FR2570038A1 - REVERSIBLE REARVIEW MOUNT - Google Patents

Abstract

THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION IS A MIRROR BRACKET WITH A BASE 2 AND A MOBILE BOX 3. THE MIRROR CAN PIVOT AROUND AN A-AXIS TO AVOID THE NECESSARY TO USE DIFFERENT MOUNTINGS ACCORDING TO THE MIRROR MUST BE MOUNTED ON THE LEFT OR TO THE RIGHT OF VEHICLE W, AND DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE STEERING MECHANISM IS LOCATED ON THE RIGHT OR LEFT OF THE VEHICLE, A REVERSIBLE MIRROR 9 IS PROVIDED, WHICH IS INTERPOSED BETWEEN BASE 2 AND BOX 3 OF THE SAME . THIS REVERSIBLE BODY ALLOWS THE CORRECT ASSEMBLY OF THE UNIT 3 IN RELATION TO THE BASE 2, AND THUS ENSURE A CORRECT ALIGNMENT OF THE MIRROR SURFACE, INDEPENDENT OF WHETHER IT IS MOUNTED ON THE LEFT OR RIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, AND INDEPENDENT OF THE LEFT OR RIGHT POSITION OF THE STEERING MECHANISM. APPLICATION TO EXTERIOR MIRRORS OF MOTOR VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES.

Description

The present invention relates to a set of

  mount for mounting a rearview mirror on a vehicle

  and, more particularly, a reversible mirror support for mounting the mirror on the right side or the left side of the vehicle. The present invention applies both to adjustable mirrors and mirrors mounted on what is called a suspension

pivoting.

  In German Patent No. 1,240,429, it is de-

  a pivotal suspension for the exterior rearview mirror of a vehicle, in which holding slots are provided on a transverse pin in the arm of the vehicle;

  mirror. The notches cooperate with homogeneous recesses

  provided on the base of the mirror, and are distributed in a star at uniform intervals around the axis

  pivoting. It is thus possible to obtain many

  its relative positions between the exterior rearview mirror and the base part. However, for an outside mirror

  remote control or a rearview mirror mounted in a re-

  This technique is unsuitable because it allows the user to have various relative positions on the adjustment range of the rearview mirror, only one of which is correct. All other relative positions have the effect that the adjustment interval of the outside rearview mirror in the casing is not suitable for establishing a correct adjustment of the rearview mirror. In addition, if it is desired to use the same pivotal suspension on either side of the vehicle, it is then necessary to use a mirror of different configuration for each side of the vehicle. For exterior mirrors

  currently used, for which the surface reflects

  health in the mirror housing is adjustable manually-

  by remote control, the known technique is obviously not appropriate because, depending on whether the vehicle has its steering mechanism left or right,

  and also according to the side of the vehicle where the rear view mirror ex-

  the operator should have only a predetermined relative position possible for the mirror cabinet, from which a range of settings

  the reflective surface itself allows for a

  by drivers of any size and in any attitude. In accordance with the regulations of

  safety, the mirror housing must be pivoted

  so, out of the predetermined relative position and towards the return in this position, in order to avoid putting

  seriously endanger other people or other

  traffic in the event of an accident. The sus-

  known pivotal pension has the disadvantage that a plurality of holding recesses are provided for

  notches in position, and this is a

  think useless to manufacture. Since the evidenced

  Positioning members are distributed about the axis with relatively small angular intervals, the predetermined relative position prevents smooth erasure of the exterior mirror, and in fact involves jerked movement as the recesses pass, with

a high risk of injury.

  German Patent Application No. 2,703,639 describes a suspension for the housing of a rear-view mirror

  telescope with which a single relative position

  be the boot of the mirror and the base is possible.

  This means that for any vehicle, depending on whether the steering mechanism is left or right, two different bases (one for each side of the vehicle) and

  four different mirror housings are required

  ultimately to allow the desired relative position for installation on either side

of the vehicle.

  This is also the case for the pivot suspension described in German Patent Application No. 2,426,489 with which only a predetermined relative position remains possible between the base and the mirror housing, so that the complementary mounting for both sides of the mirror vehicle and for vehicles with steering wheel right or left still requires two different bases and a total of four different shells for the mirror, among which we can choose the particular combination that we want to mount. All of this obviously involves significant costs of tooling,

  production, and equipment in stock.

  The subject of the invention is a reversible support

  rear view mirror, in particular with a suspension of

  for which the production costs for the base and the corresponding part of the vehicle are more

  low. The support according to the invention can be used

  when both the steering mechanism is on the right and when it is on the left, and also in the case where the rearview mirror is to be mounted on the left-hand side or

on the right side of the vehicle.

  According to the invention, that the steering mechanism

  left or right of the vehicle, the relative position

  The correct position between the mirror box and the base can be established if a mounting or interposition member is inserted into one of its two possible mounting positions, in which position the correct relative setting will be obtained. As for the manufacturing, just provide a boot part and a base plus a mount with two positions ensure both settings

  desired, regardless of whether it is a vehicle with

  left or right-hand drive. The arrangement of notches and positioning grooves remains the same for the mounting or interposition member, which simplifies

  tooling and component manufacturing, while

  reducing the number of parts to keep in stock. It is important to note that when a mirror cabinet has been installed, the driver of the vehicle no longer has the possibility of having a distorted relative position for the rear-view mirror on its base by accident or

  fortuitously; the position is distorted, for example, when

  that the adjustable outside mirror is incorrectly adjusted in

  its boot, so that the setting range of the retro-

  outside viewfinder can no longer be used as one would like. The device described in the German patent

  N 1 240 429 actually allows the choice of a number

  the relative positions of the mirror housing and the base, but leaving the user to make this choice, the result is a risk of

  incorrect relative position which is dangerous for the operation

  rator himself and / or other people traveling on the road.

  The description that follows is relative to a

  advantageous embodiment, in which surfaces

  of special support are formed on the backhand

  viewfinder and the base to allow assembly by

  rabies using an appropriate device; at least one of said bearing surfaces comprises at least one holding groove in position. The notches in position

  on both sides of the mount or

  position can be brought into engagement, depending on the position

  mounting of said member, with corresponding homologous grooves

  provided on the bearing surfaces. For each posi-

  In the mounting arrangement of the interposer, there is only a predetermined relative position in which the two parts are in mutual engagement, the angular displacement between the two relative positions being chosen so that regardless of whether the vehicle is at left or right-hand drive, only one

  correct relative position is obtained.

  The assembly or interposition member may be

  Made in a simple, inexpensive and durable way.

  Another advantage of the present invention is that this mounting member which is an annular disk allows passage through the suspension of the mirror,

  actuating cables, electrical connections or other

still many organs.

  Other goals, features and benefits of

  the invention will emerge from the detailed description which

  and annexed drawings, on which references are

  identical numerical references serve to identify

  identical or equivalent ganes. On these drawings:

  FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of the

  side of a vehicle, with a retro-fit boot

external viewfinder mounted to pivot;

  FIG. 2 is a view from below of the retro

  external viewfinder shown in Figure 1; FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c are corresponding views of a detail; and

  - Figure 4 is a view from above of another detail.

  Figure 1 schematically represents a set of

  mounting cable 1 for a mirror, mounting

  here on the right when we look at it in the direction of the

  or longitudinal direction X of a vehicle W. This combination

  ble includes a base part 2 mounted in a non

  indicated in detail on the body of the vehicle, and a

  movable tie 3, in this case a bowl-shaped mirror housing, attached to the base portion 2 according to a

  pivot axis A which is approximately perpendicular

  drawing, with the aid of a suspension of

  4. In the pivoting suspension 4, means for holding in position, not shown in FIG. 1, can operate in such a way as to fix the mobile part 3 in a predetermined angular position predetermined by

  base 2 while permitting pivoting

  rotation of axis A in response to an impact, either in the X direction of the vehicle's forward movement or in the direction

  opposite. In addition, the mobile part 3 can also be

  deliberately, in one or the other direction, to

  to be roughly parallel to the direction of the movement

  X (parking or transport position).

  In Figure 1, the movable portion 3 mounted on the base portion is shown in solid lines in a first relative position FR; as will be seen below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, part 3 can also be locked in a second relative position FL: these two

  relative positions FR and FL define an angle a.

  The object of these two relative positions of the mirror housing is to maintain the casing on its base for a vehicle W having a steering mechanism left or right, in a position such that the driver, sitting to the left or right according to the case, given its stature or attitude, look back, while enjoying the full range of

  rearview mirror in his boot. Indeed, if the shoemaker does

  was not in a particular relative position, the con-

  ducteur would be forced, with a tedious operation by successive trial and error, to adjust the casement again

  of the mirror so that it can be used in a good

  conditions the possible range of feedback settings

  viewfinder. The driver is here released from this obligation, and the vehicle manufacturer, or the shop fitter, installing the outside rear-view mirror must first ensure that the outside rear-view mirror housing is mounted in a correct relative position, and do not risk a new change. The same observation is valid for the other side of the vehicle with regard to the direction of movement X, and again a

  outer mirror casing, which is a reproduc-

  symmetrical representation of the first, schematized in 21 with

  rets in Figure 2, must be mounted on an identical base

  tick, but with only two positions marked pos-

  depending on whether the vehicle is driving on the left or right. The relative position FR indicated in full lines in FIG. 1, to the right of the vehicle in the direction of the

  movement X, corresponds to a vehicle with a right-hand drive

  te, that is to say that the driver sits on the right and observes the mirror at a relatively acute angle relative to the direction of movement X, while the relative position FL corresponds to a left-hand drive vehicle,

  that is, the driver is seated to the left and observes

  The rearview mirror has an acute angle min with respect to the direction of movement X. With the bottom view of FIG. 2, it can be seen that the mobile part 3 comprises a circular mount 5 having a bearing surface 6 concentric with the axis. A, and

  approximately perpendicular thereto, said surface pre-

  sensing a central opening 8. Radially from the axis A, three holding grooves in position 7a, 7b, 7c

  formed in the bearing surface 6, with spacers

  angular amounts of 120. The holding groove in position

  7a is oriented in a direction substantially corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the movable portion 3. Each of the holding grooves in position 7a, 7b, 7c comprises an outer portion 7aa and a portion

  inside 7a. radially aligned with each other.

i

  Portions 7a and 7a. throat are in the extension

a 1

  of each other, so that each portion of each

  7ai extends from the opening 8 to an imaginary circle 13, while the outer portion 7aa extends from the imaginary circle 13 to the outer edge

  of the bearing surface 6. The cross section of the

  7a, 7b, 7c is approximately triangular, but

can be rounded.

  The movable part 3, that is to say here a bowl-shaped casing for the exterior rear-view mirror, is shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 as being a right-hand box of the rear-view mirror capable of taking the

  two relative positions FR and FL (see Figure 1)

  port at the base 2. A movable left portion 21, again an outer mirror casing, is indicated in dashed lines; this movable part can be fixed on the other side of the vehicle, and comprises for this purpose a bearing surface 6 'which is practically the symmetrical image of the previously described surface, with holding grooves

  in analogous positions which are not indicated in detail.

  In the pivot suspension 4, simply schematic

  shown in Figure 1, it is expected, below the

  bearing face 6 of the movable part 3, a reversible member, also called interposition member 9 shown in FIGS.

  Figures 3a, 3b, 3c; this organ has a cir-

  10, having a front face V and a rear face R. In alignment with the opening 8 of the movable part 3, the interposition member 9 has a hole 11. In the rear face of the body interposition 9, there are provided three rib-shaped notches 12a, 12b and 12c, circumferentially spaced 120 and extending from the imaginary circle 13 to the outer edge of the organ

  9. In the front panel of organ 9, we also

  There are three similar notches 14a, 14b and 14c for holding in position, extending from the bore 11 to the imaginary circle 13, and in radial alignment with the notches 12a, 12b, 12c of the rear face. The notches in position here have a cross section

  triangular, but this section can also be rounded.

  The base part 2 (Figure 4) also includes a

  circular shape 15 which corresponds to the frame 5 of the

  movable collar 3, and which surrounds a bearing surface 16 concentra-

  the axis A and more or less perpendicular to that

  this. In the center of the bearing surface 16, there is also an opening 17, coaxial with the bore 11 of the interposition member 9 and the opening 8 of the movable part 3,

  defining a through passage that can be used for pas-

  wise actuators or electrical connections

  passing through the base 2 to terminate in the movable portion 3.

  On the surface 16 there are provided two groups of three radial grooves, 18a, 18b, 18c on the one hand, and 19a, 19b and 19c on the other hand. The holding grooves in position 19a, 19b and 19c extend from the opening 17 to the circle

  imaginary 13, while the gorges 18a, 18b and 18c are

  tending from the circle 13 to the outer edge of the bearing surface 16. In addition, the two groups of grooves are angularly offset relative to one another.

  angle which exactly corresponds to the angle α of

  The groove 19a extends in a direction approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. Furthermore, the base 2 has a plane of symmetry S which is perpendicular to the direction 20, so that the base 2 can be mounted on one side or the other of the vehicle

without modification.

  In FIGS. 2, 3a, 3c and 4, the angles between the notches and holding grooves in homologous positionare

  similar, and each is equal to 120. However, these

  gles (indicated by B in Figure 3a) may differ slightly from each other: for example, the first may be 115, the second 120 and the third therefore

from 125.

  In the mounted position (Figure 1), an accessory that is not shown is fixed under the base 2 or in the movable portion 3, whose role is to tighten the bearing surfaces 6 and 16; the interposition member 9 is interposed so that the mobile part 3 and the interposition member

  on the one hand, and base 2 and the interposition organ of

  on the other hand, are mutually maintained in radial relative position by the cooperation between the grooves and notches of

  holding in counterpart position. Since on every

  one of the two bearing surfaces 6 and 16, there are provided two groups of holding grooves, namely the grooves 7a, 7b and 7c each comprising portions such that 7aa and 7ai for the bearing surface 6, and the grooves 18a, 18b and 18c and 19a, 19b and 19c on the bearing surface 16, and since two groups of notches of

  in position are provided for on the inter-

  position (ie notches 12a, 12b and 12c opposite

  R, and the notches 14a, 14b and 14c front panel V), the interposition member 9 can be inserted in two

  mounting positions between the bearing surfaces 6 and 16.

  In the first mounting position, the rear face R of the interposition member 9 is turned towards the bearing surface 6. The notches 12a, 12b and 12c engage in the outer portions 7aa of the grooves 7a, 7b and 7c; the front face V of the interposition member 9 is then turned towards the bearing surface 16, and the notches 14a, 14b and 14c engage in the grooves 19a, 19b and 19c. The inner portions 7a1 of the grooves 7a1 7b and 7c and the holding grooves 18a, 18b and 18c in the bearing surface 16 do not perform any function in this mounting position of the interposition member,

  position in which said member fixes the position

  lative FR between the movable portion 3 and the base 2o Si instead, the interposition member 9 is turned over, the front face V is then turned towards the bearing surface 6, and the notches 14a, 14b and 14c engage in the inner portions 7a of the grooves 7a, 7b, 7c. The rear face R of the interposition member 9 is then facing the bearing surface 16, so that the notches 12a, 12b, and 12c engage the grooves 18a, 18b, 18c of the surface. 16. Because of the angle provided between the two groups of grooves 18ag 18bD 18c, and 19a, 19b, 19ce the second mounting position sets the second relative position FL offset by an angle a by

  relative to the first relative position FR.

  In each mounting position of the positioning member 9, the movable portion 3 can rotate out of the relative location chosen around the axis A, since the accessory (not shown) elastically presses the bearing surfaces. 6 and 16 one on the other. During a

  such rotation, or the notches 12a, 12b, 12c are disengaged

  grooves 7a, 7b, 7c, or the notches 14a, 14b, 14c are disengaged grooves 7a, 7b, 7c1 and / or the notches 12a, 12b, 12c are cleared grooves 18a, 18b, 18c. When the force that has rotated the movable portion 3 is no longer applied, it can rotate the movable portion to bring it back

  in the relative position previously determined by the

  interposition 91 relative position in which

the whole is blocked.

  We understand from reading the description that

  has just been made, that the holding notches in position 12a, 12b, 12c, and 14a, 14b, 14c of the interposition member 9, are angularly offset from each other in the same way (same number of degrees) . We are thus certain

  that notches and throats are in mutual contact with each other

  in the two desired relative positions.

  Similarly, it is conceivable that the grooves and notches form corresponding means which cooperate, and that, in this way, the two relative positions are determined by the angular offset between the adjacent grooves. Alternatively, a displacement between the ribs or grooves may be provided and, in this case, the angular displacement between the two relative positions is the sum

  various successive displacements.

  The presence of three notches and three grooves results in a more uniform distribution of loads in the holding assembly, and thus ensures a good

  support and an advantageous pivoting movement.

  In addition, if unequal angles are chosen between the corresponding grooves or notches, even if several corresponding notches or grooves are present, there will be only one correct relative position with regard to their cooperation, and in no other relative position,

  notches and throats can not establish a correct grip

rect.

  To equip a vehicle whose mechanism of

  rection is on the right or left, and to include a movable portion 3 on one side or the other of the vehicle, bases 2 of a single type are sufficient, as well as interposing organs 9 of a single type and movable parts 3 (for example, the housings of mirrors) of two types, namely one for each side of the vehicle, the bearing surfaces 6 and 6 'of the two parts of the vehicle for both sides thereof being of similar configuration . To meet all the possibilities that can be requested, a limited number of components, which are more of a simpler construction than in the prior art,

  are necessary. As a result, manufacturing is simpler

  ple, and the storage of parts poses less problems.

  However, the vehicle user can not determine

  itself the relative position between the moving part and the base, since it is decided beforehand that only the correct relative position for the application

  considered will be available in each case.

  It goes without saying that we can make various modifications

  cations to the embodiments that have been described without

  to get out of the scope of this invention.

Claims (18)

  1. Reversible bracket for vehicle rearview mirror   the, in particular with exterior mirror housing, having a base attached to the vehicle on which a movable portion is fixed while being pivotable about   one axis from two relative positions prede-   or less, in each case against the force of a holding means in position including at least one   notch in position arranged at a certain distance   of the axis and at least one holding groove in position   both of which are engaged between the movable part and the base, characterized in that between the movable part (3, 21) and the base (2) is arranged an interposition member (9) with which said movable part of one part and the base of another   are respectively engaged in maintaining   sition, and that the interposition organ (9) is   able to occupy a first predetermined position in which it blocks a first relative position (FR),   and a second predetermined inverted position in the-   which it blocks the other relative position (FL).   2. Support according to claim 1, wherein is provided on the movable part and the base of the bearing surfaces can be pressed against each other, at least one of these surfaces having at least one holding groove. in position, characterized in that on each side (V, R) of the interposition member (9), at least one position-holding catch (12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c) engageable with one of the two holding grooves (7a, 7b, 7c, 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, 19c) for each bearing surface (6, 16); and in that either the position-holding notches (12a, 12b, 12c; 14a, 14b, 14c) of the interposition member (9) or the two position-holding grooves (7a, 7b, 7c; 18a, 18b, 18c; 19a, 19b, 19c) of one or both bearing surfaces (6, 16) are disposed about the axis (A) in a staggered manner with respect to the another, of a total angle (a) which corresponds to the   between the two relative positions (FL, FR).   3. Support according to claim 2, characterized in that the interposition member (9) is a plate   having the dimension of the bearing surfaces (6, 16).   4. Support according to claim 3, characterized in that the interposition member (9) is a plate   (10) having the shape of a circular ring or a disc.   5. Support according to one of claims 2 to 4,   characterized in that the detents in position   (12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c) of the interposi-   9a, 7b, 7c, 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, 19c) of the bearing surfaces (6, 16) are displaced relative to one another by   the same radial distance in each case.   6. Support according to claim 5, wherein   the grooves and the notches in position are dis-   positioned radially with respect to the axis, characterized in that the notches on one face (V) of the interposition member (9) are in radial alignment with the notches on the other face (R) of said member, but are located at different distances from the axis, in that the portions of grooves (parts 7aa and 7ai) of a bearing surface (6) are in radial alignment with one another and are located at distances of the different axes similar to those of the notches of the interposition member (9), and in that the grooves of the other bearing surface (16) are arranged at the   the same distances from the axis as the notches of the inter-   position (9), but are angularly offset relative to each other about the axis A according to said angle (at).   7. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that on one or the other face (y, R) of the organ   interposition (9), three notches in position -   (12a, 12b, 12c, 14a, 14b, 14c) distributed according to   Equal angular valleys (e) about the axis are provided, with which corresponding position-holding grooves (7a, 7b, 7c, 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, 19c) can cooperate on the bearing surfaces (6). , 16), their number being the same and their angular intervals (e) being the same.   8. Support according to claim 1, characterized in that the angular intervals (B) between the grooves and the corresponding positional retention notches are not equal.   9. Support according to claim 8, characterized   in that the base (2) is symmetrical in shape   port to the longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle with a   plane of symmetry (S) transverse to the longitudinal direction   of the vehicle, and in that the movable part (3, 21) constitutes a left or right rearview mirror housing, on which the respective bearing surface (6, 6 ') with the   grooves (7a, 7b, 7c) is symmetrical with respect to the direction   longitudinal direction (X) of the vehicle.   10. Reversible vehicle rearview mirror of the type comprising a mirror housing and a mirror base, this base to be fixed to the vehicle for example by a suitable means, characterized in that it comprises a reversible mounting member (9). interposed between the housing of the rearview mirror (3) and its base (2), said reversible mounting member being in holding engagement   in position with both the base and the housing of the   viewfinder. 11. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the reversible mounting member (9) of the rearview mirror can be fixed in different positions between the base and the housing of the mirror, by simply turning it. 12. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the base (2) of the mirror, the reversible mounting member (9) and the housing (3) of the rear view mirror   cooperating surfaces that are not flat.   13. Support according to claim 12, characterized in that the non-planar surfaces comprise parts   staggered about an axis, said parts being   relative to each other by an angle corresponding to the angular displacement between the mounting positions   of the reversible mounting member of the mirror.   14. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the casing (3) and the base (2) of the mirror   comprise each of the bearing surfaces, and that the   the rear view mirror mount (9) is a plate having   substantially the same dimension as said contact surfaces   pui. 15. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the reversible mounting member (9) of the mirror   is a substantially circular disc.   16. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the reversible mounting member (9) of the mirror has a series of notches.   17. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the base (2) of the rearview mirror has a series of Gorges.   18. Support according to claim 10, characterized in that the reversible mounting member (9) of the mirror comprises radial notches, and in that the housing (3) of the mirror and its base (2) each comprise radial grooves. , in that the notches of one face of the reversible member are radially aligned with the notches of the other face but angularly offset with respect thereto, and   in that the grooves in the base of the mirror are decommitted   compared to the grooves of the housing with a circumferential conferencing of the same value.