INDIRECT REVERSE SYSTEM WITH INDEX GEOMETRY COMPREHENSIVE OF AN ADJUSTING BALL WITH OVER-TURN INDEXATION

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an indirect rear-view system for a motor vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle, an agricultural / construction machine, for example a tractor, or a truck, a bus and / or a transporter, with a support element for fastening at least one reflective element, such as a mirror glass, wherein the support element has a coupling region for positionally variable fastening / attachment to an adjustment element which in turn is connectable to the vehicle or is connected to the vehicle, wherein the coupling region contacts a counter-contact region of the adjustment element, wherein interlocking anti-twist means are also provided on the support element and on the adjustment element, for example according to the tongue and groove principle.

[0002] Various adjustment units are known from the prior art. For example, German patent DE 101 63 318 C1 is attributable to the applicant.There, a joint arrangement is protected, namely a joint device for arranging two components at an angle to one another, in particular for rear-view mirrors with an adjustable mirror pane, with a first joint component with a ball socket, a second joint component which has a projection substantially in the shape of a spherical segment and which is fitted into the ball socket, a sliding part, and a connecting device for producing a clamping connection between the first joint component, the sliding part and the second joint component, wherein the mutually facing sides of the ball socket, the sliding part and the projection each have a convex structure and a concave structure complementary thereto, wherein the structures define a first and a second axis of rotation between the sliding part, the ball socket and the projection.What is particularly striking is that the concave structuring is more curved than the convex structuring, at least in the unloaded state.

[0003] European patent EP 3 335 938 B1 is also assigned to the applicant. This patent protects a ball and socket joint device for the adjustable arrangement of a first and a second joint component about a pivot point. The patented ball and socket joint device has a spherical surface element on the first joint component with an outer side that is part of a spherical surface and has a first radius of curvature with a first center point. An engagement device on the second joint component, which contacts the spherical surface element with a first contact surface, is also provided. This device also has a concave spherical cap-shaped receptacle on the first or second joint component, which is arranged within the spherical surface element and has a second radius of curvature with a second center point. The second or first joint component has a concave spherical cap.The second or first joint component has a convex spherical cap, which rests with a second contact surface in the spherical cap-shaped receptacle. The first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature. The insert engages over the spherical surface element and the two joint components in the manner of a snap-fastener connection. A special feature protected in that earlier patent is that the spherical surface element is designed in sections in the shape of a spherical ring, and that the spherical surface element has several spherical ring-shaped sections distributed over the circumference.

[0004] Further prior art corresponding to the preamble of independent claim 1 is known from JP 2018 - 154 287 A and US 5 755 526 A.

[0005] JP 2018-154287 A discloses a side mirror comprising a rod provided with a spherical portion at a tip; a housing in which a depressed spherical surface portion is provided in a connecting portion on its inner side, with a mirror surface body attached thereto and into which the spherical portion is fitted; a holding plate provided with a depressed spherical surface portion mated with the depressed spherical portion, disposed opposite the connecting portion to surround the spherical portion between the mutual depressed spherical surface portions, and swingably supporting the spherical portion in the connecting portion;and a vibration range regulating plate that is manually and rotatably held in a horizontal direction between a housing-side support groove formed in the connecting portion and a holder-plate-side support groove formed in the holder plate, and regulates a vibration range of the housing from an unrestricted position to a maximum restricted position.;

[0006] US 5 755 526 A discloses a ball joint comprising a socket with a chamber. A ball stud includes a ball end. The ball end is movable relative to the socket in a first direction into the chamber in the socket. The socket has first portions engageable with the ball end to block rotation of the ball end about a first axis during movement of the ball end into the chamber. A resilient retainer is deflected during movement of the ball end into the chamber. When the ball end is in the chamber, the retainer straightens to rotate the ball end into an operative position in the chamber. The socket has second portions engageable with the ball end to block movement of the ball end out of the chamber when the ball end is in the operative position.The engagement of the retainer in a retainer opening in the socket blocks the rotation of the ball end from the operating position.

[0007] It is the object of the present invention to mitigate or, at best, eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention in that the anti-rotation means form an index geometry that, in a first operating state, allows adjustment / pivoting of the support element relative to the adjustment element about two axes of rotation that are transverse to one another, preferably orthogonal to one another, and, in a second operating state, allows a change in the basic position / adjustment / pivoting of the support element relative to the adjustment element about a third axis of rotation that is oriented transversely to the other two axes of rotation, preferably orthogonal to them. It should be noted that in all operating states, including this at least second operating state, a "normal" adjustment about the vertical / upward axis and a first horizontal / transverse axis remains possible, precisely in order to achieve left / right adjustment and up / down adjustment of the mirror.

[0009] Anti-rotation means are understood to mean means which, in at least one specific operating state, in particular the first operating state, make it impossible for the support element to rotate relative to the rotating element about a specific axis of rotation, while still allowing rotation / pivoting about two further axes orthogonal thereto.

[0010] If an overtorque exceeds a predetermined limit torque, a first basic position can be left and, after a sliding movement of the support element relative to the adjustment element, a second basic position can be assumed. This position is preferably engaged, for example, by snapping into place.

[0011] In both basic positions, only "normal" adjustments around the vertical axis and one of the two transverse axes are possible, in order to achieve left / right adjustment and up / down adjustment of the mirror.

[0012] In the basic positions, of which there may be more than two, the anti-rotation means prevent pivoting about a further axis, i.e. about a second horizontal / transverse axis which is orthogonal to both the vertical / vertical axis and the first horizontal / transverse axis.

[0013] Especially for mirror systems that are installed on many different vehicles, the number of geometrically necessary variants shows that different connection conditions exist. This can mean, for example, that a support structure must be connected horizontally (also left / right) to a mirror head, while for other vehicles a vertical (top / bottom) connection is preferred. This creates a multitude of variants that must be provided. The invention now makes this possible. In particular, an indirect vision system for a vehicle is provided which has few geometric variants and realizes many connections to a wide variety of vehicles or vehicle variants.While ball adjustments are typically used, which, like a tongue-and-groove connection, prevent a mirror head from twisting around its (usually approximately horizontal) ball center axis during adjustment (normal adjustment of the field of view by the driver), a more needs-based solution is now being presented. The tongue-and-groove connection can now also be designed in different geometric shapes, for example, trapezoidal or wave-shaped.

[0014] In other words, the invention relates to an indirect vision system for a vehicle comprising at least one reflective element for indirect vision, a support element, and an adjusting element, wherein the support element receives the reflective element, and wherein the support element and the adjusting element can be pivoted relative to one another via spherical contact areas via a pivot point, wherein the special feature is that various operating positions between the adjusting element and the support element can be predefined / defined radially around the sphere's central axis via an index geometry between the adjusting element and the support element, e.g. in the manner of a tongue and groove connection. The operating positions can still be (freely) selected after the mirror head has been mounted, since the index geometry is designed to be elastic.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the subclaims and are explained in more detail below.

[0016] For example, it is advantageous if the support element and the adjustment element are coordinated in terms of their geometry, material thickness, and material properties in such a way that, in the event of an overtorque greater than a predetermined limit torque, the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state is enabled / enforced. One could also say that to reach at least a second operating position, an overtorque is required that is higher than the defined torque for keeping the support element stable in the index geometry.

[0017] It is advantageous if the adjustment element has a spherical connection area that forms the mating contact area. This makes adjustment in different directions, for example, around the three rotation axes, easy to implement.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the spherical connection area has spherical segment-like sections.

[0019] It is advantageous if at least one first operating position can be reached via the sphere's central axis at an angle of, for example, 90°, 45°, or 30° (horizontal / vertical / diagonal) to at least one second operating position. This allows for the connection of a nearly horizontally or vertically aligned support structure. For example, a horizontal or vertical pipe can be easily connected. A nearly horizontal, vertical, or diagonal support structure outlet can then be realized. Any other angle can also be implemented.

[0020] If the contact area forms a shell that surrounds / accommodates the spherical connection area, a fastening principle similar to a snap fastener can be implemented with simple means. This simplifies the assembly process and saves time.

[0021] With regard to overtorque, it should be added that it is advantageous if the overtorque is preferably at least approximately 7.5%, approximately 10%, or approximately 25% higher than the defined torque for holding the support element stable. This also makes it possible to achieve collision protection through damping and compliance of the index geometry. The overtorque is therefore higher than the predefined limit torque. Above the limit torque, for example, a snap connection is released. After the adjustment has been performed, the index geometry is automatically held again.

[0022] It is also advantageous if the index geometry is designed in the form of a tongue and groove connection.

[0023] If the groove is integrated in the support element and the spring in the adjustment element, or the groove is integrated in the adjustment element and the spring in the support element, solutions tailored to requirements can be implemented.

[0024] It is also advantageous if the index geometry is designed to be springy or at least one of the two components that provide it is.

[0025] If the spring-loaded design is implemented using slots in the spherical contact areas, advantages are achieved in continuous operation but also during assembly.

[0026] Finally, the invention also relates to the design of the indirect (rear) vision system in the manner of a mirror head.

[0027] The indirect (rear) vision system can in particular be a head adjuster or glass adjuster.

[0028] An advantageous embodiment is also characterized in that the support element and the adjustment element are specifically designed such that the restoring properties and the modulus of elasticity of the two components are matched to the contour of the interlocking index geometry components such that, when the overtorque is present, at least the second operating state is forcibly assumed. When the overtorque is present - above the predefined limit torque - the previously assumed basic position is abandoned. A movement to the second basic position takes place. There, engagement takes place again. The force required for the independent engagement or snapping can be provided by the restoring force of at least one of the two components made of elastic material that form the index geometry.

[0029] In particular, it has proven useful to design a first index geometry component as a groove / channel / ridge, for example in the manner of a tongue and groove configuration, and to design a second index geometry component as a projection / rib / elevation, for example in the manner of a tongue of a tongue and groove configuration.

[0030] For a further development, it is advantageous if the groove / channel / score is present on the support element, in particular on its (inner) side facing the adjustment element, and the projection / rib / elevation is present on the adjustment element, in particular on its (outer) side facing the support element, or vice versa.

[0031] To provide overload protection and allow for folding in an emergency, it is advantageous if the limit torque is approximately 10%, 20%, 30%, or, particularly preferably, approximately 33% greater than the (normal) torque required to keep the support element stable relative to the adjustment element in the initial operating state. In this case, targeted alignment / tuning of the internal geometry, for example, the groove / channel / striation, is advantageous.

[0032] Precise adjustment is possible if the projection engages or is supported in the groove / channel / striation without any play. However, a play of a few tenths of a millimeter is acceptable, meaning virtually zero play. These considerations must be taken into account, especially in light of manufacturing tolerances and component distortion.

[0033] An advantageous embodiment is also characterized in that the projection, in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove / trough / striation, has a beveled side that is contoured to establish line contact with the material forming the groove / trough / striation. The limiting torque is generated or predetermined by the beveled side and the elastic index geometry. When leaving the first home position, an inclined plane must be overcome. The ratio of the bevel to the contact force (specified by the section modulus, e.g., of a tab) determines the limiting torque.

[0034] In this context, it is particularly preferred if the projection has a conical contour, a truncated cone contour, a spherical segment-like contour, or a spherical / ellipsoidal contour at least in the effective range, i.e., where the bevel required for and for leaving the home position is present. This allows for trouble-free adjustment in as many spatial directions as possible. The effective range can only be present in a specific angular range of the projection and then only have the aforementioned bevel there. In the other angular ranges, this bevel may be missing. Where the bevel is missing, there is no effective range. In other words, an "effective contour" having the bevel is present at least in the angular range in which adjustment and a "jumping out" are enforced. However, for reasons of symmetry and manufacturing, the bevel can also be present in those angular ranges where no effective range exists.

[0035] It is advantageous if the groove / channel / striation has a depth of between approximately 10% and approximately 45% of the thickness of the coupling area.

[0036] It has proven to be effective if the index geometry is composed of two components, at least one of which is elastic.

[0037] It is also advantageous if the coupling area is located, for example, approximately close to the center / midpoint of the support element and is designed, for example, for pressure-loading - for example frictional and / or form-fitting - contact with the spherical connection area of ​​the adjustment element, for example in the manner of a push-button configuration.

[0038] It is also advantageous if the coupling region has a first contact region and a second contact region axially offset therefrom, wherein the axial direction is defined by the direction of insertion of the adjusting element into the support element or a horizontal axis, preferably by a pivot point about which the support element can be pivoted.

[0039] If an imaginary plane of separation runs through the transition area of ​​a main body of the load-bearing element into the coupling area, further configurations can be used. The separation can be flat, i.e., designed as a separation plane. The separation runs through the transition area from the main body of the load-bearing element into the coupling area of ​​the load-bearing element on both sides of the pivot point. Different spatial configurations of the separation surface are possible. For example, open space designs are feasible. In particular, the separation surface can be flat, i.e., level, and in this special case, forms a separation plane.

[0040] One of these configurations occurs, for example, when the first contact area runs along the imaginary separation surface on the one hand and the second contact area runs along the imaginary separation surface on the other hand.

[0041] It is further advantageous if the first contact area is designed as an inner contact area located within a space defined by the support element and the reflection element, and the second contact area is designed as an outer contact area. This results in the force flow from the transition area of ​​the main body of the support element to the coupling area of ​​the support element being split into two different, preferably opposite, directions. The overall force flow is then distributed as evenly as possible, which prevents breakage of the support element and ensures better retention of the support element on the spherical connection area of ​​the adjustment element.

[0042] Because the first contact area is located inside the space defined by the support element and the reflection element, this contact area is also protected from dirt and contamination, which enables long-term good and low-friction use and ensures adjustability even under difficult conditions.

[0043] If the first contact area and the second contact area each have spherical segment-like inner contour segments, it is particularly efficient to adapt one or both contact areas to the spherical connection area to ensure good adjustability.

[0044] An advantageous embodiment is also characterized in that the inner side of the coupling area (of the support element) and the outer side of the connection area (of the adjustment element) are coordinated in such a way that both components define a pivot point around which the support element can be pivoted relative to the adjustment element. When using the rearview system, the user can then easily adjust the angular position of the two components relative to each other as required.

[0045] It is advantageous if the connection area has spherical-segment-like mating contact areas. This facilitates pivoting.

[0046] It is also advantageous if the mating contact areas are adapted to the contact areas in contact with them, particularly with regard to their contours. This allows, for example, the integration of sub-areas deviating from a spherical geometry or the use of ellipsoidal sub-areas.

[0047] If the mating contact areas are connected via flattening areas or a flattening area, this simplifies assembly on the one hand and relieves the load on the spring element on the other hand, as well as avoiding overdetermination(s) on the contact surfaces.

[0048] For series production, it has proven advantageous if the support element is designed as a rear wall and / or the adjustment element as a (pivot) pin, preferably made of plastic, such as polyamide, for example as an integral / one-piece, single-material component.

[0049] It is advisable if the adjustment element is attached to the support element, e.g. via a positive and / or non-positive connection.

[0050] A particularly good fit of the two components to each other is ensured if the adjusting element has a holder for connecting a vehicle-mounted holder / telescopic rod holder, rod or (telescopic) tube or is designed accordingly.

[0051] In addition, it has proven to be effective if the receptacle is designed as a blind hole, the bottom of which is stepped to prevent twisting.

[0052] The mounting options can be designed in a variety of ways if the adjustment element has an indirect or direct connection area to the vehicle, which, for example, has the blind hole.

[0053] The weight can be optimized if the two contact areas together form a spherical segment-like shell that flows into the main body in the transition area.

[0054] The compactness of the system is enhanced if the main body meets the shell in the transition area at an angle α of 15° to 125° + / - 5°, preferably 90° + / - 2.5°, whereby the angle α is spanned between, on the one hand, an imaginary straight line through the transition area from the main body to the coupling area and, on the other hand, an imaginary straight line running in the axial direction through the (sphere) center of the connection area and / or the pivot point.

[0055] If the main body provides an imaginary bearing line in the direction of the pivot point, which intersects a theoretical sphere around the pivot point with a diameter of 50 mm, 60 mm or 70 mm, the force distribution in the direction of the center of the connection area is particularly good.

[0056] It has also proven to be effective if a glass element is attached to the supporting element, for example by means of a form and / or force connection, in particular, for example, by means of a clip solution, and the glass element is designed as a mirror glass.

[0057] An advantageous embodiment is also characterized in that a spring force is applied to (at least / only) one of the two contact areas, preferably the first contact area, or both contact areas in the mounted state, which urges the coupling area toward the coupling area, preferably toward the pivot point, at least in each direction inside the contact area. This facilitates self-locking after adjustment, resulting in variability for achieving a good representation of the driver's rear field of vision.

[0058] It is useful if the spring force is provided by a spring element, such as a ring or a clamp. The spring element can have one or more coils.

[0059] Such a separate spring element allows the spring force to be precisely adjusted. It has also proven effective for the ring to have a closed or open, e.g., slotted, cross-section. This improves assembly, particularly in the latter case, and fatigue strength / duty capacity, particularly in the former.

[0060] In order to ensure a long service life with unchanged technical conditions, it is advantageous if the spring element is made / created from a metallic material, such as an iron alloy, e.g. in the manner of spring steel.

[0061] To ensure a simple modular design, it is advantageous if the spring element is designed as a compression spring that rests against the outside of the first contact area or the second contact area. This also facilitates subsequent attachment.

[0062] For the connection of the individual components to one another, in particular to prevent the components from becoming lost, it is advantageous if a recess, such as a trough, groove or channel, is formed on the outside of the (respective) contact area, in which the spring element rests / sits / is arranged in the assembled state.

[0063] In order to keep a sliding area between the support element and the adjustment element permanently clean / free of contamination, it is advantageous if a sealing function is realized between one of the contact areas and the mating contact area assigned to it, preferably the first contact area and the mating contact area assigned to it, by means of the support element and / or the adjustment element, for example via a molded sealing lip on one or both components, and / or an additional sealing element is installed / interposed between the support element and the adjustment element.

[0064] For assembly, it is advantageous if the coupling area is completely or at least partially / partially elastic.

[0065] It is also advantageous if elasticity-inducing geometric changes such as thinnings, slits, reliefs, grooves, corrugations and / or similar designs are present (primarily) only in the first contact area and / or (secondarily) only in the second contact area.

[0066] In order to be able to specify different operating positions, it is advantageous if the coupling region and the connection region are designed to form an index geometry by means of which certain predefined relative positions can be assumed between the support element and the adjustment element.

[0067] It is advantageous if the index geometry is shaped like a tongue and groove interlock.

[0068] It has proven useful if the coupling area has at least one groove / channel / groove or a plurality of these on its inside and wherein at least one or more of these (each) engages as a projection on the outside of the adjusting element or as an alternative / supplement the adjusting element has at least one groove / channel / groove or a plurality of these on its outside and wherein at least one groove / channel / groove or several (each) engages a projection on the inside of the coupling area of ​​the support element.

[0069] If the groove / channel / channel and / or the projection has a V-, U-, roof-shaped or polygonal contour in cross-section and / or both are formed to fit together (almost) without play, a wobble-free adjustment of the adjustment element to the support element and vice versa is possible.

[0070] In order to be able to make the adjustment stepless, it is advantageous if the projection is installed / inserted in the groove / channel / groove (continuously / discontinuously) in a movable / slidable manner.

[0071] In addition, it has also proven to be useful if grooves / channels / troughs are provided on opposite outer sides of the adjusting element as seen from the pivot point, two of which are each filled with a projection of the adjusting element in at least one section and at least two or an integer multiple of the grooves / channels / troughs remain free of projections.

[0072] If the grooves / channels / slots are evenly distributed over the inner circumference of the coupling area, e.g. every 90°, 45°, 22.5°, 12.25° or 6.125°, adjustments can be made as needed.

[0073] The invention ultimately relates to such an embodiment in which a mirror head is formed and / or a head adjuster or a glass adjuster is included.

[0074] If the inner contact area and / or the outer contact area is radially closed and preferably has elastic sections, easy assembly is possible if the possibility of contamination is excluded or if a dirt protection device is provided.

[0075] The invention ultimately also relates to an assembly method for coupling a support element of the indirect rear-view system of the type according to the invention to the adjustment element, wherein the support element is moved from the direction of the reflection element toward the adjustment element, for example, via a counter-contact area formed there. Snapping is the result.

[0076] A further development is seen in the fact that the coupling area forming the second contact area and / or the first contact area is first widened when pushed onto the adjusting element and then springs back elastically.

[0077] It is advantageous if the coupling area is clipped onto a spherical thickening / onto the spherical connection area of ​​the adjustment element.

[0078] In other words, the invention relates to an indirect vision system for a vehicle, wherein the angle α between a horizontal sphere center axis and a leg of the sphere center to the point of impact of the rear wall on the contact area is a minimum of 15° to a maximum of 125°.

[0079] A further development can also be expressed in terms of the fact that the adjusting element is formed in one piece with the connection area to the vehicle and in effective surfaces to the support element.

[0080] In addition, the direction of the rear wall in the area of ​​the contact area can be designed in such a way that it intersects a theoretical sphere with a diameter of 60 mm in a theoretical extension towards the center of the sphere.

[0081] It is also considered advantageous that the adjustment element is mounted to the support element from the inside outward from the direction of the reflective element, with the outer contact area and the inner contact area being radially closed, or the outer contact area being radially closed and the inner contact area having elastic sections. Slots, cutouts, grooves, and corrugations are suitable for this purpose. Segmentation or the implementation of a push-button principle can thus be more easily achieved. The slots create an elastic spring effect in the contact area.

[0082] In other words, the invention also relates to an assembly of the adjustment element to the support element from the direction of the reflection element from the inside to the outside, wherein the outer and inner contact area of ​​the support element is radially closed and the adjustment element has elastic partial areas.

[0083] If pressure is applied to the contact areas of the adjustment element at the outer or inner contact areas of the support element by means of a spring element, the friction is increased by means of the spring so that it forces a higher adjustment force for the adjustment.

[0084] It is advantageous if pressure is applied to the contact areas of the support element at the outer or inner contact areas of the adjusting element by means of a spring element.

[0085] It is advantageous if the spring element is a metal spring clip or an open or closed metal ring spring with one or more coils.

[0086] It is also advantageous if a sealing function is integrated into the outer contact area of ​​the support element and the outer contact area of ​​the adjustment element. Molded-on sealing lips on the support element are just as conceivable as additional molded-on sealing lips made of a second material. Additional mounted sealing elements are also conceivable.

[0087] If the indirect vision system is mounted directly or indirectly on the vehicle using a tube or the adjustment element, and the adjustment element is designed as a single piece or in multiple parts to secure the tube, further alternatives are possible. For direct mounting, a tube can be mounted on the vehicle, or for indirect mounting, an additional mounting element, such as a telescopic pole holder, can be used.

[0088] It is advantageous if the tube is clearly defined, positioned, and secured in the adjustment element using a positive fit, i.e., corresponding geometric shapes. This has the advantage that the precise positioning of the indirect vision system ensures that a required field of view is always maintained, e.g., to meet customer requirements or legal fields of view – such as those required by the UN / ECE-R46, ISO 5721-2, or ISO 5006 standards. Furthermore, the mirror head with the adjustment element is captively attached and cannot "fall off" if the force connection is lost or reduced.

[0089] It is also advantageous if the indirect vision system is attached directly to the vehicle via the adjustment element, e.g. via an adjustment element that is mounted on the vehicle, and the adjustment element is designed in one piece or in several parts.

[0090] It is also advantageous if an index geometry between the adjustment element and the support element, e.g., a tongue and groove design, allows for different operating positions between the adjustment element and the support element to be set radially around the horizontal center axis of the ball. The operating positions can still be selected after the mirror head has been installed, since the index geometry is designed to be elastic. This also makes it possible to achieve collision protection through the damping and flexibility of the index geometry.

[0091] As explained, it is advantageous if the indirect vision system is a mirror head and / or the indirect vision system is a head adjuster or glass adjuster.

[0092] The solution according to the invention offers numerous advantages. This results in an optimized force flow from the supporting element to the adjusting element, as the force is introduced between the inner and outer contact areas, thus better transferring the force from the supporting element to the adjusting element. The number of components is also reduced, as the function and geometric design are integrated. The contact areas of the supporting element and the adjusting element wrap around each other, and no additional sliding element or joining element is required. Assembly is simplified, as fewer components are required. This also reduces costs. In one embodiment, the adjusting mechanism only needs to be "snapped" into place, and a joining element such as a screw or locking bolt is no longer required.

[0093] The index geometry, which is similar to a tongue and groove combination, allows adjustment when a larger torque is applied, for example to change from a portrait to a landscape format.

[0094] Another positive aspect relates to the routing of an electrical cable, which can be used to connect electrical modules, such as heating foils on the back of the mirror (i.e., inside the space defined by the glass element and the support element), blind spot and / or parking distance systems. Such electrical cables / supply lines can then be routed through the interior of the spherical connection area of ​​the adjustment element or the sphere formed by the adjustment element.

[0095] This solution also makes it possible to protect the components in the event of a collision, as it allows for rotation via the torque to keep the support element stable. Even after the mirror head has been installed, variants can be manufactured, for example, for a horizontal or desired vertical exit of a support structure towards the vehicle. This creates a cost advantage.

[0096] Geometric mirror heads can be used on both the left and right sides of a vehicle, as the connection can be rotated 180° across two operating positions. This reduces the number of variants, resulting in lower costs in production, logistics, and warehousing for both the manufacturer and the sales department (especially for dealers and vehicle manufacturers).

[0097] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of several embodiments and drawings. They show: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of an indirect rear view system according to a first embodiment of the invention for a motor vehicle, namely a truck, a bus or a van, Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section along the line II of Fig. 1 through the rear view system of the first embodiment, Fig. 3 a rear view of the rear view system of the Figs. 1 and 2 , Fig. 4 an enlargement of area IV from Fig. 2 , Fig. 5a view of the area Fig. 4 from behind, similar to the representation in Fig. 3 , Fig. 6 a second embodiment in a Fig. 5comparable representation, Fig. 7 a connection of the adjustment element contained in both embodiments to a pipe running vertically in the connection area, Fig. 8 a connection of the other embodiment to a pipe aligned horizontally in the connection area, and Figs. 9 to 23 different embodiments in different views and sections / detailed views.

[0098] The figures are merely schematic and serve only to facilitate understanding of the invention. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Features of the individual embodiments may be interchanged.

[0099] In the Fig. 1 An indirect rearview system is designated by reference numeral 1. It has a support element 2 for attaching at least one reflective element 3. There are two reflective elements 3, namely an upper mirror glass 4 and a lower mirror glass 5.

[0100] In the Fig. 4 the first axis of rotation is provided with the reference number 25, the second axis of rotation with the reference number 26 and the third axis of rotation with the reference number 27.

[0101] Already in the Fig. 2 It can be seen that an adjustment element 6 is located in the center of the support element 2. The adjustment element 6 has a spherical connection area 7. The spherical connection area 7 has mating contact areas 8, which correspond to a first contact area 9 and a second contact area 10 of a coupling area 11. The coupling area 11 is located in the center of a transition area 12 of the support element 2. The transition area 12 is the area of ​​a transition at which a main body 13 transitions into the coupling area 11.

[0102] In the first contact area 9, there is a recess 14 into which a spring element can be inserted. There is a pivot point 15 around which the support element 2 can be rotated. The connection area 7 has at least one flattened portion 16 between the axially separated mating contact areas 8. Both the coupling area 11 and the connection area 7 can be elastically formed, in particular have slots 17, as shown in the Fig. 3 are also shown.

[0103] In the Fig. 4 The index geometry 18 according to the invention is shown larger. The index geometry 18 represents anti-twist means 19. In particular, it is composed of components that implement a tongue and groove principle.

[0104] The imaginary dividing surface is in the Fig. 4 provided with the reference number 24.

[0105] In particular, for example, the coupling region 11 has a groove / trough / striation 20 that does not extend completely through the material of the coupling region 11. It also extends only over a partial segment of the coupling region 11, but at least from an open end of the adjustment element 6 facing the reflection element 3. The index geometry 18 also has a projection / rib / elevation 21 that extends radially outward from the connection region 7 in the direction of the coupling region 11. The projection / rib / elevation 21 engages in the groove / trough / striation with as little play as possible, ideally even completely free of play.

[0106] As in the Fig. 5 and 6As can be clearly seen, in which two embodiments or two different positions / basic positions of a single embodiment are shown, the groove / channel / striation 20 has a polygonal / trapezoidal / parallelogram-like cross-section. The projection / rib / elevation 21 itself has a truncated cone-shaped outer contour with an opening angle of approximately 45°, 30°, 20°, 15° ±2.5°.

[0107] In the Figure 5 the support element 2 is in a first basic position relative to the adjustment element 6 and in the Figure 6 shown in a second home position. Both the first home position and the second home position represent the first operating state. Rotation about only two orthogonally aligned axes, namely the vertical axis and a first horizontal axis, remains possible.

[0108] If an overtorque is applied, the projection 21 springs out of the groove 20 because a tab of the adjusting element 6 springs inward and / or a tab of the supporting element 2 springs outward. The second operating state is now present.

[0109] During this second operating state, the support element 2 is pivoted relative to the adjustment element 6 about a further / second horizontal axis. Then the Fig. 5 upper projection 21 a 90° turn and locks, as in Fig. 6 as can be seen, into another groove 20. Only then is the second basic position assumed and the first operating state is restored.

[0110] The necessary overtorque is preset by the obliqueness of the outer contour of the projection / rib / elevation 21 and the restoring properties of the support element 3 and / or the adjusting element 6 in the area of ​​the index geometry 18.

[0111] The restoring properties of both the support element 2 and the adjustment element 6, and the opening angle of the truncated cone-shaped projection 21, are therefore coordinated to ensure linear contact between the support element 2 and the projection 21 of the adjustment element 6; whereby such a selection is deliberately made that when the overtorque is exceeded (above the limit torque), a breakaway of the projection / rib / elevation 21 from the groove / channel / groove 20 is permitted and a displacement of the support element 2 by, for example, 30°, 60° or, as shown here, 90° is possible.

[0112] A connection system 22 made possible by this is in the Figs. 7 and 8 used to create a connection to the motor vehicle. The connection system 22 also has a pipe 23.

[0113] In the Figures 9 and 10A further embodiment is shown in which the support element 2 is formed closed with a horizontal and vertical groove. The adjustment element 6 is slotted with a projection and is in particular self-resilient or provided with an optional spring element. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 4 The spring element is inserted internally from above into the supporting element 2.

[0114] In the Figures 11 to 15 Another embodiment is shown, in which the support element 2 is designed in a shell-like manner with a projection on one side. The shell-like adjustment element 6 is provided with a horizontal and vertical groove. A pressure piece is provided to absorb the spring force. There is a connecting element for preloading the spring and for locking all components.

[0115] In the Figures 16 and 17A further embodiment is shown in which the support element 2 is closed and is provided with a horizontally and vertically aligned groove. The adjustment element 6 is slotted, formed with a projection and in particular self-resilient or provided with an optional spring element. In contrast to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 the spring element is arranged inside. In contrast to the design of the Fig. 10 a joint contact area is inserted into the edge area of ​​the counter contact area 8 from above into the supporting element 2, offset on one side.

[0116] In the Figures 18 and 19 A further embodiment is visualized in which the support element 2 is closed, namely with a groove (horizontally and vertically). The adjusting element 6 is slotted with a projection, thus self-resilient or with an optional spring element. In contrast to the subject matter of the Fig. 4The spring element is arranged inside. In contrast to the subject of the Fig. 10 the joint contact area is offset on one side into the edge area of ​​the counter contact area 8 and inserted from above into the supporting element 2.

[0117] In the Figures 20 and 21 A further embodiment is visualized in which the support element 2 is closed, namely with a groove (horizontally and vertically). The adjusting element 6 is slotted with a projection, thus self-resilient or with an optional spring element. In contrast to the subject matter of the Fig. 4 The spring element is arranged inside. In contrast to the subject of the Fig. 10 the joint contact area is offset on one side into the edge area of ​​the counter contact area 8 and inserted from below into the supporting element 2.

[0118] In the Figures 20 and 21A further embodiment is shown, in which the support element 2 is closed, with a projection. The adjustment element 6 is slotted with a groove (horizontally and vertically), self-resilient or provided with an optional spring element. In contrast to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 The spring element is inserted into the support element from above. This means that the arrangement of "projection and groove" is reversed in contrast to all other designs of the Figures 9 to 21 before. List of reference symbols

[0119] 1 indirect rear view system 2 supporting element 3 reflection element 4 upper mirror glass 5 lower mirror glass 6 adjustment element 7 spherical connection area 8 counter contact area 9 first contact area 10 second contact area 11 coupling area 12 transition area 13 main body 14 recess 15 pivot point 16 flattening 17 slot 18 index geometry 19 anti-rotation device 20 groove 21 projection / rib / elevation 22 connection system 23 tube 24 imaginary separation surface 25 first rotation axis 26 second rotation axis 27 third rotation axis

Claims

1. An indirect rear viewing system (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a supporting element (2) for fastening at least one reflective element (3), wherein the carrying element (2) has a coupling region (11) for a position-variable fastening / attachment to an adjusting element (6) which in turn can be attached to the vehicle, wherein the coupling region (11) contacts a counter contact region (8) of the adjusting element (6), interlocking anti-rotation means (19) being present on the supporting element (2) and on the adjusting element (6), characterized in that the anti-rotation means (19) form an index geometry (18), which in a first operating state permits an adjustment of the supporting element (3) relative to the adjusting element (6) about two axes of rotation (25, 26), which are transverse to one another, and in at least a second operating state permits a basic position change of the supporting element (2) relative to the adjusting element (6) about a third axis of rotation (27), which is aligned transversely to the other two axes of rotation (25, 26).

2. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supporting element (2) and the adjusting element (6), with respect to their geometry, material thickness and material properties, are matched to each other in such a way that, if an overtorque occurs which is greater than a predetermined limit torque, the transition from the first operating state to the second operating state is enabled / enforced.

3. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting element (6) has a spherical connection area (7) which forms the counter-contact region (8).

4. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the supporting element (2) and the adjusting element (6) are specifically designed in such a way that the restoring properties and the modulus of elasticity of the two components are matched to the contour of the interlocking index geometry components such that when the overtorque occurs, the at least second operating state is forcibly assumed.

5. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a first index geometry component is designed as a groove / a channel / a corrugation (20), and a second index geometry component is designed as a projection / a rib / a prominence (21).

6. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the groove / the channel / the corrugation (20) is present on the supporting element (2), and the projection (21) is present on the adjusting element (6), or vice versa.

7. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the limit torque is at least 10 % larger than the torque, which occurs in the first operating state, which is required in order to keep the supporting element (3) stable relative to the adjusting element (6).

8. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the projection / the rib / the prominence (21) engages into the groove / the channel / the corrugation 20 without any play.

9. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the projection (21) has, in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the groove / the channel / the corrugation (20), a beveled side which is contoured in order to make a line contact with the material forming the groove / the channel / the corrugation (20).

10. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the projection (21) has a conical contour or a truncated cone contour or a contour in the form of a spherical segment or a spherical / ellipsoidal contour at least in the active area.

11. The indirect rear viewing system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the index geometry (18) is composed of two component parts, at least one of which is formed in an elastic manner.