JP2009227233A - Side mirror for vehicle and mirror surface forming method of side mirror for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mirror surface forming method of a side mirror for a vehicle which can cope with a shape of a main mirror surface, realize wide visual confirmation in the lateral and backward direction of the own vehicle without sacrificing original functions of the main mirror surface and allow the visual confirmation even around rear wheels of the own vehicle. <P>SOLUTION: A side mirror 1 for a vehicle includes a main mirror surface 2 provided on a side of a vehicle to view the backward and lateral directions of the vehicle and a sub-mirror surface 3 having a convex surface with a curvature radius smaller than a curvature radius of the main mirror surface 2 in a portion in a range being close to a vehicle body in the main mirror surface 2 and not exceeding an area of 2/5 of an area of the main mirror surface 2, wherein the convex surface of the sub-mirror surface 3 is constituted of a part of a curved surface forming an ellipsoid with respect to the first, second and third axes orthogonal to one another. The sub-mirror surface 3 forms the convex surface in the lateral and downward directions of the vehicle by the swelled curved surface of the ellipsoid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention can correspond to the shape of the main mirror surface, can easily check the other vehicle in the lateral rear direction traveling in the adjacent lane, and can further visually recognize the vicinity of the rear wheel of the vehicle. The present invention also relates to a mirror surface forming method for the vehicle side mirror.

  On both right and left sides of the vehicle body, vehicle side mirrors (including fender mirrors and door mirrors) are provided for the vehicle driver to observe the rear and lateral directions of the vehicle. In this vehicle side mirror, it is important for the safety of vehicle driving to ensure the driver's driving field of view and at the same time visually check other vehicles driving in the adjacent lane. Has been made.

  The main ones are those that divide the mirror surface of the vehicle side mirror into upper and lower parts and change the respective mounting angles to widen the field of view (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2). A part that deforms the part to widen the field of view (for example, see Patent Documents 3 and 4), a part that provides a convex mirror surface on the surface of the mirror body to widen the field of view (for example, see Patent Document 5), and a vehicle side mirror mirror surface Is provided with a curvature on an oblique virtual axis to widen the field of view (for example, see Patent Document 6).

  The present applicant has also proposed providing a secondary mirror surface composed of a circular spherical body or a half-moon-shaped spherical body (Patent Document 7). In addition, an elliptical composite rearview mirror that secures a driver's field of view of at least 180 ° by using a mirror surface obtained by combining a plurality of elliptical cylinders or parts of rectangular cylinders is also disclosed (for example, Patent Document 8). A rectangular or elliptical part has also been proposed as a wide-angle part of a partially wide-angle mirror (for example, Patent Document 9).

JP 2001-277742 A JP 2003-312362 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-198012 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-164484 JP 2006-1520 A JP 2004-268613 A JP 2008-49929 A JP-A-11-115634 JP 2006-1520 A

  When driving, visual confirmation of the lateral rear side of the vehicle is indispensable for driving safety. Conventionally, various proposals have been made to expand the field of view of a vehicle side mirror. However, (I) the functionality for confirming the rear side of the vehicle side mirror is partially sacrificed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). 9), (II) the driver's line of sight is widened (see, for example, Patent Documents 3 and 4), and (III) the image of the other vehicle in the field of view in the vehicle side mirror is greatly deformed. (See Patent Documents 5, 6, and 7), (IV) Using the mirror surface of the existing vehicle side mirrors, the field of view can be further expanded corresponding to each of these shapes. Many problems remain, such as being impossible (see Patent Document 8), (V) lacking the specificity of the three-dimensional mirror surface of the most important wide-angle part that affects the function of rearward confirmation (see Patent Document 9).

  Considering the function of the vehicle side mirror, the vehicle driver can visually check other vehicles traveling backward, and can easily move other vehicles that approach the adjacent lane from the rear or run in parallel, especially those that enter the so-called blind spot. It is extremely important that the vehicle can be visually checked and confirmed to ensure safe driving of the vehicle. In addition, it is important for the safety of traveling that the images of other vehicles in the adjacent lanes can be easily confirmed and that the images can be seen without greatly changing the driver's line of sight.

  The shape of the side mirror for vehicles currently used has been obtained by many years of accumulated experience in many manufacturers, and a mirror surface consisting of a slightly bulging convex surface, a flat mirror surface, or a combination of both is common. Is. When driving, the driver makes a comprehensive judgment on the driving status of other vehicles that run around the vehicle while looking at the rear and rear side direction reflected in the rear-view mirror inside the vehicle. ing. Therefore, when making the field of view wider, the function inherent to the conventional vehicle side mirror, that is, the function of securing the field of view behind the vehicle by the conventional vehicle side mirror is sufficiently maintained, and the field of view is further widened. It is important to be.

  As described above, the mirror surface shape of the conventional vehicle side mirror is supported by the technology accumulated for many years, and it is considered that essential functions are considerably provided in this form. Even if this is simply replaced with another mirror surface, it cannot be said that the mirror surface can immediately provide a better image than before, and it is difficult to newly develop such a mirror surface for each vehicle. Therefore, a mirror surface capable of expanding the field of view corresponding to each of these shapes while utilizing various shapes of various conventional vehicle side mirrors is desired.

  However, it is also difficult to form such a mirror surface. It should be compatible with the shape of existing vehicle side mirrors, and should be an additional mirror that is optimally replenished. For example, when a spherical body is added as in the sub-mirror surface of Patent Document 7, the curved surface of this spherical body is uniform, and there is an advantage that the mounting direction may not be mistaken. The field of view obtained by this is not an image in which the desired portion is enlarged, and it is difficult to say that it is an optimal mirror surface. That is, this mirror surface has not yet been able to provide an easy-to-view image with little distortion with a sufficiently wide field of view in the lateral direction and downward direction of the vehicle body.

  Therefore, the present invention can cope with the shape of the main mirror surface, can visually check the lateral rear direction of the own vehicle with a wide field of view without sacrificing the function of the main mirror surface, and can also visually recognize the vicinity of the rear wheel of the own vehicle. The object is to provide a side mirror for a vehicle.

  In addition, the present invention can cope with the shape of the main mirror surface, and can visually confirm the lateral rear direction of the own vehicle with a wide field of view without sacrificing the function of the main mirror surface, and can also visually recognize the vicinity of the rear wheel of the own vehicle. An object of the present invention is to provide a method of forming a mirror surface of a vehicle side mirror.

  The present invention includes a main mirror surface provided on the side of the vehicle body for visually observing the rear and lateral directions of the vehicle, and more than 2/5 of the area of the main mirror surface near the vehicle body in the main mirror surface. A convex sub-mirror surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the main mirror surface is provided in a portion of the non-existing range, and one of the curved surfaces forming an ellipsoid with respect to the first, second, and third axes in which the convex surfaces of the sub-mirror surface are orthogonal to each other. And an ellipse formed when the ellipsoid intersects the first plane formed by the first and second axes, and the intersection of the ellipse and the first axis and the intersection The two end points on the ellipse sandwiched between the points are both arranged on the main mirror surface, the position and shape of the surface area where the sub mirror surface faces the main mirror surface are determined by the intersection point and the two end points, and the convex surface of the sub mirror surface is Bulges from the periphery of the region by forming an ellipsoidal curved surface in the direction of the third axis In the vehicle side mirror, the ellipsoid intersects the first plane with an ellipse having the first axis as the major axis and the second axis as the minor axis, and the second and third The vehicle is formed by a curved surface that intersects with an ellipse having a second axis as a major axis and a third axis as a minor axis with respect to a second plane formed by the axis, and the secondary mirror surface is a bulged curved surface of an ellipsoid Convex surfaces are formed in the lateral direction and the downward direction.

  The vehicle side mirror of the present invention projects the lateral and downward directions of the vehicle with a convex surface composed of an ellipsoid forming the secondary mirror surface without interfering with the function of the primary mirror surface, widens the field of view, and makes the image easy to see. . A large, rear-side image of the vehicle with little distortion, projected on the convex surface in the lateral direction, visually confirming other vehicles in the rear-lateral direction of the lane, especially other vehicles hidden in the blind spot, greatly diverts the driver's line of sight. It will be possible without any problem and contribute to the safe driving of the vehicle. In addition, the enlarged and easy-to-view video around the rear wheel of the vehicle reflected on the convex surface of the lower part of the secondary mirror makes it easy to check the presence of obstacles around the rear wheel, preventing accidents involving wrapping during left and right turn operations. Can be achieved. Furthermore, by utilizing the various mirror surface curved surfaces of the existing vehicle side mirrors as they are, it is possible to form a mirror surface that corresponds to each of the individual shapes and expands the field of view to where it could not be visually recognized in the past.

  The first aspect of the present invention is provided with a main mirror surface provided on the side of the vehicle body for visually observing the rear and lateral directions of the vehicle, and 2/2 of the area of the main mirror surface near the vehicle body in the main mirror surface. 5 is provided with a convex sub-mirror surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the main mirror surface, and an ellipsoid with respect to the first, second and third axes where the convex surfaces of the sub-mirror surface are orthogonal to each other. And an intersection of the ellipse and the first axis with respect to an ellipse formed when the first plane formed by the first and second axes intersects with the ellipsoid. And the two end points on the ellipse sandwiching this intersection point as an intermediate point are both arranged on the main mirror surface, and the position and shape of the area of the surface where the sub mirror surface faces the main mirror surface are determined by the intersection point and the two end points, The convex surface of the secondary mirror surface has an ellipsoidal curved surface extending from the periphery of the region to the third axis. The ellipsoid intersects the first plane with an ellipse having the first axis as the major axis and the second axis as the minor axis. The second mirror plane is formed as a curved surface intersecting an ellipse with the second axis as the major axis and the third axis as the minor axis with respect to the second plane formed by the second and third axes. The vehicle side mirror is characterized in that a convex surface is formed in a lateral direction and a downward direction of the vehicle by a curved surface.

  With this configuration, the secondary mirror surface of a small mirror that has a smaller radius of curvature than the primary mirror surface and does not exceed 2/5 of its area is provided on the primary mirror surface near the vehicle body that is less frequently used, so that the function of the primary mirror surface is not hindered. A wide field of view in the lateral rear direction of the lane can be obtained. Since the intersection of the first axis and the two end points of the ellipse sandwiching this intersection as an intermediate point are both located on the main mirror surface, and the area between the sub mirror surface and the main mirror surface is determined by the intersection point and the two end points, Has a convex surface that reflects the lateral direction and the downward direction of the side mirror for the vehicle, and this convex surface broadens the field of view of the vehicle's lateral rearward direction, and other vehicles hidden behind the blind spot in the laterally rearward direction of the lane. To make the video of the large and easy to see. In addition, the enlarged and easy-to-see video around the rear wheel of the vehicle reflected on the convex surface of the lower part makes it easy to check for obstacles around the rear wheel, and prevents accidents involving wrap-ups during left and right turns. be able to. Furthermore, by utilizing various specular curved surfaces of existing vehicle side mirrors as they are, it is possible to form a specular surface that corresponds to each individual shape and that can expand the field of view to where it could not be visually recognized.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle side mirror characterized in that the first shaft is inclined from 0 to 90 degrees closer to the vehicle body.

  With this configuration, when viewing another vehicle image in the lateral rear direction of the adjacent lane, it is possible to provide a large and easy-to-view image with little distortion, and to obtain excellent visibility.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle side mirror characterized in that the main mirror surface and the sub mirror surface are formed in an integral structure, depending on the first or second mode.

  With this configuration, the main mirror surface and the sub mirror surface are manufactured as an integrated mirror surface, so that when the vehicle side mirror is disposed, the position of the sub mirror surface does not vary, and stable and excellent images can be provided. it can.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle side mirror characterized by being dependent on the first or second aspect, wherein a main mirror surface and a sub mirror surface are formed in a separate structure.

  With this configuration, the secondary mirror surface can be manufactured as a single component and can be easily joined and integrated by adhering to the main mirror surface of the vehicle side mirror disposed in an existing vehicle with an adhesive or the like.

  The fifth aspect of the present invention is a form dependent on any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the ratio of the ellipticity is the length of the major axis of the ellipse and the length of the minor axis is the numerator. In the second plane formed by the second and third axes, the ellipticity of an ellipse having the second axis as the major axis and the third axis as the minor axis exceeds 0.1 and exceeds 1.0. It is a vehicle side mirror characterized by being less than.

  With this configuration, the secondary mirror surface is a convex surface that has a small radius of curvature and bulges appropriately, so that the field of view of the vehicle's lateral rear direction can be made sufficiently wide. Can be easily viewed with a large distortion.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is a form that is dependent on any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the main mirror includes a curved surface having a positive radius of curvature, and the secondary mirror surface faces the main mirror. The vehicle side mirror is characterized in that a concave curved surface for receiving the curved surface of the main mirror with the same curvature radius as the curvature radius is formed on the surface to be curved.

  With this configuration, even if it is a convex primary mirror surface having a positive radius of curvature, the secondary mirror surface that is a concave surface is fitted to the primary mirror surface, and its intersection and two end points are arranged on the primary mirror surface, so that The mirror surface and the main mirror surface can be joined.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a convex sub-mirror surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the main mirror surface is provided in a portion of the main mirror surface near the vehicle body and not exceeding 2/5 of the area of the main mirror surface. And a mirror surface forming method for a vehicle side mirror, wherein the convex surface of the secondary mirror surface is constituted by a part of a curved surface forming an ellipsoid with respect to the first, second and third axes orthogonal to each other. In this case, the first and second axes are configured as an ellipse having the first axis as the major axis and the second axis as the minor axis with respect to the first plane formed by the first and second axes, and the second and third axes are An ellipse formed when the second axis is an ellipse having the second axis as the major axis and the third axis as the minor axis and the first plane and the ellipsoid intersect with each other. And the intersection of the first axis and the two end points on the ellipse sandwiching this intersection as an intermediate point are both arranged on the main mirror surface, The position and shape of the area of the surface where the mirror surface faces the main mirror surface are determined by the intersection and the two end points, and the convex surface of the secondary mirror surface is bulged from the area in the direction of the third axis by forming an ellipsoidal curved surface. , The ellipsoidal curved surface is bulged from the periphery of the region in the direction of the third axis, and the convex surface is formed on the secondary mirror surface in the lateral direction and the downward direction by the bulged curved surface. This is a method for forming a mirror surface of a vehicle side mirror.

  With this configuration, it is possible to form various mirror surfaces of existing vehicle side mirrors as they are, corresponding to the respective shapes, and forming a mirror surface that expands the field of view up to where it could not be visually recognized in the past. Since the minor mirror sub-mirror surface, which has a smaller radius of curvature than the main mirror surface and does not exceed 2/5, is provided on the main mirror surface near the vehicle body, which is less frequently used, the side of the lane can be moved without interfering with the function of the main mirror surface. A wide rearward view can be obtained. Since the intersection point of the first axis and the two end points of the ellipse sandwiching this intersection point as an intermediate point are both located on the main mirror surface, the area of the surface where the sub mirror surface faces the main mirror surface is determined by the intersection point and the two end points. The ellipsoid is formed with a convex surface that reflects the lateral and downward direction of the vehicle side mirror, and this convex surface broadens the field of view of the vehicle in the lateral rear direction, and in other vehicles, particularly in the blind spot, in the lateral rear direction of the lane. Make the images of other hidden cars bigger and easier to see. In addition, the enlarged and easy-to-see video around the rear wheel of the vehicle reflected on the convex surface of the lower part makes it easy to check for obstacles around the rear wheel, and prevents accidents involving wrap-ups during left and right turns. be able to.

  The eighth form of the present invention is a form dependent on the seventh form, in which the first axis is inclined closer to the vehicle body, and the side of the vehicle is placed on the secondary mirror surface by the ellipsoidal curved surface and the first axis inclination. A convex surface forming method for forming a side mirror for a vehicle, wherein convex surfaces are formed in a direction and a downward direction.

  With this configuration, when visually recognizing the image around the rear wheel of the host vehicle, a large and easy-to-view image with little distortion can be provided, and excellent visibility can be obtained.

  The ninth form of the present invention is a form subordinate to the seventh or eighth form, and when the main mirror surface has a curved surface with a finite and positive radius of curvature, the second plane is more than the case where the main mirror surface is a plane. And a mirror surface forming method for a side mirror for a vehicle, wherein the length of the minor axis of the ellipse obtained by intersecting the ellipsoid with the ellipsoid is increased.

  With this configuration, even when the convex surface of the primary mirror surface is a curved surface having a positive radius of curvature, the secondary mirror surface is designed based on the case where the primary mirror surface is a plane, and the second plane and the ellipsoid are By setting the length of the short axis of the ellipse obtained by intersecting to a value larger than the length of the short axis when the main mirror surface is a plane, the influence of the radius of curvature applied to the main mirror can be reduced.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the vehicle side mirror and the mirror surface forming method of the vehicle side mirror according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIGS. 1 to 5 in the case of the right side mirror of a right-hand drive vehicle. FIGS. 1-5 shows an example of the secondary mirror surface 3 provided in the vehicle side mirror of the normal passenger car. Although the vehicle side mirrors are provided on both the left and right sides of the vehicle body, the left side mirror is basically based on the same principle as the right side mirror, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  1 is a front view of a vehicle side mirror according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram of the vehicle side mirror according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a utilization state. 4 is a perspective view of the vehicle side mirror of the present invention, FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of an ellipsoid constituting the secondary mirror surface, FIG. 6 is a front view when the secondary mirror surface is a circular spherical surface, and FIG. It is a front view in the case of a linear curved surface.

  1 to 5, the main mirror surface 2 of the vehicle side mirror according to the first embodiment of the present invention is provided with a convex sub mirror surface 3 having a smaller curvature radius than the curvature radius of the main mirror surface 2. This facilitates visual inspection and confirmation of other vehicles traveling in the lateral rearward direction of the driver's next lane, in particular, vehicles in a so-called blind spot.

  Here, in the first embodiment, a case where the main mirror surface 2 has a curvature radius ∞, that is, a plane will be described. However, a convex surface having a positive radius of curvature with a finite value of, for example, about 600 R or more can also be handled. Details of this correspondence will be described in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the case where the main mirror surface 2 has a concave radius of curvature (concave surface) can also be handled. In the following description, a vehicle side mirror installed on the right side of the vehicle body will be mainly described in a right-hand drive vehicle. However, this also applies to a vehicle side mirror installed on the left side of the vehicle body in a left-hand drive vehicle. It is the same.

  The main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 are made of ABS resin, polyamide resin, glass, or the like integrally or separately on a curved surface to be described below so as to reflect light rays from the surface in the same manner as conventional vehicle side mirrors. The surface is coated with a metal or resin to finish a mirror surface. In the case of the existing primary mirror surface 2, only the separate secondary mirror surface 3 is molded and subjected to mirror processing.

  The mounting location of the secondary mirror surface 3 is a portion of the primary mirror surface 2 that is close to the vehicle body that is not often used when viewing the side and rear. The area of the secondary mirror surface 3 in the primary mirror surface 2 is the area of the primary mirror surface 2. As a range of an area not exceeding 2/5, the sub mirror surface 3 is attached so that the original function of the main mirror surface for visually confirming the rear of the vehicle is not hindered. However, if the area is too small, the image will be small and difficult to see.

  As the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface 3, an optimal curved surface is selected depending on the type of vehicle, but a part of an ellipsoid about three axes orthogonal to each other so that the image of another vehicle in the lateral rearward direction of the adjacent lane is large and easy to visually confirm. Is a vertically long curved surface. A curved surface in which a part other than the main part is deformed may be used. This is, for example, a curved surface in which a part that is not used much in the secondary mirror surface 3 is partially deformed.

  Now, the ellipsoid used as the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface 3 will be described below.

  In FIG. 5, an axis A (first axis in the present invention), an axis B (second axis in the present invention), and an axis C (third axis in the present invention) intersecting each other at 90 degrees are provided. , The axis B is directed in a direction parallel to the planar main mirror surface 2, and the axis C is directed in a direction orthogonal to the main mirror surface 2. An ellipsoid formed by setting the axis A as the major axis and the axis B as the minor axis in the plane of the axes A and B, the axis B as the major axis, and the axis C as the minor axis in the plane of the axes B and C. Z is formed, and the curved surface of the ellipsoid Z is used as the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface 3.

  Next, the intersections of the surface of the ellipsoid Z and the A axis are points a and a ', the intersections with the B axis are points b and b', and the intersections with the C axis are points c and c. Further, an arbitrary point on the meridian connecting the point b and the point a ′ is set as a point d. Next, an arbitrary point on the meridian connecting the points a and b 'is set as a point e. Further, an A-B plane formed by the major axis A and the minor axis B is a plane X (first plane in the present invention), and a B-C plane perpendicular to the plane X passing through the points d and e is a plane Y (in the present invention). Second plane).

  The curved surface of the sub mirror surface 3 in the first embodiment will be described. Here, when the ellipticity is defined as the ratio of the major axis of the ellipse as the denominator and the length of the minor axis as the numerator, the curved surface of the ellipsoid Z having the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface 3 as shown in FIG. Axis B which is the horizontal axis for a surface having an ellipticity α of approximately 0.5, for example, with the length of axis A parallel to mirror surface 2 as the denominator and the length of axis B as the numerator, For example, an elliptical ellipsoid Z having an ellipticity β of about 0.5, for example, with the length of the axis C as the numerator.

  The ellipticities α and β can be selected from positive values smaller than 1.0 and the ellipticity β can be selected between 0.1 and 1.0 depending on the vehicle. However, if the ellipticity α is too small, the ellipsoid Z becomes too long and the curved surface at the tip of the ellipsoid Z is used. If possible, a value of 0.2 or more, preferably 0.4 to Selecting between 1.0 is suitable for constructing the ellipsoid of the first embodiment. As for the ellipticity β, a wide field of view can be obtained if the ellipticity β is 1.0 or more, but the secondary mirror surface 3 rises higher than the surface of the main mirror surface 2, and the distortion of the image increases. However, when the ellipticity β is 0.1 or less, the overall thickness becomes a thin curved surface that is almost flat, and the function as a vehicle side mirror is degraded. Therefore, the ellipticity α should be selected between 0.4 and 1.0, and the ellipticity β should be selected between 0.1 and 1.0.

  The sub-mirror surface 3 of the first embodiment has a D-shape that is a curved surface of a part of the ellipsoid Z, has a shape that bulges to one side, and is disposed in a lower portion of the main mirror surface 2 near the vehicle body. In the first embodiment, since the main mirror 2 is a flat surface, the plane X of the sub mirror surface 3 is bonded to the main mirror 2 in close contact. This attachment (or formation) is performed as follows.

  In the first embodiment, regarding the ellipse formed by the intersection of the plane X including the axes A and B and the ellipsoid Z, the intersection (point a) between the ellipse and the axis A and the ellipse sandwiching the point a The point d and the point e are used to determine the shape of the secondary mirror surface 3 on the plane X (the shape of the region where the secondary mirror surface 3 faces the primary mirror surface 2). Based on this shape, the mirror surface of the secondary mirror surface 3 of the ellipsoid Z bulging from the periphery of the ellipse toward the axis C is also determined. That is, assuming a triangle congruent with the triangle formed by these three points (point a, point d, and point e) at the attachment position of the secondary mirror surface 3 on the mirror surface of the main mirror surface 2 (a plane in the first embodiment), The sub mirror surface 3 is arranged on the main mirror surface 2 by joining the triangles together. This triangle determines the basic shape and position of the bottom surface of the sub-mirror surface 3. The curved surface obtained by projecting this shape onto the surface of the ellipsoid Z is the mirror surface of the secondary mirror surface 3. When the main mirror 3 is a plane, not only three points (point a, point d, point e) but also other points in the triangular area facing each other are between the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3. Everything touches and corresponds to the position.

  In the first embodiment, the axis A of the secondary mirror surface 3 is inclined by a predetermined angle toward the vehicle body and forms a convex surface on the secondary mirror surface 3 in the vehicle lateral direction and the downward direction, respectively. That is, the secondary mirror surface has a radius of curvature convex in the lateral direction of the vehicle on the curved surface on the right side of the contour line of points a and d, and also has a curvature radius convex in the downward direction of the contour line around points a and e. Have A D-shaped region including points a, d, and e on the plane X is a region where the sub mirror surface 3 and the main mirror surface 2 face each other, and this region is directed from the position of the main mirror surface 2 toward the axis C direction. The portion of the ellipsoid Z that bulges out becomes the mirror surface of the secondary mirror surface 3.

  A relatively large lateral rear image with little distortion reflected on the convex surface in the lateral direction near the periphery (between points a and d) where the ellipsoid Z intersects the main mirror surface 2 can be used to Visual confirmation of the vehicle, particularly other vehicles hidden in the blind spot, is possible without greatly diverting the driver's line of sight. At the same time, an enlarged and easy-to-view image of the surrounding area of the rear wheel of the vehicle reflected on the convex surface of the lower part near the periphery (between points a and e) where the ellipsoid intersects the main mirror surface 2 Presence / absence check can be performed easily, and accidents during entrainment during left / right turn operation can be prevented.

  By the way, the axis A, which is the major axis of the ellipsoid Z, is preferably arranged so as to be inclined toward the vehicle body by an angle θ. The inclination direction of the axis A is determined when the line connecting the upper end and the lower end of the main mirror surface 2 intersecting the side mirror housing in FIG. 5 is oriented parallel to the axis perpendicular to the ground surface (hereinafter referred to as the vertical axis N). Is set to a direction inclined approximately 40 degrees in the left direction with respect to the vertical axis N in order to improve the visibility of other vehicle images traveling in the lateral rearward direction of the adjacent lane. However, depending on the structure of the vehicle, it is possible to incline the long axis in the left direction with respect to the vertical axis N direction in the range of 0 to 90 degrees. Here, when the inclination direction is set to 0 degree, the image is vertically long. However, if there is no problem with this, it can be set to 0 degree. In addition, when the tilt direction is 90 degrees (preferably, the secondary mirror surface 3 close to a quarter-elliptical ellipsoid is preferable), the arrangement is horizontally long. The image can be projected with a little distortion, and it can be easily mounted because it is sideways with respect to the side mirror housing.

  A specific example of the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, an ellipsoid Z having a major axis A (vertical length of 100 mm) is formed in a slightly lower part of the main mirror surface 2 on the vehicle body side. The front half of the semi-ellipsoid obtained by cutting along the plane X with the axis A having a length of 50 mm and a length of 25 mm of the axis C inclined to the left by 40 degrees with respect to the vertical line N Is a convex surface on the right side of a curved surface formed by cutting a portion d at a point d closer to 10 mm from the point b toward the point a ′ and a point e nearer to the point b ′ from the point a by 20 mm. Is a curved surface with a secondary mirror surface. Due to the shape of the ellipsoid Z and the inclination of 40 degrees, the secondary mirror surface 3 forms a convex surface in the lateral direction of the vehicle on the curved surface on the right side of the points a and d, and downward on the periphery of the points a and e. Each convex surface is formed.

  As another example, the axis A of the ellipsoid Z (the length of the axis A is 100 mm, the length of the axis B is 50 mm, the length of the axis C is 25 mm) is tilted 90 degrees to the left with respect to the vertical line N. In this state, the right half of the semi-ellipsoid (quarter ellipsoid) obtained by cutting along the plane X is a point d that is 20 mm closer to the point a side than the point b, and 20 mm closer to the point a side than the point b ′. The convex surface on the right side of the curved surface formed by cutting along the plane Y passing through the point e is used as the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface. Since it can be mounted perpendicular to the side mirror housing, it can be easily mounted.

  Here, two curved surfaces as a comparative example to be compared with the curved surface of the ellipsoid Z described above will be described. The first curved surface is a case where a relatively small sphere (that is, the ellipticity α is 1.0) intersects with the main mirror surface 2 as the curved surface of the secondary mirror surface 3, and corresponds to the circular spherical surface shown in FIG. is there. The second curved surface corresponds to the linear curved surface shown in FIG. 7 when the axis A is vertical and the vicinity of the center of the ellipsoid intersects the main mirror surface 2 and the ellipticity α is 1 / ∞. Even on these two curved surfaces, it is possible for the driver to visually check and confirm the other vehicle image in the lateral rear direction of the adjacent lane. However, in the former case (ellipticity α is 1.0), The image of the other vehicle is smaller than in the case of a body curved surface, the image is greatly distorted, and it is difficult to discriminate and understand the image. In the latter case (ellipticity α is 1 / ∞), the image of the other vehicle appears to be vertically elongated and distorted as compared to the case of a vertically long ellipsoidal curved surface. The image around the wheel cannot be projected.

  In manufacturing the vehicle side mirror of the first embodiment, the mirror main body is integrally formed of ABS resin, polyamide resin, glass, or the like, and the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 are manufactured as a two-layered integrated structure. Then, the surface is coated with metal or resin and finished to a mirror surface, and this is assembled into a side mirror housing, or the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 are separated and manufactured as separate parts, respectively. A single part of the secondary mirror surface is manufactured by bonding it to the existing main mirror surface with an adhesive or the like. In the case of the secondary mirror surface 3 made of a separation structure, it is preferable to apply an adhesive to the secondary mirror surface 3 in advance on the bottom surface to be bonded to the primary mirror surface 2.

  In the case of a new vehicle, the former integrated method is suitable. However, if the existing vehicle side mirror is equipped with the secondary mirror surface 3, the secondary mirror surface 3 is bonded as a single part to the primary mirror surface 2 with an adhesive or the like. The method to do is suitable.

  As described above, the method of forming the mirror surface of the vehicle side mirror and the vehicle side mirror according to the first embodiment is such that the secondary mirror surface is an elongated ellipsoid, and is closer to the main mirror surface of the main mirror surface, which is less useful for visual recognition. By arranging it in the lower part (area that does not exceed 2/5 of the main mirror surface), the side image that is the blind spot of the main mirror surface is displayed on the secondary mirror surface, and the image displayed on the primary mirror surface is displayed on the secondary mirror surface. Apart from the car image, it is possible to project an image around the rear wheel of the vehicle (see FIG. 3). The blind spot is covered with the two images projected on the secondary mirror surface, and the original function of the primary mirror surface is not sacrificed.

  When another vehicle in the adjacent lane approaches from behind, if the other vehicle is more than 10m behind when viewed from the own vehicle, the image of the other vehicle is recognized in the field of view of the vehicle side mirror. As the distance gets closer, the image of the other vehicle gradually moves to the right side in the vehicle side mirror, and eventually the image of the other vehicle becomes closer to the tail of the vehicle. It will become impossible to see the existence of other vehicles in the image. That is, it enters a so-called blind spot.

  For this reason, in the conventional vehicle side mirror, the field of view is widened by providing a slight curvature (for example, a curvature radius of 1000 R). However, with this mirror surface alone, the field of view is only in the range of about 160 to 180 degrees rearward with respect to the vehicle traveling direction, and a blind spot occurs in the driver's right lateral rearward direction.

  On the other hand, according to the vehicle side mirror of the first embodiment, in addition to the conventional vehicle side mirror, the sub mirror surface uses the convex surface around the ellipsoid, so the driver's field of view is approximately 50 degrees. In the lateral direction, that is, in the lateral direction of the vehicle body, it is enlarged to a range of about 210 degrees to 230 degrees rearward with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle. Further, the downward convex surface of the peripheral edge intersecting with the main mirror surface of the secondary mirror surface widens the field of view by about 50 degrees, and makes it easy to see the image around the other vehicle in the field of view and the rear wheel of the own vehicle.

  When viewed from the driver's seat, the rear side image of the large vehicle with little distortion displayed on the convex surface in the lateral direction allows the driver to move the other side of the lane in the rear side of the lane. Other vehicles hidden in the blind spot can be visually confirmed and confirmed. In addition, the enlarged image of the area around the rear wheel of the vehicle reflected on the convex surface on the lower side makes it easy to check for obstacles around the rear wheel, and prevents accidents such as entrainment when turning left or right. be able to.

  Normally, a driver drives while checking the running state of other vehicles around the vehicle with images displayed on the rearview mirror and the vehicle side mirror. When the other vehicle in the adjacent lane approaches from the rear at an increased speed, the driver first visually recognizes the other vehicle on the image of the rear mirror of the own vehicle and the side mirror for the vehicle. As the distance between the vehicle and the other vehicle disappears, the image of the other vehicle gradually flows to the right from the mirror surface center of the rear-view mirror and the side mirror for the vehicle, and there is another vehicle running side-by-side from the mirror surface of the side mirror. I don't know.

  In such a case, in the first embodiment, the video of the other vehicle is still displayed on the secondary mirror surface, and the driver visually checks and confirms the video of the other vehicle reflected on the secondary mirror surface, and the other vehicle is in the adjacent lane. Recognize that it exists and can travel. When another vehicle runs alongside your own vehicle and overtakes it, the image of the other vehicle on the secondary mirror surface gradually flows to the right side of the secondary mirror surface and goes out of sight. Other cars are already in the driver's lateral view, so there is no problem.

  Since the tension of the driver who determines whether or not another vehicle is traveling within the blind spot of the adjacent lane is high, the vehicle side mirror according to the first embodiment can travel with peace of mind. It is possible to prevent traffic accidents such as contact accidents.

(Embodiment 2)
Hereinafter, the vehicle side mirror in Embodiment 2 of this invention is demonstrated. The vehicle side mirror of the first embodiment has a flat main mirror surface, whereas the vehicle side mirror of the second embodiment is curved so as to be convex. Accordingly, the basic configuration of the first embodiment and the second embodiment is the same except for this point. FIGS. 1 to 5 are also referred to in the second embodiment, and the same reference numerals indicate the same configuration. The description will be omitted.

  FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the contour of the secondary mirror surface of the vehicle side mirror according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is the contour of the convex primary mirror surface on which the secondary mirror surface of FIG. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram of the contour of the flat main mirror surface on which the sub mirror surface of FIG. 8A is mounted.

In FIG. 8A, L ₁ , L ₂ , and L ₃ are contour lines that indicate the contour of the periphery of the ellipsoid Z in the region where the sub mirror surface 3 in the second embodiment is joined to the convex main mirror surface 2. is there. L ₁ is a contour line between the points a and b ′ in FIG. 5, L ₂ is a contour line between the points a and b, and L ₃ is a space between the points b and b ′. An outline is shown. Dashed lines L ₁ ′, L ₂ ′, and L ₃ ′ are contour lines of the periphery of the ellipsoid Z when joined to the planar main mirror surface 2.

  A vehicle side mirror is often provided with a curvature having a radius of curvature of 600 R (mm) or more (JIS D5705). At this time, security standards can be satisfied. However, the outsider under mirror must have a radius of curvature of 100R (mm) or more. In the case of the zoom engineering blue mirror, the radius of curvature is 1200 R to 1400 R or more in the standard, 700 R to 1400 R or more in the RV vehicle, and about 2000 R or more in the imported vehicle is mainstream. Imported vehicles also have a vehicle side mirror with a combination of flat and convex surfaces.

  Thus, when the main mirror surface is a convex surface of, for example, 600 R (mm) or more, the curved surface with the main mirror surface 2 is not exactly joined as in the case where the sub mirror surface 3 is a flat surface, and a gap is formed therebetween. When the radius of curvature is 1600R, the gap is about 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm for 1200R, 1.2 mm for 1000R, and 1.6 mm for 800R.

Therefore, in order to take measures against the inconsistency in curvature of the main mirror surface 2, there is a problem in what form the sub mirror surface 3 should be formed. Embodiment 2 solves this problem. FIG. 8A is a perspective view when the secondary mirror surface 3 is viewed from the bottom side toward the upper side in the C direction, and the contour line L ₁ , the contour line L ₂ , and the contour line L ₃ are formed on the convex main mirror surface 2. This is a line where the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 intersect when the mirror surface 3 is arranged. Similarly, the contour line L ₁ ′, the contour line L ₂ ′, and the contour line L ₃ ′ are lines when the planar main mirror surface 2 intersects the sub mirror surface 3.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view when the convex surface of the main mirror surface 3 is looked down from the upper side in the direction of the axis C (this is a field of view from a direction different from the direction of FIG. 8A). L ₁ , contour line L ₂ , and contour line L ₃ form a concave surface on the main mirror surface 2 that is a D-shape connecting points a, d, and e and is slightly bent in the axis C direction. Show. The concave surface including the D-shaped contour is configured with the same radius of curvature as that of the convex surface of the main mirror surface 2.

Similarly, FIG. 8C is a perspective view when the planar main mirror surface 3 is looked down from the upper side in the direction of the axis C in the same manner as FIG. 8B, and the contour line L ₁ ′, the contour line L ₂ ′, The contour line L ₃ ′ indicates that a D-shaped plane passing through the points a, d, and e when the main mirror surface 2 is viewed from above is formed. A straight line connecting the points a, d, and e is a triangle that determines the D-shape.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 8A and 8C, when the main mirror surface 2 is a plane, the points a, d, and points on the bottom surface (plane X) of the sub-mirror surface 3 cut out as a part of the ellipsoid. The triangle formed by e becomes a triangle arranged on the plane of the main mirror surface 2 as it is as described in the first embodiment, and the regions (triangles formed by the points a, d, and e) are joined to each other. By doing so, the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 can be formed into a two-layered curved surface integrated with no gap.

On the other hand, when the main mirror surface 2 is convex, the secondary mirror surface 3 including the points a, d, and e is a concave surface recessed from the plane X as shown in FIGS. The two convex surfaces face each other at a common boundary. The D-shaped region surrounded by the contour line L ₁ , the contour line L ₂ , and the contour line L ₃ on the bottom surface of the sub-mirror surface 3 is concave and concave except for the points a, d, and e. In other words, the shape of the bottom surface of the sub mirror surface 3 is a shape obtained by removing a portion corresponding to the convex surface of the main mirror surface 2. For this reason, the secondary mirror surface 3 and the main mirror surface 2 have the same curvature radius and are fitted.

  With this configuration, the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 can be formed into an integral two-step curved surface. In addition, you may form the cavity hollow in the concave shape as shown in FIG. This is a structure suitable for the case where the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 are formed as an integral structure. On the other hand, when the secondary mirror surface 3 is mounted on an existing vehicle side mirror, the secondary mirror surface 3 having a solid structure suitable for applying an adhesive or the like is preferable.

  By the way, even if a slight curvature is applied to the main mirror surface 2, from the practical level, the mismatch between the curved surfaces of the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 is negligible. If this discrepancy is allowed, it is sufficient to join the secondary mirror surface 3 to the main mirror surface 2 as it is.

In addition, if the ellipticity β of the sub-mirror surface 3 is selected, the field of view can be easily expanded further. This will be described below. When the main mirror surface 2 is convex, the angle of intersection of the ellipsoid Z with the main mirror surface 2 (angle between tangents) is 90 degrees on the intersecting lines (contour line L ₁ , contour line L ₂ , contour line L ₃ ). Although it has a smaller angle, it becomes 90 degrees when the main mirror surface 2 is a plane. At 90 degrees, a good field of view can be provided as described in the first embodiment. Therefore, if the intersection angle is close to 90 degrees, the field of view in the case of a flat surface is approached, and the field of view can be enlarged.

  In order to make the intersection angle approach 90 degrees, the length of the axis C of the ellipse obtained by intersecting the plane Y and the ellipsoid Z shown in FIG. 5 is increased, and a value larger than the length of the axis C on the plane is selected. Thereby, the visual field of the sub mirror surface 3 can be brought close to the visual field in the case of 90 degrees, and the influence of the main mirror 2 being a convex surface can be reduced. This corresponds to increasing the ellipticity β. Therefore, when designing the secondary mirror surface, first, the design is based on the case where the main mirror surface is a plane, and when it is better to enlarge the field of view, the length of the axis C of the ellipse is set to the length when the main mirror surface is a plane. Increase the ellipticity β by increasing the value. The increase amount of the ellipticity β may be increased in proportion to the maximum mismatch amount between the secondary mirror surface 3 and the main mirror surface 2 in the axis C direction.

  In addition, although the case where the main mirror surface 2 was convex is explained above, it is basically the same when it is a concave surface. In this case as well, the mismatch between the curved surfaces of the main mirror surface 2 and the sub mirror surface 3 is practically negligible. If this is allowed, the points a, b, and b ′ are left with gaps remaining. What is necessary is just to join the sub mirror surface 3 on the main mirror surface 2 at three points. Also in this case, if the ellipticity β is reduced, the influence of the gap can be reduced by the ellipticity β.

  Thus, according to the vehicle side mirror and the vehicle side mirror mirror surface forming method according to the second embodiment, the curved surface of the main mirror surface is not flat as in the case where the secondary mirror surface 3 is mounted on the existing vehicle side mirror. In addition, it is possible to eliminate mismatches and gaps generated between the secondary mirror surface 3 and the primary mirror surface 2.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for a vehicle side mirror that can be visually recognized up to the vicinity of the rear wheel of the vehicle.

The front view of the vehicle side mirror in Embodiment 1 of this invention HH sectional view taken on the line in FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows the utilization condition of the side mirror for vehicles in Embodiment 1 of this invention. The perspective view of the side mirror for vehicles of the present invention Explanatory drawing of the ellipsoid constituting the secondary mirror surface Front view when the secondary mirror surface is a circular spherical surface Front view when the secondary mirror surface is a linear curved surface (A) Contour explanatory drawing of the sub mirror surface of the side mirror for vehicles in Embodiment 2 of this invention, (b) Contour explanatory drawing of the convex main mirror surface where the sub mirror surface of (a) is mounted, (c) (a ) Outline of the main mirror surface of the plane on which the secondary mirror surface is mounted

Explanation of symbols

1 Side mirror 1 'Side mirror housing 2 Primary mirror surface 3 Secondary mirror surface 4 Road lane line 5 Image of own vehicle (inside primary mirror surface and secondary mirror surface)
6 Other vehicle image in so-called blind spot running side by side Z Ellipsoid including secondary mirror surface A Long axis of ellipsoid Z (parallel to main mirror surface)
B Short axis of ellipsoid Z (parallel to main mirror surface)
C Short axis of ellipsoid Z (perpendicular to main mirror surface)
a, a 'intersection of surface of ellipsoid Z with axis A b, b' intersection of surface of ellipsoid Z with axis B c, c 'intersection of surface of ellipsoid Z with axis C d, e ellipsoid Arbitrary point on the meridian of Z θ Inclination angle between major axis A and vertical axis of ellipsoid Z x plane including axis A and axis Y Y plane perpendicular to plane X and passing through point d and point e N vertical axis

Claims (9)

A main mirror surface provided on the side of the vehicle body for visually observing the rear and lateral directions of the vehicle, and in a range not exceeding 2/5 of the area of the main mirror surface near the vehicle body in the main mirror surface The portion is provided with a convex secondary mirror surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the main mirror surface,
The convex surface of the secondary mirror surface is constituted by a part of a curved surface forming an ellipsoid with respect to the first, second and third axes orthogonal to each other,
In addition, with respect to an ellipse formed when the first plane formed by the first and second axes and the ellipsoid intersect, the intersection of the ellipse and the first axis and the intersection point as an intermediate point The two end points on the ellipse are both arranged on the main mirror surface, the position and shape of the area of the surface where the sub mirror surface faces the main mirror surface are determined by the intersection and the two end points, and A vehicle side mirror in which a convex surface forms a curved surface of the ellipsoid in the direction of the third axis from the periphery of the region,
The ellipsoid intersects the first plane in an ellipse having the first axis as a major axis and the second axis as a minor axis, and the second and third axes form the ellipse. The second plane is formed as a curved surface intersecting with an ellipse having the second axis as a major axis and the third axis as a minor axis, and the secondary mirror surface is formed by a curved surface bulged by the ellipsoid A vehicle side mirror, wherein convex surfaces are formed in a lateral direction and a downward direction of the vehicle.   2. The vehicle side mirror according to claim 1, wherein the first axis is inclined by 0 to 90 degrees toward the vehicle body.   The vehicle side mirror according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main mirror surface and the sub mirror surface are formed in an integral structure.   3. The vehicle side mirror according to claim 1, wherein the main mirror surface and the sub mirror surface are formed in a separate structure.   When the ellipticity is defined as a ratio in which the length of the major axis of the ellipse is the denominator and the length of the minor axis is the numerator, the second axis is long in the second plane formed by the second and third axes. 5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an ellipticity of an ellipse having a short axis as the axis and the third axis is greater than 0.1 and less than 1.0. 6. Side mirror.   The primary mirror has a curved surface with a positive radius of curvature, and a concave curved surface that receives the curved surface of the primary mirror with the same radius of curvature is formed on the side of the secondary mirror facing the primary mirror. The side mirror for vehicles described in any one of Claim 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned. A convex secondary mirror surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the primary mirror surface is provided in a portion of the primary mirror surface near the vehicle body and not exceeding 2/5 of the area of the primary mirror surface, and the convex surface of the secondary mirror surface A mirror surface forming method for a side mirror for a vehicle, comprising a part of a curved surface forming an ellipsoid with respect to first, second and third axes orthogonal to each other,
In configuring the ellipsoid, the ellipsoid is configured as an ellipse having the first axis as the major axis and the second axis as the minor axis with respect to the first plane formed by the first and second axes. And an ellipse having the second axis as a major axis and the third axis as a minor axis with respect to a second plane formed by the second and third axes,
For the ellipse formed when the first plane and the ellipsoid intersect, the intersection of the ellipse and the first axis and the two end points on the ellipse sandwiching this intersection as an intermediate point are both the main mirror surface. The position and shape of the area of the surface where the secondary mirror surface faces the primary mirror surface is determined by the intersection and the two end points, and the convex surface of the secondary mirror surface is determined from the periphery of the region to the third axis. Make an ellipsoidal curved surface in the direction of
A method of forming a mirror surface for a side mirror for a vehicle, wherein convex surfaces are formed on the sub-mirror surface in the lateral direction and the downward direction by the bulged curved surface. Inclining the first shaft toward the vehicle body;
8. The method of forming a mirror surface for a vehicle side mirror according to claim 7, wherein a convex surface is formed on the secondary mirror surface in a lateral direction and a downward direction of the vehicle by the curved surface of the ellipsoid and the inclination of the first axis.   When the main mirror surface has a curved surface with a finite and positive radius of curvature, the length of the minor axis of the ellipse obtained by intersecting the second plane and the ellipsoid is larger than when the main mirror surface is a plane. The method of forming a mirror surface of a vehicle side mirror according to claim 7 or 8, wherein:

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