WO2001028812A1 - Miroir exterieur - Google Patents

Miroir exterieur Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001028812A1
WO2001028812A1 PCT/US2000/029016 US0029016W WO0128812A1 WO 2001028812 A1 WO2001028812 A1 WO 2001028812A1 US 0029016 W US0029016 W US 0029016W WO 0128812 A1 WO0128812 A1 WO 0128812A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mirror
vehicle
housing
exterior
assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/029016
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Olijnyk
Patrick Mccaffrey
Paul Schwarz
Alex Gersch
Paul Van De Loo
Original Assignee
Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc. filed Critical Britax Vision Systems (North America) Inc.
Priority to AU12191/01A priority Critical patent/AU1219101A/en
Publication of WO2001028812A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001028812A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • B60Q1/2692—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 retractable lights
    • 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
    • B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
    • B60R1/07—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators
    • B60R1/074—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators for retracting the mirror arrangements to a non-use position alongside the vehicle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/325—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle
    • H01Q1/3266—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle using the mirror of the vehicle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to a mirror assembly and more particularly to an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle.
  • mirror assemblies for these vehicles are often times not designed with a heavy emphasis on their appearance or functionality.
  • a mirror assembly having a housing assembly, a reflective element, a reflective element adjusting mechanism, an attachment assembly and a wire harness is provided.
  • the housing assembly includes a housing which is filled with a structural foam to improve the rigidity of the mirror assembly, and a scalp which according to one embodiment, may be fixedly but removably coupled to the housing. Alternatively, the scalp may be hingedly coupled to the housing to permit access to a cavity formed therebetween.
  • the cavity may be used for storing various articles, including a corded light, or may be used to house a switch unit for controlling various vehicle electrical components, such as a vehicle radio or various vehicle lights.
  • a resilient bump strip may be coupled to the housing to protect the housing from scuffing or damage that results from contact with another object.
  • Housing assembly houses the reflective element adjusting mechanism and the reflective element.
  • the attachment assembly is coupled to a vehicle at a first end and to the housing assembly at the second end.
  • the attachment assembly preferably includes a pair of laterally extending arms which may be telescoped between a first and second positions to space the housing assembly further from or closer to the vehicle.
  • the pair of laterally extending arms are selectively positionable at an operating position, as well as first and second rotational positions.
  • the first rotational position places the housing against the side of the vehicle proximate a side window. Rotation of the arms in a forward direction places into the second rotational position places the housing inward of the sides of the vehicle above the vehicle fenders or hood.
  • Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a vehicle equipped with a mirror assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the mirror assembly of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of Figure 1 illustrating a portion of the first drive mechanism
  • Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a portion of the first drive mechanism
  • Figure 5A is an cross-sectional view taken along the line 5A - 5A of
  • Figure 5B is an cross-sectional view taken along the line 5B - 5B of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5C is an cross-sectional view taken along the line 5C - 5C of Figure 3;
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mirror assembly of Figure 1 illustrating a portion of the second drive mechanism
  • Figure 7 is a top view of a portion of the vehicle of Figure 1 illustrating the mirror assembly in several positions;
  • Figure 8a is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of
  • Figure 1 illustrating the incorporation of a turn indicator, an accessory attachment point and a bump strip
  • Figure 8b is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of Figure 1 illustrating the incorporation of an antenna attachment point to the sail portion;
  • Figure 9 is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of Figure 1 illustrating the incorporation of a marker lamp, a bump strip and a spot light;
  • Figure 10 is a front perspective of a mirror assembly similar to that of Figure 1 illustrating the incorporation of a spoiler
  • Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the mirror assembly of Figure 10 illustrating the function of the spoilers
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a mirror assembly similar to that of Figure 1 illustrating the incorporation of a power port into the sail portion;
  • Figure 13 is a perspective front view of a mirror assembly similar to that of Figure 1 but illustrating a hinged scalp;
  • Figure 14 is a perspective front view of a mirror assembly similar to Figure 13 illustrating a compartment for a corded light
  • Figure 15 is a perspective front view of a mirror assembly similar to
  • Figure 16 is a perspective rear view of a mirror assembly similar to that of Figure 1 illustrating the incorporation of a speaker into the housing.
  • a mirror assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 and shown in operative association with a vehicle 12.
  • vehicle 12 a pick-up truck
  • teachings of the present invention have applicability to other types of vehicles, and as such, will not be limited in application to pick-up trucks.
  • mirror assembly 10 is illustrated and described herein as an exterior drivers side rear view mirror which enables the vehicle operator to view an area beside and rearward of vehicle 12, it will be understood that a passengers side rear view mirror may be similarly constructed.
  • Mirror assembly 10 includes a housing assembly 14, a reflective element 16, a reflective element adjusting means (not shown), an attachment assembly 20, a first drive mechanism 22, a second drive mechanism 24 and a wire harness 26.
  • Wire harness 26 couples the vehicle electrical system to each of the various electrical devices in mirror assembly 10.
  • Housing assembly 14 includes a housing 30 and a scalp 32.
  • Housing 30 is preferably unitarily formed from a molded plastic material and includes a conventional attaching means which is employed to fixedly but removably couple the reflective element adjusting means to housing 30. Housing 30 also houses and supports reflective element 16.
  • a bump strip 34 formed from a soft and resilient material such as rubber or vinyl, may be included on one or more of the exterior surfaces of housing 30 to prevent housing 30 from being scuffed or damaged in the event that it contacts an object.
  • bump strip 34 may be contoured or styled in a decorative manner which enhances the appearance of mirror assembly 10.
  • Bump strip 34 preferably covers the forward most and outward most points of housing 30 to ensure that bump strip 34 rather than housing 30 will contact objects first.
  • Bump strip 34 is preferably coupled to housing 30 and/or scalp 32 via double-sided adhesive tape.
  • scalp 32 is also preferably unitarily formed from a molded plastic material.
  • a plurality of conventional snap-fasteners are molded into housing 30 and scalp 32 which permits them to be fixedly but removably coupled to one another without the use of threaded fasteners.
  • scalp 32 may be fixedly coupled to housing 30 with a double-sided adhesive tape.
  • housing 30 and scalp 32 are shown to cooperate to form a cavity 36 which is completely filled with a structural foam 38.
  • Structural foam 38 is preferably a closed-cell polyurethane foam.
  • scalp 32 may be configured in a manner which enhances the decorative appearance of mirror assembly.
  • scalp 32 may be molded from a colored plastic or painted so as to either match or accent the color of vehicle 12.
  • a decorative design may be molded into the exterior surface 40 of scalp 32.
  • the reflective element adjusting means is fixedly but removably coupled to housing 30.
  • the reflective element adjusting means is an electronically or manually controlled adjusting mechanism that is well known in the art and which permits the position of the reflective element 16 to adjusted from the passenger compartment of vehicle 12.
  • the reflective element adjusting means is a manually controlled adjusting mechanism that is well known in the art which is actuated by a force directed to reflective element 16.
  • Reflective element 16 is preferably fixedly but removably coupled to the reflective element adjusting means, and as such is selectively positionable relative to housing 30.
  • reflective element 16 is fabricated from mirror glass which may be heated and/or may include other characteristics such as electrochromic properties and hydrophobic or hydrophilic coatings. Reflective element 16 may also be constructed in a manner which permits it to be readily removed from the reflective element adjusting means for servicing of mirror assembly 10 and/or and replacement of reflective element 16.
  • attachment assembly 20 is coupled to attachment assembly 20.
  • attachment assembly 20 includes a sail portion 50, first and second arms 52 and 54, respectively, and an approach light 56.
  • Sail portion 50 is attached to vehicle 12 via threaded posts or other conventional connectors.
  • a seal is typically interposed between sail portion 50 and vehicle 12 to isolate the interior of vehicle 12 from moisture, dirt and noise.
  • first and second arms 52 and 54 include a first laterally extending structure 60 and a second laterally extending structure 62.
  • the first and second laterally extending structures 60 and 62 may be moved in an axial direction relative to one another to permit first and second arms 52 and 54 to telescope inwardly toward vehicle 12 or outwardly therefrom.
  • first laterally extending structure 60 is fixedly coupled to housing assembly 14 and second laterally extending structure 62 is coupled to sail portion 50.
  • each of the first laterally extending structures 60 preferably includes a first cover member 70 and a first tubular member 72 and each of the second laterally extending structures 62 includes a second cover member 74 and a second tubular member 76.
  • the first and second tubular members 72 and 76 are preferably formed at least partially from a square or rectangular tubing.
  • First tubular member 72 is sized to glidingly receive second tubular member 76.
  • the interior surface of second cover member 74 is spaced apart from second tubular member 76 to permit sliding engagement between first and second tubular members 72 and 76.
  • the interior surface of first cover member 70 is spaced apart from first tubular member 72 to permit sliding engagement between first and second cover members 70 and 74.
  • As the function of the first and second cover members 70 and 74 is primarily cosmetic, they may have cross-sections that are round, square, rectangular, elliptical or any other desired shape.
  • Each of the second laterally extending structures 62 is disposed at least partially within a respective first laterally extending structure 60.
  • the first and second laterally extending structures 60 and 62 may be moved in an axial direction relative to one another to permit first and second arms 52 and 54 to telescope inwardly toward vehicle 12 or outwardly therefrom.
  • a pair of first rollers 80 are coupled to second tubular member 76 and extend through slots 82 formed in its rear sidewall 84.
  • First rollers 80 are joumally supported by a pin 86 for rotation about an axes that are perpendicular to the axis of the first and second arms 52 and 54.
  • a second roller 90 is coupled to an opposite side of second tubular member 76 and extends through a slot 92 formed in its front sidewall 94.
  • Second roller 90 is also joumally supported by a pin 96 for rotation about another axis that is perpendicular to the axis of the first and second arms 52 and 54.
  • Pin 96 is disposed in a slot 98 formed in second tubular member 76.
  • a spring 100 is coupled to second tubular member 76 and is operable for urging pin 96 in a direction away from the first rollers 80 and against the inner surface of the first tubular member 72.
  • Each set of first and second rollers 80 and 90 cooperate to control relative movement between the first and second laterally extending structures 60 and 62 in non-axial directions.
  • Structural foam 38 retains first laterally extending structure 60 to housing assembly 14 while providing structural support to inhibit the flexing of the first and second arms 52 and 54 relative to one another.
  • First drive mechanism 22 is operable for telescoping first and second arms 52 and 54 between an extended position and a retracted position.
  • First drive mechanism 22 may be configured in a manner similar to that disclosed in commonly assigned Australian Provisional Patent Application Serial No. PP8619 filed February 9, 1999 entitled “Means For Extending Or Retracting Telescopic Tubes", which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
  • first drive mechanism 22 is illustrated as including a motor assembly 110, an intermediate worm structure 112 and upper and lower worm structures 1 14 and 116.
  • Motor assembly 110 includes a conventional reversible dc motor 120 and a drive worm 122 which is coupled for rotation with the output shaft of motor 120.
  • the housing of motor 120 is fixedly coupled to housing assembly and the output shaft of motor 120 is oriented along an axis parallel to the axes of the first and second arms 52 and 54.
  • Intermediate worm structure 1 12 includes an intermediate worm gear 126 and first and second intermediate worm drives 128 and 130.
  • Intermediate worm structure 112 is coupled to housing assembly 14 for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the output shaft of motor 120 such that intermediate worm gear 126 meshingly engages drive worm 122.
  • Upper and lower worm structures 114 and 116 are similar in construction, and as such, only upper worm structure 114 will be discussed in detail.
  • Upper worm structure 114 includes a worm gear 136, a lead screw 138 and a drive member 140.
  • Worm gear 136 meshingly engages first intermediate worm drive 128.
  • a ball bearing 144 and a preload spring assembly 146 cooperate to align worm gear 136 to first intermediate worm drive 128.
  • Worm gear 136 and lead screw 138 are coupled for rotation with one another.
  • Lead screw 138 includes a externally threaded surface 148 which is rotatably supported by first tubular member 72 along the axis parallel to the axis of first arm 52.
  • Drive member 140 includes an internally threaded surface (not shown) which meshingly engages the externally threaded surface 148 of lead screw 138.
  • Drive member 140 is fixedly coupled to the upper and lower surfaces of second tubular member 76. Rotation of the output shaft of motor 120 therefore causes lead screws
  • Second drive mechanism 24 is illustrated in Figure 6 as including a drive and clutch system 160 which are similar to the drive and clutch system disclosed in commonly assigned co-pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/085,708 entitled “Mirror Parking System", which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Accordingly, this aspect of mirror assembly 10 will not be discussed in detail, other than noting that a powered worm 162 meshingly engages a worm gear 164.
  • second drive mechanism 24 is shown to include a shaft 170 which is fixed for rotation with worm gear 164.
  • First and second pinions 172 and 174 are coupled to either end of shaft 170 and fixed for rotation thereon.
  • First and second pinions 172 and 174 are meshingly engaged with a respective drive gear 176 which is supported for rotation about a pivot pin 178.
  • Drive gear 176a is coupled for rotation with first arm 52 and drive gear 176b is coupled for rotation with second arm 54. Accordingly, rotation of powered worm 162 is operable for rotating shaft 170 to cause first and second arms 52 and 54 to rotate simultaneously in a desired direction.
  • First and second drive mechanisms 22 and 24 may be coupled to a programmable controller 200 which permits the vehicle operator to store a given mirror orientation to memory.
  • the mirror orientation may include information on the position of reflective element 16, as well as the telescopic and rotational positions of housing assembly 14 relative to sail portion 50. Retrieval of the stored mirror orientation causes controller to actuate the first and second drive mechanisms 22 and 24, and the reflective element adjusting means as necessary to adjust the reflective element to the stored mirror orientation.
  • one or both of the power drive mechanisms may be omitted completely thereby rendering mirror assembly 10 fixing the position of housing assembly 14 relative to vehicle 12.
  • one or both of the power drive mechanisms may be omitted with a manually actuated mechanism substituted therefor.
  • attachment assembly 20 may be fitted with a detent mechanism having a plurality of detents which fixedly but releasably restrain first and second arms 52 and 54 in a desired orientation.
  • mirror assembly 10 is selectively positionable between a rearward retracted position 190, an operational position 192 and a forward-retracted position 194.
  • Mirror assembly 10 is conventionally maintained in the operational position 192 until such time as vehicle 12 is required to approach an object near one or more of its lateral sides. At such time, mirror assembly 10 may then be rotated forward or rearward. Placement of mirror assembly 10 into the rearward retracted position 190 positions housing assembly 14 against the lateral side of vehicle 12 such that housing assembly 14 is proximate the side window. Positioning mirror assembly 10 in this manner may be best suited where vehicle 12 is being operated in a forward direction and it is desirable to protect the mirror assembly from forward impacts, such as when traveling through overgrown trails. This position, however, tends to interfere with the vehicle occupant's ability to move their hands or see through the side window of vehicle, as when at automatic teller machines or the drive-through windows of fast-food restaurants.
  • mirror assembly 10 may advantageously be oriented to its forward-rotated position 194 to substantially clear the area proximate the side window of the vehicle 12.
  • This position is also advantageous in that the housing assembly 14 is positioned substantially inward of the lateral side of vehicle 12, thereby permitting housing assembly 14 to be relatively deep in comparison to similar mirrors which can only be rotated to a rearward rotated position 190. Consequently, housing 30 and scalp 32 need not be designed in a relatively flat manner, but may be extended to address aesthetic and aerodynamic issues.
  • approach light 56 includes a controller 200, a reflector housing 202 and a lens 204 and a plurality of lamps 206.
  • Illumination of lamp 206a causes an area adjacent vehicle 12 and forward of mirror assembly 10 to be illuminated.
  • Illumination of lamp 206b causes an area adjacent vehicle 12 and below mirror assembly to be illuminated.
  • Illumination of lamp 206c causes an area adjacent vehicle 12 and rearward of mirror assembly 10 to be illuminated.
  • Illumination of lamp 206d causes an area lateral to mirror assembly 10 to be illuminated.
  • Controller 200 is operable for selectively illuminating one or more of the lamps 206 upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition.
  • actuation of a remote keyless entry device or a power lock switch on one of the vehicle doors causes all of the lamps to illuminate so as to illuminate an area around vehicle 12 to aid in the ingress to and egress from vehicle 12.
  • Actuation of the vehicle turn signal lever to turn left causes lamp 206a to illuminate to provide the vehicle operator with an illuminated view of the area to which vehicle 12 is being turned.
  • Placement of the vehicle gear selector into a reverse gear ratio causes lamp 206c to illuminate, providing the vehicle operator with an illuminated view of an area to the side and behind vehicle 12.
  • Controller 200 preferably includes a remote light switch 208 which permits one or more of the lamps 206 to be illuminated as desired.
  • approach light 56 may be configured in a manner similar to that disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Provisional Patent to Andrew J.
  • FIG. 8 A first example is illustrated in Figure 8 where a turn indicator 210 is shown coupled to housing 30. Turn indicator 210 may be placed on mirror assembly 10 so as to face in a rearward direction, a sideward direction or both a rearward and a sideward direction. Turn indicator 210 is conventional in its operation in that its actuation is controlled by the vehicle turn signal lever.
  • FIG. 9 A second example is illustrated in Figure 9 where a side marker 212 is coupled to housing 30.
  • Side marker 212 may be conventionally operated to illuminate when the vehicle parking lights or vehicle head lights are illuminated.
  • Side marker 212 may also be operated to illuminate when vehicle 12 is locked or unlocked and thereafter turned off when vehicle 12 is started or after a predetermined time.
  • FIG. 9 A third example is further illustrated in Figure 9 wherein mirror assembly 10 is shown to include a spot light 214.
  • Spot light 214 is movably coupled to attachment assembly 20 and located between the first and second arms 52 and 54.
  • Spot light 214 includes a first portion 216 which is fixedly coupled to scalp 50 and a second portion 218 which is selectively positionable relative to first portion 216 via a control mechanism (not shown) which is preferably actuatable from the interior of vehicle 12.
  • the control mechanism may be a manual handle or may be electronically controlled.
  • the second portion is gimbaled to the first portion, permitting second portion 218 to focus light in a predetermined area.
  • Attachment assembly 20 may also be fitted with various other accessories, such as a spoiler.
  • attachment assembly 20 is shown to be fitted with a first spoiler 230 and a second spoiler 232.
  • First spoiler 230 is coupled to the first laterally extending structures 60 so as to be fixed in relation to housing 30.
  • Second spoiler 232 is coupled to the second laterally extending structures 62 so as to be fixed in relation to the vehicle side window.
  • first spoiler 230 is configured to deflect a first air flow 236 across reflective element 16 to clear its exterior surface of water and/or contamination.
  • second spoiler 232 is configured to deflect a second air flow 238 across the side window to clear it of water and/or contamination.
  • First and second spoilers 230 and 232 may be integrally formed into housing 30 and sail portion 50, respectively, or may separately manufactured permitting them to be supplied to consumers as an after-market product.
  • An accessory attachment point 240 may be provided in attachment assembly 20 or housing assembly 14. As illustrated in Figure 8a, accessory attachment point 240 is integrated into sail portion 50 and permits various accessories, such as flags 242 and pennants of various collegiate or professional sports teams to be fixedly but removably coupled to mirror assembly 10.
  • an antenna attachment point 246 may also be integrated into mirror assembly 10.
  • Antenna attachment point 246 permits an antenna 248 for one or more of the vehicle radio, a wireless phone and a remote keyless entry device to be coupled to mirror assembly 10.
  • This embodiment is advantageous in that it provides an antenna connection for the desired device without forming a hole in the sheet metal body of vehicle 12.
  • antenna 248 may be completely disposed within cavity 36 in housing assembly 14.
  • antenna 248a is coupled to the vehicle radio
  • antenna 248b is coupled to a wireless phone
  • antenna 248c is operable for receiving a remote unlocking/locking signal which is typically generated by a remote keyless entry device.
  • a power port 250 which uses the electrical system of vehicle 12 to power various accessories, such as hand-held spot lights.
  • a plug assembly 252 having a resilient seal 254 is used to close the cavity of power port 250 to prevent infiltration of water and dirt therein.
  • FIG. 13 through 15 illustrate yet another alternative construction of mirror assembly 10.
  • Scalp 32 is shown to be hingedly coupled to housing 30, permitting scalp 32 to be pivoted between a closed position substantially closing the open end of housing 30, and an open position substantially clearing the open end of housing 30.
  • a cavity 260 is formed between scalp 32 and housing 30 which may be used to conceal a power port 250 or to store various items, such as replacement lamps 262, fuses 264 and/or tools such as a pressure gauge 266 and screwdrivers 268.
  • a lock mechanism 270 is incorporated into scalp 32 which is positionable in a locked condition inhibiting the movement of scalp 32 from the closed position to the open position, and an unlocked condition permitting the movement of scalp 32 from the closed position to the open position.
  • cavity 260 may be used for storing a corded lamp 280.
  • Corded lamp 280 includes a housing 282, a lens 284, a lamp 286 and a cord portion 288.
  • Cord portion 288 is electrically coupled to the electrical system of vehicle 12, permitting corded lamp 280 to be moved relative to mirror assembly 10 to provide light to a remote area, as when changing a tire or when examining the engine compartment or bottom side of vehicle 12.
  • a switching unit 290 may additionally or alternatively be placed into cavity 260. Switching unit 290 is coupled to various vehicle electrical devices to permit them to be remotely controlled from outside vehicle 12.
  • switching unit 290 includes a set of first controls 292 which are operable for remotely controlling the vehicle radio and a set of second controls 294 which are operable for remotely controlling various vehicle lights.
  • First controls 292 may be actuated to turn the vehicle radio on or off, select a signal medium (e.g., radio signal, cassette tape, compact disc) or adjust various settings such as playback volume, balance, tone.
  • first controls 292 are identical in configuration and function to any controls for the vehicle radio which are contained in the vehicle interior.
  • Second controls 294 includes a plurality of switches which may be actuated, either individually or in combination, to illuminate various vehicle lamps. Second controls 294 permits, for example, the vehicle hazard lights to be actuated from the exterior of vehicle 12 as well as an auxiliary light to be illuminated to permit an area of vehicle 12 to be illuminated, as when changing a tire.
  • Audio speaker 300 may also be integrated into mirror assembly 10. As illustrated in Figure 16, an audio speaker 300 is integrated into housing 30. Audio speaker 300 may be coupled to the vehicle radio to permit the playback of music and other programs outside of vehicle 12. Audio speaker 300 may additionally or alternatively be coupled to a microphone inside vehicle 12, permitting the vehicle occupants to broadcast messages to persons outside vehicle 12. Audio speaker 300 may additionally or alternatively be configured as a siren to produce a warning signal to alert persons to the presence of vehicle 12. Also alternatively, audio speaker 300 may be integrated into attachment assembly 20 in sail portion 50 or to a bracket (not shown) which is coupled to first and second arms 52 and 54.

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

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble miroir extérieur pouvant être plié vers l'avant ou vers l'arrière pendant le transport. L'ensemble miroir extérieur (10) comprend un logement (14) présentant un élément réfléchissant (16), une paire de bras (52, 54) et un ensemble de fixation (20). L'ensemble de fixation comprend une partie formant voile (50) destinée à recevoir un phare (56).
PCT/US2000/029016 1999-10-19 2000-10-19 Miroir exterieur WO2001028812A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU12191/01A AU1219101A (en) 1999-10-19 2000-10-19 Exterior mirror

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16039099P 1999-10-19 1999-10-19
US60/160,390 1999-10-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001028812A1 true WO2001028812A1 (fr) 2001-04-26

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ID=22576696

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/029016 WO2001028812A1 (fr) 1999-10-19 2000-10-19 Miroir exterieur

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AU (1) AU1219101A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001028812A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001092059A3 (fr) * 2000-05-26 2002-03-28 Magna Mirror Systems Inc Miroir exterieur de vehicule dote d'une lumiere d'assistance
WO2002087922A1 (fr) * 2001-04-27 2002-11-07 Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd Mecanisme de repliement electrique pour miroirs a deux bras
WO2005078859A1 (fr) * 2004-02-13 2005-08-25 Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA Systeme de communication pour vehicule automobile.
US7172298B2 (en) 2001-04-27 2007-02-06 Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd Power fold mechanism for vehicle mirrors
US7195382B1 (en) 2004-06-30 2007-03-27 Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C. Vehicle mirror with secondary lighting lens for ground illuminator

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2161771A (en) * 1938-12-30 1939-06-06 Monarch Governor Company Vehicle accessory
US2565012A (en) * 1950-01-14 1951-08-21 Barrett John Stephen Safety mounting for rearview mirrors
US4890907A (en) * 1989-07-10 1990-01-02 Vu Thuan D Automatic mirror light
US5059015A (en) * 1990-07-20 1991-10-22 Tran Donald Q Vehicular signal mirror apparatus
US5375014A (en) * 1991-09-30 1994-12-20 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle retractable mirror device
US5483385A (en) * 1994-10-19 1996-01-09 Lowell Engineering Corp. Adjustable truck mirror

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2161771A (en) * 1938-12-30 1939-06-06 Monarch Governor Company Vehicle accessory
US2565012A (en) * 1950-01-14 1951-08-21 Barrett John Stephen Safety mounting for rearview mirrors
US4890907A (en) * 1989-07-10 1990-01-02 Vu Thuan D Automatic mirror light
US5059015A (en) * 1990-07-20 1991-10-22 Tran Donald Q Vehicular signal mirror apparatus
US5375014A (en) * 1991-09-30 1994-12-20 Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle retractable mirror device
US5483385A (en) * 1994-10-19 1996-01-09 Lowell Engineering Corp. Adjustable truck mirror

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001092059A3 (fr) * 2000-05-26 2002-03-28 Magna Mirror Systems Inc Miroir exterieur de vehicule dote d'une lumiere d'assistance
WO2002087922A1 (fr) * 2001-04-27 2002-11-07 Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd Mecanisme de repliement electrique pour miroirs a deux bras
US6929372B2 (en) 2001-04-27 2005-08-16 Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd Power fold mechanism for double arm mirrors
US7172298B2 (en) 2001-04-27 2007-02-06 Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd Power fold mechanism for vehicle mirrors
WO2005078859A1 (fr) * 2004-02-13 2005-08-25 Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA Systeme de communication pour vehicule automobile.
US7195382B1 (en) 2004-06-30 2007-03-27 Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, L.L.C. Vehicle mirror with secondary lighting lens for ground illuminator

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