Adjusting instrument, exterior mirror unit, motor vehicle

Adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot for attachment to a fixed element of the motor vehicle, and a housing adjustably connected with the foot, the housing being adjustable around a rotation axis extending through the adjusting instrument, while around the rotation axis a passage opening is provided for passing through a cable tree, the housing being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening and the foot being provided with a slot along a height thereof which provides lateral access to the passage opening, the housing being furthermore adjustable relative to the foot into an assembly position in which the slot of the foot aligns with the slot of the housing to provide lateral access to the passage opening for laterally introducing a cable tree into the passage opening.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a 35 USC § 371 National Stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/NL2015/050653, which was filed Sep. 21, 2015, entitled “Adjusting Instrument, Exterior Mirror Unit, Motor Vehicle” and Netherlands Patent Application No. 2013508, which was filed Sep. 22, 2014, and are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to an adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle. The adjusting instrument usually comprises a foot for attachment to a fixed element of the motor vehicle, possibly being a mirror shoe of the exterior mirror or the motor vehicle itself. The adjusting instrument furthermore may comprise a housing adjustably connected with the foot.

BACKGROUND

Such adjusting instruments are generally known and are frequently used in exterior mirrors of motor vehicles. The exterior mirror usually comprises a mirror cap, provided with a mirror glass, and a mirror shoe, the mirror shoe being attachable to the motor vehicle for example. The adjusting instrument is usually situated in the mirror cap. By adjustment of the adjusting instrument, the mirror cap is adjustable between a folded-in position in which the mirror cap extends substantially along the motor vehicle and a folded-out position in which the mirror cap extends substantially transversely to the motor vehicle. By adjustment of the mirror cap, damage to the exterior mirror can be reduced whenever the exterior mirror were to come into contact with an object such as a lamppost or another vehicle.

The folded-in position or parking position of the exterior mirror is typically used after the motor vehicle has been parked. For instance, the width of the motor vehicle can then be reduced, whereby the chances of unforeseen contact of the exterior mirror with an object can be reduced, so that the chances of damage can be reduced. In the folded-out position or driving position of the exterior mirror, the vehicle can be driven.

Adjusting the exterior mirror can be done manually and/or can be done in a driven manner, for instance through drive by an actuator included in the adjusting instrument.

The exterior mirror may further be provided with a plurality of electric components, such as an actuator for adjusting the mirror glass, a heating element for heating the mirror glass, a dimmer for dimming the mirror glass, a blinker, a sensor for measuring the outside temperature, etc. These electric components are typically provided with electric energy and/or data via current conducting cables. Such current conducting cables are normally bundled in a so-called ‘cable tree’ leading from the motor vehicle to the electric components.

The cable tree is usually guided through a central shaft bush of the adjusting instrument, so that the position of the cable tree approximately coincides with the rotation axis of the adjusting instrument to counteract damage of the cable tree and/or of the current conducting cables.

The current conducting cables of the cable tree are usually provided with a plurality of different connecting elements for connection with the different electric components in the mirror cap. To guide the cable tree including the elements attached thereto through the shaft bush, the inner diameter of the shaft bush is usually sufficiently large to enable even the largest connector to be passed through it. The diameter of the shaft bush is then determinative of the dimensions of the adjusting instrument, in consequence of which the adjusting instrument needs to be made of relatively large design. The dimensions of the adjusting instrument can also have an influence on the dimensions and/or design of the exterior mirror and/or on the possibility of additionally including various electric components in the exterior mirror. It is experienced as a drawback that the relatively large dimensions of the adjusting instrument may limit the designer in designing a compact and/or elegant exterior mirror. It is also experienced as a drawback that the relatively large dimensions of the adjusting instrument can limit the designer in the application of electric functions in the exterior mirror.

Alternatively, the inner diameter of the shaft bush could be made sufficiently small to pass through just the cable tree, after which the connecting elements, such as plugs, connectors, etc., can be attached to the current conducting cables afterwards. This, however, is usually incompatible with the assembly methodology of a vehicle manufacturer.

Alternatively, use can be made of a BUS structure, whereby the cable tree can be limited to, for example, two current carrying conducting cables and one data cable. A computing unit within the mirror housing can then control the different electric components. This solution, however, is relatively costly and is not used much.

Accordingly, there is a need for an adjusting instrument of relatively compact dimensions.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to provide an adjusting instrument having relatively compact dimensions, in particular, to provide an adjusting instrument having relatively compact dimensions allowing the cable tree to be passed through relatively simply.

To this end, the invention provides an adjusting instrument according to claim1.

By providing an adjusting instrument whose foot and housing are provided with a slot which in an assembly position provides a lateral access to the passage opening, the cable tree can be arranged in the adjusting instrument in a relatively simple manner. Thus, the cable tree can already be provided beforehand with the connecting elements in question, such as connectors, plugs, etc., and can thereupon, via the slot of the adjusting instrument, be laterally brought into the passage opening. The connecting elements thus do not need to be passed through the passage opening anymore, so that the diameter of the passage opening can be smaller. Due to a smaller diameter of the passage opening being possible, the external dimensions of the adjusting instrument can likewise be smaller. As a consequence, the designer has more freedom of design again to design an elegant mirror cap and/or to arrange various electric components in the mirror cap.

The slot in the foot and in the housing may be implemented in the axial direction of the adjusting instrument, i.e., parallel to the rotation axis, but may also be of oblique design or be designed as a part of a spiral about the rotation axis. Many variants are possible.

After assembly of the cable tree into the adjusting instrument, the adjusting instrument with cable tree can be offered to, for example, an exterior mirror manufacturer who can build the adjusting instrument with cable tree into a mirror cap.

Possibly, the adjusting instrument may be provided with a closing element for locking the cable tree in the passage opening. With this feature, a sideways movement of the cable tree during use, for instance during adjustment, can be counteracted, so that damage and/or squeezing of the cable tree can be counteracted. For instance, the closing element may be designed as a filler piece which at least partly fills up the slot after assembly of the cable tree. Or the closing element may be implemented as a ring or a hook which confines the cable tree in the passage opening after assembly. Many variants are possible.

In an embodiment, there may furthermore be provided a passage tube which is receivable in the passage opening, and in which the cable tree is introduced. The passage tube is provided with a slot, for instance, the passage tube may be U-shaped, so that the cable tree can be laterally inserted into the passage tube. The passage tube can thereupon function as shaft bush around which the housing is adjustable relative to the foot. By, after assembly of the cable tree, adjusting the passage tube further so that the slot of the passage tube does not align with the slot of the adjusting instrument anymore, the passage tube functions as closing element and the cable tree can be locked up in the passage tube.

In an embodiment, the foot of the adjusting instrument is configured to be connected with the fixed element of the motor vehicle, for instance with a shoe of the mirror cap, or with an arm extending from the motor vehicle. The connecting device of the foot can comprise, for example, a screwed connection. According to an aspect of the invention, the connecting device comprises cooperating elements on the foot and on the fixed element. The cooperating elements are translatable relative to each other in one direction and block translation in the opposite direction. The foot is provided with first cooperating elements and the fixed element is provided with second cooperating elements.

This linear connecting device can be regarded as an invention in itself.

An aspect concerns an adjusting instrument for an exterior mirror of a motor vehicle, comprising a foot for attachment to the fixed element, being the motor vehicle, and a housing adjustably connected with the foot, the housing being adjustable about a rotation axis which extends through the adjusting instrument, while the foot is provided with first cooperating elements which are translatable relative to second cooperating elements of the fixed element in one direction and which block translation in an opposite direction for connection of the foot with the fixed element.

Another aspect is that the adjusting instrument is provided with a passage tube around the rotation axis through which a cable tree can be passed and/or where the passage tube functions as bearing.

Another aspect is that the adjusting instrument comprises a passage tube which is provided with an upper flange which extends in a direction transverse to the rotation axis. Possibly, the passage tube is further provided with a lower flange which extends in a direction transverse to the rotation axis. According to another aspect, the adjusting instrument is lockable between the upper flange and the lower flange of the passage tube.

In another aspect, the lower flange is translatably connectable with the fixed element of the motor vehicle. The lower flange may be provided with the first cooperating elements which can cooperate with the second cooperating elements on the fixed element.

For instance, the first cooperating elements can be a rib which is slidable into a groove of the fixed element. The fixed element can then comprise resilient fingers to lock the rib, and thus block translation in opposite direction. The second cooperating elements on the fixed element in this exemplary embodiment comprise the groove and the resilient fingers. Other variants are also possible. For instance, the first and the second cooperating elements may be implemented as cam-shaped elements having a first surface with a relatively gentle inclination so that translation is possible in a direction of the rising inclination, and having a second surface with a relatively steep inclination, so that translation can be blocked in the direction of the rising inclination, which is opposite to the first inclination. Between the cams of the second cooperating elements there is space into which the cams of the first cooperating elements can fit.

Further advantageous embodiments are represented in the subclaims.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for assembly of a cable tree into an adjusting instrument.

The invention also relates to an exterior mirror provided with such an adjusting instrument and to a motor vehicle provided with such an adjusting instrument.

It is noted that the drawing figures are merely schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawing figures, like or corresponding parts are denoted with the same or corresponding reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As regards the purport of this disclosure, it is pointed out that all the technical features and elements specifically described and/or shown here are also understood to have been described and/or shown separately and can each also be applied individually and/or can be applied in combination with one or more other features and/or elements and are understood to have been described herein as such. The skilled person reading the description will appreciate that such technical features and/or elements can be seen apart from the context of the exemplary embodiment given, and furthermore can be seen apart from the technical features with which they cooperate in the context of the example. In order to keep the description concise, however, these features, elements and combinations are not all literally described and/or shown as a separate feature, element, combination or embodiment.

FIG. 1shows a schematic perspective view of an adjusting instrument1according to the invention. The adjusting instrument1comprises a foot2for attachment to the fixed element of the motor vehicle. The attachment to the fixed element can be carried out, for instance, by fastening the foot2to a mirror shoe of an exterior mirror of the motor vehicle. The mirror shoe can thereupon be fixedly connected with, for instance, a door of the motor vehicle.

The foot2can be connected with the mirror shoe in various manners, for instance with the aid of screws or with the aid of a linear connecting device such as shown, for instance, inFIGS. 9-15.

The adjusting instrument1furthermore comprises a housing3which is adjustably connected with the foot2. A mirror cap of the exterior mirror can be connected, for instance, with the housing3. Then, upon adjustment of the housing3relative to the foot2, the mirror cap can be adjusted relative to the motor vehicle. For instance, the mirror cap may be adjustable between a folded-in position or parking position in which the mirror cap extends substantially along the motor vehicle, and a folded-out position or driving position, in which the mirror cap extends substantially transversely to the motor vehicle.

The housing3of the adjusting instrument1is adjustable relative to the foot2around a rotation axis A. The rotation axis A extends through the adjusting instrument1, both through the foot2and through the housing3. The rotation axis A can extend in a direction practically parallel to a height direction of the adjusting instrument1, but can also run obliquely through the adjusting instrument1. Many positions of the rotation axis A are possible.

Around the rotation axis A, usually, a passage opening4is provided. The passage opening4can extend as a tubular opening around the rotation axis A and is usually used to pass a cable tree through it. Advantageously, the cable tree is then on or near the rotation axis A of the adjusting instrument1, so that damage or fatigue of the cable tree resulting, for instance, from movement and/or squeezing during adjustment can be counteracted.

As the cable tree is usually already provided with fastening elements, such as plugs or connectors, for attachment to an electric component in the mirror cap, these fastening elements are likewise, along with the cable tree, passed through the passage opening. As a consequence, the inner diameter of the passage opening becomes relatively large, usually larger than the outer diameter of the largest connecting element, as a result of which, after passing through the cable tree, relatively much space in the passage opening remains unused. The dimensions of the adjusting instrument are thereby adversely affected in that the adjusting instrument is likewise made of relatively large design.

According to the invention, the housing3is provided with a first slot5along a height Hh of the housing3. The first slot5provides lateral access to the passage opening4. Furthermore, the foot2is provided with a second slot6along a height Hv of the foot2. The second slot6provides lateral access to the passage opening4. To bring a cable tree via the slots5and6into the passage opening4, the slots5and6need to align, as shown inFIG. 1. To this end, the housing3and the foot2are adjustable relative to each other into an assembly position. When the housing3and the foot2are in the assembly position, the slot5of the housing3and the slot6of the foot link up with each other, and the cable tree can be laterally brought into the passage opening4. Due to a lateral assembly of the cable tree in the adjusting instrument1, the fastening elements of the cable tree do not need to be passed through the passage opening4anymore, so that the passage opening4can be made of smaller design.

Given smaller dimensions, for instance a smaller diameter, of the passage opening4, the general dimensions, in particular the outer dimensions of the adjusting instrument1, can also be smaller. As a result, the design freedom can increase, both as regards possible mirror cap shapes and possible electric components in the mirror cap.

The first slot5of the housing3, and/or the second slot6of the foot2, may be implemented as a straight slot5,6, as shown, for instance, in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 1, but may also be implemented as an oblique slot, or as a part of a spiral around the rotation axis. Many variants are possible, as long as the cable tree can be brought from a side into the passage opening4.

Optionally, after assembly of the cable tree into the passage opening4, the cable tree may be locked in the first and/or second slot5,6, for instance by providing a closing element. The closing element can be, for instance, a—U-shaped—ring which can be slid over the cable tree, or can be a clamp with which the cable tree can be locked up in the passage opening. Also, the closing element can be a foam-shaped or rubbery filler piece, which, after assembly of the cable tree, can be introduced into the slots. Many variants are possible. Advantageously, the cable tree then remains approximately at the position of the rotation axis, which can reduce the chances of damage to the cable tree during adjustment.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the housing3comprises an upper part3aand a lower part3b. The upper and the lower housing parts3a,3bare fixedly connected with each other, for instance by means of screws, or snap connection, etc. In the lower housing part3b, the foot2is arranged which is rotatably situated in the housing part3b.

In another embodiment, furthermore, a passage tube7may be provided which is receivable in the passage opening4. The passage tube7is likewise configured to provide the cable tree access to the passage tube7via a side, for instance via a slot8in a length direction of the passage tube7. The slot8, however, may also be of oblique configuration relative to a length direction of the passage tube7, or can be a part of a spiral. Advantageously, the slot8is so designed that in the assembly position, in which the first slot5of the housing3aligns with the second slot6of the foot2, the slot8likewise aligns with the first and the second slot5,6, thereby providing for lateral access of the cable tree into the passage tube7which is in the receiving opening4.

The passage tube7may be implemented as a separate part that can be introduced into the passage opening4, for instance by likewise making use of the lateral access provided by the slots5,6of the housing3and the foot2.

FIG. 2shows the adjusting instrument1provided with the passage tube7in the assembly position. Presently, lateral access of the cable tree into the passage tube7is possible.FIG. 3shows schematically a cable tree9which is in the passage tube7. For simplification of the figure, the cable tree9is here represented as a plurality of current conducting wires10, without fastening elements.

After assembly of the cable tree9, the passage tube7can be pivoted to thereby lock the cable tree9in the passage tube7and close off the slots5,6. A sidewall7bof the passage tube7then functions as closing element for locking the cable tree9, so that sideways movement of the cable tree9away from the rotation axis can be counteracted.

The passage tube7is here provided with an upper flange11and a lower flange12. The upper and the lower flange11,12here extend in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the passage tube7. After assembly of the passage tube7in the passage opening4, the upper and the lower flanges11,12can respectively be above and under the adjusting instrument1, thereby locking the adjusting instrument1in axial direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the rotation axis. Thus, for instance, the various housing parts3a,3bcan be locked.

The passage tube7can also function as a rotation bush around which the housing3of the adjusting instrument1is rotatably bearing-mounted. The passage tube7is preferably connected with the fixed element of the motor vehicle and/or with the foot2. For instance, the passage tube7can be screwed to the foot2and thus be connected with the fixed element. Alternatively, the lower flange12can be connected with the fixed element, for instance with a screw or snap connection or with a linear connecting device such as shown, for instance, inFIGS. 9-15.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper flange11is provided with a rib13. The rib13here functions as a holding element for, after assembly of the passage tube7and the cable tree9in the adjusting instrument1, grasping and rotating the passage tube7, so that the passage opening4can be closed off. Instead of a rib13, a slot may be provided, or a hook, or a snap connection or the holding element may optionally be left out.

In an advantageous embodiment, the adjusting instrument1is provided with a drive unit14for adjusting the housing3relative to the foot2. In the representation ofFIG. 5, the lower housing part3bis shown, the upper housing part3ais left out, so that the drive unit14is visible. The drive unit14comprises a motor15, for example an electric motor, which, via a drive train16, drives a drive wheel17. The drive wheel17is connected with the foot2, and the drive train16is connected with the housing3, so that by driving the drive wheel17, adjustment of the housing3relative to the foot2is effected.

The drive train16is here implemented by one worm wheel and two gear wheels and should be regarded merely as an example, for the drive train can also be implemented in many other ways, for instance by two worm wheels and one gear wheel or, for instance, by a cycloid gear wheel.

The drive wheel17is preferably arranged concentrically around the rotation axis A. The drive wheel17is provided with a slot18which provides for lateral access to the passage opening4around the rotation axis A. Thus, in the assembly position, when the first slot5of the housing3, the second slot6of the foot2, and the slot18of the drive wheel17link up with each other and form a lateral access to the passage opening4, a cable tree can be brought from a side of the adjusting instrument1into the passage opening4.

The housing3is adjustable relative to the drive wheel17. To that end, the drive wheel17is provided with a guiding groove19in which a groove and/or rib and/or cam20of the housing3can move, shown inFIG. 6. Since the drive wheel17, due to the presence of the slot18, cannot move full circle through 360° anymore, there is provided in the groove19a stop21which can define the end of a stroke. Possibly, a plurality of stops21may be provided to define an angular displacement of an adjusting stroke.

Advantageously, the housing3is biased relative to the foot2. To this end, the housing3is under spring action. Possibly, an elastic element, for instance a helical spring, may be provided, which is around the rotation axis. Preferably, the helical spring is substantially concentrically around the rotation axis, so that the line of action of the helical spring approximately coincides with the rotation axis. To provide lateral access to the passage opening, the helical spring preferably has one turn, or less than one turn. Alternatively, the bias can also be achieved by at least one elastic element placed at a distance from the rotation axis.

In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 7, two elastic elements22are provided which are at a distance from the rotation axis A, so that the line of action of the elastic element does not coincide with the rotation axis, but is substantially parallel thereto. The elastic elements22are here implemented as helical springs, but may also be implemented otherwise. The elastic elements22are in a recess23of the foot2. The elastic elements22thus work on one side22aon the foot2, and on an opposite side22bon an underside17aof the drive wheel17and therefore on the housing3. It is also conceivable that the one or more elastic elements are included in the drive wheel17.

Possibly, a single elastic element22may be provided at a distance from the rotation axis A and/or the foot2may be wholly or partly of elastic design to thereby achieve the bias.

Advantageously, the drive wheel17is disengageably connected with the foot2, and thus with the fixed element, as shown in the cross section ofFIG. 7. Thus, the drive wheel17can be uncoupled from the fixed element, when the drive wheel17is not driven, for instance in the event of an unforeseen contact with an external object or, for instance, in the case of deliberate or inadvertent manual adjustment. To this end, between a side22bof the elastic elements22and the underside17aof the drive wheel17, balls24are provided which are in a cavity25in the underside17aof the drive wheel17. The balls are thus under spring action, but as soon as an external force is greater than the spring force, the balls24can be forcibly dislodged from their cavity25and the drive wheel17can detach from the fixed element. The balls thus work as a clutch coupling. Other implementations of a clutch coupling, however, are also possible, for instance when foot and drive wheel are provided with a mating but disengageable cam pattern.

FIG. 8shows a side view of an adjusting instrument1which is connected with a mirror shoe26as the fixed element. The mirror shoe26in turn may itself be connectable with an arm extending from the motor vehicle. Many variants of connection with the motor vehicle are possible.

One possible connection between the adjusting instrument1and the fixed element is made, for instance, by utilizing a linear connecting device100. The linear connecting device100comprises first cooperating elements101which are translatable relative to second cooperating elements102of the fixed element in one direction and which block translation in an opposite direction for connection of the foot with the fixed element. The fixed element is here represented by the mirror shoe26.

The first cooperating elements101here comprise a rib101provided on the passage tube7, which is translatable relative to the second cooperating elements102, here implemented as a groove102aof the mirror shoe26. By introducing the rib101in the groove102a, translation is possible. The second cooperating elements here furthermore comprise resilient fingers102b. The resilient fingers102bare on the mirror shoe26at a beginning of the groove102a. The resilient fingers102bthus permit translation in one direction R, that is, in a direction whereby the rib101is introduced into the groove102a, in other words, in a direction past the fingers and away from the fingers. However, the resilient fingers102bblock translation of the rib101in groove102arelative to the fingers102bin the opposite direction S, that is, towards the fingers. Thus, a fixed connection of the passage tube7, which can be a shaft bush107in other designs, with the fixed element103or mirror shoe26is obtained, as shown inFIG. 10.

In the adjusting instrument1as shown inFIGS. 1-8, there is further a foot2which is fixedly connectable to the fixed element. The foot2may be around the passage tube7and may be provided with recesses for screws. The screws may for instance be screwed into the foot2via an underside of the mirror shoe26through holes in the mirror shoe26, thus allowing a fixed connection of the foot2to the fixed element to be effected. Alternatively, the passage tube7and the foot2can be fixedly connected with each other, while the passage tube7can optionally be connected with the mirror shoe26via the linear connecting device100. The linear connecting device100is here implemented at an underside of the passage tube7, in particular at the lower flange12, but many variants are possible.

FIGS. 11-15shows an alternative embodiment of the linear connecting device100. The linear connecting device100comprises first cooperating elements101, which are translatable relative to second cooperating elements102. The first cooperating elements101are at an underside of a shaft bush107, also called central shaft. The shaft bush107is usually biased under spring tension towards the fixed element103. The second cooperating elements102are on a top of the fixed element103, which may for instance be implemented as a mirror shoe.

The first and second cooperating elements101,102are configured to allow translation in one direction R, and to block translation in the opposite direction S. To that end, the first and second cooperating elements101,102are provided with a first inclined surface101r,102rhaving a relatively gentle inclination which makes translation in the direction R relatively easy. Furthermore, the first and second cooperating elements101,102have a second inclined surface101s,102shaving a relatively steep inclination, which makes translation in the opposite direction S rather difficult, so that translation can be blocked. Preferably, the first inclined surfaces101r,102rhave a comparable or corresponding angle of inclination to facilitate translation.

The first and the second cooperating elements preferably have a shape that is corresponding. Advantageously, there are preferably at least as many first cooperating elements101as second cooperating elements102, while at least an equal number of first cooperating elements101are shaped correspondingly to the second cooperating elements102cooperating therewith. Thus, a solid, fixed coupling can be effected.

Furthermore, the mirror shoe103is provided with a recess108in which a projection109of the shaft bush107is insertable. This recess108can function as guide, in some exemplary embodiments. Projection109may be configured to be movable under spring action relative to shaft bush107, in an upward direction, perpendicular to a plane including directions S or R. For instance, under spring action the projection109may be depressible and/or translatable and/or pivotable. The spring action may be carried out, for instance, by a spring standing on a lower flange of the shaft bush107, for example, a helical spring. Also, the spring action may be provided by at least one elastic element that is at a distance from the rotation axis of the shaft bush107, and which may possibly be included in the fixed element103. Many variants are possible.

When connecting the shaft bush107with the fixed element103, the projection109is introduced into the recess108, as shown inFIG. 12. The shaft bush107is thereupon translated in the direction R relative to the fixed element103, whereby the first cooperating elements101move over the second cooperating elements102. InFIG. 12a position is shown in which one of the second cooperating elements102has already been passed by a first cooperating element101and now lies opposite a next first cooperating element101. Upon further translation in the direction R, as shown inFIG. 13, an inclined surface101rabuts against the inclined surface102rof the second cooperating element102. Upon yet further translation in the direction R, due to the inclined surfaces101r,102r, the first cooperating elements101can be moved upwards, usually against the force of a spring which is around the shaft bush107, as shown inFIG. 14. Thereupon, a next first cooperating element101can fall over the second cooperating element102. Upon further translation in the direction R, the first cooperating elements101can thus be further displaced relative to the second cooperating elements102until the end of the guide109has been arrived at, as shown inFIG. 15.

Translation in the opposite direction S can be blocked in that the angle of inclination of the inclined surfaces101s,102sis relatively large, the inclined surfaces101s,102sare fairly steep. This makes it very difficult for the cooperating elements101,102to be uncoupled in the direction S against the force of the spring action.

The above-described linear connecting device100can be implemented in many ways, and can also be provided on various components of the adjusting instrument1. For instance, the foot2may be provided with it, or the passage tube7may be provided with it. Many variants are possible. Also, the linear connecting device100can be regarded as an invention per se, independent of an adjusting instrument.

The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments given here. Many implementation variants are possible.

Such variants will be clear to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.