Exterior component unit and cover member

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to protect a linear body extending from an additional device component. This exterior component unit includes a side mirror and a support member that rotatably supports the side mirror. The support member has a rotation support portion for supporting the rotation of the side mirror, and a fixing portion that is fixed to a vehicle body. The support member is formed with: an opening for inserting, into the interior thereof, a linear body extending from an additional device component attached to the outside of the side mirror; a fixing-side opening formed on the fixing portion side; and a passage through which the linear body is passed from the opening to the fixing-side opening.

Description

Exterior part unit and cover member

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an exterior component unit attached to a vehicle body and a cover member for a support member that supports the exterior component.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a wire harness is embedded in a weatherstrip and a main harness is provided in a door trim. In Patent Document 1, a connector provided in the weatherstrip and a connector provided in the door trim are fitted together.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-24782

[0004] For example, there may be a need to support additional equipment components such as cameras and lights on the exterior of the vehicle rather than inside the vehicle. In this case, due to the arrangement, the equipment components may be attached to an exterior component that can rotate relative to the vehicle body. In such a situation, it is desirable to be able to protect linear objects (e.g., electric wires) extending from the additional equipment components.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to protect a linear object extending from an additional device component attached to a rotatable exterior component.

[0006] The exterior part unit of the present disclosure is an exterior part unit attached to a vehicle body, and comprises an exterior part and a support member that rotatably supports the exterior part, wherein the support member has a rotation support portion that supports the rotation of the exterior part and a fixed portion that is fixed to the vehicle body, and the support member is provided with an opening for inserting a linear body extending from an additional equipment part attached to the outside of the exterior part, a fixed part side opening formed on the fixed part side, and an insertion passage through which the linear body is inserted from the opening to the fixed part side opening.

[0007] Furthermore, the cover member of the present disclosure is a cover member for a support member that rotatably supports an exterior part attached to a vehicle body, and is formed with a partial opening or hole that constitutes at least a part of an opening for inserting a linear body extending from an additional equipment part attached to the outside of the exterior part into a space formed between the support member and the additional equipment part.

[0008] The exterior part unit and cover member of the present disclosure can protect a linear object extending from an additional device part attached to a rotatable exterior part.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vehicle to which an exterior part unit is attached. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a side mirror unit, an additional electrical component, and the additional electrical component from the outside of the vehicle. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a support member main body constituting the support member. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a cover member constituting the support member. FIG. 5 is a side view showing the support member together with the electric wires of the additional electrical component from the side. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of the electric wires extending from the additional electrical component. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of the electric wires extending from the additional electrical component. FIG. 8 is a view showing the side mirror, the support member, and the electric wires from above. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a cover member and a mechanism for moving the cover member. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an elastic cover member for an elongated opening in a second embodiment.

[0010] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0011] The exterior part unit and cover member of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0012] (1) An exterior part unit attached to a vehicle body, comprising: an exterior part; and a support member rotatably supporting the exterior part, the support member having a rotation support portion supporting rotation of the exterior part and a fixed portion fixed to the vehicle body, the support member having an opening for inserting a linear object extending from an additional device part attached to the outside of the exterior part, a fixed portion-side opening formed on the fixed portion side, and an insertion passage through which the linear object is inserted from the opening to the fixed portion-side opening. As a result, the linear object extending from the additional device part is inserted through the opening and into the insertion passage, thereby protecting the linear object extending from the additional device part.

[0013] (2) In the exterior part unit of (1), the support member may include a support member main body having the fixing portion, and a cover member having a partial opening or hole that forms at least a part of the opening, and forming the insertion passage between the cover member and the support member main body when the cover member is fixed to the support member main body. This allows the cover member to be separated from the support member main body, making it easy to store the linear object inside the insertion passage.

[0014] (3) In the exterior part unit of (1) or (2), the opening may be formed on an extension of an axis of rotation of the exterior part, thereby suppressing movement of the linear body around the axis of rotation and making it less likely for the linear body to interfere with the support member.

[0015] (4) In the exterior part unit of (1) or (2), the opening may be formed at a position away from an extension of an axis of rotation of the exterior part so as to follow at least a part of a trajectory of movement of the linear body accompanying the rotation of the exterior part. This suppresses interference between the linear body and the support member due to movement of the linear body accompanying the rotation of the exterior part.

[0016] (5) In the exterior part unit of (4), the support member may further include a cover member having a passage hole through which the linear object passes, and a guide portion that guides movement of the cover member so that the passage hole moves within the opening as the linear object moves. This suppresses interference between the linear object and the support member due to movement of the linear object accompanying rotation of the exterior part, and also suppresses intrusion of water or dust into the insertion passage through the opening.

[0017] (6) The exterior part unit of any one of (1) to (4) may further include an elastic cover member having a cover member-side fixing portion fixed to the periphery of the opening, an annular linear body support portion supporting the linear body inserted into the opening, and a connecting portion connecting the fixing portion and the linear body support portion around the entire circumferential direction of the linear body. This prevents water and dust from entering the insertion passage through the opening. Furthermore, because the elastic cover member is deformable in accordance with the movement of the linear body, sudden bending of the linear body and interference with other components are prevented.

[0018] (7) In the exterior part unit of (6), the linear body support portion may be located outside the opening, the connecting portion may extend from the linear body support portion toward the fixing portion, and a space may be formed between the linear body and the connecting portion within the connecting portion. This allows the linear body to move freely within the connecting portion. Compared to when the linear body is fixed, the load on the linear body is reduced.

[0019] (8) In the exterior part unit of any one of (1) to (7), the exterior part may be a side mirror. This suppresses interference between the linear body extending from the additional device part attached to the side mirror and the support member even when the linear body moves in accordance with the rotation of the side mirror.

[0020] (9) A cover member for a support member that rotatably supports an exterior component attached to a vehicle body, the cover member having a partial opening or hole that forms at least a part of an opening for inserting a linear body extending from an additional device component attached to the outside of the exterior component into a space formed between the additional device component and the support member. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the linear body of the additional device component and the support member simply by replacing the cover member.

[0021] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Specific examples of the exterior part unit of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the following drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0022] The exterior part unit according to the present disclosure will be described below.

[0023] First Embodiment Description of the Overall Vehicle to which an Exterior Component Unit is Attached FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a vehicle 10 to which an exterior component unit is attached.

[0024] The vehicle 10 includes a body 12. The body 12 is a part that forms the exterior shape of the vehicle 10. The body 12 may be a monocoque body, or a body mounted on a ladder frame. The vehicle 10 includes a plurality of exterior parts. An exterior part is a part that is at least partially exposed to the outside of the vehicle 10. An exterior part unit includes an exterior part and parts associated with the exterior part. The vehicle 10 includes a side mirror unit 20 as one of the exterior part units. In addition to the side mirror unit 20, the exterior part unit may also be a door handle unit (not shown), a roof panel unit 13, a door panel unit 14, or a rear door panel unit (not shown) for loading and unloading luggage.

[0025] The side mirror unit 20 is attached to the front end of the front door panel unit 14 disposed on the side of the vehicle 10. That is, the door panel unit 14 is a door panel unit for the driver's seat or the passenger seat. The side mirror unit 20 is mainly used by the driver to check behind the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , additional electrical components 30 and 40 are attached as additional equipment components to the side mirror unit 20, which is an exterior component of the vehicle 10. Note that in this embodiment, two additional electrical components (additional electrical component 30, additional electrical component 40) are attached, but one additional electrical component or three or more additional electrical components may be attached.

[0026] 2 is a perspective view showing the side mirror unit 20, the additional electrical component 30, and the additional electrical component 40 from the outside of the vehicle 10. The additional electrical component 30 and the additional electrical component 40 are electrically connected to electrical equipment arranged inside the vehicle body 11.

[0027] <Side Mirror Unit 20> The side mirror unit 20 includes a side mirror 21 as an exterior component, and a support member 50 that supports the side mirror 21. The support member 50 supports the side mirror 21 rotatably.

[0028] The side mirror 21 includes a mirror housing 22, a mirror (not shown), and a rotation shaft 23 (see FIG. 6). The mirror is fixed to the mirror housing 22. An internal space 24 (see FIG. 3) is formed between the mirror housing 22 and the mirror. The internal space 24 accommodates, for example, a motor and gear (not shown). The gear is connected to the rotation shaft 23. As a result, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the rotation shaft 23, and the position of the side mirror 21 is changed so that it is folded toward the door panel unit 14 or faces outward from the door panel unit 14. The tilt of the mirror within the mirror housing 22 may be adjusted by the rotation of the motor.

[0029] <Support Member 50> Next, the support member 50 of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a support member main body 60 that constitutes the support member 50. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a cover member 70 that constitutes the support member 50. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the support member 50 together with the electric wires 31, 41 of the additional electric components 30, 40.

[0030] The support member 50 includes a rotation support portion 61 that supports the rotation of the side mirror 21 and a fixed portion 62 that is fixed to the vehicle body 11. The electric wires 31, 41 extending from the additional electric components 30, 40 are inserted into an internal space of the support member 50, and the electric wires 31, 41 are led out from a fixed portion-side opening 65 formed on the vehicle body 11. The support member 50 of this embodiment includes a support member main body 60 and a cover member 70. The support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 are configured to be separable. In this embodiment, an opening 75 is formed in the bottom surface of the support member 50 for inserting the electric wires 31 into the internal space, and an elongated opening 52 is formed in the side surface of the support member 50 for inserting the electric wires 41 into the internal space. While FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the fixed portion-side opening 65 as being formed within the abutment surface 62a, this configuration is not limited thereto. The fixed portion side opening 65 may be formed at a position exposed to the outside, rather than at the contact surface 62a.

[0031] <Support Member Main Body 60> Next, the support member main body 60 will be described. As shown in Fig. 3, the support member main body 60 has a rotation support portion 61 and a fixed portion 62. The support member main body 60 also has an arm portion 63 between the rotation support portion 61 and the fixed portion 62. The support member main body 60 is formed with a main body-side recess 64 and a fixed portion-side opening 65.

[0032] The rotation support portion 61 supports the rotation of the side mirror 21. The rotation support portion 61 has a rotation bearing 61a. In this embodiment, the rotation bearing 61a is formed in the shape of a circular hole with a bottom. The rotation support portion 61 has a side wall 61b shaped along a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the rotation bearing 61a. The side wall 61b protrudes to one axial side of the rotation bearing 61a, in this case, the downward side. Both ends of the side wall 61b are connected to ends of side walls 63b of the arm portion 63, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the side walls 61b and 63b are formed integrally. A main body side recess 64 is formed in a portion of the side wall 61b. The main body side recess 64 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The main body side recess 64 is formed, for example, by an upper edge portion 64a and side edge portions 64b on both sides of the upper edge portion 64a.

[0033] The cover member 70, which will be described later, includes a protrusion 73 that fits into the main body recess 64. A partial opening 74, which will be described later, is formed in the protrusion 73. When the protrusion 73 is fitted into the main body recess 64, the main body recess 64, the protrusion 73, and the partial opening 74 form an elongated opening 52. That is, the elongated opening 52 is formed by the upper edge of the main body recess 64 and an edge along the vertical direction on one side, and the lower edge of the partial opening 74 and an edge along the vertical direction on the other side. The elongated opening may be elliptical or rectangular as long as it is elongated in one direction. Furthermore, guide portions 61c are provided on both sides of the side edge portions 64b of the main body recess 64 on the side wall 61b to guide a lid member 80 (described later) that covers the elongated opening 52, which will be described later. The guide portions 61c guide the lid member 80 so that the lid member 80 can move circumferentially around the rotation shaft 23.

[0034] The rotary bearing 61a rotatably supports a cylindrical rotary shaft 23 (see FIG. 6) provided in the side mirror 21. In addition, electric wires (not shown) extending from the motor are connected to electrical equipment arranged inside the vehicle body 11, for example, via an insertion passage 51 described below. When the motor receives an electric signal from the electric wire and is driven to rotate, the rotation of the motor is transmitted to the rotary shaft 23 via gears. The rotation of the rotary shaft 23 causes the side mirror 21 to rotate.

[0035] The fixing portion 62 is fixed to the vehicle body 11. The fixing portion 62 has an abutment surface 62a that abuts against the vehicle body 11. A plurality of screw insertion holes 62b are formed in the fixing portion 62. The abutment surface 62a is, for example, rectangular, and the screw insertion holes 62b are, for example, formed at the four corners of the rectangular abutment surface 62a. The abutment surface 62a abuts against the outer surface of the vehicle body 11. A screw is inserted into the upper screw insertion hole 62b and threadedly engages with a screw hole (not shown) formed in the vehicle body 11. Furthermore, a screw that has been inserted into a screw insertion hole 72 formed in a cover member 70 (described later) is inserted into the lower screw insertion hole 62b. A screw is inserted into the screw insertion hole 72 and the lower screw insertion hole 62b and threadedly engages with a screw hole (not shown) formed in the vehicle body 11. In this way, the support member main body 60 and the vehicle body 11 are fixed together. Further, a fixed portion-side opening 65 of an insertion passage 51, which will be described later, is formed in the fixed portion 62. The fixed portion 62 is attached to the vehicle body 11 so that the fixed portion-side opening 65 is connected to an electric wire inlet (not shown) formed in the vehicle body 11.

[0036] The arm portion 63 is located between the rotation support portion 61 and the fixed portion 62. The arm portion 63 supports the rotation support portion 61 at a position spaced apart from the door panel unit 14 relative to the fixed portion 62. The arm portion 63 includes an upper wall 63a and a pair of side walls 63b that hang downward from both sides of the upper wall 63a. The upper wall 63a is a wall surface that continues from the rotation bearing 61a to the fixed portion 62. The thickness of the upper wall 63a is greater than the depth of the rotation bearing 61a. The side walls 63b are also wall surfaces that continue from the rotation bearing 61a to the fixed portion 62. The pair of side walls 63b extend downward from the rotation bearing 61a toward the fixed portion 62. A box-shaped space 63c is formed by the upper wall 63a, the side walls 63b, the periphery of the rotation bearing 61a, and the fixed portion 62. The space 63c is connected to the fixed portion-side opening 65. The box-shaped space 63c is connected to the main body recess 64. The box-shaped space 63c extends to the upper edge 64a. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the upper wall 63a, the lower part of the rotation bearing 61a, and the upper edge 64a of the main body recess 64 are formed flush with each other.

[0037] <Cover Member 70> Next, the cover member 70 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4 , when the cover member 70 is fixed to the support member main body 60, an insertion passage 51 (described later) is formed between the cover member 70 and the support member main body 60. The cover member 70 includes a bottom plate portion 71 and a protruding portion 73 protruding upward from a portion of the edge of the bottom plate portion 71. The edge of the bottom plate portion 71 is shaped to match the edges of the side walls 61b and 63b and to close the lower opening of the space 63c. The protruding portion 73, which is smaller than the main body recess 64, is formed with a partial opening 74 whose longitudinal direction is aligned with the circumferential direction of the rotary shaft 23 (rotary bearing 61a). The partial opening 74 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The shape of the protruding portion 73 is the same as the shape of the main body recess 64, excluding the portion of the partial opening 74. As a result, when the protrusion 73 is fitted into the main body recess 64, the portion surrounded by the partial opening 74 and the main body recess 64 becomes the elongated opening 52 (having the same shape as the partial opening 74). The elongated opening 52 is an opening for inserting the electric wire 41 into the inside of the support member 50.

[0038] Furthermore, the protrusion 73 includes a guide portion 76 that guides the movement of the lid member 80, which will be described later (see FIGS. 4 and 5). When the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 are fixed together, the guide portion 76 is connected to the guide portion 61c of the support member main body 60. This allows the guide portion 76 and the guide portion 61c to cooperate to guide the lid member 80.

[0039] An opening 75 is formed in the bottom plate portion 71. The opening 75 is an opening for inserting the electric wire 31 into the inside of the support member 50. The opening 75 is formed on an extension line of the rotation axis of the side mirror 21 (axis center C of the rotation shaft 23 (see FIG. 5 )). This prevents the electric wire 31 inserted through the opening 75 from moving around the rotation shaft 23.

[0040] In this embodiment, the cover member 70 is detachable from the support member main body 60. Therefore, for example, it is possible to replace the cover member 70 with one that does not have the partial openings 74 or the openings 75. That is, when the additional electric components 30 and 40 are not attached, a cover member that does not have the elongated openings 52 or the openings 75 is attached. In this state, since there are no openings, there is no problem of water or dust entering the support member 50 through the openings. When the additional electric components 30 and 40 are attached, the originally attached cover member is replaced with the cover member 70. At this time, the electric wires 31 and 41 are housed between the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70. In this manner, the electric wires 31 and 41 may be protected by the support member 50.

[0041] <Fixing the Support Member Main Body 60 and the Cover Member 70> The support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 are fixed to each other to form the support member 50. When the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 are fixed together, the protrusion 73 fits into the main body recess 64. The bottom plate portion 71 abuts against the side walls 61b and 63b. The support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 may be fixed together using, for example, adhesive tape, adhesive, clips, screws, or a recess-and-recess engagement. For example, a protrusion may be formed at the contact portion of the support member main body 60 with the cover member 70, and a recess may be formed at the contact portion of the cover member 70 with the support member main body 60, and the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 may be fixed together by engaging these protrusions and recesses.

[0042] When the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 are fixed together, an elongated opening 52 is formed. The elongated opening 52 is an opening that guides the electric wire 41 of the additional electric component 40 into the support member 50 (see FIG. 2). As shown, the elongated opening 52 is formed at a position away from an extension of the axis of rotation of the side mirror 21 (axis C of the rotation shaft 23 (see FIG. 5)). The elongated opening 52 is formed to extend along the trajectory of movement of the electric wire 41 that accompanies the rotation of the side mirror 21. The elongated opening 52 is long along at least a portion of the trajectory of movement of the electric wire 41. The trajectory of movement of the electric wire 41 in the elongated opening 52 is assumed when the side mirror 21 rotates with a portion of the electric wire 41 held in a fixed position by the electric wire fixing portion 54 of the support member 50 and the electric wire fixing portion 44 of the additional electric component 40 (see FIG. 8). The elongated opening 52 is formed to extend along the trajectory. This prevents interference between the electric wire 41 and the support member 50 even when the electric wire 41 moves. In the present embodiment, the elongated opening 52 is formed along the path of movement of the electric wire 41 accompanying the rotation of the side mirror 21, but is not limited to this. The elongated opening 52 may be formed in at least a portion of the path of movement of the electric wire 41 accompanying the rotation of the side mirror 21. Even with this configuration, interference between the electric wire 41 and the support member 50 is suppressed.

[0043] Furthermore, when the cover member 70 is fixed to the support member body 60 , an insertion passage 51 is formed between the cover member 70 and the support member body 60 .

[0044] The insertion passage 51 is formed by the box-shaped space 63c and the cover member 70. The insertion passage 51 is a cavity that extends from the elongated opening 52 to the fixed portion side opening 65, and from the opening 75 to the fixed portion side opening 65.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 , the electric wire 31 inserted through the opening 75 passes through the insertion passage 51 and reaches the fixed portion-side opening 65. The electric wire 31 that reaches the fixed portion-side opening 65 is led into the vehicle body 11 where the fixed portion 62 abuts. Similarly, the electric wire 41 inserted through the elongated opening 52 passes through the insertion passage 51 and reaches the fixed portion-side opening 65. The electric wire 31 that reaches the fixed portion-side opening 65 is led into the vehicle body 11 where the fixed portion 62 abuts. With this configuration, the electric wire 31 of the additional electric component 30 passes inside the support member 50 and is connected to the electric equipment in the vehicle body 11. Similarly, the electric wire 41 of the additional electric component 40 passes inside the support member 50 and is connected to the electric equipment in the vehicle body 11. Because the electric wires 31, 41 pass inside the support member 50 (through the insertion passage 51), the exposed portions of the electric wires 31, 41 outside the vehicle 10 can be reduced.

[0046] In this embodiment, the support member 50 is composed of two members, the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70, which are separable from each other. Therefore, when inserting the electric wires 31, 41 into the inside of the support member 50, the cover member 70 can be removed from the support member main body 60. This makes it easy to store the electric wires 31, 41 inside the support member 50.

[0047] <Path of the Electrical Wires 31 of the Additional Electrical Component 30> Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of the electrical wires 31 extending from the additional electrical component 30. The additional electrical component 30 is attached to the side mirror 21 as an exterior component. The additional electrical component 30 covers a portion of the side surface and a lower portion of the mirror housing 22 of the side mirror 21. The additional electrical component 30 includes a cover portion 32, a camera unit 33 as an electrical device, and electrical wires 31 extending from the camera unit 33. Note that in this embodiment, the camera unit 33 is used as the electrical device, but this is not limiting. For example, a light, an obstacle detection sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, or the like may also be used as the electrical device.

[0048] The inner surface of the cover portion 32 faces a portion of the side surface and a lower portion of the side mirror 21. The cover portion 32 is disposed with a gap between the inner surface and the side mirror 21. This allows the camera unit 33 and the electric wires 31 to be disposed between the inner surface and the side mirror 21. The inner surface of the cover portion 32 is formed, for example, in a shape that follows the outer shape of the portion of the side mirror 21 that faces the inner surface. A shape that follows the outer shape means, for example, a shape that is separated from the outer shape by a certain thickness, i.e., a shape similar to the outer shape. The additional electrical component 30 is fixed to the side mirror 21 by, for example, double-sided adhesive tape attached to the inner surface. Note that the fixing structure between the additional electrical component 30 and the side mirror 21 may be a concave-convex fit, a suction cup, an adhesive, or the like, in addition to adhesive tape.

[0049] A protrusion 34 is formed on the inner surface of the cover portion 32 at the edge on the support member 50 side, facing the side mirror 21. A through hole 35 is formed in the protrusion 34. The through hole 35 penetrates from the inside to the outside at the base end of the protrusion 34. A groove may be formed in the protrusion 34 instead of the through hole 35.

[0050] The electric wires 31 extending from the camera unit 33 extend along the inner surface toward the through-hole 35. The electric wires 31 may be fixed to the inner surface with adhesive tape, an adhesive, or the like, or may not be fixed thereto. The electric wires 31 extend through the through-hole 35 to the outside of the cover portion 32. The electric wires 31 that pass through the through-hole 35 and extend to the outside are inserted into an opening 75 formed in the bottom surface of the support member 50 (the bottom plate portion 71 of the cover member 70). The electric wires 31 extend from the opening 75 through the insertion passage 51 and out of the fixed portion side opening 65. The electric wires 31 that extend from the fixed portion side opening 65 are led into the vehicle body 11 and connected to electrical equipment within the vehicle body 11. In this embodiment, tubular elastic protective members 36 are attached to the electric wires 31 before and after they pass through the opening 75. The electric wires 31 are protected by the elastic protective member 36. The elastic protective member 36 may have an outer circumference large enough to cover the opening 75. In this case, it is also possible to prevent water and dust from entering the insertion passage 51 through the opening 75. The tubular protective members attached before and after the electric wire 31 passes through the opening 75 are not limited to elastic members. A tubular protective member made of resin may be used instead of the elastic protective member 36 of this embodiment. To improve the protective effect for the electric wire 31, the material of the protective member preferably has the same rigidity as the surrounding resin. Furthermore, such a protective member may be formed (integrally molded) from the same material and in the same mold as the additional electric component 30 in a continuous state. Furthermore, such a protective member may be assembled to the additional electric component 30. In this way, the exposed portion of the electric wire 31 is reduced by integrally molding or assembling the protective member to the additional electric component 30. Inserting the electric wire 31 into the opening 75 in this state improves the protective effect for the electric wire 31.

[0051] <Path of the Electrical Wires 41 of the Additional Electrical Component 40> FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the path of the electrical wires 41 extending from the additional electrical component 40. Like the additional electrical component 30, the additional electrical component 40 is attached to the side mirror 21 as an exterior component. The additional electrical component 40 covers a portion of the side surface and an upper portion of the mirror housing 22 of the side mirror 21. The additional electrical component 40 includes a cover 42, a camera unit 43 as an electrical device, and electrical wires 41 extending from the camera unit 43. Note that in this embodiment, the camera unit 43 is used as the electrical device, but this is not limiting. For example, a light, an obstacle detection sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor, or the like may also be used as the electrical device.

[0052] The inner surface of the cover portion 42 faces a portion of the side surface and an upper portion of the side mirror 21. The cover portion 42 is disposed with a gap between the inner surface and the side mirror 21. This allows the camera unit 43 and the electric wires 41 to be disposed between the inner surface and the side mirror 21. The inner surface of the cover portion 42 is formed, for example, in a shape that follows the outer shape of the portion of the side mirror 21 that faces the inner surface. A shape that follows the outer shape means, for example, a shape that is separated from the outer shape by a certain thickness, i.e., a shape similar to the outer shape. The additional electrical component 40 is fixed to the side mirror 21 by, for example, double-sided adhesive tape attached to the inner surface. Note that the fixing structure between the additional electrical component 40 and the side mirror 21 may be a concave-convex fit, a suction cup, an adhesive, or the like, in addition to adhesive tape.

[0053] The electric wires 41 extending from the camera unit 43 extend along the inner surface. The electric wires 41 may be fixed to the inner surface with adhesive tape, glue, or the like, or may not be fixed thereto. The electric wires 41 extend from an edge of the cover portion 32 to the outside of the cover portion 42. The electric wires 31 extending to the outside of the cover portion 42 are inserted into elongated openings 52 formed in the side surface of the support member 50. The electric wires 41 extend from the elongated openings 52 through insertion passages 51 and out of the fixed portion-side openings 65. The electric wires 31 extending from the fixed portion-side openings 65 are led into the vehicle body 11 and connected to electrical equipment within the vehicle body 11.

[0054] 8 is a top view of the side mirror 21, the support member 50, and the electric wire 41. Fig. 8 shows the change in the path of the electric wire 41 before and after the rotation of the side mirror 21. As shown in Fig. 8, the side mirror 21 rotates between positions A and B due to the rotation of the rotation shaft 23.

[0055] As the side mirror 21 rotates, the electric wire 41 moves within the elongated opening 52. When the side mirror 21 is positioned at position A, the electric wire 41 is located at end 52a in the elongated opening 52. When the side mirror 21 is positioned at position B, the electric wire 41 is located at end 52b, the other end of end 52a, in the elongated opening 52. As the side mirror 21 rotates, the electric wire 41 moves by a range R shown in FIG. 8 .

[0056] If an opening such as the elongated opening 52 that follows the trajectory of movement of the electric wire 41 is not formed at the insertion portion of the electric wire 41 into the support member 50, the movement of the electric wire 41 is restricted, and a burden may be imposed on the electric wire 41 due to interference with the support member 50. In contrast, the electric wire 41 is able to move freely within the range of the elongated opening 52, and therefore the burden on the electric wire 41 due to interference with the support member 50 is reduced.

[0057] <Cover Member 80> FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the cover member 80 and the mechanism for moving the cover member 80. In this embodiment, the cover member 80 is provided to cover the elongated opening 52. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 9 , the cover member 80 is a plate-shaped member whose longitudinal direction is in the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft 23. The cover member 80 has a passage hole 81 through which the electric wire 41 passes. The cover member 80 is guided by guide portions 61c and 76 formed inside the elongated opening 52. The guide portions 61c and 76 have groove portions 53. The lower end of the cover member 80 is accommodated in the groove portion 53, allowing the cover member 80 to slide on the guide portions 61c and 76. The upper end of the cover member 80 moves while abutting against, for example, the upper edge portion 64a and the upper wall 63a of the support member main body 60. Note that, although the cover member 80 is provided to cover the elongated opening 52 in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration may not include the lid member 80. Also, the configuration may not include the guide portion 61c and the guide portion 76 of the lid member 80.

[0058] When the electric wire 41 moves as shown in FIG. 8 , the through hole 81 moves within the elongated opening 52 along with the movement of the electric wire 41. That is, the cover member 80 moves on the guide portion 61 c and the guide portion 76 so as to move the through hole 81. The longitudinal length of the cover member 80 is large enough to block the elongated opening 52 while the through hole 81 moves from the end 52 a to the end 52 b shown in FIG. 8 . That is, it is preferable that the length be such that when the through hole 81 is located at the end 52 a, the cover member 80 blocks the elongated opening 52 all the way to the end 52 b, and when the through hole 81 is located at the end 52 b, the cover member 80 blocks the elongated opening 52 all the way to the end 52 a. The provision of such a cover member 80 makes it possible to prevent water and dust from entering the insertion passage 51 through the elongated opening 52.

[0059] Second Embodiment FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an elastic cover member 280 for the elongated opening 52 in a second embodiment.

[0060] In this embodiment, instead of or in addition to the lid member 80, an elastic cover member 280 is attached to the elongated opening 52. The elastic cover member 280 is made of an elastic material. For example, an elastic elastomer such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) can be used as the material for the elastic cover member 280. The elastic cover member 280 has a fixing portion (elastic cover side fixing portion) 281, an electric wire support portion 282 that supports the electric wires 41, and a connecting portion 283 that connects the fixing portion 281 and the electric wire support portion 282.

[0061] The fixing portion 281 is fixed to the periphery of the elongated opening 52. The fixing portion 281 has a cylindrical shape that follows the periphery of the elongated opening 52. A recess 281a is formed around the entire periphery of the fixing portion 281. A step 64c that follows the shape of the recess 281a of the fixing portion 281 is formed on the upper edge 64a of the main body recess 64 that constitutes the elongated opening 52. This allows the step 64c and the partial opening 74 to fit into the recess 281a.

[0062] The wire support portion 282 is formed in a ring shape. The wire support portion 282 supports the wires 41 inserted into the elongated opening 52. The wire support portion 282 is located outside the elongated opening 52 on the support member 50. Note that the wire support portion 282 is not limited to being located outside the elongated opening 52. The wire support portion 282 may also be located inside the elongated opening 52.

[0063] The connecting portion 283 connects the fixed portion 281 and the wire support portion 282 over the entire circumferential direction of the wire 41. The connecting portion 283 expands from the wire support portion 282 toward the fixed portion 281. The connecting portion 283 expands, for example, in a skirt shape from the wire support portion 282 toward the fixed portion 281. A space S is formed between the wire 41 and the connecting portion 283 within the connecting portion 283. The wire 41 is able to move freely within this space S.

[0064] As shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 10, when the electric wires 41 move in accordance with the rotation of the side mirror 21, the elastic cover member 280 also deforms in accordance with the deformation of the electric wires 41. This prevents the electric wires 41 from being sharply bent or from directly interfering with the edge of the elongated opening 52 in the support member 50. This reduces the burden on the electric wires 41. Furthermore, the electric wires 41 can move within the electric wire support parts 282 and the connecting parts 283. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the electric wires are supported in a fixed position by the electric wire support parts, most of the electric wires can easily deform in accordance with the rotation of the side mirror 21. This prevents local deformation of the electric wires 41.

[0065] <Effects, etc.> The side mirror unit 20 configured as described above includes the side mirror 21 and the support member 50 that rotatably supports the side mirror 21, the support member 50 having a rotation support portion 61 that supports the rotation of the side mirror 21 and a fixed portion 62 that is fixed to the vehicle body 11, and the support member 50 is formed with an opening 75 (elongated hole opening 52) for inserting the electric wires 31, 41 that are in a wire state extending from the additional electric components 30, 40 that are additional equipment components attached to the outside of the side mirror 21, a fixed portion-side opening 65 formed on the fixed portion 62 side, and an insertion passage 51 through which the electric wires 31, 41 are inserted from the opening 75 (elongated hole opening 52) to the fixed portion-side opening 65. Therefore, the electric wires 31, 41 are stored in the insertion passage 51, and the electric wires 31, 41 that extend from the additional electric components 30, 40 can be protected.

[0066] The support member 50 also includes a support member main body 60 having a fixing portion 62, and a cover member 70 having a partial opening 74 or a hole (opening 75) that forms at least a part of the opening 75 (slot-shaped opening 52). The cover member 70 forms an insertion passage 51 between the support member main body 60 and the cover member 70 when fixed to the support member main body 60. This allows the cover member 70 to be separated from the support member main body 60. Therefore, when additional electric components 30, 40 are to be attached to the side mirror 21, the electric wires 31, 41 can be stored inside the insertion passage 51 with the cover member 70 removed from the support member main body 60. This makes it easy to store the electric wires 31, 41 inside the insertion passage 51.

[0067] Furthermore, the opening 75 is formed on an extension of the axis C of rotation of the side mirror 21. This makes it difficult for the electric wire 31 to be affected by the rotation in the vicinity of the opening 75. Therefore, movement of the electric wire 31 due to the rotation of the side mirror 21 is suppressed.

[0068] Moreover, the elongated opening 52 is formed at a position away from the extension of the rotation axis C of the side mirror 21 so as to follow at least a part of the trajectory of the movement of the electric wires accompanying the rotation of the side mirror 21. This allows the electric wires 41 to move within the elongated opening 52 as the side mirror 21 rotates. Therefore, interference between the electric wires 41 and the support member 50 is reduced.

[0069] The side mirror unit 20 also includes a cover member 80 having a passage hole 81 through which the electric wire 41 passes, and guide portions 61c, 76 that guide the movement of the cover member 80 so that the passage hole 81 moves within the elongated opening 52 as the electric wire 41 moves. This allows the passage hole 81 to move within the elongated opening 52 as the electric wire 41 moves. Therefore, the electric wire 41 can move in accordance with the rotation of the side mirror 21, and the area other than the portion through which the electric wire 41 passes is covered. This reduces interference between the electric wire 41 and the support member 50, and inhibits water and dust from entering the insertion passage 51 through the elongated opening 52.

[0070] The side mirror unit 20 further includes an elastic cover member 280 having a fixing portion 281 fixed to the periphery of the elongated opening 52, an annular electric wire support portion 282 that supports the electric wire 41 inserted into the elongated opening 52, and a connecting portion 283 that connects the fixing portion 281 and the electric wire support portion 282 over the entire circumferential direction of the electric wire 41. This prevents water and dust from entering the insertion passage 51 through the elongated opening 52. The elastic cover member 280 is also deformable in accordance with the movement of the electric wire 41. This prevents the electric wire from bending and prevents the electric wire from interfering with other components.

[0071] Furthermore, the wire support portion 282 is located outside the elongated opening 52, and the connecting portion 283 expands from the wire support portion 282 toward the fixed portion 281, forming a space between the wire 41 and the connecting portion 283 within the connecting portion 283. This allows the wire 41 to move freely within the connecting portion 283. Compared to when the wire 41 is fixed, the load on the wire 41 is reduced.

[0072] The exterior component is the side mirror 21. This prevents interference between the electric wires 31, 41 and the support member 50 even when the electric wires 31, 41 extending from the additional electric components 30, 40 attached to the side mirror 21 move in accordance with the rotation of the side mirror 21.

[0073] Furthermore, the cover member 70 configured as described above is the cover member 70 of the support member 50 that rotatably supports the side mirror 21 attached to the vehicle body 11, and is formed with a partial opening 74 or hole (opening 75) that constitutes at least a part of the opening 75 (slot-shaped opening 52) for inserting the electric wires 31, 41 extending from the additional electric components 30, 40 attached to the outside of the side mirror 21 into the space formed between the cover member 70 and the support member 50. As a result, interference between the electric wires 31, 41 of the additional electric components 30, 40 and the support member 50 is suppressed mainly by replacing the cover member 70.

[0074] <Modifications> Although the side mirror 21 described above is configured to be rotatably supported by the support member 50, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The side mirror 21 may be configured to be fixed to the support member 50. Furthermore, although the side mirror 21 described above is configured to be rotatable by rotation of a motor, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The side mirror 21 may be configured to be manually rotatable.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the elongated hole-shaped opening 52 is formed in the support member 50, but this is not limiting. It is sufficient that the opening has a size that suppresses interference between the electric wires 41 and the support member 50 (enough to allow the electric wires to move), and has, for example, a circular, elliptical, wave-shaped, or polygonal shape.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the elongated opening 52 is formed on the side surface of the support member 50, but this is not limiting. The elongated opening 52 may be formed on the bottom surface of the support member 50 (the bottom plate portion 71 of the cover member 70). In this case, the elongated opening is simply a hole formed in the cover member 70. Even with such an arrangement of the elongated opening 52, interference between the electric wires 41 and the support member 50 is suppressed.

[0077] In the above-described embodiment, the elongated opening 52 and the opening 75 are formed in the support member 50, but it is also possible to form only one of them.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, the side mirror 21 is configured to have two additional electrical components 30 and 40 attached thereto, but the present invention is not limited to this. The side mirror 21 may be configured to have one additional electrical component attached thereto, or three or more additional electrical components attached thereto.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, the additional electrical component 30 is attached to the side mirror 21, but the present invention is not limited to this. The additional electrical component 30 may be attached to a door handle. For example, the additional electrical component 30 may be attached to a surface of the door handle that faces outward. An obstacle detection sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor may be used as the additional electrical component 30.

[0080] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the elastic cover member 280 is employed in which a space is formed between the electric wire 41 and the connecting portion 283 within the connecting portion 283, but this is not limiting. The electric wire 41 may be supported by the elastic cover member from the electric wire support portion to the fixed portion. In other words, no space is formed between the electric wire 41 and the elastic cover member within the elastic cover member. Even with an elastic cover member configured in this manner, the elastic cover member deforms as the electric wire 41 bends. This suppresses bending of the electric wire 41 and interference between the electric wire 41 and the support member 50.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the additional electrical components 30 and 40 are used as the additional device components, and the electric wires 31 and 41 are used as the linear bodies, but this is not limiting. A component that is mechanically moved by a linear body may also be used as the additional device component. Furthermore, for example, a non-conductive wire or string may also be used as the linear body. It is preferable that such a non-conductive wire or string has flexibility in order to mechanically move the additional device component.

[0082] The configurations described in the above embodiment and modified examples can be modified as appropriate as long as they are not mutually inconsistent.

[0083] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Vehicle 11 Vehicle body 12 Body 13 Roof panel unit 14 Door panel unit 20 Side mirror unit 21 Side mirror 22 Mirror housing 23 Rotation shaft 24 Internal space 30 Additional electrical component 31 Electric wire 32 Cover portion 33 Camera unit 34 Protrusion 35 Through hole 36 Elastic protective member 40 Additional electrical component 41 Electric wire 42 Cover portion 43 Camera unit 44 Electric wire fixing portion 50 Support member 51 Insertion passage 52 Slot-shaped opening 52a End portion 52b End portion 53 Groove portion 54 Electric wire fixing portion 60 Support member body 61 Rotation support portion 61a Rotation bearing 61b Side wall 61c Guide portion 62 Fixing portion 62a Contact surface 62b Screw insertion hole 63 Arm portion 63a Upper wall 63b Side wall 63c Space 64 Main body side recess 64a Upper edge portion 64b Side edge portion 64c Step portion 65 Fixed portion side opening 70 Cover member 71 Bottom plate portion 72 Screw insertion hole 73 Protrusion portion 74 Partial opening 75 Opening 76 Guide portion 80 Lid member 81 Pass-through hole 280 Elastic cover member 281 Fixed portion 281a Recess portion 282 Electric wire support portion 283 Connecting portion C Axial center R Range S Space

Claims

1. An exterior part unit attached to a vehicle body, comprising: an exterior part; and a support member that rotatably supports the exterior part, wherein the support member has a rotation support portion that supports the rotation of the exterior part, and a fixed portion that is fixed to the vehicle body, and the support member is formed with an opening for inserting a linear object extending from an additional equipment part attached to the outside of the exterior part, a fixed part-side opening formed on the fixed part side, and an insertion passage through which the linear object is inserted from the opening to the fixed part-side opening.

2. An exterior part unit as described in claim 1, wherein the support member comprises: a support member main body having the fixing portion; and a cover member formed with a partial opening or hole portion that constitutes at least a part of the opening, and which forms the insertion passage between itself and the support member main body when fixed to the support member main body.

3. An exterior part unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening is formed on an extension of the axis of rotation of the exterior part.

4. An exterior part unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the opening is formed at a position away from the extension of the axis of rotation of the exterior part, and along at least a portion of the trajectory of movement of the linear body as the exterior part rotates.

5. An exterior part unit as described in claim 4, wherein the support member further comprises: a cover member having a passage hole through which the linear body passes; and a guide portion that guides the movement of the cover member so that the passage hole moves within the opening as the linear body moves.

6. An exterior part unit as described in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an elastic cover member having a cover member side fixing portion fixed to the periphery of the opening, an annular linear body support portion that supports the linear body inserted into the opening, and a connecting portion that connects the fixing portion and the linear body support portion around the entire circumference of the linear body.

7. An exterior part unit as described in claim 6, wherein the linear body support portion is located outside the opening, the connecting portion extends from the linear body support portion toward the fixing portion, and a space is formed between the linear body and the connecting portion within the connecting portion.

8. An exterior part unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the exterior part is a side mirror.

9. A cover member for a support member that rotatably supports an exterior part attached to a vehicle body, the cover member having a partial opening or hole that forms at least a part of an opening for inserting a linear body extending from an additional equipment part attached to the outside of the exterior part into a space formed between the cover member and the support member.

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