Door mirror device

Abstract

To provide a door mirror device which can satisfactorily materializes all of vehicle width reduction during storage of a mirror, suppression of vibration of the mirror during travelling of a vehicle and improvement in visibility from a vehicle compartment, and in which mirror surface adjustment unit can be simplified.SOLUTION: A door mirror device 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; an electric turning unit 13 which turns the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 between a mirror use position and a storage position; and a control section 41 which controls the electric turning unit 13. The electric turning unit 13 is arranged in a side door 1. The control section 41 controls the electric turning unit 13 in such a manner that when a mirror surface adjustment signal is input to the control section 41, the control section 41 turns the door mirror main body portion 11 and the mirror base 12 in a minute range with the mirror use position as a reference to thereby change an angle of a mirror.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In conventional door mirror devices, there is known a door mirror device equipped with an electric rotation unit, as described in Patent Document 1, for automatically rotating the door mirror between a usable position and a retracted position.

[0003] This door mirror device 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 and a mirror adjustment 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 about a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction.

[0004] The door mirror body can be rotated between a mirror use position and a retracted position by rotating at the tip of the mirror base using the rotational drive 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.

[0005] The mirror surface adjustment unit housed in the door mirror body finely adjusts the angle of the mirror horizontally and vertically while the door mirror body is stationary in the mirror use position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-179680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In the door mirror device described above, 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 vehicles with a design that requires a long width of the mirror base, even when the door mirror main body rotates to the retracted position when the mirror is retracted, the mirror base protrudes from the door panel, so the requirement to reduce the vehicle width when the mirror is retracted cannot be fully met.

[0008] In addition, in the above device, since the electric folding unit is stored inside the door mirror main body, the vertical moment generated at the electric rotating unit position increases in proportion to the length of the mirror base, which creates the problem of increased vibration of the mirror when the vehicle is moving.

[0009] Furthermore, 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.

[0010] On the other hand, if the electric rotation unit and mirror adjustment unit were removed from the door mirror, the above problem would be solved, but in that case the door mirror body would have to be stored manually and the mirror adjustment would have to be done manually, which would reduce convenience.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a door mirror device that effectively reduces the vehicle width when the mirror is folded, suppresses mirror vibration when the vehicle is moving, and improves visibility from inside the vehicle cabin, while also being equipped with an electric rotation unit that allows the mirror adjustment unit to be simplified. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the door mirror device of the present invention is a door mirror device for a side door of a vehicle, 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 rotation support shaft connected to the base end of the mirror base and supporting the door mirror main body and the mirror base so as to be rotatable 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; an electric rotation unit that rotates the door mirror main body and the mirror base about the axis of the rotation support shaft to rotate them between the mirror use position and the storage position; and a power steering unit that controls the electric rotation unit. and a control unit for controlling the electric rotation unit to rotate the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the mirror use position to the stored position when a storage operation signal for starting a storage operation is input, and to rotate the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the stored position to the mirror use position when a deployment operation signal for starting an deployment operation is input, and to change the angle of the mirror by rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base within a small range based on the mirror use position when a mirror surface adjustment signal for adjusting the mirror surface is input. The pivot shaft is disposed so as to be inclined toward the front of the vehicle as it goes upward, and so as to be inclined toward the outside in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward. It is characterized by:

[0013] According to this configuration, in a door mirror device including a door mirror main body having a mirror and a mirror base to which the door mirror main body is fixed at its tip, the electric rotating unit rotates the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the mirror use position to the retracted position. Therefore, when the door mirror main body and the mirror base are rotated to the retracted position, the amount by which the door mirror main 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.

[0014] In addition, since this door mirror device has a heavy electric rotating unit arranged on 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.

[0015] Furthermore, since 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 devices in which the electric rotating unit is housed in the door mirror main body, thereby improving visibility from inside the vehicle cabin.

[0016] The control unit controls the electric rotating unit to rotate the door mirror body and mirror base within a small range based on the mirror use position when a mirror surface adjustment signal is input, thereby changing the mirror angle. This makes it possible to adjust the mirror surface in the horizontal direction using the electric rotating unit, and simplifies the mirror surface adjustment unit that is conventionally provided on the door mirror body.

[0017] Also, The door mirror device So, The pivot shaft is inclined so as to face the front of the vehicle as it goes upward, and is also inclined so as to face outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward. do.

[0018] With this configuration, minute mirror adjustments can be made in both the horizontal and vertical directions simply by rotating the door mirror body and mirror base around the axis of the pivot shaft. In other words, the amount of vertical mirror adjustment can be minimized. Furthermore, the vertical adjustment margin during mirror adjustment can be reduced, thereby reducing the mirror's range of movement, which contributes to making the door mirror body thinner.

[0019] In the above-mentioned door mirror device, the door mirror device further includes a memory unit that stores positional information regarding the positions of the door mirror main body and the mirror base after mirror surface adjustment when the electric rotating unit rotates the door mirror main body and the mirror base within the minute range to adjust the mirror surface when the mirror surface adjustment signal is input to the control unit, and it is preferable that when the door mirror main body and the mirror base are in the stored position and the deployment operation signal is input, the control unit controls the electric rotating unit so that the door mirror main body and the mirror base are positioned at a position corresponding to the positional information stored in the memory unit when rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the stored position to the mirror use position.

[0020] With this configuration, position information regarding the positions of the door mirror body and mirror base when mirror surface adjustment is performed is stored in advance in the memory unit, and the next time an unfolding operation signal is input, the control unit controls the electric rotating unit so that the door mirror body and mirror base are positioned at the positions corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit. This saves the user the trouble of adjusting the mirror surface every time the unfolding operation is performed, improving convenience.

[0021] In the above-mentioned door mirror device, it is preferable that the control unit controls the electric rotating unit so that, when the positions of the door mirror main body and the mirror base are changed without driving the electric rotating unit, the door mirror main body and the mirror base return to positions corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit.

[0022] According to this configuration, if the positions of the door mirror main body and the mirror base change without being driven by the electric rotating unit, the control unit controls the electric rotating unit so that the door mirror main body and the mirror base return to the positions corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit. As a result, if the door mirror main body rotates unintentionally due to an external force acting on the door mirror main body, the door mirror main body can be automatically returned to its original position before the rotation. As a result, there is no longer a need to increase the rotational resistance to counteract the external force that tries to rotate the door mirror main body, as is the case with conventional electric rotating units, and it is possible to reduce the rotational resistance of the electric rotating unit.

[0023] In the door mirror device described above, the minute range is preferably a range in which the door mirror main body and the mirror base are rotated ±5 degrees from the mirror use position. With this configuration, the minute range is the above range, so that the driver can adjust the mirror surface within a range in which the vehicle body when parking and the lane when driving can be seen through the mirror.

[0024] In the door mirror device described above, it is preferable that the rotation support shaft is fixed to the base end of the mirror base and is rotatable around the axis of the rotation support shaft together with the mirror base upon receiving a rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit.

[0025] According to this configuration, the mirror base can be rotated simply by rotating the rotation support shaft using the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit, thereby simplifying the door mirror structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] The door mirror device of the present invention effectively reduces the vehicle width when the mirror is folded, suppresses mirror vibration when the vehicle is moving, and improves visibility from within the vehicle cabin, while also simplifying the mirror adjustment unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a side door having a door mirror to which a door mirror device 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 of 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 diagram showing the state in which the door outer is removed from the side door of FIG. 1 and the belt line rain inside the side door is exposed. [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] 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the door mirror device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a control flowchart relating to the respective operations of folding and unfolding the mirror, adjusting the mirror surface, and maintaining the mirror angle in the door mirror device of FIG. 1. [Figure 18] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a minute range of mirror surface adjustment in the door mirror device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 19] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing how the field of view through the mirror changes due to mirror surface adjustment in the door mirror device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a door mirror tilted forward and outward in a door mirror device according to another embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a side view of the door mirror and (b) is a view of the door mirror from the front side of the vehicle. [Figure 21] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the lowest visible position when viewed through the mirror for the tilted and non-tilted door mirrors of FIG. 20 at the reference mirror use position and at a position rotated toward the front of the vehicle. [Figure 22] 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the area visible through the mirror for the tilted and non-tilted door mirrors of FIG. 20 at the reference mirror use position (set position) and at a position rotated 2.4 degrees forward of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] 1 and 2 show a side door 1 of a vehicle to which the door mirror device 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 a door 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.

[0030] 1 to 7, the door mirror device in a vehicle side door 1 according to this embodiment is a device in which an electrically retractable door mirror 2 is attached to the side door 1. Specifically, the door mirror device includes, as main parts, a door mirror main body 11 and a mirror base 12 that constitute the door mirror 2, an electric rotation unit 13 for rotating the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12, a control unit 40 that controls the electric rotation unit 13, and a user operation detection unit 42 (all of which are shown in FIG. 7). The electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1.

[0031] Furthermore, the door mirror device 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.

[0032] Each component of the door mirror device will be described below in order.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 rotate between a mirror use position P1, where the mirror 14 is visible from inside the vehicle interior, and a storage position P2, which is located inward of the mirror use position P1 in the vehicle width direction Y. This allows the door mirror 2, including the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12, to be stored from the mirror use position P1 to the storage position P2, and to be unfolded from the storage position P2 to the mirror use position P1.

[0037] 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).

[0038] The rotation support shaft 24 extends from the base end portion 12 a into the side door 1 in an upright state, and is rotated by the electric rotation unit 13 .

[0039] 9 to 12, a through hole 26 is formed in the door panel 3 (outer panel) that constitutes the outer surface of the side door 1. The rotation support shaft 24 is coaxially connected to an output shaft 35 (see FIG. 12) of the electric rotation unit 13, which is disposed in the space 20 inside the side door 1, and which will be described later, through the through hole 26 in the door panel 3.

[0040] The electric rotation unit 13 is configured to rotate 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, an output shaft 35 that outputs a rotational driving force, and a rotation speed sensor 38 as a rotation speed detector that detects the rotation speed of the motor 32. The casing 31 accommodates the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, the output shaft 35, and the rotation speed sensor 38. The casing 31 also accommodates a 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, the output shaft 35, and the rotation speed sensor 38, 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 integrally with it.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The bearing 36 is preferably a ball bearing or a roller bearing that supports the rotational support shaft 24 with little rotational resistance.

[0043] The electric rotating unit 13 is fixed to a belt line train 21 by a support member 22 .

[0044] 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.

[0045] 8 to 12, the support member 22 specifically has a semi-cylindrical holding portion 22a and a pair of fixing portions 22b 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 pair of fixing portions 22b are fastened to the belt line rein 21 by bolts 28.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 .

[0048] In addition, in the door mirror device 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.

[0049] 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 door 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 15, which is a comparative example of the present invention, in which an electric rotation unit (not shown) is housed in a 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.

[0053] (Explanation of the control system) Next, a control system in the door mirror device of this embodiment will be described.

[0054] The door mirror device of this embodiment includes, as a control system, three components, namely, an electric rotation unit 13, a control unit 40, and a user operation detection unit 42, as shown in FIGS.

[0055] 16, as described above, the electric rotation unit 13 includes the motor 32 and the rotation speed sensor 38 as a rotation speed detection unit that detects the rotation speed of the motor 32. In this embodiment, the rotation speed sensor 38 is included in the electric rotation unit 13, but the present invention is not limited to this and it is sufficient that the rotation speed sensor 38 is included in any door mirror device.

[0056] The control unit 40 includes a control unit 41 that controls the electric rotation unit 13 (specifically, the motor 32), and a storage unit 45.

[0057] The user operation detection unit 42 includes a storage switch 43 and a mirror adjustment switch 44. The storage switch 43 selects either a storage operation or an extension operation of the door mirror 2 (door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12) and outputs a storage operation signal to start the storage operation or an extension operation signal to start the extension operation to the control unit 41. The mirror adjustment switch 44 is a switch that finely adjusts the angle of the mirror 14 in the horizontal direction from a predetermined mirror use position P1 (set position) in response to a user request, i.e., performs horizontal mirror surface adjustment, and outputs a mirror surface adjustment signal for mirror surface adjustment to the control unit 41. The mirror surface adjustment switch 44 may be configured to output a mirror surface adjustment signal (e.g., a signal in increments of 0.1 to 1 degree) to the control unit 41 that instructs angle change to the front and rear of the vehicle in predetermined angle increments in order to finely adjust the tilt angle of the mirror 14 relative to the predetermined mirror use position P1 (set position) in a plan view, and may be, for example, a dial-type, button-type, or slide-type switch.

[0058] The control unit 41 controls the electric rotating unit 13 to rotate the door mirror 2 (door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12) from the mirror use position P1 to the storage position P2 when a storage operation signal is input from the storage switch 43. The control unit 41 also controls the electric rotating unit 13 to rotate the door mirror 2 from the storage position P2 to the mirror use position P1 when a deployment operation signal is input from the storage switch 43. Furthermore, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotating unit 13 to change the angle of the mirror 14 by rotating the door mirror 2 (door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12) within a small range based on the mirror use position P1 when a mirror surface adjustment signal is input from the mirror surface adjustment switch 44.

[0059] The "minor range" in the present invention is a range (for example, 1 to 20% of the entire rotation angle range between the above-mentioned positions P1 and P2) that is sufficiently smaller than the range of rotation angles from the retracted position P2 to the mirror use position P1 of the door mirror 2. The minor range is preferably a range in which the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are rotated ±5 degrees from the mirror use position P1 (set position) as a reference.

[0060] The memory unit 45 stores position information relating to the position of the door mirror 2. Specifically, the memory unit 45 stores position information relating to the position of the door mirror 2 after mirror surface adjustment, which is based on the number of rotations of the motor 32 when the electric rotating unit 13 rotates the door mirror 2 within a small range to adjust the mirror surface when a mirror surface adjustment signal is input to the control unit 41. Note that the position information is not limited to information based on the number of rotations of the motor 32, and may be based on other parameters, for example, parameters such as the rotation angle of the output shaft 35 of the electric rotating unit 13 or the rotation support shaft 24.

[0061] (Explanation of control flowchart) Hereinafter, the procedures for the operations of folding / unfolding the mirror, adjusting the mirror surface, and maintaining the mirror angle in the door mirror device of this embodiment will be described with reference to the control flowchart of FIG.

[0062] <Mirror storage> First, with the door mirror 2 (door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12) in the door mirror use position P1, the control unit 41 determines whether or not a retraction operation signal has been detected from the retraction switch 43 (step S1).

[0063] If a retraction actuation signal is detected, the following steps S2 to S10 related to "mirror retraction" are performed to retract and unfold the mirror as usual. First, in step S2, the control unit 41 stores the mirror position information from the rotation speed sensor 38 (specifically, position information related to the position of the door mirror 2 based on the rotation speed of the motor 32 detected by the rotation speed sensor 38) in the memory unit 45. Next, in step S3, the control unit 41 starts supplying electricity to the motor 32 in the retraction direction and continues supplying electricity until it detects that the motor 32 is locked at the retracted position P2 (step S4). After detecting that the motor 32 is locked, it stops supplying electricity to the motor 32 (step S5). This causes the electric rotation unit 13 to rotate the door mirror 2 to the retracted position P2 and stop it.

[0064] Thereafter, when the control unit 41 detects an unfolding operation signal from the storage switch 43 (Yes in step S6), the control unit 41 starts supplying current to the motor 32 in the unfolding direction (step S7), and simultaneously detects the mirror position by detecting the rotation speed of the motor 32 with the rotation speed sensor 38 (step S8). Then, when the mirror position matches the mirror position stored in the memory unit 45 (Yes in step S9), the control unit 41 stops supplying current to the motor 32 (step S10) and returns to step S1 with the door mirror 2 in the unfolded state. This makes it possible for the electric rotation unit 13 to rotate the door mirror 2 to a position that matches the mirror position information stored in the memory unit 45 and stop it.

[0065] <Mirror surface adjustment> On the other hand, if the control unit 41 does not detect a retraction actuation signal in step S1 (No in step S1), the process proceeds to step S11, where it determines whether a mirror surface adjustment signal resulting from operation of the mirror surface adjustment switch (adjustment SW) 44 has been detected. If a mirror surface adjustment signal has been detected (Yes in step S11), the following steps S12 to S17 related to "mirror surface adjustment" are performed to adjust the surface of the door mirror 2. First, in step S12, the control unit 41 starts energizing the motor 32. In step S13, the rotation speed sensor 38 detects the rotation speed of the motor 32 to detect the mirror position, and continues detecting the mirror position until operation of the mirror surface adjustment switch 44 is completed in step S14. When operation of the mirror surface adjustment switch 44 is completed (Yes in step S14), the control unit 41 stops energizing the motor 32 (step S15). This causes the electric rotating unit 13 to adjust the surface of the door mirror 2 to the mirror position desired by the user and then stop the door mirror 2. Then, in step S16, the mirror position is detected by the rotation speed sensor 38, and in step S17, as in step S2, the mirror position information from the rotation speed sensor 38 is stored in the memory unit 45, and then the process returns to step S1 with the door mirror 2 in the unfolded state after the mirror surface adjustment.

[0066] <Maintain mirror angle> On the other hand, if a mirror adjustment signal from the mirror adjustment switch 44 is not detected in step S11 (No in step S11), the following steps S21 to S26 are performed to maintain the angle of the door mirror 2. First, in step S21, the rotation speed sensor 38 detects the mirror position. Next, the control unit 41 determines whether the door mirror 2 has moved from the position stored in the memory unit 45. If it has not moved, the process returns to step S1. If it has moved, the process proceeds to step S23, where current is applied to the motor 32 to move the door mirror 2 in a direction returning it to the stored position in order to execute active control. The mirror position is then detected by the rotation speed sensor 38. In step S25, it is determined whether the door mirror 2 matches the stored position. If it does not match, the above steps S23 to S24 are repeated. If it matches, the process stops application of current to the motor 32 in step S26, and then returns to step S1 with the door mirror 2 in an unfolded state with its angle maintained at the mirror position stored in the memory unit 45.

[0067] (Explanation about mirror adjustment) In this embodiment, in order to adjust the mirror surface of the door mirror 2, the control unit 41 executes steps S11 to S17 of Figure 17 above, thereby making it possible to change the angle of the mirror 14 by rotating the door mirror 2 (door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12) horizontally around the pivot shaft 24 within a small range of ±θ degrees in front of and behind the reference line A0 based on the mirror use position P1 (set position), as shown in Figure 18.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 19, the mirror adjustment described above changes the field of view seen through the driver's and passenger's door mirrors when the driver is parking the vehicle. Specifically, compared to the field of view seen at 0 degrees in FIG. 19, which corresponds to mirror use position P1 (set position), a wider range of rearward visibility is obtained at angles of 4 degrees and 8 degrees forward (i.e., when the door mirror 2 is tilted 4 degrees and 8 degrees forward from the set position), away from the rear of the vehicle and toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, when tilted 4 degrees backward (when tilted 4 degrees toward the rear of the vehicle), a wider range of rearward visibility is obtained. Therefore, by adjusting the mirror surface, the driver can obtain a desired range of rearward visibility. For example, when driving, a wider range of rearward visibility is obtained away from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and when backing into a garage, a wider range of rearward visibility is obtained.

[0069] (Features of this embodiment) (1) The door mirror device of this embodiment is a door mirror device for a vehicle side door 1. The door mirror device includes a door mirror main body 11 having a mirror 14 for providing a rearward view 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 so as to be rotatable between a mirror use position P1 where the mirror 14 can be seen from inside the vehicle cabin and a storage position P2 located inward in the vehicle width direction from the mirror use position P1, 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 between the mirror use position P1 and the storage position P2, and a control unit 41 that controls the electric rotation unit 13.

[0070] In this door mirror device, the electric rotating unit 13 is disposed in the side door 1. Furthermore, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotating unit 13 to rotate the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 from the mirror use position P1 to the storage position P2 when a storage operation signal for starting a storage operation is input, controls the electric rotating unit 13 to rotate the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 from the storage position P2 to the mirror use position P1 when a deployment operation signal for starting an deployment operation is input, and further controls the electric rotating unit 13 to change the angle of the mirror 14 by rotating the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 within a small range based on the mirror use position P1 when a mirror surface adjustment signal for adjusting the mirror surface is input.

[0071] According to this configuration, in a door mirror device including a door mirror main body 11 to which a mirror 14 is attached and a mirror base 12 to which the door mirror main body 11 is fixed at its tip end 12b, the electric rotating unit 13 rotates 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 rotated 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.

[0072] In addition, in this door mirror device, the heavy electric rotating unit 13 is arranged inside the side door 1, so the vertical Z moment generated in the door mirror due to road surface input when the vehicle is traveling (i.e., vibrations and external forces mainly in the vertical Z direction caused by unevenness of the road surface) is reduced, making it possible to suppress vibration of the mirror.

[0073] Furthermore, 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 devices in which the electric rotating unit 13 is housed in the door mirror main body 11, thereby improving visibility from within the vehicle cabin.

[0074] Furthermore, when a mirror surface adjustment signal is input, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotating unit 13 to rotate the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 within a small range based on the mirror use position P1, thereby changing the angle of the mirror 14. This makes it possible to adjust the mirror surface in the horizontal direction using the electric rotating unit 13, and simplifies the mirror surface adjustment unit that was previously provided in the door mirror main body 11.

[0075] (2) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 is disposed inside the side door 1, so the electric rotation unit 13 can be protected from foreign objects outside the vehicle by the door panel 3 that forms the outer surface of the side door 1. The electric rotation 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 rotation unit 13 would be required.

[0076] (3) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, the door mirror device further includes a memory unit 45 (see Figure 16) that stores position information regarding the positions of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 after mirror surface adjustment when the electric rotating unit 13 rotates the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 within a small range to adjust the mirror surface when a mirror surface adjustment signal is input to the control unit 41.

[0077] When the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are in the storage position and an unfolding operation signal is input, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotation unit 13 so that when the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are rotated from the storage position to the mirror use position, the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are positioned at a position corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit 45 (see steps S6 to S10 in Figure 17).

[0078] According to this configuration, position information regarding the positions of the door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12 when mirror surface adjustment is performed is stored in advance in the memory unit 45, and the next time an unfolding operation signal is input, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotating unit 13 so that the door mirror main body 11 and mirror base 12 are positioned at a position corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit 45. This saves the user the trouble of adjusting the mirror surface every time an unfolding operation is performed, improving convenience.

[0079] (4) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, when the positions of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are changed without being driven by the electric rotating unit 13, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotating unit 13 so that the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 return to the positions corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit 45 (see steps S22 to S26 in Figure 16).

[0080] According to this configuration, when the positions of the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 change without being driven by the electric rotation unit 13, the control unit 41 controls the electric rotation unit 13 so that the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 return to the positions corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit 45. As a result, when the door mirror main body 11 unintentionally rotates due to an external force acting on the door mirror main body 11, the door mirror main body 11 can be automatically returned to its original position before the rotation. As a result, it is no longer necessary to increase the rotational resistance to counteract the external force that tries to rotate the door mirror main body 11, as is the case with conventional electric rotation units 13, and it is possible to reduce the rotational resistance of the electric rotation unit 13.

[0081] (5) In the door mirror device according to this embodiment, the minute range is a range in which the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 are rotated ±5 degrees from the mirror use position P1 as a reference. With this configuration, the minute range is the above range, so that the driver can adjust the mirror surface within a range in which the vehicle body when parking and the lane when driving are visible through the mirror 14.

[0082] (6) In the door mirror device according to this embodiment, the rotational support shaft 24 is fixed to the base end 12a of the mirror base 12 and is able to rotate together with the mirror base 12 around the axis of the rotational support shaft 24 by receiving a rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13. With this configuration, the mirror base 12 can be rotated simply by rotating the rotational support shaft 24 using the rotational driving force from the electric rotation unit 13, simplifying the door mirror structure.

[0083] (7) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 (specifically, the main components, that is, the motor 32, the reducer 33, the torque limiter 34, the output shaft 35, and the rotation speed sensor 38) is disposed on the axis of the rotation support shaft 24. With this 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 a simple and compact configuration. This makes it possible to install the electric rotation unit 13 in the limited space inside the side door 1.

[0084] (8) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, a through hole 26 through which the pivot shaft 24 passes is formed in the door panel 3 that constitutes the outer surface of the side door 1. The door mirror device 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. With this configuration, the cover member 27 covers the gap between the through hole 26 in the door panel 3 and the pivot shaft 24 from the outside of the vehicle, which improves the appearance of the vehicle and makes it possible to prevent water from entering the door panel 3 through the gap.

[0085] (9) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, the electric rotation unit 13 is fixed to the belt line rain 21, which is a skeletal member provided in the side door 1 and which constitutes the framework of the side door 1. According to this configuration, the electric rotation unit 13 is fixed to the belt line rain 21, which is a skeletal member that constitutes the framework of the side door 1, so that the support rigidity of the electric rotation unit 13 is improved.

[0086] (10) The door mirror device of this embodiment employs, as a framework member, a belt line rain 21 that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction X along the belt line BL at the lower edge of the window of the side door 1. With this configuration, by fixing the electric rotating unit 13 to the belt line rain 21 that is generally used in conventional door devices, the door mirror device can be widely adopted in conventional door devices.

[0087] (11) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, the belt line rain 21 is made of an aluminum extrusion. With this configuration, since the belt line rain 21 is made of an aluminum extrusion, it is possible to ensure the support rigidity of the electric rotating unit 13 and also to reduce the weight of the vehicle.

[0088] (12) In the door mirror device of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, when the door mirror main body 11 is in the mirror use position P1, in a planar view, the inner surface 11b of the door mirror main body 11 facing the side door 1 is configured to be perpendicular to the surface of the mirror 14 and 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] (13) In the door mirror device 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] (Variation) (A) The door mirror device of the above embodiment is configured such that the pivot shaft 24 is arranged in an upright position, and minute adjustments of the mirror surface in the horizontal direction are possible, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0093] As a modified example of the present invention, in order to enable fine adjustment of the mirror surface not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction, as shown in Figures 20(a) and (b), the pivot shaft 24 may be arranged so that it is inclined (tilted forward) by θ2 degrees so as to move toward the front X1 of the vehicle as it moves upward Z1, and is inclined (tilted outward) by θ3 degrees so as to move toward the outer side Y1 in the vehicle width direction as it moves upward Z.

[0094] With this configuration, it is possible to make minute mirror adjustments in the vertical direction Z as well as the horizontal direction simply by rotating the door mirror main body 11 and the mirror base 12 around the axis of the rotation support shaft 24. In other words, it is possible to minimize the amount of mirror adjustment required in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the adjustment margin in the vertical direction Z when adjusting the mirror surface, thereby reducing the range of movement of the mirror 14, which can contribute to making the door mirror main body 11 thinner.

[0095] As shown in the modified example of Figures 20(a) and (b), by positioning the pivot shaft 24 at a forward and outward tilt, the mirror surface can be adjusted in the vertical direction Z simply by rotating the door mirror 2, so that a lower position Z2 can be brought into the rear field of view simply by rotating the door mirror 2 from the specified mirror use position P1 (set position) toward the front of the vehicle.

[0096] For example, if the door mirror 2 of the modified example shown in Figures 20(a) and (b) is applied to the automobile shown in Figure 21, in Figure 21, the lower edge of the rear view field at the mirror use position P1 (set position) is line L1, whereas the lower edge of the rear view field at the forward rotated position is lowered to the position of line L2, making it possible to include a lower position Z2 in the rear view field. Also, in the case of the tilted door mirror (forward tilt + outward tilt) shown in Figure 22, it can be seen that the rear view field at the forward rotated position is shifted downward compared to the rear view field at the mirror use position P1 (set position). Therefore, by rotating the door mirror 2, it is possible to change the field of view in the vertical direction Z, and it is possible to minimize the need for vertical mirror adjustment.

[0097] 1 to 7, when the door mirror 2 is used in which the pivot shaft 24 is upright (i.e., not tilted forward or outward), as in the above-described embodiment shown in Fig. 21, the line L3 indicating the bottom edge of the rear view field at the mirror use position P1 (set position) and the line L4 indicating the bottom edge of the rear view field at the forward rotated position are in the same position, and it can be seen that the mirror surface cannot be adjusted vertically. Also, when looking at the door mirror without tilt (not tilted forward or outward) in Fig. 22, it can be seen that the rear view field at the mirror use position P1 (set position) and the rear view field at the forward rotated position are almost the same, and it can be seen that the mirror surface cannot be adjusted vertically.

[0098] Looking at the verification results using Figures 21 and 22 above, it can be seen that a configuration in which the pivot shaft 24 is tilted forward and outward, as in the modified example shown in Figures 20(a) and (b) above, makes it possible to perform minute mirror adjustments in the horizontal direction as well as the vertical direction Z.

[0099] (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]

[0100] 1 side door 2 Door mirrors 3 Door Panels 11 Door mirror body 11b Inside surface 12 Mirror Base 12a Proximal end 12b Tip 13 Electric Rotation Unit 14. Mirror 21 Belt Line Rain (framework member) 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 38 Rotational speed sensor (rotational speed detection part) 40 Control Unit 41 Control Unit 42 User operation detection unit 43 Storage switch 44 Mirror adjustment switch 45 Storage section BL Belt Line P1 Mirror use position P2 storage position

Claims

1. A door mirror device for a side door of a vehicle, 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 main body and the mirror base about the axis of the rotation support shaft to rotate the door mirror main body and the mirror base between the mirror use position and the mirror storage position; a control unit that controls the electric rotating unit; It is equipped with The electric rotating unit is disposed in the side door, the control unit controls the electric rotating unit to rotate the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the mirror use position to the stored position when a storage operation signal for starting a storage operation is input, controls the electric rotating unit to rotate the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the stored position to the mirror use position when a deployment operation signal for starting an deployment operation is input, and further controls the electric rotating unit to change the angle of the mirror by rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base within a small range based on the mirror use position when a mirror surface adjustment signal for adjusting the mirror surface is input, The pivot shaft is inclined so as to face the front of the vehicle as it goes upward, and is also inclined so as to face outward in the vehicle width direction as it goes upward. A door mirror device characterized by:

2. The door mirror device according to claim 1, the door mirror device further includes a storage unit that stores position information relating to positions of the door mirror main body and the mirror base after mirror surface adjustment when the mirror surface adjustment signal is input to the control unit and the electric rotating unit rotates the door mirror main body and the mirror base within the small range to adjust the mirror surface, When the deployment actuation signal is input while the door mirror main body and the mirror base are in the storage position, the control unit controls the electric rotating unit so that the door mirror main body and the mirror base are positioned at positions corresponding to the position information stored in the memory unit when rotating the door mirror main body and the mirror base from the storage position to the mirror use position. A door mirror device characterized by:

3. The door mirror device according to claim 2, When the positions of the door mirror main body and the mirror base are changed without being driven by the electric rotating unit, the control unit controls the electric rotating unit so that the door mirror main body and the mirror base return to positions corresponding to the position information stored in the storage unit. A door mirror device characterized by:

4. The door mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The minute range is a range in which the door mirror main body and the mirror base are rotated by ±5 degrees from the mirror use position. A door mirror device characterized by:

5. The door mirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 device characterized by:

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