The invention relates to an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device of a motor vehicle, especially a mirror adjustment mechanism for a wing mirror device, comprising a base frame and a rear view element support for supporting a rear view element, especially a mirror element such as a mirror glass, wherein the rear view element support is pivotable connected to the base frame by means of a hinge construction in order to pivot at least about a first pivot axis, and preferably about two pivot axes.

The base frame can be attached to a motor vehicle, e.g. by fixedly attaching said base frame to a housing, especially a mirror housing, that for instance may be pivotally connected to a support arm that may be fixedly connected to a bodywork of the motor vehicle. The housing may then be pivotable between a folded-out position in which the housing extends substantially in a direction away from the body of the motor vehicle, and a folded-in position in which the housing projects less far and extends in a substantially rearward direction more alongside the body of the motor vehicle.

The adjustment mechanism may be used to adjust an angular position of a rear view device, e.g. a mirror glass, with respect to said base frame. It is noted that the angular or rotational position of the rear view device may be adjusted in order to facilitate personal preferences of a user. For example, the rear view element support, which can carry a mirror glass, may be tilted about a substantially horizontal axis if a driver of the vehicle is relatively long or short and his eyes are located relatively high or relatively low with respect to the mirror glass. Additionally or alternatively, the rear view element support can be tilted about a substantially vertical axis in case the driver is located relatively far forward or rearward in the vehicle. There are known adjustment mechanism which have a so-called memory function, e.g. in order to store the personal preferences of at least one user, and preferably of multiple users. Such adjustment mechanisms are usually provided with one or more potentiometers to generate an electrical signal for indicating a pivoting angel between the base frame and the rear view element support with respect to a rotation about a respective pivot axis. With the aid of such electrical signal, a controller or so-called control unit can thus verify a current pivoting angel and/or rotational position of the rear view element support, and/or can bring the rear view element support to a predefined rotational position, e.g. a rotational position corresponding with position information that can be stored in a memory unit. However, such adjustment mechanism having a so-called memory function are relatively expensive, for instance at least partly due to the potentiometers that often are formed as dedicated components specially designed and fabricated for such adjustment mechanism.

For example, an adjustment mechanism is known that has a dedicated potentiometer comprising a base portion securely attached to the base frame, and a slide resistor securely attached to said base portion. The dedicated potentiometer of said known adjustment mechanism further comprises an input gear rotationally coupled to said base portion, and a slider connected to said input gear by means of a slip clutch having a slipping moment being greater than the moment of friction between the slide resistor and the slider. In this dedicated potentiometer, the base portion of the potentiometer is provided with a stop and the slider is provided with a corresponding counter-stop. During assembly of the dedicated potentiometer, the input gear provided with the shder is mounted to the base portion provided with the slide resistor. The rotational position of the slider with respect to the slide resistor is then not yet known. In order to calibrate the potentiometer, the input gear is subsequently rotated with respect to the base portion to such extent that it is certain that the stop and the counter-stop have been engaged, e.g. by rotating the input gear at least over 360°. Since the slider then is in a known rotational position, especially an end position, one knows, after stopping rotating the input gear, that the current rotational position of the input gear corresponds to said known rotational position of the slider. Hence, the dedicated potentiometer is calibrated.

Although the calibration of said known dedicated potentiometer may be relatively easy and convenient, using a dedicated potentiometer is not as cost efficient as using a more standard potentiometer, e.g. being a purchased component or a standard part.

Nevertheless, even if a relatively standard potentiometer, especially a standard purchased component, is used, an adjustment mechanism having a so-called memory function is still relatively expensive with respect to a similar adjustment mechanism not having such a so-called memory function which therefore can be free of any potentiometers at all.

In order to be able to supply both relatively cheap adjustment mechanisms for low end motor vehicles or economy cars and relatively advanced adjustment mechanism for high end motor vehicles such as relatively expensive luxury cars, an adjustment mechanism manufacturer usually produces, stores and sells different adjustment mechanisms.

However, for instance from a logistic viewpoint, it can for example be disadvantageously to have different production lines and/or to store different parts or products.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an alternative adjustment mechanism for a rear view device of a motor vehicle. In particular, it can be an object of the disclosure to provide an adjustment mechanism, wherein at least one disadvantage of a prior art adjustment mechanism is counteracted. More in particular, the disclosure may aim to provide an adjustment mechanism having one or more potentiometers for generating electrical signals indicative of pivoting angels between its base frame and its rear view element support, wherein said adjustment mechanism may relieve the disadvantage of having different production lines and/or storing different parts or products when a manufacturer wants to supply both relatively advanced adjustment mechanisms having a so-called memory function and relatively cheap adjustment mechanisms lacking such so-called memory function. Alternatively or additionally, the disclosure may aim to provide an adjustment mechanism having one or more potentiometers for generating electrical signals indicative of pivoting angels between its base frame and its rear view element support, wherein no dedicated potentiometers are necessary and wherein said adjustment mechanism can still be calibrated, preferably in a relatively simple manner. Alternatively or additionally, it can be an object of the disclosure to provide an alternative method for providing an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device with a potentiometer, preferably in a manner in which the adjustment mechanism can be calibrated, more preferably in which the adjustment mechanism can be calibrated relatively easily.

Thereto, the disclosure provides for an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device of a motor vehicle, preferably a mirror adjustment mechanism for a wing mirror device. The adjustment mechanism comprises a base frame which can be attached to a motor vehicle, e.g. by fixedly attaching the base frame to a mirror housing that for instance may be pivotally connected to a support arm that may be fixedly connected to a bodywork of the motor vehicle. The adjustment mechanism also comprises a rear view element support for supporting a rear view element, especially a mirror element, which rear view element support is pivotable connected to the base frame by means of a hinge construction in order to pivot at least about a first pivot axis. It is noted that the adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more driving motors for driving rotation of the rear view element support with respect to the base frame about a respective pivot axis. For example, two driving motors may be provided, wherein a second pivot axis may preferably extend substantially transverse to a first pivot axis. For instance, one of the two pivot axes may allow an adjustment of a rear view element about a substantially horizontal axis and the other pivot axis may allow for an adjustment about a substantially vertical axis. It is noted that the base frame is provided with a plurality of electrical conductors, which for instance can be for feeding and/or controlling one or more driving motors and/or for electrically connecting one or more potentiometers to a controller or so-called control unit. The respective electrical conductor has a first terminal for electrically connection to a terminal of an electric or electronic component of the adjustment mechanism, e.g. a driving motor or

potentiometer, and a second terminal for electrically connection to a power source and/or a controller located outside the adjustment mechanism.

Further, the base frame comprises a first portion pivotally connected to the rear view element support and a second portion forming a cover for at least partly covering one or multiple openings in the base frame's first portion. Furthermore, the electrical conductors are integrated or assimilated in the second portion of the base frame. Advantageously, the second portion of the base frame can be or can comprise an insert molded part in which the electrical conductors are partly enclosed within plastic material molded substantially around said electrical conductors.

By providing a base frame comprising at least a first portion pivotally connected to a rear view element support and a cover forming second portion in which the electrical conductors are assimilated or integrated, preferably by providing a second portion being or comprising an insert molded part comprising electrical conductors partly enclosed within plastic material, a modular base frame can provided. In embodiments, the modular base frame may comprise a cover forming second base frame portion that is provided with one or multiple, preferably two, potentiometers such as to facilitate forming an adjustment device having a so-called memory function, whereas in alternative embodiments the modular base frame may comprise an alternative, preferably relatively simple and/or relatively cheap, cover forming second base frame portion which is free of potentiometers such as to form a relatively simple and/or relatively cheap adjustment device which can lack such so-called memory function.

For example, an adjustment mechanism manufacturer can produce a base frame's first portion, which in preferred embodiments may be pre-assembled to form a sub-assembly together with at least a rear view element support for supporting a rear view element, wherein said first portion of the base frame and/or said sub-assembly leaves one or more openings open to provide access to at least one or more toothed parts or gears for cooperation with one or more of the one or more input gears rotationally coupled to a slider or slide resistor of a potentiometer, which potentiometer can preferably be securely attached to the cover forming second portion of the base frame. By attaching a base frame's second portion provided with one or more potentiometers to the base frame's first portion or said sub-assembly, e.g. in a manner in which an input gear connected to the respective potentiometer engages a toothed part or gear for making the input gear pivot upon rotation of the rear view element support with respect to the base frame about the first pivot axis, an adjustment mechanism with a memory function can be formed. On the other hand, by attaching a base frame's second portion not provided with any potentiometer to the base frame's first portion or said sub-assembly a relatively cheap and/or relatively simple adjustment mechanism without a memory function can be formed, wherein the second portion of the base frame then covers said one or more openings that initially were open.

Actually, the adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure can allow converting already assembled base frame portions and/or already assembled adjustment mechanism by removing a certain attached base frame's second portion and replacing it by an alternative base frame's second portion of another type. For example, an adjustment mechanism lacking a memory function can be converted into an adjustment mechanism having a memory function or vice versa. Hence, a stock of adjustment mechanisms can be altered in order to fit a certain demand.

In embodiments, the cover forming second portion of the base frame and/or the first portion of the base frame comprises connectors, preferably snap means, for securely attaching said cover forming second portion of the base frame to said first portion of the base frame.

Advantageously, said connectors may be releasable connectors, e.g. to allow converting and/or repairing the adjustment mechanism.

By insert molding the electrical conductors into the cover forming second portion of the base frame, said second portion may be fabricated in a relatively simple and/or relatively reliable manner, and/or may be relatively durable.

Advantageously, one or more, preferably all, of the electrical conductors can be formed as stamped parts. Said stamped parts may be parts formed at least partly by means of die-cutting or so called blanking and/or may be formed at least partly by means of bending.

In embodiments, first the conductors can be insert molded into a cover forming second portion of the base frame. Subsequently, one or more potentiometers may be attached to said second portion, e.g. by electrically connecting, for instance by means of soldering, their respective terminals to respective terminals of the conductors.

It is noted that in case the cover forming second portion of the base frame is not to be provided with one or more potentiometers, said cover forming second portion may nevertheless comprise conductors for connection to one or more potentiometers. As a result, the same integrated part, especially being an insert molded part, can be used for relatively advanced and for relatively cost efficient adjustment mechanisms. However, cover forming second portions of the base frame for adjustment mechanisms without memory function may alternatively be formed as integrated parts, especially insert molded parts, lacking the conductors for potentiometers, which integrated parts then for instance only have conductors for connection to one or more driving motors.

It will be appreciated that the adjustment mechanism may thus comprise at least one potentiometer to generate an electrical signal for indicating a pivoting angel between the base frame and the rear view element support, especially indicating a pivoting angel with respect to a rotation about the first pivot axis.

In advantageous embodiments, said potentiometer can comprise a base portion securely attached to the base frame or the rear view element support, an input shaft pivotally connected to the base portion of the potentiometer, a slide resistor, and a slider. One of the slide resistor and the slider is then securely attached to the base portion of the potentiometer, and the other one of the slide resistor and the slider is securely attached to the input shaft. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism can then comprise an input gear attached, e.g. rotatably secured, to the input shaft of the potentiometer, wherein the adjustment mechanism is arranged such that said input gear pivots upon rotation of the rear view element support with respect to the base frame about the first pivot axis, and wherein said input gear is not rotationally symmetric, e.g. the input gear does not look the same after a certain amount of rotation, unless it is rotated 360° about the central axis of the input shaft and is then thus rotated all the way back to its initial position. It will be appreciated that although said input gear is not rotationally symmetric, this does not mean that the input gear may not be mirror symmetric. The input gear may thus be mirror symmetric.

As a result of said not rotationally symmetric input gear, by observing the rotational position of the asymmetrical input gear, one can observe the rotational position of the slider or slide resistor indirectly rotationally coupled to said input gear before assembling the adjustment mechanism. Hence, before securely attaching the potentiometer's base portion to the first sub-assembly, one can easily bring the potentiometer in a predetermined rotational position, e.g. a central position from which it can be turned equally far clockwise as it can be turned anticlockwise, and/or one can easily check whether the potentiometer is situated in a predetermined rotational position. As a consequence, the disclosure thus provides for an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device of a motor vehicle that can be produced in a relatively easy, relatively convenient, and/or relatively cost efficient manner, e.g. without needing calibration of the potentiometer after securely attaching said potentiometer to the base frame or to the rear view element support.

The disclosure also provides for a method comprising a step of providing a first sub-assembly including a rear view element support for supporting a rear view element, said rear view element support being pivotable connected to a first portion of a base frame by means of a hinge construction for allowing the rear view element support to pivot with respect to the first portion of the base frame at least about a first pivot axis, the method further comprising a step of providing a second sub-assembly including an input gear attached to an input shaft of a potentiometer in such manner that a predetermined rotational position of the input gear corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of the input shaft of the potentiometer, wherein the potentiometer includes a base portion and wherein the input shaft is pivotally connected to said base portion, the potentiometer further including a slide resistor and a slider, wherein one of the slide resistor and the slider, i.e. the resistor or the slider, is securely attached to the base portion of the potentiometer, and the other one of the slide resistor and the slider is securely attached to the input shaft, wherein the method furthermore comprises a step of retaining the rear view element support in a predetermined rotational position with respect to the first portion of the base frame, while securely attaching the base portion of the potentiometer of the second sub-assembly, of which second sub-assembly the input gear is then substantially situated in a predetermined rotational position that corresponds with the predetermined rotational position in which the rear view element support is retained with respect to the first portion of the base frame, to the base frame's first portion or the rear view element support.

By securely attaching the base portion of the potentiometer to first sub-assembly while on the one hand the first portion and the base frame of said first sub-assembly are in a predetermined angular position with respect to each other and while on the other hand the slider and the slide resistor, one of which is rotationally coupled with respect to the base portion of the potentiometer, are also in a predetermined angular position with respect to each other, the potentiometer can become attached to the first sub-assembly in such manner that a predetermined position of the first sub-assembly corresponds with a known position of the potentiometer, i.e. a known mutual positon of its slider and slide resistor. As a result, an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device for a motor vehicle can be provided with a potentiometer to generate an electrical signal for indicating a pivoting angel between its base frame and its rear view element support, without needing calibrating the potentiometer after securely attaching said potentiometer to the base frame or to the rear view element support. Moreover, in this method, there is no need to use a dedicated potentiometer having a slide resistor or a slider that is coupled to a rotatable part of the potentiometer, e.g. its input gear, by means of a slip clutch. Hence, the present method can be relatively easily, relatively convenient, and/or relatively cost efficient.

It is noted that the base frame's first portion or the rear view element support can comprise a toothed part or gear for cooperation with the input gear of the second sub-assembly for making the input gear pivot upon rotation of the rear view element support with respect to the base frame about the first pivot axis. Advantageously, the input gear is brought into engagement with said toothed part or gear during the step of attaching the base portion of the potentiometer to the base frame's first portion or to the rear view element support. Hence, upon securely attaching the base portion of the potentiometer to the base frame's first portion or the rear view element support, a mechanical coupling between the potentiometer and the first sub-assembly can be established. From that moment on, the angular mutual position of respective parts of the potentiometer, i.e. slider and slide resistor of the potentiometer, will correspond to the angular mutual position of the respective parts of the first sub-assembly, i.e. its rear view element support and base frame's first portion. Hence, upon securing the

potentiometer with respect to the first sub-assembly, one may then stop retaining the rear view element support in its predetermined rotational position with respect to the first portion of the base frame.

In preferred embodiments, the input gear can be formed as a non-rotationally symmetric input gear. In more preferred embodiments, a deviation causing that said input gear is non-rotationally symmetric can be visible after the non-rotationally symmetric input gear is attached to the input shaft of the potentiometer in such manner that a predetermined rotational position of the non-rotationally symmetric input gear corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of the potentiometer's input shaft. Hence, one may relatively easily ascertain or verify that the non- rotationally symmetric input gear, and therefore the rotationally coupled potentiometer's input shaft and the thereto rotationally coupled slider or slide resistor, is situated in the right rotational position before and/or during securely attaching the base portion of the potentiometer to base frame's first portion or to the rear view element support while retaining the base frame's first portion in a predetermined rotational position with respect to the rear view element support, said predetermined rotational position corresponding to the rotational position of the non-rotationally symmetric input gear, and therefore corresponding to the rotational position of the slider or slide resistor that is rotationally coupled to said non- rotationally symmetric input gear via the input shaft of the potentiometer.

Advantageous embodiments according to the disclosure are described in the appended claims.

By way of non-limiting examples only, embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device for a motor vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure having a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly;

Fig. 2A shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a potentiometer and a corresponding input gear for the adjustment mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2B shows a schematic perspective view of a second

embodiment of a potentiometer and a corresponding input gear for the adjustment mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective partly cut-away view of the second sub-assembly of the adjustment mechanism of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective exploded view of a second embodiment of an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device for a motor vehicle according to an aspect of the present disclosure having a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly; and

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective partly cut-away view of the second sub-assembly of the adjustment mechanism of Fig. 4.

It is noted that the figures show merely preferred embodiments. In the figures, the same or similar reference signs or numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

Figure 1 and Figure 4 each show a schematic perspective exploded view of a first and a second embodiment, respectively, of an adjustment mechanism 1 for a rear view device for a motor vehicle, especially a mirror adjustment mechanism 1 for a wing mirror device.

The adjustment mechanism 1 comprises a base frame 10 which can be attached to a motor vehicle.

Advantageously, said base frame 10 can be arranged to be attached to a motor vehicle, for instance such that during use it can be fixedly attached to a housing, especially a mirror housing, that for instance may be pivotally connected to a support arm that may be fixedly connected to a bodywork of the motor vehicle. For example, the base frame 10 may thereto be provided with connecting means 10B, such as one or more snap means 10B', one or more screw holes 10B", and/or one or more other means.

The adjustment mechanism 1 further comprises a rear view element support 11 for supporting a rear view element, especially a mirror element.

The rear view element support 11 may be provided with one or multiple connecting means 1 IB for connecting a rear view element, especially a mirror element such as a mirror glass, to said support 11.

Said rear view element support 11 is pivotable connected to the base frame 10 by means of a hinge construction 10A, 11A in order to pivot at least about a first pivot axis 4.

The base frame 10 is provided with a plurality of electrical conductors 8. On or more, preferably all, of the electrical conductors 8 can be formed by stamped parts, which for instance may formed by means of die-cutting or so-called blanking and/or by means of bending.

Each electrical conductor 8 has a first terminal 81, 81A, 8 IB for electrically connection to a terminal 2T of an electric or electronic

component of the adjustment mechanism 1, and a second terminal 82, 82A, 82B for electrically connection to a power source and/or a controller. Said power source and/or said controller may be located outside the adjustment mechanism 1, and can be included in the motor vehicle. The base frame 10 comprises a first portion 10' pivotally connected to the rear view element support 11 and a second portion 10" forming a cover IOC for at least partly covering one or multiple openings 7 in the base frame's first portion 10'. The electrical conductors 8 are integrated or assimilated in the second portion 10" of the base frame 10. The second portion 10" may then thus form a prefab portion of the base frame 10 which already includes the electrical conductors 8. Advantageously, the second portion 10" of the base frame 10 may be or may comprise an insert molded part in which the electrical conductors 8 are partly enclosed within plastic material molded substantially around said electrical conductors 8. However, in alternative embodiments, the electrical conductors 8 may be integrated or assimilated in the second portion 10" of the base frame 10 in a different manner, e.g. by adhering or gluing the conductors 8 into or onto a part, especially a plastic part, forming the cover IOC. Alternatively or

additionally, the electrical conductors 8 can be mounted to the part forming the cover IOC in a different manner, e.g. by clicking or melting it there on or there in, and/or by means of mechanical fasteners, such as one or more screws, rivets, or the like. Alternatively or additionally, material forming an electrical conductor 8 can be disposed onto the part forming the cover IOC, for instance by means of printing, vapor deposition, etc.

As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments of Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, respectively, the adjustment mechanism can have a first sub-assembly 12 and a second sub-assembly 2, 3.

In advantageous embodiments, said adjustment mechanism 1 can be produced by means of a method for providing an adjustment mechanism for a rear view device for a motor vehicle with a potentiometer 2 to generate an electrical signal for indicating a pivoting angel between the base frame 10 of the adjustment mechanism and rear view element support 11 of the adjustment mechanism 1. The method, which may also be considered as a method of at least partly assembling an adjustment mechanism 1 for a rear view device for a motor vehicle, comprises a step of providing a first sub-assembly 12. Said first sub-assembly 12 includes a rear view element support 11 for

supporting a rear view element. Although a rear view element to be supported by the rear view element support 11 during use of the adjustment mechanism 1 for instance may be formed by a mirror element such as a mirror glass, one or more other rear view elements, such as components of an electronic vision system, e.g. a camera and/or a display, may

alternatively or additionally be supported by said rear view element support 11 during use of the adjustment mechanism 1. The rear view element support 11 of said first sub-assembly 12 is pivotable connected to a first portion 10' of the base frame 10 by means of a hinge construction 10A, 11A for allowing the rear view element support 11 to pivot PI with respect to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10 at least about a first pivot axis 4.

The method also comprises a step of providing a second

sub-assembly 2, 3 including a potentiometer 2 and an input gear 3.

The potentiometer 2 includes a base portion 20 and an input shaft 21 pivotally connected to said base portion 20 such as to pivot about a virtual axis 22. The potentiometer 2 further includes a slide resistor or so- called resistive element and a slider or so-called wiper. One of the slide resistor and the slider is securely attached to the base portion 20 of the potentiometer 2 and the other one of the slide resistor and the slider is securely attached to the input shaft 21.

It is noted that the potentiometer 2 preferably can be just an inexpensive potentiometer and/or a standard potentiometer, e.g. a

purchased component and/or a standard part. The slide resistor or so-called resistive element is preferably formed into the arc of a circle less than a full turn, for instance a little less than 360°, such as somewhere between 240° and 360°, especially somewhere between 300° and 360°. The potentiometer may be a single-turn potentiometer, wherein the slider can travel just under one revolution around the resistor, resistive element, or so-called contact.

Fig. 2A shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a potentiometer 2 and a corresponding input gear 3 for the adjustment mechanism 1 of Fig. 1. The shaft 21 of the potentiometer may be provided with one or more connectors 24 for facilitation connection or fixation of the input gear 3 to said shaft 21. Said one or more connectors 24 may for instance comprise one or more slots or other indentations, and/or may comprise one or more protrusions. Additionally or alternatively, the input gear 3 may be provided with one or more connectors 34 for facilitation connection or fixation to the shaft 21, said one or more connectors 34 of the input gear 3 preferably being arranged to cooperate with the one or more connectors 24 of the potentiometer 2. In embodiments, said one or more connectors 34 of the input gear 3 may comprise one or more protrusions 34, and/or one or more indentations, which preferably can be fixed into and/or onto one or more indentations 24 and/or protrusions of the input shaft 21, e.g. by means of clicking or snapping and/or adhering or gluing.

In the second sub-assembly 2, 3, the input gear 3 is attached to the input shaft 21 of the potentiometer 2 in such manner that a predetermined rotational position of said input gear 3 corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of the input shaft 21 of the potentiometer 2.

It will be appreciated that the production or fabrication of the adjustment mechanism 1 will usually be a mass production process. In the present method, multiple similar or corresponding potentiometers 2 can be used that can be bought from the same supplier.

A certain position of the input shaft 21, e.g. the position shown in Fig. 2 A, can be known to correspond to a certain position of the

potentiometer's slider with respect to the potentiometer's slide resistor. For example, said certain position may for instance correspond with a central position of the slider, i.e. a position from which it can be turned clockwise the same amount as it can be turned anti-clockwise. In the assembled adjustment mechanism 1, said certain position of the input shaft 21 may correspond with a certain position, preferably a neutral position, of the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10.

It is noted that the method may itself also comprise a step of forming the second sub-assembly 2, 3, e.g. by attaching the input gear 3 to the input shaft 21 of the potentiometer 2 in such manner that a

predetermined rotational position of the input gear 3 corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of the input shaft 21 of the

potentiometer 2. It is noted that the input gear 3 may be a dedicated part, e.g. made for a batch of potentiometers. For example, a connector 34 of such dedicated input gear 3 can have a predefined rotational position with respect to a deviation 3D that causes that the input gear 3 is not

rotationally symmetric. As can be seen when comparing Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, in both of which the respective potentiometer 2 is shown with its input shaft 21 in a predetermined rotational position corresponding to the central position of its slider, a different dedicated input gear 3 can be used, such that after fixing the respective input gear 3 to the corresponding

potentiometer 2, a certain rotational position of the input gear 3 is known to correspond to a certain rotational position of the slider, e.g. its central position. In the shown embodiments of Figs. 1-3, the slider is for instance in its central position when the input gear's deviation 3D, in said embodiments of Fig. 1-3 for instance formed by a flat edge 3E, is facing upwards and/or is extending substantially parallel with an edge 2E, preferably a top edge 2E, of the base portion 20 of the potentiometer 2.

In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the slider is for instance in its central position when the input gear's deviation 3D is facing downwards and/or is extending substantially parallel with an edge 2E, preferably a bottom edge or a top edge 2E, of the base portion 20 of the potentiometer 2. In

embodiments, said input gear's deviation 3D can for instance be formed in the body portion of the input gear. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, said input gear's deviation 3D is for instance formed in the body portion or so-called body of the input gear by means of a flat edge 3E of a central opening in said body portion, wherein said central opening can be formed as a through hole for attaching the input gear 3 onto the potentiometer's shaft 21, preferably a non-circular shaft, such as a non rotationally symmetric shaft.

The method, which thus at least comprises the step of providing a first sub-assembly 12, and the step of providing a second sub-assembly 2, 3, further comprises a step of retaining the rear view element support 11 in a predetermined rotational position with respect to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10, while securely attaching the base portion 20 of the

potentiometer 2 of the second sub-assembly 2, 3, of which second

sub-assembly 2, 3 the input gear 3 is then substantially situated in a predetermined rotational position that corresponds with the predetermined rotational position in which the rear view element support 11 is retained with respect to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10, to the base frame's first portion 10' or the rear view element support 11.

In embodiments, the rear view element support 11 that is pivotable with respect to the base frame 10 about the first pivot axis 4 can also be pivotable P2 with respect to said base frame 10 about a second pivot axis 5, wherein said second pivot axis 5 may preferably extend substantially transverse to the first pivot axis 4. For example, one of the two pivot axes may allow an adjustment of a rear view element about a substantially horizontal axis and the other pivot axis may allow for an adjustment about a substantially vertical axis.

It is noted that the method may also comprise a step of providing a third sub-assembly 2', 3 including a second input gear 3' attached to an input shaft of a second potentiometer 2' in such manner that a

predetermined rotational position of the second input gear 3' corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of the input shaft of the second potentiometer 2'.

It is noted that the method may comprise a step of forming the third sub-assembly 2', 3',e .g. by attaching the second input gear 3' to the input shaft of the second potentiometer 2' in such manner that a

predetermined rotational position of the second input gear 3' corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of said second potentiometer's input shaft.

The second input gear 3' can preferably be formed as a

non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3'. As noted above, also the first input gear 3 may additionally or alternatively be formed a non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3.

It is noted that the respective input gear 3, 3' may comprise a substantially disk shaped, substantially cylindrical shaped, or substantially ring shaped body 3B provided with teeth 3T that are radially extending, preferably outwardly projecting, wherein the teeth are not situated all over the circumference of said body 3B. In embodiments, a portion 3D of the circumference or perimeter of the body 3B of the input gear 3, 3' may be free teeth. For example, at the location of said teeth free portion 3D of the body's circumference, the input gear 3, 3' may be provided with one or more protrusions, depressions, and/or edges 3E, which for instance may form one or more stops and/or stop surfaces 3E. Such stop and/or stop surface may be utilized to inspect whether the input gear 3, and therefore the potentiometer 2, is in its desired or correct rotational position. Additionally or

alternatively, the stop and/or stop surface 3E may be utilized to

substantially retain the input gear 3, 3' in a desired rotational position, e.g. until and/or during the mounting of a sub-assembly including said

potentiometer 2 and said input gear 3 onto the base frame 10 or a respective part 10' of the base frame 10. Preferably, a deviation 3D causing that the respective input gear 3, 3' then is non-rotationally symmetric can be visible after the respective non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3' is attached to the input shaft of the respective potentiometer 2, 2' in such manner that a predetermined rotational position of the respective non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3' corresponds with a predetermined rotational position of the respective potentiometer's input shaft 21.

Hence, it may be ascertained relatively easily that the respective non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3', and therefore the rotationally coupled potentiometer's input shaft and the thereto rotationally coupled slider or slide resistor, is situated in the right rotational position before and/or during securely attaching the base portion 20, 20' of the respective potentiometer 2, 2' to base frame's first portion 10' or to the rear view element support 11 while retaining the base frame's first portion 10' in a predetermined rotational position with respect to the rear view element support 11, said predetermined rotational position corresponding to the rotational position of the respective non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3', and therefore corresponding to the rotational position of the slider or slide resistor that is rotationally coupled to said respective non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3' via the respective input shaft of the respective potentiometer 2, 2'.

Although the respective non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3' can advantageously have a non-rotationally symmetric shape, the

non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3' may in embodiments have a substantially rotationally symmetric shape. It is noted that even in such embodiments, the non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3' may still have a non-rotationally symmetric appearance, e.g. by having a non-rotationally symmetric print or the like. It will be appreciated that the non-rotationally symmetric input gear 3, 3 may have both, i.e. a non-rotationally symmetric shape and a non-rotationally symmetric print or the like. In case the method also comprises the step of providing the third sub-assembly 2', 3', it may preferably also comprise an additional step of retaining the rear view element support 11 in a predetermined rotational position with respect to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10, while securely attaching the base portion 20' of the third sub-assembly's potentiometer 2' to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10 or to the rear view element support 11, while the third sub-assembly's input gear 3' is substantially situated in a predetermined rotational position that

corresponds with the predetermined rotational position in which the rear view element support 11 is retained with respect to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10.

Advantageously, the step of securely attaching the base portion 20' of the third sub-assembly's potentiometer 2' to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10 or the rear view element support 11 and the step of securely attaching the base portion 20 of the second sub-assembly's potentiometer 2 to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10 or the rear view element support 11 are executed substantially simultaneously. This may for instance be done by securely attaching a fourth sub-assembly 6 to said first portion 10' of the base frame 10 or to said rear view element support 11, wherein said fourth sub-assembly 6 then includes the second sub-assembly 2, 3 and the third sub-assembly 2', 3'.

In embodiments, such as in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the fourth sub-assembly 6 may comprise a second portion 10" of the base frame 10 to which the base portion 20 of the first potentiometer 2 and the base portion 20' of the second potentiometer 2' are securely attached. For example, said second portion 10" of the base frame 10 can form a cover IOC.

However, in alternative embodiments, such as for instance can be understood from the embodiment of Fig. 4, the fourth sub-assembly 6 may be attached to the base frame's first portion 10', before the base frame's second portion 10" is attached to the base frame's first portion 10'. For instance in such embodiments, the fourth sub-assembly 6 can comprise a small memory 66 and/or a printed circuit board 66, which for instance may be provided with one or more respective terminals 2T for electrical connection with the first terminals 81 of the number 8' of the electrical conductors 8.

Advantageously, after providing the fourth sub-assembly 6, e.g. after assembling the fourth sub-assembly 6, it is ascertained, e.g. by visual and/or tactual inspection, preferably by a machine, that the input gears 3, 3' are in their predetermined rotational positions corresponding to the predetermined, e.g. central, rotational positions of the sliders. Then, the fourth sub-assembly 6 can be fixed onto the base frame's first portion 10' or to the rear view element support 11, while the first sub-assembly 12 is held in a predetermined position in which the frame's first portion 10' and the rear view element support 11 are in a predetermined mutual relationship, for instance a position in which said first sub-assembly 12 is a neutral or central position from which the rear view element support 11 can be pivoted the same amount about the first pivot axis 4 clockwise as anti-clockwise and from which the rear view element support 11 can be pivoted the same amount about the second pivot axis 5 clockwise as anti-clockwise.

It is noted that the input gear 3, 3' may temporarily be retained in a desired rotational position by means of a tool, while the base portion of the respective potentiometer is securely attached to the base frame's first portion 10' or the rear view element support 11. In case the input gear 3, 3' has a non -rotation ally symmetric shape, the deviation 3D of the input gear may for instance be engaged in order to substantially retain it in a desired rotational position, especially a rotational position corresponding to a rotational position in which the rear view element support 11 is retained with respect to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10.

Advantageously, said tool can only be retracted after securing the respective potentiometer 2 to the first portion 10' of the base frame or to the rear view element support 11. However, in alternative embodiments the tool may be retracted during the attachment, e.g. just before the potentiometer 2 is securely attached to said first portion 10'. This may for instance be advantageous in embodiments wherein the second sub-assembly 2, 3 and/or third sub-assembly 2', 3' is securely attached to the first portion 10' by means of mounting a second portion 10" of the base frame, e.g. a cover IOC, especially in cases in which said second portion 10" substantially covers the second sub-assembly 2, 3 and/or the third sub-assembly 2', 3' in the mounted state of the second portion 10".

As noted above, the input gear 3, 3' may be temporarily retained in a desired rotational position by means of a tool. Said tool will usually be a separate tool not forming a part of the adjustment mechanism 1. However, in embodiments, one or more tools or retainers may be formed by a part of the adjustment mechanism 1 itself. Advantageously, the second portion 10" of the base frame 10 can be provided with one or more retainers for temporarily retaining one or more input gears in a predetermined rotational position. For example, the one or more retainers can be formed as one or more flexible retainers. Preferably, the retainer may be or comprise a flexing leg that is bent away by the first sub-assembly 12 once the second portion 10" is installed, such that the input gear 3 is released, e.g. is not any longer retained and may then thus be rotated. The adjustment mechanism 1 can be arranged for flexing said one or more retainers away from a position in which it initially retained the one or multiple input gears. For example, the base frame's first portion 10' may be arranged for flexing said one or more flexible retainers, e.g. by including one or more ramp surfaces guiding one or more respective flexible retainers away from its retaining position upon mounting the base frame's second portion 10" onto the base frame's first portion 10'. Alternatively or additionally, said retainer may be arranged to retract at least partly upon engagement of the base frame's first and second portions 10', 10". Advantageously, the base frame's first portion 10', or the rear view element support 11, in case the potentiometer's base portion 20 is to be secured to the rear view element support 11, comprises a toothed part or gear for cooperation with the first input gear 3 of the second sub-assembly 2, 3 for making the first input gear 3 pivot upon rotation of the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10 about the first pivot axis 4. During attaching the base portion 20 of the first potentiometer 2 to the base frame's first portion 10', or to the rear view element support 11, the input gear 3 can be brought into engagement with said toothed part or gear. From then on, a rotation of the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10 about said first pivot axis 4 will then cause a

corresponding rotation of the slider of the first potentiometer 2.

Likewise, the base frame's first portion 10', or the rear view element support 11, can also comprise a toothed part or gear for cooperation with the input gear 3' of the third sub-assembly 2', 3' for making said third sub-assembly's input gear 3' pivot upon rotation P2 of the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10 about the second pivot axis 5. During attaching the base portion 20' of the second potentiometer 2' to the base frame's first portion 10' or to the rear view element support 11, said third sub -assembly's input gear 3' can then be brought into engagement with said toothed part or gear.

In embodiments, an adjustment mechanism 1 according to an aspect of the present disclosure may comprise at least one driving motor and at least one drive train including at least one gear for pivoting the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10 about the first pivot axis 4. Said input gear 3 can then engage a gear of said drive train.

Alternatively, the input gear 3 may engage with a toothed part or a gear that is rotationally secured to the base frame 10 or the rear view element support 11, while the base portion 20 of the potentiometer 2 is securely attached to the other one of said base frame 10 and said rear view element support 11.

In such embodiments, the toothed part or gear substantially securely attached to the base frame 10 or rear view element support 11 can for instance be formed as a rack for cooperation with the input gear 3 that then can form a pinion. Alternatively, the toothed part or gear substantially securely attached to the base frame 10 or rear view element support 11 may for example be formed as a non-rotating annular gear or internal gear, as a part of a non-rotating annular gear or internal gear, or may for example be formed as a non-rotating cogwheel or as a part of a non-rotating cogwheel.

Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism 1 may further comprise a second driving motor and a second drive train including at least one gear for pivoting the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10 about the second pivot axis 5, wherein the second input gear 3' engages a gear of said second drive train. Alternatively, the second input gear 3' may engage with a toothed part that is substantially rotationally secured to the base frame 10 or the rear view element support 11, while the base portion 20' of the second potentiometer 2 is then securely attached to the other one of said base frame 10 and said rear view element support 11. Said toothed part can for instance be formed as a rack, an annular gear or an internal gear, a part of an annular gear or a part of an internal gear, a cogwheel, or a part of a cogwheel.

In preferred embodiments of the adjustment mechanism 1, the base frame 10 can comprise a first portion 10' pivotally connected to the rear view element support 11 and can further comprise a second portion 10".

Said second portion 10" can be securely attached or fixed to the first portion 10', such that, after assembling the base frame 10, said first portion 10' and second portion 10" will not move with respect to each other.

Advantageously, said second portion 10" can form a cover IOC for at least partly covering one or multiple openings 7 in the base frame's first portion 10'. The base portion 20 of the first potentiometer 2 and/or the base portion 20' of the second potentiometer 2' can be securely attached directly to said second portion 10" of the base frame 10. Subsequently, said second portion 10" of the base frame 10 may then be securely attached to the first portion 10' of the base frame 10.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 5 each show a respective embodiment of a partly cut-away view of a second portion 10" of the base frame 10 in which the plastic material partly enclosing the electrical conductors 8 is cut-away in order to show said electrical conductors 8. Also in the embodiments of Figs. 3 and 5, said second portion 10" is provided with two potentiometers 3, 3' and thus forming the fourth sub-assembly 6 including the second subassembly 2, 3, the third sub-assembly 2', 3', and the base frame's second portion 10".

It is noted that the first terminal 81, 81 A, 8 IB and the second terminal 82, 82A, 82B of a respective electrical conductor 8 can be situated at opposite ends or end regions of said respective electrical conductor 8.

Additionally or alternatively, the first terminal and/or the second terminal of a respective electrical conductor 8 may advantageously be formed by an end or an end region of said respective electrical conductor 8.

Each of the first terminals 81 of a number 8' of the electrical conductors 8 can be in electrical connection with one or more respective terminals 2T of the first potentiometer 2 and/or the second potentiometer 2'.

Additionally or alternatively, each of the first terminals 8 IB of a second number 8" of the electrical conductors 8 can be in electrical connection with one or more respective terminals of one or more driving motors for driving rotation of the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10 about a respective pivot axis 4, 5.

Although the potentiometers 2, 2' are attached to the electrical conductors 8 in the embodiment of Fig. 3, it will be appreciated that the integrated second portion 10", in embodiments in which it is formed as an insert molded second portion 10", can be formed, especially by molding plastic at least partly around said electrical conductors 8, before securing the potentiometers to said electrical conductors 8. After forming the integrated or assimilated second portion 10", especially being an insert molded second portion 10", the potentiometers 2, 2' can be connected to said second portion 10", e.g. by soldering respective terminals of said

potentiometers 2, 2' to respective terminals of said electrical conductors 8.

It is noted that the second portion 10" of the base frame 10 and/or the first portion 10' of the base frame 10 can comprise connectors 10S, preferably snap means, for securely attaching said second portion 10" of the base frame 10 to said first portion 10' of the base frame 10. Preferably, such a connector 10S can be formed as an integral injection molded section of the second portion 10".

Additionally or alternatively, as mentioned above, the base frame's second portion 10", which can form the cover IOC, can be provided with one or more retainers, preferably flexible retainers, for temporarily retaining one or more input gears 3 in a predetermined rotational position. Preferably, the one or more retainers can be formed as integral injection molded sections of the second portion 10".

As can be seen in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the first portion 10' of the base frame 10 can comprise one or more openings 7, 7B that may provide access to one or more respective terminals of one or more driving motors. For example, said one or more terminals may be formed as sockets for receiving respective terminals 8 IB of electrical conductors 8 provided in the cover IOC. Additionally or alternatively, one or multiple ones 7A of said one or more openings can provide access to one or more toothed parts or gears for cooperation with the input gear 3 of the second sub-assembly 2, 3 and/or the input gear 3' of the third sub-assembly 2', 3'. Although the first base frame portion 10' of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 4 has multiple openings 7, 7 A, 7B, the base frame's first portion 10' may alternatively be provided with a single opening. Said single opening can for instance be a single opening providing access to the terminals of the one or multiple, preferably two, driving motors, and providing access to the terminals 2T of the one or multiple, preferably two, potentiometers 2, 2'. Alternatively or additionally, said single opening can for instance be a single opening providing access to the terminals of the one or multiple driving motors, and providing access to the one or more toothed parts or gears for cooperation with the input gear 3 of the second sub-assembly 2, 3 and/or the input gear 3' of the third subassembly 2', 3'. Preferably the second portion 10" is of such design that it covers all said openings 7, 7 A, 7B or the single opening in an assembled state of the base portion 10.

It is noted that the first portion 10' may be compatible with different second portions 10" or different so called covers IOC. For example, the first portion 10' may be compatible with a second portion 10" provided with one or multiple, e.g. two, potentiometers 2, 2', such that an adjustment mechanism 1 can be formed having a so-called memory function, because the one or more potentiometers 2, 2' may then be used to detect a respective angular position of the rear view element support 11 with respect to the base frame 10. Additionally, the same first portion 10' may be compatible with an alternative embodiment of a second portion 10", wherein said alternative second portion is free of potentiometers, as a result of which a relatively cheap adjustment mechanism 1 can be formed. It will be appreciated that the electrical conductors 8' for connection with the potentiometer(s) can then also be omitted, whereas the cover IOC formed by said second portion 10" may still include electrical conductors 8" for feeding and/or controlling the driving motor(s). Using the same first portion 10' for different versions of the adjustment mechanism 1 facilitates a modular system that can be relatively cost efficient.

It is noted that for the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

Further, it is noted that the invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

Such variants will be apparent for the person skilled in the art and are considered to lie within the scope of the invention as formulated in the following claims.