Mirror unit for automobile

Disclosed is a mirror unit for a vehicle, which includes a mirror case (10) having a receiving space formed therein; a pivoting bracket (20) axially coupled to an inside of the mirror case (10); a first operating unit (30) installed to a predetermined position in the mirror case (10) to rotate the pivoting bracket (20) as much as 180 degrees by one touch; and front and rear mirrors (40)(45) systematically attached and detached freely to/from both sides of the pivoting bracket (20).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a mirror unit used for a vehicle, and more particularly to a mirror unit that allows a user to select a mirror suitable for environments.

1. Background Art

A conventional mirror unit for a vehicle includes a mirror case1having a receiving space formed therein, a mirror2for reflecting an object, and an operating unit3installed in the mirror case1to pivot the mirror2in an upper, lower, right or left direction within a certain angle, as shown inFIG. 1. By using such configuration, a driver may control an angle of the mirror2by operating the operating unit3.

However, in case of such a mirror unit, light emitted from a headlight of a vehicle positioned at the rear is directly reflected toward a driver, causing troubles in driving.

In the connection, a dark coating film is attached to the mirror2to decrease a magnitude of light reflected. However, the mirror should be also used in daytime, the mirror coated in a too dark color disturbs a driver to exactly recognize a status at the rear.

Thus, in order to overcome the above problem, as shown inFIG. 2, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0322009, published on Jul. 23, 2003, discloses that mirrors2a,2b,2chaving different radii of curvature are attached to a rotating body4having a shape of triangular prism, and then the rotating body4is selectively rotated using a motor5and a gear6so that a mirror suitable for running environments may be used.

However, in this case, it is advantageous that the mirrors2a,2b,2cattached on three surfaces of the rotating body4, but disadvantageously it is impossible to control angles of the mirrors2a,2b,2cattached to the rotating body4.

2. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

The present invention is designed to solve the above problems of the prior art, and therefore an object of the invention is to provide a mirror unit for a vehicle, which may allow a user to selectively use mirrors with different magnitudes of reflected light at night or daytime or depending on environment changes caused by weather.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mirror unit for a vehicle, having a mirror that may be pivoted an a predetermined angle in an upper, lower, right or left direction so that a user may control an angle of the mirror to fit a range of view to a best position.

Technical Solution

In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a mirror unit for a vehicle, which includes:

a mirror case10having a receiving space formed therein; a pivoting bracket20axially coupled to an inside of the mirror case10; a first operating unit30installed to a predetermined position in the mirror case10to rotate the pivoting bracket20as much as 180 degrees by one touch; and front and rear mirrors40,45systematically attached and detached freely to/from both sides of the pivoting bracket20.

In the present invention, the first operating unit30may include a worm wheel31coupled to one pivoting axis21of the pivoting bracket20; a worm32coupled to the worm wheel31; and a motor33for rotating the worm32.

In the present invention, the first operating unit130may also include a worm wheel131coupled to one pivoting axis21of the pivoting bracket20; a worm132coupled to the worm wheel131; a power transmission wire133coupled to the worm132; and a motor134for rotating the power transmission wire133.

In the present invention, the first operating unit230may also include a latchet gear231coupled to one pivoting axis21of the pivoting bracket20to rotate in one direction; and a handle232connected to the latchet gear231.

In the present invention, the mirror unit may further include front and rear mirror supports50,55installed at front and rear of the pivoting bracket20and to which front and rear mirrors40,45are respectively attached; a second operating unit60installed in the pivoting bracket20to pivot the front and rear mirror supports50,55in right and left directions; and a third operating unit70installed in the pivoting bracket20to pivot the front and rear mirror supports50,55in upper and lower directions.

In the present invention, the second operating unit60may include a worm wheel61installed at a position inclined left in the pivoting bracket20to be pivotable and having bolts62,63protruded to both sides as a rotating axis; push sticks64,65screwed to the bolts62,63and connected to the front and rear mirror supports50,55; a worm66coupled to the worm wheel61; and a motor67for rotating the worm66in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

In the present invention, the third operating unit70may include a worm wheel71installed at a position inclined right in the pivoting bracket20to be pivotable and having bolts protruded to both sides as a rotating axis; push sticks screwed to the bolts and connected to the front and rear mirror supports50,55; a worm76coupled to the worm wheel71; and a motor77for rotating the worm76in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.

In the present invention, preferably, circular protrusions64aare formed at an end of the push sticks, and circular grooves50aare formed in the front and rear mirror supports50,55so that the circular protrusions64aare attached and detached thereto/therefrom.

In the present invention, preferably, a coating layer is formed on at least one of the front and rear mirrors40,45to decrease reflexibility of light thereof.

In the present invention, the front and rear mirrors40,45have radii of curvature different from each other.

In the present invention, preferably, a polygonal groove21ais formed at an end of the first pivoting axis21formed at one side of the pivoting bracket20, and a first polygonal shaft31ais formed at an axis of the worm wheel31so as to be inserted into the polygonal groove21a.

In the present invention, preferably, a second pivoting shaft22including a second axis22belastically biased by a spring22ainstalled therein to be protruded and inserted into a second groove12is formed at the other side of the pivoting bracket20.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, a mirror unit for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view showing a mirror unit for a vehicle according to the present invention;FIG. 4is a diagram showing an operating unit adopted in the mirror unit for a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 5is a diagram showing an operating unit adopted in the mirror unit for a vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention;FIG. 6is a front view showing an inner configuration of the mirror unit for a vehicle ofFIG. 3;FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating how a mirror is pivoted by a first operating unit in the mirror unit for a vehicle ofFIG. 3;FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating that a pivoting bracket is separated from a mirror case in the mirror unit for a vehicle ofFIG. 3;FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating that a mirror support is separated from a push stick in the mirror unit for a vehicle ofFIG. 3; andFIG. 10is a diagram illustrating that the mirror is pivoted at a predetermined angle by a second operating unit in the mirror unit for a vehicle ofFIG. 3.

As shown inFIG. 3, the mirror unit for a vehicle according to the present invention includes a mirror case10having a receiving space formed therein; a pivoting bracket20axially coupled to an inside of the mirror case10; a first operating unit30installed to a predetermined position in the mirror case10to rotate the pivoting bracket20as much as 180 degrees by one touch; and front and rear mirrors40,45systematically attached and detached freely to/from both sides of the pivoting bracket20.

A through hole13is formed in one inner side of the mirror case10, and a groove12is formed in the other side.

A first pivoting shaft21is formed at one side of the pivoting bracket20to pivot the pivoting bracket20so that the first pivoting shaft21passes through the through hole13of the mirror case, and a second pivoting shaft22supported by the groove12is formed at the other side.

More specifically, a polygonal groove21ais formed at one end of the first pivoting shaft21formed at one side of the pivoting bracket20, and a first axis31ainserted into the polygonal groove21ais formed on the axis of the worm wheel31. In addition, the second pivoting shaft22includes a second axis22bthat is elastically biased by a spring22ainstalled therein to be protruded and inserted into the groove12.

In this connection, as shown inFIG. 8, if the mirror is kept in parallel to the ground (rotated as much as 90 degrees) and then the second axis22bis pushed in an arrow direction (left), the second axis22bis elastically biased by the spring22aand then immersed into the second pivoting shaft22, so the second axis22bcomes out of the second groove12. In this connection, the pivoting bracket20may be separated from the mirror case10, and the mirror mounted to the pivoting bracket20may be exchanged as desired. In case the pivoting bracket20is installed, the second axis22bis inserted into the second groove12of the mirror case10again with the second axis22bbeing immersed into the second pivoting shaft22.

The first operating unit30pivots in the mirror case10the pivoting bracket20to which the front and rear mirrors40,45are systematically detachably mounted, so that the front mirror40and the rear mirror45may be used as necessary. This first operating unit30may be configured in various ways, which will be described below in detail.

As a first embodiment, the first operating unit30includes a worm wheel31coupled to one pivoting axis21of the pivoting bracket20; a worm32coupled to the worm wheel31; and a motor33for rotating the worm32, as shown inFIG. 3. In this connection, the worm32rotated by the motor33rotates the worm wheel31, and thus the mirrors40,45systematically detachably mounted to the pivoting bracket20are pivoted as shown inFIG. 7.

As a second embodiment, the first operating unit130includes a worm wheel131coupled to one pivoting axis21of the pivoting bracket20; a worm132coupled to the worm wheel131; a power transmission wire133coupled to the worm132; and a motor134for rotating the power transmission wire133, as shown inFIG. 4. At this time, a worm135and a worm wheel136mentioned above are installed between the motor134and the power transmission wire133. In this connection, if the motor134gives a rotational force, the rotational force of the motor is transferred to the worm132through the power transmission wire133, and the worm132rotates the worm wheel131, thereby pivoting the pivoting bracket20to which the front and rear mirrors are mounted.

As a third embodiment, the first operating unit230includes a latchet gear231coupled to one pivoting axis21of the pivoting bracket20to rotate in one direction; and a handle232connected to the latchet gear231, as shown inFIG. 5. In this connection, as a driver manipulates the handle232, the pivoting bracket20to which the front and rear mirrors are mounted is pivoted. This first operating unit according to the third embodiment may be preferably used when the mirror unit of the present invention is used as a room mirror.

A dark coating layer (not shown) is formed on at least one of the front and rear mirrors40,45. The mirror with the dark coating layer is usually used at night, and it decrease magnitude of light emitted from a vehicle at the rear in the night running, thereby lessening dazzling of the driver to protect sight and assist in safe driving. On the contrary, an uncoated mirror is usually used at daytime so that a driver may look a backward status more clearly during driving. In addition, the front and rear mirror40,45has different radii of curvature from each other, so a mirror suitable for running environments may be selectively used. Moreover, since there are provided the front mirror40and the rear mirror45, though any mirror is broken, the other one may be still used.

Front and rear mirror supports50,55to which front and rear mirrors40,45are respectively attached are installed at front and rear of the pivoting bracket20, as shown inFIG. 6. The front and rear mirror supports50,55are pivoted in an upper, lower, right or left direction within a predetermined range. For this purpose, there are installed a second operating unit60installed in the pivoting bracket20to pivot the front and rear mirror supports50,55in right and left directions, and a third operating unit70installed in the pivoting bracket20to pivot the front and rear mirror supports50,55in upper and lower directions.

The second operating unit60includes a worm wheel61installed at a position inclined left in the pivoting bracket20to be pivotable and having bolts62,63protruded to both sides as a rotating axis, push sticks64,65screwed to the bolts62,63and connected to the front and rear mirror supports50,55, a worm66coupled to the worm wheel61, and a motor67for rotating the worm66in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. In this connection, the worm66rotated by the motor67rotates the worm wheel61, and the bolts62,63rotated by the worm wheel61move the push sticks64,65, thereby pivoting the front and rear mirror supports50,55in right and left directions within a predetermined angle.

The third operating unit70is substantially identical to the second operating unit60, except that the worm wheel71is pivotally installed at a position inclined lower in a right direction in the pivoting bracket20. This third operating unit70has bolts as a rotating axis of the worm wheel71, and push sticks connected to the front and rear mirror supports50,55are screwed to the bolts, and a worm76rotated by a motor77is coupled to the worm wheel71. In this connection, the worm76rotated by the motor77rotates the worm wheel71, and the bolts rotated by the worm wheel71move the push sticks, resultantly pivoting the front and rear mirror supports50,55in upper and lower directions.

Here, a circular protrusion is formed at the end of the push stick, and a circular groove is formed in the front or rear mirror support so that the circular protrusion may be attached or detached to/from the circular groove. In this embodiment, the circular protrusion and the circular groove are specifically shown inFIG. 9where reference number64adenotes the circular protrusion and reference numeral50adenotes the circular groove. In this connection, the front and rear mirror supports50,55are separated from the circular protrusion of the push sticks when being pulled, while the circular protrusion64ais inserted into the circular groove50awhen the front and rear mirror supports are inserted into the push sticks, to the contrary.

Now, operation of the mirror unit for a vehicle configured as above is described in detail.

When it is desired to shift from the front mirror40to the rear mirror45due to the change of driving environments, the first operating unit30,130,230is operated to pivot the pivoting bracket20as much as 180 degrees by one touch, as shown in FIG.7.

In order to control angles of the front and rear mirrors40,45, in this embodiment, the second operating unit60is operated to control angles only in right and left directions, as shown inFIG. 10. That is to say, the worm66rotated by the motor67rotates the worm wheel61, and the bolts62,63rotated by the worm wheel61move the push sticks64,65in the arrow direction, so it is resultantly possible to control angles of the front and rear mirrors40,45attached to the front and rear mirror supports50,55in right and left directions. In addition, in order to control angles of the front and rear mirrors40,45, the third operating unit70is operated.

In addition, after a driver controls the front mirror40into an angle most suitable for driving, the driver need not control an angle since the angle is not changed though the pivoting bracket20is rotated as much as 180 degrees by one touch by means of the first operating unit30,130,230.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the mirror unit for a vehicle according to the present invention allows a driver to select and use one of the front and rear mirrors depending on day/night or environmental changes due to the weather since the front and rear mirrors are freely detachably attached at front and rear of the pivoting bracket pivoted in the mirror case.

In addition, since two sheets of mirrors are provided, though one mirror is broken, the other one may be used as a spare, so the driver may keep driving without any disturbance.

In addition, while a conventional mirror unit for a vehicle should be exchanged as a whole to cause inconvenience and financial loss when a mirror is broken, the mirror unit for a vehicle according to the present invention allows exchange of only a broken mirror to give better economic advantages.

In addition, when a vehicle is used at winter, the mirror unit of the present invention need not remove frost from the front mirror since frost is not formed on the front mirror. Moreover, in case mirrors coated with various colors are attached to the mirror unit, a driver may use a desired mirror according to his/her taste.