JP2004196225A - Automatic anti-dazzle outer mirror and automatic anti-dazzle system of mirror - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic anti-dazzle outer mirror of which ambient light sensor and backward light sensor are installed in a car or in a place other than a mirror housing, and an automatic anti-dazzle system of the mirror. <P>SOLUTION: This automatic anti-dazzle outer mirror 1 comprises a mirror base 4 projected from the side surface of a car body of an automobile toward its side part, a mirror housing 3 that has an EC mirror 2 having reflectivity varied by an EC element and is mounted to the mirror base 4. The outer mirror 1 has the ambient light sensor 5 for detecting ambient light, the backward light sensor 6 for detecting backward light, and a control means 7 for controlling the reflectivity of the EC mirror 2 based on the ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor 5 and the backward light detected by the backward light sensor 6. The ambient light sensor 5 and the backward light sensor 6 are disposed in the mirror base 4. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an auto-dimming outer mirror having an anti-glare effect by an EC element and an auto-dimming system for a mirror.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When driving a car at night or the like, the inner mirror and the outer mirror may feel dazzling due to the lights of the vehicle behind. This is a phenomenon that occurs because the amount of light incident on the inner mirror or the outer mirror, that is, the amount of rear light that is light from behind the vehicle is larger than the amount of ambient light that is light in other directions. Therefore, in an inner mirror and an outer mirror of an automobile, an EC (electrochronic) element is coated on a mirror surface to exhibit an antiglare effect. The amount of coloring of the EC element changes when an electric current flows, and changes the reflectance of the mirror surface. This EC element is controlled as ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor and rear light detected by the rear light sensor as data. For example, the anti-glare effect is exhibited by increasing the coloring amount of the EC element and decreasing the reflectance as the rear light amount is larger than the ambient light amount. The ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed in the mirror housing of the inner mirror, and control the inner mirror and the outer mirror.
However, in this case, since the sensor is installed in the vehicle, the ambient light and the rear light are detected through the glass of the vehicle, and since the detection is performed at a position away from the outer mirror, the outer mirror is controlled. Data was not suitable. In addition, privacy glass has been used for the glass of the vehicle, and the inner mirror has less of a dazzling feeling. On the other hand, a high-intensity lamp using a discharge bulb (also referred to as HID) is often mounted on a vehicle light, and an outer mirror seen through a side glass is often felt dazzling. For this reason, an EC auto-dimming outer mirror having an auto-dimming effect alone has been developed. In this case, representative examples of installation locations of the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are shown below.
(1) An ambient light sensor and a rear light sensor are installed in a mirror housing of an outer mirror (see Patent Document 1).
(2) The ambient light sensor is installed near the outer mirror, and the rear light sensor is installed in the mirror housing (see Patent Document 2).
[0003]
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an EC auto-dimming outer mirror described in Patent Document 1. The auto-dimming outer mirror 21 includes an EC mirror 22 and a mirror housing 23. The EC mirror 22 is configured to have a variable reflectivity by an EC element, and is mounted on a mirror housing 23. An ambient light sensor 24 and a rear light sensor 25 are installed in the mirror housing 23, and detect ambient light and rear light from windows provided on the front and rear surfaces of the mirror housing 23.
In another example, a notch is formed in the EC mirror 22 and the rear light is detected therefrom.
Further, in the auto-dimming outer mirror described in Patent Literature 2, the ambient light sensor 24 is installed near the door mirror instead of the mirror housing 23.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-106110 ([0017] to [0050], FIGS. 1 and 12)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-11-342790 ([0017] to [0047], FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the EC auto-dimming outer mirror described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
(A) Since an actuator or the like (not shown) for adjusting the angle of the EC mirror 22 is installed in the mirror housing 23, a space for installing the ambient light sensor 24 and the rear light sensor 25 in the mirror housing 23 is provided. Installation work is difficult due to the small size. The wire harnesses of various components incorporated in the mirror housing 23 are routed using a shaft (not shown) that supports the mirror housing 23. The number of wire harnesses that can be inserted into the shaft is Is limited by the inner diameter of the shaft, the functions of various components incorporated in the mirror housing 23 may be limited by the increase in the wire harness for the EC auto-dimming outer mirror in some cases. In addition, depending on the orientation of the mirror housing 23, detection may not be performed accurately, and a suitable anti-glare effect may not be obtained.
(B) When the rear optical sensor 25 is installed on the back side of the EC mirror 22, a cutout is formed in the EC mirror 22, which may hinder the rear view. Further, a step of forming a notch is required.
Also, in the automatic anti-glare outer mirror described in Patent Document 2, since the rear optical sensor 25 is installed in the mirror housing 23, the same problem as (A) occurs.
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention can detect light without being affected by the orientation of the mirror housing, does not need to form a notch in the mirror, facilitates installation / routing work, It is an object of the present invention to provide an auto-dimming outer mirror and a mirror auto-dimming system that can effectively use space.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, an auto-dimming outer mirror according to claim 1 is configured such that the reflectance is variable by a mirror base projecting from a side surface of a vehicle body to a side thereof and an EC element. An auto-dimming outer mirror having an EC mirror mounted thereon and a mirror housing attached to the mirror base, the ambient light sensor detecting ambient light, the rear light sensor detecting rear light, and the surroundings. Control means for controlling the reflectance of the EC mirror based on the ambient light detected by the optical sensor and the rear light detected by the rear light sensor, the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor Was installed on the mirror base.
[0008]
According to this configuration, since the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed on the mirror base, light can be detected without being affected by the direction of the mirror housing. That is, the ambient light and the rear light can always be detected appropriately, and an anti-glare effect without a sense of discomfort can be realized. In addition, since the rear light sensor is installed on the mirror base, it is not necessary to form a cutout in the EC mirror. Further, since the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed on the mirror base having a sufficient space, the installation and routing work is facilitated. In addition, it is possible to provide an auto-dimming outer mirror that can effectively use the space in the mirror housing.
[0009]
Note that the outer mirror with auto-dimming may be installed on both sides of the vehicle body or one of them. When installed on both sides, it is possible to provide outer mirrors, each of which independently exerts an antiglare effect.
[0010]
The outer mirror according to a second aspect is the outer mirror according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit is provided on the mirror base.
[0011]
According to this configuration, since the ambient light sensor, the rear light sensor, and the control unit are installed on the mirror base, the installation and routing work is facilitated. Further, when replacing a normal outer mirror with an auto-dimming outer mirror, it is not necessary to install control means in the vehicle body, so that retrofitting work is easy.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic anti-glare system for a mirror, wherein a plurality of EC mirrors having variable reflectivity by an EC element, an ambient light sensor for detecting ambient light, and a rear light for detecting rear light. A mirror that automatically controls a reflectance of the plurality of EC mirrors based on the ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor and the rear light detected by the rear light sensor. In a glare system, the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed on a mirror base of an outer mirror that protrudes from a side surface of a vehicle body toward a side of the vehicle body.
[0013]
With this configuration, a set of ambient light sensor, rear light sensor, and control means can exhibit the anti-glare effect of a plurality of EC mirrors (outer mirror and inner mirror), reduce the number of parts, and perform the installation / routing process. Can be reduced. The mirror base where the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed may be located on the left side (driver's seat side) or the right side (passenger seat side) from the front of the vehicle.
[0014]
Further, in the mirror automatic anti-glare system according to claim 3, at least one of the plurality of EC mirrors may be an inner mirror. In this case, the anti-glare effect can be obtained without installing the ambient light sensor, the rear light sensor, and the control means on the inner mirror. Therefore, in the auto-dimming inner mirror, the design of the inner mirror can be improved, and the chattering performance can be improved by reducing the weight.
[0015]
According to the first to third aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide an auto-dimming outer mirror in which the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed in a place other than the mirror housing, and an auto-dimming system for the mirror.
[0016]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. The auto-dimming outer mirror of each embodiment is an electric retractable door mirror of an automobile. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.
[0017]
First, the backward light and the ambient light will be described. The rear light is light from behind the vehicle, such as a headlight of a rear vehicle, and the ambient light is light from other than behind the vehicle. When the amount of rear light is larger than the amount of ambient light, the outer mirror feels dazzling, and an antiglare effect is required. In each embodiment, light from the front of the vehicle is used as ambient light.
[0018]
(First embodiment)
First, an auto-dimming outer mirror according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of an auto-dimming outer mirror according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an installed state, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a mirror base of the auto-dimming outer mirror according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the auto-dimming outer mirror according to the first embodiment.
[0019]
First, the configuration of the auto-dimming outer mirror 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, a self-glaring outer mirror 1 is equipped with a mirror base 4 projecting from a side surface of an automobile body toward the side thereof, and an EC mirror 2 having a variable reflectivity by an EC element. And a mirror housing 3 rotatably suspended from the mirror base 4. The mirror base 4 is installed at a lower triangular corner of the front end of the side window of the vehicle body, and includes a substantially triangular mounting plate 4A installed at the triangular corner and a base body 11 projecting from the mounting plate 4A. You.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 2, the base body 11 has an open top surface, has a base cover 12 that covers the top surface opening of the base body 11, and has an ambient light sensor 5 and a rear light sensor inside. 6 and control means 7 are housed. The ambient light sensor 5 is installed on the mirror base 4 in a forward direction, and the rear light sensor 6 is installed on the mirror base 4 in a backward direction. A filter is provided in front of the ambient light sensor 5 and the rear light sensor 6 so as to detectably attenuate light and to prevent contamination of the sensor surface due to raindrops, exhaust gas and the like.
[0021]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the control means 7 includes an anti-glare determination circuit 14 and a drive circuit 15. Power is supplied to the anti-glare determination circuit 14, the drive circuit 15, and the EC mirror 2 by the battery 13. There is a cancel switch 16 in the vehicle.
[0022]
Next, the operation of the auto-dimming outer mirror 1 will be described.
The ambient light sensor 5 and the rear light sensor 6 detect the ambient light and the rear light, respectively, through filters. The data of the detected ambient light and rear light is sent to the anti-glare determination circuit 14. The anti-glare determination circuit 14 determines the necessity and the degree of anti-glare based on the transmitted data. For example, a difference between the amount of rear light and the amount of ambient light is calculated, and it is determined that the greater the amount of rear light is greater than the amount of ambient light, the greater the antiglare effect is required. The determination result is sent to the drive circuit 15. The drive circuit 15 changes the coloring amount (changes the reflectance) by controlling the power supplied to the EC mirror 2 according to the determination result, and exhibits an antiglare effect. The drive power for the anti-glare determination circuit 14, the drive circuit 15, and the EC mirror 2 is supplied from the battery of the vehicle. Further, there is a cancel switch 16 in the vehicle, and the power supply to the anti-glare determination circuit 14, the drive circuit 15, and the EC mirror 2 can be stopped (the anti-glare effect is stopped) by a user operation.
[0023]
As described above, since the ambient light sensor 5 and the rear light sensor 6 are installed on the mirror base 4, the detection can be performed regardless of the direction of the mirror housing. Further, it is not necessary to form a notch in the EC mirror 2. In addition, installation and wiring work of the ambient light sensor 5 and the rear light sensor 6 are facilitated. In addition, a space for the mirror housing is secured, and the mirror housing can be effectively used. Further, since the control means 7 is installed on the mirror base, retrofitting is easy.
[0024]
In the first embodiment, the auto-dimming outer mirror 1 may be installed on both sides of the vehicle body or one of them. When installed on both sides, it is possible to provide outer mirrors, each of which independently exerts an antiglare effect.
[0025]
(Second embodiment)
Next, an automatic anti-glare system for a mirror according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mirror automatic anti-glare system according to the second embodiment.
[0026]
First, the configuration of a mirror automatic anti-glare system will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the ambient light sensor 5, the rear light sensor 6, the anti-glare determination circuit 14 and the drive circuit 15 are installed on the mirror base of one outer mirror of the automobile (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The n EC mirrors 2 are outer mirrors and inner mirrors. For example, a configuration in which a pair (two) of outer mirrors and a configuration in which a pair of outer mirrors and an inner mirror are a total of three EC mirrors can be suitably used. Power is supplied to the anti-glare determination circuit 14, the drive circuit 15, and the n EC mirrors 2 by the battery 13. There is a cancel switch 16 in the vehicle.
[0027]
Next, the operation of the mirror automatic anti-glare system will be described. The ambient light sensor 5 and the rear light sensor 6 detect the ambient light and the rear light, respectively, through filters. The data of the detected ambient light and rear light is sent to the anti-glare determination circuit 14. The anti-glare determination circuit 14 determines the necessity and the degree of anti-glare based on the transmitted data. For example, a difference between the amount of rear light and the amount of ambient light is calculated, and it is determined that the greater the amount of rear light is greater than the amount of ambient light, the greater the antiglare effect is required. The determination result is sent to the drive circuit 15. The drive circuit 15 controls the power supplied to the n EC mirrors 2 in accordance with the determination result to change the coloring amount (change the reflectance) and exhibit an antiglare effect. The drive power for the anti-glare determination circuit 14, the drive circuit 15, and the n EC mirrors 2 is supplied from the battery of the vehicle. Furthermore, there is a cancel switch 16 in the vehicle, and the power supply to the anti-glare determination circuit 14, the drive circuit 15, and the n EC mirrors 2 can be stopped (the anti-glare effect is stopped) by a user's operation. .
[0028]
As described above, the set of the ambient light sensor 5, the rear light sensor 6, and the control means 7 exhibit the anti-glare effect of the n EC mirrors 2 (outer mirror and inner mirror), and reduce the number of parts. In addition, installation and routing work steps can be reduced.
[0029]
Further, the mirror automatic anti-glare system of the second embodiment may have a configuration in which at least one of the EC mirrors 2 is an inner mirror. In this case, an anti-glare effect can be obtained without installing an ambient light sensor, a rear light sensor, and control means on the inner mirror. Therefore, in the auto-dimming inner mirror, the design of the inner mirror can be improved, and the chattering performance of the inner mirror can be improved by reducing the weight.
[0030]
In the second embodiment, the mirror base on which the ambient light sensor 5 and the rear light sensor 6 are installed may be on either the left side (driver's seat side) or the right side (passenger seat side) from the front of the vehicle. Further, the cancel switch 16 is configured to control the n EC mirrors 2 at the same time, but may be configured to be able to control each independently.
[0031]
In addition, each embodiment can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the first embodiment, a so-called top-hanging outer mirror in which a mirror housing is hung below a mirror base is used. Alternatively, the mirror housing may be mounted above the mirror base.
Although not shown, the mirror base 4 may have a configuration in which the base body 11 is installed on the side of the vehicle without the mounting plate 4A. Further, the place where the mirror base 4 is installed may be a pillar provided beside the front window of the vehicle body or a vertical frame dividing the side window of the vehicle body.
Further, the installation location of the control means 7 may be a location other than the mirror base 4 such as in a vehicle body. Further, the method of controlling the coloring amount of the EC element may be any method that suitably exhibits an antiglare effect. The supply source of the driving power such as the EC element may be a battery of an automobile or a primary battery installed on the mirror base 4. In the case of a primary battery, it can be easily replaced by providing an opening in the mirror base.
[0032]
In addition, the ambient light sensor is installed to face forward and detects light from the front of the vehicle, but any data may be used as long as the data is suitable for exhibiting an automatic anti-glare effect. For example, a configuration that is installed upward and detects light from above the vehicle, or a configuration that is installed outside the vehicle body and detects light from the outside can be suitably used.
[0033]
Also, the mode of installation of the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor can be appropriately changed. A configuration embedded in the mirror base, a configuration protruding outside the mirror base, or a configuration detachably mounted can be suitably used.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, by installing the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor on the mirror base, light is detected without being affected by the direction of the mirror housing, and a notch is formed in the mirror. There is no need to provide an auto-dimming outer mirror that can be installed and routed easily and can effectively use the space inside the mirror housing for other purposes.
[0035]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, by further installing the control means on the mirror base, it is possible to provide an automatic anti-glare outer mirror that can be easily installed and routed and can be easily retrofitted.
[0036]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the number of components is reduced and the installation / routing work process is reduced by controlling the EC elements of the plurality of mirrors by the set of the ambient light sensor, the rear light sensor, and the control means. An automatic anti-glare system for the mirror can be provided. When at least one of the inner mirrors is an auto-dimming inner mirror, the design of the inner mirror can be improved, and the chattering performance of the inner mirror can be improved by reducing the weight.
[0037]
Through the present invention, by installing an ambient light sensor and a rear light sensor in a place other than the inside of a vehicle or a mirror housing, that is, a mirror base, light is detected without being affected by the direction of the mirror housing, and a notch is formed in the mirror. An auto-dimming outer mirror and an auto-dimming system for a mirror can be provided that do not need to be formed, are easy to install and route, and can effectively use the space inside the mirror housing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of an outer auto-dimming mirror according to a first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A illustrates an installation state, and FIG. 1B illustrates an auto-dimming outer mirror viewed from another angle. is there.
FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the auto-dimming outer mirror according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an auto-dimming outer mirror according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a mirror automatic anti-glare system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an auto-dimming outer mirror described in Patent Document 1.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 1 auto-dimming outer mirror 2 EC mirror 3 mirror housing 4 mirror base 5 ambient light sensor 6 rear light sensor 7 control means

Claims (3)

A mirror base projecting from the side of the car body toward the side,
An EC mirror having a reflectivity variably configured by an EC element is mounted, and a mirror housing attached to the mirror base.
An ambient light sensor that detects ambient light;
A back light sensor for detecting back light,
Control means for controlling the reflectance of the EC mirror based on the ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor and the rear light detected by the rear light sensor,
The outer mirror according to claim 1, wherein the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed on the mirror base. The outer mirror according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is provided on the mirror base. A plurality of EC mirrors whose reflectivity is variably configured by EC elements;
An ambient light sensor that detects ambient light;
A back light sensor for detecting back light,
Control means for controlling the reflectance of the plurality of EC mirrors based on the ambient light detected by the ambient light sensor and the rear light detected by the rear light sensor,
An automatic anti-glare system for a mirror comprising:
An automatic anti-glare system for a mirror, wherein the ambient light sensor and the rear light sensor are installed on a mirror base of an outer mirror that protrudes from a side surface of a vehicle body toward a side of the vehicle body.

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