A device for adjusting an adjustable part, a position detector for use in such a device, a vehicle provided with such a device, and a method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for adjusting an adjustable part. The device comprises a base part, in particular for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle, on which a support frame is attached by means of an adjustment construction. In this way, the support frame can be adjusted relative to the base part within an adjustment range. The device further comprises a position detector for determining an adjustment position of the support frame relative to the base part. The position detector has a potentiometer with a measuring track, a readout track, and a readout slider coupled to the support frame or the base part, which moves along the measuring track in electrical contact with the measuring track and the readout track when the support frame is adjusted. The potentiometer also has a start slider and / or an end slider that can be adjusted along the measuring track that defines, respectively, a start position and an end position of the support frame along the adjustment range.

Description

[0001] Title: A device for adjusting an adjustable part, a position detector for use in such a device, a vehicle provided with such a device, and a method

[0002] The invention relates to a device for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle, comprising a base part, specifically for attachment to the motor vehicle, to which a movable part is attached by means of an adjustment structure, such as a hinge structure or a sliding structure, such that the movable part moves relative to the base part along an adjustment range, for example, about a hinge axis, for example by means of an, for example, electric, actuator, between a first, for example, retracted position, and at least a second, for example, extended position, further comprising a position detector for determining an adjustment position of the movable part relative to the base part, wherein the position detector comprises a potentiometer with a measuring track, a readout track, and a readout slider coupled to the movable part or the base part, which, upon adjustment of the movable part, moves along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact with the measuring track and the readout track.

[0003] Such a device is known, for example, from patent publication NL2034459 and can be used, for example, to rotate a shell-shaped housing part, such as a mirror cover, mounted on the support frame from a parking position to an operating position, and, if necessary, to fine-tune the position of a mirror surface. In order to determine the position of the housing component during rotation and / or fine-tuning, the position detector is designed to determine the angular position of the support frame relative to the base part, for example during a limited portion of the rotation path between the retracted position and the extended position, or throughout the entire rotation path. By using a readout slider that is coupled to the support frame or the base part and that can move along the measuring track whilemaintaining electrical contact with both the measuring track and the readout track when adjusting the support frame, the angular position can be determined.

[0004] The above-mentioned device can provide functionality that is appealing to the user in a cost-effective way, for example, because the support frame can be returned to a previously set angular position, such as an operating position, after being rotated.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a device for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle as described in the introduction, which can offer additional function ality.

[0006] The invention aims to provide an alternative device for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle. In particular, the invention aims to provide an improved device for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the invention aims to provide a device of the type described in the introduction, preferably one retaining one or more of the advantages while mitigating disadvantages and / or enhancing functionality.

[0007] To this end, the potentiometer further comprises a ground track and / or a reference track, as well as a start slider and / or an end slider that can be adjusted along the measuring track and electrically connects the measuring track to the ground track and / or the reference track, respectively, and defines, respectively, a start position and / or an end position of the movable part along the adjustment range.

[0008] By using a start slider and / or an end slider that can be adjusted along the measuring track and electrically connects the measuring track to the ground track and / or the reference track, respectively, the adjustment range of the movable part relative to the base part can, in any case, be largely aligned with the range of the potentiometer, which will generallyimprove the accuracy of the measurement. If both the start slider and end slider are adjustable along the measuring track, the adjustment range can, in principle, be aligned exactly to the range of the potentiometer, since the start and end points of the adjustment range can then be related to the respective electrical threshold values of the potentiometer. If only the start slider or only the end slider is adjustable, the specified ranges can at least be partially aligned with one another. In this case, however, the cost price may be lower.

[0009] Because the adjustment range and the range of the potentiometer can at least partially be aligned with each other in a flexible manner, the device is more universally applicable in a variety of applications, for example as a shell-shaped housing part, such as a mirror cover, more specifically a mirror device for a motor vehicle, in various geometries and dimensions, but also as another adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle, for example where the movable part is coupled to an adjustable part of a component such as a grille element, a cover element, such as for a fuel tank or an external electrical connection, a control valve, a distribution valve, or a valve of a temperature control system. The movable part may also be an adjustable part that includes a support frame for holding a mirror, display, or camera.

[0010] In an advantageous manner, the readout slider is equipped with a pair of sliding contacts, of which a first sliding contact, which is coupled to the support frame or the base part, moves along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact as the support frame is adjusted, and of which a second sliding contact, which is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact, moves along the readout track while maintaining electrical contact as the support frame is adjusted. This results in a sustainable implementation of a voltage divider of the potentiometer.

[0011] Similarly, both the end slider and the start slider may be equipped with a pair of sliding contacts, the first of which can be moved along themeasuring track, and the second of which, being mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact, moves along the reference track and / or the ground track, respectively, when the first sliding contact is moved, so that even also the end slider and / or the start slider moves, the electrical contact with a reference voltage applied to the reference track and / or with a ground voltage applied to the ground track can be maintained continuously, in order to define, respectively, an end position and / or a start position of the movable part along the adjustment range.

[0012] Preferably, the sliding contacts of the end slider and / or the start slider can be moved by friction along the measuring track and the reference track and / or the ground track, respectively, so that the end position and / or start position defined by the end slider and / or the start slider does not shift, or shifts only minimally, during normal operation.

[0013] Furthermore, the end slider and / or the start slider are mechanically decoupled in an advantageous manner from the base part or the support frame to which the measuring slider is coupled, so that adjustment of the support frame does not affect their start and / or end positions. The start slider and / or the end slider may, however, be moved along the measuring track under the influence of a thrust exerted by the measuring slider.

[0014] Most preferably, the readout slider is positioned along the measuring track, between the start slider and the end slider, so that the start and end sliders actually mark the limits of the adjustment range.

[0015] The device can be equipped with either an end slider or a start slider. Alternatively, the potentiometer may include a stationary stop element defining a start position or an end position of the movable part along the adjustment range, wherein the first sliding contact of the readout slider is coupled to the movable part or the base part via a friction coupling. Thus, the readout slider can be aligned by the stationary stop element in a first adjustment direction, and the readout slider can move the end slider orstart slider in a second adjustment direction, opposite to the first adjustment direction, to an end position or start position. In an advantageous manner, the frictional force of the readout slider, relative to the movable part or the base part, is greater than the frictional force of the end slider or start slider, relative to the tracks mechanically and electrically connected to them. Thus, for example during a product test, after assembly of the actuator, the readout slider can be driven in the adjustment direction of the stationary stop element, without changing the initial adjustment range.

[0016] In an advantageous manner, the measuring track forms a resistance path with a relatively high specific electrical resistance, while the readout track, reference track, and the ground track form respective conductive paths with a relatively low specific electrical resistance, allowing for a relatively accurate determination of the adjustment.

[0017] The measuring track, the readout track, the reference track, and / or the ground track are preferably arranged concentrically or parallel to each other, so that an angular adjustment or pivoting, or a shift can be measured. Additionally, other geometries are conceivable, such as concentric contours with varying radii of curvature, like an ellipse or composite contours.

[0018] The use of closed contours has the additional advantage that the position detector does not need to be aligned in a circumferential direction. Furthermore, a measurement over more than 360° can, in principle, be performed.

[0019] The invention also relates to a position detector designed for use in such a device.

[0020] The invention further relates to a vehicle equipped with such a device.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the position detector.Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0022] The invention will now be further explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown the figure. In these figures:

[0023] Fig. 1A shows a schematic view of a first device according to an aspect of the invention, with an adjustable part in a closed position;

[0024] Fig. IB shows a schematic view of the first device as shown in Fig.

[0025] 1A, with the adjustable part in a rotated position;

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a position detector according to an aspect of the invention for use in the device of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a second, partially exploded device according to an aspect of the invention.

[0027] The figure shows only a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the figures, identical or corresponding parts are indicated with the same or corresponding reference numbers.

[0028] Figure 1A shows a schematic view of a first device 1 according to an aspect of the invention. The device 1 can, for example, be designed for adjusting an adjustable part 72 of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle. In Fig. 1A, the adjustable part 72 is shown in a closed position. Figure IB also shows a schematic view of the first device 1 as shown in Fig.

[0029] 1A. However, in Fig. IB, the adjustable part is shown in a rotated position.

[0030] The device 1 comprises a base part 2, in particular for attachment to the motor vehicle, and a movable part 71. The movable part 71 is coupled to the adjustable part 72, which is positioned between plate parts 73, 74 of the motor vehicle's body. The device 1 further has a hinge construction 60. Using the hinge construction 60, the movable part 71 is mounted on the base part 2. The device 1 also comprises an electric actuator 4, by means of which the movable part 71 is pivotable relative to the base part 2 around a first hinge axis 5 extending in an essentially upward direction. The movable part 71 is pivotable within a pivoting range R between a closed position Si,where the movable part 71 is essentially aligned with the motor vehicle's body, or at least essentially aligned with the plate parts 73, 74 of the body, as shown in Fig. 1A, and a rotated position, where the movable part 71 is oriented essentially transverse to the body, or at least essentially transverse to plate parts 73, 74 of the body, as shown in Fig. IB.

[0031] The adjustment range R between the closed position Si and the rotated position S2 is, for example, approximately 30°, 40°, 50°, 60° or more, for example approximately 90° or 100°. The adjustment range R can be larger, for example approximately 120°, 150°, 180°, 270° or more, for example approximately 330°.

[0032] It should be noted that the hinge construction 60 can be configured differently, for example, such that the movable part 71 is pivotable between other positions, such as between a closed position and an open position, or between an operating position and a resting position.

[0033] Alternatively, instead of a hinge construction, another adjustment mechanism can be used, such as a sliding mechanism.

[0034] The adjustable part 72 forms part of a component, such as a grille element, for example of a so-called active grill shutter (AGS), a cover element, for example for a so-called charged port door (CPD), a control valve or distribution flap, for example for a cooling valve actuator (CVA), or a valve of a temperature control system of the motor vehicle. The component can also be a spoiler module, such as a so-called active air dam, or an electric switch for establishing an electrical connection between battery compartments. Alternatively, the adjustable part can include a support frame for supporting an accessory such as a mirror, display, or camera.

[0035] The device 1 further includes a position detector 100 for determining an adjustment position, for example the closed position Si or the rotated position S2 of the movable part 71 relative to the base part 2.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a position detector 100 according to an aspect of the invention for use in the device of Fig. 1.The position detector 100 as shown in Fig. 2 includes a potentiometer 101 with a measuring track 102, a readout track 103, and a readout slider 106 coupled to the support frame 3 or the base part 2, which moves along the measuring track 102 in electrical contact with the measuring track 102 and the readout track 103 when the support frame 3 is adjusted, and determines a measurement position SM within the adjustment or pivoting range R.

[0037] The potentiometer 101 also includes a reference track 104 and an end slider 107 adjustable along the measuring track 102, which electrically connects the measuring track 102 and the reference track 104 and defines an end position S2 of the support frame along the adjustment range R.

[0038] The potentiometer 101 further includes a ground track 105 and a start slider 108 adjustable along the measuring track 102, which electrically connects the measuring track 102 and the ground track 105 and defines a start position Si of the support frame 3 along the adjustment range R.

[0039] The adjustment range R thus extends between the start position Si and the end position S2, in the illustrated embodiment approximately 90°. As indicated above, the adjustment range R can be different, for example approximately 120°. The readout slider 106 is located within the adjustment range R along the measuring track 102 between the start slider 108 and the end slider 107.

[0040] The readout slider 106, the end slider 107, and the start slider 108 are each provided with a pair of sliding contacts 106’, 106”; 107’, 107”; 108’, 108”. A first sliding contact 106’; 107’; 108’ of the sliders 106, 107, 108 can be moved in electrical contact along the measuring track 102, such that an electrical connection is maintained during displacement. In this case, the first sliding contact 106’ of the readout slider 106 is coupled to the support frame 3 or the base part 2, while the first sliding contact 107’; 108’ of the end slider 107 and the start slider 108 is mechanically decoupled from, orfree of, the support frame 3 or the base part 2 to which the measuring slider 106 is coupled.

[0041] The second sliding contact 106” of the measuring slider 106 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact 106’ of the measuring slider 106, and, upon adjustment of the support frame 3, moves in electrical contact along the reading track 103 to determine the measurement position SM.

[0042] The second sliding contact 107” of the end slider 107 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact 107’ of the end slider 107, and, upon adjustment of the support frame 3, moves in electrical contact along the reference track 104 to define the end position S2 of the adjustment range R.

[0043] In a similar manner, the second sliding contact 108” of the start slider 108 is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact 108’ of the start slider 108, and, upon movement of the first sliding contact of the start slider 108, moves in electrical contact along the ground track 105 to define the start position Si of the adjustment range R.

[0044] Here, the first sliding contact 107’; 108’ and the second sliding contact 107”; 108” of the end slider 107 and / or the start slider 108 can be moved with friction along the measuring track 102 and, respectively, the reference track 104 and / or the ground track 105. The respective sliding contacts are then coupled to the corresponding track, for example with a slight clamping force, such that the sliders remain stationary during normal use and stay in the same position, even when subjected to relatively small forces, such as vibrations that occur when an actuator is switched on. In specific use, for example during calibration of the device 100, the sliders are movable upon application of a relatively large force that overcomes the friction forces, for example by an actuator that drives the readout slider 106.

[0045] Thus, when the second sliding contact 106”; 107”; 108” is moved along the respective readout track 103, the reference track 104, and theground track 105, the respective second sliding contact 106”; 107”; 108” remains in electrical contact with the respective track 103; 104, 105, in order to maintain an electrical connection.

[0046] It should be noted that instead of both the end slider 107 and the start slider 108, versions are possible in which the potentiometer 101 has only one of the sliders, for example, a start slider without an end slider, or an end slider without a start slider. The potentiometer 101 can then include a stationary stop element that, instead of the construction with the start slider, defines a stationary start position, or instead of the construction with the end slider, defines a stationary end position of the movable part along the adjustment range. The first sliding contact of the readout slider is then coupled to the movable part or the base part via a friction coupling. Preferably, the friction coupling between the readout slider on one hand, and the movable part or the base part on the other hand, is greater than the friction coupling between the remaining end slider or start slider on one hand, and the tracks connected to it on the other hand. This allows the readout slider to move the end slider or start slider to their respective end or start positions, while also allowing the movable part or the base part to continue adjusting, even when the readout slider has reached the stationary stop element. This ensures that the actuator can continue rotating without adjusting the adjustment range, for example during testing after assembly.

[0047] The measuring track 102 is formed as a resistance path with a relatively high specific electrical resistance, for example as a carbon pattern, so that electric currents are relatively small when determining an electrical voltage. The measuring track 103, the reference track 104, and the ground track 105 are formed as respective conducting paths with a relatively low specific electrical resistance, for example as a copper pattern, lower than the specific electrical resistance of the resistance path, in order to minimize the influence on the determination of an electrical voltage with the readout slider 106. By designing the resistance path with a greater electricalresistance per unit length in a longitudinal direction along the resistance path than the electrical resistance per unit length in a longitudinal direction along the conducting paths, a relatively accurate relative voltage division can be measured.

[0048] In the shown embodiment, the measuring track 102, the readout track 103, the reference track 104, and the ground track 105 are predominantly concentrically formed relative to each other around a center O. The tracks 102, 103, 104, and 105 form closed contours but can also be interrupted. In an embodiment with closed contours, the range R can, in principle, be chosen along the entire circumferential direction. In that case, no specific position is required for mounting the position detector 100 relative to the support frame 3 or the base unit 2. The position detector 100 does not need to be aligned in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The contours can also form circular segments or curved contours with varying radii of curvature. Furthermore, the tracks 102, 103, 104, and 105 can be arranged differently, for example, such that the position of the readout track 103 and the ground track 103 are switched and / or the reference track 104 and the ground track 105 are switched. Alternatively, the tracks 102, 103, 104, 105 could extend mainly parallel to each other, for example, to determine a linear adjustment of the support frame, such as a shift or translation. The tracks 102, 103, 104, 105 can also follow a composite contour, with, for example, a circular segment-shaped part and a straight part.

[0050] The end slider 107 may be moved along the reference track 104 under the influence of a thrust exerted by the measuring slider 106. In this way, the end position S2 of the adjustment range R can be adjusted. Similarly, the start slider 108 can be moved along the ground track 105 under the influence of a thrust exerted by the reading slider 106, in order to adjust the start position Si of the adjustment range R.In principle, the end slider 107 or the start slider 108 can be designed stationary, meaning fixed relative to the measuring track 102, so that the end position S2 or the start position Si cannot be adjusted. The end slider 107 or the start slider 108 then forms a stationary, electrically conductive path that thereby defines a fixed endpoint or end position Si, or start point or start position S2.

[0051] During the use of the potentiometer 101 of the position detector 100, a reference voltage is applied to the reference track 104, for example, a supply voltage Vcc. A ground voltage, for example a ground potential Gnd, is also applied to the ground track 105. This creates an electrical voltage or potential gradient on the measuring track 102 between the start slider 108 and the end slider 107, for example a linear potential gradient. The measuring slider 106 can then take an electric voltage, depending on a current adjustment position SM, such as a pivot position corresponding to a current angle adjustment A, of the carrying frame 3 relative to the base part 2, for example through direct coupling to the carrying frame 3 or the base part 2, or through coupling via a transmission unit. This electrical voltage can then be registered via the readout slider and the readout track 103.

[0052] A basic structure of such a potentiometer is for example described in Dutch patent application NL 2 012 808, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0053] The position detector 100 as described with reference to Fig. 2 can be used to determine an adjustment position of the support frame 3 relative to the base part 2, but also to determine an adjustment of the support 6 relative to the support frame 3.

[0054] Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a second, partially exploded device 1 according to an aspect of the invention. The device 1 may, for example, be designed for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of an accessory for a motor vehicle, more specifically a shellshaped housing part, such as a mirror cover, more specifically a mirrordevice or a so-called mirror adjustment device, particularly an interior mirror device or an exterior mirror device for a motor vehicle.

[0055] The device 1 comprises a base part 2, in particular for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle. The device 1 further has a first hinge structure 60 and a second hinge structure 35, 60, 65. Using the first hinge construction 60, a support frame 3 is mounted on the base part 2. It should be noted that, instead of a hinge construction, another adjustment mechanism can also be used, such as a sliding mechanism. The device 1 comprises a first actuator 4, for example, a first electric actuator 4, with which the support frame 3 can be pivoted relative to the base part 2 around a first hinge axis 5 extending primarily in an upward direction, within a pivoting range, between a folded position, in which the support frame 3, for example, lies primarily along the motor vehicle body, and at least one unfolded position, in which the support frame 3 is, for example, oriented primarily perpendicular to the vehicle body.

[0056] It should also be noted that the unfolded position may, for example, be an operational position of an exterior mirror device, and that the folded position may, for example, be a parking position, in which the device 1 and / or any mirror cover provided therein or thereon extends less far outward in a lateral direction relative to the vehicle body.

[0057] Using the second hinge construction 35, 60, 65, the support 6 is mounted on the support frame 3. It should be noted that the first and second hinge constructions do not need to be separate constructions, but can, for example, be partially formed by an integrated construction, such as a double ball hinge 20, 60.

[0058] In particular, the support 6 may be designed to directly or indirectly support a mirror surface. Although the support frame 3 may in particular be suitable for directly or indirectly supporting a mirror surface, the support frame 3 may, in alternative embodiments, for example also be, alternatively or additionally, suitable to support one or more alternativeelements, in particular elements that assist a vehicle driver in observing areas at least partially behind and / or beside him, such as for example a camera and / or a display or screen, and / or a spotlight or other light source. The support frame may also carry an adjustable part of other accessories for a motor vehicle, such as a grille element or a cover element. Such elements may, for example, be at least partially enclosed by a shell-shaped housing part provided on or by the support 6.

[0059] The device 1 as shown in Fig. 3 has a second actuator 7, preferably an electric actuator 7. Using said second actuator 7, the support 6 is pivotable relative to the support frame 3.

[0060] It should be noted that said support 6, and any mirror surface supported thereon, is only pivotable relative to the support frame 3 around a second hinge axis 8 extending essentially transverse to the essentially upward direction. The support 6 and / or the possible mirror surface can then, however, be tilted forward and / or backward to some extent relative to the support frame 3, but cannot, for example, be adjusted relative to the support frame 3 between a position in which the mirror surface is more parallel to the vehicle's body and a position in which the mirror surface is more transverse to the vehicle's body.

[0061] It should be noted that the first and the second hinge axis 5, 8 may be virtual axes. It should also be noted that said hinge axes 5 and 8 may be positioned essentially transverse to each other, for example, perpendicular to each other. Additionally or alternatively, said (virtual) hinge axes 5 and 8 may intersect, more preferably at the center of the double spherical hinge 20, 60.

[0062] It should be noted that, in general, the support frame 3 is adjustable relative to the base part 2 within an adjustment range, between a first, for example, folded position, and at least a second, for example, unfolded position.Similarly, the support 6 may be adjustable relative to the support frame 3 within an adjustment range, between a first position and a second position.

[0063] In the embodiment as shown in Fig. the adjustment range of the support frame 3 relative to the base part 2 is designed as a pivot range with a start position and an end position. The pivot range of the support frame 3 is for example approximately 30°, approximately 40°, approximately 50°, approximately 60° or more, for example approximately 90° or approximately 100°, between a folded position and an unfolded position. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the adjustment range of support 6 relative to the support frame 3 is also designed as a pivot range with a starting position and an end position. For example, the pivot range of the support 6 is at least approximately 20°, such as approximately 30° or 40°, so that, for example, the mirror glass can be rotated in such a way that a vehicle driver can see the ground, a gutter, or a curb next to the vehicle through the mirror glass, for example when parking.

[0064] The device 1 further includes a position detector 100 for determining an adjustment position, for example a pivotal position of the support frame 3 relative to the base part 2.

[0065] As will be clear, the device 1 can be installed on a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, such as a car, camper, bus, or truck. The invention further also relates to a vehicle equipped with a device 1 as described herein.

[0066] In addition, the invention relates to a position detector 100 configured for use in a device 1 as described herein with reference to Fig.

[0067] 1A, IB, and 3, in particular a position detector 100 configured for use in a device 1 as described herein for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle, on which a movable part is mounted by means of an adjustment construction, such as a hinge construction or a sliding construction, such that the movable partcan be adjusted relative to the base part along an adjustment range, for example, about a hinge axis, for example by means of an, for example, electric, actuator, between a first, for example, folded position, and at least a second, for example, unfolded position, wherein the position detector is configured to determine an adjustment position of the movable part relative to the base part, wherein the position detector comprises a potentiometer with a measuring track, a readout track, and a readout slider coupled to the movable part or the base part, which, upon adjustment of the movable part, moves along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact with the measuring track and the readout track, and wherein the potentiometer further comprises a ground track and / or reference track and a start slider and / or end slider adjustable along the measuring track, which electrically connects the measuring track and / or the reference track to the ground track and / or the reference track, respectively, and defines a start position and / or end position of the movable part along the adjustment range, respectively.

[0068] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the position detector of a device as described herein. The method comprises a step of moving the start slider 108 and / or the end slider 107 along the measuring track 102 under the influence of a thrust exerted by the read slider 106 until a desired start position S2 and / or a desired end position Si of the end slider 107 is reached.

[0069] Prior to actual operational use, the position detector 100 can be calibrated so that either both boundaries or one of the boundaries of the adjustment range R are set as desired. The position detector 100 may also need to be recalibrated over time.

[0070] For example, in an initial position of the position detector 100, the readout slider 106, the end slider 107, and the start slider 108 may be positioned close to one another. Next, either the start slider 108 or the end slider 107 can be moved to a desired start position S2 or end position Si, respectively, by using the readout slider 106 to apply a thrust in a thrustdirection to the start slider 108 or the end slider 107, respectively, causing it to move until a desired start or end position of the support frame 3 relative to the base part 2 is reached. Thus, one of the boundaries Si or S2 of the range R has been calibrated.

[0071] Optionally, the uncalibrated end slider 107 or start slider 108 can then be moved, by applying a thrust force by means of the readout slider 106, in an opposite thrust direction, into a desired end position Si or start position S2 by adjustment until the desired end position Si or start position S2 of the support frame 3 relative to the base part 2, along the adjustment range R, is reached. Thus, both boundaries Si or S2 of the range R have then been calibrated.

[0072] By applying this type of calibration, the position detector 100 can be used flexibly in a wide range of applications. In principle, the adjustment range R corresponds to the range of the potentiometer.

[0073] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and brevity, certain elements or features are described herein as part of the same or different embodiments, and that the scope of the invention may comprise embodiments comprising combinations of all or some of the described elements or features.

[0074] It should be clear that each of the devices shown and described, and each element of the devices shown and described, is also deemed to have been described and shown separately, and may be applied individually and / or in combination with at least one other element, and is deemed to have been described herein as such.

[0075] For example, the position detector may include two support units, each of which is equipped with a potentiometer, each used to determine the adjustment position of a respective adjustable part. Additional functionality can also be added to a support unit, such as memory functionality.

[0076] It should also be noted that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Many variations are possible.Such variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle, comprising a base part, in particular for attachment to the motor vehicle, on which a movable part is mounted by means of an adjustment construction, such as a hinge construction or a sliding construction, such that the movable part can be adjusted relative to the base part along an adjustment range, for example, about a hinge axis, for example by means of an, for example, electric, actuator, between a first, for example, folded position, and at least a second, for example, unfolded position, further comprising a position detector for determining an adjustment position of the movable part relative to the base part, wherein the position detector comprises a potentiometer with a measuring track, a readout track, and a readout slider coupled to the movable part or the base part, which, upon adjustment of the movable part, moves along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact with the measuring track and the readout track, and wherein the potentiometer further comprises a ground track and / or reference track as well as a start slider and / or end slider adjustable along the measuring track, which electrically connects the measuring track to the ground track and / or the reference track, respectively, and defines a start position and / or end position of the movable part along the adjustment range, respectively.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the readout slider is equipped with a pair of sliding contacts, of which a first sliding contact, which is coupled to the adjustable part or the base part, moves along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact as the adjustable part is adjusted, and of which a second sliding contact, which is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact, moves along the readout track while maintaining electrical contact as the adjustable part is adjusted.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the end slider is also equipped with a pair of sliding contacts, of which a first sliding contact can be moved along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact, and a second sliding contact, which is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact, moves along the reference track while maintaining electrical contact as the first sliding contact moves, thereby defining an end position of the movable part within the adjustment range.

4. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the start slider is also equipped with a pair of sliding contacts, of which a first sliding contact can be moved along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact, and a second sliding contact, which is mechanically and electrically connected to the first sliding contact, moves along the ground track while maintaining electrical contact as the first sliding contact moves, thereby defining a start position of the movable part within the adjustment range.

5. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the first sliding contact and the second sliding contact of the end slider and / or the start slider can be moved with friction along the measuring track and, respectively, the reference track and / or the ground track.

6. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the end slider and / or the starting slider is mechanically decoupled from the base part or the movable part to which the measuring slider is coupled.

7. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the end slider en / or the start slider can be moved along the measuring track under the influence of a thrust exerted by the measuring slider.

8. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the potentiometer includes a stationary stop element defining a start position or an end position of the movable part along the adjustment range, and wherein the first sliding contact of the readout slider is coupled to the movable part or the base part via a friction coupling.

9. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the readout slider is situated along the measuring track between the start slider and the end slider.

10. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the measuring track forms a resistance path with a relatively high specific electrical resistance, and wherein the readout track, reference track, and the ground track form respective conductive paths with a relatively low specific electrical resistance.

11. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the measuring track, the readout track, the reference track, and / or the ground track are arranged essentially concentrically or parallel to each other.

12. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the ground track is connected to an electrical ground voltage during operation, and wherein the reference track is connected to an electrical reference voltage during operation.

13. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the movable part is connected to an adjustable part of a component such as a grille element, cover element, control valve, distribution valve, or valve of a temperature control system, or wherein the movable part is an adjustable part that includes a support frame for supporting an accessory such as a mirror, display, or camera.

14. The device of any one of the previous claims, wherein the adjustable part is a shell-shaped housing part, such as a mirror housing, more specifically a mirror device for a motor vehicle, wherein the base portion can be attached, for example, to the body of the motor vehicle, wherein the adjustable portion, in the folded position, lies substantially along the body of the motor vehicle, and wherein, in the unfolded position, the adjustable part is oriented, for example, substantially transverse to the body of the motor vehicle.

15. A position detector configured for use in a device of any one of the previous claims 1-14 for adjusting an adjustable part, in particular an adjustable part of a component or accessory for a motor vehicle, comprising a base part, in particular for attachment to the motor vehicle, on which a movable part is mounted by means of an adjustment construction, such as a hinge construction or a sliding construction, such that the movable part can be adjusted relative to the base part along an adjustment range, for example, about a hinge axis, for example by means of an, for example, electric, actuator, between a first, for example, folded position, and at least a second, for example, unfolded position, wherein the position detector is configured to determine an adjustment position of the movable part relative to the base part, wherein the position detector comprises a potentiometer with a measuring track, a readout track, and a readout slider coupled to the movable part or the base part, which, upon adjustment of the movable part, moves along the measuring track while maintaining electrical contact with the measuring track and the readout track, and wherein the potentiometer further comprises a ground track and / or reference track and a start slider and / or end slider adjustable along the measuring track, which electrically connects the measuring track and / or the reference track to the ground track and / or the reference track, respectively, and defines a start position and / or end position of the movable part along the adjustment range, respectively.

16. A vehicle provided with a device of any one of the previous claims 1-14.

17. A method for adjusting the position detector of a device of any one of the previous claims 1-14, comprising a step of moving the start slider and / or the end slider along the measuring track under the influence of a thrust exerted by the read slider until a desired start position of the start slider and / or a desired end position of the end slider is reached.

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