Multi-functional retainer means, rear view device assembly method and vehicle

1. A retainer assembly adapted to be installed between a base assembly of an exterior rear view device and a vehicle to which the exterior rear view device is mounted, the retainer assembly comprising:

a retainer means adapted to be mounted on one side to a door attachment portion of a base frame of the base assembly and on the opposite side to a door panel of the vehicle, wherein the retainer means comprises,

at least one opening for allowing at least one datum structural element of the door attachment portion of the base frame to pass thereto,

at least one guiding projection or at least one guiding channel portion for providing at least part of a guiding channel for routing or guiding at least one harness from the vehicle to an electric component of the rear view device,

at least one sealing portion for covering at least a portion of the at least one harness, and

a T-shaped location projection that is configured to fit within a T-slot in a datum area for a base cover in order to secure the datum area for the base cover to the retainer means.

2. The retainer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one opening is provided by a holding portion of the retainer means, with

a first opening allowing a location pin of the door attachment portion to pass thereto, and

at least one second opening allowing the T-shaped location projection of the door attachment portion to pass thereto.

3. The retainer assembly of claim 2 , wherein the datum area for the base cover is oriented in a substantially horizontal direction.

4. The retainer assembly of claim 3 , wherein the retainer means further comprises a door panel datum system to secure the retainer means to the door panel, the door panel datum system being oriented in a substantially vertical direction.

5. The retainer assembly of claim 4 , wherein the door panel datum system comprises the first opening and the at least one second opening.

6. The retainer assembly of claim 1 , wherein

a hook is provided by a holding portion for attachment to the door panel, and

at least one clip is provided by the holding portion for attachment to the door attachment portion,

with the hook and the at least one clip extending in opposite directions.

7. The retainer assembly of claim 6 , wherein

the hook is adapted to hold the rear view device in Y direction to assist an assembly thereof to the door panel via screws,

the at least one clip determines a final assembly Z position of the rear view device,

the at least one clip is arranged next to the first opening,

the hook provides the at least one second opening, and

there are at least two clips.

8. The retainer assembly of claim 1 , further comprising:

a sealing means adapted to be mounted on the retainer means, by being attached to the retainer means via at least one snap or clip connection or to the door attachment portion via at least one screw, clips or snap connection,

wherein the sealing means is provided with at least one datum area for a base cover.

9. The retainer assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein

the retainer means forms as a single component from plastic, and

the sealing means is in form of a two component door gasket.