VISION ADJUSTING MECHANISM AND ADJUSTING METHOD FOR SUCH A

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjusting means for adjusting the position of a first part, in particular a viewing means holder for a viewing means, such as a mirror or a camera, relative to a second part, in particular a base part, comprising at least one actuator, via which the first part is movable and in particular pivotable relative to the second part.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a view adjustment mechanism, in particular for a side mirror or a camera unit of a motor vehicle, comprising the above first and second parts and a corresponding adjusting means.

[0003] Such adjusting devices or vision adjustment mechanisms are known from the prior art. Among other things, they are used to adjust a vision device, such as a mirror or a camera unit on a vehicle. The adjustment is usually motor-driven, but can also be done manually. A corresponding actuator is usually provided for this purpose, allowing movement of the first part relative to the second part and thus of the vision device. The first part is usually designed to be pivotable relative to the second part, but other movements between the first and second parts are also conceivable.

[0004] It is sometimes desirable to provide such adjusting means or sight adjustment mechanisms with a position detector that allows the detection of the positions of the first part relative to the second part, and in particular a pivot angle between the first and second parts. A detected position can, for example, be fed into a memory unit and stored there, in order to optionally play it back at a later time. In this way, a specific sight orientation, e.g., a mirror position, etc., can be saved for different users and automatically reset after a change of user. Special sight orientations, e.g., for shunting, driving, parking, etc., can also be saved and set.

[0005] A large number of embodiments of the above adjusting means and sight adjustment mechanisms are known from the prior art, but these usually have a very complex and therefore usually space-consuming structure.

[0006] DE 10 2017 003 118 A1 describes a pivoting device for pivoting a first part relative to a second part, in which at least two gear rings are arranged on a curved rack, each of which is operatively connected to different gears. The detection of the relative positions is not addressed.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an adjusting means or a view adjustment mechanism which allows a simple, optionally small construction with very precise position detection.

[0008] This object is achieved by an adjusting means and a sight adjustment mechanism according to the independent claims.

[0009] In particular, this object is achieved by an adjusting means for adjusting the position of a first part, namely a sighting means holder part for a sighting means, relative to a second part, namely a base part, comprising: at least one actuator via which the first part is movable and in particular pivotable relative to the second part, wherein the actuator has at least one first gear ring segment and at least one second gear ring segment, wherein the second gear ring segment is force-coupled to at least one actuator, namely an actuator drive, so that the first part is movable relative to the second part via the actuator drive, and wherein the first gear ring segment of the actuator is force-coupled to at least one detector, namely a position detector, wherein the first gear ring segment is force-coupled to a first pinion, which drives the position detector, in which a detection signal is initiated via the applied movement,through which a position detection of the first part relative to the second part is possible.,

[0010] Furthermore, this object is achieved by a sight adjustment mechanism, in particular for a side mirror or a camera unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a first part, in particular a sight holder part for a sight, such as a mirror or a camera, and a second part, in particular a base part, arranged to be movable and in particular pivotable relative thereto, and at least one adjusting means as described here.

[0011] The core of the invention is, among other things, the use of at least one actuator having a first gear ring segment and a second gear ring segment, which each operate different actuators and detectors, namely actuating drives and position detectors. An actuator is understood within the scope of the invention to be a component that can initiate a movement. A detector is understood to be a component that can initiate a signal. A detector is therefore a position detector in which a detection signal is initiated via an applied movement. An actuator is understood within the scope of the invention to be an actuating drive in which a movement, and in particular an adjusting movement, acting between the first and the second part is initiated via an actuating signal. It should be mentioned that, as mentioned at the beginning, the second part can optionally also be a sighting means holder part for a sighting means and the first part can be a base part.

[0012] The same optionally applies to the force coupling between the first gear segment and the position detector, or between the second gear segment and the actuator. Instead of the position detector, an actuator can be provided, and instead of the actuator, a position detector.

[0013] The above means that the components discussed here can optionally be formed on the first and / or the second part.

[0014] The use of an actuator with a first and second gear ring segment facilitates the space-saving production of the actuating device and also ensures high accuracy of position detection.

[0015] Optionally, the actuator is mounted on the first part in a fixed and / or articulated manner, and / or the actuator is mounted on the second part. A force coupling between the actuator and actuator can thus create a direct force coupling between the second part and the first part. The actuator can move and, in particular, pivot the first part relative to the second part. Optionally, particularly in this context, the first part is mounted on the second part in an articulated manner, and, in particular, pivotable relative thereto.

[0016] In particular, the actuator is designed as a push rod, particularly in a circular arc shape. The first part can be moved relative to the second part via a movement, particularly an axial movement of the push rod, particularly in its main extension direction. Optionally, the bearing point of the push rod on the first and / or second part is arranged outside the pivot point between the first and second parts. The design of the actuator or push rod in a circular arc shape facilitates the integration, as described below, of the aforementioned first and second gear ring segments and the coupling to the respective actuator or detector.

[0017] Optionally, the actuator is designed to be pivotable about at least a first axis. By pivoting, the first part can be moved toward the second part.

[0018] Optionally, the first gear ring segment and the second gear ring segment are centered relative to the first axis. The first gear ring segment and / or the second gear ring segment preferably have a circular arc shape. The first gear ring segment and the second gear ring segment optionally have a common segment axis. This refers to the respective axis around which the segment is bent. The segment axis is optionally the first axis. It is conceivable for the first gear ring segment to have a radius relative to this first axis that is different from that of the second gear ring segment.

[0019] Optionally, the first gear rim segment is a crown gear segment and / or part of a crown gear toothing. The advantage of such an embodiment is a very precise force coupling between the first gear rim segment and the position detector, thus enabling very precise position detection. Particularly when the gear rim segment is designed as part of a crown gear toothing, the position detector can be moved in a very precise, space-saving, and error-redundant manner. In such an embodiment, a position signal is optionally generated by the movement initiated by the gear rim segment on the position detector. This is particularly possible when the position detector has a potentiometer, which it optionally drives. A movement of the gear rim segment can thus generate a position signal that represents the position of the first part relative to the second part.

[0020] The first gear segment is force-coupled and, in particular, directly meshed with a first pinion, and in particular, a first involute pinion. The result, especially in combination with a first gear segment designed as a crown gear segment, is a crown gear system that ensures a very precise force coupling between the actuating means and the position detector. Furthermore, the inherent advantages of a crown gear system are fully realized.

[0021] Optionally, the first pinion is rotatable centered on a second axis, wherein the second axis is pivoted relative to the first axis and, in particular, runs perpendicular thereto. This also includes the case of straight toothing and helical toothing between the first pinion and the first gear ring segment. Optionally, the first pinion has a tooth angle equal to or different from 0°. Optionally, the second axis does not intersect the first axis. Optionally, the second axis lies in a plane pivoted relative to the first axis and, in particular, optionally in a plane orthogonal to the first axis.

[0022] One of the advantages of a crown gear is that the axial alignment of the second pinion can be varied. This means that the second pinion can be axially displaced in certain areas along the second axis. These and other advantages arise in particular from the design of the second pinion as an involute pinion.

[0023] Optionally, particularly with the aforementioned crown gear toothing or the gear rim segment designed as a crown gear segment, the actuator, and in particular the arcuate actuator, extends within an actuator plane, with the teeth of the first gear rim segment arranged perpendicularly thereto. Optionally, the teeth have the same module but different pressure angles along their tooth width.

[0024] As mentioned, the advantage of this type of crown gear toothing is that the axial bearing of the pinion is freely adjustable within certain ranges. Optionally, the toothing can be designed such that the power transmission remains constant despite variable distances. This means that the distance between the second axis, i.e. the pinion axis of the first pinion, and the tip plane of the crown gear, in this case the plane of the first gear ring segment, can be varied within certain ranges. Optionally, the toothing can be designed such that the transmission ratio remains constant despite variable distances. It is conceivable to design the first pinion and / or the first gear ring segment with straight or helical teeth. With regard to the design of crown gear toothing, explicit reference is made to the following publication: Karlheinz Roth - Zahnradtechnik - Evoluten-Sonderverzahnungen zur Getriebeverbesserung, Springer - ISBN 3-540642366, p. 305ff.

[0025] Optionally, the second axis, which optionally runs perpendicular to the first axis, can have a 90° toothing of the first tooth segment relative to the first pinion. Here, too, either straight or helical toothing is applicable.

[0026] Optionally, the first pinion is centered to a second axis A 2 and in particular rotatable, wherein the second axis A 2 has a pivot angle of α>0°, and in particular preferably α=90°, to the first axis A 1.

[0027] The first pinion drives the position detector. Generally, and particularly in this context, the position detector may comprise a potentiometer driven by this first pinion. The position detector may comprise at least one position sensor, in particular a potentiometer, a Hall sensor, an inductive sensor, a light sensor, an optical sensor, or any other type of sensor.

[0028] Optionally, the first pinion has or is operatively connected to at least one contact wiper, which is connected to at least one, in particular annular, contact track, and in particular a carbon contact track, on a circuit board of the potentiometer. Via the connection between the contact wiper and the contact track, the position of the contact wiper relative to a zero position can be detected, as is typical for potentiometers, and thus a direct conclusion can be drawn about the positioning of the actuator.

[0029] Of particular advantage in this case is the optional design of the circuit board with an integrated (carbon) contact track, which is preferably designed as a printed contact track. The circuit board is also preferably a printed circuit board, for example a PGB. The contact wiper is optionally force-coupled to the first pinion as a standalone component and is in particular centered to the second axis of the first pinion. Optionally, the contact wiper moves together with the first pinion, wherein it is optionally arranged such that it wipes along the contact track and thus allows position determination via the potentiometer. Optionally, the annular contact track is centered to the second axis and in particular designed such that it revolves around the second axis. In particular, it is designed such that it is arranged below the first pinion, wherein the contact wiper is formed between the first pinion and the contact track.Optionally, the first pinion is configured with its second axis such that it penetrates the circuit board and is held in a support device. Optionally, at least two contact tracks are provided, which are connected to each other via the contact wiper. The at least two contact tracks are optionally configured as coaxial arcs.

[0030] Optionally, the second gear ring segment is an internal involute gear ring segment or an external involute gear ring segment and / or part of an involute gearing. Optionally, it is also conceivable for the second gear ring segment to be force-coupled, and in particular directly toothed, with a second pinion and in particular a second involute pinion. It is possible to couple the second gear ring segment to the actuator drive in such a way that a force coupling exists between the second gear ring segment and the actuator drive via an involute gearing. Optionally, the actuator drive is designed as a servomotor, so that it uses a drive signal to adjust the actuating means and thus adjust the first part relative to the second part. Such a servomotor is preferably an electric motor.

[0031] Optionally, the second pinion can be centered on a third axis, which can optionally run parallel to the first axis. This allows for a very compact positioning device.

[0032] As mentioned at the beginning, the present application relates not only to an adjusting means, but also to a sight adjustment mechanism as mentioned above. For reasons of redundancy, the individual features and embodiments of such a sight adjustment mechanism will not be discussed in detail; instead, reference is made to the features mentioned in connection with the adjusting means. They are to be applied identically to the sight adjustment mechanism.

[0033] Further embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0034] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in the accompanying drawings. Herein: Fig. 1 and 2spatial representations of an embodiment of a view adjustment mechanism according to the invention in different pivoting states; Fig. 3 another spatial cut-out representation of the sight adjustment mechanism according to Fig. 1 Fig. 4 a spatial detailed representation of an embodiment of the adjusting means according to the invention; Fig. 5 a spatial exploded view of the actuating device according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6 a further spatial detailed representation of the actuating means according to Fig. 4 ; Fig. 7 a detailed view of an embodiment of an actuator; Fig. 8 a detailed view of a first gear ring segment of the actuator according to Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 a further detailed representation of the actuator according to Fig. 7 pursuant to an order pursuant to Fig. 4 ; and Fig. 10 an exploded view of an embodiment of a position detector as used in the embodiment according to Fig. 1can be used.

[0035] In the following, the same reference numerals are used for identical and equivalently functioning components, although superscripts may occasionally be applied. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning and, in particular, a meaning as generally understood by a person of average skill in the art when interpreted in the context of the description and the drawings. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, are interpreted with reference to the technical field relevant here, and not in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless explicitly defined as such. In certain cases, a detailed description of well-known devices and methods may be omitted to avoid redundancy in the description.The description of specific embodiments and the terminology used therein are not intended to be limiting of the invention. The singular forms "a," "an," "a," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It is understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" indicate the presence of stated features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. Furthermore, it is understood that when a particular step of a method is stated to follow another step, it may follow directly after that other step, or one or more intermediate steps may be performed before the particular step is performed, unless otherwise stated.Likewise, it is understood that when a connection is described between structures or components, this connection may be made directly or through intermediate structures or components, unless otherwise specified. The disclosure of all publications, patent applications, patents, and other literature cited herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In the event of a conflict, this specification, including its definitions, shall prevail.

[0036] The invention will be described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the embodiments are set forth herein so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully but exemplarily convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The description of the exemplary embodiments should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be considered a part of the entire written description. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.Embodiments may be described by way of schematic and / or cross-sectional illustrations, idealized embodiments, and intermediate structures of the invention. Relative terms, as well as their derivatives, should be understood to refer to the orientation as described or shown therein in the drawing just discussed. These relative terms are provided for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in any particular orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise. Any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different sections or claims is not intended to indicate that a combination of these measures may not be advantageously undertaken.In particular, all conceivable combinations of the claims are to be considered inherently disclosed. In this description, words such as "substantially," "approximately," or "generally / generally" are to be interpreted to include at least deviations of a dimension of 10% or less, preferably 5% or less, or deviations from a shape that would still be within the scope of the respective definition for a person skilled in the art, unless otherwise specified.

[0037] For clarity and conciseness of description, features are generally described herein as part of one or more separate embodiments; however, it should be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the described features.

[0038] The Fig. 1 to 3show three spatial representations of an embodiment of the adjusting mechanism 100 according to the invention or of an embodiment of the adjusting means 1 according to the invention. In Fig. 3 Certain components have been removed for better visibility.

[0039] The sight adjustment mechanism 100 comprises a first part 2, namely a sight holder part for a sight, such as a mirror or a camera, and a second part 4, namely a base part, which is arranged to be movable and in particular pivotable relative thereto. This base part can, for example, be fixedly attached to a vehicle. Between the second part 4 and the first part 2, at least one adjusting means 1 is provided, which serves, among other things, to pivot the first part 2 relative to the second part 4. Optionally, two adjusting means 1 are provided in this embodiment.

[0040] The actuating means 1 comprises an actuator 6, via which the first part 2 is movable, and in particular pivotable, relative to the second part 4. The actuator is force-coupled between the first and second parts. Optionally, a plurality of such actuators is provided.

[0041] As particularly in the Fig. 1 to 9 As shown, the actuator 6 comprises a first gear ring element 10 and a second gear ring element 20. The first gear ring element 10 is force-coupled to at least one detector 12, namely a position detector, and the second gear ring element 20 is force-coupled to at least one actuator 22, namely an actuator drive. Via the actuator drive 22 (see in particular Fig. 3 ), the actuator can be moved such that it causes a movement between the first part 2 and the second part 4. In this embodiment, two actuators 6 are optionally provided, each coupled to an actuator 22.

[0042] As in Fig. 3As shown, the at least one actuator 22 is optionally coupled to the actuator 6 in such a way that activation of the actuator 22 leads to a movement of the actuator 6, and in particular to its pivoting about the Fig. 1 shown axis A 1. A corresponding direction of movement is also shown in Fig. 7 represented by the arrow 8, relating to a pivoting direction of the actuator 6.

[0043] For pivoting, the actuator 6 optionally has an internal gear ring segment, and in particular an internal involute gear ring segment, as the second gear ring segment 20, which is force-coupled, in particular directly toothed, with a second pinion 26, wherein this second pinion 26 is force-coupled to the actuator 22. Optionally, the second gear ring segment 20 is designed as an involute gear ring segment, and here in particular as an internal involute gear ring segment. It is also conceivable to design the second gear ring segment 20 as an external involute gear ring segment. The second pinion 26 and the second gear ring segment 20 optionally form an involute toothing 24.

[0044] The second pinion 26 is optionally centered to a third axis A 3 , which optionally runs parallel to the first axis A 1 , around which the actuator 6 is centered and / or pivotable.

[0045] The design of the internal toothing or the internal gear segment 20 is shown in the Fig. 3 to 7 Also shown in detail. The optional involute design of the toothing, including teeth 28, and the design of the second gear segment 20 on actuator 6 are visible.

[0046] As particularly in Fig. 7 As shown, the actuator 6 is optionally designed in the shape of a circle and further optionally as a push rod. In this embodiment, it optionally forms a circle around the first axis A 1 . Further optionally, in this embodiment, the second gear ring segment 20 and the first gear ring segment 10 are centered around this axis A 1 . The first gear ring segment and the second gear ring segment therefore optionally form a circle around the axis A 1 , and in particular around the common axis A 1 . They optionally have different radii r 10 and r 20 to the first axis. With the in Fig. 7The reference symbol E KR shown represents the plane of extension of the actuator 6 and in particular the head plane of the crown gear, in this case the plane of the first gear ring segment 10.

[0047] As particularly in Fig. 1 and 2 As shown, the actuator 6 is optionally mounted in a stationary and articulated manner on the first part 2. For this purpose, an engagement bearing 42 is provided, with an engagement element 44 on the actuator and an engagement element receptacle 46 on the first part 2. The result is an articulated bearing, so that an axial movement of the actuator 6 in its circumferential direction Ru results in a pivoting movement of the first part 2 relative to the second part 4. This axial movement is effected by the toothing 24 and the actuator 22.

[0048] As also in the Fig. 1 to 9As shown, the actuator 6 comprises, in addition to the second gear ring segment 20, also the first gear ring segment 10, which is assigned to a detector 12, namely a position detector. This embodiment enables position detection of the first part 2 relative to the second part 4. For this purpose, the first gear ring segment 10 is force-coupled, and in particular directly toothed, with a first pinion 16, and in particular a first involute pinion. The first gear ring segment 10 is optionally designed as a crown gear segment with a plurality of teeth 18 and / or part of a crown gear toothing 14. This embodiment is particularly shown in the Fig. 6 to 9 presented in detail.

[0049] The first pinion 16 is optionally centered to a second axis A 2 and in particular rotatable, wherein the second axis A 2 has a pivot angle of α>0°, and in particular preferably α=90°, to the first axis A 1. This is particularly true in Fig. 1and in Fig. 3 represents.

[0050] As particularly in the Fig. 4 to 6 As shown in detail, the first pinion 16 is optionally designed to drive the position detector 12. The corresponding components are optionally covered by a housing 40.

[0051] The position detector may comprise a potentiometer 30 driven by the first pinion 16. This is, for example, in Fig. 10shown. For this purpose, the first pinion 16 optionally has at least one contact wiper 32. It is also possible to provide a contact wiper 32 and to force-couple it to the first pinion 16, so that it moves, in particular, upon rotation of the first pinion 16 and, in particular, rotates with this first pinion 16. The contact wiper 32 is optionally connected to at least one annular contact track 34, and in particular a carbon contact track, on a circuit board 36 of the potentiometer 30. By rotating the first pinion, the resistance value of the potentiometer changes via a movement of the contact wiper 32 on the contact track 34. In this way, a position detection of the first pinion 16 and, in direct inference, a position detection of the actuator 6 and thus the position of the second part 4 relative to the first part 2 is possible. As shown in particular in Fig. 10As shown, the annular contact track 32 is optionally centered to the second axis A 2. Annular here means that the contact track 32 encircles at least one partial circle.

[0052] As already mentioned, the invention relates to a sight adjustment mechanism and an adjusting means, wherein the aforementioned features can be provided both in a sight adjustment mechanism and in an embodiment of the adjusting means. Reference symbol

[0053] 1Adjusting means 2First part 4Second part 6Actuator 8Swivel direction 10First gear segment 12Detector, namely position detector 14Crown toothing 16First pinion 18Teeth 20Gear segment 22Actuator, namely actuator 24Involute toothing 26Second pinion 28Teeth 30Potentiometer 32Contact wiper 34Contact track 36Printed circuit board 40Housing 42Engaging bearing 44Engaging element 46Engaging element bearing 100Visual adjustment mechanism A 1 Axis A 2 Axis A 3 Axis r 10 Radius r 20 Radius RU Swivel direction E KR Plane of the actuator

Claims

1. Adjusting means for adjusting the position of a first part (2), more specifically a viewing means holder part for a viewing means, relative to a second part (4), more specifically a base part, comprising at least one adjusting element (6) via which the first part (2) can be moved relative to the second part (4), wherein the adjusting element (6) has at least a first toothed ring segment (10) and at least one second toothed ring segment (20), wherein the second toothed ring segment (20) is force-coupled to at least one actuator (22), more specifically an adjustment drive (22), in such a way that the first part (2) can be moved relative to the second part (4) by means of the adjustment drive (22), characterised in that the first toothed ring segment (10) of the adjustment element (1) is force-coupled to at least one sensor (12), more specifically a position sensor, wherein the first toothed ring segment (10) is force-coupled to a first pinion (16), wherein this pinion drives the position sensor (12), in which, via the applied movement, a sensor signal is initiated, by means of which a position detection of the first part (2) relative to the second part (4) is made possible.

2. Adjusting means according to claim 1, characterised in that the adjusting element (6) is mounted in a stationary and articulated way on the first part (2) and / or the adjustment drive (22) is mounted on the second part (4).

3. Adjusting means according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the adjusting element (6) is designed as a push rod.

4. Adjusting means according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the adjusting element (6) is designed to be pivotable around at least a first axis A1.

5. Adjusting means according to claim 4, characterised in that the first toothed ring segment (10) and the second toothed ring segment (20) are centred around the first axis A1.

6. Adjusting means according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first toothed ring segment (10) is a contrate gear segment.

7. Adjusting means according to claim 6, characterised in that the first pinion (16) is rotatably centred around a second axis A2, wherein the second axis A2 has a pivot angle α > 0°, and preferably α = 90° relative to the first axis A1.

8. Adjusting means according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the position sensor (16) comprises at least one potentiometer (30) which is driven via the first pinion (16).

9. Adjusting means according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first pinion (16) has at least one contact wiper (32) or is operatively connected to such a wiper, wherein the contact wiper is connected to at least one annular contact track (34) on a circuit board (36) of the potentiometer (30).

10. Adjusting means according to claim 9, characterised in that the annular contact track (32) is centred around the second axis A2.

11. Adjusting means according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second toothed ring segment (20) is an internal involute toothed ring segment or an external involute toothed ring segment, and / or part of an involute gearing (24).

12. Adjusting means according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second toothed ring segment (20) is force-coupled to a second pinion (26).

13. Adjusting means according to claim 12, characterised in that the second pinion (26) is centred around a third axis A3 which runs parallel to the first axis A1.

14. View adjusting mechanism (100), more specifically for a side view mirror or for a camera unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a first part (2), more specifically a viewing means holder part for a viewing means, for example a mirror or a camera, as well as a second part (4) which is movable and more specifically pivotable relative thereto, more specifically a base part, and at least an adjustment means (1) according to any of the preceding claims.