U.S. patent application number 11/580021 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for outer mirror device for vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho. Invention is credited to Masatsugu Ohashi.
Application Number | 20070035865 11/580021 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32500731 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070035865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ohashi; Masatsugu |
February 15, 2007 |
Outer mirror device for vehicle
Abstract
In an outer mirror device for a vehicle, an electrically-driven
retracting unit, a mirror surface angle adjusting unit, a mirror
surface angle detecting sensor, a foot lamp device, a heater, and
an ECU which is a control device, which are respectively internal
mechanisms, are disposed within a door mirror visor which covers a
reverse surface side of a mirror and between the mirror and which a
space is formed. A wire harness led into the door mirror visor is
only two power source wires and three signal wires connected to the
ECU. As compared with a structure in which the ECU is disposed
outside of the door mirror visor, a number of wires can be greatly
reduced.
Inventors: |
Ohashi; Masatsugu;
(Aichi-ken, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERTS, MLOTKOWSKI & HOBBES
P. O. BOX 10064
MCLEAN
VA
22102-8064
US
|
Assignee: |
Kabushiki Kaisha
Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
Aichi-ken
JP
|
Family ID: |
32500731 |
Appl. No.: |
11/580021 |
Filed: |
October 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10721467 |
Nov 26, 2003 |
7137717 |
|
|
11580021 |
Oct 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
359/877 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 1/072 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/877 |
International
Class: |
G02B 7/182 20060101
G02B007/182 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 28, 2002 |
JP |
2002-345101 |
Claims
1. An outer mirror device for a vehicle comprising: a mirror visor
which covers a back surface of a mirror for rearward viewing to
form a space between the mirror and the mirror visor; a mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism which has a first case and an
electric motor accommodated in the first case, which is mounted to
the mirror within the space, and which is able to adjust a mirror
surface angle of the mirror by driving force of the electric motor;
a control device having a second case disposed within the space,
and a control substrate which is accommodated within the second
case and at which is provided a control circuit supplying power to
the electric motor on the basis of an operation signal; a power
supplying terminal provided at the control substrate and passing
through the second case; and a connector portion provided
integrally with the second case, and fixed to the first case to
connect the power supplying terminal to the electric motor.
2. The outer mirror device for a vehicle according to claim 1,
wherein the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism has a rotating
member rotating due to rotation of the electric motor, and a drive
rod which moves rectilinearly due to rotation of the rotating
member and which changes the mirror surface angle of the mirror,
and wherein a mirror surface angle detecting sensor, which detects
one of a position of the drive rod and a rotational position of the
rotating member, is provided within the second case.
3. The outer mirror device for a vehicle of claim 2, wherein the
mirror surface angle detecting sensor is provided at the control
substrate.
4. The outer mirror device for a vehicle of claim 3, wherein the
mirror surface angle detecting sensor detects, in a non-contact
manner, the one of the position of the drive rod and the rotational
position of the rotating member.
5. The outer mirror device for a vehicle of claim 1, wherein the
first case and the second case are integral.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
10/721,467, filed Nov. 26, 2003, which claims priority under 35USC
119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-345101, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an outer mirror device for
a vehicle which has a mirror for rearward viewing and which is
mounted to the exterior of a vehicle body.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In an outer mirror device for a vehicle which is mounted to
the left and right doors of a vehicle, a mirror for rearward
viewing is disposed in a vicinity of the opening of a mirror visor
which forms the design of the outer mirror device for a vehicle. A
space is formed between the mirror and the mirror visor which
covers the reverse surface side of the mirror. In a so-called
retractable outer mirror device for a vehicle, the mirror visor is
supported so as to be rotatable with respect to a stay which is
fixed to the door.
[0006] Internal mechanisms for operating the outer mirror device
for a vehicle from the driver's seat are accommodated in the space
at the interior of the mirror visor. Generally, a mirror surface
angle adjusting unit which changes the mirror surface angle of the
mirror by operation of a switch near the driver's seat, an
electrically-driven retracting unit which moves the outer mirror
device for a vehicle between a retracted position of being
retracted along the door and a usage position at which the outer
mirror device for a vehicle is extended such that the region
substantially toward the rear of the vehicle can be seen from the
driver's seat, and the like are used as the internal mechanisms.
The mirror surface angle adjusting unit, the electrically-driven
retracting unit, and the like have an electric motor therein. When
the unit receives power and is operated, the function of the unit
is carried out.
[0007] In order to supply power to the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit, the electrically-driven retracting unit, or the
like, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle, a supporting shaft,
which is fixed to the stay and which rotatably supports the mirror
visor, is made to be hollow, and power supply wires are led into
the mirror visor through the interior of the supporting shaft (see,
for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.
2001-332316). In this way, the wires can be laid so as to not be
affected by the rotation of the mirror visor with respect to the
door (the stay).
[0008] Moreover, in recent years, it has been thought to place
various internal mechanisms such as the following for example which
are operated by being electrically charged (energized), at the
interior space in the outer mirror device for a vehicle and in
addition to the aforementioned mirror surface angle adjusting unit
and electrically-driven retracting unit: a mirror anti-glare
mechanism using an electrochromic element, a water droplet removing
mechanism or fogging preventing mechanism using ultrasonic
vibrations or a heater, an illuminating device illuminating light
toward the feet of a vehicle occupant before he/she enters the
vehicle, an image pick-up device for covering the dead angle at the
vehicle, a direction indicating device, or the like.
[0009] Such an outer mirror device for a vehicle will be described
on the basis of FIG. 9. An outer mirror device 200 for a vehicle
shown in FIG. 9 has a mirror 202 for rearward viewing, and a mirror
visor 204 covering the reverse surface of the mirror 202. The
mirror visor 204 is structured by a visor rim 204A and a visor
cover 204B which are connected together. A frame 206 is fixed
between the visor rim 204A and the visor cover 204B.
[0010] The outer mirror device 200 for a vehicle has an
electrically-driven retracting unit 208, a mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 210, a mirror surface angle detecting sensor 212, a
heater 214, and a foot lamp device 216, each of which is an
internal mechanism accommodated within the mirror visor 204 (i.e.,
between the mirror visor 204 and the mirror 202).
[0011] The electrically-driven retracting unit 208 is fixed to the
frame 206 in a state in which a stand 220, which is a supporting
shaft fixed to a stay 218 which is fixed to the door of the
vehicle, is inserted through the electrically-driven retracting
unit 208. An electric motor, a reduction mechanism, and the like
are disposed at the interior of the electrically-driven retracting
unit 208. Due to the electrically-driven retracting unit 208
rotating around the stand 220 due to the electric motor being power
supplied, the outer mirror device 200 for a vehicle can be moved
between a usage position at which the rearward region can be viewed
by the mirror 202, and a retracted position at which the outer
mirror device 200 for a vehicle is folded over along the door.
[0012] A driving mechanism portion 210A of the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 210 is fixed to the frame 206. A mirror holder 210B
of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 210 passes through the
substantially frame-shaped visor rim 204A and is fixed to the
reverse surface side of the mirror 202. The driving mechanism
portion 210A supports the mirror holder 210B by a pivot structure
such that the mirror holder 210B can swing in the vertical
direction and the horizontal direction, and has drive rods which
are provided at a position offset in the vertical direction from
this supporting point and at a position offset in the horizontal
direction from this supporting point, respectively. Respective one
end portions of the drive rods are rotatably connected to the
mirror holder 210B. Due to the drive rods moving in the axial
direction due to the driving forces of the electric motors, the
mirror surface angle of the mirror 202 in the vertical direction
and in the horizontal direction is changed. Namely, the driving
mechanism portion 210A of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit
210 is structured so as to include two electric motors.
[0013] The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 212 has a pair of
sensor rods 212B which project from a case 212A fixed to the
driving mechanism portion 210A. Each sensor rod 212B is urged by a
spring toward the side, in the axial direction, of projecting from
the case 212A. One of the sensor rods 212B is pressed to contact
the mirror holder 210B at a position offset in the vertical
direction from the aforementioned point of support by the pivot
structure. The other sensor rod 212B is pressed to contact the
mirror holder 210B at a position offset in the horizontal direction
from the aforementioned point of support. In this way, the
respective sensor rods 212B follow the changes in the mirror
surface angle of the mirror 202, while extending and retracting
with respect to the case 212A. Variable resistance type sensors,
which detect the positions (the amounts of movement) of the
respective sensor rods 212B, are provided within the case 212A, and
can detect the mirror surface angle of the mirror 202 by the
positions of the respective sensor rods 212B. Namely, the mirror
surface angle detecting sensor 212 has two variable resistance type
sensors.
[0014] The heater 214 is formed in the shape of a sheet or in the
shape of a thin plate, and is mounted to the reverse surface of the
mirror 202 (between the mirror 202 and the mirror holder 210B). Due
to the heater 214 being power supplied, the heater 214 generates
heat and heats the mirror. Defrosting of the mirror is thereby
carried out.
[0015] The foot lamp device 216 is structured by a lens and a case,
which accommodates a light bulb or an LED, being joined together,
and is fixed to the lower portion of the mirror visor 204. The lens
structures a portion of the outer lower surface of the mirror visor
204. When the light bulb or the like emits light, it illuminates
the region beneath, i.e., the feet of a person who is near the
door.
[0016] The above-described electrically-driven retracting unit 208,
mirror surface angle adjusting unit 210, mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 212, heater 214, and foot lamp device 216 are
electrically connected via respective wires to a door ECU 222 which
is a control device. The door ECU 222 is disposed inside the door
of the vehicle (i.e., outside of the door mirror device for a
vehicle), and, in addition to carrying out control of the
aforementioned respective internal mechanisms, also carries out
control of the mechanisms at the door such as the power window
device and the like.
[0017] The plural wires connected to the door ECU 22 by a connector
224 are bundled and covered so as to form a wire harness 226, and
are passed through the interiors of the stay 218 and the hollow
stand 220 (the electrically-driven retracting unit 208), and are
led into the mirror visor 204. Within the mirror visor 204, the
covering of the wires is removed and the respective wires are
connected to the internal mechanisms corresponding respectively
thereto.
[0018] Specifically, two wires 228 for supplying power to the
electric motor are connected via a waterproof connector 230 to the
electrically-driven retracting unit 208. Two wires 232 for
supplying power to each of the two electric motors are connected
via a waterproof connector 234 to the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 210 (i.e., there are a total of four of the wires
232). A total of four wires 236 for energizing the two variable
resistance sensors and for detection are connected via a waterproof
connector 238 to the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 212. Two
wires 240 for supplying power are connected to the heater 214 via a
waterproof connector 242. Two wires 244 for supplying power to the
light bulb or the like are connected to the foot lamp device 216
via a waterproof connector 246.
[0019] Namely, in the outer mirror device 200 for a vehicle shown
in FIG. 9, a total of fourteen wires are led into the mirror visor
204. Note that the respective cases (e.g., a case 212A and the
like) of the electrically-driven retracting unit 208, the mirror
surface angle adjusting unit 210, the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 212, the heater 214, and the foot lamp device 216
are waterproof structures respectively. Further, the lower portion
of the stand 220 is covered by a stay under cover 248.
[0020] In this way, at the outer mirror device 200 for a vehicle, a
structure in which plural internal mechanisms are accommodated
within the mirror visor 204 is realized.
[0021] However, as described above, in the conventional outer
mirror device 200 for a vehicle, the wires for electrically
charging (energizing) or for supplying power to the respective
internal mechanisms must be led into the mirror visor 204. More
specifically, for each of the electric machines (the electric
motor, the sensor, the heater, the light bulb, and the like) in the
respective internal mechanisms, two or three or more wires must be
led through the interior of the stand 220 which rotatably supports
the mirror visor 204. Therefore, a problem arises in that the
number of internal mechanisms which can be accommodated within the
mirror visor 204 is limited by the number of wires which can be
passed through the stand 220.
[0022] Namely, within the range of the dimensions of the stand 220
which are determined in accordance with the requirements concerning
the mechanical strength and functions and the like, there are
limits to increasing the number of wires which can be led into the
mirror visor. More specifically, in the above-described outer
mirror device 200 for a vehicle shown in FIG. 9, it is difficult to
pass more wires (15 or more wires) through the stand 220, and it is
not possible to provide other internal mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In view of the aforementioned, an object of the present
invention is to provide an outer mirror device for a vehicle in
which the number of wires which are led from the vehicle body into
the mirror visor is reduced.
[0024] In order to achieve the above object, an outer mirror device
for a vehicle relating to a first aspect of the present invention
comprises: a mirror for rearward viewing; a mirror surface angle
adjusting mechanism mounted to the mirror, which receives power and
adjusts a mirror surface angle of the mirror; a mirror surface
angle detecting mechanism which can detect the mirror surface angle
of the mirror; a control device electrically connected to the
mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism and the mirror surface
angle detecting mechanism, and supplying power to the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism on the basis of an operation
signal, and electrically charging (communicating with)the mirror
surface angle detecting mechanism at appropriate times; and a
mirror visor which accommodates the mirror surface angle adjusting
mechanism, the mirror surface angle detecting mechanism and the
control device between the mirror visor and the mirror.
[0025] In the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the first
aspect, the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism, the mirror
surface angle detecting mechanism, and the control device are
accommodated between the mirror and the mirror visor. When an
operation signal due to operation of a switch located near the
driver's seat for example is inputted, on the basis of the
operation signal, the control device supplies power to the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism and operates the mirror surface
angle adjusting mechanism so as to change the mirror surface angle
of the mirror. Further, the control device electrically charges
(communicates with) the mirror surface angle detecting mechanism at
appropriate times, so that the mirror surface angle of the mirror
is detected. Note that the results of detection are, for example,
stored in the control device at the time a storage instructing
signal is inputted to the control device. The stored mirror surface
angle is used for returning the mirror to the stored mirror surface
angle by the control device supplying power to the mirror surface
angle adjusting mechanism when a return instructing signal is
inputted.
[0026] Here, the control device is disposed within the mirror visor
(between the mirror visor and the mirror). Therefore, it suffices
for the wires which are led from the vehicle body into the mirror
visor to be signal wires for inputting for example, the
aforementioned operation signal, storage instructing signal, and
return instructing signal (or, it is possible for them to be only
one signal wire) and (two) power source wires connected to the
control device. Therefore, as compared with a case in which power
source wires are led respectively to the mirror surface angle
adjusting mechanism (requiring four power supply wires when there
are two electric motors) and the mirror surface angle detecting
mechanism (requiring four electrically charging wires when there
are two sensors), the number of wires which are led into the mirror
visor is reduced. The effects of reducing the number of wires led
into the mirror visor are more marked when the number of internal
mechanisms, which are accommodated within the mirror visor together
with the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism and the mirror
surface angle detecting mechanism and which are controlled by the
control device, is increased. In this way, it is possible to
dispose a large number of internal mechanisms within the mirror
visor while maintaining (not being changed) the inner diameter of
the hole (e.g., the stand) for leading the wires into the mirror
visor.
[0027] Further, it suffices for the control device, which is
disposed within the door of the vehicle and which conventionally
also controlled the internal mechanisms including the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism and the mirror surface angle
detecting mechanism, to carry out only control of the power window
and the like for example. Therefore, there is no need for an
exclusive design corresponding to the specifications of the outer
mirror device for a vehicle, i.e., the number and the types of the
built-in internal mechanisms. The control device at the door can be
used in common, without depending on the specifications of the
outer mirror device for a vehicle.
[0028] In this way, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the
first aspect, the number of wires led into the mirror visor from
the vehicle body can be decreased.
[0029] Further, it is possible that the mirror surface angle
adjusting mechanism has a first case, and the control device has a
second case and the mirror surface angle detecting mechanism is
provided in the second case. Moreover, it is possible that the
first case and the second case are integral.
[0030] In order to achieve the above-described object, an outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to a second aspect of the
invention comprises: a mirror visor which covers a back surface of
a mirror for rearward viewing to form a space between the mirror
and the mirror visor; a mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism
which has a first case and an electric motor accommodated in the
first case, which is mounted to the mirror within the space, and
which is able to adjust a mirror surface angle of the mirror by
driving force of the electric motor; a control device having a
second case disposed within the space, and a control substrate
which is accommodated within the second case and at which is
provided a control circuit supplying power to the electric motor on
the basis of an operation signal; a power supplying terminal
provided at the control substrate and passing through the second
case; and a connector portion provided integrally with the second
case, and fixed to the first case to connect the power supplying
terminal to the electric motor.
[0031] In the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the second
aspect, the reverse (back) surface of the mirror for rearward
viewing is covered by the mirror visor, and a space is formed
between (the reverse surface of) the mirror and (the inner surface
of) the mirror visor. The mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism
and the control device are accommodated in this space. At the
control device, a terminal for power supply, which is provided at
the control substrate within the second case, projects out from the
second case. A connector portion provided integrally with the
second case is fixed to the first case of the mirror surface angle
adjusting mechanism. The power supplying terminal is thereby
connected so as to be able to supply power to the electric motor of
the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism. When, for example, an
operation signal due to operation of a switch near the driver's
seat is inputted, the control circuit of the control device, on the
basis of the operation signal, supplies power to the electric motor
via the power supplying terminal, and operates the mirror surface
angle adjusting mechanism such that the mirror surface angle of the
mirror is changed.
[0032] Here, the control device is disposed within the mirror visor
(in the space formed by the mirror visor and the mirror).
Therefore, it suffices for the wires which are led from the vehicle
body into the mirror visor to be (two) power source wires connected
to the control device and signal wires for inputting, for example,
the aforementioned operation signal. Therefore, as compared with a
case in which power source wires are led directly to the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism (requiring four power supply
wires when there are two electric motors), the number of wires
which are led into the mirror visor is reduced. The effects of
reducing the number of wires led into the mirror visor are marked
to the extent that the number of internal mechanisms, which are
accommodated in the mirror visor together with the mirror surface
angle adjusting mechanism and which are controlled by the control
device, can be increased. In this way, it is possible to dispose a
large number of internal mechanisms within the mirror visor while
maintaining the inner diameter of the hole (e.g., the stand) for
leading the wires into the mirror visor.
[0033] By directly fixing the connector portion of the second case
structuring the control device and the first case structuring the
mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism, the power supplying
terminal is connected to the electric motor of the mirror surface
angle adjusting mechanism (the control device and the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism are electrically connected).
Therefore, this electrical connection is carried out by the
operation of fixing the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism
and the control device within the mirror visor. Work for connecting
wires by a waterproof connector, which was needed in the
conventional art, is not necessary. Further, the waterproof
connector which was needed in the conventional art is not
necessary. Therefore, this, together with the doing away with the
aforementioned wire connecting work, contributes to lowering the
cost of the outer mirror device for a vehicle. In addition, the
space for the laying of wires within the mirror visor is
reduced.
[0034] Further, it suffices for the control device, which is
disposed within the door of the vehicle and which conventionally
also controlled the internal mechanisms including the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism, to carry out only control of the
power window and the like for example. Therefore, there is no need
for an exclusive design corresponding to the specifications of the
outer mirror device for a vehicle, i.e., the number and the types
of the built-in internal mechanisms. The control device at the door
can be used in common, without depending on the specifications of
the outer mirror device for a vehicle.
[0035] In this way, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the
second aspect, the number of wires led into the mirror visor from
the vehicle body can be decreased.
[0036] In an outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to a third
aspect of the present invention, in the outer mirror device for a
vehicle of the second aspect, the mirror surface angle adjusting
mechanism has a rotating member rotating due to rotation of the
electric motor, and a drive rod which moves rectilinearly due to
rotation of the rotating member and which changes the mirror
surface angle of the mirror, and the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor, which detects one of a position of the drive rod and a
rotational position of the rotating member, is provided within the
second case.
[0037] In accordance with the outer mirror device for a vehicle of
the third aspect, when power is supplied from the control device to
the electric motor (i.e., when the electric motor receives power
from the control device) and the electric motor operates, the
rotating member rotates, and the drive rod moves straight due to
this rotation. Namely, the rotation of the electric motor is
converted, by the rotating member and the drive rod, into
rectilinear motion of the drive rod, and the mirror surface angle
of the mirror is adjusted.
[0038] Then, due to the mirror surface angle detecting sensor
detecting the position (displacement) of the drive rod or the
rotational position (angular displacement) of the rotating member,
the mirror surface angle of the mirror is detected. Note that the
results of detection are, for example, stored in the control device
at the time a storage instructing signal is inputted to the control
device. When a return instructing signal is inputted, the control
device supplies power to the mirror surface angle adjusting
mechanism, and the stored mirror surface angle is used for
returning the mirror to the stored mirror surface angle. Further,
the mirror surface angle detecting sensor detects the mirror
surface angle of the mirror on the basis of the position
(displacement) of the drive rod or the rotational position (angular
displacement) of the rotating member. Therefore, as compared with a
structure in which the mirror surface angle of the mirror is
detected on the basis of the position (displacement) of a specific
region of a mirror holder which holds the mirror as in the
conventional art, the accuracy of detecting the mirror surface
angle, and the controllability when control is carried out on the
basis of the results of detection (e.g., the accuracy of returning
to the stored mirror surface angle) are improved.
[0039] Here, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor is provided
(accommodated) within the second case which structures the control
circuit. Therefore, there is no need for an exclusive case for
preventing entry of water into the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor. Namely, the number of places where waterproofing
countermeasures are taken within the mirror visor is reduced, and a
waterproof connector which was needed in the conventional art is
not needed. In this way, it suffices for the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor to be provided within the second case rather than
in a case used exclusively therefor as in the conventional art. Due
to functional requirements, a portion of the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor (e.g., a portion of a part corresponding to the
conventional sensor rod 212B) may of course project outside of the
second case.
[0040] In order to achieve the above-described object, an outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to a fourth aspect of the
present invention comprises: a mirror visor which covers a back
surface of a mirror for rearward viewing to form a space between
the mirror and the mirror visor; a mirror surface angle adjusting
mechanism at which an electric motor, a rotating member rotating
due to rotation of the electric motor, and a portion of a drive rod
connected to the mirror and moving rectilinearly due to rotation of
the rotating member, are accommodated in a first case, the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism changing a mirror surface angle
of the mirror by rectilinear movement of the drive rod; a control
device having a second case which is connected to the first case
within the space, and a control substrate which is accommodated
within the second case and at which is provided a control circuit
power-supplying the electric motor on the basis of an operation
signal; and a mirror surface angle detecting sensor disposed within
the second case, and detecting one of a position of the drive rod
and a rotational position of the rotating member.
[0041] In the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the fourth
aspect, the reverse surface of the mirror for rearward viewing is
covered by the mirror visor, and a space is formed between (the
reverse surface of) the mirror and (the inner surface of) the
mirror visor. The mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism and the
control device are accommodated within this space. When an
operation signal due to operation of a switch located near the
driver's seat for example is inputted, on the basis of the
operation signal, the control circuit of the control device
supplies power to the electric motor. At the mirror surface angle
adjusting mechanism in which power has been supplied to the
electric motor, the rotating member rotates, and due to this
rotation, the drive rod, which is connected either directly or
indirectly to the mirror, moves rectilinearly and changes the
mirror surface angle of the mirror.
[0042] Further, the first case, which forms the mirror surface
angle adjusting mechanism and accommodates the rotating member and
a portion of the drive rod, and the second case, which structures
the control device and accommodates the control circuit, are
connected together. Due to the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor which is disposed within the second case detecting the
position (displacement) of the drive rod or the rotational position
(angular displacement) of the rotating member, the mirror surface
angle of the mirror is detected. Note that the results of detection
are, for example, stored in the control device at the time when a
storage instructing signal is inputted to the control device. When
a return instructing signal is inputted, the control device
supplies power to the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism, and
the stored mirror surface angle is used for returning the mirror to
the stored mirror surface angle. Further, the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor detects the mirror surface angle of the mirror on
the basis of the position (displacement) of the drive rod or the
rotational position (angular displacement) of the rotating member.
Therefore, as compared with a structure in which the mirror surface
angle of the mirror is detected on the basis of the position
(displacement) of a specific region of a mirror holder which holds
the mirror as in the conventional art, the accuracy of detecting
the mirror surface angle, and the controllability when control is
carried out on the basis of the results of detection (e.g., the
accuracy of returning to the stored mirror surface angle) are
improved.
[0043] Here, the control device is disposed within the mirror visor
(in the space formed by the mirror visor and the mirror).
Therefore, it suffices for the wires which are led from the vehicle
body into the mirror visor to be (two) power source wires connected
to the control device and signal wires for inputting the
aforementioned operation signal and the like. Therefore, as
compared with a case in which power source wires are led
respectively to the mirror surface angle adjusting mechanism
(requiring four power supply wires when there are two electric
motors) and to the mirror surface angle detecting sensor (requiring
four electrically charging wires when there are two sensors), the
number of wires which are led into the mirror visor is reduced. The
more marked the effects of reducing the number of wires introduced
into the mirror visor, the more the number of internal mechanisms,
which are accommodated in the mirror visor together with the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism and the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor and which are controlled by the control device, is
increased. In this way, it is possible to dispose a large number of
internal mechanisms within the mirror visor while maintaining the
inner diameter of the hole (e.g., the stand) for leading the wires
into the mirror visor.
[0044] Here, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor is provided
(accommodated) within the second case which structures the control
circuit. Therefore, there is no need for an exclusive case for
preventing entry of water into the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor. Namely, the number of places where waterproofing
countermeasures are taken within the mirror visor are reduced, and
a waterproof connector which was needed in the conventional art is
not needed. In this way, it suffices for the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor to be provided within the second case rather than
in a case used exclusively therefor as in the conventional art. Due
to functional requirements, a portion of the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor (e.g., a portion of a part corresponding to the
conventional sensor rod 212B) may of course project outside of the
second case.
[0045] Further, it suffices for the control device, which is
disposed within the door of the vehicle and which conventionally
also controlled the internal mechanisms including the mirror
surface angle adjusting mechanism and the mirror surface angle
detecting mechanism, to carry out only control of the power window
and the like for example. Therefore, there is no need for an
exclusive design corresponding to the specifications of the outer
mirror device for a vehicle, i.e., the number and the types of the
built-in internal mechanisms. The control device at the door can be
used in common, without depending on the specifications of the
outer mirror device for a vehicle.
[0046] In this way, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the
fourth aspect, the number of wires led into the mirror visor from
the vehicle body can be decreased.
[0047] In an outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to a fifth
aspect of the present invention, in the outer mirror device for a
vehicle of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, the mirror
surface angle detecting sensor is provided at the control
substrate.
[0048] In the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the fifth
aspect, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor is provided at
the control substrate at which the control circuit is provided.
Therefore, the control device and the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor can be electrically connected on the control
substrate, and wire connection work using wires (i.e., work for
fitting-together with a connector) is not needed.
[0049] In an outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to a sixth
aspect of the invention, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle
of the fifth aspect, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor
detects, in a non-contact manner, one of the position of the drive
rod and the rotational position of the rotating member.
[0050] In the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the sixth
aspect, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor provided at the
control substrate detects, in a non-contact manner, the position of
the drive rod or the rotational position of the rotating member,
i.e., detects the mirror surface angle of the mirror. Therefore,
there is no need for the mirror surface angle detecting sensor and
the drive rod and the like to contact or engage or the like in a
positioned state, and the ability to assemble the outer mirror
device for a vehicle improves. Moreover, the application of
mechanical force from the drive rod or the like to the control
substrate is prevented. Note that, for example, a rotational angle
sensor or a remote sensor such as a distance sensor or a light
sensor or the like may be used as the non-contact type sensor.
[0051] In an outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to a
seventh aspect of the invention, in the outer mirror device for a
vehicle of any of the second through sixth aspects, the first case
and the second case are integral.
[0052] In the outer mirror device for a vehicle of the seventh
aspect, the first case which structures the mirror surface angle
adjusting mechanism, and the second case which structures the
control device, are made integral. Therefore, as compared with a
structure in which the first case and the second case are connected
or fixed as separate members, the number of places where
waterproofing countermeasures are taken is decreased. Moreover,
there is no need to make the regions of wire connections within the
integrated case (including the connection between the power
supplying terminal and the electric motor in the second and third
aspects) be waterproof structures.
[0053] An outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to an eighth
aspect of the present invention comprises: a mirror visor which
covers a back surface of a mirror for rearward viewing to form a
space between the mirror and the mirror visor; an internal
structure, provided in the space, which operates by electricity;
and a control device, connected to the internal structure in an
electric manner and provided in the space, power-supplying the
internal structure on the basis of an operation signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0054] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an outer mirror
device for a vehicle relating to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing mainly a mirror surface angle
detecting unit structuring the outer mirror device for a vehicle
relating to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a sectional view, as seen along line 3-3 of FIG.
2, of the mirror surface angle detecting unit, a mirror surface
angle detecting sensor, and an ECU structuring the outer mirror
device for a vehicle relating to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0057] FIG. 4 is a sectional view, as seen along line 4-4 of FIG.
2, of the mirror surface angle detecting unit, the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor, and the ECU structuring the outer mirror
device for a vehicle relating to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the state of
electrical connection between respective internal mechanisms and
the ECU structuring the outer mirror device for a vehicle relating
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 6 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
mirror surface angle detecting unit, a mirror surface angle
detecting sensor, and an ECU structuring an outer mirror device for
a vehicle relating to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0060] FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
mirror surface angle detecting unit, a mirror surface angle
detecting sensor, and an ECU structuring an outer mirror device for
a vehicle relating to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 and showing a
mirror surface angle detecting unit, a mirror surface angle
detecting sensor, and an ECU structuring an outer mirror device for
a vehicle relating to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0062] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional
outer mirror device for a vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] An outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle relating to a first
embodiment of the present invention will be described on the basis
of FIGS. 1 through 5. Note that arrow A and arrow B used in the
drawings indicate, respectively, the front of the vehicle and the
top of the vehicle to which the outer mirror device 10 for a
vehicle is mounted.
[0064] In FIG. 1, the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle is shown
in exploded perspective view. As shown in FIG. 1, the outer mirror
device 10 for a vehicle is structured by the following main
structural elements: a mirror 12 for rearward viewing; a door
mirror visor 14 covering the reverse surface of the mirror 12; a
door mirror stay 16 which is fixed to the vehicle door and
rotatably supports the door mirror visor 14; and, serving as an
internal mechanisms which are accommodated within the door mirror
visor 14: an electrically-driven retracting unit 18; a mirror
surface angle adjusting unit 20; a mirror surface angle detecting
sensor 22; a foot lamp device 24; and a heater 26; and an ECU 28
which serves as a control device for controlling these respective
internal mechanisms.
[0065] The door mirror visor 14 corresponds to the mirror visor of
the present invention, and is structured by a visor rim 29
substantially formed in the shape of a frame, and a visor cover 30
covering the vehicle front side of the visor rim 29, being joined
together. At the door mirror visor 14, the mirror 12 is positioned
in a vicinity of the open end at the vehicle rear side of the visor
rim 29, such that an internal space which is closed by the mirror
12 is formed (i.e., an internal space is formed between the door
mirror visor 14 and the mirror 12). The door mirror visor 14 forms
the design of the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle.
[0066] A frame 32 is fixed between the visor rim 29 and the visor
cover 30. A through hole 32A, through which connector walls 74, 75
or connector portions 92, 98 (which will be described later) are
inserted or pass, and a through hole 32B, through which
waterproofing walls 103, 107 (sensor rods 100, 102) pass, and
through holes through which various wires are inserted, are formed
in appropriate positions of the frame 32.
[0067] The door mirror stay 16 is structured to have a fixed
portion 34 which is fixed to the vehicle door, and a seat portion
36 which extends sideways from the fixed portion 34. A stand 38,
for rotatably supporting the door mirror visor 14 with respect to
the door, is fixed to the seat portion 36. A stay under cover 37 is
mounted to the lower portion of the seat portion 36 so as to cover
the lower portion of the seat portion 36. Note that, in the present
first embodiment, the stand 38 is a structural part of the
electrically-driven retracting unit 18.
[0068] The electrically-driven retracting unit 18 has the
aforementioned stand 38 which has a wire hole 38A passing through
along the longitudinal direction, and a retracting mechanism
portion 40. The retracting mechanism portion 40 has a case 42
having a connector portion 42B and an axial hole 42A passing
through the stand 38, and an electric motor, a reduction mechanism,
and the like which are accommodated in a waterproof state within
the case 42. The retracting mechanism portion 40 rotates around the
stand 38 due to supplying power to the electric motor. The case 42
is fixed to the frame 32. Due to the retracting mechanism portion
40 rotating around the stand 38, the door mirror visor 14 (the
outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle) moves between a usage
position at which the rearward region can be seen by the mirror 12,
and a retracted position at which the door mirror visor 14 (the
outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle) is folded over along the
door.
[0069] As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 20 has a substantially flat-plate-shaped mirror
holder 44 fixed to the reverse surface side of the mirror 12, and a
driving mechanism portion 46 for driving the mirror holder 44.
[0070] The driving mechanism portion 46 has a housing 48 which is
formed overall in the shape of a substantially flat case and which
serves as a first case. The housing 48 is structured by a front
housing 48A, which is disposed at the vehicle front side and is
fixed to the frame 32, and a rear housing 48B, which is disposed at
the vehicle rear side, being joined together. The region at which
the front housing 48A and the rear housing 48B are joined together
is a waterproof structure. Note that the front housing 48A is fixed
to the frame 32 at positions which are different in the
cross-sections shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0071] The central portion of the mirror holder 44 is swingably
supported in a vicinity of a corner portion of the rear housing
48B. Specifically, a pivot portion 50 is recessed in a
substantially hemispherical shape at a corner portion of the rear
housing 48B. A supporting shaft portion 52, which is formed to
project from the central portion of the mirror holder 44 in a
substantially hemispherical shape in correspondence with the
configuration of the inner surface of the pivot portion 50, is
swingably fit together with the pivot portion 50.
[0072] Due to a retainer, which is fit-together with the inner
surface of the supporting shaft portion 52, and a compression coil
spring which urges the retainer toward the supporting shaft portion
52 (neither the retainer nor the compression coil spring is
illustrated), the supporting shaft portion 52 is pushed against the
pivot portion 50 so as to be unable to fall out. In this way, in
the state in which the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle is
assembled to the vehicle, the mirror holder 44 can swing both in
the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction with respect
to the driving mechanism portion 46. Note that the position at
which the mirror holder 44 (i.e., the mirror 12) is held by the
pivot portion 50 is the center of gravity of the mirror 12.
[0073] The driving mechanism portion 46 has a pair of drive rods
54, 56 serving as drive rods. The drive rods 54, 56 are disposed
such that the longitudinal direction (axis) of each of the drive
rods 54, 56 substantially coincides with the direction of thickness
of the housing 48, and such that, as viewed in that axial
direction, imaginary straight lines connecting the axial centers
thereof with the axial center of the pivot portion 50 are
orthogonal to one another. In the state in which the outer mirror
device 10 for a vehicle is assembled to the vehicle, the drive rod
54 is positioned above (or below) the pivot portion 50, and the
drive rod 56 is positioned at the side of the pivot portion 50.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, a distal end portion 54A of the drive
rod 54, which distal end portion 54A is formed in a substantially
spherical shape, projects out of the housing 48, and is supported
(connected) so as to be freely rotatable at a shaft supporting
portion 58 formed at the reverse surface side of the mirror holder
44. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a distal end portion 56A of the
drive rod 56, which distal end portion 56A is formed in a
substantially spherical shape, is supported (connected) so as to be
freely rotatable at a shaft supporting portion 59 formed at the
reverse surface side of the mirror holder 44. Feed screws 54B, 56B
are formed at the outer surfaces of the drive rods 54, 56, except
at these distal end portions.
[0075] Feed screw portions 60A, 62A, which are formed at the inner
edge portions of drive wheels 60, 62 serving as rotating members,
are screwed together with the feed screws 54B, 56B of the drive
rods 54, 56. Namely, the feed screws 54B, 56B and the feed screw
portions 60A, 62A form feed screw mechanisms. When the drive wheels
60, 62 rotate, the drive rods 54, 56 move in the axial
direction.
[0076] Within the housing 48, the drive wheels 60, 62 fit together
with boss portions 61, 63 provided at the front housing 48A, and
are supported so as to be freely rotatable. Further, wheel gears
60B, 62B are formed at the outer peripheral surfaces of the drive
wheels 60, 62, respectively. Worms 64, 66 mesh together with these
wheel gears 60B, 62B, respectively.
[0077] The worm 64 is fixed to the rotating shaft of an electric
motor 68 which can rotate forward and reversely. The worm 66 is
fixed to the rotating shaft of an electric motor 70 which can
rotate forward and reversely. The electric motors 68, 70 are fixed
to the floor portion of the front housing 48A in a state of being
accommodated within the housing 48. In this way, the driving
mechanism portion 46 of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 20
is structured to include the two electric motors 68, 70.
[0078] In accordance with the above structure, at the driving
mechanism portion 46, when the electric motor 68 is operated, the
drive wheel 60 rotates, the drive rod 54 extends or retracts with
respect to the housing 48, and the mirror surface angle, in the
up-down (vertical) direction, of the mirror holder 44 (i.e., the
mirror 12) is changed. On the other hand, when the electric motor
70 is operated, the drive wheel 62 rotates, the drive rod 56
extends or retracts with respect to the housing 48, and the mirror
surface angle, in the left-right (horizontal) direction, of the
mirror holder 44 (i.e., the mirror 12) is changed.
[0079] Power receiving terminals 68A, 70A are provided at the
electric motors 68, 70, respectively. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
4, the power receiving terminals 68A, 70A are exposed to the
exterior of the housing 48 from terminal holes 72, 73 which are
formed in the front housing 48A. The connector walls 74, 75, which
are respectively formed in tubular shapes, stand erect around the
terminal holes 72, 73 at the outer surface of the front housing
48A.
[0080] Further, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, sensor holes 76, 77
are provided coaxially with the drive rods 54, 56 respectively
(i.e., on imaginary lines extending in the direction of movement of
the drive rod 54, 56) in the floor portions of the bosses 61, 63 of
the front housing 48A. The sensor holes 76, 77 are for the passage
of the sensor rods 100, 102 (to be described later) of the mirror
surface angle detecting sensor 22 which detects the mirror surface
angle of the mirror 12. The mirror surface angle detecting sensor
22 will be described later together with the ECU 28.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 1, the foot lamp device 24 has a case 78
which accommodates a light bulb or an LED (light emitting diode). A
connector portion 78A for supplying power to the light bulb or the
LED is provided at the case 78. The opening of the case 78 is
closed by a lens 80. The light bulb or the LED is thereby
accommodated within the case 78 in a waterproof state.
[0082] The lens 80 is fixed to the door mirror visor 14, and forms
a portion of the outer surface of the bottom portion of the door
mirror visor 14 (i.e., is exposed toward the bottom), and
illuminates, toward the region beneath the outer mirror device 10
for a vehicle, the light emitted by the light bulb or the LED. In
this way, when the light bulb or the like emits light, the foot
lamp device 24 illuminates the region beneath, i.e., the region at
the feet of a person who has approached the door.
[0083] The heater 26 is formed in the shape of a sheet or in the
shape of a thin plate. The heater 26 is mounted so as to be
sandwiched between the reverse surface of the mirror 12 and a
reverse surface portion 82A of an outer holder 82 which covers the
outer peripheral portion and the reverse surface side of the mirror
12. A connector portion (not illustrated) for the supply of power
to the heater 26 is formed integrally with the outer holder 82.
When the heater 26 is power-supplied, it generates heat and heats
the mirror 12. Defrosting of the mirror 12 is thereby carried out.
Further, the mirror holder 44 passes through the central opening of
the frame-shaped visor rim 29, and is fixed to the reverse surface
portion 82A of the outer holder 82.
(ECU, Mirror Surface Angle Detecting Sensor, and Structure of the
Connection Between the ECU and the Respective Internal
Structures)
[0084] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as well, the ECU 28 has an ECU
case 84 serving as a second case. The ECU case 84 is structured by
a front case 84A, which is disposed at the vehicle front side, and
a rear case 84B, which is disposed at the vehicle rear side and is
fixed to the frame 32, being joined together. Namely, the ECU case
84 is positioned at the side of the frame 32 opposite the side at
which the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 20 (the housing 48)
is provided. The region at which the front case 84A and the rear
case 84B are joined together is a waterproof structure.
[0085] A control substrate 86, at which is provided a control
circuit for controlling the above-described respective internal
mechanisms, is accommodated in a fixed state within the case 84.
The functions of the control circuit will be described later.
[0086] Power supplying terminals 88, for supplying power to the
electric motor 68 which structures the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 20, are provided at the control substrate 86 (see
FIG. 3). The power supplying terminals 88 pass through terminal
holes 90 of the rear case 84B, and project to the exterior of the
ECU case 84. A connector portion 92, which is formed in a tubular
shape, stands erect around the terminal holes 90 at the outer
surface of the rear case 84B. The connector portion 92 fits
together with the connector wall 74 of the housing 48. In this
fit-together state, the power supplying terminals 88 are inserted
in the power receiving terminals 68A of the electric motor 68, such
that the control substrate 86 (the control circuit) and the
electric motor 68 are electrically connected. Further, the region
at which the connector portion 92 and the connector wall 74 are
fit-together is a waterproof structure.
[0087] Power supplying terminals 94, for supplying power to the
electric motor 70 which structures the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 20, are provided at the control substrate 86 (see
FIG. 4). The power supplying terminals 94 pass through terminal
holes 96 of the rear case 84B, and project to the exterior of the
ECU case 84. A connector portion 98, which is formed in a tubular
shape, stands erect around the terminal holes 96 at the outer
surface of the rear case 84B. The connector portion 98 fits
together with the connector wall 75 of the housing 48. In this
fit-together state, the power supplying terminals 94 are inserted
in the power receiving terminals 70A of the electric motor 70, such
that the control substrate 86 (the control circuit) and the
electric motor 70 are electrically connected. Further, the region
at which the connector portion 98 and the connector wall 75 are
fit-together is a waterproof structure.
[0088] In the present first embodiment, the connector portions 92,
98 are fit-together with the inner surfaces of the connector walls
74, 75. Engaging claws 92A, 98A, which project partially in the
peripheral direction from the outer surfaces of the connector
portions 92, 98, enter into engaging concave portions 74A, 75A
formed in recessed manners in the inner surfaces of the connector
walls 74, 75. The power supplying terminals 88, 94 and the power
receiving terminals 68A, 70A coming apart from one another is
thereby impeded. Further, the connector portion 92 and the
connector wall 74, and the connector portion 98 and the connector
wall 75, are fit-together through the through hole 32A of the frame
32.
[0089] FIGS. 3 and 4 show different cross-sectional positions at
the electric motors 68, 70, in order to illustrate the state of
connection of the power supplying terminals 88, 94 to the power
receiving terminals 68A, 70A.
[0090] The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22 is accommodated
within the ECU case 84. The mirror surface angle detecting sensor
22 has the pair of sensor rods 100, 102 which follow the drive rods
54, 56, respectively. The sensor rod 100 is disposed so as to be
inserted through a sensor hole 76, a sensor hole 104 formed in the
rear case 84B in correspondence with the sensor hole 76, and the
through hole 32B of the frame 32. The distal end of the sensor rod
100 abuts the end portion of the drive rod 54 at the side thereof
opposite the distal end portion 54A. The sensor rod 100 is movably
supported (not illustrated) at both axial direction sides thereof,
and is urged by an unillustrated spring in a direction of abutting
the drive rod 54. In this way, as described above, the sensor rod
100 can follow the axial direction movement of the drive rod
54.
[0091] In a state in which, in the same way as the sensor rod 100,
the sensor rod 102 is inserted through a sensor hole 77, a sensor
hole 105 of the rear case 84B, and the through hole 32B of the
frame 32 and the distal end of the sensor rod 102 abuts the drive
rod 56, the sensor rod 102 is supported so as to be movable in the
axial direction, and is urged toward the drive rod 56, and can
follow the axial direction movement of the drive rod 56. Note that
the tubular waterproofing walls 103, 107, which fit-together with
the outer peripheral surfaces of the boss portions 61, 63 of the
housing 48, are provided at the rear case 84B of the ECU case 84,
and prevent water from entering in from the sensor holes 76, 77,
104, 105.
[0092] A sliding contact 100A for up/down is provided at the end
portion of the sensor rod 100 at the side opposite the drive rod
54. A sliding contact 102A for left/right is provided at the end
portion of the sensor rod 102 at the side opposite the drive rod
56. The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22 has sensor
substrates 106, 108 which the sliding contact 100A for up/down and
the sliding contact 102A for left/right slidingly contact,
respectively. The sensor substrates 106, 108 are provided along the
moving direction of the sensor rods 100, 102, and are fixed to the
control substrate 86.
[0093] As shown schematically in FIG. 5, a resistor 106A for
up/down and a fixed contact 106B, whose longitudinal directions are
the moving direction of the sensor rod 100, are provided at the
sensor substrate 106 in a state of being electrically insulated
from one another. The sliding contact 100A for up/down slidingly
contacts both the resistor 106A for up/down and the fixed contact
106B. In this way, as the sensor rod 100 moves, the sliding contact
100A for up/down slides along both the resistor 106A for up/down
and the fixed contact 106B (i.e., the state of contact therebetween
is maintained). Moreover, in the same away as at the sensor
substrate 106, a resistor 108A for left/right and a fixed contact
108B, along which the sliding contact 102A for left/right slides as
the sensor rod 102 moves, are provided at the sensor substrate
108.
[0094] The control substrate 86 to which the sensor substrates 106,
108 are mounted electrically applies a constant voltage (the input
voltage) to both ends of the resistors 106A for up/down and 108A
for left/right, and detects the voltage (the output voltage)
between the resistors 106A for up/down and 108A for left/right and
the fixed contacts 106B, 108B (i.e., the sliding contact 100A for
up/down, the sliding contact 102A for left/right).
[0095] In this way, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22 is
a rectilinear type potentiometer, and is electrically connected to
the control substrate 86 of the ECU 28 without providing wires. In
the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22, when the sensor rod
100 moves following the movement of the drive rod 54, the output
voltage (the ratio of the output voltage and the input voltage)
between the sliding contact 100A for up/down and the resistor 106A
for up/down changes. The angle of the mirror surface of the mirror
12 in the up/down direction is detected on the basis of this change
in the voltage. Further, when the sensor rod 102 moves following
the movement of the drive rod 56, the output voltage (the ratio of
the output voltage and the input voltage) between the sliding
contact 102A for left/right and the resistor 108A for left/right
changes, and the angle of the mirror surface of the mirror 12 in
the left/right direction is detected on the basis of this change in
the voltage.
[0096] Further, as shown in FIG. 1, five wires are led into the
interior of the ECU case 84 of the ECU 28, i.e., into the door
mirror visor 14. The five wires are bundled together and covered so
as to form a wire harness 110. The wire harness 110 passes through
the fixed portion 34 of the door mirror stay 16, the through hole
36A of the seat portion 36, the stand 38 (the axial hole 42A of the
electrically-driven retracting unit 18), and a through hole of the
frame 32, and reaches the ECU case 84.
[0097] Then, as shown in FIG. 3, in a vicinity of the ECU case 84,
the covering is removed, and the five wires are led into the ECU
case 84 from a wire hole 112 provided in the peripheral wall of the
front case 84A, and are connected to the control substrate 86. The
region between the wire hole 112 and the respective wires is made
waterproof by a grommet or the like. As shown in FIG. 5, the five
wires are as follows: two power source wires 114, and signal wires
116, 118, 120. A connector 122 for electrical connection with the
vehicle is provided at the end portions of the power source wires
114 and the signal wires 116, 118, 120 (i.e., the wire harness
110), which end portions are positioned outside of the door mirror
visor 14.
[0098] On the other hand, from the ECU case 84, six wires pass
through and are led out of the through hole 112 in a state of being
made waterproof by a grommet or the like. Among these six wires,
two are power supply wires 124 for supplying power to the electric
motor of the electrically-driven retracting unit 18, another two
are power supply wires 126 for supplying power to the foot lamp
device 24, and the remaining two are power supply wires 128 for
supplying power to the heater 26. Respective one end portions of
the power supply wires 124, 126, 128 are connected to the control
substrate 86, and waterproof connectors 130, 132, 134 are connected
to the other end portions, respectively.
[0099] The waterproof connector 130 is connected to the connector
portion 42B of the electrically-driven retracting unit 18. The
waterproof connector 132 is connected to the connector portion 78A
of the foot lamp device 24. The waterproof connector 134 is
connected to an unillustrated connector portion of the heater 26
(the outer holder 82).
[0100] As described above, the ECU 28 (the control substrate 86) is
electrically connected as shown in FIG. 5. Further, the control
circuit provided at the control substrate 86 of the ECU 28 controls
the respective internal mechanisms on the basis of signals inputted
from the signal wires 116, 118, 120. Note that, in FIG. 5, the
number of wires connecting between the ECU 28 and the respective
internal mechanisms corresponds to the 14 wires at the conventional
outer mirror device 200 for a vehicle.
[0101] Specifically, a retracting signal S1 retracting the outer
mirror device 10 for a vehicle, a visor returning signal S2
returning the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle from the
aforementioned retracted state to the usage position, an adjusting
signal S3 adjusting the up/down or left/right mirror surface angle
of the mirror 12, a storage instructing signal S4 requesting that
the mirror surface angle of the mirror 12 be stored, and a mirror
returning signal S5 returning the mirror 12 to the stored mirror
surface angle, are inputted from the signal wire 116 to the ECU
28.
[0102] A lamp operating signal S6 illuminating the region beneath
the door mirror visor 14 is inputted to the ECU 28 from the signal
wire 118. A defogging signal S7 removing frost or water droplets
which have adhered to the mirror 12 is inputted to the ECU 28 from
the signal wire 120.
[0103] Next, operation of the present first embodiment will be
described.
[0104] At the time when the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle
having the above-described structure is positioned at the usage
position for example, when a retracting switch disposed in a
vicinity of the driver's seat is operated and the retracting signal
S1 is inputted to the ECU 28, the ECU 28 supplies power to the
electrically-driven retracting unit 18 such that the electric motor
is driven forward. Thus, the electrically-driven retracting unit 18
is operated, and the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle is moved
to the retracted position. On the other hand, when, for example,
from this retracted state the retracting switch is operated and the
visor returning signal S2 is inputted to the ECU 28, the ECU 28
supplies power to the electrically-driven retracting unit 18 such
that the electric motor is driven reversely. Thus, the
electrically-driven retracting unit 18 is operated in the direction
opposite the direction at the time of retracting, and returns the
outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle to the usage position.
[0105] In the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle, when, for
example, a mirror adjusting switch disposed in a vicinity of the
driver's seat is operated and the adjusting signal S3 is inputted
to the ECU 28, the ECU 28, in accordance with the adjusting signal
S3 (the intent of the operator to adjust the mirror 12) supplies
power to the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 20 such that the
electric motor 68 or the electric motor 70 is appropriately rotated
forward or rotated reversely. In this way, the mirror 12 is
adjusted to the desired mirror surface angle by the mirror surface
angle adjusting unit 20.
[0106] In the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle, when, for
example, a mirror surface angle storing switch or a seat position
storing switch is operated and the storage instructing signal S4 is
inputted to the ECU 28, the ECU 28 stores the mirror surface angle
of the mirror 12 which the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22
is actually detecting (the output voltage between the sliding
contact 100A for up/down and the resistor 106A for up/down, and the
output voltage between the sliding contact 102A for left/right and
the resistor 108A for left/right).
[0107] In the state in which the mirror surface angle of the mirror
12 is stored, if, for example, a mirror surface angle returning
switch or a seat position returning switch is operated and the
mirror returning signal S5 is inputted to the ECU 28, the ECU 28
supplies power to the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 20 such
that the electric motor 68 or the electric motor 70 is rotated
forward or rotated reversely. In this way, the mirror 12 is
returned to the stored mirror surface angle by the mirror surface
angle adjusting unit 20.
[0108] Further, in the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle, when,
for example, the lamp operation signal S6 is inputted to the ECU 28
accompanying a remote operation of releasing the door lock from the
vehicle exterior, the ECU 28 supplies power to the foot lamp device
24. In this way, the light bulb or the LED of the foot lamp device
24 emits light, and the region beneath the door mirror visor 14,
i.e., the feet of a person who is about to get into the vehicle,
are illuminated.
[0109] At the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle, when, for
example, a heater switch disposed in a vicinity of the driver's
seat is operated when it is rainy or the like and the fog stopping
signal S7 is inputted to the ECU 28, the ECU 28 supplies power to
the heater 26. In this way, the heater 26 generates heat and heats
the mirror 12, such that the frost or water droplets or the like
adhering to the surface of the mirror 12 are removed.
[0110] Here, the ECU 28 is disposed at the interior of the door
mirror visor 14 (i.e., in the space formed by the door mirror visor
14 and the mirror 12). Therefore, it suffices for the number of
wires led into the door mirror visor 14 from the vehicle body to be
merely a total of five which are the two power source wires 114 and
the three signal wires 116, 118, 120 respectively connected to the
control substrate 86 of the ECU 28. This is a great reduction from
the 14 wires of the conventional outer mirror device 200 for a
vehicle having the same internal mechanisms. In this way, more
internal mechanisms can be disposed within the door mirror visor 14
while the inner diameter of the stand 38 for leading the wires into
the door mirror visor 14 is maintained, that is, is not necessary
to be changed. (The inner diameter of the stand 38 is a dimension
based on requirements relating to strength, other functions,
lightening of the weight, and the like.)
[0111] Further, it suffices for control device, which is disposed
within the vehicle door and conventionally also controls the
internal mechanisms of the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle, to
carry out only control for mechanisms at the door, such as the
power window or the like. Therefore, there is no need for
exclusively designing the control device in accordance with the
specifications of the outer mirror device for a vehicle, that is,
the number and types of the built-in internal mechanisms for each
of specifications of vehicle types or the same vehicle type.
Therefore, the control device at the door can be used in common,
regardless of the specifications (the types and number of built-in
internal mechanisms) of the outer mirror device 10 for a
vehicle.
[0112] In this way, in the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle
relating to the present first embodiment, the number of wires which
are led in from the vehicle body to the interior of the door mirror
visor 14 can be reduced. Moreover, other internal structures can be
accommodated within the door mirror visor 14 without changing the
stand 38.
[0113] The power supplying terminals 88, 94 are connected to the
power receiving terminals 68A, 70A due to the fitting-together of
the connector walls 74, 75 of the housing 48 structuring the mirror
surface angle adjusting unit 20, and the connector portions 92, 98
of the ECU case 84 structuring the ECU 28. In other words, due to
the operation of fixing the ECU case 84 and the housing 48 to
predetermined positions of the frame 32 respectively, the ECU case
84 and the housing 48 are joined together, and the control
substrate 86 and the electric motors 68, 70 are electrically
connected. Therefore, there is no need for work for wiring the
mirror surface angle adjusting unit 20 and the ECU 28.
Specifically, the work for connecting the wire 232 to the mirror
surface angle adjusting unit 210 by the waterproof connector 234,
which was needed in the conventional art, is unnecessary. Moreover,
the waterproof connector 234 itself is not needed, and the parts
costs can be reduced. Assembly costs can be reduced as the
aforementioned wire connecting work is done away with. The cost of
the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle can thereby be reduced. In
addition, the wire 232 is not needed, and the space for the laying
of wires within the door mirror visor 14 can be reduced.
[0114] The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22 is provided
within the ECU case 84. Therefore, there is no need for an
exclusive case, which accommodates the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 22 (the sliding contact 100A for up/down, the
sensor substrate 108, and the like) and which prevents entry of
water (i.e., a case corresponding to the conventional case 212A),
nor is there the need for work for fixing such an exclusive case
within the door mirror visor 14. In this way, the number of places
within the mirror visor at which waterproofing countermeasures are
taken is reduced, and there is no need for the waterproof connector
(i.e., a connector corresponding to the waterproof connector 238)
nor for the wire 236 which were conventionally needed. Namely, in
accordance with this as well, the parts costs and the assembly
costs can be reduced, and the cost of outer mirror device 10 for a
vehicle can thereby be reduced. The space for the laying of wires
within the door mirror visor 14 can be reduced. Moreover, the
sensor substrates 106, 108 are mounted to the control substrate 86
and structure the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22.
Therefore, there is no need for work for wire-connecting the
control substrate 86 and the mirror surface angle detecting sensor
22 within the ECU case 84 (i.e., there is no need for the
fitting-together of connectors or the like).
[0115] The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22 detects the
mirror surface angle of the mirror 12 by the sensor rods 100, 102
following the movement of the drive rods 54, 56. Therefore, as
compared with a structure in which the mirror surface angle is
detected by the sensor rod 212B following the mirror holder 210B as
in the conventional art, the accuracy of detecting the mirror
surface angle is high. Namely, in the conventional mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 212, the mirror surface angle is detected
while the angle of abutment of the sensor rod 212B with respect to
the mirror holder 210B (more accurately, the region of abutment) is
changed accompanying the change in the mirror surface angle.
Therefore, the relationship between the mirror surface angle (the
displacement of the sensor rod 212B) and the output voltage is not
linear, and there is a slight dispersion in the detection accuracy
depending on the mirror surface angle (the position of the sensor
rod 212B). However, in the mirror surface angle detecting sensor
22, the sensor rods 100, 102 are disposed coaxially with the drive
rods 54, 56 and move along these coaxial straight lines and follow
the axial direction movement of the drive rods 54, 56 (the state of
abutment is maintained without the posture varying). Therefore, the
relationship between the mirror surface angle and the output
voltage is linear, and the detection accuracy is high. In
particular, in a case in which these results of detection are
stored and the mirror 12 is returned to the stored mirror surface
angle, the accuracy of returning the mirror 12 to the stored
position (mirror surface angle) is high. In addition, as mentioned
above, there is no change in posture in the state of abutment of
the sensor rods 100, 102 and the drive rods 54, 56. Therefore,
there is no need, as there was conventionally, to provide, at the
distal ends of the sensor rods 100, 102, balls or the like which
roll freely and which permit changes in the angle of abutment with
the mirror holder. The structure of the sensor rods 100, 102, i.e.,
the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22, is simple. In this
way, the cost of the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22,
i.e., the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle, can be reduced.
Other Embodiments
[0116] Next, the mirror surface angle adjusting units, the mirror
surface angle detecting sensors, and the ECUs structuring the outer
mirror devices for a vehicle relating to other embodiments of the
present invention will be described. Note that parts and portions
which are basically the same as the parts and portions of the above
first embodiment or which were previously described are denoted by
the same reference numerals as those parts and portions of the
above first embodiment or which were previously described, and
description thereof is omitted. Further, the electric motor and the
drive rods and the like, the sensor rods and the like, and the
peripheral structures thereof and the like for left/right, and the
electric motor and the drive rods and the like, the sensor rods and
the like, and the peripheral structures thereof and the like for
up/down, in the mirror surface angle adjusting unit, the mirror
surface angle detecting sensor, and the ECU, have basically the
same structures. Therefore, in the other embodiments which will be
described hereinafter, the respective structural parts for up/down
will be described and illustrated. For the respective structural
parts for left/right, their reference numerals will be given in
parentheses near the reference numerals of the corresponding
respective structural parts for up/down.
Second Embodiment
[0117] A mirror surface angle adjusting unit 150, a mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 152, and an ECU 154 structuring an outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to a second embodiment of the
present invention are illustrated in FIG. 6 in a cross-sectional
view which corresponds to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to the second embodiment
differs from the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle with regard
to the point that a driving mechanism portion 151, a mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 152 and an ECU 154 which structure the
mirror surface angle adjusting unit 150 have a common unit case
156. Details will be described hereinafter.
[0118] The unit case 156 is structured by a front case 156A, which
is disposed at the vehicle front side and is fixed to a frame 158,
and a rear case 156B, which is disposed at the vehicle rear side,
being joined together. The rear case 156B has substantially the
same configuration as that of the rear housing 48B relating to the
above-described first embodiment, and has the pivot portion 50 for
swingably supporting the mirror holder 44. Note that through holes
corresponding to the through holes 32A, 32B of the frame 32 are not
formed in the frame 158.
[0119] The unit case 156 has an inner case 156C. The inner case
156C has substantially the same configuration as that of the front
housing 48A relating to the above-described first embodiment, and
has the boss portions 61, 63 (the sensor holes 76, 77) rotatably
supporting the drive wheels 60, 62, the holding structures of the
electric motors 68, 70, and the terminal holes 72, 73. Namely, the
rear case 156B and the inner case 156C correspond to the first case
of the present invention. Therebetween, the electric motors 68, 70,
the drive wheels 60, 62, and (portions of) the drive rods 54, 56
are accommodated so as to structure the driving mechanism portion
151 of the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 150.
[0120] On the other hand, the inner case 156C differs from the
front housing 48A with regard to the point that the portion
abutting the rear case 156B is not made to be a waterproof
structure, and the connector walls 74, 75 are not provided. At the
unit case 156, the region at which the front case 156A and the rear
case 156B are joined together is a waterproof structure. Moreover,
by fixing the front case 156A to the frame 158, the unit case 156
is disposed on the whole at the vehicle rear side of the frame
158.
[0121] Therefore, a space is formed at the vehicle front side (the
direction A side) of the frame 158 within the door mirror visor 14.
A wire hole 159 is formed in the front surface of the front case
156A. Although unillustrated, the two power source wires 114 and
the three signal wires 116, 118, 120 are led from the wire hole 159
into the unit case 156 in a state of being made waterproof by a
grommet or the like, and the total of six power supply wires 124,
126, 128 are led out to the exterior of the unit case 156 from the
wire hole 159 in a state of being made waterproof by a grommet or
the like.
[0122] Moreover, the control substrate 86 is disposed in a fixed
state between the front case 156A and the inner case 156C. The
power supplying terminals 88, 94 and the sensor substrates 106, 108
are provided at the control substrate 86. In the state in which the
unit case 156 is assembled, the power supplying terminals 88, 94
are in a state of being connected to (inserted in) the respective
power receiving terminals 68A, 70A of the electric motors 68, 70.
In addition, between the front case 156A and the inner case 156C,
the sensor rods 100, 102, which project out from the sensor holes
76, 77 and abut the drive rods 54, 56, are supported so as to be
movable in the axial direction, and are urged by unillustrated
springs in a direction of following the axial direction movement of
the drive rods 54, 56.
[0123] Namely, the front case 156A and the inner case 156C
correspond to the second case of the present invention.
Therebetween, the control substrate 86 is accommodated so as to
structure the ECU 154. Further, therebetween, the sensor rods 100,
102 (the sliding contact 100A for up/down and the sliding contact
102A for left/right) and the sensor substrates 106, 108 are
accommodated so as to structure the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor 152.
[0124] The outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to the
present second embodiment is electrically structured exactly the
same as the outer mirror device 10 for a vehicle relating to the
above-described first embodiment (i.e., has the structure shown in
FIG. 5). Namely, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle having
the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 150, the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 152 and the ECU 154, the exact same
operations and effects as in the outer mirror device 10 for a
vehicle are exhibited.
[0125] Moreover, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle relating
to the present second embodiment, the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 150, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 152,
and the ECU 154 have the unit case 156 in common. In other words,
the unit case 156 is structured as if the housing 48 and the ECU
case 84 were made to be integral. Therefore, the number of places
at which waterproofing countermeasures are taken is reduced as
compared with a structure in which each of the housing 48 and the
ECU case 84 are made to be waterproof structures. Specifically, it
suffices for only the region where the front case 156A and the rear
case 156B are joined together to be made to be a waterproof
structure. The number of places at which waterproofing
countermeasures are taken is greatly reduced as compared with a
structure in which the joined-together region of the front housing
48A and the rear housing 48B, the joined-together region of the
front case 84A and the rear case 84B, the fit-together regions of
the connector walls 74, 75 and the connector portions 92, 98 (or
the conventional waterproof connector 234), and the fit-together
regions of the boss portions 61, 63 and the waterproof walls 103,
107 (or the conventional waterproof connector 238), are
respectively made to be waterproof structures.
Third Embodiment
[0126] A mirror surface angle adjusting unit 160, a mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 162, and an ECU 164 structuring an outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to a third embodiment of the
present invention are illustrated in FIG. 7 in a cross-sectional
view which corresponds to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to the third embodiment is the
same as the above-described outer mirror device for a vehicle
relating to the second embodiment with regard to the point that a
driving mechanism portion 161, the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor 162, and the ECU 164 structuring the mirror surface angle
adjusting unit 160 are provided with the common unit case 156.
However, the outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to the
third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments with
regard to the point that the mirror surface angle detecting sensor
162 detects the rotation of a drive wheel 166. Details will be
described hereinafter.
[0127] In place of the drive wheels 60, 62, the driving mechanism
portion 161 has the drive wheels 166 (the same reference numeral is
used for both for the drive wheel for up/down and the drive wheel
for left/right) which screw together with the drive rods 54, 56 and
which mesh together with the worms 64, 66. Namely, the drive wheel
166 has the feed screw portion 60A (62A) and the wheel gear 60B
(62B).
[0128] The drive wheels 166 have contact holding portions 168 which
are inserted through the sensor holes 76, 77 and project further
toward the front case 156A than the inner case 156C. A sliding
contact 168A for up/down or left/right is provided at a position at
the contact holding portion 168 of each drive wheel 166, which
position is eccentric with respect to the axial center. The sliding
contact 168A is a structural part of the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 162.
[0129] The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 162 has a
rotating-type potentiometer 170 at which are provided a fixed
contact and a resistor (both of which are annular and neither of
which is illustrated) which the sliding contact 168A contacts as
the drive wheel 166 rotates. The rotating-type potentiometer 170 of
the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 162 detects the
rotational position of the drive wheel 166, i.e., the up/down
direction or the left/right direction mirror surface angle of the
mirror 12, by the output voltage between the fixed contact (the
sliding contact 168A) and one end portion of the resistor to whose
both ends a constant voltage is being applied. In the present third
embodiment, a multiple rotation type potentiometer (and preferably
a trimmer potentiometer) is used. Accordingly, the electrical
connection of the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 162 is
exactly the same as that of the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor 22.
[0130] The rotating-type potentiometer 170 which structures the
mirror surface angle detecting sensor 162 is mounted to the control
substrate and is also electrically connected thereto. Other
structures of the outer mirror device for a vehicle relating to the
present third embodiment are exactly the same as those of the outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to the above-described second
embodiment.
[0131] Accordingly, the outer mirror device for a vehicle having
the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 160, the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 162, and the ECU 164 exhibits the exact same
operations and effects as those of the outer mirror device for a
vehicle relating to the above-described second embodiment. It goes
without saying that, in the mirror surface angle detecting sensor
162, in the same way as in the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor 22, the posture of contact of the sliding contact 168A and
the fixed contact or the like does not change, and the accuracy of
detection of the mirror surface angle and the accuracy of return to
the stored mirror surface angle are high.
[0132] Moreover, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle relating
to the above-described second embodiment, the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 162 is structured so as to include the
rotating-type potentiometer 170. Therefore, there is no need to
provide the sensor rod 100 and the like which follow the movement
of the drive rod 54 and the like, and no need to provide the sensor
substrate 106 and the like disposed along that direction of
movement. As a result, the electrical connection of the control
circuit on the control substrate 86 and the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 162 (the electrical connection before assembly
into the unit case 156) is even easier, and the common unit case
156 can be made to have a compact design. In addition, by making
the unit case 156 compact, the space at which it is possible to set
internal mechanisms within the door mirror visor 14 is broadened,
and it is possible to provide even more internal mechanisms in the
door mirror visor.
Fourth Embodiment
[0133] A mirror surface angle adjusting unit 180, a mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 182, and an ECU 184 structuring an outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to a fourth embodiment of the
present invention are illustrated in FIG. 8 in a cross-sectional
view which corresponds to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the outer
mirror device for a vehicle relating to the fourth embodiment is
the same as the above-described outer mirror devices for a vehicle
relating to the second and third embodiments with regard to the
point that a driving mechanism portion 181, the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 182, and the ECU 184 structuring the mirror
surface angle adjusting unit 180 are provided with a common unit
case 186. However, the outer mirror device for a vehicle relating
to the fourth embodiment differs from the first through third
embodiments with regard to the point that the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 182 detects the mirror surface angle of the mirror
12 in a non-contact manner. Details will be described
hereinafter.
[0134] The unit case 186 is structured by the front case 156A, the
rear case 156B and an inner case 186A. The inner case 186A differs
from the inner case 156C only with regard to the point that the
sensor holes 76, 77 are not provided at the boss portions 61,
63.
[0135] Magnets 188 are embedded in the inner case 186A side open
ends of the drive rods 54, 56 structuring the driving mechanism
portion 181. The magnets 188 are structural parts of the mirror
surface angle detecting sensor 182.
[0136] The mirror surface angle detecting sensor 182 has magnetism
sensors 190 structured by magnetic resistor elements or Hall
elements or the like. The magnetism sensors 190 are mounted on the
control substrate 86 on imaginary extensions running along the
axial direction of the drive rods 54, 56, and are electrically
connected to the control substrate 86 (although such electrical
connection is not illustrated). Specifically, for example, the
magnetism sensor 190 which is formed by a magnetic resistor element
is merely connected so as to be able to detect the voltage or the
current between a pair of electrodes. The magnetism sensor 190
which is formed by a Hall element is connected so as to be able to
apply voltage (current) between a pair of electrodes, and so as to
be able to detect the voltage between the Hall electrodes.
[0137] The output (the voltage or current) of the magnetism sensor
190 varies in accordance with the strength of the magnetic field by
the magnet 188, i.e., the distance from the magnet 188 to the drive
rod 54 or 56. Namely, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 182
is structured so as to detect the mirror surface angle of the
mirror 12 in a non-contact manner, on the basis of the positions
(distances) of the drive rods 54, 56 with respect to the magnetism
sensors 190.
[0138] The other structures of the outer mirror device for a
vehicle relating to the present fourth embodiment are exactly the
same as those of the outer mirror devices for a vehicle relating to
the above-described second and third embodiments.
[0139] Accordingly, in the outer mirror device for a vehicle having
the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 180, the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 182, and the ECU 186, operations and effects
which are exactly the same as those of the outer mirror device for
a vehicle relating to the above-described third embodiment are
exhibited.
[0140] Moreover, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 182 is
provided with the magnetism sensors 190 which do not contact the
magnets 188 which are the direct objects of detection. Therefore,
there are no regions which mechanically contact or engage between
the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 180 and the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 182, and there is no need for high accuracy
in the positional relationship therebetween, and the ability to
assemble the mirror surface angle adjusting unit 180 and the mirror
surface angle detecting sensor 182 respectively and the ability to
assemble them together are good. In addition, because no friction
or wear or the like accompanying mechanical contact or the like or
the like is generated, there is no need to take countermeasures
against such friction or wear or the like, and the cost can be
reduced.
[0141] Because the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 182 has
the non-contact-type magnetism sensors 190, no mechanical force
from the drive rod 54 and the like is applied to the control
substrate 86. Note that, even if a magnetism rotational sensor
detecting the rotational position of the drive wheel 60 or the like
in a non-contact manner is used in place of the mirror surface
angle detecting sensor 182, the same effects that the ability to
assemble is good and no mechanical force is applied to the control
substrate can be achieved. In addition, in the present fourth
embodiment, the unit case 156 may be used in place of the unit case
186.
[0142] Note that the present invention is not limited to the
above-described first through fourth embodiments, and portions of
or all of the structural elements which are the characteristic
features of the respective embodiments may be appropriately
combined. Accordingly, for example, the mirror surface angle
detecting sensor 182 which is a non-contact-type sensor may be
applied to the structure provided with the housing 48 and the ECU
case 84 which are separate members.
[0143] Moreover, the respective above-described embodiments
describe structures having, as the internal mechanisms, the
electrically-driven retracting unit 18, the mirror surface angle
adjusting units 20, 150, 160, 180, the mirror surface angle
detecting sensors 22, 152, 162, 182, the foot lamp device 24, and
the heater 26. However, the present invention is not limited to the
same. It goes without saying that other internal mechanisms may be
used in place of some or all of the above-described internal
mechanisms, or together with some or all of the above-described
internal mechanisms. Accordingly, in the outer mirror device 10 for
a vehicle and the other above-described outer mirror devices for a
vehicle, it is possible to accommodate within the door mirror visor
14 various internal mechanisms such as a mirror anti-glare
mechanism using an electrochromic element, a water droplet removing
mechanism using ultrasonic vibrations, an image pick-up device for
picking-up the dead angles of a vehicle and displaying them on a
screen within the vehicle, a direction indicating device, a speaker
device for generating a sound or the like for warning or the like,
or the like.
[0144] In addition, it goes without saying that the present
invention is not limited to the structures, constitutions and the
like of the respective internal mechanisms used in the
above-described embodiments, i.e., the electrically-driven
retracting unit 18, the mirror surface angle adjusting units 20,
150, 160, 180, the mirror surface angle detecting sensors 22, 152,
162, 182, the foot lamp device 24, and the heater 26. Accordingly,
for example, the mirror surface angle detecting sensor 22 or the
like may be structured so as to include sensor rods which follow
the mirror holder 44 as in the conventional art, or the drive rod
54 and the like may be driven by a rack-and-pinion mechanism.
[0145] Moreover, the above-described embodiments are preferable
structures in which there is no need for electrical connection via
wires between the ECUs 28, 154, 164, 184, the mirror surface angle
adjusting units 20, 150, 160, 180, and the mirror surface angle
detecting sensors 22, 152, 162, 182. In the present invention, it
suffices for at least the ECU 28 and the like (preferably, two
internal mechanisms and the ECU 28 or the like which electrically
charges or supplies power to these two internal mechanisms) to be
disposed within the door mirror visor 14. For example, a structure
is possible in which the ECU 28 or the like and the mirror surface
angle adjusting unit 20 and the mirror surface angle detecting
sensor 22, each of which is accommodated within the door mirror
visor 14, are electrically connected via wires and waterproof
connectors.
[0146] As described above, the outer mirror device for a vehicle
relating to the present invention has the excellent effect that the
number of wires led into a mirror visor from a vehicle body can be
reduced.
* * * * *