Rearview device for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rearview device for a vehicle, comprising: a movable head assembly; an actuator assembly comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, the movable portion being attached to the head assembly; and a motor bracket configured to attach the actuator assembly to the movable head assembly; wherein the movable head assembly comprises a lower housing, and the actuator assembly is attached to the lower housing of the head assembly using the motor bracket, the lower housing comprises one or more vertical fixation lugs, the motor bracket comprises one or more bracket protrusions, and the one or more vertical fixation lugs are configured to engage with the one or more bracket protrusions in response to the motor bracket being attached to the lower housing.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Rearview Device with Movable Head Assembly and Vehicle with said Rearview Device", with an international application date of July 2, 2018, international application number PCT / EP2018 / 067842, and national application number 201880052286.4. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a rearview device with a movable head assembly for a motor vehicle and a vehicle having said rearview device. Background Technology

[0003] Mirrors or rearview devices, such as those including camera pods, are typically exposed to the external environment when used as side mirrors fixed to the exterior of a vehicle, and not when used as interior rearview devices inside the vehicle. Rearview devices generally consist of many components, requiring several different assembly parts and are complex and expensive to manufacture. Furthermore, when exposed to the external environment, rearview devices are susceptible to dirt or debris entering the components. Moreover, while rearview devices may include improved protection against the external environment, such devices do not provide a complete and wide field of view, including a wide-angle view, which may be necessary for the driver to observe blind spots.

[0004] European Patent No. 2 492 145B1 describes an exterior rearview mirror comprising: a lens portion and a mirror base, both covered by at least one main element in the form of a main frame, a main cover, and a mirror base cover; and a mirror glass rigidly mounted relative to the lens portion. The lens portion rests on the mirror base, the main cover of the lens portion is composed of multiple main frame pieces and a main cover, and the mirror base is equipped with a mirror base cover, wherein the main cover has an opening designed to allow passage for the mirror base and the mirror base cover. The mirror base is rigidly connected to a frame carrying an electric glass adjustment actuator, wherein the glass adjustment actuator is connected to at least one main element.

[0005] Another exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a mirror base or temple portion disposed on the motor vehicle and a lens portion disposed on the temple portion, and a mirror glass housed in the lens portion and rigidly disposed relative to the lens portion and non-adjustably fixed. This exterior rearview mirror is described in European Patent No. 2 492 144B1. At least one hinge is provided between the lens portion and the temple portion on the motor vehicle. The hinge includes a total of two hinge axes, and the direction vectors of the hinge axes are independent of each other. The two hinge axes are associated with and / or independently associated with each other for rotating the lens portion from an operating position to a tilted-in position, and vice versa. The hinge axes are also used to tilt the lens portion in along and against the direction of movement, adjusting the individual adjustment position of the mirror glass by adjusting the lens portion depending on, for example, the seating position and height of the driver of the motor vehicle. The mirror has a first adjustment actuator driven by an electric motor and associated with a first hinge axis of the two hinge axes, and a second adjustment actuator driven by an electric motor and associated with a second hinge axis of the two hinge axes.

[0006] European Patent No. 2 253 510B1 describes a rearview assembly having a mirror frame, a mirror base, a mirror housing, a mirror glass, and a glass actuator assembly. Specifically, it describes a method for improving the connection between the components of the rearview assembly by using additional connecting devices to support the rigid fasteners of the frame at the mirror frame. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a rearview device for motor vehicles having a movable head assembly that is easy to assemble and disassemble and thus enhances maintainability.

[0008] This objective is achieved by a rearview device for a vehicle, comprising: a movable head assembly; a base assembly to be secured to the vehicle; an actuator assembly; and a bracket configured to attach the actuator assembly to the movable head assembly and / or the base assembly.

[0009] The proposed bracket includes one or more bracket protrusions adapted to engage via one or more vertical retaining lugs of the lower housing in response to attachment of the bracket to the lower housing of the head assembly, and / or the bracket is configured to attach to the lower housing using rotatable and snap-fit ​​connectivity.

[0010] In alternative embodiments, it is proposed that the bracket includes a seat adapted to be placed on the base assembly and attached by attaching a housing frame to the base assembly, and / or the bracket is configured to be attached to the base assembly via a pivot joint system, and / or the bracket includes a recess or opening for receiving at least a portion of the actuator assembly.

[0011] In the alternative embodiments described, preferably, the pivot joint system functions between the base assembly and the housing frame and / or the bayonet device fixedly attached to the housing frame, and / or the pivot joint system includes a torsion spring, preferably with one end attached to the base assembly and the other end attached to the housing frame and / or the bayonet device.

[0012] In the context of this invention, it is also proposed that the bracket, in particular the seat of the bracket, be arranged between two sealing devices serving as pivot seals, preferably one sealing device attached to the base assembly and the other sealing device attached to the housing frame, and / or preferably each sealing device is a two-part gasket having a hard portion providing clamping functionality and a soft portion compensating for tolerances.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, the bracket includes one or more bracket teeth, and the one or more bracket teeth are configured to engage with one or more corresponding gaps formed in a ring of the actuator assembly, and / or the bracket includes one or more clamps for holding the actuator assembly and / or one or more tabs for locking the actuator assembly to the bracket.

[0014] The rearview device of the present invention preferably includes: a bracket clamp configured to clamp the actuator assembly, in particular the motor of the actuator assembly, to the bracket, wherein preferably when the upper end of at least one clamping clamp is clamped to the actuator assembly, the clamping clamp is positioned and / or locked at its lower end by at least one clamping fork.

[0015] The proposed bracket clamp includes: one or more clamping cams configured to be received by a space formed between the actuator assembly and the bracket, or one or more clamping recesses configured to engage by one or more clamping elements of the bracket, one or more clamping forks configured to be received by a space formed between the actuator assembly and the bracket, or one or more clamping forks configured to be received by a space formed between the actuator assembly and the lower housing, specifically limited by a protrusion of the lower housing, and / or one or more clamping fixtures configured to clamp onto corresponding features of the bracket.

[0016] It is also proposed that the clamping fork, preferably inclined, is adapted to be pushed into the space between the bracket and the lower housing, preferably having at least one clamping fork on each side of the motor, and adapted to rotate when the clamping fixture is attached to the motor such that the clamping fork pushes against a protrusion of the lower housing, preferably having at least one clamping fixture on each side of the motor, preferably having at least one protrusion on each side of the motor.

[0017] The rearview device of the present invention preferably further includes: a frame assembly, preferably, a hinge connector disposed between the frame assembly and the bracket to allow the frame assembly to rotate relative to the bracket, and / or preferably, at least one snap, latch and / or clamping connector disposed between the frame assembly and the lower housing.

[0018] The proposed hinge connector is disposed between the upper end of the frame assembly and the upper end of the bracket to allow the frame assembly to rotate downward to attach the frame assembly to the lower housing via the at least one snap, latch, and / or clamping connector.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the bracket include at least one opening and / or slot, preferably at least one opening and / or slot on each side of the motor, and / or preferably, at least one opening and / or slot opens toward the upper end of the bracket, and / or preferably, at least one opening and / or slot is adapted to accommodate at least one cable and / or wire harness, and / or preferably, at least one opening and / or slot is adapted to accommodate at least a portion of the frame assembly.

[0020] In the context of this invention, it is also proposed that at least one cable and / or wire harness and / or at least a portion of the frame assembly, particularly the shaft, hook, and / or tab of the frame assembly, be adapted to be inserted from above into at least one opening and / or slot of the bracket. Preferably, the cable and / or wire harness is held within the opening and / or slot by the portion of the frame assembly, and / or preferably, the cable and / or wire harness is arranged below the portion of the frame assembly within the opening and / or slot, and / or the hinge connector includes the at least one opening and / or slot and the portion of the frame assembly.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes at least one functional module, which includes a light module, a camera module, a Bluetooth module, and / or a sensor module, particularly a temperature sensor, in the form of a turn signal indicator module and / or a blind spot monitoring module. Preferably, attaching the frame assembly to the lower housing will secure the functional module within the head assembly and / or close the gap between the upper housing and / or the lower housing and / or at the frame assembly.

[0022] The proposed bracket includes at least one tool opening, preferably at least one tool opening on each side of the motor, and / or preferably, at least one tool opening opens toward the side of the bracket, and / or preferably, at least one tool opening is adapted to attach to a tool, especially in the form of a jig, and / or preferably, at least one tool opening, especially two opposing tool openings, defines an axis of rotation such that the bracket, together with the portion attached to the bracket, can rotate about the axis of rotation, particularly when attached to the tool.

[0023] Finally, it is proposed that the seat of the bracket is a spherical seat, which is concentric with the axis of the pivot joint system, and / or the axis of the pivot joint system is inclined relative to the axis of rotation passing through the at least one tool opening.

[0024] The present invention also provides a vehicle having at least one rearview device according to the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] For illustrative purposes, certain examples of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown. The drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods consistent with this specification, and together with the description serve to explain the advantages and principles consistent with the invention.

[0026] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention are explained in the appended claims, in the accompanying drawings, and in the description of the preferred embodiment of the rearview device according to the invention given below.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an illustration of the attachment of the motor bracket to the lower housing of the rearview device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the attachment utilizes rotational and snap-fit ​​connections.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the attachment of the actuator assembly and motor bracket of the rearview device.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the attachment of the rearview device bracket, motor bracket, and actuator assembly.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 3 The bracket at detail A is clamped with Figure 1 A diagram showing the cross-section of the rearview device after the motor bracket and actuator assembly are joined.

[0031] Figure 5 This describes the attachment. Figure 1A diagram showing the cross-sections of the rearview device's bracket clamp, motor bracket, and actuator assembly.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a motor bracket for a rearview device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket and the housing frame attached to the base assembly.

[0034] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A partial side view of the motor bracket, housing frame, and sealing devices, with the motor bracket shown in dashed lines.

[0035] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A partial cross-sectional view of the motor bracket, housing frame, and sealing devices.

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket, housing frame, seals, and motor.

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket, base assembly, motor, and sealing devices.

[0038] Figure 12 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket, base assembly, housing frame, sealing devices, and wiring harness.

[0039] Figure 13 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket and base assembly, motor, sealing devices and wiring harness.

[0040] Figure 14 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket, motor, and wiring harness.

[0041] Figure 15a and Figure 15b These are before and after closure, respectively. Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket, housing frame, motor, lower housing, and bracket clamp.

[0042] Figure 16a and Figure 16b Is with Figure 15a and Figure 15b The magnified view corresponds to the perspective view.

[0043] Figure 17 yes Figure 6A perspective view of the motor bracket and base assembly, lower housing, motor, bracket clamp, turn signal indicator module, and frame assembly supporting the reflective element.

[0044] Figure 18 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the motor bracket within the head assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same reference numerals will be construed as referring to the same elements, features, and structures. For clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative sizes and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated.

[0046] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. Therefore, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatus, and / or methods described herein will be suggested to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted.

[0047] The term “rear view” is defined here as observation of the surrounding area that is not within the driver’s field of vision, i.e., in the opposite, left, right, down, and up directions of the direction of observation, but may also include observation in the direction of the driver’s observation and / or any combination of directions.

[0048] The terms “driver” and “driver of a vehicle” refer here to a person who controls the main parameters of a vehicle (such as direction, speed and / or height), typically located in a position designated for the controller (e.g., a seat), but may also refer to any other person or entity inside or outside the vehicle.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. For example, the use of singular terms such as "a" is not intended to limit the number of items. Moreover, the use of relational terms such as, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "downward," "upward," and "side" is for clarity in the specification and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that any of the features may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this specification, within the scope of the invention, and protected by the appended claims.

[0050] The rearview device of the present invention includes a base assembly and a head assembly, the head assembly being movable relative to the base assembly to be attached to a vehicle. The base assembly includes a base frame, and the head assembly includes a motor bracket, a housing frame, an actuator assembly, a bracket clamp, multiple covers, sealing elements, wiring, lighting and / or sensor modules, and at least one rearview device in the form of a reflective element and / or camera. The motor bracket serves as the main skeleton of the rearview device when positioned and providing structure, and allows the attachment of multiple components, particularly when mounted to a tool / tooling fixture for easy assembly. The motor bracket will be described in the following embodiments.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 This describes a quick-assembly rearview device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a motor bracket 912 and a lower housing 910. The motor bracket 912 is attached to the lower housing 910 and is configured to receive an actuator assembly, which is described in more detail below. The attachment mechanism is quick and simple, requiring a first step of placing the motor bracket 912 above and on top of the lower housing 910, as indicated by a large downward arrow. The second step involves rotating the motor bracket 912 such that a bracket protrusion 912a of the motor bracket 912 engages with a vertically retaining lug 910a of a tab on the lower housing 910. This is referred to as a rotational and snap-fit ​​connection.

[0052] The components described herein allow the motor bracket 912 and the lower housing 910 to be fixed and positioned about a central axis (pivot axis), and fixed and positioned on a common plane. This reduces the stacking of tolerances back to the motor rotation center and components.

[0053] Figure 2 This is an explanation Figure 1 The illustration shows the attachment of the actuator assembly 914 of the rearview device to the motor bracket 912. According to the example described throughout this application, the actuator assembly 914 is configured to actuate movement of the rearview device. The actuator assembly 914 is configured to be easily and quickly attached to the motor bracket 912 by pushing the actuator assembly 914 into the receiving portion of the motor bracket 912 and engaging the bracket teeth 912b into corresponding gaps between the teeth (not shown) of the actuator assembly 914. Thus, the bracket teeth 912b are fitted into the gaps between the teeth (not shown) of the actuator assembly 914, and the teeth (not shown) of the actuator assembly 914 are fitted into the gaps between the bracket teeth 912b.

[0054] This attachment prevents the actuator assembly 914 from rotating within the motor bracket 912. Small clamps may also be used to hold the actuator assembly 914 fixed relative to the motor bracket 912 before assembling the bracket clamp 916 described below.

[0055] Figure 3 This is an explanation Figure 1 The illustration shows the attachment of the rearview device bracket clip 916 to the motor bracket 912 and actuator assembly 914. The bracket clip 916 can be attached to the motor bracket 912 and actuator assembly 914 to hold the actuator assembly 914 to the motor bracket 912. The bracket clip 916 should first slide between the actuator assembly 914 and the front portion of the motor bracket 912, as if... Figure 3 The downward arrow in the diagram illustrates this. This causes the clamping fork 916b and clamping cam 916a to engage with the front portion of the motor bracket 912. (See reference...) Figure 4 This engagement is described in more detail. Subsequently, the bracket clamp 916 should rotate toward the actuator assembly 914 until the clamping clamp 916c engages with the corresponding retaining protrusion (not shown) on the motor bracket 912. This also causes the clamping fork 916b and the clamping cam 916a to rotate until the clamping clamp 916c engages and the actuator assembly 914 is clamped onto the motor bracket 912.

[0056] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 3 The bracket clip 916 at point A in detail is related to... Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-section of the rear-view device after the motor bracket 912 and actuator assembly 914 are engaged. The clamping cam 916a may be a curved protrusion with a corresponding receiving portion on the motor bracket 912 to allow rotation of the bracket clamp 916. This allows the bracket clamp 916 to be rotated to a closed position until the clamping clamp 916c is gripped from the top onto the motor bracket 912. The clamping pressure can be tuned to provide increased load.

[0057] Figure 5 This describes the attachment. Figure 1 The diagram shows the cross-sections of the rearview device's bracket clamp 916, motor bracket 912, and actuator assembly 914. In fact, after assembling the bracket clamp 916, motor bracket 912, and actuator assembly 914, all three components of the rearview device are securely attached. Once the actuator assembly 914 is positioned and the bracket clamp 916 is engaged, the motor bracket 912 combines with the adapter ring of the actuator assembly 914 to improve rigidity.

[0058] Figure 6 The second embodiment of the rearview device of the present invention is depicted as a frame in the form of a bracket 90. The bracket 90 provides a motor opening 91 for attaching a motor, a base 92 for attaching to a base assembly, tool openings 93a and 93b for attaching the bracket 90 to a tooling fixture or similar lightweight tool for facilitating assembly of the rearview device, openings 94a and 94b for attaching a frame assembly and wiring harness, and a clamping element 95 for surrounding and holding the bracket. The following... Figures 7 to 18 The different functions of bracket 90 will be further explained.

[0059] from Figure 7 As can be seen, the bracket 90 can place its seat 92 on the base assembly 50, the sealing device 70 is arranged between the seat and the base assembly, and the housing frame 80 is attached to the base frame 50, thereby attaching the bracket 90 to the base assembly 50.

[0060] Figure 8 A pivot joint system is shown that functions between a base assembly 50 and a housing frame 80, with a bracket 90 arranged between the base assembly 50 and the housing frame 80 and surrounded on each side of its seat 92 by sealing devices 60, 70. This pivot joint system substantially corresponds to the pivot joint system described in detail in International Patent Application PCT / EP 2018 / 063665, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0061] Each sealing element 60, 70 is configured as a two-part gasket with a hard portion and a soft portion. The hard portion is used for attachment, while the soft portion is used to compensate for tolerances. Regarding the relative arrangement of the two sealing elements 60, 70 on both sides of the base 92 of the bracket 90, Figure 9 The pivot joint system is shown in more detail.

[0062] Now go to Figure 10 It describes the main components of the head assembly, namely, with reference to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The described components include a housing frame 80, a motor bracket 90, and sealing devices 60, 70, as well as a motor 100 attached to the motor bracket 90 and extending through the motor opening 91. Such attachments are well-known in the prior art.

[0063] Figure 10 The child components are also Figure 11 The images are shown in different perspectives. Figure 12 Show Figure 11 The sub-component, which does not have a motor 100 but has a wiring harness 110, and Figure 13 Motor 100 is also shown.

[0064] from Figure 14 As can be seen in the enlarged view, the wire harness 110 remains within the opening 94b of the bracket 90. In fact, as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the wire harness 110 passes through the two openings 94a and 94b of the bracket 90.

[0065] about Figure 15a and Figure 15b Demonstrates the attachment of motor clamp 105. Figure 15a The motor clamp 105 is shown after being pushed into the space between the motor bracket 90 and the lower housing 120, while Figure 15bThe motor clamp 105 is shown being rotated to attach the clamp 106 to the motor 100. The clamp 106 is located at the upper end of the motor clamp 105, while the clamping fork 107 is located at the lower end.

[0066] Figure 16a and Figure 16b After the motor clamp 105 has been pushed between the motor bracket 90 and the lower housing 120 (see [reference]). Figure 16a The motor clamp 105 has been rotated for clamping engagement with the motor 110, thereby forcing the clamping fork 107 to push against the housing protrusion 122 of the lower housing 120 and thus ensuring attachment after (see...). Figure 16b The position of the clamping fork 107.

[0067] Figure 17 Show Figure 15a and Figure 15b The rearview device sub-assembly has a frame assembly 130 that carries a reflective element 160 and an attached turn signal indicator module 150.

[0068] The frame assembly 130 is provided with a shaft 132, which is inserted into openings 94a and 94b of the bracket 90, thereby securing the arrangement of the wire harness 110 in the openings 94a and 94b by closing the respective openings. Furthermore, the attachment of the shaft 132 within the openings 94a and 94b provides a hinged connection, allowing the frame assembly 130 to enter the openings 94a and 94b from above via its shaft 132 and to rotate downwards to attach the frame assembly 130 to the lower housing 120 via a snap-fit ​​connection. The corresponding attachment of the frame assembly 130 is described in more detail in German patent application DE 102017 114 746, which is referred to in this regard.

[0069] To finalize the head assembly 200, the upper housing 140 will be attached to the lower housing 120 via the turn signal indicator module 150 and then to the side frame assembly 130. See below. Figure 18 .from Figure 17 As can be best seen, the turn signal indicator module 150 includes a light window 151 and a housing 152, the housing providing clamping elements 153 for attachment to the lower housing 120 and the upper housing 140.

[0070] The assembly described above is facilitated by attaching the motor bracket 90 to a tooling fixture (not shown), i.e., by inserting the protrusion of the tooling fixture into tool openings 93a, 93b located near the openings 94a, 94b at the upper end of the motor bracket 90. Because the tool openings 93a, 93b are aligned with each other, this defines an axis of rotation, which allows the motor bracket 90 to be rotated with the aid of the tooling fixture to facilitate the attachment of different parts of the head assembly to the motor bracket 90. To facilitate the corresponding rotation, the axis of rotation defined by the tool openings 93a, 93b is inclined relative to the pivot axis of the connector system. Since the base 92 of the motor bracket 90 has a partially spherical shape arranged concentrically with respect to the pivot axis of the pivot connector system, the base 92 appears to be inclined relative to the upper edge of the bracket 90, parallel to the axis of rotation extending through the tool openings 93a, 93b, as shown from… Figure 6 This is the best way to see it.

[0071] The order in which the different rearview device components are attached to the motor bracket 90, and the angle at which the motor bracket 90 is rotated to facilitate the corresponding attachment, are within the knowledge of those skilled in the art and can be changed depending on personal preference.

[0072] Different functions and devices can be incorporated into and / or controlled by the rearview device, which in particular also includes a camera.

[0073] Functions and devices for enhancing, extending, and / or maintaining the functionality of a rearview device are particularly useful during normal or extreme conditions. This can include heating and / or cooling devices, cleaning devices (e.g., wipers, liquid and / or gas sprays), actuator devices for moving the rearview device or parts thereof (e.g., displays, camera systems, and / or parts of camera systems, including adaptive optics such as lenses, filters, light sources, deformable mirrors, sensors, and / or reflectors), and / or actuator devices for causing movement of other objects (e.g., parts of the vehicle) and / or objects around the vehicle. Furthermore, it can include linear tracks and / or rotating wheels for exchanging optical elements, such as filter wheels, including adaptive optics such as lenses, mirrors, light sources, sensors, deformable mirrors, and / or filters.

[0074] Prominent examples of functions and devices incorporated into and / or controlled by a rearview device also include lighting devices, such as any type of light module, including external light modules, internal light modules, headlights, taillights, fog lights, brake lights, accelerator lights, turn signals, marker lights, puddle lights, hazard lights, navigation lights, position lights, emergency lights, spotlights, green lights, red lights, warning lights, turn signal modules, approach lights, searchlights, information lights, displays, and / or any combination thereof.

[0075] Other examples of functions and devices incorporated into and / or controlled by a rearview device may include, for example, fatigue detection systems, micro-sleep detection systems, distance and / or speed determination systems, such as light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems, blind spot indicator systems, lane change assist systems, navigation assist systems, tracking assist systems, human-machine interaction systems, machine-to-machine interaction systems, emergency prevention assist systems, such as accident avoidance assist systems, countermeasure assist systems, braking assist systems, steering assist systems, acceleration assist systems, escape assist systems, including, for example, ejection seat systems, direction indicators, blind spot indicators, approach systems, high-power braking systems, emergency braking systems, charging status indicators, vehicle mode systems, including, for example, sport mode systems, economy mode systems, autonomous driving mode systems, sleep mode systems, and anti-theft systems, vehicle locking indicator systems, vehicle theft indicator systems, warning signal systems, temperature indicator systems, weather indicator systems, traffic light systems, fuel status systems, and / or any combination thereof.

[0076] German patent application No. 102012108488, filed September 11, 2012, entitled "Rearview Assembly for Motor Vehicles," and hereby incorporated herein by reference, discloses an example of a rearview device including an illumination device that performs brake light functions. German patent application No. 102012104529, filed May 25, 2012, entitled "Light Guide Unit," discloses a light guide unit for an illumination device in a rearview system, and hereby incorporated herein by reference. German patent application No. 102012107833, filed August 24, 2012, entitled "Illumination Device and Rearview Device," discloses an illumination device for a rearview device, and hereby incorporated herein by reference. German patent application No. 102012107834, filed August 24, 2012, entitled "Illumination Device and Rearview Unit," discloses an illumination device for a rearview unit, and hereby incorporated herein by reference. A housing and display device for a rearview device are disclosed in European Patent No. 2738043, filed December 3, 2012, entitled "Housing and Display Device," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. An optical guide for a vehicle lighting unit is disclosed in European Patent No. 2947378, filed May 22, 2014, entitled "Optical Guide for Vehicle Lighting Unit," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A display device for a vehicle's rearview device is disclosed in International Patent Application No. 2015 / 173695, filed May 7, 2015, entitled "Display Device, Rearview Device, and Motor Vehicle," claiming priority to European Patent Application No. 2944866, filed May 12, 2014, entitled "Optical Unit, Display Device, Rearview Device, and Motor Vehicle Including the Foregoing," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, European Patent Application No. 3045944, filed January 19, 2015, entitled "Light Guide Device," discloses a light guide device for a lighting device, particularly for a display device in a motor vehicle's rearview device, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Even further, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 228,566, filed August 4, 2016, entitled "Light Guide Device," discloses a light guide device for a lighting device, particularly for an indicator device in a motor vehicle or a rearview device of a motor vehicle, and this U.S. patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 000,733, filed January 19, 2016, entitled "Light Guide Device," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Furthermore, International Patent Application No. 2016 / 147154, filed March 18, 2016, entitled "Lighting Device and Method for Manufacturing Lighting Device," and claiming priority to German Patent Application No. 102015104163, filed March 19, 2015, entitled "Lighting Device and Method for Manufacturing Lighting Device," discloses a lighting device specifically for a rearview device of a motor vehicle and a method for manufacturing the lighting device. Both the German and European patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 256,532, filed September 3, 2016, entitled "Electronic Device and Rearview Device," and claiming priority to European Patent Application No. 3139711, filed September 3, 2015, entitled "Electronic Device and Rearview Device," discloses an improved rearview device for a motor vehicle including an electronic device. Both the U.S. and European patent applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. German patent application No. 102015115555, filed September 9, 2015, entitled "Lighting device, rearview device, footrest space device and vehicle", discloses a lighting device including at least one light-emitting device for a rearview device or footrest space device for a vehicle, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. European patent application No. 3138734, filed September 3, 2015, entitled "Lamp module, lamp assembly and rearview device for vehicle", discloses a lamp module for a lamp assembly of an external rearview device, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A lighting device for a vehicle component, particularly for a rearview device of a motor vehicle, is disclosed in German Utility Patent Application No. 202015104894, filed September 13, 2016, entitled "Lighting Device, Vehicle Component and Vehicle," and claims priority to European Patent Application No. 3144183, filed September 15, 2015, entitled "Lighting Device, Vehicle Component and Vehicle." This device includes a marker light and a deflector mirror. Both the German Utility Patent Application and the European Patent Application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0077] A camera module may include multiple different optical elements, including multiple sensors and light sources, as well as a housing portion.

[0078] The housing of the camera module may be made of plastic, metal, glass, any other suitable material and / or any combination thereof, and may be used in conjunction with the techniques described below to alter or modify the properties of the material or material surface. Housings are described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 102016108247.3, filed May 3, 2016, entitled “Cleaning System for Camera,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 281,780, filed September 30, 2016, entitled “Retractable Rearview Assembly with Camera and Lens Wiping System,” both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0079] Cameras may include, for example, CCD or CMOS or light field sensors, as described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 102011053999, filed September 28, 2011, entitled "Detection System for Optical Detection of Objects and / or Spatial Areas for Driver Assistance and / or Display Systems of Motor Vehicles, Having Optical Sensors Arranged as Light Field Sensors for Detection," and U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 771,140, ​​filed January 26, 2001, entitled "Monitoring Device for Vehicles, Especially Motor Vehicles," now U.S. Patent No. 6,703,925, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Furthermore, the sensor area may be reserved for different purposes, such as detecting test beams, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,031,224, filed September 9, 2014, entitled "Camera System, Method of Operating a Camera System, and Sensor Device for a Camera System," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] Optical elements can be molded or formed from any type of glass or any other suitable material. Glass, as used herein, refers to an amorphous solid body that exhibits a glass transition upon heating to a liquid state. This includes, for example, the group consisting of polymer glasses, metallic glasses, and silica glasses, but any other suitable material exhibiting a glass transition may also be used. Glass can be flat, wedge-shaped, rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, conical, elliptical, and / or circular, as described, for example, in German patent application No. 102016108247.3 and German patent application No. 102011103200, filed May 31, 2011, entitled "Optical window serving as a light conductor for a turn indicator in the exterior mirror arrangement of a vehicle, having a decoupling structure at certain locations of the window, and an optical film having a molded coating and possessing the decoupling structure," the entire German patent application of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternatively, glass can have shapes depending on different requirements or lens types. As a non-limiting example, the camera module may be equipped with lenses, such as wide-angle or fisheye lenses suitable for providing peripheral images, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 281,780 and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 090,127, filed April 19, 2011, entitled “Rearview Mirror Simulation”; German Patent Application No. 102011053999, filed September 28, 2011, entitled “Detection System for Optical Detection of Objects and / or Spatial Areas for Driver Assistance and / or Display Systems of Motor Vehicles, Having Optical Sensors Arranged as Light Field Sensors for Detection”; and total internal reflection (TIR) ​​lenses, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,740,427, filed September 8, 2010, entitled “Optimal Optical Coupling for Rearview Device”, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Another type of optical element known to be used in camera modules is optical fiber, particularly in the form of a bundle of optical fibers, and preferably in the form of a bundle of optical fibers with optical heads, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 771,140. Such optical elements can be produced using various methods, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent 8,460,060, filed January 30, 2009, entitled “Method for Creating Complex Surfaces on a Glass Substrate,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] Optical elements can be transparent, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,031,224, German Patent Application No. 102016108247.3, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 242,829, filed September 23, 2011, entitled "Camera Arrangement and Door Handle for Motor Vehicles," all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. However, optical elements can also be translucent, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 771,140 and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 090,127, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, the optical element can be fully or partially coated with different types of coatings to achieve different effects, such as anti-reflective coatings as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,031,224, chromium-based reflective coatings as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,181,616, filed January 24, 2012, entitled "Chromium-based Reflective Coating," and other coatings, such as polymer substrates described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 936,024, filed November 9, 2015, entitled "Coated Polymer Substrate," and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 124,310, filed February 20, 2015, entitled "Decorative Coating for Plastic Substrate," all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the optical element is made of a scratch-resistant material as described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 102016108247.3, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Optical elements may have decoupled structures at certain locations and have optical films (e.g., extruded films) that can be molded and coated, as described in German Patent Application No. 102011103200, which is incorporated herein by reference. A coating for spectral and stress control is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 124,310, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Different filters, such as grayscale filters or polarizing filters, can be integrated into optical elements, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 809,509, filed July 27, 2015, entitled "Apparatus for Light Intensity Adjustment," which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0082] Based on the descriptions in European Patent Application No. 08103179.1, filed March 31, 2008, entitled "Process for producing electrochromic substrates and electrochromic articles made therefrom"; European Patent Application No. 2202826, filed December 23, 2008, entitled "Polymer electrolytes and devices containing polymer electrolytes"; U.S. Patent No. 7,999,992, filed January 7, 2005, entitled "Charging conductive medium"; and U.S. Patent No. 8,537,451, filed March 26, 2008, entitled "Process for producing electrochromic substrates and electrochromic articles made therefrom", electrochromic substrates, polymer electrolytes, and other charge-conducting media can be used in optical elements, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0083] The camera module may also be equipped with, for example, a device for adjusting light intensity as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 809,509 and a light level intensifier tube as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 09 / 771,140, ​​all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Electrochromic substrates and devices used in European Patent Application Nos. 08103179.1, 2202826, 7,999,992, and 8,537,451, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, may also be used for this purpose and as transmissive reflectors to transmit or reflect light according to a corresponding input signal, as described in German Patent Application No. 102016106126.3, filed April 4, 2016, entitled “Imaging System,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0084] Different actuators, drivers, and / or flexible tracks can be used to move the camera module or the cover adapted to the camera module, as described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 102016108247.3 and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 281,780, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] Furthermore, the camera module may also include cleaning elements for cleaning optical elements that face outwards and are exposed to the environment. Cleaning elements may include, for example, wipers, brushes, lips, nozzles, fans, and similar elements as described in, for example, European Patent Application No. 14165197.6 (filed April 17, 2014, "Optical System for a Vehicle, Cleaning Device and Vehicle Including Optical System"), US Patent Application No. 15 / 281,780, German Patent Application No. 102016108247.3, European Patent Application No. 13163677.1 (filed April 15, 2013, "Lens Wiper"), European Patent Application No. 15173201.3 (filed June 22, 2015, "Lens Cleaning with Flexible Actuator"), and European Patent Application No. 1673260 (filed October 14, 2003, "Cleaning Device"), all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The composition of the cleaning device is not limited and can include, for example, any fabric, elastomer, sponge, brush, or combination of these objects. Special wiping elements comprising wiping arms, wiping blades, wiping fabrics, wiping yarns, and combinations thereof are described in European Patent Application No. 14165197.6, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The wiping element can be controlled, for example, according to the method described in European Patent Application No. 130164250.6, filed April 18, 2013, entitled "Method for Controlling a Wiping Device," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. A container for holding cleaning fluid, as described in European Patent Application No. 14165197.6, is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This container can be attached to or integrated into a camera module to provide cleaning fluid to the optical elements of the camera module.

[0086] Different methods can be used to detect dirt or other obstructions that prevent or reduce the functionality of a camera module, as described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 8,395,514, filed June 24, 2008, entitled “Optical System and Method for Detecting Optical System Obstruction in a Vehicle,” European Patent No. 1328141, filed January 12, entitled “Assembly Having a Conductor Made of Flexible Material and Method for Manufacturing the Assembly,” and U.S. Patent No. 8,031,224, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0087] Furthermore, the light source can be mounted or integrated into the camera module to increase the visibility of surrounding objects, measure distance and direction, and detect dirt, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,031,224, 2017, 62 / 470,658 and 09 / 771,140, ​​filed March 13, 2016, entitled “Light Emitting Mirror Frame”, all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] Various heating devices, such as heating coils, heating devices integrated into the lens holder or frame, or other heating elements, can be used to prevent condensation and icing on the surface of optical elements, as described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 102016108247.3, U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 470,658, and German Patent Application No. 102016107545.0, filed April 22, 2016, entitled “Heating Device for Camera Lens,” all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] Waterproof seals that resist the effects of weather and washing processes with detergents, solvents and high-pressure cleaners can be used on the housing of the camera module, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 090,127, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] In another example, the housing may be made of a body comprising plastic and a conductive material, wherein the conductive material is dispersed in the plastic material to form conductive blocks, allowing a power source (preferably a DC voltage source) to be connected to the body via at least two electrodes and thereby heat the body, as described therein in German patent application number 102016107545.0, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Conductive rails can be embedded in the plastic portion of a camera module, as described in European Patent No. 1328141 and U.S. Patent No. 7,083,311, filed January 12, 2002, entitled “Conductor of Flexible Material, Component Including the Flexible Conductor and Method of Manufacturing the Conductor,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0092] The camera module may include a power harvesting system, such as that described in European patent application No. 09171683.7, filed on September 29, 2009, entitled “Self-Sustaining Rearview Mirror,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] The fault detection system for an electric power consumer, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,487,633, filed January 14, 2010, entitled "Fault Detection of Electric Power Consumers in Motor Vehicles," can be used to detect faults in camera modules, and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] Different types of mounting devices can be used to secure the camera module to the vehicle or other components, such as the snap-fit ​​connection described in European Patent No. 2233360, filed on March 27, 2009, entitled "Snap-fit ​​Connection in Rearview Mirror," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] Various controllers and analysis devices can be used, such as the computing units described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 090,127, German Patent Application No. 102016106126.3, German Patent Application No. 102011053999, European Patent No. 2146325, filed July 16, 2008, entitled "Recording apparatus and method for receiving, processing and storing image files in a vehicle," and U.S. Patent No. 8849104, filed July 16, 2008, entitled "Recording apparatus and method for capturing and processing image data in a vehicle," all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology can be used according to U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 830,406, filed August 19, 2015, entitled "Rearview device for automobiles," published as US20150358590, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention disclosed herein is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0097] Figure Labels

[0098] 50 base components

[0099] 60 Sealing devices

[0100] 70 Sealing Devices

[0101] 80 Shell Frame

[0102] 90 Motor bracket

[0103] 91 Motor opening

[0104] 92 base

[0105] 93a tool opening

[0106] 93b tool opening

[0107] 94a Opening

[0108] 94b Opening

[0109] 95 Clamping elements

[0110] 100 motors

[0111] 105 bracket clip

[0112] 106 Clamping Fixture

[0113] 107 Clamping Fork Head

[0114] 110 wiring harness

[0115] 120 Lower housing

[0116] 122 Shell protrusion

[0117] 130 Border Component

[0118] 132 shafts

[0119] 140 Upper Shell

[0120] 150 Turn Signal Indicator Module

[0121] 151 light windows

[0122] 152 Outer shell

[0123] 153 Clamping Components

[0124] 160 Reflective element

[0125] 200 Head Components

[0126] 910 Lower shell

[0127] 910a Vertical Fixed Lug

[0128] 912 motor bracket

[0129] 912a bracket protrusion

[0130] 912b bracket teeth

[0131] 914 Actuator Assembly

[0132] 916 bracket clip

[0133] 916a clamping cam

[0134] 916b clamping fork head

[0135] 916c clamping fixture

Claims

1. A rearview device for a vehicle, comprising: Movable head assembly; Actuator assembly; as well as A motor bracket configured to attach the actuator assembly to the movable head assembly; in, The movable head assembly includes a lower housing, and the actuator assembly is attached to the lower housing of the movable head assembly using the motor bracket. The lower housing includes multiple vertically fixed lugs. The motor bracket includes multiple bracket protrusions, and The plurality of vertical fixed lugs are configured to engage with the plurality of bracket protrusions in response to the motor bracket being attached to the lower housing; The motor bracket is configured to be attached to the lower housing using a rotatable and snap-fit ​​connection, wherein the motor bracket is placed above and on top of the lower housing, and then the motor bracket is rotated such that the bracket protrusion of the motor bracket engages with the vertical fixing lug of the lower housing. The bracket (912) is provided with three bracket protrusions (912a) that protrude horizontally from the annular portion of the bracket (912) and three vertical fixing lugs (910a) that protrude horizontally from the annular portion of the lower housing (910) and extend vertically. The bracket protrusions (912a) and the vertical fixing lugs (910a) are distributed along the circumference of the respective annular portions to allow the bracket (912) to rotate relative to the lower housing (910) until each of its bracket protrusions (912a) engages in an inward slot of one of the vertical fixing lugs (910a) of the lower housing (910) to provide the rotation and snap-fit ​​connection.

2. The rearview device according to claim 1, wherein, The motor bracket includes one or more bracket teeth, and The one or more bracket teeth of the motor bracket are configured to engage with one or more corresponding gaps formed in the ring of the actuator assembly.

3. The rear-view device according to claim 1, further comprising: A bracket clamp is configured to hold the actuator assembly to the motor bracket.

4. The rearview device according to claim 3, wherein, The bracket clamp includes: One or more clamping cams are configured to be received by a space formed between the actuator assembly and the motor bracket. One or more clamping forks are configured to be received by a space formed between the actuator assembly and the motor bracket, and One or more clamping fixtures are configured to clamp onto corresponding features of the motor bracket.

5. The rearview device according to claim 1, further comprising a lamp module attached to the lower housing.

6. The rearview device according to claim 5, wherein, The lamp module includes a connection and / or retaining device for plugging or snapping in order to attach to the lower housing.

7. The rearview device according to claim 5, wherein, The lamp module is configured to be locked and attached to the lower housing by pressing the lamp module onto the lower housing and sliding the lamp module relative to the lower housing.

8. The rearview device according to claim 1, wherein, The movable head component includes a border component, and The frame assembly is attached to the motor bracket.

9. The rearview device according to claim 5, wherein, The movable head component includes a border component, and Attaching the frame assembly to the lower housing will secure the light module within the head assembly.

10. A rearview device for a vehicle, comprising: Movable head assembly; Actuator assembly; as well as A motor bracket configured to attach the actuator assembly to the movable head assembly; in, The movable head assembly includes a lower housing, and the actuator assembly is attached to the lower housing of the movable head assembly using the motor bracket. The lower housing includes one or more vertical fixed lugs. The motor bracket includes one or more bracket protrusions, and The one or more vertical fixed lugs are configured to engage with the one or more bracket protrusions in response to the motor bracket being attached to the lower housing; The rear-view device also includes: A bracket clamp configured to hold the actuator assembly to the motor bracket, wherein the bracket clamp includes: One or more clamping forks are configured to be received by a space formed between the actuator assembly and the lower housing, and One or more clamping fixtures configured to clamp onto corresponding features of the motor bracket; and A turn signal indicator module (150) includes a light window (151) and a housing (152) that provides clamping elements (153) for attachment to the lower housing (120) and the upper housing (140) such that, in order to finally complete the head assembly (200), the upper housing (140) will be attached to the lower housing (120) via the turn signal indicator module (150) and to the frame assembly (130). in The motor bracket includes one or more bracket teeth, and The one or more bracket teeth of the motor bracket are configured to engage with one or more corresponding gaps formed in the ring of the actuator assembly.

11. The rearview device according to claim 10, wherein, The frame assembly is attached to the motor bracket.

12. The rearview device according to claim 10, wherein, Attaching the frame assembly to the lower housing will secure the turn signal indicator module within the head assembly.

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