ADJUSTMENT UNIT FOR AN INDIRECT VISION SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adjustment unit for an indirect vision system according to claim 1 and a method for assembling such an adjustment unit according to claim 18.

[0002] There are numerous technical solutions for the application of adjustment units in indirect vision systems in vehicles, such as mirrors or cameras, as described, for example, in WO2002 / 072386A1 or EP1728682A1. However, there are no technical solutions that provide the connection to the vision system in the smallest possible installation space while still meeting robust mechanical requirements. Different joining directions are also currently difficult to implement in tight installation spaces.

[0003] DE 1020111 01534B4 discloses an adjustment unit for rearview mirrors on motor vehicles, in which a first and a second component are pivotally connected to one another by a main connecting element. The main connecting element comprises a spring element that braces the first and second components against one another.

[0004] DE10163318C1 discloses an adjustment unit for an indirect vision system comprising a first and a second component pivotally connected to each other by a main connecting element. The second component comprises a pressure distribution element that is pressurized by a spring element.

[0005] EP0269081A1 discloses a mirror adjustment unit comprising two components which are pivotally connected to one another and to a supporting structure via a main connecting element, the two components being braced against one another by a spring element.

[0006] From DE19644824C1, US4824065A and WO2007 / 126190A1 a mirror adjustment device with two components is known which are pivotally connected to one another and to a support structure via a main connecting element. The connection between the main connecting element and the support structure is made in DE19644824C1 and US4824065A via a screw connection and in WO2007 / 126190A1 via a locking geometry.

[0007] From DE102004029229A1 it is known to connect the mirror head of a vehicle exterior mirror to the mirror base attached to the vehicle by means of snap connections.

[0008] Further prior art is known from DE 10 2014 011 232 A1.

[0009] Based on DE10163318C1, the object of the invention is to provide an adjustment unit that is connected to a support structure of an indirect vision system with as few connecting elements as possible. The interface between the adjustment unit and the support structure should withstand robust mechanical requirements in a small installation space.

[0010] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0011] Because the pressure distribution element of the second component is subjected to pressure by the main connecting element, the forces introduced centrally onto the pressure distribution element and thus onto the second component are evenly distributed in a direction transverse to the main connecting element. The force connection with the supporting structure is therefore no longer central, but distributed across the transverse extent of the second component. This compensates for dimensional changes due to aging – the creep behavior of plastics – and reduces distortion of the individual components. Furthermore, this results in a clever sandwich construction that enables a direct flow of force between the supporting structure and the first and second components.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the spring element engages a contact surface in the upper edge region of the main connecting element, e.g., on a circumferential collar, and clamps the first and second components to one another - claim 2.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the connection between the first and second components is effected by means of the main connecting element, and the two components are clamped to one another by means of the spring element in such a way that an axial longitudinal movement along the longitudinal direction of the main connecting element is possible. This simplifies the pivoting movement between the first and second components and compensates for age-related deformations - claim 3.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the connection between the second component and the supporting structure is established by a direct connection between the lower end region of the main connecting element. This minimizes the number of required components and the installation space required for the connection - claim 4.

[0015] Alternatively, the connection between the supporting structure and the main connecting element is not made by direct engagement of the main connecting element in the supporting structure, but by means of a fastening element that is anchored in the supporting structure and in the main connecting element - claim 5.

[0016] The fastening element is preferably a screw or a locking bolt that penetrates the supporting structure and is anchored in the main connecting element, or that penetrates the main connecting element and is anchored in the supporting structure. In both cases, a space-saving connection is achieved - claim 6.

[0017] The connection between the main connecting element and the second component and the main connecting element and the supporting structure is preferably made by means of a molded screw connection, a molded clip connection or a molded locking geometry - claim 7.

[0018] The main connecting element can either be located in the second component or it passes through the second component and is located on the supporting structure - claim 8.

[0019] The pressure distribution element is applied to the pressure distribution element by the main connecting element in a simple manner by an axial longitudinal movement of the main connecting element during the connection of the first and second components and / or the connection of the main connecting element to the supporting structure. This axial longitudinal movement additionally clamps the first and second components to one another - claim 9.

[0020] The pressure distribution element advantageously consists of an elastic material and / or an elastic geometry, so that it is deformed by the application of pressure and is subjected to mechanical stress. This spring-loaded effect can absorb or compensate for deformations of the plastic components (e.g., first and second components) and also manufacturing tolerances - claim 10. This elasticity is easily achieved by designing the pressure distribution element in the form of a metal plate. The following dimensions have proven advantageous. The plate-shaped pressure distribution element has a surface area between 1000 mm² and 3200 mm², a length L of 50 to 80 mm, a width B of 20 to 40 mm, and a thickness of 1 to 3 mm - claim 11.

[0021] Due to the advantageous embodiments according to claim 12, the pressure distribution element is almost immobile in the installed state, while the spring element allows axial longitudinal movements and a pivoting movement between the first and second components.

[0022] The advantageous embodiments according to claim 13 result in a sandwich construction which enables a direct flow of forces between the supporting structure and the first and second components.

[0023] The pressure distribution element has at least two and preferably at least three contact areas with the second component. The force flow between the main connecting element, the second component, and the supporting structure occurs via these contact areas - claim 14. The spatial proximity of the contact areas of the second component to the pressure distribution element with the contact points of the second component to the supporting structure further improves the force flow between the main connecting element, the second component, and the supporting structure - claim 15.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first and second components can be pivoted relative to one another by a motor - claim 16.

[0025] An adapter plate between the second component and the supporting structure allows for easy integration into different supporting structures - claim 17.

[0026] By pre-assembling the first and second components into a unit by means of the main connecting element - claim 18 - the assembly of the adjustment unit is considerably simplified, since after pre-assembly only a single component needs to be connected to the supporting structure.

[0027] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

[0028] It shows Fig. 1 a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustment unit, wherein the connection to the supporting structure has not yet been established; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the side of the second component which will rest on the supporting structure; Fig. 3a perspective view of a top view of the pressure distribution element between the first and second components of the second component viewed in the direction of the first component; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the pressure distribution element from Fig. 1 to 3 ; Fig. 5 one Fig. 1 corresponding sectional view in assembled state, according to a first variant; Fig. 6 one Fig. 1 corresponding sectional view in assembled state, according to a second variant; Fig. 7 one Fig. 1 corresponding sectional view in assembled state, according to a third variant; Fig. 8 one Fig. 1 corresponding sectional view in assembled state, according to a fourth variant; Fig. 9 one Fig. 1 corresponding sectional view in assembled condition, according to a fifth variant; and Fig. 10 one Fig. 1 corresponding sectional view in assembled state, according to a sixth variant.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a simplified sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the adjustment unit 1 with a first component 2, a second component 3, a support structure 4, and a main connecting element 5. The second component 3 comprises a first structural element 3-1 and a second structural element 3-2 with a pressure distribution element 7 in between. The first and second components 2, 3 are pivotally connected to one another by the main connecting element 5. Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a view of the side of the second component in Fig. 1 which will rest on the supporting structure. In the Figures 1 and 2 the supporting structure 4 is not yet connected to the other components.

[0030] The first component 2 is a rectangular profile structure made of plastic with a top side 8 and a bottom side 9, as well as four side edges 10-1 to 10-4. Retaining elements 12 for a clamp-and-slide connection according to EP0609508B1 are provided on opposite sides 10-1 and 10-3. Centrally, the first component 2 has a hemispherical bulge or depression 14 with a convex and a concave side 16, 17. The bulge 14 has a central opening 18.

[0031] The first component 3-1 of the second component 3 has an upper side 24 and a lower side 25. A hemispherical recess 26 with a concave sliding surface 27 is provided in the upper side 24, which is complementary to the convex side 17 of the bulge 14. The first component 3-1 comprises a central opening 28 that is aligned with the central opening 18. A sliding element 29, as known from EP1346161B1, is arranged between the convex side 17 of the bulge 14 and the concave sliding surface 27. The second component 3-2 of the second component 3 is designed as a hollow profile that has an upper side 30, a lower side 31, and a central internal thread 32 that is aligned with the central openings 18 and 28. On the underside 31, three contact points 34 are provided in the outer edge area, which, in the assembled state, rest against the supporting structure 4.Below the internal thread 32, a tubular contact area 36 is provided on the underside 31 of the second component 3-2, which also rests against the support structure 4 in the assembled state.

[0032] The pressure distribution element 7 in the form of a metal plate is arranged between the first and second components 3-1, 3-2. The pressure distribution element or pressure distribution plate 7 is completely enclosed by the first and second components 3-1 and 3-2. As can be seen from Figs. 3 and 4As can be seen, the pressure distribution element 7 has a central opening 38 which is aligned with the central openings 18 and 28 and with the internal thread 32. Both the first component 3-1 and the second component 3-2 have contact surfaces 40 which are in contact with the pressure distribution element 7. The plate-shaped pressure distribution element 7 rests on at least three contact surfaces 40 on the second component 3-2. In order to optimize the flow of force between the main connecting element, the second component 3 and the supporting structure 4, the contact surfaces 40 are arranged in spatial proximity to the contact points 34 on the underside 31 of the second component 3-2. The two components 3-1 and 3-2 are supported on one another and connected to one another via a tongue and groove connection in the outer edge region. The plate-shaped pressure distribution element 7 has a fixing opening 44 into which a corresponding fixing pin 46 on the first or second component 3-i engages.The pressure distribution plate 7 has rounded corners which leave space for fixing elements 47 by which the first and second components 3-1, 3-2 of the second component 3 are connected to one another.

[0033] The main connecting element 5 is designed as a hollow mandrel and comprises an upper end region 48 and a lower end region 50. A seat 49 for a screw or locking bolt head is countersunk in the upper end region. The lower end region 50 comprises an external thread 52 that matches the internal thread 32 in the second component 3-2. The main connecting element 5 passes through the central openings 18, 22, and 38 and is screwed into the internal thread 32. A circumferential collar 54 is provided in the upper end region 48. The spring element 6 in the form of a spiral spring is arranged between the circumferential collar 54 and the edge of the central opening 18 in the bulge 14. The external thread 52 of the main connecting element 5 is limited in a central region of the main connecting element 5 by a circumferential stop 56. The internal thread 32 ends in a threaded seat 57 in the form of a circumferential collar.

[0034] By screwing the main connecting element 5 with the spiral spring 6 into the internal thread 32, the first component 2 is clamped against the second component, and the stop 56 applies pressure to the plate-shaped pressure distribution element 7. The pressure distribution element 7 distributes the pressure applied by the main connecting element 5 transversely to the longitudinal direction of the main connecting element 5, so that the force transmission between the support structure 4 and the second component 3 does not occur primarily via the tubular contact area 36, ​​but is also evenly distributed via the contact points 34. The external thread 52 and the internal thread 32 have thread play.

[0035] The Figures 5 and 6 show two variants of the connection of the supporting structure 4 with the other components by means of a fastening element in the form of a screw 58. In the first variant according to Fig. 5The screw 58 passes through the supporting structure 4 and is screwed into the main connecting element 5 in the form of a hollow mandrel. In the second variant according to Fig. 6 the screw 58 is screwed from the main fastening element into the supporting structure 4 and the screw head comes to rest in the countersunk seat 49. Due to the thread play between the internal thread 32 and the external thread 52, when connecting the supporting structure 4 with the other components, additional pressure is exerted on the pressure distribution element 7 by a slight axial displacement of the main connecting element 5, which thereby deforms slightly, as shown in the Figures 5 and 6 is shown. This additional pressure is also distributed in the transverse direction by the plate-shaped pressure distribution element 7, absorbed by the two components 3-2 and 3-2, and dissipated evenly via the contact points 34 and the contact area 36.

[0036] Figure 7shows a third variant of connecting the support structure 4 to the remaining components by means of a fastening element in the form of a locking bolt 60. The locking bolt 60 penetrates both the main connecting element 5 and the support structure 4, is supported in the countersunk seat 49, and is secured to a surface of the support structure 4 or in the support structure 4 by a locking pin 61. The main connecting element 5 does not require an external thread, and the second component 3-2 of the second component 3 does not have a corresponding internal thread. Appropriate pressure on the locking bolt 60 also results in additional deformation of the pressure distribution element 7 and a transverse distribution of the forces to the contact points 34.

[0037] Fig. 8shows a fourth variant of the invention, in which the main connecting element is not designed as a hollow mandrel and the lower end region 50 of the main connecting element 5 is anchored in the support structure 4 in the manner of a bayonet lock. In this variant, the main connecting element 5 also does not comprise an external thread and the second component 3-2 of the second component 3 does not have a corresponding internal thread.

[0038] Fig. 9shows a fifth variant of the invention with a one-piece second component 3 into which the pressure distribution plate 7 is integrated and which has a central opening 28. The lower end region 50 of the main connecting element 5 has a snap-in device 62 distributed over the circumference of the main connecting element 5, which snap-in device can be deformed radially inwards. The second component 3 has a circumferential projection 64 or individual projections 64 in the central opening 28 in the region of the lower end region 50. For pre-assembly, the main connecting element 5 with the first component 2 is pressed into the central opening 28 of the second component 3 until the snap-in device 62 engages behind the projection(s) 64 and connects the two components 2 and 3 to one another. The connection to the support structure 4 is made as in the first variant according to Fig. 5with a screw 58 which passes through the supporting structure 4 and is screwed into the main connecting element 5.

[0039] Fig. 10 shows a sixth variant of the invention, which differs from the fifth variant only in that no pressure distribution element is provided. The purpose of the sixth variant is to connect the two components 2 and 3 to one another in a pre-assembly using the clip connection and then to connect the two components together to the supporting structure. Due to the pre-assembly or the connection of the two components 2, 3 and the main connecting element 5 with the spring element 6 using clip or snap connections 62, 64, only one part needs to be connected to the supporting structure 4. This considerably simplifies assembly.

[0040] The different connection variants between the main connecting element 5 and the second component 3 and the main connecting element 5 and the supporting structure 4 according to the Figures 5 to 10 , i.e. screw connection, locking elements, clip connection, bayonet connection can be combined with each other, so that in addition to the variants shown in the figures, further variants of the connection result and are encompassed by the present invention.

[0041] In the Figures 5 to 10 For reasons of clarity, only the reference symbols relevant to the respective embodiment are shown.

[0042] The slight axial displacement of the main connecting element 5 due to the thread play between the internal thread 32 and the external thread 52, or due to the missing thread, makes it possible to compensate for the positional tolerances between the contact surfaces 40 of the second component 3 and the pressure distribution element 5. Age-related deformations can also be compensated for in this way. The entire adjustment unit 1 can be mounted in the tightest of spaces because the fastening element penetrates the main connecting element 5. Advantageously, only a single fastening element or, in a variant, no additional fastening element is required, which reduces the number of parts and further reduces the installation space. List of reference symbols:

[0043] 1Adjustment unit 2First component 3Second component 3-1First component of 3 3-2Second component of 3 4Supporting structure 5Main connecting element 6Spring element 7Pressure distribution element 8Top of 2 9Bottom of 2 10-iSide edges of 2 12Holding elements on 2 for clamp-slide connection 14Semi-spherical bulge orRecess on / in 2 16Concave side of 14 17Convex side of 14 18Central opening in 14 24Top of 3-1 25Bottom of 3-1 26Semi-spherical recess in 3-1 27Concave sliding surface in 26 28Central opening in 26, 27 29Sliding element between 17 and 27 30Top of 3-2 31Bottom of 3-2 32Internal thread in 3-2 34Contact points on 31 to 4 36Tubular contact area on 31 to 4 38Central opening in 7 40Contact surfaces on 3-i to 7 42Tongue and groove connection between 3-1 and 3-2 44Fixing openings in 7 46Fixing pins on 3-1 or 3-2 47Fixing elements 48upper end section of 5 49recessed seat in 5 50lower end section of 5 52external thread on 43 54circumferential collar on 5 56circumferential stop on 5 57threaded seat in 3-2 58fastening element screw 60fastening element locking bolt 61locking pin 62snap device 64circumferential projection or multiple projections on 3 in 28.

Claims

1. An adjustment unit (1) for an indirect vision system for a vehicle, comprising a first component (2) connectable to an indirect vision component, a second component (3) connected to a support structure (4) of the indirect vision system, the first component (2) and the second component (3) being supported pivotably to one another by way of first and second contact surfaces (17, 27), a main connecting element (5) including an upper end portion (48) facing the first component (2), and a lower end portion (50) facing the second component (3), the main connecting element (5) pivotably connecting the first and second component (2, 3) with each other, and a spring element (6) bracing the first and second component (2, 3) with one another, the second component (3) including a pressure distribution element (7) extending transversely to a longitudinal direction of the main connecting element (5), and wherein the pressure is applied to the pressure distribution element (7) by the main connecting element (5), so that the pressure distribution element (7) releases the pressure of the main connecting element (5) to the support structure (4) through the second component (3) being extended transversely characterized in that the second component (3) has a first element (3-1) facing the first component (2) and a second element (3-2) facing the support structure (4), and that the pressure distribution element (7) is arranged between the first element and the second element (3-1, 3-2), and that the pressure distribution element (7), in its outer edge area, has at least two contact areas (40) with the first and second element (3-1, 3-2) of the second component (3).

2. The adjustment unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (6) engages on a contact surface (54) at an upper end portion (48) of the main connecting element (5) and on the first component (2), thus bracing the first component (2) with the second component (3).

3. The adjustment unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection of first and second component (2, 3) by means of the main connecting element (5) and the spring element (6) is configured such that an axial longitudinal movement of the first component (2) against the spring force of the spring element (6) is possible.

4. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main connecting element (5) is connected to the support structure (4) with lower end portion (50).

5. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main connecting element (5) is connected through the lower end portion (50) with the second component (3), that the main connecting element (5) is connected to the support structure (4) by a fastener (58, 60), and that the fastener (58, 60) penetrates the main connecting element (5) and is anchored in the support structure (4), or that the fastener (58, 60) penetrates the support structure (4) and is anchored in the main connecting element (5).

6. The adjustment unit according to claim 5, characterized in that the fastener (58, 60) and the main connecting element (5) are connected by means of an integral screw connection (58) or integral locking geometry (60).

7. The adjustment unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main connecting element (5) and the second component (3), or the main connecting element (5) and the support structure (4) are connected by means of an integral screw connection (32, 52), integral clip connection or integral locking geometry.

8. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main connecting element (5) comes to rest with the first component (2), or the main connecting element (5) comes to rest with the support structure (4).

9. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that pressurization of the pressure distribution element (7) is performed by an axial longitudinal movement of the main connecting element (5).

10. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure distribution element (7) is elastic and is deformed on account of pressure being applied by the main connecting element (5).

11. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure distribution element (7) has the shape of a plate and in particular is made of a metallic material.

12. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material of the spring element (6) has a lower modulus of elasticity than the material of the pressure distribution element (7) and that in particular the spring element (6) under load in an installation position, has a lower spring constant than the pressure distribution element (7).

13. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second component (3) is firmly connected with the pressure distribution element (7) and the support structure (4) through the main connecting element (5).

14. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second component (3) has at least three contact areas (40) with the pressure distribution element (7), which are located in an outer radial edge area of the second component (3).

15. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two contact areas (40) of the second component (3) with the pressure distribution element (7) are in spatial proximity to the contact points (34) of the second component (3) to the support structure (4) and that the distance between the contact areas (40) of the second component (3) and the contact points (34) preferably is 5 - 50 mm and in particular 5 - 20 mm.

16. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component and the second component (2, 3) can be pivoted to one another by motor power.

17. The adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adapter plate is arranged between the second component (2) and the support structure (4).

18. Method for assembling an adjustment unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of a) connecting the first and second component through the main connecting element to form one unit, and b) connecting the unit from step a) to the support structure.