EP1110116A1 - Dispositif de commande motorise d'un retroviseur pour vehicule - Google Patents

Dispositif de commande motorise d'un retroviseur pour vehicule

Info

Publication number
EP1110116A1
EP1110116A1 EP99919833A EP99919833A EP1110116A1 EP 1110116 A1 EP1110116 A1 EP 1110116A1 EP 99919833 A EP99919833 A EP 99919833A EP 99919833 A EP99919833 A EP 99919833A EP 1110116 A1 EP1110116 A1 EP 1110116A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mirror
actuator
movable
electric motor
ramp
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99919833A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1110116A4 (fr
Inventor
Kurt L. Lohss
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LDI Inc
Original Assignee
LDI Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LDI Inc filed Critical LDI Inc
Publication of EP1110116A1 publication Critical patent/EP1110116A1/fr
Publication of EP1110116A4 publication Critical patent/EP1110116A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
    • B60R1/025—Rear-view mirror arrangements comprising special mechanical means for correcting the field of view in relation to particular driving conditions, e.g. change of lane; scanning mirrors

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a vehicle mirror actuator, and more particularly relates to a motor actuator to adjust the reflective surface of an adjustable vehicle mirror designed to reduce the effects of blind spots in the viewing field of a vehicle driver.
  • an electrically driven motorized rearview mirror actuator for a mirror designed to alleviate "blind spots".
  • the present actuator provides substantially vibration-free movement between the normal driving position and that of a blind spot viewing position for the rearview mirror.
  • the present motorized mirror actuator is made with a relatively few number of parts which will resist a lifetime of movements without wearing out.
  • the present actuator is also a separate actuation means from the standard mirror adjuster which would adjust the mirror from left to right or up and down to accommodate differently sized passengers. Rather, the present actuator is its own actuation means used to rotate the rearview mirror about an axis of rotation which is at a predetermined angle from the normal driving position.
  • the return of the mirror to its normal position is accomplished without the use of additional motors. This is a great advantage over the prior art. Rather, by the utilization of a well placed spring mechanism, the mirror is returned automatically after being moved into position by the electrically driven motor actuator. Moreover, a delay timer or any other feasible means for timing the action may be used to assure that the mirror is automatically returned to its normal driving position after the driver has had a sufficient amount of time to view the blind spot. The return should generally be accomplished within a time period of between about one second and about three seconds.
  • a conventional singular rear view mirror plate attached to the motorized mirror actuator in accordance with the present invention will move the mirror plate within the rear view mirror housing temporarily between the normal rear view mirror position as desired by the operator of the vehicle, and a preselected "blind spot” position to increase safety of operation.
  • the actuation may be activated by the turn signal, or any other feasible means. If my motorized mirror actuator is in electrical communication with the turn signal, then the problem of viewing the "blind spot” when making a lane change or turn is automatically covered, as the driver will activate the "blind spot” mirror position as soon as he turns on his turn signal.
  • the activation means may include a switch on the steering column.
  • FIGURE 1 is a movable mirror base shown in a perspective view
  • FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a movable ramp made in accordance with the present invention
  • FIGURE 3 is a front elevationai view of a front stationary actuator plate
  • FIGURE 4 is a front elevationai view of a back stationary actuator plate
  • FIGURE 5 is a side view of one of the embodiments of the actuation mechanism
  • FIGURE 6 is an end view of the mechanism in accordance with Figure 5;
  • FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of this invention.
  • FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the movable ramp
  • FIGURE 9 is a side view of the second embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 7 and 8;
  • FIGURE 10 is an end view of the same embodiment as Figure 9;
  • FIGURE 1 1 is an electrical circuit schematic diagram; and
  • FIGURE 12 is a graph of current vs. time illustrating the motor brake effectuation.
  • FIG. 1 there is shown a movable mirror base generally denoted by the numeral 10 including an integral hinge 12.
  • a spring locator indentation 14 is shown here as a receptor for a beehive spring, although there are many different types of springs which are useful for this purpose.
  • Motor 16 is shown having an elongated jackscrew 18 extending therefrom as being engagingly connected to driver nut 30 which is located within the guideway of movable ramp 20.
  • T-end 22 is attached to T-bar extension 24 to form a cam element T-bar.
  • the T-bar may be permanently affixed or formed out of the movable mirror base place.
  • the T-bar cammingly communicates with the guideway of the movable ramp.
  • the T-bar slides up and down against the upwardly facing angled or inclined surfaces, which acts to move the mirror in and out of the normal viewing position.
  • the mirror base may be automatically returned to the normal viewing position by a spring located close to the hinge.
  • the hinge (not shown in this Figure) is received in the spring locator indentation and is preferably close to the hinge for two reasons. The first reason is because it minimizes vibration from the hinge and the second reason is because it returns the motor.
  • a boot 26 may be used to help dampen vibration and is illustrated behind the movable ramp 20. Boot 26 also acts to surround the T-bar extension 24.
  • Optional heater elements 28 are shown on the back of the base, and may be connected to the remainder of the heater element assembly.
  • Movable ramp 20 includes an upwardly facing angled or inclined surface 32 upon which the T-bar (shown in Figure 1 ) will ride up and down. Further shown is the guideway 34 which receives the driver nut (again shown in Figure 1 ).
  • the preferred angle for the inclined surface is 45°, although other angles are feasible. The angle of 45 ° is especially preferred, though, because this angle allows for a 1 : 1 relationship, which allows the use of a single spring to return the mirror base. This means that the motor does not need to be reversible, thereby minimizing parts used in the manufacture. Additional motors or a reversible motors may also be used.
  • FIG. 4 shows a stationary actuator front plate generally shown as numeral 40.
  • a motor recess 42 is shown for housing the motor extending outwardly from the mirror base 10 as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the concentric circular indentations act to mate with similar indentations in the other half of the "clamshell” as shown in the yet to be discussed Figure 4.
  • Figure 4 shows the stationary actuator back plate 50, which is designed to mate to the front plate.
  • Hinge protrusions 52 interconnect with the hinge protrusions of Figure 2, and a hinge pin is dropped between the two sets of hinge protrusions to yield the hinge necessary for rotating the mirror on its axis.
  • Rotation about the hinge formed by the hinge protrusions of the mirror base 10 of Figure 1 , along with the hinge protrusions 52 of the stationary actuator back plate 50 of Figure 4, works to move the mirror from a normal viewing position to that at the "blind spot" viewing position.
  • the angle of the hinge is from about 1 ° to about 10° off vertical, although the most preferred and effective angle appears to be about 7° off vertical. Of course, with another mirror configuration, other angles would be more feasible.
  • FIG 5 is a side view of the entire assembled mirror base 10, and illustrates the relative positions of the motor 16, jackscrew 18, and the movable ramp 20.
  • the T-end driver 22 is shown connected to the T-driver bar extension 24.
  • the driver nut 30 moves up and down on the jackscrew 18 which, in turn, moves the movable ramp 20.
  • the T-end driver 22 is drawn up the ramp, which essentially pushes down the mirror glass 54 and the mirror base 52 to which it is attached.
  • Figure 6 shows an end view of Figure 5, in which it can be seen that ramp 20 works with the driver 22 as it is being guided by guideway 34.
  • Hinge 12 is shown near spring 15, which in this case is a beehive spring.
  • Figure 7 shows yet another embodiment of the same invention, although it can be seen from the drawing that the movable ramp has been turned around, such that the upwardly facing inclined surface is facing toward the mirror base plate, rather than away from it.
  • the new movable ramp 70 is shown with the T-driver bar riding on the surface on the inside between the ramp 70 and the T-driver bar extension.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the new movable ramp discussed in Figure 7, generally denoted by numeral 70, in which an upwardly facing inclined surface 72 is also on the diagonal similar to the movable ramp of Figures 1 and 2, discussed above. Similarly, the appropriate angles may be the same as described above. Also similarly, a nut driver guideway 74 is shown recessed within the movable ramp 70 for working cooperatively with the driver nut 30.
  • Figure 9 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8. As can be seen from the drawing, motor 16 rotates jackscrew 18 within driver nut 30, which is in turn held within guideway 74 of movable ramp 70. This urges inclined surface 72 against the tip of the T-driver bar extension 24, thereby pushing away the mirror base 52 and mirror glass 54.
  • Figure 10 shows an end view of the embodiment of Figure 9, and illustrates the location of the spring 15 with relation to the hinge 12.
  • the mirror base 52 and the attached mirror glass plate 54 will be returned by the spring 15 toward the actuator plate 50.
  • Movable ramp 70 is shown in a slidably connected situation under cover 100.
  • Figure 1 1 is the electrical schematic diagram for the motor 16.
  • the uppermost thermal resistor is a 0.1 ohm resistor during cold operation, so the current will choose this route when it is cold because electricity will follow the path of least resistance.
  • the resistance increases to 1000 ohms, shifting the electrical path to the five (5) ohm resistor path, which is the lower of the two resistors at that time. The 5 ohm resistance will still leave enough torque in the motor without burning it up in the process.
  • FIG 12 is a graphical depiction of the output of current as a function of time when analyzing the electrical circuitry as shown in Figure 11.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de commande motorisé d'un rétroviseur, comprenant une rampe mobile (20) présentant des surfaces obliques ascendantes (32) en vue de contraindre un élément de came (22, 24) à se déplacer dans/ et en dehors de la position normale de visée, de manière à déplacer le rétroviseur (54) en une position permettant au conducteur du véhicule de voir son angle mort. Un petit moteur électrique (16) est suffisant pour entraîner le rétroviseur dans/ et en dehors de l'angle approprié de visée de l'angle mort pour le conducteur du véhicule.
EP99919833A 1998-04-13 1999-04-13 Dispositif de commande motorise d'un retroviseur pour vehicule Withdrawn EP1110116A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8154898P 1998-04-13 1998-04-13
US81548P 1998-04-13
PCT/US1999/008152 WO2000062111A1 (fr) 1998-04-13 1999-04-13 Dispositif de commande motorise d'un retroviseur pour vehicule

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1110116A1 true EP1110116A1 (fr) 2001-06-27
EP1110116A4 EP1110116A4 (fr) 2002-09-04

Family

ID=22164869

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99919833A Withdrawn EP1110116A4 (fr) 1998-04-13 1999-04-13 Dispositif de commande motorise d'un retroviseur pour vehicule

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1110116A4 (fr)
AU (1) AU3746499A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000062111A1 (fr)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2708328A1 (de) * 1976-02-27 1977-09-01 Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co Elektrisch einstellbarer rueckspiegel
FR2423374A1 (fr) * 1978-04-19 1979-11-16 Gilardini Spa Dispositif de reglage, a distance, de l'orientation des miroirs retroviseurs d'un vehicule automobile
DE3207200A1 (de) * 1982-02-27 1983-09-08 Metallwerk Frese Gmbh, 5653 Leichlingen Rueckblickspiegel mit verstellbarer spiegelscheibe
EP0151673A1 (fr) * 1984-02-02 1985-08-21 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Mécanisme de commande d'un rétroviseur latéral
DE3423520A1 (de) * 1984-06-26 1986-01-02 Wunsch, Eckart, Dipl.-Ing., 7267 Unterreichenbach Vorrichtung zum schnellverstellen einer spiegelplatte in einem spiegelgehaeuse, insbesondere bei einem fahrzeug-rueckspiegel
FR2601911A1 (fr) * 1986-07-25 1988-01-29 Peugeot Dispositif d'orientation d'un retroviseur exterieur d'un vehicule automobile.
EP0446095A1 (fr) * 1990-03-05 1991-09-11 Automobiles Peugeot Dispositif d'inclinaison, notamment vers le bas, d'un miroir de rétroviseur pour véhicule automobile par exemple et rétroviseur équipé d'un tel dispositif

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5159497A (en) 1989-07-19 1992-10-27 Lynas Robert M Solenoid controlled rearview mirror
US5052792A (en) 1990-04-16 1991-10-01 Mcdonough Michael J Selectively positionable rear view mirror system for vehicles with two mirror segments and control circuit cooperating with turn signal system
KR930001987Y1 (ko) 1991-03-28 1993-04-19 홍선택 자동차용 백밀러 방향전환 장치
JP3008334U (ja) * 1994-08-25 1995-03-14 株式会社村上開明堂 電動格納式ドアミラーの減速機構
US5701211A (en) * 1995-03-31 1997-12-23 United Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc. Vehicle mirror adjustment gear train
US5798881A (en) * 1995-11-14 1998-08-25 Mazurek; Niel Dual state mirror assembly

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2708328A1 (de) * 1976-02-27 1977-09-01 Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co Elektrisch einstellbarer rueckspiegel
FR2423374A1 (fr) * 1978-04-19 1979-11-16 Gilardini Spa Dispositif de reglage, a distance, de l'orientation des miroirs retroviseurs d'un vehicule automobile
DE3207200A1 (de) * 1982-02-27 1983-09-08 Metallwerk Frese Gmbh, 5653 Leichlingen Rueckblickspiegel mit verstellbarer spiegelscheibe
EP0151673A1 (fr) * 1984-02-02 1985-08-21 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Mécanisme de commande d'un rétroviseur latéral
DE3423520A1 (de) * 1984-06-26 1986-01-02 Wunsch, Eckart, Dipl.-Ing., 7267 Unterreichenbach Vorrichtung zum schnellverstellen einer spiegelplatte in einem spiegelgehaeuse, insbesondere bei einem fahrzeug-rueckspiegel
FR2601911A1 (fr) * 1986-07-25 1988-01-29 Peugeot Dispositif d'orientation d'un retroviseur exterieur d'un vehicule automobile.
EP0446095A1 (fr) * 1990-03-05 1991-09-11 Automobiles Peugeot Dispositif d'inclinaison, notamment vers le bas, d'un miroir de rétroviseur pour véhicule automobile par exemple et rétroviseur équipé d'un tel dispositif

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO0062111A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2000062111A8 (fr) 2001-04-19
EP1110116A4 (fr) 2002-09-04
AU3746499A (en) 2000-11-14
WO2000062111A1 (fr) 2000-10-19

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