REARVIEW ARM, REARVIEW DEVICE AND VEHICLE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rearview arm (200) of a rearview device (300, 400), wherein the rearview arm (200) is configured for attaching at least one image capture device (230) and for mounting on the outside of a vehicle (100); wherein the rearview arm (200) comprises: a first section (210) comprising at least one first end (210a) and at least one second end (210b), wherein the first end (210a) is adapted to be mounted on the outside of the vehicle (100), and the second end (210b) is adapted to mount the at least one image capture device (230); and a second section (220) comprising at least a third end (220a) and at least a fourth end (220b), wherein the third end (210b) is adapted to be attached to the outside of the vehicle (100) and the fourth end (220b) is adapted to attach the at least one image capture device (230);wherein the first section (210) and the second section (220) are adapted to be symmetrical about a plane (AA); the second end (210b) of the first section (210) forms at least one first attachment point (212, 214) for attaching at least one first image-capturing device; and the fourth end (220b) of the second section (220) forms at least one second attachment point (222, 224) for attaching at least one second image-capturing device. Furthermore, a rear-view device and a vehicle are disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rearview arm according to the preamble of claim 1 for attaching one or more image capture devices. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a rearview device comprising such a rearview arm, and to a vehicle with at least one such rearview device.

[0002] Vehicles must be equipped with external sighting devices, in particular external rearview devices, which allow the driver to observe the vehicle's surroundings that lie outside the driver's peripheral vision. To enable the driver to observe the surroundings, these external sighting assemblies are mounted on the exterior of road vehicles. The vehicle's surroundings include the rear of the vehicle as well as the left and right sides. Furthermore, some external sighting devices are designed to effectively cover the driver's blind spot(s).

[0003] Camera-based external rearview devices are a special type of external viewing device that utilizes a camera system. Furthermore, camera-based external viewing devices are designed to be mounted on a vehicle body and incorporate a variety of connectors, sensors, and / or actuators to ensure proper functionality. These various components are designed to be connected within the camera-based external viewing device to ensure the intended operation of the camera system.

[0004] US 8,209,816 B2 discloses a first locking arm connected to a second locking arm on a locking hinge axis, wherein a pair of bearing surfaces on the first locking arm has a first axial distance, and the second locking arm has a bearing block that carries bearing mating surfaces that engage with the bearing surfaces and provide a hinge connection between the locking arms. The bearing mating surfaces have a second axial distance, and a first locking element has a first locking surface attached to one of the bearing surfaces, and a second locking surface attached to one of the bearing mating surfaces engages with the first locking surface, wherein a spring element biases the first and second locking surfaces against each other.The first axial distance is smaller than the second axial distance, so a second spring force acts on the first and second locking surfaces, which superimposes the first spring force.

[0005] DE 20 312 173 U1 concerns external rearview mirrors mounted on horizontal arms on both sides of the car. They are mounted in housings of various designs for left- and right-hand drive vehicles.

[0006] US 9,926,970 B2 relates to a swivel joint system for pivotally connecting a mirror to a vehicle, comprising a first arm, a second arm, a locking pin, a spring element, and a centering element. The first arm has first and second bearing races. The second arm has a first counter bearing race and a second counter bearing race. The counter bearing races are located between the first and second bearing races. A first detent surface of the first counter bearing race contacts and presses against a second detent surface of the first bearing race. The locking pin passes through the first bearing race, the second bearing race, and a hole in the centering element. The second arm is rotatable relative to the first arm about a pivot axis that is coaxial with the locking pin. The spring element pushes the locking pin away from the first counter bearing race.The vehicles typically have an external viewing device on the driver's side and an external viewing device on the passenger's side to provide the driver with views of the outside, specifically the left and right sides of the vehicle. Generally, the structures of the driver's-side and passenger-side external viewing devices differ, primarily due to the orientation in which these assemblies are mounted to the vehicle body. This increases the number of parts required for each side of the assemblies, making the assembly process more complex, which in turn increases both time and cost.

[0007] JP 2017-35928 A teaches an imaging device for vehicles and a visual recognition device for vehicles in a peripheral area. This includes a base, a mounting unit, and an imaging assembly. The mounting unit comprises a shaft, a bracket, and a damping mechanism. The damping mechanism and a damping element mitigate the force of an impact on the imaging device and its housing, thus protecting it from damage.

[0008] From CN 2 17 022 359 U, a two-camera external rearview mirror is known, comprising a carrier housing and a camera unit arranged on the carrier housing, wherein the camera unit includes a rear-view camera arranged on the carrier housing in the direction of the rear of the vehicle, the rear-view camera is arranged on the side of the carrier housing facing away from the vehicle door, the optical axis of the rear-view camera is parallel to the horizontal plane, the angle between the optical axis of the rear-view camera and the horizontal plane is 30°-60°, the height of the horizon is lower than that of the rear-view camera, and the angle between the optical axis of the rear-view camera and the side camera is 90°.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a modular rear-view arm with an improved geometric design, adapted for mounting on both the left and right sides of a vehicle, in order to reduce the number of specific parts and thus improve the assembly process and save time and money.

[0010] In view of the aforementioned and other disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the object of the present disclosure is to further develop the known rearview arm in order to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the object is to provide a rearview arm with a geometric configuration for attaching one or more image capture devices. Furthermore, it is a further object to provide a rearview device that is configured with such a rearview arm.

[0011] This objective is achieved, according to the present disclosure, by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Embodiments of the rearview arm are described in claim 2.

[0012] In one aspect, a rearview arm for attaching one or more image-capturing devices is disclosed, which may be adapted to be mounted on the outside of a vehicle, wherein the rearview arm comprises a first section and a second section, wherein the first section comprises at least a first end and at least a second end, the first end being adapted to be mounted on the outside of the vehicle, and the second end forming at least a first mounting point adapted to attach the one or more image-capturing devices, wherein the second section comprises at least a first end and at least a second end, the first end being adapted to be mounted on the outside of the vehicle, and the second end forming at least a second mounting point adapted toto attach one or more image-capturing devices, wherein the first section of the backview arm and the second section of the backview arm are adapted to be symmetrical about a plane.

[0013] It is understood that the claimed subject matter, in particular the embodiments described below and / or in the further claims, can be realized by a separate first and second section designed to function independently of each other, but can also be realized by the first and second sections forming a single structure.

[0014] In one aspect, the first and second sections can be adapted to form a single-part structure.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first end of the first section and the first end of the second section can be adapted with an opening to be pivotably attached to a base structure fixed to the outside of the vehicle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the rearview arm can be adapted to be mounted on the outer surface of the left side and / or the right side of the vehicle.

[0017] In one embodiment, the one or more image acquisition devices may comprise at least one narrow-angle camera and / or at least one wide-angle camera.

[0018] In one aspect, the rearview arm can be adapted to be mounted on the left side of the vehicle, with at least one narrow-angle camera attached to at least one of the first mounting points of the first section.

[0019] In one aspect, the rearview arm can be adapted to be mounted on the left side of the vehicle, with at least one wide-angle camera attached to at least one of the second mounting points of the second section.

[0020] In one aspect, the rearview arm can be adapted to be mounted on the right side of the vehicle, with at least one narrow-angle camera attached to at least one of the second mounting points of the second section.

[0021] In one aspect, the rearview arm can be adapted to be mounted on the right side of the vehicle, with at least one wide-angle camera attached to at least one of the first mounting points of the first section.

[0022] The present disclosure also relates to a retrospective device according to claim 3, wherein embodiments are described in claims 4 to 11.

[0023] In one aspect, the rearview device may comprise a left frame cover and / or a right frame cover, at least one rearview arm and the one or more image capture devices designed to be mounted on the at least one rearview arm.

[0024] In another aspect, the rearview device may be designed to be mounted on the left side of the vehicle and may include the left frame cover, the left frame cover comprising a left upper cover, a left lower cover and a left front cover.

[0025] In one aspect, the rearview device may be designed to be fitted to the right side of the vehicle and may include the right frame cover, the right frame cover comprising a right upper cover, a right lower cover and a right front cover.

[0026] In one aspect, the upper left cover, the lower left cover, the upper right cover and the lower right cover can be designed with the same shape, structure and size.

[0027] In one aspect, the left upper cover, the left lower cover, the right upper cover and the right lower cover may be designed to be used interchangeably on the rearview device, which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle or on the right side of the vehicle.

[0028] In one aspect, the left front cover and the right front cover can be designed with the same shape, structure and size and be designed to be used interchangeably on the rearview device, which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle or on the right side of the vehicle.

[0029] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising at least one rearview camera according to the present disclosure. Embodiments are described in claim 13.

[0030] One advantage of various embodiments is the improved geometric design of the rearview arm for mounting one or more image capture devices. This geometric design of the rearview arm contributes to a reduced number of unique and / or specific components required for the rearview device, which is mounted on the left or right side of the vehicle, due to the modularity of the rearview arm.

[0031] The foregoing summary serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to be limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become clear by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0032] It is understood that each of the described features and / or embodiments of the disclosure can be used separately or in combination with other disclosed features and / or embodiments.

[0033] Further aspects, advantages and outstanding features of the present disclosure will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which discloses one or more embodiments of the present disclosure only by way of example, and which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, wherein: Fig. Figure 1A illustrates a schematic front view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 1B illustrates a schematic top view of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure illustrates; Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rearview device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the retrospective device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic front view of the rear arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm attached to the left side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm attached to the right side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6C illustrates a conversion of the rearward arm from a left-side configuration to a right-side configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 6D illustrates a conversion of a basic structure from a left-side configuration to a right-side configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rearview camera mounted on the left side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. Figure 8B illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rearview device mounted on the right side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Furthermore, the drawings referenced in this description should not be understood as being to scale unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0035] The aforementioned items, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications to the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may include various embodiments. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrated in the drawings, are described in detail below.

[0036] For explanatory purposes, numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a comprehensive understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can also be implemented without these specific details. Descriptions of known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments contained herein. The examples used here are intended only to facilitate understanding of how the embodiments described herein can be practiced and to enable those skilled in the art to implement them. Accordingly, the examples should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments contained herein.

[0037] References in this specification to “an embodiment” mean that a particular feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The phrase “in an embodiment,” which appears at various points in the specification, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor do separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclude other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that some embodiments may have but others may not. Likewise, various requirements are described that may apply to some embodiments but not to others.

[0038] Furthermore, although the following description includes many specific details for illustrative purposes, any person skilled in the art will understand that many variations and / or modifications of the details mentioned fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, although many of the features of the present disclosure are described in relation to or in combination with one another, a person skilled in the art will understand that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is given without loss of generality and without limiting the present disclosure.

[0039] In the drawings, the thicknesses of the layers and areas may be exaggerated for clarity. When it is stated that an element or layer is "on" or "above" another element or layer, this includes both a case where another layer or element is interposed and a case where the element or layer is directly above the other element or layer. In principle, reference numerals denote elements throughout the specification. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote elements that, within the same concept illustrated in the drawings, have the same function for every embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] If a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present disclosure would unnecessarily obscure the core of the disclosure, a detailed description is omitted. Similarly, the numbers used in the present description (e.g., first, second, etc.) are merely identifiers to distinguish one element from another.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "module" and "unit", which refer to elements in the following description, are only specified or used in combination for the sake of simplicity in writing the specification, and the terms themselves have no different meanings or roles.

[0042] Furthermore, the use of a singular form, such as "a", is not to be understood as limiting the number of components or the details of specific components. Moreover, various terms and / or expressions that describe or indicate a position or directional reference, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "forward", "backward", "end", "outside", "inside", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", etc., may refer to one or more specific components as they are generally seen from the perspective of a user during use or operation, and such terms and / or expressions are not to be understood as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for describing the disclosure to a person skilled in the art.Furthermore, the suffixes "area", "part", "unit" for a component used in the following description are only specified or mixed in for the sake of simplifying the writing of the specification and do not have any different meanings or roles.

[0043] Although the present disclosure is illustrated in connection with a four-wheeled vehicle, the support structure and its aspects and features can also be used for other vehicle types such as a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a six-wheeled vehicle, an eight-wheeled vehicle, etc. In the illustrated embodiments, it should be noted that terms such as "four-wheeled vehicle" and "vehicle" are used synonymously throughout the description.

[0044] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to Fig. 1A-1B to Fig. 8A-8B described.

[0045] Fig. Figure 1A illustrates a schematic front view of a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1B illustrates a schematic top view of the vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 referred to herein represents a four-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may represent other vehicles, such as two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, six-wheeled vehicles, eight-wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), etc., without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0046] A front section 102 (see Fig. 1B) of vehicle 100 comprises a drive unit (in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B not shown). The drive unit of a vehicle 100 based on an internal combustion engine (IC) comprises an internal combustion engine unit and a transmission unit, while the drive unit of an electric-based vehicle 100 comprises an electric motor and a transmission unit. In an illustrated example, the drive unit provides the power required to drive the rear wheels (in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B not shown) of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the drive unit can provide the required power to drive the front wheels 104 (see, Fig. 1A) or provide both the front wheels 104 and the rear wheels simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. It should be noted that the front section 102 of the vehicle 100 is shown to include the parts mentioned above; however, it is known to those skilled in the art that the front section of the vehicle 100 includes other parts which may not be relevant for the explanation of the present disclosure and are therefore not shown and described.

[0047] A central section 106 of the vehicle 100 comprises a driver's seat 108 and one or more passenger seats 110 (in Fig. (shown in Figure 1A). The driver's seat 108 provides a seat for a driver 112, and the passenger seat 110 provides a seat for a passenger 114. The central section 106 of the vehicle 100 further comprises a front left side door 116, a front right side door 118, a rear left side door 120, and a rear right side door 12 .... Fig. (shown in FIG. 1B). A rearview device 124 is coupled to the front left side door 116, and a rearview device 126 is coupled to the front right side door 118. Each of the left rearview device 124 and the right rearview device 126 assists the driver 112 in seeing areas outside of peripheral vision (i.e., a blind spot). Furthermore, the central section 106 of the vehicle 100 includes a rearview mirror assembly 128. The rearview mirror assembly 128 assists the driver 112 in seeing the road, vehicles on the road, and objects behind the vehicle 100. In addition, the central section 106 of the vehicle 100 includes a display unit 130 adapted to serve one or more purposes. In a non-restrictive example, the display unit 130 displays desired views acquired by one or more image capture devices (not shown in FIG. 1A and 1B).In one embodiment, the one or more image acquisition devices can be installed in one of the rearview devices 124, 126 or the rearview mirror assembly 128, without limiting the scope of disclosure. In another embodiment, the one or more image acquisition devices can be installed in each of the rearview devices 124, 126 and the rearview mirror assembly 128, without limiting the scope of disclosure. Furthermore, a rear section 132 (see . Fig. 1B) of the vehicle 100, at least rear light assemblies 134 and a trunk 136. The trunk 136 allows the driver 112 and the passenger 114 to stow items safely. It should be noted that the central section 106 and the rear section 132 of the vehicle 100 are shown to include the parts mentioned above; however, it is known to those skilled in the art that the central section 106 and the rear section 132 of the vehicle 100 include other parts which may not be relevant for the explanation of the present disclosure and are therefore not shown and described.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic top view of the vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 is equipped with a rearview device 300 on the left side and another rearview device 400 on the right side of the vehicle. The rearview devices 300 and 400 are designed to be attached to the outside of the vehicle 100 via a base structure 150. In one embodiment, the base structure 150 is U-shaped and can be interchangeably mounted on either the left or right side of the vehicle 100.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rearview device 300 and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates an exploded view of the rearview device 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rearview device 300 is adapted to be pivotably mounted to an outer surface of the vehicle 100 with the base structure 150. Furthermore, the rearview device 300 is configured with at least one frame cover 310, at least one rearview arm 200, and one or more image capture devices 230 (see Figure 3B). Fig. 5).

[0050] Fig. Figure 4A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm 200, and Fig. Figure 4B illustrates a schematic front view of the rearview arm 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the rearview arm 200 is configured to attach one or more image capture devices 230 (see Figure 4B). Fig. 5) The rearview arm 200 is adapted to be pivotably attached to the base structure 150 on an outer surface of the vehicle 100. The rearview arm 200 comprises a first section 210 and a second section 220. The first section 210 of the rearview arm 200 comprises at least a first end 210a and at least a second end 210b. The first end 210a of the first section 210 is adapted to be pivotably mounted on the base structure 150. The second end 210b of the first section 210 is adapted to form at least one first attachment point 212, 214 for attaching one or more image acquisition devices 230 (see Fig. 5).

[0051] Furthermore, the second section 220 of the rearview arm 200 comprises at least a third end 220a and at least a fourth end 220b. The third end 220a of the second section 220 is adapted to be pivotably mounted on the base structure 150. The fourth end 220b of the second section 220 is adapted to form at least a second attachment point 222, 224 for attaching one or more image acquisition devices 230 (see Fig. 5) In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first section 210 of the rearview arm 200 and the second section 220 of the rearview arm 200 are adapted to be symmetrical to a plane AA which, according to the embodiment of Fig. 4B extends horizontally and perpendicularly to a pivot axis X, which is best in Fig. 4A can be seen.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the plane AA can be a horizontal plane or a vertical plane designed to divide the rearview arm into two or more symmetrical sections, such as the first section 210 and the second section 220.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first section 210 of the rearward arm 200 and the second section 220 of the rearward arm 200 are adapted to form a one-piece structure. In yet another embodiment, the first section 210 of the rearward arm 200 and the second section 220 of the rearward arm 200 can be formed as a one-piece structure by any suitable method, such as casting. In yet another embodiment, the first section 210 of the rearward arm 200 and the second section 220 of the rearward arm 200 can be screwed, welded, or bonded together to form a one-piece structure.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first end 210a of the first section 210 and the third end 220a of the second section 220 are provided with an opening 240 for pivoting attachment to the base structure 150 mounted on the outer surface of the vehicle 100. The opening 240 is configured to be coaxial with a mounting option for the base structure 150 in its assembled configuration. Furthermore, the base structure 150 can be configured to be fixedly mounted to the outer surface of the vehicle 100.

[0055] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, at least one of the first mounting options 212, 214 and / or at least one of the second mounting devices 222, 224 is configured to mount one or more image acquisition devices 230.

[0056] Modern vehicles equipped with features such as a 360° surround view, blind spot monitoring, etc., must be equipped with various image capture devices. Therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more image capture devices 230 comprise at least one narrow-angle camera 231a, 232a or at least one wide-angle camera 231b, 232b. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the one or more image capture devices 230 attached to the first mounting points 212, 214 and the second mounting points 222, 224. Depending on the requirements, any number of image capture devices 230 can be mounted on the backview arm.

[0057] The preferred embodiments are described taking into account the need to mount up to four image acquisition devices on the rearview arm.

[0058] It would be obvious to a professional to shape the structure of the rearview arm in such a way as to provide more mounting options in order to attach more than four image capture devices.

[0059] Fig. Figure 6A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm 200 attached to the left side of the vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the narrow-angle camera 231a can be attached to at least one of the first mounting points 212 of the first section 210. Furthermore, the wide-angle camera 231b can be attached to at least one of the second mounting points 224 of the second section 220.

[0060] Based on the fact that the first section 210 and the second section 220 of the rearview arm are adapted to be symmetrical to the AA plane, the rearview arm 200 can be adapted to be mounted on the left side, and the same rearview arm can also be mounted on the right side of the vehicle. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6C, the rearview arm 200, which is configured to be mounted on the left side of the vehicle, can be rotated 180° about at least one axis in the plane AA to mount the rearview arm 200 on the right side of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the plane AA can be a horizontal plane or a vertical plane configured to divide the rearview arm into two or more symmetrical sections, such as the first section 210 and the second section 220. Therefore, when the rearview arm 200 is mounted on the right side of the vehicle, the arrangement of the one or more image-capturing devices changes, as shown in Figure 6C. Fig. 6B is shown. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first section 210 and the second section 220 of the flashback arm also changes. Likewise, as in Fig. 6D shown, the base structure 150, which is designed to be attached to the left side of the vehicle, is rotated by at least one axis in the plane AA by 180° to mount the base structure 150 on the right side of the vehicle.

[0061] Furthermore, it illustrates Fig. Figure 6B shows a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm 200 mounted on the right side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the narrow-angle camera 232a can be attached to at least one of the second mounting points 222 of the second section 220. Furthermore, the wide-angle camera 232b can be attached to at least one of the first mounting points 214 of the first section 210.

[0062] Fig. Figure 7A illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rearview arm 200 comprises a first section 210 and a second section 220. The first section 210 of the rearview arm 200 comprises at least a first end 210a and at least a second end 210b. The second end 210b of the first section 210 is adapted to form at least a first attachment point 212 for attaching one or more image acquisition devices 230 (not shown). Furthermore, the second section 220 of the rearview arm 200 comprises at least a third end 220a and at least a fourth end 220b. The fourth end 220b of the second section 220 is adapted to form at least a second attachment point 222 for attaching one or more image acquisition devices 230 (not shown).In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first section 210 of the rearview arm 200 and the second section 220 of the rearview arm 200 are adapted to be symmetrical about a plane AA. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more image acquisition devices may comprise at least one narrow-angle camera or at least one wide-angle camera.

[0063] Fig. Figure 7B illustrates a schematic perspective view of the rearview arm 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rearview arm 200 comprises a first section 210 and a second section 220. The first section 210 of the rearview arm 200 comprises at least a first end 210a and at least a second end 210b. The second end 210b of the first section 210 is adapted to form at least a first attachment point 214 for attaching one or more image acquisition devices 230 (not shown). Furthermore, the second section 220 of the rearview arm 200 comprises at least a third end 220a and at least a fourth end 220b. The fourth end 220b of the second section 220 is adapted to form at least a second attachment point 224, which is configured to attach the one or more image acquisition devices 230 (not shown).In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the first section 210 of the rearview arm 200 and the second section 220 of the rearview arm 200 are adapted to be symmetrical about a plane AA. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more image acquisition devices may comprise at least one narrow-angle camera or at least one wide-angle camera.

[0064] Fig. Figure 8A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rearview camera 300 mounted on the left side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rearview camera 300 is adapted to be pivotably mounted to the base structure 150 on an outer surface on the left side of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the rearview camera 300 comprises at least one left frame cover 310, at least one rearview arm 200, and one or more image capture devices 230 (not shown). The one or more image capture devices 230 are configured to be attached to at least one of the mounting points of the rearview arm 200. The left frame cover 310 further comprises a left upper cover 311, a left lower cover 312, and a left front cover 313.The left front cover 313 is designed with one or more openings 315 to allow image acquisition by one or more image acquisition devices 230 attached to the rearview arm.

[0065] Fig.Figure 8B illustrates a schematic perspective view of a rearview camera 400 mounted on the right side of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rearview camera 400 is adapted to be pivotably mounted to the base structure 150 on an outer surface on the right side of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the rearview camera 400 comprises at least one right frame cover 410, at least one rearview arm 200, and one or more image capture devices 230. The one or more image capture devices 230 are configured to be attached to at least one of the mounting points of the rearview arm 200. The right frame cover 410 further comprises a right upper cover 411, a right lower cover 412, and a right front cover 413.The right front cover 413 is designed with one or more openings 415 to allow image acquisition by one or more image acquisition devices 230 attached to the rearview arm 200.

[0066] In one embodiment, the left upper cover 311, the left lower cover 312, the right upper cover 411 and the right lower cover 412 are designed with the same shape, structure and size and can be used interchangeably on the rearview device 300 or 400, which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle or on the right side of the vehicle.

[0067] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the left front cover 313 and the right front cover 413 are designed with the same shape, structure and size and can be used interchangeably on the rearview device 300 or 400, which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle 100 or on the right side of the vehicle 100.

[0068] The present disclosure therefore solves the problem of the multitude of different parts required for a prior art rearview arm and provides a rearview device designed to be mounted on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The rearview arm 200 of the present disclosure can be rotated 180° to convert it for mounting on the right side from the left side or vice versa. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a cost-effective rearview arm by reducing the number of individual parts for a left- and right-side embodiment, as well as for the upper part (possibly the first section) and the lower part (possibly the second section) of the rearview arm and the rearview device.

[0069] Although the subject matter of this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it is understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of implementation of the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. That is, the features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims, and the drawings may be essential, individually or in any combination, to realize this disclosure in its various embodiments. The embodiments shown here are merely examples of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered limiting.Alternative embodiments considered by those skilled in the art are equally covered by the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Reference sign 100 vehicles 102 front section 104 front wheels 106 middle section 108 Driver's seat 110 passenger seat 112 drivers 114 passengers 116 front left side door 118 front right side door 120 rear left side door 122 rear right side door 124 Rearview device coupled to the front left side door 126 Rearview device coupled to the front right side door 128 Rearview mirror assembly 130 display unit 132 rear section 134 rear light assemblies 136 trunk 150 Basic structure 200 retrospective arm 210 first section of the retrospective arm 210a first end of the first section 210b second end of the first section 212, 214 first fastening options 220 second section of the retrospective arm 220a third end of the second section 220b fourth end of the second section 222, 224 second fastening options 230 image capture devices 231a, 232a Narrow-angle cameras 231b, 232b wide-angle cameras 240 opening 300 rearview device mounted on the left side of the vehicle 310 left frame cover 311 upper left cover 312 lower left cover 313 left front cover 315 openings on the left front cover 400 rearview device mounted on the right side of the vehicle 410 right frame cover 411 upper right cover 412 lower right cover 413 right front cover 415 openings on the right front cover AA symmetrical plane x Swivel axis

Claims

[1] A rearview arm (200) of a rearview device (300, 400), wherein the rearview arm (200) is designed to attach at least one image capture device (230) and to be mounted on the outside of a vehicle (100); wherein the rearview arm (200) comprises: ▪ a first section (210) comprising at least one first end (210a) and at least one second end (210b), wherein ◯ the first end (210a) is adapted to be attached to the outside of the vehicle (100), and ◯ the second end (210b) is adapted to attach at least one image capture device (230); and ▪ a second section (220) comprising at least a third end (220a) and at least a fourth end (220b), wherein ◯ the third end (220a) is adapted to be attached to the outside of the vehicle (100), and ◯ the fourth end (220b) is adapted to attach at least one of the image capture devices (230); wherein the first section (210) and the second section (220) are adapted to be symmetrical about a plane (AA); the second end (210b) of the first section (210) forms at least one first fastening possibility (212, 214) for fastening at least one first image capture device; and the fourth end (220b) of the second section (220) forms at least a second fastening possibility (222, 224) for fastening at least a second image capture device, characterized by , that • the plane (AA) is at least substantially horizontal when the rearview arm (200) is mounted on the vehicle (100), • the first section (210) is the upper part and the second section (220) is the lower part of the retrospective arm (200), • the first end (210a) of the first section (210) and the third end (220a) of the second section (220) are provided with an opening (240) adapted for pivotable attachment to a base structure (150) attached to the outside of the vehicle (100); and / or • the first section (210) and the second section (220) are adapted to form a single-part structure. [2] Rearview arm (200) according to claim 1, wherein the first section (210) and the second section (220) are a single component, are manufactured together in one piece, in particular by casting, and / or are screwed, welded and / or bonded together. [3] Rearview device (300, 400) of a vehicle (100), comprising: the rearview arm (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rearview arm (200) is adapted to be attached to the left side or the right side of the vehicle (100); at least one first image acquisition device (230); at least one second image capture device (230); and at least one left frame cover (310) or at least one right frame cover (410). [4] Retrospective device (300, 400) according to claim 3, wherein comprising at least one first image acquisition device (230), at least one narrow-angle camera (231a) and / or at least one wide-angle camera (232b), and / or comprising at least one second image acquisition device (230) at least one narrow-angle camera (232a) and / or at least one wide-angle camera (231b). [5] Rearview device (300, 400) according to claim 4, wherein, when the rearview arm (200) is attached to the left side of the vehicle (100), • each narrow-angle camera (231a) is attached to at least one of the first mounting points (212) of the first section (210) and • each wide-angle camera (231b) is attached to at least one of the second mounting options (224) of the second section (220). [6] Rearview device (300, 400) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein, when the rearview arm (200) is attached to the right side of the vehicle (100), • the narrow-angle camera (232a) is attached to at least one of the second mounting points (222) of the second section (220) and • the wide-angle camera (232b) is attached to at least one of the first mounting points (214) of the first section (210). [7] Rearview device (300) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein, if the rearview device (300) is configured to be attached to the left side of the vehicle (100), it comprises the left frame cover (310) which further comprises a left upper cover (311), a left lower cover (312) and a left front cover (313). [8] Rearview device (400) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, if the rearview device (400) is configured to be attached to the right side of the vehicle (100), it comprises the right frame cover (410) which further comprises a right upper cover (411), a right lower cover (412) and a right front cover (413). [9] Retrospective device (300, 400) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the left upper cover (311) and the left lower cover (312) and / or the right upper cover (411) and the right lower cover (412) are designed with substantially the same shape, structure, size and / or dimensions. [10] Rearview device (300, 400) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the left upper cover (311), the left lower cover (312), the right upper cover (411) and the right lower cover (412) are designed to be interchangeably used on the rearview device (300, 400) which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle or on the right side of the vehicle. [11] Rearview device (300, 400) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the left front cover (313) and the right front cover (413) are designed with the same shape, structure and / or size to be used interchangeably on the rearview device (300, 400) which is mounted on the left side of the vehicle or on the right side of the vehicle. [12] Vehicle (100) comprising at least one rearview device (300, 400) according to any one of claims 3 to 11. [13] Vehicle (100) according to claim 12, wherein each base structure (150) is U-shaped and / or can be interchangeably mounted on a left or right side of the vehicle (100), preferably by rotating it 180° about at least one axis in the plane (AA).

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