JPH04154450A - Rearview mirror equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To maintain the optimum view for safety in changing lanes by driving an actuation means by a signal from a direction signal means installed on a vehicle, and automatically changing a position of a rear view mirror to the vehicle. CONSTITUTION: When a driver is changing lanes to the left, for example, by pushing a lever provided on a steering wheel to bring a switch 46 in contact with a left lane changing position 54, a direction signal means sends a flash signal to a left tail lamp of a vehicle, and sends an electric signal to a timer 80 simultaneously. When the switch 46 is held at the left lane changing position 54 for at least a time (1 sec., favorably) set in the timer 80, a solenoid 70 in a left rear view mirror body 10 is actuated. A bracket 58 is then rotated around a pivotal point 64, the whole body of a plane mirror installation means 20 is rotated, and a plane mirror 16 provides a driver with a view covering a blind point at a left back part of the vehicle.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to a rearview mirror device for a vehicle, and specifically includes repositioning a rearview mirror automatically in response to a vehicle direction signal. The present invention relates to an improved rearview mirror positioning device.

[Conventional technology]

Rearview mirrors are commonly used in vehicles to expand the driver's field of vision. Drivers can better see the road conditions behind their cars, helping to improve road safety. A conventional rearview mirror of the type used in passenger cars is shown in FIG. 1 as used on a typical modern three lane highway. Each lane is marked by a road sign 5, 7, with solid lines 5 representing a path of travel in one direction, typically indicated by an arrow or the like, and spaced lines 7 marking individual lanes within the path of travel in a given direction. Separate. There are 6 cars in each lane: A, B, C,
D, E and F are shown in various positions. The conventional rearview mirror device installed in car A is the mirror 10 on the left side of the car.
, a mirror 12 on the right side, and a mirror 13 mounted at the center of the front part of the passenger compartment. mirror 10.1
2 is typically focused to make visible objects in lanes 1 and 2 immediately to the left and right and behind car A. Therefore, a field of view represented by angle α can be seen in the left mirror 10 from a typical driver's position in car A;
A field of view represented by angle β can be seen in the right mirror 12. Mirror 13 is typically focused so that objects directly behind car A are visible with a field of view of angle τ.

In this way, the driver sitting in car A can easily observe the presence and movements of cars E and F without having to move his eyes too far from the path of car A.

However, cars B and C are typically not within the view of either rearview mirror 10.12 or 13, as cars B and C are slightly behind car A in the direction of travel, and similarly peripheral vision
) is outside. Cars B and C are thus typically located in what is known as a "blind spot" and are not visible to the driver of car A unless the driver looks away from the direction of travel and attempts to look either to the left or to the right. Therefore, if the driver of car A wants to change lane A into either lane 1 or 3, he must take his eyes off the road and look to the right or left before changing direction.

To overcome the problem of “blind spots”, rearview mirror 10°1
It is known to use various convex mirrors instead of or in addition to 2. Such a mirror optically expands the field of view bounded by angles α and β.
Available in a variety of curvatures ranging from 24 inches (61 cm) to 24 inches (approximately 61 cm). However, the image projected by a convex mirror is severely distorted, making it difficult to identify objects and accurately determine the approximate distance to the observed object.

Additionally, drivers often do not adjust the mirrors 10, 12 and 13 to the correct focus and maintain optimal visibility for safety, thus ensuring that the driver quickly and appropriately moves the rearview mirror to the optimal position. It is desirable to implement means for matching.

Furthermore, when a driver signals a lane change, the driver can easily check blind spots without distortion, without having to look too far from the vehicle's path, to ensure a safe lane change. It is also desirable to realize the means.

[Summary of the invention]

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle rearview mirror device having a plane mirror and means for attaching the plane mirror to a vehicle. The plane mirror can be mounted within a housing, which is then mounted on the car. A vehicle typically has directional signal means for instructing the direction of the vehicle. The present invention provides actuating means configured to receive a signal from the directional signal means, the actuating means indicating the direction of the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved rearview mirror apparatus is directed to an improved rearview mirror apparatus in which the plane mirror mount is operatively connected to means for automatically changing the position of the plane mirror relative to the vehicle upon receipt of a signal instructing conversion.

The direction signal means typically includes a first signal instructing the vehicle to turn left, a second signal instructing the vehicle to turn right, a third signal instructing the vehicle to change the left lane, and a third signal instructing the vehicle to change the right lane. 4th instruction
signals. The plane mirror mounting means itself comprises a bracket pivotally connected to the housing. The actuating means is mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the bracket such that the bracket pivots when the actuating means is actuated. It is being done. The actuating means preferably includes a solenoid, the push rod of which is pivotally connected to the bracket to extend the bracket from its normal position.
dexed position).

In the extended position, the plane mirror provides a field of view that allows viewing of blind spots. Typically, the bracket is moved to the extended position only in response to a third or fourth signal instructing the vehicle to change lanes, and is not responsive to the first or second signals.

In a typical installation, the plane mirror is pivotally mounted to the plane mirror mounting means. The vehicle has a first landmark and the plane mirror has a second landmark, the second landmark being a means for attaching the plane mirror to the vehicle for establishing a reference position of the plane mirror with respect to the vehicle. The first landmark is aligned with the first landmark by pivoting the first landmark. The invention also provides means for delaying the direction signal before it is received by the actuating means.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be specifically explained with reference to FIG.

The rearview mirror positioning device has a rearview mirror unit 10, which has a housing 1z and a base 14 6.
The base 14 is contoured to provide a structure that closely matches the style of the vehicle (not shown in FIG. 2). The rearview mirror is typically integrated into a car's front fender.
Or it can be installed on the left and right doors. In the illustrated embodiment, the mirror is mounted on the door.

The base 14 is secured to the door by suitable fastening means (not shown). The base 14 may integrally form a one-piece part with the housing 12. A plane fi 16 is mounted within the housing to provide rearward visibility to the driver seated inside the vehicle. On the surface of the plane mirror, there is an indicator (
Mark) 18 is attached.

Referring now to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the plane mirror is configured to move within the housing 12 by adjustable mounting means 20; typically, the plane mirror is moved mechanically by a Bowden cable or It is electrically adjustable by an electric motor. In the embodiment shown in the third embodiment, the adjustable mounting means 20 consists of a housing 22 containing a pair of motors.

A socket 24 is attached to the housing 22 which supports a rotating ball 26. The zero rotating ball 26 is also prefaced within a second socket 28 which holds a plane mirror 16. The zero rotation ball 26, which is secured to the backing plate 30, thus forms a pivot point for rotating the mirror 16 relative to the adjustable motor housing 22.

An actuation shaft 32 extends from the housing 22 and is pivotally connected to the backing plate 30 by conventional means, such as a bracket 34. The actuation shaft 32 typically supports a motor mounted within the adjustable motor housing 22. Driven by a worm gear on the shaft. Typically, 2
Two actuating shafts extend toward the backing plate 30 because two motors are mounted within the adjustable motor housing 22 to each drive a separate actuating shaft. In this way, two vertical rotation axes are formed around the pivot point (rotating sphere) 26.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the electric motor is connected by a cable 36 to a switch 37 which controls operation of the motor within the motor housing 22. The mirror structure and adjustment means described above are conventionally known and can be modified and adapted in various ways depending on the specific specifications required by a particular vehicle. but.

This adjustment mechanism is completely independent of the positioning device according to the invention.

A typical vehicle also has directional signal means to indicate a change of direction. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the direction signal means 38 is normally provided on a steering column 40 at the driver's seat.

A lever 42 is mounted on the column 40 close to the steering wheel 44 to actuate the direction signal means 38 at the driver's discretion.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the directional signal means typically includes a five position switch 46 mounted within the steering column 40.
Each of the five positions is selectively actuated by a lever 42. The switch 46 is the first switch that signals a left turn of the vehicle.
It has a position 48 and a second position 50 indicating a right turn. The middle position 50 is a neutral position, with no signal, and the three positions 48, 50 and 52 are normally toggle configurations, where they remain in that position until the next manual movement of the switch 46. Left turning position 148 and neutral position 52
The fourth position between W50 and Neutral position 52 signals the car's left lane change.
A fifth position 56, which is located midway between the two, provides a signal instructing the vehicle to change to the right lane. The lane change signal 54.56 is normally not a toggle, i.e. the lever 42 is in the lane change position 54.5
Since it is elastically biased from 6, the lever must be held in that position when indicating a lane change.

The direction signal means described above are conventional and are commonly installed in the majority of vehicles. When the direction switch 46 assumes the left turn position [48], an electrical signal is sent to the tail lamp through a flasher (not shown), causing the lamp to flash. Similarly, when the switch 46 assumes the right lane change position 56 or the right turn position 50, the right tail lamp (not shown) flashes. This sends a visible signal to other vehicles of the driver's intention to change direction.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the plane mirror mounting means 20 also includes a bracket 58 secured to the rear surface 60 of the adjustable motor housing 22. This bracket 58 is attached to the housing 12 by a pedestal 62. Pedestal 62
is preferably integral with the housing 12 and may be integrally molded therewith. Bracket 58 is attached to pedestal 62 by suitable conventional pivoting means 64, such as a ball and socket. The pivot 64 may be a universal pivot, such as a ball and socket, but may also be a hinge that rotates about a single axis.
A bracket 66 extending inwardly from 2 mounts actuating means 68 for movable bracket 58 relative to housing 12 . The actuating means 68 comprises a solenoid 70, which may be of conventional type. solenoid 7
0 is fixed to the bracket 66. A reciprocating push rod 72 extends from a cylinder portion 73 of the solenoid 70 and is pivotally mounted to an outer end 74 of the bracket 58 .

When the solenoid is energized, the push rod 76 forces the outer end 74 of the bracket 58 to pivot about the pivot point 64 and into the extended position. When the solenoid is de-energized, the push rod 76 retracts into the cylinder 73 and pivots the bracket 58 back to its original position. Bracket 58 can also be moved back using another resilient means, such as a coil spring. good.

The actuating means 68 is electrically connected to the directional signal switch 46 by a cable 78 (FIGS. 2 and 6).

Referring to FIG. 6, a delay timer 80 is preferably interposed in the electrical circuit between switch 46 and solenoid 70. Referring to FIG. When the solenoid is energized, the plane mirror 16 assumes the position shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the position of the solenoid 70 relative to the plane mirror 16.
It will be seen that a solenoid is mounted around 4) to pivot from the normal position to the extended position. The projecting position of the plane mirror is preferably such that the driver can easily see the front end of the vehicle, including the bumper, in the "blind spot" as shown in locations B and C of FIG. Thus, the position of solenoid 70 is preset and cannot be adjusted once it is attached to housing 12.

Regarding the operation, if the driver wants to change lanes, for example to the left, he presses the lever 42 and switches the switch 46.
is brought into contact with the left lane change position 54 (FIG. 6). The direction signal means then sends a flash signal to the left tail lamp of the vehicle and at the same time sends an electrical signal to the timer 80. When the switch 46 is held in the left lane change position 54 for a time longer than the time set in the timer 80 (preferably 1 second), the solenoid 70 attached to the left rearview mirror unit 10 is activated. The push rod 76 then pivots the bracket 58 about the pivot point 64, and the plane mirror mounting pivots the entire means 20, and thus the plane mirror 16, to an extended position as shown in FIG. The plane mirror 16 positioned in this way
gives the driver visibility that covers the blind spot on the left rear of the vehicle. Considering the speed of travel of modern forces, it is important that the plane mirror moves between the normal position and the extended position very quickly. This allows the driver to quickly visually confirm the existence of a clear view of the blind spot P2 to complete the vehicle's turn, and this confirmation can be done without taking the driver's eyes too far away from the vehicle's direction. There are two things I can do.

Thus, each use of the "lane change" portion of the directional signal system causes the mirror to change its blind spot position as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the positioning of the mirror is at the discretion of the driver. This position allows the lever 42 to be held in the turn signal position (48 or 50 ), no signal is sent to the solenoid 70 and the mirror 16 remains in its normal position. According to the present invention, as shown in FIG.
The total effective field of view to the rear of the vehicle is obtained which is covered by the larger angle δ (the sum of angles α, β and τ in FIG. 1).

To make blind spots visible when turning on direction signals,
It is easy to see that it is important to aim each shot in the same direction. The aiming means are clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. As seen in FIG. 2, a visible finger II (marker) 18 is placed on the surface of the plane mirror 16. Another landmark 84 is placed on the vehicle body, preferably near the rear window where the driver can see it in the rearview mirror 10. When the driver aligns the landmarks 18 and 84 within the line of sight provided by the plane mirror 16, the reference position of the plane mirror 16 relative to the vehicle is determined.

In this way, the mirror can be adjusted with respect to the reference position by the adjustment means independently for each driver whose height or position within the vehicle changes. Note that the position of the solenoid 70 relative to the plane mirror 16 is fixed for each vehicle as described above. Once the aim (orientation) is properly aligned, turn on the rearview mirror positioning device and the plane will be 1m away! 16 is automatically extended to show the blind spot for the vehicle.

The location of landmarks 18.84 is preferably determined to provide optimum visibility for each vehicle.

As described above, the rearview mirror positioning device according to the present invention is used as needed, provides a distortion-free image in a wider field of view, and is suitable for both manual mirrors and high-end electric mirrors of any car. can also be used.

Reasonable modifications and improvements can be made within the scope of the above description and illustrations without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the field of view provided by a conventional rearview mirror device. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the main parts of the rearview mirror device according to the present invention, Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view with the housing part of the rearview mirror device of Fig. 2 cut away, and Fig. 4 shows the operation of the solenoid. FIG. 5 is a front view of the rearview mirror shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a schematic wiring diagram of the electric circuit of the direction signal means. 7wi is a plan view of the car showing the pointing finger If (mark) of the rearview mirror device of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the enlarged field of view obtained by attaching the rearview mirror device of the present invention to both sides of the vehicle. It is. Make [No. 10...Rearview mirror integrated 12...Housing 16...Flat mirror work 8...Mark (second) 20...Means for mounting the plane mirror 22...Motor housing 26... Rotating ball (pivot point) 32...Shaft 46...5 position switch 48...1st position (left turning position W) 50...2nd position (right turning position) 54...3rd position Position (left lane change position) 56...4th
Position (right lane change position) 58... Bracket 64... Pivot means 68... Actuation means 70... Solenoid 72... Push rod 80... Delay timer 84... Marker (first ) Patent Applicant Lopart, M, Lynas Attorney Patent Attorney Tomita FIG FIG FIG, 3 FIG FIG, 7 FIG

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Improvement of a rearview mirror device for a vehicle, which includes a housing to be attached to the vehicle, a plane mirror, and means for attaching the plane mirror to the housing, which vehicle is equipped with a rearview mirror device for instructing a direction change. directional signal means, configured to receive a signal from the direction signal means;
Actuation means operatively connected to the plane mirror mounting means are provided, the actuation means automatically changing the position of the plane mirror relative to the vehicle when the actuation means receives a signal instructing a change of direction of the vehicle. A rearview mirror device characterized by: 2. The direction signal means includes a first signal instructing the vehicle to turn left, a second signal instructing the vehicle to turn right, a third signal instructing the vehicle to change the left lane, and a third signal instructing the vehicle to change the right lane. The rearview mirror device according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth signal for instructing. 3. The plane mirror mounting means includes a bracket pivotally mounted to the housing, and the actuating means is mounted to the housing and actuated on the bracket such that the bracket pivots when the actuating means is actuated. The rearview mirror device according to claim 2, wherein the rearview mirror device is connected to the rearview mirror device. 4. The rearview mirror device of claim 3, wherein the actuating means includes a solenoid, the push rod of which is pivotally mounted to the bracket to pivot the bracket between a normal position and an extended position. 5. The rearview mirror device according to claim 4, wherein the bracket is moved to the extended position only in response to one of the third signal and the fourth signal. 6. The rearview mirror device of claim 2, wherein the bracket is moved to the extended position only in response to one of the third signal and the fourth signal. 7. The plane mirror is pivotally mounted to the plane mirror mounting means, the wheel has a first landmark, the plane mirror has a second landmark, and the second landmark connects the plane mirror to the plane mirror mounting means. 2. The rearview mirror device according to claim 1, wherein when the plane mirror is pivoted, a reference position of the plane mirror with respect to the vehicle is set in alignment with the first mark. 8. The rearview mirror device of claim 1, wherein the signal from said direction signal means is delayed before being received by said actuating means. 9. A plane mirror, means for pivotally mounting the plane mirror on a vehicle, a first mark on the vehicle, and a second mark located on the plane mirror, and the second mark is located on the plane mirror. A rearview mirror device for a vehicle, wherein the rearview mirror device is adapted to be pivoted relative to the vehicle so that a first landmark is coincident with the first signal when viewed in the plane mirror. 10. A rearview mirror device for a vehicle comprising a plane mirror and a means for attaching the plane mirror to the vehicle, and configured to receive a signal from the direction signal means, the plane mirror being configured to receive a signal from the direction signal means. Actuation means operatively connected to the mounting means are provided for automatically moving the plane mirror between an extended position and a normal position with respect to the vehicle upon receipt of a signal instructing a change in direction of the vehicle. further providing a first landmark located on the vehicle, and providing a second landmark on the plane mirror, the second landmark being connected to the first landmark by pivoting the plane mirror relative to the vehicle. a rearview mirror device, wherein the rearview mirror device is adapted to coincide with the first landmark to set the normal position when the landmark is seen in the plane mirror; 11. The direction signal means includes a first signal instructing the vehicle to turn left, a second signal instructing the vehicle to turn right, a third signal instructing the vehicle to change the left lane, and a third signal instructing the vehicle to change the right lane. The rearview mirror device according to claim 10, further comprising a fourth signal for instructing. 12. The rearview mirror device of claim 11, wherein the bracket is moved to the extended position only in response to one of the third signal and the fourth signal. 13. The rearview mirror device of claim 12, wherein the signal from the direction signal means is delayed before being received by the actuating means. 14. The plane mirror mounting means comprises a housing connected to the vehicle and a bracket pivotally mounted to the housing, and the operating means is mounted to the housing and pivotally mounted to the bracket, and the operating means is actuated. 11. The rearview mirror device of claim 10, wherein the bracket is adapted to pivot when the rearview mirror is rotated. 15. The rearview mirror device according to claim 10, wherein the actuation means includes a solenoid having a push rod pivotally connected to the bracket, and is configured to pivot the bracket between a normal position and an extended position. . 16. The rearview mirror device of claim 10, wherein the signal from the direction signal means is delayed before being received by the actuating means. 17. The vehicle includes a housing mounted on the vehicle, a plane mirror, and means for mounting the plane mirror within the housing, the plane mirror being pivotally mounted to the plane mirror mounting means, and the vehicle having direction signal means for instructing the vehicle to change direction. A rearview mirror device for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has a first landmark, the plane mirror has a second landmark, and the second landmark is configured to pivot the plane mirror relative to its mounting means. the plane mirror is adapted to establish a reference position of the plane mirror relative to the vehicle when aligned with the first landmark, and is adapted to receive a signal from the direction signal means and is operatively connected to the plane mirror mounting means. 1. A rearview mirror device comprising an actuating means, the actuating means automatically changing the position of a plane mirror with respect to the vehicle when the actuating means receives a signal instructing a direction change of the vehicle.