Door mirror structure

Abstract

To provide door mirror structure which enables both effective suppression of vibration of a mirror during travelling of a vehicle and improvement in visibility from a vehicle compartment to be made compatible with each other.SOLUTION: Door mirror structure comprises a mirror unit 16 and a support member 22 which fixes the mirror unit 16 to a skeleton member 21 arranged in a side door. The mirror unit 16 comprises; a door mirror main body portion 11; a mirror base 12 having a distal end portion 12b fixed to the door mirror main body portion 11 and a proximal end portion 12a away from the distal end portion 12b; a turning spindle 24 which is connected to the proximal end portion 12a, and freely turnably supports the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 between a mirror use position and a mirror storage position; and an electric turning unit 13 which is arranged in the side door and turns the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 around an axis S of the turning spindle 24 to move the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 between the mirror use position and the storage position. The electric turning unit 13 is arranged in the side door.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a door mirror structure.

Background Art

[0002] In a conventional door mirror structure, in order to automatically move the door mirror between a position where it can be used and a storage position, as described in Patent Document 1, a door mirror structure including an electric rotation unit is known.

[0003] This door mirror structure includes a door mirror main body having a mirror, a mirror base protruding in the vehicle width direction from the side door, and an electric rotation unit housed in the door mirror main body. The mirror base is a portion that extends in the vehicle width direction having a base end portion and a tip end portion and constitutes an arm portion of the door mirror. While the base end portion of the mirror base is fixed to the side door, the door mirror main body is rotatably attached to the tip end portion of the mirror base about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0004] The door mirror main body can move between a mirror use position and a storage position by turning at the tip end portion of the mirror base by the rotational driving force of the electric rotation unit housed therein. The mirror use position is a position where the door mirror main body protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the tip end portion of the mirror base and the mirror can be visually recognized from inside the vehicle cabin. On the other hand, the storage position is a position where the door mirror main body extends substantially parallel to the side door.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the above door mirror structure, since the electric storage unit is housed inside the door mirror main body, the vertical moment generated at the position of the electric rotation unit increases in proportion to the length of the mirror base, resulting in a problem that the vibration of the mirror during vehicle travel becomes large.

[0007] In addition, since the electric rotation unit is housed in the door mirror main body, the front-rear width of the door mirror main body (that is, the width in the vehicle's front-rear direction) increases, and there is concern that the visibility from the vehicle interior may be obstructed by the door mirror main body.

[0008] On the other hand, if the electric rotation unit is removed from the door mirror, the above problems can be solved. However, in that case, the door mirror main body has to be manually stored, resulting in a decrease in convenience.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a door mirror structure provided with an electric rotation unit capable of satisfactorily achieving both effective suppression of mirror vibration during vehicle travel and improvement of visibility from the vehicle interior.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the door mirror structure of the present invention is a door mirror structure on a side door of a vehicle, and includes a mirror unit, a skeleton member provided inside the side door, and a support member for fixing the mirror unit to the skeleton member. The mirror unit includes a door mirror main body having a mirror for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle, a tip portion fixed to the door mirror main body, and a mirror base having a base end portion spaced apart from the tip portion. A pivot shaft is connected to the base end portion of the mirror base and supports the door mirror main body and the mirror base so as to be pivotable between a mirror use position where the mirror can be visually recognized from the vehicle interior and a storage position located inside the vehicle width direction from the mirror use position. And an electric rotation unit for rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base around the axis of the pivot shaft to move between the mirror use position and the storage position. The electric rotation unit is characterized in that it is disposed inside the side door.

[0011] According to such a configuration, in a configuration including a mirror unit having a door mirror main body, a mirror base, a pivot shaft, and an electric rotation unit for rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base around the axis of the pivot shaft, since the electric rotation unit, which is a heavy object in the mirror unit, is disposed inside the side door, the vertical moment generated in the door mirror due to road surface input during vehicle travel (that is, mainly vertical vibration and external force caused by road surface unevenness) is reduced, and it becomes possible to suppress the vibration of the mirror. Furthermore, since the support member fixes the mirror unit including the electric rotation unit to the skeleton member, the support rigidity of the mirror unit is improved. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress the vibration of the mirror.

[0012] Moreover, since the electric rotation unit is disposed inside the side door, the front-rear width of the door mirror main body can be reduced compared with the conventional door mirror structure in which the electric rotation unit is housed in the door mirror main body, and it becomes possible to improve the visibility from the vehicle interior.

[0013] In the above door mirror structure, the rotation support shaft is arranged to pass between the support member and the skeleton member, and further includes a harness connected to the rotation support shaft at a portion where the support member and the skeleton member overlap in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the rotation support shaft. The skeleton member has a first opening through which the harness is inserted at a portion overlapping the support member, and the size of the first opening is such that the harness does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening during the rotation of the door mirror main body and the mirror base. The support member preferably has a pair of fixing portions fixed to the skeleton member at positions on both sides of the first opening.

[0014] According to such a configuration, in the configuration where the harness connected to the rotation support shaft is inserted into the first opening of the skeleton member, since the size of the first opening is such that the harness does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening during the rotation of the door mirror main body and the mirror base, when the electric rotation unit is operated, it is possible to suppress the harness connected to the rotation support shaft from contacting the inner peripheral edge of the first opening of the skeleton member. At the same time, by fixing the pair of fixing portions of the support member to both sides of the first opening, the load transmission function can be supported, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the load transmission function of the skeleton member during a side impact of the vehicle.

[0015] In the above door mirror structure, the skeleton member includes a first ridge line located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the skeleton member and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, the first opening is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge line, and the pair of fixing portions of the support member are preferably fixed to the skeleton member at positions on both sides of the first opening in the direction along the first ridge line and at upper and lower positions on both sides of the first ridge line.

[0016] According to such a configuration, the skeletal member has a first ridge line that is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the skeletal member and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the rigidity of the portion along the first ridge line is high. Since the pair of fixing portions of the support member are respectively fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line in the skeletal member, the support rigidity of the mirror unit is improved. On the other hand, although a first opening is formed in the skeletal member at a position intersecting the first ridge line, since the pair of fixing portions of the support member are respectively fixed to the skeletal member at positions on both sides of the first opening in the direction along the first ridge line and at positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the load transmission function of the skeletal member during a side collision of the vehicle.

[0017] In the above door mirror structure, the support member preferably has a second opening facing the first opening of the skeletal member, and further has a holding portion that holds the rotation support shaft in a state of surrounding the outer periphery of the rotation support shaft. The pair of fixing portions are connected to both sides of the holding portion so as to sandwich the holding portion, and the harness is preferably connected to the rotation support shaft in a state of being inserted through the first opening and the second opening.

[0018] According to such a configuration, since the holding portion of the support member holds the rotation support shaft and the pair of fixing portions connected to both sides of the holding member are fixed to the skeletal member, it is possible to stably hold the rotation support shaft. Moreover, since the harness is connected to the rotation support shaft in a state of being inserted through the first opening of the skeletal member and the second opening of the holding portion, it is possible to maintain the state in which the harness is connected to the rotation support shaft even during the rotation of the door mirror main body portion and the mirror base.

[0019] In the above door mirror structure, the support member preferably further has a rib that connects the holding portion and the fixing portion.

[0020] According to such a configuration, in the support member, by further having a rib that connects the holding portion and the fixing portion, it is possible to improve the support rigidity of the mirror unit and further suppress a decrease in the load transmission function of the skeletal member.

[0021] In the above door mirror structure, it is preferable that the skeleton member is a belt line rain extending in the vehicle front-rear direction along the belt line at the lower edge of the window of the side door.

[0022] According to such a configuration, by fixing the mirror unit to the belt line rain generally used in the conventional door structure, the above door mirror structure can be widely adopted in the conventional door structure.

[0023] In the above door mirror structure, it is preferable that the support member is manufactured by aluminum die casting.

[0024] According to such a configuration, since aluminum die casting has good formability and can manufacture a support member with a sufficient thickness, it is possible to manufacture a support member with high rigidity.

[0025] In the above door mirror structure, it is preferable that the rotation support shaft is fixed to the base end portion of the mirror base and is rotatable about the axis of the rotation support shaft together with the mirror base by receiving the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit.

[0026] According to such a configuration, by the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit, the mirror base can be rotated only by rotating the rotation support shaft, and the door mirror structure is simplified.

[0027] In the above door mirror structure, the skeleton member is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and has a first ridge line extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the support member may be fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line in the skeleton member, respectively.

[0028] According to such a configuration, the skeleton member is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and has a first ridge line extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the rigidity of the portion along the first ridge line is high. Since the support members are fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line in the skeleton member, respectively, the support rigidity of the mirror unit is improved.

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the door mirror structure of the present invention, it is possible to satisfactorily achieve both effective suppression of the vibration of the mirror during vehicle travel and improvement of visibility from the interior of the vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] In FIGS. 1 to 2, a side door 1 of a vehicle to which the door mirror structure of the present invention is applied is shown. In this side door 1, the door mirror 2 is disposed near the belt line BL at the upper end 3a of the door panel 3 and on the vehicle rear side of the A pillar 4. A door glass 6 is disposed in a door opening 5 surrounded by the A pillar 4 and the belt line BL.

[0033] The door mirror structure in the side door 1 of the vehicle according to the present embodiment is a structure in which an electrically retractable door mirror 2 is attached to the side door 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. Specifically, the door mirror structure mainly includes a mirror unit 16 including the above-mentioned door mirror 2, a belt line rain 21 which is a skeleton member provided in the side door 1, and a support member 22 which fixes the mirror unit 16 to the belt line rain 21.

[0034] The mirror unit 16 includes a door mirror main body 11 and a mirror base 12 that constitute the door mirror 2, a pivot shaft 24 (see FIGS. 12 to 13) that rotatably supports the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2, and an electric rotation unit 13 for moving the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12. The electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the door mirror structure of the present embodiment further includes a cover member 27 provided on the outside of the side door 1.

[0036] Hereinafter, each component of the door mirror structure will be sequentially described. First, each component of the mirror unit 16 (the door mirror main body 11, the mirror base 12, the pivot shaft 24, and the electric rotation unit 13) will be described.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the door mirror main body 11 has a mirror 14 for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle and a housing 15. The mirror 14 is an optical mirror that reflects light and is held on the rear surface of the housing 15 (specifically, the surface facing the rear side in the state of the mirror use position P1 in FIG. 3). Further, inside the housing 15 of the door mirror main body 11, internal devices 37 (see FIG. 13) such as a mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the angles of the mirror 14 in the vertical direction Z and the vehicle width direction Y or a defrosting unit for the mirror 14 are housed.

[0038] The mirror base 12 is a part that constitutes the arm portion of the door mirror 2 and has a tip portion 12b fixed to the door mirror main body 11 and a base end portion 12a spaced apart from the tip portion 12b, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0039] More specifically, the door mirror main body 11 is fixed to the tip portion 12b of the mirror base 12 so that the mirror 14 and the mirror base 12 extend substantially in parallel.

[0040] The proximal end portion 12a of the mirror base 12 pivotally attaches the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 to a pivot shaft 24 so as to be movable between a mirror use position P1 where the mirror 14 is visible from inside the vehicle compartment and a storage position P2 located inside the vehicle width direction Y from the mirror use position P1.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the pivot shaft 24 shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 is connected to the proximal end portion 12a of the mirror base 12 and is fixed to the proximal end portion 12a in the present embodiment. With this configuration, the pivot shaft 24 pivotally supports the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 around the axis S of the pivot shaft 24 so as to be rotatable between the mirror use position P1 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) and the storage position P2 (see FIGS. 4 and 6). As shown in FIG. 13, the pivot shaft 24 is disposed so as to pass between the support member 22 and the belt line rain 21.

[0042] The pivot shaft 24 extends from the proximal end portion 12a into the side door 1 and is rotated by the electric rotation unit 13.

[0043] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, a through hole 26 is formed in a door panel 3 (outer panel) that constitutes the outer surface of the side door 1. The pivot shaft 24 is coaxially connected to an output shaft 35 (see FIG. 13) of an electric rotation unit 13 disposed in a space portion 20 inside the side door 1 through the through hole 26 of the door panel 3.

[0044] The electric rotation unit 13 is configured to move the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the electric rotation unit 13 includes a casing 31, a motor 32, a speed reducer 33 that decelerates the generated torque of the motor 32, a torque limiter 34, and an output shaft 35 that outputs a rotational driving force. The above-described motor 32, speed reducer 33, torque limiter 34, and output shaft 35 are housed in the casing 31. Further, the casing 31 also houses a rotation support shaft 24 and a bearing 36 that rotatably supports the rotation support shaft 24. Therefore, the motor 32, speed reducer 33, torque limiter 34, and output shaft 35, which are the main components of the electric rotation unit 13, are arranged on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24. The output shaft 35 is rotatably connected integrally with the rotation support shaft 24. Thereby, it is possible to rotate around the axis S of the rotation support shaft 24 together with the mirror base 12 by receiving the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13.

[0045] In addition, when excessive torque is generated on the rotation support shaft 24 during the operation of the motor 31, the torque limiter 34 can block the transmission of torque to suppress the load on the motor 32.

[0046] As the bearing 36, a ball bearing or a roller bearing that supports the rotation support shaft 24 with low rotational resistance is preferable.

[0047] The electric rotation unit 13 is fixed to the belt line rain 21 by a support member 22.

[0048] The belt line rain 21 is provided inside the side door 1 and is a skeletal member that constitutes the skeleton of the side door 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the belt line rain 21 is fixed to the door inner 7 (see FIGS. 7 and 13) inside the side door 1 so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction X along the belt line BL at the lower edge of the window of the side door 1 (that is, the lower edge of the door opening 5 where the door glass 6 is arranged). The belt line rain 21 of the present embodiment is made of an aluminum extrusion material.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the belt line rain 21 of this embodiment includes a first ridge line 211, a second ridge line 212, and a third ridge line 213 that are located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction of the belt line rain 21 and extend parallel to each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. The first ridge line 211 is located between the second ridge line 212 and the third ridge line 213 and is at the outermost position in the vehicle width direction Y2. That is, the first ridge line 211 forms the outermost protruding ridge line on the surface facing the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction of the belt line rain 21, has the highest rigidity, and is a part that is strong against the impact during a side collision of the vehicle.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 to 12, the support member 22 has a semi-cylindrical holding portion 22a, a pair of fixing portions 22b provided on both sides of the holding portion 22a in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, and a pair of ribs 22d that connect the holding portion 22a and the pair of fixing portions 22b, respectively. The support member 22 is manufactured by aluminum die casting. That is, the above-described holding portion 22a, the pair of fixing portions 22b, and the ribs 22d are integrally formed.

[0051] The holding portion 22a holds the rotation support shaft 24 in a state of surrounding the outer periphery of the rotation support shaft 24. Specifically, the holding portion 22a holds the electric rotation unit 13 and the casing 31 in which the rotation support shaft 24 is housed in a surrounding state.

[0052] The pair of fixing portions 22b are connected to both sides (both sides in the vehicle longitudinal direction X) of the holding portion 22a so as to sandwich the holding portion 22a. The pair of fixing portions 22b are fastened to the belt line rain 21 by bolts 28. In this embodiment, the pair of fixing portions 22b are fixed to the belt line rain 21 at positions on both sides of a first opening 21a described later. Thereby, the support member 22 can fix the mirror unit 16 to the belt line rain 21.

[0053] The rib 22d is a triangular plate-shaped portion, and by connecting the holding portion 22a and the fixing portion 22b, the rigidity of the support member 22 is improved.

[0054] Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the door structure of the present embodiment further includes a harness 25 connected to the rotation support shaft 24 at a portion where the support member 22 and the belt line rain 21 overlap in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction C of the rotation support shaft 24. As shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the harness 25 extends from the space portion 20 in the side door 1 to the door mirror main body portion 11 and is electrically connected to internal devices 37 (such as a mirror adjustment unit) inside the door mirror main body portion 11.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 to 13, the belt line rain 21 has a first opening 21a through which the harness 25 is inserted at a portion overlapping the support member 22, that is, at a position facing the holding portion 22a of the support member 22. The first opening 21a is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge line 211 of the belt line rain 21.

[0056] The size of the first opening 21a is such that the harness 25 does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening 21a during the rotation of the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12, even if the harness 25 turns in the vehicle longitudinal direction X as the rotation support shaft 24 rotates, the harness 25 does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening 21a.

[0057] The pair of fixing portions 22b of the support member 22 are fixed to the belt line rain 21 at positions on both sides of the first opening 21a in the direction along the first ridge line 211 (that is, the vehicle longitudinal direction X), that is, at positions above and below the first ridge line 211. Specifically, the pair of fixing portions 22b are fixed to the upper portion 21b of the first ridge line 211 and the flange portion 21c below the first ridge line 211 on the outer surface of the belt line rain 21 with bolts 28.

[0058] The holding portion 22a has a second opening 22c facing the first opening 21a of the belt line rain 21.

[0059] Further, a third opening 31a is formed in the casing 31 of the electric rotation unit 13 at a position facing the above-described first opening 21a. Further, the rotation support shaft 24 of the present embodiment is in a hollow cylindrical shape, and a fourth opening 24a is formed at a position on the circumferential surface thereof facing the above-described third opening 31a.

[0060] Therefore, the harness 25 is connected to the rotation support shaft 24 in a state of being inserted through the first opening 21a and the second opening 22c. Specifically, the harness 25 passes from the inside of the side door 1 through the first opening 21a of the belt line 21, the second opening 22c of the holding portion 22a of the support member 22, the third opening 31a of the casing 31, and the fourth opening 24a of the rotation support shaft 24, and extends inside the rotation support shaft 24 (refer to the portion 25a where the harness 25 in FIG. 12 extends upward through the inside of the rotation support shaft 24). Further, the harness 25 extends through the rotation support shaft 24 and the inside of the mirror base 12 to the internal device 37 inside the door mirror main body 11, and is electrically connected to the internal device 37.

[0061] In the door mirror structure of the present embodiment, since the holding portion 22a of the support member 22 has a semi-cylindrical shape, even when the harness 25 is routed as described above, the casing 31 can be inserted into the holding portion 22a of the support member from above without the harness 25 interfering with the holding portion 22a.

[0062] The cover member 27 is configured to cover the gap between the through hole 26 and the rotation support shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, the casing 31 of the electric rotation unit 13 in which the rotation support shaft 24 is housed and the holding portion 22a of the support member 22 that covers the casing 31 are exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the through hole 26 of the door panel 3. The cover member 27 covers the casing 31 that houses the rotation support shaft 24 and the holding portion 22a from the outside and covers the gap between the through hole 26 and the holding portion 22a below the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12.

[0063] In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, in order to improve the visibility from the vehicle interior, the door mirror main body 11 of the present embodiment is configured such that, in a state where it is in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the inner surface 11b facing the side door 1 side of the door mirror main body 11 is orthogonal to the surface of the mirror 14 and is inclined outward of the vehicle with respect to a virtual line L1 passing through the inner end portion 11a on the side door 1 side of the door mirror main body 11 (that is, inclined in a direction away from the side door 1). That is, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 extends along a line L2 that is inclined outward of the vehicle with respect to the virtual line L1 starting from the inner end portion 11a of the door mirror main body 11. In other words, the door mirror main body 11 shown in FIG. 14 is configured such that, in a state where it is in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the thickness in the front-rear direction X of the door mirror main body 11 becomes smaller (tapered) as it goes from the intermediate position in the vehicle width direction Y of the door mirror main body 11 toward the inner end portion 11a on the side door 1 side in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0064] By adopting such a shape of the door mirror main body 11, as shown in FIG. 15, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 does not block the view from the vehicle interior. As a result, it becomes possible to widely secure the visibility in the space S1 in front of the door mirror main body 11, that is, the space S1 surrounded by the inner end portion 11a of the door mirror main body 11, the A-pillar 4, and the belt line BL, and the visibility is improved.

[0065] For reference, as a comparative example of the present invention, in a structure in which an electric rotation unit (not shown) is housed in the door mirror main body 51 like the door mirror 50 shown in FIG. 16, since the front-rear width of the door mirror main body 51 becomes large, as the front-rear width increases, the inner surface 51b of the door mirror main body 51 becomes visible in the view from the vehicle interior. For this reason, it can be seen that the visibility in the space S2 in front of the door mirror main body 51, that is, the space S2 surrounded by the inner end portion 51a of the door mirror main body 51, the A-pillar 4, and the belt line BL becomes narrow, and thus the visibility is lowered.

[0066] (Features of this embodiment) (1) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the door mirror structure on the side door 1 of the vehicle includes, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, a mirror unit 16, a belt line rain 21 which is a skeletal member provided inside the side door 1, and a support member 22 for fixing the mirror unit 16 to the belt line rain 21.

[0067] The mirror unit 16 has a door mirror main body 11 having a mirror 14 for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle, a tip portion 12b fixed to the door mirror main body 11, and a base end portion 12a spaced apart from the tip portion 12b. A mirror base 12, a pivot shaft 24 (see FIGS. 12 to 13) connected to the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12 for rotatably supporting the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 between a mirror use position P1 where the mirror 14 is visible and a storage position P2 located inside the vehicle width direction Y from the mirror use position P1, and an electric rotation unit 13 for rotating the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 around the axis S of the pivot shaft 24 to move between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2. The electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1.

[0068] According to such a configuration, in a configuration including the mirror unit 16 including the door mirror main body 11, the mirror base 12, the pivot shaft 24, and the electric rotation unit 13 for rotating the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 around the axis S of the pivot shaft 24, since the electric rotation unit 13 which is a heavy object in the mirror unit 16 is disposed inside the side door 1, the vertical moment Z generated in the door mirror 2 due to the road surface input during vehicle travel (that is, the vibration and external force mainly in the vertical direction Z caused by the unevenness of the road surface) is reduced, and the vibration of the mirror 14 can be suppressed. Further, since the support member 22 fixes the mirror unit 16 including the electric rotation unit 13 to the belt line rain 21 which is a skeletal member, the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16 is improved, and as a result, the vibration of the mirror 14 can be effectively suppressed.

[0069] Moreover, since the electric rotating unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1, the front-rear width of the door mirror main body 11 can be reduced as compared with the conventional door mirror structure in which the electric rotating unit 13 is housed in the door mirror main body 11, and the visibility from the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0070] Also, in the above configuration, the electric rotating unit 13 moves the mirror base 12 together with the door mirror main body 11 from the mirror use position P1 to the storage position P2. Therefore, in the state where the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are moved to the storage position P2, the protruding amount of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 protruding in the vehicle width direction Y from the side surface of the side door 1 can be reduced, so that the vehicle width dimension can be minimized.

[0071] (2) In the door mirror structure of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the rotation support shaft 24 is disposed so as to pass between the support member 22 and the belt line 21. The door mirror structure further includes a harness 25 connected to the rotation support shaft 24 at a portion where the support member 22 and the belt line 21 overlap in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction C of the rotation support shaft 24. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 to 13, the belt line 21 has a first opening 21a through which the harness 25 is inserted at a portion overlapping the support member 22. The size of the first opening 21a is such that the harness 25 does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening 21a during the rotation of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12. The support member 22 has a pair of fixing portions 22b fixed to the belt line 21 at positions on both sides of the first opening 21a.

[0072] According to such a configuration, in the configuration where the harness 25 connected to the rotation support shaft 24 is inserted into the first opening 21a of the belt line rain 21, the size of the first opening 21a is such that the harness 25 does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening 21a during the rotation of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12. Therefore, when the electric rotation unit 13 is operated, as shown in FIG. 12, even if the harness 25 rotates in the vehicle longitudinal direction X along with the rotation of the rotation support shaft 24, it is possible to suppress the harness 25 connected to the rotation support shaft 24 from contacting the inner peripheral edge of the first opening 21a of the belt line rain 21. At the same time, by fixing the pair of fixing portions 22b of the support member 22 to both sides of the first opening 21a, the load transmission function (specifically, the load transmission function in the vehicle longitudinal direction X) is supported, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the load transmission function of the belt line rain 21 during a side impact of the vehicle.

[0073] (3) In the door mirror structure of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the belt line rain 21 includes a first ridge line 211 that is located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction of the belt line rain 21 and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction X. The first opening 21a is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge line 211. The pair of fixing portions 22b of the support member 22 are respectively fixed to the belt line rain 21 at positions on both sides of the first opening 21a in the direction along the first ridge line 211 and at upper and lower positions on both sides of the first ridge line 211.

[0074] According to such a configuration, the belt line rain gutter 21 includes a first ridge line 211 that is located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction of the belt line rain gutter 21 and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, and the rigidity of the portion along the first ridge line 211 (that is, the portion that protrudes toward the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction at the position of the first ridge line 211) is increased. Since the pair of fixing portions of the support member 22 are respectively fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line 211 in the belt line rain gutter 21, the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16 is improved. On the other hand, a first opening 21a is formed in the belt line rain gutter 21 at a position intersecting the first ridge line 211. However, since the pair of fixing portions 22b of the support member 22 are respectively fixed to the belt line rain gutter 21 at positions on both sides of the first opening 21a in the direction along the first ridge line 211 and at positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line 211, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the load transmission function of the belt line rain gutter 21 during a side collision of the vehicle.

[0075] (4) In the door mirror structure of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12 to 13, the support member 22 further has a holding portion 22a that holds the rotation support shaft 24 in a state of surrounding the outer periphery of the rotation support shaft 24. The holding portion 22a has a second opening 22c facing the first opening 21a of the belt line rain gutter 21. The pair of fixing portions 22b are connected to both sides of the holding portion 22a so as to sandwich the holding portion 22a. The harness 25 is connected to the rotation support shaft 24 in a state of being inserted through the first opening 21a and the second opening 22c.

[0076] According to such a configuration, since the holding portion 22a of the support member 22 holds the rotation support shaft 24 and the pair of fixing portions 22b connected to both sides of the holding portion 22a member are fixed to the belt line rain gutter 21, it is possible to stably hold the rotation support shaft 24. Moreover, since the harness 25 is connected to the rotation support shaft 24 in a state of being inserted through the first opening 21a of the belt line rain gutter 21 and the second opening 22c of the holding portion 22a, it is possible to maintain the state in which the harness 25 is connected to the rotation support shaft 24 even during the rotation of the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12.

[0077] (5) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 12, the support member 22 further has a rib 22d that connects the holding portion 22a and the fixing portion 22b. According to such a configuration, in the support member 22, by further having the rib 22d that connects the holding portion 22a and the fixing portion 22b, it is possible to improve the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16 and further suppress the decrease in the load transmission function of the belt line rain 21.

[0078] (6) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, as the skeletal member, a belt line rain 21 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction X along the belt line BL at the lower edge of the window of the side door 1 is adopted.

[0079] According to such a configuration, by fixing the mirror unit 16 to the belt line rain 21 generally used in the conventional door structure, it becomes possible to widely adopt the above door mirror structure in the conventional door structure.

[0080] (7) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the support member 22 is manufactured by aluminum die casting. According to such a configuration, since aluminum die casting has good formability and can manufacture a support member 22 with a sufficient thickness, it is possible to manufacture a support member 22 with high rigidity. Moreover, since the support member 22 made of aluminum die casting has high rigidity, a high vibration suppression effect can be obtained.

[0081] (8) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the rotation support shaft 24 is fixed to the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12, and is rotatable about the axis S of the rotation support shaft 24 together with the mirror base 12 by receiving the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13.

[0082] According to such a configuration, by the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13, it becomes possible to rotate the mirror base 12 simply by rotating the rotation support shaft 24, and the door mirror structure becomes simple.

[0083] (9) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, since the electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1, it is possible to protect the electric rotation unit 13 from foreign objects outside the vehicle by the door panel 3 that constitutes the outer surface of the side door 1. Note that the electric rotation unit 13 may be disposed outside the side door 1, but in that case, a large cover member or the like for protecting the electric rotation unit 13 is required.

[0084] (10) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 (specifically, the motor 32, the speed reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35 which are main components) is disposed on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24.

[0085] According to such a configuration, since the electric rotation unit 13 is disposed on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24, it is possible to make the configuration of the power transmission system from the electric rotation unit 13 to the rotation support shaft 24 simple and compact. Thereby, it becomes possible to install the electric rotation unit 13 in the limited space inside the side door 1.

[0086] (11) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, a through hole 26 through which the rotation support shaft 24 passes is formed in the door panel 3 that constitutes the outer surface of the side door 1. The door mirror structure further includes a cover member 27 that covers the gap between the through hole 26 and the rotation support shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0087] According to such a configuration, since the cover member 27 covers the gap between the through hole 26 of the door panel 3 and the rotation support shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle, the appearance of the vehicle is improved and it becomes possible to prevent water from entering the door panel 3 through the gap.

[0088] (12) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the belt line rain 21 is formed of an aluminum extrusion material.

[0089] According to such a configuration, since the belt line rain gutter 21 is made of an aluminum extrusion material, it is possible to achieve both ensuring the support rigidity of the electric rotation unit 13 and reducing the weight of the vehicle.

[0090] (13) In the door mirror structure of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, in a state where the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the inner surface 11b facing the side door 1 side of the door mirror main body 11 is orthogonal to the surface of the mirror and is configured to be inclined outward of the vehicle with respect to an imaginary line L1 passing through the inner end 11a of the door mirror main body 11.

[0091] In such a configuration, since the door mirror main body 11 is configured to be inclined outward of the vehicle with respect to the imaginary line L1 where the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 is orthogonal to the surface of the mirror in a state where the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 does not block the view from the vehicle interior. As a result, it is possible to maximize the visibility from the vehicle interior and further improve the visibility.

[0092] (14) In the door mirror structure of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, in a state where the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the thickness of the door mirror main body 11 in the front-rear direction X becomes smaller as it goes from the intermediate position in the vehicle width direction Y of the door mirror main body 11 toward the inner end 11a on the side door 1 side in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0093] In such a configuration, since the thickness of the door mirror main body 11 in the front-rear direction X becomes smaller as it goes from the intermediate position in the vehicle width direction Y toward the inner end 11a in the vehicle width direction Y in a state where the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 does not block the view from the vehicle interior. As a result, it is possible to maximize the visibility from the vehicle interior and further improve the visibility.

[0094] (Modification) (A) In the above embodiment, the pivot shaft 24 is fixed to the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12 and is rotatable about the axis S of the pivot shaft 24 together with the mirror base 12 by receiving the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto. The present invention only requires that the pivot shaft 24 be connected to the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12 and the electric rotation unit 13 be configured to rotate the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 about the axis S of the pivot shaft 24. Therefore, as a modification of the present invention, the pivot shaft 24 may be a fixed shaft that does not rotate, the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12 may be attached to the pivot shaft 24 so as to be relatively rotatable, and the electric rotation unit 13 may be configured to directly rotate the mirror base 12 without passing through the pivot shaft 24.

[0095] (B) In the above embodiment, the first opening 21a is formed so as to intersect the first ridge line 211 of the belt line rain 21, which is a skeletal member. However, the first opening 21a is formed for the purpose of passing the harness 25 and is not an essential configuration of the present invention. Therefore, the belt line rain 21 may be configured without the first opening 21a. That is, as another modification of the present invention, as a configuration without the first opening 21a, the belt line rain 21 may be provided with a first ridge line 211 that is located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, and the support member 22 may be fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line 211 in the belt line rain 21, respectively. Even with this configuration, the belt line rain 21 is provided with a first ridge line 211 that is located on the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, and the rigidity of the portion along the first ridge line 211 is increased. Since the support member 22 is fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line 211 in the belt line rain 21, respectively, the support rigidity of the mirror unit 16 is improved.

[0096] (C) The mirror in the present invention includes various means as long as they are means for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle. For example, in addition to the optical mirror 14 that obtains a rear view by reflecting light from the rear of the vehicle as in the above embodiment, a so-called digital mirror in which a television camera is provided in the door mirror main body 11 and a rear view can be obtained by the television camera is also included in the concept of the mirror of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0097] 1 Side door 2 Door mirror 3 Door panel 11 Door mirror main body 12 Mirror base 12a Base end 12b Tip 13 Electric rotation unit 14 Mirror 21 Belt line (skeletal member) 21a First opening 22 Support member 22a Holding part 22b Fixing part 22c Second opening 22d Rib 24 Rotation support shaft 31 Casing 32 Motor 33 Reducer 34 Torque limiter 35 Output shaft 36 Bearing 211 First ridge line BL Belt line P1 Mirror use position P2 Storage position

Claims

1. A door mirror structure for a side door of a vehicle, comprising: a mirror unit; a skeletal member provided inside the side door; and a support member for fixing the mirror unit to the skeletal member. The mirror unit includes: a door mirror main body having a mirror for obtaining a rear view of the vehicle; a mirror base having a tip end fixed to the door mirror main body and a base end spaced apart from the tip end; a pivot shaft connected to the base end of the mirror base for rotatably supporting the door mirror main body and the mirror base between a mirror use position where the mirror is visible from inside the vehicle compartment and a storage position located inward in the vehicle width direction from the mirror use position; and an electric rotation unit for rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base about the axis of the pivot shaft to move between the mirror use position and the storage position. The electric rotation unit is disposed inside the side door. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

2. In the door mirror structure according to Claim 1, the pivot shaft is disposed so as to pass between the support member and the skeletal member, and further includes a harness connected to the pivot shaft at a portion where the support member and the skeletal member overlap in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the pivot shaft; the skeletal member has a first opening through which the harness is inserted at a portion overlapping the support member; the size of the first opening is such that the harness does not contact the inner peripheral edge of the first opening during rotation of the door mirror main body and the mirror base; and the support member has a pair of fixing portions fixed to the skeletal member at positions on both sides of the first opening. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

3. In the door mirror structure according to Claim 2, the skeletal member includes a first ridge line located outside the skeletal member in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; the first opening is formed at a position intersecting the first ridge line; and the pair of fixing portions of the support member are fixed to the skeletal member at positions on both sides of the first opening in a direction along the first ridge line and at upper and lower positions on both sides of the first ridge line, respectively. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

4. In the door mirror structure according to Claim 2 or 3, ​ ​ ​ The support member has a second opening facing the first opening of the skeleton member, and further has a holding portion that holds the rotation support shaft in a state surrounding the outer periphery of the rotation support shaft. The pair of fixing portions are connected to both sides of the holding portion so as to sandwich the holding portion. The harness is connected to the rotation support shaft in a state of being inserted through the first opening and the second opening. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

5. In the door mirror structure according to claim 4, The support member further has a rib that connects the holding portion and the fixing portion. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

6. In the door mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The skeleton member is a belt line that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction along the belt line at the lower edge of the window of the side door. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

7. In the door mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The support member is manufactured by aluminum die casting. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

8. In the door mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The rotation support shaft is fixed to the base end portion of the mirror base, and is rotatable about the axis of the rotation support shaft together with the mirror base by receiving a rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

9. In the door mirror structure according to claim 1, The skeleton member is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and has a first ridge line extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The support member is fixed to positions on both the upper and lower sides of the first ridge line in the skeleton member, respectively. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

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