External rearview mirror assembly for vehicle and vehicle

Through the combination of multi-stage torsion locking and fastening mechanism, the cost and vibration risk problems of multiple screwing holes and fastening devices of the external rearview mirror assembly during assembly are solved, and the mirror housing frame and mirror housing are realized. Strong connection improves the safety and service life of components.

CN222224015UActive Publication Date: 2024-12-24MOTHERSON INNOVATIONS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202420624476.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-03-31
Filing Date
2024-03-28
Publication Date
2024-12-24
Estimated Expiration
2034-03-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing external mirror assembly requires multiple screwing holes and fastening devices during assembly, increasing costs and vibration risks, and the fasteners may not be installed correctly or insufficient torque, resulting in loosening of the mirror assembly and reducing safety .

Method used

Using a multi-stage torsion locking mechanism and fastening mechanism, the mirror shell frame is fixed with the upper mirror shell through the torsion locking mechanism, and the mirror shell frame and the upper mirror shell are coupled with the fastening mechanism to reduce latch parts and realize the mirror. Multi-stage fixation effect of shell frame and mirror housing.

Benefits of technology

It simplifies the assembly process, reduces production costs, reduces tool processing requirements, ensures safe fixation of mirror components, and improves the firmness and service life of components.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An exterior rearview mirror assembly includes: a mirror base; a lens portion pivotally attached to the mirror base and configured to operate in a plurality of positions relative to the mirror base, the lens portion including a mirror housing frame operatively coupled to a glass actuator on which the mirror glass is mounted, and an upper mirror housing for fixing the mirror housing frame and the mirror glass; the upper mirror housing has first and second upper mirror housing ends, the mirror housing frame has first and second mirror housing frame ends, the mirror housing frame is fixed to the upper mirror housing using a torsional locking mechanism in combination with a fastening mechanism, the second mirror housing frame end and the second upper mirror housing end are coupled using the torsional locking mechanism, and the first mirror housing frame end and the second mirror housing end are coupled using the fastening mechanism. The first mirror housing frame end and the first upper mirror housing end are coupled using a fastening mechanism, and a torsional locking mechanism enables the fastening mechanism to be activated. The assembly reduces additional latching requirements, reduces the complexity and time of the assembly process, and allows for multi-stage fixation of the mirror housing frame and mirror housing. The utility model further relates to a vehicle comprising the assembly.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an external rearview mirror assembly. In particular, the utility model relates to an external rearview mirror assembly including firmly attached components. Special and adapted retaining latches are used to position the components so as to be correctly assembled together. More particularly, the utility model relates to the assembly of components, wherein a firm assembly can be achieved despite the reduction of latch components. The utility model also relates to a vehicle including the external rearview mirror assembly and a method for assembling the external rearview mirror assembly. Background Art

[0002] Typically, a motor vehicle has a pair of exterior rear-view mirrors on either side thereof, so that a clear view of the rear end of the vehicle is obtained. The mirror is typically a combination of mechanical components or electromechanical components. Typically, the assembly comprises a mirror head designed to rotate in a forward or rearward direction about a substantially vertical pivot axis. The mirror head is the component that is adjusted relative to the driving position so that a rear view of the vehicle is obtained manually or by electric actuation.

[0003] Rear-view devices, in particular in the form of rear-view mirrors, are therefore well known in the prior art. Such rear-view devices usually comprise a head and a base fixed to the vehicle, the head carrying at least a mirror glass and / or a camera and usually also additional elements such as side turn indicators. The head is usually mounted to be pivotally movable relative to the base. In this way, in the event of a minor collision, the head can be moved out of the way, thereby preventing the mirror head from being damaged or pedestrians who hit the rear-view device from being injured. In addition, the head can be pivoted manually or sometimes with the aid of an electric folding system from an operating position, in which the rear-view device enables the driver of the vehicle to receive a view, in particular to the rear, to a parking position, in which the head is folded towards the side of the vehicle. This reduces the lateral range of the vehicle when the mirror is in the parking position and helps to prevent accidental damage to the mirror of a parked vehicle.

[0004] External rearview mirror assemblies are ubiquitous in contemporary motor vehicles and have long been used to assist the driver in operating the vehicle, particularly in improving the driver's rear view. Selected components of the mirror assembly must be connected during the assembly process. For example, the mirror housing frame is used to hold the actuator and also supports the glass actuator on which the mirror is mounted. The mirror housing frame is also fixed to the mirror housing to form the mirror head.

[0005] In order to attach the mirror housing frame and the mirror housing, a plurality of screw bosses need to be provided at the mirror housing frame and the mirror housing, which also requires the addition of fastening means, including but not limited to screws and / or bolts. In order to allow screwing, a plurality of screw holes need to be provided, and therefore tooling is required at both the mirror housing frame and the mirror housing, thereby increasing the cost of assembly. In addition, a greater number of such threaded joints not only increases the assembly process, but also increases the possibility of vibration and regular maintenance.

[0006] Sometimes, the correct number of fasteners / screws may not be installed. Also, the fasteners may not be tightened to the proper torque and thus loosen over time, rendering the mirror assembly no longer operating satisfactorily. Failure to install the correct number of fasteners or to tighten the fasteners to the proper torque results in expensive replacement of the affected parts and may reduce the safety of the vehicle due to operational failure of the mirror assembly.

[0007] In EP2253510B1, a device for arranging a hub cap on a car fender is disclosed, the device having a clamping unit arranged so that manual displacement without tools controls the deactivation of the fixing of the hub cap on the fender. At least two latching lugs in the form of hooks are designed to engage and slide in a guide slot. However, a multi-state combined latching mechanism with reduced latching points is not disclosed in the prior art.

[0008] EP2253510B1 discloses a rearview mirror assembly having at least two components selected from a group of components such as a mirror frame, a mirror base, and a mirror housing. The rearview mirror assembly includes a retaining latch having a circular cover and a rectangular arm formed in a first portion and to be inserted into an opening. The frame has an opening and a slot to receive the retaining latch cover. However, the prior art does not disclose a multi-state combined latch mechanism with reduced latch points. Utility Model Content

[0009] In view of the defects of the prior art, the purpose of the utility model is to provide a simple connector that can replace multiple separate connecting devices in the prior art and make the rearview mirror easy to assemble. The advantage of the connection between the parts of the rearview assembly is the use of a multi-stage latch mechanism, which reduces the latch parts while maintaining a safe fixation.

[0010] Another advantage of this solution is cost savings. The multi-stage latch mechanism allows for reduced tooling while keeping assembly time short, thus reducing production costs. In addition, savings in fasteners are achieved.

[0011] Another advantage of the present invention is that the multi-stage latch mechanism of the present invention is used for all parts of the rearview mirror. In order to achieve a reliable and firm connection, the present invention is suitable for a range of materials and spring coefficients of the materials.

[0012] The mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the mirror assembly comprises a mirror base attached to the motor vehicle and a mirror head, wherein the mirror head is pivotally attached to the mirror base, wherein the mirror head is configured to operate in a plurality of positions relative to the mirror base, the mirror head comprising a mirror housing frame and an upper mirror housing for fixing the mirror housing frame and the mirror, the mirror housing frame being operably connected to a glass actuator for mounting the mirror; the mirror housing frame having a first mirror housing frame end and a second mirror housing frame end, the upper mirror housing having a first upper mirror housing end and a second upper mirror housing end, the mirror housing frame being fixed to the upper mirror housing using a twist locking mechanism in combination with a fastening mechanism, wherein the second mirror housing frame and the second upper mirror housing end are connected using a twist locking mechanism, and the first mirror housing frame and the first upper mirror housing end are connected using a fastening mechanism, wherein the twist locking mechanism enables the fastening mechanism to be enabled and assists the fastening mechanism.

[0013] This allows the technical advantage of multi-stage fixation of the mirror housing frame and the mirror housing, including a first twist locking mechanism which securely holds and locks the mirror housing frame and the mirror housing together at one end, while the other end is reduced to allow close proximity between the mirror housing frame and the mirror housing and is latched using a fastening mechanism so that the twist locking mechanism can only be unlocked when the fastening is released from the other end.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the exterior rear view mirror assembly further includes a lower mirror housing that can be coupled to form an enclosure to house the mirror housing frame and the glass actuator and the mirror.

[0015] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a bezel may be secured to the mirror housing, wherein the bezel is placed between the glass actuator and the mirror glass.

[0016] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the mirror housing frame may be operably coupled to a mirror actuator to enable movement of the mirror glass.

[0017] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the mirror housing frame may be configured with a glass actuator for fixing the mirror and at least one actuator for changing the position of the mirror head relative to the mirror base to one of the plurality of positions.

[0018] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the mirror may be operably secured with the mirror housing frame via a glass actuator such that a pre-configured angle of the mirror glass may be varied relative to the mirror housing frame.

[0019] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second mirror housing frame end may be configured to accommodate the actuator along a direction perpendicular to an axis XX extending from the first upper mirror housing end to the second upper mirror housing end of the mirror housing frame.

[0020] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second mirror housing frame end of the mirror housing frame can be configured with a mirror housing frame profile having at least one extension rib and at least one end stop wall which are offset from one another.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment, at least one end stop wall may limit further movement of the mirror housing frame in an upward direction.

[0022] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second mirror housing frame end of the mirror housing frame can be configured with a mirror housing frame profile which has at least one extension rib.

[0023] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second upper mirror housing end portion may be configured with an opening toward the bottom end of the upper mirror housing.

[0024] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the opening may be configured to match a mirror housing frame profile.

[0025] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the opening may also be configured with at least one cutout, and the opening may be configured to allow the mirror housing frame to enter vertically from the bottom in an upward direction relative to the length of the upper mirror housing, so that at least one rib of the mirror housing frame passes through at least one cutout of the upper mirror housing.

[0026] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the twist-lock mechanism may involve twisting the mirror housing frame relative to the upper mirror housing body.

[0027] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the twist lock mechanism may involve sliding at least one extended rib of the mirror housing frame on a sliding plane of an end stop wall of the second upper mirror housing body such that downward movement is restricted.

[0028] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the movement of the mirror housing frame in the upward direction and in the downward direction may be simultaneously restricted by the offset positioning of at least one end stop wall and at least one rib.

[0029] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first mirror housing frame may be configured with at least one extension arm.

[0030] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the upper mirror housing may be provided with at least one fastening connection.

[0031] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after implementation of the twist-lock mechanism between the mirror housing frame and the upper mirror housing body, the at least one extension arm is adjacent to the at least one fastening coupling.

[0032] Furthermore, in one embodiment, at least one extension arm and at least one fastening connector may be fixed using at least one fastening mechanism, including a screwing mechanism, a snap-fit ​​mechanism, or using an adhesive.

[0033] In one aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising an exterior rear view assembly according to the invention.

[0034] In another aspect, the utility model also provides a method for assembling an exterior rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: attaching a mirror base to the vehicle; and pivotally attaching a mirror head to the mirror base, wherein the mirror head is configured to operate in multiple positions relative to the mirror base, the mirror head comprising a mirror housing frame for mounting the mirror and an upper mirror shell body for fixing the mirror housing frame and the mirror glass; characterized in that a twist locking mechanism is used in combination with a fastening mechanism to fix the mirror housing frame and the upper mirror housing body together, a twist locking mechanism is used to connect the second mirror housing frame and the second upper mirror housing, and a fastening mechanism is used to connect the first mirror housing frame and the first upper mirror housing end, wherein the twist locking mechanism enables the fastening mechanism to be enabled, the upper mirror housing has a first upper mirror housing end and a second upper mirror housing end, and the mirror housing frame has a first mirror housing frame end and a second mirror housing frame end.

[0035] This embodiment comprises implementing a twist-locking function between the mirror housing frame and the upper mirror housing body.

[0036] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the method may further include engaging the mirror housing frame vertically toward the opening of the upper mirror housing from the bottom in an upward direction relative to the length of the upper mirror housing so that at least one rib of the mirror housing frame passes through at least one cutout of the upper mirror housing.

[0037] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the method may further include twisting the mirror housing frame relative to the upper mirror housing body to implement a twist locking mechanism.

[0038] In addition, in one embodiment, the method may also include fixing at least one extension arm and at least one fastening connector using at least one fastening mechanism or using an adhesive, and implementing the fastening mechanism when the at least one extension arm and at least one fastening connector are adjacent to each other by a twisting locking mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism includes a screwing mechanism and a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0039] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The utility model itself and further features and attendant advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the utility model will now be described by way of example only, wherein like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0041] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an exterior rearview mirror assembly suitable for use with a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 2 An exploded view of a mirror head of an exterior rearview mirror assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of an upper mirror housing of an exterior rearview mirror assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figures 4a to 4c An isometric view of a mirror housing frame of an exterior rearview mirror assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of an assembly of an upper mirror housing and a mirror housing frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 6a to Figure 6b an isometric view showing an assembly of an upper mirror housing and a mirror housing frame in an unlocked state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0047] Figure 7a to Figure 7b An isometric view of an assembly of an upper mirror housing and a mirror housing frame in a locked state is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Unless specifically noted, the drawings referred to in this specification should not be understood as being drawn to scale and are merely schematic in nature.

[0049] The terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "consisting of," or any other variation represent non-exclusive inclusion, in order to cover an arrangement, structure, or method that includes a series of components or steps, not only those components or steps, but may also include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such arrangement, structure, or method. Thus, without further limitations, one or more elements in a device beginning with "comprises..." does not exclude the presence of other or additional elements in the system or device.

[0050] In order to improve the understandability of the present invention, reference will be made to the embodiments shown in the drawings and the description below. In addition, in the following drawings, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in alternative views.

[0051] Figure 1 An isometric view of an exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 suitable for use with a vehicle 50 is shown. The exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 includes: a mirror base 200, a mirror head 300, and a mirror housing frame 310. Figure 2 3 , the exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 further includes a glass actuator 330 and a mirror glass 360. The mirror base 200 is attached to the vehicle 50 with a tight fit. The mirror head 300 is pivotally attached to the mirror base 200 to have a rotational freedom in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. The mirror head 300 is configured to operate in a plurality of positions relative to the mirror base 200. The mirror head 300 includes: a mirror housing frame 310 and an upper mirror housing 320, wherein the mirror housing frame 310 is configured to operably fix the mirror glass 360 via the glass actuator 330, and the upper mirror housing 320 is used to partially cover the mirror housing frame 310 and the mirror glass 360.

[0052] The term "rear view" is defined here as the view of the surrounding area that is not in the driver's (direct) field of view, i.e. the view in the direction opposite to, to the left, to the right, below and above the viewing direction, but may also include the view in the direction of the driver's viewing direction and / or any combination of these directions.

[0053] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the mirror head 300 includes a frame 350 and a lower mirror housing 340. The frame 350 is placed between the glass actuator 330 and the mirror glass 360. The frame 350 is further fixed to the assembly of the upper mirror housing 320 and the lower mirror housing 340.

[0054] Figure 3 An isometric view of an upper mirror housing 320 of an exterior rearview mirror assembly is shown. The upper mirror housing has a first upper mirror housing end 321 and a second upper mirror housing end 322. The second upper mirror housing end 322 of the upper mirror housing 320 is configured with an opening 323 towards the bottom end of the upper mirror housing 320. The opening 323 is also configured with at least one cutout 324.

[0055] The opening 323 is configured to allow vertical access to the mirror housing frame 310 from the bottom in an upward direction along the axis XX relative to the length of the upper mirror housing 320 so that at least one rib 314 (eg, Figure 4a-4c The mirror housing 320 is provided with at least one cutout 324 (shown) through the upper mirror housing 320. The twist lock mechanism involves twisting the mirror housing frame 310 relative to the upper mirror housing 320. The upper mirror housing 320 is also configured with at least one fastening connector 325, including but not limited to a threaded slot or a snap-fit ​​connector.

[0056] Figure 4a-4cAn isometric view of a mirror housing frame 310 of an exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 is shown. The mirror housing frame 310 has a first mirror housing frame end 311 and a second mirror housing frame end 312. The mirror housing frame 310 is operably coupled to a glass actuator 330 to enable movement of a mirror glass 360, which can be done manually or motorized. The mirror glass 360 is operably fixed to the mirror housing frame 310 via the glass actuator 330 so that a pre-configured angle of the mirror glass 360 can be changed relative to the mirror housing frame 310.

[0057] The mirror housing frame 310 is also configured to accommodate at least one actuator (not shown) for changing the position of the mirror head 300 relative to the mirror base 200 to one of a plurality of positions, ideally to a driven position, a folded position and a rearward position. The second mirror housing frame end 312 is configured to accommodate the actuator (not shown) along a direction perpendicular to an axis XX extending from the first upper mirror housing end 311 to the second upper mirror housing end 312 of the mirror housing frame 310. The second mirror housing frame end 312 of the mirror housing frame 310 is configured with a mirror housing frame profile 313 having at least one extension rib 314 and at least one end stop wall 315 offset from each other. The at least one end stop wall 315 limits further movement of the mirror housing frame 310 in an upward direction. The first mirror housing frame end 311 is configured with at least one extension arm 316.

[0058] Figure 5 An isometric view of the assembly of the upper mirror housing and the mirror housing frame is shown. Figure 6a-Figure 6b An isometric view of the assembly of the upper mirror housing and the mirror housing frame is shown in an unlocked state, and Figure 7a-Figure 7b An isometric view of the assembly of the upper mirror housing and the mirror housing frame in a locked state is shown. A twist lock mechanism is used in combination with a fastening mechanism to secure the mirror housing frame 310 to the upper mirror housing 320. The second mirror housing frame end 312 and the second upper mirror housing end 322 are coupled together using a twist lock mechanism. In addition, a fastening mechanism is used to couple the first mirror housing frame end 311 and the first upper mirror housing end 321, wherein the twist lock mechanism assists the fastening mechanism. Figure 6a and Figure 6b As shown, the mirror housing frame 310 is inserted from the bottom of the upper mirror housing 320 to the upward direction. Due to the matching configuration of the second mirror housing frame end 312 and the upper mirror housing end 322, the second mirror housing frame end 312 passes through the opening 324 of the upper mirror housing 320, and the movement is further limited by the end stop wall 315. In this unlocked state, the first mirror housing frame end 311 and the upper mirror housing end 321 are not adjacent to each other, and therefore the fastening mechanism cannot be implemented. However, as Figure 7a and Figure 7bAs shown, after the twist locking mechanism is implemented, the first mirror housing frame end 311 and the upper mirror housing end 321 are adjacent to each other, and thus the second operation, ie the tightening mechanism, can be implemented to fix the fittings of the mirror housing frame 310 and the upper mirror housing.

[0059] The opening 323 of the upper mirror housing 320 is also configured with at least one cutout 324, which is configured to allow the mirror housing frame 310 to enter vertically from the bottom in an upward direction along the axis XX relative to the length of the upper mirror housing 320, so that at least one rib 314 of the mirror housing frame 310 passes through the at least one cutout 324 of the upper mirror housing 320. The twist lock mechanism involves twisting the mirror housing frame 310 relative to the upper mirror housing 320. In addition, the twist lock mechanism involves sliding at least one extended rib 314 of the mirror housing frame 310 on a sliding plane 326 of an end stop wall 315 of the second upper mirror housing 320 so that downward movement is restricted. By the offset positioning of at least one end stop wall 315 and at least one rib 314, the movement of the mirror housing frame 310 in the upward direction and the downward direction is restricted at the same time, thereby limiting any further upward movement or downward movement of the mirror housing frame 310.

[0060] After the twist lock mechanism is implemented, the at least one fastening coupling 325 of the first upper mirror housing end and the at least one extension arm 316 of the first housing frame end are now adjacent to each other, and the fastening mechanism is implemented to fix the assembly. The at least one extension arm 316 is fixed to the at least one fastening coupling 325 using at least one fastening mechanism (including a screwing mechanism, a snap-fit ​​mechanism) or using an adhesive. After the fastening mechanism is implemented, the twist lock mechanism is further fixed to limit any twisting operation that may unlock the twist lock fitting of the assembly.

[0061] In addition, a method of assembling an exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 is disclosed. The assembly process of the exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 includes the following steps: attaching a mirror base 200 to a vehicle 50, and pivotally attaching a mirror head 300 to the mirror base 200. The mirror head 300 is configured to operate in a plurality of positions relative to the mirror base 200, and the mirror head 300 includes a mirror housing frame 310 for mounting a mirror glass 360 and an upper mirror housing 320 for fixing the mirror housing frame 310 and the mirror glass 360. In addition, the steps include fixing the mirror housing frame 310 and the upper mirror housing 320 together using a twist lock mechanism in combination with a fastening mechanism, coupling a second mirror housing frame end 312 and a second upper mirror housing end 322 using a twist lock mechanism, and coupling a first mirror housing frame end 311 and a first upper mirror housing end 321 using a fastening mechanism. The twist-lock mechanism enables activation of the fastening mechanism, the upper mirror housing having a first upper mirror housing end 321 and a second upper mirror housing end 322 , and the mirror housing frame 310 having a first mirror housing frame end 311 and a second mirror housing frame end 312 .

[0062] In addition, the step of implementing the torsion locking function between the mirror housing frame 310 and the upper mirror housing 320 includes engaging the mirror housing frame 310 vertically toward the opening 323 of the upper mirror housing 320 from the bottom in an upward direction relative to the length of the upper mirror housing 320, so that at least one rib 314 of the mirror housing frame 310 passes through at least one cutout 324 of the upper mirror housing 320.

[0063] In addition, the step of implementing the fastening mechanism includes fixing at least one extension arm 316 and at least one fastening connector 325 using at least one fastening mechanism (which includes a screwing mechanism, a snap-fit ​​mechanism) or using an adhesive, and implementing the fastening mechanism when the at least one extension arm 316 and the at least one fastening connector 325 are adjacent to each other by twisting the locking mechanism.

[0064] In addition, the present disclosure advantageously includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly 100 that allows for the technical advantages of multi-stage fixation of a mirror housing frame 310 and an upper mirror housing 320, including a first twist lock mechanism that securely holds and locks the mirror housing frame 310 and the mirror housing 320 together at one end, while the other end is reduced to a point where the mirror housing frame 310 and the mirror housing 320 are in close proximity and latched using a fastening mechanism so that the twist lock mechanism can only be unlocked when the fastening is released from the other end, thereby reducing additional latching requirements, reducing the complexity of the assembly process, and reducing assembly time.

[0065] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. On the contrary, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims, and other equivalent features and acts are intended to fall within the scope of the claims, that is, the features disclosed in the foregoing description, claims, and drawings are critical to completing the present disclosure in its various embodiments, either individually or in any combination. The embodiments shown herein are merely examples of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be construed as limiting. The scope of protection of the present disclosure also encompasses alternative embodiments considered by those skilled in the art.

[0066] Reference numerals list

[0067] 50 vehicles

[0068] 100 External rearview mirror assembly

[0069] 200 mirror base

[0070] 300 lens department

[0071] 310 mirror housing frame

[0072] 311 first mirror housing frame end

[0073] 312 Second mirror housing frame end

[0074] 313 mirror housing frame profile

[0075] 314 extension rib (multiple extension ribs)

[0076] 315 end stop wall (multiple end stop walls)

[0077] 316 extension arm (multiple extension arms)

[0078] 320 upper mirror housing

[0079] 321 first upper mirror housing end

[0080] 322 second upper mirror housing end

[0081] 323 Opening

[0082] 324 incisions (multiple incisions)

[0083] 325 fastening connector (multiple fastening connectors)

[0084] 326 Sliding plane

[0085] 330 Glass Actuator

[0086] 340 lower mirror housing

[0087] 350 frame

[0088] 360 mirror glass

[0089] XX axis along the length of the upper mirror housing end

Claims

1. An external rearview mirror assembly (100) for a vehicle (50), the external rearview mirror assembly comprising: a mirror base (200) attached to the vehicle (50); a mirror head (300) pivotably attached to the mirror base (200), wherein the mirror head (300) is configured to operate in a plurality of positions relative to the mirror base (200), The mirror head (300) comprises a mirror housing frame (310) and an upper mirror housing (320), wherein the mirror housing frame is operably connected to a glass actuator (330) for mounting a mirror glass (360), and the upper mirror housing is used to fix the mirror housing frame (310) and the mirror glass (360); Features The upper mirror housing (320) has a first upper mirror housing end (321) and a second upper mirror housing end (322), The mirror housing frame (310) comprises a first mirror housing frame end (311) and a second mirror housing frame end (312). The mirror housing frame (310) and the upper mirror housing (320) are fixed together using a twist locking mechanism in combination with a fastening mechanism, wherein the second mirror housing frame end (312) and the second upper mirror housing end (322) are connected using the twist locking mechanism, and the first mirror housing frame end (311) and the first upper mirror housing end (321) are connected using a fastening mechanism, wherein the twist locking mechanism enables the fastening mechanism to be activated.

2. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exterior rearview mirror assembly further includes a lower mirror housing (340) which is coupled to form an enclosure so as to house the mirror housing frame (310), the glass actuator (330) and the mirror glass (360).

3. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The exterior rearview mirror assembly further comprises a frame (350) fixed to the assembly of the upper mirror housing (320) and the lower mirror housing (340), wherein the frame (350) is placed between the glass actuator (330) and the mirror glass (360).

4. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mirror housing frame (310) is operably coupled to the glass actuator (330) to enable the mirror glass (360) to move.

5. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mirror housing frame (310) is configured to accommodate at least one actuator for changing the position of the mirror head (300) relative to the mirror base (200) to one of the multiple positions.

6. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mirror glass (360) is operably fixed to the mirror housing frame (310) via the glass actuator (330), so that a pre-configured angle of the mirror glass (360) can be changed relative to the mirror housing frame (310).

7. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second mirror housing frame end (312) is configured to accommodate at least one actuator in a direction perpendicular to an axis extending from the first upper mirror housing end (321) to the second upper mirror housing end (322) of the mirror housing frame (310).

8. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second mirror housing frame end (312) of the mirror housing frame (310) is provided with a mirror housing frame profile (313), wherein the mirror housing frame profile has at least one extension rib (314) and at least one end stop wall (315) that are offset from each other.

9. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The at least one end stop wall (315) limits further movement of the mirror housing frame (310) in an upward direction.

10. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second upper mirror housing end (322) is provided with an opening (323) facing the bottom end of the upper mirror housing (320).

11. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The opening (323) is configured to match the mirror housing frame profile (313).

12. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: The opening (323) is also configured with at least one cutout (324), and The opening (323) is configured to allow the mirror housing frame (310) to enter vertically from the bottom in an upward direction relative to the length of the upper mirror housing (320), so that at least one extended rib (314) of the mirror housing frame (310) passes through the at least one cutout (324) of the upper mirror housing (320).

13. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The twist lock mechanism involves twisting the mirror housing frame (310) relative to the upper mirror housing (320).

14. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that: The twist lock mechanism involves sliding the at least one extended rib (314) of the mirror housing frame (310) on a sliding plane (326) of the at least one end stop wall (315) of the second upper mirror housing (320) so that downward movement is restricted.

15. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 9 or 14, characterized in that: The movement of the mirror housing frame (310) in an upward direction and a downward direction is simultaneously restricted by the offset positioning of the at least one end stop wall (315) and the at least one extension rib (314).

16. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first mirror housing frame end (311) is provided with at least one extension arm (316).

17. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 16, characterized in that The upper mirror housing (320) is provided with at least one fastening connection piece (325).

18. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that After the twist locking mechanism is implemented between the mirror housing frame (310) and the upper mirror housing (320), the at least one extension arm (316) is adjacent to the at least one fastening connector (325).

19. The exterior rearview mirror assembly (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that: The at least one extension arm (316) and the at least one fastening connector (325) are secured using at least one fastening mechanism including a screwing mechanism, a snap-fit ​​mechanism, or using an adhesive.

20. A vehicle (50), characterized in that: The vehicle comprises an exterior rear view mirror assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Modular Rear View Mirror and Method to assemble it

    EP2253510B1