WO2024135724A1

WO2024135724A1 - Vehicle mirror device

Info

Publication number: WO2024135724A1
Application number: PCT/JP2023/045679
Authority: WO
Inventors: 隆宏都筑
Original assignee: 美里工業株式会社
Priority date: 2022-12-23
Filing date: 2023-12-20
Publication date: 2024-06-27
Also published as: JP2024090980A

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle mirror device in which torque during adjustment of the mirror surface angle is stabilized.　This invention comprises a mirror housing 30 having a mirror 31, a pivot unit PU that rotatably holds the mirror housing 30, and mirror surface angle adjusting units 81, 82 that rotate the mirror housing 30. The pivot unit PU includes a fixed member 5, a first pivot member 6 which is rotatably provided on the fixed member 5 and allows the mirror housing 30 to be rotated manually, and a second pivot member 7 that is rotatably provided on the first pivot member 6 and allows the mirror housing 30 to be rotated by the mirror surface angle adjusting units 81, 82.

Description

Mirror device for vehicle

This invention relates to a vehicle mirror device (vehicle outside mirror device).

Vehicle mirror devices require an operation to adjust the angle of the mirror surface (mirror surface angle adjustment operation) so that the driver can easily see from the sides to the rear. Vehicle mirror devices capable of performing mirror surface angle adjustment operation have been available for some time (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-107214 A

In the vehicle mirror device described above, it is important that the torque is stable when adjusting the mirror angle.

The problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a vehicle mirror device that has stable torque when adjusting the mirror angle.

The mirror operating range required by vehicle manufacturers is not just the expected range of the driver's eye point for each vehicle, but also a range that can be covered in the vehicle to which the vehicle mirror device is adapted when used in another vehicle. For this reason, the mirror operating range that the driver actually requires for power operation is smaller than the required mirror operating range.

This invention therefore divides the required mirror operating range into a manual mirror operating range and an electrically operated mirror operating range, thereby stabilizing the torque when adjusting the mirror angle.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the vehicle mirror device according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises a mirror housing having a mirror, a pivot unit that rotatably holds the mirror housing, and a mirror angle adjustment unit that rotates the mirror housing, and the pivot unit is characterized in that it has a fixed member, a first pivot member that is rotatably mounted on the fixed member and can manually rotate the mirror housing, and a second pivot member that is rotatably mounted on the first pivot member and can rotate the mirror housing by the mirror angle adjustment unit.

A second aspect of the present invention is a vehicle mirror device according to the first aspect, in which the mirror angle adjustment unit has a motor attached to the first pivot member, and a rod member attached to the motor via a clutch mechanism and attached to the second pivot member, for rotating the second pivot member relative to the first pivot member, and it is preferable that when the mirror housing is rotated manually, the torque with which the first pivot member rotates relative to the fixed member is a first torque, when the mirror housing is rotated by the mirror angle adjustment unit, the torque with which the second pivot member rotates relative to the first pivot member is a second torque, and the torque acting on the clutch mechanism is a third torque, and the first torque is less than the sum of the second torque and the third torque, and the second torque is less than the third torque.

The third aspect of the present invention is the vehicle mirror device of the second aspect, and it is preferable that the pivot unit is provided with a torque stabilization mechanism that stabilizes the first torque and the second torque.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle mirror device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first pivot member is provided with a manual rotation angle limiting stopper that abuts against the fixed member or a fixed portion to which the fixed member is fixed, and the first pivot member and the second pivot member are provided with an electric rotation angle limiting stopper.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is a vehicle mirror device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, preferably including a storage unit that rotates the mirror housing around a storage axis.

The vehicle mirror device of this invention has stable torque when adjusting the mirror angle.

FIG. 1 is a front view (view seen from the rear side to the front side of the vehicle) showing an embodiment of a vehicle mirror device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view (viewed from the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1) showing the use position, rear storage position, and front storage position (forward tilted position) of the mirror assembly. FIG. 3 is a plan view (view taken along the line II in FIG. 1) showing angle adjustment in the front-rear direction of the mirror surface. FIG. 4 is a side view (view taken along arrow IV in FIG. 1) showing the adjustment of the angle of the mirror surface in the vertical direction. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the components (as viewed diagonally from above right on the rear side of the vehicle). FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view (as viewed diagonally from above the front left of the vehicle) showing the assembled state of the components, that is, the pivot unit, the mirror angle adjustment unit, and the storage unit. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged perspective view (an exploded perspective view seen diagonally from above the front left of the vehicle) showing the manual outward direction restricting stopper. FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6) showing the torque stabilizing structure. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the mirror angle adjustment unit. FIG. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 1) showing the neutral state. FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 1) showing the neutral state. FIG. 12 is a vertical sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 10) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is manually tilted downward from the neutral state. FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 10) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is manually tilted upward from the neutral state. FIG. 14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 11) showing a state in which the mirror assembly has been manually tilted outward from the neutral state. FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIG. 11) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is manually tilted inward from the neutral state. FIG. 16 is a vertical sectional view (corresponding to FIGS. 10 and 12) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is electrically tilted downward from the neutral state. FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view (corresponding to FIGS. 10 and 13) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is electrically tilted upward from the neutral state. FIG. 18 is a horizontal sectional view (corresponding to FIGS. 11 and 14) showing a state in which the mirror assembly has been electrically tilted outward from the neutral state. FIG. 19 is a horizontal sectional view (corresponding to FIGS. 11 and 15) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is electrically tilted inward from the neutral state. FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view (corresponding to FIGS. 10, 12, and 16) showing a state in which the mirror assembly is tilted downward from the neutral state manually and electrically.

Below, an example of an embodiment (example) of a vehicle mirror device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that since the drawings are schematic diagrams, only the main parts are shown, parts other than the main parts are not shown, some hatching is omitted, and some cross sections are omitted. In the drawings, the symbols "F" stands for "front," "B" stands for "rear," "U" stands for "up," "D" stands for "down," "L" stands for "left," and "R" stands for "right." Furthermore, FIG. 6 is illustrated in grayscale.

In this specification, front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right refer to the front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right when the vehicle mirror device of the present invention is mounted on a vehicle (not shown). Also, the front refers to the rear surface of the vehicle.

(Description of the configuration of the embodiment)
The configuration of a vehicle mirror device according to this embodiment will be described below. In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a vehicle mirror device (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "door mirror device") according to this embodiment.

(Description of Door Mirror Device 1)
The door mirror device 1 is mounted on each of the left and right doors (vehicle body) of a vehicle (automobile) not shown in the drawings. The door mirror device 1 mounted on the right door of the vehicle will be described below. The door mirror device 1 mounted on the left door of the vehicle has a configuration substantially similar to that of the door mirror device 1 mounted on the right door of the vehicle, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the outside of the vehicle is the right side of the vehicle, and the inside of the vehicle is the left side of the vehicle.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the door mirror device 1 includes a base 2, a shaft 200, a mirror assembly 3, a spacer 300, and a harness (not shown).

(Explanation of Base 2)
The base 2 is fixed to a door, which is a vehicle body. The inside of the base 2 communicates with the inside of the vehicle through an opening (not shown) provided in the body panel of the door, the door panel, or a panel (flush surface) of the door glass in the triangular portion at the front of the vehicle.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the base 2 has a fixing portion 21 in the shape of a vertical plate, an attachment portion 22 in the shape of a horizontal plate, and a cover portion 23. In this example, the fixing portion 21 and the attachment portion 22 are made of a resin having high rigidity (PA resin containing glass fibers). In this example, the cover portion 23 is made of ABS resin.

(Explanation of shaft 200) As shown in Figures 5, 6, 10 to 20, the shaft 200 has a fixed portion 201 with a circular flange shape and a cylindrical shaft portion 202 fixed integrally to the upper surface of the fixed portion 201. The fixed portion 201 is attached to the mounting portion 22 of the base 2. In this way, the shaft 200 is fixed to the base 2. The mirror assembly 3 is assembled to the shaft 200 so as to be rotatable around the storage axis (third axis) V0, which is the center line of the shaft 200.

The fixed portion 201 and the shaft portion 202 of the shaft 200 are provided with a harness insertion hole 203. A harness is inserted through the harness insertion hole 203.

(Harness Description)
The harness is electrically connected to the camera (not shown), the storage unit 4 described below, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 described below, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 described below, and supplies electricity to the camera, the storage unit 4, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82.

(Explanation of Spacer 300)
In this example, the spacer 300 is made of POM resin, and is interposed between the base 2 and the mirror assembly 3 as shown in FIG.

The spacer 300 rotates together with the mirror assembly 3 relative to the base 2 when the mirror assembly 3 rotates around the storage axis V0 and when it rotates around the second axis V2 described below. When the mirror assembly 3 rotates around the first axis V1 described below, the spacer 300 does not rotate together with the mirror assembly 3 and is in a stationary state together with the base 2. An insertion hole (not shown) is provided in the center of the spacer 300. The insertion hole of the spacer 300 communicates with an insertion hole 35 of the mirror housing 30 described below.

(Explanation of Mirror Assembly 3)
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , the mirror assembly 3 includes a mirror housing 30 having a mirror 31, a storage unit 4, a pivot unit PU, a first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and a second mirror angle adjustment unit 82.

The mirror housing 30 is rotatably attached to the shaft 200 around the storage axis V0 via the storage unit 4, the pivot unit PU, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82. The mirror housing 30 is also rotatably attached to the storage unit 4 around the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 via the pivot unit PU, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82.

In this example, the mirror housing 30 is made of ABS resin. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the mirror housing 30 is made up of a rear housing portion 32 and a front cover portion 33. A storage space 34 is formed inside the mirror housing 30.

The housing portion 32 has a substantially rectangular plate portion 320 and an edge portion 321 that is integral with the peripheral edge of the plate portion 320. The surface of the plate portion 320 (the surface facing the rear of the vehicle) is subjected to aluminum deposition or the like to form a mirror 31. The reflective surface of the mirror 31 becomes the mirror surface. Hereinafter, the mirror 31 and the mirror surface are synonymous. A screw attachment portion 322 is integrally formed on the rear surface of the plate portion 320. An insertion hole 35 is provided in the central portion of the lower wall of the housing portion 32, in the part that is closer to the inside of the vehicle.

(Explanation of Storage Unit 4)
In this example, the storage unit 4 is an electric storage unit. As shown in Figures 5 to 8 and 10 to 20, the storage unit 4 has casings 40 and 41, a motor (not shown), a reduction mechanism (not shown), a clutch mechanism (not shown), and a rotational force transmission mechanism (not shown).

The storage unit 4 is stored in the storage space 34 of the mirror housing 30, and is attached to the shaft 200 so as to be rotatable around the storage axis V0. The mirror housing 30 is attached to the storage unit 4 so as to be rotatable around the storage axis V0, the first axis V1, and the second axis V2 via the pivot unit PU, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, as described above.

The motor, reduction mechanism, clutch mechanism, and torque transmission mechanism are housed inside the casings 40 and 41. The casings 40 and 41 are made up of a gear case 40 and a cover 41. In this example, the gear case 40 is made from a resin with high rigidity (PA resin containing glass fibers).

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage unit 4 rotates the mirror housing 30 around the storage axis V0 between the use position (set position) P1 and the rear storage position P2 with respect to the fixed shaft 200 and the base 2 by the operation of the motor. At this time, the clutch mechanism is in a connected state (fixed state).

The mirror housing 30 also rotates around the storage axis V0 either manually or when an external force is applied to the mirror housing 30 for buffering purposes. At this time, the clutch mechanism is in a disengaged state (disengaged state).

A regulating stopper for the electric storage set angle (not shown) and a regulating stopper for the manual buffer angle (not shown) are provided on the rotating member, e.g., the gear case 40, and the fixed member, e.g., the shaft 200. The regulating stopper for the electric storage set angle stops the mirror assembly 3 rotated by the drive of the storage unit 4 at the use position P1 and the rear storage position P2, respectively. The regulating stopper for the manual buffer angle stops the mirror assembly 3 rotated manually or by buffering at the rear storage position P2 and the front storage position P3, respectively.

(Description of pivot unit PU)
The pivot unit PU is stored in the storage space 34 of the mirror housing 30. The pivot unit PU rotatably holds the mirror housing 30. The pivot unit PU has a fixed member 5, a first pivot member 6, a second pivot member 7, manual rotation angle limiting stoppers S11, S12 and electric rotation angle limiting stoppers S23, S24, a first torque stabilizing mechanism T10 and a second torque stabilizing mechanism T20.

The fixed member 5 is fixed to the gear case 40 of the storage unit 4. The first pivot member 6 is held by the fixed member 5 so as to be rotatable around the first axis V1 and the second axis V2. The second pivot member 7 is held by the first pivot member 6 so as to be rotatable around the first axis V1 and the second axis V2.

(Explanation of the first axis V1, the second axis V2, and the storage axis V0)
In this example, the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 intersect perpendicularly, i.e., perpendicularly (at a right angle), as shown in Fig. 1. The intersection of the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 constitutes the holding center CH. The holding center CH is the center of the pivot unit PU. In this example, the holding center CH is adjacent to the storage axis V0.

In this example, the first axis V1 is in a twisted position with respect to the storage axis V0, as shown in FIG. 3. Also, the first axis V1 and the storage axis V0 intersect perpendicularly, i.e., vertically (at a right angle), when viewed from the front, as shown in FIG. 1.

In this example, the second axis V2 is parallel to the storage axis V0 and is located on the rear and outer side of the vehicle, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

In this example, the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 intersect perpendicularly, but they may not intersect perpendicularly. In this case, the first axis V1 and the storage axis V0 do not intersect perpendicularly when viewed from the front, or the second axis V2 is not parallel to the storage axis V0.

In this example, the holding center CH is close to the storage axis V0, but it may be located on the storage axis V0. In this case, the second axis V2 and the storage axis V0 coincide. In other words, the second axis V2 and the storage axis V0 are one axis.

Furthermore, in this example, the first axis V1 is in a twisted position with respect to the storage axis V0, but it may also intersect with the storage axis V0. In this case, the first axis V1 and the storage axis V0 are in a state where they intersect perpendicularly, or in a state where they intersect but not perpendicularly. Furthermore, it is also possible for the storage axis V0 and the second axis V2 to coincide, and for the storage axis V0 (which coincides with the second axis V2) to be perpendicular to the first axis V1.

(Description of Fixing Member 5)
In this example, the fixing member 5 is made of POM resin. As shown in Figures 5, 8, 10 to 20, the fixing member 5 has a shape of a part of a sphere. That is, the fixing member 5 has a shape in which the upper part, lower part and right part of the sphere are open, and the front part, rear part and left part of the sphere are closed.

A through hole 51 for a screw 50 is provided in the front, rear, and left portions of the closed portion of the fixing member 5. The fixing member 5 is fixed to the storage unit 4 by screwing the screw 50, which is inserted through the through hole 51, into the gear case 40 of the storage unit 4. A first pivot convex spherical surface 52 is provided on the outer convex spherical surface of the fixing member 5.

(Description of First Pivot Member 6)
5 to 8 and 10 to 20, the first pivot member 6 is composed of a two-piece bracket, a rear first bracket 61 and a front second bracket 62. The first bracket 61 and the second bracket 62 are attached together by a screw 63.

In this example, the first bracket 61 is made of a resin with high rigidity (PA resin with glass fiber). The first bracket 61 is made of a pivot portion 610, a first mounting portion 611, a second mounting portion 612, and a screw mounting portion 613.

A first pivot concave spherical surface 614 is provided on the inner concave spherical surface of the pivot portion 610, and a second pivot convex spherical surface 615 is provided on the outer convex spherical surface of the pivot portion 610. A first mounting portion 611 is provided integrally on the upper side of the pivot portion 610. A second mounting portion 612 is provided integrally on the right side of the pivot portion 610. Screw mounting portions 613 are provided integrally on the lower left and upper right sides of the pivot portion 610. An opening 616 is provided in each of the first mounting portion 611 and second mounting portion 612.

In this example, the second bracket 62 is made of ABS resin. The second bracket 62 is made of a pivot portion 620, an attachment portion 621, and a screw attachment portion 622.

A first pivot concave spherical surface 623 is provided on the inner concave spherical surface of the pivot part 620, and a second pivot convex spherical surface 624 is provided on the outer convex spherical surface of the pivot part 620. An attachment part 621 is provided integrally on the right side of the pivot part 620. Screw attachment parts 622 are provided integrally on the lower left and upper right sides of the pivot part 620.

The first pivot concave spherical surface 614 of the first bracket 61 and the first pivot concave spherical surface 623 of the second bracket 62 are rotatably fitted to the first pivot convex spherical surface 52 of the fixed member 5 by sandwiching them from the rear and front. The screw mounting portion 613 of the first bracket 61 and the screw mounting portion 622 of the second bracket 62 are attached by a screw 63. As a result, the first pivot member 6 is held by the fixed member 5 so as to be rotatable around the first axis V1 and the second axis V2, respectively.

(Description of second pivot member 7)
5, 6, 10 to 20, the second pivot member 7 is composed of two separate brackets: a rear third bracket 73 and a front fourth bracket 74. The third bracket 73 and the fourth bracket 74 are attached together by a screw 75.

In this example, the third bracket 73 is made of ABS resin. The third bracket 73 is made of a pivot portion 730, a first mounting portion 731, a second mounting portion 732, a third mounting portion 733, and a screw mounting portion 734.

A second pivot concave spherical surface 735 is provided on the inner concave spherical surface of the pivot portion 730. A first mounting portion 731 is provided integrally on the upper side of the pivot portion 730. A second mounting portion 732 is provided integrally on the right side of the pivot portion 730. A third mounting portion 733 is provided integrally on the upper right side of the pivot portion 730. Screw mounting portions 734 are provided integrally on the left side of the pivot portion 730, the upper side of the second mounting portion 732, and the upper right side of the third mounting portion 733. An engagement portion 736 is provided on each of the first mounting portion 731 and the second mounting portion 732.

In this example, the fourth bracket 74 is made of ABS resin. The fourth bracket 74 is made of a pivot portion 740, an attachment portion 741, and a screw attachment portion 742.

A second pivot concave spherical surface 743 is provided on the inner concave spherical surface of the pivot portion 740. An attachment portion 741 is provided integrally on the right side of the pivot portion 740. A screw attachment portion 742 is provided integrally on the left side of the pivot portion 740 and on the lower right side of the attachment portion 741.

The second pivot concave spherical surface 735 of the third bracket 73 and the second pivot concave spherical surface 743 of the fourth bracket 74 are rotatably fitted to the second pivot convex spherical surface 615 of the first bracket 61 and the second pivot convex spherical surface 624 of the second bracket 62, sandwiched from the rear and front. The screw mounting portion 734 of the third bracket 73 and the screw mounting portion 742 of the fourth bracket 74 are attached by a screw 75. As a result, the second pivot member 7 is held by the first pivot member 6 so as to be rotatable about the first axis V1 and the second axis V2, respectively.

The screw mounting portion 734 of the third mounting portion 733 of the third bracket 73 and the screw mounting portion 322 of the mirror housing 30 are attached together with a screw (not shown). This allows the mirror housing 30 to rotate together with the second pivot member 7 around the storage axis V0, the first axis V1, and the second axis V2.

(Explanation of manual rotation angle restriction stoppers S11 and S12)
The manual rotation angle restriction stoppers S11, S12 include a first stopper S11 and a second stopper S12.

As shown in Figures 5, 6, 10, 12, and 13, the first stopper S11 consists of a small circular protrusion and is integrally provided at a location between the pivot portion 610 and the first mounting portion 611 of the first bracket 61 and at the upper edge of the pivot portion 620 of the second bracket 62. The first stopper S11 on the first bracket 61 side and the first stopper S11 on the second bracket 62 side face each other across the second axis V2.

When the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated upward or downward around the first axis V1, the first stopper S11 hits the storage unit 4 and restricts the angle at which the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7 rotate relative to the fixed member 5. In this example, the angle restricted by the first stopper S11 is approximately plus or minus 5°, totaling approximately 10°.

The first stopper S11 on the first bracket 61 side restricts the upward rotation angle of the mirror housing 30. The first stopper S11 on the second bracket 62 side restricts the downward rotation angle of the mirror housing 30.

As shown in Figures 5, 7, 11, 14, and 15, the second stopper S12 is made of a small plate-shaped protrusion and is provided at a location between the pivot portion 610 and the second mounting portion 612 of the first bracket 61 and at the right edge of the mounting portion 621 of the second bracket 62. The second stopper S12 on the first bracket 61 side and the second stopper S12 on the second bracket 62 side face each other across the first axis V1.

When the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated outward or inward around the second axis V2, the second stopper S12 comes into contact with the storage unit 4 and restricts the angle at which the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7 rotate relative to the fixed member 5. In this example, the angle restricted by the second stopper S12 is approximately plus or minus 5°, totaling approximately 10°.

The second stopper S12 on the first bracket 61 side restricts the outward rotation angle of the mirror housing 30. The second stopper S12 on the second bracket 62 side restricts the inward rotation angle of the mirror housing 30.

(Description of electric rotation angle restriction stoppers S23 and S24)
The restriction stoppers S23, S24 for restricting the electric rotation angle include a third stopper S23 and a fourth stopper S24.

As shown in Figures 10 to 20, the third stopper S23 is provided on the four sides of a square-shaped through hole formed in the central portion of the pivot portion 730 of the third bracket 73. As shown in Figures 5, 10 to 20, the fourth stopper S24 has a small cylindrical shape and is integrally provided in the central portion of the second pivot convex spherical surface 615 of the pivot portion 610 of the first bracket 61. The fourth stopper S24 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the first axis V1 and the second axis V2.

When the mirror housing 30 is rotated downwards and upwards by the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and when it is rotated outward and inward by the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, the third stopper S23 comes into contact with the fourth stopper S24 and restricts the angle by which the second pivot member 7 rotates relative to the first pivot member 6 and the fixed member 5. In this example, the up-down angle and the inward-outward angle restricted by the third stopper S23 and the fourth stopper S24 are approximately plus or minus 5°, totaling approximately 10°.

(Explanation of the first torque stabilization mechanism T10 and the second torque stabilization mechanism T20)
The first torque stabilization mechanism T10 stabilizes a first torque T1, which will be described later. The second torque stabilization mechanism T20 stabilizes a second torque T2, which will be described later.

As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the first torque stabilization mechanism T10 is configured by disposing a coil spring 631 between the screw mounting portion 622 of the second bracket 62 and a washer 630. The spring force of the coil spring 631 stabilizes the load pressing the pivot portion 610 of the first bracket 61 and the pivot portion 620 of the second bracket 62 against the fixed member 5, stabilizing the first torque T1. The washer 630 abuts against the head of the screw 63.

The second torque stabilization mechanism T20, like the first torque stabilization mechanism T10, is configured by disposing a coil spring 751 between the screw mounting portion 742 of the fourth bracket 74 and a washer 750, as shown in FIG. 6. The spring force of the coil spring 751 stabilizes the load pressing the pivot portion 730 of the third bracket 73 and the pivot portion 740 of the fourth bracket 74 against the first pivot member 6, stabilizing the second torque T2. The washer 750 abuts against the head of the screw 75.

(Description of First Mirror Angle Adjustment Unit 81 and Second Mirror Angle Adjustment Unit 82)
The first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 electrically rotates the mirror housing 30 about a first axis V1 to adjust the angle of the mirror surface about the first axis V1. The second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 electrically rotates the mirror housing 30 about a second axis V2 to adjust the angle of the mirror surface about the second axis V2.

As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 9 to 20, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 each have a casing 83, a motor 84, a reduction mechanism 85, a clutch mechanism 86, a rod gear 87, a clip 88, and a connector 89.

The casing 83 is composed of a gear case 830 and a cover 831. The gear case 830 and the cover 831 are assembled together with a screw 832. The casing 83 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is attached together with the screw mounting portion 613 of the first mounting portion 611 of the first bracket 61 with a screw 80. The casing 83 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is attached together with the screw mounting portion 613 of the second mounting portion 612 of the first bracket 61 with a screw 80.

The motor 84 is housed in the casing 83. The connector 89 is provided in the casing 83. The motor 84 is electrically connected to the connector 89. The connector 89 is electrically connected to a harness and supplies electricity to the motor 84.

The reduction mechanism 85 is housed in the casing 83 and is rotatably supported by a gear case 830. The reduction mechanism 85 has a first worm 850 connected to the output shaft of the motor 84, a first helical gear 851 meshing with the first worm 850, a second worm 852 meshing with the first helical gear 851, and a second helical gear 853 attached coaxially and integrally with the second worm 852.

The clutch mechanism 86 is housed within the casing 83 and is attached to the rotating shaft of the second helical gear 853. The clutch mechanism 86 has a clutch gear 860 rotatably and axially movably fitted to the rotating shaft, a nut 861 fixed to the rotating shaft, and a washer 862 and a spring 863 disposed between the clutch gear 860 and the nut 861. The opposing surfaces of the clutch gear 860 and the second helical gear 853 are provided with clutch projections and recesses that mesh with each other detachably.

The rod gear 87 is slidably attached to the casing 83. The rod gear 87 has an arc-shaped rack gear portion 870 and an attachment portion 871 that is integrally formed at one end of the rack gear portion 870.

The rod gear 87 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is inserted through the opening 616 of the first mounting portion 611 of the first bracket 61. The mounting portion 871 of the rod gear 87 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is attached integrally to the engagement portion 736 of the first mounting portion 731 of the third bracket 73 by a clip 88.

Here, the rack gear portion 870 of the rod gear 87 has an arc shape centered on the first axis V1. As a result, when the motor 84 is driven, the rod gear 87 slides in the arc direction centered on the first axis V1 via the reduction mechanism 85 and clutch mechanism 86, rotating the mirror housing 30 around the first axis V1 and adjusting the angle of the mirror surface around the first axis V1.

The rod gear 87 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is inserted through the opening 616 of the second mounting portion 612 of the first bracket 61. The mounting portion 871 of the rod gear 87 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is attached integrally to the engagement portion 736 of the second mounting portion 732 of the third bracket 73 by a clip 88.

Here, the rack gear portion 870 of the rod gear 87 has an arc shape centered on the second axis V2. As a result, when the motor 84 is driven, the rod gear 87 slides in the arc direction centered on the second axis V2 via the reduction mechanism 85 and clutch mechanism 86, causing the mirror housing 30 to rotate around the second axis V2, and the angle of the mirror surface around the second axis V2 can be adjusted.

(Explanation of the relative relationship between the first torque T1, the second torque T2, and the third torque T3)
The first torque T1 is a torque that rotates the first pivot member 6 (including the second pivot member 7, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82) relative to the fixed member 5 when the mirror housing 30 is rotated manually. That is, the first torque T1 is a manual torque that slides on the first pivot convex spherical surface 52 and the first pivot concave spherical surfaces 614, 623 to operate the mirror surface when the mirror surface is operated manually (by external force).

The second torque T2 is the torque with which the second pivot member 7 (including the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82) rotates relative to the first pivot member 6 when the mirror housing 30 is rotated by the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 (electrically driven). In other words, the second torque T2 is an electric torque that slides on the second pivot convex spherical surfaces 615, 624 and the second pivot concave spherical surfaces 735, 743 to operate the mirror surface when the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 (electrically driven) operate the mirror surface.

The third torque T3 is a torque that acts to change the state in which the clutch asperities of the clutch gear 860 of the clutch mechanism 86 and the second helical gear 853, which are in mesh with each other, to a state in which the clutch asperities ride up and are separated from each other. In other words, the third torque T3 is a clutch torque that the clutch mechanism 86 acts on. When the mirror surface is operated to its operating limit by driving the motor 84, this third torque T3 causes the clutch asperities to ride up, thereby reducing the load on the motor 84.

In this example, the required torque for the first torque T1 is approximately 3 to 9 Nm. The target torque for the first torque T1 is approximately 4.5 Nm. The target torque for the second torque T2 is approximately 1 Nm. The target torque for the third torque T3 is approximately 6 Nm.

The first torque T1, second torque T2, and third torque T3 require the following torque balance. In other words, the first torque T1 is less than the sum of the second torque T2 and the third torque T3 (T1<T2+T3). If this does not hold, the clutch mechanism 86 is disengaged manually (by external force), and the second pivot convex spherical surfaces 615, 624 and the second pivot concave spherical surfaces 735, 743 slide, and when manually adjusting the mirror surface, the adjustment must be made beyond the operating limit of the motor 84, and manual adjustment requires a large force. For this reason, this torque balance (T1<T2+T3) is necessary.

By maintaining the torque balance (T1<T2+T3) described above, when the mirror housing 30 is rotated manually, the clutch mechanism 86 is in an engaged state, and there is no sliding between the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7, but rather between the fixed member 5 and the first pivot member 6, so the angle of the mirror surface can be adjusted with a small manual force.

Furthermore, the second torque T2 is less than the third torque T3 (T2<T3). If this is not the case, the motor 84 cannot operate, the clutch mechanism 86 will spin freely, and it will be impossible to adjust the mirror surface. For this reason, this torque balance (T2<T3) is necessary.

By maintaining the torque balance (T2<T3) described above, when the mirror housing 30 is rotated electrically, the clutch mechanism 86 is in a connected state, and sliding occurs between the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7, making it possible to adjust the angle of the mirror surface. Note that since the first torque T1 is greater than the second torque T2, there is no sliding between the fixed member 5 and the first pivot member 6 when the angle is adjusted electrically.

(Description of the Function of the Embodiment)
The door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.

The driver's eye point differs from vehicle to vehicle. For this reason, first, the angle of the mirror, which is located in the neutral position, is manually adjusted as described below to match the driver's eye point. Next, the manually adjusted angle of the mirror is electrically adjusted as described below to match the eye point actually required by the driver.

(Explanation of the neutral position of the mirror surface)
The mirror 31, i.e., the mirror surface, is in the neutral position when it is in the position shown in Figures 10 and 11. Also, when the mirror housing 30 is in the position shown by the solid lines in Figures 3 and 4, the mirror surface is in the neutral position.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, the angle between the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 and the second axis V2 on the first axis V1 is 0°. In other words, the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 and the second axis V2 are aligned.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the angle between the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the meshing point G1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first meshing point G1") between the clutch gear 860 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the rack gear portion 870 of the rod gear 87, and the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the engagement point H1 (hereinafter referred to as the "first engagement point H1") between the mounting portion 871 of the rod gear 87 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the engagement portion 736 of the first mounting portion 731 of the third bracket 73, is approximately 41.6° in this example.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the angle between the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 and the first axis V1 at the second axis V2 is 0°. In other words, the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 and the first axis V1 are coincident.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the angle between the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the meshing point G2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second meshing point G2") between the clutch gear 860 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the rack gear portion 870 of the rod gear 87 and the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the engagement point H2 (hereinafter referred to as the "second engagement point H2") between the mounting portion 871 of the rod gear 87 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the engagement portion 736 of the second mounting portion 732 of the third bracket 73 is approximately 38.3° in this example.

(Explanation of manual operation of the mirror in the vertical direction (adjustment of the mirror's vertical angle))
12, the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated in a downward (clockwise) direction M1 around the first axis V1 relative to the base 2. Then, the load (rotational force in the downward direction M1) received by the mirror housing 30 is transmitted to the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 via the third bracket 73 (the second pivot member 7 including the fourth bracket 74), the first engagement point H1, the rod gear 87 and the first meshing point G1, and is further transmitted to the first bracket 61 (the first pivot member 6 including the second bracket 62).

At this time, because the third torque T3 is greater than the first torque T1, the first pivot member 6 rotates in the downward direction M1 relative to the fixed member 5, and accordingly the mirror housing 30 (including the first pivot member 6, the second pivot member 7, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82) rotates in the downward direction M1. In addition, due to the self-locking effect of the weighting mechanism 85 having the first worm 850 and the second worm 852 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, the load received by the mirror housing 30 is reliably transmitted to the first bracket 61 via the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81.

Here, when the first stopper S11 of the second bracket 62 hits the storage unit 4, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction M1 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction M1 is approximately 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the angle between the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 and the second axis V2 on the first axis V1 is approximately 5°. That is, the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 5° in the downward direction M1 with respect to the second axis V2.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated in the upward direction (counterclockwise direction) M2 around the first axis V1 relative to the base 2. Then, the load received by the mirror housing 30 (rotational force in the upward direction M2) is transmitted to the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 as described above, and further to the first bracket 61, causing the mirror housing 30 to rotate in the upward direction M2.

Here, when the first stopper S11 of the first bracket 61 hits the storage unit 4, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the upward direction M2 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the upward direction M2 is approximately 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the angle between the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 on the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 is approximately 5° (shown as "-5°" in FIG. 13). That is, the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 5° in the upward direction M2 with respect to the second axis V2.

In this way, the mirror housing 30 can be manually rotated around the first axis V1 in the downward direction M1 or the upward direction M2 relative to the base 2, so that the vertical angle of the mirror surface can be manually adjusted.

(Explanation of manual inward/outward mirror operation (inward/outward mirror angle adjustment))
14, the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated in an outward direction (counterclockwise, leftward) M3 around the second axis V2 relative to the base 2. Then, the load (rotational force in the outward direction M3) received by the mirror housing 30 is transmitted to the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 via the third bracket 73 (second pivot member 7 including the fourth bracket 74), the second engagement point H2, the rod gear 87 and the second meshing point G2, and further to the first bracket 61 (first pivot member 6 including the second bracket 62).

At this time, because the third torque T3 is greater than the first torque T1, the first pivot member 6 rotates in the outward direction M3 relative to the fixed member 5, and accordingly the mirror housing 30 (including the first pivot member 6, the second pivot member 7, the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81, and the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82) rotates in the outward direction M3. In addition, due to the self-locking effect of the weighting mechanism 85 having the first worm 850 and the second worm 852 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82, the load received by the mirror housing 30 is reliably transmitted to the first bracket 61 via the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82.

Here, when the second stopper S12 of the first bracket 61 hits the storage unit 4, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the outward direction M3 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the outward direction M3 is approximately 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, the angle between the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 and the first axis V1 at the second axis V2 is approximately 5°. That is, the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 5° in the outward direction M3 with respect to the first axis V1.

Also, as shown in FIG. 15, the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated inward (clockwise, rightward) M4 around the second axis V2 relative to the base 2. Then, the load received by the mirror housing 30 (rotational force in the upward direction M2) is transmitted to the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 as described above, and further to the first bracket 61, causing the mirror housing 30 to rotate inward M4.

Here, when the second stopper S12 of the second bracket 62 hits the storage unit 4, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the inward direction M4 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the inward direction M4 is approximately 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, the angle between the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 and the first axis V1 at the second axis V2 is approximately 5° (shown as "-5°" in FIG. 15). That is, the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 5° in the inward direction M4 with respect to the first axis V1.

In this way, the mirror housing 30 can be manually rotated around the second axis V2 relative to the base 2 in the outward direction M3 or inward direction M4, so that the angle of the mirror surface in the outward/inward direction (left/right direction) can be manually adjusted.

(Explanation of motorized vertical movement of the mirror surface (vertical angle adjustment of the mirror surface))
16, the motor 84 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is driven to move the rod gear 87 forward. Then, the electric force of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is transmitted to the mirror housing 30 via the rod gear 87, the first engagement point H1, and the third bracket 73 (the second pivot member 7 including the fourth bracket 74). At this time, since the second torque T2 is smaller than the first torque T1, the second pivot member 7 rotates in the downward direction E1 relative to the first pivot member 6 (including the fixed member 5), and accordingly, the mirror housing 30 (including the second pivot member 7) rotates in the downward direction E1.

Here, when the third stopper S23 on the upper edge of the third bracket 73 hits the fourth stopper S24 of the first bracket 61, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction E1 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction E1 is about 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 16, the angle between the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 and the second axis V2 on the first axis V1 is about 5°. That is, the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by about 5° in the downward direction E1 with respect to the second axis V2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, the angle between the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the first meshing point G1 and the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the first engagement point H1 is approximately 46.6°, which is approximately 5° added to the approximately 41.6° in the neutral position and the manual downward position.

Also, as shown in FIG. 17, the motor 84 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is driven to move the rod gear 87 backward. Then, as described above, the electric force of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is transmitted to the mirror housing 30, and the mirror housing 30 rotates in the upward direction E2.

Here, when the third stopper S23 on the bottom side of the third bracket 73 hits the fourth stopper S24 of the first bracket 61, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the upward direction E2 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the upward direction E2 is about 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the angle between the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 on the first axis V1 and the second axis V2 is about 5° (shown as "-5°" in FIG. 17). That is, the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by about 5° in the upward direction E2 with respect to the second axis V2.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 17, the angle between the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the first meshing point G1 and the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the first engagement point H1 is approximately 36.6°, which is approximately 5° subtracted from the approximately 41.6° in the neutral position and the manual upward position, in this example.

In this way, the mirror housing 30 can be electrically rotated around the first axis V1 in the downward direction E1 or the upward direction E2 relative to the base 2, so that the vertical angle of the mirror surface can be electrically adjusted.

(Explanation of motorized inward/outward mirror movement (inward/outward mirror angle adjustment))
18, the motor 84 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is driven to move the rod gear 87 forward. Then, the electric force of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is transmitted to the mirror housing 30 via the rod gear 87, the second engagement point H2, and the third bracket 73 (the second pivot member 7 including the fourth bracket 74). At this time, since the second torque T2 is smaller than the first torque T1, the second pivot member 7 rotates in the outward direction E3 relative to the first pivot member 6 (including the fixed member 5), and accordingly, the mirror housing 30 (including the second pivot member 7) rotates in the outward direction E3.

Here, when the third stopper S23 on the left side of the third bracket 73 hits the fourth stopper S24 of the first bracket 61, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the outward direction E3 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the outward direction E3 is approximately 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the angle between the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 and the first axis V1 at the second axis V2 is approximately 5°. That is, the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 5° in the outward direction E3 with respect to the first axis V1.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, the angle between the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the second meshing point G2 and the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the second engagement point H2 is approximately 33.3°, which is approximately 5° subtracted from the approximately 38.3° in the neutral position and the manual outward position, in this example.

Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the motor 84 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is driven to move the rod gear 87 backward. Then, as described above, the electric force of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 is transmitted to the mirror housing 30, and the mirror housing 30 rotates in the inward direction E4.

Here, when the third stopper S23 on the right side of the third bracket 73 hits the fourth stopper S24 of the first bracket 61, the rotation of the mirror housing 30 in the inward direction E4 stops. In this example, the rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the inward direction E4 is approximately 5°. That is, as shown in FIG. 19, the angle between the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 and the first axis V1 on the second axis V2 is approximately 5° (shown as "-5°" in FIG. 19). That is, the horizontal axis PV1 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 5° in the inward direction E4 with respect to the first axis V1.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, the angle between the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the second meshing point G2 and the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the second engagement point H2 is approximately 43.3°, which is approximately 5° added to the approximately 38.3° in the neutral position and the manual inward position, in this example.

In this way, the mirror housing 30 can be electrically rotated around the second axis V2 in the outward direction E3 or inward direction E4 relative to the base 2, so that the vertical angle of the mirror surface can be electrically adjusted.

(Explanation of manual and motorized operation of the mirror in the vertical direction (adjustment of the mirror's vertical angle))
As shown in FIG. 20, when the mirror housing 30 is manually rotated in a downward direction (clockwise direction) M1 around the first axis V1 relative to the base 2, the mirror housing 30 rotates in the downward direction M1 as described above.

If the motor 84 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 is then driven to move the rod gear 87 forward, the mirror housing 30 will further rotate in the downward direction E1 as described above.

In this example, the manual and electric rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction M1, E1 is approximately 10°. That is, it is the sum of the manual rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction M1 of approximately 5° and the electric rotation angle of the mirror housing 30 in the downward direction E1 of approximately 5°. As a result, the vertical axis PV2 of the mirror housing 30 is inclined by approximately 10° in the downward direction M1, E1 with respect to the second axis V2.

The mirror housing 30 can be rotated around the first axis V1 relative to the base 2 in the downward direction M1, E1 or the upward direction M2, E2, either manually or electrically, and can be rotated around the second axis V2 in the outward direction M3, E3 or the inward direction M4, E4, so that the angles of the mirror surface can be adjusted in the up-down and outward-inward directions either manually or electrically.

In this way, the sum of the manual rotation angle and the rotation angle by the mirror angle adjustment units 81 and 82 is the rotation angle over the entire range of the mirror housing 30.

(Explanation of the use position P1, rear storage position P2, and front storage position P3 of the mirror assembly 3)
2 indicates the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1, and the two-dot chain line in Fig. 2 indicates the mirror assembly 3 located at the rear storage position P2 or the front storage position P3.

(Explanation of storage and restoration of mirror assembly 3)
2, the storage unit 4 is driven to electrically rotate the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1 around the storage axis V0 in a clockwise direction as viewed from above with respect to the base 2. Then, the mirror assembly 3 rotates and is stored at the rear storage position P2.

The storage unit 4 is also driven to electrically rotate the mirror assembly 3, which is located at the rear storage position P2, around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from above. The mirror assembly 3 then rotates and returns to its position at the use position P1.

When the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2, the stopper of the stopping mechanism is activated. This stops the rotation of the mirror assembly 3, and the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the rear storage position P2.

In this way, the door mirror device 1 in this embodiment has an electric storage function that electrically stores and returns the mirror assembly 3.

Furthermore, the mirror assembly 3, which is located at the use position P1, is manually rotated around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from above. This disengages the clutch mechanism of the rotational force transmission mechanism of the storage unit 4, and the mirror assembly 3 rotates and is stored at the forward storage position P3.

Furthermore, the mirror assembly 3, which is located at the forward storage position P3, is manually rotated clockwise around the storage axis V0 relative to the base 2 when viewed from above. The mirror assembly 3 then rotates and returns to its position at the use position P1. At this time, the clutch mechanism, which was in the disengaged state, becomes engaged.

When the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the front storage position P3, the stopper of the stopping mechanism is activated. This stops the rotation of the mirror assembly 3, and the mirror assembly 3 is located at the use position P1 or the front storage position P3.

Furthermore, when an external force is applied to the mirror assembly 3 located at the use position P1, the mirror assembly 3 rotates around the storage axis V0 from the use position P1 to the rear storage position P2 or the front storage position P3 due to the cushioning effect.

When the mirror assembly 3 rotates around the storage axis V0, the spacer 300 also rotates around the storage axis V0 together with the mirror assembly 3 relative to the base 2.

(Explanation of Effects of the Embodiment)
The door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration and functions, and its effects will be described below.

The door mirror device 1 in this embodiment includes a mirror housing 30 having a mirror 31, a pivot unit PU that rotatably holds the mirror housing 30, and mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 that rotate the mirror housing 30. The pivot unit PU in the door mirror device 1 in this embodiment includes a fixed member 5, a first pivot member 6 that is rotatably mounted on the fixed member 5 and can manually rotate the mirror housing 30, and a second pivot member 7 that is rotatably mounted on the first pivot member 6 and can rotate the mirror housing 30 by the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82.

As a result, in the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the sum of the manual rotation angle and the rotation angle caused by the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 is the rotation angle that covers the entire range of the mirror housing 30, so the rotation angle caused by the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 can be made smaller than in a door mirror device in which the entire range of the mirror housing rotation angle is determined solely by the rotation angle of the mirror angle adjustment unit.

As a result, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment can reduce the angle between the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the first engagement point G1 and the line segment connecting the first axis V1 and the first engagement point H1, and the angle between the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the second engagement point G2 and the line segment connecting the second axis V2 and the second engagement point H2, thereby suppressing losses when transmitting rotational force (torque, load) to the mirror housing 30 or the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82. Therefore, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment has stable torque when adjusting the mirror angle, and the operation degree of the mirror angle adjustment is also stable.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the mirror angle adjustment units 81, 82 have a motor 84 attached to the first pivot member 6, and a rod gear 87 attached to the motor 84 via a clutch mechanism 86 and also attached to the second pivot member 7, serving as a rod member for rotating the second pivot member 7 relative to the first pivot member 6.

In addition, in the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, when the mirror housing 30 is rotated manually, the torque with which the first pivot member 6 rotates relative to the fixed member 5 is defined as a first torque T1, when the mirror housing 30 is rotated by the mirror surface angle adjustment units 81, 82, the torque with which the second pivot member 7 rotates relative to the first pivot member 6 is defined as a second torque T2, and the torque acting on the clutch mechanism 86 is defined as a third torque T3.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the first torque T1 is less than the sum of the second torque T2 and the third torque T3. Therefore, when the mirror housing 30 is rotated manually, the clutch mechanism 86 is in an engaged state. Therefore, there is no sliding between the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7, but rather sliding between the fixed member 5 and the first pivot member 6. Therefore, the angle of the mirror surface can be adjusted with a small force.

In addition, in the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the second torque T2 is less than the third torque T3, so when the mirror housing 30 is rotated electrically, the clutch mechanism 86 is in a connected state, and sliding occurs between the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7, so the angle of the mirror surface can be adjusted.

The door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment maintains torque balance, i.e., the balance between the first torque T1, the second torque T2, and the third torque T3, so that the electric adjustment torque can be sufficiently secured and there is a margin for the electric adjustment torque. As a result, the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment is capable of electric mirror adjustment even when the mirror housing 30 is exposed to the wind while driving.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the pivot unit PU is provided with torque stabilization mechanisms T10, T20 that stabilize the first torque T1 and the second torque T2, so that the torque when adjusting the mirror angle is stable, and the degree of operation of the mirror angle adjustment is also stable.

In the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the first pivot member 6 is provided with a first stopper S11 and a second stopper S12, which are stoppers that regulate the manual rotation angle that comes into contact with the storage unit 4, so that the range of manual adjustment of the mirror angle can be regulated.

In addition, in the door mirror device 1 according to this embodiment, the first pivot member 6 and the second pivot member 7 are provided with a third stopper S23 and a fourth stopper S24, which are stoppers for restricting the electric rotation angle, so that the range of electric adjustment of the mirror surface angle can be restricted.

The door mirror device 1 in this embodiment is equipped with a storage unit 4 that rotates the mirror housing 30 around the storage axis V0, so the storage unit 4 can rotate the mirror housing 30 around the storage axis V0 between the use position P1, the rear storage position P2, and the front storage position P3, and position it at each of the positions P1, P2, and P3.

(Explanation of examples other than the embodiment)
In the above embodiment, the manual rotation angle regulating stoppers S11, S12 (the first stopper S11 and the second stopper S12) come into contact with the storage unit 4 to regulate the manual rotation angle. However, in the present invention, the manual rotation angle regulating stoppers S11, S12 (the first stopper S11 and the second stopper S12) may come into contact with the fixed member 5 to regulate the manual rotation angle. In other words, the manual rotation angle regulating stoppers S11, S12 (the first stopper S11 and the second stopper S12) come into contact with the fixed member 5 or the storage unit 4 as a fixed part to which the fixed member 5 is fixed to regulate the manual rotation angle.

In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the storage axis V0 and the second axis V2 are provided in parallel. However, in this invention, the storage axis V0 and the second axis V2 may be combined into one axis.

The vehicle mirror device of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

1. Door mirror device (vehicle mirror device)
2 Base 21 Fixed portion 22 Mounting portion 23 Cover portion 200 Shaft 201 Fixed portion 202 Shaft portion 203 Harness insertion hole 3 Mirror assembly 30 Mirror housing 31 Mirror 32 Housing portion 320 Plate portion 321 Edge portion 322 Screw mounting portion 33 Cover portion 34 Storage space 35 Insertion hole 300 Spacer 4 Storage unit 40 Gear case (casing)
41 Cover (casing)
5 Fixing member 50 Screw 51 Insertion hole 52 First pivot convex spherical surface 6 First pivot member 61 First bracket 610 Pivot portion 611 First mounting portion 612 Second mounting portion 613 Screw mounting portion 614 First pivot concave spherical surface 615 Second pivot convex spherical surface 616 Opening 62 Second bracket 620 Pivot portion 621 Mounting portion 622 Screw mounting portion 623 First pivot concave spherical surface 624 Second pivot convex spherical surface 63 Screw 630 Washer 631 Coil spring 7 Second pivot member 73 Third bracket 730 Pivot portion 731 First mounting portion 732 Second mounting portion 733 Third mounting portion 734 Screw mounting portion 735 Second pivot concave spherical surface 736 Engagement portion 74 Fourth bracket 740 Pivot portion 741 Mounting portion 742 Screw mounting portion 743 Second pivot concave spherical surface 75 Screw 750 Washer 751 Coil spring 80 Screw 81 First mirror surface angle adjustment unit 82 Second mirror surface angle adjustment unit 83 Casing 830 Gear case 831 Cover 832 Screw 84 Motor 85 Reduction mechanism 850 First worm 851 First helical gear 852 Second worm 853 Second helical gear 86 Clutch mechanism 860 Clutch gear 861 Nut 862 Washer 863 Spring 87 Rod gear 870 Rack gear portion 871 Mounting portion 88 Clip 89 Connector F Front B Rear U Top D Bottom L Left R Right CH Holding center E1: downward direction by motor E2: upward direction by motor E3: outward direction by motor E4: inward direction by motor M1: downward direction by manual M2: upward direction by manual M3: outward direction by manual M4: inward direction by manual G1: first meshing point (meshing point between the clutch gear 860 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the rack gear portion 870 of the rod gear 87)
G2: second meshing point (the meshing point between the clutch gear 860 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the rack gear portion 870 of the rod gear 87)
H1: first engagement point (an engagement point between the mounting portion 871 of the rod gear 87 of the first mirror angle adjustment unit 81 and the engagement portion 736 of the first mounting portion 731 of the third bracket 73)
H2: second engagement point (an engagement point between the mounting portion 871 of the rod gear 87 of the second mirror angle adjustment unit 82 and the engagement portion 736 of the second mounting portion 732 of the third bracket 73)
P1 Use position P2 Rear storage position P3 Front storage position PV1 Horizontal axis of mirror housing 30 PV2 Vertical axis of mirror housing 30 PU Pivot unit S11 First stopper (stopper for restricting manual rotation angle)
S12 Second stopper (manual rotation angle limiting stopper)
S23 Third stopper (electric rotation angle limiting stopper)
S24 Fourth stopper (electric rotation angle limiting stopper)
T10 First torque stabilization mechanism T20 Second torque stabilization mechanism V0 Storage shaft V1 First shaft V2 Second shaft

Claims

a mirror housing having a mirror;
a pivot unit that rotatably holds the mirror housing;
a mirror surface angle adjustment unit that rotates the mirror housing;
Equipped with
The pivot unit is
A fixing member;
a first pivot member rotatably mounted on the fixed member and capable of manually rotating the mirror housing;
a second pivot member rotatably provided on the first pivot member, the second pivot member being capable of rotating the mirror housing by the mirror surface angle adjustment unit;
having
A vehicle mirror device comprising:
The mirror angle adjustment unit includes:
a motor attached to the first pivot member;
a rod member attached to the motor via a clutch mechanism and attached to the second pivot member, the rod member rotating the second pivot member relative to the first pivot member;
having
a torque with which the first pivot member rotates relative to the fixed member when the mirror housing is manually rotated is defined as a first torque;
a torque with which the second pivot member rotates relative to the first pivot member when the mirror housing is rotated by the mirror surface angle adjustment unit is defined as a second torque;
a torque acting on the clutch mechanism is a third torque;
the first torque is less than the sum of the second torque and the third torque;
The second torque is less than the third torque.
2. The vehicle mirror device according to claim 1,
The pivot unit is provided with a torque stabilizing mechanism that stabilizes the first torque and the second torque.
3. The vehicle mirror device according to claim 2.
The first pivot member is provided with a stopper for restricting a manual rotation angle that comes into contact with the fixed member or a fixed portion to which the fixed member is fixed,
The first pivot member and the second pivot member are provided with a limiting stopper for restricting an electric rotation angle.
2. The vehicle mirror device according to claim 1,
a storage unit for rotating the mirror housing around a storage axis;
2. The vehicle mirror device according to claim 1,