Exterior mirrors for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an exterior mirror (1) for a vehicle, comprising a mirror head (3) which includes a lower shell (5) and an upper shell (7), a mirror base (9) and a turn signal assembly (10) integrated into the mirror head (3), which includes a transparent light lens (14) and a turn signal electronics (18), wherein the upper shell (7) comprises a base body (8) and a protective layer (14) made of polyurethane (PUR) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyurea (PUA) applied to an outer surface (8) of the base body (8), which forms the transparent light lens (14) of the turn signal assembly (10), as well as a vehicle with such an exterior mirror (1) and a method for manufacturing such an exterior mirror (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an exterior mirror for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with such an exterior mirror and a corresponding method for manufacturing such an exterior mirror.

[0002] Exterior mirrors for vehicles, as well as corresponding methods for manufacturing such mirrors, are known in numerous variations. The design of exterior mirrors for vehicles known from the prior art is such that a turn signal assembly can also be integrated into the mirror. The exterior mirror comprises a mirror base and a mirror head, which typically has a painted upper part and a usually unpainted lower part, between which a transparent lens and a housing for the turn signal assembly, welded to the back, are arranged. A light source for the turn signal assembly is also located within the housing.

[0003] A disadvantage of this is that the mirror head is manufactured and assembled from several components, which means high costs for component production and for the buyer.

[0004] From DE 10 2006 025 070 A1, an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle is known, comprising an opaque housing with a rear wall and light sources arranged therein. The rear wall has openings in the area of ​​the light sources through which light from the light sources shines when activated. The rear wall is covered with a transparent cover, which seals the housing and simultaneously allows light to escape in the area of ​​the openings.

[0005] From US Patent 6,932,497 B1, an exterior mirror for a motor vehicle with a signal light device is known. The exterior mirror comprises a main body which, in the direction of travel, is provided with a cover element having a light-transmitting area and an opaque area surrounding the light-transmitting area, the opacity of which is produced by an inner or outer coating of the cover element. In addition, holders for light sources or a light source carrier are integrally formed on the cover element.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing an external mirror for a vehicle, a vehicle with such an external mirror, and a corresponding method for manufacturing such an external mirror, which can be produced cost-effectively.

[0007] This problem is solved by an exterior mirror for a vehicle with the features of claim 1, by a vehicle with the features of claim 8, and by a method for manufacturing such an exterior mirror with the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] To provide a cost-effective exterior mirror for a vehicle, the exterior mirror comprises a mirror head, which includes a lower shell and an upper shell, a mirror base, and a turn signal assembly integrated into the mirror head, which includes a transparent lens and turn signal electronics. The upper shell comprises a base body and a protective layer of polyurethane or polyurea applied to the outer surface of the base body, which forms the transparent lens of the turn signal assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, a vehicle with at least one such exterior mirror is proposed.

[0010] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such an exterior mirror for a vehicle is proposed, comprising the following steps: Providing a first component and injection molding a lower shell and a base body of an upper shell, leaving an area for a transparent lens on the base body. Flooding the outer surface and the recessed area of ​​the base body with a protective layer of polyurethane or polyurea. Curing the protective layer and forming the transparent lens of a turn signal assembly in the recessed area of ​​the base body, and joining the lower shell to the upper shell.

[0011] Embodiments of the exterior mirror according to the invention allow the integration of the transparent lens of the turn signal assembly into the upper shell of the mirror head. This integration can advantageously be achieved using more cost-effective tooling and a shorter manufacturing process in a two-component injection molding process. As a result, exterior mirrors according to the invention can be manufactured more cost-effectively while maintaining the same appearance and performance. By integrating the previously separate lens of the turn signal assembly into the upper shell of the mirror head, assembly processes for the lens and the housing of the turn signal assembly can be eliminated. This reduces material and assembly costs during the manufacture of the exterior mirror. Furthermore, the lens can be seamlessly integrated into the upper shell of the exterior mirror, which can improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the exterior mirror.

[0012] In an advantageous design of the exterior mirror, the lower and upper shells of the mirror head can be joined by adhesive bonding, welding, or screw connections. Of course, other suitable joining techniques can also be used to connect the lower and upper shells of the mirror head.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the exterior mirror, the transparent light lens can be arranged on an edge region of the upper shell facing the lower shell. This simplifies the two-component injection molding process for manufacturing the upper shell.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the exterior mirror, at least one coupling element can be formed and configured on the inner side of the transparent lens to couple light from a light source of the turn signal assembly to the outside. For example, several coupling elements can be arranged or configured on the inner side of the transparent lens, distributed along its length. The at least one coupling element can preferably be configured as a prism-like surface structure. This prism-like surface structure for forming the at least one coupling element can preferably be created by flooding the base body with polyurethane or polyurea through a correspondingly treated surface of a cavity in the injection mold and subsequent curing of the protective layer.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the exterior mirror, at least one fastening element can be arranged on an inner surface of the upper shell and / or on an inner surface of the lower shell. This fastening element is designed to secure at least one component of the turn signal assembly in the mirror head. Preferably, the at least one fastening element can be molded onto the upper or lower shell during the injection molding process by means of a corresponding design of the cavity in the injection mold. Such fastening elements can be used, for example, to secure a light source and / or a control and power supply circuit for the turn signal assembly.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the exterior mirror, the base body of the upper shell and / or the lower shell can be designed as a polycarbonate component, as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer component, or as a polypropylene component.

[0017] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote components or elements that perform the same or analogous functions. These include: Fig. 1 a schematic and perspective representation of an embodiment of an external mirror according to the invention for a vehicle; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective sectional view along the section line II - II in Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for manufacturing an exterior mirror for a vehicle made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0019] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the illustrated embodiment of an exterior mirror 1 according to the invention for a vehicle comprises a mirror head, which includes a lower shell and an upper shell, a mirror base 9 and a turn signal arrangement 10 integrated into the mirror head 3, which includes a transparent light lens 14 and a turn signal electronics 18.

[0020] In this case, the upper shell 7 comprises a base body 8 and a protective layer 14 made of polyurethane (PUR) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyurea (PUA) applied to an outer surface 8 of the base body 8, which forms the transparent light lens 14 of the indicator assembly 10.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment of the exterior mirror 1, the lower shell 5 and the upper shell 7 of the mirror head 3 are connected to each other by an adhesive bond. In alternative embodiments of the exterior mirror 1 not shown, the lower shell 5 and the upper shell 7 of the mirror head 3 are connected to each other by a welded or screwed connection. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment of the exterior mirror 1, the base body 8 of the upper shell 7 and the lower shell 5 are made of polycarbonate components 8A and 5A, respectively. In alternative embodiments of the exterior mirror 1 not shown, the base body 8 of the upper shell 7 and / or the lower shell 5 are made of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer component or a polypropylene component.

[0022] As from Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 2, the transparent light disc 14 is arranged on an edge region of the upper shell 7 facing the lower shell 5. Furthermore, several coupling elements 16 are formed and configured on an inner surface 14.1 of the transparent light disc 14 to couple light from a light source 18A of the flasher assembly 10 to the outside. The coupling elements 16 are designed as prism-like surface structures 16A.

[0023] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, a mirror glass 4 of the exterior mirror 1 is attached to the mirror head 3. The mirror head 3 is also attached to the vehicle via the mirror base 9. Furthermore, at least one fastening element (not shown) is formed on an inner surface 8.2 of the base body 8 of the upper shell 7, which is designed to attach at least one component of the turn signal assembly 10 to the mirror head 3. In the illustrated embodiment of the exterior mirror 1, the light source 18A and a control and supply circuit 18B of the turn signal electronics 18 are attached to the base body 8 of the upper shell 7. In alternative embodiments of the exterior mirror 1 (not shown), the at least one fastening element is formed on an inner surface 5.1 of the lower shell 5. It is also possible to arrange or form fastening elements both on the inner surface 8.2 of the base body 8 of the upper shell 7 and on the inner surface 5.1 of the lower shell 5.

[0024] As from Fig.As can be seen further in Figure 3, the illustrated embodiment of a method 100 according to the invention for manufacturing an exterior mirror 1 for a vehicle comprises a step S100 in which a first component is provided, and a step S110 in which a lower shell 5 and a base body 8 of an upper shell 7 are manufactured from the first component in an injection molding process. In this process, an area for a transparent lens 14 is recessed in the base body 8. In a step S120, an outer surface 8.1 and the recessed area of ​​the base body 8 are coated with a protective layer 12 made of polyurethane (PUR), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or polyurea (PUA). In a step S130, the protective layer 14 cures, and the transparent lens 14 of a turn signal assembly 10 is formed in the recessed area of ​​the base body 8. In a step S130, the lower shell 5 is joined to the upper shell 7.

[0025] Before assembling the mirror head, the light source 18A and the control and supply circuit 18B of the indicator electronics 18 can be mounted on the at least one fastening element on the base body 8 of the upper shell 7 and / or on the lower shell 5.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment of the exterior mirror 1, the lower shell 5 and the upper shell 8 of the mirror head 3 are subsequently joined together by an adhesive bond. Of course, other suitable joining techniques can also be used, such as a welding connection or a screw connection, to join the lower shell 5 and the upper shell 7 of the mirror head 3.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one coupling element 16 is formed on the inside 14.1 of the transparent light disk 14 by creating a prism-like surface structure 16A.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, a polycarbonate (PC) is provided as the first component, and the protective layer 12 and the transparent light pane 14 are formed as a polyurethane layer 12A. Alternatively, the base body 8 and the lower shell 5 can also be made of another suitable plastic, such as ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer) or PP (polypropylene). Furthermore, the protective layer 12 and the transparent light pane 14 can alternatively be formed as a polyurea layer or a polymethyl methacrylate layer. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 exterior mirror 3 Mirror head 4 mirror glass 5 Bottom tray 5A Polycarbonate component 5.1 Inside 7 Upper shell 8 basic shapes 8A Polycarbonate component 8.1 Outside 8.2 Inside 9 Mirror base 10 turn signal arrangement 12 Protective layer 12A Polyurethane layer (PUR layer) 14 Light disc 14.1 Inside 16 decoupling element 16A prism-like surface structure 18 turn signal electronics 18A light source 18B Control and supply circuit 100 methods for manufacturing an exterior mirror S100 to S130 process step 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] DE 10 2006 025 070 A1

[0004] US 6,932,497 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Exterior mirror (1) for a vehicle, comprising a mirror head (3) which includes a lower shell (5) and an upper shell (7), a mirror base (9) and a turn signal assembly (10) integrated into the mirror head (3), which includes a transparent light lens (14) and a turn signal electronics (18), wherein the upper shell (7) comprises a base body (8) and a protective layer (14) of polyurethane (PUR) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polyurea (PUA) applied to an outer surface (8) of the base body (8), which forms the transparent light lens (14) of the turn signal assembly (10). [2] Exterior mirror (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the lower shell (5) and the upper shell (7) of the mirror head (3) are connected to each other by an adhesive connection or a welded connection or a screw connection. [3] Exterior mirror (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the transparent light disk (14) is arranged on an edge region of the upper shell (7) facing the lower shell (5). [4] Exterior mirror (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that at least one coupling element (16) is formed and designed on an inner side (14.1) of the transparent light disc (14) to couple light from a light source (18A) of the blinker arrangement (10) to the outside. [5] Exterior mirror (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the at least one coupling element (16) is designed as a prism-like surface structure (16A). [6] Exterior mirror (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that at least one fastening element is arranged on an inner side (8.2) of the base body (8) of the upper shell (7) and / or on an inner side (5.1) of the lower shell (5), which is designed to fasten at least one component of the indicator assembly (10) in the mirror head (3). [7] Exterior mirror (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the base body (8) of the upper shell (7) and / or the lower shell (5) are designed as a polycarbonate component (8A, 5A) or as an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer component or as a polypropylene component. [8] Vehicle with at least one external mirror (1) which is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [9] Method (100) for manufacturing an external mirror (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of: providing a first component and injection molding a lower shell (5) and a base body (8) of an upper shell (7), wherein an area for a transparent light lens (14) is left out on the base body (8), flooding an outer surface (8.1) and the left-out area of ​​the base body (8) with a protective layer (12) of polyurethane (PUR) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or of polyurea (PUA), curing the protective layer (14) and forming the transparent light lens (14) of a turn signal assembly (10) in the left-out area of ​​the base body (8), and joining the lower shell (5) with the upper shell (7). [10] Method (100) according to claim 9, characterized by, that at least one coupling element (16) is formed on an inner side (14.1) of the transparent light disk (14) by creating a prism-like surface structure (16A).

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