Side mirrors for use in a motor vehicle as well as motor vehicles

Abstract

Side mirrors (2) for use in a motor vehicle (80), comprising: - a mirror base (4) that can be permanently attached to the body of the motor vehicle (80) for attaching the side mirror (2) to the motor vehicle (80), - a mirror head (6) rotatably arranged on the mirror base (4) for arranging a mirror surface, - a camera (8) for an assistance system of the motor vehicle (80), characterized in that the camera (8) has a cleaning system (10) for cleaning the camera (8), wherein the cleaning system (10) and the camera (8) are arranged in the mirror base (4), wherein the mirror head (6) is mounted on the mirror base (4) in such a way as to be foldable in and out about at least one axis, wherein the mirror base (4) is designed and connected to the mirror head (6) in such a way that at least one surface on the back of the mirror head (6) is at least partially covered by the mirror base (4).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a side mirror for use in a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle comprising such a side mirror.

[0002] Side mirrors for use in motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These side mirrors typically have a mirror base that can be fixed to the vehicle and a mirror head that is movable on the mirror base.

[0003] It is also common practice to mount components of vehicle assistance systems, such as driver assistance cameras, on or within side mirrors. According to current technology, driver assistance cameras are typically mounted in the mirror head to utilize the existing volume for integration and avoid adding extra bulk. The existing volume at the mirror head improves airflow and accommodates the bearings and actuators for adjusting the mirror or mirror glass. Adding further volume, on the other hand, has a negative aerodynamic impact, as it reduces the vehicle's frontal area and impairs airflow around it.

[0004] Driver assistance cameras for vehicles with autonomous and semi-autonomous driving functions, unlike cameras for parking functions, require high availability for safety reasons and are therefore cleaned, for example, with cleaning systems. These cleaning systems must be positioned close to the camera to ensure effective cleaning. However, when such a camera with a cleaning system is used on a rotating mirror head, the insertion of necessary feed components within the mirror head impedes the rotational movement. To continue guaranteeing, for example, the folding function, a dedicated drive unit would have to be modified. This not only leads to increased costs and reduced sustainability (material usage, vehicle weight, and fuel consumption), but is also currently not feasible due to the availability of suitable drive units.Furthermore, the folding function of the mirror poses an increased risk of injury, for example, when colliding with a passing cyclist. Due to the greater rotational resistance of the mirror head, a higher force would be exerted on the cyclist before the mirror folds down, thus increasing the risk of injury.

[0005] As an alternative solution, an additional volume at the mirror base in the lower area near the outer door skin was investigated. The fixed mirror base is located in this area, meaning the hoses have no influence on the rotation of the mirror head. However, this additional volume negatively impacts the frontal area, the airflow around the vehicle, the aeroacoustics, and the overall design.

[0006] Mirror devices of this type are known from the publications US 2017 / 0 210 297 A1 and DE 10 2017 112 915 A1.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is the object of the present invention to provide a side mirror for a motor vehicle that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, has an aerodynamically and aesthetically pleasing design, guarantees a high level of driving comfort, and at the same time offers a safe and reliable mounting for a driver assistance camera and associated cleaning system.

[0008] The foregoing problem is solved by a side mirror having the features of claim 1 and a motor vehicle having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the side mirror according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure regarding the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0009] According to the invention, a side mirror is provided for use in a motor vehicle. The side mirror according to the invention comprises a mirror base that can be fixedly arranged on the body of the motor vehicle for attaching the side mirror to the motor vehicle, a mirror head rotatably arranged on the mirror base for arranging a mirror surface, and a camera for an assistance system of the motor vehicle, wherein the camera has a cleaning system for cleaning the camera, and wherein the cleaning system and the camera are arranged in the mirror base.

[0010] By incorporating a camera for an assistance system and an associated cleaning system for cleaning the camera, both arranged in the mirror base, the side mirror according to the invention offers a simple and cost-effective way to ensure that the side mirror is aerodynamically and aesthetically pleasing, guarantees a high level of driving comfort, and simultaneously provides a secure and reliable mounting for a driver assistance camera and its associated cleaning system. The invention particularly offers the possibility of integrating driver assistance cameras with complex cleaning systems without requiring additional volume for camera integration, thus eliminating the negative effects on aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, and design.

[0011] The side mirror according to the invention can be integrated, in particular, into autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles. The mirror base can preferably be fixed to the body of a motor vehicle.

[0012] With a view to increasing driving safety, in particular improved visibility and a reduction of blind spots even when adjusting a seating position, the invention advantageously provides that the mirror head is rotatably mounted on the mirror base about at least two axes, wherein the mirror head is preferably rotatably mounted about an angle of at least 4°, preferably about an angle of at least 15° about the two axes. The achievable angle of rotation can vary depending on the respective axis. For example, the mirror head can be adjusted horizontally by approximately 4-5° inwards and outwards, which allows the driver to observe traffic to the side without having to turn their head excessively. Vertically, the mirror head can be adjusted, for example, by approximately 15-20° upwards and downwards.This setting allows the driver to adjust the mirror's field of view to their individual seating position, ensuring good rear visibility. It should be noted that rotating the mirror head can also refer to rotating only a part of the mirror head, such as a mirror attached to the head itself.

[0013] In accordance with the invention, for a space-saving arrangement and protection against damage to a side mirror, the mirror head is mounted on the mirror base in such a way that it can be folded in and out about at least one axis, preferably by 90° along this axis. Folding the mirror head down can, for example, allow easier access to narrow garage entrances or easier and safer exiting from a vehicle in tight parking spaces.

[0014] To improve driving safety, particularly by facilitating parking, it is advantageously possible to include a parking sensor of a parking assistance system, wherein the parking sensor is preferably arranged on the outside of the mirror head, and is specifically designed as an additional camera, a capacitive sensor, or a LiDAR sensor. It is understood that the parking sensor may also be designed as an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or an electromagnetic sensor.

[0015] To ensure high safety requirements, especially when arranging a side mirror in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle, the invention advantageously provides that the cleaning system for cleaning the camera has a hose for supplying water and / or cleaning agents and a cleaning nozzle for applying the water and / or cleaning agent to a surface of the camera, wherein the cleaning system preferably also has a mechanical cleaning aid, in particular a cleaning brush.

[0016] To ensure increased safety, particularly during turning maneuvers or lane changes in a motor vehicle, it is advantageously provided that a light source is included to display a warning function, wherein the light source is preferably in the form of a flashing light, and wherein the light source is particularly located on the mirror head. The light source can be very compact, such as an LED, and require no additional wiring that would, for example, obstruct its placement in the mirror head.

[0017] According to the invention, in order to achieve an aerodynamic shape and simultaneously increase driving safety, the mirror base is designed and connected to the mirror head in such a way that at least one area on the rear of the mirror head is at least partially covered by the mirror base, wherein the covered area on the rear of the mirror head preferably comprises at least 10%, and more specifically at least 15%, of the total area of ​​the rear of the mirror head. An aerodynamic shape of the side mirror in question can be ensured, in particular, by the fact that the mirror base does not offer any additional surface area for the oncoming airflow to affect the mirror. Increased driving safety can also be ensured by the fact that, in such an arrangement, a camera cleaning system can be integrated into the mirror base, thus guaranteeing a clean camera surface at all times.

[0018] In addition, with a view to a structurally simple and reliable attachment of the mirror head to the mirror base, it can be provided that an additional area on the front of the mirror head is at least partially covered by the mirror base, wherein the covered area on the front of the mirror head preferably comprises at least 5% of the total area of ​​the front of the mirror head.

[0019] In the context of a structurally simple and reliable mounting of a side mirror, while simultaneously ensuring the greatest possible mobility of the mirror head, it can further be advantageous if the mirror base has a pan-shaped receiving area and the mirror head a corresponding insertion area, wherein the mirror head is arranged in the pan-shaped receiving area of ​​the mirror base via the corresponding insertion area, and preferably the mirror head is rotatably mounted within the pan-shaped receiving area of ​​the mirror base. The receiving area of ​​the mirror base can preferably be designed in the form of a turntable or the like.

[0020] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a side mirror as described above, preferably two such side mirrors. The motor vehicle according to the invention thus offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the side mirror according to the invention. Preferably, the motor vehicle can have two side mirrors according to the invention, arranged symmetrically to each other on opposite sides of the vehicle. It can also be provided that the side mirror on the passenger side is adapted to the driver's shallower viewing angle, for example, by means of a rotated mirror glass and / or an adapted mirror base and mirror head geometry.

[0021] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0022] They show schematically: Fig. 1 a side mirror according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side mirror 2 according to the invention for use in a motor vehicle 80 according to a first embodiment.

[0024] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the side mirror 2 according to the invention comprises a mirror base 4 which can be fixedly arranged on the body of the motor vehicle 80 for attaching the side mirror 2 to the motor vehicle 80, a mirror head 6 rotatably arranged on the mirror base 4 for arranging a mirror surface, and a camera 8 for an assistance system of the motor vehicle 80, wherein the camera 8 has a cleaning system 10 for cleaning the camera 8, wherein the cleaning system 10 and the camera 8 are arranged in the mirror base 4.

[0025] The mirror head 6 or a mirror arranged within the mirror head is preferably rotatably mounted on the mirror base 4 about at least two axes, e.g. by an angle of at least 4°, in particular by at least 15°.

[0026] The mirror head 6 is also mounted on the mirror base 4 so that it can be folded in and out about at least one axis.

[0027] As per Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the side mirror 2 according to the invention comprises a parking sensor 12, which is arranged on the outside of the mirror head 6.

[0028] The cleaning system 10 arranged within the mirror base 4 for cleaning the camera 8 has in this case a hose for supplying water and / or cleaning agents as well as a cleaning nozzle for applying the water and / or the cleaning agent to a surface of the camera 8.

[0029] As per Fig. As can also be seen in Figure 1, the mirror base 4 is designed and connected to the mirror head 6 in such a way that at least one surface on the back of the mirror head 6 is at least partially covered by the mirror base 4, wherein the covered surface on the back of the mirror head 6 is at least 10% of the surface on the back of the mirror head 6.

[0030] Additionally, an area on the front of the mirror head 6 may also be at least partially covered by the mirror base 4.

[0031] The mirror base 4 has a pan-shaped receiving area and the mirror head 6 has a shape-corresponding insertion area, which is arranged via the mirror head 6 in the pan-shaped receiving area of ​​the mirror base 4 and is rotatably mounted there.

[0032] The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention solely by way of examples. Naturally, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided this is technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Side mirror (2) for use in a motor vehicle (80), comprising: - a mirror base (4) that can be permanently attached to the body of the motor vehicle (80) for attaching the side mirror (2) to the motor vehicle (80), - a mirror head (6) rotatably arranged on the mirror base (4) for arranging a mirror surface, - a camera (8) for a motor vehicle assistance system (80), characterized by , that the camera (8) has a cleaning system (10) for cleaning the camera (8), wherein the cleaning system (10) and the camera (8) are arranged in the mirror base (4), wherein the mirror head (6) is mounted on the mirror base (4) in such a way as to be foldable in and out about at least one axis, wherein the mirror base (4) is designed and connected to the mirror head (6) such that at least one surface on the back of the mirror head (6) is at least partially covered by the mirror base (4). [2] Side mirror (2) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the mirror head (6) is rotatably mounted on the mirror base (4) about at least two axes, wherein the mirror head (6) is preferably rotatably mounted about an angle of at least 4°, preferably about an angle of at least 15° about the two axes. [3] Side mirror (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the mirror head (6) can be folded in and out by 90° along at least one axis. [4] Side mirror (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a parking sensor (12) of a parking assistance system is provided, wherein the parking sensor (12) is preferably arranged on the outside of the mirror head (6), wherein the parking sensor (12) is in particular designed in the form of a further camera, a capacitive sensor or a LIDAR sensor. [5] Side mirror (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the cleaning system (10) for cleaning the camera (8) has a hose for supplying water and / or cleaning agents and a cleaning nozzle for applying the water and / or the cleaning agent to a surface of the camera (8), wherein the cleaning system (10) preferably also has a mechanical cleaning aid, in particular a cleaning brush. [6] Side mirror (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that a light source is provided for displaying a warning function, wherein the light source is preferably designed in the form of a flashing light, wherein the light source is in particular arranged on the mirror head (6). [7] Side mirror (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the covered area on the back of the mirror head (6) is at least 10%, in particular at least 15%, of the total area of ​​the back of the mirror head (6). [8] Side mirror (2) according to claim 7, characterized by , that additionally an area on the front of the mirror head (6) is at least partially covered by the mirror base (4), wherein the covered area on the front of the mirror head (6) preferably comprises at least 5% of the total area of ​​the front of the mirror head (6). [9] Side mirror (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mirror base (4) has a pan-shaped receiving area and the mirror head (6) has a shape-corresponding insertion area, wherein the mirror head (6) is arranged in the pan-shaped receiving area of ​​the mirror base (4) via the shape-corresponding insertion area, wherein preferably the mirror head (6) is rotatably mounted within the pan-shaped receiving area of ​​the mirror base (4). [10] Motor vehicle (80) comprising a side mirror (2), preferably two side mirrors (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

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