Rear visibility device with actuator and gasket seal head mover

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a rear visibility device for a vehicle with one or more gaskets that prevent water or other contaminants from entering the device between the components while allowing the components to move relative to one another. In an embodiment, the rear visibility device includes a base configured to be mounted to a side of a vehicle, a head for supporting at least one means for providing rear visibility disposed at a second mounting end of the base, an actuator connected to the second end of the base, and a shroud attached to the actuator, the actuator capable of rotating the head relative to the base. In one embodiment, the shroud is configured to interact with a shaft of the actuator to limit rotational movement of the actuator.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This international patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 587,931, filed Jan. 28, 2022.

[0002]

[0002] U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 587,931 is a continuation-in-part of International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2021 / 062219, which claims priority to both U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 021,168, filed May 7, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 124,987, filed December 14, 2020.

[0003]

[0003] U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 587,931 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 757,834, filed April 21, 2020, which is a national phase of International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2018 / 079886, filed October 31, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority to International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2018 / 067842, filed July 2, 2018, which also claims the benefit of priority to International Patent Application No. PCT / EP2018 / 079886, filed July 2, 2018. This application claims the benefit of foreign priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 800,413, filed November 1, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 603,751, filed May 24, 2017, which claims the benefit of foreign priority to European application Ser. No. 16198759.9, filed November 14, 2016, which in turn claims the benefit of priority to German application Ser. No. 102012108480.7, filed September 11, 2012. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 022,896, filed September 10, 2013, which claims the benefit of foreign priority; this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 000,754, filed January 19, 2016, which claims the benefit of foreign priority; this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 15 / 607,894, filed May 30, 2017, which also claims the benefit of foreign priority from Australian application Ser. No. 2012900267, filed January 24, 2012. Claims benefit of foreign priority to European patent application No. 16198759.9 filed on November 14, 2016, claims benefit of foreign priority to German patent application No. 102018116008.9 filed on July 2, 2018, claims benefit of foreign priority to German patent application No. 102018116011.9 filed on July 2, 2018, claims benefit of foreign priority to European patent application No. 18198678 filed on October 4, 2018.This application is a national stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2013 / 000047, filed January 24, 2013, claiming the benefit of foreign priority to U.S. Patent Application No. PCT / AU2013 / 000047, filed January 24, 2013; a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 374,376, filed July 24, 2014, now issuing as U.S. Patent No. 9,181,616; a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 936,024, filed November 9, 2015; and a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 439,188, filed February 22, 2017.

[0004]

[0004] U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 587,931 is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 459,051, which claims the benefit of foreign priority to German Patent Application No. DE102018115011.9, filed on July 2, 2019.

[0005]

[0005] Each of the above priority applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0006]

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a rear visibility device for a vehicle, said rear visibility device including an actuator and a gasket seal head mover for said rear visibility device. The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle including at least one such rear visibility device. [Background technology]

[0007]

[0007] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0008]

[0008] A vehicle requires an operable rear visibility system to provide a rearward visibility to an operator of the vehicle. A rear visibility system typically includes one or more components that must be actuated relative to the vehicle body along a first axis, and such components may include mirrors and / or cameras. As an example, actuation of the component along the first axis may provide the operator of the vehicle with the ability to fine-tune the rearward visibility provided by the rear visibility system.

[0009]

[0009] Additionally, some rear visibility systems actuate one or more components along a secondary axis, which may include a mirror or a camera. As an example, actuation of a component along a secondary axis may cause the component to be retracted closer to the vehicle body under certain conditions. Generally, actuation of a component of a rear visibility system along a secondary axis is accomplished using a secondary actuator.

[0010]

[0010] Electromechanical actuators are typically used to rotate components relative to the vehicle body, however, existing electromechanical actuators are noisy, heavy, large in size, and subject to high shock loads on the gear train during a crash, often requiring high strength metal components (e.g., gears) that make the actuator heavy and expensive.

[0011]

[0011] Using a single actuator to adjust components along multiple axes allows for adjustment along a second axis, reducing design costs and complexity of the rear visibility system.

[0012]

[0012] When electronic devices are used to operate components of the rear visibility device, it is important to provide seals around such elements to allow the assembly to move with minimal resistance while preventing water, dirt, or other contaminants from entering the assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0013]

[0013] Generally, the present disclosure provides a rear vision device having a gasket with a base providing a first mounting end for mounting to the side of a vehicle and a second mounting end for an actuator to which a shroud is attached. The gasket includes a soft lip extending horizontally from a foot of the base to contact the shroud, the gasket maintaining contact between the base and the shroud while allowing the actuator to rotate the head of the rear vision device relative to the base. In some embodiments, a second gasket can provide an additional seal by contacting a face of the shroud at an angle with an additional soft lip attached to a rigid component. This sealing configuration provides a sealed enclosure in which the base can be moved by an actuator without the need for a large amount of current through the actuator.

[0014]

[0014] The rear vision device further comprises a mirror head with an actuator for moving the entire mirror head. To that end, the tilt axis of the actuator is configured to be fixedly mounted to the case bottom and / or the case frame, and / or the hinge of the actuator is configured to be engaged by a complementary hinge of the case frame. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator is associated with a shroud for mounting the actuator such that the mirror head forms a seal. An additional seal is created when the mirror head is mounted to the mirror base.

[0015] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an external rear visibility device that may include a base configured to be attached to a side of a vehicle, the base including a base frame and a base cover, a head for supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a vehicle driver, a shroud supported between the base and the head, the shroud having a bottom surface, and a foot gasket attached to the base. The foot gasket may include a rigid portion having a circular sidewall and a top surface, a first gasket lip extending vertically from the top surface, and a second gasket lip extending horizontally from the circular sidewall and contacting the base.

[0016]

[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an external rear visibility device that may include a base configured to be attached to a side of a vehicle, the base including a base frame and a base cover, a head for supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to an operator of the vehicle, a shroud supported between the base and the head, the shroud having a substantially flat bottom surface, a head gasket including a lip contacting an outer surface of the shroud, the head gasket providing a seal between the shroud and a lower case of the head, and a foot gasket attached to the base. The foot gasket can include a rigid portion having a circular sidewall and a substantially flat top surface, a first gasket lip extending vertically from the top surface and contacting a bottom surface of the shroud and bent outwardly thereby, and a second gasket lip extending horizontally from the circular sidewall and contacting the base, the first gasket lip and the second gasket lip being separated by a portion of the rigid portion, and the first gasket lip and the second gasket lip each being a soft component having a circular shape disposed about a center of the foot gasket.

[0017]

[0017] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an external rear visibility device that may include a base configured to be attached to a side of a vehicle, the base including a base frame and a base cover, a head for supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to an operator of the vehicle, a shroud supported between the base and the head and having a first shroud lip and a second shroud lip, the first shroud lip and the second shroud lip extending vertically from a bottom surface of the shroud, a head gasket including a lip contacting an outer surface of the shroud, providing a seal between the shroud and a lower case of the head, and a foot gasket attached to the base. The foot gasket may include a hard portion having a circular sidewall and a top surface, a first gasket lip extending vertically from the top surface, the first gasket lip configured to be received between the first shroud lip and the second shroud lip, a second gasket lip extending horizontally from the circular sidewall and contacting the base, the first gasket lip and the second gasket lip being separated by a portion of the hard portion, and a third gasket lip extending vertically from the top surface and positioned closer to a center of the foot gasket relative to the first gasket lip, wherein the second gasket lip is a soft component and the first gasket lip and the third gasket lip are hard components, and each of the first gasket lip, the second gasket lip, and the third gasket lip have a circular shape positioned about the center of the foot gasket.

[0018]

[0018] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a rear visibility device for a vehicle that may include a base configured to be mounted to a side of the vehicle, the base having a first mounting end located on the side of the vehicle and a second mounting end located opposite the first mounting end, the base including a base frame and a base cover, a head supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a driver of the vehicle and located at the second mounting end of the base, the head having an opening through which the base can be accessed, an actuator having a shaft connected to the first mounting component and a foot, the foot configured to be at least partially received within a recess in the base, and a shroud, the shroud including a second mounting component configured to be mounted to the first mounting component of the actuator to fixedly mount the shroud to the actuator, the shroud configured to interact with the shaft to limit rotational movement of the actuator.

[0019]

[0019] In one aspect, the disclosure provides an actuator comprising: a base configured to be mounted to a side of a vehicle, the base having a first mounting end disposed on the side of the vehicle and a second mounting end disposed opposite the first mounting end, the base including a base frame and a base cover; a head supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to an operator of the vehicle, the head being disposed on the second mounting end of the base, the head having an opening through which the base can be accessed; and an actuator comprising a shaft connected to the first mounting component and a foot, the foot configured to be at least partially received within a recess in the base, the shaft extending partially beyond a bottom surface of the shroud and extending from an upper half of a side wall of the shaft. and a shroud including an actuator having an end stop protruding from a shaft, the end stop having a flat bottom, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being radially disposed relative to a center of the shaft; and a shroud including a second mounting component configured to mount to a first mounting component of the actuator to fixedly mount the shroud to the actuator, the shroud including a groove extending in an arc along a portion of the shroud and having a flat bottom, a first end wall, and a second end wall, the groove being configured to interact with the end stop of the shaft to limit rotational movement of the actuator, the arc of the groove having a central angle of less than 180 degrees.

[0020]

[0020] It should be noted that the features described individually in the following description can be combined with each other in a technically advantageous manner to describe other forms of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of systems, apparatus, and methods consistent with the present specification and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the present disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of numbers to refer to components in a given figure is not intended to limit the components in another figure labeled with the same number. The description, particularly in conjunction with the drawings, further characterizes and identifies the present disclosure.

[0021] In order that the present disclosure may be fully understood, various forms thereof will now be described, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1]

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A]

[0023] 1 is a top view of a rear visibility device with a mirror head in a driven position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2B]

[0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of a rear visibility device with the mirror head in a folded position, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A]

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of a rear visibility device with a mirror head in a nominal position according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B]

[0026] 1 is a side view of a rear visibility device with a mirror head tilted upward, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 3C]

[0027] 1 is a side view of a rear visibility device with a mirror head tilted downward, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4A]

[0028] FIG. 1 is a top isometric assembly view of an actuator used with a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B]

[0029] FIG. 4B is a side view of the actuator of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A]

[0030] FIG. 4B is an isometric exploded view of the actuator of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5B]

[0031] FIG. 4B is an additional isometric exploded view of the actuator of FIG. 4A. [Figure 6]

[0032] FIG. 13 illustrates a case bottom for use with a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0033] 4A as attached to the bottom of the case of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8]

[0034] 1 illustrates a case frame for use with a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A]

[0035] FIG. 9 shows the case frame of FIG. 8 in an installed state. [Figure 9B]

[0036] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the case frame of FIG. 8 in an installed state. [Figure 10A]

[0037] FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the rear viewing device of FIG. 9B. [Figure 10B]

[0038] FIG. 10B shows the mirror head in a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 10A with the mirror head in a nominal position. [Figure 10C]

[0039] FIG. 10B shows the mirror head in a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 10A, where the mirror head is tilted upwards. [Figure 10D]

[0040] FIG. 10B shows the mirror head in a cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 10A, where the mirror head is tilted downwards. [Figure 11]

[0041] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a spider frame for use with a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A]

[0042] FIG. 12 is an exploded isometric side view of the spider frame of FIG. 11 as installed in a partial rear visibility system. [Figure 12B]

[0043] FIG. 12C is an assembled isometric view of the spider frame attached to the partial rear visibility device of FIG. 12B. [Figure 13]

[0044] FIG. 13 is a top isometric view of a bezel mounted case frame according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A]

[0045] FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of a bezel mounted case frame attached to a partial device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B]

[0046] FIG. 13 is an assembled isometric side view of a bezel mounted case frame attached to a partial device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]

[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a lower case and gasket of a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 16]

[0048] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an actuator and shroud of a rear visibility apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 17A]

[0049] FIG. 17 is a top view of the actuator of FIG. 16 secured to a case bottom in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17B]

[0050] FIG. 17B is a bottom view of the actuator fixed to the lower part of the case in FIG. 17A. [Figure 18]

[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates a base frame of a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 19]

[0052] FIG. 19 is a front view of the actuator of FIG. 17A mounted on the base frame of FIG. 18 in a nominal position. [Figure 20]

[0053] FIG. 20 shows an assembly similar to that of FIG. 19, but with the breakface gasket removed. [Figure 21A]

[0054] FIG. 17 is a front view of the shroud of FIG. 16 after hitting a hard stop at the rear. [Figure 21B]

[0055] FIG. 17 is a side view of the shroud of FIG. 16 after hitting a hard stop at the rear. [Figure 22A]

[0056] FIG. 17 is a front view of the shroud of FIG. 16 hitting a hard stop in front. [Figure 22B]

[0057] FIG. 17 is a side view of the shroud of FIG. 16 hitting a hard stop forward. [Figure 23]

[0058] 1 illustrates a base cover of a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 24A]

[0059] FIG. 2 illustrates a stationary shroud for a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 24B]

[0060] FIG. 24B illustrates the rotation of the mirror head around the stationary shroud of FIG. 24A. [Figure 25A]

[0061] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view through a portion of an actuator of a rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 25B]

[0062] FIG. 25B is a schematic diagram of a tail pin inserted into the actuator of FIG. 25A. [Figure 26A]

[0063] FIG. 2 is a side view of an upper housing of an actuator for use with a rear visibility system according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 26B]

[0064] FIG. 26B is a side view of a tail pin for use with the upper housing of FIG. 26A. [Figure 27]

[0065] FIG. [Figure 28]

[0066] FIG. 28A is an exploded view of the head assembly of the alternative first rear viewing device.

[0023]

[0067] FIG. 28B is an exploded view of the head assembly of the alternative second rear viewing device.

[0024]

[0068] FIG. 28C is an exploded view of the head assembly of the alternative third rear viewing device.

[0025]

[0069] FIG. 28D is a perspective view of a base assembly to which any one of the head assemblies of FIGS. 28A, 28B, and 28C can be attached. [Figure 29]

[0070] FIG. 13 is a perspective top view of an alternative base frame having a gasket. [Diagram 30]

[0071] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gasket seal head mover assembly. [Diagram 31] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gasket seal head mover assembly. [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a gasket seal head mover assembly. [Figure 33A]

[0072] FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of an exterior rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 33B]

[0073] FIG. 33B is an additional isometric exploded view of the external rear visibility device of FIG. 33A. [Diagram 34]

[0074] FIG. 33C is an isometric assembly view of the external rear visibility device of FIGS. 33A-33B. [Diagram 35]

[0075] FIG. 35A is a front view of the actuator of the external rear visibility device of FIGS. 33A-33B and 34. FIG.

[0026]

[0076] FIG. 35B is a top view of the shaft of the actuator of FIGS. 33A-33B and 34. FIG. [Diagram 36]

[0077] FIG. 36A is a front view of the actuator and shroud of the external rear visibility device of FIGS. 33A-33B and 34. FIG.

[0027]

[0078] FIG. 36B is a top view of the shroud and actuator shaft of FIGS. 33A-33B and 34. FIG. [Figure 37]

[0079] FIG. 37A is a side view of the actuator of the external rear visibility device of FIGS. 33A-33B and 34. FIG.

[0028]

[0080] FIG. 37B is an isometric view of the actuator of the external rear visibility device of FIGS. 33A-33B and 34. FIG. [Figure 38]

[0081] FIG. 38A is a top view of a shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029]

[0082] FIG. 38B is an isometric view of the shroud of FIG. 38A. [Figure 39]

[0083] FIG. 39A is a top view of a shroud according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030]

[0084] FIG. 39B is an isometric view of the shroud of FIG. 39A. [Diagram 40]

[0085] FIG. 1 is a side view of an assembled exterior rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 41]

[0086] 41A is an isometric view of the assembled exterior rear visibility device of FIG.

[0031]

[0087] FIG. 41B is an additional isometric view of the assembled exterior rear viewing device of FIG. 41A with the bottom case removed. [Diagram 42]

[0088] FIG. 1 is a front view of a foot gasket according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 43]

[0089] FIG. 2 is a side view of an assembled exterior rear visibility device according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 44]

[0090] 44A is an isometric view of the assembled exterior rear viewing device of FIG. 43. FIG.

[0032]

[0091] FIG. 44B is an additional isometric view of the assembled exterior rear viewing device of FIG. 44A with the bottom case removed. [Diagram 45]

[0092] FIG. 1 is a front view of a foot gasket according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033]

[0093] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding components and features.

[0034]

[0094] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035]

[0095] 1, the vehicle 100 includes rear visibility devices 102, 104 on either side of the vehicle. Although the vehicle 100 is illustrated as a passenger car, the vehicle 100 may be any other type of vehicle, and non-limiting examples of the vehicle 100 include a truck, an off-road vehicle, a bus, a motorcycle, an aircraft, a streetcar, a locomotive, or a large vehicle.

[0036]

[0096] 1, the rearview mirror devices 102, 104 are shown as side vision mirrors. In an alternative variation, the rear vision devices 102, 104 may be implemented as camera systems. The rear vision devices 102, 104 are positioned on the vehicle 100 such that they are adjustable to provide the driver with a view behind the vehicle.

[0037]

[0097] 2A-3C, the operation of the rear viewing devices 102, 104 will now be further described. Although the following description refers to the rear viewing device 104, it should be understood that the rear viewing device 104 has an analog structure.

[0038]

[0098] 2A-2B show top views of a rear visibility device 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039]

[0099] As shown in Figures 2A-2B, the rear vision device 102 includes a shaft 202, a mirror base 204, and a mirror head 206. In Figure 2A, the rear vision device 102 can be seen in a top-down view with the mirror head 206 in a driven position. When actuated in a first direction relative to the shaft 202, as shown by line 208, motion is imparted to the mirror head 206 to rotate about the shaft 202 to a storage position, as shown in Figure 2B. Furthermore, when actuated in a second direction relative to the shaft 202, as shown by line 208, motion is imparted to the mirror head 206 when in the storage position, as shown in Figure 2B, to rotate the mirror head back to the drive position, as shown in Figure 2A.

[0040]

[0100] Actuation of the mirror head 206 about the axis 202 can be performed from any position to move the mirror head 206 to any other position about the axis 202. For example, the mirror head 206 can start in a retracted position as shown in Figure 2B and then be actuated in a second direction about the axis 202 to move the mirror head 206 to a driven position. The mirror head 206 can be adjusted to any position between the driven position shown in Figure 2A and the retracted position shown in Figure 2B.

[0041]

[0101] 2A, actuation can be performed to move the mirror head 206 to adjust the rear view of the driver of the vehicle 100. The movement required to adjust the mirror head 206 to adjust the rear view of the driver of the vehicle 100 is less than the movement required to move the mirror head 206 from the driven position to the stowed position or from the stowed position to the driven position.

[0042]

[0102] 3A-3C show side views of a rear visibility device 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043]

[0103] As shown in Figures 3A-3C, the rear vision device 102 includes a mirror base 204, a mirror head 206, and a shaft 302. In Figure 3A, the rear vision device 102 can be seen in a side view with the mirror head 206 in a nominal position. When actuated in a first direction, as shown by line 304, movement is imparted to the mirror head 206, causing it to tilt upward to the position shown in Figure 3B. When actuated in a second direction, as shown by line 304, movement is imparted to the mirror head 206, causing it to tilt downward to the position shown in Figure 3C.

[0044]

[0104] Actuation of the mirror head about axis 302 can be performed from any position to move mirror head 206 to any other position about axis 302. For example, the mirror head can begin tilting upward as shown in FIG. 3B and then be actuated in a second direction to tilt mirror head 206 downward. While tilting downward, actuation can be stopped to adjust mirror head 206 to the nominal position shown in FIG. 3A, or continue to adjust mirror head 206 downward until it reaches the position shown in FIG. 3C. Additionally, mirror head 206 can be tilted to any position between FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C.

[0045]

[0105] It should be noted that although the following drawing description and discussion will be with respect to rear vision device 102, device 104 functions similarly.

[0046]

[0106] 4 illustrates an actuator 402 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the actuator 402 includes an axis 202 and an axis 302. The axis 202 is substantially perpendicular to the axis 302. Furthermore, the axis 202 is substantially perpendicular to the actuator 402, and the axis 302 is substantially horizontal to the actuator 402.

[0047]

[0107] Fig. 5A shows an exploded view of the actuator 402 of Fig. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5B shows an additional exploded view of the actuator 402 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048]

[0108] 5A-5B, the actuator 402 further includes an upper housing 502, a lower housing 504, an interleaved hinge 506 providing one or more connection spaces between the two layers, a protrusion or the like, an opening 508, a tail pin 510, a connector 512, a camera mount 514, a fastener 516, a shroud 518, a protrusion 520, a guide 522, a further fastener 528, a further opening 530, a tilt axis 532, and a foot 534. The shroud 518 provides a spherical seat and further includes one or more clips 524, one or more guides 526, and yet another opening 536. The tilt axis 532 further includes an opening 538.

[0049]

[0109] The upper housing 502 and the lower housing 504 are operable to house the internal components of the actuator 402. The upper housing 502 and the lower housing 504 are further operable to be joined or fastened together by fasteners 528. In this variation, the fasteners 528 are shown as bolts. However, in other variations, the fasteners 528 may be pins, welds, clips, or any other fastener or fastening method that allows for the upper housing 502 and the lower housing 504 to be joined together.

[0050]

[0110] The interleaving hinge 506 is operable to allow movement of a case frame (see case frame 802 in FIGS. 8-14B) of the rear visibility device 102. The interleaving hinge 506 is further operable to accommodate the openings 508 and comprise a plurality of protrusions with a gap between each successive protrusion. The gap between the protrusions allows case frames 802 having corresponding protrusions to be interleaved with the interleaving hinge 506.

[0051]

[0111] Opening 508 allows for insertion of tail pin 510 and is operable to axially align with an opening in an interleaved hinge of case frame 802 (as shown in FIGS. 8-14B), as described below. Opening 508 is further operable to axially align with axis 302 of FIG.

[0052]

[0112] The tail pin 510 is operable to be disposed through the opening 508 of the interleaved hinge 506. The tail pin 510 is further operable to be disposed through the opening 508 and an opening in a case bottom 602 or case frame 802 (shown in Figures 6-14B) that is interleaved with the interleaved hinge 506. The operation and interleaving of the case bottom 602 or case frame 802 with the interleaved hinge 506, the opening 508, and the tail pin 510 are further described below with further reference to Figures 6-14B.

[0053]

[0113] The connector 512 is operable to be inserted into the actuator 402. When the connector 512 is inserted into the actuator 402, power can be provided to the actuator 402 from the vehicle.

[0054]

[0114] The camera mount 514 is operable to connect to the lower housing 504 of the actuator 402 and secure to the actuator 402 by placing a fastener 516 through the camera mount 514 and into an opening 530 .

[0055]

[0115] In this variation, the fastener 516 is shown as a bolt, but in other variations, the fastener 516 may be a pin, a weld, a clip, or any other fastening or fastening method capable of securing the camera mount 514 to the actuator 402. Additionally, in this variation, the camera mount 514 is designed to secure a camera (not shown) for use with the rear vision device 102, but in other variations, the camera mount 514 may be used to secure any one of a number of components used with the rear vision device 102. Non-limiting examples of components that may be attached to the camera mount 514 include a multi-function lamp unit, a turn signal module, an approach lamp, or an electronic module such as a GPS module or a Wi-Fi module.

[0056]

[0116] The shroud 518 is operable to be attached to the actuator 402 to seal the gap between the mirror base 204 and the mirror head 206. The shroud 518 is further operable to be attached to the actuator 402 via the lower housing 504. The shroud 518 includes one or more guides 526 aligned with the guides 522 of the lower housing 504. When assembled, the shapes of the guides 522 and 526 interact to align and properly position the shroud 518 on the lower housing 504. During assembly, when the shroud 518 is placed on the lower housing 504, the clips 524 of the shroud 518 engage with the protrusions 520 of the lower housing 504 to secure the shroud 518 to the actuator 402. In this variation, the shroud 518 is secured to the lower housing 504 of the actuator 402 via the clips 524. In other variations, the shroud 518 may be secured to the actuator 402 via any other fastening method, including, but not limited to, bolts, welding, crimping, or adhesive.

[0057]

[0117] The shroud 518 is further operable to have an opening 536. When the shroud 518 is assembled and connected to the actuator 402, the feet 534 can fit inside the opening 536. Once the feet 534 are fitted into the openings 536 in the shroud 518, the feet 534 can be connected directly to the mirror base 204 or to a base frame 802 (shown in FIGS. 18-24B) of the mirror base 204 to secure the actuator 402 in place.

[0058]

[0118] The tilt shaft 532 is operable to provide rotational movement about the axis 302 when driven by the actuator 402. The tilt shaft 532 is further operable to be secured to the case bottom 602 or case frame 802 of the rear vision device 102. The tilt shaft 532 is further operable to include an opening 538 to which a fastener can be attached. The tilt shaft 532 is also further operable to have a shape corresponding to a mounting element of the case bottom 602 or case frame 802. In this variation, the shape of the tilt shaft 532 is rectangular, but any shape can be used to allow the tilt shaft 532 to fit into a corresponding mounting element. It should be noted that the tilt shaft 532, the opening 538, and the opening 508 are axially aligned with the axis 302 described in FIG. 3.

[0059]

[0119] The feet 534 are operable to provide a connection to the mirror base 204 of the rear visibility device 102. The feet 534 are further operable to connect to the mirror base 204 through an opening 536 in the shroud 518.

[0060]

[0120] 6 illustrates a case bottom 602 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the case bottom 602 further comprises an opening 604, at least one first mount 606, a second mount 608, and an additional opening 610.

[0061]

[0121] The case bottom 602 is operable to provide connections to the actuators 402 and attachment points for the case frame 802. Although not shown in FIG 6, the case bottom 602 is further operable to provide, at least in part, attachment points for devices, backing plates, bezels, cameras, mirror covers, lighting modules, multi-function lamps, turn signals, lighting modules, antennas, and / or any other components that may be included in the rear visibility device.

[0062]

[0122] The opening 604 is operable to provide a space for the foot 534 of the actuator 402 to connect to the mirror base 204 of the rear vision device 102. The opening 604 is further operable to have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the shroud 518 of the actuator 402. The complementary shape allows the edge of the opening 604 to rotate around the shroud 518 as the case bottom 602 moves while maintaining contact between the opening 604 and the shroud 518. During movement of the case bottom 602, the continuous contact between the shroud 518 and the periphery of the opening 604 seals the gap between the actuator 402 and the case bottom 602 and prevents the ingress of contaminants into the mirror head 206.

[0063]

[0123] Each first mount 606 is operable to provide an attachment point for attaching the case frame 802 to the case bottom 602 .

[0064]

[0124] The second mount 608 is operable to provide an attachment point for attaching the tilt shaft 532 of the actuator 402 to the case bottom 602. The second mount 608 is further operable to have a shape such that it can receive the tilt shaft 532 of the actuator 402. The second mount 608 is further operable to include an opening 610 through which a fastener can be inserted to secure the tilt shaft 532 to the case bottom 602. The opening 610 is operable to receive the fastener and is operable to be axially aligned with the shaft 302 of FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 6, the second mount 608 has the general shape of a rectangular slot. The slot corresponds to the rectangular shape of the tilt shaft 532. During assembly, the tilt shaft 532 can be rotated until aligned with the second mount 608 such that once aligned with the second mount 608, the tilt shaft 532 can be lifted and fitted into the mount 608 and secured and attached by inserting fasteners through openings 610 into openings 538 in the tilt shaft 532. Once aligned and secured, the tilt shaft 532 and case bottom 602 are rotatably locked, meaning that when the actuator 402 rotates the tilt shaft 532, the case bottom 602 rotates as well.

[0065]

[0125] FIG. 7 shows the actuator 402 assembled to the case bottom 602 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the mirror base 204 and the fastener 702.

[0066]

[0126] In operation, the actuator 402 is lowered onto the case bottom 602 until the shroud 518 contacts the opening 604. Once contact is made, the actuator 402 rests on the case bottom 602 via the shroud 518, as the surface of the shroud 518 matches the surface of the opening 604. At this time, the tilt shaft 532 is fitted into the mount 608. As described above, the geometry of the tilt shaft 532 corresponds to the shape of the mount 608 such that the tilt shaft 532 can be fitted into the mount 608 and then secured by inserting the fastener 702 into the tilt shaft 532 through the opening 610. In this manner, as the tilt shaft 532 rotates, the case bottom 602 also rotates. In this embodiment, the fastener 702 is shown as a pin. However, in other variations, the fastener 702 may be a bolt, weld, snap, or other fastener or fastening method that allows the tilt shaft 532 to be attached to the mount 608.

[0067]

[0127] At this point, the case bottom 602 is attached to the actuator 402 via fasteners 702. However, it should be clear to one skilled in the art that problems arise from using a single connection point. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a means and method for attaching the remaining components used in the device. The problem of a single attachment point between the case bottom 602 and the actuator 402, as well as providing attachment means for other elements, is solved by using a case frame 802, which acts as a motor cradle by mounting the actuator 402. Such a case frame 802 for use in the device 102, 104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with further reference to FIGS. 8-14B.

[0068]

[0128] FIG. 8 shows that a case frame 802 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mount 804 , an interleaved hinge 806 , an opening 808 , and a web 810 .

[0069]

[0129] Case frame 802 is operable to provide a connection to actuator 402 (not shown) via interleaved hinges 806 and openings 808, and is operable to provide attachment points for case bottom 602 via mounts 804. Although not shown in FIG. 8, it is noted that case frame 802 is further operable to provide, at least in part, attachment points for device, backing plates, bezels, cameras, mirror covers, lighting modules, multi-function lamps, turn signals, lighting modules, antennas, and / or any other components that may be included in the rear visibility device.

[0070]

[0130] Mount 804 is operable to provide a corresponding attachment point to mount 606 of case bottom 602 to facilitate attachment of case frame 802 to case bottom 602. Mount 804 may be secured to mount 606 via one of a number of known fastening methods, including bolts, clips, pins, welding, or any other known fastening method.

[0071]

[0131] The interleaved hinge 806 of the case frame 802 is operable to have a shape that is a mirror of the interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402 such that, when assembled, the webs 810 of the interleaved hinge 806 fit between the webs of the interleaved hinge 506. The interleaved hinge 806 is further operable to assemble with the interleaved hinge 506 such that the opening 808 of the case frame 802 is aligned with the opening 508 of the actuator 402. The opening 808 is operable to be axially aligned with the axis 302 of FIG.

[0072]

[0132] The web 810 is operable to provide clearance between the case frame 802 and the actuator 402 during operation of the actuator 402 .

[0073]

[0133] Assembly of case frame 802 will now be described with further reference to Figures 9A-9B. Figure 9A shows case frame 802 being attached to a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074]

[0134] As shown, Figure 9A includes a case frame 802 having a mount 804 and opening 808, a case bottom 602 with a mount 606, a tail pin 510 and opening 508 of an upper housing 502 of an actuator 402, and an axle 302. Elements common between the previous figures and Figures 9A-9B have already been described and will not be described again here for the sake of brevity.

[0075]

[0135] In operation, once the tilt axis 532 is secured to the case bottom 602, the case frame 802 may be attached. During this process, the case frame 802 is lowered onto the case bottom 602 such that the mounts 606 and 804 are aligned, allowing the protrusions of the interleaving hinges 806 to interleave with the protrusions of the interleaving hinges 506.

[0076]

[0136] Referring to FIG. 9B, once alignment of mount 606 and mount 804 is complete, they can be fastened together to secure case frame 802 to case bottom 602 via one of a number of known fastening methods, including bolts, clips, pins, welding, or any other known fastening method.

[0077]

[0137] With the case frame 802 rigidly attached to the case bottom 602, the opening 508 is axially aligned with the opening 808 to allow for the insertion of the tail pin 510, which, when inserted, secures the case frame 802 and case bottom 602 to the actuator 402. Securing the case frame 802 and case bottom 602 to the actuator 402 provides a second attachment point for the case bottom 602. The case bottom 602 is supported on two opposing ends of an axis, greatly improving its rigidity and strength. Furthermore, if a second attachment point were not provided, the outer end of the case bottom 602 would be free to move or vibrate, with increasing severity as additional components are attached to the device.

[0078]

[0138] At this point, the feet 534 of the actuator 402 can be attached to the mirror base 204. In this embodiment, fasteners are inserted upward through the mirror base 204 and into the feet 534 to securely fasten the actuator 402. In other variations, interlocking geometries, locking rings, or other attachment methods can be used to securely attach the actuator to the mirror base. As previously mentioned, in this configuration, the surface profile of the shroud 518 and the opening 604 in the case bottom 602 create a seal that substantially prevents the ingress of contaminants into the mirror head 206.

[0079]

[0139] In this way, the rotational motion around the axis 302 is transferred from the tilt axis 532 to the case bottom 602 via the mount 608 (FIG. 7). At the same time, the transfer of the rotational motion from the tilt axis 532 about the axis 302 results in the rotation of the case bottom 602 about the axis 302 opposite the tilt axis 532 of the actuator 402. There are two attachment points used to connect the case bottom 602 to the actuator 402. The first attachment point is between the tilt axis 532 and the mount 608 of the case bottom 602, and allows the case bottom 602 to rotate about the fastener 702. The second attachment point is between the case frame 802 and the interleaved hinge 506, via an intermediate connection made by fixing the case bottom 602 to the case frame 802, and allows the case frame 802 to rotate about the tail pin 510. The two attachment points and their rotational foci, i.e., the tail pin 510 and the fastener 702, are axially aligned with respect to the axis 302 to allow for smooth rotational motion. If the rotation focal point is not aligned with the tilt axis 532 along axis 302, the misalignment will induce a torque that will impede motion.

[0080]

[0140] It should be noted that once the case bottom 602 is effectively attached to the actuator 402, the case bottom 602 cannot fall and come into contact with the mirror base 204. Any interaction or contact between the case bottom 602 and the mirror base 204 could disrupt the function of the actuator 402, leading to costly redesign or replacement.

[0081]

[0141] Furthermore, when the case lower part 602 is attached to the actuator 402 in the manner described above, the inner periphery of the opening 604 is held against the outer surface of the shroud 518. In this configuration, when the case lower part 602 is moved by rotation of the tilt shaft 532, the edge of the opening 604 rotates around the shroud 518 without collision. This allows smooth operation of the actuator 402 while maintaining a seal between the shroud 518 and the opening 604 to prevent the ingress of contaminants. The tilting operation of the actuator 402 will be described with further reference to Figures 10A-10D.

[0082]

[0142] FIG. 10A illustrates a cross section 1002 cut along the rear viewing device 102, 104, and FIGs. 10B-10D illustrate front views along the cross section 1002 of the rear viewing device 102, 104 having the mirror head 206 in multiple nominal or tilted positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Elements common between the previous figures and FIGs. 10A-10D have already been described and will not be described again here for the sake of brevity. Note that in FIGs. 10A-10D, the tail pin 510, connector 512, and camera mount 514 have been removed to provide a clearer view of the interaction between the interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402 and the web 810 of the interleaved hinge 806 of the case frame 802.

[0083]

[0143] As shown in FIG. 10B, when the mirror head 206 is in the nominal position, there is a gap between the web 810 of the interleaved hinge 806 and the interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402. FIG. 10C shows a view of the mirror head 206 when tilted upwards. When power is applied, the tilt axis 532 of the actuator 402 begins to rotate, causing the case bottom 602 to rotate as it is rotatably fixed to the tilt axis 532. On the opposite side of the tilt axis 532 is the tail pin 510, which provides a point around which the case frame 802 can rotate. As shown in FIG. 10C, when the mirror head is tilted upwards, the gap between the left side of the web 810 of the interleaved hinge 806 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 begins to decrease. When the mirror head 206 is fully tilted upward, the angled portion of the web 810 contacts the actuator 402 at the base of the interleaved hinge 506, indicated by point 1004. The shape of the web 810 allows the angled portion of the web 810 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 to be flush when they contact. The contact between the web 810 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 provides a hard stop for the actuator 402, preventing the mirror head 206 from tilting upward any further.

[0084]

[0144] FIG. 10D shows a view of the mirror head 206 when tilted downward. When powered, the tilt axis 532 of the actuator 402 begins to rotate in the opposite direction to that shown in FIG. 10C, rotating the case bottom 602 since the case bottom 602 is rotatably fixed to the tilt axis 532. On the other side of the tilt axis 532 is the tail pin 510, which provides a point around which the case frame 802 can rotate. As shown in FIG. 10D, as the mirror head 206 tilts downward, the gap between the right side of the web 810 of the interleaved hinge 806 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 begins to decrease. When fully tilted downward, the angled portion of the web 810 contacts the actuator 402 at the base of the interleaved hinge 506, indicated by point 1006. The shape of the web 810 allows the angled portion of the web 810 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 to be flush when they contact. The contact between the web 810 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 provides a hard stop for the actuator 402, preventing the mirror head 206 from tilting downward any further.

[0085]

[0145] In this manner, tilting of the mirror head 206 can be accomplished using the actuator 402 while preventing undesired contact between the case frame 802 and the actuator housings 502, 504. Additionally, the angled sides of the web 810 of the case frame 802 allow for contact between the case frame 802 and the actuator 402, acting as a hard stop mechanism to prevent excessive upward or downward movement of the mirror head 206 during the tilt operation. Additionally, the tilt operation can be performed with a single actuator that also provides a power fold operation.

[0086]

[0146] In the previous variation, a two-part system including a case bottom and case frame was used with a single actuator to provide both tilt and folding movement of the rear viewing device, however, in other variations a spider frame can be used, which will be described with reference to Figures 11-12B.

[0087]

[0147] 11 illustrates a spider frame 1102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that is an alternative to the cradle-type case frame 802. As shown in FIG. 11, the spider frame 1102 includes a mount 1104, an interleaving hinge 1106, an opening 1108, a set of webs 1110, an opening 1112, a mount 1114, and an opening 1116.

[0088]

[0148] The elements common between the case frame 802 and the spider frame 1102 are similar in functionality. The mount 1104 is operable to provide an attachment mechanism to the case bottom 602, the interleaved hinge 1106 is operable to engage with the opposing interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402, the opening 1108 is operable to receive the tail pin 510 as well as axially align with the shaft 302, and the web 1110 is operable to provide clearance between the spider frame 1102 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402. The opening 1112 is operable to provide an opening such that the tail pin 510 may be inserted into the opening 1108.

[0089]

[0149] The spider frame 1102 further includes several elements attached to the case bottom 602 in the previous variation, namely, the mount 1114 and the opening 1116. The mount 1114 and the opening 1116 are functionally similar to the corresponding elements of the case bottom 602. As can be seen in FIG. 11, the mount 1114 has the general shape of a rectangular slot. The rectangular slot shape corresponds to the rectangular shape of the tilt shaft 532. During assembly, the tilt shaft 532 can be rotated until aligned with the mount 1114 such that once alignment with the mount 1114 is complete, the tilt shaft 532 can be lifted and fitted into the mount 1114, and then secured and attached by inserting the fastener 702 through the opening 1116 and into the opening 538 of the tilt shaft 532. Once aligned and secured, the tilt shaft 532 and spider frame 1102 are rotationally locked, meaning that when the actuator 402 rotates the tilt shaft 532, the spider frame 1102 rotates as well.

[0090]

[0150] The assembly of the spider frame 1102 will now be described with further reference to Figures 12A-12B.

[0091]

[0151] 12A shows a spider frame 1102 attached to a rearview mirror assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A mount 1202 on the case bottom 602 is operable to provide an attachment point corresponding to the mount 1104 on the spider frame 1102. The difference between the mount 1202 and the mount 606 shown in FIG. 6 is that the shape of the mount 1202 has been modified to allow it to attach to the mount 1104 on the spider frame 1102.

[0092]

[0152] FIG. 12B shows the spider frame 1102 attached to the rear vision device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Once the spider frame 1102 is attached to the actuator 402 and the case bottom 602, the system can operate as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10D. In short, on a first side, the tilt axis 532 is inserted into the mount 1114 of the spider frame 1102 and then held in place by insertion of the fastener 702. On the side of the actuator 402 opposite the tilt axis 532, the tail pin 510 can be inserted into the opening 508 of the interleaved hinge 506 and the opening 1108 of the interleaved hinge 1106. At this time, the mount 1104 of the spider frame 1102 may be fixed to the mount 1202 of the case bottom 602.

[0093]

[0153] Once the spider frame 1102 is installed, the actuator 402 can be operated to impart movement to the mirror head 206. Once power is applied to the actuator 402, it can begin to rotate the tilt axis 532. The fasteners 702 and tail pins 510 used to attach the spider frame 1102 to the actuator 402 are axially aligned along the axis 302 so that the rotational motion of the tilt axis 532 can be transferred through the spider frame 1102 and the case bottom 602 to the mirror head 206 such that the mirror head 206 rotates about the axis 302. The geometry of the interleaved hinges 506, 1106 of the actuator 402 and spider frame 1102 allows the spider frame 1102 and case bottom 602 to move without interference. When tilted upward or downward to its maximum design angle, the surface of one of the inclined sides of the web 1110 of the spider frame hinge 1106 contacts the base portion of the actuator interleaved hinge 506 to prevent the mirror head 206 from tilting further.

[0094]

[0154] In the previous embodiment, a two-part system comprising a case bottom and case frame or spider frame was used with a single actuator to provide both tilt and fold operation of the rear viewing device, however, in other variations a bezel mounted case frame 1302 can be used, as will be described with reference to Figures 13-14B.

[0095]

[0155] FIG. 13 illustrates a bezel mounted case frame 1302 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, including a mount 1304, an interleaved hinge 1306, an opening 1308, a set of webs 1310, an opening 1312, a mount 1314, an opening 1316, and a mount 1318.

[0096]

[0156] The elements common between the case frame 802 and the bezel mounted case frame 1302 are functionally similar: the mount 1304 is operable to provide an attachment mechanism to the case bottom 602, the interleaved hinge 1306 is operable to engage the opposing interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402, the opening 1308 is operable to receive the tail pin 510 as well as axially align with the axis 302, and the web 1310 is operable to provide clearance between the bezel mounted case frame 1302 and the base of the interleaved hinge 506 of the actuator 402. The opening 1312 is operable to provide an opening such that the tail pin 510 may be inserted into the opening 1308.

[0097]

[0157] The bezel-mounted case frame 1302 further includes several elements that were attached to the case bottom 602 in the previous variation, namely, a mount 1314 and an opening 1316. The mount 1314 and the opening 1316 are functionally similar to the corresponding elements of the case bottom 602. As can be seen in FIG. 13, the mount 1314 has the general shape of a rectangular slot. The rectangular slot shape corresponds to the rectangular shape of the tilt shaft 532. During assembly, the tilt shaft 532 can be rotated until aligned with the mount 1314 such that once alignment with the mount 1314 is complete, the tilt shaft 532 can be lifted and snapped into the mount 1314, and then secured and attached by inserting the fastener 702 through the opening 1316 and into the opening 538 of the tilt shaft 532. Once aligned and secured, the tilt shaft 532 and the bezel mounting case frame 1302 are rotatably locked, meaning that when the actuator 402 rotates the tilt shaft 532, the bezel mounting case frame 1302 rotates as well.

[0098]

[0158] 14A-14B, assembly of the bezel mounted case frame 1302 will now be described.

[0099]

[0159] 14A shows a bezel-mounted case frame 1302 attached to a rear visibility device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Shown are mount 1304, interleaved hinge 1306, mount 1314, opening 1316, mount 1318, fastener 702, case bottom 602, tilt axis 532, actuator 402, and axis 302, as well as mount 1402, bezel-like backing plate assembly 1404, and mount 1406. Elements common between the previous figures and FIGS. 14A-14B have already been described and will not be described again here for brevity.

[0100]

[0160] Mount 1402 on case bottom 602 is operable to provide an attachment point that corresponds to mount 1304 on bezel mounted case frame 1302. The difference between mount 1402 and mount 606 shown in FIG. 6 is that mount 1402 has been modified to attach to mount 1304 on bezel mounted case frame 1302.

[0101]

[0161] The backing plate assembly 1404 is operable to provide or support a means for reflecting visibility from the rear of the vehicle 100 towards the driver of the vehicle 100. In this variation, the backing plate assembly 1404 is provided as a complete assembly, while in other variations, the backing plate assembly 1404 may be provided as a frame or mounting portion to which glass or a reflective element is later attached. The backing plate assembly 1404 is further operable to include a mount 1406 that allows for attachment to the mount 1318 of the bezel mounted case frame 1302.

[0102]

[0162] FIG. 14B shows a bezel-mounted case frame 1302 attached to a rear vision device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Once the bezel-mounted case frame 1302 is attached to the actuator 402 and the case bottom 602 as shown in FIG. 14B, the system can operate as previously described in FIGS. 10A-10D. In essence, the tilt axis 532 is inserted into the mount 1314 of the bezel-mounted case frame 1302 and then held in place by insertion of the fastener 702. On the side of the actuator 402 opposite the tilt axis 532, the tail pin 510 can be inserted into the opening 508 of the interleaved hinge 506 and the opening 1308 of the interleaved hinge 1306. At this time, the mount 1304 of the bezel-mounted case frame 1302 may be secured to the mount 1402 of the case bottom 602. The backing plate assembly 1404 can then be attached to the bezel mounted case frame 1302 by fastening the mount 1406 to the mount 1318 .

[0103]

[0163] Once the bezel mounting case frame 1302 is attached, the actuator is operational. Once power is applied to the actuator 402, it can begin to rotate the tilt axis. The fasteners 702 and tail pins 510 used to attach the bezel mounting case frame 1302 to the actuator 402 are axially aligned along the axis 302 so that the rotational motion of the tilt axis 532 can be transferred through the bezel mounting case frame 1302 and the case bottom 602 to the entire mirror head 206 for rotation about the axis 302. The geometry of the interleaved hinges 506, 1306 of both the actuator 402 and the bezel mounting case frame 1302 allows the bezel mounting case frame 1302 and the case bottom 602 to move without interference. When tilted upwards or downwards to its maximum design angle, the surface of one of the slanted sides of the bezel web 1310 attached to the case frame 1302 contacts the base portion of the actuator interleaved hinge 506 to prevent the mirror head from tilting further.

[0104]

[0164] In a further embodiment, the rear vision device with actuators for mirror adjustment can be provided with a gasket to seal the gap between the shroud 518 and the lower case portion 602, as described with reference to Figures 15-24B.

[0105]

[0165] FIG. 15 illustrates a case bottom 1502 and a gasket 1504 according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown, the case bottom 1502 includes an opening 1506, a guide 1508, at least one recess 1510, and an attachment point 1512. The gasket 1504 includes at least one protrusion 1514 and a seal 1516. The opening 1506 is operable to provide an opening through which a mirror base (not shown) can be connected to an actuator (not shown). Each attachment point 1512 is operable to provide a point through which a case frame (not shown) can be attached to the case bottom 1502. A guide 1508 is provided on the case bottom 1502 having a curvature that matches the curvature of the gasket 1504. The gasket 1504 can be installed on the case bottom 1502 when the at least one protrusion 1514 of the gasket 1504 is aligned with the at least one recess 1510 of the guide 1508. The gasket 1504 is secured in place relative to the case bottom 1502 by inserting the guide 1508 and at least one protrusion 1514 into the at least one recess 1510 .

[0106]

[0166] Although the gasket 1504 and the seal 1516 are described as separate elements, in this form they are combined as a single element. During manufacturing, the gasket 1504 and the seal 1516 can be manufactured as a single element using a dual injection molding technique (2K or two-shot molding). 2K molding is a manufacturing process in which a complex molded part is molded with two different materials in one molding machine. In this embodiment, the gasket 1504 is molded from a PP-GF material, but in other variations, the gasket 1504 can be molded from ASA, ABS, PMMA, or any other material that can be molded as part of a 2K process. Additionally, in this embodiment, the seal 1516 is molded from a TPE material, but in other variations, the seal 1516 can be molded from silicone, PVC, or any other material that can be molded as part of a 2K process.

[0107]

[0167] FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom view of an actuator 1602 and a shroud 1604 according to an aspect of the disclosure. The actuator 1602 includes an extension 1606 and at least one opening 1608, which in this embodiment includes three openings. The shroud 1604 includes a first protrusion 1610A and a second protrusion 1610B. The extension 1606 is operable to be received within a recess in a base frame (not shown) having a corresponding shape. The matching geometric shapes ensure precise alignment between the actuator 1602 and the mirror base. The at least one opening 1608 is operable to receive a fastener (not shown) to secure the actuator 1602 to a base frame of the rear vision device. The shroud 1604 is attached to the actuator 1602 as described above in FIGS. 5A-5B and will not be described again here for brevity. The protrusions 1610A, 1610B extend through the openings 1506 in the case bottom 1502 of FIG. 15 when the actuator 1602 is disposed on the case bottom 1502.

[0108]

[0168] In this embodiment, the shroud 1604 is molded from a PBT-GF material, although in other variations, the shroud 1604 may be molded from ASA, ABS, PMMA, or any other material that can be molded.

[0109]

[0169] FIG. 17A shows a top view and FIG. 17B shows a bottom view of an actuator 1602 secured to a case bottom 1502 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17A, the case frame 1702 has a first attachment element, which in this variation is attachment point 1704, and a second attachment element, which in this variation is attachment point 1706. The case frame 1702 is attached to the actuator 1602 via attachment points 1704, 1706, with the first attachment point 1704 attached to the actuator tilt axis 532 as described with respect to FIG. 5, and the attachment point 1706 attached to the interleaved hinge 506 as described with respect to FIG. 5. The case frame 1702 is attached to the actuator 1602 via the first attachment point 1704 and the second attachment point 1706 as described above with respect to FIGS. 5-14B, and for the sake of brevity, the details of these methods will not be described again here.

[0110]

[0170] The actuator 1602 is then positioned on the case bottom 1502 such that the shroud 1604 abuts the seal 1516 of the gasket 1504. Once the shroud 1604 abuts the seal 1516 (not shown), the case frame 1702 can be attached to the case bottom 1502 via attachment points 1708. With the case frame 1702 attached to the actuator 1602, when the case frame 1702 is further secured to the case bottom 1502, the actuator 1602 is also coupled to the case bottom 1502, keeping the shroud 1604 abutting the seal 1516 of the gasket 1504. The abutment between the shroud 1604 and the seal 1516 seals and prevents ingress of contaminants such as water, dust, salt, or other fluids or debris into the mirror head.

[0111]

[0171] 17B, ​​it can be seen that when the actuator 1602 is attached to the case bottom 1502, the first and second protrusions 1610A, 1610B extend through the openings 1506 in the case bottom 1502. Additionally, the extensions 1606 and at least one opening 1608 of the shroud 1604 are accessible through the openings 1506 in the case bottom 1502 for attachment to a mirror base (not shown).

[0112]

[0172] In this embodiment, the shroud 1604 abuts the seal 1516 of the gasket 1504. As discussed above with respect to Figures 2-14B, the actuator 1602 is operable to rotate the case lower 1502 along two separate axes, again axis 202 and axis 302 in this embodiment. During rotation about axis 202, both the shroud 1604 and case lower 1502 rotate simultaneously with the actuator 1602. During rotation about axis 202, there is no relative motion between the shroud 1604 and case lower 1502 or between the shroud 1604 and the seal 1516 and gasket 1504.

[0113]

[0173] While the case lower 1502 rotates about the axis 302, the shroud 1604 remains stationary as it is fixedly attached to the actuator 1602. As the case lower 1502 rotates, the gasket 1504 also rotates, causing the seal 1516 to move across the surface of the shroud 1604. Because the seal 1516 and shroud 1604 abut, the materials selected for the seal 1516 and shroud 1604 affect the ability of the actuator 1602 to rotate the case lower 1502 about the axis 302. The materials of the shroud 1604 and seal 1516 can be selected to increase or decrease the ability of the actuator 1602 to rotate the case lower 1502 about the axis 302.

[0114]

[0174] Additionally, manufacturer or customer requirements for the surface of the shroud 1604 may result in the use of materials that are not suitable for the actuator 1602. By separating the shroud 1604 from the actuator 1602, these surface requirements can be met without interfering with the integrity or functionality of the actuator 1602.

[0115]

[0175] The attachment of the actuator 1602 to the mirror base will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0116]

[0176] FIG. 18 illustrates a mirror base having a base frame 1802 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the base frame 1802 includes one or more recesses 1804, at least one opening 1806, and a protrusion 1808. Each recess 1804 has a contour that matches a contour of the extension 1606 of the actuator 1602 such that when the actuator 1602 is placed on the base frame 1802, the matching contours facilitate alignment of the at least one opening 1806. In this embodiment, the at least one opening 1806 includes three openings in the base frame 1802 that match the openings 1608 of the actuator 1602. The alignment between the openings 1806, 1608 allows for the insertion of fasteners to securely attach the actuator 1602 to the base frame 1802. In this embodiment, the fasteners used to securely attach the actuator 1602 to the base frame 1802 are bolts (not shown). However, in other variations, the fasteners used may be pins, welds, clips, or any other fastener or fastening method capable of fixedly attaching the actuator 1602 to the base frame 1802. An opening 1810 is provided on the base frame 1802 as an attachment point for a breakface gasket (not shown).

[0117]

[0177] FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of the actuator 1602 mounted on the base frame 1802 in a nominal position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 19, the base frame 1802 is provided with a break face gasket 1902. The break face gasket 1902 includes a fastener 1904, which in this variation is a clip, that is inserted into an opening 1810 in the base frame 1802. The fastener 1904 inserted into the opening 1810 securely fastens the break face gasket 1902 to the base frame 1802. When the actuator 1602 is mounted on the base frame 1802, the break face gasket 1902 abuts against the shroud 1604 to seal the gap between the base frame 1802 and the actuator 1602. Additionally, the case frame 1702 is coupled to the actuator 1602 and the case bottom 1502 such that the shroud 1604 abuts against the seal 1516 of the gasket 1504. Additionally, the actuator 1602 is attached to the base frame 1802 by first aligning the extension 1606 of the actuator 1602 with the recess 1804 in the base frame 1802. Once aligned, a fastener (not shown) is inserted through the at least one opening 1806 and into the at least one opening 1608 to fixedly attach the actuator 1602 to the base frame 1802.

[0118]

[0178] By including the gasket 1504 and the breakface gasket 1902 in the rear vision device using the actuator 1602, the vibration frequency of the rear vision device is improved. Without the gasket 1504 or the breakface gasket 1902, the only support between the base frame 1802 and the actuator 1602 is between the extension 1606 of the actuator 1602 and the recess 1804 of the base frame 1802. A fastener is further inserted through the at least one opening 1806 of the base frame 1802 into the at least one opening 1608 of the actuator 1602 to secure the actuator 1602 to the base frame 1802. The arrangement of the extension 1606 and the recess 1804, and the insertion of the fastener into the at least one opening 1608 and the at least one opening 1806 primarily provides support along the axis 202, but little structural support along the axis 302.

[0119]

[0179] The abutment between the shroud 1604 and the breakface gasket 1902 and the abutment between the shroud 1604 and the seal 1516 of the gasket 1504 provide additional support along the axis 202 and the axis 302. This additional support along the axis 302 reduces the vibration amplitude of the case bottom 1502 and any other elements attached to the case bottom 1502, which in this embodiment includes a mirror reflective element (not shown).

[0120]

[0180] FIG. 20 shows the assembly of FIG. 19 with the break face gasket 1902 removed for clarity. When the actuator 1602 is fixedly attached to the base frame 1802, the projections 1610A and 1610B (not shown) of the shroud 1604 extend through the case bottom 1502 toward the base frame 1802 until they are in the same plane as the projection 1808. When the projections 1610A, 1610B, and 1808 are in the same plane, they can interact with each other to prevent the mirror head from continuing to move during impact rotation. Further description of the projections 1610A, 1610B, and the projection 1808 acting as a hard stop to prevent rotation during impact is described with further reference to FIGS. 21A-22B.

[0121]

[0181] FIG 21A shows a front view of the shroud 1604 aft against a hard stop, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 21B shows a side view of the shroud aft against a hard stop, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For clarity, the break face gasket 1902 has been removed from FIGS. 21A-B.

[0122]

[0182] As shown in FIGS. 21A-21B, when a force is applied to a portion of the mirror head, represented in this example by the case bottom 1502, the applied force causes the entire mirror head to rotate. In this embodiment, a force applied to the case bottom 1502 rotates the mirror head toward the rear of the equipped vehicle. The actuator 1602, shroud 1604, and case frame 1702 are fixedly attached to the case bottom 1502 and therefore rotate as the case bottom 1502 rotates. The case bottom 1502 continues to rotate until the protrusion 1610A of the shroud 1604 abuts the protrusion 1808 of the base frame 1802. The abutment between the protrusion 1610A and the protrusion 1808 acts as a hard stop and prevents further rotation of the case bottom 1502.

[0123]

[0183] FIG. 22A illustrates a front view of the shroud 1604 hitting a hard stop at the front, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 22B illustrates a side view of the shroud 1604 hitting a hard stop at the front, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For clarity, the break face gasket 1902 has been removed from FIGS. 22A-B. As with FIGS. 21A-B above, when a force is applied to a portion of the mirror head, the applied force causes the entire mirror head to rotate. In this embodiment, a force applied to the case bottom 1502 rotates the mirror head toward the front of the equipped vehicle. The actuator 1602, shroud 1604, and case frame 1702 are fixedly attached to the case bottom 1502 and therefore rotate as the case bottom 1502 rotates until the projection 1610B of the shroud 1604 abuts the projection 1808 of the base frame 1802. The abutment between protrusion 1610B and protrusion 1808 acts as a hard stop, preventing further rotation of case bottom 1502.

[0124]

[0184] The operation of the actuator 1602 to move the mirror head along two different axes is identical to the operation of the actuator 402 described above with respect to Figures 2A-14B. The actuator 1602 is operable to adjust the mirror head along two separate axes to perform both tilt and fold functions. In this embodiment, the actuator 1602 performs the fold function about axis 202 and the tilt function about axis 302. The protrusion 1808 is disposed on the base frame 1802 and is fixed in place relative to the axes 202 and 302, while the protrusions 1610A and 160B of the shroud 1604 are fixed only along axis 302. Thus, when the actuator 1602 starts to rotate, the shroud protrusions 1610A, 1610B rotate as well. The actuator 1602 continues to rotate until flush contact occurs between the protrusions 1610A or 1610B and the protrusions 1808.

[0125]

[0185] If the protrusions 1610A and 1610B are not fixed along the axis 302, the protrusions 1610A or 1610B can rotate along the axis 302 such that they come into flush contact with the protrusions 1808 during rotation about the axis 202. As an example, if the protrusions 1610A are moved from the shroud 1604 and placed on the case bottom 1502 such that they can come into contact with the protrusions 1808, when the case bottom rotates about the axis 302, the protrusions 1610A and 1808 do not come into flush contact as the case bottom 1502 rotates about the axis 202. Non-flush contact between the protrusions 1610A and 1808 can result in damage to either component, such as increased wear or reduced life, and can lead to damage to other components of the rear vision device due to the lack of a hard stop function.

[0126]

[0186] As described in FIG. 21A-FIG. 22B, the protrusion 1610A and the protrusion 1610B are disposed on the shroud 1604 to act as hard stops in a first direction or a second direction. In this embodiment, the first direction is toward the rear of the vehicle, and the second direction is toward the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusion 1610A and the protrusion 1610B are disposed on the shroud 1604 to contact the protrusion 1808 after 70 degrees of rotation. After 70 degrees of rotation rearward or forward from the nominal position, the protrusion 1610A or the protrusion 1610B contacts the protrusion 1808 to prevent further rotation. However, different manufacturers and customers may require different rotation angles. Additionally, in this embodiment, different shrouds can be attached to actuators with protrusions 1610A and 1610B located at different positions, with protrusion 1610A contacting protrusion 1808 after 80 degrees of rearward rotation and protrusion 1610B contacting protrusion 1808 after 60 degrees of forward rotation. Shrouds can be manufactured with protrusions 1610A and 1610B located to act as hard stops after any angle a customer may require. In this manner, a single actuator can be used for all rear sight devices to provide rear sight devices with different maximum angles of rotation simply by changing the shroud.

[0127]

[0187] 23 shows a base cover of a rear visibility device according to an embodiment of the disclosure having an upper base cover 2302 and a lower base cover 2304 attached to a base frame 1802. When attached to the base frame 1802, the top edges of the upper base cover 2302 and the lower base cover 2304 abut the breakface gasket 1902, creating a seal that prevents particles or contaminants from entering the rear visibility device through a gap between the breakface gasket 1902 and the base frame 1802.

[0128]

[0188] In the above embodiment, the shroud is provided for use with an actuator that is fixedly attached to the actuator. In this configuration, the shroud moves with the actuator, however, in other variations, a shroud may be provided that is static and not attached to an actuator. The static shroud 2402 will now be described with reference to Figures 24A / 24B.

[0129]

[0189] FIG. 24A illustrates a stationary shroud 2402 for a rear vision device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 24A, a base frame 1802 is provided with the shroud 2402. The shroud 2402 is clamped between the base frame 1802 and a shaft 2410 of an actuator 2408, as indicated by point 2404. Once clamped between the base frame 1802 and the shaft 2410, fasteners 2412 can be inserted through the base frame 1802 and onto the shaft 2410 to secure the shroud 2402 and shaft 2410 to the base frame 1802. When the shroud 2402 is secured in place, a seal is created between the shroud 2402 and the base cover 2414, and between the shroud 2402 and the mirror head 2406, preventing the ingress of contaminants, such as water, dust, salt, or other fluids or debris, into the mirror head 2406.

[0130]

[0190] In operation, the actuator 2408 can rotate the mirror head 2406 about axis 202 or axis 302 as described with respect to Figures 1-14B. During rotation about axis 202, the mirror head 2406 rotates relative to the shroud 2402. As the mirror head 2406 rotates about axis 202 and the shroud 2402 remains stationary, the mirror head 2406 contacts the shroud 2402 at contact points 2416 around the periphery of the shroud 2402.

[0131]

[0191] FIG. 24B illustrates the rotation of the mirror head 2406 around the stationary shroud 2402, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In operation, the actuator 2408 may be required to rotate the mirror head 2406 around the axis 302, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-14B. The motion of the mirror head 2406 rotating around the axis 302 is the same whether using a static shroud or a shroud attached to an actuator. As the mirror head 2406 rotates around the axis 302, the lower case 602, 1502 of the mirror head 2406 traverses upwards on one side of the shroud 2402 and downwards on the other side of the shroud 2402. During rotation around the axis 302, the mirror head 2406 remains in contact as indicated by the contact points 2416 around the periphery of the shroud 2402.

[0132]

[0192] 25A, 25B show an alternative hinge 3506 provided by the upper housing 3502 of the actuator 3408, whose shaft 3410 is also shown. The hinge 3506 comprises two recesses 3503, 3504 on either side of a protrusion 3505, which is arranged between two walls of the upper housing 3502, the walls and the protrusion 3505 acting as the web mentioned above. However, to facilitate the introduction of the tail pin 3510, the upper housing 3502 provides a single opening 3508 for inserting the tail pin 3510, such that the inclined bearing surface 3511 of the tail pin 3510 is supported by the protrusion 3505, while the threaded area 3512 of the tail pin 3510 is adapted to be screwed into another opening 3509 of the upper housing 3502, which is provided with an internal thread. This structure not only facilitates the insertion of the tail pin 3510, but at the same time provides sufficient strength of the connection by taking advantage of the threaded area 3512.

[0133]

[0193] 26A, 26B show an alternative to Fig. 25A, 25B. In particular, an upper housing 4502 with two walls can be seen, the first wall being provided with an opening 4508 and the second wall being provided with an opening 4509 with an internal thread. The two walls of the upper housing 4502 are arranged to leave a recess 4503 therebetween. A tail pin 4510 is adapted such that the angled bearing surface 4511 is inserted into the opening 4508 and the threaded area 4511 is inserted into the opening 4509. The hinge 4506 with the two walls and the recess 4508 functions as the hinge with the web discussed above.

[0134]

[0194] The two alternative structures of the hinges 3506, 4506 formed with the upper housing 3502, 4502 of the actuator 3408 discussed with respect to Figures 25A-26B interact with the complementary hinges provided by the case frame (not shown) in a similar manner as described for the embodiment shown in Figures 5A-24B, with the number of interleaved hinge leaves being more or less reduced for assembly process advantages. Thus, each of the hinges 3506, 4506 still functions as an interleaved hinge that allows tilting while providing a hard stop, as described in detail with respect to Figures 10A-10D. The number of hinge leaves varies, as the tilt range is controlled by the recess between adjacent leaves and the extension of the leaves. For example, Fig. 5A shows three lobes of hinge 506 whose extensions decrease towards the edge of upper actuator housing 502 where they join the tilting surface, and three slot-like recesses are formed between said three lobes, and Fig. 26A for example shows one lobe of hinge 4506 providing one recess 4503 sufficient to fulfill the outlined functions in controlling the tilt range. The choice of the number of lobes and the distance between adjacent lobes, which determines the height of the recesses and the lobes, depends on the required tilt range.

[0135]

[0195] Figure 27 shows another tilted shaft 5320 with a central opening 5380 for inserting a fastener (not shown) as explained with respect to the above embodiment. The difference between the tilted shaft 5320 and the tilted shaft 532 shown in particular in Figure 5B is the shape, in particular its cross section. The tilted shaft 5320 is substantially T-shaped with a tapered portion 5321 and a rounded portion 5322. This shape ensures a secure attachment and easy insertion into the respective mount provided by the case bottom (not shown) or the case frame (not shown). Said mount can be in the form of a slot with a shape complementary to that of the tilted shaft 5320.

[0136]

[0196] Figures 28A-28D show an external rear vision device kit comprising three different parts of head assemblies 6060, 6060', and 6060'', shown in Figures 28A, 28B, and 28C, respectively, and one base assembly as shown in Figure 28D.

[0137]

[0197] 28A, the head assembly 6060 comprises a cap or top cover 6060a, a case bottom or lower cover 6060b, and a front cover 6060c comprising a bezel 6075 that supports the mirror glass 6080. The covers 6060a, 6060b, 6060c enclose an internal structure that comprises a case frame 6088 and an articulation assembly 6089 for the mirror glass 6080.

[0138]

[0198] 28A, which uses only the mirror glass 6080, the head assembly 6060' of FIG. 28B uses an upper cover 6060a, a lower cover 6060b, a front cover 6060c, and an internal structure 6088, 6089. In addition, a camera 6085 is disposed between the front cover 6060c and the internal structure having a case frame 6088 and an articulation assembly 6089. Furthermore, the front cover 6060c includes a bezel 6075' with an opening provided therein to allow the camera 6085 to view through the mirror glass 6080.

[0139]

[0199] The head assembly 6060'' of FIG. 28C also utilises a top cover 6060''a, a bottom cover 6060''b and a front cover 6060'c which enclose an internal structure in the form of a case frame 6088', with the camera 6085 mounted to the case frame 6088' and extending through an opening 6060''cc in the front cover 6060'c. The head assembly 6060'' does not include an articulation assembly, only a case frame 6088' to which the camera 6085 is mounted. Thus, no motors are required and the head assembly 6060'' is fixed relative to the base assembly 6061 when assembled.

[0140]

[0200] Each of the head assemblies 6060, 6060', and 6060'' of Figures 28A, 28B, and 28C can be attached to a base assembly 6061 shown in Figure 28D via a plug-in tower 6061a and can utilize special sealing means 6097. Further details of the attachment mechanisms and sealing features are described in German application No. 102018116011, filed 07 / 02 / 2018 for "SEALING MEANS, BASE ASSEMBLY WITH SUCH SEALING MEANS AND REARVIEW DEVICE WITH SUCH BASE ASSEMBLY" and German patent application No. 102018116008, filed 07 / 02 / 2018 for "BASE ASSEMBLY AND REARVIEW DEVICE THEREWITH", which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0141]

[0201] 29 shows an alternative base assembly 6061 with a gasket 6097 and a plug tower 6061a. Said gasket 6097 comprises a hard portion 6310 and a soft portion 6320. The hard portion 6310 fulfills a mounting and / or retention function as described below, and the soft portion 6320 allows for tolerance compensation in addition to the gasket 6097 providing a pivot seal for the pivot joint between the base assembly and the head assembly of the rear vision device. Thus, the gasket 6097 is provided in the form of a two-component gasket to provide multiple functions, and the hard portion 6310 comprises clips 6311, 6312 for that purpose.

[0142]

[0202] These clips 6311, 6312 fulfill two or more functions: on the one hand, the clips 6311, 6312 allow the sealing means 6097 to clip-connect with the base assembly 6061, and on the other hand, the clips 6311, 6312 are configured to be mounted on the base assembly 6061 and to hold the camera cable running from the camera connector into the vehicle in which the rear vision device is mounted with its base assembly 6061.

[0143]

[0203] 30-32 show a gasket seal head mover 7000 between a shroud (i.e., actuator shield) 7001 and a head 7011 and base 7012 of a rear vision device to reduce the impact of the seal gasket on current draw by the system. Referring to the cutaway view shown in FIG. 30, the gasket seal head mover 7000 comprises two separate gaskets, namely foot gaskets 7002, 7003, 7007 and head gaskets 7020, 7030. The head gaskets 7020, 7030 provide a seal between the shroud 7001 and a case bottom 7040 of the head 7011 of the rear vision device, and the foot gaskets 7002, 7003, 7007 provide a seal between the shroud 7001 and both the base frame 7004 and base cover 7005 of the base 7012 of the rear vision device. The foot gasket includes a lower rigid portion 7003 and two lip portions 7002, 7007. The first lip portion 7007 of the foot gasket extends vertically toward the shroud 7001, and the second lip portion 7002 of the foot gasket includes a protrusion that contacts the shroud horizontally. At least the second lip portion 7002 may be a soft lip made of a flexible material, and in an embodiment, both the first lip portion 7007 and the second lip portion 7002 may be soft lips made of a flexible material. The head gasket includes a soft lip portion 7020 and a lower rigid portion 7030. The soft lip portion 7020 of the head gasket contacts the shroud 7001 in a different direction than the second lip portion 7002 of the foot gasket, and in some embodiments, the soft lip portion 7020 of the head gasket extends from the lower hard portion 7030 to the shroud 7001 at an angle of about 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the soft lip portion 7020 of the head gasket extends at an angle that depends on the curvature of the shroud 7001. In some embodiments, the head gaskets 7020, 7030 may be omitted.

[0144]

[0204] The foot gasket lower rigid portion 7003 has a first end and a second end, the first end having at least one attachment to the base frame 7004 and the second end having two lip portions 7002, 7007 extending therefrom. In some embodiments, the head gasket lip portion 7020 has a first end that contacts a face of the shroud 7001. The head gasket lip portion 7020 extends obliquely to the face of the shroud 7001. In some embodiments, the angle is 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle is determined by the curvature of the shroud 7001. The head gasket soft lip portion 7020 is attached at the second end to the head gasket lower rigid portion 7030, which rests on and / or is attached to the case lower portion 7040 of the rear vision device. As shown, the head gaskets 7020, 7030 can be configured to prevent contact between the shroud 7001 and the case bottom 7040 of the rear visibility device.

[0145]

[0205] The gasket seal head mover 7000 changes the seal direction from the common z direction to the x,y direction while reducing pressure on the rubber lip while maintaining a seal and reducing the effect of mechanical part tolerances stacking up on the gasket.

[0146]

[0206] The foot gaskets 7002, 7003, 7007 and head gaskets 7020, 7030 are further shown in Figures 31 and 32. Figure 31 provides an enlarged cutaway view of the gasket seal head mover 7000. Figure 32 provides a view of the base assembly with cutaway views of the foot gaskets 7002, 7003, 7007 and head gaskets 7020, 7030.

[0147]

[0207] 33A-33B and 34 show exploded and assembled views of selected components of the external rear visibility device 8000. The components shown include an actuator 8010, a shroud / bulb seat 8020, a head gasket 8030, a head case lower 8040, a foot gasket 8050, and a base 8060. Each of the depicted components includes many shared elements common to previous figures and embodiments described herein and will not be described again here for the sake of brevity. Each of the components illustrated in FIGS. 33A-33B and 34 and described in further detail below can incorporate any of the teachings for similar components described herein.

[0148]

[0208] FIG. 35A is a front view of the actuator 8010 of the external rear vision device 8000. The actuator 8010 may include one or more mounting components 8011 and a shaft 8012 connected to a foot 8013. The foot 8013 may be configured to be at least partially received within a recess in the base 8060. For example, the foot 8013 may include a number of extensions configured to be received within a recess in the base 8060, thereby securing the foot 8013 to the base 8060. The shaft 8012 may be configured to interact with the shroud 8020 to limit the rotational movement of the actuator 8010. To accomplish this function, the shaft 8012 may include an end stop 8014 protruding from a sidewall of the shaft 8012.

[0149]

[0209] FIG. 35B illustrates a top view of the shaft 8012 of the actuator 8010 including an end stopper 8014. As shown, the end stopper 8014 may be configured to limit the rotational motion of the actuator 8010 by interacting with a particular geometric configuration of the shroud 8020. As shown, the end stopper 8014 may be located in the top half of the shaft 8012 away from the extension 8013 that forms the connection point with the base 8060. Specifically, the end stopper 8014 may be located above the bottom surface of the shroud 8020. The end stopper 8014 may be located at a point on the sidewall of the shaft 8012. In this manner, the end stopper 8014 may be limited to one side or portion of the sidewall of the shaft 8012. For example, the end stopper 8014 may contact a portion of the sidewall of the shaft 8012 that includes less than a quadrant, more specifically, less than a sextant.

[0150]

[0210] The end stop 8014 may be specifically configured to contact the shroud 8020 to consistently and repeatably limit rotation of the actuator 8010 while avoiding degradation or damage to either the end stop 8014 or the shroud 8020. To accomplish this, the end stop 8014 may have a flat bottom configured to interact with a flat surface of the shroud 8020. The end stop 8014 may also have a flat top surface, an outer surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The sidewalls may be radially disposed relative to the center of the shaft 8012. The outer surface of the end stop 8014 may be specifically curved at a consistent radius relative to the center of the shaft 8012.

[0151]

[0211] 36A shows an actuator 8010 with an attached shroud 8020 of an external rear visibility device 8000. As shown, the shroud 8020 may have one or more mounting components 8021 configured to attach to mounting components 8011 of the actuator 8010 to fixedly attach the shroud 8020 to the actuator 8010. The shroud may be generally formed to have a bottom cylindrical portion 8022 and a top portion 8023 having a curved outer wall.

[0152]

[0212] 36B is a top view of the bottom 8022 of the shroud 8020 and the shaft 8012 of the actuator 8010. As described, the shroud 8020 can be configured to interact with the shaft 8012 to limit the rotational movement of the actuator 8010. For example, the shroud 8020 can include a groove 8024 configured to interact with the end stop 8014 to limit the rotational movement of the actuator 8010. As shown, the groove 8024 can include a first end wall 8025 and a second end wall 8026. The first end wall 8025 and the second end wall 8026 can function to block further rotation of the shroud 8020 by contacting the end stop 8014. Although a solid wall is depicted, a blocking post or alternative structure that can isolate the movement of the end stop 8014 may be used.

[0153]

[0213] The groove 8024 may be sized and shaped to allow the end stop 8014 to pass along its length. For example, the groove may extend in an arc along a portion of the shroud 8020 as shown. The length of the groove 8024 may be determined based on the desired range of rotation of the external rear vision device 8000. For example, if it is desired that the head be rotatable 270 degrees, the groove may have a central angle of 270 degrees and extend 75 percent around the bottom 8022 of the shroud 8020. The groove 8024 may specifically have a central angle of less than 180 degrees, thereby limiting the actuator 8010 and shroud 8020 to less than half a full rotation. Additionally, the groove 8024 may have a flat bottom surface that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 8027 of the shroud 8020 and / or the bottom surface of the end stop 8014.

[0154]

[0214] The length of the shaft 8012 may be extended to provide adequate space for the end stops 8014 and corresponding grooves 8024. For example, the shaft 8012 and / or associated foot 8013 may extend partially beyond the bottom surface 8027 of the shroud 8020. The portion of the shaft 8012 that extends beyond the shroud 8020 may be limited to the portion of the shaft 8012 that includes the extension 8013 configured to interact with the base 2060. As a result, in some embodiments, the components of the base 8060 involved in the connection to the shaft 8012 may not extend above the bottom surface 8027 of the shroud 8020.

[0155]

[0215] 37A-B show alternative views of an actuator 8010 and its associated shaft 8012 with an end stop 8014. As shown, the end stop 8014 may be located on the opposite side of the actuator 8010 from the tilt axis 8015 to facilitate alignment of the tilt axis 8015 at a particular point within the rotational range of the actuator 8010. However, the end stop and groove may instead be located elsewhere on the shaft 8012 and shroud 8020, provided that the tilt axis 8015 remains at a desired point within its rotational range.

[0156]

[0216] 38A-B illustrate one embodiment of a shroud 8120 of the present disclosure. The illustrated shroud 8120 includes a mounting component 8121, a bottom 8122, a top 8123, a groove 8124, a first end wall 8125, and a second end wall 8126.

[0157]

[0217] 39A-39B show another embodiment of a shroud 8220 of the present disclosure. The illustrated shroud 8220 includes an attachment component 8221, a bottom 8222, a top 8223, a groove 8224, a first end wall 8225, and a second end wall 8226. Relative to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 38A-38B, the shroud 8220 has a different groove length and an alternative groove wall support structure. Additionally, alternative structures of the attachment component 8221 are provided.

[0158]

[0218] FIG. 40 shows a side view of various components of another assembled external rear vision device 9100. As previously described, the actuator 9110 may include a shaft 9112 and an end stop 9114 configured to interact with a groove 9124 of the shroud 9120. The assembled external rear vision device 9100 may also include a head gasket 9130. The head gasket may include a lip 9131 configured to contact an outer surface of the shroud 9120, thereby providing a seal between the shroud 9120 and the head case bottom. Additionally, a foot gasket 9150 may be attached to the base frame 9161 to provide a suitable seal between the bottom of the shroud 9120 and the base frame 9161, and between the base frame 9161 and a base cover (not shown).

[0159]

[0219] The foot gasket 9150 may include a rigid portion, a first gasket lip 9151 extending vertically from a top surface of the foot gasket 9150 and contacting a bottom surface 9127 of the shroud 9120, and a second gasket lip 9152 extending horizontally from a circular sidewall of the foot gasket 9150. When assembled, the bottom surface 9127 of the shroud 9120 may be configured to contact the first gasket lip 9151, thereby deforming the first gasket lip 9151. This deformation may specifically be an outward bending of the first gasket lip 9151. The second gasket lip 9152 may be configured to contact another component of the base cover or base. As shown, the second gasket lip 9152 may be configured to extend only horizontally a small distance from the foot gasket 9150. Further, the first gasket lip 9151 and the second gasket lip 9152 may be separated by a portion of the rigid portion of the foot gasket 9150 .

[0160]

[0220] 41A-41B show selected components of an assembled exterior rear visibility apparatus 9100. As shown, the bottom surface 9127 of the shroud 9120 may be substantially flat to provide an effective seal with the first gasket lip 9151. Additionally, as depicted, the shaft 9112 may have an extended length that extends partially beyond the bottom surface 9127 of the shroud 9120.

[0161]

[0221] FIG. 42 illustrates a foot gasket 9150 including a first gasket lip 9151, a second gasket lip 9152, and a hard portion 9153 forming a substantial amount of the foot gasket 9150. The first gasket lip 9151 and the second gasket lip 9152 may each have a circular shape disposed about a center of the foot gasket 9150. Additionally, the first gasket lip 9151 and the second gasket lip 9152 may be soft components. The hard portion 9153 may have circular side walls and a top surface. The top surface of the foot gasket 9150 may be substantially flat to provide an optimal sealing arrangement with the flat bottom surface 9127 of the shroud 9120. Additionally, the foot gasket 9150 may include at least one mounting component 9154 configured to secure the foot gasket 9150 to a base.

[0162]

[0222] 43 shows a side view of various components of yet another embodiment of an external rear visibility device 9200 having an alternative seal configuration. Again, the external rear visibility device 9200 may include an actuator 9210 having a shaft 9212, a base frame 9261, a shroud 9220, and a foot gasket 9250 from which a second gasket lip 9252 extends horizontally. Rather than having a flat bottom surface, the shroud 9220 may include a first shroud lip 9228 and a second shroud lip 9229 that both extend vertically from a bottom surface of the shroud 9220. The first shroud lip 9228 and the second shroud lip 9229 may be configured to receive the first gasket lip 9251 therebetween. To provide a more complete seal between the shroud 9220 and the foot gasket 9250, the foot gasket 9250 may include a third gasket lip 9255 extending vertically from a top surface of the foot gasket 9250. The third gasket lip 9255 may be disposed closer to the center of the foot gasket 9250 relative to the first gasket lip 9251. Additionally, the first gasket lip 9251 and the third gasket lip 9255 may be specifically configured to not contact and remain spaced apart from a bottom surface of the shroud 9220. The second gasket lip may be a soft component, while the first and third gasket lips may be hard components.

[0163]

[0223] 44A-44B show selected components of an assembled exterior rear visibility apparatus 9200. As shown, the bottom of the shroud 9220 may include a first shroud lip 9228 and a second shroud lip 9229. Additionally, as depicted, the shaft 9212 may have an extended length that extends partially beyond the bottom of the first shroud lip 9228 and the second shroud lip 9229.

[0164]

[0224] 45 shows a foot gasket 9250 including a first gasket lip 9251, a second gasket lip 9252, and a rigid portion 9253 that forms a substantial amount of the foot gasket 9250. The rigid portion 9253 may have circular side walls and a top surface. Additionally, the foot gasket 9250 may include at least one mounting component 9254 configured to secure the foot gasket 9250 to a base.

[0165]

[0225] The rear vision device described herein may include optional elements not shown. The optional elements include a camera module, an indicator module, a light module, a blind side detection module, a blind side indicator, a multi-function light module, an exterior light module, an interior light module, a front light, a back light, a fog light, a brake light, an accelerator light, a turn signal, a logo lamp, a front area illumination light, a ground illumination light, a puddle light, a flashing light, a navigation light, a position light, an emergency light, a spot light, a green light, a red light, a warning light, a turn signal light module, an approach light, a search light, an information light, a display, an antenna, and / or any combination thereof. Some of the optional elements may also be integrated to function behind or through a coating, such as a partially transparent chrome-based coating. Examples of partially transparent chromium-based coatings for polymer substrates are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 936,024, filed November 9, 2015, for COATED POLYMERIC SUBSTRATES, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 124,310, filed February 20, 2015, for DECORATIVE COATINGS FOR PLASTIC SUBSTRATES, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0166]

[0226] Some of the desired elements may provide an indication signal to an operator of a vehicle equipped with one of rear visibility devices 102 or 104. Examples of providing an indication signal to an operator are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16 / 522,074, filed July 25, 2019, for "AUTOMOBILE EXTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR BLIND SPOT WARNING INDICATION DEVICE," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 000,733, filed January 19, 2016, for "LIGHT GUIDING DEVICE," all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0167]

[0227] Conventional rear vision devices actuate components along multiple axes. To allow actuation along multiple axes, a second actuator may be used, which adds engineering and assembly complexity and cost to the assembly.

[0168]

[0228] Aspects of the disclosure provide a system for creating a seal between an actuator and a mirror head using a gasket, a seal, and a shroud. The seal prevents contaminants such as water, dust, salt, or other fluids or debris from entering the mirror head. When the mirror head is attached to a mirror base having a gasket, another seal is created between the mirror base and the shroud, preventing the ingress of contaminants such as water, dust, salt, or other fluids or debris into the mirror head.

[0169]

[0229] The foregoing description of various modifications has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The modifications have been selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, as appropriate to enable those skilled in the art to optimally utilize the disclosure in its various modifications and variations for the particular applications contemplated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 100 vehicles 102 Rear visibility device 104 Rear visibility device 202 Axis 204 Mirror Base 206 Mirror Head 208 line 302 Axis 304 line 402 Actuator 502 Upper housing 504 Lower Housing 506 Interleave Hinge 508 Opening 510 Tail pin 512 Connector 514 Camera Mount 516 Fasteners 518 Shroud / Spherical Sheet 520 protrusion 522 Guide 524 clips 526 Guide 528 Fasteners 530 Opening 532 Tilt axis 534 Foot 536 Opening 538 Opening 602 Case bottom 604 Opening 606 First Mount 608 Second Mount 610 Opening 702 Fasteners 802 Case Frame 804 Mount 806 Interleaved Hinge 808 Opening 810 Web 1102 Section AA 1104 points 1106 points 1102 Spider Frame 1104 Mount 1106 Interleave hinge 1108 Opening 1110 Web 1112 Opening 1114 Mount 1116 Opening 1202 Mount 1302 Bezel-mounted case frame 1304 Mount 1306 Interleave Hinge 1308 Opening 1310 Web 1312 Opening 1314 Mount 1316 Opening 1318 Mount 1402 Mount 1404 Backing Plate Assembly 1406 Mount 1502 Case bottom 1504 Gasket 1506 Opening 1508 Guide 1510 At least one recess 1512 mounting points 1514 At least one protrusion 1516 Seal 1602 Actuator 1604 Shroud 1606 Extension 1608 At least one opening 1610A protrusion 1610B Protrusion 1702 Case Frame Cradle 1704 mounting points 1706 mounting points 1708 Mounting points 1802 Base Frame 1804 Recess 1806 At least one opening 1808 Protrusion 1810 Opening 1902 Break Face Gasket 1904 clips 2302 Upper base cover 2304 Lower base cover 2402 Shroud 2404 Contacts 2406 Mirror Head 2408 Actuator 2410 Shaft 2412 Fasteners 2414 Base cover 2416 Contacts 3408 Actuator 3410 Shaft 3502 Upper Housing 3503 Recess 3504 Recess 3505 Protrusion 3506 Hinge 3508 Opening 3509 Threaded opening 3510 Tail pin 3511 Inclined Bearing Surface 3512 Thread Area 4502 Upper housing 4503 Recess 4506 Hinge 4508 Opening 4509 Threaded opening 4510 Tail pin 4511 Inclined Bearing Surface 4512 Thread Area 5320 Tilt axis 5380 Opening 5321 Tapered section 5322 Rounded part 6060, 6060', 6060'' Head Assembly 6060a, 6060''a top cover 6060b, 6060''b bottom cover 6060c, 6060'c front cover 6060''cc opening 6061 Base Assembly 6061a Plug-in Tower 6075, 6075' bezel 6085 Camera 6088, 6088' case frame 6089 Attachment means 6097 Gasket 6310 Rigid components 6311 Clips 6312 clips 6320 Soft Components 7000 Gasket Seal Head Mover 7001 Shroud 7002 Soft lip part of foot gasket 7003 Lower hard part of foot gasket 7004 Base Frame 7005 Base cover top 7006 Shaft Dual Actuator 7007 Lip part of foot gasket 7011 Head of rear vision device 7012 Base of rear vision device 7020 Head gasket soft lip 7030 Head gasket hard part 7040 Case bottom 8000 External rear visibility device 8010 Actuator 8011 Mounting Components 8012 Shaft 8013 Foot 8014 End stopper 8015 Tilt axis 8020 Shroud / Spherical Sheet 8021 Mounting Components 8022 Bottom of the shroud 8023 Top of the shroud 8024 Groove 8025 1st end wall 8026 2nd end wall 8027 Bottom of shroud 8030 Head gasket 8040 Case bottom 8050 Foot Gasket 8060 Base 8120 Shroud / Spherical Sheet 8121 Mounting Components 8122 Bottom of the shroud 8123 Top of the shroud 8124 Groove 8125 1st end wall 8126 Second End Wall 8220 Shroud / Spherical Sheet 8221 Mounting Components 8222 Bottom of the shroud 8223 Top of the shroud 8224 Groove 8225 1st end wall 8226 Second End Wall 9100 External Rear Vision Device 9110 Actuator 9112 Shaft 9114 End stopper 9120 Shroud 9124 Groove 9127 Bottom of the shroud 9130 Head gasket 9131 Head gasket lip 9150 Foot Gasket 9151 First Gasket Lip 9152 Second Gasket Lip 9153 Hard part of foot gasket 9154 Mounting Components 9161 Base Frame 9200 External Rear Vision Device 9210 Actuator 9212 Shaft 9220 Shroud 9228 1st Shroud Lip 9229 Second Shroud Lip 9230 Head gasket 9231 Head gasket lip 9250 Foot Gasket 9251 First Gasket Lip 9252 Second Gasket Lip 9253 Hard part of foot gasket 9254 Mounting Components 9255 3rd Gasket Lip 9261 Base Frame

Claims

1. An external rear visibility device, comprising: A base (8060) configured to be attached to a side of a vehicle (100), the base (8060) including a base frame (9161, 9261) and a base cover (2414); a head (6060, 6060', 6060'') for supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a driver of the vehicle (100); a shroud (9120, 9220) supported between said base (8060) and said head (6060, 6060', 6060''), said shroud having a bottom surface; A foot gasket (9150, 9250) attached to the base (8060), A rigid portion (9153, 9253) having a circular sidewall and a top surface; a first gasket lip (9151, 9251) extending vertically from the top surface; a second gasket lip (9152, 9252) extending horizontally from said circular side wall and contacting said base (8060); A foot gasket (9150, 9250) including An external rear visibility device comprising:

2. The rear visibility device of claim 1 , wherein the bottom surface of the shroud (9120) is configured to contact and deform the first gasket lip (9151).

3. The rear visibility device of claim 2 , wherein the deformation is an outward bending of the first gasket lip (9151).

4. 4. The rear visibility apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface (9127) of the shroud (9120) and the top surface of the foot gasket (9150) are substantially flat.

5. 5. The rear visibility device of claim 1, wherein the first gasket lip (9151) and the second gasket lip (9152) are soft components.

6. 6. The rear visibility device of claim 1, wherein the shroud (9220) includes a first shroud lip (9228) and a second shroud lip (9229), the first shroud lip (9228) and the second shroud lip (9229) extending vertically from the bottom surface of the shroud (9220) and configured to receive the first gasket lip (9251) therebetween.

7. 7. The rear visibility device of claim 6, wherein the foot gasket (9250) further includes a third gasket lip (9255) extending vertically from the top surface of the foot gasket (9250), the third gasket lip (9255) being positioned closer to a center of the foot gasket (9250) than the first gasket lip (9251).

8. 8. The rear visibility device of claim 7, wherein the first gasket lip (9251) and the third gasket lip (9255) are hard components.

9. 9. The rear visibility device of claim 7 or 8, wherein the first gasket lip (9251) and the third gasket lip (9255) do not contact the bottom surface of the shroud.

10. 10. The rear visibility device of claim 1, wherein the first gasket lip (9151, 9251) and the second gasket lip (9152, 9252) are separated by a portion of the hard portion (9153, 9253) of the foot gasket (9150, 9250).

11. 11. The rear visibility device of claim 1, wherein the first gasket lip (9151, 9251) and the second gasket lip (9152, 9252) each have a circular shape disposed around a center of the foot gasket (9150, 9250).

12. 12. The rear visibility device of claim 1, wherein the foot gasket (9150, 9250) is attached to the base frame (9161, 9261) of the base (8060).

13. 13. The rear visibility device of claim 1, further comprising a head gasket (9130, 9230) including a lip (9131, 9231) that contacts an outer surface of the shroud (9120, 9220), the head gasket (9130, 9230) providing a seal between the shroud (9120, 9220) and a lower case (8040) of the head (6060, 6060', 6060'').

14. A base (8060) configured to be attached to a side of a vehicle (100), the base (8060) including a base frame (9161) and a base cover (2414); a head (6060, 6060', 6060'') for supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a driver of the vehicle (100); a shroud (9120) supported between said base (8060) and said head (6060, 6060', 6060''), said shroud (9120) having a substantially flat bottom surface; a head gasket (9130) including a lip (9131) contacting an outer surface of the shroud (9120), the head gasket (9130) providing a seal between the shroud (9120) and a lower case (8040) of the head (6060, 6060', 6060''); A foot gasket (9150) attached to the base (8060), a rigid portion (9153) having a circular sidewall and a substantially flat top surface; a first gasket lip (9151) extending vertically from said top surface and contacting a bottom surface of said shroud (9120) and being bent outwardly thereby; a second gasket lip (9152) extending horizontally from the circular sidewall and contacting the base (8060), the first gasket lip (9151) and the second gasket lip (9152) being separated by a portion of the hard portion (9153), the first gasket lip (9151) and the second gasket lip (9152) each being a soft component having a circular shape disposed around the center of the foot gasket (9150); A foot gasket (9150, 9250) including Equipped with external rear visibility device.

15. A base (8060) configured to be attached to a side of the vehicle (100), the base (8060) including a base frame (9261) and a base cover (2414); a head (6060, 6060', 6060'') for supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a driver of the vehicle (100); a shroud (9220) supported between the base (8060) and the head (6060, 6060', 6060''), the shroud (9220) having a first shroud lip (9228) and a second shroud lip (9229), the first shroud lip (9228) and the second shroud lip (9229) extending vertically from a bottom surface of the shroud (9220); a head gasket (9230) including a lip (9231) contacting an outer surface of the shroud (9220), the head gasket (9230) providing a seal between the shroud (9220) and a lower case (8040) of the head (6060, 6060', 6060''); A foot gasket (9250) attached to said base (8060), A rigid portion (9253) having a circular sidewall and a top surface; a first gasket lip (9251) extending vertically from the top surface, the first gasket lip (9251) being configured to be received between the first shroud lip (9228) and the second shroud lip (9229); a second gasket lip (9252) extending horizontally from the circular sidewall and contacting the base (8060), the first gasket lip (9251) and the second gasket lip (9252) being separated by a portion of the rigid portion (9253); a third gasket lip (9255) extending vertically from the top surface and positioned closer to the center of the foot gasket (9250) relative to the first gasket lip (9251); a foot gasket (9250), wherein the second gasket lip (9252) is a soft component, and the first gasket lip (9251) and the third gasket lip (9255) are hard components, and each of the first gasket lip (9251), the second gasket lip (9252), and the third gasket lip (9255) has a circular shape disposed around a center of the foot gasket (9250); An external rear visibility device comprising:

16. A rear visibility device for a vehicle, comprising: A base (8060) configured to be attached to a side of the vehicle (100), the base (8060) having a first attachment end disposed on the side of the vehicle (100) and a second attachment end disposed opposite the first attachment end, the base (8060) including a base frame (9161, 9261) and a base cover (2414); a head (6060, 6060', 6060'') disposed at the second mounting end of the base, supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a driver of the vehicle (100), the head (6060, 6060', 6060'') having an opening through which the base (8060) can be accessed; An actuator (8010) comprising a first mounting component (8011) and a shaft (8012) connected to a foot (8013), the foot (8013) being configured to be at least partially received within a recess in the base (8060); a shroud (8020) comprising a second mounting component (8021) configured to mount to the first mounting component (8011) of the actuator (8010) for fixedly mounting the shroud (8020) to the actuator (8010), the second mounting component (8021) being configured to interact with the shaft (8012) to limit rotational movement of the actuator (8010); A rear vision device comprising:

17. 17. The rear visibility device of claim 16, wherein the shaft (8012) includes an end stop (8014) protruding from a side wall of the shaft (8012), the end stop (8014) configured to interact with the shroud (8020) to limit rotational movement of the actuator (8010).

18. 18. The rear visibility device of claim 17, wherein the end stop (8014) is disposed on an upper half of the shaft (8012).

19. 18. The rear visibility device of claim 17, wherein the end stop (8014) is disposed within a quadrant of a sidewall of the shaft (8012).

20. 20. The rear visibility device of claim 17, wherein the end stop (8014) has a flat bottom.

21. 17. The rear visibility device of claim 16, wherein the end stopper (8014) has a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall and the second sidewall being radially disposed relative to a center of the shaft (8012).

22. 22. The rear visibility device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the shroud (8020) includes a groove (8024) configured to interact with the shaft (8012) to limit rotational movement of the actuator (8010).

23. 23. The rear visibility device of claim 22, wherein the groove (8024) includes a first end wall (8225) and a second end wall (8226).

24. 23. The rear visibility device of claim 22, wherein the groove (8024) extends in an arc along a portion of the shroud (8020).

25. 25. The rear visibility device of claim 24, wherein the arc has a central angle of less than 180 degrees.

26. 26. The rear visibility device of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the groove (8024) includes a flat bottom surface that is substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the shroud (8020).

27. 27. The rear visibility device of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the shaft (8012) extends partially beyond a bottom surface of the shroud (8020).

28. A rear visibility device for a vehicle, comprising: A base (8060) configured to be attached to a side of the vehicle (100), the base (8060) having a first attachment end disposed on the side of the vehicle (100) and a second attachment end disposed opposite the first attachment end, the base (8060) including a base frame (9161, 9261) and a base cover (2414); a head (6060, 6060', 6060'') disposed at the second mounting end of the base, supporting at least one component for providing rear visibility to a driver of the vehicle (100), the head (6060, 6060', 6060'') having an opening through which the base (8060) can be accessed; an actuator (8010) comprising a first mounting component (8011) and a shaft (8012) connected to a foot (8013), the foot (8013) configured to be at least partially received within a recess in the base (8060), the shaft (8012) extending partially beyond a bottom surface of the shroud (8020) and including an end stop (8014) protruding from an upper half of a side wall of the shaft (8012), the end stop (8014) having a flat bottom, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the first side wall and the second side wall being radially disposed relative to a center of the shaft (8012); a shroud (8020) comprising a second mounting component (8021) configured to mount to the first mounting component (8011) of the actuator (8010) to fixedly mount the shroud (8020) to the actuator (8010); the shroud (8020) including a groove (8024) extending in an arc along a portion of the shroud (8020) and having a flat bottom, a first end wall, and a second end wall, the groove (8024) configured to interact with the end stop (8014) of the shaft (8012) to limit rotational movement of the actuator (8010), the arc of the groove having a central angle of less than 180 degrees; A rear vision device comprising:

Images