WO1995005293A1

WO1995005293A1 - Automatic pivot automobile mirror

Info

Publication number: WO1995005293A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/008114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ali Naghi Hashemnia
Original assignee: Ghafouri, Manouch
Priority date: 1993-08-17
Filing date: 1994-08-17
Publication date: 1995-02-23
Also published as: AU7714094A

Abstract

An improved automatic rear view mirror assembly of the type typically utilized by automotive vehicles, and particularly an automatic rear view mirror assembly which is mounted externally of the vehicle. An automatically positionable rear view mirror (1) is provided which is controlled by the combined signals from the position sensor (11) in association with the steering wheel (2) and the turn signal (3). The combination of turning the turn signal lever (3) to indicate a left turn, and turning the steering wheel (2) to the right, will cause the mirror (1) to move outwardly from normal. This permits easier viewing of oncoming traffic when entering a highway from a feeder road.

Description

AUTOMATIC PIVOT AUTOMOBILE MIRROR Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to an improved automatic rear view mirrors of the type typically utilized by automotive vehicles, and particularly automatic rear view mirrors that are mounted externally of the vehicles. Background of the Invention

It is well known to provide rear-view mirrors on vehicles, and it is well known that these mirrors have "blind spots." Various techniques have been proposed or developed in order to overcome this problem. One approach has been to provide a mirror which continuously oscillates between a first angle and a second angle. However, when such oscillation is fast the vehicle operator is easily disoriented. When the oscillation is slow, passing vehicles are not detected by the slowly oscillating mirror.

U.S. Patent No. 5,052,792 (McDonough) is representative of another technique in which an automatically positionable rear view mirror system having a mirror which is activated from a predetermined configuration to a preselected configuration by suitable motor means in response to selective activation of the turn signal lever of an automotive vehicle. An automatically actuated rear view mirror mechanism is disclosed having a movable mirror element that is oriented at a predetermined position responsive to activation of the turn signal of the vehicle to provide the operator of the vehicle with a preselected view to the rear. This mirror system is represented as enabling the driver to more safely change lanes and negotiate turns more easily, and to more safely execute backing maneuvers.

Various other mirror systems have been developed that will induce graduated automatic mirror adjustment in response to a turning of a tractor trailer vehicle. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 3,166,630, 3,208,343, 3563,639 are exemplary of automatically adjustable mirror systems that have been developed especially for tractor trailer vehicles. In some cases the mirrors are automatically adjustable by a mechanical system that is activated as the tractor and trailer become angulated, such as during a sharp turn or when the vehicle is accomplishing a controlled backing maneuver with the trailer turning. Electrically energized automatically adjustable mirror systems have also been developed for accomplishing mirror movement such as is shown by U.S. Pat. No. 2,871,761 of Snyder.

While each of the above techniques represents one approach to solving the problem of the rear-view mirror blind spot, each has been found to have a number of deficiencies which renders it inconvenient or impractical in practice.

For example, with regard to the activation of the rear view mirror angulation means by in response to activation of the turn signal, the mirror is caused to angle every time the turn signal is engaged, and only when the turn signal is engaged. No provision is made for the cases in which it is desired to engage the turn signal without angling the mirror.

On the other hand, with respect to mirrors which are caused to angle in a manner to follow the angle of a trailer which follows a cab of a truck, in the case that the truck is entering a highway from an on-ramp so that his steering wheel is turned to the right, the trailer will follow behind the truck on the right side. The left outside mirror, following the angle of the trailer, will pivot inwardly. The right outside mirror will pivot outwardly. The problem with such a system is that the mirror, while providing a good view of the trailer, is turning exactly the opposite direction of what would be necessary to provide the truck driver with a better view of the highway onto which he is entering. Thus, rather than obviate the problem of the blind spot, such a system actually contributes to it. s- nιn«τ-y of the Invention

Accordingly, given the deficiencies in existence in this art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system which overcomes each of the above techniques, and thus represents an improvement over the state of the art automatic mirror pivot systems.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system which is activated in only those circumstances where is it most likely to be needed.

It is a principal feature of the present invention to provide a mirror system for automotive vehicles which is automatically pivotably movable to a preselective position responsive to selecting positioning of the turn signal lever of the automotive vehicle to thereby enable the driver to visualize a predetermined "blind spot" prior to or during egress onto a highway from a feeder lane, said automatic pivoting occurring only in the case that the vehicle is in fact in a situation of entering onto a highway.

It is also a feature of this invention to provide a novel rear view mirror system for automotive vehicles that incorporates a fixed mirror segment or component which is positioned for normal rear viewing and a movable mirror component segment or section which is positionable at two or more preselected mirror positions when required.

The concept and desired results of the present invention are achieved through provision of an automatically positionable rear view mirror in which the mechanism for changing the position of the mirror is not responsive to the turn signal alone, and not responsive to a position sensor alone, but is responsive to the combined signal from a turn signal indicator and a position sensor. Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the a vehicle mirror system that is constructed in accordance with the features of this invention.

FIG. 2 shows details of a position sensor in an open position.

FIG. 3 shows the position sensor of Fig 2 in a closed position.

FIG. 4 shows a position sensor with gradiated sensing with an almost open position.

FIG. 5 shows the position sensor of Fig. 4 with an almost closed (fully conductive) position. Detailed Description of the Invention

Briefly, the concept and desired results of the present invention are achieved through provision of an automatically positionable rear view mirror mechanism that incorporates a housing structure which is suitably supported exteriorly (or interiorly) of the automotive vehicle. Within the mirror housing is provided a mirror or segment of a mirror which is movable and which is preferably pivotally mounted. This movable mirror or segment is adapted for positioning at two or more mirror positions by means of a suitable motor mechanism such as an electric solenoid motor, hydraulic pressure, vacuum or pneumatic actuator or the equivalent.

The mechanisms for positioning the mirror in response to a turn signal have been discussed in great detail in this art, as exemplified by United States Patents 5,052,792 (McDonough) , 4,906,089 (Biondi et al), 4,171,875 (Taylor et al), and 4,105,301, to name but a few. The disclosures of these patents is incorporated herein in their entirety.

Mechanisms for positioning a mirror in response to a position sensor have been disclosed in United States Patent 4,820,032 (Thompson, Jr.), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In accordance with the present invention, the mirror 1 is not pivoted from a normal or rest position lb to a second position lb unless the steering wheel 2 is turned to the right and the turn signal lever 3 indicates a left turn 3a.

The reflective surface may be mounted on a pivotally drivable base (not shown) within a housing 4, the housing being mounted by mounting hardware 5 to the outer surface of automobile body 6 the base being driven in any suitable manner to effect an outward angular movement of the reflective surface la when the steering wheel 2 is turned to the right and the turn signal 3a indicator indicates a left turn.

The means for causing angular movement of the mirror 1 may be a solenoid or electromagnet 7. In Fig. 1, the electromagnet 7, a microswitch 10 in the position sensor 11, which may be provided inside the steering wheel hub or in any location where motion of the steering wheel can be detected, and a microswitch 12 in association with the turn signal indicator 3, are all connected in series with an source of electricity such as battery 9. When the turn signal indicator 3 is turned to the left 3a, and the steering wheel 2 is turned to the right, the microswitch in association with the turn signal lever 12 and the microswitch in position sensor 11 are closed, and electrical circuit 14 forms a continuous circuit, electromagnet or solenoid 7 is energized, and the mirror 1 is caused to pivot outward to enable the vehicle operator to see the traffic coming along the highway onto which he is about to merge (dashed line) .

The position sensor may be any position sensor well known n the art. In an embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 3, turning of the steering wheel from neutral (Fig. 2) to the right (Fig. 3) causes projection 13 to close microswitch 10. In the position sensors shown in Figs. 4 and 5, projection 15 gradually presses against microsensor 17, causing microsensor to send an increasingly stronger signal as the steering wheel is turned further to the right. As this signal is made stronger, the mirror is caused to pivot to an ever greater angle, or the flexible mirror may be caused to arc to a greater degree.

In an even more prefered embodiment of the invention, the mirror is caused to rapidly and fully pivot outwardly to the second position upon initial turning of the steering wheel to the right and turning of the turn signal to the left. Then, as the automobile advance or as the steering wheel is slowly returned to the normal position, the mirror is caused to gradually return to the normal position.

In the above example of the invention, the first or normal position of the mirror lb would be established when the solenoid motor is deenergized and the second or wide view position of the mirror lb would be established when the solenoid motor mechanism 7, for simplicity sake referred to as a solenoid motor, is energized. The system thus incorporates an electric circuit for the solenoid motor which includes a switch which is coupled with the electrical circuitry of the vehicle and is activated by the combined input from the turn signal and the position sensor of the automotive vehicle. Upon indicating a left turn with the turn signal switch and turning the steering wheel to the right, the motor circuit is energized, thereby accomplishing movement of the mirror segment from a normal position to a preselected mirror position or positions. Both the normal and preselected positions of the mirror may be adjusted to suit the needs of the vehicle operator.

Preferably, the mirror assembly of the present invention incorporates a stationery mirror segment which is capable of movement within the housing only for the purpose of adjusting the normal rear view mirror position as desired by the operator of the vehicle. Adjacently to the stationery mirror segment there is mounted a pivotal mirror section or sections and which is capable of movement from a normal position in generally coplanar registry which is angulated with respect to the stationery mirror. The solenoid motor or other suitable mechanism is operatively interconnected to the pivotal mirror segment. Upon actuation of the left turn lever of the vehicle, the left turn signal switch energizes closes, and upon a right turning of the steering wheel the position sensor is closed, closing the motor circuit and activating the electric motor which shifts the movable mirror segment to its preselected secondary position.

According to the present invention, the mirror assembly of the vehicle has the capability of automatically shifting the mirror or a selected portion thereof to a preselected position upon actuation of the turn signal lever and the position sensor of the vehicle to a predetermined position. Accordingly, as is conventional the mirror support may includes pivot at one end thereof and include a hinge or pivot pin to provide pivotal support for a movable mirror support structure. The mirror support provides support and positioning control for a movable mirror segment which is supported in fixed relation to the movable mirror support. The pivotal connection established by components may be in the form of a simple hinge if desired or, in the alternative, may take any other suitable form within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The movable mirror support is provided with a transverse connector element having an aperture formed therein to receive a connector pin. A motor connector extends transversely from the upright mirror support member and forms an aperture adapted to receive a connector pin. A clevis or other suitable connector extending from an electric, vacuum or pneumatic motor is secured to the transverse motor support by means of the connector pin. The motor, as earlier noted is preferably an electric solenoid motor, though it may take any other suitable form without departing from the spirit or scope of hereof. The motor is provided with a mirror actuating shaft which is linearly movable upon energization of the motor. The actuating shaft is provided with a clevis or other suitable connector at its free extremity which is adapted to receive the connector pin to establish a secure driving relation between the shaft and the transverse connector of the movable mirror support member. The electrical conductors extend from the motor through the housing and mirror support structure to the electrical system of the automotive vehicle. Such an assembly is described in detail in United States Patent 5,052,792 (McDonough) and need not be discussed in detail here.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of an automatically adjustable mirror assembly which will incorporate a flexible mirror having a section at one end which remains substantially fixed and generally planar. The opposite end of the flexible mirror is freely movable and is interconnected through a suitable linkage with an electrically, vacuum or pneumatically energized motor mechanism such as a solenoid motor. The solenoid motor is provided with a circuit for its operation which is coupled with electric circuitry of the vehicle and incorporates a switch which is operative by the turn signal mechanism of the vehicle. Unless otherwise adjusted, the entire mirror will be planar at one motor position to provide a normal rear view and a section of the mirror will be bent to an angulated relation with a fixed mirror segment to thus provide the vehicle operator with a panoramic view of the rear of the vehicle. Such an assembly is described in detail in United States Patent 5,052,792 (McDonough) and need not be discussed in detail here. The mirror assembly thus incorporates a mirror housing which includes a support structure that is adapted for mounting to a vehicle structure in a customary manner.

In this further alternative embodiment of this invention an elongated flexible mirror is flexed at it free extremity to provide the operator of the vehicle with an enlarged, wider rear view upon appropriate motor actuation. The housing is provided with support structure essentially as discussed above. The basic structure of the mirror support incorporates a support base secured by bolt and nut to the mirror housing and having upstanding spaced support members to which spaced mirror support arms are secured by means of pivot members. The mirror support arms are preferably formed integrally with an elongated generally planar mirror support plate or element which has a length significantly less than the overall length of a flexible mirror that is fixedly supported thereby. That portion of the mirror which is fixed to the mirror support element remains substantially planar to thus provide the operator of the vehicle with the capability of observing a normal rear view. That portion of the mirror, however, which projects laterally beyond the left extremity of the mirror support element is capable of being flexed upon energization of the solenoid motor. In its flexed condition the entire mirror would provide the vehicle operator with panoramic view to the rear of the vehicle. A transverse connector element extends from the rear portion of the flexible mirror and is connected by a pin to the clevis connection of an operating shaft extending from the solenoid motor. As the solenoid motor is energized the shaft is urged in a direction toward the motor, thereby causing the force of the motor to be translated linearly through the shaft of the connecting clevis and the transverse connector to the flexible mirror. This force transition causes the flexible end portion of the mirror to be flexed to thus provide the operator of the vehicle with a panoramic rear view of the vehicle and its operating environment. The degree of flexure of the mirror may be controlled by adjustment of the effective length of the operating shaft in the same manner as described above. Likewise, the position of the planar right hand portion of the mirror may be adjusted by adjusting the position of the support base about the generally vertical axis established by the bolt and by pivotal adjustment of the support arms and about the generally horizontal axis established by respective pivots.

The mirror support may secure the mirror housing in fixed relation with the vehicle structure or, if desired, may support the housing of the mirror assembly in adjustable relation with the vehicle structure. The mirror support also provides a protective conduit through which control circuit conductors extend into the vehicle for connection to the circuitry of the vehicle.

The electrical circuit extending from the solenoid motor through the mirror housing and mirror support also extends to a first microswitch which is mounted on or within the steering post of the automotive vehicle for sensing the activation of the left turn signal, and a second microswitch as discussed above for detecting the position of the steering wheel. The switch is operatively associated with the turn signal lever of the automotive vehicle. As the turn signal is moved to a predetermined operative position, such as when a left turn is designated, and the steering wheel is turned to the right, the switches are actuated, thereby causing energization of the electric circuit solenoid motor. The electric switch, which is interconnected with the electrical circuitry of the automotive vehicle, may be capable of transmitting mirror actuation signals for both left hand and right hand mirrors in the event such is desired. In such event the switch would be coupled with two motor control circuits which would be selectively energized by right or left turn movement of the turn signal lever. However, for the purpose of simplicity a left hand mirror is shown and described herein and a single motor circuit is shown. Its operation would normally be induced by movement of the turn signal lever to the position selected for a left turn. If a right hand mirror is also provided on the automotive vehicle, the switch would be capable of actuation by the turn signal lever for both right and left turns and the appropriate mirror would be energized by selective positioning of the turn signal lever.

In view of the foregoing, it is evident that the present invention provides a novel mirror assembly which is energized upon appropriate actuation of the turn signal and turning of the steering wheel of an automotive vehicle and which automatically positions the mirror assembly such that the operator of the vehicle is provided with a preselected wide or panoramic view.

In addition to the above, the interior of the vehicle may be provided with manual override switches for manually setting the mirrcr in either the first position or the second position. The mirror assembly will be automatically positioned as preselected by the vehicle operator during normal operation of the vehicle and during normal operation of the turn signal and steering wheel of the vehicle, unless the normal or activated signals are overridden by the override signals. The override signals (i.e., commanding the mirror to be in the normal position or in an outward position) may be provided on the steering wheel, preferably at or near the steering hub, for easy access.

In view of the foregoing it is apparent that the present invention is one well adapted to attain all of the objects and features hereinabove set forth together with other features that are inherent in the apparatus itself. It will be understood that certain combinations and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the present invention.

As many possible embodiments may be made of this inve _>;ion without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matters hereinabove set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense.

Now that the invention has been described,

Claims

I claim :

1. An automatically positionable mirror assembly for automotive vehicles having a turn signal system and a manually actuated turn signal lever and having a steering wheel, the assembly comprising:

(a) a mirror housing adapted to be supported on the automotive vehicle;

(b) mirror means being movably supported by said mirror housing and being positionable at first and second preselected positions within said housing;

(c) mirror moving means being carried by the vehicle and having an operative interconnection with said mirror means and adapted upon energization to induce movement of said mirror means from said first preselected positions to said second preselected position; and

(d) a control circuit interconnected between said mirror moving means such that upon actuation of the left turn signal lever and at the same time turning of the steering wheel to the right, said mirror movement means causes movement of the mirror means from said first position to said second position.

2. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror means further comprises a fixed mirror means independent of said movably supported mirror means.

3. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror moving means is an electric solenoid motor.

4. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror moving means is an hydraulic pressure means.

5. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror moving means is a vacuum actuator means.

6. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror moving means is a pneumatic actuator means.

7. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror moving means is an electromagnet.

8. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said control circuit comprises a position sensor in relation with said steering wheel, and wherein said position sensor is a microswitch.

9. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said control circuit comprises a position sensor in relation with said steering wheel, and wherein said position sensor is a microsensor for sensing the degree of turn of the steering wheel, and wherein said mirror moving means is adapted to move the mirror in relation to the amount of turn of the steering wheel as sensed by said microsensor.

10. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said control circuit comprises a microswitch position sensor for sensing the position of the turn signal indicator.

11. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror means is caused to rapidly and fully pivot outwardly to said second position upon initial turning of the steering wheel to the right and turning of the turn signal to the left.

12. An automatically positionable mirror assembly as in claim 1, wherein said mirror means is a flexible mirror means having a section at one end which remains substantially fixed and generally planar, and wherein the opposite end of the flexible mirror is freely movable and is connected with said mirror moving means.