JPS60139546A - Car mirror assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a vehicle mirror assembly, and more particularly to an improved rear view for installation within a vehicle.
(archive) This relates to a mirror assembly.

This assembly/prep allows movement between a fully light reflective daytime position and a reduced light reflective nighttime position with a simplified and more reliable construction.

View mirror assemblies have been used for many years to provide portable oJ functionality between day and night light reflective positions. Government interest in overall requirements for strength, bending resistance, separation capacity, etc., as well as the importance of energy conservation and recent interest in cost reduction, has mandated a reconsideration of existing mirror assembly designs.

Traditionally, different day and night viewing mirror assemblies have been designed for the different requirements of different vehicles and different countries in which the automobile or other vehicle is manufactured. In the United States, interior rearview mirrors for passenger vehicles must not only provide a specified field of view, but must also be stably supported, adjustable both horizontally and vertically, and mounted so that they do not separate from the specified interior position. No.

In the European Economic Community, motor vehicle regulations require that the rear mirror assembly be
It is capable of withstanding a static load test involving a weight of 5 kilograms and requires that the bracket support and opposite edge be held firmly in place for one minute. This assembly must pass the test without breaking or, if the assembly does not break, without releasing glass shards.Alternatively, the mirror is made from safety glass.

Certain manufacturing difficulties have also been discovered with prior art assemblies. For example, the manufacture of some rearview mirror assemblies requires direct heating of a lip on a molded case to form a curved edge around the mirror element after insertion into the case. Difficulties have been encountered in uniformly obtaining a uniform mirror holding lip in such an assembly;
It was saved. Furthermore, in particular, the changing celestial and qihou articles
Mirror assembly day and night times! i! It was desired to more easily obtain reliable control of the b effect.

For a substantially rigid case-containing assembly with a pivot actuator that includes a recursive portion that provides resiliency during rotation, it was desired to have greater strength through the area of the assembly where the pivot actuator is mounted.

Additionally, mirror assemblies must meet minimum vibration standards to provide a clear image quality when viewed by the vehicle operator, while maintaining sufficient strength to meet the above-mentioned government regulations. Reducing the 4I complexity of conventional assemblies was also required to reduce cost and simplify manufacturing requirements without compromising functional features.

The present invention provides a simplified, reliable, internal daylight system for use in virtually all currently manufactured commercial vehicles.
It was developed as a nighttime rear view mirror assembly. The objective is to provide a mirror assembly that is useful in a variety of climate conditions and takes into account government safety requirements for the world's major vehicle producing countries.

The mirror assembly of the present invention addresses the desire for a simplified structure for holding the mirror element in the case, the desire to keep the manufacturing failure rate of the assembly to a minimum, the number of interlocking parts, and the daytime Φ Desire to make control for night rotation operations easier and more reliable, and strength;
Designed and manufactured in recognition of the desire to maintain reduced weight and resistance to vibration during use, the present invention therefore improves the retention of mirror elements in the case, facilitating assembly and reducing manufacturing reject rates. A simplified design for vehicles adapted to simplify and provide adequate resistance to vibrations during use, reduce the number of integrated parts, ensure control of daytime and night positioning, and provide adequate strength with reduced weight. It also provides a reliable internal daytime/nighttime rearview mirror assembly. Additionally, the present invention provides the ability to be used with an integral mirror support bracket, such as that disclosed in US Pat. With a bracket like this,
The electric motor assembly of the present invention takes into account United States and European Economic Community government vehicle safety regulations and is easy and inexpensive to manufacture while maintaining adequate strength and vibration requirements with minimal overall burden.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle daytime mirror case including a mirror case integrally formed from a resin material and having a flexible resilient portion, and a rigid actuator means for moving the case between a daytime position and a nighttime position. - Providing nighttime electricity assembly. The case has a rear portion, a continuous peripheral sidewall adapted to define a periphery of the mirror element, retaining means for retaining the mirror element in the case, and support means for supporting the actuator means in the case. The actuator means includes mounting means for mounting a bracket to secure the assembly on the support and pivot means for pivoting the actuator and case between said positions. The case biases the actuator toward one or the other of the positions, such that a discrete force is required to rotate the actuator and the case with the pivot means. l Emotion-.

In another aspect of the invention, the molded case includes a preformed lip on the continuous peripheral sidewall that snaps and retains the mirror element into the case. The pivot actuator is a substantially rigid toggle member. The case includes a portion that is sufficiently flexible and resilient to bias the toggle member toward one or the other of the toggle member positions. When the toggle member is pivoted with the pivot means such that the lip extends inwardly enough so that the mirror element is not received with the case, the lip will extend inwardly enough so that the mirror element is not received with the case. It continues to cover the edge and a predetermined portion of the mirror element spaced inwardly from the edge.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the rear portion of the case is curved outwardly to the area of maximum total case depth to facilitate deflection of the case during rotation of the pivot means. A multifaceted pivot limit stop tab is provided on the pivot actuator to ensure control of rotation of the case between daytime and nighttime positions and to facilitate insertion of the actuator into the case. Additionally, the mounting means on the pivot actuator may be a socket for receiving a ball member from a support bracket or a ball member extending outwardly to be secured in a suitable support bracket.

Snap-insertion retention of the clearer element in the case provides simplified assembly. Even during flexure of the case when the pivot actuator is moved between its positions, the retaining lip provides sufficient coverage of the periphery of the mirror element to hide any debris, scratches or edge deviations in the mirror, thus after manufacture. lower mirror assembly rejection rates.

Multifaceted stop tabs on the pivot actuator make insertion of the actuator into the case easier than conventional actuators and ensure control of daytime and nighttime rotation after assembly. The assembly incorporates fewer integrated parts while maintaining strength, vibration resistance, and minimal weight.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a first embodiment of an internal rear view mirror assembly lO, with mirror element 1
4 includes a molded resin mirror case 12 and a rigid pivot actuator or toggle member I or holder. The actuator 501 is pivoted into the case and is preferably molded from a temporary material, as will be discussed in more detail below. Mirror element 14 is a prism of clear glass, brekki glass or other transparent monolithic material with a layer of reflective material 16 (FIG. 5) disposed on its rear surface. Preferably, the mirror set 14 has an angle of 36351±0°io'
of Taber and 2.218 ± 0.015 inches (5,54
A glass prism with a maximum thickness of + 038 mm).

927±0.015 inches (23jS, 46
±0.38mm) with dimensions of 82.265±0.015 inches (57.53±0.38mm), rounded corners, slightly curved edges, and a matte, non-reflective finish all around. ing.

The reflective layer is coated with a protective primer paint layer and then with a flexible, elastic polyvinyl chloride plastisol layer 18 or case for safety reasons to prevent scattering of glass fragments in case the mirror is broken.

In a preferred embodiment, layer 18 is approximately 0, O40~0
．． 0.45 inch (0.381" 1.143 mm), with the thickness decreasing adjacent the edges of mirror element 14 (see Figure 50.6). Reflective layer 16 is typically a graphite layer. A protective layer of primer paint 18 is applied over which a plastisol layer 18 is applied.The primer paint is preferably a heat-sensitive adhesive and contains pigments to hide the reflective layer on the mirror. Daubert Chemical Co., Oak Plutsk, Illinois;
Daubond DC-8660 or B, F of Creepland, Ohio.

Goodrich Chemical Company
There is a product number A1103B by. Both have adhesive bonded crystalloids when heated.

After application of these various layers, the mirror elements and layers are approximately 1
It is cured by heating to a temperature of 75-2QO"F (79-93"C). At this temperature, PVC
Plastisol t8 is chemically converted to polyvinyl chloride. Sufficient plasticizer is first applied to the plastisol to withstand all the temperatures to which vehicles containing such mirrors are normally exposed, i.e. -40 to 190'F.
Inherently elastic, flexible and susceptible to mold hardening at temperatures ranging from -40 to 88°C
leave.

Application of the PVC layer 18 is preferably done in plastisol form, but 1) VC in non-plastisol form may also be injection molded onto the rear of the mirror. It has been found that once the PvC is injection molded onto the rear of the mirror, it is advantageous to add a layer of binder or adhesive below the plastisol layer, which firmly bonds the plastisol Id to the mirror element. It was done. Such suitable heat sensitive adhesives are available from Armstrong Cark Con of Cincinnati, Io.
It is product number J1199-B manufactured by pany. Other materials having the above elastic and flexible properties over a wide range of temperatures that may also be used in layer 18 include polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane and crecone sealants.

As shown in FIG. 5.6, the mirror element 14
The flat front and back [LJl are not parallel, thereby defining a prism and +i of the light reflected from the mirror,
] Adjustability of the mirror assembly for day and night use to reduce glare. However, when the assembly is rotated (FIG. 6) and the case positions the mirror element so that the incident light is reflected off the coated rear surface 16, substantially all of the light impinging on the rear surface is removed. approximately 88% is reflected. However, once the case is rotated so that the light is reflected off the uncoated front surface, only 4% of the incident light is reflected. The glare that enters the eyes of the driver looking into the mirror is thereby reduced.

As mentioned above, the rear view mirror assembly 10 is designed for use with a support bracket of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent application. The platen 15 allows for the mounting and adjustment of the assembly 10 on a support that is typically secured to the +A roof of a vehicle, thereby providing proper mil alignment for drivers of all sizes of vehicles.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-6, the molded mirror case 12 includes a curved rear and continuous peripheral side wall U, with the side wall 72 extending around the entire case to accommodate the received mirror image. The periphery of the element 14 is defined.The side wall U is the top part 2.
2a, a bottom portion 22b, and end portions 22c, 22d.

As can be seen in Figure 5.6, the thickness of the case rear addition is substantially uniform, preferably 2.5H1m, with a circumference of 1L.
(l+B u increases outwardly towards the front of the case, preferably tapers to 3.0 mm, where it is joined by a continuous, inwardly extending mirror return retaining tip. The lip has a curved profile extending around the entire side wall 22 and terminating in an angled lower surface adapted to face the inner wall 26 and the mirror element 14. The curved outer circumference of the lip prevents the lip from hitting the corners of the glass when it flexes.The curved outer circumference of the lip prevents the mirror element from snapping into the case 12 by the camming action of the lip peripheral sidewall combination, as shown in FIG. The bevel 10 on the rear surface of 14 extends inwardly over the entire periphery of the mirror element by a predetermined distance, in the preferred embodiment 2.5 tnm, and closes to the edge of the glass or other mirror element. Provision is made to cover edge defects and to hold the mirror element in place even when the case flexes during rotation of the pivot actuator during day and night.

As can be seen in Figure 2.5, the rear of the case curves outward to an area of maximum thickness at about the middle of the case as defined by the contour force, and the contour force Point 32 adjacent to the upper corner of both ends of the okara, forming a gentle curve downward from the okara, extending toward the center of the case between the upper corner openings and directly to the bottom of the upper corner openings. Exists. The contour height +130 not only defines an increased depth of the overall case (also, when the vivo-two actuator is rotated in the case and/or the mirror element 14 is in the mid-foot position of the mirror assembly/pre-assembly). When snap-inserted, the deflection of the sidewall n is localized. Along with the lip blade, 52, the profile of the case also increases longitudinal bending resistance or stiffness to help meet government regulations. 4-6.10.11 gives the mirror assembly a somewhat bulbous shape.

As shown in FIG. 3.4, mirror case 12 also includes a pair of aligned, parallel, hidden mirror supports 38, 40 on the inner surfaces of opposite ends 22c, 22d thereof.

As shown in FIG. 5, these upright supports are
2nd year! Different distances are used to support different thicknesses of the prismatic mirror element 14 when held under the slope LIIj28. Once snapped into place, the lip cap holds the mirror element between the supports, 4
Hold the mirror element tightly in place with only 100 liters in the case, thereby preventing vibration or movement of the mirror element in the case. The mirror element is not supported by other parts of the case.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-6, the central interior portion of case 12 includes a support area for the pivot actuator or barb/I/member (a). This support area includes 42.44 straight, parallel 7L support walls, each of which extends around a free, straight page edge, the top edge of which is the layer 18 of mirror elements 14 received in the case 12. and is generally parallel to the storage rear surface 16 as seen in FIG.

Each of the support walls 42,44 has an opening 46 having non-parallel top and bottom surfaces that converge toward the top wall 22a.
．． Contains 48. The aperture 46 has an increased thickness 47,490 on the inner surface of each support wall 42°, and the wall around the aperture is shaped like a pivot. The actuator is designed to receive a pivot limit stop tab from the actuator (a).A pair of upright, shaped support lip blades, 52, are generally straight and aligned with each other to strengthen the support area and the case in its central portion. Extending in parallel, walls 42,441Mi
The area is slightly separated by FA cutting. The lip blade is generally aligned with the area of the wall 42.44 J which defines the maximum embroidered area of the case in the area directly above the opening 34.

a separate pivot support 5 integrally formed with and extending inwardly from the inner surface of the support wall 42,44;
4a, 54b and 56a1%b, which support the top of the pivot actuator or toggle member (A) and the St upper pivot shaft, respectively. Pivot support 54a
, 54b each includes an axial support wall 55 (FIG. 5);
The shaft support wall 55 has an inner contour that valleys two cylindrical surfaces of different radii joined by a flat surface 53, which is designed to match the outer @S contour of the upper pivot axis of the pivot actuator ω. make a corner The shaft support wall 55 is supported by a rib 57 extending between its upper side and the upper side wall 22a of the case.

Similarly, the lower pivot supports 56a, 56b are supported by additional ribs 59 extending between the shaft supports and the bottom sidewall portion 22b. Between the shaft support walls is an upper pivot support 54
a, 54b includes an inner, partially cylindrical, uniform radius bottom surface that is open toward the opposing arrangement of 54a and 54b. As will be explained in detail later, the pivot actuator (a) has a pivot support body, a
56 and between the supporting walls 42,44.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the pivot actuator or toggle member embodiment markings are shown. The actuator markings are on the supports Nua, 54b and 56a.
, 56 b, respectively.
a rigid body 66 including a pair of spaced apart pivot axes 62, 64 and a series of reinforcing lips or places 67, and a pair of paired pivot limiting stop tabs 68a on opposite sides between the bodies;
68b and a loading socket 70 extending outwardly from the upper pivot axis 62 between at least two positions: a forward or daytime position when mounted in the case and a rearward or nighttime position. a pivot member including a lower pivot shaft 64 adapted to allow rotation of the actuator.

The upper pivot shaft 62 has a pair of stub shafts 62a, 62b extending parallel to each other and in opposite directions from the upper edge of the actuator indicia body mass. Stub shaft 62
a, 62b are pivot supports of case 12 543%5
Similar to the inner surface of the shaft support 55 on 4b, it has cylindrical surfaces of different radii joined by flat surfaces. The canine cylindrical surface extends approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the distance around the pivot axis, and the increased radius provides greater strength to the stub axis.

However, the smaller cylindrical radius allows the actuator to fit more easily into the pivot supports 54a, 54b.

The rigid body θ includes a pair of converging legs of channel-like cross section extending between the pivot axes. These legs give the body a generally V-shape as best seen in FIG. The channel shape reduces weight, and captive places in the sidewalls of each converging leg and between the legs themselves, such as that shown at 67 in Figure 7.9, reduce the weight of the body without adding much weight. The strength and stiffness of the material increases considerably. The front surfaces 65 of the converging legs lie in a common plane slightly offset from the centerline of the pivot axes 62,64.

At the lower edge of the actuator leg, the pivot axle is joined by a flexible, integrally molded live hinge 72. A pivot or finger tab 74 projects downwardly from the bottom of the pivot shaft 6 and has an integral lip molded therein for ease of gripping. Live hinge 72,
Tab 74 and pivot shaft 64 join together with rigid body 66 to form a center hinge assembly, the operation of which will be described in more detail below.

Each of the pivot limit stop tabs 68a, 68b extending from opposite sides of the rigid body
~8.11 Contains multiple planes or planes that intersect with each other as shown in Figure. The front surface 76 of the stop tab is connected to the support walls 42, 4.
The daytime position (11th
(Figure) is designed to limit the rotation of the actuator.゛On the opposite side of each strike member, face 7
8 provides a stop surface that limits rotation of the actuator ω to the night position (FIG. 11).

The ramp provides a camming surface that facilitates its insertion between the support walls 42, 44 when the actuator is assembled into the case.

As shown in FIG. 9, the molded socket 0 has a central axis A which extends outwardly at an obtuse angle to the plane of the leg front face 65. As shown in FIG.

The socket IO has a slightly elongated or oval shape and is not completely spherical so that the ball from the support bracket does not touch the socket wall 71 in all places. Socket wall 71 has a substantially uniform thickness that provides sufficient support for the ball member while accommodating insertion of the socket without destruction. Boku 71 is strengthened at Place 09. I
The extra conical introduction part 82 is as described in the above-mentioned patent application 1988-
Facilitates the snug insertion of a spherical ball member from a bracket temple to be received into a socket such as that described in . Openings 84 result from removal of mold pins during forging. Once received in case 12, socket 70 is adapted to protrude through the upper corner opening, while pivot tab 74 extends straight out of upper corner opening 36 as shown in FIG.

13-17, a second embodiment 60' of the pivot actuator is shown, with like numerals indicating embodiment 6.
Parts similar to those in 0 are shown. The actuator 60' has an outwardly extending ball member 8 instead of a socket "lO".
Contains 6. The ball member portion is molded into a support area 85 at the apex of the converging leg forming the body indicium, with the upper pivot axis 62 also extending outwardly. The ball member 86 preferably includes a base including a zinc die cast or other metal spherical ball 87, a neck egg, and a parallel circular member 89, (a) in which the support area 85 is molded.

Ball portion 87 is designed to be received in a spherical cup or other receiving member of a mounting bracket that extends between the pivot actuator and a support, such as a metal button on a vehicle windshield. The central axis of the ball member 86 extends at the same angle as the central axis A of the socket IO with respect to the flat surface 65 of the convergent leg, and thus extends through the upper corner opening 34 when received in the case 12. do. Therefore, depending on which actuator mark or 601 is selected, the assembled rear view mirror can be used with different support brackets and provides full adjustability for viewing different sized drivers.

Preferably, the case 12 and the actuator ω or 601 are molded as one piece from a thermoplastic steel face material such as a polypropylene homopolymer or copolymer. It has been found that such a material has the strength and stiffness necessary to form the actuator 601.

Moreover, in the shape of case 12, these materials have the necessary flexibility and resiliency to plow as desired. Preferably, the actuator ω, 601 is a Hercules manufactured by Hercules Inc. of Ilmington, P.R.
Molded from a polypropylene homopolymer such as ules 6523 or equivalent. Hercules 652
It has the characteristics of 34 Jiangji.

Bending modulus (ASTM D790B) - = 250.00
0 psi hardness ASTM D785A)
...99 (Rotsuku ``r#R School) Deflection Temperature (
ASTM D648)--81F (at 66psi) Notched Izot Impact Strength ASTM D256
A)...2.5ft-1ba/in (73'
In F) the actuator, the mirror element and the case use the case while the temperature of the case maintains a level higher than a predetermined level where the case has greater flexibility and less elasticity which facilitates assembly. It has been found that assembly is best achieved within a predetermined period of time after completion of molding of the case. First, the pivot support 56a.

The cylindrical surface of 56b is located in Newark, New Jersey, Fi.
Lubrl from rske Bros Refinery
It is coated with a suitable lubricant such as the grease sold as plate 930-2.

This grease provides consistency in pivot torque for movement between daytime and nighttime positions. Then one of the actuators ω or 60'7! l″-11th
When inserted as shown, the socket 70 or ball member % is caused to protrude through the aperture 34 and the pivot tab 74 and pivot shaft 64 are rotated so that the pivot tab 74 passes through the upper corner aperture 36. It is made to stand out. Pivot limit stop tab +38 a,
68 b is engaged with the straight upper edge surface of the support wall 42 , 44 , and the pivot stub shaft 62 .
a, 62b are pivot supports 54 as shown in FIG.
a and 54b and are seated therein.

Next, a sufficient force is applied in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 11 to push the actuator down into the support wall 42 and between the members.
The inclined camming surfaces 80 on the pivot limit stop tabs 68 a , 68 b push the walls 42 , 44 outwardly, causing the pivot stop tabs to pass between them and open the opening 4 .
6.48. Since the case 12 is at a high temperature, the support walls 42,44 have more flexibility and less elasticity than after a long period of cooling, thereby facilitating the insertion process. When the stop tabs 68a, 68b are received in the apertures 16.48, the lower pivots), f
1164 is a pivot support 56a as shown in FIG.
, 56b.

Since the actuator (a), 150' includes a rigid body 66 that maintains a predetermined spacing between the axes 62, 64, the distance Y (FIG. 7) between the outer surfaces of the pivot axes is the maximum distance between the cylindrical surfaces of the pivot supports. By making K slightly larger than the distance X (FIG. 5), , an interference fit is provided between the pivot axis of the actuator and the pivot support of case j2. Therefore, once the actuator 60' is snapped into place as described above, the interference fit is 0.030 inches (0.762 inches) in the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. m wall 2 as shown by the virtual wall 2
2 and a portion of the rear part of the case are deflected outward. This provides a prestressed condition which causes the lower shaft coupler to flex slightly between supports 56a, 56b, as shown in FIG. After the assembled case and actuator have cooled sufficiently to ambient temperature, the elasticity of the thermoplastic material at these temperatures allows the over-center pivot assembly on the actuator to be restricted by the stop tabs in openings 46 and 48. constantly biasing into one or the other of two positions. Thus, the case itself acts as a spring member to bias the pivot actuator into its daytime or nighttime position and maintain the actuator in that position. The preferred angle of travel between the daytime and nighttime positions of actuator (a) or 601 is 15°29' - 0°311 using the pivot limit stop tab and opening 46.48.

However, as the case cools to ambient temperature 111, the increased flexibility and decreased elasticity of the continuous sidewall n of the case 12 can be increased by snapping the prismatic mirror element 14 into place as shown in FIG. Facilitate its insertion. Such insertion is facilitated by a flying bevel 19 on the trailing edge of the mirror element which cams against the rounded surface of the lip row adjacent to the edge so that the top, bottom and end surfaces of the case are directed outwardly. Figure 10).

This causes the mirror element to move inward to a position below the lapse and abut against the support 40. The continuous lip is then deflected inwardly from its expanded position to retain it beneath the edge lip 2A of the mirror element.

With the preferred materials described above, in order to take advantage of the greater flexibility and less elasticity of the case at higher temperatures, insertion of the actuator mark or 601 and mirror element 14 is most likely within 1 to 3 minutes after removal of the case from the mold. It has been found that this is well achieved. The case is then cooled to hold the mirror element and actuator in place and provide the prestressed piascus described above. .

During use of the mirror assembly described above, tab 740 rotation between daytime and nighttime positions occurs when tab 74 and hinge 72 are generally parallel to front surface 65 between the rigid bodies and when the actuator shaft 62 until it is overcentered to one position or to the other position O.
．． 64 Increase the leap distance. This increased distance causes the continuous side wall and a portion of the case rear addition to deflect outwardly against the natural elasticity of the case (FIG. 10) and is overcome by the rotational torque or force applied to the pivot tab 74. Provide a predetermined force level where required. When such a force is applied and the pivot tab is moved past the center, the pivot limit stop tab in the actuator aperture 46.48 of the case will move to its opposite position where it is limited by the upper surface. Insert the snug. Actuator 60 or 60' and support 54
The turning force is preferably determined according to the size of the tight fit between the winnowing hole and the stiffness and elasticity of the case and the actuator, which are measured in the actuator insertion curve and can be changed by case hardening or cooling failure. is about 1 bond and 3
It is between Bond and 2. This is sufficient to make the movement between the daytime and nighttime positions v-tactile, while also keeping the actuator in one of its positions after movement, giving a good feel and meeting the desired design objectives. .

In addition, the pivot limit stop tab, when installed in a vehicle, prevents the pivot actuator from moving forward toward the mirror element, such as may occur when a sudden force is applied to the mirror assembly that tends to move the pivot actuator forward toward the mirror element. , the pivot support, the pivot actuator or the toggle assembly from the winnower are guaranteed against premature removal. Pivot stop tab closure opening 4 to limit movement
6. The mallet effectively prevents such removal of the actuator after assembly.

Therefore, the present invention provides the required strength along with lightness, has fewer total parts compared to conventional mirror assemblies, simplifies assembly procedures and reduces assembly rejection rates, and is suitable for daytime and night rotation operations. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a simplified and highly reliable rear view mirror assembly that provides more reliable control of the rear view mirror assembly. Additionally, this assembly is adapted to meet the safety requirements of major vehicle producing countries.

While several forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, other forms will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It will therefore be understood that the embodiments shown and described above are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the mirror assembly and separate mirror mounting bracket of the present invention. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mirror assembly and mirror mounting bracket of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the molded mirror case of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror case fitted with a glass mirror element, taken along the -N plane of FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view taken along the line ■-■ of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5 showing the mirror case and mirror element and attached pivot actuator. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the first embodiment of the pivot actuator of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view of the pivot actuator of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a plan sectional view taken along DC- of FIG. 8. FIG. 1O is a cross-sectional view of the mirror case taken along the plane XX of FIG. 12 showing the mirror element supported on the edge of the filter case. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the case when the pivot actuator of FIGS. 7 to 9 is inserted into the case. FIG. 12 is a front view of the case equipped with the pivot actuator of FIGS. 7-9. FIG. 13 is a front view of a second embodiment of the pivot actuator of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a rear view of the pivot actuator of FIG. 13. Figure 15 is a top view of the pivot actuator shown in Figures i13 and 14. FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along the line I-XVI of FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional plan view taken along line XMI-XVII in FIG. 13. 10...Mirror assembly 12...Mirror case 14...Mirror element 16...Reflection layer...Retaining lip (capital)...Contour line 34, J6...Opening a, 40... Mirror support 42.44...Support wall 46.48...Opening 50.52...Ribs 54a, 54b, 56a, 56b-Pivot support 57...Rib 58...Shaft support ω... Pivot actuator 62, 64... Pivot shaft 66... Main body 67... Places 68a, 68b... Stop tab '70 -... Socket 72... Hinge 74... Pivot tab mixture ... Opening 86 ... Ball member 5 small, 7 -4-rx, 8°

Claims (1)

[Claims] l A vehicle daytime/nighttime rear view mirror assembly including a mirror case and a pivot actuator, wherein the case is molded as an integral member from a resin material and surrounds a rear portion and a peripheral edge of a mirror element. and support means for supporting said pivot actuator in said case, said pivot actuator having a continuous peripheral side wall adapted to mount said pivot actuator on said support. mounting means and pivot means for pivoting the actuator and case between at least two different positions relative to the mounting means, the shaped case including a flexible, resilient portion and a mirror element; a pre-formed lip on the peripheral side wall of the said ii joint for retaining the actuator in the case; the pivot actuator being substantially rigid; the lip is sufficiently flexible or resilient to bias the actuator; the lip extends inwardly a sufficient distance such that the mirror element is received in the case and the actuator is rotated by the pivot means; When moved, the case flexes relative to the rigid actuator to allow rotation, and the lip flexes against the edges and edges of the mirror element during the rotation, regardless of the flexing action of the case and lip. The rear vinyl mirror assembly/prep is characterized in that it continues to cover a predetermined portion of the mirror element spaced inwardly from its edge. 2. the lip extends continuously around the entirety of the continuous peripheral side wall, the case is molded from a thermoplastic resin material, and the wall is sufficiently malleable within a predetermined period of time after completion of the molding; flexible and resilient, the case maintains a temperature below a predetermined temperature to enable snap insertion of the mirror element into the case within the predetermined time; 2. A mirror assembly according to claim 1, which has a lesser amount of flexibility and greater resiliency after cooling below temperature. 3. The Yabu mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the side wall of the case increases in thickness from the rear toward the lip. 4111. The mirror of claim 2, wherein said rear portion of said case is curved outwardly to the area of maximum total case depth to facilitate deflection of said case during rotation of said pivoting means. assembly. 5. The continuous side wall includes portions that define the top, bottom and ends of the case, and the area of maximum strength extends from a location closer to the top and adjacent the ends of the case to the middle of the rear of the case. 5. The viewing mirror assembly of claim 4 defined by a line extending along the rear of the case to a proximate location. 6. The case includes a top corner and a bottom corner between the top and bottom sidewall portions and the case back, and the case includes a pair of openings extending through the top and bottom corners intermediate the ends. one of the apertures passing through the top corner and the other passing through the bottom corner, the line defining the maximum case depth passing through the middle of the aperture and through the top corner; 6. A viewing mirror assembly according to claim 5, which extends directly into the aperture. 7. The casing includes an inwardly projecting support rib on an inner surface of the casing aligned with the line defining the maximum casing depth for at least an intermediate distance of the opening. Ryabumi 2-assembly as described. 8. Claim 2, wherein said continuous lip has a rounded outer surface to facilitate insertion of a mirror element and a sloped lower surface adapted to face the mirror element when received in said case. View mirror assembly as shown. 9. said assembly includes a mirror element, said continuous sidewall includes portions defining a top, bottom and end of said case, said case includes upright supports on its inner surface at said ends, said mirror element Claim M<
1. The mirror assembly according to item 1, m or item 2 or item 8. 10 including a prismatic mirror element inserted between said lip and said upright support in said case, said prismatic mirror element having non-parallel, flat front and back surfaces and a minor (both Claim 9, comprising a coating of reflective material on one and a layer of flexible one elastic material bonded to said rear surface to retain debris in case the mirror element is broken. 1. A rear view mirror assembly of 11. wherein the mirror element includes a bevel extending between said rear surface and its periphery and around the entire mirror element to facilitate viewing.Claims Claim 1 or 2 The mirror assembly according to JJ4.12 Claim 1 comprising a prismatic mirror element
View mirror assembly as described in section. 13 said continuous side wall includes portions defining a top, bottom and end of said case, said support means being spaced apart on an inner surface of said mirror case and extending said case between said top and bottom; 2. The mirror assembly of claim 1 including a pair of inwardly projecting pivot actuator support walls extending across the interior of the mirror assembly. 14. The mirror assembly of claim 13, wherein the case includes at least one support rib extending between the actuator support walls on an inner surface of the case. E5. A second of the support lips is located between the first support wall, the second support lip is spaced apart from the first support lip, and at least one of the support lips is located between the first support wall and the support wall. 15. A viewing mirror assembly according to claim 14, which is aligned with the area of maximum depth of the case. 16. The mirror assembly of claim 14, wherein said support lip is directly in an opening extending through the rear of said case provided for a portion of said pivot actuator. 17. said support means. 15. A mirror assembly according to claim 14 or claim 14, wherein the pivot actuator includes a spaced apart pivot support in the area between the support walls for receiving the pivot actuator. a pair of spaced apart pivot axes received in a support; a rigid body holding the axes spaced apart at a predetermined distance and being substantially rigid and non-flexible between the pivot support and the axes; at least one pivot restriction tab extending from the rigid body to limit movement between the two positions, and at least one of the support walls includes a through opening for receiving the pivot restriction tab. 19. A mirror assembly according to clause 17. 19. When the spaced apart pivot supports are narrower than the pivot axes and the case is slightly 19. A viewing mirror assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said mirror assembly is deflected and said pivoting means requires a predetermined force to move said case between said two positions. The pivot support includes two pairs of axle supports integrally formed with the support wall, one pair of axle supports adjacent the top inner surface of the case and the other pair of axle supports integrally formed with the support wall. adjacent the bottom inner surface of the shaft supports in each pair, each of said shaft supports in each pair extending from a different one of said support walls in said pair toward the other shaft support; 18. A mirror assembly according to claim 17, wherein the shaft support extends across the case and cuts the area between the support walls by 1'iA so that they are opposed to each other. 21 Each of said shaft supports has a cylindrical surface for supporting a portion of a cylindrical shaft extending from a pivot actuator, and a cylindrical surface for supporting said shaft support against a portion of a continuous side wall of said case. lip means spaced from a support wall; a. each support wall including a through opening for receiving a pivot restriction tab from a pivot actuator; 14. The mirror assembly according to item 13. 23, wherein the case containing the support wall is molded from a thermoplastic material and is sufficiently flexible and resilient within a predetermined time after molding to allow snap insertion of the pivoting actuator; 23. The viewing mirror assembly of claim 22, wherein a top pivot restriction tab is received within the opening in the support wall. Claim 1, wherein the support wall has a free edge in the case, and the free edge is adapted to be spaced apart from the rear of a mirror element received in the case.
The mirror assembly according to item 4, item 15, or item 16. The mirror of claim 1, wherein the pivot actuator includes a pair of spaced apart pivot shafts received in the support means and a rigid body for holding the shafts spaced apart at a predetermined distance. assembly. 7. The mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein said rigid body is figure 7-shaped and includes a pair of converging legs extending between said pair of pivot axes. n. of claim 1, wherein each of said converging legs includes a series of places having a channel-shaped cross-section and extending between the Ittg walls of the channel, and wherein said pivot actuator also includes a place member extending between said converging legs. View mirror assembly as specified in the scope. 28. The mirror assembly of claim 27, wherein the converging legs are in a common plane containing one of the pivot axes, and the mounting means extends at an angle to the plane of the converging legs. . 29. said pivot actuator is molded from a material, said mounting means includes a socket adapted to receive a ball member for attaching said assembly to a support, said socket being connected to said one pivot axis and said rigid body; 5. A mirror assembly according to claim 4, which is integrally molded. 5. A viewing mirror assembly according to claim 4, wherein said attachment means includes a ball member extending outwardly from said body. 31 the pivot means includes one of the pair of pivot shafts for moving the actuator and the case; a flexible coupling means for pivotally coupling the one pivot shaft to the rigid body; 7. A mirror assembly according to claim 6, including over-center hinge means having a pivot tab fixedly connected to said one pivot shaft for pivoting the entire pivot shaft and thus the pivot actuator. 32 a pair of pivot restriction tabs extending from each side of the rigid body to limit movement between the two positions, each of the tabs extending at a different angle; Claims 1 and 2 include surfaces, one of said surfaces providing an inclined surface for facilitating assembly of said pivot actuator in said support means, and another pair of said surfaces not providing spaced apart pivot limiting abutment surfaces. A mirror assembly according to item 5 or 31. 33. The pivot actuator is thick enough to cause slight expansion of the case when received in the support intermediate stage, such that a predetermined torque force is required to rotate the pivot actuator between the positions. A viewing mirror assembly according to claim 1. A mirror case having an elastic part with elasticity of 1W41 and molded as an integral member from a resin material, and a 1W41 actuator installed in the case to move the case between the daytime position and the daytime position. 1. A day/night rear rear assembly for a vehicle comprising: a rear part; a continuous peripheral side wall adapted to surround the periphery of a mirror element; and support means for supporting said rigid actuator means in said case; said rigid actuator means having a bracket-like mounting for securing said assembly onto a support. and a mounting means for
Note 411: the actuator and the case include pivot means for pivoting the case between the positions; the case pivots the rigid actuator means toward one or the other of the positions; A predetermined force is required to rotate the actuator means and the case by the pivot means, and the flexible, resilient portion of the case is adapted to allow rotation between the upright positions. The rearview mirror assembly is adapted to deflect relative to the rigid actuator means; (a) the support means includes a pair of spaced apart pivot supports; a pair of spaced-apart pivot axes received in spaced-apart pivot supports;
a rigid body holding the shaft at a predetermined distance apart and being substantially rigid and inflexible between the pivot support and the shaft. . (a) when said spaced apart pivot supports are spaced slightly narrower than said pivot axis and said actuator means is received in said pivot supports, said case is slightly deflected and said pivot means is rotated; The viewing mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined force is required to move the case between the two positions. 37 A molded case for a daytime/nighttime rear view mirror assembly for a vehicle, said case having an inherently flexible and elastic portion, molded in one piece from the lateral material and forming the rear and rear view mirror elements. a continuous peripheral sidewall adapted to surround a periphery and provided on said continuous peripheral sidewall for retaining an electrical element within said case and enabling snap insertion of a mirror element into said case; and a support means for supporting a pivot actuator for rotation within said case; said case portion being rigid when received in said support means; is sufficiently flexible and resilient to bias a substantially inflexible pivot actuator of the casing toward a predetermined position; the lip extends inwardly a sufficient distance such that the mirror element When the received, rigid, substantially inflexible pivot actuator is rotated in the case, the lip will move against the edge of the mirror element, regardless of the deflection action of the case and the lip during the rotation. and a predetermined portion of the mirror element spaced inwardly from the edge of the molded case. a pair of spaced apart pivot shafts, a rigid body holding said shafts spaced apart at a predetermined distance and being substantially rigid and inflexible between said shafts and a pivot support; extending from the rigid body to limit movement;
at least one pivot restriction tab, pivot means for pivoting the pivot actuator when received in the day/night rear view mirror case, and mounting means for mounting a bracket securing the mirror assembly to the support. Pivot actuator for daytime/nighttime rear view mirror assembly for vehicles. 39. The pivot actuator of claim 1, wherein the rigid body is figure 7-shaped and includes a pair of converging legs extending between the pair of pivot axes. 40. The invention of claim 40, wherein each of said converging legs includes a series of places having a channel-shaped cross-section and extending between side walls of said channel, said actuator also comprising a place member extending between said converging legs. Range 39th
Pivot actuator as described in section. 41. The pivot actuator of claim 40, wherein the converging leg is in a common plane containing one of the pivot axes, and the mounting means extends at an angle to the plane of the converging leg. 42 said actuator is molded from an open side material, said mounting means includes a socket adapted to receive a ball member for mounting said assembly to a support, said socket being integral with said one pivot axis and said rigid body; 42. A pivot actuator according to claim 41, wherein the pivot actuator is shaped like a. 43. The pivot actuator of claim 41, wherein said mounting means includes a ball member extending outwardly from said rigid body. 44. The pivot means rotates one of the pair of pivot shafts, a flexible coupling means for pivotally coupling the one pivot shaft to the rigid body, and thus the entire pivot actuator. A pivot actuator as claimed in claim 1, including overhanging hinge means having a pivot tab fixedly connected to said one pivot shaft. 45 including a pair of said pivot restriction tabs, one on each side of said rigid body, each of said tabs including a plurality of surfaces extending at different angles, one of said 101 being in said support means; A pivot actuator as claimed in claim 1, further comprising inclined surfaces to facilitate assembly of the pivot actuator, and another pair of said surfaces providing spaced apart pivot-limiting abutment surfaces.