U.S. patent application number 09/808058 was filed with the patent office on 2001-10-04 for mirror surface angle adjusting device.
Invention is credited to Ogasawara, Morihiko, Sakamoto, Masato.
Application Number | 20010026410 09/808058 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18595545 |
Filed Date | 2001-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010026410 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sakamoto, Masato ; et
al. |
October 4, 2001 |
Mirror surface angle adjusting device
Abstract
In a mirror surface angle adjusting device of the present
invention, supplying terminals of a connector is inserted into
insertion holes of a case thereby electric power is supplied to a
motor within the case. Thus the motor is driven to adjust the
mirror surface angle of the mirror body. A closing plate of the
connector substantially closes the interior of first waterproofing
walls provided on a periphery of the insertion holes. A second
water proofing wall is provided at the connector. In this way, it
is possible to suppress entering of water into the first
waterproofing walls.
Inventors: |
Sakamoto, Masato; (Niwa-gun,
JP) ; Ogasawara, Morihiko; (Niwa-gun, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON PEABODY, LLP
8180 GREENSBORO DRIVE
SUITE 800
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
18595545 |
Appl. No.: |
09/808058 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
359/877 ;
359/871; 359/874 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 1/072 20130101;
B60R 1/07 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/877 ;
359/871; 359/874 |
International
Class: |
G02B 007/182 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 21, 2000 |
JP |
2000-78091 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A mirror surface angle adjusting device for use on a vehicle for
rearward vehicle vision, the mirror surface angle adjusting device
comprising a mirror body having a back surface side and a case
provided at the mirror back surface side, a retaining portion
provided in the case for swingably supporting said mirror body, a
plurality of motors and a plurality of swinging members, the motors
being operable when supplied with electric power for driving said
swinging members to swing said mirror body relative to said
retaining portion to adjust a mirror surface angle comprising: (a)
a plurality of receiving terminals provided at said motors in order
for said motors to receive electric power; (b) a plurality of
insertion holes formed at said case so as to correspond to said
receiving terminals; (c) first waterproofing walls which are
integrally provided at said case so as to correspond to said
respective insertion holes and to surround said insertion holes
and; (d) a connector fitted to said case, having a closing plate
which is formed in a substantial plate shape and which
substantially closes an interior of said first waterproofing walls
and a plurality of supplying terminals integrally provided at said
closing plate, inserted into said insertion holes to connect said
supplying terminals to said receiving terminals for supplying
electric power to said motors, and; (e) a second waterproofing wall
integrally provided at one of said connector and said case so as to
extend along each of said first waterproofing walls, and in which a
gap between said first waterproofing wall and said second
waterproofing wall becomes large as approaching said insertion
hole.
2. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 1,
wherein said second waterproofing wall is integrally provided at
said connector such that a distal end of said first waterproofing
wall opposes a terminal end of said second waterproofing wall.
3. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 1
further comprising a third waterproofing wall which is integrally
provided at one of said connector and said case so as to extend
along one of said first waterproofing wall and said second
waterproofing wall, and whose terminal end opposes a distal end of
one of said first waterproofing wall and said second waterproofing
wall.
4. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 2
further comprising a third waterproofing wall which is integrally
provided at one of said connector and said case so as to extend
along one of said first waterproofing wall and said second
waterproofing wall, and whose distal end opposes a terminal end of
one of said first waterproofing wall and said second waterproofing
wall.
5. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 1,
wherein said case is formed of a lower case at the mirror body side
for rearward vehicle vision and an upper case at the opposite side
of the mirror body side.
6. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 1,
wherein said case is provided with an inner mirror holder which is
fixed to the case portion at the mirror body side by said retaining
portion so as to be positioned at the back surface side of the
mirror body.
7. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein said first waterproofing wall has a plurality of first
guide holes at a vehicle upward side and at a vehicle downward side
relative to the insertion hole.
8. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein said third waterproofing wall has a plurality of second
guide holes at a vehicle upward side and at the vehicle downward
side relative to the insertion hole.
9. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein said case includes fitting holes which are positioned at a
gap between said first waterproofing walls and said third
waterproofing wall along a line connecting the insertion holes.
10. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein said connector has a pair of fitting pawls which protrude
toward said case.
11. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein said connector has a pair of convex portions.
12. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein a plurality of supplying terminals are integrally provided
at said connector so as to protrude toward said case.
13. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 3,
wherein said second waterproofing wall surrounds said first
waterproofing walls in a substantially arcuate shape and is
positioned so as to extend partially along said first waterproofing
walls.
14. The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to claim 4,
wherein said second waterproofing wall is provided in the vicinity
of a periphery of said closing plate so as to protrude toward said
case side.
15. A connector for use in connecting an electrical power source to
a motor in a mirror surface angle adjusting device, said connector
comprising: (a) a closing plate; (b) supply terminals protruding
from said closing plate; (c) wires extending from said supply
terminals for connection to an electrical power source; (d) a
second waterproofing wall protruding from said closing plate
extending around said supply terminals, said second waterproofing
wall having a passage through which said wires extend to said
supply terminals; (e) fitting pawls extending from said second
waterproofing wall for connection to said mirror surface angle
adjusting device; and (f) convex portions protruding from said
closing plate.
16. The connector according to claim 15, wherein said second
waterproofing wall extends between said convex portions and said
supplying terminals.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a mirror surface angle
adjusting device which adjusts a mirror surface angle of a mirror
body for rearward vehicle vision.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Some mirror bodies for rearward vehicle vision are provided
with a mirror surface angle adjusting device. The mirror surface
angle adjusting device has, for example, a case. The case is
disposed at the back surface side of the mirror body. A retaining
portion is provided at the mirror body side of the case. An inner
mirror holder is swingably held by the retaining portion. The inner
mirror holder is fixed to the back surface side of the mirror body.
In this way, the mirror body is swingably held at its center of
gravity by the retaining portion.
[0005] The case is provided with a pair of rods. The terminal ends
of respective rods are inserted into the case. The rods are movable
in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The inner mirror holder is
rotatably held by the distal ends of the rods. Due to the rods
moving in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the mirror body can
swing about the retaining portion.
[0006] A pair of motors are provided within the case so as to
correspond to the pair of rods. The rods are moved in the vehicle
longitudinal direction due to the driving of the motors. As a
result, the mirror body swings about the retaining portion such
that the mirror surface angle of the mirror body is adjusted.
[0007] Each motor is provided with a pair of receiving terminals.
The motors can receive electric power from the receiving terminals.
A pair of insertion holes are formed in the case so as to
correspond to the pair of receiving terminals. A pair of supplying
terminals of a connector are inserted from the insertion holes and
are connected to the receiving terminals. Electric power is
supplied from the supplying terminals via the receiving terminals
to the motors so as to drive the motors as described above.
[0008] A waterproofing member such as a grommet or the like is
mounted to the connector. Due to the waterproofing member, water is
prevented from entering from each insertion hole into the case and
thus into each motor.
[0009] In such a mirror surface angle adjusting device, however, a
waterproofing member such as a grommet or the like is needed. There
has been the problem that, as the waterproofing member is a
separate component from the connector, the number of components and
the number of assembling steps are increased, resulting in high
costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present
invention is to provide a mirror surface adjusting device which can
prevent water from entering into a motor and which can accomplish
this prevention of water from entering into the motor at a low
cost.
[0011] A mirror surface angle adjusting device pertaining to a
first aspect of the present invention includes a mirror body having
a back surface side and a case provided at the mirror back surface
side, a retaining portion provided in the case for swingably
supporting the mirror body, a plurality of motors and a plurality
of swinging members, the motors being operable when supplied with
electric power for driving the swinging members to swing the mirror
body relative to the retaining portion to adjust a mirror surface
angle, the mirror surface angle adjusting device includes (a) a
plurality of receiving terminals provided at the motors in order
for the motors to receive electric power; (b) a plurality of
insertion holes formed at the case so as to correspond to the
receiving terminals; (c) first waterproofing walls which are
integrally provided at the case so as to correspond to the
respective insertion holes and to surround the insertion holes and;
(d) a connector fitted to the case, having a closing plate which is
formed in a substantial plate shape and which substantially closes
an interior of the first waterproofing walls and a plurality of
supplying terminals integrally provided at the closing plate,
inserted into the insertion holes to connect the supplying
terminals to the receiving terminals for supplying electric power
to the motors, and; (e) a second waterproofing wall integrally
provided at one of the connector and the case so as to extend along
each of the first waterproofing walls, and in which a gap between
the first waterproofing wall and the second waterproofing wall
becomes large as approaching the insertion hole.
[0012] According to the mirror surface angle adjusting device of
the present invention, the retaining portion of the case swingably
holds the mirror body. A plurality of motors as a swinging device
are provided within the case. Electric power is supplied to the
motors so as to drive the motors thereby the mirror body swings
about the retaining portion to adjust the mirror surface angle.
[0013] The connector which is fitted into the case has a plurality
of supplying terminals. The supplying terminals are inserted into
the insertion holes formed at the case and connected to the
receiving terminals. Electric power is supplied to the motors as
described above to drive the motors.
[0014] The case is integrally provided with the first waterproofing
walls around the respective insertion holes. The interior of the
first waterproofing walls are substantially closed by the closing
plate which is integrally provided at the connector. Thus it is
possible to suppress entering of water into the first waterproofing
walls and into the respective insertion holes. The second
waterproofing wall is integrally provided at the connector or the
case so as to extend along each of the first waterproofing walls.
Accordingly, water must go over the second waterproofing wall in
addition to the first waterproofing wall in order to enter into the
insertion holes. Entering of water into the insertion hole is
further suppressed. The gap between the first waterproofing wall
and the second waterproofing wall becomes larger as approaching the
insertion hole. Therefore water which enters into the gap between
the first waterproofing wall and the second waterproofing wall
serves as a waterproofing wall caused by the surface tension. As a
result, it is possible to prevent water from approaching the
insertion holes, so as to prevent water from entering from the
insertion holes into the case and then into the motors.
[0015] In accordance with the mirror surface angle adjusting device
of the present invention, the second waterproofing wall is
preferably provided at the connector. The distal end of the first
waterproofing wall opposes the terminal end of the second
waterproofing wall. The second waterproofing wall is provided in
the vicinity of the periphery portion of the closing plate so as to
protrude toward the case.
[0016] The second waterproofing wall is provided at the connector
and the distal end of the first waterproofing wall opposes the
terminal end of the second waterproofing wall. The path where water
goes over the first waterproofing walls and over the second
waterproofing wall and enters into the insertion holes of the case
is formed like a labyrinth and is long. Therefore, it is possible
to further prevent water from entering from the insertion holes
into the case and then into the motors.
[0017] The mirror surface angle adjusting device according to the
present invention, preferably includes a third waterproofing wall
which is integrally provided at one of the connector and the case
so as to extend along one of the first waterproofing wall and the
second waterproofing wall, and whose distal end opposes a terminal
end of one of the first waterproofing wall and the second
waterproofing wall. Here, the second waterproofing wall preferably
surrounds the first waterproofing walls in a substantially arcuate
shape and is positioned so as to extend partially along the first
waterproofing walls. Further, the first waterproofing wall has a
plurality of first guide holes at a vehicle upward side and at a
vehicle downward side relative to the insertion hole. Moreover, the
third waterproofing wall has a plurality of second guide holes at a
vehicle upward side and at the vehicle downward side relative to
the insertion hole.
[0018] The case is formed of a case portion at the mirror body side
(lower case) and a case portion at the opposite side of the mirror
body side (upper case). The inner mirror holder is fixed to the
case portion at the mirror body side by the retaining portion.
Fitting holes are formed at each gap between each of the first
waterproofing walls and the third waterproofing wall on a line
connecting a pair of insertion holes. The connector which is fitted
into the case preferably has a pair of fitting pawls which protrude
toward the case in order to be fitted into the case. Further, the
connector has a pair of convex portions to prevent water from
entering into the third waterproofing wall. The supplying terminals
are integrally formed at the connector so as to protrude toward the
case.
[0019] The third waterproofing wall is integrally provided at one
of the connector and the case so as to extend along one of the
first waterproofing wall and the second waterproofing wall. In
order for water to enter into the insertion holes of the case,
water must go over the third waterproofing wall as well as the
first waterproofing wall and the second waterproofing wall. Thus
entering of water into the insertion holes is further suppressed.
The distal end of the third waterproofing wall opposes the terminal
end of one of the first waterproofing wall and the second
waterproofing wall. The path where water goes over one of the first
waterproofing walls and over the second waterproofing wall and the
third waterproofing wall and enters into one of the insertion holes
is formed like a labyrinth and is long. As a result, it is possible
to further prevent water from entering from the insertion holes
into the case and then into the motors.
[0020] As described above, the first waterproofing walls are
integrally provided at the case and the second waterproofing wall
is integrally provided at the connector or the case. Thereby it is
possible to reduce the number of components and the number of
assembling steps. Further, a conventional waterproofing member such
as a grommet or the like is not necessary resulting in cost
reduction. Moreover, the third waterproofing wall is integrally
provided at the connector or the case, thus the number of
components and the number of assembling steps can be further
reduced. Even if the third waterproofing wall is provided, cost
reduction can be accomplished.
[0021] A connector pertaining to another aspect of the present
invention includes (a) a closing plate; (b) supply terminals
protruding from the closing plate; (c) wires extending from the
supply terminals for connection to an electrical power source; (d)
a second waterproofing wall protruding from the closing plate
extending around the supply terminals, the second waterproofing
wall having a passage through which the wires extend to the supply
terminals; (e) fitting pawls extending from the second
waterproofing wall for connection to the mirror surface angle
adjusting device; and (f) convex portions protruding from the
closing plate.
[0022] In accordance with the connector of the present invention,
the second waterproofing wall preferably extends between the convex
portions and the supplying terminals.
[0023] Because the second waterproofing wall and the fitting pawls
are integrally formed at the connector, the ability of
waterproofing can be improved and the number of components and the
number of assembling steps can be reduced.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a rear view of main portions (first and third
waterproofing walls) of a mirror surface angle adjusting device
relating to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a connector of the mirror
surface angle adjusting device relating to the embodiment of the
present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of main portions of the
mirror surface angle adjusting device relating to the embodiment of
the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a rear view of main portions of the mirror surface
angle adjusting device relating to the embodiment of the present
invention (i.e., is a detailed view of area 4 in FIG. 1).
[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 5-5 in
FIG. 4, of main portions of the mirror surface angle adjusting
device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 6 is a front view of the mirror surface angle adjusting
device relating to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 7-7 in
FIG. 6, of the mirror surface angle adjusting device relating to
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view, taken along a line 8-8 in
FIG. 6, of the mirror surface angle adjusting device relating to
the embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a partially broken rear view of the mirror surface
angle adjusting device relating to the embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] An embodiment of the present invention will be described
hereinafter with reference to the drawings.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a front view of a mirror surface angle adjusting
device 10 relating to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 shown in FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 shown in FIG.
6. FIG. 9 is a partially-broken rear view of the mirror surface
angle adjusting device 10.
[0035] The mirror surface angle adjusting device 10 relating to the
present embodiment includes a case 12. The case 12 is disposed at
the back surface side (the vehicle front side) of a mirror body
(not shown) for rearward vehicle vision. The case 12 is formed of a
lower case 12A at the mirror body side thereof and an upper case
12B at the opposite side of the mirror body side thereof. A
retaining portion 14 is provided at the mirror body side of the
case 12 (i.e., at the lower case 12A). An inner mirror holder 16 is
swingably held by the retaining portion 14. The inner mirror holder
16 is fixed to the back surface side of the mirror body. Thus, the
mirror body is swingably held at its center of gravity by the
retaining portion 14.
[0036] A pair of rods 18 are provided at the mirror body side of
the case 12 (at the lower case 12A) to enable swinging of the
mirror body. The terminal ends of the rods 18 are inserted in the
case 12. The rods 18 are movable in the vehicle longitudinal
direction. One of the rods 18 is disposed above the retaining
portion 14 (i.e., higher, in the vehicle heightwise direction, than
the retaining portion 14). The other rod 18 is disposed at the
right-hand side of the retaining portion 14 (i.e., toward the
right, in the transverse direction of the vehicle, of the retaining
portion 14). The inner mirror holder 16 is rotatably held at
respective distal ends of the rods 18. Accordingly, if the rods 18
are moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the mirror body
swings about the retaining portion 14. In the present embodiment,
the rods 18 are respectively disposed above and to the right of the
retaining portion 14 as described above. However, the rods 18 may
be respectively disposed lower than and to the left of the
retaining portion 14 as long as they enable swinging of the mirror
body.
[0037] A pair of motors 20 for enabling swinging of the rods 18 are
provided within the case 12 so as to correspond to a pair of the
rods 18. Each motor 20 is provided with a pair of receiving
terminals 22. Each receiving terminal 22 is formed in a
substantially cylindrical shape. The motor 20 can receive electric
power via the pair of receiving terminals 22. When electric current
is supplied via the receiving terminals 22 to the motor 20, the
motor 20 is driven such that the rod 18 is moved in the vehicle
longitudinal direction. Thus, the mirror body swings about the
retaining portion 14 as described above so as to adjust the mirror
surface angle of the mirror body.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 9, four insertion holes 24 (a
pair of insertion holes 24 for each motor 20) are formed at the
opposite side of the mirror body side of the case 12 (i.e., at the
upper case 12B) so as to correspond to the receiving terminals 22.
Four first waterproofing walls 26 (a pair of first waterproofing
walls 26 for each motor 20) are formed integrally with the opposite
side of the mirror body side of the case 12 (i.e., at the upper
case 12B) so as to correspond to the insertion holes 24. Each of
the first waterproofing walls 26 are disposed around the respective
insertion holes 24 so as to surround the insertion holes 24 in a
substantial elliptical shape with its center substantially being
the respective insertion holes 24. Two first guide holes 28 are
formed at the ends of each first waterproofing wall 26. One guide
hole 28 is formed at the upward side, in the vehicle heightwise
direction, of the insertion hole 24 and the other guide hole 28 is
formed at the downward side, in the vehicle heightwise direction,
of the insertion hole 24. Further, a pair of third waterproofing
walls 30 (one waterproofing wall 30 for each motor 20) are formed
integrally with the opposite side of the mirror body side of the
case 12 (i.e., at the upper case 12B). Each third waterproofing
wall 30 is disposed around the first waterproofing wall 26 pair so
as to surround the insertion hole 24 pair in a substantially
circular shape. Four second guide holes 32 are formed at ends of
each third waterproofing wall 30. Two of the guide holes 32 are
formed at the upward side, in the vehicle heightwise direction, of
the insertion hole 24 pair, and the other two of the guide holes 32
are formed at the downward side, in the vehicle heightwise
direction, of the insertion hole 24 pair. Four fitting holes 34 (a
pair of fitting holes 34 for each motor 20) are formed in the side
of the case 12 opposite the mirror body side thereof (i.e., in the
upper case 12B). Each fitting hole 34 is disposed in each gap
between the first waterproofing wall 26 and the third waterproofing
wall 30 on a line connecting the pair of insertion holes 24.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 in detail, a pair of
connectors 36 (one connector 36 for each motor 20) are provided at
the opposite side of the mirror body side of the case 12 (i.e., at
the upper case 12B) so as to correspond to a pair of the third
waterproofing walls 30. Each connector 36 has a closing plate 38
which is formed in a substantial disc-shape. The closing plate 38
is provided with a pair of fitting pawls 40 which protrude toward
the case 12. The fitting pawl 40 pair corresponds to the
above-described fitting hole 34 pair. By the fitting pawls 40
fitting into the corresponding fitting holes 34, the connector 36
is fitted together with the case 12. The closing plate 38 abuts
ends of the third waterproofing wall 30 and substantially abuts
ends of the first waterproofing walls 26. (Here, "ends" refers to
the ends which are directed upward in the cross-sectional view
shown in FIG. 3.) Thus, an interior of the third waterproofing wall
30 and interiors of the first waterproofing walls 26 are
substantially closed by the closing plate 38. A pair of convex
portions 42 are provided on a periphery of the closing plate 38.
The convex portions 42 are fitted into the upper set of second
guide holes 32 so that water is prevented from entering into the
third waterproofing wall 30 from above.
[0040] A pair of supplying terminals 44 are integrally provided at
the closing plate 38 so as to protrude toward the case 12. By
inserting the supplying terminals 44 into the above-described
insertion holes 24, the supplying terminals 44 are inserted into
the receiving terminals 22 and connected thereto. Wires 46 are
connected to the supplying terminals 44. Each wire 46 is inserted
into the first guide hole 28 and the second guide hole 32 located
downwardly of the insertion holes 24. Thus, the wires 46 are guided
from the downward side of the third waterproofing wall 30 to
outside of the third waterproofing wall 30. Further, the wires 46
are connected to a power supply (not shown). Electric power is
supplied from the power supply via the wires 46 and the supplying
terminals 44 to the receiving terminals 22. As a result, as
described above, electric power is supplied to the motors 20 so as
to drive the same. Gaps are formed between the first guide hole 28
and the wire 46 and between the second guide hole 32 and the wire
46.
[0041] A second waterproofing wall 48 is integrally provided in the
vicinity of the periphery of the closing plate 38 so as to protrude
toward the case 12. The second waterproofing wall 48 is disposed at
the inner side of the third waterproofing wall 30 and so as to
always run along the third waterproofing wall 30. (In the present
embodiment, for example, the gap between the second waterproofing
wall 48 and the third waterproofing wall 30 (i.e., the width A
shown in FIG. 4) is always a constant 0.1 mm.) The second
waterproofing wall 48 surrounds the first waterproofing wall 26
pair in a substantially arcuate shape and is disposed partially
along the first waterproofing walls 26. The gaps between each first
waterproofing wall 26 and the second waterproofing wall 48 becomes
larger as the waterproofing wall 48 approaches the insertion holes
24. (In the present embodiment, for example, the width B shown in
FIG. 4 is 0.1 mm and the width C shown in FIG. 4 is 0.25 mm.) The
distal end of the second waterproofing wall 48 substantially abuts
the wall surface of the case 12. The terminal end of the second
waterproofing wall 48 opposes the distal end of the first
waterproofing wall 26 and the distal end of the third waterproofing
wall 30. (The "distal end" and the "terminal end" refer to the
distal end and the terminal end in the cross-sectional view shown
in FIG. 3.)
[0042] Operation of the present embodiment will be explained
hereinafter.
[0043] In the mirror surface adjusting device 10 with the
above-described structure, the retaining portion 14 of the case 12
swingably holds the mirror body (not shown) at a center of gravity
of the mirror body. The mirror body is rotatably held by respective
distal ends of the rods 18 provided at the case 12. The pair of
motors 20 are provided within the case 12. Electric power is
supplied to the respective motors 20 so as to drive. The rods 18
are moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The mirror body
thereby swings about the retaining portion 14 such that the mirror
surface angle of the mirror body is adjusted.
[0044] The connector 36 which is fitted into the case 12 has the
supplying terminals 44. The supplying terminals 44 are inserted
into the insertion holes 24 formed in the case 12 so as to be
connected to the receiving terminals 22 formed at the motors 20.
Further, the supplying terminals 44 are connected via the wires 46
to a power supply (not shown). Electric power is supplied from the
power supply via the wires 46 and the supplying terminals 44 to the
receiving terminals 22. In this way, as described above, electric
power is supplied to the motors 20 so as to drive the motors
20.
[0045] Here, the first waterproofing walls 26 are integrally
provided at the case 12 so as to surround the insertion holes 24.
The interiors of the first waterproofing walls 26 are substantially
closed by the closing plate 38 which is integrally formed at the
connector 36. Thus it is possible to suppress entering of water
into the first waterproofing walls 26 and the insertion holes 24.
The second waterproofing wall 48 is integrally provided at the
connector 36 so as to extend along the first waterproofing walls
26. Therefore, water must go over the second waterproofing wall 48
in addition to the first waterproofing walls 26 in order to enter
into the insertion holes 24. Thus it is able to further suppress
entering of water into the insertion holes 24 (within the first
waterproofing walls 26). The gaps between each first waterproofing
wall 26 and the second waterproofing wall 48 becomes larger as
approaching the insertion holes 24. Thus it is possible to prevent
water which enters from the vehicle downward side via the gaps
between the second guide holes 32 and the wires 46 into the gaps
between the first waterproofing walls 26 and the second
waterproofing wall 48 from approaching the insertion holes 24
(moving toward the vehicle upward side) by the surface tension.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent water from entering from the
insertion holes 24 into the case 12 and then into the motors
20.
[0046] The distal ends of the first waterproofing walls 26 oppose
the terminal end of the second waterproofing wall 48, thus a path
where water goes over each of the first waterproofing walls 26 and
the second waterproofing wall 48 and enters into the insertion
holes 24 is formed like a labyrinth and is long (see FIG. 5). As a
result, it is possible to further prevent water from entering from
the insertion holes 24 into the case 12 and then into the motors
20.
[0047] Further, the third waterproofing wall 30 is integrally
provided at the case 12 so as to extend along the second
waterproofing wall 48. Thus in order for water to enter into the
insertion holes 24, water must go over the third waterproofing wall
30 as well as the first waterproofing walls 26 and the second
waterproofing wall 48. Accordingly, it is possible to further
suppress entering of water into the insertion holes 24 (the
interior of the first waterproofing walls 26). The distal end of
the third waterproofing wall 30 opposes the terminal end of the
second waterproofing wall 48. The path where water goes over the
second waterproofing wall 48 and the third waterproofing wall 30
and enters into the insertion holes 24 is formed like a labyrinth
and is long (see FIG. 5). As a result, it is possible to further
prevent water from entering from the insertion holes 24 into the
case 12 and then into the motors 20.
[0048] As described above, it is possible to prevent water which
enters into the gaps between each first waterproofing wall 26 and
the second waterproofing wall 48 from moving toward the vehicle
upward side by the surface tension. It is possible to prevent water
which enters into the gaps between each first waterproofing wall 26
and the second waterproofing wall 48 from approaching the fitting
holes 34 by the surface tension. Accordingly, it is also possible
to prevent water which enters into the gap between the second
waterproofing wall 48 and the third waterproofing wall 30 from
moving toward the vehicle upward side (approaching the fitting
holes 34) by the surface tension. It is possible to prevent water
from entering from the fitting holes 34 into the case 12 and then
into the motors 20.
[0049] As described above, it is possible to prevent water which
enters into the gaps between the first waterproofing walls 26 and
the second waterproofing wall 48 from moving toward the vehicle
upward side by the surface tension. Accordingly, it is possible to
suppress or prevent entering of water via the gaps between the
first guide holes 28 of the first waterproofing walls 26 (the first
guide holes 28 at the vehicle downward side of the insertion holes
24) and the wires 46 into the interior of the first waterproofing
walls 26. Even if water enters via the gaps into the first
waterproofing walls 26, water cannot reach the insertion holes 24
positioned at the vehicle upward side. Thus, it is possible to
prevent water from entering via the gaps between the first guide
holes 28 and the wires 46 into the insertion holes 24. It is
possible to perfectly prevent water from entering from the
insertion holes 24 into the case 12 and then into the motors
20.
[0050] As described above, by integrally providing the first
waterproofing walls 26 at the case 12 and integrally providing the
second waterproofing wall 48 at the connector 36, it is possible to
reduce a number of components and a number of assembling steps. A
conventional waterproofing member such as a grommet or the like
becomes unnecessary resulting in cost reduction.
[0051] As described above, as the third waterproofing wall 30 is
integrally formed at the case 12, it is possible to further reduce
the number of components and the number of assembling steps. As a
result, even if the third waterproofing wall 30 is provided, cost
reduction can be accomplished.
[0052] In the present embodiment, although the second waterproofing
wall 48 is integrally provided at the connector 36, the second
waterproofing wall 48 may be integrally provided at the case
12.
[0053] In the present embodiment, the third waterproofing wall 30
is integrally provided at the case 12 so as to extend along the
second waterproofing wall 48. The third waterproofing wall 30 may
be integrally provided at the connector 36 or the case 12 so as to
extend along the first waterproofing walls 26. The third
waterproofing wall 30 may be integrally provided at the connector
36 so as to extend along the second waterproofing wall 48.
* * * * *