Indirect rearview system and its installation method

Abstract

This invention relates to an indirect rearview system for automobiles, comprising a carrier element for fixing at least one reflective element, wherein the carrier element forms a coupling region for positionally variably mounting on an adjustment element connectable to a vehicle, wherein the coupling region has a first contact region and a second contact region axially offset from the first contact region for contacting a spherical connection region of the adjustment element, wherein an imaginary separation surface extends through a transition region from the body of the carrier element to the coupling region of the carrier element, wherein the first contact region is arranged on one side of the imaginary separation surface, and the second contact region is arranged on the opposite side of the imaginary separation surface. The invention also provides a method for coupling the carrier element of the indirect rearview system according to the invention onto the adjustment element, wherein the carrier element is moved from the direction of the reflective element toward the direction of the adjustment element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an indirect rearview system for automobiles, such as commercial vehicles, agricultural / construction machinery like tractors, trucks, buses, and / or transport vehicles. The indirect rearview system has a carrier element for fixing at least one reflective element, such as a mirrored glass. The carrier element forms a coupling region for positionally fixing / mounting onto an adjustable element that can be connected to or attached to a vehicle. This coupling region, for example, is approximately close to the center / center point of the carrier element and has a first contact area and a second contact area axially offset from the first contact area, for contacting, for example, a spherical connection area of ​​the adjustable element in a pressurized manner, for example, by dynamic coupling and / or form-fitting. The axial direction is determined / defined by the mounting / engaging / insertion direction of the adjustable element in the carrier element (or preferably a horizontal axis passing through a fulcrum about which the carrier element can pivot). An imaginary separation surface extends through the transition region from the body of the carrier element to the coupling region of the carrier element.

[0002] The separation surface extends on both sides of the fulcrum, passing through the transition region from the body of the supporting element to the coupling region of the supporting element. Different spatial configurations of the separation surface can be employed. For example, an open-space design can be used. The separation surface can, in particular, be flat, i.e., planar, and subsequently form a separation plane in this specific case. Background Technology

[0003] Different adjustment units are known from the prior art. German patent DE 101 63 318C1, traceable to the applicant, protects a joint arrangement, specifically for a rearview mirror with an adjustable mirror, for arranging two components at an angle to each other. This arrangement includes a first joint member comprising a ball-and-socket joint and a second joint member comprising a substantially truncated spherical protrusion fitted into the ball-and-socket joint, a sliding member, and a connecting device for establishing a clamping connection between the first joint member, the sliding member, and the second joint member. The ball-and-socket joint, the sliding member, and the protrusion each have a convex structure and a complementary concave structure on their respective sides, which define first and second axes of rotation between the sliding member, the ball-and-socket joint, and the protrusion. It has proven particularly advantageous that the concave structure has a greater curvature than the convex structure, at least in the unloaded state.

[0004] European Patent EP 3 335 938B1 also traces back to the applicant. In this patent, a spherical joint device for adjustingably arranging first and second joint members around a fulcrum is protected. The patented spherical joint device has a spherical element on the first joint member and a first radius of curvature including a first center point, the outer side of which is part of the sphere. A locking device is also provided on the second joint member, which contacts the spherical element via a first contact surface. The device also has a concave spherical crown-shaped receiving portion disposed within the spherical element on either the first or second joint member, this receiving portion having a second radius of curvature including a second center point. The second or first joint member has a concave spherical crown. The second or first joint member has a convex spherical crown, this crown being supported in the spherical crown-shaped receiving portion via a second contact surface. In this case, the first radius of curvature is greater than the second radius of curvature. The insertion device connects the spherical element and the two joint members across each other in a button-operated manner. In the earlier patent, the spherical element was specifically protected as being constructed in segments with a spherical ring shape, and the spherical element having multiple spherical ring segments distributed over its circumference. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve or preferably eliminate the known disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] In the case of using a similar indirect rearview system, the solution of the present invention to achieve the above objective is that the first contact area is arranged on one side of the imaginary separation surface, and the second contact area is arranged on the opposite side of the imaginary separation surface.

[0007] This provides an indirect rear-view / vision system for vehicles with robust and compact adjustment mechanisms. It enables adjustment of the load-bearing element's working surface and achieves a particularly advantageous force flow curve for the entire component (load-bearing element). It optimizes load distribution and avoids stress peaks or overloads, thereby preventing damage and / or failure.

[0008] In other words, an indirect vision system for vehicles, particularly for load optimization, is proposed, comprising at least one reflective element for indirect vision, at least one carrier element, and at least one adjustment element / composed of the at least one reflective element, at least one carrier element, and at least one adjustment element, wherein the carrier element accommodates the reflective element and has a contact area including an action surface for the adjustment element, wherein the adjustment element has a direct or indirect connection area for the vehicle (i.e., a connection area with or without other intermediate components) and an additional action surface for the carrier element, wherein the carrier element and the adjustment element can be deflected / pivoted relative to each other via a fulcrum through corresponding contact areas, wherein it can be particularly seen here that the carrier element has a rear wall arranged behind the reflective element, the rear wall dividing the contact area into an inner contact area and an outer contact area, wherein the inner contact area is arranged between the rear wall and the reflective element, and wherein the outer contact area is arranged in a manner that moves toward the connection area. This inner contact area protrudes in principle away from the outer contact area and, from the perspective of the transition area, preferably protrudes exactly / approximately toward the reflective element.

[0009] The following describes in detail the advantageous implementation methods.

[0010] Advantageously, the first contact area is constructed as an internal contact area within the space defined by the carrier element and the reflective element, while the second contact area is constructed as an external contact area. This divides the force flow in the transition region from the body of the carrier element to the coupling region of the carrier element along two different, preferably opposite, directions. The overall force flow is distributed as uniformly as possible, thereby preventing breakage of the carrier element and better holding the carrier element on the spherical connection area of ​​the adjusting element.

[0011] Because the first contact area is located within the space defined by the load-bearing element and the reflective element, this contact area is also unaffected by dust and contamination, thus enabling long-term, reliable, and low-friction use and ensuring adjustability even under challenging frame conditions.

[0012] If both the first and second contact areas have truncated spherical inner contour segments, it is particularly effective to adapt one or both contact areas to the spherical connection area to ensure good adjustability.

[0013] An advantageous implementation is further characterized in that the inner side of the coupling region (of the load-bearing element) and the outer side of the connecting region (of the adjusting element) are matched to each other in a certain way so as to define a fulcrum by the two components, around which the load-bearing element can deflect relative to the adjusting element. In this case, when using the rearview system, the user can easily adjust the required angular position of the two components.

[0014] Advantageously, the connection region has a truncated spherical mating contact area. This simplifies deflection / pivot.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the mating contact area is adapted to the contact area that comes into contact with the mating contact area, particularly in terms of its contour. This allows, for example, the integration of partitions that deviate from spherical geometry, or the use of elliptical partitions.

[0016] If the mating contact areas are connected by several flattening areas or one flattening area, it facilitates installation, facilitates unloading of the spring element, and avoids over-determination on the support surface.

[0017] For mass production purposes, it has proven advantageous that the load-bearing element is constructed as a rear wall and / or the adjusting element is constructed as a (pivot) pin preferably made of a plastic such as polyamide, for example as an integral / one-piece single material component.

[0018] Advantageously, the adjustment element is fixed to the support element, for example, by form fit and / or dynamic coupling.

[0019] If the adjusting element has a receiving part for connecting and fixing to a bracket / telescopic rod bracket, rod or (telescopic) tube on the vehicle, or is constructed accordingly, then it is ensured that the two components can fit together particularly well.

[0020] Furthermore, it has been proven advantageous that the receiving portion is constructed as a blind hole with a stepped bottom to achieve torsional resistance.

[0021] If the adjusting element has an indirect or direct connection area for the vehicle, the installation scheme can be designed in a variety of ways, such as having a blind hole.

[0022] If the two contact areas together form a truncated spherical shell that connects to the main body in the transition area, the weight can be optimized.

[0023] The compactness of this system is beneficial if an angle α and / or angle β of 15° to 125°+ / -5° is present. In this case, it is advantageous for the body to encounter the outer shell in the transition region at an angle α of 15° to 125°+ / -5°, preferably 90°+ / -2.5°, wherein the angle α crosses an imaginary straight line passing through the transition region from the body to the coupling region and an imaginary straight line extending axially through the (spherical) center point and / or fulcrum of the connecting region. In a special case, the first of these two imaginary straight lines may be located in a separation surface, with the inner contact region and the outer contact region arranged on opposite sides of this separation surface.

[0024] If the main body is pre-set with an imaginary azimuth line tangent to the theoretical sphere surrounding the fulcrum in the direction of the fulcrum, a particularly good force distribution can be achieved in the direction of the center of the connecting area. The diameter of this theoretical sphere is less than or equal to about 60 mm, preferably about 50 mm, and more preferably exactly 60 mm.

[0025] It has also proven advantageous that the glass element is attached to the carrier element, for example by means of form fit and / or dynamic coupling, particularly by means of a clip solution, and that the glass element is constructed as mirrored glass.

[0026] An advantageous embodiment is further characterized in that, in the installed state, an elastic force is applied to at least one of the two contact areas, preferably the first contact area, or both contact areas, which compresses the coupling area in at least each contact area toward the interior of the coupling area, preferably toward the fulcrum. This simplifies the self-fixation after adjustment, thereby achieving variability in the good reproduction of the driver's rearward visibility range.

[0027] Advantageously, the elastic force is provided by a spring element (e.g., a ring or clip). The spring element may have one or more coils.

[0028] The spring force can be adjusted specifically using this independent spring element. It has also proven advantageous that the ring has a closed or open (e.g., slit) cross-section. This improves installation, particularly in the second case, and enhances fatigue strength / long-term load capacity, particularly in the first case.

[0029] In order to ensure a longer service life without changing the technical framework conditions, it is advantageous that the spring element is made / constructed from a metal building material, such as iron alloy, for example, in the form of spring steel.

[0030] To ensure a simple, modular structure, it is advantageous to construct the spring element as a compression spring, which rests against the outside of the first or second contact area. This also facilitates subsequent applications.

[0031] In order to connect individual components together, and especially to prevent these components from being lost, it is advantageous to construct, for example, a recess in the form of a groove or slot on the outside of the (corresponding) contact area, in which the spring element rests / is / is arranged when the installation is complete.

[0032] To keep the sliding area between the carrier element and the adjusting element permanently clean / uncontaminated, it is advantageous to achieve a sealing function by means of the carrier element and / or the adjusting element, for example, by a sealing lip formed on one or both components, between one of the contact areas and its corresponding mating contact area, preferably between the first contact area and its corresponding mating contact area, and / or by embedding / intermediately connecting an additional sealing element between the carrier element and the adjusting element. In this case, a cleaning effect is produced, similar to that known from the eyelids of the eye. This eliminates the weaknesses known in the prior art. Penetrating contamination is prevented, and friction occurring when parts move relative to each other no longer leads to this undesirable wear, which would otherwise always reduce service life. It should also be emphasized that wear can be prevented, especially when gaps or holes with increased elasticity are provided, for example, in the contact areas—preferably only in the inner contact areas in any case. Thus, a relatively sealed system is achieved in this embodiment.

[0033] Advantageously, the coupling region is constructed in a flexible manner, either entirely or at least segmented / partially.

[0034] It is advantageous to agree that the geometrical changes that cause elasticity are provided (primarily) only in the first contact area and / or (secondarily) only in the second contact area, such as thinning, slits, gaps, grooves, waves and / or similar designs.

[0035] In order to enable different operating positions, it is advantageous that the coupling region and the connection region are adapted to form a graduated geometry, by means of which certain predefined relative positions between the bearing element and the adjusting element can be assumed.

[0036] In this case, it is advantageous that the indexing geometry is formed by mortise and tenon engagement.

[0037] Here, it has proven advantageous that the coupling region has at least one or more grooves / slots / slots on its inner side, and wherein a protrusion on the outer side of the adjusting element engages in at least one or more of the grooves / slots / slots (each), or alternatively / supplementarily, the adjusting element has at least one or more grooves / slots / slots on its outer side, and wherein a protrusion on the inner side of the coupling region of the bearing element engages in at least one or more of the grooves / slots / slots (each).

[0038] If the groove / channel / slot and / or the protrusion has a V-shaped, U-shaped, canopy-shaped or polygonal profile in cross-section and / or both are formed in a way that fits together (almost) without gaps, the adjusting element can be adapted to the carrying element without wobbling, and vice versa.

[0039] In order to enable stepless adjustment, it is advantageous to embed / insert the device in a manner that allows it to move / slide (continuously / discontinuously) within the groove / channel / slot.

[0040] Furthermore, it has also proven advantageous that, from the perspective of the fulcrum, grooves / slots / grooves are provided on the opposite outer sides of the adjusting element, two of which, in at least one section, are respectively filled with a protrusion of the adjusting element, and at least two or an integer multiple of the grooves / slots / grooves remain without protrusions.

[0041] If these grooves / slots / grooves are evenly distributed on the inner periphery of the coupling area at intervals of 90°, 45°, 22.5°, 12.25° or 6.125°, they can be adjusted as needed.

[0042] The present invention ultimately relates to a technical solution in which a mirror head is constructed and / or includes a head adjuster or a glass adjuster.

[0043] If the internal and / or external contact areas are radially closed and preferably have flexible partitions, simple installation can be carried out while eliminating the possibility of contamination or providing protection against dirt.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for mounting a carrier element of an indirect rearview system of the type according to the invention onto an adjusting element, wherein the carrier element is moved from the direction of the reflective element toward the direction of the adjusting element, for example by constructing a mating contact area thereon. This achieves a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0045] One improvement is that the coupling region forming the second contact area and / or the first contact area is first expanded when pushed onto the adjusting element, and then elastically rebounds.

[0046] In this case, it is advantageous to clamp the coupling region onto the spherical protrusion / spherical connection region of the adjusting element.

[0047] In other words, the present invention relates to an indirect vision system for a vehicle, wherein the angle α between the central axis of a horizontal sphere and the side of the center point of the sphere and the point of impact on the rear wall in the contact area is a minimum of 15° and a maximum of 125°.

[0048] An improvement can also be expressed in words, specifically in that the adjusting element has a connection area for the vehicle and is integrally formed in the working surface for the load-bearing element.

[0049] Furthermore, the orientation of the rear wall within the contact area can be designed in such a way that the rear wall passes through the theoretical sphere with a diameter of 60 mm in the theoretical extension toward the center point of the sphere.

[0050] Also considered advantageous is that the adjusting element is mounted relative to the supporting element from the inside out, from the direction of the reflective element, with the outer contact area and the inner contact area radially closed, or the outer contact area radially closed and the inner contact area having elastic partitions. Gap, void, groove, and wave-like features are provided here. This simplifies the segmentation or implementation of the button principle. In this case, these gaps cause a spring-like effect in the contact area.

[0051] In other words, the invention also relates to mounting the adjusting element relative to the carrier element from the inside out in the direction of the reflecting element, wherein the outer contact area and the inner contact area of ​​the carrier element are radially closed and the adjusting element has elastic partitions.

[0052] If pressure is applied to the contact area of ​​the adjusting element at the external or internal contact area of ​​the bearing element by means of a spring element, the frictional force is increased by means of the spring, thereby generating a greater adjusting force for adjustment.

[0053] Advantageously, pressure is applied to the contact area of ​​the bearing element at the outer or inner contact area of ​​the adjusting element by means of a spring element.

[0054] Advantageously, the spring element is a metal spring clip or an open or closed metal ring spring having one or more coils.

[0055] It is also advantageous to integrate the sealing function in the outer contact areas of the carrier element and the outer contact areas of the adjusting element. A molded sealing lip on the carrier element and an additional molded sealing lip made of a second material can also be used. An additional sealing element can also be installed.

[0056] If the indirect vision system is mounted directly or indirectly on the vehicle using a tube or the adjusting element, and the adjusting element is implemented in an integrated or composite manner to secure the tube, other alternative solutions can be implemented. Specifically, the tube can be mounted on the vehicle for direct mounting, or additional retaining elements, such as telescopic rod brackets, can be used for indirect mounting.

[0057] Advantageously, the fitting is clearly defined, positioned, and secured within the adjusting element through a form-fit, i.e., a corresponding geometry. This has the advantage of maintaining the desired field of view through the precise positioning of the indirect vision system, for example, to meet customer requirements or maintain the legal field of view required by standards such as UN / ECE-R46, ISO 5721-2, or ISO 5006. Furthermore, the mirror head with the adjusting element is mounted in a loss-proof manner, preventing it from "falling off" if the power coupling is lost or weakened.

[0058] It is also advantageous that the indirect vision system is directly mounted on the vehicle via the adjustment element, for example, via an adjustment element mounted on the vehicle, and the adjustment element is implemented in an integrated or composite manner.

[0059] Also advantageously, different operating positions can be radially adjusted about the horizontal spherical central axis between the adjusting element and the supporting element via a mortise-and-tenon type indexing geometry. The operating position can still be selected after the mirror head is installed because this indexing geometry is implemented in a flexible manner. This also allows for impact protection through the damping and elasticity of the indexing geometry.

[0060] As described above, it is advantageous that the indirect vision system is a mirror head and / or the indirect vision system is a head adjuster or a glass adjuster.

[0061] The solution according to the invention has many advantages. It achieves optimized force flow from the load-bearing element to the adjusting element because force transmission occurs between the inner and outer contact areas, thus better transferring force from the load-bearing element to the adjusting element. The number of components is also reduced because functional and geometric designs are integrated. The contact areas of the load-bearing element and the adjusting element are nested together, eliminating the need for additional sliding or engaging elements. Installation is simplified due to the fewer components required, thus reducing costs. In one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism is simply "clamped" together, eliminating the need for engaging elements such as screws or locking bolts.

[0062] The indexing geometry, in the form of a tenon-and-groove combination, allows for adjustment when a larger torque is applied, such as switching from a longitudinal mounting format to a lateral mounting format.

[0063] Another positive aspect involves cable guidance, which enables connections to electrical modules such as heating foil, for example, on the back of a mirror (i.e., within the space defined by the glass element and the supporting element), blind spots, and / or parking distance systems. In this case, such cables / power lines can be guided through the spherical connection area of ​​the regulating element or inside the sphere formed by the grooves of the regulating element. Attached Figure Description

[0064] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate different embodiments. Wherein:

[0065] Figure 1 A top view of a rearview system of the type according to the invention, taking into account reflective elements, is shown.

[0066] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The rearview system shown is a longitudinal cross-section along line II.

[0067] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 The diagram shows a rearview system with adjustable elements that have been modified for this purpose.

[0068] Figure 4 The non-reflective element is shown slightly tilted relative to the mounting direction. Figure 3 Isometric view of the rearview system shown.

[0069] Figure 5 A spring element located on both sides of an imaginary separation surface is shown. Figure 3 The rear-view system shown.

[0070] Figure 6 It shows relative to Figure 5 A modified implementation wherein the separating element has a shape in the transition region from the body of the carrier element to the coupling region that is consistent with the shape of the coupling element. Figure 5 The angle of implementation is smaller than that of the smaller angle.

[0071] Figure 7 It shows the relationship with Figure 5 and Figure 6 The embodiments shown are similar, but with changes in the angle and shape of the main body.

[0072] Figure 8 It shows a difference Figure 5 Another implementation similar to Figure 4 The isometric drawing shows that there are no gaps in the load-bearing element.

[0073] Figure 9 The diagram shows a fitting with a tube located in the regulating element. Figure 5Implementation method,

[0074] Figure 10 It shows Figure 3 A magnified view of region X shown.

[0075] Figure 11 It shows Figure 9 A top view of the first embodiment of the spring element used in the illustrated embodiment.

[0076] Figure 12 It shows Figure 11 The spring element shown is in cross-sectional view along line XII.

[0077] Figure 13 With similar Figure 11 The diagram shows, for example Figure 11 and 12 The variant of the spring element shown is as follows:

[0078] Figure 14 It shows Figure 13 The spring element shown is a cross-sectional view along line XIV.

[0079] Figure 15 The spring element is shown without being attached. Figure 9 An enlarged view of region XV in the illustrated embodiment.

[0080] Figure 16 It shows Figure 15 The illustrated embodiment is shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line XVI.

[0081] Figure 17 A perspective view of the assembled rearview system is shown.

[0082] Figure 18 It shows Figure 17 The illustrated embodiment is shown in cross-sectional view along line XVIII.

[0083] Figure 19 It shows Figure 18 The illustration shows a cross-sectional view along line XIX of the embodiment.

[0084] Figure 20 A front view of the head adjuster of the rearview system according to the present invention is shown.

[0085] Figure 21 A single illustration of a glass regulator according to the present invention is shown.

[0086] Figure 22 It shows Figure 20 Top view,

[0087] Figure 23 The assembled rearview system according to the present invention is shown. Figure 21 A top view, and

[0088] Figure 24 With Figures 5 to 7 The corresponding illustration shows another implementation.

[0089] These drawings are purely illustrative and intended only to understand the invention. The same elements are represented by the same reference numerals. Features of the various embodiments are interchangeable.

[0090] Wherein: 1: Indirect rearview system; 2: Load-bearing element; 3: Reflective element; 4: Upper mirror glass; 5: Lower mirror glass; 6: Fixture; 7: Outer end of load-bearing element; 8: Main body; 9: Transition area; 10: Coupling area; 11: First contact area; 12: Second contact area; 13: Spherical connection area; 14: Adjustment element; 15: Axial direction / assembly direction; 16: Imaginary separation surface; 17: Space; 18: Pivot point; 9: Mating contact area; 20: Receiving part; 21: Blind hole; 22: Bottom; 23: Pipe fitting; 24: Imaginary straight line; 25: Recess / groove / slot; 26: Spring element; 27: Flattened area / flat part; 28: Imaginary extension / azimuth line; 29: Imaginary sphere / theoretical sphere; 30: Indexing geometry; 31: Construction measures; 32: Gap; 33: Guiding measures; 34: Groove / slot / slot; 35: Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0091] Figure 1 This is a top view of a first embodiment of the indirect rearview system 1 for the rear of a vehicle. Two reflective elements 3, namely an upper mirror glass 4 and a lower mirror glass 5, are mounted on the supporting element 2.

[0092] according to Figure 2 The longitudinal cross-sectional view shows in detail the mounting of the two reflective elements 3 on the carrier element 2.

[0093] The support element 2 is provided with a fastener 6 at its outer end 7. The support element 2 extends from the outer end 7 to the transition region 9 with its body 8. The body 8 transitions into the coupling region 10 at this point. The coupling region 10 has a first contact region 11 and a second contact region 12. The coupling region 10 surrounds the spherical connection region 13 of the adjusting element 14 by means of its first contact region 11 and second contact region 12. The axial direction is indicated by reference numeral 15, in which the coupling region 10 is placed onto the connection region 13.

[0094] The hypothetical separation surface 16—here, the separation plane—passes through the transition region 9, that is, specifically through the transition region 9 where the main body 8 transitions into the coupling region 10.

[0095] To understand the separation surface 16, it is important that, in some—but not all—sections passing through the fulcrum 18, an imaginary straight line passing through the transition region 9 from the body 8 to the coupling region 10 lies within the separation surface 16, around which the bearing element 2 can deflect relative to the adjusting element 14.

[0096] If the region 9 of the transition section 9 is designed in a rotationally symmetrical manner about the axis 24, then in a specific special case, a separation plane 16 can be formed in the form of a separation plane, and the straight lines passing through all regions 9 of the aforementioned transition section at all angular positions are all within this separation plane.

[0097] However, this is not always necessary. For example, in the case of transition region 9 having a protrusion / flange / roll or recess / dent extending in the direction of axis 24, it can only be identified in two dimensions in different square cross sections.

[0098] In this case, the first contact area 11 is an internal contact area because it is arranged in the space 17 formed by the carrier element 2 and the two reflective elements 3. Outside this space 17, on the other side of the imaginary separation surface 16 (viewed from the first contact area 11), there is a second contact area 12, which is an external contact area.

[0099] The two contact areas 11 and 12 have truncated spherical inner contour segments that are in planar or linear contact with the truncated spherical segments of the connecting area 13 (respectively).

[0100] The supporting element 2, comprising the main body 8 and the coupling region 10, is made of plastic, preferably by injection molding, and has a substantially uniform wall thickness. A connecting region 13, having spherical, spherical, or truncated spherical areas, surrounds the fulcrum 18. During adjustment of the reflective element, the first contact region 11 and the second contact region 12 move together on the outer surface of the mating contact region 19 in a dragging manner. These contact regions are part of the coupling region 10 and are fixedly mounted on the main body 8 of the supporting element 2 via the transition region 9. These mating contact regions 19 are at the same height as the two contact regions 11 and 12 but belong to the adjusting element 14.

[0101] The load-bearing element 2 is basically used as the rear wall.

[0102] Figure 3 An improved version of the adjusting element 14 is shown. In this figure, the adjusting element 14 has a receiving portion 20 including a blind hole 21. The bottom 22 of the blind hole 21 is stepped.

[0103] exist Figure 9The method of inserting the fitting 23 into the blind hole 21 has already been described. The fitting 23 can also be a rod, a telescopic tube, or a telescopic rod. The adjusting element 14 is also made of plastic, especially by means of injection molding, and is designed to be hollow inside.

[0104] The main body 8 encounters the coupling region 10 at a specific location, specifically in the transition region 9 between the main body 8 and the coupling region 10. If this location is theoretically extended using a fulcrum 18, the angle formed relative to an imaginary horizontal line 24 passing through the fulcrum 18 can be measured. This angle is denoted by α. This angle can be between 15° and 125°. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, this angle is exactly 90°. That is, in this embodiment, the aforementioned special position is located within the separation surface 16, and is therefore also a side of angle α. In other words, the segment of the main body 8 closest to the coupling region is located within the imaginary separation surface 16.

[0105] Furthermore, the main body 8 encounters the coupling region 10 at a specific angle relative to the imaginary horizontal line 24. If the main body 8, which encounters the coupling region 20 in the transition region 9, is extended, an extension or imaginary azimuth line 28 is obtained. For this purpose, another angle is set relative to the imaginary line 24. This angle is called angle β and can be between 15° and 125°. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, this angle is exactly 90°. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, both angle α and angle β are 90°. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, angle α is 90° and angle β is 66°.

[0106] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, a recess / groove / slot 25 is introduced on the surface of the first contact area 11 away from the adjusting element to provide a good fit for the spring element 26. A second spring element 26 is also provided there, which has the same structure as the spring element 26 inserted into the groove / groove / slot 25 or adopts a different construction scheme.

[0107] Two mating contact areas 19 are connected to each other via a flattened area or a flat member 27. In this case, the imaginary extension 28 in the main body 8 to the coupling area 10 is tangent to an imaginary sphere 29 with a diameter of 50 mm, 60 mm, or 70 mm. The imaginary extension 28 corresponds to an azimuth line. Therefore, the imaginary sphere 29 is a theoretical sphere. When the upper and lower mirror glass 4 and 5 are omitted, in Figure 8 The diagram clearly shows the combined effect of the coupling region 10 of the adjusting element 14 and the bearing element 2.

[0108] According to Figure 5Depending on the implementation method, angles α and β can be selected differently.

[0109] Figure 6 An angle β in the equation is, for example, approximately 66° or 70°, which is an acute angle. According to... Figure 7 In this implementation, the angle α is approximately 85°, which is also an acute angle. However, an obtuse angle can also be used. For example, angles of 100°, 110°, and 120° can also be used.

[0110] Figure 9 The spring element 26 used in the illustrated embodiment is in Figures 11 to 14 The example is shown below. Among them, Figure 13 and Figure 14 The spring element 26 shown is bracket-shaped. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The spring element shown is ring-shaped. Spring element 26 is particularly a spring coil that is wound once or multiple times.

[0111] Figure 10 The enlarged view clearly shows the dynamic coupling between the mating contact area 19 and the two contact areas 11 and 12. The required force is provided by the stiffness of the material of the bearing element 2 and the spring element 26.

[0112] Figure 15 and Figure 16 These are different longitudinal cross-sectional views showing the connection between the pipe fitting 23 and the receiving portion 20 of the adjusting element 14. The overall structure can be... Figure 17 As can be seen in the diagram, the scaled geometry 30 can be found in... Figure 18 and Figure 19 As seen in the enlarged image.

[0113] In this case, there is a construction measure 31, i.e., a gap 32, in the first contact area 11 that causes elasticity. Guiding measures in the form of grooves / channels / slots 34 are provided on the inner side of the coupling area 10. These grooves 34 are offset by 90° in the circumferential direction, and the grooves 34 located above and below in the direction of gravity are filled by protrusions 35 at a certain position / segment across the cross-section in a form-fitting manner when the segment to which they are connected is released.

[0114] Figures 20 to 23 The overall geometric view has been completed.

[0115] Figure 24Another embodiment is shown, in which the separation surface 16 extends inclined to the imaginary straight line 24. The imaginary extensions / azimuth lines 28 are not parallel to each other. Specifically, the imaginary extensions / azimuth lines 28 starting from the upper region of the transition region 9 (i.e., located above the imaginary straight line 24) are away from the portion of the support element 2 located below the imaginary straight line 24. In this embodiment, if each point of region 10 is connected to the opposite region 10 through the imaginary straight line 24, a separation plane is created. This separation plane does not pass through the fulcrum 18, but in other embodiments it may pass through the fulcrum. The separation surface 16 is also implemented as a separation plane here, but alternatively, it may not be in the form of a plane, but rather in the form of an open space.

Claims

1. An indirect rearview system (1) for a motor vehicle, having a carrier element (2) for securing at least one reflective element (3), wherein The carrier element (2) is provided as a one-piece single-material component and forms a coupling region (10) for variable-position mounting on an adjusting element (14) which can be connected to a vehicle, wherein the coupling region (10) has a first contact region (11) and a second contact region (12) which is axially offset from the first contact region, in order to contact a spherical connection region (13) of the adjusting element (14), wherein, on both sides of a pivot point, a virtual separation plane (16) is provided which extends through a transition region (9) of a main body (8) of the carrier element (2) to the coupling region (10) of the carrier element (2), the carrier element being able to pivot relative to the adjusting element about the pivot point, characterized in that the first contact region (11) is arranged on one side of the virtual separation plane (16) and the second contact region (12) is arranged on the opposite side of the virtual separation plane (16), and in that the connection region of the adjusting element has spherical counter-contact regions which are adapted to the contact regions of the coupling region with which they are in contact, the counter-contact regions being connected by a number of flattened regions or one flattened region.

2. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that The first contact region (11) is constructed as an inner contact region which lies within a space (17) defined by the carrier element (2) and the reflective element (3), and the second contact region (12) is constructed as an outer contact region.

3. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact region (11) and the second contact region (12) each have a spherical inner contour section.

4. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the coupling region (10) and the outer side of the connection region (13) are matched to one another in such a way that a pivot point (18) is defined by the two components about which the carrier element (2) can be deflected relative to the adjusting element (14).

5. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that, The first contact region and the second contact region together form a spherical shell which communicates with the main body (8) in the transition region (9), or a sealing function is implemented between one of the first and second contact regions and its corresponding counter-contact region (19).

6. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that, There is an angle a of 15° to 125° + / - 5° which spans a virtual straight line through the transition region from the main body to the coupling region and a virtual straight line through the center point of the connection region and / or the pivot point which extends in the axial direction.

7. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that, In the installed state, a spring force is exerted on one or both of the first and second contact regions which acts at least in the respective contact region in the direction of the interior of the coupling region (10).

8. The indirect rearview system (1) of claim 1, characterized in that, The main body (8) prescribes a virtual orientation line (28) in the direction of the pivot point (18) which is tangential to a theoretical sphere (29) about the pivot point (18), the diameter of the theoretical sphere being less than or equal to 60 mm.

9. Mounting method for coupling a carrier element (2) of an indirect rearview system (1) according to claim 1 above to the adjustment element (14), wherein The carrier element (2) is moved in the direction of the adjusting element (14) from the direction of the reflective element (3).

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