Door mirror structure

Abstract

To provide door mirror structure which can materialize suppression of vibration of a mirror during travelling of a vehicle and improvement in visibility from a vehicle compartment, furthermore vehicle width reduction during storage of the mirror and improvement in appearance and avoidance of contact with an object present outside the vehicle.SOLUTION: Door mirror structure 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 positioned 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 11 and the mirror base 12 between a mirror use position and a mirror storage position; and an electric turning unit 13 which turns the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 around an axis 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 mirror storage position. The electric turning unit 13 is arranged in a side door. The turning spindle 24 is arranged obliquely in such a manner that the turning spindle 24 approaches a front side of a vehicle as going upward.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In conventional door mirror structures, a door mirror structure equipped with an electric rotation unit is known, as described in Patent Document 1, in order to automatically move the door mirror between a usable position and a retracted position.

[0003] This door mirror structure includes a door mirror main body having a mirror, a mirror base that protrudes from the side door in the vehicle width direction, and an electric rotation unit housed in the door mirror main body. The mirror base has a base end and a tip end and extends in the vehicle width direction to form the arm of the door mirror. The base end of the mirror base is fixed to the side door, while the door mirror main body is attached to the tip end of the mirror base so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction.

[0004] The door mirror body can be moved between a mirror use position and a retracted position by rotating at the tip of the mirror base using the rotational driving force of the electric rotation unit housed inside. In the mirror use position, the door mirror body protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the tip of the mirror base, making the mirror visible from inside the vehicle. In the retracted position, the door mirror body extends approximately parallel to the side door. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-179680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above door mirror structure, the electric folding unit is stored inside the door mirror main body, so the vertical moment generated at the electric rotating unit position increases in proportion to the length of the mirror base, resulting in the problem of increased vibration of the mirror when the vehicle is moving.

[0007] In addition, since the electric rotation unit is housed in the door mirror main body, the front-to-rear width of the door mirror main body (i.e., the width in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle) becomes large, and there is a concern that the door mirror main body will obstruct visibility from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above structure, the base end of the mirror base is fixed to the side door and the door mirror main body rotates at the tip end of the mirror base. Therefore, in the case of vehicles with a design that requires a long width for the mirror base, even when the door mirror main body moves to the storage position when the mirror is stored, the mirror base protrudes from the outer panel, so it does not fully meet the demand to reduce the vehicle width when the mirror is stored.

[0009] Furthermore, even when the door mirror is in the retracted position, the door mirror body protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the side door, making it difficult to improve the appearance and posing a risk of the door mirror coming into contact with objects outside the vehicle.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a door mirror structure that can suppress mirror vibration while the vehicle is moving and improve visibility from inside the vehicle cabin, and that can reduce the vehicle width when the mirror is folded down, improve appearance, and avoid contact with objects outside the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The door mirror structure of the present invention is a door mirror structure for a vehicle side door equipped with an outer panel, and includes: a door mirror main body having a mirror for providing 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 from the tip end; a pivot shaft connected to the base end of the mirror base and supporting the door mirror main body and the mirror base rotatably between a mirror use position where the mirror can be seen from inside the vehicle cabin and a storage position located inward in the vehicle width direction from the mirror use position; and an electric rotation unit that rotates the door mirror main body and the mirror base about the axis of the pivot shaft to move them between the mirror use position and the storage position. a support member that fixes the electric rotating unit to the side door; The electric rotating unit is disposed in the side door, and the rotating support shaft is disposed at an angle so as to be directed toward the front of the vehicle as it goes upward. The electric rotating unit is fixed via the support member to a belt line rein extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction along the belt line of the lower edge of the window of the side door, and the support member has a front fixing portion and a rear fixing portion respectively fixed to the belt line rein at positions on both sides of the electric rotating unit in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the width of the front fixing portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction is larger than the width of the rear fixing portion. It is characterized by:

[0012] With this configuration, since the heavy electric rotating unit is arranged in the side door, the vertical moment generated in the door mirror due to road surface input (i.e., mainly vertical vibrations and external forces caused by unevenness in the road surface) while the vehicle is traveling is reduced, making it possible to suppress vibration of the mirror.

[0013] In addition, because the electric rotating unit is arranged in the side door, the front-to-rear width of the door mirror main body can be reduced compared to conventional door mirror structures in which the electric rotating unit is housed in the door mirror main body, thereby improving visibility from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described door mirror structure having a door mirror body with a mirror and a mirror base to which the door mirror body is fixed at its tip, the electric rotating unit moves the door mirror body and the mirror base from the mirror use position to the storage position. Therefore, when the door mirror body and the mirror base are moved to the storage position, the amount by which the door mirror body and the mirror base protrude in the vehicle width direction from the side of the side door can be reduced, thereby minimizing the vehicle width dimension.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above structure, the pivot shaft is inclined upward toward the front of the vehicle, so when the door mirror body is in the retracted position, the door mirror body can be retracted above the outer panel of the side door and closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction without coming into contact with the outer panel. As a result, the appearance of the vehicle when the door mirror is retracted is improved and it is also possible to prevent contact between the retracted door mirror and objects outside the vehicle. In addition, the above door mirror structure further includes a support member that fixes the electric rotating unit to the side door, and the electric rotating unit is fixed via the support member to a belt line rain that extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle along the belt line at the lower edge of the window of the side door. According to this configuration, the electric rotating unit is fixed to the belt line rein that constitutes the framework of the side door, thereby improving the support rigidity of the electric rotating unit. Furthermore, in the above door mirror structure, the support member has a front fixing portion and a rear fixing portion that are respectively fixed to the belt line rain at positions on both sides of the electric rotating unit in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction, and the width of the front fixing portion is greater than the width of the rear fixing portion in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction. The load input to the pivot shaft due to vibration of the door mirror body and mirror base while the vehicle is moving is transmitted to the belt line rain via the pivot shaft, which is tilted toward the front of the vehicle (forward tilt), and the two fixed parts of the support member, namely the front fixed part and the rear fixed part. In particular, a large amount of load is transmitted from the forward tilted pivot shaft to the front fixed part. In the above configuration, the width of the front fixed part is larger than the width of the rear fixed part in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, thereby improving the support rigidity of the door mirror.

[0016] In the door mirror structure described above, the electric rotating unit is preferably disposed inside the side door, so that the electric rotating unit can be protected from foreign objects outside the vehicle by the outer surface of the side door.

[0017] In the door mirror structure described above, it is preferable that the outer panel has a through hole through which the pivot shaft passes, and further includes a cover member that covers a gap between the through hole and the pivot shaft from the outside of the vehicle.

[0018] With this configuration, the cover member covers the gap between the through hole in the outer panel and the pivot shaft from the outside of the vehicle, improving the appearance of the vehicle and preventing water from entering the outer panel through the gap.

[0023] In the above door mirror structure, it is preferable that the belt line rain has a ridge portion extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the pivot shaft is inclined relative to the ridge portion so that the higher it goes, the more it faces the front of the vehicle.

[0024] With this configuration, the load input to the forward-tilted pivot shaft due to vibration of the door mirror body and mirror base while the vehicle is moving includes not only a vertical component but also a longitudinal component. In the above configuration, the pivot shaft is inclined so that the higher it goes toward the front of the vehicle relative to the ridge line, so it is possible to distribute the load in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the ridge line, further improving the support rigidity of the door mirror.

[0025] In the door mirror structure described above, it is preferable that the electric rotating unit is fixed to the ridgeline portion by the support member. With this configuration, since the electric rotating unit is fixed to the ridgeline portion of the belt line rain, the load transmitted to the electric rotating unit when the vehicle is traveling can be distributed in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction along the ridgeline portion, and the support rigidity of the door mirror can be further improved.

[0026] In the door mirror structure described above, it is preferable that the rotational support shaft is fixed to the base end of the mirror base and is rotatable around the axis of the rotational support shaft together with the mirror base upon receiving a rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit.

[0027] With this configuration, by rotating the pivot shaft with the electric pivot unit, the door mirror body and mirror base can be moved between the mirror use position and the mirror storage position while rotating around the pivot shaft, which makes it possible to move the door mirror body and mirror base between the mirror use position and the mirror storage position with a simple configuration. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The door mirror structure of the present invention can suppress mirror vibration while the vehicle is moving and improve visibility from inside the vehicle. Moreover, it can reduce the vehicle width when the mirror is folded down, improve the appearance, and avoid contact with objects outside the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a side door having a door mirror to which a door mirror structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the door mirror of FIG. 1 as seen from inside the vehicle interior. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the door mirror in FIG. 1 is in a mirror use position. [Figure 4] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which the door mirror in FIG. 1 is in a retracted position. [Figure 5] 2 is a view of the door mirror of FIG. 1 in a mirror use position as seen from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 6] 2 is a view of the door mirrors of FIG. 1 in a retracted position as viewed from the front of the vehicle. [Figure 7] 2 is a view of the side door of FIG. 1 with the outer panel removed to expose the belt line rain inside the side door. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged view showing a state in which a door mirror and an electric rotating unit are fixed to the belt line rein of FIG. 7. FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 8, with a cover member added. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 8, with a cover member added. [Figure 13] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the inner surface of the door mirror main body is inclined toward the vehicle exterior with respect to an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface of the mirror, in the door mirror in the mirror use position of FIG. 3. [Figure 14] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the visibility from inside the vehicle cabin is improved because the inner surface of the door mirror main body is not visible from inside the vehicle cabin when the door mirror is in the mirror use position shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 15]As a comparative example of the present invention, this figure shows a state in which, in a conventional door mirror, the front-to-rear width of the door mirror main body that houses the electric rotation unit is large, so that the inner surface of the door mirror main body is visible from inside the vehicle cabin, thereby impairing visibility from inside the vehicle cabin. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a view from the front of the vehicle showing the state in which the door mirror in FIG. 1 is in the stored position, and is an explanatory view showing that the door mirror main body is approaching the door opening without contacting the outer panel due to the forward tilt of the pivot shaft. [Figure 17] This is an explanatory diagram showing a comparative example of the present invention in which, in the case of an upright pivot shaft that is not tilted forward, the door mirror main body comes into contact with the outer panel in the stored position, making it impossible to approach the door opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] 1 and 2 show a side door 1 of a vehicle to which the door mirror structure of the present invention is applied. In this side door 1, a door mirror 2 is disposed near the belt line BL at the upper end 3a of an outer panel 3 and on the vehicle rear side of an 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. In this side door 1, the door opening 5 is located on the upper side Z1 of the outer panel 3 and on the inner side Y1 in the vehicle width direction, as shown in FIG.

[0032] 1 to 7, the door mirror structure in a vehicle side door 1 according to this embodiment is a structure in which an electrically retractable door mirror 2 is attached to the side door 1. Specifically, the door mirror structure mainly comprises a door mirror main body 11 and a mirror base 12 that constitute the door mirror 2, 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.

[0033] Furthermore, the door mirror structure of this embodiment further includes a pivot shaft 24 (see Figures 11-12) that rotatably supports the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12, a belt line rain 21 that is a skeletal member inside the side door 1, a support member 22 that fixes the electric pivot unit 13 to the belt line rain 21, and a cover member 27 provided on the exterior side of the side door 1.

[0034] Below, each component of the door mirror structure will be explained in order.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the door mirror main body 11 has a mirror 14 for providing a rearward 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 that faces rearward when the mirror is in use position P1 in Fig. 3). Inside the housing 15 of the door mirror main body 11, internal devices 37 (see Fig. 12) such as a mirror surface adjustment unit for adjusting the angle of the mirror 14 in the up-down direction Z and the vehicle width direction Y, or a defrosting unit for the mirror 14, are housed.

[0036] The mirror base 12 is a part that forms the arm of the door mirror 2, and as shown in Figures 3 to 6, has a tip end 12b fixed to the door mirror main body 11 and a base end 12a spaced apart from the tip end 12b.

[0037] More specifically, the door mirror main body 11 is fixed to the tip end 12b of the mirror base 12 so that the mirror 14 and the mirror base 12 extend substantially parallel to each other.

[0038] The base end 12a of the mirror base 12 is attached to the side door 1 so that the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 can be moved between a mirror use position P1 where the mirror 14 can be seen from inside the vehicle cabin through the door opening 5, and a storage position P2 which is located inward in the vehicle width direction Y from the mirror use position P1.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pivotal support shaft 24 shown in Figures 9 to 12 is connected to the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12, and the pivotal support shaft 24 supports the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 so that they can rotate freely between the mirror use position P1 (see Figures 3 and 5) and the storage position P2 (see Figures 4 and 6).

[0040] The rotation support shaft 24 extends from the base end portion 12 a into the side door 1 and is rotated by the electric rotation unit 13 .

[0041] 9 to 12, a through hole 26 is formed in the outer panel 3 that constitutes the outer surface of the side door 1. The rotation support shaft 24 is coaxially connected through the through hole 26 of the outer panel 3 to an output shaft 35 (see FIG. 12) described below of the electric rotation unit 13 disposed in the space 20 within the side door 1.

[0042] The electric rotation unit 13 is configured to move the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 between a mirror use position P1 and a retracted position P2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12 , the electric rotation unit 13 includes a casing 31, a motor 32, a reducer 33 that reduces the torque generated by the motor 32, a torque limiter 34, and an output shaft 35 that outputs a rotational driving force. The casing 31 accommodates the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35. The casing 31 also accommodates the rotation support shaft 24 and a bearing 36 that rotatably supports the rotation support shaft 24. Therefore, the main components of the electric rotation unit 13, namely the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35, are arranged on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24. The output shaft 35 is connected to the rotation support shaft 24 so as to be rotatable together with the rotation support shaft 24.

[0043] If excessive torque is generated on the rotary shaft 24 when the motor 31 is operating, the torque limiter 34 can cut off the transmission of the torque, thereby reducing the load on the motor 32.

[0044] The bearing 36 is preferably a ball bearing or a roller bearing that supports the rotational support shaft 24 with little rotational resistance.

[0045] The electric rotating unit 13 is fixed to the belt line rain 21 by a support member 22. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the electric rotating unit 13 is fixed to the belt line rain 21 in a state in which it is inclined so that it approaches the front X1 of the vehicle as it moves upward Z1. As a result, the rotation support shaft 24 (see Figure 8), which extends on the same axis as the electric rotating unit 13, is also inclined so that it approaches the front X1 of the vehicle as it moves upward Z1.

[0046] The belt line rain 21 is provided inside the side door 1 and is a framework member that constitutes the framework of the side door 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the belt line rain 21 is fixed to the door inner panel 7 (see Figs. 7 and 12) inside the side door 1 so as to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction X along the belt line BL at the lower edge of the window of the side door 1 (i.e., the lower edge of the door opening 5 in which the door glass 6 is arranged). The belt line rain 21 of this embodiment is made of an extruded aluminum material.

[0047] 8 and 9, the beltline rain 21 of this embodiment is located on the outer side Y2 of the beltline rain 21 in the vehicle width direction, and includes a first ridgeline portion 211, a second ridgeline portion 212, and a third ridgeline portion 213 that extend parallel to one another in the vehicle front-rear direction X. The first ridgeline portion 211 is located between the second ridgeline portion 212 and the third ridgeline portion 213 and at the outermost position Y2 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the first ridgeline portion 211 constitutes the ridgeline portion that protrudes most outward on the surface of the beltline rain 21 facing the outer side Y2 in the vehicle width direction, and is the portion with the highest rigidity and high resistance to impact during a vehicle side collision.

[0048] 8, the rotation support shaft 24 of this embodiment is inclined toward the vehicle front X1 side as it goes upward Z1 with respect to the first ridge line portion 211. Moreover, the electric rotation unit 13 is fixed to the position of the first ridge line portion 211 by the support member 22.

[0049] 8 to 12, the support member 22 specifically has a semi-cylindrical holding portion 22a, and a front fixing portion 22b1 and a rear fixing portion 22b2 provided on both sides of the holding portion 22a in the vehicle front-rear direction X. The holding portion 22a holds a casing 31 that houses the electric rotating unit 13 and the rotating support shaft 24. The front fixing portion 22b1 and the rear fixing portion 22b2 are fastened to the belt line rain 21 with bolts 28. Specifically, the front fixing portion 22b1 and the rear fixing portion 22b2 are fixed by the bolts 28 to an upper portion 21b of a first ridge portion 211 on the outer surface of the belt line rain 21 and a flange portion 21c below the first ridge portion 211.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, in the vehicle longitudinal direction X, the width W1 of the front fixing portion 22b1 is greater than the width W2 of the rear fixing portion 22b2.

[0051] In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, the harness 25 extends from the space 20 inside the side door 1 to the door mirror main body 11 and is electrically connected to internal equipment 37 (such as a mirror adjustment unit) inside the door mirror main body 11.

[0052] 11 and 12, the belt line train 21 has a first opening 21a formed in a position facing the holding portion 22a of the support member 22. The casing 31 of the electric rotating unit 13 has a second opening 31a formed in a position facing the first opening 21a. The rotation support shaft 24 of this embodiment has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a third opening 24a is formed in its circumferential surface at a position facing the second opening 31a. Therefore, the harness 25 extends from the inside of the side door 1 through the first opening 21a of the belt line train 21, the second opening 31a of the casing 31, and the third opening 24a of the rotation support shaft 24, and into the rotation support shaft 24 (see the portion 25a of the harness 25 extending upward through the inside of the rotation support shaft 24 in FIG. 11). Furthermore, the harness 25 passes through the inside of the rotation support shaft 24 and the mirror base 12 , extends to an internal device 37 inside the door mirror main body 11 , and is electrically connected to the internal device 37 .

[0053] In addition, in the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the holding portion 22a of the support member 22 has a semi-cylindrical shape, so even when the harness 25 is arranged as described above, the casing 31 can be inserted from above into the holding portion 22a of the support member without the harness 25 interfering with the holding portion 22a.

[0054] 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 Figures 9 to 12, 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 covering the casing 31 are exposed to the outside of the vehicle through the through-hole 26 of the outer panel 3. The cover member 27 is located below the base end portion 12a of the mirror base 12, and covers the casing 31 and the holding portion 22a that house the rotation support shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle, and also covers the gap between the through-hole 26 and the holding portion 22a.

[0055] 13, in order to improve visibility from within the vehicle cabin, the door mirror main body 11 of this embodiment is configured such that, when in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 facing the side door 1 is inclined toward the outside of the vehicle (i.e., inclined in the direction away from the side door 1) with respect to an imaginary line L1 that is perpendicular to the surface of the mirror 14 and passes through the inner end portion 11a of the door mirror main body 11 on the side door 1 side. In other words, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 extends along a line L2 that starts at the inner end portion 11a of the door mirror main body 11 and extends at an incline toward the outside of the vehicle with respect to the imaginary line L1. In other words, the door mirror main body 11 shown in Figure 13 is configured so that when in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the thickness of the door mirror main body 11 in the fore-and-aft direction X becomes smaller (tapered) from the middle position of the door mirror main body 11 in the vehicle width direction Y toward the inner end 11a on the side door 1 side in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0056] By shaping the door mirror main body 11 in this way, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 does not block the view from inside the vehicle cabin, as shown in Fig. 14. This makes it possible to ensure a wide view in the space S1 in front of the door mirror main body 11, i.e., the space S1 surrounded by the inner end 11a of the door mirror main body 11, the A-pillar 4, and the belt line BL, thereby improving visibility.

[0057] 15, which is a comparative example of the present invention, in which an electric rotation unit (not shown) is housed in the door mirror main body 51, the front-to-rear width of the door mirror main body 51 increases, and as the front-to-rear width increases, the inner surface 51b of the door mirror main body 51 becomes visible from within the vehicle cabin. This narrows the field of view in the space S2 in front of the door mirror main body 51, i.e., the space S2 surrounded by the inner end 51a of the door mirror main body 51, the A-pillar 4, and the belt line BL, and therefore it can be seen that visibility is reduced.

[0058] (Features of this embodiment) (1) 1 and 16, the door mirror structure of this embodiment is a door mirror structure for a vehicle side door 1 equipped with an outer panel 3. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, this door mirror structure includes a door mirror main body 11 having a mirror 14 for providing rear visibility of the vehicle, a mirror base 12 having a tip end 12b fixed to the door mirror main body 11 and a base end 12a spaced from the tip end 12b, a rotation support shaft 24 connected to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 and supporting the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 rotatably between a mirror use position P1 where the mirror 14 can be seen from inside the vehicle compartment and a storage position P2 located inward Y1 in the vehicle width direction from the mirror use position P1, and an electric rotation unit 13 that rotates the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 about the axis of the rotation support shaft 24 to move them between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2.

[0059] 7 to 12, the electric rotation unit 13 is disposed in the side door 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the rotation support shaft 24 is disposed so as to be inclined upward Z1 toward the front X1 of the vehicle.

[0060] With this configuration, the heavy electric rotating unit 13 is arranged on the side door 1, so the vertical moment generated in the door mirror due to road surface input (i.e., mainly vertical vibrations and external forces caused by unevenness in the road surface) while the vehicle is traveling is reduced, making it possible to suppress vibration of the mirror.

[0061] In addition, since the electric rotating unit 13 is arranged in the side door 1, the front-to-rear width of the door mirror main body 11 can be reduced compared to conventional door mirror structures in which the electric rotating unit 13 is housed in the door mirror main body 11, thereby improving visibility from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described door mirror structure including the door mirror main body 11 having the mirror 14 and the mirror base 12 to which the door mirror main body 11 is fixed at the tip 12b, 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, when the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are moved to the storage position P2, the amount by which the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 protrude from the side surface of the side door 1 in the vehicle width direction Y can be reduced, making it possible to minimize the vehicle width dimension.

[0063] Furthermore, in the above structure, as shown in FIG. 8, the pivot shaft 24 is inclined upward (Z1) toward the vehicle front (X1). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, when the door mirror main body 11 is in the storage position P2, the door mirror main body 11 is spaced above (Z1) the outer panel 3 of the side door 1, ensuring a gap δ between the door mirror main body 11 and the outer panel 3. Therefore, in the storage position P2, the door mirror main body 11 can be stored above (Z1) and closer to the outer panel 3 in the vehicle width direction (Y1) (in this embodiment, toward the door opening 5) without contacting the outer panel 3. This improves the appearance of the vehicle when the door mirrors are stored, and also makes it possible to prevent contact between the stored door mirrors 2 and objects outside the vehicle. This effect can also be achieved in the side doors of two-door vehicles and open-top cars that do not have a door opening 5.

[0064] 16, Fig. 17 shows a comparative example of the present invention in which the door mirror main body 11 is in the storage position P2 when the pivot shaft 24 is upright and not inclined toward the front of the vehicle (not tilted forward). In Fig. 17 of this comparative example, the door mirror main body 11 moves horizontally at the same height from the mirror use position P1 to the storage position P2, and therefore, at the storage position P2, the door mirror main body 11 comes into contact with the outer panel 3 and cannot approach the outer panel 3 above Z1 or inward in the vehicle width direction Y1 (specifically, to the door opening 5), making it difficult to improve the appearance.

[0065] (2) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the electric rotating unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1, so the electric rotating unit 13 can be protected from foreign objects outside the vehicle by the outer panel 3 that forms the outer surface of the side door 1. The electric rotating unit 13 may also be disposed outside the side door 1, but in that case, a large cover member or the like to protect the electric rotating unit 13 would be required.

[0066] (3) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, a through hole 26 through which the pivot shaft 24 passes is formed in the outer panel 3 that forms 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 pivot shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle.

[0067] According to this configuration, the cover member 27 covers the gap between the through hole 26 of the outer panel 3 and the pivot support shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle, thereby improving the appearance of the vehicle and preventing water from entering the outer panel 3 through the gap.

[0068] (4) The door mirror structure of this embodiment further includes a support member 22 that fixes the electric rotating unit 13 to the side door 1. The electric rotating unit 13 is fixed via the support member 22 to a belt line rein 21, which is a framework member that is provided inside the side door 1 and that forms the framework of the side door 1.

[0069] According to this configuration, the electric rotating unit 13 is fixed to the belt line rein 21, which is a framework member that constitutes the framework of the side door 1, thereby improving the support rigidity of the electric rotating unit 13. Also, by fixing the electric rotating unit 13 to the belt line rein 21 that is generally used in conventional door structures, the door mirror structure can be widely adopted in conventional door structures.

[0070] (5) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the belt line rain 21 is made of an aluminum extrusion material. With this configuration, since the belt line rain 21 is made of an aluminum extrusion material, it is possible to ensure the support rigidity of the electric rotating unit 13 while also achieving a reduction in the vehicle weight.

[0071] (6) 8 and 11, in the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the support member 22 includes a front fixing portion 22b1 and a rear fixing portion 22b2 that are fixed to the belt line rain 21 at positions on both sides of the electric rotating unit 13 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the vehicle longitudinal direction X, the width W1 of the front fixing portion 22b1 is larger than the width W2 of the rear fixing portion 22b2.

[0072] When the vehicle is traveling, the load input to the pivot shaft 24 due to vibration of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 is transmitted to the belt line rain 21 via the pivot shaft 24, which is inclined (tilted forward) toward the front X1 of the vehicle, and the two fixed portions of the support member 22, namely the front fixed portion 22b1 and the rear fixed portion 22b2. In particular, a large amount of the load is transmitted from the forward-tilted pivot shaft 24 to the front fixed portion 22b1. In the above configuration, the width W1 of the front fixed portion 22b1 is larger than the width W2 of the rear fixed portion 22b2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction X, thereby improving the support rigidity of the door mirror.

[0073] (7) 8 and 9, in the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the belt line rain 21 has a first ridge portion 211 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction X. The rotation support shaft 24 is inclined relative to the first ridge portion 211 so that the rotation support shaft 24 is inclined toward the vehicle front X1 side as it goes upward Z1.

[0074] With this configuration, the load input to the forward-tilted pivot shaft 24 due to vibration of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 while the vehicle is traveling includes not only a vertical component but also a component in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction X. In the above configuration, the pivot shaft 24 is inclined toward the vehicle's front X1 as it moves upward Z1 with respect to the first ridge line 211. This makes it possible to distribute the load in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction X along which the first ridge line 211 extends, thereby further improving the support rigidity of the door mirror.

[0075] (8) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the electric rotating unit 13 is fixed to the position of the first ridge line 211 by the support member 22. With this configuration, the electric rotating unit 13 is fixed to the position of the first ridge line 211 of the belt line rein 21, so that the load transmitted to the electric rotating unit 13 when the vehicle is traveling can be distributed in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction X along which the first ridge line 211 extends, and the support rigidity of the door mirror can be further improved.

[0076] (9) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the pivot shaft 24 is fixed to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 and is capable of rotating around the axis of the pivot shaft 24 together with the mirror base 12 upon receiving a rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13.

[0077] With this configuration, by rotating the rotation support shaft 24 with the electric rotation unit 13, it is possible to move the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2 while rotating them about the rotation support shaft 24. Therefore, it is possible to realize the movement of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2 with a simple configuration.

[0078] (10) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 (specifically, the main components, that is, the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, and the output shaft 35) is arranged on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24.

[0079] According to this configuration, the electric rotating unit 13 is disposed on the axis of the rotating support shaft 24, which makes it possible to simplify and compact the configuration of the power transmission system from the electric rotating unit 13 to the rotating support shaft 24. This makes it possible to install the electric rotating unit 13 in the limited space inside the side door 1.

[0080] (11) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, when the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, in a plan view, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 facing the side door 1 is perpendicular to the surface of the mirror 14 and is inclined toward the outside of the vehicle with respect to an imaginary line L1 passing through the inner end 11a of the door mirror main body 11.

[0081] In this configuration, when the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 is configured to be inclined toward the outside of the vehicle with respect to the imaginary line L1 perpendicular to the surface of the mirror, so that the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 does not obstruct the view from inside the vehicle cabin. As a result, it is possible to maximize and further improve visibility from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0082] (12) In the door mirror structure of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, when the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, the thickness of the door mirror main body 11 in the fore-and-aft direction X in a plan view is configured to decrease from the middle position of the door mirror main body 11 in the vehicle width direction Y toward the inner end 11a on the side door 1 side in the vehicle width direction Y.

[0083] In this configuration, when the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, the thickness of the door mirror main body 11 in the front-rear direction X decreases from the middle position in the vehicle width direction Y toward the inner end 11a in the vehicle width direction Y, so that the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 does not obstruct the view from inside the vehicle compartment. As a result, visibility from inside the vehicle compartment can be maximized and further improved.

[0084] (Variation) (A) In the above embodiment, the rotational support shaft 24 is fixed to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 and is rotatable together with the mirror base 12 about the axis S of the rotational support shaft 24 (see FIG. 12 ) by receiving a rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The present invention may be configured so long as the rotational support shaft 24 is connected to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 and the electric rotation unit 13 rotates the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 about the axis S of the rotational support shaft 24. Therefore, as a modified example of the present invention, the rotational support shaft 24 may be a stationary shaft that does not rotate, the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 is attached so as to be rotatable relative to the rotational support shaft 24, and the electric rotation unit 13 may directly rotate the mirror base 12 without going through the rotational support shaft 24.

[0085] (B) The term "mirror" in the present invention includes various means for providing a rear view of the vehicle. For example, in addition to the optical mirror 14 that provides a rear view by reflecting light from behind the vehicle as in the above embodiment, the concept of the mirror in the present invention also includes a so-called digital mirror that is equipped with a television camera in the door mirror body 11 and can provide a rear view using the television camera. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 side door 2 Door mirrors 3 Outer panel 5 Door opening 11 Door mirror body 11b Inside surface 12 Mirror Base 12a Proximal end 12b Tip 13 Electric Rotation Unit 14. Mirror 21 Beltline Rain 22 Support member 24 Rotation spindle 26 Through hole 27 Cover member 31 Casing 32 motor 33 Reducer 34 Torque limiter 35 output shaft 36 Bearings 211 First Ridge 212 Second Ridge 213 Third Ridge BL Belt Line P1 Mirror use position P2 storage position

Claims

1. A door mirror structure for a vehicle side door having an outer panel, a door mirror body having a mirror for providing a rear view of the vehicle; a mirror base having a tip portion fixed to the door mirror main body and a base portion spaced from the tip portion; a pivot shaft connected to the base end of the mirror base, which pivotally supports the door mirror body and the mirror base between a mirror use position where the mirror can be seen from inside the vehicle compartment and a storage position which is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the mirror use position; an electric rotation unit that rotates the door mirror body and the mirror base about the axis of the rotation support shaft to move the door mirror body and the mirror base between the mirror use position and the storage position; a support member that fixes the electric rotating unit to the side door; It is equipped with The electric rotating unit is disposed in the side door, The pivot shaft is disposed at an incline so as to be directed toward the front of the vehicle as it extends upward, The electric rotating unit is fixed via the support member to a belt line rain that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction along a belt line at a lower edge of a window of the side door, the support member includes a front fixing portion and a rear fixing portion that are respectively fixed to the belt line rein at positions on both sides of the electric rotating unit in the vehicle front-rear direction, In the vehicle longitudinal direction, the width of the front fixing portion is greater than the width of the rear fixing portion. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

2. The door mirror structure according to claim 1, The electric rotating unit is disposed inside the side door. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

3. The door mirror structure according to claim 1 or 2, The outer panel has a through hole through which the pivot shaft passes, a cover member that covers a gap between the through hole and the pivot shaft from the vehicle exterior side; A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

4. The door mirror structure according to claim 1, The belt line rain has a ridge portion extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The pivot shaft is inclined relative to the ridge line portion so as to move toward the front of the vehicle as it goes upward. A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

5. The door mirror structure according to claim 4, the electric rotating unit is fixed to the position of the ridge line portion by the support member; A door mirror structure characterized by the above.

6. The door mirror structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the rotation support shaft is fixed to a base end of the mirror base, and is rotatable around 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.

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