50c, multiple locations on the under cover 50 can be positioned relative to the frame 32.

[0052] The vertical position of the under cover 50 can be arbitrarily set by the vertical dimension of the protruding plate portion 50c. In this embodiment, the vertical position of the under cover 50 can be aligned with the under panel 51 by bringing the upper end of the protruding plate portion 50c into contact with the lower surface of the bottom wall portion 41a of the motor housing portion 41. The under cover 50 is held in place by fastening members and locking claws 50e while assembled to the frame 32.

[0053] The under panel 51 is positioned below the front cover 60 and has an elongated shape in the vehicle width direction. It is assembled to the frame 32 by engaging claws (not shown) and screws (shown in the figure). The upper edge of the under panel 51 abuts against the lower edge of the front cover 60. The inner portion of the under panel 51 in the vehicle width direction extends in the vehicle width direction along the front portion of the under cover 50. On the other hand, the extension portion 35c of the visor 35 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction along the inner portion of the under cover 50 in the vehicle width direction. The under cover 50 is positioned between the under panel 51 and the extension portion 35c of the visor 35, and is sandwiched between the under panel 51 and the extension portion 35c of the visor 35. The inner portion of the under panel 51 in the vehicle width direction is also bent towards the rear. The front end of this inner portion of the under panel 51 in the vehicle width direction and the tip of the inner portion of the extension portion 35c of the visor 35 in the vehicle width direction are in contact. Therefore, the under cover 50 is provided in the area enclosed by the under panel 51 and the visor 35. The rear edge of the under cover 50 is in contact with the lower part of the frame portion 35a of the visor 35 from the front.

[0054] With the vehicle side mirror device 1 mounted on the side of the vehicle, the motor 34a for the electric folding device can be operated to switch the mirror head 30 from the open state to the folded state, and from the folded state to the open state. When it rains or when washing the car, water may adhere to the lower part of the vehicle side mirror device 1 or be sprayed onto the vehicle side mirror device 1 from below. In such cases, in this embodiment, the under cover 50 is provided to suppress the ingress of water into the mirror head 30, and even if water enters the interior through the support shaft insertion hole 50b, the protruding plate portion 50c is positioned to surround the support shaft 16, so the flow of water toward the support shaft 16 is suppressed. As a result, water is less likely to come into contact with the operating part of the electric folding device 34, and malfunctions of the electric folding device 34 are less likely to occur.

[0055] Furthermore, by bringing the protruding plate portion 50c, which protrudes upward from the inner surface of the under cover 50, into contact with the lower surface of the frame 32, the vertical positioning of the under cover 50 can be easily performed. In this way, the vertical positioning of the under cover 50 can be accurately performed by a simple structure and method of bringing the protruding plate portion 50c into contact with the lower surface of the frame 32.

[0056] Furthermore, since the support shaft 16 is integrally molded with the fixed portion 15 of the mirror base 10, the number of parts of the mirror base 10 is reduced, and the overall rigidity of the base body 11 of the mirror base 10 is increased. When the support shaft 16 is integrally molded with the fixed portion 15 in this way, assembly of the exterior components may be problematic, but in this embodiment, the exterior components are divided into an under cover 50 and an under panel 51, so that each of the under cover 50 and the under panel 51 can be made smaller, and assembly to the mirror head 30 can be made easier.

[0057] Furthermore, by separating the under cover 50 from the under panel 51, the support shaft insertion hole 50b and the protruding plate portion 50c can be easily molded into the under cover 50.

[0058] Furthermore, since the motor 34a for the electric retraction device is positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the support shaft 16, the center of gravity of the mirror head 30 can be brought closer to the support shaft 16. As a result, the mirror head 30 vibrates less than when the center of gravity of the mirror head 30 is farther from the support shaft 16, and consequently, the vibration of the mirror 31 during driving can be reduced.

[0059] Since the motor housing section 41, which houses the motor 34a for the electric retraction device, is integrally molded with the frame 32, the frame 32 becomes more compact compared to when a separate motor bracket or the like is provided. Furthermore, the integral molding of the motor housing section 41 with the frame 32 makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the frame 32.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative in all respects and should not be interpreted restrictively. Furthermore, any modifications or changes that fall within the equivalent scope of the claims are all within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0061] As explained above, the vehicle side mirror device relating to this disclosure can be used by attaching it to, for example, the door of an automobile. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Vehicle side mirror device 10 Mirror Base 16 Spindle 30 Mirror Head 32 frames 34 Electric retractable device 34a Motor for electric retractable device 35. Visor (Third exterior component) 35c extension 41 Motor housing 42 Covering member 43 Intermediate member 50 Undercover (First Exterior Component) 50a Cover section 50b Support shaft insertion hole 50c protruding plate part 51 Under panel (second exterior component)

Claims

1. A vehicle side mirror device that is mounted on the side of a vehicle and equipped with an electric retraction device, A mirror head having a rearward-looking mirror and a frame that supports the mirror, A mirror base fixed to the side of the vehicle and extending upward, having a support shaft that rotatably supports the inner portion of the frame in the vehicle width direction, A motor for an electric retraction device is provided on the frame and generates power to switch the mirror head from the operational state to the retracted state and from the retracted state to the operational state by rotating the frame around the support shaft, A vehicle side mirror device comprising: a motor housing portion, at least a portion of which is integrally molded with the frame in the vehicle width direction portion inward of the support shaft, and in which the motor for the electric retraction device is housed in the portion inward of the support shaft in the vehicle width direction portion.

2. In the vehicle side mirror device according to claim 1, The motor housing section has a concave shape that opens upwards. The frame has a covering member that covers the motor housing from above, in a vehicle side mirror device.

3. In the vehicle side mirror device according to claim 2, A through hole is formed in the inner portion of the frame in the vehicle width direction, through which the support shaft is inserted, so as to penetrate vertically. The motor housing portion accommodates the portion of the support shaft above the through hole, in a vehicle side mirror device.

4. In the vehicle side mirror device according to claim 3, The covering member extends in the vehicle width direction so as to cover the above the motor for the electric retraction device and the above the support shaft, and is a vehicle side mirror device.

5. In the vehicle side mirror device according to claim 3, A vehicle side mirror device in which the dimensions of the motor housing in the vehicle width direction are longer than the dimensions in the vehicle front-to-rear direction.

6. In the vehicle side mirror device according to claim 3, The frame is integrally molded with the outer portion of the motor housing in the vehicle width direction, extends vertically and outward in the vehicle width direction, and has a mirror support plate portion that supports the mirror, in a vehicle side mirror device.

7. In the vehicle side mirror device according to claim 3, An intermediate member into which the motor for the electric storage device is assembled is provided inside the motor housing section. The intermediate member is fastened and fixed by screws to a screw hole formed inside the motor housing, in a vehicle side mirror device.

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