Adjusting device, including mutually cooperating cam patterns, particularly for adjusting an external visual unit of a vehicle

The adjustment device with interconnected cams and guide tracks addresses the issue of jerky movements and noise by ensuring smooth pivoting and reduced interference, enhancing the stability and functionality of external visual units.

JP2026041817APending Publication Date: 2026-03-10MCI MIRROR CONTROLS INT NETHERLANDS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-27
Publication Date
2026-03-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing adjustment devices for external visual units of vehicles experience jerky movements and undesirable noises due to manufacturing tolerances and structural distortions, leading to interference between cams during pivoting.

Method used

The device incorporates bridges connecting spaced cams to form guide tracks, supporting guide cams over a significant pivot range, reducing obstructions and ensuring smooth pivoting by maintaining rotational locking engagement.

Benefits of technology

This design achieves stable and smooth pivoting of the frame within the pivot range, minimizing interference and noise, while maintaining structural integrity and operational stability.

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Abstract

To provide an adjusting device that can achieve smooth pivoting of a frame within a pivoting range, and that can suppress at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks while maintaining the above-mentioned advantages. [Solution] An adjustment device for an external visual unit of a vehicle, which is pivotable between a driving position and a parking position via mutually cooperating cam patterns (4) arranged on a base and a frame (1), respectively, the cam patterns (4) including cams (6) arranged circumferentially about the pivot axis, with the cams (4) engaging with each other in the driving position, and the first cam pattern (4) is provided with a bridge (9) circumferentially connecting spaced cams (10, 11) to each other, the bridge (9) forming a guide track (12) together with the spaced cams (10, 11) on which a guide cam of a second cam pattern is supported in part of the pivot range.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustment device for an external vision unit of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, for facilitating the adjustment of the external vision unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Adjustment devices for external visual elements of a motor vehicle typically include a frame for housing an external visual unit, such as an exterior mirror, a camera, a LIDAR and / or a display. The frame is typically adjustable relative to a base of the adjustment device, which is mounted and / or attached to the motor vehicle. In particular, such adjustments can be performed using an electric drive.

[0003] The adjustment device is often intended to adjust the external vision unit between a parked position, e.g., a folded position in which the frame extends at a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, e.g., substantially along the vehicle, and an activated position, e.g., a driven position in which the frame extends at a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the second angle being greater than the first angle, e.g., about 20 degrees greater than the first angle, about 30 degrees greater than the first angle, or about 45 degrees greater than the first angle, and / or in which the frame extends substantially transverse to the vehicle.

[0004] An electric drive or actuator for adjusting the frame is usually referred to by the term powerfold actuator. A commonly known type of adjustment device for an external visual unit of a vehicle (automobile) includes a base with legs for attachment to the vehicle and a frame for supporting the external visual unit, which may or may not be provided with a housing. The frame is attached to the base in a manner that allows it to pivot about a pivot axis. The frame is typically pivotable within a pivot range at least between the drive position and the parking position of the adjustment device via a pair of mutually opposing and cooperating cam patterns disposed on the base and the frame, respectively. Each of the two cam patterns typically includes cams circumferentially arranged around the pivot axis at successive positions within the ring segment such that the cams of the cam patterns engage with each other in a rotationally locked manner essentially only in the drive position of the adjustment device. Typically, the frame is connected to the base via a drive with its own electric motor, so that the pivoting movement of the frame to fold and unfold can be performed in a driven manner.

[0005] During pivoting of the frame within a pivot range to and from the drive position, the cams of the cam pattern move relative to one another and slide against one another, and at least some of the cams of the cam pattern support one another in a pivot range outside the drive position.

[0006] The adjusting device is typically implemented with cam patterns that are pressed toward one another under a bias (pretension) to suppress vibration and movement of the frame, at least in the drive position, during drive. To move the cam patterns relative to one another against the bias and allow the cams to slide against one another, a relatively large number of cams are often arranged to efficiently distribute the bias over a relatively large contact surface between the cooperating cam patterns. In particular, because manufacturing tolerances cannot guarantee that all cams in a cam pattern will cooperate effectively with one another, it is often desirable to arrange more cams than necessary.

[0007] Due to such manufacturing tolerances and, for example, distortion of structural parts during the life of the adjustment device, individual cams may form obstructions within the adjustment range, and the cams sliding against each other may interfere with each other when the frame pivots. Such interference may manifest, for example, as a jerky adjustment of the frame within the adjustment range and / or may be accompanied by undesirable noises such as rattles and / or clicks. This may be problematic, for example, during manual or electric motor-driven adjustment, as the user may be instructed not to adjust the adjustment device unnecessarily from and / or to the park or drive position, for example, due to an unstable and vibrating image on the external visual unit. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention contemplates an adjustment device that can achieve smooth pivoting of the frame within the pivot range, and that can reduce at least some of the aforementioned disadvantages while maintaining the aforementioned advantages. In particular, the present invention contemplates a structure that reduces the formation of obstructions by individual cams within the pivot range to and from the drive position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To this end, the present invention provides an adjustment device for an external visual unit of a vehicle, comprising a base with legs for attachment to the vehicle and a frame for supporting the external visual unit, the frame being attached to the base in a manner that allows it to pivot about a pivot axis at least within a pivot range between a drive position and a parking position of the adjustment device via a pair of mutually opposing and mutually cooperating cam patterns arranged on the base and the frame, respectively, each of the two cam patterns including cams arranged circumferentially around the pivot axis at successive positions within the ring segment so that the cams of the cam patterns in the drive position of the adjustment device engage with each other in a rotationally locked manner and adjust with each other within the pivot range to and from the drive position, the first cam pattern being provided with bridges circumferentially connecting the spaced cams to each other, the bridges forming, together with the spaced cams, guide tracks on which guide cams of the second cam pattern are supported in at least a substantial part of the pivot range to and from the drive position.

[0010] By providing bridges that interconnect spaced apart cams in the circumferential direction and that form, together with the cams, guide tracks that can support the guide cams over at least a significant portion of the pivot range to and from the drive position, an adjustment device has been obtained that allows smooth pivoting of the frame within the pivot range and reduces the formation of obstructions by the individual cams.

[0011] If the guide track is substantially flat, it can be achieved that the guide cam is supported on and / or adjusted along a substantially flat and / or horizontal surface during at least a portion of the pivoting movement within the pivoting range to and from the drive position, thereby further facilitating smooth pivoting of the adjustment device.

[0012] If the bridge extends from the ring segment along at least one cam located between the two most extreme cams connected by the bridge, it can be achieved that in the drive position, at least one intermediate cam contributes to the mutual rotational locking engagement, but creates no or almost no obstacle when the cams adjust to each other within the pivot range. Alternatively, the bridge does not extend along the intermediate cam. The two most extreme cams between which the bridge extends are located adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction without any cam between them.

[0013] If the at least one intermediate cam has a lower height than the guide track, it can be achieved that the at least one intermediate cam is located (distant) from the cams of the second cam pattern in at least a significant portion of the pivot range. In particular, if the guide cam is supported on a bridge within the pivot range, this can suppress irregularities in the at least one intermediate cam that prevent the cams from adjusting to each other in at least a significant portion of the pivot range, for example, due to manufacturing tolerances or distortion of structural parts during life. In this way, it is possible to promote smooth adjustment within the pivot range while maintaining the contribution of the at least one intermediate cam during at least the initial portion of the adjustment to and / or from the drive position. In particular, the at least one intermediate cam can contribute to the rotation lock in the drive position.

[0014] If the cams connected by the bridges extend substantially along a radial direction away from the pivot axis, it is relatively easy to achieve an increase in the contact surface of the cooperating cam patterns. By providing a bridge with a ring segment-like profile that connects at a radial location with the cams connected by the bridges, the bridges can be conveniently integrated into the ring segments.

[0015] If the radial portions of the cams connected by the ring segment-like profiles are the radial ends of the cams close to the pivot axis, the radial ends farther from the pivot axis, or the radial intermediate portions located between the radial ends of the cams connected by the bridge, the stability of the structure can be improved, especially during pivoting: the ring segment-like profiles form radial stops for the other cams of the second cam pattern, thereby limiting the radial movement of the respective cam patterns relative to each other.

[0016] By providing the first cam pattern with a plurality of bridges connecting the spaced apart cams in the circumferential direction, the interaction between the cam patterns, in particular between the guide cams and the guide tracks, can be divided in the circumferential direction over a plurality of segments, thus ensuring operational stability during pivoting, in particular if the first cam pattern is provided with two, three or four bridges that are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction over the first cam pattern.

[0017] If the guide cam of the second cam pattern has a greater height than the other cams of the second cam pattern, it can be achieved that the other cams are spaced apart (at a distance) from the first cam pattern during at least a significant portion of the pivot range to and from the drive position. In particular, the other cams of the second cam pattern can contribute to the rotation lock at the drive position and / or to the adjustment during at least an initial portion of the pivot range to and from the drive position.

[0018] If the other cams of the second cam pattern, i.e., cams other than the guide cam, include interruptions corresponding to the bridges for receiving the bridges during mutual rotation-locking engagement with the cams of the first cam pattern in the drive position, this can prevent the cams and the ring segment-like contours from interfering with each other, thereby facilitating the rotation-locking engagement of the cams of the cooperating cam patterns with each other in the drive position of the adjusting device.

[0019] Advantageously, one of the first cam pattern and the second cam pattern may be provided on the base, and the other of the first cam pattern and the second cam pattern may be provided on the frame. In particular, the cam pattern corresponding to the base and / or the frame may be integrally formed with the base and / or the frame. In this way, the respective cam patterns having the base and / or the frame can be relatively simply manufactured by injection molding or a sintering process.

[0020] The guide cam of the second cam pattern can be supported on the guide track of the bridge by providing run-on surfaces on the cam of the first cam pattern and the guide cam of the second cam pattern connected via the bridge for moving the base and the frame axially away from each other along the pivot axis when the adjustment device pivots from the drive position. Conversely, the run-on surfaces can also facilitate the base and the frame moving axially closer to each other along the pivot axis when the adjustment device pivots toward the drive position. In this way, the run-on surfaces can promote gradual axial movement between the base and the frame when pivoting to and from the drive position.

[0021] By providing each of the two cam patterns with a plurality of circumferentially distributed ring segments having circumferentially arranged cams at successive positions, recesses are formed between the ring segments of the first cam pattern for receiving corresponding guide cams of the second cam pattern in the drive position of the adjusting device, and by providing the cam patterns with a plurality of circumferentially distributed rotational locking engagement points, the stability of the structure in the drive position can be improved in a relatively simple manner. Preferably, each of the two patterns includes two, three, or four circumferentially distributed ring segments. In this way, a relatively large pivot range, for example, approximately 180°, 120°, and 90°, respectively, can be ensured, while providing two, three, or four rotational locking engagement points, respectively.

[0022] When the base and the frame are pressed together under bias (pretension), vibrations that occur during driving due to unevenness in the road surface can be suppressed in the adjustment device.

[0023] The invention will be further explained on the basis of an exemplary embodiment of a conditioning device shown in the drawing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of the adjustment device according to the invention, in particular the frame; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a regulation device according to the invention, in particular the base; [Figure 3] 1 and 2, a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a pair of cam patterns arranged on the base of FIG. 2 and the frame of FIG. 1, respectively, facing each other within a pivot range, taken along line III-III of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic bottom view of the portion shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the portion shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a part of another adjustment device according to the invention, in particular the frame; [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of another adjustment device according to the present invention, in particular the base; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] It should be noted that these figures are merely schematic illustrations of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that these figures are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, in which similar or corresponding parts of different embodiments are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0026] 1 and 2 show a portion of an adjustment device (not shown) for an external visual unit of a vehicle, specifically a frame 1 and a base 3, respectively. The frame 1 may or may not include a housing and is configured to support the external visual unit (not shown). The frame 1 is further configured to be attached to a base 3 of the adjustment device in a pivotable manner about a pivot axis 2. The base 3 of the adjustment device is often attached to an outer portion of the vehicle (automobile) body via legs (not shown). In the mounted state, the pivot axis 2 typically extends along a base shaft (not shown) that extends substantially perpendicular to a fixed world. Alternatively, the pivot axis 2 can also extend at an angle relative to the base shaft that extends substantially perpendicular to a fixed world. Typically, the frame 1 is connected to the base 3 via a drive unit (not shown) that includes an electric motor in or on the frame 1 or in or on the base 3, so that the pivoting movement of the frame to fold and unfold can be performed in a driven manner.

[0027] The adjustment device is intended to adjust the external vision unit between a parked position, e.g. a folded position, in which the frame 1 extends substantially along the vehicle, and an operating position, e.g. a drive position, in which the frame 1 extends substantially transversely to the vehicle. For this purpose, the frame 1 is mounted to the base 3 in a pivotable manner about a pivot axis 2 in a pivot range of the adjustment device between at least the drive position and the parked position.

[0028] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first cam pattern 4 of the pair of opposing and cooperating cam patterns 4, 5 is integrally formed with the frame 1 ( FIG. 1 ). Referring to FIG. 2 , the base 3 includes the second cam pattern 5. Conversely, the first cam pattern 4 and the second cam pattern 5 may, of course, be provided on the base 3 and the frame 1, respectively. For example, the first cam pattern 4 may also be separately mounted and provided on the frame 1. The first cam pattern 4 and the second cam pattern 5 are provided with cams 6, 7, respectively. The cams 6, 7 are arranged in successive positions within ring segments 8, 8′ in the circumferential direction O around the pivot axis 2. In this exemplary embodiment, four cams 6 are arranged within the ring segment 8 of the first cam pattern 4. Four cams 7 are arranged within the ring segment 8′ of the second cam pattern 5, one of the four cams 7, in addition to the other three cams 7′, forms a guide cam 13. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the number of cams can be varied, e.g., the first cam pattern 4 can include two, three, five, or more cams 6 arranged within a ring segment 8, and / or the second cam pattern 5 can include one, two, three, five, or more cams 7 arranged within each ring segment 8'. Each of the two cam patterns 4, 5 includes four ring segments 8, 8' distributed in the circumferential direction O, with the cams 6, 7 arranged at consecutive positions in the circumferential direction O. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that two or three ring segments are also possible. The second cam pattern 5 includes four guide cams 13a-d distributed substantially evenly in the circumferential direction O. The guide cams 13 are formed as pairs of guide cams 13a, b; 13c, d. See, e.g., FIG. 5. Each pair has two guide cams 13a, b; 13c, d positioned substantially opposite each other. The guide cams in each pair have substantially equal geometric shapes. However, the geometry of the guide cams may differ from pair to pair. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pair of guide cams 13a, b has a geometry with a relatively large dimension in the circumferential direction, while the second pair of guide cams 13c, d has a geometry with a relatively small dimension in the circumferential direction O.The second pair of guide cams 13c, d is shorter in the circumferential direction than the first pair of guide cams 13a, b.

[0029] The cams 10, 11 of the first cam pattern at the ends of the guide tracks 12 may extend radially further or a shorter distance towards the pivot axis 2 than the intermediate cams 14. Thus, one of the two cams 10, 11, or each of the two cams 10, 11, may extend radially inward further or, conversely, a shorter distance. The first cam pattern 4 also has connecting ribs 17, each of which extends in the circumferential direction O between the radially inner ends of adjacent cams 10, 11 that form the ends of successive guide tracks 12. In other words, the cams 10 at the ends of the first guide tracks 12 are connected to the adjacent cams 11 that form the ends of the adjacent tracks 12. The connection is realized by the connecting ribs 17, which form a continuous ring segment from and to the two adjacent cams 10, 11 at their radially inner ends. The cams 6, 7 of the cam patterns 4, 5 are arranged to engage with each other in a rotationally locked manner only in the drive position of the adjustment device. The distance between successive cams 6, 7 in the circumferential direction O may be equal in each case or may be slightly different. Furthermore, the cams 6, 7 are configured so that they can be adjusted to each other within the pivot range to and from the drive position. For this purpose, each cam 6, 7 includes a top and two obliquely rising side surfaces. The obliquely rising side surfaces of the cams 6, 7 are correspondingly shaped so that the cams 6, 7 can cooperate with each other. As a result, during the initial part of the pivot range to and from the drive position, at least some of the cams 6, 7 cooperate via the obliquely rising side surfaces to move the frame 1 and the base 3, respectively, axially toward and away from each other.

[0030] Additionally, the first cam pattern 4 is provided with bridges 9. The bridges 9 connect the spaced cams 10, 11 in the circumferential direction O. Referring to the first cam pattern 4 in FIG. 1 , the first cam 10 and the last cam 11 of the ring segment 8 are connected to each other by the bridges 9. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many permutations are possible, for example, the first cam 10 in the ring segment 8 and the second or third cam of the cam 6 can be connected to each other by the bridges 9. The bridges 9, together with the spaced cams 10, 11, form guide tracks 12. The guide tracks 12 are generally flat and may include run-on and / or run-off track segments at and / or near the ends of the bridges 9, for example, to facilitate smooth adjustment of the adjustment device.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view in the circumferential direction O along line III-III in FIGS. 1 and 2 of a pair of cam patterns 4, 5 arranged on the frame 1 and base 3, respectively, facing each other within the pivot range. FIG. 3 shows a view from the pivot axis 2. Line III-III extends along a segment of a circle in the circumferential direction O. As shown in FIG. 3, the guide cam 13 of the second cam pattern 5 is supported on a guide track 12 formed by a bridge 9 with two spaced cams 10, 11 over at least a significant portion of the pivot range from and to the drive position. Advantageously, the bridge 9 and the cams 10, 11 connected thereby have substantially the same axial height H along the pivot axis 2, so that the guide track 12 is generally flat. The bridge 9 extends from the ring segment 8 along two cams 14 located between the two extreme cams 10, 11 connected by the bridge 9. The two intermediate cams 14 have a height h in the axial direction along the pivot axis 2 that is smaller than the guide tracks 12. The height difference dH between the guide tracks 12 and the intermediate cams 14 may be, for example, about 0.2 to 1.5 mm, such as, for example, about 0.3 to 0.5, or 0.5 to 0.8 mm. The guide cam 13 of the second cam pattern 5 has a height H' in the axial direction along the pivot axis 2 that is larger than the other cams 7' of the second cam pattern 5.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a schematic bottom view of the part shown in FIG.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a schematic top view of the part shown in FIG. 2, in particular the base 3.

[0034] 1 and 2, and 3 and 4, respectively, the cams 10, 11 connected by the bridge 9 are shown to extend substantially along the radial direction R away from the pivot axis 2. The bridge 9 includes a ring-segment-like profile C that connects the radial ends 15 of the cams 10, 11 connected by the bridge 9 that are farther from the pivot axis 2. The two extreme cams 10, 11 connected by the bridge 9 may extend radially further toward or away from the pivot axis 2 than the intermediate cam 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the bridge 9 forms a dam with the ring-segment-like profile C, and the cams 10, 11 connected by the bridge 9 and the intermediate cam 14 extend radially an equal distance. Additionally or alternatively, the ring-segment-like profile C may connect the radial ends 15 of the cams 10, 11 connected by the bridge 9 that are closer to the pivot axis 2. Naturally, it is also possible to provide a ring segment-like contour C in the radially intermediate portion located between the radial ends 15 of the cams 10, 11 connected by the bridges 9. The first cam pattern 4 may also be provided with several bridges 9 connecting the spaced apart cams 10, 11 in the circumferential direction O, such as bridges at least partially radially adjacent to each other and / or located in different radial parts of the ring segment of the cam 7.

[0035] 2 and 4 show that the further cam 7' of the second cam pattern 5 includes an interruption 16 corresponding to the bridge 9 for receiving the bridge 9 during mutual rotational locking engagement of the cams in the drive position. The interruption 16 is here implemented at a radial end 15' of the further cam 7', i.e. the further cam 7' extends radially a shorter distance away from the pivot axis 2 than the guide cam 13. The interruption could also be implemented as a recess in the center of the cam 7', for example, if the bridge 9 is arranged centrally between the radial ends 15 in the first cam pattern 4.

[0036] In the mounted position of the adjustment device, the guide cam 13 is supported on the guide track 12 over at least a substantial part of its pivoting range to and from the drive position. In the context of the present disclosure, a substantial part of the pivoting range to and from the drive position should be understood to mean the entire pivoting range or a part of the pivoting range, e.g., other than the initial pivoting where at least some of the obliquely rising flanks of the cams 6, 7 cooperate to move the cams 6, 7 axially towards and away from each other along the pivot axis 2.

[0037] Cams 10, 11 of first cam pattern 4, connected via bridge 9, and guide cam 13 of second cam pattern 5, are provided with run-on surfaces 17 for moving base 3 and frame 1 further apart axially along pivot axis 2 upon pivoting of the adjustment device from the drive position. Run-on surfaces 17 are provided on the tops of the sides of cams 6, 7 to facilitate the final portion of the initial pivot within the adjustment range to and / or from the drive position, in other words, to provide a final push against guide cam 13 from and / or to guide track 12 of first cam pattern 4. Run-on surfaces 17 are aligned with the sides of cams 10, 11 of first cam pattern 4, connected via bridge 9, and with the sides of guide cam 13 of second cam pattern 5.

[0038] In the actuated position, the cooperating cam patterns 4, 5 of the frame 1 and the base 3, respectively, are under a bias, such as, for example, a spring load, that urges the frame 1 and the base 3 toward each other. This bias may be provided, for example, by a coil spring or compression spring (not shown) disposed about the pivot axis 2. This bias, particularly the spring load, may be removed before the frame is electrically pivoted from the actuated position relative to the base. This may be achieved by the drive performing an internal stroke, resulting in a spring force being transmitted from the frame to the base.

[0039] Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a schematic bottom view of a part of another conditioning device according to the invention, in particular the frame.

[0040] Figure 7 shows a schematic top view of part of another adjustment device according to the invention, in particular the base. Similar to the parts shown in Figures 1 to 5, the frame 1 shown in Figure 6 is configured to be mounted in a pivotable manner about a pivot axis 2 to a base 3 shown in Figure 7.

[0041] Similar to the base 3 of FIG. 2, the guide cams 13 of the base of FIG. 7 are formed as pairs of guide cams 13a, b; 13c, d. Each pair has two guide cams 13a, b; 13c, d positioned substantially opposite each other. The guide cams of each pair have substantially the same geometric shape. However, the guide cam geometries may differ from pair to pair. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the first pair of guide cams 13a, b has a geometry in which the cams extend relatively further radially inward, while the second pair of guide cams 13c, d has a geometry in which the cams have a relatively shorter radially inward dimension. The second pair of guide cams 13c, d extend radially inward a shorter distance than the first pair of guide cams 13a, b.

[0042] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. The cam pattern can be, for example, a regular cam pattern, but can also include a multi-cam configuration in which cams are arranged at various intervals within the ring segments. In a regular cam pattern, the cams are arranged at equal intervals within the ring segments. The adjustment device can be provided with many other features, such as, for example, a stop that forms a physical or audible stop during manual adjustment from the operating position toward both the parked position and the folded-up position, but is not present during electrical adjustment, at least toward the parked position. Such a feature is known as a "double detent." For this purpose, the frame can be provided with a clutch ring and the base with a cam ring. Such features of the adjustment device are known per se and are described, for example, in WO 2005 / 075249, WO 2012 / 047104, and WO 2017 / 074193. Such variations are obvious to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0043] 1 frame 2 Pivot axis 3 base 4 pairs of primary cam patterns 5 pairs of secondary cam patterns 6 Cam of the first cam pattern 7 Cam of the second cam pattern 7' Other Cam 8 Ring Segment of First Cam Pattern 8' Second Cam Pattern Ring Segment 9 Bridge 10, 11 Cams spaced apart from each other (connected by a bridge) 12 Guide Track 13 Guide Cam 14 Intermediate cam 15 Radial end of cam 15' Radial end of other cam 16 Interruption 17 Run-on surface Height of H-bridge and cams connected by the bridge h Intermediate cam height dH Height difference H' Guide cam height C-ring segmented contour

Claims

1. 1. An adjustment device for an external vision unit of a vehicle, comprising: a base having legs for attachment to the vehicle and a frame for supporting the external visual unit; the frame is attached to the base in a manner that allows it to pivot about a pivot axis within a pivot range between at least a drive position and a parking position of the adjustment device via a pair of cam patterns that are opposed to and cooperate with each other and that are disposed on the base and the frame, respectively; each of the two cam patterns includes cams circumferentially arranged about the pivot axis at successive positions within a ring segment such that the cams of the cam patterns at the drive position of the adjustment device engage each other in a rotationally locked manner and adjust to each other within the pivot range to and from the drive position; an adjusting device, wherein the first cam pattern is provided with bridges interconnecting spaced cams in the circumferential direction, the bridges forming with the spaced cams guide tracks on which guide cams of the second cam pattern are supported over at least a substantial portion of the pivot range to and from the drive position.

2. The adjustment device of claim 1 , wherein the guide track is generally flat.

3. 3. An adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bridge extends from the ring segment along at least one cam located between two extreme cams connected by the bridge.

4. The adjustment device of claim 3 , wherein the at least one intermediate cam has a height that is less than the guide track.

5. 5. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the cams connected by the bridge extend substantially radially away from the pivot axis, and the bridge has a ring segment-like profile that connects with the cams connected by the bridge at radial positions.

6. 6. The adjusting device according to claim 5, wherein the radial portion of the cam connected by the ring segment-shaped profile is a radial end of the cam connected by the bridge that is close to the pivot axis, a radial end that is far from the pivot axis, or a radial intermediate portion located between the radial ends.

7. 7. Adjusting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the two extreme cams connected by the bridge extend radially farther than the intermediate cams.

8. 8. The adjusting device according to claim 1, wherein the first cam pattern is provided with a plurality of bridges connecting spaced apart cams in the circumferential direction.

9. The adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the guide cam of the second cam pattern has a height greater than the other cams of the second cam pattern.

10. 10. An adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the other cam of the second cam pattern includes an interruption corresponding to the bridge for receiving the bridge upon mutual rotational locking engagement with the cam of the first cam pattern in the drive position.

11. The adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein one of the first cam pattern and the second cam pattern is provided on the base, and the other of the first cam pattern and the second cam pattern is provided on the frame.

12. 12. The adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the cam connected via the bridge of the first cam pattern and the guide cam of the second cam pattern are provided with run-on surfaces for moving the base and the frame axially along the pivot axis and further away from each other when the adjustment device is pivoted from the drive position.

13. each of the two cam patterns includes a plurality of ring segments distributed in the circumferential direction, the ring segments having cams arranged at successive positions in the circumferential direction; recesses are included between the ring segments of the first cam pattern for receiving corresponding guide cams of the second cam pattern in the drive position of the adjustment device; The adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. 14. An adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the second cam pattern has pairs of guide cams with different geometries for each pair.

15. 15. Adjustment device according to claim 14, wherein the first pair of guide cams extend further radially inward and / or further circumferentially than the second pair of guide cams.

16. Adjusting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first cam pattern has circumferentially extending connecting ribs between adjacent cams that form the ends of successive guide tracks.

17. Adjusting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base and the frame are urged towards each other under a bias.

18. Adjusting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cam pattern corresponding to the base and / or the frame is integrally formed with the base and / or the frame.