JP2009248814A - Vehicle rear view monitor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a vehicle rear view monitor not causing trouble to an occupant while widening the range of a visual field. <P>SOLUTION: This vehicle rear view monitor has a mirror 3 which visually recognizes the rear dead corner of the vehicle by the occupant and is provided with: a general mirror surface 4 for visually recognizing the normal area of the rear dead corner; and a specific mirror surface 5 having a radius of curvature smaller than that of the general mirror surface 4. The monitor also includes: a light control element 6 switching to any one of a visible state visually recognizing the rear through the specific mirror surface 5 and an invisible state not visually recognizing the rear through the specific mirror surface 5; and a control means switching the light control element 6 to the visible state or the invisible state based on a result detected by a detection means detecting a vehicle state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle rear view device such as a door mirror.

In some door mirrors, the radius of curvature of a partial area of the mirror surface is made smaller than the radius of curvature of other areas, thereby expanding the visual field range and improving usability. For example, by making the radius of curvature of the lower area of the mirror surface smaller than the radius of curvature of the upper area, the area from the rear end of the vehicle to the rear tire can be made visible when the vehicle moves backward, or the radius of curvature of the outer area in the vehicle width direction of the mirror surface is made A door mirror has been developed in which the field of view on the side of the vehicle is expanded and the blind spot can be reduced by making the radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner region (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 7-251677 A

  However, if the curvature radius of the lower area of the mirror surface is smaller than the curvature radius of the upper area, the road surface around the rear tire is reflected in the lower area of the mirror surface even when the vehicle moves forward, and the reflected image flows. On the other hand, there is a problem that the passenger feels annoying when looking.

  A normal mirror that does not partially change the radius of curvature of the mirror surface is used, and the posture of the mirror can be changed by a motor. The mirror is turned rearward when moving forward and rotated downward when moving backward. In addition, a door mirror that can visually recognize the periphery of the rear tire has been considered. In the case of this door mirror, the above problem does not occur. However, in the case of this door mirror, since the motor is operated after detecting the backward movement of the vehicle and it takes time to complete the change of the posture of the mirror body, it is impossible to confirm the periphery of the rear tire simultaneously with the backward movement. In addition, if the posture of the mirror is changed at high speed using a high-power motor, it becomes possible to visually recognize the periphery of the rear tire, but this causes other problems such as increased power consumption and increased weight. .

  In addition, when the field of view on the side of the vehicle is widened by making the radius of curvature of the outer region in the vehicle width direction of the mirror surface smaller than the radius of curvature of the inner region, the image of the image is reflected in the mirror surface of the outer region in the vehicle width direction with a smaller radius of curvature. Due to the large distortion, when the door mirror is viewed when there is no vehicle on the side of the vehicle, the surrounding scenery appears distorted in the outer area of the mirror surface in the vehicle width direction, and the flow of the distorted image is seen by the occupants' eyes. There is a problem of entering and feeling annoying.

  Therefore, the present invention provides a vehicular rearward visual recognition device that does not make an occupant feel annoying while expanding the visual field range.

The vehicle rear vision device according to the present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a general mirror surface portion (for example, a normal mirror surface portion for visually recognizing a normal area of the rear dead angle is provided on a mirror body (for example, the mirror body 3 in an embodiment described later) that can visually recognize the rear blind spot of a vehicle occupant. A general mirror surface portion 4, 24) in an embodiment described later, and a specific mirror surface portion (for example, a specific mirror surface portion 5, 25 in the embodiment described later) formed with a smaller radius of curvature than the general mirror surface portion. Switching means (for example, an embodiment to be described later) for switching between a state in which visibility is possible through the specific mirror surface portion and a state in which visual recognition is not possible through the specific mirror surface portion. Dimming elements 6, 6L, 6R, 26, 26L, 26R) and detecting means for detecting the state of the vehicle (for example, a gear position sensor 11 and a headlight switch 12 in an embodiment described later) Based on the detection results of the small light switch 13, the direction indicators 14L and 14R, the vehicle speed sensor 15, and the BSD unit 16), the control means for switching the switching means to the visually recognizable state or the visually unrecognizable state (for example, the adjustment in the embodiments described later). And a light control device 10).
By configuring in this way, the specific mirror surface portion can be selected as either a visually recognizable state or a non-visually visible state. Can be eliminated.

The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the specific mirror surface portion is provided outside the general mirror surface portion in the vehicle width direction, and the detection means detects an object present on the side of the vehicle. The control means switches the switching means to an invisible state when the detection means does not detect the presence of an object, and switches the switching means to a visible state when the detection means detects an object. And
With this configuration, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible when an object is present on the side of the vehicle, and the visual field range in the vehicle width direction can be expanded.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the detection means is an object that is present in a lateral region of the vehicle that is out of the normal region that is the visible range of the general mirror surface portion. It is the thing which detects this.
With this configuration, when an object is present at a blind spot outside the normal region, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible, and the field of view in the vehicle width direction can be expanded.

The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection means is at least one of a vehicle reverse operation, a wheel angle, and an operation of a direction indicator. It is characterized by including what detects one.
With this configuration, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible when the vehicle is reversing, turning right or left, or when changing lanes, and the visual field range in the vehicle width direction can be expanded. .

The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the specific mirror surface portion is provided below the general mirror surface portion in the vehicle vertical direction, and the detection means includes a vehicle reverse operation, low speed traveling, direction The control means detects at least one of the operations of the indicator, and the control means switches the switching means to an invisible state when the detection means does not detect, and switches the switching means when the detection means detects. It is characterized by switching to a visually recognizable state.
With this configuration, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible when the vehicle moves backward, travels at a low speed, or turns right and left, and the visual field range in the vehicle vertical direction can be expanded.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the switching means is a dimming element whose transparency can be changed (for example, a dimming element in an embodiment described later). 6, 6L, 6R, 26, 26L, 26R).
With this configuration, the specific mirror surface portion can be easily and quickly switched between the visible state and the invisible state.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the specific mirror surface portion can be selected from either the visually recognizable state or the invisible state. Can be eliminated, and the usability of the mirror is improved.

  According to the invention of claim 2, when the object is present on the side of the vehicle, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible and the field of view in the vehicle width direction can be expanded. The object can be confirmed.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the object is present at a blind spot deviating from the normal region, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible and the visual field range in the vehicle width direction can be expanded. The object can be confirmed via

  According to the invention of claim 4, when the vehicle is reversing, turning right or left, or when changing lanes, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible so that the field of view in the vehicle width direction can be expanded. This makes it easier to check the surroundings when going backwards, turning left or right, or changing lanes.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the vehicle is moving backward, traveling at a low speed, or turning left or right, the specific mirror surface portion can be made visible so that the visual field range in the vehicle vertical direction can be expanded. It is easier to check the surroundings when driving at low speeds or turning left or right.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the specific mirror surface portion can be easily and quickly switched between the visually recognizable state and the visually unrecognizable state.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of a vehicular rearward visual recognition device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings of FIGS. In addition, the vehicle rear visual recognition apparatus in each embodiment described below is an aspect used for a door mirror provided on a front door of a vehicle.
<Example 1>
First, a first embodiment of a vehicle rearward visual recognition apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings of FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 3, left and right door mirrors 2 </ b> L and 2 </ b> R are respectively installed on the left and right front doors 1 </ b> L and 1 </ b> R of the vehicle V so that the driver can visually recognize the rear blind spot. 1 and 2 are front views of the mirror body 3 in the right door mirror 2R, and the mirror body 3 is formed of a convex mirror in order to expand the field of view range. The mirror body 3 has a general mirror surface portion 4 in a region slightly higher than about 2/3 in the vehicle vertical direction, and is a region lower than the general mirror surface portion 4 (that is, about 1/3 lower in the vehicle vertical direction). Region) is the specific mirror surface portion 5. In addition, the area ratio of the general mirror surface part 4 and the specific mirror surface part 5 is an example, and is not limited to this ratio.

The general mirror surface portion 4 has a curvature radius suitable for the driver to visually recognize the blind spot on the rear side via the general mirror surface portion 4 when traveling forward, for example, to confirm the presence of another vehicle traveling on the rear side. It is formed in a convex curved surface. In the first embodiment, the blind spot visible through the general mirror surface portion 4 is the “normal area of the rear blind spot”.
The specific mirror surface portion 5 is formed on a convex curved surface having a smaller radius of curvature than the curvature radius of the general mirror surface portion 4, and when the driver visually recognizes the rear dead angle through the specific mirror surface portion 5, It is formed in a convex curved surface with a radius of curvature suitable for visually recognizing a specific region from the rear end to the periphery of the rear tire.

  The right door mirror 2R is provided with a light control element (switching means) 6 on the surface of the specific mirror surface part 5 so as to cover the entire specific mirror surface part 5. The light control element 6 is controlled. By doing so, a visually recognizable state (a state shown in FIG. 1) that enables the backward visual recognition via the specific mirror surface part 5 and a non-visible state (FIG. 2) that makes the backward visual recognition via the specific mirror surface part 5 impossible. It is configured to be able to switch to any of the states shown in FIG. It should be noted that the visually invisible state includes, of course, a case in which the light control element 6 is completely shielded from light so that rearward visual recognition by the specific mirror surface portion 5 is completely impossible. This includes the case where the transmittance is lowered to make the image reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 5 less visible to the driver.

  The light control element 6 includes a liquid crystal shutter that changes the color and light transmittance (transparency) of the liquid crystal by changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal, and the color (frequency transparency) and light transmission according to the applied voltage. Examples thereof include an electrochromic device capable of changing the rate (transparency). In this way, it is possible to easily and quickly switch between the state in which the specific mirror surface portion 5 is visible and the state in which it is not visible.

  The left door mirror 2L is configured in the same manner as the right door mirror 2R. In the door mirrors 2L and 2R, when the dimming element 6 is in a visible state, the driver can The normal area can be visually recognized, and the specific area from the rear end of the host vehicle V to the periphery of the rear tire can be visually recognized via the specific mirror surface portion 5. That is, the visual field range through the door mirrors 2L and 2R can be expanded in the vertical direction (downward in the first embodiment). Therefore, when the light control element 6 is made visible when the vehicle is traveling backward such as in a garage, the driver can visually recognize the periphery of the rear tire from the rear end of the host vehicle V via the specific mirror surface portion 5. , Usability during retreat is improved. Further, when the dimming element 6 of the door mirrors 2L and 2R on the side corresponding to the right / left turn is made visible, the driver can visually recognize the periphery of the rear tire from the rear end of the host vehicle V through the specific mirror surface portion 5. This makes it possible to drive while checking the position of the rear tire when turning right or left, improving usability.

  On the other hand, when the dimming element 6 is in an invisible state, the driver can only visually recognize the normal area of the rear blind spot through the general mirror surface part 4, and the rear blind spot through the specific mirror surface part 5. It cannot be visually recognized (in other words, nothing appears in the specific mirror surface portion 5). Therefore, if the dimming element 6 is made invisible in normal traveling such as forward traveling, the specific mirror surface portion 5 does not function as a mirror surface, and nothing is reflected, so that the driver can detect the rear blind spot through the general mirror surface portion 4. When visually recognizing the normal area, the specific mirror surface portion 5 does not feel troublesome. That is, the troublesomeness due to the presence of the specific mirror surface portion 5 can be eliminated.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a control example of the vehicle rear vision device 100 including the door mirrors 2 </ b> L and 2 </ b> R according to the first embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the vehicle rear visual recognition device 100 includes a dimming control device (control means) 10 including an electronic control device, and a dimming element for the left door mirror 2L (left door mirror dimming element: switching means). 6L, right door mirror 2R light control element (right door mirror light control element: switching means) 6R, rear under mirror light control element 7, and various detection means for detecting the state of the host vehicle. Has been. The left door mirror light control element 6L and the right door mirror light control element 6R correspond to the light control element 6 described above.

  The detection means includes a gear position sensor 11 for detecting the gear position of the host vehicle, a headlight switch 12 for turning on / off the headlight, a small light switch 13 for turning on / off the small light, direction indicators 14L, 14R, The light control device 10 includes a vehicle speed sensor 15 that detects the vehicle speed, and the dimming control device 10 outputs a back gear signal output from the gear position sensor 11, a light ON signal output from the headlight switch 12, and an output from the small light switch 13. The light ON signal, the direction indicator signal output from the direction indicators 14L and 14R, the vehicle speed signal output from the vehicle speed sensor 15, and the like are input.

  The rear under mirror is composed of, for example, a mirror mounted on a high-mount stop lamp disposed on the inner upper side of the rear window glass of the own vehicle, and the driver passes the rear window glass through the rear under mirror 7. Thus, the rear lower part of the own vehicle can be visually recognized. In the vehicle of this embodiment, the rear under mirror light control element 7 is also provided on the surface of the rear under mirror so that the rear under mirror light control element 7 can be visually recognized in the same manner as the left and right door mirror light control elements 6L and 6R. Switching between the state and the invisible state is made.

Next, dimming control in the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
The dimming control routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is repeatedly executed by the dimming control device 10.
First, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the gear position is a back gear based on whether or not a back gear signal is input.
If the determination result in step S101 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S102, where the left and right door mirror light control elements 6L, 6R and the rear under mirror light control element 7 are turned on, and all of these are in a visible state. .

  Next, the process proceeds to step S103, the timer is turned on, the visible state is held for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and the routine returns without suddenly changing to the invisible state. As a result, while the host vehicle is moving backward, the periphery of the rear tire is visually recognized from the rear end of the host vehicle by the specific mirror surface portion 5 of the left and right door mirrors 2L, 2R, and the rear lower part of the host vehicle is visually confirmed by the rear under mirror. can do.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S101 is “NO” (that is, when the vehicle is moving forward or stopped), the process proceeds to step S104, where the headlight is turned on based on whether or not the headlight ON signal and the small light ON signal are input. Alternatively, it is determined whether or not the small light is ON (lighted).
If the determination result in step S104 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S102. That is, when the headlight is ON, it is determined that it is at night or in a tunnel, and when the small light is ON, it is determined that it is morning or evening, and the left and right door mirror dimmers 6L and 6R The rear light control element 7 for the rear under mirror is in a visible state, and the surroundings of the rear tire are visible from the rear end of the own vehicle with the specific mirror surface portions 5 of the left and right door mirrors 2L and 2R, so that the surrounding situation of the own vehicle can be easily confirmed. To do.

When the determination result in step S104 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S105, where it is determined whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 10 km / h) based on the vehicle speed signal input from the vehicle speed sensor 15. To do.
If the determination result in step S105 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S102. That is, when the vehicle speed is 10 km / h or less, the left and right door mirror light control elements 6L and 6R and the rear under mirror light control element 7 are made visible, and the specific mirror surface portions of the left and right door mirrors 2L and 2R are displayed. 5 makes it possible to visually recognize the periphery of the rear tire from the rear end of the host vehicle so that the surrounding situation of the host vehicle can be easily confirmed. If the vehicle speed is low, the road surface around the rear tire is reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 5, and even if the reflected image flows, the image flowing speed is slow. The driver who is visually recognizing does not feel bothered by the flowing image reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 5.

When the determination result in step S105 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S106, and whether or not the right direction indicator 14R is ON is determined based on the presence or absence of the light on signal input to the right direction indicator 14R. judge.
If the determination result in step S106 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S107, the right door mirror light control element 6R is turned on to make it visible, the left door mirror light control element 6L and the rear under mirror use The dimming element 7 is turned off to make it invisible and the process proceeds to step S103. Thus, while the host vehicle is turned right, it is possible to travel while visually recognizing the periphery of the right rear tire from the rear end of the vehicle on the right side of the host vehicle with the specific mirror surface portion 5 of the right door mirror 2R.

If the determination result in step S106 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S108, and whether or not the left direction indicator 14L is ON is determined based on whether or not the light on signal is input to the left direction indicator 14L. judge.
If the determination result in step S108 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S109, the left door mirror light control element 6L is turned on to make it visible, the right door mirror light control element 6R and the rear under mirror use The dimming element 7 is turned off to make it invisible and the process proceeds to step S103. Thus, while the host vehicle is turned to the left, it is possible to travel while visually recognizing the periphery of the left rear tire from the rear end of the vehicle on the left side of the host vehicle with the specific mirror surface portion 5 of the left door mirror 2L.

  If the determination result in step S108 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S110, where the left and right door mirror light control elements 6L, 6R and the rear under mirror light control element 7 are turned off to return to a visually invisible state.

The dimming control in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the ON / OFF of the left and right door mirror dimming elements 6L and 6R is controlled based on the detection result of the detecting means for detecting another vehicle state. It is also possible to do.
For example, if the amount of sunshine is less than a predetermined value based on the detection result of the sunshine sensor provided in the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at night or in a tunnel, and the left and right door mirror light control elements 6L and 6R are turned on. It may be controlled to be in a visible state.

Further, based on the detection result of the steering angle sensor provided in the vehicle, when the steering angle (wheel angle) is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle (for example, ± 45 degrees), it is determined that the vehicle is in a garage or is turning right or left. Then, the door mirror light control elements 6L and 6R may be controlled to be in an on-viewable state.
Further, based on the detection result of the yaw rate sensor provided on the vehicle, if the yaw rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the garage is being entered or the vehicle is turning left and right, and the light control elements 6L and 6R for the door mirror are turned on You may control and make it visible.

<Example 2>
Next, Example 2 of the vehicular rearward viewing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the left and right door mirrors 2L and 2R of the vehicle rear visual recognition device in the first embodiment, the general mirror surface portion 4 is formed on the upper side of the mirror surface 3, and the specific mirror surface portion 5 is formed on the lower side. In the door mirrors 2L and 2R in the rear visual recognition device, the mirror surface 3 has different curvature radii on the inner side and the outer side in the vehicle width direction, the general mirror surface portion is formed on the inner side, and the specific mirror surface portion is formed on the outer side. This will be described in detail below.

  6 and 8 are front views of the mirror body 3 in the left door mirror 2L in the vehicular rearward viewing device of the second embodiment, and the mirror body 3 is formed of a convex mirror in order to expand the field of view range. The mirror body 3 has a general mirror surface portion 24 in a region slightly more than 2/3 inward in the vehicle width direction (side closer to the vehicle body), and is a region on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (side far from the vehicle body) than the general mirror surface portion 24 (ie The region of the outer side in the vehicle width direction of about ３ is a specific mirror surface portion 25. In addition, the area ratio of the general mirror surface part 24 and the specific mirror surface part 25 is an example, and is not limited to this ratio.

  The general mirror surface portion 24 allows the driver to visually recognize the blind spot (viewing angle α in FIG. 7) far away from the rear side through the general mirror surface portion 24, and confirms the existence of another vehicle traveling rearward, for example. It is formed in a convex curved surface with a suitable radius of curvature. In Example 2, the region that can be visually recognized through the general mirror surface portion 24, that is, the viewing range by the general mirror surface portion 24 (viewing angle α in FIG. 7, for example, α = 13 degrees) Area ".

  The specific mirror surface portion 25 is formed in a convex curved surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the general mirror surface portion 24, and the driver can make a rear blind spot through both the general mirror surface portion 24 and the specific mirror surface portion 25 of the mirror body 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the visual field range is expanded outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the viewing angle α only by the general mirror surface portion 24, and the blind angle of the rear side region closer to the host vehicle V is also within the visual field range. The radius of curvature of the convex curved surface of the specific mirror surface portion 25 is set so that the viewing angle enters (the viewing angle β in FIG. 9, for example, β = 33 degrees). As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to confirm the presence of another vehicle VT traveling on the rear side very close to the host vehicle V. 7 and 9, the viewing angle γ indicates the viewing angle that can be seen through the door window glass of the left front door 1L in the viewing range of the driver of the host vehicle V that is driving facing the front of the vehicle. Yes.

  Further, a dimmer element (switching means) 26 is provided on the surface of the specific mirror surface portion 25 so as to cover the entire specific mirror surface portion 25, and the specific mirror surface 26 is controlled by controlling the dimmer element 26. The state of being visible (the state shown in FIG. 8) that enables the backward visual recognition via the part 25 and the state of no visual recognition (the state shown in FIG. 6) that makes the backward visual recognition via the specific mirror surface part 25 impossible. It can be switched to either one. As in the case of the first embodiment, the visually invisible state includes, of course, a case where the dimming element 26 is completely shielded from light so that the backward viewing by the specific mirror surface portion 25 is completely impossible. For example, it includes a case where the light transmittance of the light control element 26 is lowered to make the image reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 25 less visible to the driver. As the dimming element 26, a liquid crystal shutter, an electrochromic element or the like can be exemplified as in the case of the first embodiment, which makes it easy to switch between the visible state and the invisible state of the specific mirror surface portion 5. And it can be done quickly.

  The right door mirror 2R is configured in the same manner as the right door mirror 2L. When the light control element 26 is in a visible state in the door mirrors 2L and 2R, the driver opens the general mirror surface portion 24 and the specific mirror surface portion 25. Thus, the blind spot in the viewing angle β in which the viewing range is expanded outward in the vehicle width direction from the viewing angle α only by the general mirror surface portion 24 can be visually recognized. Therefore, when the dimming element 26 is in a visually recognizable state, the driver can check the other vehicle VT present in the blind spot in the rear side area closer to the host vehicle V as shown in FIG. Will improve.

  On the other hand, when the dimming element 26 is in an invisible state, the driver can only visually recognize the normal area (viewing angle α) of the rear dead angle through the general mirror surface portion 24, and the specific mirror surface portion 25 can be viewed. It is impossible to visually recognize the rear blind spot (in other words, nothing appears in the specific mirror surface portion 25 as shown in FIG. 6). Therefore, if the dimming element 26 is rendered invisible when traveling, the specific mirror surface portion 25 does not function as a mirror surface. Therefore, when the driver visually recognizes the rear blind spot through the general mirror surface portion 24, the specific mirror surface portion 25 is bothersome. I can't feel it. More specifically, since the specific mirror surface portion 25 has a small radius of curvature, the distortion of the image reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 25 is large, and when the specific mirror surface portion 25 is viewed when there is no vehicle on the side of the host vehicle, the specific mirror surface portion 25 The surrounding scene is distorted in the portion 25 and the distorted image flows, which may be annoying to the driver, but the light control element 26 is not visible in the door mirrors 2L and 2R of the second embodiment. Since the specific mirror surface portion 25 does not function as a mirror surface when in the state, the driver does not feel the specific mirror surface portion 25 bothersome. That is, the troublesomeness due to the presence of the specific mirror surface portion 25 can be eliminated.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, a control example of the vehicle rear vision device 100 including the door mirrors 2 </ b> L and 2 </ b> R according to the second embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the vehicle rear visual recognition device 100 includes a dimming control device 10 including an electronic control device, a dimming element for the left door mirror 2L (left door mirror dimming element: switching means) 26L, The light control element (right door mirror light control element: switching means) 26R for the door mirror 2R and various detection means for detecting the state of the host vehicle are provided. The left door mirror light control element 26L and the right door mirror light control element 26R correspond to the light control element 26 described above.
The detection means includes a headlight switch 12 for turning on / off the headlight, a small light switch 13 for turning on / off the small light, direction indicators 14L and 14R, a vehicle speed sensor 15 for detecting the vehicle speed of the host vehicle, a BSD unit ( Blind spot alarm device) 16 and the like.

  The BSD unit 16 uses the left and right radars 17L and 17R (or left and right cameras) mounted on the host vehicle to directly view the driver's own field of view (viewing angle γ in FIGS. 7 and 9) and the door mirrors 2L and 2R. It is detected whether or not a vehicle is present in a blind spot (hereinafter referred to as a lateral blind spot) between a viewing range (viewing angle α in FIGS. 7 and 9) by the general mirror surface portion 24 of the mirror body 3 and this side. When the presence of the vehicle is detected at the dead angle, the driver is notified by warning means (not shown) such as light or sound.

  The dimming control device 10 includes a light ON signal output from the headlight switch 12, a light ON signal output from the small light switch 13, a direction indicator signal output from the direction indicators 14L and 14R, and a vehicle speed sensor 15. The vehicle speed signal output from the vehicle, the blind spot vehicle information output from the BSD unit 16, and the like are input. The blind spot vehicle information input from the BSD unit 16 is information on “there is a left blind spot vehicle” when there is a vehicle in the left side blind spot of the host vehicle, and the vehicle is present in the side blind spot on the right side of the host vehicle. In this case, the information is “the vehicle has a right blind spot”.

Next, dimming control in the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12.
The dimming control routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is a dimming control in an urban driving mode in which an area (or route) where there are many traveling vehicles, such as an urban area, or a building or the like is standing up and the surrounding vision is complicated. The dimming control routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 adjusts in the suburban driving mode in which the vehicle travels in a region where there are few traveling vehicles (or routes) or buildings such as a suburb and where the peripheral visibility is not complicated. Light control is shown.

  Whether to select the dimming control in the city driving mode or the dimming control in the suburban driving mode may be manually performed by the switching operation of the occupant, or the map information of the navigation device mounted on the vehicle, Alternatively, the dimming control device 10 may determine and automatically select based on traffic information obtained via the Internet or the like.

First, the dimming control in the city driving mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the headlight or small light is ON (lighted) based on whether or not the headlight ON signal and the small light ON signal are input.
If the determination result in step S201 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S202, where the left and right door mirror light control elements 26L, 26R are turned on, and these are made visible.

Next, the process proceeds to step S203, the timer is turned on, the visible state is held for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and the routine returns without suddenly changing to the visually invisible state.
That is, when the headlight is ON, it is determined that it is at night or in a tunnel, and when the small light is ON, it is determined that it is morning or evening. Since the driver does not feel bothersome even if the image is reflected, it is possible to visually recognize the vehicle through the specific mirror surface portion 5 and to allow the driver to actively recognize the vehicle behind the vehicle at a wide angle.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S201 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S204, and whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 15 km / h) based on the vehicle speed signal input from the vehicle speed sensor 15. Determine.
If the determination result in step S204 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S202. That is, when the vehicle speed is a low speed of 15 km / h or less, even if an image of a building, a vehicle, or the like is reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 25, the driver does not feel bothersome. To enable the driver to visually recognize the back of the vehicle at a wide angle.

If the determination result in step S204 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S205, and blind spot vehicle information is acquired from the BSD unit 16.
Next, the process proceeds to step S206, and whether the blind spot vehicle information acquired from the BSD unit 16 is “There is a right blind spot vehicle” and whether the light-on signal of the right direction indicator 14R is input (that is, the right direction indicator 14R is ON).

  If the determination result in step S206 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S207, where the right door mirror dimmer 26R is turned on to make it visible, and the left door mirror dimmer 26L is turned off for visual recognition. In the disabled state, the process proceeds to step S203. That is, in this case, since there is another vehicle in the side blind spot on the right side of the own vehicle and the own vehicle is about to change the lane to the right lane, the driver can identify the general mirror surface portion 24 of the right door mirror 2R. The blind spot on the right rear side of the host vehicle can be easily viewed in a wide angle via the mirror surface portion 25, and the surrounding situation including the vehicle detected by the BSD unit 16 can be easily confirmed. When the lane is changed to the right lane, the left rear mirror 2L cannot be viewed at a wide angle by the left door mirror 2L.

  If the determination result in step S206 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S208, where the blind spot vehicle information acquired from the BSD unit 16 is “the left blind spot vehicle is present”, and the light-on signal of the left direction indicator 14L Is input (that is, whether the left direction indicator 14L is ON).

  If the determination result in step S208 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S209, where the left door mirror dimmer 26L is turned on to make it visible, and the right door mirror dimmer 26R is turned off. In the disabled state, the process proceeds to step S203. In other words, in this case, since there is another vehicle in the left side blind spot on the left side of the host vehicle and the host vehicle is about to change the lane to the left side lane, the driver can identify the general mirror surface portion 24 of the left door mirror 2L. The blind spot on the left rear side of the host vehicle is easily viewed in a wide angle through the mirror surface portion 25, and the surrounding situation including the vehicle detected by the BSD unit 16 is easily confirmed. Note that when the lane is changed to the left lane, the right rear mirror 2R cannot be viewed at a wide angle by the right door mirror 2R. Therefore, the right door mirror dimmer 26R is in an invisible state.

  If the determination result in step S208 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S210, where the left and right door mirror light control elements 26L, 26R are turned off to return to an invisible state, and the process returns. That is, in this case, there is no other vehicle in the left side blind spot or the right side blind spot of the host vehicle, and the host vehicle is not going to change lanes, so the left and right door mirrors 2L, 2R By preventing the specific mirror surface portion 25 from functioning as a mirror surface, it is possible to eliminate troublesomeness when the driver can see an image on the specific mirror surface portion 25.

Next, dimming control in the suburban travel mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the headlight or the small light is ON (lighted) based on whether or not the headlight ON signal and the small light ON signal are input.
If the decision result in the step S301 is “YES”, the process proceeds to a step S302, the left and right door mirror light control elements 26L, 26R are turned on, and these are made visible.

Next, the process proceeds to step S303, the timer is turned on, the visible state is held for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds), and the routine returns without suddenly changing to the invisible state.
That is, when the headlight is ON, it is determined that it is at night or in a tunnel, and when the small light is ON, it is determined that it is morning or evening. Since the driver does not feel bothersome even if the image is reflected, it is possible to visually recognize the vehicle through the specific mirror surface portion 5 and to allow the driver to actively recognize the vehicle behind the vehicle at a wide angle.

On the other hand, if the determination result in step S301 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S304, and whether or not the vehicle speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed (for example, 80 km / h) based on the vehicle speed signal input from the vehicle speed sensor 15. Determine.
If the determination result in step S304 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S302. That is, in the suburban driving mode, since there are few buildings and vehicles reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 25, when the vehicle speed is medium or low at 80 km / h or less, even if an image is reflected on the specific mirror surface portion 25, the driver does not feel bothersome. Therefore, the rear view through the specific mirror surface portion 25 is enabled, and the rear of the host vehicle can be viewed at a wide angle.

If the determination result in step S304 is “NO” (the vehicle speed is 80 km / h or higher), the process proceeds to step S305, and blind spot vehicle information is acquired from the BSD unit 16.
Next, it progresses to step S306 and it is determined whether the blind spot vehicle information acquired from the BSD unit 16 is "a right blind spot vehicle exists."

  When the determination result in step S306 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S307 to turn on the right door mirror light control element 26R so as to be visible, and then the process proceeds to step S309. In other words, in this case, since there is another vehicle in the side blind spot on the right side of the host vehicle, the driver is informed of the right rear side of the host vehicle via the general mirror surface portion 24 and the specific mirror surface portion 25 of the right door mirror 2R. It is easy to visually recognize the blind spot at a wide angle, and to easily confirm the surrounding situation including the vehicle detected by the BSD unit 16.

  If the determination result in step S306 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S308 to turn off the right door mirror light control element 26R to make it invisible, and further proceeds to step S309. In other words, in this case, there is no other vehicle in the side blind spot on the right side of the host vehicle, so that the specific mirror surface portion 25 of the right door mirror 2R is prevented from functioning as a mirror surface so that the driver can identify the right door mirror 2R. The troublesomeness when an image can be seen on the mirror surface portion 25 can be eliminated.

In step S309, it is determined whether the blind spot vehicle information acquired from the BSD unit 16 is “there is a left blind spot vehicle”.
If the determination result in step S309 is “YES”, the process proceeds to step S310, the left door mirror light control element 26L is turned on to make it visible, and the process proceeds to step S303. In other words, in this case, since there is another vehicle in the left side blind spot of the host vehicle, the driver is informed of the left rear side of the host vehicle via the general mirror surface portion 24 and the specific mirror surface portion 25 of the left door mirror 2L. It is easy to visually recognize the blind spot at a wide angle, and to easily confirm the surrounding situation including the vehicle detected by the BSD unit 16.

  If the determination result in step S309 is “NO”, the process proceeds to step S311 to turn off the left door mirror light control element 26L to make it invisible, and the process further proceeds to step S303. That is, in this case, since there is no other vehicle in the left side blind spot of the host vehicle, the specific mirror surface portion 25 of the left door mirror 2L is prevented from functioning as a mirror surface so that the driver can identify the left door mirror 2R. The troublesomeness when an image can be seen on the mirror surface portion 25 can be eliminated.

  The dimming control in the flowcharts shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 shows an example. Similar to the first embodiment, the dimming control is performed for the left and right door mirrors based on the detection results of the detection means for detecting other vehicle states. It is also possible to control ON / OFF of the light control elements 26L and 26R.

  For example, when it is determined that the amount of sunshine is below a predetermined value based on the detection result of the sunshine sensor provided in the vehicle, it is determined that the vehicle is traveling at night or in a tunnel, and the light control elements 26L and 26R for the left and right door mirrors are You may control to ON and may be in a visible state.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, when a back gear signal is input from the gear position sensor, it is determined that the host vehicle is moving backward, and the left and right door mirror dimmers 26L and 26R are controlled to be ON. Then, it may be in a visible state. This makes it possible to expand the field of view in the vehicle width direction through the left and right door mirrors 2L and 2R during backward movement, and facilitate the backward operation.

  Further, based on the detection result of the steering angle sensor provided in the vehicle, when the steering angle (wheel angle) is equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, it is determined that the host vehicle is turning right or left or changing lanes, The door mirror light control element 26L or 26R on the corresponding side may be controlled to be in a visible state. In this way, the field of view in the vehicle width direction via the left and right door mirrors 2L and 2R can be expanded when turning left or right and changing lanes.

  Further, based on the detection result of the yaw rate sensor provided on the vehicle, if the yaw rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the host vehicle is turning right or left or the lane is being changed, and the corresponding door mirror adjustment is performed. The optical element 26L or 26R may be controlled to be in a visible state. In this way, the field of view in the vehicle width direction via the left and right door mirrors 2L and 2R can be expanded when turning left or right and changing lanes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a front view of the mirror body of the right door mirror in Example 1 of the vehicle rear vision apparatus which concerns on this invention, and is a figure when a specific mirror surface part is made visible. It is a front view of the mirror body of the right door mirror in Example 1, and is a figure when making a specific mirror surface part an invisible state. It is a top view when the vehicle provided with the vehicle back visual recognition apparatus of Example 1 is parked in a parking area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle rear visual recognition device according to a first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the light control of the vehicle back view apparatus of Example 1. FIG. It is a front view of the mirror body of the left door mirror in Example 2 of the vehicle rear visual recognition apparatus according to the present invention, and is a view when a specific mirror surface portion is in a visually invisible state. It is a top view which shows a viewing angle when the specific mirror surface part is made into an invisible state in the left door mirror of Example 2. FIG. It is a front view of the mirror body of the left door mirror in Example 2, and is a figure when the specific mirror surface part is made into a visually recognizable state. It is a top view which shows a viewing angle when the specific mirror surface part is made visible in the left door mirror of Example 2. It is a block diagram of the vehicle rear visual recognition apparatus of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the dimming control in city driving mode in the vehicle back visual recognition apparatus of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the light control in the suburb drive mode in the vehicle back vision apparatus of Example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

2L, 2R Door mirror 3 Mirror body 4, 24 General mirror surface portion 5, 25 Specific mirror surface portion 6, 6L, 6R, 26, 26L, 26R Light control element (switching means)
10 Light control device (control means)
11 Gear position sensor (detection means)
12 Headlight switch (detection means)
13 Small light switch (detection means)
14 Direction indicator (detection means)
15 Vehicle speed sensor (detection means)
16 BSD unit (detection means)
100 Vehicle Rear View Device V Vehicle

Claims (6)

A mirror body that can visually recognize the rear blind spot of a vehicle occupant is provided with a general mirror surface part for visually recognizing a normal area of the rear blind spot, and a specific mirror surface part formed with a smaller radius of curvature than the general mirror surface part. ,
A switching means for switching between a visible state that enables backward visual recognition via the specific mirror surface part and an invisible state that disables backward visual recognition via the specific mirror surface part;
Control means for switching the switching means to a visually recognizable state or a visually unrecognizable state based on a detection result of a detecting means for detecting the state of the vehicle;
A vehicle rear visual recognition device comprising: The specific mirror surface portion is provided outside the general mirror surface portion in the vehicle width direction,
The detection means detects an object present on the side of the vehicle,
The control means switches the switching means to an invisible state when the detection means does not detect the presence of an object, and switches the switching means to a visible state when the detection means detects an object. Item 2. The vehicle rear vision device according to Item 1.   The said detection means detects the object which exists in the area | region remove | deviated from the said normal area | region which is a side area | region of a vehicle, and is the visual recognition range of the said general mirror surface part. Vehicle rear view device.   The said detection means contains what detects at least any one of the backward movement of a vehicle, the angle of a wheel, and operation of a direction indicator, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Vehicle rear view device. The specific mirror surface portion is provided below the general mirror surface portion in the vehicle vertical direction,
The detection means detects at least one of a reverse operation of the vehicle, low speed traveling, and operation of a direction indicator,
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches the switching means to an invisible state when the detection means does not detect, and switches the switching means to a visible state when the detection means detects. Rear viewing device.   The vehicular rear visual recognition device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switching unit is configured by a light control element whose transparency can be changed.

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