WO2006006237A1

WO2006006237A1 - Mirror angle detector and outer mirror for vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2006006237A1
Application number: PCT/JP2004/010017
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hisaya Suzuki
Original assignee: Murakami Corporation
Priority date: 2004-07-14
Filing date: 2004-07-14
Publication date: 2006-01-19

Abstract

A mirror angle detector (3) capable of detecting a mirror angle without using a resistor or a magnet, and an outer mirror for a vehicle. The mirror angle detector (3) is attached to an outer mirror for a vehicle. In the outer mirror, there is inclinably provided a mirror holder (1) on a frame (SB), and the mirror angle detector (3) detects the inclination angle of the mirror holder (1). The mirror angle detector (3) has an interposed member (a screw member (8) and an adjusting nut (5)) that is interposed between the mirror holder (1) and the frame (SB) and in which the volume of the inner space (S) of the interposed member varies as the mirror holder (1) inclines, a light source (a light emitting element (31)) emitting light toward the inner space (S) of the interposed member, and a light receiving element (32) for detecting the quantity of light in the inner space (S).

Description

Specification

Mirror angle detection device and vehicle outer mirror

Technical field

The present invention relates to a mirror angle detection device that detects a tilt angle of a mirror holder and an outer mirror for a vehicle.

Background art

A vehicle outer mirror has a mirror angle adjustment device that can adjust a tilt angle (hereinafter referred to as “mirror angle”) of a mirror holder that holds the mirror so that a good rear view can be obtained. There is something to prepare. With such a vehicle outer mirror, the mirror angle can be adjusted according to the driver's visual recognition position, but it is cumbersome to re-adjust the subtle angle each time the driver changes. It is desirable to be able to reproduce a mirror angle suitable for a person.

[0003] Conventionally, various mirror angle detection devices for detecting a mirror angle that reproduces each mirror angle have been proposed. For example, there has been proposed a mirror angle detection device provided with a resistor and a sliding contact that slides on the resistor in accordance with the displacement (tilt) of the mirror. According to this, the sliding contact moves in accordance with the tilting of the mirror and the voltage value changes, so that the mirror angle can be detected by detecting this voltage value (for example, JP-A-2001-2001). 2 No. 94091 (Sections 0026 0032, 0041, Figure 2)). In addition, a magnetic mirror angle detection device that includes a magnet and a Honore element and detects the mirror angle by the strength of the magnetic force that changes due to the rotational displacement of the magnet is also known.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-294091 (paragraphs 0026-0032, 0041, FIG. 2) Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, in the resistor-type mirror angle detection device, the resistance antibody wears due to sliding of the sliding contact, so the output changes, wear debris is generated, or noise is generated. There was a problem of doing. Also, in the magnetic mirror angle detection device, the output fluctuates due to the magnetic effect of the motor etc. that adjusts the mirror angle, or the position of the magnet and the Hall element is limited. As a result, there is a problem that the degree of freedom of design is narrowed, or that the magnet is expensive, which is expensive. In addition, both the resistor type and magnetic type mirror angle detection devices have a problem that attention must be paid to the hysteresis characteristics.

Therefore, in order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention has an object to provide a mirror angle detection device and a vehicle outer mirror that can detect a mirror angle without using a resistor or a magnet. .

Means for solving the problem

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is a mirror angle detection device that is mounted on a vehicle outer mirror in which a mirror holder is tiltably provided on a base portion and detects a tilt angle of the mirror holder. An interposition member interposed between the mirror holder and the base body, the volume of the internal space changing according to the tilt of the mirror holder, and a light source that emits light toward the internal space of the interposition member; A light receiving element for detecting the amount of light in the internal space.

[0006] According to the mirror angle detection device of claim 1, the light source emits light toward the internal space of the interposition member, and the light receiving element detects the amount of light in the internal space. . At this time, when the mirror holder is tilted, the volume of the intervening member changes in accordance with the tilt, and the light quantity in the internal space also changes with the change in the volume. As a result, the detection value of the amount of light detected by the light receiving element also changes. The mirror angle can be detected by making the tilt angle of the mirror holder correspond to this detected value.

The “base portion” means a member whose position can be relatively changed by the mirror holder, such as a frame or an actuator housing fixed to the frame.

[0007] The invention according to claim 2 is the mirror angle detection device according to claim 1, wherein the interposition member is formed on the base portion so as to protrude toward the mirror holder. A cylindrical screw member, and an adjustment nut supported by the mirror holder and capable of moving forward and backward along the screw member, and the light source is fixed to the base portion, and the screw member and the screw It is characterized by emitting light toward the internal space of the adjustment nut. [0008] According to the mirror angle detection device of claim 2, first, the distance between the base portion and the mirror holder can be changed by moving the adjustment nut along the screw member. The mirror holder can be tilted.

The light source fixed to the base portion emits light from the base portion side toward the internal space of the screw member and the adjustment nut, and the light receiving element detects the amount of light in the internal space. At this time, if the adjustment nut is moved back and forth along the screw member to tilt the mirror holder, the volume of the internal space formed by the screw member and the adjustment nut changes as the adjustment nut moves forward and backward. As the volume changes, the amount of light in the internal space also changes. As a result, the detection value of the amount of light detected by the light receiving element also changes. The mirror angle can be detected by making the tilt value of the mirror honorder correspond to this detected value.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is an accordion bellows that expands and contracts in accordance with the tilt of the mirror holder, in contrast to the mirror angle detection device described in claim 1. It is a member, and the light source and the light receiving element are arranged in an internal space of the bellows member.

[0010] According to the mirror angle detection device according to claim 3, the light source and the light receiving element are arranged in the internal space of the bellows member, and when the light source emits light, the light receiving element is in the internal space. The amount of light is detected. When the mirror holder is tilted, the bellows member expands and contracts, and the volume of the internal space of the bellows member changes. As the volume changes, the amount of light in the internal space also changes. As a result, the detection value of the amount of light detected by the light receiving element also changes. The mirror angle can be detected by making the tilt angle of the mirror holder correspond to this detected value.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 is an outer mirror for a vehicle, and any one of claims 1 to 3, and the mirror angle detection device according to claim 1. It is characterized by having.

According to the outer mirror for a vehicle described in claim 4, the same effect as the mirror angle detection device described in claim 1 or claim 3 is achieved. The invention's effect

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 1, the mirror angle at which the output does not change due to wear of the resistor, magnetic influence, etc., as in the past, by using the light source and the light receiving element. Can be detected. In particular, the hysteresis characteristic can be suppressed, and the mirror angle detection accuracy can be improved. In addition, since the light source and the light receiving element are small, the degree of freedom in designing the interior of the vehicle outer mirror can be increased.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 2 of the present invention, since the internal space of the screw member and the adjustment nut for tilting the existing mirror holder is used, there are few restrictions on the arrangement. The degree of freedom of design inside the vehicle outer mirror can be further increased.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 3 of the present invention, it can be easily retrofitted to an existing vehicle outer mirror.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 4 of the invention, by using the light source and the light receiving element, the mirror angle at which the output does not change due to wear of the resistor, magnetic influence, etc., as in the past. Can be detected. In particular, the hysteresis characteristic can be suppressed, and the mirror angle detection accuracy can be improved. In addition, since the light source and the light receiving element are small, the degree of freedom in designing the interior of the vehicle outer mirror can be increased.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment]

Details of the mirror angle detection device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings to be referred to, FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a side mirror (vehicle outer mirror) incorporating a mirror angle detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a mirror of FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the angle adjustment device, FIG. 3 is a view showing the operation of the mirror angle detection device, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the adjustment nut is moved, and (b) is a movement of the adjustment nut. It is sectional drawing which shows a back state.

In the following description, the up / down or front / rear / left / right directions will be described as the directions when the side mirror SM is attached to the right side of the vehicle body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the side mirror SM has a frame SB in a space formed by the mirror body M and a cover C (mirror housing), and a mirror angle adjusting device E fixed to the frame SB. Are mainly built in and tilted as a whole by a tilting mechanism (not shown).

This mirror angle adjusting device E includes a mirror holder 1 that supports a mirror body M, an actuator housing 2 (base portion) that supports the mirror holder 1 in a tiltable manner, and a mirror angle detector. It mainly includes a dispensing device 3 (see FIG. 2) and a control device (not shown). In the mirror angle adjustment device E, a detection value detected by the mirror angle detection device 3 is stored by a control device (not shown), and a motor 7 described later is driven based on the stored detection value to set the mirror holder 1 to a predetermined value. The angle can be returned to.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the mirror holder 1 is a component in which a thin plate is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a fulcrum portion 11 that becomes the center of tilting at a proper position is formed by cutting the tip of a hollow hemisphere ( It is formed to project forward in a spherical zone shape. The actuator housing 2 is divided into a front housing 21 and a rear housing 22, and mainly contains a packing 4, an adjustment nut 5, a worm wheel 6 and a motor 7 respectively. Built-in one by one.

[0021] The front housing 21 has a double bottom (see FIG. 3), and a projecting portion 21a projecting rearward is formed at the position of the tilting center of the mirror holder 1 on the rear bottom portion 211, A female thread portion 21c into which a screw N for fixing the mirror holder 1 is screwed is formed on the tip surface of the protruding portion 21a. Further, pins (screw members) 8 to be described later are provided on the right side and the lower side of the projecting portion 21a to project rearward. In addition, a recess 9 for rotatably supporting the warm wheel 6 is formed around the pin 8, and a rib 21f for preventing grease from being scattered is formed around the recess 9 as shown in FIG. A concave motor mounting portion 21g in which the motor 7 is disposed is formed in the vicinity of the concave portion 9 and the rib 21f.

[0022] The rear housing 22 is formed with a concave support portion 22a that slidably supports the fulcrum portion 11 of the mirror holder 1, and the flange portion 41 of the packing 4 is formed on the right and lower sides of the support portion 22a. A circular hole 22b to be bonded and bonded is formed. In addition, a circular hole 22c through which the tip of the protruding portion 21a can pass is formed in the bottom wall of the support portion 22a. Then, the fulcrum portion 11 of the mirror holder 1 is engaged with the support portion 22a, and the pressing member P and the spring member SP having a spherical band shape are attached to the protruding portion 21a protruding from the circular hole 22c, and the screw N from above is attached. Is threadably engaged with the female threaded portion 21c of the protruding portion 21a, so that the mirror holder 1 is tiltably attached to the actuator housing 2 in a state of being biased with a predetermined biasing force.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mirror angle detection device 3 includes a pin 8 formed on the bottom 211 of the front housing 21 described above, an adjustment nut 5 that can advance and retreat along the pin 8, and a pin 8. When The light emitting element 31 emits light toward a space formed by the adjusting nut 5 (hereinafter referred to as “internal space S”), and a light receiving element 32 that detects the amount of light in the internal space S. Note that the volume of the internal space S changes as the adjustment nut 5 advances and retreats.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3 (a), the pin 8 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and an external thread portion 81 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the pin 8 to which the adjustment nut 5 is removably engaged. Further, the bottom portion 211 on which the pin 8 is formed is formed with an annular portion 82 that protrudes in a cylindrical shape toward the front, covers the periphery of the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 described later, and emits light from the internal space S. So that light does not leak and light does not enter the interior space S.

[0025] The adjustment nut 5 protrudes rearward from the bottom wall 51a of the main body 51 and the fitting wall 12 of the mirror holder 1 (see FIG. 3). It is mainly composed of a spherical pivod portion 52 to be fitted and five foot portions 53 (only three are shown) protruding forward from the opening end portion of the main body portion 51. Further, the main body 51 is formed with ribs 51c protruding outward at appropriate positions on the outer peripheral surface thereof. A claw portion 53a (see FIG. 3) is formed at the tip of the foot portion 53. The claw portion 53a (see FIG. 3) projects inwardly on the inner surface (the radially inner surface) and engages with the male screw portion 81. The pin 8 and the adjusting nut 5 correspond to an “interposition member” in the claims.

[0026] For the light emitting element 31, for example, a light emitting diode, an incandescent bulb, or the like can be used. The LED is preferably a light-emitting diode, which has low power consumption and long life, so that the maintenance cost can be reduced and the element itself is small, which improves the degree of design freedom. That power S.

For the light receiving element 32, for example, a photodiode or the like can be used.

The light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 are soldered onto the substrate 33, and the substrate 33 is attached to the bottom 212 on the front side of the front housing 21 described above. That is, the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 are fixed to the front housing 21. In addition to the light receiving element 32, an amplifier (not shown) and peripheral electronic components are mounted on the substrate 33, and these are electrically connected on the substrate 33.

[0028] In the mirror angle detection device 3, the light emitting element 31 emits light toward the internal space S and receives light. The element 32 detects the amount of light in the internal space S. At this time, if the adjustment nut 5 is moved back and forth to tilt the mirror holder 1, the volume of the internal space S changes accordingly, and the amount of light in the internal space S also changes as the volume changes. Change. In other words, the light adjustment nut 5 that is reflected innumerably on the inner surface of the adjust nut 5 and the pin 8 advances and retreats, so that the reflection mode is changed according to the advance and retreat. As a result, the overall brightness in the internal space S becomes the brightness corresponding to the space, so that the detection value of the light amount detected by the light receiving element 32 also changes. If the tilt angle of the mirror holder 1 is made to correspond to this detection value, the mirror angle can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the packing 4 is for preventing water from entering the actuator housing 2 and is formed of a rubber member that can be deformed in a stretchable manner. The front end flange portion 41 of the packing 4 is engaged with the circular hole 22 b of the rear housing 22, and the rear end small diameter portion 42 is engaged with the mirror holder 1.

[0030] The worm wheel 6 includes a substantially cylindrical sliding portion 61 that is rotatably engaged with the recess 9 of the front housing 21, and a substantially cylindrical main body portion 62 having a larger diameter than the sliding portion 61. It is mainly composed of. The main body portion 62 is formed with a gear portion 62a that meshes with the gear portion 71 of the motor 7 at the front portion of the outer periphery thereof, and a rib 63 that protrudes rearward at the inner peripheral edge of the rear end surface 62b. Has been. The groove 64 is formed so as to communicate in the front-rear direction. The rib 51c of the adjustment nut 5 is engaged with the groove 64, so that the adjustment nut 5 is in the front-rear direction (worm The wheel 6 is movable in the direction along the central axis of the wheel 6 and is engaged so as not to be relatively rotatable.

In the motor 7, a gear portion 71 is formed on the outer surface of the rotating shaft 72 for rotationally driving the worm wheel 6. In addition, electric power is supplied to the motor 7 via a plug PL inserted from a hole 21h formed in the motor mounting portion 21g of the front housing 21.

Next, the operation of the mirror angle detection device 3 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the mirror body M (see FIG. 1) is tilted upward, when the adjustment nut 5 is moved backward via the worm wheel 6 by driving the motor 7 at the bottom, the mirror holder 1 tilts upward.

[0033] Specifically, the mirror holder 1 shown in Fig. 3 (a) is moved forward by the adjustment nut 5. As shown in FIG. 3B, since the volume of the internal space S increases, the internal space S becomes dark and the light amount (detection value) detected by the light receiving element 32 decreases.

A control device (not shown) converts this light amount into an electrical signal and stores it, and by making this light amount correspond to the mirror angle of the mirror holder 1, the mirror angle, that is, the position of the adjusting nut 5 can be grasped. Based on the stored light quantity, the mirror holder 1 can be returned to a predetermined angle (tilted to a predetermined angle). In other words, if the control device stores the amount of light corresponding to the mirror angle suitable for one driver, even if another driver changes the mirror angle, the mirror holder is used until the stored amount of light is reached. By tilting 1, the mirror angle suitable for one driver, that is, the position of the adjustment nut 5 can be reproduced.

[0034] According to the above, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment.

In this embodiment, since the mirror angle is detected by using the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32, the mirror angle can be accurately adjusted so that the output does not change due to wear of the resistor, magnetic influence, etc., as in the past. Can be detected. In particular, hysteresis characteristics can be suppressed and the accuracy of mirror angle detection is improved.

[0035] Further, since the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 themselves are small in size, the degree of freedom in designing the inside of the side mirror SM can be increased. Further, since the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 are mounted on the substrate 33 together with peripheral electronic components such as amplifiers, electrical arrangement is facilitated. For this reason, it can be easily installed in the side mirror SM.

[0036] Furthermore, since the amount of light is detected using the internal space S of the adjustment nut 5 and the pin 8, there are fewer restrictions on the arrangement, and the ability to increase the degree of freedom of design inside the side mirror SM it can.

[0037] Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the present invention can be implemented with the following modifications.

[0038] [Modification]

In the first embodiment, the internal space S formed by the adjusting nut 5 and the pin 8 is used. However, the internal space S may be formed by another member (intervening member).

FIG. 4 is a view showing the operation of the mirror angle detection means according to the modification, and (a) is an adjustment. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the nut is moved, and FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the adjustment nut is moved.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a bellows member 83 having a hollow inside is supported on a support plate C1 (for example, a frame SB (see FIG. 1)) that supports the mirror holder 1 in a tiltable manner, and is fixed to the frame SB. Formed by a support plate C1, a bellows member 83 (intervening member), and the mirror holder 1 interposed between the mirror holder 1 and the member (actuator housing or the like) or the cover C). The substrate 33 on which the light emitting element 31 and the light receiving element 32 are mounted may be arranged in a space (hereinafter referred to as “internal space S ′”).

[0040] This also changes the volume in the internal space S 'as the mirror holder 1 tilts. That is, the volume of the internal space S ′ is larger when the mirror holder 1 is in the state shown in FIG. 4 (b) than when the mirror holder 1 is in the state shown in FIG. 4 (a). The amount of light detected by the light receiving element 32 is also reduced. Then, a control device (not shown) converts this light amount into an electrical signal and stores it, and by correlating this light amount with the mirror angle of the mirror holder 1, the mirror angle, that is, the position of the adjustment nut 5 can be grasped. At the same time, the mirror holder 1 can be tilted at an arbitrary angle based on the stored light quantity.

[0041] Therefore, this modification can also provide the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to this, the mirror angle detection device can be easily attached to the side mirror SM.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of a side mirror (vehicle outer mirror) in which a mirror angle detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is built.

2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the mirror angle adjusting device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the operation of the mirror angle detection device, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the adjustment nut is moved, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state after the adjustment nut is moved. is there.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the operation of a mirror angle detection device according to a modification, (a) is a sectional view showing a state before the adjustment nut is moved, and (b) is a state after the adjustment nut is moved. FIG. Explanation of symbols

1 Mirror holder

2 Actuator housing 3 Mirror angle detector 4

5 Adjustment nut

6 Warm hoist head 7 Motor

8 pin

21 Front housing 22 Rear housing

31 Light emitting element

32 Photo detector

33

83 Bellows member

C1 support plate

E Mirror angle adjustment device M Mirror body

SB frame

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A mirror angle detection device that is mounted on an outer mirror for a vehicle in which a mirror holder is tiltably provided on a base, and detects a tilt angle of the mirror holder,

An interposition member interposed between the mirror holder and the base body, the volume of the internal space changing in accordance with the tilt of the mirror holder; a light source that emits light toward the internal space of the interposition member; A mirror angle detection device comprising: a light receiving element that detects a light amount in space.

[2] The interposition member includes a cylindrical screw member formed on the base portion so as to protrude toward the mirror holder, and an adjustment supported by the mirror holder and capable of moving forward and backward along the screw member. 2. The mirror according to claim 1, wherein the light source is fixed to the base portion and emits light toward an inner space of the screw member and the adjustment nut. Angle detection device.

[3] The intervening member is a bellows member that expands and contracts according to the tilt of the mirror holder, and the light source and the light receiving element are arranged in an internal space of the bellows member. The mirror angle detection device according to item 1.

[4] An outer mirror for a vehicle comprising the mirror angle detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is any force.