VIEW ADJUSTING MECHANISM AND ADJUSTING MEANS FOR SUCH A VIEW ADJUSTING MECHANISM

Abstract

The invention relates to adjusting means for adjusting the position of a first part, in particular a viewing means holder part for a viewing means, such as a mirror or a camera for example, relative to a second part, in particular a base part, comprising at least one actuator, via which the first part can be moved, in particular pivoted, relative to the second part. The actuator has at least one first toothed ring segment and at least one second toothed ring segment, wherein the first toothed ring segment is force-coupled to at least one first actuator—in particular, a position detector—and the second toothed ring segment is force-coupled to at least one second actuator—in particular, an actuating drive. The invention additionally relates to a view adjusting means comprising such an adjusting means.

Claims

1. An adjusting means for adjusting the position of a first part, viz. a viewing means holder part for a viewing means, camera relative to a second part viz. a base part, comprising at least one actuator, via which the first part can be moved relative to the second part, wherein the actuator has at least one first toothed ring segment and at least one second toothed ring segment, wherein the second toothed ring segment is force-coupled to at least one actuator, viz., an actuating, so that the first part can be moved relative to the second part via the actuating drive, characterized in that the first toothed ring segment of the actuator is force-coupled to at least one detector, viz., a position detector, wherein the first toothed ring segment is force-coupled to a first pinion which drives the position detector, in which, via the applied movement, a detection signal is initiated, by means of which position detection of the first part relative to the second part is possible.

2. The adjusting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator is mounted in a stationary and articulated manner on the first part and/or that the actuating drive is mounted on the second part.

3. The adjusting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator is designed as a push rod.

4. The adjusting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator is designed to be pivotable about at least a first axis A.sub.1.

5. The adjusting means according to claim 4 characterized in that the first toothed ring segment and the second toothed ring segment are centered relative to the first axis A.sub.1.

6. The adjusting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the first toothed ring segment is a contrate gear segment.

7. (canceled)

8. The adjusting means according to claim 6, characterized in that the first pinion is centered rotatably relative to a second axis A.sub.2, wherein the second axis A.sub.2 has a pivot angle α>0°, and preferably α=90°, relative to the first axis A.sub.1.

9. (canceled)

10. The adjusting means according to claim 1 characterized in that the position detector comprises at least one potentiometer which is driven via the first pinion.

11. The adjusting means according to claim 10 characterized in that the first pinion has at least one contact wiper or is operatively connected thereto, which contact wiper is connected to at least one annular contact track on a circuit board of the potentiometer.

12. The adjusting means according to claim 11 characterized in that the annular contact track is centered relative to the second axis A.sub.2.

13. The adjusting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the second toothed ring segment is an internal involute toothed ring segment or an external involute toothed ring segment and/or is part of an involute gearing.

14. The adjusting means according to claim 1, characterized in that the second toothed ring segment is force-coupled to a second pinion.

15. The adjusting means according to claim 14 characterized in that the actuator is designed to be pivotable about at least a first axis A.sub.1, and the second pinion is centered relative to a third axis A.sub.3 which runs parallel to the first axis A.sub.1.

16. A view adjusting mechanism—in particular, for a side mirror or a camera unit of a motor vehicle, comprising a first part viz., a viewing means holder part for a viewing means such as, a mirror or a camera, and a second part arranged so as to be movable and, in particular, pivotable relative thereto viz., a base part, and at least one adjusting means according to claim 1.

17. The adjusting means according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuator is designed in a circular arc shape.

Description

[0036] Hereinafter, the invention will be described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail by the accompanying drawings. In the figures:

[0037] FIGS. 1 and 2 show spatial representations of an embodiment of a view adjusting mechanism according to the invention in different pivot states;

[0038] FIG. 3 shows another spatial cutaway representation of the view adjusting mechanism according to FIG. 1

[0039] FIG. 4 shows a spatial detailed representation of an embodiment of the adjusting means according to the invention;

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a spatial exploded view of the adjusting means according to FIG. 4;

[0041] FIG. 6 shows another spatial detailed representation of the adjusting means according to FIG. 4;

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a detailed representation of an embodiment of an actuator;

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a detailed representation of a first toothed ring segment of the actuator shown in FIG. 7;

[0044] FIG. 9 shows a further detailed representation of the actuator according to FIG. 7 in accordance with an arrangement according to FIG. 4; and

[0045] FIG. 10 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a first actuator as can be used in the embodiment according to FIG. 1.

[0046] In the following, the same reference numbers are used for identical and identically-acting components, wherein superscripts can sometimes be used.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning and, in particular, have a meaning as generally understood by an average person skilled in the art from this field when interpreted in connection with the description and drawings. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly-used dictionaries, will be interpreted in reference to the technical field relevant here, and not in an idealized or forced formal sense, unless explicitly so defined. In certain cases, a detailed description of generally known devices and methods may be omitted in order to avoid redundancy in the description. The description of particular embodiments and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms, “a” or “the,” may also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The expression, “and/or,” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It is understood that the terms, “comprises” and/or “comprising,” indicate the presence of stated features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. Furthermore, it is to be understood that, if a particular step of a method is indicated as following another step, it may directly follow that other step, or one or more intermediate steps, may be carried out before the particular step is carried out, unless otherwise indicated. In the same way, it is to be understood that, if a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may take place directly or via intermediate structures or components, unless otherwise specified. Reference is made to the entire disclosure content of all publications, patent applications, patents, and other literature mentioned here. In the event of a conflict, the present specification, including its definitions, applies.

[0048] The invention is described here with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show embodiments of the invention. However, the invention may also be embodied in many different forms and should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments set forth here. Rather, the embodiments are given here so that the present disclosure is detailed and complete and explains the scope of the invention to the person skilled in the art in a complete, but exemplary, manner. The description of the exemplary embodiments shall be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which shall be considered part of the entire written description. In the drawings, it may happen that the absolute and incidental sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions are exaggerated for the sake of clarity. Embodiments may be described on the basis of schematic and/or cross-sectional illustrations, idealized embodiments, and intermediate structures of the invention. Relative terms as well as their derivations should be understood as relating to the orientation as described or shown there in the drawing just discussed. These relative terms are for the sake of clarity of description and do not require the system to be set up or operated in a specific orientation, except as explicitly stated otherwise. Any of the disclosed devices or parts thereof may be combined together or divided into further parts, unless specifically stated otherwise. The mere fact that certain measures are listed in sections or claims that differ from one another is not intended to indicate that a combination of these measures cannot advantageously be carried out. In particular, all conceivable combinations of the claims are to be considered inherently disclosed. In this description, words such as “substantially,” “approximately,” or “generally” should be interpreted to mean that they contain at least deviations in dimension of 10% or less—preferably 5% or less—or deviations from a form that would still fall within the scope of the respective definition for a person skilled in the art, except as stated otherwise.

[0049] For reasons of clarity and in the sense of a stringent description, features are usually described here as part of one or separate embodiments; however, it goes without saying that the scope of the invention may also contain embodiments that show combinations of all or some of the described features.

[0050] FIGS. 1 to 3 show three spatial representations of an embodiment of the adjusting mechanism 100 according to the invention or of an embodiment of the adjusting means 1 according to the invention. In FIG. 3, certain components have been removed for better visibility.

[0051] The view adjusting mechanism 100 comprises a first part 2—namely, a viewing means holder part for a viewing means, such as a mirror or a camera—and a second part 4—namely, a base part—arranged so as to be movable and, in particular, pivotable relative thereto. This base part can, for example, be attached to a vehicle in a stationary manner. At least one adjusting means 1 is provided between the second part 4 and the first part 2, which adjusting means serves, inter alia, to pivot the first part 2 relative to the second part 4. Optionally, two adjusting means 1 are provided in this embodiment.

[0052] The adjusting means 1 comprises an actuator 6 via which the first part 2 can be moved, and, in particular, pivoted, relative to the second part 4. The actuator is force-coupled between the first and the second part. Optionally, a plurality of such actuators is provided.

[0053] As shown in particular in FIGS. 1 through 9, the actuator 6 comprises a first toothed ring segment 10 and a second toothed ring segment 20. The first toothed ring segment 10 is force-coupled to at least one detector 12, namely a position detector, and the second toothed ring segment 20 is force-coupled to at least one actuator 22, namely an actuating drive. The actuating drive 22 (see, in particular, FIG. 3), can be used to move the actuator in such a way as to cause a movement between first part 2 and second part 4. In this embodiment, two actuators 6 are optionally provided, each coupled to an actuating drive 22.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the at least one actuating drive 22 is optionally force-coupled to the actuator 6 in such a way that an activation of the actuating drive 22 leads to a movement of the actuator 6, and, in particular, to its pivoting about the axis A.sub.1 shown in FIG. 1. A corresponding direction of movement is shown—inter alia, also in FIG. 7—by arrow 8, relating to a pivoting direction of the actuator 6.

[0055] For pivoting, the actuator 6 optionally has, as the second toothed ring segment 20, an internal toothed ring segment, and, in particular, an internal involute toothed ring segment, which is force-coupled to and, in particular, in direct gearing with a second pinion 26, wherein this second pinion 26 is force-coupled to the actuating drive 22. Optionally, the second toothed ring segment 20 is designed as an involute toothed ring segment and, here, in particular as an internal involute toothed ring segment. It is also conceivable to design the second toothed ring segment 20 as an external involute toothed ring segment. Second pinion 26 and second toothed ring segment 20 optionally form an involute gear 24.

[0056] The second pinion 26 is optionally centered relative to a third axis A.sub.3, which optionally runs parallel to the first axis A.sub.1 about which the actuator 6 can be centered and/or pivoted.

[0057] The design of the internal gearing or internal toothed ring segment 20 is also shown in detail in FIGS. 3 through 7. The optional involute design of the toothing comprising the teeth 28 and the formation of the second toothed ring segment 20 on the actuator 6 can be seen.

[0058] As shown, in particular, in FIG. 7, the actuator 6 is optionally designed as a circular arc and, further, optionally as a push rod. In this embodiment, it optionally forms a circular arc about the first axis A.sub.1. Further, optionally, in this embodiment, the second toothed ring segment 20 and the first toothed ring segment 10 are centered about this axis A.sub.1. The first toothed ring segment and the second toothed ring segment thus optionally form a circular arc about the axis A.sub.1, and, in particular, about the common axis A.sub.1. They optionally have different radii r.sub.10 or r.sub.20 with respect to the first axis. The reference symbol E.sub.KR shown in FIG. 7 shows the plane of extension of the actuator 6 and, in particular, the top plane of the contrate gear, i.e., here, the plane of the first toothed ring segment 10.

[0059] As shown in particular in FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuator 6 is optionally mounted in a stationary and articulated manner on the first part 2. An engagement mounting 42 is provided for this purpose, wherein an engagement element 44 is provided on the actuator, and an engagement element receptor 46 is provided on the first part 2. The result is an articulated mounting, so that a pivoting movement at the first part 2 relative to the second part 4 results after an axial movement of the actuator 6 in its circumferential direction R.sub.U. This axial movement is effected by the gearing 24 and the actuating drive 22.

[0060] As is also shown in FIGS. 1 through 9, in addition to the second toothed ring segment 20, the actuator 6 also comprises the first toothed ring segment 10 assigned to a detector 12, namely a position detector. With this embodiment, a position detection of the first part 2 relative to the second part 4 is possible. To this end, the first toothed ring segment 10 is force-coupled to and, in particular, in direct gearing with a first pinion 16 and, in particular, a first involute pinion. In this case, the first toothed ring segment 10 is optionally designed as a contrate gear segment with a plurality of teeth 18 and/or part of a contrate gearing 14. This embodiment is shown in detail in particular in FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0061] The first pinion 16 is optionally centered relative to a second axis A.sub.2 and, in particular, rotatable, wherein the second axis A.sub.2 has a pivot angle of α>0°, and, in particular, preferably α=90°, relative to the first axis A.sub.1. This is shown in particular in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3.

[0062] As shown in detail in particular in FIGS. 4 to 6, the first pinion 16 is optionally designed so as to drive the position detector 12. The corresponding components are optionally covered by a housing 40.

[0063] The position detector may comprise a potentiometer 30 driven via the first pinion 16. This is shown, for example, in FIG. 10. To this end, the first pinion 16 optionally has at least one contact wiper 32. It is also possible to provide a contact wiper 32 and to force-couple it to the first pinion 16 so that it moves—in particular, during a rotation of the first pinion 16—and, in particular, rotates with this first pinion 16. The contact wiper 32 is optionally connected to at least one annular contact track 34, and, in particular, a carbon contact track, on a circuit board 36 of the potentiometer 30. As a result of a rotation of the first pinion, the resistance value of the potentiometer changes when the contact wiper 32 travels on the contact track 34. In this way, position detection of the first pinion 16 and, in direct conclusion, position detection of the actuator 6, and thus of the position of the second part 4 relative to the first part 2, is possible. As shown in particular in FIG. 10, the annular contact track 32 is optionally centered relative to the second axis A.sub.2. Here, annular means that the contact track 32 runs around at least one partial circle.

[0064] As already mentioned, the invention relates to a view adjusting mechanism and an adjusting means, wherein the aforementioned features may be provided both in a view adjusting mechanism and in an embodiment of the adjusting means.

REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0065] 1 adjusting means [0066] 2 first part [0067] 4 second part [0068] 6 actuator [0069] 8 pivoting direction [0070] 10 first toothed ring segment [0071] 12 detector, namely position detector [0072] 14 contrate gearing [0073] 16 first pinion [0074] 18 teeth [0075] 20 second toothed ring segment [0076] 22 actuator, namely actuating drive [0077] 24 involute gearing [0078] 26 second pinion [0079] 28 teeth [0080] 30 potentiometer [0081] 32 contact wiper [0082] 34 contact track [0083] 36 circuit board [0084] 40 housing [0085] 42 engagement mounting [0086] 44 engagement element [0087] 46 engagement element mounting [0088] 100 view adjusting mechanism [0089] A.sub.1 axis [0090] A.sub.2 axis [0091] A.sub.3 axis [0092] r.sub.10 radius [0093] r.sub.20 radius [0094] R.sub.U pivoting direction [0095] E.sub.KR actuator plane