U.S. patent application number 11/365154 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for vehicle sun visor apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to ASMO Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Hideshi Sahara, Hiromi Suzuki.
Application Number | 20060214463 11/365154 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36974376 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060214463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sahara; Hideshi ; et
al. |
September 28, 2006 |
VEHICLE SUN VISOR APPARATUS
Abstract
A pair of drive gears rotated by a drive motor is meshed with
meshing surfaces of a pair of slide guides of a light shield body.
A plurality of rotation rollers rotate on roll surfaces of the
slide guides and hold the pair of slide guides in a thicknesswise
direction of the light shield body. The drive gears have contact
portions that come into contact with side surfaces of the slide
guides that are arranged to face each other or face opposite
directions. Accordingly, a vehicle sun visor apparatus may be
reduced in size.
Inventors: |
Sahara; Hideshi;
(Toyohashi-shi, JP) ; Suzuki; Hiromi;
(Kakegawa-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Assignee: |
ASMO Co., Ltd.
Shizuoka-ken
JP
|
Family ID: |
36974376 |
Appl. No.: |
11/365154 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
296/97.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60J 3/0204
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
296/097.4 |
International
Class: |
B60J 3/00 20060101
B60J003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 2, 2005 |
JP |
2005-057714 |
Jun 14, 2005 |
JP |
2005-173834 |
Jun 14, 2005 |
JP |
2005-173835 |
Claims
1. A vehicle sun visor apparatus comprising: a light shield body
for shielding incident light and capable of moving forward and
rearward, the light shield body having a widthwise direction
intersecting a movement direction of the light shield body and a
thicknesswise direction perpendicular to the movement direction and
the widthwise direction; a drive motor, fixed to a vehicle body,
for moving the light shield body forward and rearward; at least one
pair of slide guides arranged on the light shield body and
extending in the movement direction of the light shield body,
wherein one of the slide guides includes a meshing surface, a roll
surface, and a side surface respectively extending in the movement
direction, and the other one of the slide guides includes a side
surface extending in the movement direction and one of a meshing
surface and a roll surface extending in the movement direction, the
side surfaces of the two slide guides being arranged to be
separated from each other in the widthwise direction in a state
facing each other or facing opposite directions; and a plurality of
supports for holding the pair of slide guides in the thicknesswise
direction, wherein the plurality of supports include a pair of
first supports respectively corresponding to the pair of slide
guides and a second support corresponding to at least one of the
slide guides, either one of each of the first supports and the
second support is a drive gear meshed with the meshing surface of
the corresponding slide guide and rotated by the drive motor, the
other one of each of the first supports and the second support is a
rotation roller that is rollable on the roll surface, and the two
first supports each have a contact portion that comes into contact
with the corresponding side surface.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
stopper arranged on at least one of two end portions of the roll
surface in the movement direction, wherein the stopper comes into
contact with the rotation roller before the drive gear reaches an
end portion of the meshing surface in the movement direction.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
bracket fixed to the vehicle body, wherein the bracket supports the
drive gear and the rotation roller with a common shaft.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive gear and
the rotation roller are formed integrally from a resin material so
that the drive gear and the rotation roller are arranged
coaxially.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an outer diameter of
a circle along the distal ends of the teeth of the drive gear
differs from an outer diameter of the rotation roller so that a
step is formed between the meshing surface and the roll surface,
the side surface being formed on the step.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the outer diameter
of a circle along the distal ends of the teeth of the drive gear is
smaller than the outer diameter of the rotation roller.
7. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: the drive gear and
the rotation roller are formed integrally from a resin material so
that the drive gear and the rotation roller are arranged coaxially;
the outer diameter of a circle along the distal ends of the teeth
of the drive gear differs from an outer diameter of the rotation
roller so that a step is formed between the meshing surface and the
roll surface, the side surface being formed on the step; and the
stopper is formed by an end surface of the slide guide so as to be
connected to the side surface and intersect with the roll
surface.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotation roller
has a circumferential surface that comes into contact with the roll
surface, and the circular circumferential surface is formed from an
elastic material.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the pair of slide
guides are arranged respectively at two ends of the light shield
body in the widthwise direction; the meshing surface is arranged on
each of the pair of slide guides, and the drive gears are
respectively meshed with the meshing surfaces; and the drive gears
respectively corresponding to the slide guides are fixed to a
single rotation shaft and rotated in synchronization by the drive
motor.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the drive motor and
the light shield body are arranged in a roof portion of the
vehicle, the apparatus further comprising: an operation switch and
a light receiving sensor, the drive motor being driven based on a
signal output from at least one of the operation switch and the
light receiving sensor so that the light shield body moves out of
the roof portion and covers at least part of a window glass.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
rotational body connected to an output shaft of the drive motor so
that rotation of the rotational body relative to the output shaft
is restricted; and an engagement clutch for engaging the rotational
body with the drive gear and integrally rotating the rotational
body and the drive gear; wherein the engagement clutch cancels the
engagement between the rotational body and the drive gear when
external force of a predetermined value or greater is applied to
the light shield body.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the engagement
clutch includes: a first engagement portion and a second engagement
portion formed in the rotational body and the drive gear and being
engageable through a concavo-convex relationship; an urging portion
for urging at least one of the rotational body and the drive gear
in a direction for engaging the two engagement portions; wherein at
least one of the first engagement portion and the second engagement
portion has an inclined surface inclined in a circumferential
direction of the rotational body and the drive gear; and the urging
portion permits at least one of the rotational body and the drive
gear to move away from the other one of the rotational body and the
drive gear when external force of the predetermined value or
greater is applied to the light shield body.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: the predetermined
value is set greater than the driving force applied by the drive
motor to the light shield body; and an inclination angle of the
inclined surface and an urging force of the urging portion are set
to cancel the engagement between the rotational body and the drive
gear when external force of the predetermined value or greater is
applied to the light shield body.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the rotational
body functions as the rotation roller.
15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: the pair of slide
guides are arranged at the two ends of the light shield body in the
widthwise direction; the meshing surface is arranged on each of the
pair of slide guides, and the drive gears are respectively engaged
with the meshing surfaces; the drive gears respectively
corresponding to the slide guides are fixed to a single rotation
shaft and rotated in synchronization by the drive motor; and the
engagement clutch is arranged between one of the two drive gears
and the drive motor.
16. A vehicle sun visor apparatus comprising: a light shield body
for shielding incident light entering a passenger compartment and
capable of moving forward and rearward, the light shield body
having a widthwise direction intersecting the movement direction of
the light shield body and a thicknesswise direction perpendicular
to the movement direction and the widthwise direction; at least
three pairs of supports for supporting the light shield body,
wherein the supports are arranged to permit the light shield body
to move forward and rearward and restrict movement of the light
shield body in the thicknesswise direction; and a drive motor for
directly or indirectly rotating at least one of the supports for
moving the light shield body forward and rearward; wherein the
light shield body has at least one pair of side surfaces extending
in the movement direction, and the side surfaces are arranged to
face each other or face opposite directions spaced from each other
in the widthwise direction; and wherein at least two pairs of the
supports include contact portions respectively coming into contact
with the at least one pair of side surfaces.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein: the supports that
come into contact with the side surfaces each include a
large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion, formed
coaxially with the large-diameter portion and having a smaller
diameter than the large-diameter portion; and one of an end surface
of the large-diameter portion facing toward the small-diameter
portion and an end surface of the small-diameter portion opposite
to the large-diameter portion forms the contact portion.
18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the light shield
body includes a pair of stepped portions extending in the movement
direction and formed in a manner spaced from each other in the
widthwise direction, and the side surfaces connect two surfaces of
the stepped portions having a height difference in the
thicknesswise direction.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the light shield
body includes a light shield plate for shielding the incident light
and a frame member attached to a peripheral portion of the light
shield plate, the stepped portions being formed on the frame
member.
20. The apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising: a
plurality of gear teeth formed on an outer circumference of each of
the supports, which are rotated directly or indirectly by the drive
motor, and arranged in a circumferential direction of each holder;
and a meshing portion, formed on the light shield body, for meshing
with the gear teeth.
21. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein at least one pair
of the supports come into contact with a surface of the light
shield body and functions as an auxiliary roller rotated as the
light shield body moves forward and rearward.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle sun visor
apparatus, and more particularly, to a vehicle sun visor apparatus
for moving a light shield plate forward and rearward using torque
produced by a rotational body that is rotated by a drive motor.
[0002] Such type of a vehicle sun visor apparatus is described, for
example, in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 8-2251. A
light shield plate of the vehicle sun visor apparatus described in
the publication is supported by a pair of channel-shaped holders in
a manner that the light shield plate is slidable with respect to
the vehicle's roof. The holders are curved and extend in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The driving force produced
by a drive motor is transmitted to the light shield plate by a
drive pulley and a driven pulley. This moves the light shield plate
forward and rearward.
[0003] The holders extend throughout the range in which the light
shield plate is movable. As a result, the holders are elongated in
the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. From the viewpoint of
appearance of the passenger compartment, the vehicle sun visor
apparatus may be arranged in a roof portion of the vehicle.
However, the space in the roof portion is small. Thus, when the
holder is long, it becomes difficult to arrange the sun visor
apparatus in the roof portion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
vehicle sun visor apparatus that may be reduced in size.
[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides
a vehicle sun visor apparatus including a light shield body for
shielding incident light and capable of moving forward and
rearward. The light shield body has a widthwise direction
intersecting a movement direction of the light shield body and a
thicknesswise direction perpendicular to the movement direction and
the widthwise direction. A drive motor, fixed to a vehicle body,
moves the light shield body forward and rearward. At least one pair
of slide guides are arranged on the light shield body and extend in
the movement direction of the light shield body. One of the slide
guides includes a meshing surface, a roll surface, and a side
surface respectively extending in the movement direction. The other
one of the slide guides includes a side surface extending in the
movement direction and one of a meshing surface and a roll surface
extending in the movement direction. The side surfaces of the two
slide guides are arranged to be separated from each other in the
widthwise direction in a state facing each other or facing opposite
directions. A plurality of supports holds the pair of slide guides
in the thicknesswise direction. The plurality of supports include a
pair of first supports respectively corresponding to the pair of
slide guides, and a second support corresponding to at least one of
the slide guides. Either one of each of the first supports and the
second support is a drive gear meshed with the meshing surface of
the corresponding slide guide and rotated by the drive motor, and
the other one of each of the first supports and the second support
is a rotation roller that is rollable on the roll surface. The two
first supports each have a contact portion that comes into contact
with the corresponding side surface.
[0006] Further, the present invention provides a vehicle sun visor
apparatus including a light shield body for shielding incident
light entering a passenger compartment and capable of moving
forward and rearward. The light shield body has a widthwise
direction intersecting the movement direction of the light shield
body and a thicknesswise direction perpendicular to the movement
direction and the widthwise direction. At least three pairs of
supports support the light shield body. The supports are arranged
to permit the light shield body to move forward and rearward and
restrict movement of the light shield body in the thicknesswise
direction. A drive motor directly or indirectly rotates at least
one of the supports for moving the light shield body forward and
rearward. The light shield body has at least one pair of side
surfaces extending in the movement direction, and the side surfaces
are arranged to face each other or face opposite directions spaced
from each other in the widthwise direction. At least two pairs of
the supports include contact portions respectively coming into
contact with the at least one pair of side surfaces.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle in which a
vehicle sun visor apparatus according to a first embodiment of the
present invention is installed;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the interior of the vehicle of
FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3A is a side view of a light receiving sensor arranged
on the room mirror shown in FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3B is a graph showing the relationship between the
level of each incident light detection signal output from the light
receiving sensor of FIG. 3A and the incident angle of light;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a light
shield device included in the vehicle sun visor apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing the light shield
device of FIG. 4;
[0013] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in
FIG. 4;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in
FIG. 4;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in
FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII
in FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in
FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure
of the vehicle sun visor apparatus;
[0019] FIG. 11A is a side view showing the light shield plate shown
in FIG. 2 in a retracted state;
[0020] FIG. 11B is a side view showing the light shield plate shown
in FIG. 2 in a half extended state;
[0021] FIG. 11C is a side view showing the light shield plate shown
in FIG. 2 in a completely extended state;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a drive wheel and a
slide guide according to a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a drive
wheel according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an actuation
mechanism according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0025] FIG. 15A is a perspective view showing the drive gear shown
in FIG. 14;
[0026] FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of an engagement
projection of the drive gear of FIG. 15A;
[0027] FIG. 16A is a perspective view showing the rotation roller
shown in FIG. 14;
[0028] FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of an engagement recess
of the rotation roller of FIG. 16A;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an actuation
mechanism according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an actuation
mechanism according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view showing an actuation
mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in
FIG. 19;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI
in FIG. 19;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII
in FIG. 19; and
[0035] FIGS. 23A to 23B, 24A to 24B, and 25A to 25B are
cross-sectional views showing modifications of the drive wheel and
the slide guide.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] An embodiment of the present invention will now be discussed
with reference to the drawings. The members and arrangements
discussed hereafter do not limit the present invention and various
changes may naturally be made thereto in accordance with the object
of the present invention.
[0037] The structure of a vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 according
to a first embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 is
installed in a vehicle (vehicle body) 80 such as a passenger
automobile. The vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 includes a light
receiving sensor 12, a light shield device 14, and a controller
16.
[0039] The light receiving sensor 12 is arranged on the rear
surface of a room mirror 84, which is arranged in the passenger
compartment to face a front glass 82. The vehicle 80 of the present
embodiment includes a wiper apparatus 86 for wiping the outer
surface of the front glass 82. A wipe area 88 is formed on the
outer surface of the front glass 82 at the rear of the room mirror
84 (at the front side of the vehicle). The wipe area 88 is wiped by
the wiper apparatus 86 arranged on the outer surface of the front
glass 82. Thus, the light receiving sensor 12 faces the wipe area
88 of the outer surface of the front glass 82 that is wiped using
the wiper apparatus 86. In other words, the light receiving sensor
12 is arranged within the wipe area 88 that is wiped using the
wiper apparatus 86 as viewed at least in the direction
perpendicular to the front glass 82.
[0040] The light receiving sensor 12 is arranged at a position
between a first virtual line L1 and a second virtual line L2 as
shown in FIG. 2. The first virtual line L1 is a line linking an
upper rim 92 of the front glass 82 and an eye point P of an
occupant 90 (driver) of the vehicle 80 viewed from the side of the
vehicle. The second virtual line L2 is a line linking a lower rim
94 of the front glass 82 and the eye point P of the occupant 90
viewed from the side of the vehicle. The light receiving sensor 12
is arranged at such a position to ensure the receipt of incident
light that passes through the front glass 82 and towards the eye
point P of the occupant 90.
[0041] Here, the occupant 90 is assumed to have an average height
and average body-built. The eye point P of the occupant 90 referred
to here is the eye point when such an occupant 90 is seated at an
appropriate position in a seat (driver seat) 96 of the vehicle
80.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 3A, the light receiving sensor 12 is cubic,
and has two light-receiving surfaces. More specifically, the light
receiving sensor 12 has an upper light-receiving surface 12A and a
front light-receiving surface 12B. When the light receiving sensor
12 is set in the vehicle 80, the upper light-receiving surface 12A
is parallel to the floor surface of the vehicle 80 and faces
upward, and the front light-receiving surface 12B is perpendicular
to the upper light-receiving surface 12A and faces the front side
of the vehicle 80. A light-receiving element 18A is arranged on the
upper light-receiving surface 12A. A light-receiving element 18B is
arranged on the front light-receiving surface 12B. The
light-receiving elements 18A and 18B receive incident light that is
incident upon the corresponding light-receiving surfaces.
[0043] The light receiving sensor 12 receives, at its
light-receiving elements 18A and 18B, incident light of, for
example, direct sunlight, which passes through the front glass 82.
Then, the light receiving sensor 12 outputs, from its
light-receiving elements 18A and 18B, incident light detection
signals S1 and S2 to the controller 16. The incident light
detection signals S1 and S2 are set at levels proportional to the
intensity of the incident light. The intensity of incident light
changes depending on the incident angle of the light in the manner
shown in FIG. 3B.
[0044] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a range A in
the light shield device 14 shields vertical light is 0 to 45
degrees about a straight line that lies along the eye point P of
the occupant 90 and extends parallel to the center line of the
vehicle 80.
[0045] The vertical light shield range A is divided into three
ranges, namely, a first vertical light shield range A1, a second
vertical light shield range A2, and a third vertical light shield
range A3. The first vertical light shield range A1 is a range of 0
to 15 degrees about the straight line that lies along the eye point
P of the occupant 90 in the driver seat and extends parallel to the
center line of the vehicle 80. The second vertical light shield
range A2 is a range of 15 to 30 degrees about the straight line.
The third vertical light shield range A3 is a range of 30 to 45
degrees about the straight line.
[0046] The light receiving sensor 12 outputs the incident light
detection signals S1 and S2 for specifying the incident angle in
the vertical direction. More specifically, the light receiving
sensor 12 outputs, from its light-receiving elements 18A and 18B
arranged on the upper light-receiving surface 12A and the front
light-receiving surface 12B that is 90 degrees from the upper
light-receiving surface 12A, the incident light detection signals
S1 and S2 for specifying the incident angle of light that enters
the vertical light shield range A.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the light shield device 14 is
accommodated in a roof portion 98 (the space between outer roof and
inner roof panels) near the driver seat of the vehicle 80. As shown
in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the light shield device 14 includes a drive unit
20, an actuation mechanism 22, a light shield plate 24, and first
and second slide guides 26 and 28. The light shield plate 24 and
the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 form a light shield
body 5.
[0048] The drive unit 20 includes a drive motor 30. The drive motor
30 is accommodated in a housing 32. A rotation shaft of the drive
motor 30 has a first gear (worm) 34. An output shaft 36 that is
perpendicular to the rotation shaft of the drive motor 30 has a
second gear (worm wheel) 38. The second gear 38 is engaged with the
first gear 34.
[0049] The actuation mechanism 22 includes a pair of left and right
brackets, namely, first and second brackets 40 and 42. The first
and second brackets 40 and 42 are connected by a pair of connection
frames 44 and 46, which extend in the lateral direction of the
vehicle. The connection frames 44 and 46 connect the first and
second brackets 40 and 42 at the front and rear sides with respect
to the vehicle. An upper auxiliary roller 48 and a lower auxiliary
roller 50 are set in a rotatable manner on the left first bracket
40. An upper auxiliary roller 52 and a lower auxiliary roller 54
are set in a rotatable manner on the right second bracket 42.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, the upper auxiliary roller 48 set on the
first bracket 40 is arranged at the upper side of the first slide
guide 26 and rotates while in contact with a first roll surface 26C
of the first slide guide 26, which will be described later. The
lower auxiliary roller 50 set on the first bracket 40 is arranged
at the lower side of the first slide guide 26 and rotates while in
contact with a second roll surface 26D of the first slide guide 26,
which will be described later.
[0051] In the same manner, as shown in FIG. 7, the upper auxiliary
roller 52 set on the second bracket 42 is arranged at the upper
side of the second slide guide 28 and rotates while in contact with
a first roll surface 28C of the second slide guide 28, which will
be described later. The lower auxiliary roller 54 set on the second
bracket 42 is arranged at the lower side of the second slide guide
28 and rotates while in contact with a second roll surface 28D of
the second slide guide 28, which will be described later.
[0052] In the present embodiment, the upper auxiliary rollers 48
and 52 are made of resin so that they can be obtained at a low cost
and be manufactured easily. The lower auxiliary rollers 50 and 54
are made of rubber so that they absorb vibrations during operation
of the actuation mechanism 22. Further, the lower auxiliary rollers
50 and 54 are arranged at positions separated from first and second
drive wheels 56 and 58, which will be described later, on opposite
sides of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 in the
direction in which the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 move
(track direction). As a result, the lower auxiliary rollers 50 and
54 cooperate with the first and second drive wheels 56 and 58 to
hold the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 therebetween.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A, the housing 32 accommodating the
drive motor 30 is fixed to the first bracket 40. The output shaft
36 of the drive unit 20 is inserted through the first bracket 30 in
a rotatable manner. The first drive wheel 56 is arranged on a
projected distal portion of the output shaft 36. The second drive
wheel 58 is set on the second bracket 42 in a rotatable manner. The
first drive wheel 56 and the second drive wheel 58 are fixed to a
single rotation shaft 60. The first drive wheel 56 and the second
drive wheel 58 are rotated in synchronism with the drive motor
30.
[0054] A first drive gear (pinion) 56A is formed at an inner side
of the left first drive wheel 56 in the lateral direction of the
vehicle. A first rotation roller 56B is formed coaxially with the
first drive gear 56A at an outer side of the first drive wheel 56
in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In the present embodiment,
the first drive gear 56A and the first rotation roller 56B of the
first drive wheel 56 are formed integrally from a resin material.
In the present embodiment, the first drive wheel 56 is formed as a
stepped drive wheel, and the outer diameter of a circle along the
distal ends of the teeth of the first drive gear 56A is set smaller
than the outer diameter of the first rotation roller 56B. In other
words, the first drive gear 56A forms a small-diameter portion, and
the first rotation roller 56B forms a large-diameter portion.
[0055] The first drive gear 56A is meshed with a meshing surface
(rack) 26A of the first slide guide 26, which will be described
later. The first rotation roller 56B comes into contact with the
first roll surface 26C of the first slide guide 26, which will be
described later, during rotation of the first drive wheel 56 and
supports the first slide guide 26.
[0056] In the same manner, a second drive gear (pinion) 58A is
formed at an inner side of the right second drive wheel 58 in the
lateral direction of the vehicle. A second rotation roller 58B is
formed coaxially with the second drive gear 58A at an outer side of
the second drive wheel 58 in the lateral direction of the vehicle.
In the present embodiment, the second drive gear 58A and the second
rotation roller 58B of the second drive wheel 58 are formed
integrally from a resin material. In the present embodiment, the
second drive wheel 58 is formed as a stepped drive wheel, and the
outer diameter of the second drive gear 58A that is defined at the
distal ends of the teeth is set smaller than the outer diameter of
the second rotation roller 58B. In other words, the second drive
gear 58A forms a small-diameter portion, and the second rotation
roller 58B forms a large-diameter portion.
[0057] The second drive gear 58A is engaged with a meshing surface
(rack) 28A of the second slide guide 28, which will be described
later. The second rotation roller 58B comes into contact with the
first roll surface 28C of the second slide guide 28, which will be
described later, during rotation of the second drive wheel 58 and
supports the second slide guide 28. In other words, the first and
second drive gears 56A and 58A function as a pair of first supports
corresponding to the first and second slide guides 26 and 28. The
first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B function as a second
support corresponding to at least one of the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28.
[0058] The light shield plate 24 may completely block incident
light of, for example, direct sunlight, which passes through the
front glass 82 and enters the vehicle interior. However, in the
present embodiment, the light shield plate 24 is formed from a
semi-transparent or colored-transparent resin material. The light
shield plate 24 using such a semi-transparent or
colored-transparent material ensures the field of view for the
occupant 90 while shielding incident light of, for example, direct
sunlight, which passes through the front glass 82 and enters the
vehicle interior.
[0059] The first and second slide guides 26 and 28 are arranged at
the two sides of the light shield plate 24, respectively. The first
and second slide guides 26 and 28 are formed from a resin material
and are symmetric to each other with respect to the light shield
plate 24. In the present embodiment, the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 are formed to be curved downward from the rear
side to the front side of the vehicle so that when the drive unit
20 and the actuation mechanism 22 operate, the first and second
slide guides 26 and 28 enable the light shield plate 24 to move
forward from the rear side to the front side of the vehicle and at
the same time move from the upper side to the lower side of the
vehicle to a position facing the occupant 90.
[0060] The light shield plate 24, which is formed in correspondence
with the curved shapes of the first and second slide guides 26 and
28, is curved downward from the rear side to the front side of the
vehicle. In the present embodiment, the light shield plate 24 does
not have a front frame portion and a rear frame portion that are
formed as separate members on the front edge and the rear edge.
This improves the appearance of the entire peripheral portion of
the light shield plate 24.
[0061] In the present embodiment, the first and second slide guides
26 and 28 have fitting recesses 26E and 28E, which are fitted to
fitting protrusions 24A and 24B that are formed on the two sides of
the light shield plate 24. The fitting protrusions 24A and 24B and
the fitting recesses 26E and 28E are engaged with each other so
that the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 are fixed to the
two sides of the light shield plate 24, respectively. The first and
second slide guides 26 and 28 are formed to be longer than the
light shield plate 24 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle
and extend longer to the rear side of the vehicle than the light
shield plate 24.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, the meshing surface 26A, which extends
in the longitudinal direction of the left first slide guide 26, is
formed at an inner side of an upper part of the first slide guide
26 in the vehicle lateral direction. The first roll surface 26C is
formed at an outer side of the upper part of the first slide guide
26 in the vehicle lateral direction. The first roll surface 26C is
formed at a position one step lower than the meshing surface 26A by
way of a side surface 26B, which is arranged together with the
meshing surface 26A and extends in the direction in which the light
shield plate 24 moves (movement direction). Further, the second
roll surface 26D, which extends in the longitudinal direction of
the first slide guide 26, is formed on a lower part of the first
slide guide 26.
[0063] In the same manner, as shown in FIG. 9, the meshing surface
28A, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the right
second slide guide 28, is formed at an inner side of an upper part
of the second slide guide 28 in the vehicle lateral direction. The
first roll surface 28C is formed at an outer side of the upper part
of the second slide guide 28 in the vehicle lateral direction. The
first roll surface 28C is formed at a position one step lower than
the meshing surface 28A by way of a side surface 28B, which is
arranged together with the meshing surface 28A and extends in the
direction in which the light shield plate 24 moves. Further, the
second roll surface 28D, which extends in the longitudinal
direction of the second slide guide 28, is formed on a lower part
of the second slide guide 28.
[0064] In the present embodiment, the first and second slide guides
26 and 28 are formed to have the curved shapes as described above.
The meshing surfaces 26A and 28A, the first roll surfaces 26C and
28C, and the second roll surfaces 26D and 28D of the first and
second slide guides 26 and 28 are formed to extend in the
longitudinal direction of the first and second slide guides 26 and
28. In other words, the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A, the first
roll surfaces 26C and 28C, and the second roll surfaces 26D and 28D
are formed as curved tracks.
[0065] In the present embodiment, the first roll surface 26C of the
first slide guide 26 is formed at the position one step lower than
the meshing surface. 26A by way of the side surface 26B as shown in
FIG. 8. As a result, end surfaces 26F and 26G are formed at the two
ends of the first slide guide 26 in the longitudinal direction,
respectively. The end surfaces 26F and 26G are connected to the
side surface 26B and the first roll surface 26C. The end surfaces
26F and 26G function as stoppers with which the first rotation
roller 56B comes into contact before the first drive gear 56A
reaches the two stroke ends of the meshing surface 26A.
[0066] In the same manner, the first roll surface 28C of the second
slide guide 28 is formed at the position one step lower than the
meshing surface 28A by way of the side surface 28B as shown in FIG.
9. As a result, end surfaces 28F and 28G are formed at the two ends
of the second slide guide 28 in the longitudinal direction,
respectively. The end surfaces 28F and 28G are connected to the
side surface 28B and the first roll surface 28C. The end surfaces
28F and 28G function as stoppers with which the second rotation
roller 58B comes into contact before the second drive gear 58A
reaches the two stroke ends of the meshing surface 28A.
[0067] In the present embodiment, when the first and second drive
wheels 56 and 58 reach the vehicle front side ends of the first and
second slide guides 26 and 28 or the vehicle rear side ends of the
first and second slide guides 26 and 28, the first and second
rotation rollers 56B and 58B come into contact with the end
surfaces 26F and 28F or the end surfaces 26G and 28G before the
gear teeth of the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A rides
onto the flat parts at the vehicle front side of the meshing
surfaces 26A and 28A or the flat parts at the vehicle rear side of
the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A. This prevents the gear teeth of
the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A from being
damaged.
[0068] In the present embodiment, the vehicle front side stroke end
of the first roll surface 26C of the first slide guide 26 and the
vehicle front side stroke end of the meshing surface 26A coincide
with each other in the movement direction of the light shield plate
24 as shown in FIG. 8. In the same manner, the vehicle front side
stroke end of the first roll surface 28C of the second slide guide
28 and the vehicle front side stroke end of the meshing surface 28A
coincide with each other in the movement direction of the light
shield plate 24 as shown in FIG. 9. This improves the appearance of
the side parts of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 at
front side of the vehicle when the light shield plate 24 is moved
to a half extended position or to a completely extended position,
which will be described later.
[0069] In the present embodiment, the vehicle rear side stroke end
of the first roll surface 26C of the first slide guide 26 and the
vehicle rear side stroke end of the meshing surface 26A coincide
with each other in the movement direction of the light shield plate
24 as shown in FIG. 8. In the same manner, the vehicle rear side
stroke end of the first roll surface 28C of the second slide guide
28 and the vehicle rear side stroke end of the meshing surface 28A
coincide with each other in the movement direction of the light
shield plate 24 as shown in FIG. 9.
[0070] The first and second slide guides 26 and 28 respectively
have the side surfaces 26B and 28B, which extend in the movement
direction of the light shield plate 24. The side surfaces 26B and
28B are arranged so as to be spaced from each other in the
direction perpendicular to the movement direction. The side
surfaces 26B and 28B are arranged in directions that are opposite
to each other, that is, in reverse directions.
[0071] The first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B
respectively have contact portions 56C and 58C, which are formed
adjacent to the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A. The
contact portions 56C and 58C are arranged to face each other. Each
of the contact portions 56C and 58C comes into contact with the
opposing one of the side surfaces 26B and 28B.
[0072] The first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B
respectively have contact portions 56C and 58C, which are formed
adjacent to the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A. The
contact portions 56C and 58C are arranged to face each other. Each
of the contact portions 56C and 58C comes into contact with the
opposing one of the side surfaces 26B and 28B.
[0073] The light shield body 5 is moved forward or rearward while
the contact portions 56C and 58C of the first and second drive
wheels 56 and 58 are in contact with the side surfaces 26B and 28B
of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28. As a result, the
light shield body 5 is moved forward or rearward while being
prevented from being displaced in the widthwise direction (in the
direction perpendicular to the movement direction).
[0074] In the present embodiment, the controller 16 is accommodated
in the roof portion 98 near the driver seat of the vehicle 80 as
shown in FIG. 2. The light receiving sensor 12, an activation
switch 62, a position detection mechanism 64, and a battery 66 are
connected to an input unit of the controller 16 as shown in FIG.
10. The drive motor 30 of the light shield device 14 is connected
to an output unit of the controller 16.
[0075] The controller 16 prestores data on incident light that is
received by the light-receiving elements 18A and 18B, which are
arranged on the upper light-receiving surface 12A and the front
light-receiving surface 12B. More specifically, the controller 16
prestores data showing the relationship between each incident angle
in the vertical direction and the levels of the incident light
detection signals S1 and S2 that are output in proportion to the
intensity of light incident at that incident angle. FIG. 3B shows
one example of such data. The controller 16 determines the incident
angle of incident light based on the ratio of the levels of the
incident angle detection signals S1 and S2 output from the
light-receiving elements 18A and 18B.
[0076] The position detection mechanism 64 includes a rotary
encoder, a variable resistor, a rotary switch, and a limit switch
to detect and distinguish when the light shield plate 24 is located
at a completely extended position, a half extended position, or a
retracted position. When the light shield plate 24 is at the
completely extended position, the half extended position, or the
retracted position, the position detection mechanism 64 outputs a
position detection signal indicating the detected position to the
controller 16. Based on the position detection signal, the
controller 16 distinguishes the light shield plate 24 being in a
completely extended state, the half extended position, and the
retracted state.
[0077] The operation of the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 of the
first embodiment will now be described.
[0078] When the activation switch 62 is turned on, the controller
16 is supplied with drive power from the battery 66 and activated.
The light receiving sensor 12 is also supplied with power and
activated. When incident light of, for example, direct sunlight
passes through the front glass 82 and enters the vertical light
shield range A, the light-receiving elements 18A and 18B of the
light receiving sensor 12 output to the controller 16 the incident
light detection signals S1 and S2 having levels proportional to the
incident light intensity, which changes in accordance with the
incident angle of the incident light in the manner shown in FIG.
3B.
[0079] Based on the incident light detection signals S1 and S2
output from the light-receiving elements 18A and 18B of the light
receiving sensor 12, the controller 16 specifies the incident angle
in the vertical direction using the data showing the relationship
between each incident angle in the vertical direction and the
levels of the incident light detection signals S1 and S2 that are
proportional to the intensity of the light that is incident at that
incident angle.
[0080] Subsequently, the controller 16 determines whether the light
shield plate 24 is to be set in the completely extended state in
which the light shield plate 24 is completely extended, the half
extended state in which the light shield plate 24 is halfway
extended, or the retracted state in which the light shield plate 24
is completely retracted into the roof portion 98. The controller 16
performs this determination based on the vertical-direction
incident angle of the incident light that enters the vertical light
shield range A.
[0081] More specifically, the controller 16 maintains the light
shield plate 24 in the retracted state as shown in FIG. 11A when
the incident light enters the third vertical light shield range A3.
The controller 16 sets the light shield plate 24 in the half
extended state as shown in FIG. 11B when the incident light enters
the second vertical light shield range A2. The controller 16 sets
the light shield plate 24 in the completely extended state as shown
in FIG. 11C when the incident light enters the first vertical light
shield range A1. The controller 16 sets the light shield plate 24
in the retracted state when the incident light enters areas that
are not within the vertical light shield range A.
[0082] The controller 16 drives the drive motor 30 when determining
that the light shield plate 24 is to be set in the half extended
state or the completely extended state. The first and second drive
wheels 56 and 58 rotate when the drive motor 30 is driven. As the
first and second drive wheels 56 and 58 rotate when the drive motor
30 produces rotation, the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first
and second slide guides 26 and 28 that are meshed with the first
and second drive gears 56A and 58A of the first and second drive
wheels 56 and 58 are moved toward the front of the vehicle. The
light shield plate 24 moves toward the front of the vehicle
together with the first and second slide guides 26 and 28.
[0083] In this state, the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C formed on
the upper parts of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28,
which are respectively arranged on the two sides of the light
shield plate 24 in the vehicle lateral direction, are supported by
the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B of the first and
second drive wheels 56 and 58 and the upper auxiliary rollers 48
and 52 that rotate while in contact with the first roll surfaces
26C and 28C. Further, the second roll surfaces 26D and 28D formed
on the lower parts of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28
are supported by the lower auxiliary rollers 50 and 54 that rotate
while in contact with the second roll surfaces 26D and 28D.
[0084] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the first and second
slide guides 26 and 28 are supported by the upper auxiliary rollers
48 and 52, the first drive wheels 56 and 58, and the lower
auxiliary rollers 50 and 54 and held between the upper auxiliary
rollers 48 and 52 and the first drive wheels 56 and 58, and the
lower auxiliary rollers 50 and 54 in the vertical direction. In
this state, the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 are
supported with the load being low and the produced noise being low.
The light shield plate 24 slides together with the first and second
slide guides 26 and 28.
[0085] When the light shield plate 24 is set in the half extended
state or in the completely extended state, the position detection
mechanism 64 detects the half extended state or the completely
extended state of the light shield plate 24. The position detection
mechanism 64 outputs a position detection signal showing the half
extended state or the completely extended state to the controller
16. As a result, the controller 16 detects that the shifting of the
light shield plate 24 into the half extended state or the
completely extended state has been completed and stops driving the
drive motor 30.
[0086] The driving condition of the vehicle may change and incident
light may enter the first vertical light shield range A1 when the
light shield plate 24 is in the half extended state. In this case,
the light shield plate 24 is shifted to the completely extended
state as shown in FIG. 11C. In this state, the position detection
mechanism 64 detects the completely extended state of the light
shield plate 24 and the controller 16 stops driving the drive motor
30 when detecting that the shifting of the light shield plate 24 to
the completely extended state has been completed.
[0087] In the present embodiment, the light shield plate 24 is in
the completely extended state when the first rotation roller 56B
comes into contact with the end surface 26G of the first slide
guide 26 and the second rotation roller 58B comes into contact with
the end surface 28G of the second slide guide 28. In this state,
the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B come into contact
with the end surfaces 26G and 28G before the first and second drive
gears 56A and 58A reach the vehicle rear side stroke ends of the
meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides
26 and 28. This prevents the first and second drive gears 56A and
58A from getting caught.
[0088] The driving condition of the vehicle may change and incident
light may enter the second vertical light shield range A2 when the
light shield plate 24 is in the completely extended state. In this
case, the light shield plate 24 is set in the half extended state
as shown in FIG. 11B to ensure the field of view for the occupant
90. Further, the driving condition of the vehicle may change and
incident light may enter the third vertical light shield range A3
or incident light may enter areas that are not within the vertical
light shield range A when the light shield plate 24 is in the
completely extended state or the half extended state. In this case,
the light shield plate 24 is set in the retracted state as shown in
FIG. 11A to ensure the field of view for the occupant 90. The
position detection mechanism 64 detects the half extended state or
the retracted state of the light shield plate 24, and the
controller 16 stops driving the drive motor 30 upon detecting that
the shifting of the light shield plate 24 to the half extended
state or the retracted state has been completed.
[0089] In the present embodiment, the shifting of the light shield
plate 24 to the retracted state is completed when the first
rotation roller 56B comes into contact with the end surface 26F of
the first slide guide 26 and the second rotation roller 58B comes
into contact with the end surface 28F of the second slide guide 28.
In this state, the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B
come into contact with the end surfaces 26F and 28F before the
first and second drive gears 56A and 58A reach the vehicle rear
side stroke ends of the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first
and second slide guides 26 and 28. This prevents the first and
second drive gears 56A and 58A from getting caught.
[0090] In the same manner as described above, the controller 16
thereafter sets the light shield plate 24 in the retracted state as
shown in FIG. 11A when incident light enter areas that are not
within the vertical light shield range A or when incident light
enters the third vertical light shield range A3, and sets the light
shield plate 24 in the half extended state as shown in FIG. 11B
when incident light enters the second vertical light shield range
A2. The controller 16 sets the light shield plate 24 in the
completely extended state as shown in FIG. 11C when incident light
enters the first vertical light shield range A1. In this manner,
the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 of the present embodiment moves
the light shield body 5 forward by a different amount in accordance
with the incident angle of incident light in the vertical
direction.
[0091] When the incident angle of incident light entering the
vertical light shield range A changes frequently due to changes in
the driving condition of the vehicle, it is preferable that the
position of the light shield plate 24 be changed when the incident
angle of incident light becomes substantially fixed for a certain
period of time (when the incident angle of light is
stabilized).
[0092] The vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 of the first embodiment
has the advantages described below.
[0093] (1) The light shield body 5 is supported by the three pairs
of supports, namely, the first and second drive wheels 56 and 58,
the upper auxiliary rollers 48 and 52, and the lower auxiliary
rollers 50 and 54 in a manner that movement of the light shield
body 5 in the movement direction is permitted and movement of the
light shield body 5 in the vertical direction is prevented. The
vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 does not include, for example,
holders that are elongated and extend throughout the range in which
the light shield body 5 is movable. Thus, the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10 is reduced in size in the longitudinal direction of
the vehicle. Further, this eliminates the need for long holders to
securely support the light shield body at arbitrary positions in
the movement range of the light shield body 5. Thus, the vehicle
sun visor apparatus 10 is light. This facilitates the arrangement
of the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 in the roof portion 98.
[0094] (2) The contact portions 56C and 58C of the first and second
drive wheels 56 and 58, which face each other, come into contact
with the side surfaces 26B and 28B, which face opposite directions
and which serves as a pair of connecting surfaces of the light
shield body 5. Thus, the light shield body 5 is prevented from
being displaced in the direction perpendicular to the movement
direction, that is, in the widthwise direction of the light shield
body 5, during forward and rearward movement of the light shield
body 5.
[0095] (3) When a vehicle sun visor apparatus uses holders in the
same manner as in the prior art and if the light shield body 5 is
curved as in the present embodiment, the holders must be curved in
correspondence with the curved shape of the light shield body 5.
Further, the curved shape of the holders varies depending on the
type of vehicle in which the apparatus is to be installed. In this
case, the holders must be curved accurately in accordance with the
shape of the light shield body 5. If the holders are not accurately
curved, the holders may interfere with the movement of the light
shield body 5. Accurate curving of the long holder in
correspondence with the shape of the light shield body 5 increases
the manufacturing cost and time. In the present embodiment, the
light shield body 5 is supported by the first and second drive
wheels 56 and 58, the upper auxiliary rollers 48 and 52, and the
lower auxiliary rollers 50 and 54. It is thus only required that
the positions of these rollers be adjusted with respect to the
first and second brackets 40 and 42. This prevents the
manufacturing cost and time from increasing.
[0096] (4) The light shield body 5 includes the light shield plate
24 for shielding incident light and the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 serving as frame members arranged on the rim of
the light shield plate 24. The meshing surfaces 26A and 28A and the
side surfaces 26B and 28B are not formed in the light shield plate
24 but are formed in the first and second slide guides 26 and 28.
This prevents the light shield plate 24 from having a complex
shape. As a result, the light shield plate 24 resists deformation
during its formation.
[0097] (5) The light shield body 5 moves forward and rearward using
the driving force transmitted to the light shield body 5 via the
first and second drive gears 56A and 58A, which are meshed with the
meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides
26 and 28. The transmission of the driving force through the
meshing prevents the first and second drive wheels 56 and 58 from
rotating idly with respect to the light shield body 5.
[0098] (6) The upper auxiliary rollers 48 and 52 and the lower
auxiliary rollers 50 and 54 rotate in accordance with the forward
and rearward movement of the light shield body 5. More
specifically, the upper auxiliary rollers 48 and 52 and the lower
auxiliary rollers 50 and 54 do not apply a force that shields
movement of the light shield body 5. This prevents the load applied
to the drive motor 30 from increasing and enables the drive motor
30 to be reduced in size. As a result, the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10 is reduced in size. As compared with the structure in
which holders supporting the light shield body 5 do not rotate,
noise (sliding noise) generated during forward and rearward
movement of the light shield body 5 is reduced. The upper auxiliary
rollers 48 and 52 and the lower auxiliary rollers 50 and 54 that
are made of rubber further reduce noise generated during forward
and rearward movement of the light shield body 5. Further, the
upper auxiliary rollers 48 and 52 and the lower auxiliary rollers
50 and 54 that are made of rubber absorb vibration generated during
movement of the light shield body 5 and reduce vibration generated
in the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10.
[0099] (7) In the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 of the first
embodiment, the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A, which are
rotated by the drive motor 30, are meshed with the meshing surfaces
26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28, which
are arranged to extend in the movement direction of the light
shield plate 24.
[0100] When the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 is stopped, the
first and second drive gears 56A and 58A and the meshing surfaces
26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 are
meshed with each other. In this case, the drive motor 30 and a gear
reduction mechanism (the first gear 34 and the second gear 38)
serve as a load. An external force applied due to the weight of the
light shield plate 24 or due to the inertial force acting on the
light shield plate 24 may cause unintentional forward or rearward
movement of the light shield plate 24 although the drive motor 30
is stopped. However, the drive motor 30 and the gear reduction
mechanism prevent such unintentional movement of the light shield
plate 24.
[0101] (8) In the first embodiment, the first and second drive
gears 56A and 58A, which are rotated by the drive motor 30, are
engaged with the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and
second slide guides 26 and 28, which are rotated by the drive motor
30. The meshing of the gears transmits the driving force to move
the light shield plate 24 forward or rearward.
[0102] This ensures transmission of the driving force from the
drive motor 30 to the light shield plate 24 as compared with, for
example, the unreliable transmission of driving force using
frictional force between a drive pulley and a driven pulley. This
prevents the occurrence of deficiencies in which the light shield
plate 24 cannot be moved forward or rearward even though the drive
motor 30 is producing rotation due to an external force such as the
weight or inertial force of the light shield plate 24.
[0103] (9) In the present embodiment, the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 have the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C that are
arranged together with the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A. The first
and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B come into contact with the
first roll surfaces 26C and 28C so that the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 move forward and rearward in a stable manner. This
ensures that the meshing between the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A
of the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A is ensured.
[0104] (10) The first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B come
into contact with the end surfaces 26F and 28F that are formed
adjacent to the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C before the first
and second drive gears 56A and 58A reach the front ends of the
meshing surfaces 26A and 28A. This prevents, for example, the gear
teeth of the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A from riding
onto the flat parts of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28
at the front side of the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A when the
light shield plate 24 is retracted into the roof portion 98. As a
result, the gear teeth of the first and second drive gears 56A and
58A are prevented from being damaged. In other words, this prevents
the gear teeth of the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A from
getting caught.
[0105] In the same manner, the first and second rotation rollers
56B and 58B come into contact with the end surfaces 26G and 28G
that are formed adjacent to the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C
before the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A reach the rear
ends of the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A. This prevents, for
example, the gear teeth of the first and second drive gears 56A and
58A from riding onto the flat parts of the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 at the rear side of the meshing surfaces 26A and
28A when the light shield plate 24 is moved in the completely
extended state. As a result, the gear teeth of the first and second
drive gears 56A and 58A are prevented from being damaged. In other
words, this structure prevents the gear teeth of the first and
second drive gears 56A and 58A from getting caught.
[0106] (11) The first and second drive wheels 56 and 58 are formed
as stepped drive wheels as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In detail, the
outer diameter of a circle-along the distal ends of the teeth of
the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A is smaller than the
outer diameter of each of the first and second rotation rollers 56B
and 58B. The meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and second
slide guides 26 and 28 and the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C form
stepped portions for holding therebetween the side surfaces 26B and
28B, which extend in the movement direction of the light shield
plate 24.
[0107] Accordingly, the first and second drive wheels 56 and 58
that are formed in such stepped shapes enable the first and second
drive wheels 56 and 58 to downsize its contact portions 56C and
58C. The contact portions 56C and 58C prevent the light shield
plate 24 from moving in the direction perpendicular to the movement
direction of the light shield plate 24 (in the widthwise
direction).
[0108] (12) In the present embodiment, the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 are arranged at the peripheral portion of the
light shield plate 24 in the widthwise direction. The first and
second drive gears 56A and 58A are meshed with the meshing surfaces
26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28. The
first and second drive gears 56A and 58A are fixed to the single
rotation shaft 60 and rotated in synchronization by the drive motor
30. Thus, the light shield plate 24 smoothly moves forward and
rearward in the movement direction without being deformed. This
prevents vibration or noise from being generated during forward and
rearward movement of the light shield plate 24.
[0109] (13) In the present embodiment, the first and second drive
gears 56A and 58A and the first and second rotation rollers 56B and
58B are supported coaxially on the first and second brackets 40 and
42, which are fixed to the vehicle body. As compared with a
structure in which the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A and
the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B are separately
set on the first and second brackets 40 and 42, the vehicle sun
visor apparatus 10 of the first embodiment has a simple structure
for axially supporting the first and second drive gears 56A and 58A
and the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B. This reduces
the components and the assembling steps of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10 thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10.
[0110] (14) In the present embodiment, the first drive gear 56A and
the first rotation roller 56B are formed integrally using a resin
material. This reduces the components of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10. Further, as compared with the structure in which the
first drive gear 56A and the first rotation roller 56B are not
supported coaxially, the axial supporting structure is simplified.
This reduces the assembling steps of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10 and simplifies the structure of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10.
[0111] (15) In the present embodiment, the output shaft 36 of the
drive unit 20 supports the first drive gear 56A and the first
rotation roller 56B. In other words, the first drive gear 56A and
the first rotation roller 56B use the same supporting structure as
the output shaft 36 of the drive unit 20. This reduces the
components and the assembling steps of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10 and simplifies the structure of the vehicle sun visor
apparatus 10.
[0112] (16) In the preferred embodiment, the front ends of the
meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides
26 and 28 coincide with the front ends of the first roll surfaces
26C and 28C in the movement direction of the light shield plate 24.
This improves the appearance of the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A
and the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C. This is preferable because
the front ends of the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A and the first
roll surfaces 26C and 28C may become visible to an occupant when
the light shield plate 24 is set in the completely extended state
or the half extended state.
[0113] (17) In the first embodiment, the front ends of the meshing
surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28
and the end surfaces 26F and 28F adjacent to the front ends of the
first roll surfaces 26C and 28C function as stoppers that come into
contact with the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B.
This not only improves the appearance of the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 but also prevents the first and second drive gears
56A and 58A from riding over the flat parts. The stoppers do not
project upward from the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A. This prevents
the stoppers from being caught on the roof portion 98 and prevents
retraction failures of the light shield plate 24.
[0114] In the same manner, the rear ends of the meshing surfaces
26A and 28A of the first and second slide guides 26 and 28 and the
end surfaces 26G and 28G adjacent to the rear ends of the first
roll surfaces 26C and 28C function as stoppers that come into
contact with the first and second rotation rollers 56B and 58B.
This simple structure prevents the first and second drive gears 56A
and 58A from riding onto the flat parts.
[0115] A second embodiment of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIG. 12.
[0116] In the first embodiment, the stoppers for the first and
second rotation rollers 56B and 58B are formed by the front ends of
the meshing surfaces 26A and 28A of the first and second slide
guides 26 and 28 and the end surfaces 26F and 28F that are adjacent
to the front ends of the first roll surfaces 26C and 28C.
[0117] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the outer
diameter of a circle at the bottom of the teeth of a first drive
gear 101A of a first drive wheel 100 is set equal to the outer
diameter of a first rotation roller 100B. A meshing surface 102A
(teeth distal portion) of a first slide guide 102 is flush with a
first roll surface 102B.
[0118] A projected stopper 104 is formed on the stroke end portion
of the first roll surface 102B. The meshing surface 102A is formed
to extend toward the front of the vehicle from the first roll
surface 102B (stopper 104). The stopper 104 comes into contact with
the first rotation roller 100B before the first drive gear 100A
reaches the front end of the meshing surface 102A. Such a projected
stopper may also be formed at the rear end of the first roll
surface 102B.
[0119] A second drive wheel having the same structure as the first
drive wheel 100 is arranged symmetric to the first drive wheel 100.
A second slide guide having the same structure as the first slide
guide 102 is arranged symmetric to the first slide guide 102. More
specifically, a side surface of the first roll surface 102B facing
toward the meshing surface 102A of the first roll surface 102B is a
side surface 102C facing the side surface of the second drive
wheel. A contact portion 100C that is formed by a side surface of
the first drive gear 101A adjacent to the first rotation roller
100B comes into contact with the side surface 102C. The contact
portion 100C coming into contact with the side surface 102C
prevents a light shield body 5 from being displaced in the
direction perpendicular to its movement direction.
[0120] FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0121] In the first embodiment, the first drive gear 56A and the
first rotation roller 56B are formed integrally. A drive wheel 106
shown in FIG. 13 includes a first drive gear 106A and a first
rotation roller 106B that are formed as separate members. In this
case, it is preferable that the first rotation roller 106B include
an elastic material and that a circumferential surface of the first
rotation roller 106B that comes into contact with a first roll
surface 26C of a first slide guide 26 be formed on the elastic
material.
[0122] The third embodiment has the advantages described below.
[0123] (18) The first drive gear 106A and the first rotation roller
106B are formed as separate members. In this case, the first drive
gear 106A may be formed from a resin material or a metal material
ensuring transmission of drive force, and the first rotation roller
106B may be formed from an elastic material. This structure not
only ensures the transmission of the drive force of the drive motor
30 to a meshing surface 26A of the first slide guide 26 but also
reduces noise and impact generated when a stopper of the first
slide guide 26 comes into contact with the first rotation roller
106B at a high level.
[0124] FIGS. 14 to 16 show a fourth embodiment of the present
invention. The structure of the second embodiment includes an
engagement clutch CL1. The engagement clutch CL1 disengages a first
drive gear 108A from a first rotation roller 108B when an external
force of a predetermined value or-greater is applied to a light
shield plate 24.
[0125] More specifically, an end surface 108D of the first drive
gear 108A facing toward the first rotation roller 108B includes a
plurality of (four) engagement projections 108E arranged in the
circumferential direction as shown in FIG. 15A. The engagement
projections 108E project axially toward the first rotation roller
108B. An end surface 108C of the first rotation roller 108B facing
toward the first drive gear 108A includes a plurality of (four)
engagement recesses 108F arranged in the circumferential direction
as shown in FIG. 16A. The engagement recesses 108F may be engaged
with the engagement projections 108E. The engagement projections
108E and the engagement recesses 108F function as a first
engagement part and a second engagement part that are engaged with
each other based on a concavo-convex relationship.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 15B, each engagement projection 108E of the
first drive gear 108A has an inclined surface 108G at each of its
two sides in the circumferential direction. The inclined surface
108G is inclined in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG.
16B, each engagement recess 108F of the first rotation roller 108B
has an inclined surface 108H at each of its two sides in the
circumferential direction. The inclined surface 108H is inclined in
the circumferential direction.
[0127] A hole 108I extends through the center of the first drive
gear 108A. The hole 108I has a D-shaped cross-section. A D-cut
portion 60A, which has a D-shaped cross-section, is formed at one
end of a rotation shaft 60. The D-cut portion 60A is inserted
through the hole 108I so that the rotation shaft 60 engages with
the first drive gear 108A in the circumferential direction. When
the D-cut portion 60A is inserted through the hole 108I, the first
drive gear 108A is restricted from rotating about its axis relative
to the rotation shaft 60 while movement in the axial direction is
enabled until coming into contact with a stopper 60B of the
rotation shaft 60.
[0128] The first rotation roller 108B has a recess 108J at the side
of the first drive gear 108A. The recess 108J has a circular
cross-section. The D-cut portion 60A of the rotation shaft 60 is
inserted into the recess 108J. The insertion of the D-cut portion
60A in the recess 108J enables rotation of the first rotation
roller 108B about its axis relative to the rotation shaft 60 and
enables movement in the axial direction.
[0129] A flange 108K of the first rotation roller 108B has a
projection 108L projecting from the surface facing toward an output
shaft 36. The projection 108L projects toward the output shaft 36.
The projection 108L has a recess 108M, which has a D-shaped
cross-section. A D-cut portion 36A, which has a D-shaped
cross-section, is formed at one end of the output shaft 36. The
D-cut portion 36A of the output shaft 36 is inserted into the
recess 108M of the first rotation roller 108B so that the output
shaft 36 engages the first rotation roller 108B in the
circumferential direction. The insertion of the D-cut portion 36A
into the recess 108M causes the first rotation roller 108B to
function as a rotational body that is connected to the output shaft
36 so that rotation of the first rotation roller 108B about its
axis relative to the output shaft 36 is restricted and movement in
the axial direction is enabled until the bottom of the recess 108M
comes into contact with the projected end of the output shaft
36.
[0130] A washer 68 and a plate spring 70 are set on the projection
108L of the first rotation roller 108B. The plate spring 70 presses
the flange 108K of the first rotation roller 108B against the
washer 68 that comes into contact with a first bracket 40 and urges
the entire first rotation roller 108B toward the first drive gear
108A.
[0131] When the entire first rotation roller 108B is urged toward
the first drive gear 108A by the plate spring 70, the engagement
recesses 108F of the first rotation roller 108B are engaged with
the engagement projections 108E of the first drive gear 108A. The
drive gear 108A is prevented from moving in the axial direction due
to contact with the stopper 60B. As a result, the first drive gear
108A is engaged with the first rotation roller 108B, and rotates
integrally with the first rotation roller 108B.
[0132] When an external load of a predetermined value or greater,
with the external load being greater than the drive load applied to
the light shield plate 24 when the drive unit 20 is being driven,
may be applied to the light shield plate 24. This moves the
inclined surfaces 108G of the engagement projections 108E relative
to the inclined surfaces 108H of the engagement recesses 108F in
the circumferential direction. In other words, the first drive gear
108A is separated from the first rotation roller 108B.
[0133] In this state, movement of the first drive gear 108A in the
axial direction is restricted due to contact with the stopper 60B.
Thus, the plate spring 70 permits the first rotation roller 108B to
be separated from the first drive gear 108A to disengage the first
drive gear 108A and the first rotation roller 108B.
[0134] Accordingly, the first rotation roller 108B moves relative
to the first drive gear 108A in the axial direction against the
urging force of the spring 70. The first drive gear 108A is
prevented from moving in the axial direction due to contact with
the stopper 60B. Thus, the first drive gear 108A and the first
rotation roller 108B are disengaged from each other.
[0135] The fourth embodiment has the advantages described
below.
[0136] (19) The engagement clutch CL1 disengages the first drive
gear 108A and the first rotation roller 108B. The engagement clutch
CL1 cancels the engagement between the drive unit 20 and the light
shield plate 24 so that the light shield plate 24 can be manually
moved forward or rearward quickly.
[0137] FIG. 17.shows a fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0138] In the fourth embodiment, the engagement clutch CL1 for
engaging the first drive gear 108A and the first rotation roller
108B urges the first rotation roller 108B toward the first drive
gear 108A with the plate spring 70. The engagement clutch may be
changed in the manner described below.
[0139] An engagement clutch CL2 of an actuation mechanism 200 shown
in FIG. 17 includes a C-ring 204, which is fixed to a groove 202A
formed in a longitudinally middle portion of a rotation shaft 202.
A coil spring 208, which is a compression spring, is set on the
rotation shaft 202 at a position closer to a first drive gear 206A
than the C-ring 204.
[0140] A D-cut portion 202B of the rotation shaft 202 is inserted
through a hole 206C of the first drive gear 206A having a D-shaped
cross-section. The insertion of the D-cut portion 202B through the
hole 206C restricts rotation of the first drive gear 206A about its
axis relative to the rotation shaft 202 and enables movement in the
axial direction until coming into contact with a stopper 202C of
the rotation shaft 202. The D-cut portion 202B of the rotation
shaft 202 is inserted into a recess 206D of the first rotation
roller 206B having a circular cross-section. The insertion of the
D-cut portion 202B into the recess 206D enables rotation of the
first rotation roller 206B about its axis relative to the rotation
shaft 202. Further, a D-cut portion 209A of an output shaft 209 of
a drive unit 20 is inserted into a recess 206E of the first
rotation roller 206B having a D-shaped cross-section. The insertion
of the D-cut portion 209A into the recess 206E connects the first
rotation roller 206B to the output shaft 209 so as to restrict
rotation of the first rotation roller 206B relative to the output
shaft 209.
[0141] The coil spring 208 urges the entire first drive gear 206A
toward the C-ring 204, which is fixed to the rotation shaft 202,
relative to the first rotation roller 206B. In this manner, the
entire first drive gear 206A is pressed toward the first rotation
roller 206B by the coil spring 208 so that fitting protrusions 206F
of the first drive gear 206A are engaged with fitting recesses 206G
of the first rotation roller 206B. As a result, the first drive
gear 206A and the first rotation roller 206B are engaged with each
other and rotate integrally.
[0142] If an external load greater by a predetermined value than
the drive load applied to the light shield plate 24 when the drive
unit 20 is being driven is applied to the light shield plate 24,
the coil spring 208 permits the first drive gear 206A to be
separated from the first rotation roller 206B to disengage the
first drive gear 206A and the first rotation roller 206B. As a
result, the first drive gear 206A moves in the axial direction
against the pressing force applied by the coil spring 208, that is,
in the direction that separates the first drive gear 206A from the
first rotation roller 206B. Thus, the first drive gear 206A and the
first rotation roller 206B are disengaged from each other.
[0143] The fifth embodiment has the advantages described below.
[0144] (20) The engagement clutch CL2 uses the coil spring 208 as
an urging portion. This maintains the urging force for urging the
first drive gear 206A toward the first rotation roller 206B for a
long period of time. In other words, the spring characteristic is
stable for a long period of time. If the spring characteristic is
not stable, the first drive gear 206A and the first rotation roller
206B may be unintentionally disengaged from each other by a load
smaller than the driving load, and the light shield plate 24 may
fail to move forward or rearward when the light shield plate 24 is
electrically driven after repeated manual operations of the light
shield plate 24. However, the engagement clutch CL2 having the
stable spring characteristic prevents such unintentional failure
during movement of the light shield plate 24.
[0145] FIG. 18 shows a sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0146] An engagement clutch CL3 of an actuation mechanism 210 shown
in FIG. 18 has a spring 214, which is accommodated in a first
rotation roller 212B. The spring 214 urges the entire first
rotation roller 212B toward a first drive gear 212A. More
specifically, the first rotation roller 212B includes a connecting
portion 212C and a roller portion 212E. The connecting portion 212C
is connected to a D-cut portion 216A of an output shaft 216 in a
drive unit 20 so as to restrict rotation and axial movement of the
connecting portion 212C relative to the output shaft 216. The
roller portion 212E is fixed to a supporting portion 212D that
extends from the connecting portion 212C and is engaged with the
first drive gear 212A.
[0147] A D-cut portion 218A of a rotation shaft 218 is inserted
through a hole 212F and into a recess 212G of the first rotation
roller 212B. The insertion of the D-cut portion 218A through the
hole 212F and into the recess 212G enables rotation of the first
rotation roller 212B about its axis relative to the rotation shaft
218 and enables movement in the axial direction until the end
surface of the connecting portion 212C comes into contact with a
stopper 216B of the output shaft 216. Further, the D-cut portion
218A of the rotation shaft 218 is inserted through a hole 212H of
the first drive gear 212A so as to restrict rotation of the first
drive gear 212A relative to the rotation shaft 218.
[0148] The spring 214 accommodated in the first rotation roller
212B urges the entire first rotation roller 212B toward the first
drive gear 212A relative to a C-ring 220, which is fixed to a
groove 218B of the rotation shaft 218. In this manner, the entire
first rotation roller 212B is urged toward the first drive gear
212A by the spring 214 so that fitting protrusions 212I of the
first drive gear 212A are engaged with fitting recesses 212J of the
first rotation roller 212B. As a result, the first drive gear 212A
and the first rotation roller 212B are engaged with each other and
rotate integrally.
[0149] If an external load greater by a predetermined value than
the drive load applied to the light shield plate 24 when the drive
unit 20 is being driven may be applied to the light shield plate
24, the spring 214 permits the first drive gear 212A to be
separated from the first rotation roller 212B to disengage the
first drive gear 212A and the first rotation roller 212B.
[0150] As a result, the first rotation roller 212B moves in the
axial direction against the urging force applied by the spring 214,
that is, in the direction that separates the first rotation roller
212B from the first drive gear 212A. As a result, the first drive
gear 212A and the first rotation roller 212B are disengaged from
each other. In this manner, the spring 214 may be accommodated in
the first rotation roller 212B and press the entire first rotation
roller 212B toward the first drive gear 212A.
[0151] In the above embodiments, the first drive gear 108A includes
the engagement projections 108E and the first rotation roller 108B
includes the engagement recesses 108F. However, the first drive
gear 108A may include engagement recesses and the first rotation
roller 108B may include engagement projections.
[0152] In the above embodiments, each engagement projection 108E
has the inclined surface 108G at each of its two ends in the
circumferential direction and each engagement recess 108F has the
inclined surface 108H at each of its two ends in the
circumferential direction. However, each engagement projection 108E
may have an inclined surface 108G only at one of the ends in the
circumferential direction, and each engagement recess 108F may have
an inclined surface 108H only at one of the ends in the
circumferential direction.
[0153] In the above embodiments, the second drive gear 58A and the
second rotation roller 58B of the second drive wheel 58 are formed
integrally. However, the present invention is not limited in this
manner. The second drive gear 58A and the second rotation roller
58B may be formed as separate members in the same manner as the
first drive wheel 108.
[0154] In the above embodiments, the light shield plate 24 is
electrically driven to move forward and rearward based on the
incident light detection signals S1 and S2 output from the light
receiving sensor 12 when the activation-switch 62 is turned on.
However, the present invention is not limited in this manner. For
example, any adjustment switch for operating the drive motor 30 may
be arranged in the passenger compartment, and the controller 16 may
drive the drive motor 30 based on a signal output from the
adjustment switch to move the light shield plate 24 forward or
rearward.
[0155] Further, in the above embodiments, the drive unit 20 is
arranged only on the first bracket 40. However, the present
invention is not limited in such a manner. For example, a pair of
drive units 20 may be respectively arranged at the two sides of the
light shield plate 24 in the widthwise direction, and the drive
units 20 may be electrically driven in synchronization. As a
result, the first and second slide guides, 26 and 28 are driven
respectively by the two drive units 20 to move the first and second
slide guides 26 and 28 forward or rearward. In this case, the
engagement clutch CL1 may be arranged for each of the two drive
units 20. This eliminates the need for connecting the first and
second drive wheels 56 and 58 with the single rotation shaft 60 as
in the above embodiments because the first and second drive wheels
56 and 58 are respectively rotated by the two drive units 20. This
structure is advantageous when the light shield plate 24 is
relatively large in the widthwise direction.
[0156] FIGS. 19 to 22 show a seventh embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, first and second slide
guides 321 and 322 are cylindrical and have stepped portions extend
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The stepped portions
have meshing surfaces 321A and 322A and side surfaces 321B and
322B, which face each other. Parts of the circumferential surfaces
of the first and second slide guides 321 and 322 that are adjacent
to the side surfaces 321B and 322B form first contact portions 321C
and 322C. Parts of the circumferential surfaces of the first and
second slide guides 321 and 322 that are opposite to the first
contact portions 321C and 322C form second contact portions 321D
and 322D.
[0157] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, first and second drive wheels
333 and 334 are fixed to a first rotation shaft 332. The first
rotation shaft 332 is rotatably supported by a channel-shaped first
support bracket 362. The first and second drive wheels 333 and 334,
which have stepped shapes, include first and second drive gears
333A and 334A having large diameters and first and second rotation
rollers 333B and 334B having small diameters, respectively. The
first and second drive gears 333A and 334A have contact portions
333C and 334C facing toward the first and second rotation rollers
333B and 334B.
[0158] The first and second drive gears 333A and 334A are meshed
with the meshing surfaces 321A and 322A of the first and second
slide guides 321 and 322. The first and second rotation rollers
333B and 334B come into contact with the first contact portions
321C and 322C of the first and second slide guides 321 and 322. The
contact portions 333C and 334C face opposite directions and come
into contact with the side surfaces 321B and 322B of the first and
second slide guides 321 and 322, respectively.
[0159] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, upper auxiliary rollers 343 and
344 are fixed to a second rotation shaft 342, and the second
rotation shaft 342 is rotatably supported by a channel-shaped
second support bracket 363. The upper auxiliary rollers 343 and
344, which have stepped shapes, include large-diameter portions
343A and 344A and rotation rollers 343B and 344B, serving as
small-diameter portions, respectively. The large-diameter portions
343A and 344A have contact portions 343C and 344C facing toward the
rotation rollers 343B and 344B.
[0160] The rotation rollers 343B and 344B come into contact with
the first contact portions 321C and 322C of the first and second
slide guides 321 and 322. The contact portions 343C and 344C are
arranged to face opposite directions and come into contact with the
side surfaces 321B and 322B of the first and second slide guides
321 and 322, respectively.
[0161] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 22, lower auxiliary rollers 353 and
354 are supported on a third rotation shaft 352 in a manner
rotatable with respect to the third rotation shaft 352. The third
rotation shaft 352 is supported on a channel-shaped third support
bracket 364 by a pair of tension coil springs 355 and 356. The
lower auxiliary rollers 353 and 354 have circumferential surfaces
353A and 354A. The circumferential surfaces 353A and 354A come into
contact with the second contact portions 321D and 322D of the first
and second slide guides 321 and 322.
[0162] The first to third support brackets 362 and 364 are
supported on a roof portion 98 by connecting brackets 365 and
366.
[0163] The lower auxiliary rollers 353 and 354 are pulled upward
(toward the roof portion 98) by the tension coil springs 355 and
356 and support a light shield body 5 from below. The upper
auxiliary rollers 343 and 344 and the lower auxiliary rollers 353
and 354 rotate in accordance with the forward and rearward movement
of the light shield body 5.
[0164] The first and second rotation rollers 333B and 334B, the
upper auxiliary rollers 343 and 344, and the lower auxiliary
rollers 353 and 354 support the light shield body 5 while the
rollers are arranged to permit movement of the light shield body 5
in the movement direction and restrict movement of the light shield
body 5 in the vertical direction.
[0165] The seventh embodiment has the advantages described
below.
[0166] (21) The contact portions 333C and 343C of the first and
second drive wheels 333 and 334 and the contact portions 343C and
344C of the upper auxiliary rollers 343 and 344 come into contact
with the side surfaces 321B and 322B of the first and second slide
guides 321 and 322. This ensures that the light shield body 5 is
prevented from moving in the direction perpendicular to the
movement direction, that is, in the widthwise direction during
forward and rearward movement of the light shield body 5.
[0167] (22) The lower auxiliary rollers 343 and 354 are pulled
toward the roof portion 98 by the tension coil springs 355 and 356.
The tension coil springs 355 and 356 absorb vibration of the light
shield body 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 80.
Further, the light shield body 5 is curved in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle 80. However, the tension coil springs 355
and 356 are compressed or expanded to easily correspond with the
curved shape of the light shield body 5.
[0168] The above embodiments may be modified in the following
forms.
[0169] To facilitate description, the light shield body 5, which is
formed by the light shield plate 24 and the first and second slide
guides 321 and 322, is shown as one member in the drawings referred
to hereinafter, and the first to third rotation shafts 332, 342,
and 352 are not shown in the drawings.
[0170] A light shield body 5 shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B do not
include the stepped portions described in the above embodiments.
The two end surfaces of the light shield body 5 in the widthwise
direction form a pair of side surfaces 321B and 322B that are
arranged to face opposite directions. First and second drive gears
333A and 334A are formed to have a smaller diameter than first and
second rotation rollers 333B and 334B. The first and second
rotation rollers 333B and 334B include contact portions 333C and
334C that face each other. The contact portions 333C and 334C and
contact portions 343C and 344C come into contact with the side
surfaces 321B and 322B and prevent the light shield body 5 from
moving in the direction perpendicular to the movement
direction.
[0171] First and second drive wheels 333 and 334 shown in FIGS. 24A
and 24B do not include the first and second rotation rollers 333B
and 334B. Further, upper auxiliary rollers 343 and 344 do not
include the rotation rollers 343B and 344B.
[0172] A second drive wheel 334 shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B includes
a contact portion 334C formed by an end surface of a second drive
gear 334A, which serves as a small-diameter portion, arranged in a
direction opposite to a second rotation roller 334B, which serves
as a large-diameter portion. In the same manner, a contact portion
344C of an upper auxiliary roller 344 is formed by an end surface
of a rotation roller 344B, which serves as a small-diameter
portion, arranged in a direction opposite to a large-diameter
portion 344A.
[0173] In the above embodiments, the upper auxiliary rollers 343
and 344 and the lower auxiliary rollers 353 and 354 for supporting
the light shield body 5 all rotate. However, the present invention
is not limited in this manner. For example, members that do not
rotate may be used such as a member enabling sliding of the light
shield body 5.
[0174] In the above embodiments, the first slide guide 26 includes
the meshing surface 26A and the second slide guide 28 includes the
meshing surface 28A. However, only the first slide guide 26 may
include the meshing surface 26A, and the second slide guide 28 may
be omitted from the meshing surface 28A. In other words, the
driving force of the drive motor 30 may be transmitted to the light
shield body 5 only from the first drive wheel 56.
[0175] Further, only the first slide guide 26 may include the first
and second roll surfaces 26C and 26D. The second slide guide 28 may
be eliminated from the first and second roll surfaces 28C and
28D.
[0176] In the above embodiments, the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10
is arranged for an occupant who is seated in the driver seat 3.
However, the vehicle sun visor apparatus 10 may be arranged for an
occupant who is seated in a front passenger seat.
[0177] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Therefore, the present examples and embodiments are to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention
is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be
modified within the scope and equivalence of the appended
claims.
* * * * *