Connector system and method for assembling a rearview mirror control system

The connector system with a first opening and angled clip member addresses improper assembly and disconnection issues in rearview mirrors, ensuring secure connections and simplifying assembly.

JP2026026046APending Publication Date: 2026-02-16FICOSA AUTOMOTIVE S L U
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025129023
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-08-02
Filing Date
2025-08-01
Publication Date
2026-02-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Automotive rearview mirrors face issues with improper connector assembly leading to partial connections, which can be dangerous and result in functional failures, and over time, connectors may become loose due to vibrations, rendering the glass adjustment function unusable.

Method used

A connector system with a first opening and a clip member that ensures proper connection and prevents disconnection, featuring a second portion angled to prevent movement in the opposite direction, acting as a stopper for electrical and data line connectors.

Benefits of technology

Ensures secure and reliable electrical and data line connections, preventing disconnection during the life of the rearview mirror, and simplifies the assembly process by allowing flexibility in connector placement and connection direction.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a connector connecting system and an assembling method of a rearview mirror adjusting system for facilitating an assembling process by avoiding a mistake and a failure in a connecting process by a worker.SOLUTION: The connector system comprises a first opening (1) providing access to a receptacle (10) for an electrical and / or data line connector (2) and a clip member for receiving the electrical and / or data line connector. The clip member comprises a first portion (4) including a first longitudinal end coupled to the first opening (1) and a second longitudinal end opposite to the first longitudinal end, and a second portion (5) arranged at the second longitudinal end of the first portion and forming an angle with the first portion to avoid a longitudinal movement of the electric wire connector in a direction opposite to the connection direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to rearview mirrors, for example for automobiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a connector system for a rearview mirror adjustment system and a method of assembling the same.

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Automotive rearview mirrors are known in the art. A rearview mirror is composed of a mirror head equipped with a mirror actuator that holds a reflecting mirror portion.

[0003] Rearview mirrors often have electrical components, such as glass adjustment, that are integrated into the mirror's design. Wiring connects the rearview mirror to the vehicle's main electrical structure. The wiring has a connector, such as a plug, at the end of the wire that fits into a receptacle, such as a socket, on the rearview mirror. Ensuring a proper connection is paramount, as the device may not function properly if the connector is not fully inserted into the receptacle. Furthermore, improperly assembled connectors can result in a partially connected connector. This partially connected condition is dangerous, as the connector may receive power and function even when not properly assembled. Furthermore, passing a connection test with an improper connection can lead to further failures under driving conditions.

[0004] Furthermore, over the lifespan of the rearview mirror, the connector may come loose due to vibrations or other factors, rendering the glass adjustment function unusable.

[0005] Rearview mirror components that receive connectors are known to have features commonly known as "anti-backout ribs," which are positioned so that if the connector is not fully engaged within the receptacle during assembly, the anti-backout ribs will interfere with the connector, lift the actuator, and prevent installation.

[0006] Additionally, the assembly process presents some challenges as workers must perform the connections to the mirror actuators as a subassembly, while holding large components and precisely managing lightweight wire harnesses with smaller connectors.

[0007] Additionally, the mirror actuator must move with the wire harness to which it is connected, resulting in increased bulk and storage space.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a connection system that allows workers to avoid mistakes and defects in the connection process and makes the assembly process easier. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a connector system for a rearview mirror control system, the connector system being configured to correspond to, be physically associated with, or be connected to at least one receptacle of an electrical and / or data line connector, the receptacle being disposed on a rearview mirror actuator for adjusting the mirror, such that the electrical and / or data line connector and the receptacle are electrically connected to the rearview mirror for controlling, e.g., adjusting, the position of the rearview mirror.

[0010] The connector system includes at least one first opening and a clip member. The first opening is configured to provide access to a receptacle for an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector, and has two sides, one side facing the mirror actuator and the other side facing the opposite side. The clip member is configured to receive an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector, the clip member is configured to be positioned on a side of the first opening opposite the side configured to face the mirror actuator, and the clip member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a longitudinal direction parallel to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector, and has a first longitudinal end joined adjacent to, i.e., beside or in contact with, the edge of the first opening, and a second longitudinal end opposite the first longitudinal end. The second portion is disposed at a second longitudinal end of the first portion and forms an angle with the first portion, and the second portion is configured to prevent longitudinal movement in a direction opposite to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector.

[0011] The mating direction is the direction in which the electrical and / or data line connector is inserted into the receptacle.

[0012] By "receive" it is understood herein to act as a receptacle or container for electrical and / or data line connectors.

[0013] A second portion that is angled with the first portion is understood to be non-collinear or non-aligned. The second portion typically forms an angle between 0° and 180° with the first portion and is oriented toward the first opening to interfere with the electrical and / or data line connector. In embodiments, the angle is between 30° and 150°, preferably between 45° and 135°, and most preferably between 75° and 105°.

[0014] The connector system ensures that the electrical and / or data wire connector is properly connected and fully inserted into the receptacle and will not come off the connector once fully engaged.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second portion is configured to cooperate with insertion to force the introduction of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector into the receptacle.

[0016] A clip member is understood to be any of a variety of devices that clamp, fasten, or hook onto the electrical and / or data line connectors. In one embodiment, the clip member can have some flexibility to hold the electrical and / or data line connectors in place, although rigid clip members can also be used.

[0017] Thus, in the claimed invention, the connector system can include a poka-yoke system for the electric line actuator connection. Poka-yoke is any mechanism in a process that helps the equipment operator avoid mistakes or failures in their connections.

[0018] In accordance with the above, the claimed system allows the electrical line connector and / or data line connector to move only in one direction on the assembly axis, and once assembled, locks in the opposite direction, i.e., the opposite direction to the connection direction, ensuring the following: The electrical and / or data line connectors and the receptacles connected to the rearview mirrors for control are properly connected. Eliminate the risk of electrical and / or data wire connectors becoming disconnected during the life of the rearview mirror.

[0019] According to the present invention, this is achieved by adding a clip member to the connector system, which acts, for example, as a stopper or forces the rear portion of the electrical and / or data line connector against the receptacle.

[0020] In one embodiment, the claimed invention includes a clip member having a second longitudinal end movable by and received in the electrical and / or data line connector. For example, the first portion can be flexible enough to open and accommodate the electrical and / or data line connector, and the second portion can be strong enough to prevent the electrical and / or data line connector from becoming dislodged from the connector system after the electrical and / or data line connector is properly connected.

[0021] Furthermore, the claimed system allows for flexibility and versatility in the assembly process not possible with other known systems.

[0022] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a rearview mirror for an automobile that includes a rearview mirror actuator and a connector system. The rearview mirror actuator includes a receptacle for an electrical and / or data line connector. The connector system according to the above is configured to be disposed correspondingly with the receptacle.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for assembling a connector system for a rearview mirror control system, the connector system being as described above, the method including inserting an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector into an opening, wherein a clip member receives the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector and can prevent longitudinal movement of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector in a direction opposite to a connection direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complete the description and for a better understanding of the invention, the drawings are provided, which form an integral part of this specification and which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. The drawings consist of the following figures:

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector system, an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector, and a rearview mirror actuator. [Figure 2] 2 shows a longitudinal section of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a connected state. [Figure 3] 3-5 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a first assembly method. [Figure 4] 3-5 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a first assembly method. [Figure 5] 3-5 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a first assembly method. [Figure 6] 6-10 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a second assembly method. [Figure 7] 6-10 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a second assembly method. [Figure 8] 6-10 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a second assembly method. [Figure 9] 6-10 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a second assembly method. [Figure 10] 6-10 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 1 and an embodiment of a second assembly method. [Figure 11] 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector system, an electrical and / or data line connector, and a rearview mirror actuator with the electrical and / or data line connector rotated 90 degrees relative to the position of FIG. 1; [Figure 12] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector system. [Figure 13]13-16 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 12 and an embodiment of a method of assembly. [Figure 14] 13-16 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 12 and an embodiment of a method of assembly. [Figure 15] 13-16 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 12 and an embodiment of a method of assembly. [Figure 16] 13-16 show perspective views of an embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 12 and an embodiment of a method of assembly. [Figure 17] 17 shows a detailed view of the opening of the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 16. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 shows a front view of the embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 12, with two different types of electrical and / or data line connectors. [Figure 19] 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a connector system. [Figure 20] 20-21 show a method of assembling the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 21] 20-21 show a method of assembling the embodiment of FIG. [Figure 22] 20 illustrates an alternative method of assembling the embodiment of FIG. 19. [Figure 23] 20 illustrates an alternative method of assembling the embodiment of FIG. 19. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a connector system for a rearview mirror control system.

[0027] The connector system includes a first opening (1) for the entrance of an electrical and / or data line connector (2). The first opening (1) is configured to correspond to a receptacle (10) of the electrical and / or data line connector (2) that is electrically connected to the rearview mirror for movement of the rearview mirror. The connector system also includes a clip member configured to receive the electrical and / or data line connector (2), the clip member having a first portion (4) and a second portion (5). The first part (4) has a longitudinal direction parallel to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2), and has a first longitudinal end (4.1) joined adjacent to the edge of the first opening (1), i.e., beside or in contact with it, and a second longitudinal end (4.2) opposite the first longitudinal end (4.1). The second part (5) is arranged at the second longitudinal end (4.2) of the first part (4) and forms an angle with the first part (4), and the second part (5) is configured to prevent longitudinal movement in a direction opposite to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2).

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening (1) lies in the XY plane, as shown in Figure 1. The longitudinal movement or connection direction of the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is along the Z axis. When the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is inserted into the receptacle (10), the second portion (5) prevents movement in the Z direction opposite the receptacle (10). Thus, longitudinal movement of the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is limited by the second portion (5) of the clip member.

[0029] The illustrated drawing discloses a rearview mirror control system comprising a rearview mirror actuator (8) and a connector system. The rearview mirror actuator (8) includes a receptacle (10) for the electrical and / or data line connector (2). The connector system according to the different embodiments disclosed in the drawings and described herein is configured to be positioned relative to the receptacle (10).

[0030] The mirror actuator (8) holds the reflecting mirror portion.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 17, the first opening (1) has a wall (11) parallel to the connection direction, i.e., perpendicular to the surface of the first opening (1), and is configured to limit the lateral position of the electrical connector and / or data connector (2). The wall is located on the side of the first opening (1) opposite the mirror actuator. By limiting the vertical and lateral position of the electrical connector and / or data connector (2), connection to the receptacle (10) is made simple, fast, and reliable. Notably, in the illustrated embodiment, the wall (11) is a continuous wall surrounding the first opening (1).

[0032] In one embodiment, the second longitudinal end (4.2) is movable to be received in a clip member by the electrical and / or data line connector (2). Alternatively, a rigid clip member is also possible.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the connector system includes a mounting plate (6) positioned corresponding to the receptacle (10). A first opening (1) is positioned in the mounting plate (6) for receiving the electrical wire connector (2). Alternatively, instead of a connector system including a mounting plate (6), a clip member can be positioned directly on the mirror actuator (8).

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate (6) has been redesigned to include a poka-yoke system for locating the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) on the mounting plate (6).

[0035] The mounting plate (6) is thus attached to the mirror actuator (8), and the surface of the mirror actuator (8) that forms the receptacle (10) is located next to the mounting plate (6).

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate 6 has a main surface 6.1, which may be planar, and the first opening 1 is located on said main surface 6.1. The main surface 6.1 is understood to be the largest surface of the mounting plate 6, which may be parallel to the surface on which the receptacle 10 is located. The electrical and / or data connectors 2 are therefore connected perpendicular to the main surface 6.1.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-17, the connector system includes a first clip member (3) and a second clip member (7) that are positioned relative to the first opening (1) and include both a first portion (4) and a second portion (5). An electrical and / or data line connector (2) is received between the first clip member (3) and the second clip member (7). Thus, the disclosed embodiment includes two clip members (3, 7) that include both a first portion (4) that accommodates the electrical and / or data line connector (2) and a second portion (5) that has sufficient strength to prevent the electrical and / or data line connector (2) from being removed from the receptacle (10) once the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is properly connected.

[0038] As mentioned above, one advantage of the claimed invention is that the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) can be assembled before or after, for example, the mirror actuators (8) are secured to the mounting plate (6), thereby providing flexibility in the assembly process.

[0039] The claimed assembly method comprises first and second steps. The first step is to introduce the electrical and / or data line connector (2) into the opening (1, 9) and allow the clip member to receive the electrical and / or data line connector (2). The second step continues introducing the electrical and / or data line connector (2) into the opening (1, 9) until the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is positioned between the second part (5) of the clip member and the opening (1, 9) so that it is prevented from longitudinal movement in the direction opposite to the connection direction.

[0040] 1 to 17, at least three different assembly methods are envisioned.

[0041] As described above, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-17, the connector system includes a mounting plate (6) having a first opening (1) configured to receive an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector (2), and a first portion (4) of a clip member joined adjacent to an edge of the first opening (1).

[0042] In Figures 3 to 5, the mounting plate (6) and rearview mirror actuator (8) are assembled, and then the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is connected from the first opening (1) to the receptacle (10).

[0043] In one embodiment, the first opening (1) comprises a first opening portion (1.1) and a second opening portion (1.2). The first opening portion (1.1) and the second opening portion (1.2) are adapted to receive an electrical connector and / or a data connector (2). The second opening portion (1.1) is positioned corresponding to the receptacle (10) in use to provide access to the electrical connector and / or the data connector (2) and includes a clip member. The second opening portion (1.2) is intended only to receive the electrical connector and / or the data connector (2) but is not intended to hold the electrical connector and / or the data connector (2) in an assembled position. The purpose of the second opening portion (1.2) is to facilitate passage of the electrical connector and / or the data connector (2) through the mounting plate (6) without damaging the clip member.

[0044] In the illustrated drawing, the effective or net area of ​​the first opening (1.1) is smaller than the effective area of ​​the second opening (1.2). Therefore, the usable space of the first opening (1.1) is smaller than the usable space of the second opening (1.2), so the second opening (1.2) easily allows the passage of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2). Furthermore, the first opening (1.1) is configured with a clip member, while the second opening (1.2) is clip-free.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 17, the first opening (1.1) is arranged approximately perpendicular to the second opening (1.2), so that the first opening (1) can position the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) in a first position and in a second position obtained by rotating the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) by approximately 90 degrees.

[0046] 6 to 10, the assembly method is as follows: - connecting the electrical and / or data line connector (2) to the receptacle (10), and then - assembling the mounting plate (6) and the mirror actuator (8), with the clip members receiving the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) and ensuring proper connection thereof;

[0047] Specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 10, before connecting the electrical and / or data line connector (2) to the receptacle (10), the assembly method includes passing the electrical and / or data line connector (2) through the second opening portion (1.2) that will be connected to the receptacle (10). Thus, the embodiment includes the step of first passing through the second portion (1.2). In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is rotated approximately 90 degrees to be connected into the receptacle (10).

[0048] Thus, initially, the mirror actuator (8), mounting plate (6), electrical and / or data line connector (2), and fastening means for coupling the mirror actuator (8) are positioned nearby. The electrical and / or data line connector (2) is aligned with the second portion (1.2) of the first opening (1) so that the second portion (1.2) will pass through or be inserted in the next step to optimize assembly time. The electrical and / or data line connector (2) is then assembled into the receptacle (10). The mounting plate (6) is then assembled with the mirror actuator (8) so that the receptacle (10) and the first portion (1.1) of the first opening (1) are aligned. In an embodiment, the electrical and / or data line connector (2) contacts the clip member before the mounting plate (6) is fully assembled. In an embodiment, the mounting plate (6), in particular its clip members, presses against the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) until the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) are fully connected. Finally, in an embodiment, fastening means couple the mounting plate (6) and the mirror actuator (8).

[0049] In contrast, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 5, after the mounting plate (6) is assembled to the rearview mirror actuator (8), the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is assembled to the receptacle (10) through the first portion (1.1) of the first opening (1). Once clipped, the assembly is complete.

[0050] FIG. 12 discloses another embodiment in which the connector system comprises: - a second opening (9) configured to receive a second electrical and / or data line connector (2), the second opening (9) being arranged in the mounting plate (6), in one embodiment the second electrical and / or data line connector (2) having a different external shape and / or dimensions than the first electrical and / or data line connector (2); and - an additional clip member, wherein a first portion (4) of the additional clip member is joined adjacent to the edge of the second opening (9).

[0051] 12-17 can accommodate two different types of electrical and / or data connectors (2). More specifically, for differently shaped openings (1, 9), only the appropriate opening (1, 9) needs to be aligned with the receptacle (10). The two openings (1, 9) are arranged on the same circumference, for example, with their centers aligned with the center of the mounting plate (6), so that the corresponding openings (1, 9) can be aligned with the receptacle (10) when the mirror actuator (8) or the mounting plate (6) rotates.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening (1) and the second opening (9) are arranged diametrically opposite each other in the mounting plate (6).

[0053] The second opening (9) is for connecting a second type of electrical and / or data line connector (2). These embodiments are useful for two different versions of the same electrical and / or data line connector (2) having different sizes. As an example, these two versions are named memory and basic. Due to the dimensional difference between these two connectors, at least in their width, length, or depth, the first opening (1) does not guarantee poka-yoke for both connectors.

[0054] According to the above, to solve this, a second window may be drilled in the same mounting plate (6), for example, at a position 180° from the first window, and an additional clip member may be added to ensure poka-yoke functional capability for two or more designs of electrical and / or data line connectors (2). Thus, the mounting plate (6) can be easily adapted to hold either of these at least two types of connectors by simply rotating the mounting plate (6) opposite a receptacle (10) having the required first or second opening (1, 9).

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening (9) is provided with an additional clip member, which comprises the following first part (4) and second part (5). The first part (4) has a longitudinal direction parallel to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) and has a first longitudinal end (4.1) joined adjacent to the edge of the first opening (1), and a second longitudinal end (4.2) opposite the first longitudinal end (4.1). The second part (5) is arranged at the second longitudinal end (4.2) of the first part (4) and forms an angle with the first part (4), and the second part (5) is configured to prevent longitudinal movement in a direction opposite to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2).

[0056] Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the assembly method comprises the steps of positioning the mounting plate (6) adjacent to the rearview mirror actuator (8), and then introducing the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) into the openings (1, 9) and connecting them to the receptacles (10).

[0057] 13 to 16 depict an alternative assembly process comprising the following steps: - passing the electrical and / or data line connector (2) through the second opening (1.2); and - Assembling the electrical and / or data line connector (2) into the first opening (1.1) of the mounting plate (6).

[0058] In a further embodiment, the method also includes assembling the mounting plate (6) and the mirror actuator (8) such that the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is connected to the receptacle (10).

[0059] Thus, the electrical and / or data line connector (2) passes through the first opening (1), specifically through its second portion (1.2) rotated 90° relative to the assembled position of the electrical and / or data line connector (2). Then, as shown in Figure 14, the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is rotated 90° and retracted to the mounting plate (6) to contact the clip member of the first portion (1.1) of the first opening (1). Finally, the mounting plate (6) together with the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is assembled to the mirror actuator (8).

[0060] Thus, the present invention, in some embodiments, provides the possibility of placing an electrical and / or data line connector (2) on a mounting plate (6) to form a pre-assembly for further connection to a receptacle (10) for the electrical and / or data line connector (2).

[0061] In this sense, by assembling the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) to the mounting plate (6) and delaying the connection to the receptacle (10) as much as possible in the assembly process, the connection can be made with the lightest possible product.

[0062] In one embodiment, the connector system comprises at least a protrusion (12) joined to the first opening (1) to facilitate the placement of the electrical and / or data line connector (2) in the first opening (1). In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 17, the protrusion (12) is specifically joined to the first portion (1.1) of the first opening (1). The protrusion (12) consists of at least longitudinal elements, and in the illustrated embodiment, for example, with reference to Figure 17, two longitudinal elements are arranged in a part of the first opening (1), for example in a part of the wall (11), and are perpendicular to the part of the wall (11) on which the clip member is arranged.

[0063] 12 to 17 also disclose embodiments in which the clip member constitutes a means for temporarily retaining the electrical and / or data line connector (2) in the first opening (1) during assembly or transportation of the connector system. In particular, the first portion (4) of the clip member comprises a protrusion (13), e.g., made of a plastic material, that serves to retain the electrical and / or data line connector (2). In embodiments, referring to FIG. 17 for example, the protrusion (13) can be positioned such that the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is retained between the protrusion (13) and the wall (11) of the opening (1) or between two protrusions (13) of each of the two clip members. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion (13) extends longitudinally along the first portion (4) of the clip member.

[0064] Figures 19 to 23 disclose an additional embodiment in which the connector system comprises a third clip member 14. This embodiment is useful in a bayonet mount between the mirror actuator 8 and the mounting plate 6, where these elements are rotated relative to one another into assembly.

[0065] Preferably, two of the clip members (7, 14) are positioned on the opposite side of the first opening (1) from the other clip member (3). The electrical and / or data line connector (2) is received between the three clip members (3, 7, 14) in a first position or assembly step.

[0066] In one embodiment, the third clip member (14) contacts the electrical and / or data line connector (2) in the first position. This third clip member (14) functions as a retention member for the electrical and / or data line connector (2) when in the first position. Thus, the third clip member (14) functions as the protrusion (13) disclosed in the previous embodiment, which helps to hold the electrical and / or data line connector (2) in place.

[0067] The second clip member (7) and the first clip member (3) can be in contact with the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2) in the first position, or the first and second clip members (3, 7) are not in contact with the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2) in said first position.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first opening (1) of the connector system comprises a first opening portion (1.1) and a second opening portion (1.2), which are configured to receive an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector (2). In the illustrated embodiment, the first opening portion (1.1) comprises a clip member (3, 7, 14).

[0069] In a first position or assembly step of the illustrated embodiment, the first opening (1.1) is configured to be positioned corresponding to the receptacle (10). The mounting plate (6) or mirror actuator (8) is then configured to rotate the second opening (1.2) so that it fully or partially corresponds with the receptacle (10). In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle (10) terminates between the first opening (1.1) and the second opening (1.2).

[0070] The first and second openings (1.1) and (1.2) are arranged along the same circumference in the mounting plate (6), which allows for the transition from the first opening (1.1) to the second opening (1.2). The first and second openings (1.1) and (1.2) can be curved and arranged circumferentially. In the illustrated embodiment, both sections (1.1, 1.2) are arranged at an angle between 120° and 150°.

[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, the first clip member (3) is positioned on the side of the first opening (1.1) closest to the center of the mounting plate (6), and the second clip member (7) and the third clip member are positioned on the side of the first opening (1.1) furthest from the center of the mounting plate (6). In the illustrated embodiment, the first clip member (3), the second clip member (7) and the third clip member (14) are arranged in a staggered pattern.

[0072] In the second position or second assembly step, only the two clip members (3, 7) closest to the second opening (1.2) receive the electrical and / or data line connectors (2).

[0073] As can be seen from FIGS. 20 to 23, all of the different assembly methods described for the previous embodiments also apply to the embodiment of FIG.

[0074] An object of the present invention is to provide a rearview mirror for a motor vehicle, which is equipped with a connector system according to the above.

Claims

1. A connector system for a rearview mirror control system, the connector system being configured to be arranged corresponding to at least one receptacle (10) of an electrical line connector and / or a data line connector (2), the receptacle (10) being arranged on a rearview mirror actuator (8), the connector system comprising: at least one first opening (1) configured to provide access to the receptacle (10) for the electrical and / or data line connector (2); a clip member configured to receive the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2), the clip member being configured to be positioned on a side of the first opening (1) opposite to a side configured to face the mirror actuator (8), the clip member comprising: a first part (4) having a longitudinal direction parallel to the connecting direction of the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2), the first part (4) having a first longitudinal end (4.1) and a second longitudinal end (4.2) joined adjacent to the edge of the first opening (1) and opposite to the first longitudinal end (4.1); a second part (5) arranged at the second longitudinal end (4.2) of the first part (4), the second part (5) forming an angle with the first part (4), the second part (5) being configured to prevent longitudinal movement of the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) in a direction opposite to the connection direction of the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2); A connector system that is equipped with

2. 2. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein the second longitudinal end (4.2) is movable by the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2) so as to be received by the clip member.

3. a mounting plate (6) configured to be positioned corresponding to the receptacle (10) of the second longitudinal end (4.2); Further preparation, The first opening (1) is disposed in the mounting plate (6).

3. A connector system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A first clip member (3) and a second clip member (7) are disposed relative to the first opening (1) and have both a first portion (4) and a second portion (5). Further preparation, The electrical and / or data line connector (2) is received between the first clip member (3) and the second clip member (7); A connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a second opening (9) configured to receive a second electrical line connector and / or a data line connector (2), the second opening (9) being disposed in the mounting plate (6); an additional clip member, the first part (4) of which is joined adjacent to the edge of the second opening (9); 3. The connector system of claim 3, or claims 4 and 3, further comprising:

6. The first opening (1) and the second opening (9) are co-circular in the mounting plate (6); The mounting plate (6) or the mirror actuator (8) is configured to rotate so that the first opening (1) or the second opening (9) is positioned corresponding to the receptacle (10).

6. The connector system of claim 5.

7. The first opening (1) comprises a first opening portion (1.1) and a second opening portion (1.2), the first opening (1.1) and the second opening (1.2) are configured to receive the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2); the first opening (1.1) constitutes the clip member and is configured to be positioned in use in correspondence with the receptacle (10) to provide access for the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2); A connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the effective area of ​​the first opening (1.1) is smaller than the effective area of ​​the second opening (1.2); 8. The connector system of claim 7.

9. The first opening (1) has a wall (11) parallel to the connection direction and configured to limit the lateral position of the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2). A connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. 1. A rearview mirror control system for a motor vehicle, the rearview mirror control system comprising: a rearview mirror actuator (8) having a receptacle (10) for an electrical and / or data line connector (2); A connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to be arranged corresponding to the receptacle (10); Equipped with Rearview mirror control system.

11. 10. A method for assembling a connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for a rearview mirror adjustment system, the method comprising: introducing the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) into the first and second openings (1, 9), so that the clip member receives the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2), and the clip member prevents the electrical line connector and / or data line connector (2) from moving longitudinally in a direction opposite to the connecting direction; Assembly method.

12. Assembling the mounting plate (6) and the rearview mirror actuator (8), and then connecting the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2) to the receptacle (10) through the first and second openings (1, 9). The assembly method according to claim 11.

13. connecting the electrical and / or data line connector (2) to the receptacle (10); and thereafter assembling the mounting plate (6) and the mirror actuator (8) so that the clip member receives the electrical line connector and / or the data line connector (2); The assembly method of claim 11 further comprising:

14. Before connecting the electrical and / or data line connector (2) to the receptacle (10), the electrical and / or data line connector (2) is passed through a second opening (1.2). The method of claim 13 further comprising:

15. passing the electrical and / or data line connector (2) through the second opening (1.2); introducing the electrical and / or data line connectors (2) into the first openings (1.1) of the mounting plate (6); The assembly method of claim 11 further comprising: