INDIRECT REARVIEW SYSTEM WITH CONTACT AREAS OF A SUPPORT ELEMENT ON BOTH SIDES OF A PARTITION SURFACE, LOAD-OPTIMIZED ADJUSTING BALL AND MOUNTING METHOD FOR AN INDIRECT REARVIEW SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an indirect rear view system for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, such as a commercial vehicle, an agricultural / construction machine, e.g. a tractor, a truck, a bus and / or a van, with a support element designed as an integral, single-material component for attaching at least one reflective element, such as a mirror glass, wherein the support element forms a coupling area for positionally changeable attachment / mounting to an adjustment element which in turn can be attached to or is attached to the vehicle, wherein the coupling area is, for example,is located approximately near the center / centre of the support element and has a first contact area and a second contact area axially offset thereto for contacting a convex connection area of ​​the adjusting element, for example by applying pressure, by force-locking and / or by form-locking, wherein the axial direction is determined / defined by the assembly / joining / insertion direction 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), wherein an imaginary parting surface runs through the area of ​​a transition of a main body of the support element into the coupling area of ​​the support element.

[0002] The separation surface runs through the transition area from the main body of the load-bearing element to 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, free-form designs are feasible. In particular, the separation surface can be planar, i.e., flat, and in this special case, forms a dividing plane.

[0003] Various adjustment units are known from the prior art. For example, the applicant holds the German patent DE 101 63 318 C1.Therein is a protected joint arrangement, namely a joint device for arranging two components at an angle to each other, in particular for rearview mirrors with an adjustable mirror disc, comprising a first joint component with a ball socket, a second joint component having a substantially spherical segment-shaped projection fitted into the ball socket, a sliding part, and a connecting device for creating 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 complementary concave structure, wherein the structures define a first and a second axis of rotation between the sliding part, the ball socket, and the projection.A particularly noteworthy feature is that the concave structure is more curved than the convex structure, at least when unloaded.

[0004] The applicant is also the holder of European patent EP 3 335 938 B1. This patent protects a ball joint device for the adjustable arrangement of a first and a second joint component around a pivot point. The patented ball joint device has a spherical surface element on the first joint component, with an outer surface 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 present. The device also has a concave, ball-cap-shaped receptacle arranged within the spherical surface element on the first or second joint component, which has a second radius of curvature with a second center point. The second or first joint component has a concave ball cap.The second or first joint component has a convex spherical cap that is supported by a second contact surface in the spherical receptacle. The first radius of curvature is larger than the second radius of curvature. The insertion device engages the spherical surface element and the two joint components in a manner similar to a snap-fit ​​connection. A particular feature protected in that earlier patent is that the spherical surface element is partially formed in a spherical ring shape and that the spherical surface element has several spherical ring-shaped sections distributed around its circumference.

[0005] Further prior art is known from US 2 588 825 A, US 2 457 639 A, US 7 108 384 B1, EP 2 078 638 A2, US 2 615 368 A and US 2 104 099 A.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to mitigate or, ideally, eliminate the disadvantages known from the prior art.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention in a generic indirect viewing system by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, which includes the fact that the first contact area is arranged on one side of the imaginary separating surface and the second contact area is arranged on the opposite other side of the imaginary separating surface.

[0008] This provides an indirect rear-view / vision system for a vehicle, featuring a robust and compact adjustment mechanism. A particularly favorable force flow is achieved between the effective surfaces of the adjustment mechanism of the support element and the overall component (support element). Load distribution is optimized, and stress peaks or overloads are avoided. This eliminates the risk of damage and / or failure.

[0009] In other words, a particularly load-optimized indirect vision system for a vehicle is presented, comprising / consisting of at least one reflective element for indirect vision, a support element, and an adjustment element, wherein the support element accommodates the reflective element and has a contact area with effective surfaces for the adjustment element, wherein the adjustment element has a direct or indirect attachment area, i.e.,with or without further intermediate parts, relating to the vehicle and having additional contact surfaces for the support element, wherein the support element and the adjustment element are pivotable relative to each other via a pivot point by means of their respective contact areas, the special feature being that the support element has a back wall which is arranged behind the reflective element, which divides the contact area into an inner contact area and an outer contact area, wherein the inner contact area is arranged between the back wall and the reflective element, and wherein the outer contact area is arranged offset towards the attachment area. The inner contact area generally projects away from the outer contact area and preferably exactly / approximately in the direction of the reflective element as seen from the area of ​​the transition.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

[0011] It is therefore advantageous if the first contact area is designed as an inner contact area located within a space defined by the support element and the reflective 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 at the convex connection area of ​​the adjusting element.

[0012] Because the first contact area is located inside the space defined by the supporting element and the reflective 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.

[0013] If the first contact area and the second contact area each have spherical segment-like inner contour segments, then adapting one or both contact areas to the convex connection area to ensure good adjustability is particularly efficient.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment is further characterized in that the inner surface of the coupling area (of the support element) and the outer surface of the connection area (of the adjustment element) are aligned in such a way that a pivot point is defined by both components around which the support element can be pivoted relative to the adjustment element. When using the rear-view system, the user can then easily adjust the required angular position of the two components relative to each other.

[0015] It is advantageous if the connection area has spherical segment-like counter-contact areas. This facilitates pivoting / swiveling.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the opposing contact areas are adapted to the contact areas with which they are in contact, particularly with regard to their contour. This allows, for example, the integration of sub-areas deviating from a spherical geometry or the use of ellipsoidal sub-areas.

[0017] If the opposing contact areas are connected via flattened areas or a flattened area, this achieves both easier assembly on the one hand and relief of the spring elements on the other, as well as avoiding over-constraint(s) on the contact surfaces.

[0018] For series production, it has proven advantageous if the support element is designed as a back panel and / or the adjustment element as a (rotary) pin, preferably made of plastic such as polyamide, e.g. as an integral / one-piece, single-material component.

[0019] It is advantageous if the adjusting element is attached to the support element, e.g. via a form-fit and / or force-fit.

[0020] A particularly good fit between the two components is ensured if the adjusting element has a receptacle for connecting a vehicle-mounted holder / telescopic rod holder, rod or (telescopic) tube, or is itself designed accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the opening is designed as a blind hole, the bottom of which is stepped to prevent rotation.

[0022] The mounting options can be designed in a variety of ways if the adjusting element has an indirect or direct attachment area to the vehicle, which, for example, has a blind hole.

[0023] The weight can be optimized if the two contact areas together form a spherical segment-like shell that merges into the main body in the area of ​​the transition.

[0024] The compactness of the system is enhanced if an angle α and / or an angle β of 15° to 125° ± 5° is present. It is advantageous if the main body meets the shell at an angle α of 15° to 125° ± 5° in the transition area, preferably 90° ± 2.5°, where the angle α is defined by an imaginary line through the transition area from the main body to the coupling area and an imaginary line extending axially through the (spherical) center of the connection area and / or the pivot point. In a specific case, the first of these imaginary lines may lie within the parting surface, on either side of which the inner and outer contact areas are located.

[0025] If the main body defines an imaginary bearing line in the direction of the pivot point, which intersects a theoretical sphere around the pivot point with a diameter of less than or equal to approximately 60 mm, preferably approximately 50 mm, and more preferably exactly 60 mm, then the force distribution in the direction of the center of the connection area is particularly good.

[0026] It has also proven effective to attach a glass element to the supporting element, for example by means of a form and / or force closure, in particular by means of a clip solution, and the glass element is designed as mirror glass.

[0027] An advantageous embodiment is further characterized in that a spring force is applied to (at least / only) one of the two contact areas, preferably the first contact area, or to both contact areas in the assembled state, which pushes the coupling area at least in each of the contact areas inwards towards the coupling area, preferably towards the pivot point. This facilitates self-locking after an adjustment and results in variability for achieving good reproduction of the driver's rear field of vision.

[0028] It is advantageous 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.

[0029] A separate spring element like this allows for precise adjustment of the spring force. It has also proven advantageous for the ring to have a closed or open cross-section, such as a slotted one. This improves assembly, particularly in the latter case, and increases fatigue strength / load-bearing capacity, especially in the former.

[0030] To ensure a long service life with unchanged technical conditions, it is advantageous if the spring element is made of a metallic material, such as an iron alloy, e.g., spring steel.

[0031] 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 or second contact area. This also facilitates subsequent application.

[0032] For connecting the individual components to each other, especially to prevent the components from being 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.

[0033] To keep the sliding area between the support element and the adjusting element permanently clean and free of contamination, it is advantageous to implement a sealing function between one of the contact areas and its corresponding counter-contact area, preferably between the first contact area and its corresponding counter-contact area, by means of the support element and / or the adjusting element. This can be achieved, for example, via a molded sealing lip on one or both components, and / or by installing / interposed an additional sealing element between the support element and the adjusting element. This creates a cleaning effect similar to that of an eyelid on an eye. In this way, a known weakness from the prior art can be eliminated.Penetrating contaminants are prevented, and friction that would otherwise occur when the individual parts move relative to each other can no longer lead to the undesirable wear that otherwise always reduces the service life. It should also be emphasized that wear can be prevented, especially if, for example, elasticity-enhancing slots or holes are present in the contact area—preferably only in the inner contact area. A relatively dense system is the result of this embodiment.

[0034] For assembly, it is advantageous if the coupling area is designed to be completely or at least partially elastic.

[0035] It is also advantageous if (primarily) only in the first contact area and / or (secondarily) only in the second contact area there are geometric changes that cause elasticity, such as thinnings, slots, cutouts, grooves, corrugations and / or similar designs.

[0036] In order to be able to specify different operating positions, it is advantageous if the coupling area and the connection area are designed to form an index geometry, by means of which certain predefined relative positions between the support element and the adjustment element can be assumed.

[0037] It is advantageous if the index geometry is shaped like a tongue-and-groove interlocking mechanism.

[0038] It has proven effective if the coupling area has at least one groove / channel or a plurality of them on its inside, and in which at least one or more of them (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 or a plurality of them on its outside, and in which at least one groove / channel or several (each) engages a projection on the inside of the coupling area of ​​the support element.

[0039] If the groove / channel and / or the projection has a V-, U-, roof-shaped or polygonal contour in cross-section and / or both are shaped to fit together (almost) without play, then a wobble-free adjustment of the adjusting element to the supporting element and vice versa is possible.

[0040] In order to make the adjustment stepless, it is advantageous if the projection in the groove / channel / gully (continuous / discontinuous) is slidably / slidingly installed / inserted.

[0041] Furthermore, it has also proven advantageous if grooves / channels / grooves are present on opposite outer sides of the adjusting element, viewed from the pivot point, two of which are filled with a projection of the adjusting element at least in one section, and at least two or an integer multiple of grooves / channels / grooves remain free of projections.

[0042] If the grooves / channels / grooves are evenly distributed around 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.

[0043] The invention ultimately relates to such a design in which a mirror head is formed and / or a head adjuster or a glass adjuster is included.

[0044] If the inner contact area and / or the outer contact area is radially closed and preferably has elastic sub-areas, simple assembly is made possible by excluding the possibility of contamination or by providing a dirt guard.

[0045] 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 towards the adjustment element, for example via a counter-contact area formed there. A snap-on connection is the result.

[0046] Further development is seen in the fact that the coupling area, forming the second contact area and / or the first contact area when sliding onto the adjusting element, is first widened and then springs back elastically.

[0047] It is advantageous if the coupling area is clipped onto a spherical thickening / onto the convex connection area of ​​the adjusting element.

[0048] 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 from a minimum of 15° to a maximum of 125°.

[0049] Further training can also be described by stating that the adjusting element is formed in one piece with the connection area to the vehicle and in the effective surfaces to the support element.

[0050] Furthermore, the direction of the back wall in the area of ​​the contact area can be designed such that, in a theoretical extension towards the center of the sphere, it intersects a theoretical sphere with a diameter of 60 mm.

[0051] It is also considered advantageous that the adjusting element is mounted to the support element from the inside out, starting from the direction of the reflective element, and that the outer and inner contact areas are radially closed, or that the outer contact area is radially closed and the inner contact area has elastic sections. Slots, cutouts, grooves, and corrugations are suitable for this purpose. This simplifies the segmentation or implementation of a push-button principle. The slots create an elastic spring effect in the contact area.

[0052] In other words, the invention also relates to the assembly of the adjusting element to the support element from the direction of the reflective element from the inside out, wherein the outer and inner contact area of ​​the support element is radially closed and the adjusting element has elastic partial areas.

[0053] If pressure is applied to the contact areas of the adjusting element by means of a spring element at the outer or inner contact areas of the supporting element, the friction is increased by means of the spring so that it forces a higher adjusting force for the adjustment.

[0054] It is advantageous if pressure is applied to the contact areas of the support element by means of a spring element at the outer or inner contact areas of the adjusting element.

[0055] 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.

[0056] It is also advantageous to have a sealing function integrated into the outer contact area of ​​the support element and the outer contact area of ​​the adjustment element. Molded sealing lips on the support element are just as conceivable as additional molded sealing lips made of a second material. Additional sealing elements that are mounted separately are also possible.

[0057] If the indirect vision system is mounted directly or indirectly on the vehicle using a tube or adjustment element, and if the adjustment element is a single piece or multi-part design for attaching the tube, further alternatives are possible. For direct mounting, a tube can be attached to the vehicle, while for indirect mounting, an additional support element, such as a telescopic pole holder, can be used.

[0058] It is advantageous if the tube is clearly defined, positioned, and fixed within the adjustment element via a positive fit, i.e., corresponding geometric shapes. This ensures that the required field of view—for example, to meet customer requirements or legal field-of-view standards such as UN / ECE-R46, ISO 5721-2, or ISO 5006—is always maintained. Furthermore, the mirror head is securely attached to the adjustment element and cannot "fall off" if the positive fit is lost or reduced.

[0059] 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 if the adjustment element is designed as a single piece or in multiple parts.

[0060] It is also advantageous if an indexing geometry between the adjusting element and the support element, e.g., a tongue and groove joint, allows for different operating positions to be set radially around the horizontal axis of the sphere. The operating positions can still be selected after the mirror head has been mounted, as the indexing geometry is elastic. This also makes it possible to achieve collision protection through the damping and compliance of the indexing geometry.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The solution according to the invention offers numerous advantages. For example, it achieves an optimized force flow from the support element to the adjustment element, since the force is introduced between the inner and outer contact areas, thus improving the force transfer from the support element to the adjustment element. The number of components is also reduced because the function and geometric shape are integrated. The contact areas of the support element and the adjustment element interlock, eliminating the need for an additional sliding or joining element. Assembly is simplified due to the reduced number of components, thereby reducing costs. In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism simply needs to be "snapped" into place, eliminating the need for a joining element such as a screw or locking bolt.

[0063] The index geometry, similar to a tongue-and-groove combination, allows for adjustment when a larger torque is applied, for example to switch from a portrait to a landscape orientation.

[0064] Another positive aspect relates to the routing of an electrical cable, which allows for the connection of electrical modules such as heating films on the back of the mirror (i.e., inside the space defined by the glass element and the support element), blind spot monitoring systems, and / or parking distance control systems. Such electrical cables / supply lines can then be routed through the interior of the convex connection area of ​​the adjustment element or the sphere formed by the adjustment element.

[0065] The invention is explained in more detail below with the aid of a drawing in which different embodiments are shown. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a top view of a rear vision system of the type according to the invention with a view of the reflective element, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section along line II through the rear vision system made of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 the rear view system according to a representation from Fig. 2 with a modified adjustment element, Fig. 4 an isometric view of the rear view system from Fig. 3 without a reflective element, slightly angled to the mounting direction, Fig. 5, the rear view system made of Fig. 3 with spring elements present on both sides of an imaginary separating surface, Fig. 6 Fig. 5 modified embodiment in which the separating element is in a form comparable to the embodiment according to Fig. 5 exhibits a sharper angle in the area of ​​the transition from the main body of the support element to the coupling area, Fig. 7 shows one of the embodiments of the Figs. 5 and 6 A comparable embodiment, but modified in the angle and shape of the main body, Fig. 8, is shown. Fig. 4comparable isometric view of another embodiment compared to Fig. 5 , namely without slots in the support element, Fig. 9 the embodiment according to Fig. 5 with a tube present in the adjusting element, Fig. 10 an enlargement of area X from Fig. 3 , Fig. 11 a top view of a first embodiment of a spring element, as it appears in the embodiment of the Fig. 9 Fig. 12 shows a section through the spring element. Fig. 11 along line XII, Fig. 13, a variant of a spring element, as it appears in the Figs. 11 and 12 shown in a to Fig. 11 In a comparable manner, Fig. 14 shows a section along line XIV through the spring element made of Fig. 13 , Fig. 15 an enlargement of area XV by the embodiment from Fig. 9 with spring elements not yet installed, Fig. 16 a longitudinal section along line XVI through the embodiment from Fig. 15Fig. 17 a perspective view of an assembled rear-view system, Fig. 18 a section along line XVIII through the embodiment made of Fig. 17 , Fig. 19 a section through the representation of the embodiment from Fig. 18 along line XIX. Fig. 20 a front view of a head adjuster of the rear view system according to the invention, Fig. 21 a singular view of a glass adjuster according to the invention, Fig. 22 a top view to Fig. 20 , Fig. 23 a vertical view of Fig. 21 on the assembled rear-view system according to the invention and Fig. 24, a further embodiment in a the Figures 5 to 7 corresponding type of representation.

[0066] The figures are purely schematic and serve only to illustrate the invention. Identical elements are identified by the same reference numerals. Features of the individual embodiments are interchangeable.

[0067] In Fig. 1Figure 1 shows a top view from the rear of a vehicle of a first embodiment of an indirect rear-view system 1. Two reflective elements 3, namely an upper mirror glass 4 and a lower mirror glass 5, are attached to a support element 2.

[0068] The attachment of the two reflective elements 3 to the supporting element 2 is shown in the longitudinal section view according to Fig. 2 A more detailed explanation.

[0069] The support element 2 provides a fastening 6 at its outer ends 7. From these outer ends 7, the support element 7 extends with its main body 8 to a transition area 9. There, the main body 8 transitions into a coupling area 10. The coupling area 10 has a first contact area 11 and a second contact area 12. The coupling area 10, with its first contact area 11 and its second contact area 12, surrounds a convexly shaped connection area 13 of an adjusting element 14. The axial direction in which the coupling area 10 is placed onto the connection area 13 is indicated by the reference numeral 15.

[0070] An imaginary separating surface 16 - here as a separating plane - runs through the areas of the transition 9, i.e. exactly through that area 9 of the transition where the main body 8 transitions into the coupling area 10.

[0071] For the understanding of the separating surface 16, it is important that in certain - but not necessarily all - sections through a pivot point 18, about which the support element 2 can be pivoted relative to the adjusting element 14, the separating surface 16 accommodates imaginary straight lines through the areas 9 of the transition from the main body 8 to the coupling area 10.

[0072] If the area 9 of the transition 9 is rotationally symmetric about the axis 24, then in a certain special case a separating surface 16 can result in the form of a separating plane which accommodates straight lines through all areas 9 of the said transition in all angular positions.

[0073] However, this is not always the case, for example if area 9 of the transition has projections / noses / grooves or recesses / depressions extending in the direction of axis 24, which would only be recognizable two-dimensionally in different cross-sections.

[0074] The first contact area 11 is an inner contact area, as it is located in a space 17 formed by the supporting element 2 and the two reflective elements 3. Outside this space 17, on the other side of the imaginary separating surface 16 (as seen from the first contact area 11), is the second contact area 12, which is an outer contact area.

[0075] The two contact areas 11 and 12 have spherical segment-like inner contour segments which are in planar or linear contact with a spherical segment-shaped section (each) of the connection area 13.

[0076] The support element 2, comprising the main body 8 and the coupling area 10, is made of plastic, preferably by injection molding, and has a predominantly uniform wall thickness. The connection area 13, which has spherical, ball-like, or spherical segment areas, surrounds the pivot point 18. When the reflection element is adjusted, the first contact area 11 and the second contact area 12 (together), which are part of the coupling area 10 and are fixedly attached to the main body 8 of the support element 2 via the transition area 9, move in a sliding motion on the outer surface of counter-contact areas 19. These counter-contact areas 19 are located at the same height as the two contact areas 11 and 12, but belong to the adjustment element 14.

[0077] The support element 2 basically functions as a back wall.

[0078] Further development of the adjusting element 14 is in Fig. 3The adjusting element 14 has a receptacle 20 with a blind hole 21. The bottom 22 of the blind hole 21 is stepped.

[0079] Anticipating Fig. 9 The possibility of inserting a tube 23 into the blind hole 21 has already been mentioned. The tube 23 can also be a rod, a telescopic tube, or a telescopic pole. The adjusting element 14 is also made of plastic, in particular by injection molding, and is hollow inside.

[0080] The main body 8 meets the coupling area 10 at a specific point, namely in the area of ​​the transition 9 of the main body 8 into the coupling area 10. If this point is theoretically extended by the pivot point 18, an angle to an imaginary horizontal line 24 through the pivot point 18 can be measured. This angle is denoted by α. It can be between 15° and 125°. In the embodiment of the Fig. 3It measures exactly 90°. In this embodiment, the aforementioned special point lies in the parting surface 16, and thus also one leg of the angle α. In other words, the section of the main body 8 closest to the coupling area lies in the imaginary parting surface 16.

[0081] Furthermore, the main body 8 strikes the coupling area 10 at a specific angle relative to an imaginary horizontal line 24. Extending the main body 8 as it strikes the coupling area 20 in the region of the transition 9 results in an extension or imaginary sighting line 28. This is formed at a further angle relative to the imaginary line 24. This angle is designated as angle β and can range from 15° to 125°. In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 It measures exactly 90°. In the embodiment of the Figure 5 Both angle α and angle β are 90°. In the embodiment of the Figure 6The angle α is 90° and the angle β is 66°.

[0082] In the embodiment of the Figure 5 A recess / groove / trough / channel 25 is incorporated on the surface of the first contact area 11 furthest from the adjusting element to provide a secure fit for a spring element 26. A second spring element 26, which is identical in construction to the spring element 26 inserted in the recess / trough / channel 25 or has a different design, is also present there.

[0083] The two counter-contact areas 19 are connected to each other via a flattened area or a flattening 27. An imaginary extension 28 of the main body 8 into the coupling area 10 intersects an imaginary sphere 29 with a diameter of 50 mm, 60 mm, or 70 mm. The imaginary extension 28 corresponds to a sighting line. The imaginary sphere 29 is thus a theoretical sphere. The interaction of the adjusting element 14 with the coupling area 10 of the support element 2 is shown in the illustration when the upper and lower mirror glass 4 and 5 are omitted. Fig. 8 Clearly visible.

[0084] In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 5 The angle α and the angle β can also be chosen differently.

[0085] For example, the angle β in the Fig. 6 approximately 66° or 70°, i.e., an acute angle. The angle α in the embodiment according to Fig. 7The angle is approximately 85°, which is also an acute angle. However, obtuse angles are also conceivable. For example, 100°, 110°, and 120° are equally possible.

[0086] The embodiment of the Fig. 9 The spring elements used (26) are exemplary in the Figs. 11 to 14 The spring element 26 is shown. Figs. 13 and 14 bracket-like and the Figs. 11 and 12 ring-shaped. In particular, the spring element 26 is a single or multiply wound spring ring.

[0087] The enlargement of Fig. 10 The force transmission between the opposing contact areas 19 on the one hand and the two contact areas 11 and 12 on the other hand is clearly visible. The force required for this is provided by the stiffness of the material of the support element 2 on the one hand and the spring elements 26 on the other.

[0088] The Figs. 15 and 16The connection of the tube 23 to the receptacle 20 of the adjusting element 14 is shown in different longitudinal sections. The overall assembly is the Fig. 17 to be seen, whereas an index geometry 30 in enlarged representation in the Figs. 18 and 19 can be seen from this.

[0089] There are elasticity-inducing structural features 31 in the first contact area 11, namely slots 32. On the inside of the coupling area 10, there are guiding features in the form of grooves / channels / grooves 34. These grooves 34 are offset by 90° around the circumference, and the upper and lower grooves 34 in the direction of gravity are positively filled at one point / cross-sectional segment by projections 35, leaving adjoining segments free.

[0090] The Figs. 20 to 23 complete the overall geometric picture.

[0091] In the Figure 24Another embodiment is shown, wherein the separating surface 16 runs obliquely to the imaginary line 24. The imaginary extensions / sighting lines 28 are not parallel to each other. Rather, the imaginary extension / sighting line 28 extending from the upper (i.e., above the imaginary line 24) region of the transition 10 diverges from the part of the support element 7 located below the imaginary line 24. If each point of region 10 is connected to the opposite region 10 through the imaginary line 24, a separating plane results in this unclaimed embodiment, which does not pass through the pivot point 18 but could do so in other embodiments. Furthermore, while the separating surface 16 is indeed designed as a separating plane here, it could alternatively be a free surface rather than a plane in unclaimed embodiments. Reference symbol list

[0092] 1 Indirect rear view system 2 Support element 3 Reflection element 4 Upper mirror glass 5 Lower mirror glass 6 Mounting 7 Outer end of the support element 8 Main body 9 Transition area 10 Coupling area 11 First contact area 12 Second contact area 13 Convex connection area 14 Adjustment element 15 Axial direction / Mounting direction 16 Imaginary separation surface 17 Space 18 Pivot point 19 Counter-contact area 20 Receptacle 21 Blind hole 22 Bottom 23 Tube 24 Imaginary straight line 25 Recess / Groove / Channel / Rip 26 Spring element 27 Flattening area / Flattening 28 Imaginary extension / Sight line 29 Imaginary sphere / Theoretical sphere 30 Index geometry 31 Construction measure 32 Slot 33 Guidance measure 34 Groove / Channel / Rip 35 Projection

Claims

1. An indirect rear-view system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a supporting element (2), which is configured as an integral, single-material component, for fastening at least one reflection element (3), wherein the supporting element (2) forms a coupling region (10) for positionally variable attachment to an adjusting element (14) which can be connected to the vehicle, wherein the coupling region (10) has a first contact region (11) and a second contact region (12), which is axially offset with respect thereto, for contacting a convex connection region (13) of the adjusting element (14), wherein an imaginary separating surface (16) in the form of a separating plane runs through a region of a transition (9) of a main body (8) of the supporting element (2) into the coupling region (10) of the supporting element (2) on both sides of a pivot point (18) about which the supporting element (2) can be pivoted relative to the adjusting element (14), characterized in that the first contact region (11) is arranged on one side of the imaginary separating surface (16) and the second contact region (12) is arranged on the opposite, other side of the imaginary separating surface (16).

2. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first contact region (11) is configured as an inner contact region which lies in the interior of a space (17) which is defined by the supporting element (2) and the reflection element (3), and the second contact region (12) is configured as an outer contact region.

3. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first contact region (11) and the second contact region (12) have in each case spherical-segment-like inner contour segments.

4. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inner side of the coupling region (10) and the outer side of the connection region (13) are coordinated with each other such that the pivot point (18) about which the supporting element (2) can be pivoted relative to the adjusting element (14) is defined by both components.

5. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connection region (13) has spherical-segment-like mating contact regions (19).

6. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two contact regions (11 and 12) jointly form a spherical-segment-like shell which open / merge into the main body (8) in the region of the transition (9), and / or a sealing function is realized between one of the contact regions (11, 12) and the mating contact region (19) which is assigned thereto.

7. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an angle α and / or an angle β of 15° to 125° + / - 5° is / are present.

8. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a spring force, which pushes into the coupling region (10) at least in the respective contact region (11, 12) in the direction of the coupling-region interior, bears against one of the two contact regions (11, 12) or against both contact regions (11 and 12) in the mounted state.

9. The indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main body (8) predefines an imaginary bearing line (28) in the direction of the pivot point (18) and which intersects a theoretical sphere (29) with a diameter of less than or equal to approximately 60 mm about the pivot point (18).

10. A mounting method for coupling a supporting element (2) of the indirect rear-view system (1) according to one of the preceding claims to the adjusting element (14), wherein the supporting element (2) is moved from the direction of the reflection element (3) in the direction of the adjusting element (14).