Folding actuator cover assembly

Abstract

The present application relates to a folding actuator cover assembly. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) comprises at least a first cover part (110) in a first plane (P1) and having a first receiving portion (120) for receiving a first drive mechanism for rotating the first cover part (110) relative to a body part (10), and a second cover part (130) in a second plane (P2) for attaching a rearview mirror window pane (190) of a rearview mirror system (150). The first plane (P1) is angled relative to the second plane (P2) by an angle of 70° to 110°. The second cover part (130) is configured as an extension of the first cover part (110).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a folding actuator cover assembly and to a rearview mirror system for a motor vehicle comprising such a folding actuator cover assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] The rearview mirror system comprises a mounting assembly or winglet pivotably attached to an exterior fixed part of the motor vehicle, and a reflective member mounted for angular movement of the mounting assembly.

[0003] There is provided a winglet actuator comprising a drive arrangement comprising an electric motor, said electric motor being arranged for driving the winglet in rotation between a non-drive position, in which the mounting assembly is folded inwards for protection purposes when the vehicle is parked, and a drive position, in which the mounting assembly protrudes outwards from the vehicle for driving purposes when the vehicle is in motion.

[0004] There is also provided a reflective member actuator for adjusting the orientation of the reflective member from inside the vehicle.

[0005] US 6981774 discloses a vehicle rearview mirror system in which the reflective member actuator comprises a first drive arrangement for pivoting the reflective member on a first axis and a second drive arrangement for pivoting the reflective member on a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. A control arrangement comprising a single rotary drive motor arrangement is provided for selectively actuating the first and second drive arrangements.

[0006] The known rearview mirror systems have proven to be undesirably complex and expensive. There is still a need for an improved rearview mirror system that at least partially overcomes the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

[0007] The above-mentioned drawbacks are overcome by the folding actuator cover assembly of the present application and the rearview mirror system for a motor vehicle of the present application, important advantages and benefits being also obtained with the above-mentioned assembly and system.

[0008] The folding actuator cover assembly of the present application comprises at least a first cover part and a second cover part. In one example, said first cover part can be removably attached to said second cover part, although it is conceivable that said first cover part and said second cover part are integrally formed with each other.

[0009] The first cover part can comprise an upper actuator cover and a lower actuator cover. Upper and lower as described herein refers to the position of the actuator covers relative to the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle. The first cover part, in particular the upper actuator cover, is arranged in a first plane. The first cover part has a first receiving portion for receiving a first drive mechanism for rotating the first cover part relative to the body portion. The upper actuator cover and the lower actuator cover can be rotatable together relative to the body portion.

[0010] The second cover part is arranged in a second plane. The second cover part is configured for directly or indirectly attaching a mirror window, for example in case of a rearview mirror window adjuster.

[0011] According to an important feature of the folding actuator cover assembly according to the present application, the first plane is positioned at an angle of 70° to 110° relative to the second plane. It can be preferred that the first plane is perpendicular to the second plane. Furthermore, the first plane can be inclined at an angle of ±20° relative to the ground when used with the rearview mirror system operatively mounted in the vehicle.

[0012] According to another important feature of the folding actuator cover assembly according to the present application, the second cover part is configured as an extension of at least one of the upper cover part and the lower cover part. The extension can be intended for supporting a functional element, for example. The functional element can be any element intended for performing a specific function, and it can be an electrical device, for example a rearview mirror window, a video camera, a photo camera, a light, a flash light, a radar, a LIDAR, a sensor, an actuator such as a rearview mirror window adjustment actuator, etc. The extension can be integrally formed with at least one of the upper cover part and the lower cover part, or it can be formed with at least one of the upper cover part and the lower cover part in a removable manner. The extension can be integrally formed with the upper actuator cover, for example, or it can be formed with the upper actuator cover in a removable manner. The extension can be configured for performing the function of receiving the functional element without enclosing the drive device.

[0013] Preferably, the upper actuator cover is arranged to protrude from a central portion of the second cover part. In particular, the upper actuator cover can be arranged to extend less than 30 mm from the central portion of the second cover part. As used herein, the first cover part being arranged to extend from the second cover part refers to the extension length measured from the edge of the second cover part.

[0014] The second cover component may have a second receiving portion for receiving the second drive mechanism and serving as a rearview mirror window glass adjuster for driving the rearview mirror window glass of the rearview mirror system.

[0015] The second cover component may be substantially circular in shape. For example, the diameter of the second cover component may be 60 to 100 mm.

[0016] According to an advantageous feature of the folding actuator cover assembly of this application, when positioned on a vehicle, a first dimension of the first cover member can extend outward along the substantially lateral direction of the vehicle. The length of the upper actuator cover along the substantially lateral direction of the vehicle can be, for example, 60 to 100 mm, preferably 80 mm. It is also advantageous that a second dimension of the upper actuator cover extends 20 to 40 mm along the vertical direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the length of the upper actuator cover along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be, for example, 60 to 100 mm, preferably 80 mm.

[0017] The upper actuator cover, together with the second cover component, has a longitudinal dimension toward the outside of the vehicle in a substantially lateral direction than the lower actuator cover has a longitudinal dimension in the same lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0018] As used herein, the longitudinal direction of a vehicle refers to the direction in which the vehicle travels, while the lateral direction of a vehicle refers to the direction extending perpendicular to the direction in which the vehicle travels. As used herein, the vertical direction of a vehicle refers to the direction extending perpendicular to the ground. The longitudinal dimension of a part refers to the length of the part.

[0019] The folding actuator cover assembly may also include a connecting device for attaching the upper actuator cover and the bottom actuator cover to each other.

[0020] The folding actuator may include a motor for driving a shaft arranged parallel to the upper actuator cover. However, other types of drive mechanisms are conceivable.

[0021] This document also discloses a rearview mirror system for a motor vehicle. The rearview mirror system of this application includes a foot protruding from the vehicle body. The rearview mirror system also includes a rearview lens attached to the foot. The rearview lens includes the rearview mirror window glass attached to a second cover member and a folding actuator as described above. In use, the upper actuator cover and the lower actuator cover move together with the rearview lens; that is, there is no relative movement between the upper actuator cover and the lower actuator cover.

[0022] It is envisioned that the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are configured to operate independently of each other.

[0023] With the above arrangement, when the first receiving portion of the first drive mechanism for rotating the first cover component is positioned at an angle of ±20° relative to the ground during use, and the rearview mirror system is operably attached to the vehicle, the first drive mechanism, such as an electric motor, is advantageously positioned horizontally or substantially horizontally to the ground. This results in a reduction in the size of the assembly, particularly along the vertical axis, thus achieving a highly compact assembly with the aforementioned features.

[0024] Because it involves a small number of parts and the feet can be placed in a location other than under the head, the rearview mirror system equipped with this folding actuator is highly compact and small in size. This advantageously achieves improved aerodynamics, a lower coefficient of friction, and a reduction in overall weight, thereby reducing fuel consumption.

[0025] The rearview mirror system of this application has an integral structure that includes functional elements and folding or adjusting capabilities. Therefore, the structural portion of the rearview mirror acts as the chassis for the rearview mirror window glass and also as its actuator. Specifically, the rearview mirror system can be electrically operated to move the rearview mirror window glass vertically and horizontally, with or without the rearview lens.

[0026] Because the second cover component is configured as an extension of the first cover component to support the functional elements, the folding actuator cover assembly acts as a functional element integrator without any additional components. No additional frame components are needed to support the functional elements on the peripheral functional components. As a result, a cost-effective assembly is achieved.

[0027] Additional purposes, advantages, and features of the examples of the folding actuator cover assembly and rearview mirror system for motor vehicles of this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon viewing this specification, or may be learned by practice. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will be a non-limiting example of a folding actuator cover assembly and a rearview mirror system for a motor vehicle.

[0029] In the attached diagram:

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a rearview mirror system for a motor vehicle equipped with a folding actuator cover assembly is shown for viewing from different angles; and

[0031] Figure 3This is an exploded perspective view of a rearview mirror system used in motor vehicles. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the example shown, the rearview mirror system 150 includes a foot 155. The foot 155 is arranged to protrude from a portion 10 of the vehicle (in this example, from a door). The rearview mirror system 150 also includes a rearview camera 160 attached to the foot 155. The rearview camera 160 further includes a rearview mirror window 190. Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) and the rearview mirror housing 200, the rearview mirror window glass being attached to the second cover part 130 of the folding actuator cover assembly 100 (which will be described in detail below).

[0033] The rearview mirror system 150 also includes the aforementioned folding actuator cover assembly 100. In the example shown, the folding actuator cover assembly 100 includes a first cover member 110 and a second cover member 130. The first cover member 110 and the second cover member 130 can be removably attached to each other.

[0034] The first cover component 110 includes an upper actuator cover 110a and a bottom actuator cover 110b, and is also attached to a second cover component 130. One of the second cover component 130 and the first cover component 110 is attached to a rearview camera 160 for rotating the rearview camera 160 relative to the foot 155. In the example of the accompanying drawings, the first cover component 110 includes an upper actuator cover 110a and a bottom actuator cover 110b. It is contemplated that the upper actuator cover 110a and the second cover component 130 are integrally formed with each other as needed.

[0035] The upper actuator cover 110a is arranged in Figure 1 In the schematic illustration of the first plane P1, the upper actuator cover 110a has a first receiving portion 120. The first receiving portion 120 of the first cover member 110 is configured to receive, for example, Figure 3 The first drive mechanism of the electric motor shown is used to rotate the first cover member 10 relative to the body portion 10. The second cover member 130 is arranged in... Figure 1 In the second plane P2, which is schematically illustrated, the second cover component 130 is configured to be directly or indirectly attached to the rearview mirror window 190 via an intermediate element serving as the rearview mirror window glass backplate 196 of the rearview mirror system 150 or the rearview mirror window glass adjuster actuator 197.

[0036] As shown in the figure, the first plane P1 is perpendicular to the second plane P2. Typically, the first plane P1 can be positioned at an angle of 70° to 110° relative to the second plane P2. Figure 1As shown, when the rearview mirror assembly is operably attached to the vehicle, the first plane P1 is parallel to the ground, but it may be tilted at an angle of ±20° relative to the ground.

[0037] The first dimension L of the upper actuator cover 110a extends along the lateral direction x of the vehicle. The first dimension L of the upper actuator cover 110a can be 60 to 100 mm, preferably 80 mm.

[0038] The width T1 of the upper actuator cover 110a along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is 60 to 100 mm, preferably 80 mm. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the second dimension H1 or thickness of the upper actuator cover 110 extends 20 to 40 mm, preferably 30 mm, along the vertical direction y of the vehicle during use.

[0039] The longitudinal direction refers to the vehicle's travel direction z. The lateral direction x refers to the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's travel direction z, and the vertical direction y refers to the direction perpendicular to the ground. As a result, the size of the rearview mirror system 150 is reduced, especially the size along the vertical axis y. A highly compact component is achieved.

[0040] In the example shown in the accompanying drawings, the second cover member 130 is substantially circular in shape, and its diameter H2 is 60 to 100 mm, preferably 80 mm. Other shapes and sizes are also possible; therefore, the maximum length in the vertical direction y should be 60 to 100 mm, preferably 80 mm. In any case, the second cover member 130 is configured as an extension of the upper actuator cover 110a. That is, the second cover member 130 is formed to extend from the upper actuator cover 110a. The purpose of the second cover member 130 is to support functional elements such as electrical devices, for example, rearview mirror window glass. Figure 3 (As shown in the image), cameras, lights, flashes, radar, sensors, etc.

[0041] Therefore, the relationship between the vertical dimension of the second actuator cover 130 and the vertical dimension of the upper actuator cover 110a should be greater than 150%, and more preferably between 150% and 500%.

[0042] In the non-limiting example illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the upper actuator cover 110a is arranged to extend less than 30 mm from the central portion of the second cover member 130.

[0043] A second receiving portion 140 is formed in the second cover member 130. The second receiving portion is configured to receive a second drive mechanism or rearview mirror window glass adjuster 197 for driving the rearview mirror system 150, such as... Figure 3The electric motor shown is an example. Other types of drive mechanisms are also possible. In any case, the first and second drive mechanisms can be configured to operate independently or synchronously.

[0044] In this example, the longitudinal dimension of the upper actuator cover 110a and the second cover component 130 along the lateral direction x of the vehicle is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the lower actuator cover 110b along the lateral direction x of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle. The longitudinal dimension of the upper actuator cover 110a or the lower actuator cover 110b refers to the length of these components.

[0045] The longitudinal dimension of the upper actuator cover 110a and the second cover component 130 along the transverse direction is at least 30%, more preferably 45%, and most preferably 60% of the length of the bottom actuator cover 110b.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the folding actuator cover assembly 100 has a coupling configuration 180 for attaching the upper actuator cover 110a and the lower actuator cover 110b to each other.

[0047] In the attached diagram Figure 3 The exploded perspective view shows an example of the rearview mirror system 150 of this application. The rearview mirror system 150 in the example shown includes a rearview mirror window 190 as described above and a rearview mirror heating element 195 that adhesively attaches the rearview mirror window 190 to a rearview mirror backplate 196. The rearview mirror backplate 196 is then attached to a rearview mirror window adjuster 197 associated with a second drive mechanism. A mirror frame 198 is arranged to be attached to the aforementioned rearview mirror housing 200. A foot cover 199, which may include a folding actuator cover, is also provided. The aforementioned connection structure 180, including threaded holes in the upper actuator cover 110a and the bottom actuator cover 110b, is also shown in the figure for attaching them to each other by any connecting device such as screws. A drive unit 210, including a motor, gears, and other components of the first drive mechanism, is also provided.

[0048] As shown in the figure, a radial reinforcing element 170 is provided in the second cover component 130.

[0049] At least one of the first cover component 110 and the second cover component 130 may be made of plastic or a metal such as aluminum or any suitable aluminum alloy.

[0050] Although only specific examples of the actuator cover assembly and the rearview mirror system for a motor vehicle have been disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will understand that other alternative examples and / or uses, as well as their obvious modifications and equivalents, are possible. This disclosure covers all possible combinations of the specific examples described. Reference numerals associated with the drawings and placed in brackets within the claims are used only to enhance the comprehensibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the specific examples but should be determined solely by a fair reading of the following claims.

Claims

1. A folding actuator cover assembly (100), the folding actuator cover assembly comprising at least: A first cover component (110), arranged in a first plane (P1) and having a first receiving portion (120) for receiving a first drive mechanism for rotating the first cover component (110) relative to the vehicle body portion (10); and a second cover component (130), arranged in a second plane (P2) for attaching a rearview mirror window glass (190) of a rearview mirror system (150), wherein the first plane (P1) is relative to the second plane (P2). Positioned at an angle of 70° to 110°, wherein the second cover member (130) is configured as an extension of the first cover member (110), and wherein the first cover member (110) includes an upper actuator cover (110a) and a bottom actuator cover (110b), and wherein the upper actuator cover (110a) and the second cover member (130) are integrally formed with each other, characterized in that the upper actuator cover (110a) and the bottom actuator cover (110b) are rotatable relative to the vehicle body portion.

2. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first plane (P1) is inclined at an angle of ±20° relative to the ground.

3. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper actuator cover (110a) is arranged to extend from the central portion of the second cover component (130).

4. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The upper actuator cover (110a) is arranged to extend less than 30 mm from the central portion of the second cover member (130).

5. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second cover component (130) has a second receiving portion (140) for receiving a second drive mechanism for driving the rearview mirror window glass (190) of the rearview mirror system (150).

6. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first plane (P1) is perpendicular to the second plane (P2).

7. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The vertical dimension of the second cover component (130) is related to the vertical dimension of the upper actuator cover (110a) by more than 150%.

8. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 7, wherein, The vertical dimension of the second cover component (130) is related to the vertical dimension of the upper actuator cover (110a) by 150% to 500%.

9. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The longitudinal dimension of the upper actuator cover (110a) along the lateral direction (x) of the vehicle is larger than the longitudinal dimension of the bottom actuator cover (110b) along the lateral direction (x) of the vehicle toward the outside of the vehicle.

10. The folding actuator cover assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second cover component (130) is substantially circular in shape.

11. A rearview mirror system (150) for a motor vehicle, the rearview mirror system comprising: Foot (155) protruding from the body part (10); A rearview camera (160) attached to the foot (155) and including a rearview mirror window (190); and a folding actuator cover assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of a first cover member (110) and a second cover member (130) is attached to the rearview camera (160) for rotating the rearview camera (160) relative to the foot (155), and the rearview mirror window (190) is attached to the second cover member (130).

12. The rearview mirror system (150) according to claim 11, wherein, The second cover component (130) has a second receiving portion (140) for receiving a second drive mechanism for driving the rearview mirror window glass (190) of the rearview mirror system (150), and the first drive mechanism and the second drive mechanism are configured to operate independently of each other.

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