US20110122521A1 - Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly - Google Patents

Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20110122521A1
US20110122521A1 US12/954,703 US95470310A US2011122521A1 US 20110122521 A1 US20110122521 A1 US 20110122521A1 US 95470310 A US95470310 A US 95470310A US 2011122521 A1 US2011122521 A1 US 2011122521A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
mirror
electrical device
rear view
connector
view mirror
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/954,703
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vasile Romas
Balazs Toth
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.)
SMR Patents SARL
Original Assignee
SMR Patents SARL
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 SMR Patents SARL filed Critical SMR Patents SARL
Assigned to SMR PATENTS S.A.R.L. reassignment SMR PATENTS S.A.R.L. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ROMAS, VASILE, TOTH, BALAZS
Publication of US20110122521A1 publication Critical patent/US20110122521A1/en
Priority to US14/886,529 priority Critical patent/US9457722B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
    • B60R1/1207—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with lamps; with turn indicators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2665—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on rear-view mirrors
    • 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
    • B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making

Definitions

  • the invention is related to a rear view mirror assembly that includes at least one electrical device, for example a light source with adapted connectors to be assembled in an easy way.
  • at least one electrical device for example a light source with adapted connectors to be assembled in an easy way.
  • the invention is related to an electrical device as a lighting mean in a rear view mirror that has a connector adapted to be self centric connected to the counterpart during assembling.
  • the designs of the rear view mirror often comprises electrical devices as lighting means as turn signal indicators, security lights, day running lights, hazard alert indicators and further illumination means that must be connected electrically to the rear view mirror harness.
  • lighting means also other electrical devices as IR illumination for sensors, day running light, sensors, antennas, cameras, actuators must be installed and electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system.
  • the location of the different electrical devices does often not allow an easy access and therefore an easy mounting of connectors.
  • EP0873910 discloses devices that facilitate rapid and low cost assembly of parts.
  • a base member, light socket and connector are shown having a pair of electrically conductive pins extending outwardly there from.
  • Mirror housing is also modified by replacing opening with a moulded-in cavity in which a pair of spaced openings is provided positioned so as to receive pins when decorative member is assembled thereto.
  • the assembler need not first interconnect the two electrical connectors but rather needs merely install the decorative cover member during which pins will be received within openings thereby electrically connecting light assembly to the existing vehicle turn signal system.
  • the invention is to ease the connections between parts of a mirror and to provide a simple assembly process for the device.
  • FIG. 1 shows a scheme of a turn signal indictor and a mirror support according the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows the connection direction
  • FIG. 3 shows a turn s signal indicator module.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross section along B-B.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross section along E-E.
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view on mirror support along C-C.
  • FIG. 7 shows a cross section along D-D.
  • a rear view mirror comprises several parts, the mirror base that is fixed to the vehicle and the mirror head that has opening to host a mirror glass and electrical devices as light or sensors etc.
  • the mirror head consists of a mirror support or backing plate that is pivotable connected to the mirror base.
  • the housing covers can be a one cover solution of several parts are used to cover base and mirror support. In some designs a bezel surrounds the mirror glass.
  • a turn signal indicator module 1 comprises a backside housing which can host a reflector mean and light sources, at least a single bulb or LED.
  • the turn signal indicator 1 comprises a printed circuit board 5 that is equipped with electronic elements to drive the light sources and the means to connect the printed circuit board to the turn signal indicators module.
  • the printed circuit board is equipped with a LED so that the light shines along a light guide that is covering the housing of the turn signal indicators.
  • the light guiding lens is not shown in this figure.
  • the details of the turns signal indicator are not important, the limitation is that the turn signal indicator is adapted to be connected with the inventive solution to the electrical connection.
  • the turn signal indicator is electrically connected to a mirror support 2 .
  • the mirror support is bearing the glass actuator and the mirror glass on one side. On the other side—as visible in the drawing—the mirror support has means 3 to install a connector 4 .
  • the mirror support 2 has an opening 11 for a power fold device and is pivotably installed at the mirror base and the vehicle, which is not shown in the figure.
  • the female connector 4 is clipped between two attachments 3 that are integrated into the mirror support structure to guide and to hold the connector 4 .
  • FIG. 2 shows the direction in which the two main devices, the turn signal indicator 1 and the mirror support 2 , are electrically connected.
  • the left part of the turn signal indicator with the printed circuit board and the means to connect is connected with the female connector 4 .
  • the turn signal indicator is implemented into the mirror housing or backside cover.
  • the turns signal indicator is either mounted reversible by using of mounting posts and screws or snap fit connectors or none reversible connected by welding the edges with the edges of the housing.
  • the connector 4 is first clipped into the attachments 3 to fix the female part of the connector at the mirror support.
  • the mirror housing together with the turn signal indicator is mounted by directing the male connector part in form of connector pins of the printed circuit board into the female connector part.
  • FIG. 3 shows a frontal view onto the turn signal indicator 1 which is installed on the mirror support 2 .
  • the axis A, B and C defines further cross sections.
  • FIG. 4 shows a cross section along the axis B-B of FIG. 3 .
  • the mirror support 2 has integrated attachments 3 that guide the connector 4 .
  • the attachments have legs related to the dimension of the connector 4 .
  • the legs end up into hooks 12 that form a snap fit connection between the connector 4 and the mirror support.
  • For the legs of the attachment 3 are formed from plastic material they are flexible to move when the connector is pressed in.
  • the turn signal indicator housing 1 is shown in this figure adjacent to the mirror support.
  • FIG. 5 shows a cross section along the axis E-E of FIG. 4 .
  • the turn signal indicator housing 1 shows electrical pins 6 that are formed to pass through the housing.
  • the turn signal indicator housing forms a conical structure 14 that surrounds the electrical pins 6 .
  • On the side the housing adjacent to the printed circuit board 5 forms one face 14 a of the conical structure and a leg 14 b forms the outer face of the conical structure.
  • the conical structure 14 has an angled opening of around 70°+/ ⁇ 3°. This conical structure works as a guiding, self centric structure to ease the connection between pins and connector.
  • the electrical pins are—not visible in this cross section—connected to the printed circuit board 5 on which the LED 13 is mounted.
  • FIG. 6 shows a top view of the mirror support with the turn signal indicator housing 1 on top.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross section along D-D of FIG. 6 .
  • the support 2 shows a recess 9 that fits to a lug 8 of the connector 4 .
  • the recess is integrally formed at the backside 16 of the opening form between the attachments 3 for the connector 4 .
  • the connector is moved upwards towards the mirror support level 15 during assembly process.
  • the connector is shifted in direction of the support level 15 up to a position the lug 8 snaps into the recess 9 in the backside of the mirror support.
  • the invention as described above is also useful if the electrical device is connected to another mounting support.
  • the integrated attachment means of the invention with a mounting support that is a cover element of the rear view mirror assembly, Also base covers mirror base, or mirror bezels can be used as mounting support device with integrated attachment for a connector.
  • the electrical device as a sensor device is connected to the connector that is fixed in the mirror bezel.
  • the combination of mounting support devices and electrical devices are high. It is only important that the electrical device together with the mounting support device forms an electrical and mechanical guided subassembly.
  • the invention allows the preparation of the electrical connection and a first mechanical connection between the devices. Mechanically the electrical device is fixed with pins in a connector that is guided in a conical structure. This mechanical guide is not very stable but a first fixation before the subassembly is assembled to the other parts of the rear view mirror.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
US12/954,703 2009-11-26 2010-11-26 Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly Abandoned US20110122521A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/886,529 US9457722B2 (en) 2009-11-26 2015-10-19 Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09177256 2009-11-26
EP09177256A EP2332778B1 (fr) 2009-11-26 2009-11-26 Ensemble de rétroviseur avec sous-ensemble électrique

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/886,529 Continuation US9457722B2 (en) 2009-11-26 2015-10-19 Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20110122521A1 true US20110122521A1 (en) 2011-05-26

Family

ID=42115768

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/954,703 Abandoned US20110122521A1 (en) 2009-11-26 2010-11-26 Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly
US14/886,529 Active US9457722B2 (en) 2009-11-26 2015-10-19 Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/886,529 Active US9457722B2 (en) 2009-11-26 2015-10-19 Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (2) US20110122521A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2332778B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE539916T1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110953541A (zh) * 2018-09-28 2020-04-03 Zkw集团有限责任公司 车辆用灯

Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4646210A (en) * 1984-06-20 1987-02-24 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular mirror and light assembly
US4815837A (en) * 1986-11-26 1989-03-28 Murakami Kaimeido Co., Ltd. Actuator unit housing for rearview mirror
US4877319A (en) * 1987-04-23 1989-10-31 Mittelhaeuser Bernhard External mirror for a vehicle
US5178448A (en) * 1991-09-13 1993-01-12 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror with lighting assembly
US5346409A (en) * 1992-01-31 1994-09-13 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Ag Fixable electric plug connection and a process for fixing an electric plug connection
US5455716A (en) * 1990-08-14 1995-10-03 Prince Corporation Vehicle mirror with electrical accessories
US5889624A (en) * 1996-05-01 1999-03-30 Paccar Inc Plug-in mirror
US5896238A (en) * 1996-10-31 1999-04-20 Em Kunststofftechnik Gmbh Exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles
US6250783B1 (en) * 1997-04-25 2001-06-26 Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc. Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light
US6419368B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2002-07-16 Bühler Motor GmbH Actuating mechanism for driving a motor vehicle rearview mirror
US6499992B2 (en) * 2000-09-29 2002-12-31 Reitter & Schefenacker Gmbh & Co. Kg Plug connection device, especially for exterior rearview mirrors of motor vehicles
US6533424B2 (en) * 2000-07-27 2003-03-18 Reitter & Schefenacker Gmbh & Co. Kg Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, in particular, motor vehicles
US6650457B2 (en) * 2001-05-21 2003-11-18 Gentex Corporation Rearview mirror constructed for efficient assembly
US7677775B2 (en) * 2004-05-17 2010-03-16 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Exterior rear-view mirror for vehicles, especially for motor vehicles
US8058977B2 (en) * 2006-10-24 2011-11-15 Donnelly Corporation Exterior mirror having a display that can be viewed by a host driver or drivers of other vehicles
US20110317296A1 (en) * 2010-06-28 2011-12-29 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Exterior rear view mirror with an electrical connection to an electrical component housed in the exterior rear view mirror housing

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007047251B4 (de) * 2007-10-02 2011-07-07 Amphenol-Tuchel Electronics GmbH, 74080 Selbstjustierender Gerätesteckverbinder

Patent Citations (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4646210A (en) * 1984-06-20 1987-02-24 Donnelly Corporation Vehicular mirror and light assembly
US4815837A (en) * 1986-11-26 1989-03-28 Murakami Kaimeido Co., Ltd. Actuator unit housing for rearview mirror
US4877319A (en) * 1987-04-23 1989-10-31 Mittelhaeuser Bernhard External mirror for a vehicle
US5455716A (en) * 1990-08-14 1995-10-03 Prince Corporation Vehicle mirror with electrical accessories
US5178448A (en) * 1991-09-13 1993-01-12 Donnelly Corporation Rearview mirror with lighting assembly
US5346409A (en) * 1992-01-31 1994-09-13 Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Ag Fixable electric plug connection and a process for fixing an electric plug connection
US5889624A (en) * 1996-05-01 1999-03-30 Paccar Inc Plug-in mirror
US5896238A (en) * 1996-10-31 1999-04-20 Em Kunststofftechnik Gmbh Exterior rearview mirror for motor vehicles
US6250783B1 (en) * 1997-04-25 2001-06-26 Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc. Exterior rear view mirror integral warning light
US6419368B1 (en) * 1999-10-19 2002-07-16 Bühler Motor GmbH Actuating mechanism for driving a motor vehicle rearview mirror
US6533424B2 (en) * 2000-07-27 2003-03-18 Reitter & Schefenacker Gmbh & Co. Kg Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, in particular, motor vehicles
US6499992B2 (en) * 2000-09-29 2002-12-31 Reitter & Schefenacker Gmbh & Co. Kg Plug connection device, especially for exterior rearview mirrors of motor vehicles
US6650457B2 (en) * 2001-05-21 2003-11-18 Gentex Corporation Rearview mirror constructed for efficient assembly
US7677775B2 (en) * 2004-05-17 2010-03-16 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Exterior rear-view mirror for vehicles, especially for motor vehicles
US8058977B2 (en) * 2006-10-24 2011-11-15 Donnelly Corporation Exterior mirror having a display that can be viewed by a host driver or drivers of other vehicles
US20110317296A1 (en) * 2010-06-28 2011-12-29 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Exterior rear view mirror with an electrical connection to an electrical component housed in the exterior rear view mirror housing

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110953541A (zh) * 2018-09-28 2020-04-03 Zkw集团有限责任公司 车辆用灯

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2332778B1 (fr) 2012-01-04
EP2332778A1 (fr) 2011-06-15
US20160039344A1 (en) 2016-02-11
ATE539916T1 (de) 2012-01-15
US9457722B2 (en) 2016-10-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10836320B2 (en) Light module, light assembly and rear view device for a vehicle
US8033698B2 (en) Indicator display assembly for a vehicle rearview mirror
CN102022699B (zh) 发光模块以及车辆用灯具
US11303064B2 (en) Methods and apparatuses for aligning and coupling a circuit board with a chassis and another circuit board
US8963062B2 (en) Photo detection device
CN110050156A (zh) 用于照亮车辆外组件的光模块及这种光模块的制造方法
US20130208484A1 (en) Lighting Assembly
US6244714B1 (en) Adjusting mechanism for an external rear view mirror for motor vehicles
US9457722B2 (en) Rear view mirror assembly with electrical sub assembly
US11397299B2 (en) Light module for illuminating an outer component of a vehicle, and process for manufacturing such light module
US8562189B2 (en) Moulded lighting element
US8662723B2 (en) Method to assemble a turn signal indicator module and turn signal indicator sub-module
KR102191714B1 (ko) 발광 배치 및 발광 시스템
KR101519781B1 (ko) 백플레이트 일체형의 ｂｓｄ 모듈을 가지는 아웃사이드 미러
WO2016199864A1 (fr) Structure de câblage pour lampe
US10890727B2 (en) Light module for illuminating an outer component of a vehicle, and process for manufacturing such light module
US11997373B2 (en) Camera module for a vehicle
US9973670B2 (en) Electronic apparatus with an improved bearing for a connecting unit, camera system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
CN201989711U (zh) 外后视镜装置
CN109288452B (zh) 扫地机器人中防碰撞感应组件的安装结构及扫地机器人
JPH08225042A (ja) 車両用ルームランプユニット
JP2022050782A (ja) ランプ装置およびその製造方法
JPH0220117Y2 (fr)
KR200299678Y1 (ko) 엘이디램프가 내장된 차량용 스위치
JPH08250075A (ja) 電球装置及びその取付け構造

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: SMR PATENTS S.A.R.L., LUXEMBOURG

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ROMAS, VASILE;TOTH, BALAZS;REEL/FRAME:025425/0332

Effective date: 20100222

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION