Adjustable interior mirror for one vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

In order to provide an improved interior mirror for a vehicle which is easy and convenient to adjust, an interior mirror (100) for a vehicle (200) is proposed, comprising a mirror element (10) and comprising an adjustment unit (10a) for adjusting the mirror element (10), wherein the adjustment unit (10a) has a tilting device (11) for tilting the mirror element (10) about a first axis (13) and about a second axis (14) which is perpendicular to the first axis (13), and comprising a rotation device (12) for rotating the mirror element (10) about a third axis (15) which is perpendicular to the first and second axes (13, 14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an interior mirror for a vehicle and a vehicle having such an interior mirror.

[0002] In conventional, meaning non-autonomous, vehicles, the driver's position is fixed with only minor deviations. This stems from the need to be able to control the vehicle at all times, with the driver in the driver's seat and focused on the driving task. Accordingly, aids such as rearview mirrors for safe driving are usually designed to allow only minimal adjustment to the driver's static seating position. The transition to autonomous vehicles now allows for more flexible positions, from which not all vehicle components, such as rearview mirrors, can be reached manually. Furthermore, a driver or passenger can change their position in the vehicle even while driving. It is also desirable to be able to personalize the orientation of vehicle components, such as rearview mirrors, for different users.

[0003] Movable interior mirrors are known, for example, from US 11,607,998 B2, CN 11651304 A and US 10,261,580 B2.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing an improved interior mirror for a vehicle, which can be adjusted in a simple and convenient way.

[0005] This problem is solved by the features specified in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The interior mirror according to the invention can advantageously be moved about three orthogonal spatial axes. This allows the interior mirror to be moved flexibly into different positions and, in particular, enables a highly variable adjustment of the mirror.

[0007] Preferably, a rotation device is designed or attached to the inner mirror in such a way that rotation of the mirror element is possible independently of the tilting device or the tilting movement of the mirror element. This means that the position of the mirror element does not change with respect to the first or second axis when rotated about the third axis. For this purpose, the rotation device is, in particular, a separate component from the tilting device. The rotation device and the tilting device can be interconnected in that the rotation device can preferably be tilted together with the mirror element. Conversely, the mirror element does not perform a tilting movement about the first and second axes when the mirror element is rotated.

[0008] The first and second axes, which represent tilting axes, extend in particular along or parallel to a surface of the mirror element or a planar extension of the mirror element. Specifically, the tilting axes run centrally along the surface, so that the two halves of the mirror element can be tilted in opposite directions, similar to a toggle switch.

[0009] The third axis, which represents an axis of rotation, runs perpendicular to the surface or the planar extent of the mirror element. In particular, the axis of rotation passes through a geometric center of the mirror element.

[0010] The three axes can, in particular, be axes of a Cartesian coordinate system with an X, Y, and Z axis. The first and second axes can represent the Y and Z axes, and the third axis the X axis.

[0011] Preferably, the interior mirror includes a drive unit, particularly an electric one, for operating the tilting and rotating mechanisms. This allows the position of the mirror element to be adjusted with particular ease. Additionally, it is preferably possible to move, tilt, and rotate the mirror element manually.

[0012] Preferably, the tilting and rotating mechanisms can be driven independently of each other by means of the drive unit. In particular, the drive unit comprises two separate drive units for separately driving the tilting and rotating mechanisms. Both drive units are designed such that the tilting and rotating mechanisms can be driven independently of each other. The drive units can, in particular, be electric actuators. This advantageously increases the flexibility in adjusting the mirror element.

[0013] Preferably, the rotation device is arranged between the mirror element and the tilting device, with the mirror element preferably being attached to the tilting device by means of the rotation device. In particular, the mirror element is attached to the rotation device such that rotation of the rotation device causes rotation of the mirror element. The rotation device together with the mirror element can, in turn, be arranged on the tilting device. Tilting the tilting device can thus cause tilting of the mirror element together with the rotation device. This advantageously makes it possible to rotate the mirror element in any desired tilting position. In particular, the rotation device can be arranged in a first plane and the tilting device in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

[0014] The rotation device and the tilting device together form the adjustment unit to which the mirror element is attached and which can be mounted in the interior of a vehicle.

[0015] Preferably, the rotation device comprises a slewing ring, which is preferably arranged on the rear side of the mirror element. A slewing ring enables simple implementation of the rotational movement, advantageously fixing a set rotational position. In particular, a first component of the slewing ring can be arranged on the mirror element or its rear side, and a second component of the slewing ring, engaging with the first, can be attached to the tilting device. For example, the tilting device can have a mounting plate to which the rotation device, and in particular the slewing ring or its second component, can be attached.

[0016] Preferably, the tilting device comprises at least two, preferably four, linear adjustment elements for tilting the mirror element about the first axis and at least two, preferably four, linear adjustment elements for tilting the mirror element about the second axis. In other words, at least two, preferably four, adjustment elements are assigned to each tilting axis, with at least one, preferably two, adjustment elements being provided for each tilting direction, which tilt the mirror element in the respective direction. The adjustment elements are preferably arranged such that they press against a rear side of the mirror element or against the rear side of the mirror element halves. The force exerted causes the mirror element to be pushed upwards on one side or with one half, while the other half is pushed downwards, thereby creating the tilting movement about the first or second axis.The force can be indirectly transmitted to the mirror element via the mounting plate of the tilting device.

[0017] In particular, each of the adjustment elements can cause the mirror element to tilt about the first and second axes if a total of four adjustment elements are provided. Depending on which two adjustment elements are extended together at any given time, the mirror element is tilted about the first or the second axis. In this process, two adjustment elements located on the same side of the respective axis are always extended simultaneously, while the adjustment elements on the opposite side remain stationary or are moved only slightly.

[0018] The linear adjustment elements are particularly elongated with a longitudinal axis, and the adjustment occurs in the direction of this longitudinal axis. The adjustment elements can be, for example, plungers or pins.

[0019] Preferably, the tilting device comprises a guide element, in particular a ball joint, for guiding the mirror element during the tilting movement about the first or second axis. Preferably, the guide element is arranged centrally or midway between the adjustment elements. The guide element is also designed to secure the mirror element. The guide element is connected, in particular, to the mirror element, the rotation device, or the mounting plate and enables flexible movement of the aforementioned components in all possible tilting directions. Advantageously, the guide element is designed such that a momentary position of the mirror element is fixed. Alternatively or additionally, the position of the mirror element can be fixed by fixing the linear position of the adjustment elements.

[0020] Preferably, the interior mirror includes a position detection device for recognizing the position of the mirror element relative to the first, second, and / or third axis. This advantageously allows for the determination of individual settings for a user.

[0021] Preferably, the position detection device comprises a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer. In particular, the gyroscope and / or the accelerometer includes acceleration sensors (IMU - Inertial Measurement Unit). These sensors allow the respective positions or deflections of the mirror element with respect to the first, second, and third axes to be determined. The position can be recorded in the form of coordinates.

[0022] In particular, the tilt angles around the first and second axes (Y and Z axes) and the rotation angle around the third axis (X axis) can be determined. The individual angles can be calculated as follows: Roll angle (°) = arctan(x' / z') Pitch angle(°)=−arctan(y' / z') Yaw angle (°) = arctan(y' / x')

[0023] The accelerometer can be used to determine accelerations in the X, Y, and Z axes. The angles can be output as stress values.

[0024] Preferably, the interior mirror includes a memory function for storing positions detected by the position detection device. This allows for the advantageous saving of an interior mirror position for each user, which can then be retrieved later. The user can activate their profile with the corresponding stored position data and begin their journey without further adjustment of the interior mirror, as the mirror's adjustment can be automated.

[0025] Preferably, the drive unit is designed to automatically adjust one of the stored positions. This allows a user to conveniently access a pre-stored mirror position and have it automatically adjusted by the drive unit. Specifically, the position detection unit measures the actual position of the interior mirror and compares it with the target values ​​of a previously recorded and stored position stored in the memory unit. The interior mirror is then adjusted until the actual values ​​match the target values. Alternatively, instead of pre-recording the target values, these can also be specified by the user.

[0026] Preferably, the interior mirror includes a control unit for controlling the tilting mechanism, the rotation mechanism, the drive mechanism, the position detection mechanism, and the memory mechanism. Furthermore, the interior mirror may include an input device through which a user can access pre-stored position data or enter position data. Input can be via buttons on the input device and / or via voice and / or gesture control. The control unit receives, in particular, data from the position detection mechanism and / or the input device to control the movement of the mirror element. For this purpose, the control unit processes, in particular, the actual and target values ​​of the mirror element's position and, based on this, generates voltage values ​​to control the tilting mechanism or the rotation mechanism.

[0027] Preferably, the control device is a control unit or an ECU (Electric Control Unit) or a part or partition of a control unit or an ECU.

[0028] Preferably, the interior mirror includes a detection device for sensing a person's position and / or eye position, wherein the mirror element can be aligned relative to the person's position and / or eye position by means of a tilting and / or rotating device. Particularly during autonomous driving, the seating position of the driver or other passengers in the vehicle can vary. This can render the interior mirror unreachable for the driver. By detecting the person's position and / or eye position, the interior mirror can advantageously be aligned according to the person's current position, or, by detecting the eye position, it can be ensured that the person can always see into the interior mirror. This allows the person to concentrate on the traffic or other passengers and keep an eye on them.

[0029] Preferably, the mirror element is a digital mirror element. In particular, the mirror element is a full-digital mirror.

[0030] Preferably, digital image content can be displayed on the mirror element. For example, a video call can be displayed via the mirror element. Furthermore, it is possible for the mirror element to automatically adjust from a neutral position to a position relative to the person upon receiving a video call, for example, if the person is lying down. After the video call ends, the mirror element can automatically return to its neutral position. This advantageously eliminates the need for manual adjustment by the person.

[0031] The problem according to the invention is further solved by a vehicle, in particular an autonomously or semi-autonomously operable vehicle, having at least one interior mirror according to one of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A top view of a tilting mechanism of an adjustment unit of an interior mirror, Fig. 2 a side view of the interior mirror with the adjustment unit, Fig. 3 a side view of the tilting device in a tilted position, Fig. 4 a top view of the adjustment unit with a rotating device, Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of the interior mirror, and Fig. 6. A vehicle showing the interior mirror.

[0033] In the figures, the same constructive elements each have the same reference numerals.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a tilting device 11 for an adjustment unit 10a of an interior mirror 100, which is located in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 is shown. The tilting device 11 comprises a receiving plate 16, which is in Fig. 2 is shown transparently, so that the adjustment elements 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b arranged below are visible. The receiving plate 16 serves to receive the mirror element 10 or a rotation device 12 as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0035] The adjustment elements 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b can be extended linearly from the image plane to tilt the mounting plate 16 about the first and second axes 13, 14. Depending on which two of the four adjustment elements 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b are moved, a corresponding tilting movement can be effected. When adjustment elements 17a, 17b are actuated, the mirror element 10 is tilted about the first axis 13 in a first direction. When adjustment elements 18a, 18b are actuated, the mirror element 10 tilts about the first axis 13 in the opposite direction to the first direction. When adjustment elements 17a, 18a are actuated, the mirror element 10 is tilted about the second axis 14 in a first direction. When the adjusting elements 17b, 18b are actuated, the mirror element 10 tilts about the second axis 14 in the direction opposite to the first direction.

[0036] Fig. Figure 2 shows the interior mirror 10 in a side view. The tilting device 11 with the mounting plate 16 is shown. The rotation device 12 is arranged on the mounting plate 16, by means of which the mirror element 10 can be rotated about the third axis 15. The mirror element 10 is in turn arranged on the rotation device 12. The rotation device 12 is accordingly arranged on the rear side of the mirror element 10.

[0037] Fig. Figure 3 shows the tilting device 11 in a tilting position about the second axis 14. As can be seen, the tilting about the second axis 14 is effected by extending the adjusting element 18b and the adjusting element 17b, which is concealed behind the adjusting element 18b.

[0038] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 also shows a guide device 19 for guiding the movement of the mirror element 10 during the tilting movement. The guide device 19 is designed as a ball joint and is arranged centrally on the mounting plate 16 between the adjusting elements 17a, 17b, 18a, 18b.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows the adjustment unit 10a in a top view. The rotation device 12, which includes a rotary ring and is arranged on the upper side of the mounting plate 16, is shown.

[0040] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic overview of the interior mirror 100 and its components. The interior mirror 100 comprises a voltage source 24, which is connected to a drive unit (not shown) comprising the adjustment unit 10a with the tilting device 11 and the rotation device 12. Furthermore, the voltage source is connected to a position detection device 22, a control device 21, and an input device 23 of the interior mirror 100.

[0041] The adjustment unit 10a is connected to the control unit 21 to receive control signals. The control unit 21 is in turn connected to the position detection unit 22 to obtain position data of the mirror element 10, in order to generate the control signals for the adjustment unit 10a, the tilting device 11, and the rotation device 12.

[0042] Fig.Figure 6 shows a vehicle 200, which is an autonomous vehicle. The vehicle 200 includes the interior mirror 100. Reference symbol list 100 interior mirrors 200 vehicles 10 mirror elements 10a Adjustment unit 11 Tilting device 12 Rotating device 13 first axis 14 second axis 15 third axis 16 Mounting plate 17a, b Adjustment elements 18a, b Adjustment elements 19 Management system 20 Turntable 21 Control unit 22 Position detection device 23 Input device 24 Voltage source QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11,607,998 B2

[0003] CN 11651304 A

[0003] US 10,261,580 B2

[0003]

Claims

[1] Interior mirror (100) for a vehicle (200), comprising a mirror element (10) and comprising an adjustment unit (10a) for adjusting the mirror element (10), wherein the adjustment unit (10a) comprises a tilting device (11) for tilting the mirror element (10) about a first axis (13) and about a second axis (14) which is perpendicular to the first axis (13), and a rotation device (12) for rotating the mirror element (10) about a third axis (15) which is perpendicular to the first and second axes (13, 14). [2] Interior mirror (100) according to claim 1, comprising a drive device, in particular an electric one, for driving the tilting device (11) and the rotation device (12). [3] Interior mirror (100) according to claim 2, wherein the tilting device (11) and rotation device (12) can be driven independently of each other by means of the drive device. [4] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation device (12) is arranged between the mirror element (10) and the tilting device (11), wherein the mirror element (10) is preferably attached to the tilting device (11) by means of the rotation device (12). [5] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation device (12) comprises a rotating ring (20) which is preferably arranged on a rear side of the mirror element (10). [6] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting device (11) comprises at least two, preferably four, linear adjustment elements (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) for tilting the mirror element (10) about the first axis (13) and at least two, preferably four, linear adjustment elements (17a, 17b, 18a, 18b) for tilting the mirror element (10) about the second axis (14). [7] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting device (11) comprises a guide device (19), in particular a ball joint, for guiding the mirror element (10) during the tilting movement about the first or the second axis (13, 14). [8] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a position detection device (22) for detecting a position of the mirror element (10) relative to the first, second and / or third axis (13, 14, 15). [9] Interior mirror (100) according to claim 8, wherein the position detection device (22) comprises a gyroscope and / or an accelerometer. [10] Interior mirror (100) according to claim 8 or 9, comprising a storage device for storing positions detected by means of the position detection device (22). [11] Interior mirror (100) according to claims 2 and 8 to 10, wherein the drive device is designed to automatically adjust one of the stored positions. [12] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a detection device for detecting a position of a person and / or an eye position of a person, wherein the mirror element (10) can be aligned relative to the position of the person and / or the eye position by means of the tilting device (11) and / or the rotation device (12). [13] Interior mirror (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror element (10) is a digital mirror element. [14] Interior mirror (100) according to claim 13, wherein digital image content can be displayed on the mirror element (10). [15] Vehicle (200), in particular a vehicle capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, comprising at least one interior mirror (100) according to any of the preceding claims.

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