Patent Description:
The present disclosure is additionally directed to a vehicle comprising a structural component and a rearview mirror assembly.

In addition to a rearview mirror assembly, a modern vehicle may also comprise a camera unit configured to provide images of the vehicle's environment.

Such a camera unit may be provided separate from the rearview mirror assembly. Alternatively, the camera unit and the rearview mirror assembly may be provided in an integrated manner.

<CIT> discloses a rearview device for a motor vehicle with a moveable head assembly and a method of assembling same. <CIT> relates to an exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle. <CIT> discloses an exterior rearview mirror with built-in camera for a vehicle. <CIT> shows a vehicle modular side view mirror assembly.

It is an objective of the present disclosure to improve rearview mirror assemblies having an integrated camera.

According to a first aspect, there is provided a rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle. The rearview mirror assembly comprises a base part having a mounting interface for rigidly attaching the base part to a structural component of the vehicle. Moreover, the rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror part carrying a reflective surface. Additionally, the rearview mirror assembly comprises a housing part covering at least a part of one side of the mirror part. The mirror part is rigidly attached to the housing part. The housing part is movably coupled to the base part, such that an orientation of the mirror part is adjustable. Furthermore, a camera unit is attached to the base part. It is understood that the reflective SE:TOP surface of the mirror part provides the actual mirror functionality. Furthermore, due to the fact that the mirror part is rigidly attached to the housing part, the housing part and the mirror part are moved together with respect to the base part in order to adjust the mirror part's orientation to an eye position of a user of the rearview mirror assembly, e.g. a driver of the vehicle to which the rearview mirror assembly is attached. Beyond that, the fact that the housing part is movably coupled to the base part offers the possibility to selectively move the housing part and the mirror part from an operational position in which the reflective surface of the mirror part can be used, into a retracted position and vice versa. The retracted position can also be called a folded-away position. If the mirror assembly is attached to a vehicle, it is not possible to use the reflective surface in the retracted position. However, in this position the housing part sticks out substantially less from the structural component of the vehicle than in the operational position. Moreover, the fact that the housing part is movably coupled to the base part allows the housing part and the mirror part to move with respect to the base part in case of a mechanical impact, i.e. if the housing part or the mirror part collides with an object outside the vehicle. Thus, the housing part and the mirror part can move out of the way in case of such a collision such that damage on the housing part or the mirror part is prevented or at least reduced in its intensity. Since the camera unit is attached to the base part, the camera unit does not move if the housing part and the mirror part are moved. Rather, the camera unit stays in a fixed position. This has the effect that a field of view of the camera unit does not move if the housing part and the mirror part are moved. In other words, the field of view stays in the desired position and orientation such that the camera unit can be used to capture images in a reliable manner and independent from a position or orientation of the housing part and the mirror part. The fact that the camera unit does not move has the further advantage that a camera unit with a comparatively small field of view is sufficient for capturing images of a predefined area in a reliable manner. Again, this is independent from the orientation and position of the housing part. Moreover, even if the housing part is moving, post-treatment of the captured images can be avoided and/or reduced to a minimum. Compared to arrangements comprising a camera unit being separate from a rearview mirror assembly, the rearview mirror assembly of the present disclosure has the advantage that it reduces complexity. Moreover, having the camera unit integrated into the rearview mirror assembly reduces aerodynamic drag and noise resulting therefrom.

According to the invention, the camera unit is attached to the base part via a camera support part. Consequently, the camera unit can be located at a desired position within the rearview mirror assembly by using an appropriate camera support part. Moreover, using the camera support part, the camera unit is reliably supported inside the rearview mirror assembly. It is noted that the camera unit is always rigidly attached to the camera support part.

According to the invention, the rearview mirror assembly further comprises an actuator unit for moving the housing part with respect to the base part. The camera support part extends through the actuator unit. The actuator unit may be configured to at least rotate the housing part around two different axes of rotation with respect to the base part. It is noted that the mirror part is rigidly attached to the housing part. Consequently, using the actuator unit, the mirror part can be adjusted to an eye position of a user of the rearview mirror assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator unit can be used for moving the housing part and the mirror part from a storage position into an operational position or vice versa. If attached to a vehicle, the reflective surface of the mirror part may be used in the operational position and the housing part is folded away in the stored position. The fact that the camera support part extends through the actuator unit offers the possibility to arrange the camera unit at a different side of the actuator unit as compared to the base part. At the same time, a configuration in which the camera support part extends through the actuator unit is compact.

The basic idea underlying the present disclosure can, thus, be summarized in that the camera unit is arranged in a fixed position inside the rearview mirror assembly, wherein the housing part and the mirror part of the mirror assembly are able to move around the camera unit while the camera unit is standing still.

In an example, the camera support part comprises a cable channel. Thus, power cables and/or signal cables being connected to the camera unit can be guided through the cable channel. This facilitates mounting of the cables and renders the structure of the rearview mirror assembly simple. Since the camera unit, the camera support part and the base part do not move during operation, cables extending through the cable channel also do not move. This enhances the reliability of a cabled connection.

In an example, the camera support part is tube-shaped, bar-shaped or rod-shaped. In other words, the camera support part is an elongated support member. The camera support part can also have a predefined cross-sectional profile. Such a camera support part consumes relatively little space and can, at the same time, reliably support the camera unit within the rearview mirror assembly.

In an example in which the camera support part is tube-shaped and at the same time comprises a cable channel, the inner channel formed by the tube-shape can be used as the cable channel.

In an example, the camera support part extends coaxially through the actuator unit. This configuration is particularly space-saving.

In an example, the camera support part is resiliently supported on the base part. Thus, using the resilience, the camera unit can be moved out of the way when being mechanically impacted during operation. This helps to reduce the effects that such an impact may have on the camera unit. Ideally, the camera unit is not damaged following such an impact.

An example of an impact is a so-called frontal impact. A frontal impact may occur in a situation in which the rearview mirror assembly is attached to a vehicle and the rearview mirror assembly collides with an object exterior to the vehicle, wherein the object is located in front of the rearview mirror assembly. In this context, the front is determined with respect to a standard forward driving direction of the vehicle.

Another example of an impact is a so-called rear impact. A rear impact may occur in a situation in which the rearview mirror assembly is attached to a vehicle and the rearview mirror assembly collides with an object exterior to the vehicle, wherein the object is located in the rear of the rearview mirror assembly. In this context, the rear is determined with respect to a standard forward driving direction of the vehicle.

In an example, the camera support part is supported on the base part via a spring or an elastomeric element. The spring or the elastomeric element offer resilient properties. The spring is for example a coil spring or a leaf spring. The elastomeric element is for example made from a polymer material. Altogether, the spring and the elastomeric element offer a simple and reliable way to resiliently support the camera support part on the base part.

In an example, the camera support part has one rotational degree of freedom with respect to the base part and is otherwise rigidly connected to the base part. This means that the camera support part can only rotate with respect to the base part. In this context, the rotation may only be possible if a spring or an elastomeric element is elastically deformed at the same time. The rotational degree of freedom may correspond to a desired retraction movement that is intended for the camera unit in case of the most common impacts that may occur if the rearview mirror assembly is attached to a vehicle. The present example offers a good compromise between a stable attachment of the camera unit and the ability to react to a mechanical impact by moving out of the way.

In an example, an axis of the rotational degree of freedom extends in parallel to a longitudinal extension of the camera support part. In other words, the camera support part may rotate around an axis corresponding to its longitudinal extension. This configuration is structurally simple and compact.

In an example, the camera unit is rigidly attached to the base part. Thus, as has been mentioned above, the field of view of the camera stays the same independent from a position of the housing part and the mirror part. This configuration is structurally very simple.

In an example, a field of view of the camera unit extends through the mirror part and the mirror part is at least partially transparent. This means that, in a first alternative, the mirror part is transparent in the area where the field of view extends through the mirror part. Thus, in this area the reflective surface is interrupted. In a second alternative, the mirror part is semi-transparent in the area where the field of view extends through the mirror part. Thus, in the second alternative, the reflective surface of the mirror part also may extend in the area where the field of view extends through the mirror part. This configuration allows the camera unit to be located on an opposite side of the mirror part with respect to the object to be detected by the camera unit. This configuration is relatively compact. At the same time, the mirror part serves as a protection for the camera unit. In a mounted condition of the rearview mirror assembly, the field of view extending through the mirror part may be oriented in a rearward direction of the vehicle. In other words, the camera unit is configured to face rearwards.

In an example, a field of view of the camera unit extends through the housing part and the housing part is at least partially transparent. The housing part may for example have a transparent portion. This configuration allows the camera unit to be located on an opposite side of the housing part with respect to the object to be detected by the camera unit. This configuration is relatively compact. At the same time, the housing part serves as a protection for the camera unit. In a mounted condition of the rearview mirror assembly, the field of view extending through the housing part may be oriented in a forward direction of the vehicle. In other words, the camera unit is configured to face forward.

It is noted that, of course, the above-mentioned examples of a field of view extending through the mirror part and a field of view extending through the housing part may be combined. In this context, two camera units may be used which are both attached to the base part, be it via a camera support part or not. The field of view extending through the mirror part may then for example be called a first field of view and the field of view extending through the housing part may for example be called a second field of view.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising a structural component and a rearview mirror assembly of the present disclosure. The rearview mirror assembly is rigidly attached to the structural component of the vehicle. Consequently, the camera unit does not move with respect to the structural component of the vehicle. A field of view of the camera unit, thus, has a fixed spatial relation to the structural component of the vehicle and the vehicle in its entirety. All the effects and advantages that have already been mentioned in connection with the rearview mirror assembly also apply to a vehicle being equipped with such a review mirror assembly.

In an example, a field of view of the camera unit extends backwards with respect to a standard forward driving direction of the vehicle. Consequently, the camera unit can be used to detect objects in the environment of the vehicle which are located behind the rearview mirror assembly when considering a standard for driving direction of the vehicle.

In an example, a field of view of the camera unit extends forward with respect to a standard forward driving direction of the vehicle. Consequently, the camera unit can be used to detect objects in the environment of the vehicle which are located in front of the rearview mirror assembly when considering a standard for driving direction of the vehicle.

Of course, the two above-mentioned examples may also be combined. This means that a field of view extending forward and a field of view extending rearwards are provided in combination. In this context, the field of view extending forward may be called a first field of you and the field of view extending rearwards may be called a second field of view.

<FIG> shows a vehicle <NUM> having a vehicle body <NUM>.

The vehicle body <NUM> comprises a left the door <NUM> and a right door <NUM>.

The vehicle body <NUM> and, thus, also the left door <NUM> and the right door <NUM> form a structural component <NUM> of the vehicle.

Both on the left door <NUM> and on the right door <NUM>, there is provided a rearview mirror assembly <NUM>. The rearview mirror assembly <NUM> is rigidly attached to the respective left door <NUM> or right door <NUM>, i.e. to a structural component <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

The rearview mirror assembly <NUM> which is mounted to the left door <NUM> is shown in more detail in <FIG>, wherein in each of the <FIG>, the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> is shown from different perspectives. It is noted that all explanations provided in respect of the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> mounted to the left door <NUM> also apply to the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> mounted to the right door <NUM>.

The review mirror assembly <NUM> comprises a base part <NUM>.

The base part <NUM> comprises a mounting interface <NUM> and is rigidly attached to the left door <NUM> using the mounting interface <NUM>. Consequently, the base part <NUM> is rigidly attached to a structural component <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. Thus, the base part <NUM> cannot move with respect to the left door <NUM>.

The rearview mirror assembly <NUM> also comprises a mirror part <NUM>.

In the present example, the mirror parts <NUM> is essentially plate-shaped. One side of the mirror part <NUM> has a reflective surface <NUM> which provides the actual mirror functionality. In <FIG>, the mirror part <NUM> is represented in a transparent manner. However, it is understood that in reality, this is not the case in the perspective as shown in <FIG>.

Furthermore, the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> comprises a housing part <NUM>.

The housing part <NUM> has the shape of a half-shell or cup in the present example.

An opening of the half-shell or cup is formed such that the mirror part <NUM> can be received in this opening.

This means that the shape of a cross section of this opening corresponds to the form of the mirror part <NUM>.

The mirror part <NUM> is rigidly attached to the housing part <NUM> using fixation means <NUM>.

In this configuration, the housing part <NUM> covers a backside of the mirror part <NUM>. The backside is arranged opposite the reflective surface <NUM>. In the present example, the housing part <NUM> covers the backside of the mirror part <NUM> in its entirety.

Moreover, the mirror part <NUM> and the housing part <NUM> form a volume which is enclosed by the mirror part <NUM> and the housing part <NUM>.

The rearview mirror assembly <NUM> also comprises an actuator unit <NUM>.

The actuator unit <NUM> connects the base part <NUM> and the housing part <NUM>.

Moreover, the actuator unit <NUM> is configured to rotate the housing part <NUM> and the mirror part <NUM> being rigidly attached thereto with respect to the base part <NUM> around a first axis A1. In a condition in which the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, the first axis A1 extend substantially vertical.

Additionally, the actuator unit <NUM> is configured to rotate the housing part <NUM> and the mirror part <NUM> being rigidly attached thereto with respect to the base part <NUM> around a second axis A2. In a condition in which the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> is mounted on the vehicle <NUM>, the second axis A2 extend substantially horizontal.

Thus, using the actuator unit <NUM> and its ability to rotate the mirror part <NUM> around the first axis A1 and around the second axis A2, the orientation of the mirror part <NUM> can be adjusted to a specific eye position of a driver of the vehicle <NUM>.

Altogether, the housing part <NUM> is movably coupled to the base part <NUM>.

The rearview mirror assembly <NUM> additionally comprises a camera unit <NUM> which is attached to the base part <NUM> via a camera support part <NUM> and a spring <NUM>.

The camera support part <NUM> has a first end 36a to which a support plate <NUM> is rigidly attached.

The camera unit <NUM> is rigidly attached to the support plate <NUM>.

A second end 36b of the camera support part <NUM> is received in the interior of the base part <NUM>. To this end, the camera support part <NUM> extends through an opening <NUM> of the camera support part <NUM>.

In the present example, the camera support part <NUM> is tube-shaped.

Moreover, an outer diameter of the tube-shaped camera support part <NUM> substantially corresponds to a diameter of the opening <NUM>.

Inside the base part <NUM>, the second end 36b of the camera support part <NUM> is connected to the base part <NUM> using a mounting ring <NUM>.

The mounting ring <NUM> only allows the camera support part <NUM> to rotate around an axis corresponding to its longitudinal extension with respect to the base part <NUM>.

This means that the camera support part <NUM> has one rotational degree of freedom with respect to the base part <NUM>. Otherwise, the camera support part <NUM> is rigidly connected to the base part <NUM>.

In the present example, the longitudinal extension of the camera support part <NUM> corresponds to the first axis A1.

The spring <NUM> is formed as a coil spring which is wound around an end section of the camera support part <NUM> which is located adjacent to the second end 36b. A first end 38a of the spring <NUM> is rigidly attached to the base part <NUM>. A second end 38b of the spring <NUM> is rigidly attached to the camera support part <NUM>.

Consequently, the spring <NUM> needs to be deformed if the camera support part <NUM> is to be rotated with respect to the base part <NUM>. More generally speaking, the camera support part <NUM> is resiliently supported on the base part <NUM>.

Furthermore, a middle portion of the camera support part <NUM> extends through a channel <NUM> of the actuator unit <NUM>. In other words, the actuator unit <NUM> extends around the camera support part <NUM>. The camera support part <NUM> and the actuator unit <NUM> are drivingly independent. This means that the actuator unit <NUM> can move while the camera support part <NUM> is standing still.

In the present example, both the camera support part <NUM> and the base part <NUM> are hollow. The hollow interior of these two components forms a cable channel <NUM> which can be used for guiding cables to be connected to the camera unit <NUM>.

In the present example, a field of view V1 of the camera unit <NUM> extends through the mirror part <NUM> (cf. <FIG> and <FIG>). In the area where the field of view V1 of the camera unit <NUM> extends through the mirror part <NUM>, the mirror part <NUM> is semi-transparent. This means that seen from direction II in <FIG>, the mirror part <NUM> acts as a mirror. Seen in a direction opposite to the direction II in <FIG>, the mirror part <NUM> is transparent. Consequently, the mirror part <NUM> does not obstruct the field of view V1 of the camera unit <NUM>.

With respect to the vehicle <NUM>, the field of view V1 extends backwards with respect to a standard forward driving direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

Optionally, a supplementary camera unit <NUM> may be rigidly attached to the support plate <NUM>. Due to the fact that the supplementary camera unit <NUM> is optional, it is represented in dashed lines in <FIG> and <FIG> only.

A field of view V2 of the supplementary camera unit <NUM> extends through the housing part <NUM>. In the area where the field of view V2 of the supplementary camera unit <NUM> extends through the housing part <NUM>, the housing part <NUM> is transparent. The housing part <NUM> may for example comprise a transparent window in this area. This means that the supplementary camera unit <NUM> can see through the housing part <NUM>.

With respect to the vehicle <NUM>, the field of view V2 extends forward with respect to a standard driving direction of the vehicle <NUM>.

It is noted that in a further alternative, only the supplementary camera unit <NUM> may be provided. This means that the supplementary camera unit <NUM> replaces the camera unit <NUM>. During use, the actuator unit <NUM> can move the housing part <NUM> and the mirror part <NUM> with respect to the base part <NUM> such that an orientation of the mirror part <NUM> with respect to a driver can be adjusted. When doing so, the camera unit <NUM>, the optional supplementary camera unit <NUM> and the camera support part <NUM> are standing still.

The same is true if, using the actuator unit <NUM>, the housing part <NUM> and the mirror part <NUM> are moved from an operational position as represented in <FIG>, wherein the housing part <NUM> and the mirror part <NUM> stick out from the vehicle <NUM>, into a storage position wherein the housing part <NUM> and the mirror part <NUM> are folded towards the respective left door <NUM> or right door <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The same applies in the opposite direction. The camera unit <NUM> and the optional supplementary camera unit <NUM> also stand still if this kind of movement is performed.

In a case in which the rearview mirror assembly <NUM> is subject to a mechanical impact from the rear, the fact that the mirror part <NUM> and the housing part <NUM> a movable with respect to the base part <NUM> may lead to a situation in which the mirror part <NUM> contacts the camera unit <NUM>. This may best be derived from <FIG>.

In such a situation, the resilient support of the camera support part <NUM> on the base part <NUM> is used. This means that in such a case, the camera unit <NUM> together with the support plate <NUM> and the camera support part <NUM> may rotate clockwise with respect to the base part <NUM>. This protects the camera unit <NUM> from being damaged due to such an impact.

It is noted that as an alternative to the example as described above, the camera unit <NUM> may as well be rigidly attached to the base part <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A rearview mirror assembly (<NUM>) for a vehicle (<NUM>), comprising a base part (<NUM>) having a mounting interface (<NUM>) for rigidly attaching the base part (<NUM>) to a structural component (<NUM>) of the vehicle (<NUM>),
a mirror part (<NUM>) carrying a reflective surface (<NUM>),
a housing part (<NUM>) covering at least a part of one side of the mirror part (<NUM>), and
an actuator unit (<NUM>) for moving the housing part (<NUM>) with respect to the base part (<NUM>), wherein the mirror part (<NUM>) is rigidly attached to the housing part (<NUM>),
wherein the housing part (<NUM>) is movably coupled to the base part (<NUM>), such that an orientation of the mirror part (<NUM>) is adjustable,
wherein a camera unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) is attached to the base part (<NUM>) via a camera support part (<NUM>), and
wherein the camera support part (<NUM>) extends through the actuator unit (<NUM>).