WO2002098705A1 - A vehicle rear view mirror assembly - Google Patents

A vehicle rear view mirror assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002098705A1
WO2002098705A1 PCT/AU2002/000727 AU0200727W WO02098705A1 WO 2002098705 A1 WO2002098705 A1 WO 2002098705A1 AU 0200727 W AU0200727 W AU 0200727W WO 02098705 A1 WO02098705 A1 WO 02098705A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mirror
reflective
foam
mirror assembly
region
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2002/000727
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Rob Gilbert
Duncan William Nash
Patrick Mccaffrey
Original Assignee
Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
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 Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd filed Critical Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
Publication of WO2002098705A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002098705A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C44/00—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles
    • B29C44/02—Shaping by internal pressure generated in the material, e.g. swelling or foaming ; Producing porous or cellular expanded plastics articles for articles of definite length, i.e. discrete articles
    • B29C44/12—Incorporating or moulding on preformed parts, e.g. inserts or reinforcements
    • 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
    • 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
    • B60R1/08—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors
    • B60R1/081—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors avoiding blind spots, e.g. by using a side-by-side association of mirrors
    • B60R1/082—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors avoiding blind spots, e.g. by using a side-by-side association of mirrors using a single wide field mirror or an association of rigidly connected mirrors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to mirrors and in particular to vehicle mirrors.
  • Mirrors provided in and on vehicles for rear vision must be mounted to the vehicle. It is usual for there to be a plurality of components between the front surface of the mirror and the body of the vehicle. These components perform a number of functions including housing the mirror, allowing the angle of the mirror surface to be varied with respect to the body of the vehicle and, in some applications, preventing glass shards being released in the event of an accident.
  • the mirror and backing plate assembly comprises a pane of flat or curved glass with a film of reflective material bonded to one side of the pane and a thermoplastic backing plate supporting the glass.
  • the backing plate is moulded with features that allow pivotal attachment of the plate to the vehicle body or mirror head.
  • a film of plastic is bonded to the glass to prevent glass shards being released in the event of an accident.
  • the glass panes used in mirrors provide a rigid temperature stable foundation. However they are heavy and, where curved panes are required (as opposed to flat panes), are expensive to produce.
  • a vehicle rear view mirror assembly comprising: a reflective element having a front reflective side and a rear side; and a foam backing element, having a first region adjacent the rear side of the reflective element and a second region remote from the first region, the foam anchoring and supporting the reflective element, wherein the front reflective side of the reflective element functions as a mirror.
  • the reflective element comprises a film.
  • the density of the foam in the first region is higher that the density of the foam in the second region.
  • the front reflective side may be flat, part spherical or a-spherical in shape.
  • the assembly need not include an external glass or plastic cover since rigidity is provided by the foam. This reduces the weight of the mirror assembly and simplifies its construction.
  • a method of constructing a vehicle rear view mirror comprising the steps of:
  • Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a third embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
  • a vehicle rear view mirror assembly 10 comprises a reflective element 20 and a foam backing element 30.
  • the foam 30 anchors and supports the reflective element 20.
  • the reflective element 20 functions as a mirror.
  • the reflective element 20 has a front reflective side 21 that is flat.
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment in the invention having a curved reflective surface (the front reflective side 21 is curved).
  • Figure 3 shows a third embodiment in which the reflective surface 20 is a-spherical.
  • the foam backing element 30 provides a lightweight, temperature stable platform for the reflective element.
  • the foam backing element can readily be moulded to provide a curved reflective surface in the finished mirror allowing low cost production of a-spherical mirrors for instance.
  • foams of different densities As shown in Figure 2.
  • the density of the foam 32 in a first region adjacent the rear side 22 of the reflective element 20 is of higher density than that of the foam 34 in a second region 38 remote from the first region 36.
  • the density of the foam may gradually decrease in a direction away from the reflective film 20.
  • the vehicle mirror assembly comprises a head 40 and a mirror assembly 10 pivotally mounted to the head 40 by a pivot 38.
  • the mirror assembly 10 is the mirror assembly of Figure 1. However, the mirror assemblies of Figure 2 or 3 could also be used.
  • the mirror 10 may be power driven by actuators such as actuator 60 shown in Figure 4.
  • a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a vehicle internal mirror having a central foam core 30, a reflective film 20 and a cover portion 50.
  • the foam 30 is illustrated as having a constant density.
  • the density of the foam may be varied to provide optimum stiffness to weight characteristics.
  • a conventional glass pane may be included.
  • the foam bonded to glass obviates the need for a plastic film to prevent glass shards being released in the event of an accident.
  • PCT/AU02/00352 titled "Vehicle external mirror wiring integration” discloses a pivot assembly having contacts mounted on detent surfaces for transmission of power from the base to the head.
  • mirror base mounting bracket
  • mirror head Such components include electronic sensors such as proximity sensors to determine if the vehicle mirror is close to an obstruction, sensors that sense external temperature and humidity, and sensors incorporated with the car security system such as motion detectors.
  • electronic sensors such as proximity sensors to determine if the vehicle mirror is close to an obstruction
  • sensors that sense external temperature and humidity such as motion detectors.
  • Other various electronic equipment may be incorporated into the mirror base (mounting bracket) such as lights used to light the area around the vehicle, or lights that may be controlled from within the vehicle that enable the light to be moved so as to provide directional lighting.
  • Speakers and microphones used to communicate to people external of the vehicle may also be incorporated as well as antennas for various apparatus such as mobile phones, GPS devices and other radio communication devices.
  • transmitters may be incorporated into the mounting bracket which are used for controlling external objects such as garage doors or providing radio transmissions which may be used, for example, to track or locate the vehicle.
  • Other electronic devices such as automatic toll payment systems or remote transaction systems may be incorporated into the mounting bracket to enable electronic registration of various toll payments.
  • Cameras may also be incorporated into the mirror base (mounting bracket) which are both forward and rearward looking which are designed to continuously record digital images and to store those images either on command or as a result of an accident or incident.
  • Motion sensors including accelerometers can be used to determine the occurrence of an accident or incident so that images before and after the event are stored.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

A vehicle rear view mirror assembly (10) comprising a reflective element (20) having a front reflective side (21) and a rear side (22), a foam backing element (30) having a first region (36) adjacent the rear side (22) of the reflective element (20) and a second region (38) remote from the first region (36), the foam anchoring and supporting the reflective element (20), wherein the front reflective side (21) of the reflective element (20) is a mirror.

Description

IMPROVED MIRROR ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to mirrors and in particular to vehicle mirrors.
Mirrors provided in and on vehicles for rear vision must be mounted to the vehicle. It is usual for there to be a plurality of components between the front surface of the mirror and the body of the vehicle. These components perform a number of functions including housing the mirror, allowing the angle of the mirror surface to be varied with respect to the body of the vehicle and, in some applications, preventing glass shards being released in the event of an accident.
Typically the mirror and backing plate assembly comprises a pane of flat or curved glass with a film of reflective material bonded to one side of the pane and a thermoplastic backing plate supporting the glass. Generally the backing plate is moulded with features that allow pivotal attachment of the plate to the vehicle body or mirror head. In the case of mirrors fitted to the interior of a vehicle, a film of plastic is bonded to the glass to prevent glass shards being released in the event of an accident.
The glass panes used in mirrors provide a rigid temperature stable foundation. However they are heavy and, where curved panes are required (as opposed to flat panes), are expensive to produce.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved mirror. It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved mirror backing or foundation and therefore to simplify the construction of vehicle mirror assemblies.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle rear view mirror assembly comprising: a reflective element having a front reflective side and a rear side; and a foam backing element, having a first region adjacent the rear side of the reflective element and a second region remote from the first region, the foam anchoring and supporting the reflective element, wherein the front reflective side of the reflective element functions as a mirror.
Preferably the reflective element comprises a film.
Preferably the density of the foam in the first region is higher that the density of the foam in the second region.
The front reflective side may be flat, part spherical or a-spherical in shape.
The assembly need not include an external glass or plastic cover since rigidity is provided by the foam. This reduces the weight of the mirror assembly and simplifies its construction.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a vehicle rear view mirror comprising the steps of:
(a) locating a reflective film in a mould;
(b) introducing fluid foam into the mould against a surface of the reflective film;
(c) allowing the foam to bond to the reflective film and to harden; and
(d) removing the foam and reflective film assembly from the mould.
Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described in some further detail with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures. These embodiments are illustrative and are not meant to be restrictive of the scope of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying representations in which:
Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a second embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a third embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of a mirror according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle rear view mirror assembly 10 comprises a reflective element 20 and a foam backing element 30. The foam 30 anchors and supports the reflective element 20. The reflective element 20 functions as a mirror. The reflective element 20 has a front reflective side 21 that is flat.
Figure 2 shows a second embodiment in the invention having a curved reflective surface (the front reflective side 21 is curved).
Figure 3 shows a third embodiment in which the reflective surface 20 is a-spherical.
With each of the embodiments described above, the foam backing element 30 provides a lightweight, temperature stable platform for the reflective element. The foam backing element can readily be moulded to provide a curved reflective surface in the finished mirror allowing low cost production of a-spherical mirrors for instance. With each of the three embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, in some applications it will be preferable to use foams of different densities as shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2 the density of the foam 32 in a first region adjacent the rear side 22 of the reflective element 20 is of higher density than that of the foam 34 in a second region 38 remote from the first region 36.
In other embodiments of the invention (not shown) the density of the foam may gradually decrease in a direction away from the reflective film 20.
Referring to Figure 4, a vehicle external mirror assembly is shown. The vehicle mirror assembly comprises a head 40 and a mirror assembly 10 pivotally mounted to the head 40 by a pivot 38. The mirror assembly 10 is the mirror assembly of Figure 1. However, the mirror assemblies of Figure 2 or 3 could also be used. Optionally the mirror 10 may be power driven by actuators such as actuator 60 shown in Figure 4.
Referring to Figure 5, a fifth embodiment of the invention is shown in the form of a vehicle internal mirror having a central foam core 30, a reflective film 20 and a cover portion 50. With this embodiment of the invention, the foam 30 is illustrated as having a constant density. However, the density of the foam may be varied to provide optimum stiffness to weight characteristics.
In alternative embodiments of the invention a conventional glass pane may be included. With such embodiments the foam bonded to glass obviates the need for a plastic film to prevent glass shards being released in the event of an accident.
International Application No. PCT/AU02/00352 titled "Vehicle external mirror wiring integration" discloses a pivot assembly having contacts mounted on detent surfaces for transmission of power from the base to the head. These features and other features disclosed in PCT/AU02/00352 could be used with the present invention and the disclosure of PCT/AU02/00352 is herewith incorporated in its entirety into this specification.
International Application No. PCT/ AU02/00353 titled "External vehicle mirror having self-loading pivot and improved end stop" discloses a mirror assembly
having a self-loading pivot mechanism wherein initial rotation of the mirror head with respect to the mirror base causes pre-loading of a spring. These features and other features disclosed could be used with the present invention and the disclosure of PCT/AU02/ 00353 is herewith incorporated in its entirety into this specification.
International Application No. PCT/AU00/00413 titled "Method of producing a plastic moulded part including a film covering" discloses a method of forming a moulding component comprising an outer thin film component with an adhered moulded shell. The method of that disclosure could be used to mould hollow form components that may be used with this invention (for instance for the shell of the head and base) and the disclosure of this application is incorporated herewith in its entirety.
Australian provisional patent application PR6683 titled "Foldable vehicle external mirror having auxiliary mirror" discloses a vehicle external mirror having an auxiliary mirror mounted to a distal side of the mirror head. The auxiliary mirror provides rear vision when the mirror head is in its folded position. This features and other features disclosed in PR6683 are /could be used with the present invention and the disclosure of PR6683 is herewith incorporated in its entirety into this specification.
Australian provisional patent application number PR6204 titled "Mirror Heater" discloses an automatic heating control system and apparatus for heating the surface of a mirror to de-ice or de-fog the mirror. The heating process is initiated upon starting the vehicle engine, and is conducted in accordance with a pre-set timing sequence and in accordance with an actual measured temperature of the mirror. These features and other features disclosed in this document could be used with the present invention and the disclosure of PR6204 is hereby incorporated in its entirety into this current specification.
It would also be possible to incorporate other components with the mirror base (mounting bracket) and or mirror head. Such components include electronic sensors such as proximity sensors to determine if the vehicle mirror is close to an obstruction, sensors that sense external temperature and humidity, and sensors incorporated with the car security system such as motion detectors. Other various electronic equipment may be incorporated into the mirror base (mounting bracket) such as lights used to light the area around the vehicle, or lights that may be controlled from within the vehicle that enable the light to be moved so as to provide directional lighting. Speakers and microphones used to communicate to people external of the vehicle may also be incorporated as well as antennas for various apparatus such as mobile phones, GPS devices and other radio communication devices. In addition, transmitters may be incorporated into the mounting bracket which are used for controlling external objects such as garage doors or providing radio transmissions which may be used, for example, to track or locate the vehicle. Other electronic devices such as automatic toll payment systems or remote transaction systems may be incorporated into the mounting bracket to enable electronic registration of various toll payments.
Cameras may also be incorporated into the mirror base (mounting bracket) which are both forward and rearward looking which are designed to continuously record digital images and to store those images either on command or as a result of an accident or incident. Motion sensors including accelerometers can be used to determine the occurrence of an accident or incident so that images before and after the event are stored.
While the present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment in order to facilitate better understanding of the invention, it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made without departing from the principals of the invention. Therefore, the invention should be understood to include all such modifications within its scope.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. A vehicle rear view mirror assembly comprising: a reflective element having a front reflective side and a rear side; and a foam backing element, having a first region adjacent the rear side of the reflective element and a second region remote from the first region, the foam anchoring and supporting the reflective element, wherein the front reflective side of the reflective element functions as a mirror.
2. A mirror assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the reflective element comprises a film.
3. A mirror assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the density of the foam in the first region is higher that the density of the foam in the second region.
4. A mirror assembly as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein the front reflective side is part spherical in shape.
5. A mirror assembly as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein the front reflective side is part a-spherical in shape.
6. A method of constructing a vehicle rear view mirror comprising the steps of:
(a) locating a reflective film in a mould;
(b) introducing fluid foam into the mould against a surface of the reflective film;
(c) allowing the foam to bond to the reflective film and to harden; and
(d) removing the foam and reflective film assembly from the mould.
PCT/AU2002/000727 2001-06-07 2002-06-06 A vehicle rear view mirror assembly WO2002098705A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR5577A AUPR557701A0 (en) 2001-06-07 2001-06-07 Improved mirror assembly
AUPR5577 2001-06-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002098705A1 true WO2002098705A1 (en) 2002-12-12

Family

ID=3829551

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU2002/000727 WO2002098705A1 (en) 2001-06-07 2002-06-06 A vehicle rear view mirror assembly

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AUPR557701A0 (en)
WO (1) WO2002098705A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRN20100049A1 (en) * 2010-08-06 2010-11-05 Palazzatti Giacomo AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR VEHICLE REAR-VIEW MIRRORS

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2252914A1 (en) * 1973-11-30 1975-06-27 Letu Bernard Moulding unbreakable automobile mirror housings - using a floating mould plus an annular seal to make a rigid foam support
EP0017362A1 (en) * 1979-03-13 1980-10-15 Roger John Leach Method for producing lightweight mirrors with curved reflecting surfaces
DE3312321A1 (en) * 1983-04-06 1984-10-11 Kurt Ing. Hacker (grad.), 7000 Stuttgart Rearview mirror for vehicles

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2252914A1 (en) * 1973-11-30 1975-06-27 Letu Bernard Moulding unbreakable automobile mirror housings - using a floating mould plus an annular seal to make a rigid foam support
EP0017362A1 (en) * 1979-03-13 1980-10-15 Roger John Leach Method for producing lightweight mirrors with curved reflecting surfaces
DE3312321A1 (en) * 1983-04-06 1984-10-11 Kurt Ing. Hacker (grad.), 7000 Stuttgart Rearview mirror for vehicles

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRN20100049A1 (en) * 2010-08-06 2010-11-05 Palazzatti Giacomo AUTOMATIC ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR VEHICLE REAR-VIEW MIRRORS

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Publication number Publication date
AUPR557701A0 (en) 2001-07-12

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