US 11,912,204 B2
Low-profile actuator for extendable camera
Kenneth C. Peterson, Ada, MI (US); Anthony J. LaCross, Hastings, MI (US); and Mitchell J. Wesley, Grand Rapids, MI (US)
Assigned to Magna Mirrors of America, Inc., Holland, MI (US)
Filed by Magna Mirrors of America, Inc., Holland, MI (US)
Filed on May 3, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/661,753.
Application 17/661,753 is a continuation in part of application No. PCT/US2021/070765, filed on Jun. 24, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/202,633, filed on Jun. 18, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/201,527, filed on May 4, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/706,640, filed on Aug. 31, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/705,371, filed on Jun. 24, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0258672 A1, Aug. 18, 2022
Int. Cl. B60R 1/28 (2022.01)
CPC B60R 1/28 (2022.01) [B60R 2300/101 (2013.01); B60R 2300/105 (2013.01); B60R 2300/602 (2013.01)] 34 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A vehicular imaging system, the vehicular imaging system comprising:
a camera device disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle equipped with the vehicular imaging system, wherein the camera device comprises a pivotable arm that accommodates a camera;
wherein the pivotable arm is pivotally mounted at a mounting base and is pivotable relative to the mounting base between at least a drive position, where the pivotable arm and camera are extended outward from the exterior portion of the vehicle so that the camera is positioned for viewing rearward of the vehicle, and a folded position, where the pivotable arm and camera are pivoted inward from the drive position toward the vehicle;
an actuator comprising a pivot post structure attached to the mounting base and an output gear disposed at the pivot post structure;
wherein the actuator comprises an electrically operated motor operable to pivot the pivotable arm about the output gear;
wherein the actuator comprises a biasing element disposed within and circumscribed by the output gear, and wherein the biasing element (i) imparts a biasing force at the output gear to urge the output gear downward along the pivot post structure toward the mounting base and (ii) imparts a biasing force at a middle detent element to urge the middle detent element upward along the pivot post structure into engagement with a lower detent surface of the pivot post structure;
wherein the actuator comprises a primary detent interface that is engaged to maintain the pivotable arm at the drive position when the pivotable arm is pivoted to the drive position;
wherein the actuator comprises a secondary detent interface; and
wherein the pivotable arm is manually pivotable relative to the mounting base, and wherein, when the pivotable arm is manually pivoted between the folded position and the drive position, the secondary detent interface is disengaged.