U.S. patent application number 10/733241 was filed with the patent office on 2004-07-08 for outer mirror assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to MURAKAMI CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Fukai, Akira, Motomiya, Masahiro, Suzuki, Hisaya, Yamana, Tohru.
Application Number | 20040129853 10/733241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32475232 |
Filed Date | 2004-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040129853 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Suzuki, Hisaya ; et
al. |
July 8, 2004 |
Outer mirror assembly
Abstract
An outer mirror assembly for a vehicle is provided, which
includes a mirror base extending outwardly from a side of a vehicle
body, a mirror housing that is suspended from the mirror base so
that a space between the vehicle body and the mirror housing can be
provided and a rear view mirror is disposed in the mirror
housing.
Inventors: |
Suzuki, Hisaya; (Shizuoka,
JP) ; Motomiya, Masahiro; (Shizuoka, JP) ;
Yamana, Tohru; (Shizuoka, JP) ; Fukai, Akira;
(Shizuoka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OBLON, SPIVAK, MCCLELLAND, MAIER & NEUSTADT, P.C.
1940 DUKE STREET
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Assignee: |
MURAKAMI CORPORATION
Shizuoka-shi
JP
|
Family ID: |
32475232 |
Appl. No.: |
10/733241 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/475.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 1/1207 20130101;
B60Q 1/2665 20130101; B60R 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/475.1 |
International
Class: |
A47G 001/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-369708 |
Dec 20, 2002 |
JP |
2002-370128 |
May 15, 2003 |
JP |
2003-136682 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An outer mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror base
extending outwardly from a side of a vehicle body; a mirror housing
which is suspended from the mirror base so that a space between the
vehicle body and the mirror housing can be provided; and a rear
view mirror disposed in the mirror housing.
2. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mirror
base comprises a mounting plate which is attached to a forward end
of a side window of the vehicle body.
3. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 1 wherein the mirror
base is attached to one of a pillar of a front window of the
vehicle body and a vertical frame partitioning a side window of the
vehicle body.
4. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 1 wherein a window
frame is disposed in a forward end of a side window, and the mirror
base is attached to an upper portion of the window frame above an
opening surrounded by the window frame.
5. An outer mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising: a mirror base
extending outwardly from a side of a vehicle body; and a mirror
housing suspended from the mirror base, wherein the mirror base has
a base lens cover which diffuses light irradiated by a light
source, and wherein the light source is installed in one of the
mirror base and the vehicle body.
6. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 5 wherein the base
lens cover is disposed on at least one of forward and backward
sides of the mirror base.
7. An outer mirror assembly according to claims 5 wherein the
mirror housing has a housing lens cover which diffuses the light
irradiated by the light source.
8. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 5 wherein a bottom
wall of the mirror base has a first hole through which a fastener
for suspending the mirror housing is inserted, and wherein the base
lens cover has an attachment portion which is secured to the bottom
wall of the mirror base and the. attachment portion has a second
hole, through which the fastener is inserted, being aligned with
the first hole.
9. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 8 wherein the mirror
base has a first engagement element and the base lens cover has a
second engagement element, and wherein when the first and second
engagement elements are engaged, the first and second holes are
adapted to be aligned.
10. An outer mirror assembly according to claim 9 wherein the base
lens cover is slid from the opposite side of the first engagement
element relative to the first hole so that the second engagement
element can be engaged with the first engagement element.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an outer mirror assembly
which is attached to the side door of a vehicle and, more
particularly, to an outer mirror assembly which has both innovative
structure and functionality.
[0002] An outer mirror assembly for a vehicle has been known, which
has a mirror base extending outwardly from the triangle corner
portion of a side window and a mirror housing with a rear view
mirror supported by the mirror base. The mirror housing of this
outer mirror assembly is supported on the mirror base. In contrast
to this, the other type of outer mirror assembly, in which a mirror
housing is supported downwardly by a mirror base as shown in FIG. 1
is introduced in Japanese Published Patent Application 10-315928
(hereinafter referred to as "document No.1"). More specifically, a
mirror housing 2 is supported pivotally by a support portion 1b
which extends integrally from a mirror base 1 and overhangs the
mirror housing 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer mirror assembly is
mounted onto a vehicle body in such a manner that the mirror base 1
is attached to a triangle corner portion 5 situated at the forward
end of a side window 4 of a side door 3.
[0003] Japanese Published Utility Application 6-65095 (hereinafter
referred to as "document No.2") reports another outer mirror
assembly, which has an upper portion 6b of a mirror base 6 and a
side portion 8a of a mirror housing 8 cooperatively supporting the
mirror housing 8 that houses a rear view mirror 7, as shown in FIG.
3.
[0004] However, the conventional outer mirror assemblies described
above have not solved problems below.
[0005] The outer mirror assembly disclosed in the document No.1, in
which a side portion 2a facing a vehicle body completely contacts
the inner surface of the mirror base 1, gives an impression that
the assembly including the mirror base 1 and mirror housing 2 looks
massive. This may have resulted in a limitation of types of
vehicle, to which the outer mirror assembly is applied. On the
other hand, the outer mirror assembly disclosed in the document
No.2, in which the lower portion 6a of the mirror base 6 has a
cutout compared with that described in the document No.1, has the
side portion 8a of the mirror housing 8 which is completely covered
by the mirror base 6. Furthermore, the upper portion 6b of the
mirror base 6, which has thicker structure and massive appearance,
limits types of vehicle onto which the outer mirror assembly is
mounted as well as that described in the document No.1.
[0006] In this way, these outer mirror assemblies described above,
which have the side portions 2a and 8a that face the vehicle bodies
and are covered by the mirror bases 1 and 6, respectively, have not
allowed the practical use of these portions.
[0007] Wind noise caused by pressure disturbance at the surface of
a side window, which is created by hitting of wind stream disturbed
by an outer mirror assembly during vehicle traveling, results in
noise experienced in a cabin. The outer mirror assembly shown in
the document No.1 has a problem that it tends to create much noise
resulting from wind noise. The reason for this is that the outer
mirror assembly, in which the side portion 2a facing the vehicle
body is completely covered by the mirror base 1, does not provide a
passage for releasing the wind stream so that the wind stream is
susceptible to disturbance by the outer mirror assembly. On the
other hand the outer mirror assembly described in the document No.2
also has the similar problem. Although the mirror assembly which
has the lower portion 6a having the cutout can release the wind
stream to some extent, the cutout is too small and shallow to
provide an efficient passage for the wind stream, thereby resulting
in noise in a cabin originating in the wind noise.
[0008] The outer mirror assembly disclosed in the document No.1 has
tended to have raindrops remain on the side window during a vehicle
traveling on a rainy day. This is caused by the raindrops which are
not blown off by the wind stream because the mirror assembly which
does not have the passage for releasing the wind stream is likely
to create an air pocket. The area of side window where the
raindrops tend to remain generally falls in an upper area facing
the mirror assembly because the wind stream around the mirror
assembly forms a diagonally upward stream from forward to backward
relative to the vehicle body. These raindrops will block the view
of a driver at a river seat when he sees the mirror of mirror
assembly. In this way, the mirror assembly has not been able to
keep good visibility on a rainy day. On the other hand the outer
mirror assembly disclosed in the document No.2, which has small and
shallow cutout, has not been able to blow off the raindrops
remaining on the side window satisfactorily by the wind stream.
Therefore, this mirror assembly has not been able to maintain good
visibility on a rainy day, either.
[0009] Because a pillar attached to the side end of a front window,
which is reinforced thicker for safety in case of a collision, has
tended to increase a dead angle zone relative to the side of a
vehicle body. The outer mirror assembly disclosed in the document
No.1, which has united structure without a cutout from the mirror
base 1 to the mirror housing 2, creates a dead angle zone
inevitably. More specifically, if the mirror assembly is attached
to the triangle corner portion 5 located at the forward end of the
side window 4, the triangle corner portion 5 and the whole mirror
assembly cause blocking for the side view, thereby creating the
dead angle zone.
[0010] In this way, this outer mirror assembly, which creates the
large dead angle zone cooperating with the triangle corner portion
5 and the pillar, tends to decrease visibility relative to the side
of the vehicle body.
[0011] Although the dead angle zone can be decreased if the
visibility through the triangle corner portion 5 is sustained by
attaching the mirror assembly offset from it upwardly or
downwardly, it may result in following new problem.
[0012] If the mirror assembly is attached offset upwardly from the
triangle corner portion 5, a driver tends to feel uncomfortable
because he is forced to shift his line of sight higher than usual
while he sees the mirror of the mirror assembly for rear safety. On
the other hand, if the mirror assembly is attached offset
downwardly, it may not be possible to avoid increase in its size
because its supporting element is adapted to be larger inevitably
to support the mirror at the same height. Therefore, these
modifications described above are considered to be
impracticable.
[0013] The outer mirror assembly disclosed in the document No.2,
which has less effect on the visibility through the triangle corner
portion 5 by introducing the cutout, has not solve the problem
described above, either.
[0014] The present invention provides an outer mirror assembly,
which has visual impression of light weight and is applicable to
many types of vehicle. The outer mirror assembly also provides the
following advantages. It allows flexibility for using the side of a
mirror housing, which faces a vehicle body. In addition, it can not
only reduce noise in a cabin originating in a wind stream but also
improve visibility on a rainy day. Furthermore, it can reduce a
dead angle zone relative to the side of the vehicle body.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 4, a conventional retractable outer mirror
assembly mainly includes a mirror base 210 extending outwardly from
the side of a vehicle body, a shaft 240 fixed on the mirror base
210, a mirror housing 230 coupled pivotably to the shaft 240, a
mirror 237 disposed in the rear opening of the mirror housing 230.
A frame 231 is disposed in the mirror housing 230. An actuator 232
to control the direction of the mirror 237 and a drive unit 233,
which positions the mirror housing 230 in a stored or operating
position, are attached to the frame 231. The drive unit 233
includes a motor 235 for producing drive power and reduction gear
mechanism 234 coupled to the shaft 240. Drive power of the motor
235 is transmitted to the shaft 240 via the reduction gear
mechanism 234. The mirror housing 230, which rotates about the
shaft 240 while the motor 235 is driven, is retracted or restored
to the operating position according to its rotational
direction.
[0016] Another outer mirror assembly has recently been proposed,
onto which a lamp illuminating a step or a door knob, or a winker
(a turn signal lamp) is mounted. Japanese Published Utility
application 3-52250 and Japanese Published Patent Application
7-228194 disclose the related art described above.
[0017] This outer mirror assembly, in which a wire harness for
supplying electricity to the lamp is routed through a shaft, can
not accommodate all harnesses because their number is limited
according to its inner diameter. In this way, addition of wire
harness results in not only imposing restrictions on parts to be
installed in the mirror housing but also increase in time
associated with assembling of the mirror assembly.
[0018] These problems described above may be solved by another
outer mirror assembly disclosed in Japanese Published Patent
Application 8-324342, in which a light unit is attached to a mirror
base. This mirror assembly may simplify assembling because it is
not necessary to route a wire harness for the lamp to the mirror
housing any more.
[0019] Because the outer mirror assembly disclosed in Japanese
Published Patent Application 8-324342 whose mirror base is placed
under the mirror housing, the light unit attached to the mirror
base inevitably lies under the mirror housing. Therefore, when it
is observed from a position higher than that of the mirror housing,
the light unit such as a winker or stop lamp attached to the mirror
base may not provide good visibility because the mirror housing
acts as an obstacle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] An outer mirror assembly of the present invention, to which
a light unit such as a winker or stop light is attached, provides
the following benefits. For example, addition of the light unit
does not impose restriction on parts assembled into a mirror
housing because it is no more necessary to route a harness through
a shaft. In this way, the mirror assembly provides easier assembly
and sufficient visibility for the light unit when it is observed by
the third person.
[0021] An aspect of the present invention provides an outer mirror
assembly for a vehicle, which includes a mirror base extending
outwardly from a side of a vehicle body, a mirror housing that is
suspended from the mirror base so that a space between the vehicle
body and the mirror housing can be provided and a rear view mirror
is disposed in the mirror housing.
[0022] The outer mirror assembly described above has structure
(hereinafter referred to as "suspension mounting"), in which the
mirror housing is suspended from the mirror base that extends
outwardly from the vehicle body. Furthermore, the mirror housing,
which is suspended from the mirror base so as to provide the space
relative to the vehicle body, has visual impression of light weight
so that the mirror assembly can be flexibly applied to many types
of vehicle.
[0023] Because the mirror housing suspended by the mirror base
provides the space relative to the vehicle body, the side portion
of mirror housing is not covered by the mirror base but exposed
facing the vehicle body. It is thus possible to utilize this side
portion.
[0024] Furthermore, it is possible to let a wind stream pass
smoothly through this space toward backward relative to the
direction of vehicle traveling, which decreases disturbance in the
wind stream caused by the mirror assembly, resulting in reduction
in noise in a cabin.
[0025] In addition, it is possible to blow off raindrops falling
onto the side window with assistance of the wind stream flowing
through the space during vehicle traveling on a rainy day so as to
increase the visibility of the mirror. The outer mirror assembly of
the present invention has an advantage that the suspension mounting
prevents its mirror base from blocking the wind stream which flows
along the side window. On the other hand, in a conventional outer
mirror assembly which employs a mirror housing supported on a
mirror base, the mirror base blocks a wind stream flowing upward
diagonally toward the backward of vehicle body. Raindrops tend to
remain in an area which blocks the view of a driver when he sees a
mirror of the mirror assembly. In this way, the visibility during
vehicle traveling on a rainy day tends to deteriorate.
[0026] The outer mirror assembly of the present invention
introducing the suspension mounting, whose mirror base does not
block the wind stream flowing upwardly relative to the vehicle
body, provides the smooth wind stream which flows along the side
window. A driver at the driver seat can thus look at the mirror
clearly because the raindrops on the side window are blown off by
the smooth wind stream. In this way, the suspension mounting, which
provides the space between the mirror housing and the vehicle body,
can increase the visibility of the mirror.
[0027] Another aspect of the present invention provides an outer
mirror assembly, in which a mirror base includes a mounting plate
that is adapted to be attached to a forward end of a side window of
a vehicle body.
[0028] Introduction of the mounting plate allows mounting of the
outer mirror assembly onto the forward end of the side window. It
results in not only easier mounting of the mirror assembly onto the
vehicle body but also increase in stiffness associated with the
attachment of the mirror assembly to the vehicle body.
[0029] Still another aspect of the present invention provides an
outer mirror assembly, in which a mirror base is attached to one of
a pillar of a front window of a vehicle body and a vertical frame
partitioning a side window of the vehicle body.
[0030] The outer mirror assembly described above, whose mirror base
is mounted onto either the pillar disposed at the side end of the
front window or the vertical frame of the side window, provides
flexibility for mounting location in addition to the forward end of
the side window. This allows a benefit of using the triangle corner
portion as a window for side view. In this way, the dead angle zone
can be decreased and the visibility relative to the side of the
vehicle body can be increased accordingly.
[0031] Furthermore, the outer mirror assembly of suspension
mounting, which provides a space between the vehicle body and the
mirror housing, can provide better visibility through the triangle
corner portion. The reason for this is that the mirror base and the
mirror housing of suspension mounting, which extend outwardly from
the vehicle body, are unlikely to come into the field of view
through the triangle corner portion. This makes it feasible for a
driver to look at the mirror with the line of sight to which he is
accustomed because the mirror housing can be attached in the
similar position as that of the conventional one, in the vicinity
of the triangle corner portion. Furthermore, it is possible to
provide view relative to the side of the vehicle body through the
triangle corner portion.
[0032] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an
outer mirror assembly, in which a window frame is provided in the
forward end of a side window, and a mirror base is attached to an
upper portion of the window frame above an opening surrounded by
the window frame.
[0033] The outer mirror assembly, which introduces the window frame
that surrounds the forward end of the side window or a triangle
corner portion, allows mounting of the mirror base onto the forward
end of the side window, thereby making it possible to use the
opening of the window frame as a window for side view. In addition,
it is possible to provide side view through the opening because the
mirror base rarely overlaps with the opening. Therefore, the
present invention provides an advantage that it is possible to
reduce the dead angle zone although the mirror base is attached to
the forward end of the side window.
[0034] A further aspect of the present invention provides an outer
mirror assembly for a vehicle, which includes a mirror base
extending outwardly from a side of a vehicle body and a mirror
housing suspended from the mirror base. The mirror base has a base
lens cover which diffuses light irradiated by a light source and
the light source is installed in either the mirror base or the
vehicle body.
[0035] The outer mirror assembly described above, which introduces
base lens cover that diffuses the light irradiated by the light
source, can improve the visibility of the light. It also allows
easier assembly because the light source is disposed in either the
mirror base or the vehicle body and it is not necessary to route a
wire harness to the mirror housing any more, through which
electricity is supplied for the light source.
[0036] If a pair of conventional outer mirror assemblies, in which
winkers are installed in mirror housings, is attached to a vehicle
body on both sides of driver and passenger seats in different
setting angles of the mirror housings so as to provide better
visibility for a driver, the winkers are inevitably laid out
asymmetrically. This results in violation of Japanese law which
requires that a pair of winkers shall be symmetrically disposed on
both sides of a vehicle body. In contrast to this, the outer mirror
assembly of the present invention can satisfy the requirements of
the law because the winkers are installed in the mirror bases,
which are attached to the vehicle body symmetrically.
[0037] A still further aspect of the present invention provides an
outer mirror assembly, in which a base lens cover is disposed on at
least one of forward and backward sides of a mirror base.
[0038] The outer mirror assembly described above, which has the
base lens cover installed on either forward or backward surface of
the mirror base, light irradiated by a light source can be better
recognized from forward or backward.
[0039] A yet further aspect of the present invention provides an
outer mirror assembly, in which a bottom wall of a mirror base has
a first hole through which a fastener for suspending a mirror
housing is inserted. Also in the outer mirror assembly, a base lens
cover has an attachment portion which is secured to the bottom wall
of the mirror base and the attachment portion has a second hole,
through which the fastener is inserted, being aligned with the
first hole.
[0040] The outer mirror assembly described above allows the
attachment of the base lens cover to the mirror base using the
fastener prepared for the attachment of the mirror housing to the
mirror base. The outer mirror assembly achieves reduction in both
number of parts and man-hour cost associated with the assembly
work, thereby resulting in reduction in a product cost.
Furthermore, the outer mirror assembly allows design flexibility
and simpler manufacturing because it does not require an additional
boss or mounting hole for attaching the base lens cover to the
mirror base.
[0041] Another aspect of the present invention provides an outer
mirror assembly, in which a mirror base has a first engagement
element and a base lens cover has a second engagement element. When
the first and second engagement elements are engaged, first and
second holes are adapted to be aligned.
[0042] The outer mirror assembly described above, which has the
first and second engagement elements, can make it easier to attach
both the base lens cover and the mirror housing to the mirror base.
When the first and second engagement elements are engaged, the base
lens cover and the mirror base are temporarily fixed, and the first
and second holes are aligned. In this way, the base lens cover and
the mirror housing can be attached to the mirror base only by
inserting the fastener into the holes and fastening it.
[0043] Still another aspect of the present invention provides an
outer mirror assembly, in which a base lens cover is slid from the
opposite side of a first engagement element relative to a first
hole so that a second engagement element can be engaged with the
first engagement element.
[0044] The outer mirror assembly described above can increase
attachment strength because the engagement of the first and second
engagement elements restricts the displacement of base lens cover
in a direction of the first engagement element to the first
hole.
[0045] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides an
outer mirror assembly, in which a mirror housing has a housing lens
cover which diffuses light irradiated by a light source.
[0046] The outer mirror assembly described above, which has the
housing lens cover, adds a new function to the mirror housing so as
to serve as a winker or a stop lamp without an additional light
source because the mirror housing also diffuses the light
irradiated by the light source placed in a mirror base or a vehicle
body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a
conventional outer mirror assembly.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an outer mirror
assembly shown in FIG. 1, which is attached to the side door of a
vehicle.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a front view showing another conventional outer
mirror assembly.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the other conventional
outer mirror assembly.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle to which an outer mirror assembly according to the present
invention is attached.
[0052] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an outer mirror
assembly shown in FIG. 5.
[0053] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing
the structure of an outer mirror assembly shown in FIG. 5.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which an outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached, as viewed from a driver seat.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which an outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached.
[0056] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of an outer mirror
assembly shown in FIG. 9.
[0057] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view schematically
showing the structure of an outer mirror assembly shown in FIG.
9.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which an outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached, as viewed from a driver seat.
[0059] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which an outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached, as viewed from a driver seat.
[0060] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram modeling the line of sight of
a driver when he sees a side mirror.
[0061] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which an outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached, as viewed from a driver seat.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which an outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached, as viewed from a driver seat.
[0063] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing an example of modified
mirror base.
[0064] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an outer mirror
assembly according to the present invention.
[0065] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing an outer
mirror assembly according to the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 20A is a front view showing an example for layout of an
outer mirror assembly.
[0067] FIG. 20B is a front view showing the other example for
layout of an outer mirror assembly.
[0068] FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view showing an example
of modified mirror base and base lens cover.
[0069] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the other
example of modified mirror base and base lens cover.
[0070] FIG. 23A is an exploded perspective view showing a mirror
base and a base lens cover. FIG. 23B is an exploded perspective
view showing an example of modified mirror base and base lens
cover.
[0071] FIG. 24A is an exploded perspective view showing the other
example of modified mirror base and base lens cover. FIG. 24B is a
side view of FIG. 24A.
[0072] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an outer mirror
assembly according to the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing an example of modified
mirror base.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0074] Embodiments of the present invention are now described with
reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following
description, a common symbol is used for the same item among the
embodiments and description of the item would not be repeated.
"Forward and backward", "right and left", and "upward and downward"
are intended to mean the directions relative to a vehicle body with
an outer mirror assembly attached, as viewed from a driver
seat.
a. First Embodiment
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an outer mirror assembly includes
a mirror base 10 which has a mounting plate 10a and an extension
10b and a mirror housing 20 installed with a mirror 23b. The outer
mirror assembly has suspension mounting, in which the mirror
housing 20 is suspended from the extension 10b providing a space S
relative to a vehicle body VB. In this embodiment, the mounting
plate 10a has a triangle shape, which is adapted to be attached to
a triangle corner portion C placed at the forward end of a side
window SW. The mirror housing 20, which rotates about a
substantially vertical axis relative to the mirror base 10 being
driven by a drive unit, performs retraction and restoring to an
operating position.
[0076] The space S provided between the mirror housing 20 and the
vehicle body VB serves as a passage for a wind stream during
vehicle traveling. A pair of the outer mirror assemblies is
attached to right and left triangle corner portions C,
respectively.
[0077] The outer mirror assembly of the first embodiment has the
suspension mounting, in which the mirror housing 20 is suspended
from the extension 10b that extends outwardly from the vehicle body
VB. Furthermore, the mirror housing 20, which is suspended from the
extension 10b providing the space S relative to the vehicle body
VB, has visual impression of light weight so that the outer mirror
assembly can be flexibly applied to many types of vehicle.
[0078] Furthermore, it is possible to let a wind stream pass
smoothly through the space S toward backward relative to the
vehicle body VB, which decreases the disturbance of wind stream
caused by the outer mirror assembly, resulting in reduction in
noise experienced in a cabin caused by wind noise.
[0079] In addition, it is possible to blow off raindrops falling
onto the side window SW with assistance of the wind stream flowing
through the space S during vehicle traveling on a rainy day and
thereby to increase the visibility of the mirror 23b.
[0080] Description is made for each item below. As shown in FIG. 7,
the mirror base 10 made of synthetic resin has the mounting plate
10a and the extension 10b which is integrally formed with the
mounting plate 10a. The mounting plate 10a is adapted to be
triangular so that it can be attached to the triangle corner
portion C. The mounting plate 10a includes a backward portion 10a1
shown in FIG. 6 which has a slope descending forward. As shown in
FIG. 7, a portion of the mounting plate 10a, which faces the
vehicle body VB, has a triangular mounting boss 10a2 having a
center hole (not shown), through which wire harness 24c and the
like are routed to the vehicle body VB. The extension 10b, which
includes a base 11 and a cover 12 that extend outwardly from the
mounting plate 10a, is adapted to be of a substantially streamline
shape. Assembling of the base 11 and the cover 12 creates a
sufficient internal space so that an antenna 13 used for Global
Positioning System (GPS) and the wire harness 24c can be
accommodated. The cover 12 is attached to the base 11 with a
packing between them by a pair of screws 12a, which makes the
extension 10b resistant to water and dust.
[0081] As the dotted line shown in FIG. 7 indicates, a triangular
mounting base Z is provided in the triangle corner portion C, which
is used for the attachment of the mounting plate 10a.
[0082] The mirror housing 20 includes an integrated subassembly 25
and a lower housing 26. The subassembly 25 has a frame 21, an upper
housing 22 attached to the frame 21, a mirror portion 23 and a
drive unit 24. The subassembly 25, to which the lower housing 26 is
attached from downward as shown in FIG. 7, is secured to the upper
housing 22, and thereby the housing 20 is assembled. All of the
frame 21, the upper housing 22 and the lower housing 26 are made of
synthetic resin having high stiffness.
[0083] A hole 22a is drilled into the upper surface of the upper
housing 22. A flange portion 24b connected to a shaft 24a, about
which the mirror housing 20 pivots, faces the hole 22a.
[0084] The mirror portion 23 has the mirror 23b that is secured to
an actuator 23a for its adjustment. The actuator 23a drives the
mirror 23b tiltably in both vertical and horizontal directions.
[0085] The drive unit 24, which internally has a drive motor, a
reduction gear mechanism and the like, transmits its drive power to
the shaft 24a. The wire harness 24c coming from the drive unit 24
and the actuator 23a is routed out to the middle of the flange
portion 24b through the shaft 24a.
[0086] The lower housing 26, which is attached from downward so as
to cover the subassembly 25, is secured to the upper housing 22
with three screws 22c. The lower housing 26, which has an opening
26a for the mirror 23b, allows the mirror 23b to move tiltably
within it while secured to the upper housing 22.
[0087] The mirror housing 20 is attached to the base 11 in the
following manner: making the flange portion 24b contact the bottom
of the base 11 while the wire harness 24c is inserted into a hole
11e drilled into the base 11 of the extension 10b; inserting screws
11g into holes 11f and 24d; and tightening these screws 11g. In
this connection, the wire harness 24c, which is routed from the
inside of the extension 10b into the inside of a pillar P through a
threaded shaft (not shown), is electrically connected to that (not
shown) of the vehicle body VB. In this way, retraction or restoring
of the mirror housing 20 to the operating position and adjustment
of the mirror 23b can be controlled by a control unit (not shown),
which is disposed around a driver seat.
[0088] Functionally speaking, when a driver operates the control
unit for retraction or restoring of the mirror hosing 20 to the
operating position, a drive motor (not shown) in the drive unit 24
starts rotation, thereby transmitting drive power to the drive
shaft 24a. Accordingly, the mirror housing 20 starts pivoting about
the shaft 24 according to the direction of motor rotation. In this
way, the mirror housing 20 pivots to the retracted or operating
position. Also when the driver operated the control unit for
adjusting the mirror, a motor for adjustment (not shown) within the
actuator 23a drives the mirror 23b to tilt in vertical and
horizontal directions.
[0089] The space S shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 can be adapted flexibly
in size according to the dimensions of the extension 10b and the
mirror housing 20, or the relative mounting location between them.
More specifically speaking, the space S can be flexibly determined
as long as the outermost point of the outer mirror assembly lies
within the required vehicle width when the mirror housing 20 is
retracted. In the present embodiment, the distance of the space S
is selected to be at least 40 mm between the vehicle body VB and
the mirror housing 20 when the mirror housing 20 is restored to the
operating position.
[0090] The mounting plate 10a of the mirror base 10 is secured to
the mounting base Z of the vehicle body VB so that the outer mirror
assembly described above is mounted onto the vehicle body VB. Three
bolts 10c, which are screwed into holes 10d of the mounting plate
10a via through holes Z1.
[0091] The outer mirror assembly described above, which allows
access from upward for tightening screws for not only attachment of
the lower housing 26 to the subassembly 25 but also that of mirror
housing 20 to the extension 10b, can provide an advantage that the
workability is improved. Because it is possible to disassemble the
lower housing 26 from the subassembly 25 only by unscrewing the
three screws 22c, repair can be done at either a repair shop or a
gasoline station when damage to the outer mirror assembly
necessitates replacement of the lower housing 26.
[0092] The easy replacement of the lower housing 26 can also make
it feasible to prepare variation of outer mirror assemblies with
different materials or colors, so that it is possible to provide
options for users to enjoy selection of their favorite one.
[0093] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which the outer mirror assembly according to the
first embodiment is attached, as viewed from a driver seat. The
outer mirror assembly is attached to the mounting base Z and the
backward image (not shown) is reflected by the mirror 23b. In front
of the side window SW, a side observable area represented by a
symbol AR in FIG. 8 can be provided. In this way, a driver (not
shown) is able to have view for the side of vehicle body through
the side observable area AR even if the triangle corner portion C
located at the forward end of the side window SW is blocked by the
outer mirror assembly. The outer mirror assembly of the first
embodiment can avoid a dead angle zone for the side of a vehicle
body, which has been created by a conventional outer mirror
assembly in conjunction with a pillar and a triangle corner
portion. This results in an increase in the visibility for the side
of the vehicle. The backward portion 10a1 of the mounting plate 10a
has a slope so that the side observable area AR can be
increased.
[0094] Also the outer mirror assembly, which has suspension
mounting, prevents the extension 10b from blocking the lower
portion of the side observable area AR, thereby allowing a driver
to have view for the lower and side portion of the vehicle body
through the side observable area AR.
[0095] Furthermore, it is possible to blow off raindrops falling
onto the side window SW with assistance of a wind stream flowing
through the space S provided beside the mirror hosing 20 during
vehicle traveling on a rainy day, thereby increasing the visibility
for the mirror 23b. The outer mirror assembly, which employs
suspension mounting, provides an advantage that it does not cause
blocking by the extension 10b against the wind stream flowing along
the side window SW. On the other hand, a conventional outer mirror
assembly, which supports a mirror housing on a mirror base, blocks
a wind stream by an extension of the mirror base, which flows
upward diagonally from forward to backward relative to a vehicle
body. This may probably result in raindrops remaining on the area
of a side window, thereby blocking the filed of view of a driver
when he sees the mirror of outer mirror assembly.
[0096] Compared with the conventional outer mirror assembly
described above, that of the first embodiment, which employs
suspension mounting, does not block a wind stream WS by the
extension 10b of the mirror base 10, thereby letting the wind
stream WS flow smoothly along the side window SW. In this way, the
driver can have clear view for the mirror 23b because the raindrops
on the side window SW are efficiently blown off. The combination of
suspension mounting and space S enables better visibility for the
mirror 23b.
b. Second Embodiment
[0097] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle to which an outer mirror assembly according to the present
invention is attached. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view
showing the outer mirror assembly shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an
exploded perspective view showing the outer mirror assembly
schematically. An outer mirror assembly according to a second
embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in the
following manner. A mirror base 10 including a base 11 and a cover
12 is secured to a pillar P disposed on the side end of a front
window W of a vehicle body VB. The mirror base 10 of the second
embodiment includes an extension 10b of the first embodiment but
does not include a mounting plate 10a or a mounting base Z. In this
connection, a pair of the outer mirror assemblies is attached to
pillars P of the front window W. A pillar P is intended to mean not
only one located on the side end of a front window W but also a
window pillar which lies at a forward part of window frame of a
side window SW.
[0098] The outer mirror assembly of the second embodiment, in which
a mirror housing 20 is suspended from the mirror base 10 and a
space S is provided between the vehicle body VB and the mirror
housing 20, gives visual impression that the outer mirror assembly
has lighter weight. This results in less limitation for mounting
the outer mirror assembly onto vehicles, thereby making it feasible
to apply it to many types of vehicle.
[0099] Furthermore, a triangle corner portion C at the forward end
of the side window SW is free from blocking caused by an object
because the mirror base 10 is attached to the pillar P. In this
way, it is possible to use the triangle corner portion C as a
window for rear view. This results in a reduction in dead angle
zone and better visibility for the side view of a vehicle.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 11, the mirror base 10, which includes the
base 11 and the cover 12, is adapted to be of a substantially
streamline shape. The cover 12 is attached to the base 11 with a
packing between them by a pair of screws 12a.
[0101] The mirror base 10 is attached to the pillar P so that it
extends outwardly from the vehicle body VB in the following steps:
inserting a threaded shaft 11b, which is integrally formed with an
end plate 11a of the base 11, into a mounting hole P1 drilled into
the pillar P, in parallel with inserting a projection 11c of the
end plate 11a into a positioning hole P2; and tightening a nut 11d
around the threaded shaft 11b. In this connection, it may be
possible to select an adhesive alternatively for attaching the
mirror base 10 to the pillar P.
[0102] The space S shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be adapted flexibly
in size according to the dimensions of the mirror base 10 and the
mirror housing 20, or the relative mounting location between
them.
[0103] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle body to which the outer mirror assembly according to the
present invention is attached, as viewed from a driver seat. The
mirror base 10 is attached to the pillar P disposed at the side end
of the front window W and the backward image (not shown) is
reflected by a mirror 23b in the mirror housing 20. It may be
possible to mount the outer mirror assembly onto the vehicle
without a triangle corner portion C because the mirror base 10 is
attached to the pillar P. This allows using the triangle corner
portion C as a window for side view, thereby decreasing much more a
dead angle zone relative to the view for the side of the vehicle.
This results in an increase in the visibility.
[0104] Furthermore, the outer mirror assembly, which provide the
space S between the vehicle body VB and the mirror housing 20 in
addition to suspension mounting, can create a better field of view
because the mirror base 10 is unlikely to block the view of a
driver. This makes it feasible to place the mirror housing 20 near
the triangle corner portion C which is substantially the same
location as that of a conventional mirror housing. In this way, a
driver can look at the mirror 23b with his accustomed line of
sight. Also the outer mirror assembly can add visibility for the
lower part of the vehicle side body through the triangle corner
portion C.
[0105] In this connection, if the layout of the mirror base 10 and
the mirror housing 20 is adapted so that the space S can be
increased, it may be possible to provide a larger field of view
through the triangle corner portion C. This will gives better
visibility for side view.
[0106] Furthermore, it may be possible to blow off raindrops
falling onto the side window SW with assistance of a wind stream WS
shown in FIG. 12 flowing through the space S during vehicle
traveling on a rainy day, thereby increasing the visibility for the
mirror 23b.
c. Third Embodiment
[0107] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle to which an outer mirror assembly according to the present
invention is attached. An outer mirror assembly according to a
third embodiment is different from those of the first and second
embodiments in the following manner. Namely, the outer mirror
assembly is given an additional function that is created by
utilizing a side portion 20a of a mirror housing 20 facing a
vehicle body VB. The side portion 20a is completely exposed facing
the vehicle body VB because the outer mirror assembly which employs
suspension mounting makes the side portion 20a free from being
blocked by a mirror base 10, which is different from a conventional
outer mirror assembly. This allows practical use of the side
portion 20a. In this connection, the mirror base 10 of the third
embodiment is same as that of the second embodiment.
[0108] The side portion 20a of the present embodiment has a convex
mirror 30, by which a driver can have view for an area directly
under and beside the vehicle body VB around a left and forward
wheel.
[0109] The convex mirror 30 is fitted into a recessed portion 20b
formed into the side portion 20a and secured by an adhesive. As
shown in FIG. 13, the upper portion of the convex mirror 30 is
adapted to reflect an image IM of the vehicle body VB around the
left and forward wheel. Also its lower portion reflects a curb
stone E when a driver H pulls his car to the side of a road as
shown in FIG. 14. The driver H is able to have view for the area
directly under and beside the vehicle body VB around the left and
forward wheel using the convex mirror 30.
[0110] For example, pulling the vehicle to the side of the road
with the convex mirror 30 is conducted in the following steps:
first, making the vehicle approach to the curb stone E and
decelerate it; making the vehicle approach further to the curb
stone E and decelerate more looking at the convex mirror 30; when
the convex mirror 30 reflects the curb stone E, returning a
steering wheel a little; when the image IM of the vehicle body VB
overlaps the image of the curb stone E, returning further the
steering wheel to a position in which the vehicle travels straight
and bringing the vehicle come to a stop.
[0111] The outer mirror assembly according to the third embodiment,
in which the convex mirror 30 is attached to the side portion 20a
of the mirror housing 20, allows a driver to have view for the area
directly under and beside the vehicle body VB around the left and
forward wheel, thereby increasing the visibility relative to the
side of the vehicle body VB.
d. Fourth Embodiment
[0112] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the left side of a
vehicle to which an outer mirror assembly according to the present
invention is attached. In a fourth embodiment, the outer mirror
assembly is attached to a vertical frame 40, which partitions a
side window SW.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 15, a mirror base 10 is attached to the
vertical frame 40 of the side window SW, and a mirror 23b in a
mirror housing 20 reflects an image (not shown) of the backward of
a vehicle. It is possible not to use a triangle corner portion C of
the side window SW because the mirror base 10 is attached to the
vertical frame 40. This allows not only using the triangle corner
portion C as a window but also providing view for the side of a
vehicle body VB through a space S between the side window SW and
the mirror housing 20. In this way, the outer mirror assembly
allows a driver to have wide view for the side of the vehicle body
VB.
e. Fifth Embodiment
[0114] FIG. 16 is a perspective view as viewed from a driver seat
showing the left side of a vehicle to which an outer mirror
assembly according to the present invention is attached. A fifth
embodiment has a frame 50, which surrounds a triangle corner
portion C of a side window SW. A mirror base 10 is attached to the
frame 50 at an upper portion of an opening 50a surrounded by the
frame 50.
[0115] The frame 50 is configured to be nearly triangular which
surrounds the triangle corner portion C. The opening 50a of the
frame 50 serves as a window for providing view for the side of a
vehicle body VB. The frame 50 is made of synthetic resin the same
as the mirror base 10. A forward portion 50b of the frame 50 is
secured to a door frame 42 (or window pillar) of a side door 41 and
a lower portion 50c is secured to a forward end portion 43 of the
side door 41. In this connection, it may be possible to mold the
frame 50 integrally with the mirror base 10. In this case, a
mounting base (not shown) for securing the integrated frame 50 to
the triangle corner portion C should be prepared in advance at the
triangle corner portion C.
[0116] The outer mirror assembly described above allows attachment
of the mirror base 10 to the triangle corner portion C using the
frame 50. The outer mirror assembly can also provide view for the
side of the vehicle body VB through the opening 50a because the
mirror base 10 which is adapted to be attached to the upper portion
of the opening 50a can avoid overlapping with the opening 50a.
Although the outer mirror assembly is attached to the triangle
corner portion C, it is possible to decrease a dead angle zone so
as to increase the visibility for the side of the vehicle body
VB.
[0117] Although the outer mirror assembly described above is an
electrically retractable type, the present invention may be
flexibly applied to other types such as manually retractable and
fixed ones.
[0118] Furthermore, it may be possible to select a mounting plate
10aM1 shown in FIG. 17 which has an opening 10e serving as a window
for providing view for the side of the vehicle body VB. In this
case, an opening Z2, which is adapted to have a size corresponding
to that of the opening 10e, is cut out of a mounting plate ZM1.
[0119] The convex mirror 30 described in the third embodiment can
be attached to the mirror housing 20 of the fifth embodiment. This
introduction of the convex mirror 30 also allows a driver at a
driver seat to have view for directly under and left of the vehicle
body in the vicinity of a left and forward wheel.
f. Sixth Embodiment
[0120] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 an outer mirror of a sixth
embodiment, which is a typical door mirror attached to a side door
41 of a vehicle body VB, includes a mirror base 110 extending
outwardly from the side surface of the side door 41 and a mirror
housing 130 suspended from the mirror base 110. A mirror 137 for
rear view lies in the backward opening of the mirror housing 130,
and a light unit 120 is provided in the mirror base 110. The
following description is given for a case where the light unit 120
is used as a winker (a turn signal lamp) or a hazard lamp.
[0121] The outer mirror assembly of the sixth embodiment is an
electrically retractable type and the mirror housing 130 is
pivotably attached to a shaft 140 as shown in FIG. 19, which is
secured to a bottom wall 111b of the mirror base 110.
[0122] The mirror base 110 of the sixth embodiment, which is made
of synthetic resin, is secured to a mounting base Z provided at the
forward end of the side door 41. The mirror base 110 includes a
base 111 having an upper opening and a cover 112 which closes the
upper opening. The light unit 120 lies between the base 111 and the
cover 112.
[0123] The base 111 includes the bottom wall 111b and a side wall
111a projecting upwardly from the periphery of the bottom wall
111b. A projection 111cand a threaded shaft 111d, which has threads
on its outer circumferential surface, project from the surface of
the side wall 111a, which faces a vehicle body VB. On the other
hand, a guide hole 111e and a boss into which a first hole 111f
(hereinafter referred to as "a mounting hole 111f") is drilled are
provided on the bottom wall 111b. A screw B2 is inserted into the
mounting hole 111f, which secures the mirror housing 130 to the
mirror base 110 in a suspended configuration. A wire harness 139 is
routed through the guide hole 111e, which carries signals and
electric power for controlling components housed in the mirror
housing 130. It may be possible to adjust the coverage of side wall
111a according to the shape of a base lens cover 121. For example
as shown in FIG. 21, when the base lens cover 121 is directly
attached to the upper surface of the bottom wall 111b, it may be
unnecessary to provide the side wall 111a where the base lens cover
121 occupies.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 19, a claw 112a and a boss with a boss with
a boss hole 112b project from the inner surface of the cover 112.
When the cover 112 is attached to the base 111, the claw 112a is
hooked to the inner surface of the side wall 111a and a screw B3 is
screwed into the boss hole 112b.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 19, the light unit 120 includes the hollow
base lens cover 121 and a light source 122 which is housed in the
base lens cover 121. The lens cover 121 has an attachment portion
121A, which is secured to the bottom wall 111b.
[0126] The base lens cover 121, which diffuses light irradiated by
the light source 122, is made of U-shaped transparent or
translucent synthetic resin or glass. The base lens cover 121 is
installed in a side plane 110a, forward and backward planes of the
mirror base 110 (see FIG. 17). It is not limited to the shape of
the base lens cover 121 as shown in the figures. For example, it
may be possible to select a J-shaped base lens cover 121 as shown
in FIG. 21. It may also be possible to select an L-shaped base lens
cover 121, so that it is installed in the side plane 110a and the
forward or backward plane of the mirror base 110. It may further be
possible to select other types of base lens cover 121, such as a
cover which only covers the side plane 110a, or the other separate
type of covers for the forward and backward planes,
respectively.
[0127] The attachment portion 121A of the sixth embodiment,
including an attachment plate 124 which bridges the inner surface
of the base lens cover 121, is placed on the upper surface of boss
projecting from the bottom wall 111b of the mirror base 110. A
second hole 124a (hereinafter referred to as "a through hole
124a"), through which a screw B2 is inserted, is drilled into the
attachment plate 124. The through hole 124a is aligned with the
mounting hole 111f. This arrangement allows attachment of the base
lens cover 121 to the base 111 of the mirror base 110 making use of
the screw B2, which is provided for the attachment of the mirror
housing 130 to the mirror base 110. In this way, it is unnecessary
to prepare a dedicated fastener for the attachment of base lens
cover 121 to the base 111, resulting in a reduction in the number
of parts and man-hours required for assembly, so that it may be
possible to decrease a product cost for the outer mirror assembly.
In addition, because it is unnecessary to provide additional bosses
and mounting holes for the base 111, which are intended for the
attachment of the base lens cover 121 to the base 111, the outer
mirror assembly can not only increase flexibility for designing but
also provide simpler manufacturing. Furthermore, the attachment
plate 124, which bridges the inner surface of the U-shaped base
lens cover 121, serves as a beam, thereby increasing its
stiffness.
[0128] The light source 122 includes a light emitting diode or an
incandescent lamp. When a driver turns on a turn signal switch (not
shown), the light source 122 flashes on and off. A wire harness
123, which supplies electricity and the like to the light source
122, is routed into the vehicle body VB through the hollow threaded
shaft 111d and electrically connected to a power source (not shown)
and a turn signal switch (not shown).
[0129] As shown in FIG. 19, the mirror housing 130 is suspended
from the mirror base 110 via the shaft 140. The mirror housing 130
includes a lower housing 131 which is made of synthetic resin and
has upper and backward openings, and a subassembly 132.
[0130] When the subassembly 132 is attached to the lower housing
131, the lower housing 131 is mated with the subassembly 132 from
downward and a screw B1 is screwed into a mounting tab 131a. The
size and shape of the mirror housing 130 are not limited to those
shown in FIG. 19 but can be modified according to its design.
[0131] As shown in FIG. 19, the subassembly 132 includes an upper
housing 133, a drive unit 134 and a mirror portion 135, which are
all mounted onto a frame 136. The upper housing 133 is made of
synthetic resin and attached to the upper opening of the lower
housing 131. The drive unit 134 retracts or restores the mirror
housing 130 to an operating position. The mirror portion 135
includes a mirror 137 for rear view and an actuator 138 for
adjusting the direction of the mirror 137.
[0132] The drive unit 134 has a reduction gear mechanism, which is
mounted onto the shaft 140, and a motor for supplying drive power.
The drive power generated by the motor is transmitted to the shaft
140 via the reduction gear mechanism. When the motor is driven, the
mirror housing 130 pivots about the shaft 140. In this way, the
mirror housing 130 is retracted or restored to the operating
position according to the rotational direction of the motor. The
actuator 138 has two motors for tilting the mirror 137 about
vertical and horizontal axes, respectively. The direction of the
mirror 137 is adjusted by controlling rotational direction of each
motor.
[0133] The wire harness 139 for supplying electricity to the drive
unit 134 and the actuator 138 is routed through the hollow shaft
140. More specifically, the wire harness 139 is routed into the
mirror base 110 out of the guide hole 111eof the mirror base 110
via the hollow shaft 140. The wire harness 139 is then routed into
the vehicle body VB out of the mirror base 110 via the threaded
shaft 111d, finally being electrically connected to a control unit
(not shown).
[0134] Steps for assembling the outer mirror assembly are described
referring to FIG. 19.
[0135] First, the subassembly 132 is assembled by attaching the
drive unit 134 to the frame 136 and subsequently attaching the
upper housing 133 as well as the mirror portion 135 to the frame
136. In parallel, the shaft 140 is attached to the drive unit 134
and the wire harness 139 is routed outside via the hollow shaft
140.
[0136] Next, after the lower housing 131 is mated with the
subassembly 132 from downward, the lower and upper housings 131 and
133 are fastened by the screw B1 to complete the mirror housing 130
while the upper housing 133 is mated with the upper opening of the
lower housing 131.
[0137] Subsequently, a base 140a of the shaft 140 is rested on the
bottom wall 111b after the wire harness 139 is routed through the
guide hole 111e. The light unit 120 is then attached to the upper
surface of the side wall 111a. After aligning a screw hole 140b,
the mounting hole 111f and the through hole 124a drilled into the
attachment plate 124, the screw B2 is inserted from above through
the aligned holes and screwed into the screw hole 140b. In this
way, the base 111 and the light unit 120 are jointed. In this
connection, routing of the wire harness 123 can be simplified
because it is not necessary to route the wire harness 123 for
supplying electricity for the light source 122 through the hollow
shaft 140 but just to guide the wire harness 123 into the vehicle
body VB via threaded shaft 111d. This also increases flexibility
for the wire harness 139 which is routed through the hollow shaft
140. This may relax limitation for the diameter and number of the
wire harness 139. In other words, the outer mirror assembly of the
sixth embodiment can provide flexibility for the parts housed
within the mirror housing 130.
[0138] After routing the wire harnesses 123 and 139 out of the
threaded shaft 111d, the cover 112 is mated with the base 111 and
the screw B3 is screwed into the boss hole 112b. In this way, the
base 111 and the cover 112 are jointed.
[0139] The wire harnesses 123 and 139, which are routed out of the
threaded shaft 111d, are guided into the vehicle body VB through a
guide hole S12 drilled into the mounting base Z of the side door
41. The threaded shaft 111d and the projection 111c are inserted
into the guide hole S12 and a through hole S13, respectively.
Finally, the threaded shaft 111d which reaches this side of the
mounting base Z through the guide hole S12 is fastened with a nut
N, as shown in FIG. 19. This completes mounting of the outer mirror
assembly onto the vehicle body VB.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 18, the visibility for the light irradiated
by the light source 122 is remarkably improved because the mirror
base 110 is located above the mirror housing 130. It is possible to
recognize the light irradiated by the light source 122 more clearly
from the forward or backward of the vehicle body VB because the
base lens cover 121 is installed in the forward and backward planes
of the mirror base 110 as well as the side plane 110a.
[0141] The Japanese Law requires that a pair of winkers shall be
mounted onto both sides of a vehicle symmetrically. If a pair of
outer mirror assemblies according to the present invention is
symmetrically laid out in a right-left direction on a vehicle as
shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, it may be possible to satisfy this
requirement. The outer mirror assembly has an advantage that it may
be possible to select different setting angles for a pair of mirror
housings 130 which is attached to both sides of driver and
passenger seats as shown in FIG. 20B because winkers are disposed
in symmetrically attached mirror bases 110. This flexibility for
the setting angles allows relaxation in requirements for the range
of adjustment driven by the actuator 138. This will result in a
smaller envelope required for movement of the actuator 138, thereby
increasing design flexibility for the mirror housing 130.
[0142] The outer mirror assembly, which has the light unit 120 in
the mirror base 110, can serve as a winker or a hazard lamp
independent of the position of the mirror housing 130, namely a
stored or operating position. For example, even if the mirror
housing 130 is retracted while the vehicle is at a stop, the outer
mirror assembly can continue serving as a winker or a hazard lamp
because the light unit 120 is fixed at the mirror base 110.
[0143] It may be possible to select other shapes for the mirror
base 110 and the base lens cover 121 alternatively, not being
limited to those shown in FIG. 19.
[0144] The mirror base 110 shown in FIG. 19 has the mounting hole
111f drilled into the boss projecting from the bottom wall 111b of
the base 111, for example. As an alternative, it may be possible to
select a mounting hole 111fm1 directly drilled into the bottom wall
111b as shown in FIG. 21. In this case, an attachment plate 124M1
is laid above the bottom wall 111b. A guide hole 124b is drilled
into the attachment plate 124M1, through which the wire harness 139
is routed, corresponding to the guide hole 111e of the base 111. In
this connection, the outer mirror assembly shown in FIG. 21 has a
base plate 141 between the mirror housing 130 and the mirror base
110, which restricts the range of pivoting of the mirror housing
130.
[0145] As shown in FIG. 22, it may be possible to select a
plurality of tabs 124M2 projecting from the inner surface of the
base lens cover 121 instead of the attachment plate 124, which
serves as the attachment portion 121A in the base lens cover 121 as
shown in FIG. 19. The tabs 124M2 are positioned so that they are
aligned with the mounting holes 111fm1. And each tab 124M2 has a
through hole 124a.
g. Seventh Embodiment
[0146] As shown in FIG. 23A, an outer mirror assembly of a seventh
embodiment has an engagement mechanism for assembling a mirror base
110 and a base lens cover 121. In the following description, a
common symbol is used for the same item as that of the sixth
embodiment and description of the item would not be repeated.
[0147] The outer mirror assembly has a first engagement element 115
on a base 111 of the mirror base 110 and a second engagement
element 126, which is engaged with the first engagement element
115, on an attachment plate 124. When the first and second
engagement elements 115 and 126 are engaged, a mounting hole 111fM1
and a through hole 124a are adapted to be aligned.
[0148] The first engagement element 115 includes a T-shaped
projection 115a, which projects from a bottom wall 111b of the base
111. On the other hand, the second engagement element 126 includes
a cutout 126a, which is adapted to mate with the projection
115a.
[0149] The outer mirror assembly described above brings benefit
that attachment of the base lens cover 121 and the mirror housing
(not shown) to the base 111 can be done more efficiently. The
reason for this is explained in the following manner. When the
second engagement element 126 is engaged with the first engagement
element 115, not only the base lens cover 121 is temporarily fixed
with the base 111, but also the mounting hole 111fM1 and the
through hole 124a are aligned. In this way, if a screw B2 is
inserted into the through hole 124a and fastened while the mirror
housing (not shown) is rested on the lower surface of the base 111,
it may be possible to securely attach both the lens cover 121 and
the mirror housing to the base 111 without effort.
[0150] In this connection, it may be possible to select alternative
shapes for the first and second engagement elements 115 and 126,
respectively.
[0151] An example is shown in FIG. 23B. It may be possible to
select a male element 115b formed at the end of a side wall 111a
instead of the first engagement element 115, and a female element
126b formed at the end of the base lens cover 121 instead of the
second engagement element 126.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 24A, it may also be possible to lay the
second engagement element 126 at this side of the first engagement
element 115 and engage these two elements. The cover for the base
111 is omitted for convenience sake in FIG. 24A.
[0153] As shown in FIG. 24A, the first engagement element 115
includes a pair of projections 115c provided on the bottom wall
111b. Each projection 115c has a recess on its further surface
relative to the mounting hole 111fM1. The second engagement element
126 includes a pair of sticks 126c, which is adapted to be engaged
with recesses of the projections 115c.
[0154] As shown in FIG. 24B, the base lens cover 121 is able to
pivot about the pair of sticks 126c in a vertical direction because
they are adapted to be aligned to each other. When the base lens
cover 121 is attached to the base 111, the mounting hole 111fm1 and
the through hole 124a can easily be aligned in the following
manner. First, the sticks 126c are engaged with the projections
115c while the base lens cover 121 is tilted. And the base lens
cover 121 is pivoted downwardly about the sticks 126c.
[0155] In this way, if the screw B2 is inserted into the through
hole 124a and fastened while the mirror housing (not shown) is
rested on the lower surface of the bottom wall 111b, it may be
possible to securely attach both the lens cover 121 and the mirror
housing to the base 111 without effort. The outer mirror assembly
described above, which has the first and second engagement elements
115 and 126, increases attachment strength because it prevents the
displacement of the base lens cover 121 in a direction from the
first engagement element 115 to the mounting hole 111fm1.
h. Eighth Embodiment
[0156] As shown in FIG. 25, an outer mirror assembly of an eighth
embodiment includes a housing lens cover 125 on an upper housing
132.
[0157] Description for a mirror base 110, a light unit 120 and a
mirror housing 130 would not be repeated because they are the same
as those in the sixth embodiment.
[0158] The housing lens cover 125, which is made of transparent or
translucent synthetic resin or glass, diffuses light irradiated by
a light source 122 housed in a light unit 120. When the mirror
housing 130 is in an operating position, the inner end surface of
the housing lens cover 125 relative to a vehicle body VB lies close
to a side plane 110a of the light unit 120.
[0159] The outer mirror assembly of the eighth embodiment allows
the mirror housing 130 to serve as a winker without preparing a new
light source in the mirror housing 130 because the housing lens
cover 125 diffuses light irradiated by the light source 122 housed
in the mirror base 110.
[0160] When the mirror housing 130 is in the operating position,
the light unit 120 and the mirror housing 130 can cooperatively
work as a winker or a hazard lamp while a vehicle is at a stop. In
addition, when the mirror housing 130 is retracted, the light unit
120 independently serves as a hazard lamp. The outer mirror
assembly of the eighth embodiment, which has the light unit 120 at
the mirror base 110, can continuously serve as a winker or hazard
lamp independent of the position of the mirror housing 130, namely
the retracted or operating position.
[0161] It is not limited to the outer mirror assembly which serves
as a winker or hazard lamp described above, but it may be possible
to install a base lens cover only in the backward plane of the
mirror base 110 so that the outer mirror assembly can serve as a
stop lamp. In addition, if a lens cover is installed into a bottom
wall 111b, it may be possible to add a function of lamp which
illuminates around the door knob or step to the outer mirror
assembly.
[0162] It is noted that it may be possible to use a cover 112 as a
base lens cover if it is made of a transparent or translucent
material.
[0163] It is not limited to the mirror base 110 as shown in FIG.
19, which is made of the base 111 and the cover 112. For example,
it may be possible to select a mirror base 110M1 as shown in FIG.
26, which is made of a base 111M1 that is integrally formed with a
mounting plate 115 and a cover 112. In this case, the outer mirror
assembly is attached to a vehicle body VB by the attachment of the
mounting plate 115 to a mounting base Z of a side door 41.
[0164] It is not limited to the outer mirror assembly described
above which has the light unit 120 including the base lens cover
121 and the light source 122 at the mirror base 110 as shown in
FIGS. 18 and 25. For example, it may be possible to select a mirror
base 110M1, in which only a base lens cover 121M1 is attached to a
base 111M1 and a light source 122M1 is installed at a mounting
plate 115. Furthermore, it may be possible to place a light source
(not shown) at a mounting base Z.
[0165] Although the outer mirror assembles described in the above
embodiments are an electrically retractable type, the present
invention can be applied to other types such as manually
retractable and fixed ones.
* * * * *