Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to an external rear view mirror that is connected to a motor vehicle by a base and a ball-and-socket arrangement. The ball of said arrangement is generally hollow and relatively large with respect to base to allow smaller bases to be used and to allow attachment to the vehicle internally of the base. The mirror is mounted on the ball by way of a rod, and a pressure-piece within the ball and held by a spring. The ball is formed from two parts connected together at a snap-fit.

<CIT> refers to an external rear view mirror with a mirror head and a mirror base, which are covered with at least one body element in the form of a body frame, a body cap and a mirror base cover, and a mirror glass that is installed rigidly relative to the mirror head. The mirror head rests on the mirror base; the body cover of the mirror head is composed of multiple pieces of the body frame and the body cap; and the mirror base is equipped with a mirror base cover, wherein the body cap has an opening designed for the passage of the mirror base and the mirror base cover. The mirror base is rigidly connected to a mirror carrier that carries an electrical glass adjustment drive, wherein the glass adjustment drive is connected to at least one body element.

Another external rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle having a mirror base or foot provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle and a mirror head arranged on the mirror foot as well as a mirror glass accommodated in the mirror head and arranged rigidly and fixed non adjustably with respect thereto, is known from <CIT>. At least one articulation is provided between the mirror head and the arrangement of the mirror foot on the motor vehicle, said articulation comprising a total of two articulation axes, the direction vectors of said articulation axes being independent of each other, and wherein the two articulation axes are associated, jointly and/or independently of each other, to swiveling at least the mirror head from an operating position to a swung-in position and vice versa, to swinging-in at least the mirror head in and against the direction of motion, as well as adjusting an individual adjusting position of at least the mirror glass by adjusting the mirror head depending on, e.g., the seating position and the height of a driver of the motor vehicle, as well as having a first adjusting drive driven by an electric motor and associated to a first articulation axis of the two articulation axes and having a second adjusting drive driven by an electric motor and associated to a second articulation axis of the two articulation axes.

An exterior mirror assembly with an optical display having a mirror base and a mirror head and at least one housing cover having a recess for a reflective element is described by <CIT>, where the optical display behind the reflective element is arranged inside the mirror head so that light of the optical display passes through the reflective element, and where the reflective element is mounted on a support plate with an articulation means and the optical display is arranged in a space between the articulation means and the support plate.

An exterior rearview mirror assembly according to <CIT> includes a non-movable portion, a movable portion and a mirror head. The non-movable portion is configured for attachment at an exterior portion of a vehicle and the movable portion is movable relative to the non-movable portion. The mirror head is movable relative to the movable portion, and a mirror reflective element is fixedly attached at the mirror head. A first actuator is operable to move the movable portion relative to the non-movable portion about a first axis and a second actuator is operable to move the mirror head relative to the movable portion about a second axis. The first and second actuators are cooperatively operable to move the movable portion about the first axis and to move the mirror head about the second axis, and the mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head.

<CIT> describes an exterior rearview mirror that has a two-part exterior rearview mirror housing which has an opening for a mirror glass. The exterior rearview mirror housing accommodates a base support, on which the mirror glass is arranged in an adjustable manner. Snap-in connections are provided between the housing parts and between each one of the housing parts and the base support.

<CIT> refers to a method for manufacturing an automotive mirror, in particular a side mirror, including the following steps: forming a printed circuit board as flexible printed circuit board with n+<NUM> branches, n ε N; providing n modules each having at least one electronic element housed within a plastic casting and connected to conducting paths on at least one of the surfaces of the plastic casting, and at least one standard gripping point, guiding structure, snap connection element and/or sealing member provided by the plastic casting; connecting up to n of said branches to one module each and connecting one branch to cables or a cable harness to be connected to a power supply and/or a control unit outside the mirror; providing mirror parts free of electronic elements; and assembling the mirror parts and the modules.

<CIT> refers to an assembly according to the pre-amble of claim <NUM>. Said assembly, in particular comprises a head assembly, for an external rear vision device to be attached to a motor vehicle, a lower casing element, an upper casing element, an articulation assembly, a bezel assembly for carrying at least one rear vision element, a hinge connection between the bezel assembly and a first sub assembly provided by at least the lower casing, the articulation assembly and attachment means, with the articulation assembly being mounted on the attachment means or the attachment means being mounted on the articulation assembly, and at least one snap, latch and/or clip connection between the bezel assembly and the first sub assembly to provide a second sub assembly.

It is the object of the present invention to further develop the known assembly to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

This object is achieved by the features of the characterizing portion of claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the claimed assembly according to the present invention are described in claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

In one aspect, a hinge connection between the bezel assembly and a first sub assembly provided by at least the lower casing, the articulation assembly and attachment means, with the articulation assembly being mounted on the attachment means or the attachment means being mounted on the articulation assembly, and at least one snap, latch and/or clip connection between the bezel assembly and the first sub assembly to provide a second sub assembly, and between the bezel assembly and the upper casing element and/or between the upper casing element and the attachment means and between the upper casing element and the lower casing element to provide a third sub assembly in form of the head assembly.

The hinge connection may be provided between one end of the bezel assembly and a cradle of the attachment means and allows for a rotation of the bezel assembly, preferably between an upper end of the bezel assembly and an upper end of the cradle to allow for a downward rotation of the bezel assembly to attach the bezel assembly to the lower casing via the at least one snap, latch and/or clip connection.

The hinge connection may be provided by at least one opening and/or slot, such as <NUM> openings and/or slots, with preferably each pair of one opening and one slot having a narrow key way cross section, and an axle, hook and/or a tab suited to be inserted into the opening and/or slot. The opening and/or slot may be provided by the cradle such that the axle and/or tab of the bezel assembly can be inserted from above into the opening and/or slot.

A first snap, latch and/or clip connection between the bezel assembly may be provided, such as between the lower end of the bezel assembly, and the lower casing element, and/or a second snap, latch and/or clip connection between the bezel assembly, such as between the lower end of the bezel assembly, and a lower cradle of the attachment means, and/or a third snap, latch and/or clip connection between the bezel assembly, such as between the lower end of the bezel assembly, and a lower cradle of the attachment means as well as the lower casing element, and/or a forth snap, latch and/or clip connection between the bezel assembly, such as between the upper end of the bezel assembly, and the upper casing element, and/or a fifth snap, latch and/or clip connection between the attachment means, such as between an upper cradle of the attachment means, and the upper casing element, and/or a sixth snap, latch and/or clip connection between the lower casing element and the upper casing element, and/or a seventh snap, latch and/or clip connection between a light module, such as a turn signal indicator module and/or a blind spot monitor module, and the lower casing element and/or the upper casing element, and/or an eighth snap, latch and/or clip connection between a Bluetooth module and the light module, the lower casing element and/or the upper casing element.

The lower casing element may be provided with at least one hole functioning as a drain hole and/or enabling relieving the first, third, sixth, seventh and/or eights snap, latch and/or clip connection.

Further it is proposed that a button and/or functional module, including a light module, in particular in form of a turn signal indicator module and/or a blind spot monitor module, a camera module, a Bluetooth module and/or a sensor module, such as a temperature sensor, preferably moveably insertable into the hole.

The turn signal indicator module and the blind spot monitor module may be formed as a single unit immovably attached to each other in form of a combined module and share at least one of a light source or a printed circuit board.

The first, third, sixth, seventh and/or eighth snap, latch and/or clip connection may include at least one element in the region of a rim of the lower casing element and/or integrally formed with the lower casing element, and/or the first, second, third and/or forth snap, latch and/or clip connection may include at least one element integrally formed with the bezel assembly.

Attachment of the bezel assembly to the lower casing may be fixing the button and/or the functional module within the head assembly and/or closing a gap between the upper and/or lower casing on the one side and the bezel assembly on the other side, and/or at least one clip element, preferably of the bezel assembly, and/or at least one nose, shoulder or projection of the button and/or the functional module is suited for fixing the button and/or the functional module.

The light module, such as the turn signal indicator module, may be provided with at least one, preferably arc shaped, first nose or projection engaging, a preferably U shaped recess of, a projection of the bezel assembly, and/or the light module, preferably the turn signal indicator module, is provided with at least one second nose, shoulder or projection engaging a further projection of the bezel assembly.

The light module may include one or more tabs and one or more clips, the lower casing element comprises one or more tab receiving portions, and the one or more tab receiving portions of the lower casing element are configured to receive the one or more tabs of the light module.

The light module may be configured to lock and attach to the lower casing element by pressing the light module on the lower casing element and sliding the light module with respect to the lower casing element, with, for example, the light module sliding along a curved edge of the lower casing element until one or more retaining clips are engaged, and/or preferably the light module being locked in position via a series of vertical control tabs along the lower casing element.

The third snap, latch and/or clip connection may be provided by at least one element integrally formed with the lower cradle, and/or the bezel assembly is provided with at least one first projection suited for extending through a bracket of the lower casing element and engaging the lower cradle, the bezel assembly may be provided with at least one second projection suited for being inserted into a recess provided by the lower casing element, and/or the bezel assembly may be provided with at least one shoulder suited to act as a stop element, preferably by abutting against the rim of the lower casing element; and/or the lower casing element may be provided with an extension suited for engaging the lower cradle, preferably for resting in a seat provided by the lower cradle when the second or third sub assembly is assembled.

The first projection, the second projection and the shoulder may be provided by a datum of the bezel assembly.

The forth snap, latch and/or clip connection may be provided by at least one hoop clip of the upper casing element into which the tab of the bezel assembly and/or at least one hook of the upper cradle can be inserted.

The fifth snap, latch and/or clip connection may be provided by at least one projection or ledge of the bezel assembly suited to engage the at least one hoop clip of the upper casing element.

A spring element may be acting on the bezel assembly.

In another aspect, a method for assembling the assembly includes: providing the first sub assembly, preferably with the turn signal indicator module attached to the lower casing, hinging the upper end of the bezel assembly into the first sub assembly, preferably via the cradle or upper cradle, rotating the lower end of the bezel assembly downwardly, in particular against the force of the spring element, and clipping the lower end of the bezel assembly at least to the lower casing element a to form the second sub assembly.

The method for assembling the head assembly may include the step of clipping the upper casing element onto the second sub assembly, in particular onto the bezel assembly and/or the cradle or upper cradle and the lower casing element.

In another aspect, a method of disassembling the assembly includes: relieving the connection between the lower end of the bezel assembly and the lower casing element, in particular the bezel assembly, the lower casing element and the lower cradle, through the hole and/or via the button and/or via the functional module within the lower casing element, and rotating the lower end of the bezel assembly, in particular via the force of the spring element, upwardly and hereby releasing the upper casing element.

The method may further include drawing the bezel assembly out of the hinge connection with the cradle or upper cradle.

In another aspect, a rear view device includes a head assembly where at least one rear view element is attached to the bezel assembly, with the rear view element includes a reflective element and/or a camera, and the articulation assembly being suited to move at least the at least one rear vision element.

In another aspect, a motor vehicle includes at least one rear view device, where at least the cradle or upper cradle is moveably attached to the motor vehicle via a foot assembly fixed to the motor vehicle.

The assembly of the invention allows for a consistent assembly and disassembly method without breaking or removing a reflective element attached thereto for service. Further, the assembly allows for either tier <NUM> manufacturer or final customer to assemble without special tools.

In various aspect and example, a bezel assembly is mounted on the top of a cradle attached to an articulation assembly supported by a lower casing element. This attachment makes use of a hinged mechanism allowing the bezel assembly to be rotated in order to be located at and clipped to the lower casing element creating a sub assembly in form of a rigid framework. Said sub assembly can be closed by clipping a scalp in form of an upper casing element thereon to form a new sub assembly. The advantage of this structure may be due to the fixed hinges providing a fixed rotation axis allowing consistent and repeatable assembly of the bezel assembly, which in turn allows for possible additional self docking positions for electrical connectors for heating means and/or lighting means and for the reflective element e.g. in form of an electrochromic mirror glass. Further, access holes, which are provided by drain holes positioned in the lower casing element, do provide access to bezel assembly securing clips in order to release the connection between the lower casing element and the bezel assembly such that a service solution is given to gain access to the internals of the assembly without damaging component parts thereof. Still further, scalp retaining clips are integrated into the hinge system of the bezel assembly, therefore during the disassembly rotation process of the bezel assembly, the scalp retaining clips disengage from the scalp by rotating and allowing for the scalp to be removed without damage. The bezel assembly can then be removed and/or replaced if required.

Thus, a simple hinged module in form of the assembly can be supplied separately from the remaining rear vision device components comprising at least one reflective element and/or camera, which can be in form of an electrochromic mirror glass. This allows late configuration at a car manufacturer or supplier to provide the required legal glass types resulting in reduced mirror assembly variants lineside.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration, certain examples of the present description are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an implementation of system, apparatuses, and methods consistent with the present description and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the invention. The extent of the protection conferred by the patent shall be determined by the appended claims. Nevertheless, the description and drawings shall be used to interpret the claims.

Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatuses and/or methods described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of a singular term, such as, "a" is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Also the use of relational terms, such as but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "down," "up," "side," are used in the description for clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that any one of the features can be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. With respect to <FIG>, a head assembly <NUM> to be used in a rear view device is mounted to a motor vehicle. Such a rear view device can be an external rear view mirror with an electrochromic mirror glass, but is not restricted thereto. Further, the whole head assembly <NUM> can be rotated around <NUM> or <NUM> axis relative to the motor vehicle, or a foot assembly may be fixed to the motor vehicle.

A first sub assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The first sub assembly <NUM> may include a lower casing element <NUM> supporting an articulation assembly <NUM> with a shaft <NUM> thereof extending through the lower casing element <NUM>. The articulation <NUM> assembly may be suited for moving the whole head assembly <NUM>. In an example, attachment means <NUM> in the form of an upper cradle <NUM> and a lower cradle <NUM> are mounted on the articulation assembly <NUM>. The upper cradle <NUM> may include two openings <NUM>, one of which is shown in more detail in <FIG> and the other of which has the same principle structure. A bezel assembly <NUM> can be mounted on the first sub assembly <NUM> by inserting tabs <NUM> carrying an axle <NUM> into the openings <NUM> each of which has a narrow key way cross section in order to obtain a hinge connection between the upper cradle <NUM> and the bezel assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In fact each tab <NUM> is slid into the corresponding opening <NUM> provided in a conical datum of the upper cradle <NUM> from above as indicated by the arrow A in <FIG> such that the bezel assembly <NUM> can be rotated around the axle <NUM> as indicated by the arrow B in <FIG>.

Once the bezel assembly <NUM> is located into the upper cradle <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, it can be rotated down and clipped into the lower casing element <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As soon as the bezel assembly <NUM> is attached to the upper cradle <NUM> and the lower casing element <NUM>, a second sub assembly <NUM> may be provided as shown in <FIG>. Attachment details of the bezel assembly <NUM> to the lower casing element <NUM> are described reference to <FIG> illustrates the second sub assembly <NUM> with two cut lines A-A and B-B providing the two detailed <FIG>. Both <FIG> are showing a clip engagement between a clip element <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower casing element <NUM> and a complementary clip element <NUM>, <NUM> of the bezel assembly <NUM>.

Both clip engagements shown in <FIG> are arranged in the region of a rim <NUM> of the lower casing element <NUM>, and on the left and on the right side in the front view of <FIG>. For dissembling the left clip engagement shown in <FIG> the clip element <NUM> can be relieved from the clip element <NUM> by applying a pressing action through a drain hole <NUM> within the lower casing element <NUM>. The disassembly of the right clip engagement shown in <FIG> functions in a similar way by relieving the clip element <NUM> of the bezel assembly <NUM> from the clip element <NUM> of the lower casing element <NUM> through a further drain hole <NUM> provided within the lower casing element <NUM>. Another embodiment of a clip engagement is described below with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows again the second sub assembly <NUM> with a cut line C-C, and <FIG> is depicting the respective section to provide further details on how the bezel assembly <NUM> is locked on the lower casing element <NUM> as well as the lower cradle <NUM> of the attachment means <NUM> of the articulation assembly <NUM>. In fact, the bezel assembly <NUM> has a datum with a locking extension <NUM> entering a locking bracket <NUM> of the lower casing <NUM> and an abutment projection <NUM> entering a space defined by the lower part of the bracket <NUM> in the region of the rim <NUM> with a shoulder <NUM> of the datum providing a stop element by engaging the rim <NUM>. In addition, the locking extension <NUM> engages an extension <NUM> of the lower cradle <NUM> which has the shape of an elbow in cross section providing a seat <NUM> for an upwardly extending extension <NUM> of the lower casing element <NUM>. Thus, the bezel assembly datum forces the parts <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> together.

In order to provide the head assembly <NUM>, an upper casing element <NUM> is to be attached from above as indicated in <FIG> by arrow C. <FIG> is depicting a third sub assembly <NUM> with the upper casing <NUM> and thus the head assembly <NUM>. From <FIG> it can be seen that the upper casing <NUM> is clipped to the bezel assembly <NUM> as the tabs <NUM> enter hoop clips <NUM> of the upper casing <NUM>.

<FIG> shows another view of the head assembly <NUM> together with a cut line A-A. <FIG> provides a sectional view along this cut line after the lower clip engagements of the bezel assembly <NUM> have been relieved by applying a force through the drain holes <NUM>, <NUM> in the direction of the arrow D in <FIG>. This allows the bezel assembly <NUM> to rotate as indicated by the arrow E. As the tabs <NUM> are integrated into the bezel assembly <NUM>, the clips <NUM> of the upper casing element <NUM> are released when the bezel assembly <NUM> is rotating. While the bezel assembly <NUM> rotates upwardly, the upper casing element <NUM> will pop of as indicated by the arrow F in <FIG>.

Thus, the head assembly <NUM> is a simple hinged module with the bezel assembly <NUM> being rotatable around the respective hinge provided between the bezel assembly <NUM> and the upper cradle <NUM> and can be clipped together with the other parts of the head assembly <NUM>; for example, the lower casing element <NUM>, the lower cradle <NUM>, as well as the upper casing element <NUM>.

<FIG> also shows a latch connection <NUM> between the two casing elements <NUM>, <NUM> which is releasable.

<FIG> show two examples of the head assembly. In both cases, the head assembly <NUM>' still includes the lower casing element <NUM>' with the clip elements <NUM>' and the drain hole(s) <NUM>', the articulation assembly <NUM>', the attachment means with the upper cradle <NUM>' and the lower cradle, the bezel assembly <NUM>' with the clip elements <NUM>', the upper casing element <NUM>' with the hoop clips <NUM>' and the latch connection <NUM>'.

To further facilitate in particular the disassembly of the head assembly <NUM>', the upper cradle <NUM>' is provided with hooks <NUM>' for entering the hoop clips <NUM>' and the bezel assembly <NUM>' is provided with a ledge <NUM>' for engaging the hoop clips <NUM>'. The ledge <NUM>' levers the hoop clips <NUM>' off the hooks <NUM>' during rotation of bezel assembly <NUM>' for disassembly. Still further, it is beneficial to use a plastic integrated spring positioned to force spring the bezel assembly <NUM>' away when the hoop clips <NUM>' are disengaged, as indicated by the arrows G in <FIG>.

In order to provide the rear view device, at least one rear view element can be attached to the bezel assembly also acting as a backing plate for e.g. an electrochromic mirror glass. Different further functions and devices can be incorporated into and/or controlled with the help of a rear view device comprising the head assembly of the invention, including in particular cameras. For example, one or more camera modules can be inserted into the bezel assembly.

<FIG> depicts a temperature sensor <NUM>' inserted in the hole <NUM>' of the lower casing element <NUM>'. This allows not only to measure the temperature, but further facilitates the disassembly of the head assembly <NUM>' as the temperature sensor <NUM>' also fulfills the function of a button to release the clips connection between the lower casing element <NUM>' and the bezel assembly <NUM>' via the respective clip elements <NUM>', <NUM>'.

The clip element <NUM>' of the bezel assembly <NUM>' provides a downward pressure on the temperature sensor <NUM>' when the head assembly <NUM>' is assembled, see arrow H in <FIG>. This assists in fixing the temperature sensor <NUM>'. In order to disassemble the head assembly <NUM>', a pushing action is to be applied on the temperature sensor <NUM>' as indicated by the arrow I in <FIG>. As soon as the clips connection between the lower casing element <NUM>' and the bezel assembly <NUM>' has been released, the bezel assembly <NUM>' can start to rotate as indicated by the arrow J in <FIG>.

It is especially useful to integrate further functions and devices into the head assembly or rather the rear view device of the invention to enhance, extend and/or sustain the functionality of the rear view device during normal or extreme conditions. This may include heating and/or cooling means, cleaning means such as wipers, liquid and/or gaseous sprays, actuator means, e.g. the articulation assembly <NUM>, for moving the rear view device or parts of it, such as a display, a camera system and/or parts of a camera system, including for example lenses, filters, light sources, adaptive optics like deformable mirrors, sensors and/or mirrors, and/or actuator means for inducing movement of other objects, for example parts of the vehicle and/or objects surrounding the vehicle. Furthermore, it can include linear tracks and/or rotating wheels, like for example a filter wheel, for exchanging optical elements, including for example lenses, mirrors, light sources, sensors, adaptive optics like deformable mirrors and/or filters.

Prominent examples for functions and devices incorporated into and/or controlled with the help of rear view devices include also illumination devices, for example any kind of light module like an external light module, an internal light module, a front light, a back light, a fog light, a brake light, an acceleration light, a turn signal, a logo lamp, a puddle light, a flash light, a navigation light, a position light, an emergency light, a spotlight, a green light, a red light, a warning light, a turn signal light module, an approach light, a search light, an information light, a display and/or any combination thereof.

<FIG> show a forth embodiment of an assembly of the invention on the basis of which the attachment of a bezel assembly <NUM>" to a first sub assembly <NUM>'', in particular a cradle <NUM>" of an attachment system <NUM>" thereof, to provide a second sub assembly by rotating the bezel assembly <NUM>" downwardly and connecting it to a lower casing element <NUM>" is described, including the function of a turn signal indicator module <NUM>'' in securing the second sub assembly as well as closing gaps at the bezel assembly <NUM>".

In detail, the first sub assembly <NUM>" comprises parts of a mirror head <NUM>" and a mirror foot <NUM>", in particular in form of the lower casing element <NUM>'', an articulation assembly <NUM>" for moving e.g. a mirror glass (not shown) and the attachment system <NUM>", with the turn signal indicator module <NUM>" being attached to the lower casing <NUM>" as will be explained with reference to <FIG>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the articulation assembly <NUM>" has a motor <NUM>" attached to the cradle <NUM>" of the attachment system <NUM>'' and a motor clamp <NUM>" attached to the motor <NUM>" as well as to the lower casing element <NUM>". The cradle <NUM>" is provided with openings <NUM>'' at its upper end, said openings <NUM>'' being suited for engaging tabs <NUM>" provided together with a not shown axle a the upper end of the bezel assembly <NUM>", with the openings <NUM>" and the tabs <NUM>" constituting a hinge connection in analogy to the ones described above.

As soon as the tabs <NUM>" are engaged within the openings <NUM>" the respectively formed hinge connection allows for the downward rotation of the bezel assembly <NUM>" to finally connect the lower end of the bezel assembly <NUM>" via its clips <NUM>", <NUM>'' to the lower casing element <NUM>". The respective clip connection results in urging the turn signal indicator module <NUM>" outwardly against the lower casing element <NUM>" resulting in closing the gap at the bezel assembly <NUM>". A locking projection <NUM>" of the bezel assembly <NUM>" assists this closing.

The turn signal indicator module <NUM>'' may include a light window <NUM>" and a housing <NUM>", with the housing <NUM>" being formed with clip elements <NUM>", <NUM>" for attachment to a not shown upper casing as well as clip elements <NUM>" for attachment to the lower casing element <NUM>'' by engaging holes <NUM>'' of the lower casing element <NUM>'', as can be best seen in <FIG>. In another example, some or even all clip elements can be provided by the light window.

A Bluetooth module <NUM>" shown to be attached to the turn signal indicator module <NUM>" is preferably detachable and enables, for example, use of a smart phone as smart key to lock and unlock a vehicle to which a rear view device with the second assembly is attached.

The turn signal indicator module <NUM>'' is provided with an arc shaped nose <NUM>", see <FIG>, which is forced into a recess provided by a projection 59b" of the bezel assembly <NUM>" when clipping the bezel assembly <NUM>" to the lower casing element <NUM>" which in turn results in urging a shoulder <NUM>" of the turn signal indicator module <NUM>" against a further, peripheral projection <NUM>" a of the bezel assembly <NUM>", see <FIG>. Thus, the turn signal indicator module <NUM>" is pressed outwardly and against the lower casing element <NUM>" which in turn closes the gap of the lower casing at the bezel assembly <NUM>".

Referring to <FIG>, as alternative to the simple turn signal indicator module <NUM>" a side turn indicator module (STI module) <NUM> and blind spot monitor (BSM module) <NUM>, which are provided as a single, combined light module <NUM> as opposed to being two separate light modules, are shown in their final arrangement within a rear view device. The rear view device is provided with a glass <NUM> and a bezel <NUM>, with the perspective part view of <FIG> illustrating that the indicator or light for the BSM module <NUM> is provided in the glass <NUM>, whereas the STI module is arranged at the side of the bezel <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate some details of the combined STI and BSM module <NUM>, which is provided as a small module assembly in order to be integrated into the lower casing element. Combining the two modules gives the option to control them with the same or separate printed circuit boards /light sources. This also provides lower manufacturing cost, fewer parts and a more simple system that provides system as well as performance advantages.

The internal components of the combined STI and BSM module <NUM> are illustrated in the perspective part view of <FIG>. Accordingly, a connecting rib <NUM> is provided between the BSM portion <NUM> and the STI portion <NUM> of the combined module <NUM>. A cross section further illustrating the inner portion and connection of the combined module <NUM> with the bezel <NUM> and the glass <NUM> is provided in <FIG>.

With respect to <FIG> another example attachment of a light module such as a side turn signal indicator (STI) module <NUM> with a lower casing element <NUM> of a further rear view device of the invention is described. Although an STI module <NUM> is described, any other light module for other functions may be used.

Referring to <FIG>, the STI module <NUM> is first pressed down onto the lower casing element <NUM>. As a result, a STI tab 918a engages a tab receiving portion 910b of the lower casing element <NUM>, and vertical control tabs 910c are engaged. Once fully pressed down onto the lower casing element <NUM>, the STI module <NUM> can be slid along a curved edge of the lower casing element <NUM> until one or more retaining clips 918b of the STI module <NUM> are engaged.

<FIG> illustrates that once slid into place, the STI module <NUM> is locked in position. The STI module <NUM> to lower casing element <NUM> gap includes a series of the vertical control tabs 910c along the lower casing element <NUM> which allow locking of the STI module <NUM> in place.

<FIG> show another embodiment of a clip engagement between the lower casing element <NUM> of the first subassembly <NUM> and the bezel assembly <NUM> to form the second sub assembly <NUM>. <FIG> shows clip element <NUM> of the lower casing element <NUM>. The clip element <NUM> includes two end supports <NUM>, drain hole <NUM>, and edge <NUM>. Drain hole <NUM> is formed by cutting a hole in lower casing element <NUM>. Drain hole <NUM> is shown as a rectangular hole with rounded corners, but it should be appreciated that drain hole <NUM> may be any shape. Edge <NUM> runs around three edges of drain hole <NUM>. Additionally, the two end supports <NUM> are attached to the lower casing element along two opposite sides of edge <NUM>. The two end supports <NUM> are a rounded L-shaped. Again though, it should be appreciated that end supports <NUM> may be any shape that is compatible with end supports <NUM>. A first portion <NUM> of the end supports <NUM> is attached to the lower casing element along edge <NUM>, and a second portion <NUM> of the end supports <NUM> extends away from the drain hole <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is higher than the second portion <NUM>, and end support <NUM> slopes and gradually changes in height to connect the first portion <NUM> to the second portion <NUM>. A bottom surface of the clip element <NUM> and a bottom surface of the lower casing element <NUM> surrounding the clip element <NUM> are substantially identical, in particular with respect to color, finish, graining, and/or structure. Although there is only one clip element <NUM> shown, it should be appreciated that lower casing element <NUM> may have more than one clip element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a clip element <NUM> of the bezel assembly <NUM>. Clip element <NUM> contains two end supports <NUM>, and a body <NUM> as is shown in <FIG>. The body <NUM> has a top portion <NUM> that is connected to a bottom portion <NUM> by a middle portion <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> is higher than the bottom portion <NUM>. In an embodiment, the middle portion <NUM> is substantially perpendicular to the top portion <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM>. Additionally, in an embodiment, the middle portion <NUM> is rounded. End supports <NUM> have a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>, which are different heights. End supports <NUM> slope and gradually change in height to connect the first portion <NUM> to the second portion <NUM>. End supports <NUM> run along the edges body <NUM>. The end supports <NUM> are shown as a rounded L-shape, but end supports <NUM> may also be any other shape that is compatible with end supports <NUM>. Additionally, at least part of clip element <NUM> lies flat on bezel assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> show the clip connection of clip element <NUM> and clip element <NUM> from a top view and a bottom view respectively. <FIG> shows the clip connection of clip element <NUM> and clip element <NUM> from an upper view of the lower casing element <NUM>. When clip element <NUM> is connected to clip element <NUM>, the end supports <NUM> fit inside the end supports <NUM>. Additionally, the middle portion <NUM> of body <NUM> clips over edge <NUM> such that a part of the bottom portion <NUM> of body <NUM> lies over drain hole <NUM> and the top portion <NUM> lies on the lower casing element <NUM>. When clip element <NUM> is connected to clip element <NUM>, the end supports <NUM> are higher than the end supports <NUM>. <FIG> shows the clip connection of clip element <NUM> and clip element <NUM> from a lower view of the lower casing element <NUM>. The bottom portion <NUM> of body <NUM> can be seen from a bottom view of the lower casing element <NUM> because the bottom portion <NUM> of body <NUM> covers drain hole <NUM>. Additionally, at least part of the bottom portion <NUM> of body <NUM> hangs over the edge of the lower casing element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the second sub assembly <NUM> formed by the clip connection of clip element <NUM> of the bezel assembly <NUM>, and clip element <NUM> of the lower casing element <NUM>. When clip element <NUM> is connected to clip element <NUM>, clip element <NUM> and clip element <NUM> are primarily located on lower casing element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the second sub assembly <NUM> with the clip element <NUM> disassembled from clip element <NUM>. Clip element <NUM> is disassembled from clip element <NUM> by pushing the lower portion <NUM> of body <NUM> upwards through the drain hole <NUM> towards the inside of the second sub assembly <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> of body <NUM> is pushed upwards as shown by arrow A using a screwdriver or other similar tool to apply an upwards force on the lower portion <NUM> of body <NUM>, which causes clip element <NUM> to be released from clip element <NUM>.

<FIG> shows that when clip element <NUM> is disassembled from clip element <NUM>, bezel assembly <NUM> can rotate over its axis as is also shown in <FIG>.

Further examples for functions and devices incorporated into and/or controlled with the help of rear view devices may include for example a tiredness detection system, a microsleep detection system, a distance and/or velocity determination system, for example a LIDAR (Light detection and ranging) system, a blind spot indicator system, a lane change assistant system, a navigation assistant system, a tracking assistant system, a human-machine interaction system, a machine-machine interaction system, an emergency and precaution assistant system, like an accident avoiding assistant system, a counter-measures assistant system, a brake assistant system, a steering assistant system, an acceleration assistant system, an escape assistant system, including for example an ejection seat system, a direction indicator, a blind spot indicator, an approach system, a strong braking system, an emergency braking system, a charging status indicator, a vehicle mode system, including for example a sports mode system, an economy mode system, an autonomous drive mode system, a sleep mode system and an anti-theft system, a vehicle locked indicator system, a vehicle stolen indicator, a warning signal system, a temperature indicator system, a weather indicator system, a traffic light signal system, a fuel status system and/or any combination thereof.

An example for a rear view device including an illumination device fulfilling the brake light functions is disclosed in <CIT> for REAR VISION ASSEMBLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE.

A light guidance unit for an illumination device used in a back view system is disclosed in <CIT> for LIGHT GUIDANCE UNIT.

An illumination device for a rear view device is disclosed in <CIT> for ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND REAR VISION DEVICE.

A lighting device for a back-vision unit is disclosed in <CIT> for LIGHTING DEVICE AND BACK-VISION UNIT.

A housing and display device of a rear view device is disclosed in <CIT> for HOUSING AND DISPLAY DEVICE.

An optical light guide for a vehicle lighting unit is disclosed in <CIT> for OPTICAL LIGHT GUIDE FOR A VEHICLE LIGHTING UNIT.

A display device of a rear view device of a vehicle is disclosed in International patent application No. <CIT> for DISPLAY DEVICE, REAR VIEW DEVICE AND MOTOR VEHICLE and claiming priority to <CIT> for OPTICAL UNIT, DISPLAY DEVICE, REAR VIEW DEVICE AND MOTOR VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME.

Further a light guiding device for an illumination device, in particular for a motor vehicle or a display device, in a rear view device of a motor vehicle is disclosed in <CIT> for LIGHT GUIDING DEVICE.

Still further a light guiding device for an illumination device, especially for a motor vehicle or an indicator device in a rear view device of a motor vehicle is disclosed in <CIT>, for LIGHT GUIDING DEVICE and is a continuation-in-part of <CIT> for LIGHT GUIDING DEVICE.

In addition, an illumination device, particularly for a rear-view device of a motor vehicle and a method for producing the same are disclosed in International patent application No. <CIT> for ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ILLUMINATION DEVICE and claiming priority to <CIT> for ILLUMINATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ILLUMINATION DEVICE.

An improved rear-view device for a motor vehicle which includes an electronic device is disclosed in <CIT> for ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND REAR-VIEW DEVICE and claiming priority to <CIT> for ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND REAR VIEW DEVICE.

A lighting device for a rear view device or a footwell device of a vehicle, including at least one luminous means is disclosed in <CIT> for ILLUMINATION DEVICE, REAR VIEW DEVICE, FOOTWELL DEVICE AND VEHICLE.

A light module for a light assembly of an exterior rear view device is disclosed in <CIT> for LIGHT MODULE, LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND REAR VIEW DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE.

A lighting device for a vehicle component, in particular for a rear view device of a motor vehicle, including a logo lamp and a deflection mirror are disclosed in <CIT> for LIGHTING DEVICE, VEHICLE COMPONENT AND VEHICLE and claiming priority to <CIT> for LIGHTING DEVICE, VEHICLE COMPONENT AND VEHICLE.

A camera module can include in particular a plurality of different optical elements, including a. a variety of sensors and light sources, as well as housing parts.

The housing of a camera module can be made out of plastic, metal, glass, any other suitable material and/or any combinations thereof and can be used in combination with the techniques described below to change or modify the properties of the material or the material surface. Housings are for example described in <CIT> for CLEANING SYSTEM FOR A CAMERA and <CIT> for TELESCOPING REAR VISION ASSEMBLY WITH CAMERA AND LENS WIPING SYSTEM.

The camera can include for example CCD or CMOS or light field sensors, as for example described in <CIT> for DETECTION SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL DETECTION OF OBJECT AND/OR REGION OF SPACE FOR DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND/OR DISPLAY SYSTEMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE, HAS OPTICAL SENSOR ARRANGED AS LIGHT FIELD SENSOR FOR DETECTION and <CIT> for MONITORING DEVICE FOR VEHICLES, IN PARTICULAR, MOTOR VEHICLES, now <CIT>.

Also an area of the sensor can be reserved for different purposes, for example to detect a test beam, as described in <CIT> for CAMERA SYSTEM, METHOD FOR OPERATION OF A CAMERA SYSTEM AND SENSOR DEVICE OF A CAMERA SYSTEM.

The optical elements can be molded or formed from any type of glass or any other suitable material. Glass is here used in the meaning of a non-crystalline amorphous solid showing a glass transition when heated towards the liquid state. It includes for example the group of polymeric glasses, metallic glasses, silica glasses, but any other suitable material showing the glass transition can also be used. The glass can be either in a flat, wedge, rectangular, cylindrical, spherical, conical, elliptical, and/or circular shape, as described for example in <CIT>, and <CIT> for LIGHT WINDOW FOR USE AS LIGHT CONDUCTOR FOR TURN INDICATOR IN OUTSIDE MIRROR ARRANGEMENT OF VEHICLE, HAS UNCOUPLING STRUCTURES AT CERTAIN LOCATION OF WINDOW, AND OPTICAL FILM WITH MOLDED COATING AND PROVIDED WITH UNCOUPLING STRUCTURES, or have a shape according to different needs or lens types. As non-limiting examples camera modules can be equipped with lenses, like a wide-angle or fish-eye lens suitable to provide peripheral images, as described in <CIT>, and <CIT> for REAR VIEW MIRROR SIMULATION, now <CIT>, a Fresnel lens or micro lenses as described in <CIT> for DETECTION SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL DETECTION OF OBJECT AND/OR REGION OF SPACE FOR DRIVER ASSISTANCE AND/OR DISPLAY SYSTEMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE, HAS OPTICAL SENSOR ARRANGED AS LIGHT FIELD SENSOR FOR DETECTION, and a TIR (total internal reflection) lens as described in <CIT> for OPTIMAL LIGHT COUPLING FOR REAR VIEW DEVICES.

Another type of optical elements know to be used in camera modules are optical fibers, especially in form of fiber bundles and preferably in form of fiber bundles having an optical head, as described for example in <CIT>. Different methods can be used to produce such optical elements, for example as described in <CIT> for METHOD FOR CREATING A COMPLEX SURFACE ON A SUBSTRATE OF GLASS.

The optical elements can be transparent as described for example in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> for CAMERA ARRANGEMENT AND DOOR HANDLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE.

But the optical elements can also be semitransparent, as described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Still further, the optical elements can be completely or partially coated with different type of coatings to realize different effects, such as for example anti-reflective coatings as described in <CIT>, chromium-based reflective coatings as described in <CIT> for CHROMIUM-BASED REFLECTIVE COATING, and other coatings, for example for polymeric substrates as described in <CIT> for COATED POLYMERIC SUBSTRATES and in <CIT> for DECORATIVE COATINGS FOR PLASTIC SUBSTRATES.

Preferably the optical elements are made of a scratch-proof material as described for example in <CIT>.

The optical elements can have uncoupling structures at certain locations of the optical elements, and an optical film, for example an extrusion film, and a molded coating can be applied as described in <CIT>.

A coating to spectrally and stress control is described in <CIT>.

Different filters can be integrated into the optical elements such as for example gray filters or polarization filters, described in <CIT> for APPARATUS FOR LIGHT INTENSITY ADJUSTMENT.

Electrochromic substrates, polymer electrolytes and other charge conducting medias may be used for the optical elements based on the descriptions of <CIT> for PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ELECTROCHROMIC SUBSTRATES AND ELECTROCHROMIC ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM, <CIT> for POLYMER ELECTROLYTES AND DEVICES CONTAINING, <CIT> for CHARGE CONDUCTING MEDIUM and <CIT> for PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING ELECTROCHROMIC SUBSTRATES AND ELECTROCHROMIC ARTICLES MADE THEREFROM.

The camera module can also be equipped with apparatuses for light intensity adjustment as described for example in <CIT> and light level intensifier tubes as described in <CIT>.

The electrochromic substrates and devices used in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> can also be used for this purpose as well as a transflector to transmit or reflect light based on a corresponding input signal, as described in <CIT> for IMAGING SYSTEM.

The camera module or a cover adapted to the camera module can be moved using different actuators, drives and/or a flexible track, as for example described in <CIT> and <CIT>.

Still further, the camera module can also include cleaning elements to clean the optical element facing outwards and being exposed to the environment. The cleaning element can for example include wipers, brushes, lips, nozzles, fans and similar elements as are described in <CIT> for OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE, CLEANING DEVICE AND VEHICLE COMPRISING AN OPTICAL SYSTEM, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> for LENS WIPER, <CIT> for LENS CLEANING WITH FLEXIBLE ACTUATOR and <CIT> for CLEANING DEVICE.

The cleaning devices are not limited in composition, and may for example include any fabric, elastomeric, sponge, brush, or combination of these. Special wiper elements including wiper arms, wiper blades, wiping cloth, wiping tissue and combinations thereof are described in <CIT>.

A wiper element may for example be controlled according to the method described in <CIT> for METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIPER DEVICE. A reservoir for holding a cleaning liquid as described in <CIT>.

Such a reservoir can be attached to or integrated into the camera module to provide the cleaning liquid to the optical elements of the camera module.

Different methods may be used to detect dirt or other obscurations preventing or reducing the functioning of the camera module, such as described in <CIT> for OPTICAL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING OPTICAL SYSTEM OBSCURATION IN A VEHICLE <CIT>, filed on January <NUM>, for ASSEMBLY HAVING A CONDUCTOR FROM FLEXIBLE MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH AN ASSEMBLY, and <CIT>.

Also light sources can be installed or integrated into the camera module to increase the visibility of surrounding objects, measure distances and directions and detect dirt, such as described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <NUM> for LIGHT EMITTING MIRROR BEZEL and <CIT>.

Different heating means, like heating coils, heating devices integrated into the lens holder or the bezel, or other heating elements can be used to impede condensation and icing at the surface of optical elements, as for example described in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT> for HEATING DEVICE FOR A CAMERA LENS.

A watertight seal against weather effects, as well as against the influence of washing processes with detergents, solvents and high pressure cleaners can be used on the housing of the camera module as described in <CIT>.

In another example, the housing can be made of a body including plastic and conductive material, wherein the conductive material is dispersed in the plastic material to form a conductive mass to allow a power source, preferably a DC voltage source, to connect via at least two electrodes to the body and heat the body accordingly, as described in <CIT>.

A conductor track can be embedded within plastic parts of the camera module as described in <CIT> and <CIT> for CONDUCTOR OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL, COMPONENT COMPRISING SUCH FLEXIBLE CONDUCTOR, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH CONDUCTOR.

The camera module can include a power harvesting system as described for example in <CIT> for SELF SUSTAINING REAR VIEW MIRROR.

A fault detection system for electric consumers as described in <CIT> for FAULT DETECTION OF ELECTRIC CONSUMERS IN MOTOR VEHICLES can be used to detect failure of the camera module.

Different types of fixings can be used to fix the camera module to the vehicle or other components, such as for example the snap-fit connection described in <CIT> for SNAP FIT CONNECTION IN A REAR VIEW MIRROR.

Different control means and analyzing devices can be used, such as the computation units described in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, filed on July <NUM>, for Recording Device for Receiving, Processing and Storing Image Files in a Vehicle and Method, and <CIT> for RECORDING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AND PROCESSING IMAGE DATA IN A VEHICLE.

In addition, HDR (high dynamical range) technology can be used according to <CIT> for REAR VIEW DEVICE FOR A MOTOR and published as <CIT>.

Claim 1:
An assembly having a head assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>') for an external rear view device configured to be attached to a motor vehicle, the assembly comprising:
a lower casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>);
an upper casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>');
an articulation assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'');
a bezel assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>) for carrying at least one rear view element (<NUM>); and
a hinge connection between the bezel assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>) and a first sub assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>") provided by at least the lower casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>), the articulation assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'') and attachment means (<NUM>, <NUM>') with the articulation assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'') being mounted on the attachment means (<NUM>, <NUM>') or the attachment means (<NUM>, <NUM>') being mounted on the articulation assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>''); and
a clip connection between the bezel assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>'', <NUM>) and the first sub assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>") to provide a second sub assembly (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the clip connection comprises a first clip element (<NUM>) of the first sub assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>") and a second clip element (<NUM>) of the bezel assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>), and the assembly comprises at least one of a snap, latch or clip connection between the bezel assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>) and the upper casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>'), between the upper casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>') and the attachment means(<NUM>, <NUM>'), and between the upper casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>') and the lower casing element (<NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>), to provide a third sub assembly (<NUM>) in form of the head assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>').