Device for adjusting a housing-shaped housing part, position detector for such a device, and vehicle provided with such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for adjusting a shell-shaped housing part, such as a rearview mirror cover. The invention relates to a device, in particular an exterior mirror device, comprising a base part on which a support frame is arranged using a first hinge structure. In addition, the device further comprises, for example, a first actuator. The support frame is pivotable about a substantially upwardly extending first hinge axis relative to the base member within a pivot range, e.g., between a collapsed position and a deployed position using a first actuator. Furthermore, the device is provided with a position detector having a voltage divider, at least a portion of the range of which substantially corresponds to the pivoting range of the support frame.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a device for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component (e.g., a rearview mirror cover). Specifically, the device forms a rearview mirror assembly or so-called rearview mirror adjuster, more specifically, constituting an interior or exterior rearview mirror assembly, such as an exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle. The device includes a base component, particularly for attachment to the body of a motor vehicle, on which a support frame is arranged using a hinge structure such that the support frame is pivotable relative to the base component about a substantially upwardly extending hinge axis within a pivot range, for example using an electric actuator, pivotable between a folded position and at least one unfolded position. In the folded position, the support frame abuts, for example, substantially along the body of the motor vehicle; in at least one unfolded position, the support frame is, for example, substantially transversely oriented to the body of the vehicle. The device also includes a position detector for determining the pivot position of the support frame relative to the base component.

[0002] For example, such a device is known from patent publication NL2013771, which can be used to rotate a shell-shaped housing component (e.g., a rearview mirror cover) mounted on a support frame from a parked position to a used position. Typically, a rearview mirror adjuster is provided on the support frame for fine-tuning the position of the rearview mirror surface supported thereon. For this purpose, the rearview mirror adjuster mounted on the support frame typically includes an adjustment actuator for enabling the rearview mirror surface to be adjusted or fine-tuned to a certain extent about a substantially vertical adjustment axis. To determine the position of the housing component during fine-tuning, a position detector is configured to determine the pivoting position of the support frame relative to the base component within a finite portion of the rotation path between the folded and unfolded positions.

[0003] The aforementioned device can advantageously provide features that are attractive to the user, such as the support frame being able to return to a previously determined pivot position, such as the use position, after rotation.

[0004] There is a need to provide a device that can provide supplementary functions, particularly a rearview mirror device.

[0005] This invention aims to provide an alternative device, particularly an exterior rearview mirror device. More specifically, this invention aims to provide an improved device. More specifically, this invention aims to provide a device of the type described at the outset, wherein, preferably, disadvantages can be eliminated and / or functionality enhanced while retaining one or more advantages.

[0006] For this purpose, the position detector includes a voltage divider, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivoting range of the support frame.

[0007] By configuring position detectors such that the pivoting range of the support frame corresponds at least to a portion of the detector's range, it is possible to determine, in principle, any pivoting position of the support frame within its pivoting range, not just the limited fine-tuning range of the usage position. Therefore, the support frame can be easily, quickly, and efficiently moved from any position to another desired angular position.

[0008] The term “voltage divider” should be understood as a structure configured to generate a voltage divider based on a registered location within the voltage divider range, such as a potentiometer (or simply “potmeter”).

[0009] Preferably, the voltage divider has a non-linear dependence within the pivot range of the support frame, allowing the sensitivity of the position detector to be enhanced within the range of interest, such as within the unfolded range around the unfolded position, or within the folded range between the unfolded and folded positions.

[0010] In practical applications, the voltage divider includes a potentiometer with a resistance rail and a slider. The slider is connected to a support frame or base component and has a sliding contact. When the support frame pivots, the sliding contact moves electrically along the resistance rail. The resistance rail can be, for example, arc-shaped or elongated.

[0011] The potentiometer may also include a guide rail, and the slider is provided with a pair of sliding contacts, wherein a first sliding contact connected to a support frame or base component moves electrically along the resistive track when the support frame pivots, and a second sliding contact mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact moves electrically along the guide rail when the support frame pivots.

[0012] Advantageously, the resistor track has a larger resistance per unit length along the resistor track direction in the region substantially corresponding to the expanded range around the expanded position than it does in the range substantially corresponding to the area outside the expanded range. Therefore, the voltage divider has a larger voltage gradient within the expanded range.

[0013] For example, a greater resistance per unit length along the resistance track can be achieved by implementing a smaller cross-sectional area of ​​the resistance track within the relevant region than outside (e.g., by using a thinner or narrower profile). Alternatively, materials with lower conductivity can be used within the relevant region of the resistance track.

[0014] Furthermore, the device may also include a bracket mounted on a support frame using a second hinge structure, particularly for supporting the rearview mirror surface or other components such as a camera, display, and / or floodlight or other light source, such that the bracket is pivotable relative to the support frame, for example using a second electric actuator, while the bracket is pivotable relative to the support frame only about a second hinge axis that is substantially transverse and substantially upward, and wherein the position detector includes a second voltage divider for determining the pivot position of the bracket relative to the support frame. By applying the second hinge structure, the rearview mirror surface is adjustable in at least two degrees of freedom, while the second voltage divider is able to determine the pivot position of the bracket relative to the support frame.

[0015] The position detector may include a support unit, such as a printed circuit board, preferably on which both the first and second voltage dividers are arranged, enabling simple and reliable processing of the measured voltage values ​​of the voltage dividers. Alternatively, the first and second voltage dividers may be arranged on separate support units, for example, to simplify the design complexity of the support unit.

[0016] In one embodiment of the device, the support frame is pivotable relative to the base component between a folded position and a flipped position via an unfolded position, in which the support frame, for example, abuts against the body of the motor vehicle, in the unfolded position, for example, the support frame is oriented substantially laterally to the body of the vehicle, and in the flipped position, the support frame pivots beyond the unfolded position to form an emergency folded position, for example, to prevent a cyclist or pedestrian from colliding or impacting with the shell-shaped housing component.

[0017] Advantageously, the resistive track substantially corresponds to the region of the folded range near the folded position or the flipped range near the flipped position, which is in electrical contact with a conductive path that is connected to one end of the resistive track via an additional resistive track or directly via a resistor. Therefore, the voltage gradient in this region can be relatively small, or even almost entirely absent, thus enabling its widespread use for precise measurement of pivot positions in regions corresponding to pivoting ranges of interest and / or pivoting ranges (e.g., unfolded ranges and / or folded ranges).

[0018] The present invention also relates to a position detector configured for use in such devices.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with such a device.

[0020] Other preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] The present invention will be further described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1A schematic perspective view of a partial cutting device according to one aspect of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows in Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a position detector used in a device according to one aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective top view and bottom view of the support unit of the position detector, and a schematic perspective view of the support unit on which the first and second voltage dividers are arranged. Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A schematic top view of the potentiometer of the first voltage divider, and a graphical representation of the output voltage of the potentiometer; Figure 5A A circuit diagram of another position detector according to one aspect of the present invention is shown; Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A graphical representation of the output voltage of the first voltage divider of the position detector; Figure 6A It shows Figure 5A A schematic top view of the copper pattern on the support unit of the position detector; Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A schematic top view of the carbon pattern on the support unit; and Figure 6C It shows Figure 6A A schematic perspective top view of a support unit with copper and carbon patterns.

[0022] The accompanying drawings only illustrate schematic diagrams of preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are indicated by identical or corresponding reference numerals.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a partially cut-out device 1 according to one aspect of the invention is shown. Device 1 can be configured, for example, to adjust a shell-shaped housing component, such as a rearview mirror cover, particularly a rearview mirror device or so-called rearview mirror adjuster, more specifically an interior or exterior rearview mirror device of a motor vehicle.

[0024] Device 1 includes a base component 2, specifically for attachment to the body of a motor vehicle. Device 1 also has first hinge structures 25, 60 and second hinge structures 35, 60, 65. A support frame 3 is arranged on the base component 2 by means of the first hinge structures 25, 60. Device 1 includes a first actuator 4, such as an electric actuator 4, which allows the support frame 3 to pivot relative to the base component 2 about a substantially upwardly extending first hinge axis 5 within a pivot range, pivoting between a folded position and at least one unfolded position, in which the support frame 3, for example, abuts substantially along the body of the motor vehicle, and in at least one unfolded position, the support frame 3 is oriented substantially laterally to the body of the vehicle.

[0025] It should be noted that the unfolded position can be, for example, the usage position of the exterior rearview mirror device, while the folded position can be, for example, the parking position, in which the device 1 and / or the rearview mirror cover (e.g., in the lateral direction) may be disposed therein or on it with a smaller degree of protrusion relative to the vehicle body.

[0026] A bracket 6 is arranged on the support frame 3 using the second hinge structures 35, 60, 65. It should be noted that the first and second hinge structures should not be separate structures, but can be partially formed by, for example, an integral structure, such as double ball hinges 20, 60.

[0027] Specifically, the bracket 6 can be configured to directly or indirectly support the rearview mirror surface. For example, the bracket 6 can be configured to substantially fix or rigidly mount the mirror glass thereon. Alternatively, for example, the rearview mirror surface can be coated onto the bracket 6. While the bracket 6 is particularly suitable for supporting the rearview mirror surface, in alternative embodiments, the bracket 6 can also be adapted, for example, alternatively or additionally, to support one or more alternative elements, particularly those enabling the vehicle driver to at least partially observe the area behind and / or beside them, such as cameras and / or displays, and / or floodlights or other light sources. For example, these elements can be at least partially disposed on or surrounded by a shell-shaped housing component provided by the bracket 6.

[0028] Furthermore, the device 1 includes a second actuator 7, preferably an electric actuator 7. With the aid of this second actuator 7, the bracket 6 is pivotable relative to the support frame 3.

[0029] It should be noted that the bracket 6 and the rearview mirror surface that it may support are pivotable relative to the support frame 3 only about a second hinge axis 8 that is substantially transverse to and substantially upward. Therefore, the bracket 6 and / or the rearview mirror surface (if present) can rotate forward and / or backward relative to the support frame 3 to some extent, but cannot be adjusted, for example, relative to the support frame 3 between a position where the rearview mirror surface is more parallel to the vehicle body and a position where the rearview mirror surface is more transverse to the vehicle body.

[0030] It should be noted that the first and second hinge axes 5 and 8 can be virtual axes. Furthermore, it should be noted that hinge axes 5 and 8 can be substantially transverse to each other, for example, perpendicular to each other. Alternatively, these (virtual) hinge axes 5 and 8 can substantially intersect each other, most preferably at the center of the double-ball hinges 20 and 60.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the bracket 6 may extend at least partially around the support frame 3.

[0032] It is worth noting that the bracket 6 can form a shell-shaped housing component, such as part of a rearview mirror cover or camera housing, or it can be an integral component of a housing component (such as a rearview mirror cover). Alternatively, the bracket 6 can be configured to have a shell-shaped housing component for fixed or rigid mounting on the bracket 6.

[0033] Preferably, any rearview mirror cover or other shell-shaped housing components may be fixed or rigidly (i.e. substantially immovable) mounted on the bracket 6.

[0034] Alternatively, the rearview mirror surface (e.g., may be formed of mirror glass) may be fixed or rigidly (i.e. substantially immovable) mounted on the bracket 6.

[0035] Therefore, the rearview mirror surface and the shell-shaped housing component can be fixedly or rigidly mounted on the bracket 6, and one or both can form an integral part of the bracket.

[0036] In one embodiment, the rearview mirror surface may form a substantially enclosed housing together with a shell-shaped housing component, the housing extending substantially around a support frame 3 and movable relative to the support frame 3 about a second hinge axis 8, preferably extending in a substantially horizontal direction. Furthermore, the housing and the support frame 3, substantially located therein, may be movable relative to the base component 2 about a first hinge axis 5, preferably extending substantially vertically.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the support frame 3 can support a shell-shaped housing component, such as a rearview mirror cover. Therefore, the support frame 3 can be integrally formed with the shell-shaped housing component, or it can be configured to have the shell-shaped housing component, such as the rearview mirror cover, fixedly or rigidly mounted on the support frame 3. Similar to the embodiments described above, in this alternative embodiment, the rearview mirror surface can also be fixedly or rigidly (i.e., substantially immovably) mounted on the bracket 6. An opening can then be provided in the housing component so that the rearview mirror surface is at least partially visible. In such an embodiment, the housing component (e.g., the rearview mirror cover) can move relative to the base component 2 about a first hinge axis (preferably substantially perpendicular) together with the support frame 3. However, since the support frame 3 cannot move relative to the base component 2 about another hinge axis (particularly a substantially horizontal hinge axis 8), external loads (e.g., wind) applied to the housing component during use can only cause unfavorable rotation of the housing component connected to the support frame 3 about the first hinge axis 5. Therefore, external loads applied to the housing component will not cause the housing component (preferably the rearview mirror cover) to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. Because in this embodiment, the rearview mirror surface is not substantially fixed or rigidly connected to the housing component, which protects it from the driving wind, the device 1 needs to hold the bracket 6 with the rearview mirror surface relative to the support frame 3 more weakly than the support frame 3 with the substantially fixed or rigidly connected shell-shaped housing component, and may bear a relatively heavy load during use. With the second actuator 7 and the second transmission system (if present) capable of overcoming forces (e.g., friction) that restrict unnecessary rotation of the bracket 6 relative to the support frame 3, the second actuator 7 can be of a relatively lightweight design, thus, for example, relatively compact and / or less expensive. This is because, with the bracket 6 with the rearview mirror surface at least partially sheltered from the wind by the shell-shaped housing component, which is placed on the support frame 3 rather than the bracket 6, the forces that need to be overcome can be relatively limited.

[0038] In this embodiment, the support frame 3 can be movably positioned relative to the base component 2 using first ball hinge structures 30, 60. However, this does not mean that the support frame 3 needs to have two degrees of freedom relative to the base component, and / or that the support frame 3 needs to be able to rotate relative to the base component 2 about two axes. This is because the device 1 can preferably be configured such that the support frame 3 can only rotate relative to the base component 2 about the first hinge axis 5. Furthermore, in principle, the device 1 may not be configured with a second hinge structure.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the bracket 6 can be movably mounted relative to the support frame 3 by means of a second ball joint structure 30, 60. However, this does not mean that the movement of the bracket 6 relative to the support frame 3 should have two degrees of freedom, and / or that the bracket 6 needs to be able to rotate relative to the support frame about two axes. In fact, as previously stated, the bracket 6 (possibly together with the rearview mirror surface that may be supported thereon) can only pivot relative to the support frame 3 about the second hinge axis 8. For this purpose, the support frame 3 and the bracket 6 can, for example, be provided with cooperating hinge devices 35, 65, which may include, for example, a rotatably suspended shaft 35 to allow the bracket 6 and the support frame 3 to rotate about the second (virtual) hinge axis 8, for example in Figure 1 The same applies in the exemplary embodiments shown.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivoting range allows the support frame 3 to pivot relative to the base component 2 within a pivoting range prior to the folded and flipped positions, via an unfolded position. In the folded position, the support frame 3 abuts, for example, substantially along the vehicle body; in the unfolded position, the support frame 3 is oriented, for example, substantially laterally to the vehicle body; and in the flipped position, the support frame 3 pivots beyond the unfolded position when necessary, for example, when a cyclist, pedestrian, or object collides with the rearview mirror cover (if present) or other shell-like housing component. Thus, in emergency operation, i.e., for example, in the event of a collision with a cyclist, pedestrian, or object, the support frame 3, along with its coupled bracket 6 and the rearview mirror cover (if present) or other shell-like housing component, can pivot about the first hinge axis 5 from the unfolded position to an emergency folded position, which may, for example, substantially correspond to the folded or parked position, or conversely, when a pedestrian or cyclist, for example, bumps into or collides with the rearview mirror cover or other shell-like housing component, which may be formed, for example, by a so-called flipped position OS.

[0041] The pivoting range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 preferably includes the unfolding range UB around the unfolded position US, see also the following description. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The description is as follows. The deployment range UB typically extends around the deployment position US at a relatively small angle, between the first deployment limit angle UG1 and the second deployment limit angle UG2, for example, extending from approximately -15°, -12°, -10°, or -8° relative to the deployment position US to approximately +15°, +12°, +10°, or +8° relative to the deployment position US. By making the angle of the support frame 3 within the deployment range UB around the deployment position adjustable, the needs or desires of, for example, vehicle users can be met. Therefore, the deployment range UB forms a relatively small range of fine-tuning angles.

[0042] Similarly, the bracket 6 can be adjusted relative to the support frame 3, but preferably the adjustment angle range HB is greater than the expansion range UB in the pivot range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. However, advantageously, the bracket 6 can be adjusted to a relatively large angle range HB, for example, a minimum adjustment of 90°, 120° or 160°, so that, for example, the mirror glass can rotate so that the vehicle driver can see the ground, drain or curb next to the vehicle through the mirror glass when the vehicle is parked.

[0043] The device 1 also includes a position detector 100 for determining the pivot position of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2.

[0044] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of a position detector 100 according to one aspect of the present invention is shown, the detector being used for Figure 1 Device 1 in the middle.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the position detector 100 is provided with a first voltage divider 101, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivoting range of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. The position detector also includes a second voltage divider 102 for determining the pivoting position of the bracket 6 relative to the support frame 3. The position detector 100 includes a support unit, which in the illustrated embodiment is implemented as a printed circuit board 103, on which the first voltage divider 101 and the second voltage divider 102 are disposed. Figure 2 In the diagram, the first voltage divider 101 is partially cut open. The first voltage divider 101 shown has a potentiometer 104 with a sensor axis or sensor shaft 105, and the device 1 is further configured to rotate the sensor axis or sensor shaft 105 during pivoting of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. The basic structure of such a potentiometer is described, for example, in Dutch patent application NL 2 012 808, which is incorporated herein by reference. The second voltage divider 102 also has a potentiometer with a sensor axis or sensor shaft 106, and the device 1 is further configured to rotate the sensor axis or sensor shaft 106 during pivoting of the bracket 6 relative to the support frame 3, see also... Figure 3 Furthermore, the position detector 100 has a connector unit 107 for electrical connection with a corresponding connector of the device 1, such as for connecting a transmission channel for power supply, sensor data, and / or actuator control signals. Additionally, the position detector 100 also has separate connectors 108 and 109 for connection to the first and second actuators 4 and 7, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the electrical connection between the position detector 100 and the device can be implemented in different ways, for example, via a single connector unit.

[0046] The potentiometer 104 of the first voltage divider 101 has a resistive rail 110 with resistance. During operation of the device 1, the two ends 110a and b of the resistive rail 110 are connected to different potentials, such as the power supply voltage Vcc and electrical ground Gnd, to generate a voltage change or gradient along the resistive rail. In addition, the potentiometer 104 has a slider 111 connected to the support frame 3 or the base component 2, and is provided with a sliding contact 112. When the support frame 3 pivots, the sliding contact 112 moves electrically along the resistive rail 110 to measure a voltage value Vout representing the instantaneous pivot position of the support frame 3 at the electrical contact 112.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the first voltage divider 101 also has a guide rail 113, the resistance of which is less than the resistance of the resistance rail 110. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the slider 111 of the potentiometer 104 is provided with a pair of sliding contacts 112', 112'", wherein the first sliding contact 112', connected to the support frame 3 or the base component 2, moves along the resistance rail 110 and maintains electrical contact when the support frame 3 pivots, as described above, wherein the second sliding contact 112', mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact 112', moves along the guide rail 113 and maintains electrical contact when the support frame 3 pivots. Therefore, the voltage value Vout measured by the first sliding contact 112' can be registered via the second sliding contact 112'.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, both the resistor track 110 and the guide rail 113 are arc-shaped, and their radii of curvature are different. In another embodiment, the resistor track and / or guide rail may take other shapes, such as elongated shapes.

[0049] The second voltage divider 102 also has a potentiometer 104' consisting of a second resistance rail 110' and a second guide rail 113'.

[0050] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic perspective top view of the support unit 103 of the mid-position detector 100 ( Figure 3 Top view and bottom view Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of the middle section, and the support unit 103 on which the first and second voltage dividers 101 and 102 are arranged. Figure 3 bottom).

[0051] Figure 4 The left side shows Figure 3 A schematic top view of the potentiometer in the first voltage divider. Figure 4 The right side shows a graphical representation of the output voltage Vout of potentiometer 104.

[0052] exist Figure 3At the top, the resistance rail 110 and guide rail 113 of the potentiometer 104 of the first voltage divider 101 on the support unit can be seen. Similarly, Figure 3 The center position shows the resistance rail 110' and guide rail 113' of the potentiometer 104' of the second voltage divider 102 on the support unit 103.

[0053] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the middle, the position, angle and (angle) range of the first voltage divider 101 and the second voltage divider 102 correspond to the position, angle and (angle) range of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 and the position, angle and (angle) range of the bracket 6 relative to the support frame 3, respectively.

[0054] As described above, the pivoting range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 has an unfolding range UB that extends around the unfolded position US between a first unfolding limit angle UG1 and a second unfolding limit angle UG2. The pivoting range VB also includes a folding position IS and a folding range IB that extends between the folding position IS and the folding limit angle IS1. The angle between the first unfolding limit angle UG1 and the unfolded position US is, for example, approximately 15°, 12°, 10°, or 8°. Similarly, the angle between the second unfolding limit angle UG2 and the unfolded position US is, for example, approximately 15°, 12°, 10°, or 8°. There is an intermediate range TB between the unfolding range UB and the folding range IB. Furthermore, the pivoting range VB has a flipping range OB that extends between the unfolding range UB and the flipping position OS. The folding range IB, the intermediate range TB, the unfolding range, and the flipping range OB are substantially continuous, thus constituting the pivoting range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2.

[0055] The position, angle, and range of the pivot range VB are respectively related to Figure 3 The position, angle, and range of the first voltage divider 101 shown at the top correspond to the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101. In principle, each angle of the pivot range VB of the support frame uniquely corresponds to the angle of the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101, and vice versa.

[0056] The angle range HB of the bracket 6 relative to the support frame 3 is greater than the unfolding range UB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. As described above, the minimum angle range can be 90°, 120° or 160°, and extends between the first tilt limit angle KG1 and the second tilt limit angle KG2.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown in the center, the angle and range of angle range HB correspond to the angle and range of the corresponding angle range of the second voltage divider 102, respectively. In principle, each angle of the angle range VB of the support frame uniquely corresponds to an angle in the angle range of the second voltage divider 102, and vice versa.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown at the top, at least a portion of the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101 corresponds to the pivot range VB of the support frame 3. The entire pivot range VB of the support frame 3 is within the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101. Similarly, as Figure 3 As shown in the middle, at least a portion of the angular range of the second voltage divider 102 corresponds to the angular range HB of the bracket 6. The entire angular range HB of the bracket 6 is also within the angular range of the second voltage divider 102.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the position detector 100 has greater sensitivity within the deployment range UB between the first deployment limit angle UG1 and the second deployment limit angle UG2 surrounding the deployment position US than outside the deployment range UB. Therefore, the pivot position within the deployment range UB can be determined relatively accurately, thereby allowing the deployment position US desired by the user to be set relatively accurately.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, the resistance track 110 of the first potentiometer, within a range 114 substantially corresponding to the unfolded range UB around the unfolded position US, has a greater resistance per unit length along the direction L of the resistance track 110 than the region substantially corresponding to the area outside the unfolded range UB. Therefore, within the region 114 substantially corresponding to the unfolded range UB, the material constituting the resistance track 110 can have a greater resistance than the material constituting the resistance track 110 outside the unfolded range UB. Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, region 114 corresponding to the unfolded range UB is formed of a first material, while the remaining regions of the resistance track 110, such as region 115 corresponding to the folded range IB, region 116 corresponding to the intermediate range TB, and region 117 corresponding to the flipped range OB, are formed of a second material, wherein the conductivity of the first material is lower than that of the second material. It should be noted that the first and / or second materials may comprise a mixture of multiple substances or only one substance. Furthermore, the material may be applied in the form of a homogeneous layer or in a heterogeneous structure, such as a periodic structure.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the cross-sectional area of ​​the region 114 of the resistance rail 110 that substantially corresponds to the extended range UB along its length direction L can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the regions 115, 116, 117 that substantially correspond to the range outside the extended range UB. By designing the cross-sectional area to be smaller (e.g., narrower or shallower), a resistance rail 110 can be obtained that has a greater resistance per unit length along the length direction L at the region 114 corresponding to the extended range UB.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown on the right, the voltage value registered by contact point 112, or the output voltage Vout, exhibits a strictly monotonically increasing relationship with the pivot angle h of the support frame 3, and always has a rising edge. Therefore, each registered voltage value is uniquely associated with the corresponding pivot angle of the support frame 3. Due to the variation of resistance along the resistance track 110, the slope or gradient of the curve C of the output voltage Vout in region 114 corresponding to the unfolded range UB is greater than the slope or gradient of the outer region of the unfolded range. Specifically, in region 115 corresponding to the folded range IB and region 116 corresponding to the intermediate range TB, the first curve segment C1 has a first slope or gradient. In region 114 corresponding to the unfolded range UB, the second curve segment C2 connected to the first curve segment C1 has a second slope or gradient greater than the first slope or gradient. In region 117 corresponding to the flipped range OB, the third curve segment C3 connected to the second curve segment C2 has a third slope or gradient less than the second slope or gradient, and it may be equal to the first slope or gradient.

[0063] When the slope or gradient of curve C is large, the pivot angle of support frame 3 can be determined more accurately, because deviations in the pivot angle will cause relatively large changes in the registered output voltage Vout. Here, the non-linear dependence of the voltage divider on the pivot angle of the support frame is advantageously utilized.

[0064] Figure 5A A schematic diagram of the circuit 200 of another position detector 100 according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A A graphical representation of the output voltage Vout1 of the first voltage divider 101 of the mid-position detector 100.

[0065] Circuit 200 is shown schematically with reference to Figure 2-4 The position detector 100 described is substantially similar to the position detector 100. Circuit 200 includes a first potentiometer 104 (associated with resistor rail 110 and contact point 112) and a second potentiometer 104' (associated with resistor rail 110' and contact point 112a). The contacts 112 and 112a of the two potentiometers 104 and 104' are connected to terminals of connector unit 107 via a first measuring resistor R1 and a second measuring resistor R2, respectively. Other terminals of connector unit 107 are connected to power line Vcc, ground line Gnd, and control lines M1_A, M1_B, M2_A, and M2_B for the first and second actuators 4, 7.

[0066] The first potentiometer 104 includes auxiliary conductive paths 121, 122, 123, and 124, which are electrically connected to regions of the resistance track 110, as described below. Figure 5A and 6A To describe in more detail.

[0067] A first auxiliary conductive path 121 is located near and electrically contacts the first end 110a of the resistor track 110. A second auxiliary conductive path 122 is located near region 117 of the resistor track 110, which corresponds to the flipping range OB of the support frame 3, and is electrically contacted at least most of the region 117. A third auxiliary conductive path 123 is located near region 116 of the resistor track 110, which corresponds to the middle range TB of the support frame 3, and is electrically contacted at least most of the region 116. A fourth auxiliary conductive path 124 is located near and electrically contacts the second end 110b of the resistor track 110.

[0068] Each auxiliary conductive path 121-124 includes electrical terminals P5, P4, P3, and P2, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary conductive paths 121-124 have an arcuate profile. However, other profiles are also feasible, such as rectangular profiles, to achieve electrical contact with the corresponding regions as described above. In particular, by using the second and third auxiliary conductive paths 122 and 123, the corresponding regions OB and TB in the resistor track 110 that are electrically contacted by these paths have a nearly constant voltage. The auxiliary conductive paths 122 and 123 serve as bypasses.

[0069] like Figure 5A As shown, the first auxiliary conductive path 121 and the second auxiliary solder pad 122 are connected to the power supply voltage Vcc. Therefore, the voltage level within the flip range OB remains essentially constant, approximately equal to the power supply voltage Vcc. The third auxiliary conductive path 123 is connected to the electrical ground Gnd via the third resistor R3. Therefore, the voltage level within the intermediate range TB also remains essentially constant, slightly higher than the level of the electrical ground Gnd. Furthermore, this causes the voltage level within the unfolded range UB to rise from the level within the intermediate range TB to the level within the flip range OB. The fourth auxiliary conductive path 124 is directly connected to the electrical ground Gnd. Therefore, the voltage level within the folded range IB to rise from the electrical ground level to the level within the intermediate range TB.

[0070] like Figure 5BAs shown, the voltage value registered by contact point 112, or output voltage Vout1, is monotonically increasing with the pivot angle h of the support frame 3. Within the unfolded range IB and during the folding of the unfolded range UB, the output voltage Vout1 is strictly monotonically increasing, always having a rising edge. Therefore, the value of each registered voltage in the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB can be uniquely correlated with the corresponding pivot angle of the support frame 3. By using auxiliary conductive paths 121-124, the output voltage in the intermediate range TB and the flipped range OB remains almost constant, thus achieving the maximum voltage range in the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB. Therefore, the position detector 100 has higher sensitivity not only in the unfolded range UB but also in the folded range IB than in the ranges outside the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB. Here, advantageously, the nonlinear dependence between the voltage divider and the pivot angle of the support frame is utilized.

[0071] Specifically, the first curve segment C11 has a nearly constant profile V1 from near the second terminal to the folded position IS. The second curve segment C12 connects to the first curve segment C11 and corresponds to the folded range IB, having a first slope or gradient. The third curve segment C13 connects to the second curve segment C12 and corresponds to the intermediate range TB, having a nearly constant profile V2. The fourth curve segment C14 connects to the third curve segment C13 and corresponds to the unfolded range UB, having a second slope or gradient. The fifth curve segment C15 connects to the fourth curve segment C14 and corresponds to the flipped range OB, having a nearly constant profile V3. The slope or gradient of the second curve segment C12 can be approximately the same as, but also different from, the slope or gradient of the fourth curve segment C14, depending on the setting parameters, such as the size of the angular range of the folded range IB, the size of the angular range of the unfolded range UB, and the resistance value of the third resistor R3.

[0072] When the slope or gradient of curve C is large, the pivot angle of support frame 3 can be determined more accurately than segments with a smaller or no slope (represented differently, where the slope is small or close to zero), because deviations in the pivot angle in steep curve segments can cause relatively large changes in the registered output voltage Vout. Therefore, the nonlinear curve C can be optimized to accurately read the adjustment angle within a range relevant to device function.

[0073] Therefore, the regions in the resistance track 110 that substantially correspond to the folding range IB and / or the flipping range OB are in electrical contact with the conductive paths 122, 123, which are directly connected to the ends 110a, b of the resistance track 110 via additional resistance tracks or resistors.

[0074] The second potentiometer 104' also includes auxiliary conductive paths 131 and 132 electrically connected to the region of the resistance rail 110'. Therefore, the fifth auxiliary conductive path 131 is located outside the angular range HB of the resistance rail 110', near a first region 118 beyond the first tilt limit angle KG1, and is in electrical contact with at least a large portion of the first region 118. Similarly, the sixth auxiliary conductive path 132 is located outside the angular range HB of the resistance rail 110', near a second region 119 beyond the second tilt limit angle KG2, and is in electrical contact with at least a large portion of the second region 119. The fifth auxiliary conductive path 131 is connected to the power supply line VCC, and the sixth auxiliary conductive path 132 is connected to electrical ground GND. Therefore, the output voltage Vout2 increases strictly monotonically only within the angular range HB, and has a rising edge only within the angular range HB, which is beneficial for accuracy within the angular range.

[0075] Figure 6A It shows Figure 5A A schematic top view of the copper pattern on the support unit 103 of the mid-position detector 100. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A schematic top view of the carbon pattern on the central support unit 103. Furthermore, Figure 6C It shows Figure 6A A schematic perspective top view of the support unit 103 with copper and carbon patterns.

[0076] During the manufacturing process of the position detector 100, a pattern is provided on the support unit 103. In the first step, such as... Figure 6A As shown, a copper pattern 141 is applied. The copper pattern 141 includes conductive paths and contact points, including the aforementioned guide rail 113 (containing endpoint P1) and auxiliary conductive paths 121-124 (associated with electrical endpoints P5, P4, P3, and P2, respectively).

[0077] In subsequent steps, such as Figure 6B As shown, a carbon pattern 142 is applied to the support unit 103. The carbon pattern 142 includes the top layer of the resistance rails 110 and the guide rails 113. Therefore, both a copper pattern 141, which is a material with relatively high conductivity, and a carbon pattern 142, which is a material with lower conductivity than copper, are used. In principle, other materials with different conductivity can also be used.

[0078] Figure 6C The results show the effect of using both copper pattern 141 and carbon pattern 142 on the support unit 103 of the position detector.

[0079] Obviously, device 1 can be installed on a vehicle, preferably on a motor vehicle, such as a car, campervan, bus, or truck. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a vehicle equipped with the device 1 described herein.

[0080] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a position detector 100 configured for use in the device 1 described herein, particularly a position detector configured for use in the device 1 described herein for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, such as a rearview mirror cover, particularly a rearview mirror device of a motor vehicle, wherein the position detector is configured to determine the pivoting position of a support frame 3 arranged on a base component 2 using hinge structures 3, 25, 20, 60, 30, such that the support frame 3 is pivotable relative to the base component 2 about a substantially upwardly extending hinge axis 5 within a pivoting range, for example using an electric actuator 4, pivotable between a folded position and at least one unfolded position, in which the support frame 3, for example, abuts substantially along the body of the motor vehicle, and in at least one unfolded position, the support frame 3 is oriented, for example, laterally to the body of the vehicle, wherein the position detector includes a pressure divider, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivoting range of the support frame.

[0081] It should be noted that, for clarity and conciseness, elements or features have been described herein as part of the same or different exemplary embodiments, and the scope of the invention may include embodiments comprising combinations of all or some of the said elements or features.

[0082] Obviously, each device shown and described, as well as each element of the device, should also be understood as having been described and shown individually, and may be used alone and / or in combination with at least one other element, and should be understood as having been described herein.

[0083] Therefore, the position detector can include two support units, each equipped with a voltage divider. Furthermore, additional functionality, such as storage, can be added to the support units.

[0084] Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Various variations are possible.

[0085] These variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and should be understood to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (1) for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, such as a rearview mirror cover, particularly for a rearview mirror device for a motor vehicle, comprising a base component (2), particularly for attachment to the body of a motor vehicle, on which a support frame (3) is arranged using hinge structures (25, 60), such that the support frame (3) is pivotable relative to the base component (2) about a substantially upwardly extending hinge axis (5) within a pivot range, for example using an electric actuator (4), pivotable between a folded position and at least one unfolded position, in which the support frame (3) abuts, for example, substantially along the body of the motor vehicle, and in which the support frame (3) is oriented, for example, substantially laterally to the body of the vehicle, further comprising a position detector for determining the pivot position of the support frame (3) relative to the base component (2), wherein, The position detector includes a voltage divider, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivot range of the support frame (3).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The voltage divider has a nonlinear dependence within the pivot range of the support frame.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The position detector has greater sensitivity within the deployment range around the deployment position than outside the deployment range.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The position detector has a greater sensitivity within the folded range of the folded position than outside the folded and unfolded ranges.

5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The voltage divider includes a potentiometer having a resistance rail and a slider. The slider is connected to the support frame or the base component and is provided with a sliding contact. When the support frame pivots, the sliding contact moves electrically along the resistance rail.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The resistance track is arc-shaped or elongated.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The resistance track has a greater resistance per unit length along the direction of the resistance track in a region substantially corresponding to the unfolded range around the unfolded position than it does in a range substantially corresponding to the area outside the unfolded range.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The resistance track has a smaller cross-section in the region that substantially corresponds to the range around the deployed position than in the region that substantially corresponds to the range outside the deployed range.

9. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The material in which the resistance track is formed in a region substantially corresponding to the unfolded range around the unfolded position has a lower conductivity than the material in a region substantially corresponding to the range outside the unfolded range.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The pivoting range allows the support frame to pivot relative to the base component within the pivoting range, via the unfolded position between a folded position and a flipped position, in which the support frame, for example, abuts against the vehicle body substantially, in which the support frame, for example, is oriented substantially transversely to the vehicle body, and in the flipped position, the support frame pivots beyond the unfolded position.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The region that substantially corresponds to the folding range adjacent to the folding position or the flipping range adjacent to the flipping position is in electrical contact with the conductive path, which is connected to one end of the conductive path via an additional resistor track or directly via a resistor.

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The potentiometer further includes a guide rail, and the slider is provided with a pair of sliding contacts, wherein a first sliding contact connected to the support frame or the base component moves electrically along the resistive rail when the support frame pivots, and a second sliding contact mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact moves electrically along the guide rail when the support frame pivots.

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, On the support frame, a bracket (6) is arranged, particularly for supporting the surface of the rearview mirror, using a second hinge structure (35, 60, 65), such that the bracket (6) is pivotable relative to the support frame (3), for example using a second electric actuator (7), wherein the bracket (6) is pivotable relative to the support frame (3) only about a second hinge axis (8) that is substantially transverse to the substantially upwardly extending second hinge axis, and wherein the position detector includes a second voltage divider for determining the pivot position of the bracket (6) relative to the support frame (3).

14. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The position detector includes a support unit, for example, implemented as a printed circuit board, on which the first voltage divider and the second voltage divider are arranged.

15. A position detector configured for use in a device (1) according to any one of claims 1-14, said device for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, such as a rearview mirror cover, particularly for a rearview mirror device for a motor vehicle, wherein, The position detector is configured to determine the pivoting position of a support frame (3) arranged on the base member (2) using hinge structures (3, 25, 20, 60, 30) such that the support frame (3) is pivotable relative to the base member (2) about a substantially upwardly extending hinge axis (5) within a pivoting range, for example using an electric actuator (4), pivotable between a folded position and at least one unfolded position, in which the support frame (3) abuts, for example, substantially along the body of the motor vehicle, and in which the support frame (3) is oriented, for example, substantially laterally to the body of the vehicle. The position detector also includes a position detector for determining the pivoting position of the support frame (3) relative to the base member (2), wherein the position detector includes a pressure divider, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivoting range of the support frame (3).

16. A vehicle provided with the means according to any one of claims 1-14.

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