GB2295592A

GB2295592A - Adjustable rear view mirror for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2295592A
Application number: GB9423060A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark David Radley; Timothy James King; Graham Wallace Bullock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-11-16
Filing date: 1994-11-16
Publication date: 1996-06-05
Also published as: GB9423060D0

Abstract

A vehicle rear view mirror 1 comprising a body 5 which supports a mirror member 9 with a selectively operable adjusting arrangement 12, 13 arranged to move the mirror member 9 between a preset rear view position and a blind spot viewing position. The adjusting arrangement 12, 13 can be mechanical, hydraulic or vacuum operated, and may be activated by a switch coupled to the indicator system or by an independent switch. <IMAGE>

Description

DESCRIPTION IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO MIRRORS FOR USE ON VEHICLES The present invention relates to a mirror for use on a vehicle.

More particularly the present invention relates to a mirror for use on the outside of a motor vehicle such as a private motor car, bus or truck, the mirror being commonly called a 'wing mirror' with one such mirror being mounted on each side of the vehicle to provide the driver of the vehicle with a view to the rear of the vehicle on each side of the vehicle.

Such wing mirrors are sometimes fixed in a preset position, though more usually they are manually or electrically adjustable by each driver of the vehicle so as to provide the required rear view along the respective sides of the vehicle. The rear view is however limited, such mirrors providing a view to the driver of what is directly behind or considerably behind and to the side of the vehicle. This results in a so-called 'blind spot' with the driver not being able to see another vehicle which has started to overtake and is to the side but not completely alongside the vehicle. This is clearly extremely dangerous if the driver himself wishes to overtake a vehicle in front as a brief inspection of the offside mirror of the vehicle will not cover the 'blind spot' and an accident could occur.

To overcome the above problem small curved mirrors are available, it being possible to bond such mirrors to a corner region of an existing mirror to provide a certain amount of cover of the blind spot.

However, due to the size of these additional mirrors, the view provided is unsatisfactory.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a mirror for use as a wing mirror for a vehicle which can provide a conventional view to the rear of a vehicle and which can be controlled to additionally cover the so-called 'blind spot' as and when required.

According to the present invention there is provided a mirror for use on a vehicle, said mirror comprising a body which supports a mirror member, a selectively operable adjusting arrangement being arranged to move the mirror member as and when desired, between a preset rear view position and a blind spot viewing position.

The present invention thus provides a mirror which can be used as a wing mirror on a vehicle eg.

motor car, with the mirror member of the mirror being selectively movable between a preset position in which the mirror is either located during manufacture or adjusted as desired by the particular driver, to provide the desired usual view to the rear of the vehicle, for normal driving, and a blind spot viewing position wherein the mirror member is more obtusely angled to the side of the car to thus cover the socalled blind spot. To effect this movement, the mirror member is preferably pivotable relative to the body of the mirror about a generally vertical pivotal axis. Alternatively, the mirror body may be pivotable about a generally, substantially vertical axis, relative to the car. Whilst the blind spot viewing position may be a predetermined mirror position, this blind spot viewing position may be adjustable to suit each particular driver.

Appreciating that conventional wing mirrors may be manually or electrically adjustable to achieve the usual preset position and bearing in mind the fact such mirrors could be adjusted to provide a view of the so-called 'blind spot', it should be borne in mind that manually adjusted wing mirrors are usually adjusted when the car is stationary and adjustment when on the move would be dangerous, and electrically operable wing mirrors are effectively infinitely adjustable between outer limits, and thus it would be difficult to both achieve the blind spot viewing position and to return the mirror member to the required preset position, when the vehicle is in motion and especially in the short time period associated with vehicle overtaking. Further, with known electrically operable mirrors the adjustment to and from the blind spot viewing position would be relatively slow.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the mirror member is generally rectangular and supported in the body of the mirror so as to be pivotal about an axis which, in the mirror installed situation, is substantially vertical and in the region of the edge of the mirror member remote from the body of the car or other vehicle. In an alternative embodiment, the pivotal axis may be located in the region of the vertical edge of the mirror adjacent to the car or other vehicle.

Preferably, in a conventional manually or electrically adjustable wing mirror, the mirror member is pivotally attached as hereabove, to a support on the mirror body, which support is manually/ electrically adjustable in position to provide for conventional adjustment to achieve the said preset position for normal rearward viewing.

The selectively operable adjusting arrangement which may be used when the mirror member is pivotally mounted on the support or directly on the mirror body, is preferably formed by a diaphragm/vacuum unit and an electrically operable solenoid valve for controlling the vacuum applied to the diaphragm/vacuum unit.

Vacuum is preferably supplied to the diaphragm/vacuum unit from the inlet manifold of the vehicle engine, via the solenoid valve and a vacuum reservoir. Thus, by energising the solenoid valve vacuum from the engine inlet manifold effectively acts on the diaphragm of the diaphragm/vacuum unit, and as the diaphragm is connected to the mirror member either by a direct link or other linkage, the mirror member relatively quickly pivots from the preset position to the blind spot viewing position. When the solenoid valve is deenergised, the mirror member returns to the preset position preferably by virtue of a return spring which acts on the diaphragm to thus return the mirror member relatively quickly, thereby not impairing the drivers normal rearward view for too long.

As will be appreciated, the vacuum in the inlet manifolded of an internal combustion engine reduces as the engine accelerates and this is the reason for utilizing a vacuum reservoir which will effectively store vacuum as and when appropriate, a one-way valve in the passage leading from the inlet manifold to the reservoir closing to retain the vacuum in the reservoir at a certain level as the vehicle engine accelerates, so that the mirror can be always adjusted even in an accelerating mode.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention the mirror member may be adjustable from the preset position by an electrical solenoid and appropriate linkage, a hydraulic arrangement or an electric motor/gear drive. In further alternative constructions, the body of the mirror may be as per usual pivotally mounted on the vehicle with a solenoid/linkage arrangement being provided to move the mirror as a whole to thus move the mirror member between the preset position and the blind spot viewing position. In such constructions, the usual spring return for such pivotally mounted mirrors may be used to return the mirror to the preset position.

To energise the solenoid valve, hydraulic arrangement solenoid or electric motor of the above embodiments of the present invention, a simple electrical switch may be provided within the vehicle in easy access to the driver. Preferably, the switch is coupled to or part of the indicator system of the vehicle so that with a vehicle designed for travel in Great Britain ie. on the left of the road, movement of the indicator switch to indicate that the vehicle is to move to the right, will simultaneously cause the offside wing mirror to quickly move from the preset position to the blind spot viewing position.

Cancellation of the indicator causes the mirror member to return quickly to the preset position.

Further when the mirror of the present invention is part of an indicator system for a vehicle with the mirror controlled for movement to the blind spot viewing position, by the indicator switch, a further switch is preferably provided in parallel with the indicator switch so that the mirror can be moved to the blind spot viewing position as desired without activation of the indicator system.

The present invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a control system for use with the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic cross sectional view of a modified diaphragm/vacuum control unit for use in the present invention; Figs. 4 and 4a are schematic, cross sectional plan views of different positions of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 is a schematic, cross sectional plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of an embodiment of the present invention showing an alternative arrangement for the mirror member pivotal support, as compared to Figs. 1 to 5; and Figs. 7 and 7a are plan view of different positions of a still further embodiment of the present invention.

A preferred embodiment of a mirror (1) constructed according to the present invention is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings, and in conjunction with a preferred control system (3) in Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings.

The mirror (1) of Fig. 1, comprises a mirror body (5) which is, when installed, mounted via mount (7) in the side of a vehicle eg. motor car, slightly in front of and to the side of a driver's seat. A generally rectangular planar mirror member (9) is mounted at one side on a substantially vertically extending fixed pivotal axle (11) within the mirror body (5) so as to be pivotal under the action of a diaphragm/vacuum unit (12) mounted on the body (5), via a linkage generally designated (13). The diaphragm/vacuum unit (12) comprises a housing (15) which is divided into two chambers (17,19) by a flexible diaphragm (21), one chamber (17) being vented to atmosphere and the other being connectable to a source of vacuum via the central system (3) of Fig. 2.The linkage (13) comprises a first member (23) which is connected to the diaphragm (21) and which extends across vented chamber (17), out of unit (12) and is pivotally connected to one end region of a second member (25) of the linkage (13). The middle region of the second member (25) is pivotally mounted as at (27) on a fixed pivot, and the other end region of said second member (25) is pivotally attached to one end region of a third member (29), the other end region of said third member being pivotally connected to the side region of the mirror member (9) remote from the pivotal axle (11).

Thus by applying vacuum to chamber (19) of diaphragm/vacuum unit (12), the diaphragm (21) in Fig.

1, moves upwards in the direction of arrow A, pulling first member (23) upwards so that second member (25) pivots about (27) causing third member (29) to press down on the mirror member (9) whereby mirror member (9) pivots about axle (11) and moves from a preset normal rearward view position to a blind spot viewing position wherein the planar mirror member is at a more obtuse angle to the side of the vehicle.

As evident from Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings, a tensioning return spring (31) is provided in chamber (17) to return the mirror member (9) to the preset position when chamber (19) is disconnected from the vacuum and vented to atmosphere, the relatively quick return of the mirror to the preset position quickly providing a driver with normal rearward vision after inspection of the conventional blind spot, so that normal mirror use is not impaired. Alternatively a compression spring can be located on the opposite side of the diaphragm to achieve the same effect.

The control system (3) of Fig. 2 basically comprises a solenoid valve (33), a vacuum reservoir (35) and a one-way valve (37), chamber (19) of diaphragm/vacuum unit (12) being connected via these system components in series, to a source of vacuum in the form of an inlet manifold (39) of an internal combustion engine (not shown) of the vehicle. Any other vacuum source can of course be utilised if desired.

The solenoid valve (33) comprises a housing (41) within which a valve member (43) is axially movable under the action of an electrical coil (not shown), the valve member (43) dividing the housing (41) into first and second chambers (41a,41b). The electrical coil is connected to an electrical power source and appropriate electrical switches via electrical cables (45) and when energised, the valve member (43) of the solenoid valve 33 moves to position 'X' from position 'Y'. In position 'X', the inlet manifold (39) is connected via the one way valve (37), vacuum reservoir (35) and the said second chamber (41b), to chamber (19) of the diaphragm/vacuum unit (12). As a result of the reduced pressure in the inlet manifold (39), the pressure in chamber (19) reduces and the diaphragm (21) flexes moving the linkage (13) and pivoting the mirror member (9) to the blind spot viewing position.

When the electrical coil of the solenoid valve (33) is de-energised, the valve member (43) moves to connect chamber (19) to a vent (47) in the said first chamber (41a), the vent (47) opening to the ambient atmosphere and incorporating a restrictor (49) which limits the rate of venting and thus the rate of return movement for the mirror member (9). The return movement of the linkage (13) and the mirror member (9) to the preset position is effected by the inherent resilience of the diaphragm (21) and a return spring (31). The return spring (31) can be omitted if appropriate.

A restrictor (51) is also provided in the connection between the vacuum reservoir (35) and the second chamber (41b) of the solenoid valve (41), to limit or rather predetermine the rate of movement of the diaphragm (21) and mirror member (9) from the preset position to the blind spot viewing position.

At relatively slow engine speed, there is a considerable reduction in pressure in the inlet manifold (39) and the mirror member (9) is then moved as desired by activation of the solenoid valve (41).

However during acceleration and high engine speeds, the pressure in the inlet manifold is increased to a level at which the diaphragm/vacuum unit (12) does not operate efficiently. To cater for this problem, the vacuum reservoir (35) and one way valve (37) arrangement stores sufficient reduced pressure/vacuum to operate the diaphragm/vacuum unit (12) as required for a limited period of time. A return to normal generally constant running recharges the reservoir (35) for future acceleration or high speed situations when blind spot viewing may be required.

To energise the solenoid valve (41), the cables (45) are connected to a power source (53) and a switch (55), the switch (55) being coupled to or forming part of the indicator switch of the vehicle. Thus by operating the indicator of the vehicle to indicate the vehicle pulling out to overtake or to be turning right (Great Britain), the mirror member (9) is moved to the blind spot viewing position from the previously adjusted preset position which provides for normal viewing to the rear of the vehicle. Cancellation of the indicator results in the mirror member (9) being returned to the preset position.

A modified diaphragm/vacuum unit (57) for use in the present invention is shown in Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings with linkage member (23) extending across vacuum chamber (19) and a compression spring (59) acting with the diaphragm. This arrangement is more compact than the unit (12) of Figs. 1 and 2, as the linkage member (23) is directly pivotally attached to the mirror member (9). Thus the unit (57) could, if desired, be located within the body (5) of the mirror (1). In conjunction with or instead of compression spring (59), a tension spring (not illustrated) can be provided on the opposite side of the diaphragm.

An alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figs. 4 and 4a, with an electrically operated solenoid (59) acting via a linkage (61) to pivot the mirror member (63). The solenoid (59) is coupled with the vehicle indicator switch (not shown) for automatic operation when usually required ie. just prior to pulling out/overtaking.

A further alternative embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings, this embodiment having a gear (65) drivable by an electric motor (67), the gear (65) engaging a complimentary edge of a wedge-shaped member (68) so as to move this member (68) axially.

The opposite wedge-edge (69) engages a roller (71) freely rotatably supported on the rear of a pivotal mirror member (73), so that axial movement of the wedge-shaped member (68) due to rotation of gear (65) by motor (67) causes mirror member (73) to pivot from the preset position to the blind spot viewing position. Again the motor (67) is engaged via the vehicle indicator switch.

Fig. 6 illustrates the mirror member (75) mounted pivotally on a support (77) within the mirror body (79), the support (77) being adjustable by the conventional schematically illustrated mechanical/electrical mirror adjustments (81) to provide for the desired preset position. This arrangement can be provided in any of the above described embodiments of the present invention so that the preset position can be determined by each driver rather than solely during manufacture of the vehicle.

A still further embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in Figs. 7 and 7a of the accompanying drawings. This embodiment comprises a mirror body (83) which is pivotable on a support (85) against a spring (not shown) to previously reduce damage to the mirror in the event of impact. The mirror body (83) houses a mirror member (not shown) and all normal mechanical or electrical adjustment arrangements for achieving the desired preset position. Additionally an electrically operated solenoid (87) is mounted on the rear of the mirror body (83) and coupled via a linkage (89) to the support (85). Thus by energising the solenoid (87), the mirror body (87) can be pivoted to move the mirror member from the preset position to the blind spot viewing position. The solenoid (87) is energisable via the vehicle indicator switch and returns the mirror member to the preset position when the solenoid (87) is de-energised as a result of cancelling the indicator - the said spring (not shown) facilitating return of the mirror.

Whilst the above described embodiments of the present invention are coupled to the vehicle indicator, an independent switch (91 - see Fig. 2) can additionally be provided in parallel with the indicator switch (55), to provide for independent control without requiring activation of the vehicle indicator.

The present invention thus provides a simple but effective construction for facilitating viewing of a vehicle blind spot as and when required.

Claims

1. A mirror for use on a vehicle, said mirror comprising a body which supports a mirror member, a selectively operable adjusting arrangement being arranged to move the mirror member as and when desired, between a preset rear view position and a blind spot viewing position.

2. A mirror as claimed in claim 1, in which the mirror member is pivotable relative to the body of the mirror about a generally vertical pivotal axis.

3. A mirror as claimed in claim 1, in which the mirror body is adapted to, in use, be pivotable about a generally, substantially vertical axis, relative to the vehicle on which the mirror is mounted.

4. A mirror as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3,' in which the blind spot viewing position is adjustable to suit each particular driver.

5. A mirror as claimed in claim 2, in which the mirror member is generally rectangular and supported in the body of the mirror so as to be pivotal about an axis which, in the mirror installed situation, is substantially vertical and in the region of the edge of the mirror member which, when installed, is remote from the body of the vehicle.

6. A mirror as claimed in claim 2, in which the pivotal axis is located in the region of the vertical edge of the mirror, which when installed is adjacent to the vehicle.

7. A mirror as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, in which a diaphragm/vacuum unit and an electrically operable solenoid valve for controlling the vacuum applied to the diaphragm/vacuum unit, are provided to selectively move the mirror member when required.

8. A mirror as claimed in claim 7, in which by energising the solenoid valve vacuum on the diaphragm/vacuum unit, a diaphragm of which is connected to the mirror member either by a direct link or other linkage, the mirror member thus relatively quickly pivoting from the preset position to the blind spot viewing position.

9. A mirror as claimed in claim 7 or 8, in which de-energisation of the solenoid valve returns the mirror member to the preset position by virtue of a return spring which acts on the diaphragm to thus return the mirror member relatively quickly, thereby not impairing the driver's normal rearward view for too long.

10. A mirror as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in which a vacuum reservoir is provided which will effectively store vacuum as and when appropriate, a one-way valve in a passage leading from a vacuum source to the reservoir being adapted to close to retain the vacuum in the reservoir at a certain level so that the mirror can be always adjusted even in an accelerating mode.

11. A mirror as claimed in claim 1, in which the mirror member is adjustable from the preset position by an electrical solenoid and appropriate linkage, a hydraulic arrangement or an electric motor/gear drive.

12. A mirror as claimed in claim 1, in which the body of the mirror is pivotally mounted on the vehicle with a solenoid/linkage arrangement being provided to move the mirror as a whole to thus move the mirror member between the preset position and the blind spot viewing position.

13. A mirror as claimed in claim 12, in which a spring return is provided to return the mirror to the preset position.

14. A mirror as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which an electrical switch is provided within the vehicle to activate movement of the mirror member.

15. A mirror as claimed in claim 14, in which the switch is coupled to or part of the indicator system of the vehicle.

16. A mirror as claimed in claim 15, in which a further switch is provided in parallel with the indicator switch so that the mirror can be moved to the blind spot viewing position as desired without activation of the indicator system.

17. A mirror for use on a vehicle, constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.