WO2006008852A1

WO2006008852A1 - Mirror angle detector and outer mirror for vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2006008852A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/003463
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hisaya Suzuki
Original assignee: Murakami Corporation
Priority date: 2004-07-20
Filing date: 2005-03-02
Publication date: 2006-01-26
Also published as: JP2006027487A

Abstract

A mirror angle detector capable of detecting a mirror angle without using a resistor or a magnet and an outer mirror for a vehicle having the mirror angle detector. The mirror angle detector (3) is installed on the outer mirror for the vehicle having a mirror holder (1) movably tilted relative to a base body part (frame (SB)) and detects the movably tilted angle of the mirror holder (1). The detector is characterized by comprising a sensor (load sensor (32)) fixed to either of the base body part (frame (SB)) and the mirror holder (1) and enabling the detected values to vary according to stresses acting thereon and an elastic member (spring (31)) interposed between the base body part (frame (SB)) and the mirror holder (1) and fitted, at one end, to the sensor.

Description

Specification

Mirror angle detection device and vehicle outer mirror

Technical field

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

Background art

[0002] Some outer mirrors for vehicles include a mirror angle adjustment device that can adjust a tilt angle of a mirror (hereinafter referred to as "mirror angle") so that a good rear view can be obtained. . With such a vehicle outer mirror, the mirror angle can be adjusted according to the driver's visual recognition position, but it is cumbersome to re-adjust the subtle angle each time the driver changes. It is desirable to be able to reproduce the mirror angle suitable for the driver.

[0003] Conventionally, various mirror angle detection devices for detecting a mirror angle that reproduces each mirror angle have been proposed. For example, there has been proposed a mirror angle detection device provided with a resistor and a sliding contact that slides on the resistor in accordance with the displacement (tilt) of the mirror. According to this, the sliding contact moves in accordance with the tilting of the mirror and the voltage value changes, so that the mirror angle can be detected by detecting this voltage value (for example, JP-A-2001-2001). 2 94091, paragraphs 0026-0032, 0041, FIG. 2). There are also known magnetic mirror angle detection devices that include a magnet and a Honore element and detect the mirror angle by the strength of the magnetic force that changes due to the rotational displacement of the magnet.

[0004] However, in the resistor-type mirror angle detection device, the resistance is worn by sliding of the sliding contact, so that the output is changed and wear debris is generated or noise is generated. There was a problem that Also, in the magnetic mirror angle detection device, the output fluctuates due to the magnetic effect of the motor etc. that adjusts the mirror angle, or the position of the magnet and the Hall element is limited, or the design freedom is narrowed, or There was a problem that the magnet was expensive because it was expensive. In addition, both the resistor type and magnetic type mirror angle detection devices have the problem of having to pay attention to the hysteresis characteristics. [0005] In order to solve the above-described problems, there is a demand for a mirror angle detection device and a vehicle outer mirror that can detect a mirror angle without using a resistor or a magnet. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] A mirror angle detection device according to one aspect of the present invention is a mirror angle detection device that is mounted on a vehicle outer mirror having a mirror holder that tilts with respect to a base body and detects the tilt angle of the mirror holder. A sensor that is fixed to one of the base part and the mirror holder, and whose detection value changes according to the acting stress, is interposed between the base part and the mirror holder, and one end of the sensor And an elastic member attached to.

[0007] According to such a mirror angle detection device, when the mirror holder for adjusting the mirror angle is tilted, the relative position (interval) between the base portion and the mirror holder changes. Along with this, the elastic member interposed between the base portion and the mirror holder expands and contracts, so that the acting stress changes and the detection value changes in the sensor to which one end of the elastic member is attached. . The mirror angle can be detected by associating the tilt angle of the mirror holder with this detection value. The “base portion” is a member whose relative positional relationship with the mirror holder is displaced when the mirror holder is tilted. For example, a frame, a member fixed to the frame (for example, an action) Use housing, etc.), or a cover for housing these.

[0008] In the mirror angle detection device, the outer mirror for a vehicle includes an adjustment nut that is attached to the mirror holder side so as to be movable back and forth from the base portion side, and the other end of the elastic member is attached to the adjustment nut. It can be attached. When the adjustment nut is advanced and retracted, the elastic member having the other end attached to the adjustment nut expands and contracts. Along with this, in the sensor to which one end of the elastic member is attached, the applied stress changes and the detection value changes. The mirror angle can be detected by associating the tilt angle of the mirror holder with this detected value.

[0009] In the mirror angle detection device, the sensor may be a load sensor or a strain gauge. Here, when the mirror holder for adjusting the mirror angle is tilted, the distance between the base portion and the mirror holder changes. And along with that, the base and mirror holder Since the elastic member interposed therebetween expands and contracts, in the sensor to which one end of the elastic member is attached, the acting stress changes and the detected value changes. That is, in the load sensor, the magnitude of the detected load (detected value) changes, and in the strain gauge, the magnitude of the output strain (detected value) changes. By associating this detected value with the tilt angle of the mirror holder, the detected value force of the sensor can also grasp (detect) the mirror angle. Note that the case where an elastic member is attached to the strain gauge includes the case where a thin plate or the like is interposed between the strain gauge and the elastic member.

As another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an outer mirror for a vehicle provided with the mirror angle detection device.

[0011] According to the mirror angle detection device and the vehicle outer mirror according to the present invention, since the sensor whose detection value changes based on the acting stress is used, the resistance wear, magnetic influence, etc. Thus, the mirror angle at which the output does not change can be detected. In particular, the hysteresis characteristic can be suppressed, and the mirror angle detection accuracy can be improved. In addition, since the sensor (load sensor, strain gauge) itself is small, the degree of freedom in designing the interior of the vehicle mirror can be increased.

[0012] The aspects and advantages of the present invention described above, as well as other effects and further features, will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in an illustrative and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Will be more obvious.

Brief Description of Drawings

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

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

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

FIG. 4 is a view showing the operation of the mirror angle detection device according to the second embodiment, (a) is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the adjustment nut is moved, and (b) is a view of the adjustment nut. It is sectional drawing which shows the state after a movement.

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

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] [First embodiment]

Details of the mirror angle detection device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the up / down or front / rear / left / right directions will be described in the direction when the side mirror SM is attached to the right side of the vehicle body.

As shown in FIG. 1, the side mirror SM has a frame SB and a mirror angle adjusting device E fixed to the frame SB in a space formed by the mirror main body M and a cover C (mirror housing). Are mainly built in.

The mirror angle adjusting device E includes a mirror holder 1 that supports a mirror body M, an actuator housing 2 (base portion) that supports the mirror holder 1 in a tiltable manner, and is fixed to a frame SB. The mirror angle detection device 3 (see FIG. 2) and a control device (not shown) are mainly provided. In the mirror angle adjustment device E, a detection value detected by the mirror angle detection device 3 is stored by a control device (not shown), and a motor 7 described later is driven based on the stored detection value to arbitrarily set the mirror holder 1 Can be tilted to any angle. In the present embodiment, the force of the actuator housing 2 corresponding to the “base portion” of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the cover C, Any member whose relative positional relationship is displaced by tilting the mirror holder 2 such as the frame SB or a member fixed to the frame SB is included in the base portion.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mirror holder 1 is a part in which a thin plate is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a fulcrum part 11 serving as a center of tilting is cut at the tip of a hollow hemisphere at an appropriate position ( It is formed to protrude forward in the shape of a sphere). The actuator housing 2 is divided into a front housing 21 and a rear housing 22, and mainly contains a packing 4, an adjustment nut 5, a worm wheel 6 and a motor 7 respectively. Built-in one by one.

[0018] The front housing 21 has a double bottom, and a projecting portion 21a projecting rearward is formed at the position of the tilting center of the mirror holder 1 on the rear bottom portion 211. A female thread portion 21c into which a screw N for fixing the mirror holder 1 is screwed is formed on the tip surface of a. Further, a substantially cylindrical pin (screw member) 8 that protrudes rearward is provided on the right side and the lower side of the protruding portion 21a.

[0019] The pin 8 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a male screw portion 81 into which the adjustment nut 5 is screwed so as to be able to advance and retreat is formed on the outer peripheral surface (see FIG. 3 (a)). In addition, a recess 9 for rotatably supporting the worm wheel 6 is formed around the pin 8, and a rib 21f that prevents the grease from scattering is formed around the recess 9 as shown in FIG. A concave motor mounting portion 21g in which the motor 7 is disposed is formed in the vicinity of the concave portion 9 and the rib 21f.

[0020] The rear housing 22 is formed with a concave support portion 22a that slidably supports the fulcrum portion 11 of the mirror holder 1, and a flange of the nozzle / kin 4 is formed on the right and lower sides of the support portion 22a. A circular hole 22b is formed to which the portion 41 is engaged and bonded. Further, a circular hole 22c is formed in the bottom wall of the support portion 22a so that the tip of the protruding portion 21a can be inserted therethrough. Then, the fulcrum part 11 of the mirror holder 1 is engaged with the support part 22a, and the pressing member P and the spring member SP having a spherical band shape are attached to the protruding part 21a protruding from the circular hole 22c, and the screw N is attached thereto. By screwing into the female threaded portion 21c of the protruding portion 21a, the mirror holder 1 is tiltably attached to the actuator housing 2 in a state of being biased by a predetermined biasing force.

As shown in FIG. 3, the mirror angle detection device 3 includes a spring 31 and a load sensor 32 attached to one end of the spring 31. As shown in FIG. 3, the other end of the spring 31 is fixed to the inner surface side of the bottom wall 51a of the adjusting nut 5 described later. The load sensor 32 is soldered to the board 33, and the board 33 is attached to the bottom 212 on the front side of the front housing 21. That is, the spring 31 is interposed between the bottom wall 5 la of the adjustment nut 5 and the load sensor 32, and expands and contracts as the adjustment nut 5 advances and retreats. When the spring 31 is expanded and contracted in accordance with the advancement and retraction of the adjusting nut 5, the restoring force of the spring 31 acts on the load sensor 32, and the load sensor 32 responds to the restoring force (extension amount) of the spring 31. The magnitude of the load detected at 32 also changes. In addition to the load sensor 32, an amplifier (not shown) and peripheral electronic components are mounted on the substrate 33, and these are electrically connected on the substrate 33. Incidentally, the load sensor 32 uses various sensors such as a capacitance type, a piezoelectric type, and a strain gauge. be able to.

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

As shown in FIG. 3, the adjusting nut 5 includes a bottomed cylindrical main body 51 and a fitting recess 12 of the mirror holder 1 protruding rearward from the bottom wall 51a of the main body 51 (see FIG. 3). ) And a spherical pivot portion 52 that is rotatably fitted to the main body portion 51, and five foot portions 53 (only three are shown) projecting forward from the opening end of the main body portion 51. In addition, the main body 51 is formed with ribs 51c protruding outward at appropriate positions on the outer peripheral surface thereof. At the tip of the foot 53, a claw 53a (see FIG. 3) that protrudes inwardly on the inner surface (radially inner surface) and engages with the male screw 81 is formed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the worm wheel 6 includes a substantially cylindrical sliding portion 61 that is rotatably engaged with the recess 9 of the front housing 21, and a substantially cylindrical shape having a larger diameter than the sliding portion 61. The main body 62 is mainly configured. The main body portion 62 is formed with a gear portion 62a that fits with the gear portion 71 of the motor 7 at the front portion of the outer periphery thereof, and a rib 63 that protrudes rearward at the inner peripheral edge of the rear end surface 62b. ing. A groove 64 is formed in the rib 63 so as to communicate in the front-rear direction, and the adjustment nut 5 is connected to the worm wheel 6 by engaging the rib 51c of the adjustment nut 5 with the groove 64. It is movable in the front-rear direction (the direction along the central axis of the worm wheel 6) and is engaged so as not to be relatively rotatable.

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

Next, the operation of the mirror angle detection device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, when the mirror body M (see FIG. 1) is tilted upward, when the adjustment nut 5 is moved backward via the worm wheel 6 by driving the motor 7 in the lower part, Holder 1 tilts upward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3 (a), before tilting the mirror holder 1, Force with ring 31 contracted As shown in FIG. 3 (b), when adjusting nut 5 is moved forward to tilt mirror holder 1, spring 31 is extended. As the spring 31 expands and contracts, the restoring force of the spring 31 acts on the load sensor 32, and the magnitude of the load detected by the load sensor 32 also changes.

[0027] Then, the magnitude of this load is stored by a control device (not shown), and the mirror angle, that is, the position of the adjustment nut 5 is determined by making the magnitude of this load correspond to the mirror angle of the mirror body M. In addition to grasping it, the mirror holder 1 can be tilted to an arbitrary angle based on the stored load. In other words, if the load corresponding to the mirror angle suitable for one driver is stored in the control device, even if the other driver's power error angle is changed, the mirror holder 1 is used until the stored load is reached. By tilting, the mirror angle suitable for one driver, that is, the position of the adjustment nut 5 can be reproduced.

[0028] According to the above, the following effects can be obtained in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, since the mirror angle is detected using the load sensor 32, the mirror angle at which the output does not change due to wear of the resistor, magnetic influence, etc. can be accurately detected as in the past. . In particular, the hysteresis characteristic can be suppressed, and the mirror angle detection accuracy is improved.

[0029] Further, since the load sensor 32 itself is small and thin, the degree of freedom of design inside the side mirror SM (see Fig. 1) can be increased. Furthermore, since the load sensor 32 is mounted on the substrate 33 together with peripheral electronic components such as an amplifier, electrical arrangement is facilitated. For this reason, it can be easily installed in the side mirror SM.

[0030] [Second Embodiment]

The second embodiment of the mirror angle detection device according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 4 is a view showing the operation of the mirror angle detection device according to the second embodiment, where (a) is a sectional view showing a state before the adjustment nut is moved, and (b) is a state after the adjustment nut is moved. It is sectional drawing which shows a state. Since this embodiment is obtained by changing a part of the mirror angle detection device in the first embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

First, as shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the front housing 21 of the second embodiment is provided. In this case, the pin 8 formed in the front housing 21 has a point force formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape whose base end portion is closed, which is different from the front housing 21 of the first embodiment.

The mirror angle detection device 3A according to the second embodiment includes a spring 31 and a strain gauge 34 attached to the bottom portion 82 of the pin 8. One end of the spring 31 is attached to the bottom portion 82, and the other end is fixed to the inner surface side of the bottom wall 5la of the adjusting nut 5 described later, as shown in FIG. That is, the spring 31 is interposed between the bottom wall 51a of the adjustment nut 5 and the strain gauge 34, and expands and contracts as the adjustment nut 5 advances and retreats. The strain gauge 34 is attached to the bottom portion 82 of the pin 8 where the restoring force of the spring 31 acts, and thereby detects the strain of the bottom portion 82 of the pin 8. The strain gauge 34 is electrically connected to a substrate 33 on which peripheral electronic components such as an amplifier (not shown) are mounted.

Next, the operation of this mirror angle detection device will be described. For example, when the adjustment nut 5 is moved backward, the mirror holder 1 tilts upward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), before the mirror holder 1 is tilted, the force in which the spring 31 is contracted is moved forward as shown in FIG. When the holder 1 is tilted, the spring 31 extends. As the spring 31 expands and contracts, the restoring force of the spring 31 acts on the bottom of the pin 8 and the bottom 82 is distorted. As a result, the resistance value of the strain gauge 34 changes.

[0034] Then, in the control device (not shown), this resistance value is stored, and this resistance value is associated with the mirror angle of the mirror holder 1, whereby the mirror angle, that is, the adjustment nut 5 is adjusted. The position can be grasped. As described above, also in the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained.

Although the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Rather, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the force configured to fix the actuator housing 2 to the frame SB is not limited to this. The actuator housing 2 is attached to the cover C. As a configuration to fix the ょ.

[0037] In the embodiment, the load sensor 32 is attached to the inside of the actuator housing 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in any of the above cases, the load sensor 32 is provided. In addition to the inside of the eta housing 2, the mirror holder 1 such as the outside of the actuator housing 2 (for example, the frame SB) or the cover C etc. tilts so that the relative positional relationship with the mirror holder 1 is As long as it is a (variable member), it may be attached to a member of V or misalignment. Specifically, the following modifications can be made.

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

[0039] In the above-described embodiment, one end of the spring 31 is attached to the bottom wall 5 la of the adjustment nut 5, and the other end is attached to the load sensor 32 fixed to the front housing 21. Is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the mirror holder 1 tilts, the relative positional relationship with the mirror holder 1 is displaced. Support plate C1 (base portion) (for example, frame SB (see FIG. 1), frame The load sensor 32 soldered to the board 33 is fixed to a member (for example, an actuator housing or the like) fixed to the SB or the cover C), and then one end of the spring 31 is fixed. May be attached to the load sensor 32 and the other end may be directly attached to the mirror holder 1. According to this, the mirror angle detection device can be easily retrofitted to the side mirror SM.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the load sensor 32 is attached to the base body side (actuator housing 2), and the other end of the spring 31 attached to the load sensor 32 is attached to the mirror holder 1. Force The mounting positions can be interchanged.

Industrial applicability

[0041] The present invention can be applied to a vehicle outer mirror. By applying the present invention to a mirror angle detection device that detects a tilt angle of a mirror in a vehicle outer mirror, a mirror angle without using a resistor or magnetite. Can be detected.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A mirror angle detection device that is mounted on a vehicle outer mirror having a mirror holder that tilts with respect to a base body and detects a tilt angle of the mirror holder,

A sensor that is fixed to one of the base portion and the mirror holder and whose detection value changes according to the acting stress;

A mirror angle detection device comprising: an elastic member interposed between the base portion and the mirror holder and having one end attached to the sensor.

[2] The vehicle outer mirror includes an adjustment nut that is attached to the mirror holder side so as to be able to advance and retreat from the base portion side, and the other end of the elastic member is attached to the adjustment nut. The mirror angle detection device according to claim 1

[3] The mirror angle detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a load sensor or a strain gauge.

4. The mirror angle detection device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is a load sensor or a strain gauge.

[5] An outer mirror for a vehicle, comprising the mirror angle detection device according to any one of claims 4 and 6.