CA2360546A1 - Exterior rear mirror for a vehicle and method for controlling same - Google Patents
Exterior rear mirror for a vehicle and method for controlling same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2360546A1 CA2360546A1 CA002360546A CA2360546A CA2360546A1 CA 2360546 A1 CA2360546 A1 CA 2360546A1 CA 002360546 A CA002360546 A CA 002360546A CA 2360546 A CA2360546 A CA 2360546A CA 2360546 A1 CA2360546 A1 CA 2360546A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- mirror
- drive
- vehicle exterior
- mirror head
- position sensor
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
- B60R1/07—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
- B60R1/07—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators
- B60R1/074—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators for retracting the mirror arrangements to a non-use position alongside the vehicle
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
- Studio Devices (AREA)
- Mirrors, Picture Frames, Photograph Stands, And Related Fastening Devices (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to an exterior rear mirror for a vehicle. Said mirror comprises a mirror head (3) which can be pivoted around the mirror base (2) and a drive and control device (4) for motor-driven pivoting of the mirror head around the mirror base. The mirror base is fixed to the vehicle chassis (5). The drive and control device contains at least one position sensor (6) for determining the position of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base. The position sensor is designed as sensor for determining the end positions (7a, 7b) and intermediate layers (8a, 8b). A normal movement area of the position sensor is defined by end layers and a certain end position can be perceived as a result of a given drive direction by the drive and control device and movement through said direction until an end position is reached by the position sensor.
Description
E
Y~IAGNA REFLEX HOLDING GNlBH
i~IAG 99/0I
The present invention relates to a vehicle exterior mirror according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for controlling same according to patent claim 15.
Vehicle exterior mirrors of this type are used for the motor-operated flapping in and out of a mirror head in relation to a vehicle chassis. What is achieved by this means for example is that, as a vehicle is parked, the exterior mirrors can be laid against the vehicle chassis in a comfortable manner, and thus the lateral spatial requirement of the vehicle can be lessened and damage to the reflective surface of the exterior mirror can be avoided.
Vehicle exterior mirrors are already known with a mirror head which may be swivelled in relation to a a r mirror base as well as with a drive and control unit for the motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base, the mirror base being attached to the vehicle chassis, and the drive and control unit containing at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base. The printed patent specification US 4626084 describes an exterior mirror, whose mirror head may be swivelled with the aid of an electromotor. The swivelling position of the mirror head may be detected by a plurality of microswitches, each microswitch being allocated to a specific position and this position being clearly identified.
Such a device in accordance with prior art has the disadvantage that, in order to identify clearly the position of the mirror head, high outlay is necessary.
For each individual position, a separate microswitch is necessary; this means high material and assembly casts and involves the danger of high susceptibility to error. Moreover, the control program for such a mirror according to prior art is not very convenient, since especially after a non-motor-operated movement of the mirror head by external influences, the ~~self-finding "
of the mirror head, i.e. the automatic setting of a defined position of the mirror head, is uery tedious.
The purpose underlying the present invention therefore is to create a vehicle exterior mirror and a method for o controlling same, in which the swivelling state of the mirror head may be recognised in a simple and reliable manner and thus swivelling the mirror head into a specific defined position is made possible, This purpose is fulfilled by a vehicle exterior mirror according to the preamble of the main claim in conjunction with the characteristic features of the main claim, as well as by a method according to claim 15.
Through the fact that the position sensor is designed as a sensor for distinguishing between end and intermediate positions, that a normal movement region of the position sensor is delimited by the end positions, and that through the drive and control unit providing a specific drive direction and the position sensor running through this drive direction until an end position is reached, a specific end position may be i recognised, the constructional outlay for position sensors can be minimised, particularly where there is a plurality of end positions. If for example the normal movement region of the position sensor (and thus also the normal movement region of the corresponding mirror head) is delimited by two end positions, it is possible with a single position sensor, e,g, a microswitch, to identify clearly a specific end position. The drive and control unit assumes a specific drive direction for the mirror head, until the position sensor announces an Q
end position. This end position is here clearly determined by the assumed direction of rotation, for one end position is exactly allocated respectively to each of the rotational directions (the end positions are located on the arc of a circle). Thus for example a single microswitch in conjunction with a cam disc, which pre-sets a normal movement range e.g. through stops, and has in the region of the stops e.g. raised parts or depressions to characterise end positions, is sufficient to realise mechanically the recognition unit according to the invention. Pre-setting a specific drive direction and allocating this drive direction to a specific end position, as well as the l~self-finding "
of the mirror head, particularly after non-motor-operated swivelling, can be realised in a very simple and low-cost manner through an electronic circuit realised in the drive and control unit.
Advantageous developments of the present invention are given in the dependent claims.
one advantageous embodiment provides for stops to be provided in the region of the end positions, which stops, during the motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head, act to block in the direction out of the normal movement region and do not block in the direction towards the normal movement region. It is furthermore advantageous that a drive of the drive and control unit is attached on the one hand to the mirror head and on the other hand to the mirror base and has a slip coupling. By this means safety regulations are taken into account which require swivelling of the mirror head under the effect of external impact as well. In interplay with the stops acting on one side what is achieved is that the mirror head can on one side be moved out of the normal movement region by the effect of impact, but it is not possible to leave the normal movement region through the motor-operated movement of the mirror head.
Further advantageous developments of the present invention are given in the remaining dependent claims.
The present invention is now explained with the aid of several figures. These show:
Fig. la a diagrammatic view of a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, in the driving position, Fig. 1b a diagrammatic view of an exterior mirror according to the invention, in the parking and overextended position, Fig. lc a diagrammatic view of the drive and control unit of a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, Figs. 2a - 2c flow charts of subroutines of a control program for the exterior mirror according to the invention, Fig. 3 a flow chart of the control program for the vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, Fig. 4 a function diagram of the control program for the exterior mirror according to the invention, Fig. la shows a vehicle exterior mirror 1 with a mirror head 3. The mirror head has a reflective surface which is not represented in detail. The mirror head is connected to a mirror base 2 via a swivel joint lying in the region of the drive and control unit 4. The mirror base 2 is attached to a vehicle chassis 5. The mirror head 3 is located in the ('driving position "; in this position the mirror head 3 points substantially vertically away from the vehicle chassis 5, such that rear vision is made possible for the driver located in the interior of the vehicle.
Fig. lb shows two further extreme positions of the mirror head 3. Here position 15 refers to a 'sparking position "; in this position the mirror head 3 lies substantially against the vehicle chassis 5, such that a reflective surface of the mirror head 3 is protected.
i2 Shown in broken lines is the " overextended position "
16, in which the mirror head 3 is flapped into the drive direction 17 of the vehicle. This position cannot be achieved by motor-operated movement of the mirror head 3; it can only be achieved by external mechanical influences.
Fig. lc shows a diagrammatic view of the drive arid control unit of a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention. The areas which are shaded black, which in each case connect two components to one another, refer to a mechanical coupling (attachment).
A cam disc 13 is securely connected to the mirror head 3. The cam disc 13 may be rotated around a joint 18 which is attached to the mirror base 2. A microswitch 6, which is attached to the mirror base 2 engages with the exterior circumference of the cam disc 13. It is naturally also possible for the microswitch, in kinematic inversion of what is shown in this embodiment, to be attached to the mirror head and the cam disc to be attached to the mirror base. It is furthermore possible for the position sensor to be designed not as a microswitch but as a sensor which has a measuring principle based on a magnetic field, an optical measuring principle or one based on the Hall effect.
The cam disc 13 has depressions in the region of end position 7a and 7b. Between these end positions, in which the microswitch 6 is not triggered, there is located a section 8a in the form of a circular arc, which is realised as an 'fintermediate position ", in which the microswitch 6 is actuated. It is naturally also possible for the end positions to be raised and the intermediate positions to be depressed.
The microswitch 6 is designed as a digital switch such that it can distinguish between « end position " and 'lintermediate position ". A ifnormal movement regions' of the position sensor is delimited by the end positions 7a and 7b. Normally the microswitch moves in the region between the end position 7a (this corresponds to the driving position 14) and the end position 7b (this corresponds to the parking position 15).
A drive 10 of the drive and control unit 4, which drive contains an electromotor, is attached on the one hand to the mirror head 3 and on the other hand to the mirror base 2 and has a slip coupling 11. This can be designed for example as a claw coupling with chamfered claws. The slip coupling serves primarily two purposes. on the one hand it ensures that where there is an external movement of the mirror head 3, the slip coupling races from a specific torque and thus the movement of the mirror head in accordance with safety 1~
regulations is possible. Moreover, damage to the motor is avoided by blocking current, if the mirror head 3 should lock (for instance through icing or through being held).
The normal movement region of the cam disc 13 is delimited by two stops 9a and 9b, which are respectively disposed on stops 7a and 7b. The stops have the characteristic that they have a blocking effect during motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head 3 in the direction out of the normal movement region. This means that the microswitch 6 never leaves the normal movement region as a result of the drive 10 alone. If however there should be external mechanical load on the mirror head 3, when a pre--determined limit moment is exceeded, the microswitch 6 can for example pass over the stop 9a and assume a position on region 8b of the cam disc. This is the case for example if the mirror head 3 assumes an overextended position 16 (see Fig. lb). When motor-operated movement is effected by the drive 14 in direction 12b however, the region sb, which is realised as an "intermediate position " (i.e. the microswitch is actuated), can be left again by sliding on the stop 9a, such that the microswitch 6 is then located again in the normal movement region.
The saw-tooth design of stops 9a and 9b in Fig. C
serves the purpose of good pictorialisation. However ~5 it is also possible to design the cam disc substantially circular (with the exception of stops 7a and 7b) and to attach the stops 9a and 9b, which block on one side, to another point of the drive.
According to the invention it is possible, using only a single microswitch 6, to recognise whether the microswitch 6 is located in end position 7a or the position 7b or an intermediate position (8a, 8b). To this end, the drive arid control unit has a unit which allocates a specific direction of rotation to a specific end position. For this purpose, after request by an operator (through the push of a button for example), the drive and control unit sets a specific drive direction and runs through this until an end position is reached by the microswitch 6. If for example 12a is pre-set as the direction of rotation and run through and an end position finally reached, end position '1a is recognised as the end position. In the same manner, the end position 7b, (i.e. the parking position 15 see Fig. ib) is allocated to direction of rotation 12b. Should the mirror head 3 be located in an end position before a specific drive direction is given and run through, a circuit of the drive and control unit ensures that the end position is first left, since it is not possible to detect in the static state which end position is present. The drive and control unit has furthermore a storage device which stores the most recently determined end position.
(Whether this end position actually still exists, has however to be checked by running through a drive direction to be given, since it is possible that in the meantime the mirror head has been moved mechanically into a different position).
The drive and control unit also has a time circuit to reverse the drive direction 12a or 12b, or to stop the drive after a period of time, which may be fixed (e. g.
between 50 and 1004 milliseconds), of driving the mirror head 3 in a direction beyond one of the end positions 7a or 7b when the microswitch b is located in the end position. However it is also possible to provide the drive and control unit with a blocking current circuit to reverse the drive direction or to stop the drive in the case of a blocking current which may be fixed, as the mirror head is driven in a direction beyond the end positions, when the position sensor is located in the end position.
In the example detailed below, a control program is written which controls two vehicle exterior mirrors (respectively on the driver and the passenger side of the vehicle chassis). Naturally, however, it is also possible to steer just one of the mirrors in an analogous fashion. Here provision can also be made for the drive and control unit to have an actuating switch, and to be so designed that after this switch has been actuated once, both mirrors move into the parking position 15 if they were previously both in the driving position 14, and both travel into the driving position if they were previously in the parking position or at least one of them was located outside the normal movement region, e.g. the overextended position 16, Moreover, the control system makes it possible for, when a mirror is flapped forwards (e. g. position 16), after actuation of the actuating element, the mirror head 3 to be additionally flapped in the direction of the parking positian 15, and for here, directly after the driving position 14 has been passed, the direction of rotation to be altered for a short time, in order to press the mirror head 3 against stop 9a, and thus to guarantee a secure seat which is therefore low in vibration. It is particularly advantageous that, in contrast to devices according to prior art, after swivelling the mirror head 3 into the extended position 16, it is no longer necessary to drive into the parking position, in order to lock the mirror head 3 mechanically into place.
The control program for a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, as per Fig. 3 is explained in detail below. Reference is made here to the subroutines shown in Figs. 2a - 2c. The steering of the vehicle exterior mirror by the operator comes about through a simple actuating switch, which belongs to the drive and control unit. In a normal case, by this means the mirror head 3 is moved, by pressing the button once, alternating between the driving position 1~ and the parking position 15.
The subroutines describe individual routines which are required again and again.
In Fig. 2a is described a routine for " travelling free ". This is used when the position sensor in the initial position notifies an end position and it is necessary to leave this end position, i.e. " travel free" .
Fig. 2b describes the routine " travel" . This is used when the position sensor has travelled free and is making for the next end position.
Finally the routine " block ", shown in Fig. 2c, ensures that the position sensor or mirror head which has been moved into the end position is stopped in the new end position.
The control program according to Fig. 3 is explained below with the aid of individual examples. For the mechanical representation of the processes, reference is here made to Fig. lc. In all the diagrams Y means ' l yes" and N means "no" .
Example a):
L~
The mirror head 3 is located in the driving position and is to be moved into the parking position:
At the beginning of the control program " additional flapping control system ", first of all markers " travel error " for travel errors which have occurred and " manual" for the manual disengagement of the mirror head 3, i.e. the non motor-operated movement of the mirror head 3~ are reset. After using the actuating switch " wait for pressing of button " the program checks whether the drive and control unit has stored the t'driving position " (position 14 in Fig. 1a) as the last position of the two vehicle exterior mirrors.
This is the case in the present example.
Then an inquiry is made as to whether both mirrors are in an end position, i.e. in position 7a or 7b see Fig.
lc). If this is not the case, a manually deflected exterior mirror is assumed; this case will be discussed later (under c). In the present case it is assumed that both exterior mirrors are actually in the driving position, i.e. the position sensor 6 is in notch 7a.
Then the subroutine "travel free" see Fig. 2a is run through. This happens in the "flapping in " direction i.e. in direction 12b, towards the parking position (see 15 in Fig. lb).
In the subroutine " travel free ", first of all the marker for " travel error " is reset again. Moreover.a marker for '°switching time " is reset (here it is a question of a higher order time loop, which e.g, when the drive is blocked after a time to be pre-set, e.g.
10U0 milliseconds, switches off the power supply of the drive, in order to avoid any damage by blocking current load . Then an inquiry is first made as to whether the microswitch 5 is still located in an end position (here end position ?a according to Fig. lc). This is the case. Now a check is made in a time loop, as to whether the position sensor leaves the end position within the maximum switching time (this is recognised in Fig, lc by '~pressing in" of the microswitch) . If this is not the case, i.e. if there is no movement of the mirror head 3 when the motor is switched on, a marker for " travel error " is set and the motor switched off. If there is a change, i.e. the end position is left, the drive remains switched on for an additional 50 milliseconds, so that the microswitch in each case leaves the end position and does not fail back into same. Then the motor is again switched off.
Now in Fig. 3 an inquiry is made as to whether both the vehicle exterior mirrors are located in an intermediate position. If this is not the case, one has to proceed from a mechanical disengagement, such that a marker for ~'manual" is set. If both the mirrors are located in the intermediate position, i.e. in section 8a on Fig.
lc, the subroutine " travel" is chosen. Here the motor drive comes about in the direction of " flapping in "
i.e, in direction 12b. In the parking position, into which a movement in direction 12b here leads, a so-called " extra block " is dispensed with; this is used if the mirror head is disengaged manually.
In the routine " travel" according to Fig. 2b, first of all the marker for " travel error " is reset. Moreover a marker for " travel time " is reset (here it is again a higher order time loop to prevent any damage to the motor by blocking current load, this can be fixed for example at 1000 milliseconds). Then the motor is switched on, such that the mirror head 3 moves in direction 12b. Subsequently an inquiry is made as to whether both vehicle exterior mirrors are located in an end position. This happens over the duration of a "travel time " time loop. If within the maximum travel time both the exterior mirrors have nat reached an end position, a marker for "travel error" is set. If an end position is reached, i.e. if it can be assumed that the microswitch 6 is located in position 7b (see Fig.
lc), the subroutine " block " is called up.
The subroutine " block " according to Fig. 2c begins with a " blocking time " (again a higher order time loop) being reset. Then travel is carried out towards the stop 9b (the motor is still switched on and runs on in direction 12b). This blocking time, e.g. 100 milliseconds, happens only to brace the drive mechanism (this causes travel with less vibration). After this blocking time has expired, an inquiry is made as to whether the marker has been set " to manual". This not being the case, the subroutine 'ltravel" according to Fig. 2b is branched back to, and the motor is switched of f . Final ly in the main program accarding to Fig . 3 , an inquiry is made as to whether there was a travel error. If this was the case, the beginning of the program is branched back to. If there was no travel error, " parking position " (see position 15 in Fig. lb) is stored in the drive and control unit as the position.
Example b):
The mirror head 3 is located in the parking position and is to be brought into the driving position:
According to Fig. 3, in the main program " additional flapping control" first of all there is a restoration of the markers for ~~manual" and "travel error" . As a result of the pressing of a button, an inquiry is made to see whether the last position was a l'driving position " (position 14). This is not the case here since a parking position (position 15, the microswitch 6 is located in depression 7b) is present. Thereafter an inquiry is made as to whether both exterior mirrors are in an end position. If both are in a correct parking position, this is then the case. Thereafter a subroutine j'travel free from the end position (flap out)" is started. ~jFlap out' here means the movement direction 12a in Fig, lc, In the manner described above, according to Fig. 2a the end position 7b is left in this direction, such that the microswitch 6 is triggered and is located in the intermediate position 8a.
Thereafter an inquiry is made as to whether both the exterior mirrors are in an end position. This is not the case here since the microswitch 6 is located in an intermediate position (if the mirror head 3 were already in the end position, i.e, the driving position, ifblocking~l according to Fig, 2c would tension the mirror head in the driving position). Here however the mirror head 3 is so moved that the intermediate i5 position region 8a is travelled through by the mirror head 3 being moved in direction 12a. 1~t the end of the travel process, which is initiated by reaching the end position 7a, there is then an ~~extra block~r of the mirror head 3. This increased blocking (achieved by a longer blocking timed serves to tension the mirror head particularly strongly in the driving position in order to produce low vibration in the travel drive. If this comes about without any travel error, the t~driving position " is stored as the last position. If there is a travel error, for example if there is a corresponding error indication in the vehicle display panel, the operator can then start a new attempt in addition, Example e);
The mirror head 3 is disengaged manually, the parking position was stored as the last position and the mirror head is to be brought into the driving position.
In the main program according to Fig. 3 first of all the markers for 'lmanual~l and " travel error " are reset. In response to the operator pressing a button an inquiry is made as to whether the last position was a driving position. since the parking position was stored as the last position, there is a negative answer. Then an inquiry is made as to whether it is an end position. Here it is assumed that the mirror has been brought manually into the overextended position (see position 16 in Fig. 1b). Since the microswitch 6 in this case is located in the intermediate position region 8b, the question about the end position is replied to in the negative.
Thereafter the marker for f'manual~~ :is set (i.e. the mirror head has not been swivelled by the motor, however the slip coupling is meanwhile in engagement again since after overload it always falls back again into the power-transmitting position). Then the subroutine " travel~f according to Fig. 2b is started.
This happens in the direction "flap in" , i.e. in the direction 12b. The mirror head 3 travels according to Fig. 2b until it has reached an end position within the maximum travel time admissible. This is in the present case the end position 7a (reaching this end position is quite easily possible from region 8b towards the end position 7a since stop 9a only acts in the opposite 5 direction to block the drive). The mirror head is then moved during the " blocking timer' further in direction 12b. If there is here no travel error, the " parking position " is stored as the last position. Hereafter there is again a move towards the subroutine " travel"
10 according to Fig. 2b.
This runs in the direction 'flap out " i.e. in direction 12a. The travel continues here until both mirrors have reached the end position, i.e. the driving position 14 (see Fig. la) (this happens within the very 15 shortest time since the microswitch 6 was previously located in the immediate proximity of stop 9). Once the end position 7a (see Fig. 2b) has been reached, there is a move toward subroutine " blocky', see Fig.
2c. Here there is first of all a restoration of the 20 blocking time and running through the standard blocking time, The inquiry re " manual" is given a positive answer (a marker was set above). Thus an " extra block " is made possible. Thereafter there is renewed restoration of the blocking time and the running 25 through of an " extra blocking time " which is longer than the normal blocking time. The normal blocking time serves primarily to slightly tension the drive mechanism in order to exclude damage or noise from ~6 vibration. The extra blocking time, which is longer than the normal blocking time, serves to tension the mirror head 3 particularly strongly in the driving position 14. once this extra blocking time has been run through, during which the microswitch 6 has run against stop 9a, there is a return from the subroutine according to 2c to the subroutine according to Fig. 2b, the motor i s st,rit ched of f and there i s a return to the main program. Since in the sequence described above no travel error was recognised, the "driving positionr~ is stored as the last position, i.e. the position in which both exterior mirrors are located at that time.
The three sample cases described above deal with particularly significant positions which describe the whole spectrum of possibilities for controlling the course of the vehicle mirror according to the invention. In addition to this, however, there are further possible sequences which however are clear to any expert from the above explanations with the aid of the flow charts given.
Finally a reference is made to Fig. 4 which in self-explanatory fashion describes the diagrammatic structure of the sequence program according to Fig. 3.
Y~IAGNA REFLEX HOLDING GNlBH
i~IAG 99/0I
The present invention relates to a vehicle exterior mirror according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for controlling same according to patent claim 15.
Vehicle exterior mirrors of this type are used for the motor-operated flapping in and out of a mirror head in relation to a vehicle chassis. What is achieved by this means for example is that, as a vehicle is parked, the exterior mirrors can be laid against the vehicle chassis in a comfortable manner, and thus the lateral spatial requirement of the vehicle can be lessened and damage to the reflective surface of the exterior mirror can be avoided.
Vehicle exterior mirrors are already known with a mirror head which may be swivelled in relation to a a r mirror base as well as with a drive and control unit for the motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base, the mirror base being attached to the vehicle chassis, and the drive and control unit containing at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base. The printed patent specification US 4626084 describes an exterior mirror, whose mirror head may be swivelled with the aid of an electromotor. The swivelling position of the mirror head may be detected by a plurality of microswitches, each microswitch being allocated to a specific position and this position being clearly identified.
Such a device in accordance with prior art has the disadvantage that, in order to identify clearly the position of the mirror head, high outlay is necessary.
For each individual position, a separate microswitch is necessary; this means high material and assembly casts and involves the danger of high susceptibility to error. Moreover, the control program for such a mirror according to prior art is not very convenient, since especially after a non-motor-operated movement of the mirror head by external influences, the ~~self-finding "
of the mirror head, i.e. the automatic setting of a defined position of the mirror head, is uery tedious.
The purpose underlying the present invention therefore is to create a vehicle exterior mirror and a method for o controlling same, in which the swivelling state of the mirror head may be recognised in a simple and reliable manner and thus swivelling the mirror head into a specific defined position is made possible, This purpose is fulfilled by a vehicle exterior mirror according to the preamble of the main claim in conjunction with the characteristic features of the main claim, as well as by a method according to claim 15.
Through the fact that the position sensor is designed as a sensor for distinguishing between end and intermediate positions, that a normal movement region of the position sensor is delimited by the end positions, and that through the drive and control unit providing a specific drive direction and the position sensor running through this drive direction until an end position is reached, a specific end position may be i recognised, the constructional outlay for position sensors can be minimised, particularly where there is a plurality of end positions. If for example the normal movement region of the position sensor (and thus also the normal movement region of the corresponding mirror head) is delimited by two end positions, it is possible with a single position sensor, e,g, a microswitch, to identify clearly a specific end position. The drive and control unit assumes a specific drive direction for the mirror head, until the position sensor announces an Q
end position. This end position is here clearly determined by the assumed direction of rotation, for one end position is exactly allocated respectively to each of the rotational directions (the end positions are located on the arc of a circle). Thus for example a single microswitch in conjunction with a cam disc, which pre-sets a normal movement range e.g. through stops, and has in the region of the stops e.g. raised parts or depressions to characterise end positions, is sufficient to realise mechanically the recognition unit according to the invention. Pre-setting a specific drive direction and allocating this drive direction to a specific end position, as well as the l~self-finding "
of the mirror head, particularly after non-motor-operated swivelling, can be realised in a very simple and low-cost manner through an electronic circuit realised in the drive and control unit.
Advantageous developments of the present invention are given in the dependent claims.
one advantageous embodiment provides for stops to be provided in the region of the end positions, which stops, during the motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head, act to block in the direction out of the normal movement region and do not block in the direction towards the normal movement region. It is furthermore advantageous that a drive of the drive and control unit is attached on the one hand to the mirror head and on the other hand to the mirror base and has a slip coupling. By this means safety regulations are taken into account which require swivelling of the mirror head under the effect of external impact as well. In interplay with the stops acting on one side what is achieved is that the mirror head can on one side be moved out of the normal movement region by the effect of impact, but it is not possible to leave the normal movement region through the motor-operated movement of the mirror head.
Further advantageous developments of the present invention are given in the remaining dependent claims.
The present invention is now explained with the aid of several figures. These show:
Fig. la a diagrammatic view of a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, in the driving position, Fig. 1b a diagrammatic view of an exterior mirror according to the invention, in the parking and overextended position, Fig. lc a diagrammatic view of the drive and control unit of a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, Figs. 2a - 2c flow charts of subroutines of a control program for the exterior mirror according to the invention, Fig. 3 a flow chart of the control program for the vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, Fig. 4 a function diagram of the control program for the exterior mirror according to the invention, Fig. la shows a vehicle exterior mirror 1 with a mirror head 3. The mirror head has a reflective surface which is not represented in detail. The mirror head is connected to a mirror base 2 via a swivel joint lying in the region of the drive and control unit 4. The mirror base 2 is attached to a vehicle chassis 5. The mirror head 3 is located in the ('driving position "; in this position the mirror head 3 points substantially vertically away from the vehicle chassis 5, such that rear vision is made possible for the driver located in the interior of the vehicle.
Fig. lb shows two further extreme positions of the mirror head 3. Here position 15 refers to a 'sparking position "; in this position the mirror head 3 lies substantially against the vehicle chassis 5, such that a reflective surface of the mirror head 3 is protected.
i2 Shown in broken lines is the " overextended position "
16, in which the mirror head 3 is flapped into the drive direction 17 of the vehicle. This position cannot be achieved by motor-operated movement of the mirror head 3; it can only be achieved by external mechanical influences.
Fig. lc shows a diagrammatic view of the drive arid control unit of a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention. The areas which are shaded black, which in each case connect two components to one another, refer to a mechanical coupling (attachment).
A cam disc 13 is securely connected to the mirror head 3. The cam disc 13 may be rotated around a joint 18 which is attached to the mirror base 2. A microswitch 6, which is attached to the mirror base 2 engages with the exterior circumference of the cam disc 13. It is naturally also possible for the microswitch, in kinematic inversion of what is shown in this embodiment, to be attached to the mirror head and the cam disc to be attached to the mirror base. It is furthermore possible for the position sensor to be designed not as a microswitch but as a sensor which has a measuring principle based on a magnetic field, an optical measuring principle or one based on the Hall effect.
The cam disc 13 has depressions in the region of end position 7a and 7b. Between these end positions, in which the microswitch 6 is not triggered, there is located a section 8a in the form of a circular arc, which is realised as an 'fintermediate position ", in which the microswitch 6 is actuated. It is naturally also possible for the end positions to be raised and the intermediate positions to be depressed.
The microswitch 6 is designed as a digital switch such that it can distinguish between « end position " and 'lintermediate position ". A ifnormal movement regions' of the position sensor is delimited by the end positions 7a and 7b. Normally the microswitch moves in the region between the end position 7a (this corresponds to the driving position 14) and the end position 7b (this corresponds to the parking position 15).
A drive 10 of the drive and control unit 4, which drive contains an electromotor, is attached on the one hand to the mirror head 3 and on the other hand to the mirror base 2 and has a slip coupling 11. This can be designed for example as a claw coupling with chamfered claws. The slip coupling serves primarily two purposes. on the one hand it ensures that where there is an external movement of the mirror head 3, the slip coupling races from a specific torque and thus the movement of the mirror head in accordance with safety 1~
regulations is possible. Moreover, damage to the motor is avoided by blocking current, if the mirror head 3 should lock (for instance through icing or through being held).
The normal movement region of the cam disc 13 is delimited by two stops 9a and 9b, which are respectively disposed on stops 7a and 7b. The stops have the characteristic that they have a blocking effect during motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head 3 in the direction out of the normal movement region. This means that the microswitch 6 never leaves the normal movement region as a result of the drive 10 alone. If however there should be external mechanical load on the mirror head 3, when a pre--determined limit moment is exceeded, the microswitch 6 can for example pass over the stop 9a and assume a position on region 8b of the cam disc. This is the case for example if the mirror head 3 assumes an overextended position 16 (see Fig. lb). When motor-operated movement is effected by the drive 14 in direction 12b however, the region sb, which is realised as an "intermediate position " (i.e. the microswitch is actuated), can be left again by sliding on the stop 9a, such that the microswitch 6 is then located again in the normal movement region.
The saw-tooth design of stops 9a and 9b in Fig. C
serves the purpose of good pictorialisation. However ~5 it is also possible to design the cam disc substantially circular (with the exception of stops 7a and 7b) and to attach the stops 9a and 9b, which block on one side, to another point of the drive.
According to the invention it is possible, using only a single microswitch 6, to recognise whether the microswitch 6 is located in end position 7a or the position 7b or an intermediate position (8a, 8b). To this end, the drive arid control unit has a unit which allocates a specific direction of rotation to a specific end position. For this purpose, after request by an operator (through the push of a button for example), the drive and control unit sets a specific drive direction and runs through this until an end position is reached by the microswitch 6. If for example 12a is pre-set as the direction of rotation and run through and an end position finally reached, end position '1a is recognised as the end position. In the same manner, the end position 7b, (i.e. the parking position 15 see Fig. ib) is allocated to direction of rotation 12b. Should the mirror head 3 be located in an end position before a specific drive direction is given and run through, a circuit of the drive and control unit ensures that the end position is first left, since it is not possible to detect in the static state which end position is present. The drive and control unit has furthermore a storage device which stores the most recently determined end position.
(Whether this end position actually still exists, has however to be checked by running through a drive direction to be given, since it is possible that in the meantime the mirror head has been moved mechanically into a different position).
The drive and control unit also has a time circuit to reverse the drive direction 12a or 12b, or to stop the drive after a period of time, which may be fixed (e. g.
between 50 and 1004 milliseconds), of driving the mirror head 3 in a direction beyond one of the end positions 7a or 7b when the microswitch b is located in the end position. However it is also possible to provide the drive and control unit with a blocking current circuit to reverse the drive direction or to stop the drive in the case of a blocking current which may be fixed, as the mirror head is driven in a direction beyond the end positions, when the position sensor is located in the end position.
In the example detailed below, a control program is written which controls two vehicle exterior mirrors (respectively on the driver and the passenger side of the vehicle chassis). Naturally, however, it is also possible to steer just one of the mirrors in an analogous fashion. Here provision can also be made for the drive and control unit to have an actuating switch, and to be so designed that after this switch has been actuated once, both mirrors move into the parking position 15 if they were previously both in the driving position 14, and both travel into the driving position if they were previously in the parking position or at least one of them was located outside the normal movement region, e.g. the overextended position 16, Moreover, the control system makes it possible for, when a mirror is flapped forwards (e. g. position 16), after actuation of the actuating element, the mirror head 3 to be additionally flapped in the direction of the parking positian 15, and for here, directly after the driving position 14 has been passed, the direction of rotation to be altered for a short time, in order to press the mirror head 3 against stop 9a, and thus to guarantee a secure seat which is therefore low in vibration. It is particularly advantageous that, in contrast to devices according to prior art, after swivelling the mirror head 3 into the extended position 16, it is no longer necessary to drive into the parking position, in order to lock the mirror head 3 mechanically into place.
The control program for a vehicle exterior mirror according to the invention, as per Fig. 3 is explained in detail below. Reference is made here to the subroutines shown in Figs. 2a - 2c. The steering of the vehicle exterior mirror by the operator comes about through a simple actuating switch, which belongs to the drive and control unit. In a normal case, by this means the mirror head 3 is moved, by pressing the button once, alternating between the driving position 1~ and the parking position 15.
The subroutines describe individual routines which are required again and again.
In Fig. 2a is described a routine for " travelling free ". This is used when the position sensor in the initial position notifies an end position and it is necessary to leave this end position, i.e. " travel free" .
Fig. 2b describes the routine " travel" . This is used when the position sensor has travelled free and is making for the next end position.
Finally the routine " block ", shown in Fig. 2c, ensures that the position sensor or mirror head which has been moved into the end position is stopped in the new end position.
The control program according to Fig. 3 is explained below with the aid of individual examples. For the mechanical representation of the processes, reference is here made to Fig. lc. In all the diagrams Y means ' l yes" and N means "no" .
Example a):
L~
The mirror head 3 is located in the driving position and is to be moved into the parking position:
At the beginning of the control program " additional flapping control system ", first of all markers " travel error " for travel errors which have occurred and " manual" for the manual disengagement of the mirror head 3, i.e. the non motor-operated movement of the mirror head 3~ are reset. After using the actuating switch " wait for pressing of button " the program checks whether the drive and control unit has stored the t'driving position " (position 14 in Fig. 1a) as the last position of the two vehicle exterior mirrors.
This is the case in the present example.
Then an inquiry is made as to whether both mirrors are in an end position, i.e. in position 7a or 7b see Fig.
lc). If this is not the case, a manually deflected exterior mirror is assumed; this case will be discussed later (under c). In the present case it is assumed that both exterior mirrors are actually in the driving position, i.e. the position sensor 6 is in notch 7a.
Then the subroutine "travel free" see Fig. 2a is run through. This happens in the "flapping in " direction i.e. in direction 12b, towards the parking position (see 15 in Fig. lb).
In the subroutine " travel free ", first of all the marker for " travel error " is reset again. Moreover.a marker for '°switching time " is reset (here it is a question of a higher order time loop, which e.g, when the drive is blocked after a time to be pre-set, e.g.
10U0 milliseconds, switches off the power supply of the drive, in order to avoid any damage by blocking current load . Then an inquiry is first made as to whether the microswitch 5 is still located in an end position (here end position ?a according to Fig. lc). This is the case. Now a check is made in a time loop, as to whether the position sensor leaves the end position within the maximum switching time (this is recognised in Fig, lc by '~pressing in" of the microswitch) . If this is not the case, i.e. if there is no movement of the mirror head 3 when the motor is switched on, a marker for " travel error " is set and the motor switched off. If there is a change, i.e. the end position is left, the drive remains switched on for an additional 50 milliseconds, so that the microswitch in each case leaves the end position and does not fail back into same. Then the motor is again switched off.
Now in Fig. 3 an inquiry is made as to whether both the vehicle exterior mirrors are located in an intermediate position. If this is not the case, one has to proceed from a mechanical disengagement, such that a marker for ~'manual" is set. If both the mirrors are located in the intermediate position, i.e. in section 8a on Fig.
lc, the subroutine " travel" is chosen. Here the motor drive comes about in the direction of " flapping in "
i.e, in direction 12b. In the parking position, into which a movement in direction 12b here leads, a so-called " extra block " is dispensed with; this is used if the mirror head is disengaged manually.
In the routine " travel" according to Fig. 2b, first of all the marker for " travel error " is reset. Moreover a marker for " travel time " is reset (here it is again a higher order time loop to prevent any damage to the motor by blocking current load, this can be fixed for example at 1000 milliseconds). Then the motor is switched on, such that the mirror head 3 moves in direction 12b. Subsequently an inquiry is made as to whether both vehicle exterior mirrors are located in an end position. This happens over the duration of a "travel time " time loop. If within the maximum travel time both the exterior mirrors have nat reached an end position, a marker for "travel error" is set. If an end position is reached, i.e. if it can be assumed that the microswitch 6 is located in position 7b (see Fig.
lc), the subroutine " block " is called up.
The subroutine " block " according to Fig. 2c begins with a " blocking time " (again a higher order time loop) being reset. Then travel is carried out towards the stop 9b (the motor is still switched on and runs on in direction 12b). This blocking time, e.g. 100 milliseconds, happens only to brace the drive mechanism (this causes travel with less vibration). After this blocking time has expired, an inquiry is made as to whether the marker has been set " to manual". This not being the case, the subroutine 'ltravel" according to Fig. 2b is branched back to, and the motor is switched of f . Final ly in the main program accarding to Fig . 3 , an inquiry is made as to whether there was a travel error. If this was the case, the beginning of the program is branched back to. If there was no travel error, " parking position " (see position 15 in Fig. lb) is stored in the drive and control unit as the position.
Example b):
The mirror head 3 is located in the parking position and is to be brought into the driving position:
According to Fig. 3, in the main program " additional flapping control" first of all there is a restoration of the markers for ~~manual" and "travel error" . As a result of the pressing of a button, an inquiry is made to see whether the last position was a l'driving position " (position 14). This is not the case here since a parking position (position 15, the microswitch 6 is located in depression 7b) is present. Thereafter an inquiry is made as to whether both exterior mirrors are in an end position. If both are in a correct parking position, this is then the case. Thereafter a subroutine j'travel free from the end position (flap out)" is started. ~jFlap out' here means the movement direction 12a in Fig, lc, In the manner described above, according to Fig. 2a the end position 7b is left in this direction, such that the microswitch 6 is triggered and is located in the intermediate position 8a.
Thereafter an inquiry is made as to whether both the exterior mirrors are in an end position. This is not the case here since the microswitch 6 is located in an intermediate position (if the mirror head 3 were already in the end position, i.e, the driving position, ifblocking~l according to Fig, 2c would tension the mirror head in the driving position). Here however the mirror head 3 is so moved that the intermediate i5 position region 8a is travelled through by the mirror head 3 being moved in direction 12a. 1~t the end of the travel process, which is initiated by reaching the end position 7a, there is then an ~~extra block~r of the mirror head 3. This increased blocking (achieved by a longer blocking timed serves to tension the mirror head particularly strongly in the driving position in order to produce low vibration in the travel drive. If this comes about without any travel error, the t~driving position " is stored as the last position. If there is a travel error, for example if there is a corresponding error indication in the vehicle display panel, the operator can then start a new attempt in addition, Example e);
The mirror head 3 is disengaged manually, the parking position was stored as the last position and the mirror head is to be brought into the driving position.
In the main program according to Fig. 3 first of all the markers for 'lmanual~l and " travel error " are reset. In response to the operator pressing a button an inquiry is made as to whether the last position was a driving position. since the parking position was stored as the last position, there is a negative answer. Then an inquiry is made as to whether it is an end position. Here it is assumed that the mirror has been brought manually into the overextended position (see position 16 in Fig. 1b). Since the microswitch 6 in this case is located in the intermediate position region 8b, the question about the end position is replied to in the negative.
Thereafter the marker for f'manual~~ :is set (i.e. the mirror head has not been swivelled by the motor, however the slip coupling is meanwhile in engagement again since after overload it always falls back again into the power-transmitting position). Then the subroutine " travel~f according to Fig. 2b is started.
This happens in the direction "flap in" , i.e. in the direction 12b. The mirror head 3 travels according to Fig. 2b until it has reached an end position within the maximum travel time admissible. This is in the present case the end position 7a (reaching this end position is quite easily possible from region 8b towards the end position 7a since stop 9a only acts in the opposite 5 direction to block the drive). The mirror head is then moved during the " blocking timer' further in direction 12b. If there is here no travel error, the " parking position " is stored as the last position. Hereafter there is again a move towards the subroutine " travel"
10 according to Fig. 2b.
This runs in the direction 'flap out " i.e. in direction 12a. The travel continues here until both mirrors have reached the end position, i.e. the driving position 14 (see Fig. la) (this happens within the very 15 shortest time since the microswitch 6 was previously located in the immediate proximity of stop 9). Once the end position 7a (see Fig. 2b) has been reached, there is a move toward subroutine " blocky', see Fig.
2c. Here there is first of all a restoration of the 20 blocking time and running through the standard blocking time, The inquiry re " manual" is given a positive answer (a marker was set above). Thus an " extra block " is made possible. Thereafter there is renewed restoration of the blocking time and the running 25 through of an " extra blocking time " which is longer than the normal blocking time. The normal blocking time serves primarily to slightly tension the drive mechanism in order to exclude damage or noise from ~6 vibration. The extra blocking time, which is longer than the normal blocking time, serves to tension the mirror head 3 particularly strongly in the driving position 14. once this extra blocking time has been run through, during which the microswitch 6 has run against stop 9a, there is a return from the subroutine according to 2c to the subroutine according to Fig. 2b, the motor i s st,rit ched of f and there i s a return to the main program. Since in the sequence described above no travel error was recognised, the "driving positionr~ is stored as the last position, i.e. the position in which both exterior mirrors are located at that time.
The three sample cases described above deal with particularly significant positions which describe the whole spectrum of possibilities for controlling the course of the vehicle mirror according to the invention. In addition to this, however, there are further possible sequences which however are clear to any expert from the above explanations with the aid of the flow charts given.
Finally a reference is made to Fig. 4 which in self-explanatory fashion describes the diagrammatic structure of the sequence program according to Fig. 3.
Claims (15)
1. Vehicle exterior mirror (1) having a mirror head (3) which may be swivelled in relation to a mirror base (2), as well as a drive and control unit (4) for the motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base, the mirror base being attached to the vehicle chassis (5) and the drive and control unit containing at least one position sensor (6) for detecting the position of the mirror head in relation to the mirror base, characterised in that the position sensor is designed as a sensor for distinguishing between end (7a, 7b) and intermediate positions (8a, 8b), in that a normal movement range of the position sensor is delimited by the end positions, and in that through the drive and control unit providing a specific drive direction (12a, 12b) and the position sensor running through this drive direction until an end position (7a, 7b) is reached, a specific end position may be recognised.
2. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that, in the region of the end positions, stops (9a, 9b) are provided which, during the motor-operated swivelling of the mirror head (3) act to block in a direction out of the normal movement region and do not block in the direction towards the normal movement region.
3. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a drive (10) of the drive and control unit (4) is attached on the one hand to the mirror head (3) and on the other hand to the mirror base (2) and has a slip coupling (11).
4. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 2, characterised in that the region lying outside the normal movement region is realised as an intermediate position (8b).
5. Vehicle exterior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive and control unit has storage means for an end position (7a, 7b) determined previously.
6. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that a single position sensor (6) is provided.
7. Vehicle exterior mirror according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the drive and control unit (4) has a time circuit to reverse the drive direction (12a, 12b) or to stop the drive after a period of time, which may be fixed, for driving the mirror head in a direction beyond the end position, when the position sensor is located in the end position.
8. vehicle exterior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drive and control unit (4) contains a blocking current circuit to reverse the drive direction or to stop the drive in the case of a blocking current, which may be fixed, as the mirror head is driven in a direction beyond the end position (7a, 7b), when the position sensor is located in the end position.
9. Vehicle exterior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the position sensor (6) is configured as a sensor with a measuring principle based on a magnetic field or an optical measuring principle or one based on the Hall effect.
10. Vehicle exterior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the position sensor is a microswitch.
11. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 14, characterised in that the microswitch (6) is connected to a corresponding cam disc (13).
12. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 11, characterised in that the cam disc (13) is attached to the mirror base (2) and the position sensor (6) to the mirror head (3), or the cam disc is attached to the mirror head and the position sensor is attached to the mirror base.
13. Vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 11, characterised in that the cam disc has, in the region of the end positions (7a, 7b), raised parts or depressions in relation to the intermediate positions, the microswitch being actuated in the position lying higher.
14. Vehicle exterior mirror according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the end positions (7a, 7b) are a parking position (15), in which the mirror head lies substantially against the vehicle chassis (5) and a driving position (14), in which the mirror head (3) points substantially vertically away from the vehicle chassis (5).
15. Method of controlling at least one vehicle exterior mirror according to claim 14, characterised in that the vehicle exterior mirror is driven at the request of an operator into the parking position (15) if it was previously in the driving position (14), and is driven into the driving position if it was previously in the parking position or was located outside the normal movement region (8a).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19906150A DE19906150A1 (en) | 1999-02-10 | 1999-02-10 | Vehicle exterior mirror and method for its control |
| DE19906150.5 | 1999-02-10 | ||
| PCT/EP2000/000936 WO2000047447A1 (en) | 1999-02-10 | 2000-02-07 | Exterior rear mirror for a vehicle and method for controlling same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2360546A1 true CA2360546A1 (en) | 2000-08-17 |
Family
ID=7897477
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002360546A Abandoned CA2360546A1 (en) | 1999-02-10 | 2000-02-07 | Exterior rear mirror for a vehicle and method for controlling same |
Country Status (14)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1150862B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2002536240A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1339000A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE226159T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2802300A (en) |
| BR (1) | BR0008126A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2360546A1 (en) |
| CZ (1) | CZ20012556A3 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE19906150A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2187444T3 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA01008076A (en) |
| PL (1) | PL349225A1 (en) |
| SK (1) | SK11412001A3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000047447A1 (en) |
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| DE10116269B4 (en) * | 2001-03-31 | 2008-12-24 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Device for folding in and out vehicle exterior mirrors |
| ES2188382B1 (en) * | 2001-06-11 | 2004-07-16 | Fico Mirrors S.A. | MECHANISM OF OPENING OF AN EXTERNAL REAR VIEW MIRROR. |
| JP3776833B2 (en) * | 2002-05-20 | 2006-05-17 | 三菱電線工業株式会社 | Control device and control method for remote-control side mirror of automobile |
| DE102004038400A1 (en) * | 2004-08-07 | 2006-03-16 | Conti Temic Microelectronic Gmbh | External mirror for automobile e.g. truck, has retractable device, and supervisory device acquiring position of mirror, comparing acquired position with reference position, and generating signal in dependence upon result of comparison |
| KR100778560B1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2007-11-22 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Deriving system and method of a side mirror |
| DE102008027563A1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2009-12-17 | GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit | Motor vehicle has B-shaped column, in which rearview mirror is integrated, where rearview mirror is arranged at eye level according to seated passenger |
| CN101913340A (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2010-12-15 | 中国汽车技术研究中心 | Automatically rotary control device of exterior rearview mirror and method based on turn signal lamp switch |
| JP5566852B2 (en) * | 2010-10-28 | 2014-08-06 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Mirror device for vehicle |
| DE102011077648B4 (en) * | 2011-06-16 | 2023-04-27 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for controlling an exterior mirror module in a motor vehicle that can be adjusted electrically between a functional position and a folded-in position |
| CN102275546A (en) * | 2011-06-20 | 2011-12-14 | 奇瑞汽车股份有限公司 | System for automatically folding and unfolding automotive electric exterior rearview mirrors and control method thereof |
| DE102012010500A1 (en) * | 2012-05-25 | 2013-11-28 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Ges. d. Staates Delaware) | Method for reducing width of motor vehicle temporarily at narrowed track, involves providing signal for retraction of outside rearview mirror with respective actuator |
| NL2012808B1 (en) * | 2014-05-13 | 2016-02-29 | MCI (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B V | Wing mirror unit, drive construction, and rotation sensor. |
| CN104972973B (en) * | 2015-07-07 | 2017-06-30 | 重庆长安汽车股份有限公司 | A kind of rearview mirror control system and method based on ripple |
| DE102017112062A1 (en) | 2017-06-01 | 2018-12-06 | Man Truck & Bus Ag | Mirror replacement or mirror supplement construction with positioning recognition |
| DE102017125101B4 (en) * | 2017-10-26 | 2021-03-25 | Mekra Lang Gmbh & Co. Kg | Holding device for a motor vehicle and camera monitor system |
| US11807168B2 (en) | 2018-03-23 | 2023-11-07 | Volvo Truck Corporation | Wing folding mechanism for a device attached outside a vehicle |
| NL2020820B1 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2019-10-31 | Mci Mirror Controls Int Netherlands B V | Adjustment instrument, in particular for adjusting an outside view unit of a vehicle |
| NL2021597B1 (en) * | 2018-09-10 | 2020-05-01 | Mci Mirror Controls Int Netherlands B V | Adjustment tool for a viewing unit such as a vehicle exterior mirror |
| DE102021117602A1 (en) | 2021-07-07 | 2023-01-12 | Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft | Method for determining a current position of a folding mirror using an assistance system, computer program product, assistance system and motor vehicle |
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-
1999
- 1999-02-10 DE DE19906150A patent/DE19906150A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2000
- 2000-02-07 JP JP2000598379A patent/JP2002536240A/en active Pending
- 2000-02-07 SK SK1141-2001A patent/SK11412001A3/en unknown
- 2000-02-07 CA CA002360546A patent/CA2360546A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-02-07 ES ES00906287T patent/ES2187444T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-07 DE DE50000649T patent/DE50000649D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-02-07 BR BR0008126-4A patent/BR0008126A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-02-07 WO PCT/EP2000/000936 patent/WO2000047447A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-02-07 CZ CZ20012556A patent/CZ20012556A3/en unknown
- 2000-02-07 AU AU28023/00A patent/AU2802300A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-02-07 CN CN00803529A patent/CN1339000A/en active Pending
- 2000-02-07 MX MXPA01008076A patent/MXPA01008076A/en unknown
- 2000-02-07 EP EP00906287A patent/EP1150862B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-02-07 PL PL00349225A patent/PL349225A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-02-07 AT AT00906287T patent/ATE226159T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP1150862A1 (en) | 2001-11-07 |
| EP1150862B1 (en) | 2002-10-16 |
| WO2000047447A1 (en) | 2000-08-17 |
| CN1339000A (en) | 2002-03-06 |
| BR0008126A (en) | 2001-11-06 |
| ATE226159T1 (en) | 2002-11-15 |
| MXPA01008076A (en) | 2002-07-30 |
| AU2802300A (en) | 2000-08-29 |
| DE19906150A1 (en) | 2000-09-07 |
| CZ20012556A3 (en) | 2002-01-16 |
| JP2002536240A (en) | 2002-10-29 |
| PL349225A1 (en) | 2002-07-01 |
| ES2187444T3 (en) | 2003-06-16 |
| DE50000649D1 (en) | 2002-11-21 |
| SK11412001A3 (en) | 2002-02-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |