GB1564173A

GB1564173A - Vehicle mirrors

Info

Publication number: GB1564173A
Application number: GB14171/77A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: INDUSTRIE KOOT BV
Current assignee: INDUSTRIE KOOT BV
Priority date: 1976-04-09
Filing date: 1977-04-04
Publication date: 1980-04-02
Also published as: FR2347231B1; SE7704087L; IT1076139B; SE432226B; BR7702239A; DE2715575C2; FR2347231A1; DE2715575A1; CA1063850A; MX145618A

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VEHICLE MIRRORS (71) We, INDUSTRIE KOOT B.V., a Dutch body corporate of Industrieterrein De Hooge Waard, Montfoort, the Netherlands, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the followmg statement: The present invention relates to devices for adjusting motor car mirrors about two mutually perpendicular axes, adjustable motor car mirrors utilising such devices and safety housings for mounting such devices.

The present invention, whose scope is defined in the appended claims, includes a device for adjusting a vehicle mirror about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising a housing, a reversible motor mounted within said housing, two planetary transmission assemblies mounted within said housing each assembly being provided for mirror adjustment about one of said axes and having a respective drive shaft, an electromagnetically operated clutch mounted with.

in said housing and adapted to selectively couple said motor with one or other of said transmission assemblies, two mirror adjustment units each associated with a respective one of said transmission assemblies, and respective means for transmitting movement from the drive shaft of each planetary transmission assembly to its associated mirror adjustment unit.

Under adverse conditions. when mounted on a vehicle, adjustable motor car mirrors may exhibit undue vibration. It has been found that, under extreme conditions. the mirror proper may exhibit an annoying vibration of its own relative to the vehicle, caused mainly by the vortex pattern of the air flowing along the edges of the mirror into and out of the housing. It has moreover been found that these air currents may introduce dirt and dust into the adjustment mechanism, so that it is necessary for this mechanism to be provided with a separate dust cap, for example, of rubber.

The embodiments of the invention, described hereinafter each comprise a device for adjusting a motor car mirror about two mutually perpendicular axes, whereby vibrations are properly suppressed and good sealing against dust is ensured.

Motor car mirrors are often housed in housings suitable for being mounted, for example, on the door of a vehicle. These housings commonly consist of a protective cap and a mounting column. Safety rules prescribe that these protective caps must be capable of pivoting about the mounting column when a certain force is exercised on them.

The present invention also includes a safety housing suitable for mounting a mirror adjusting device as previously defined, comprising a protective cap and a mounting column, wherein the protective cap comprises two integral, substantially parallel partitions spaced apart so as to be capable of receiving an end part of the mounting column between them, there being provided clamping means, in the mounted condition, for clamping the partitions against the surface of said end part.

An embodiment described hereinafter is of a simple construction in which the protective cap cannot be misadjusted, for example, by the wind as the vehicle is in motion, whereas, when an impact force is exercised on the protective cap, the protection can move out of the notch, and the cap can pivot about the mounting column. This construction is particularly suitable when the cap consists of plastics, so that the partitions between which the top shaft portion of the column is received can be provided as the cap is formed.

In order that the invention may be well understood some embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a longitudinal cross-section of a vehicle mirror adjusting device taken along the line I-I of Figure 2, with a mirror mounting plate mounted obliquely on the device; Figure 2 shows the device viewed from the underside; Figure 3 is a cross-section taken along the line III-III of Figure 2, with the mirror in a position different to that shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 is a cross-section taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a cross-section similar to Figure 1, on an enlarged scale, with the mirror in the upright position; Figure 6 shows a planetary transmission assembly as employed in the device; Figures 7-12 show alternative embodiments for the activation of the mirror adjustment units, Figures 7, 9 and 11 corresponding to Figure 3, and Figures 8, 10 and 12 to Figure 4; Figure 13 is a front elevational view of the mirror adjusting device on an enlarged scale, and on which an adjustable motor car mirror is placed, with some parts being broken away; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XIV-XIV of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XV-XV of Figure 13; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XVI-XVI of Figure 13; Figure 17 is a front elevational view of a safety housing, shown in actual size, for an adjustable motor car mirror as shown in Figures 13-16; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XVIII-XVIII of Figure 17; Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XIX-XIX of Figure 17; Figure 20 is a front elevational view of a mirror adjusting device mounted in a safety housing in a second embodiment; Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XXI-XXI of Figure 20; and Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view, taken on the line XXII-XXII of Figure 20.

In Figure 1, the device is generally indicated at 1, a mirror mounting plate 2 being secured by snap connections to the crosspiece 40 of a first mirror adjustment unit 3.

projecting outside the device 1 and to a projecting part 4 of a second mirror adjustment unit 18, located at one end of the device 1. In the drawing plane, the housing 5 is divided into two members which are joined together by a number of pins 6. The housing 5 contains the reversible motor 7 and the cylindrical cover, or housing 8. in which the clutch and the planetary transmission assemblies are located. This cvlindrical housing 8 contains the clutch whichcompris- es a coil 9 to displace the magnetic core 10, as a result of which either the planetary transmission assembly 11 or the planetary transmission assembly 12 at the other side of the housing 8 is brought into operation.

Means for transmitting movement from the drive shaft of the planetary transmission assembly 11 to the mirror adjustment unit 18 are here provided by a member in the form of a crank-shaped dog 13 which is pressed onto the drive shaft or hub of the planetary transmission assembly 11 in such a manner that it can slip upon the hub. A member in the form of a crank-shaped dog 14 is likewise pressed onto the drive shaft or hub of the planetary transmission assembly 12 and can also slip upon the hub. This member provides the means for transmitting movement from the assembly 12 to adjustment unit 3. The electric power leads for the motor 7 and the coil 9 are numbered 15.

Figure 3 illustrates the manner in which the mounting plate 2 can be adjusted about the longitudinal axis of the mirror. As already indicated, the crank-shaped dog 14 is pressed onto the drive shaft or hub 16 of the planetary transmission assembly 12 so as to be able to rotate with the hub 16. The extremity of the crank engages in an aperture in the mirror adjustment unit 3 and causes the latter to pivot on the axis 36.

The upper part of the mirror adjustment unit 3 takes the form of a cross-piece 40, of which a first set of two members extending in the direction of the longitudinal adjustment axis 36 of the mirror 2 are enclosed within the housing 5 (see Figure 5), while a second set of two members 19 which are perpendicular to the adjustment axis 36 project outside the housing 5. The extremities of these members 19 are fashioned in such a manner that the mirror mounting plate 2 can be snap fitted upon them by means of corresponding recesses in the mirror mounting plate.

When the mirror has been pivoted through a certain angle, it will be restrained from further movement by the mounting plate 2 coming to rest against the housing 5.

If the shaft or hub 16 of the planetary transmission assembly 12 continues to be driven with the mirror in this position, the crank-shaped dog 14 will commence slipping on the hub 16. This slipping is also of importance when a force, for example, a blow, is delivered to the mirror mounting plate 2 which is not intended to be transferred to the planetary transmission assembly 12. The transmission can thus not be damaged by forces exerted on the mirror.

Figure 4 illustrates a similar arrangement for adjusting the mirror about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Since the second mirror adjustment unit 18 is not located in the centre of the mirror, this unit must be capable of oscillation in the vertical direction (see Figure 1). This requirement is achieved by means of the crank-shaped dog 13, which is pressed onto the drive shaft or hub 17 of the planetary transmission assembly 11, this dog 13 being horizontal in the neutral position and arranged to engage in an aperture in the mirror adjustment unit 18. When the dog 13 is rotated, the mirror adjustment unit 18 is caused to move upwards or downwards in the vertical direction, this movement being transmitted to the mirror through the projecting part 4.

This part 4 is engaged by snap fitting in a corresponding recess in the mirror mounting plate 2. As indicated in Figure 5, the part 4 can be an integral part of the mirror adjustment unit 18.

Figure 5 illustrates on an enlarged scale the construction of the cylindrical housing 8 and the parts contained within it. The cylindrical housing 8 consists of two cylindrical rings 25 and 26, while the left- and right-hand portions are occupied respectively by the sun wheel 16' of the planetary transmission assembly 12 and the sun wheel 17' of the planetary transmission assembly 11. The sun wheels 16' and 17' are able to rotate within the housing 8. This cylindrical housing also contains the clutch which comprises the coil 9 and the coil casing 24, which are retained by the rings 25 and 26 of the housing 8.

The reversible motor 7 is secured within the housing 5 by means of the centering rings 22, while the drive shaft 23 of the motor 7 is coupled to the interlocked parts 29 and 30 of the clutch shaft by a keyed connection. The clutch sleeve 28, which is pressed into the magnetic core 27, is located between the parts 29 and 30. In the drawing, this clutch sleeve 28 is shown urged to the right by the spring 31. In this position, the clutch shaft 29 is in engagement with the sun wheel 33 of the planetary transmission assembly 11. When the coil 9 is activated, the magnetic core 27 is caused to move to the left, so that the clutch shaft 30 engages the sun wheel 34 of the planetary transmis sion assembly 12. By the above means, the clutch is adapted to selectively couple the motor 7 with or other of the transmission assembly 11 or 12 and thus the mirror is either adjusted about an axis perpendicular to the drawing plane by the upward or downward movement of the mirror adjust ment unit 18, or it is adjusted about an axis lying in the drawing plane, which axis is defined as the longitudinal axis, when the sun wheel 34 is driven. Since the motor 7 can be driven reversibly, the mirror mount ing plate 2 can pivot on either axis in two directions. The unengaged sun wheel can rotate freely on the clutch shaft 29, 30.

The planetary transmission assemblies 11 and 12 are both duplicated and make it possible to achieve a gearing reduction of 3000: 1. This is arrived at in the following manner (see also Figure 6). The sun wheel 34 is in engagement with three satellites 35 which are each provided with a double set of teeth, which differ slightly, for example by one tooth, in the number of teeth they present. The set of teeth of the satellites 35 which is farthest to the right in Figure 5 is in engagement with the teeth on the interior wall of the ring 25 of the housing 8. The set of teeth of the satellites 35 which is farthest to the left in Figure 5 is in engagement with the teeth on the inside of sun wheel 16', the number of which differs slightly from the number of teeth on the interior wall of the ring 25 of the housing 8. When the sun wheel 34 is driven, and because the ring 25 is stationary, the satellites 35 will roll over the teeth on the interior wall of this ring 25.

Since these satellites 35 are also in engagement with the teeth borne by the sun wheel 16' via the second set of teeth borne by these satellites 35, the sun wheel 16' will be displaced by the angular equivalent of one tooth with respect to the ring 25 for every revolution of the satellites 35, because there is a difference of one in the number of teeth presented by the two sets of teeth of each satellite. In this manner, the substantial gearing reduction mentioned above is achieved.

The planetary transmission assembly 11 is identical to the planetary transmission assembly 12 described above.

As indicated in Figure 5, the motor car mirror, consisting of the mirror mounting plate 2 and the actual mirror 21 bonded to it by an adhesive layer 20, can be snap fitted onto those parts 4 and 19 of the mirror adjustment units 3 and 18 which project outside the device 1.

The above arrangement has the additional advantage that, in the event of the mirror adjustment device becoming defective, the mirror itself can be mounted on a new adjustment device, while, in the opposite case of the mirror becoming unserviceable, only the mirror, not the device for adjusting it, need be replaced. By arranging for all major components, such as the motor 7 and the cylindrical housing 8 with the clutch and the planetary assemblies. to be in line with each other, the volume of the device can be reduced significantly, which means that the protective casing for the device, to be mounted on motor cars, can be advantageously of smaller dimensions and therefore lighter in construction.

The Figures 7-12 illustrate alternative embodiments of the means fpr transmitting movement from the shaft of the planetary transmission assemblies to the mirror adjustment units, Figures 7, 9 and 11 corres ponding to Figure 3, and Figures 8, 10 and 12 to Figure 4.

In Figure 7, the mirror adjustment unit 3 is shown before the mirror is caused to pivot about the adjustment axis 36, which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

The upper portion of the mirror adjustment unit 3 takes the form of a mirror cross-piece 40, on the longer second set of two members 19 of which the mirror (not shown) can be mounted. Within the substantially heartshaped aperture in the mirror adjustment unit 3 is located the dog 14, which is pressed onto the protruding drive shaft or hub 16 of a planetary transmission assembly. This hub 16 is coupled to the motor drive shaft 23 by means of a keyed connection. The dog 14 bears a projecting part 41, which is received into a corresponding aperture 42 in the internal wall of the mirror adjustment unit 3.

When the hub 16 is caused to rotate, the mirror adjustment unit 3 will be pivoted about the axis 36 via the dog 14, the projecting part 41 and the walls of the aperture 42. When the mirror has reached the end of its travel, determined by stops, slip must be arranged to occur somewhere in the link hub 16 - dog 14 - mirror adjustment unit 3, for example, between the hub 16 and the dog 14. In order to ensure that this slip does not occur prematurely, for example, as a result of excessive tolerances in the connection between the hub 16 and the dog 14 or of expansion differences due to temperature changes, an elastic locking element, or a spring 44, preferably of steel, is slid over the annular portion of the dog. The modulus of elasticity of this spring 44 provides a means for accurately determining the slip between hub 16 and dog 14. The dog 14 is naturally provided with a groove at 43.

Figure 8 is turned through 90" with respect to Figure 4. The hub of the planetary transmission assembly 11 is indicated by 17. The dog 13 is pressed onto the hub 17.

The projecting part 45 of the dog 13 is received into the aperture 46 in the wall of the mirror adjustment unit 18. The projecting element 4 is snap fitted into a corresponding recess in the mirror (not shown).

The elastic locking element, or spring slid over the dog 13 is indicated by 4 Figure 9 is similar to Figure 7 however the means for transmitting movement to the mirror adjustment unit 3' are provided by a member in the form of a ring 14'. The ring 14' is provided, over a part of its circumference, with a set of teeth 49, which engage the teeth 50 on the mirror adjustment unit 3'. An elastic locking element 44' is again used.

Figure 10 represents the arrangement shown in Figure 8 with the means for transmitting movement shown in Figure 9, so that the mode of operation will require no further comment.

Figure 11 differs from Figure 9 in that the slip no longer occurs between hub 16" and ring 14", but between ring 14" and the teeth 50" on the mirror adjustment unit 3".

The ring 14", which, in this case, is provided with teeth over its entire circumference can therefore be secured on the drive shaft or hub 16" of a planetary transmission assembly. The "legs" of the mirror adjustment unit 3" must be of flexible material, so that the ring 14" is able to urge the teeth 50" outwards, i.e. downwards in the plane of the drawing, as soon as the mirror adjustment unit 3" has reached its end position, that is to say, once the mirror mounted on the unit 3" is restrained from further movement by its stops. In this situation, the teeth of the ring 14" slip over the teeth 50".

This also happens in the arrangement shown in Figure 12. The mirror adjustment unit 18" here has an "open" form, consisting principally of a rack 51" which, shaped as shown, is readily urged outwards out of engagement with the teeth on the ring 13".

Referring in particular to Figures 13-16, reference numeral 101 designates a part of an adjustable vehicle mirror, consisting of a mirror mounting plate 102, to which a mirror 103 is secured, for example, by means of a suitable adhesive. Subassembly 101 is mounted on an adjusting device 104 for it to be adjustable about two mutually perpendicular axes. The adjusting device 104 consists essentially of a housing member, or frame 105 mounting a reversible motor 106, journalled in frame 105 at bearings 107 and 108. Frame 105 furthermore mounts a drive mechanism 107, consisting essentially of a cover, or cylindrical housing mounting an electromagnetically operable clutch and two planetary transmission assemblies. This drive mechanism is identical to that described above with reference to Figure 1-6. Frame 105, together with a further housing member, or dust cap 110, forms a housing for motor 106 and drive mechanism 109, dust cap 110 being provided with a plurality of ridges extending substantially vertically relative to the bottom of cap 110, for supporting elements 106 and 109. In order that parts 105 and 110 may be correctly positioned relative to each other, cap 110 is provided with a plurality of pilot pins 111 which can be inserted in correspondingly formed recesses at the underside of frame 105. Frame 105 is further provided at the corners with mounting apertures 112. which in the mounted condition come to lie in juxtaposition with raised faces 113 of cap 110. Naturally, faces 113 are likewise provided with through-holes in alignment with apertures 112 in frame 105.

The apertures 112 are for securing the device in a protective cap for mounting on a vehicle.

Interposed between motor 106 and drive mechanism 109 is a first mirror adjustment unit 114 for adjusting the mirror about a longitudinal axis through the heartline of a pin 122 with which the first mirror adjustment unit 114 is secured in frame 105. A second mirror adjustment unit 115 is provided at the other end of drive mechanism 109 for adjusting mirror 101 about an axis perpendicular to the axial direction of pin 122 and moreover perpendicular to the plane of drawing in Figure 14. Mirror adjustment units 114 and 115 are driven by means of gears 116 and 117 each mounted on the output shaft of an associated planetary transmission assembly forming part of drive mechanism 109. In Figure 13, reference numerals 118 and 119 designate voltage supply leads for motor 106, while leads for the coil of drive mechanism 109 are designated by 120 and 121.

It is best shown in Figure 15 how mirror 101 can be pivoted about an axis through pin 122 by means of the first mirror adjustment unit 114. To this effect, the first mirror adjustment unit 114 consists essentially of a rocker element 123 having a toothed portion 124 at its bottom, which is in engagement with gear 116 driven by the drive shaft of a planetary transmission assembly. Rocker 123 is on opposite sides provided with a trunnion 125 received, through a snap connection, in a recess 128 of an inwardly extending projection 127 provided on the inside of adjusting ring 126. Adjusting ring 126 has a spherically rounded outer surface 134 which during the pivoting movements of the mirror continues to be in contact with, and slides over, a sealing rim 139 of a raised edge 133 of dust cap 110. This raised edge 133 is of cylindrical construction, so that sealing rim 139 is continuously in contact with the spherical surface 134 of adjusting ring 126. It will be clear that dust cap 110 and hence edge 133 will preferably be made of the same plastics material as is adjusting ring 126 to ensure that, irrespective of the ambient temperature to which motor car mirrors are subjected, edge 133 and ring 126 remain properly in contact with each other.

Therefore, the co-efficients of expansion of parts 126 and 133 must be equal.

The tilting movement of mirror 101 about its other axis of adjustment is effected by means of the second mirror adjustment unit 115 which (see Figure 16) comprises a toothed portion 130 which is in engagement with gear 117 driven by the drive shaft of the second planetary transmission assembly.

The driving member 132 of the second mirror adjustment unit 115 is received via a snap connection in projection 129, which like projections 127 is arranged on the inside of adjusting ring 126. The second mirror adjustment unit 115 is biased against gear 117 by means of an arm 131, which forms part of frame 105 (see Figure 13). Gear transmissions 116-124 and 117-130 are of such construction that in the case of overload, for instance a shock load on mirror 101, the connection can be broken. Rocker 123 of the first mirror adjustment unit 114 must therefore be formed of such resilient material that in the case of overload teeth 124 can slide over gear 116. The same applies to the second mirror adjustment unit 115.

Mirror adjusting ring 126 is provided on the outside with a stepped outwardly projecting peripheral flange 135. Mirror mounting plate 102 has a corresponding flange, which therefore accurately fits in and on flange 135. Flange 135 is provided at a number of positions (see Figure 13) with recesses 137, at which positions projections 138 of flange 136 of plate 102 can engage under flange 135 of ring 126. Mirror 101 can therefore be readily pressed on to adjusting mechanism 104 so that plate 102 is properly in contact with ring 126 throughout its circumference.

Figures 17-19 show a safety housing for receiving an adjustable motor car mirror with and adjusting device as shown in Figures 13-16. The housing consists essentially of a protective cap 140 and a mounting column 142. Column 142 is provided with a domed mounting plate 143, adapted to the shape of the vehicle to which the column is secured by means of pins 144. The vertical shank 145 of column 142 has an end part 146 of reduced diameter, which can be inserted through fitting holes in cap 140. To this effect cap 140 is provided with a raised face 149 having a throughbore 148 fitting end part 146 of column 142. The extremity 152 of shank 145 is received in a bearing 150 formed within cap 140 with an aperture 151 adapted to the diameter of extremity 152 of the shank. A locking pin 147 prevents the cap from sliding along shank 145, 146, 152.

Arranged in cap 140 are four fastening pins spaced such a distance from each other that fastening apertures 112 of frame 105 can be slid on to these pins 141, and frame 105 subsequently fastened with nuts.

The particular feature of the safety housing shown in Figures 17-19 is that it has been achieved by simple means that when cap 140 is subjected to a heavy impact load it can pivot around end part 146. To this effect partitions 155 and 156 are arranged within cap 140, spaced apart so as to fitting receive end part 146 between them. Cap 140 consists of a suitable plastics material, so that partitions 155 and 156 can easily be formed integrally therewith. The end part 146 of the mounting column has an axial notch 153, while partition 155 is provided with a projection 154 fitting notch 153. Partitions 155 and 156 are pressed against end part 146 by means of a resilient metal clip 157.

Owing to the fact that projection 154 is held in notch 153 under pressure, the cap is capable of taking up light impact forces without being turned relatively to column 142. In the case of heavier impact forces, for example, when cap 140 is struck by a bicycle or other vehicle, projection 154 will become dislodged from notch 153, and cap 140 can pivot relatively to column 142.

Figures 20-22 show a safety housing corresponding to Figures 17-19, in which housing a mirror adjusting device according to Figures 13-16 is mounted. Cap 160 of the safety housing is formed slightly differently from cap 140 of Figures 17-19. In this embodiment, plurality of support ridges 161 are integrally formed in the bottom of the cap, which are of the same shape as those arranged in the dust cip shown in Figure 14.

On these support ridges 161, motor 106 and the drive mechanism 109 of the adjusting mechanism 104 come to rest, while frame 105 is secured on pins 141 in cap 160. At the rear of cap 160 is formed an integral cylindrical raised edge 162 to connect sealingly, similar to edge 133 of dust cap 110, with the outer surface of adjusting ring 126.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A device for adjusting a vehicle mirror about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising a housing, a reversible motor mounted within said housing, two planetary transmission assemblies mounted within said housing each assembly being provided for mirror adjustment about one of said axes and having a respective drive shaft, an electromagnetically operated clutch mounted within said housing and adapted to selectively couple said motor with one or other of said transmission assemblies, two mirror adjustment units each associated with a respective one of said transmission assemblies, and respective means for transmitting movement from the drive shaft of each planetary transmission assembly to its associated mirror adjustment unit.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each means for transmitting movement comprises a member in the form of a dog mounted on the drive shaft of the respective planetary transmission assembly by means of a slip coupling.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2.

wherein the mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the mirror about the longitudinal axis is located in the housing between the motor and a unit comprising the clutch and planetary transmission assemblies. this mirror adjustment unit having a substantially heart-shaped aperture inside which the dog engages the lower part of the mirror adjustment unit.

4. A device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the mirror about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is located in the housing at the side of said unit remote from the motor, this mirror adjustment unit having an aperture inside which the dog engages the mirror adjustment unit.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or each means for transmitting movement comprises a member in the form of a ring mounted on the drive shaft of the respective transmission assembly, the ring being provided with teeth over a part of its circumference, the teeth being adapted to engage with other teeth on the respective mirror adjustment unit.

6. A device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the member of the or each means for transmitting movement is provided, over a part of the periphery of the member, with an elastic locking element to limit the minimum slip between the drive shaft of the planetary transmission assembly and the member mounted thereon.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ring is provided with further teeth such that it has teeth over its entire circumference while at least part of the respective mirror adjustment unit is made of flexible material such that the teeth of the ring can pass over the other teeth on the mirror adjustment unit when a mirror on the device is restrained from further movement, in use.

8. A device as claimed in any one o

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. mounting column has an axial notch 153, while partition 155 is provided with a projection 154 fitting notch 153. Partitions 155 and 156 are pressed against end part 146 by means of a resilient metal clip 157. Owing to the fact that projection 154 is held in notch 153 under pressure, the cap is capable of taking up light impact forces without being turned relatively to column 142. In the case of heavier impact forces, for example, when cap 140 is struck by a bicycle or other vehicle, projection 154 will become dislodged from notch 153, and cap 140 can pivot relatively to column 142. Figures 20-22 show a safety housing corresponding to Figures 17-19, in which housing a mirror adjusting device according to Figures 13-16 is mounted. Cap 160 of the safety housing is formed slightly differently from cap 140 of Figures 17-19. In this embodiment, plurality of support ridges 161 are integrally formed in the bottom of the cap, which are of the same shape as those arranged in the dust cip shown in Figure 14. On these support ridges 161, motor 106 and the drive mechanism 109 of the adjusting mechanism 104 come to rest, while frame 105 is secured on pins 141 in cap 160. At the rear of cap 160 is formed an integral cylindrical raised edge 162 to connect sealingly, similar to edge 133 of dust cap 110, with the outer surface of adjusting ring 126. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A device for adjusting a vehicle mirror about two mutually perpendicular axes, comprising a housing, a reversible motor mounted within said housing, two planetary transmission assemblies mounted within said housing each assembly being provided for mirror adjustment about one of said axes and having a respective drive shaft, an electromagnetically operated clutch mounted within said housing and adapted to selectively couple said motor with one or other of said transmission assemblies, two mirror adjustment units each associated with a respective one of said transmission assemblies, and respective means for transmitting movement from the drive shaft of each planetary transmission assembly to its associated mirror adjustment unit.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axes of the motor, the clutch and the planetary transmission assemblies are in line with each other.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clutch is mounted between the planetary transmission assemblies in a cylindrical cover within the housing.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the mirror about the longitudinal axis includes a cross piece having a first set of two members extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis enclosed within the housing and a second set of two members with parts projecting outside the housing.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mirror adjustment unit for adjusting the mirror about the axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis includes an extension having a part which projects outside the housing.

12. A device as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the or each part of the or each mirror adjustment unit which projects out

side the housing has a rounded form such that it may be located by snap fitting into a corresponding recess in a mirror mounting plate, in use.

13. An adjustable motor car mirror comprising a device as claimed in claim 12 and a mirror mounting plate having a mirror on one side and recesses on the other side for locating parts of the mirror adjustment units which project outside the housing.

14. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mirror adjustment units engage a tiltable adjusting ring which in any position is in sealing contact with a raised edge of the housing.

15. A device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the adjusting ring has a spherically rounded outer surface which during the tilting movements of the adjusting ring remains in contact with, and slides over, the raised edge of the housing.

16. A device as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the adjusting ring is provided with at least two inwardly extending projections located adjacent to the circumference of the adjusting ring, said projections being angularly spaced apart a distance of substantially 90" and having recesses capable of receiving driving members of the mirror adjustment units by means of a snap connection.

17. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the adjusting ring is provided with an outwardly projecting flange, on which a motor car mirror can be mounted.

18. A device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the housing is constructed from two members, with the boundary face between the two members of the housing extending parallel to both the axes of adjustment, the members of the housing in mounted condition forming the bearings for the motor, transmission assemblies and clutch, the housing being provided with apertures for securing the device in a protective cap suitable for being mounted on a vehicle.

19. A safety housing suitable for mounting a device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, comprising a protective cap and a mounting column, wherein the protective cap comprises two integral, substantially parallel partitions spaced apart so as to be capable of receiving an end part of the mounting column between them, there being provided clamping means, in the mounted copdition, for clamping the partitions against the surface of said end part.

20. A safety housing as claimed in claim 19, wherein the end part of the mounting column is provided with an axial notch, while one of the partitions has a correspondingly shaped projection, which is pressed into the notch by a resilient metal clip.

21. A safety housing as claimed in claim 19 or 20 wherein the protective cap is formed so that it can also function as part of the housing for the adjusting device, said cap being formed with a plurality of integral support ridges, as well as with an integral cylindrical raised edge, which is in sealing contact with the adjusting ring of the adjusting mechanism.

22. An adjustable motor car mirror, comprising a safety housing as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, mounting a mirror adjusting device as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18.

23. Any of the devices for adjusting a motor car mirror about two mutually perpendicular axes substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.