FR2685266A1 - ADJUSTING DEVICE FOR AT LEAST TWO MIRRORS OF A VEHICLE. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustment device for at least two rear-view mirrors of a vehicle. In this device, each mirror (4, 6) comprises an attachment for a mirror housing (16) and a pivoting mirror element (18) arranged in the mirror housing (16) and, where appropriate, a protective element (32) and each with a remote adjustment device (19), in particular constituted by a servomotor (20), for the mirror element (18). The remote adjuster (19) has a positioning drive (17) connected to an actuator (15), by means of which the mirror element (18) is pivoted at an angle (78) between a position of use and a coding position. The invention can be used for motor vehicles.

Description

1 -

  The present invention relates to an adjusting device for at least two retrovi-

  of a vehicle as described in the generic term of claim 1.

  Several solutions are already known in order to avoid the glare effect

  responsible for a vehicle, caused by vehicles following lights on,

  especially at night by mirrors reflection.

  Thus, it is part of normal equipment of today's vehicles, to develop the rearview mirror inside the vehicle, arranged generally in the area of the central axis in the longitudinal direction and in the transition zone between the roof and the

  windscreen, pivotally between two positions via a device

  tif mechanical adjustment lever, to manually rotate

  a code position in case of glare by the following vehicles.

  In addition, an outside mirror of a vehicle according to the German patent is already known.

  DE-OS 3925978 whose ice tile can be rotated approximately

  180 degrees and whose ice back is developed such as a tile

  dark code lighting, very smooth and reflective.

  In addition, there are known external vehicle mirrors, which can be adjusted electrically, according to the European patent EP-OS O 440 819 the mirror elements are adjustable and movable by remote control by means of an engine.

  electric and a gear unit.

  The disadvantage of these well-known embodiments is that each of the mirrors arranged several times in the vehicle, respectively on the sides of the vehicle, must be adjusted to avoid the effect of glare. disadvantageous that the mirrors that are adjustable and electrically movable, must be adjusted each time after the use of an electric change mechanism for the process of change in order to avoid the effect

  glare during the next delivery, in order to reach the initial position.

  However, these processes call the attention of the vehicle manager to the

  adjustment, resulting in a higher accident risk. The present invention has the task of creating an adjustment device which does not need special attention of the responsible during the change of the mirror

  from a use position to a code position.

  This task of the invention is solved by the features rendered in the section

  Embodiments of Claim 1 The surprising advantage of this solu-

  seemingly simple, lies in the fact that one can obtain independently

  adjusting drive for positioning the mirror element,

  in order to position said element in accordance with the prevailing conditions in relation to laper-

  key, such as height, seat position, etc., an instantaneous adjustment of this use position to an angularly adjusted coding position Because of positions distanced from each other by the angle, the initial use position is resumed exactly in the same position as before after a reset by means of the actuating member by the positioning drive, to

  the occasion for which this process takes place at the same time for all retrovi-

  connected to the actuator and through which the visual field of the mirror

  can be seen completely without hindrance.

  A configuration according to claim 2 is also advantageous

  the use of the stepper motor and the step-by-step

  precise positioning is ensured in the position of use after a process of

  temporary setting in the code position, passing through the same number

  step in the two opposite directions of movement.

  In addition, a configuration according to claim 3 is also possible in the

  which of the permanent end positions, via the engine displacement

  presented by the electromagnet, can be achieved and in which

  for terminal stops can be eliminated.

  Another advantageous embodiment is described in claim 4, because thus an inexpensive fitting device is obtained for a compressed air vehicle. But an embodiment according to claim 5 is also advantageous,

  because thus we also get an inexpensive device.

  In addition, another embodiment according to claim 6 is also possible.

  ble, in which the mirror element in connection with the protection element forms a mirror unit which can be positioned together and in which

  the mirror element is protected from damage in an efficient manner.

  Another embodiment according to claim 7 is also advantageous because a relative adjustment of the mirror element with respect to

  the protection element and eliminating additional elements and thus

  the weight for the realization of this relative adjustment.

  Another advantageous embodiment is described in claim 8, in which an inexpensive positioning with respect to the positioning is achieved.

  space of the mirror unit in the position of use.

  An embodiment according to claim 9 is also possible, in which

  holds prefabricated, space-saving elements that lend themselves well to

  installation in small housing mirrors.

  Another advantageous embodiment is described in claim 10, in which effective protection for the mirror element against damage as well as aging is achieved due to environmental influences. An embodiment as described in claim 11 is also possible. The protection element is obtained by means of the pivoting mirror element with a softened reflection effect whereby the observation of the following circulation does not occur. is not obstructed by the influence of the glare effect. An embodiment according to claim 12 is also advantageous because

  after pivoting the mirror element from the use position to the

  By means of the protection element having a very small degree of reflection, the controller can observe the events in the opposite direction in the softened form and without restriction of road safety by the effect of glare. According to another embodiment in claim 13, it is advantageous for a condensation, respectively an icing and thus an obstacle to visibility.

be avoided.

  In addition, the invention also includes a method for an adjusting device such as

  as described in the generic term of claim 14.

  This method is described by the features made in the embodiment section of claim 14 Since each mirror element according to the actuating process makes the opposite direction the same angle during each

  pivoting movement, ensures reproducibility without any defect of the final positions.

  In addition, this allows the driver of the vehicle to respond quickly to constantly changing events during traffic without having to pay high attention to this adjustment, which avoids

  moments of danger for the manager as well as for third parties.

  For a better understanding of the invention the foregoing will be explained in more detail with the aid of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a greatly simplified view of a vehicle with an adjusting device for a mirror made according to the invention; Figure 2 is a view of a mirror with an adjusting device, in section in a plane approximately parallel to the support surface;

  FIG. 3 is a view from above, partly in section, of a variant of embodiment

  additional rear view mirror; FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a rearview mirror along the lines IV-IV of FIG.

3;

  Figure 5 is a view of another alternative embodiment of an adjusting device, in section in a plane approximately parallel to the support surface, according to the invention. Figures 1 and 2 shows a vehicle 1 with a rear view mirror arrangement 2 which allows the person in charge 3 of the vehicle to observe the events passing behind his vehicle 1 The rear view mirror arrangement 2 consists of a rear view mirror 4 inside of the vehicle 5 and at least a rearview mirror 6 disposed in the field of view of the person in charge 3 on a frame part 7, for example on a door 8

  exterior of the vehicle interior 5.

  In order to obtain the greatest possible field of view in the direction opposite to the direction of the road arrow 9, the mirrors 4, 6 are arranged at the smallest possible distance from the person in charge 3 An advantageous position for the rearview mirror 4 arranged inside of the vehicle 5 is the transition zone between the windshield 10 and the roof 11, where a support arm 12 is immovably connected approximately in the region of a central axis in the longitudinal direction 13 of the vehicle 1 to the windshield 10, respectively roof 11 In this position the responsible 3 can observe using the rearview mirror 4 through the rear windshield 14 of the vehicle 1, without an adverse influence on the attention given essentially to the direction of road arrow 9 the events behind the vehicle 1 and this even in case where the interior of the vehicle 5

  is completely occupied The rearview mirror, or the mirrors additio-

  nels 6 serve in addition to enlargement of the total visibility area in order to reach

  a very high operational safety during the various use cases.

  In the maneuvering area of the person in charge 3 there is an actuating member

  disposed in a housing of the mirror 16 for a positioning drive

  17, which makes it easier for the person in charge to adjust the mirrors 4, 6 respectively to move a mirror element 18 of the mirrors 4, 6 from a position of use to a previously adjustable coding position, in order to eliminate the dazzle effect by the following vehicles on the lights on, by operating the positioning drive 17 by means of the actuator 15 by pivoting the mirror element 18

  either temporarily or occasionally.

  Standard mirror arrangements 2 are particularly suitable for retrofit

  viewers 6 arranged on a frame part 7 remote control devices 19, with which the responsible 3 can adjust the mirror elements 18 of a 6 - central position according to individual needs This example is necessary if the

  responsible 3 changes its seat position, respectively if there are several respon-

  sands 3 which in turn drive the vehicle 1 and if they take a position

  different seats, respectively if they are of a different size.

  Remote Adjusting Spositive 19 Manager 3 Can Now Adjust Before

  the use of the vehicle 1 the rear view mirror arrangement 2 respectively the retrovi-

  4, 6 so as to obtain a view without any defect, respectively a sufficiently wide view zone in the direction opposite to the direction of travel arrow 9

  In addition, it is also possible that the basic positions regulated by the

  tif of remote adjustment 19 in order to reach the position of the use of the elements of

  rearview mirror 18 and the appropriate coding position, be placed in

  memory of a computer for different users, in order to recover them in case

  This remote adjustment device 19 generally has a servo.

  motor 20 operating by electromotive force in the housing of the mirror 16 which

  via a line 21 is connected to a switch 22 within range of respon-

  sand 3 and which is fed by an energy supply device 23 of the vehicle.

  the 1 with energy This is shown schematically in Figure 1 of a retrovi-

  6 in lines with dashes and dots.

  As can better be seen in FIG. 2, the rearview mirror 6 disposed outside the vehicle 1 by clamping elements 24, for example screws 25 which are easily accessible from the inside of the vehicle, is connected with a stationary manner to the housing of the mirror 16, respectively, by means of extensions 26 arranged in the form of a flange to the tapped holes 27 of the support arm 12 Often in a contact zone 28 between the support arm 12 and the frame part 7 a seal member 29, for example made of rubber, plastics material, etc., is provided, which by its elasticity equalizes the surface irregularities in the contact zone 28 and furthermore which

  effectively prevents the entry of moisture into the mirror housing 16,

  spectively in the frame part 7.

  By means of the support arm 12 the housing of the mirror 16 is often connected in one piece, the outer contour of which is presented is approximately equal to that of a truncated cone, has only been chosen in an exemplary manner for

  a multiplicity of possible variations An open end-piece 30, disposed in di-

  opposite direction to the direction of arrow 9 is closed, for example, by means of

  the protective element 32 which is housed by a joint arrangement 31 in the housing

  of the mirror 16, in a moisture-protected manner, for example, a 7 -

  In an interior space 34 formed by the housing of the retro-

  viewfinder 16 and the protection element 32, more or less parallel to the pro-

  32 and at a very short distance therefrom 35, the feedback element

  18, and is pivotally housed via a spherical articulation device 36 in the area of a back 37 of the mirror element 18 opposite the housing of the mirror 16 This spherical articulation device 36 is constituted by a non-moving ball element disposed on the back 37 of the mirror element 18 by means of an extension 38, which is surrounded by a ball housing 41 forming a spherical bearing 40 for the ball element

  39 and is immovably connected to the housing of the mirror 16.

  In the interior space 34 of the mirror housing 16 is also arranged the servomotor 20 of the remote adjustment device 19, for example a DC motor 44 having a reduction gear 42 and an adjustment rod 43, which is pivotally connected through a seam device 45 to a housing of the mirror 16, during which a pivot axis 46 passes approximately parallel to a surface 47 of the frame part 7 and approximately near at a right angle

  relative to the direction of the road arrow 9 -.

  On the adjusting rod 43 protruding in height the gear reducer 42 of the motor

  direct current 44 in the direction of the mirror element 18 is supported by a

  49 of the stepper motor 48, which can be rotated by the stepper motor 48 and be engaged with the adjusting rod 43

  48 is immovably connected to a carriage member 50 which is movably disposed

  in a logitudinal direction in the direction of a central axis in a logi-

  dinal 51 of the DC motor 44 to a guide arrangement 52 connected by a

  Removable way to it On the element of the carriage 50 is arranged another servo

  motor 53 of the remote adjusting device 19, which has a control rod 54.

  The positioning of the mirror element 18 is therefore done by means of the remote adjustment device 19 in a position suitable for the person in charge 3, around a

  axis 56 passing through the spherical articulation device 36 and approximately perpendicular

  stretching on a contact surface of the tires 55 of the vehicle 1 by means of the engine

  with direct current 44, respectively of the adjusting rod 43 of the reduction gear 42.

  The positioning of the mirror element 18 about an axis 57 passing through the spherical articulation device 36, disposed approximately parallel to the contact surface of the tires 55 and to the mirror element 18, is done by the servo-motor 8 - 53 between the carriage member 50 and the mirror element 18, during which the servomotor 20 is activated by the electrical energy of the line 21 and the servomotor 53 by the electrical energy of the line 58 The use of the multiplier 42 and the

  the spherical articulation device 36 allows a minimum adjustment positioning

  of the mirror element 18 in all directions of space. In order to pivot the mirror element 18 as needed, from a use position adjusted by the remote setting device 19 to a code-setting position, where the mirror element 18, for example, is moved into a represented position

  in lines, there is a control pulse of the positioning drive.

  17 constituted by the stepping motor 48 by means of a line 59, through which

  the latter by means of a certain number of steps being predestined by a provision

  control device 60, puts the drive element 49 in engagement with the rod of

  setting 43, rotating and causing the displacement of the mirror element 18.

  If we give a counterorder to the actuating member 15 according to the setting position

  in code of the mirror element 18 for a pivoting movement in a po-

  In use, this results in an opposite movement of the driving element 49, during which the servomotor 48 makes the same number of steps, which allows a final position, that is to say a very precise position of use The development of the displacement path for the pivoting of the mirror element 18 from the position of use into the coding position can be done by an earlier definition of the steps of an engine step by step or by an adequate arrangement of the stops

  or by a delay command. All these achievements have been

  your orders are known according to the rules of art and we can use any

  which known embodiment for the limitation and the control of this adjustment path.

  In doing so, it is possible to determine independently of each other the path to be made by the mirror elements 18 isolated from the isolated mirrors 4 and 6, in order to have

  a position of coding the best possible of the mirror elements 18.

  Of course, it is also possible to provide the attachment of the pivot angle

  for the mirror elements 18 by mechanical stops, so that by the actuation of a lever this pivoting movement of the mirror elements 18 can be done simultaneously on at least two mirrors 4 and 6 or also on

three or four mirrors.

  This facilitates the manager 3, without taking too much of his attention, to quickly and quickly change the position of the mirror element of a position

  of use at a coding position and return to the position of use.

-9 -

  FIGS. 3 and 4 show an embodiment of the posture drive.

  17, in particular the rearview mirror 4 disposed inside the vehicle 1

  rearview mirror 4 disposed inside the vehicle is often attached to the inside surface of the vehicle.

  62 of the windshield 10 through a support element 61 well con-

  naked and manually adjustable This support member 61 allows positioning

  the mirror housing 16 by means of the spherical articulation device.

  63, thus putting the mirror element 18 in a position of use, which allows the person in charge 3 to observe the events in the direction opposite to the direction of travel arrow 9 - The positioning drive 17 in the example of

  shown, consists of an electromagnet 64 which pivots the

  mirror 18 by means of a pivoting device 65 of the position of use in a coding position relative to the mirror housing 16 In order to arrive at this coding position shown in phantom,

  the mirror element 18 has on its back 37 pivot 66 passing parallel-

  1, the pivot axes of which pass substantially parallel to the back 37 and the contact surface of the tires 55, and which are rotatably disposed in the pivoting device 65 of the mirror housing 16. magnet 64 is electrically connected via a line 67 to the actuator, which allows a quick change and that the mirror element 18 after

  each pivoting process in the coding direction after the change

  return to the position of use, takes up the precisely

  stuck because of the lifting limit of the electromagnet 64.

  FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the rearview mirror 6 with

  the positioning drive 17, by which the mirror element 18 is pivoted

  table of the use position shown in complete lines in the direction of

  In this embodiment, the element of retrovi-

  18 and the protective element 32 being located in front of the open end of the

  mirror housing 16 constitute a double arrangement where the element of pro-

  32 and the mirror element 18 are arranged parallel to one another and at a short distance and whose end sections 68 associated with a frame part 7

  are housed in a housing 69 elastically deformable housing 69 is ent-

  with an arcuate element 70, approximately U-shaped, which in the direction of the frame part 7 has the ball element 39, which together with the

  ball housing 41, which is releasably connected to the support arm 12 of the housing.

  rearview mirror 16, which is fixed via the elements

  24 on the frame part 7, the spherical articulation device 36.

  - Being associated with the back 37 of the mirror element 18, the arcuate element 70

  has an extension 72 extending beyond the housing 69 towards a final section

  71 of the mirror element 18 On this extension, for ex-

  For example, the electromagnet 64 of an adjusting drive 73 of the positioning drive 17, or in the longitudinal direction of the electro-magnet, is arranged.

  magnet 64 is connected an armature 74 removably immovably to a retrovi-

  18, for example by means of a bonding layer.

  In the area of the support arm 12 are immovably connected to the ball housing 41 of the spherical articulation device 36, the servomotors 20, 53, for example showing a crank drive 75, which are in motion contact with the housing. The curved element 70 in the arc 70 is obtained by the arrangement of the central axes in the logitudinal direction 51 of the servomotors 20, 53 approximately at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. through the spherical articulation device 36 a change in the space of a mirror unit 77 constituted by the mirror element 18 and the protection element 32 using either one or the other of servo motors 20, 53 of the remote control device This allows the mirror unit 77 to be positioned according to the appropriate needs of the vehicle control station in a position of use, where the lines 21, 58 cause the electrical connection e to the remote setting device 19, respectively for the supply of the network

vehicle supply 1.

  In order to pivot the mirror element 18 relatively in front of the element of pro-

  32 by an angle 78 in a coding position, the electromagnet 64 is activated by the electrical energy via a line 67, which allows the mirror element 18 to be pivoted by the elasticity respectively by the housing 69 having a weakening zone 79 As a consequence of the adjustment of the mirror element 18 by an angle 78, a radiation angle 80, between a light ray 81 arriving on the mirror element 18 and a reflective ray 82 caused by the mirror element 18, is so changed, in that after reaching the position of the mirror element 18 shown in dashed lines a reflective ray

  82 is no longer in the visual field of the person in charge.

  tection 32 remains in its unchanged position, which makes it possible

  the protective element 32, for example by means of a low-reflective layer 84 being for example disposed on the back 85 of the protection element 32,

  responsible 3 after as before observing the events in the oppo-

  it - sees in the direction of road arrow 9 without being exposed directly to the effect

  By this it is possible according to the realization of the rearview mirror 6 in accordance with

  According to the invention, it is possible to satisfy the very high safety requirements, which allows the person in charge 3, after the pivoting of the mirror element 18 of the position of use in a coding position, to absorb information

  necessary for safe handling of the vehicle 1.

  In addition, it is of course also possible to have instead of the electromagnet 64

  a pneumatic cylinder, for example an activated cylinder with compressed air, is also

  It is also possible to make the positioning device 17 by an actuating device 86 as shown in dashed lines, through which a cable 88 in a protective envelope 87 is attached directly to an organ.

  The layer 84 on the back 85 of the protection element 32 may be

  composed of the heating elements 90 formed by very fine resistance wires, as indicated in dotted lines and points, which, if necessary by means of a connecting line 91 and where appropriate by the intermediate a switch 22 are in connection

  electrical system with the vehicle power supply network 1 In addition, it is also pos-

  the layer consists of an electroconductive plastic

  which causes a heating effect during the power supply This mode of

  tion effectively prevents condensation or icing caused by the atmospheric conditions of the mirror element 18, respectively

  protection element 32, which even gives in an extreme situation a security

  the best possible while handling a vehicle 1.

  Finally, it should be noted that other isolated combinations of the various modes of

  Isolated embodiments previously described may represent, in particular,

  characterized in the subclaims, also embodiments according to the invention inde-

  from the others and separately.

  In addition, for a better understanding of the function of the arrangement of mirrors, the parts of the said arrangement are shown schematically and partially they are not presented to the scale and the proportions are not

respected.

12 -

Claims (13)

claims   1 Adjustment device for two mirrors of at least one vehicle comprising an attachment for a mirror housing and having a pivoting mirror element arranged in a mirror housing and, where appropriate, a protection element and, respectively, a remote control device, constituted by a servo-motor for the mirror element, characterized in that the remote adjustment device (19) is associated with a positioning drive (17), connected to an actuating member (15), whereby the mirror elements (18) of the mirrors (4,6) are pivoted about a preselected angle (78) between   a position of use and a position day and night.   Adjusting device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the positioning drive (17) and / or the servomotor (20, 53) is formed by a stepping motor (48) and in that at the actuating device (15) a control device (60) is associated, which is connected via a line (58) to   a positioning drive (17).   Adjusting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that   the positioning device (17) is formed by an electromagulator   invention, for example by an electromagnet (64), which, by means of an organ   actuator (15) is electrically connected by a line (67).   4 Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 3,   characterized in that the positioning device (17) is formed by an actuating cylinder   compressed air, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, which via   of a line for a medium, is hydraulically connected to a pilot valve.   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that the positioning device (17) is formed by a mechanical adjusting element, for example a lever element or an eccentric, etc. which is mechanically connected to the actuating member (89), for example by a cable, etc. 13 -   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5,   characterized in that at the mirror element (18) is provided a protective element   (32) in a direction opposite to the arrow direction (9) which is connected to the mirror element (18) in a final section (68) via a housing (69) a hinge.   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6,   characterized in that the housing (69) is substantially U-shaped and the spacer has a weakening zone (79) or a elastic connection.   8 Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7,   characterized in that the housing (69) is surrounded by an arched element (70),   which is housed in a spatially displaceable spherical articulation device (36).   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8,   characterized in that the curved arcuate element (70) through the control   crank arm (75) is releasably connected to the servomotors (20, 53).   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9,   characterized in that the mirror element (18) is arranged in a direction opposite to the arrow (9) direction of travel, a protective element (32) connected in such a way that   stationary to a mirror housing (16).   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 10,   characterized in that the protection element (32) has a higher degree of reflection   small than the mirror element (18) and is almost completely transparent.   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 11,   characterized in that the protective element (32) has on the back (85) facing the mirror element (18) a reflective layer (84) with a degree of reflection   between 10% and 50%, preferably 20%.   Adjusting device according to one or more of claims 1 to 12,   characterized in that the protection element (32) has a heating element   (90), which in particular consists of an electrical resistance wire. 14 -   14 Method of an adjusting device, in particular at least two retractable   viewfinders of a vehicle, each with a fastener for a housing and with a pivoting mirror element arranged in the housing and each with a setting drive, in particular constituted by a servomotor, for the mirror element, characterized in that during each actuation of the actuating member (15) successively in the opposite direction is caused a pivoting movement of the mirror element at the same angle (78) by means of the drive of positioning (17).