WO2004024504A1

WO2004024504A1 - Ratchet locking mechanism for a pivot bearing on an external vehicle mirror

Info

Publication number: WO2004024504A1
Application number: PCT/DE2003/003000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Pirner
Original assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2002-09-10
Filing date: 2003-09-09
Publication date: 2004-03-25
Also published as: AU2003269701A1; DE10393743D2; DE10241737A1; DE10241737B4

Abstract

The invention relates to a ratchet locking mechanism for a pivot bearing on an external vehicle mirror with two locking devices between a pin (20), fixed to the vehicle to form a locking piece and a pivoting sleeve (50), arranged on the vehicle external mirror housing and mounted on the pin (20) to form a sprung releasing lock, whereby the release direction is oriented radially with regard to the midline of the pin. The locking piece thus comprises at least three locking elements projecting radially beyond the external contour of the pin (20). The pivoting sleeve (50) is provided with at least three individual locks, whereby each individual lock comprises two locking elements arranged in pairs and extending inwards beyond the inner contour of the pivoting sleeve (50). Each pair of locking elements engages in at least one defined pivot position with a locking element to give a positive and friction fit having at least two planar, linear or point contacts. The above permits a ratchet lock to be developed which has a simple component form and durable fault-free operation.

Description

Locking device for a vehicle exterior mirror pivot bearing ng

Description:

The invention relates to a locking mechanism, for a vehicle exterior mirror pivot bearing, with two locking directions between a bolt fixed to the vehicle as a locking piece and a pivot sleeve arranged on the vehicle exterior mirror housing - mounted on the pin - as a spring-lifting locking means, the lifting direction being oriented radially to the center line of the pin is.

From DE 296 21 153 Ul an outside mirror joint is known which supports an outside mirror housing on a motor-pivoting bolt via a locking mechanism. In the event of a pivoting movement initiated via the exterior mirror and overcoming the disengagement force of the locking mechanism, the exterior mirror housing is pivoted relative to the bolt. The resilient lifting lever consists of two quarter-circular, leaf spring-like elements encompassing the bolt as a locking piece.

The present invention is therefore based on the problem of developing a locking mechanism for a vehicle exterior mirror pivot mounting, the locking mechanism of which is pivotable relative to one another. components have simple designs, allow easy installation and enable permanent, shatterproof operation.

This problem is solved with the features of the main claim. For this purpose, the locking piece of the detent lock has at least three locking elements projecting radially beyond the outer contour of the bolt serving as locking piece. In addition, the swivel sleeve is a multiple lock with at least three individual locks, with each individual lock consisting of two locking elements arranged in pairs, each projecting the inner contour of the swivel sleeve inwards. In each case, a pair of the blocking elements encompasses, in at least one defined pivoting position, one locking element in a latching, positive and non-positive manner with at least two surface, line or point systems.

With this locking mechanism, a tooth locking mechanism, the multiple locking mechanism swivels around the locking piece that is stationary during the locking process in the form of the bolt supporting the mirror housing. The locking mechanism has a predetermined locking position, at least in the basic position. In this locked position, the multiple lock is fixed with a limited holding force. The multiple locking device is a largely tubular, elastic and closed ring that is temporarily elastically deformed when it is snapped in and out. The ring has no slots or sharp-edged notches that could cause premature cracking.

The locking piece is made, for example, of a dimensionally stable material. It has locking elements protruding from a basic contour. These can be teeth, webs, knobs or the like. If teeth are used, they can have a trapezoidal shape, a semicircular shape, an involute shape and other shapes. men. The teeth can be straight, helical or arrow-toothed.

Gaps are incorporated in the blocker that accommodate the blocking elements - at least in a basic position. The gap edges or edges form the blocking elements arranged in pairs. Two locking elements with opposing, mutually facing gap flanks or edges form a single lock. One gap edge or edge can e.g. Be part of a ratchet tooth, a ridge bar or ratchet knobs.

The number of individual blockers does not have to match the number of blocking elements. For example, the locking piece and the locking device can only be compared with respect to the geometric shape with a shaft and hub connected via a spline, with both having part of the teeth omitted.

Further details of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description of a schematically illustrated exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 1 vehicle exterior mirror module viewed from the mirror side;

Figure 2 as Figure 1, but in plan view; Figure 3 as Figure 2, but in horizontal section; Figure 4 locking mechanism in longitudinal section; Figure 5 locking mechanism in cross section and basic position; Figure 6 locking device in the deformation state; Figure 7 locking device in the retracted position; Figure 8 locking device in the extended position; Figure 9 locking mechanism with polygonal bolt. FIG. 1 shows a vehicle exterior mirror module, which among other things consists of a mirror housing (40), a mirror glass (45), and a foot cover (16) of a mirror base (10) only shown in FIG. 3.

In FIG. 3, parts of the mirror module are shown in horizontal section. The mirror module is connected to the vehicle via the mirror base (10), e.g. attached to the driver and passenger doors. The mirror base (10) has a cantilever arm (11) which protrudes approximately horizontally obliquely backwards over the vehicle's outer contour. Here, for example, the cantilever (11) tapers towards its free end. In the area of the free end, the cantilever arm (11) has a bolt (20), the center line (8) of which, for example, is oriented at least approximately normal to the road surface.

The pin (20), which has a central bore (22), projects according to FIG. vertically upwards. The bore (22) has a diameter which e.g. 2/3 of the diameter of the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20). The mirror base (10) has around the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20), for example, an annular support surface (12) oriented normal to the center line (8). At the upper, free end of the bolt (20) there is a groove (27) in the radial outer contour (23) in which a locking ring (29) is used to axially fix a swivel sleeve (50) mounted on the bolt (20).

The bolt (20) has three locking elements (31, 34, 37) on its outer contour (23). Each locking element (31-37) is here, for example, a locking tooth with a trapezoidal individual cross section. The tooth flanks of the individual locking tooth (31-37) enclose an angle of, for example, 44 °, the angle intersection lying outside the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20). The head circle of the blocking tooth (31-37) lies approx. 12% above the diameter of the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20). The mean tooth width is approximately 18% of the diameter of the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20).

The ratchet teeth (31, 34, 37) are distributed on the circumference offset by 120 °. The outermost locking tooth (31) seen from the center of the vehicle, cf. Figure 3 closes with the direction of travel (9) - measured counterclockwise - e.g. an angle of approx. 92 °.

The mirror housing (40), which comprises the mirror glass (45) shown in FIG. 1 along its outer edge (46) and on its rear side, has e.g. a fastening web (41) in the area of its center of mass, cf. Figure 3, via which it is connected to a mirror support (42), for example by screwing, dimensionally stable. The mirror support (42), in the exemplary embodiment a filigree component, is supported on the bolt (20) by means of the swivel sleeve (50). This swivel sleeve (50) is shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-9 in each case in individual horizontal sections. Figure 5 shows the same orientation as in Figure 3. Both representations represent the basic position of the swivel sleeve (50) relative to the bolt (20).

The swivel sleeve (50), which is made, for example, of a thermoplastic, has a cylindrical outer contour (53) in some areas, which is widened prismatically in the transition area (54) to the mirror support (42). The foot area of the widening extends over approx. 25% of the outer swivel sleeve circumference. According to FIGS. 3 and 6, it lies largely in the fourth quadrant of the illustration. An annular disk-shaped, flange-like stiffening element (55) projects beyond the largely cylindrical outer contour (53). Approx. 3/5 of the height of the swivel sleeve (50) extends above the stiffening element mentions (55). For example, it protrudes downwards by approx. 1/5 over the stiffening element (55). The height of the swivel sleeve (50) is, for example, approximately 60% of the diameter of the outer contour (53).

The swivel sleeve (50) has e.g. a central recess (57) with e.g. partially cylindrical wall sections, the center line of which is also identical to the pivot axis (8) of the mirror housing (40). Here, the diameter of the recess (57) is chosen so large that the minimum wall thickness of the swivel sleeve (50) is approximately 10% of its outside diameter. The inner contour (56) of the swivel sleeve (50), which does not necessarily have to be a bore wall, has three individual locks (61, 64, 67) projecting inward beyond the bore wall. Each individual blocker (61-67) consists of two blocker elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) arranged side by side in pairs. The blocking elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) are blocking teeth, for example. A pair of ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) flanks a ratchet tooth (31, 34, 37) with positive and non-positive locking on both sides in the basic position (2) of the swivel sleeve (50). The ratchet teeth (31, 34, 37) of the bolt (20) are therefore flank-centered between two ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) of the corresponding individual ratchet (61, 64, 67).

The tooth heights and flank angles of the ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) correspond approximately to the corresponding sizes of the ratchet teeth (31, 34, 37). The tooth width of the ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) is approx. 37% smaller than the tooth width of the ratchet teeth ⁰ (31, 34, 37). The load-bearing tooth height, i.e. the difference between the tip radius of the ratchet teeth and the tip radius of the ratchet teeth corresponds to approx. 50% of the ratchet tooth height. A clearance angle (58) of approximately 80 ° is enclosed between two outer flanks of the blocking elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) and the adjacent pairs of blocking teeth. Located in these areas (59) the wall of the central recess (57) in the exemplary embodiment.

If the mirror housing (40) against the mirror base (10) against the direction of travel (9) is loaded manually or in the event of a collision, the left flanks of the locking teeth (72, 75, 78) moved counterclockwise along the right flanks of the Ratchet teeth (31, 34, 37). Due to the elasticity of the swivel sleeve (50), it widens in the individual locking area - particularly in the zone of the teeth touching each other - while the sleeve wall between these areas (59) is partially drawn in. The maximum of the deformation is reached when the tooth heads of the loaded locking teeth (72, 75, 78) rest on the locking tooth heads, cf. Figure 6. The swivel sleeve (50) now has a polygon-like, deformed cross section. The necessary disengagement torque is e.g. approx. 12 numbers. dimensioned by the wall thickness of the sleeve wall and the flank angle of the locking and locking teeth.

If necessary, e.g. in the wall of the bolt (20) below the ratchet teeth (31-37) elliptical recesses (28) or channels parallel to the center line can be arranged, cf. Figure 8, so that the ratchet teeth (31-37) can yield radially in addition to or alternatively to the ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) with a pivoting load acting on the swivel sleeve (50).

The disengagement movement is generally only complete when the loaded locking teeth (72, 75, 78) slide or snap down with their right flanks on the left flanks of the locking teeth (31, 34, 37), cf. Figure 7. Now the ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) are in pairs in the free spaces (59) between the ratchet teeth (31, 34, 37). The swivel sleeve (50) has returned to its cylindrical shape. Using the clearance angle (58), the sealed housing (40) can be pivoted further until the next flank system. Possibly. can lock the individual locks (61, 64, 67) in the swivel positions (3) or (4) by swiveling them over the locking teeth (31, 34, 37).

To avoid a longer tooth tip support, the tooth profiles can be rounded off or beveled at the transition points between the tooth flanks and the tooth tips. This can be done on the ratchet and / or ratchet teeth. In order to dampen further pivoting of the ratchet teeth (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) in the free space area, e.g. the diameter of the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20) in the area between the ratchet teeth (31, 34, 37) and within the clearance angle (59) is increased in some areas so that the ratchet tooth heads can rub along there with braking. The entire swivel range is e.g. + 100 angular degrees.

If the mirror housing (40) is loaded against the direction of travel (9), the swivel sleeve (50) moves clockwise relative to the bolt (20), cf. Figure 8.

FIG. 9 shows a bolt (21) which, instead of the tubular cross-section, has a triangular or polygonal cross-sectional outer contour (24).

The locking or locking teeth shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-9 can be provided with a wear-resistant surface coating or can only be equipped with a so-called wear allowance for a certain number of loads. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 lifting direction, radial

2 swivel position, basic position

3 swivel position, retracted position, folded back

4 swivel position, fold-out position, folded forward

8 pivot axis, center line of the pin

9 direction of travel

10 mirror base

11 cantilever

12 contact surface

16 mirror cover

20 bolts, locking piece

21 bolts from FIG. 9

22 hole, central

23 outer contour

24 cross-sectional outer contour from FIG. 9

27 groove

28 recesses

29 circlip

31,34,37 locking elements, locking tooth

40 mirror housing, vehicle exterior mirror housing

41 fastening web

42 mirror supports Mirror glass with mirror edging

Swivel sleeve, multiple locking device, outer contour, transition area, stiffening element, inner contour, recess, clearance angle, clearance areas

, 64.67 single lock

, 73 blocking elements, blocking teeth, 76 blocking elements, blocking teeth, 79 blocking elements, blocking teeth

Claims

Claims:

1. locking device, for a vehicle outside mirror pivot bearing, with two locking directions between a bolt attached to the vehicle in a torsionally rigid manner as a blocking piece and a pivot sleeve arranged on the vehicle outside mirror housing - mounted on the pin - as a spring-lifting blocking device, the lifting direction being oriented radially to the center line of the pin, characterized .

- That the locking piece has at least three locking elements (31, 34, 37) projecting radially beyond the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20),

- That the blocker is a multiple blocker with at least three individual blockers (61, 64, 67), the individual blocker (61, 64, 67) each consisting of two - each projecting inside the inner contour (56) of the swivel sleeve (50) - blocking elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) arranged in pairs, and

- That a pair of locking elements (72,73; 75,76; 78,79) in at least one defined pivot position (2) each have a locking element (31, 34, 37) latching positively and non-positively with at least two surface lines - or embrace point systems.

2. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner contour (56) of the swivel sleeve (50) outside the locking elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) less far from the center line (8) of the bolt (20) is removed than the maximum radi- alen limits of the locking elements (31, 34, 37) projecting beyond the outer contour (23) of the bolt (20).

3. Locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that an individual lock (61, 64, 67) consists of a pair of two identical locking elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79), each for receiving a locking element (31, 34, 37) form a gap.

4. locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking elements (31, 34, 47) and the locking elements (72.73; 75.76; 78.79) are teeth whose tooth flank angles are greater than 20 degrees.

5. locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the minimum wall thickness of the swivel sleeve (50) is less than 15% of its outer diameter.

6. locking device according to claim 1, characterized in that the center line (8) of the bolt (50) as the pivot axis of the mirror housing (40) is at least approximately normal to the road surface.