Side mirrors for an electrically powered vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a side mirror (10) for an electrically powered motor vehicle (12), with a mirror housing (14) which is arranged on a side wall (18) or a side door of the motor vehicle (12) by means of a mirror arm (16), wherein a receptacle (20) for a charging cable (22) for charging the motor vehicle (12) is arranged on the side mirror (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a side mirror for an electrically driven motor vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] In certain charging situations, owners of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) use the side mirrors as improvised holders for AC charging cables. The abbreviation "BEV" stands for "Battery Electric Vehicle." The cable, which is brought to the charging station, is simply placed from above into the gap between the mirror housing and the vehicle's side panel, particularly on the mirror arm. Almost all side mirrors have a small cap on their underside that can be removed for servicing to access the mounting screws. When this cap is replaced, it conceals the connecting elements.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a convenient storage option for charging cables in electrically powered vehicles, which is particularly efficient, ergonomic and cost-effective.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a side mirror having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims and the description.

[0005] A side mirror according to the invention for an electrically driven motor vehicle comprises a mirror housing which is arranged on a side wall or a side door of the motor vehicle by means of a mirror arm.

[0006] To achieve the object of the invention, it is provided that a receptacle for a charging cable for charging the motor vehicle is arranged on the side mirror. This receptacle is designed to securely and neatly suspend the charging cable from the side mirror during a charging process and thus provide a convenient storage option for the charging cable, which is particularly efficient, ergonomic, and cost-effective. By integrating the receptacle and thus a charging cable receptacle into the side mirror, a practical and efficient storage option is provided, allowing the driver to simply plug the charging cable into the receptacle without the charging cable getting caught on the side mirror or between the side mirror and the vehicle.

[0007] In particular, it is possible to design the receptacle as a clamp opening, groove, or other design. This provides a flexible and versatile attachment option for the charging cable, allowing the charging cable to be easily plugged in, hung, or clamped, for example, and thus held securely. Alternatively, the receptacle can also be designed as a groove into which the charging cable can be inserted and securely secured. This design enables easy handling and reliable attachment of the charging cable to the side mirror.

[0008] The "folding side mirrors when parked" feature is particularly common in more expensive BEVs. However, placing the charging cable over the side mirror during charging to protect it from dirt can cause damage to the side mirror. When the vehicle is locked and the side mirrors are electrically folded in, the cable can become trapped between the mirror housing and the side panel. This overcompresses the spring mechanism located in the side mirror arm, which also serves as pedestrian protection. However, the spring mechanism is not designed to compensate for sudden blockages in the kinematics when the side mirror is folded in. There is a risk of damage to the mechanism if this occurs repeatedly. Damage due to crushing the cable is also possible.

[0009] This provides the possibility to hang the charging cable on a designated holder.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receptacle is arranged on the mirror arm. This arrangement of the receptacle on the mirror arm enables a stable and secure attachment of the charging cable. Since the mirror arm is fixed to the vehicle and does not move with the folding of the mirror, the receptacle also remains fixed to the vehicle. This ensures that the charging cable remains securely attached and does not fall out during the folding of the mirror. This offers the user a practical and reliable solution for attaching the charging cable during the charging process.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receptacle is arranged on a cap element. Arranging the receptacle on a cap element that is part of the mirror arm housing or represents a partial area enables seamless integration into the design of the side mirror. The cap element is designed as an integral part of the mirror arm housing, so it does not represent any additional components. This preserves the aesthetic shape of the side mirror.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cap element is designed as a base cap of the mirror arm. Designing the cap element as a base cap of the mirror arm provides a space-saving and integrated solution in which the cap element can be used not only as a holder for the charging cable, but also as a protective cap for the mirror arm. It is positioned directly at the lower end of the mirror arm, as seen vertically from the vehicle, and forms a seamless extension of the same.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cap element is removable from the side mirror. The cap element thus serves as a support for the holder and can be easily attached to or removed from the side mirror. This allows the user to use the cap element as needed and to securely hang or attach the charging cable in the holder. The separate design of the cap element also makes it possible to provide different versions of the cap element with different functions or designs for different charging cables. Furthermore, such a cap element can be quickly replaced, for example, in the event of loss or breakage.

[0014] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cap element can be plugged onto a corresponding opening in the side mirror. This enables, in particular, simple and secure attachment of the cap element to the side mirror. The corresponding opening in the side mirror is specifically designed for plugging in the cap element, thus enabling a precise connection. By plugging it in, the cap element is firmly and securely fixed to the side mirror so that it cannot accidentally fall off while driving or parking. This opening is normally provided for access to the mirror's electronics or other internal components. By using this already existing opening, no additional structure or opening is required to attach the cap element. The cap element is therefore simply attached to the existing opening and securely fastened.For example, plug-in elements, locking mechanisms, or spring elements can be used to provide a reliable connection between the opening and the cap element. These mechanisms ensure that the charging cable is held firmly in the receptacle and cannot accidentally fall out. This allows the user to insert the cap element into the opening quickly and effortlessly.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the charging cable can be hooked into the receptacle. The charging cable can, for example, be inserted into the receptacle from below, whereby it is securely hooked in. This enables simple and convenient attachment of the charging cable during the charging process. After the charging process is complete, the charging cable can thus also be easily removed again by pulling it out of the receptacle. This embodiment facilitates the handling of the charging cable and thus, in particular, enables quick and uncomplicated attachment and / or removal. The user can securely hook the charging cable into the receptacle to establish a secure connection and easily remove it as needed without having to take any additional steps.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a retaining element with a receptacle is provided. The retaining element is designed in the form of a hook, which forms a hook receptacle into which the charging cable can be hooked. The hook has a barb that securely fixes the charging cable and prevents it from accidentally slipping out. In particular, the retaining element extends downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, thus offering the user an easier way to hook it in.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holding element is adjustable between a stowed position and a use position. For this purpose, an actuator is provided, for example, which can extend the holding element to allow the charging cable to be inserted. This adjustability allows the holding element to be moved into the use position as needed to securely and conveniently insert the charging cable. In the stowed position, the holding element is retracted, ensuring space-saving and unobtrusive storage.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the holding element is foldable between the stowed position and the use position. This means that the holding element can be folded about a folding axis in order to switch between these two positions. In the stowed position, the holding element is folded in and rests against the side mirror to save space or is arranged in the mirror arm housing. This enables trouble-free use of the side mirror while the charging cable is not attached. If necessary, the holding element can be folded into the use position by unfolding it along the folding axis. This creates a holder onto which the charging cable can be securely attached. The folding of the holding element can be carried out in particular manually by the user or automatically by means of an actuator.

[0019] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or on their own.

[0020] The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment and with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a side mirror for an electrically powered motor vehicle, on which a charging cable can be inserted into a corresponding receptacle on the side mirror; Fig. 2 a perspective view illustrating a side mirror with the cap element, but without a receptacle for a charging cable; Fig. 3 a perspective view illustrating the side mirror with the cap element and with the receptacle for a charging cable; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the mirror arm with an opening; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the cap element; and Fig. 6 a perspective view of the motor vehicle in which a charging cable is hooked onto a holding element of the cap element of the side mirror.

[0021] In the figures, identical and functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a side mirror 10 with a mirror 11 for an electrically driven motor vehicle 12, with a mirror housing 14 which is arranged by means of a mirror arm 16 on a side wall 18 or a side door 19 of the motor vehicle 12, wherein a provided receptacle 20 for a charging cable 22 (not shown) for charging the motor vehicle 12 is shown.

[0023] The mount 20 is arranged on the mirror arm 16. The mirror arm 16 is fixed to the vehicle and does not move when the mirror 11 is adjusted. As a result, the mount 20 is also fixed to the vehicle and does not move when, for example, the mirror 11 is automatically folded inward about an axis A1 during parking. The mount 20 is arranged in particular on a cap element 24, i.e., it is not attached directly to the mirror arm 16, but rather is arranged in a portion of a mirror arm housing 17 of the mirror arm 16.

[0024] The cap element 24 is designed as a base cap of the mirror arm 16. This base cap is arranged, in particular, in the vertical direction z of the vehicle below the mirror arm 16 and thus faces downwards to suspend the charging cable 22, in particular in the receptacle 20. This does not impede the movement of the mirror 11.

[0025] In particular, there is a removable cap element 24, which is not visible in the perspective view and can be removed from the side mirror 10. The cap element 24 serves in particular as a protective cap for an opening 26, also not visible, in the side mirror 10, through which access to electronics is provided. This means that the holder 20 is attached to an existing, removable component of the motor vehicle 12. This allows, for example, the cap element 24 to be used with or without the holder 20, depending on the user's wishes. The cap element 24 can be plugged onto the corresponding opening 26 of the side mirror 10, in particular by means of plug-in elements or plug-in feet. This provides a particularly simple plug-in option.

[0026] A holding element 28, which has the receptacle 20, is arranged on the cap element 24. It is provided that an elongated holding element 28 is attached to the lower side of the mirror arm 16 in the vehicle's vertical direction z and thus to the cap element 24. This elongated holding element 28 has the receptacle 20. The holding element 28 is arc-shaped, in particular integral with the cap element 24. It functions as a hook with a hook receptacle that forms the receptacle 20, onto which the charging cable 22 can be hooked. The hook tip 30 is directed away from the motor vehicle 12, but can also be directed towards the vehicle. The hook tip 30 can have a securing element 32 (not shown) that is directed upwards in the vehicle's vertical direction z to prevent the charging cable 22 from falling out. This securing element 32 can, for example, also be a barb.

[0027] Alternatively, the holding element 28 can be designed in the shape of a clamp, with two clamp arms between which the receptacle 20 is arranged and into which the charging cable 22 can be inserted from bottom to top in the vertical direction z of the vehicle.

[0028] An adjustable holding element 28 can also be provided, which can be moved between a stowed position P1 and a position in the Fig. 1. In particular, it is a foldable holding element 28 that can be folded between the stowed position P1 and the use position P2. For this purpose, the holding element 28 is not formed integrally with the cap element 24 and can be folded about a folding axis A2 into the interior of the mirror arm 16, whereby it is no longer visible from the outside.

[0029] For example, the adjustment between the storage position P1 and the use position P2 can be carried out at least partially automatically by means of an actuator. This allows the adjustment to the use position P2 to be carried out without any further action by the user when the motor vehicle 12 detects an impending load.

[0030] Thus, a charging cable 22 can be inserted into the receptacle 20. In particular, the receptacle 20 has a cross-section corresponding to the charging cable, or a tolerance is provided to accommodate or attach different thicknesses of the charging cable 22.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a further perspective view illustrating a side mirror 10 with the cap element 24, but without the receptacle 20 into which the charging cable 22 (not shown) can be inserted. The cap element 24 is clearly visible and also serves as a protective cap for the opening 26 of the side mirror 10 to protect access to the electronics. Without the receptacle 20, the cap element 24 allows for a seamless surface of the mirror arm 16, since no visible elements are arranged for receiving the charging cable 22, but still offers the necessary protection against dirt or damage to the electronics in the opening 26.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a further perspective view illustrating a side mirror 10 with the cap element 24 with the holding element 28, which has the receptacle 20 into which the charging cable 22 can be inserted. The cap element 24 is also clearly visible and continues to form the protective cap for the opening 26 of the side mirror 10. The holding element 28 is also shown and has the receptacle 20. It is arc-shaped and serves as a hook onto which the charging cable 22 can be securely hooked. The hook tip 30 is positioned accordingly to prevent the charging cable from falling out and can optionally have the securing element 32, which offers additional security for the suspended charging cable 22. The receptacle 20 is dimensioned such that the corresponding cross-section of the charging cable 22 can be accommodated and securely held.This ensures a good fit between the holder 20 and the charging cable 22, for example to prevent it from slipping or falling out.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the mirror arm 16, illustrating a view into the opening 26 onto which the cap element 24 (not shown) can be plugged. The opening 26 on the mirror arm 16 is clearly visible here, which is illustrated in particular as a recess in the mirror arm 16 that allows access to the internal electronics of the side mirror 10. Although the cap element 24 is not shown in this view, the opening 26 is configured to correspond, or the cap element 24 is configured to correspond, to the opening 26 in order to plug the cap element 24 onto it. The opening 26 is configured accordingly to provide a secure and precisely fitting connection with the cap element 24. The cap element 24 can thus be plugged onto the opening 26 and fastened.Thus, the cap element 24 for the opening 26 is used not only for protection, but now also as an aid for hanging a charging cable 22 (not shown). Furthermore, the opening 26 can have a sealing element 27a on its inner circumference, by means of which the ingress of water or dirt is substantially prevented when the cap element 24 is placed over the opening 26.

[0034] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of the cap element 24. The cap element 24 is thus, in particular, a simple component for covering and protecting the opening 26 of the mirror arm 16. It is plugged onto the mirror arm 16 and thus sits securely and firmly, providing a stable attachment that can withstand a tensile force from the charging cable 22. The holding element 28, which is arranged on the cap element 24, has an arcuate design. It is, in particular, an integral and one-piece component of the cap element 24 and comprises a hook structure with a hook receptacle or the receptacle 20. The charging cable 22 can be securely hooked onto the receptacle 20. To prevent the charging cable 22 from falling out, the hook tip 30 can have the securing element 32.This securing element 32 is directed upwards in the vertical direction z of the vehicle and provides additional stability to ensure that the charging cable 22 is firmly held in the hook receptacle or receptacle 20. It can, for example, be designed in the form of a barb to prevent the charging cable 22 from accidentally coming loose during the charging process.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cap element 24 also comprises a first plug-in element 24a and a second plug-in element 24b, which are designed as plug-in feet for plugging the cap element 24 onto the corresponding opening 26 of the side mirror 10. In addition, the cap element 24 comprises a third plug-in element 24c, which is arranged on an opposite side of the plug-in elements 24a, 24b designed as plug-in feet. This third plug-in element 24c can, for example, be designed as a guide element to be inserted into the opening 26 and locked there. This can be achieved by using a spring element (not shown) in the opening 26 or other locking mechanisms.

[0036] This design of the cap element 24 allows for a particularly simple plug-in option, allowing the user to simply attach the cap element 24. The plug-in feet or plug-in elements 24a, 24b ensure a stable and secure attachment of the cap element 24 to the corresponding opening 26 of the mirror arm 16, while the third plug-in element 24c provides additional support and locking.

[0037] Furthermore, the cap element 24 can have a sealing element 27b on the outer circumference, by means of which the penetration of water or dirt is substantially prevented when the cap element 24 is placed onto the opening 26.

[0038] Fig.6 shows a perspective view of the motor vehicle 12, with a charging cable 22 suspended from the holding element 28. This illustration illustrates the functionality of the invention, in which the cap element 24 is used with the holding element 28 to securely and neatly suspend the charging cable 22 during the charging process. The motor vehicle 12 shows the side mirror 10 with the cap element 24 mounted on the opening 26 of the mirror. The holding element 28, which is arranged on the cap element 24, thus provides the receptacle 20 to which the charging cable 22 is suspended. This securely holds the charging cable 22.

[0039] In summary, the invention proposes a side mirror with a base cap with a cable routing contour. List of reference symbols 10 side mirrors 11 mirrors 12 motor vehicles 14 mirror housings 16 Mirror arm 17 mirror arm housing 18 Side wall 19 Side door 20 recordings 22 charging cables 24 cap element 24a plug-in element 24b Plug-in element 24c plug-in element 26 Opening 27a Sealing element 27b Sealing element 28 Holding element 30 hook point 32 securing element z Vehicle vertical direction A1 axis A2 folding axis P1 stowage position P2 Use position

Claims

[1] Side mirror (10) for an electrically driven motor vehicle (12), with a mirror housing (14) which is arranged by means of a mirror arm (16) on a side wall (18) or a side door of the motor vehicle (12), characterized by that a receptacle (20) for a charging cable (22) for charging the motor vehicle (12) is arranged on the side mirror (10). [2] Side mirror (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the receptacle (20) is arranged on the mirror arm (16). [3] Side mirror (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the receptacle (20) is arranged on a cap element (24). [4] Side mirror (10) according to claim 3, characterized by that the cap element (24) is designed as a foot cap of the mirror arm (16). [5] Side mirror (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the cap element (24) can be removed from the side mirror (10). [6] Side mirror (10) according to claims 3 to 5, characterized bythat the cap element (24) can be plugged onto a corresponding opening (26) of the side mirror (10). [7] Side mirror (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the charging cable (22) can be hooked into the holder (20). [8] Side mirror (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a holding element (28) having the receptacle (20) is arranged. [9] Side mirror (10) according to claim 8, characterized by that the holding element (28) is adjustable between a storage position (P1) and a use position (P2). [10] Side mirror (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by that the holding element (28) can be folded between the storage position (P1) and the use position (P2).

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