A device for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, a position detector for use in such a device, and a vehicle equipped with such a device.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, such as a mirror cap. The device, in particular an external mirror device, comprises a base component on which a support frame is positioned using a first hinge structure. Furthermore, the device comprises, for example, a first actuator. The support frame is pivotable within a pivot range, for example, using the first actuator, about a first hinge axis that extends substantially upward between a folded position and an unfolded position, relative to the base component. Furthermore, the device is provided with a position detector having a voltage divider whose range, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivot range of the support frame.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for adjusting a shell-shaped housing part, such as a mirror cap. In particular, such a device forms a mirror device or a so-called mirror adjuster, more specifically, an interior mirror device or an exterior mirror device such as an exterior mirror device for a motor vehicle. The device is a base part for attaching to the body of a motor vehicle, on which a support frame is arranged using a hinge structure, whereby the support frame can, for example, using an electric actuator, for example, between a folded position where the support frame substantially abuts along the body of the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position where the support frame is oriented substantially transversely to the body, pivot within a certain pivotal range relative to the base part about a hinge axis extending substantially in an upward direction, and further comprises a position detector for determining the pivotal position of the support frame relative to the base part.

[0002] This type of device is known, for example, from Dutch Patent Application Publication No. 2013771 and can be used to rotate a shell-shaped housing part, such as a mirror cap, attached to the support frame from a parking position to a use position. Usually, a mirror adjuster is provided on the support frame to finely adjust the position of the mirror surface held by the mirror adjuster. For that purpose, the mirror adjuster attached to the support frame usually comprises an adjustment actuator to enable adjusting or finely adjusting the mirror surface about a substantially vertical adjustment axis. The position detector is configured to determine the pivotal position of the support frame relative to the base part between limited portions of the rotation path between the folded position and the deployed position to determine the position of the housing part during fine adjustment.

[0003] The aforementioned device can offer an attractive feature to the user, for example, by allowing the support frame to be returned to a previously determined pivot position, such as the operating position, after rotation.

[0004] It is desirable to provide a device that can offer such auxiliary functions, specifically a mirror device.

[0005] The present invention envisions providing an alternative device, specifically an external mirror device. More specifically, the present invention envisions providing an improved device. More specifically, the present invention envisions providing a device of the type described in the opening paragraph, which is preferably able to eliminate disadvantages and / or expand functionality while retaining one or more advantages.

[0006] For this purpose, the position detector includes a voltage divider whose range, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivot range of the support frame.

[0007] By configuring the position detector such that the pivot range of the support frame corresponds to at least a portion of the detector's range, it is possible, in principle, to determine not only a limited fine adjustment range at the point of use, but also any pivot position within the pivot range of the support frame. Therefore, the support frame can be moved angularly from any position to another desired position easily, quickly, and energetically efficiently.

[0008] The term "voltage divider" is understood to refer to a structure, such as a potentiometer (often abbreviated as a potmeter), that is configured to generate partial voltages depending on a registered position within the range of the voltage divider.

[0009] Preferably, the voltage divider has a nonlinear dependence in the pivot range of the support frame, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the position detector in the target range, for example, in the deployment range around the deployment position, or in the deployment and folding ranges at the folding position.

[0010] In practical implementations, the voltage divider has a potentiometer comprising a resistance track and a runner, which is coupled to a support frame or base component and has sliding contacts that move while electrically contacting each other along the resistance track when the support frame pivots. The resistance track can be, for example, in the shape of an arc segment or elongated.

[0011] The potentiometer may further include a guide track, while the runner is provided with a pair of sliding contacts, of which the first sliding contact is coupled to a support frame or base component and moves along the resistance track in electrical contact when the support frame pivots, and the second sliding contact is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact and moves along the guide track in electrical contact when the support frame pivots.

[0012] Advantageously, the resistance track within the region substantially corresponding to the deployment range around the deployment position has a greater electrical resistance per unit length in the direction along the resistance track than the electrical resistance in the region substantially corresponding to the range outside the deployment range. Therefore, the voltage divider has a larger voltage gradient within the deployment range.

[0013] Higher electrical resistance per unit length along a resistance track can be achieved, for example, by using a thinner or narrower profile, by mounting the resistance track within a target area having a smaller cross-section than its exterior. Additionally, materials with lower electrical conductivity may be used within the target area of ​​the resistance track.

[0014] Furthermore, the device may include a support, which is positioned on a support frame using a second hinge structure for supporting a mirror surface or other elements, such as a camera, display, and / or floodlight or other light source, thereby allowing the support to pivot relative to the support frame using, for example, a second, for example, electric actuator, while the support is pivotable relative to the support frame only about a second hinge axis extending substantially laterally with respect to substantially the upward direction, and the position detector includes a second voltage divider for determining the pivot position of the support relative to the support frame. The mirror surface is adjustable with at least two degrees of freedom by the application of the second hinge structure, while the second voltage divider is capable of determining the pivot position of the support relative to the support frame.

[0015] The position detector may include a support unit, for example, mounted as a printed circuit board, on which preferably a first voltage divider and a second voltage divider are arranged, thereby enabling easy and reliable processing of the measured voltage values ​​of the voltage dividers. Of course, the first and second voltage dividers may, for example, be arranged on separate support units to simplify the design complexity of the support unit.

[0016] In one implementation of the device, the support frame is pivotable with respect to the base component between a folded position in which the support frame substantially abuts against, for example, the body of a powered vehicle, and an extended position in which the support frame is oriented substantially laterally with respect to the body, and so on, with respect to the base component, an over-folded position which forms an emergency folded position for, for example, a collision or impact between a cyclist or pedestrian and the shell-shaped housing component.

[0017] Advantageously, the region of the resistance track substantially corresponding to the folding range near the folding position, or the over-folding range near the over-folding position, is in electrical contact with a conductive path directly connected to the end of the resistance track via an additional resistance track or electrical resistor. Thus, the voltage gradient within the region can be made relatively small, and even practically eliminated, so that the voltage range of the voltage divider can be used primarily to accurately measure pivot positions within one or more regions corresponding to the pivot range, and / or pivot positions within the pivot range of an object, such as the unfolded range and / or folding range.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a position detector configured for use in such a device.

[0019] The present invention further relates to a vehicle provided by such a device.

[0020] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] The present invention will be further described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. In the drawings: [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a partially cut device according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a position detector according to one embodiment of the present invention for use in the device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows schematic perspective top view and schematic perspective bottom view of the support unit for the position detector, as well as a schematic perspective view of the support unit in which the first and second voltage dividers are arranged. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a schematic top view of the potentiometer of the first voltage divider, as well as a graphical representation of the potentiometer's output voltage. [Figure 5A] A schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of another position detector according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5B]Shows a graphical representation of the output voltage of the first voltage divider of the position detector in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] Shows a schematic top view of the copper pattern on the support unit of the position detector in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6B] Shows a schematic top view of the carbon pattern on the support unit in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] Shows a schematic perspective top view of the support unit in FIG. 6A having a copper pattern and a carbon pattern.

[0022] The drawings merely illustrate the general outline of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the figures, like or corresponding parts are denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0023] FIG. ⒈ shows a schematic perspective view of a partially cut-away device 1 according to one aspect of the present invention. The device ⒈ can be configured to adjust, for example, a shell-shaped housing part such as a mirror cap, specifically a mirror device or a so-called mirror adjuster, more specifically an interior mirror device or an exterior mirror device for a motor vehicle.

[0024] The device ⒈ particularly includes a base part ⒉ for attachment to the body of a motor vehicle. The device ⒈ further has a first hinge structure 25, 60 and a second hinge structure 35, 60, 65. A support frame 3 is arranged on the base part ⒉ using the first hinge structure 25, 60. The device ⒈ includes a first actuator 4, for example an electric actuator 4, whereby the support frame 3 is between a folded position where the support frame 3 substantially abuts along the body of the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position where the support frame 3 is oriented substantially laterally with respect to the body, and is pivotable within a certain pivotal range with respect to the base part ⒉ about a first hinge axis 5 extending substantially upward.

[0025] It should be noted that the deployed position may be, for example, the position in which an external mirror device is used, and the folded position may be, for example, the parking position, in which case the device 1 and / or mirror cap, which may be provided inside or on the device, do not protrude too much from the main body, for example, in the lateral direction.

[0026] The support 6 is positioned on the support frame 3 using second hinge structures 35, 60, and 65. It should be noted that the first and second hinge structures do not have to be separate structures, but can be partially formed by an integrated structure, such as a double ball hinge 20 or 60.

[0027] Specifically, the support 6 may be configured to directly or indirectly support the mirror surface. For example, the support 6 may be configured to substantially fix or rigidly mount a mirror glass thereon. Alternatively, for example, the mirror surface may be coated on the support 6. While the support 6 may be particularly suitable for supporting a mirror surface, in alternative embodiments, the support 6 may be suitable, for example, alternatively or additionally, for supporting one or more alternative elements, particularly elements such as cameras and / or displays and / or floodlights or other light sources, to enable the driver of a vehicle to at least partially observe the area located behind and / or beside him. Such elements may be at least partially surrounded, for example, by a shell-shaped housing component on or provided by the support 6.

[0028] Furthermore, device 1 includes a second actuator 7, preferably an electric actuator 7. The support 6 is pivotable relative to the support frame 3 using this second actuator 7.

[0029] It should be noted that the support 6 and, if applicable, the mirror surface supported thereon, are pivotable relative to the support frame 3 only about a second hinge axis 8 that extends substantially laterally with respect to the substantially upward direction. In this case, the support 6 and / or mirror surface, if present, can rotate to some extent forward and / or backward relative to the support frame 3, but cannot be adjusted relative to the support frame 3 between, for example, a position in which the mirror surface extends more parallel to the vehicle body and a position in which the mirror surface is more lateral to the vehicle body.

[0030] It should be noted that the first hinge axis 5 and the second hinge axis 8 may be virtual axes. Furthermore, it should be noted that the hinge axes 5 and 8 may be positioned substantially laterally to each other, for example, perpendicular to each other. Additionally or alternatively, these (virtual) hinge axes 5 and 8 may substantially intersect each other at the center of the double ball hinges 20 and 60, most preferably.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the support 6 can extend at least partially around the support frame 3.

[0032] It should be noted that the support 6 may form a shell-shaped housing component, such as a mirror cap or part of a camera housing, or it may be an integral part of a housing component such as a mirror cap. Alternatively, the support 6 may be configured to have a shell-shaped housing component that is fixedly or rigidly attached to the support 6.

[0033] Preferably, any mirror caps or other shell-shaped housing components that may be present may be fixed or rigidly mounted on the support 6, i.e., substantially immovable.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, mirror surfaces, which may be formed, for example, from mirror glass, may be fixed or rigidly mounted on the support 6, i.e., substantially immovable.

[0035] Therefore, both the mirror surface and the shell-shaped housing component can be fixedly or rigidly mounted on the support 6, and one or both can form an integral part of the support.

[0036] In one embodiment, the mirror surface, together with a shell-shaped housing component, may form a substantially closed housing, which can move relative to the support frame 3 about a second hinge axis 8 that extends substantially around the support frame 3 and, preferably, substantially horizontally. Furthermore, the housing, together with the support frame 3 which is substantially located within it, can move relative to the base component 2 about a first, preferably substantially vertical, hinge axis 5.

[0037] In an alternative embodiment, the support frame 3 can support a shell-shaped housing component, such as a mirror cap. In this case, the support frame 3 can be formed integrally with the shell-shaped housing component, for example, or it can be configured to provide a shell-shaped housing component, such as a mirror cap, that is fixedly or rigidly attached to the support frame 3. Similar to the embodiments described above, in this alternative embodiment as well, the mirror surface can be fixedly or rigidly, i.e., substantially immovably mounted on the support 6. In this case, an opening can be provided in the housing component so that the mirror surface is at least partially visible. In such an embodiment, the housing component, such as a mirror cap, can move with the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 about a first, preferably substantially vertical, hinge axis 5. However, since the support frame 3 cannot move relative to the base component 2 about another hinge axis, particularly about a substantially horizontal hinge axis 8, external loads such as wind acting on the housing component during use may only tend to undesirably rotate the housing component coupled to the support frame 3 about the first hinge axis 5. Therefore, in that case, such external loads on the housing component will not tend to rotate the housing component, preferably the mirror cap, about a substantially horizontal axis. In such an embodiment, since the mirror surface, which is not substantially fixed or rigidly connected to the housing component, can withstand the driving wind by the housing component, the device 1 does not need to hold the support 6 on which the mirror surface is provided to the support frame 3 as rigidly as if the shell-shaped housing component were substantially fixed or rigidly provided and the device 1 had to hold the support frame 3 which may be subjected to relatively heavy loads during use. If the second actuator 7 and, if present, the second drive train must be suitable for overcoming forces, such as frictional forces, that restrain the support 6 from unnecessary rotation relative to the support frame 3, then in such an embodiment, the second actuator 7 can be manufactured to be relatively lightweight, and therefore, for example, relatively compact and / or inexpensive.This is because, if the support 6, which has a mirrored surface, is positioned on the support frame 3 rather than on the support 6, the shell-shaped housing component can at least partially withstand the wind, thus relatively limiting the forces that need to be overcome.

[0038] In the embodiment, the support frame 3 may be movably positioned relative to the base component 2 using first ball hinge structures 30, 60. However, this does not mean that the support frame 3 must have two degrees of freedom relative to the base component, and / or that the support frame 3 must be able to rotate relative to the base component 2 about two axes. This is because the device 1 can preferably be configured such that the support frame 3 can rotate relative to the base component 2 only about the first hinge axis 5. Also, in principle, the device 1 does not need to have a second hinge structure.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, the support 6 may be movably attached to the support frame 3 using second ball hinge structures 30, 60. However, this does not mean that the movement of the support 6 relative to the support frame 3 should have two degrees of freedom in that case, and / or that the support 6 must be able to rotate relative to the support frame about two axes. In fact, as already stated, the support 6 is pivotable relative to the support frame 3 only about the second hinge axis 8, possibly together with a mirror surface supported thereon. For example, as in the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, the support frame 3 and the support 6 may be provided with cooperative hinge means 35, 65 for that purpose, for example, comprising, for example, a rotatably suspended shaft 35, which can rotate the support 6 and the support frame 3 about the second (virtual) hinge axis 8.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, the pivot range is such that the support frame 3 can pivot relative to the base component 2, within a pivot range between a folded position in which the support frame 3 substantially contacts, for example, the body of a powered vehicle, and an extended position in which the support frame 3 is oriented substantially laterally with respect to the body, and an over-folded position in which the support frame 3 pivots beyond the extended position if, for example, a cyclist, pedestrian, or object comes into contact with a mirror cap or other shell-shaped housing component, if present. In this way, during emergency operations, i.e., in the event of a collision with a cyclist, pedestrian, or object, the support frame 3, and therefore the support 6 coupled thereto, and the mirror cap, or other shell-shaped housing component, if present, can pivot around the first hinge axis 5 from an extended position to an emergency folded position, the emergency folded position may substantially correspond to, for example, a folded position or a parked position, or conversely, may be formed by a so-called over-folded position OS if, for example, a pedestrian or cyclist collides with, for example, the mirror cap or other shell-shaped housing component.

[0041] The pivot range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 preferably includes an unfolding range UB around the unfolded position US. See also the following description with reference to Figures 3 and 4. For example, the unfolding range UB typically extends at a relatively small angle around the unfolded position US between a first unfolding limit angle UG1 and a second unfolding limit angle UG2, for example, from about -15°, -12°, -10°, or -8° relative to the unfolded position US to about +15°, +12°, +10°, or +8° relative to the unfolded position US. By allowing the angle of the support frame 3 to be set within the unfolding range UB around the unfolded position, it is possible to meet, for example, the requirements or demands of the vehicle user. Thus, the unfolding range UB forms a relatively small fine-tuning angle range.

[0042] Similarly, the support 6 may be adjustable relative to the support frame 3, preferably through an angular range HB that is larger than the extension range UB within the pivot range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. However, advantageously, the support 6 may be adjustable through a relatively large angular range HB, for example, through a minimum of 90°, 120°, or 160°, thereby allowing, for example, the mirror glass to be rotated so that the driver of the vehicle can see the ground, gutter, or curb next to the vehicle through the mirror glass, for example, when parking.

[0043] Device 1 further includes a position detector 100 for determining the pivot position of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2.

[0044] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a position detector 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention for use in device 1 of Figure 1.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the position detector 100 is provided with a first voltage divider 101 whose range, at least a portion of which substantially corresponds to the pivot range of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. The shown position detector is further provided with a second voltage divider 102 for determining the pivot position of the support 6 relative to the support frame 3. The position detector 100 comprises a support unit, which in the shown embodiment is mounted as a printed circuit board 103 on which the first voltage divider 101 and the second voltage divider 102 are arranged. In Figure 2, the first voltage divider 101 is partially cut off. The shown first voltage divider 101 has a potentiometer 104 having a sensor axis or sensor shaft 105, while the device 1 is further configured to rotate the sensor axis or sensor shaft 105 while pivoting the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. A basic configuration of such a potentiometer is described, for example, in Dutch Patent Application No. 2012808, which is incorporated herein by reference. Similarly, the second voltage divider 102 has a potentiometer with a sensor axis or sensor shaft 106, while device 1 is further configured to rotate the sensor axis or sensor shaft 106 while pivoting the support 6 relative to the support frame 3; see also Figure 3. Furthermore, the position detector 100 has a connector unit 107 for electrical connection to the corresponding connector of device 1, for example, for power supply, sensor data, and / or transmission channels for actuator control signals, etc. The position detector 100 also has separate connectors 108, 109 for connection to the first actuator 4 and the second actuator 7, respectively. In alternative embodiments, the electrical connection between the position detector 100 and the devices may be differently, for example, exclusively, via a single connector unit.

[0046] The potentiometer 104 of the first voltage divider 101 has a resistance track 110 having electrical resistance. During the operation of device 1, the resistance track 110 is connected at ends 110a and b to different potentials, such as the supply voltage Vcc and electrical ground Gnd, generating a voltage transition or gradient along the resistance track. The potentiometer 104 is also coupled to a support frame 3 or base component 2 and has a runner 111 with a sliding contact 112, which moves along the resistance track 110 while making electrical contact when the support frame 3 pivots, and measures a voltage value Vout at the electrical contact 112 that represents the instantaneous pivot position of the support frame 3.

[0047] In the shown embodiment, the first voltage divider 101 further has a guide track 113 having a small electrical resistance relative to the resistance of the resistance track 110. Furthermore, in the shown embodiment, the runner 111 of the potentiometer 104 is provided with a pair of sliding contacts 112', 112'', the first sliding contact 112' which is coupled to the support frame 3 or base component 2 moves along the resistance track 110 in electrical contact as the support frame 3 pivots, as described above, and the second sliding contact 112'' which is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact 112' moves along the guide track 113 in electrical contact as the support frame 3 pivots. Thus, the voltage value Vout measured by the first sliding contact 112' can be recorded via the second sliding contact 112''.

[0048] In the embodiments shown, the resistance track 110 and the guide track 113 are arc-segment shapes having different radii of curvature from each other. In other embodiments, the resistance track and / or the guide track may be formed in a different way, for example, an elongated shape.

[0049] Furthermore, the second voltage divider 102 has a potentiometer 104' on which a second resistance track 110' and a second guide track 113' are mounted.

[0050] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective top view (Figure 3, top) and a schematic perspective bottom view (Figure 3, middle) of the support unit 103 of the position detector 100 in Figure 2, as well as a schematic perspective view (Figure 3, bottom) of the support unit 103 in which the first voltage divider 101 and the second voltage divider 102 are arranged.

[0051] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the potentiometer of the first voltage divider in Figure 3 on the left side, and a graphical representation of the output voltage Vout of potentiometer 104 on the right side.

[0052] In the upper part of Figure 3, the resistor track 110 and the guide track 113 of the potentiometer 104 of the first voltage divider 101 are visible on the support unit. Similarly, in the middle part of Figure 3, the resistor track 110' and guide track 113' of the potentiometer 104' of the second voltage divider 102 are shown on the support unit 103.

[0053] Figures 3 and 4 show the positions, angles, and (angle) ranges of the first voltage divider 101 and the second voltage divider 102, which correspond, for example, to the corresponding positions, angles, and (angle) ranges of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 and the support body 6 relative to the support frame 3.

[0054] As described above, the pivot range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2 has an unfolded range UB that extends between a first unfolded limit angle UG1 and a second unfolded limit angle UG2 around the unfolded position US. The pivot range VB further includes a folded position IS and a folded range IB that extends between the folded position IS and the folded limit angle IS1, which extends between the layers. The angle between the first unfolded limit angle UG1 and the unfolded position US is, for example, about 15°, 12°, 10°, or 8°. Similarly, the angle between the first unfolded limit angle UG1 and the second unfolded limit angle UG2 is, for example, about 15°, 12°, 10°, or 8°. The intermediate range TB is between the unfolded range UB and the folded range IB. In addition, the pivot range VB has an over-folded range OB that extends between the unfolded range UB and the over-folded position OS. The folded range IB, intermediate range TB, unfolded range, and over-folded range OB are continuously and substantially connected to one another, thus forming the pivot range VB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2.

[0055] As shown at the top of Figure 3, the position, angle, and range of the pivot range VB correspond, respectively, to the position, angle, and range of the first voltage divider 101 in its corresponding pivot range. In principle, each angle of the pivot range VB of the support frame uniquely corresponds to an angle in the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101, and vice versa.

[0056] The angular range HB of the support 6 relative to the support frame 3 is greater than the extended range UB of the support frame 3 relative to the base component 2. As described above, the angular range can be at least 90°, 120°, or 160° and can extend between a first inclination limit angle KG1 and a second inclination limit angle KG2.

[0057] As shown in the center of Figure 3, the angles and ranges of the angular range HB correspond to the angles and ranges in the corresponding angular ranges of the second voltage divider 102, respectively. In principle, each angle in the angular range VB of the support frame clearly corresponds to an angle in the angular range of the second voltage divider 102, and vice versa.

[0058] As shown in the upper part of Figure 3, at least a portion of the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101 corresponds to the pivot range VB of the support frame 3. The entire pivot range VB of the support frame 3 is represented by the pivot range of the first voltage divider 101. Similarly, as shown in the middle part of Figure 3, at least a portion of the angular range of the second voltage divider 102 corresponds to the angular range HB of the support 6. Also, the entire angular range HB of the support 6 is represented by the angular range of the second voltage divider 102.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the position detector 100 has higher sensitivity within the deployment range UB, which extends between a first deployment limit angle UG1 and a second deployment limit angle UG2 around the deployment position US, than outside the deployment range UB. As a result, the pivot position within the deployment range UB can be determined with relative accuracy, thereby allowing the user to set the desired deployment position US with relative accuracy.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, the resistance track 110 of the first potentiometer has a higher electrical resistance per unit length in the longitudinal direction L along the resistance track 110 within the region 114 substantially corresponding to the deployment range UB around the deployment position US than within the region substantially corresponding to the range outside the deployment range UB. Therefore, the material forming the resistance track 110 within the region 114 substantially corresponding to the deployment range UB can have a higher electrical resistance than the material forming the resistance track 110 outside the deployment range UB. In the implementation shown in Figure 4, the region 114 corresponding to the deployment range UB is formed of the first material, and the remaining regions of the resistance track 110, such as the region 115 corresponding to the folding range IB, the region 116 corresponding to the intermediate range TB, and the region 117 corresponding to the over-folding range OB, are formed of the second material, and the electrical conductivity of the first material is lower than that of the second material. Note that the first material and / or the second material may contain a mixture of substances or just one substance. Furthermore, the material can be applied as a homogeneous layer or to have a heterogeneous structure, such as a periodic structure.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, a region 114 of the resistance track 110 substantially corresponding to the unfolded range UB along the length L of the resistance track 110 may have a smaller cross-sectional surface than the cross-sectional surfaces in regions 115, 116, and 117 substantially corresponding to the range outside the unfolded range UB. By implementing a smaller, for example, narrower or shallower cross-sectional surface, a resistance track 110 can be obtained in region 114 corresponding to the unfolded range UB that has a greater electrical resistance per unit length in the length L.

[0062] As shown on the right side of Figure 4, the voltage value or output voltage Vout, when recorded by the contact 112, increases strictly monotonically as a function of the pivot angle h of the support frame 3, and has an overall upward slope, thereby allowing each recorded voltage value to be uniquely associated with the relevant pivot angle of the support frame 3. Due to variations in electrical resistance along the resistance track 110, the curve C of the output voltage Vout has a greater slope or gradient in the region 114 corresponding to the unfolded range UB than outside of it. Specifically, the first curve segment C1 has a first slope or gradient in the region 115 corresponding to the folded range IB and the region 116 corresponding to the intermediate range TB. The second curve segment C2, which is connected to the first curve segment C1 in the region 114 corresponding to the unfolded range UB, has a second slope or gradient that is greater than the first slope or gradient. In the region 117 corresponding to the excess folding range OB, the third curve segment C3 connected to the second curve segment C2 has a third slope or gradient that is smaller than the second slope or gradient and may be equal to the first slope or gradient.

[0063] If the slope or gradient of curve C is greater, the deviation of the pivot angle results in a relatively large change in the recorded output voltage Vout, which is advantageous because the pivot angle of the support frame 3 can be determined more accurately. Here, the nonlinear dependence of the voltage divider is used as a function of the pivot angle of the support frame.

[0064] Figure 5A shows a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit 200 of another position detector 100 according to one aspect of the present invention. Figure 5B shows a graphical representation of the output voltage Vout1 of the first voltage divider 101 of the position detector 100 in Figure 5A.

[0065] The electrical circuit 200 schematically represents a position detector 100 very similar to the position detector 100 described with reference to Figures 2 to 4. The electrical circuit 200 includes a first potentiometer 104 with associated resistance track 110 and contact 112, and a second potentiometer 104' with associated resistance track 110' and contact 112a. The contacts 112 and 112a of the two potentiometers 104 and 104' are connected to the endpoints of the connector unit 107 via a first measuring resistor R1 and a second resistor R2, respectively. The other endpoints of the connector unit 107 are connected to the supply line Vcc, the electrical ground wire Gnd, and the control lines M1_A, M1_B, M2_A, and M2_B for the first actuator 4 and the second actuator 7.

[0066] As will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5A and 6A, the first potentiometer 104 includes auxiliary conductive paths 121, 122, 123, and 124 that are electrically connected to the region of the resistance track 110.

[0067] The first auxiliary conductive path 121 is located near the first end 110a of the resistor track 110 and is in electrical contact with the first end 110a. The second auxiliary conductive path 122 is located near the region 117 of the resistor track 110 corresponding to the excess folding range OB of the support frame 3 and is in electrical contact with at least a large portion of the region 117. The third auxiliary conductive path 123 is located near the region 116 of the resistor track 110 corresponding to the intermediate range TB of the support frame 3 and is in electrical contact with at least a large portion of the region 116. The fourth auxiliary conductive path 124 is located near the second end 110b of the resistor track 110 and is in electrical contact with the second end 110b.

[0068] Each of the auxiliary electrical paths 121-124 includes its respective electrical terminals P5, P4, P3, and P2. In the embodiment shown, the auxiliary conductive paths 121-124 have an arc segment shape profile. However, other profiles, such as a rectangular profile, are also possible, as long as electrical contact with each region is achieved as described above. In particular, by using the second auxiliary conductive path 122 and the third auxiliary conductive path 123, it is achieved that the respective regions OB and TB of the resistive track 110 that are electrically in contact with these paths have a practically constant electrical tension. The auxiliary conductive paths 122 and 123 function as bypasses.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5A, the first auxiliary electrical path 121 and the second auxiliary electrical pad 122 are connected to the supply voltage Vcc. This achieves that the voltage level in the excess folding range OB becomes somewhat constant, i.e., approximately the supply voltage Vcc. The third auxiliary electrical path 123 is connected to the electrical ground Gnd via the third resistor R3. This achieves that the voltage level in the intermediate range TB becomes somewhat constant, slightly higher than the electrical ground Gnd level. In addition, this achieves that the voltage level in the unfolded range UB increases from the level of the intermediate range TB to the level of the excess folding range OB. The fourth auxiliary electrical path 124 is directly connected to the electrical ground Gnd. This achieves that the voltage level in the folding range IB increases from the electrical ground to the level of the intermediate range TB.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5B, the voltage value recorded by the contact 112, or output voltage Vout1, as a function of the pivot angle h of the support frame 3, increases monotonically. In the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB, the output voltage Vout1 increases strictly monotonically and has an upward aspect throughout, thereby allowing each recorded voltage value in the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB to be uniquely associated with the relevant pivot angle of the support frame 3. By using auxiliary conductive paths 121-124, the output voltages in the intermediate range TB and the excess folded range OB become practically constant, thereby enabling the maximum voltage range in the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB. Therefore, the position detector 100 has higher sensitivity in the folded range IB as well as in the unfolded range UB than in the range outside the folded range IB and the unfolded range UB. Here, advantageously, the nonlinear dependence of the voltage divider is used as a function of the pivot angle of the support frame.

[0071] Specifically, the first curved segment C11 has a practically constant profile V1 from near the second endpoint to the folded position IS. The second curved segment C12, connected to the first curved segment C11 and corresponding to the folded range IB, has a first slope or gradient. The third curved segment C13, connected to the second curved segment C12 and corresponding to the intermediate range TB, has a practically constant profile V2. The fourth curved segment C14, connected to the third curved segment C13 and corresponding to the unfolded range UB, has a second slope or gradient. The fifth curved segment C15, connected to the fourth curved segment C14 and corresponding to the excess folded range OB, has a practically constant profile V3. The slope or gradient of the second curve segment C12 may be approximately the same as that of the fourth curve segment C14, but may vary depending on setting parameters such as the size of the angular range of the folding range IB, the size of the angular range of the unfolding range UB, and the resistance value of the third resistor R3.

[0072] When the slope or gradient of curve C is greater, deviations in the pivot angle in steep curve segments result in relatively large changes in the recorded output voltage Vout. Therefore, the pivot angle of the support frame 3 can be determined more accurately in segments with smaller or no slope, in other words, in segments with smaller or near-zero gradients. Thus, the nonlinear curve C can be optimized to accurately read the adjustment angle within a range relevant to the function of the device.

[0073] Therefore, the region of the resistance track 110 substantially corresponding to the folding range IB and / or the over-folding range OB is in electrical contact with conductive paths 122, 123 which are directly connected to the end 110a of the resistance track 110 via additional resistance tracks or electrical resistors.

[0074] Furthermore, the second potentiometer 104' includes auxiliary conductive paths 131, 132 that are electrically connected to the region of the resistance track 110'. Thus, the fifth auxiliary conductive path 131 is located beyond the first tilt limit angle KG1, near the first region 118 of the resistance track 110' outside the angular range HB, and is in electrical contact with at least a large portion of the first region 118. Similarly, the sixth auxiliary conductive path 132 is located beyond the second tilt limit angle KG2, near the second region 119 of the resistance track 110' outside the angular range HB, and is in electrical contact with at least a large portion of the second region 119. The fifth auxiliary electrical path 131 is connected to the supply line VCC, and the sixth auxiliary electrical path 132 is connected to the electrical ground GND. As a result, the output voltage Vout2 increases monotonically strictly only within the angular range HB and has an upward side only within the angular range HB, which is beneficial for accuracy within the angular range.

[0075] Figure 6A shows a schematic top view of the copper pattern on the support unit 103 of the position detector 100 in Figure 5A. Figure 6B shows a schematic top view of the carbon pattern on the support unit 103 in Figure 6A. In addition, Figure 6C shows a schematic perspective top view of the support unit 103 in Figure 6A having the copper pattern and the carbon pattern.

[0076] During the manufacturing process of the position detector 100, a pattern is provided on the support unit 103. In the first step, a copper pattern 141 is applied, as shown in Figure 6A. The copper pattern 141 includes conductive paths and contacts, between which the guide track 113 described above includes endpoint P1, and auxiliary electrical paths 121-124 have their respective associated electrical endpoints P5, P4, P3, and P2.

[0077] In a subsequent step, the carbon pattern 142 is applied to the support unit 103, as shown in Figure 6B. The carbon pattern 142 includes the resistance track 110 and the top layer of the guide track 113. Thus, both the copper pattern 141, made of a material with relatively high electrical conductivity, and the carbon pattern 142, made of a material with lower electrical conductivity compared to copper, are used. In principle, other materials with different electrical conductivity can also be used.

[0078] Figure 6C shows the results when both the copper pattern 141 and the carbon pattern 142 are used on the support unit 103 of the position detector.

[0079] As is obvious, device 1 can be installed on a vehicle, preferably a powered vehicle, such as a car, camper van, bus, or truck. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a vehicle on which device 1, as described herein, is installed.

[0080] In addition, the present invention relates to a position detector 100 configured for use in a device 1 described herein, specifically a position detector configured for use in a device 1 described herein for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component such as, for example, a mirror cap, specifically a mirror device for a powered vehicle, wherein the position detector is configured to determine the pivot position of a support frame 3 disposed on a base component 2 using hinge structures 3, 25, 20, 60, 30, so that the support frame 3 is pivotable within a certain pivot range relative to the base component 2 about a hinge axis 5 that extends substantially upward, between a folded position in which the support frame 3 substantially abuts against, for example, the body of a powered vehicle, and at least one unfolded position in which the support frame 3 is oriented laterally relative to, for example, the body, and the position detector comprises a voltage divider whose range is substantially corresponding to the pivot range of the support frame.

[0081] For clarity and conciseness, it should be noted that elements or features described herein are part of exemplary embodiments that are the same or different, and that the scope of the invention may include embodiments that include all or some combinations of the elements or features described.

[0082] It will become clear that each of the illustrated and described devices and each element of the illustrated and described devices are also to be understood as being described and illustrated separately, and furthermore, as being to be understood as being to be used individually and / or in combination with at least one other element, as described herein.

[0083] Therefore, the position detector may include two support units, each of which is equipped with a voltage divider. Additional functions, such as memory functions, may also be added to the support units.

[0084] Furthermore, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Numerous modifications are possible.

[0085] Such modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art and will be understood to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. For example, a device (1) for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, such as a mirror cap, a mirror device in particular for a powered vehicle, comprising a base component (2) for mounting on the body of the powered vehicle, wherein a support frame (3) is positioned on the base component (2) using a hinge structure (25, 60), thereby pivoting with respect to the base component (2) about a substantially upward-extending hinge axis (5) between a folded position in which the support frame (3) substantially abuts against the body of the powered vehicle, for example, and at least one unfolded position in which the support frame (3) is substantially oriented laterally with respect to the body, for example, using an actuator (4), for example, an electric actuator, and further comprising a position detector for determining the pivot position of the support frame (3) with respect to the base component (2), wherein the position detector comprises a voltage divider whose range, at least a portion of which is substantially corresponding to the pivot range of the support frame (3).

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the voltage divider has a nonlinear dependence in the pivot range of the support frame.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position detector has higher sensitivity in the deployment range around the deployment position than outside the deployment range.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position detector has higher sensitivity in the folded range at the folded position than in the range outside the folded range and the unfolded range.

5. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the voltage divider comprises a potentiometer, the potentiometer having a resistance track and a runner, and is coupled to the support frame or the base component, and is provided with a sliding contact that moves while electrically contacting the resistance track when the support frame pivots.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the resistor track is in the shape of an arc segment or is elongated.

7. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the resistance track in a region substantially corresponding to the deployment range around the deployment position has an electrical resistance per unit length in the direction along the resistance track that is greater than the electrical resistance in a region substantially corresponding to the range outside the deployment range.

8. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the resistance track in a region substantially corresponding to the deployment range around the deployment position has a cross-sectional surface that is smaller than the cross-sectional surface in a region substantially corresponding to the range outside the deployment range.

9. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the material forming the resistance track in a region substantially corresponding to the deployment range around the deployment position has an electrical conductivity lower than that of the material in a region substantially corresponding to the range outside the deployment range.

10. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pivot range is such that the support frame is pivotable with respect to the base component between the folded position, where the support frame substantially contacts, for example, the body of the powered vehicle, and the extended position, where the support frame is substantially laterally oriented with respect to the body, and an over-folded position, where the support frame is pivotable beyond the extended position.

11. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a region substantially corresponding to a folding range adjacent to the folding position or an over-folding range adjacent to the over-folding position is in electrical contact with a conductive path directly connected to the end of the resistance track via an additional resistance track or electrical resistor.

12. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the potentiometer further comprises a guide track, the runner is provided with a pair of sliding contacts, of which the first sliding contact is coupled to the support frame or the base component and moves along the resistance track in electrical contact when the support frame pivots, and the second sliding contact is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact and moves along the guide track in electrical contact when the support frame pivots.

13. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a support (6) for supporting a mirror surface in particular is positioned on the support frame using a second hinge structure (35, 60, 65) such that the support (6) is pivotable relative to the support frame (3) using, for example, a second, for example, electric actuator (7), and the support (6) is pivotable relative to the support frame (3) only about a second hinge axis (8) that extends substantially laterally with respect to the substantially upward direction, and the position detector comprises a second voltage divider for determining the pivot position of the support (6) relative to the support frame (3).

14. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the position detector comprises a support unit, for example, mounted as a printed circuit board, and a first voltage divider and a second voltage divider are arranged on the support unit.

15. A position detector configured for use in a mirror device for a powered vehicle, in particular for adjusting a shell-shaped housing component, such as a mirror cap, the position detector being configured to determine the pivot position of the support frame (3), the support frame (3) being positioned on the base component (2) using a hinge structure (3, 25, 20, 60, 30), the support frame (3) being pivotable with respect to the base component (2) about a hinge axis (5) that extends substantially upward, between a folded position in which the support frame (3) substantially abuts against the body of, for example, the powered vehicle, and at least one unfolded position in which the support frame (3) is substantially lateral to the body, for example, using an actuator (4), for example, an electric actuator, the position detector comprising a voltage divider whose range of at least a portion substantially corresponds to the pivot range of the support frame (3).

16. A vehicle equipped with the device described in claim 1 or 2.

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