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
  • B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
  • B60R1/04—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted inside vehicle
• • 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
  • B60R1/083—Anti-glare mirrors, e.g. "day-night" mirrors
  • B60R1/088—Anti-glare mirrors, e.g. "day-night" mirrors using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
  • G02F1/153—Constructional details
  • G02F1/1533—Constructional details structural features not otherwise provided for
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G02—OPTICS
  • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
  • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
  • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
  • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
  • G02F1/153—Constructional details
  • G02F1/157—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices

Definitions

• the present disclosure generally relates to a rearview device, and more particularly to a rearview device with an exposed carrier plate for a vehicle.
• One aspect of the present disclosure includes a rearview device having a front element defining a first surface and a second surface.
• a rear element defines a third surface and a fourth surface.
• An electro-optic material is located between the front element and the rear element.
• a carrier plate includes a front side, a back side, and a peripheral wall. The front side is disposed proximate the fourth surface and the peripheral wall is operably coupled with a peripheral edge of the second surface.
• a device housing is operably coupled to the back side of the carrier plate. The peripheral wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.
• a rearview device having a display device that includes a peripheral edge.
• a carrier plate includes a back side and a peripheral wall.
• the periphera l wall is operably coupled with the peripheral edge of the display device and is generally flush therewith to create a smooth transition from the peripheral edge of the display device to the peripheral wall of the carrier plate.
• a device housing is proximate the back side of the carrier plate.
• the peripheral wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.
• An engagement wall extends generally orthogonal to the back side of the peripheral wall and operably couples the ca rrier plate with the device housing.
• Yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a rearview device having a display device that includes a peripheral edge.
• a carrier plate includes a back side and a peripheral wall.
• the peripheral wa ll is operably coupled with the peripheral edge and is generally flush therewith to create a generally smooth transition from the peripheral edge of the display device to the peripheral wall of the carrier plate.
• a device housing is operably coupled to the back side of the carrier plate. The peripheral wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.
• Still yet another aspect of the present disclosure includes a rearview device having a display device that includes a peripheral edge.
• a carrier plate includes a back side and a peripheral wall.
• the peripheral wall is operably coupled with the peripheral edge and is generally flush therewith to create a generally smooth transition from the peripheral edge of the display device to the peripheral wall of the carrier plate.
• a device housing is operably coupled to the back side of the carrier plate. The periphera l wall and a portion of the back side of the carrier plate extend beyond the device housing and are externally exposed.
• a seal may be disposed between the carrier plate and a front element.
• FIG. 1 is a top rear perspective view of a rearview device for a vehicle of the present disclosure
• FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of the rearview device of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the rearview device of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a side elevationa l view of the rearview device of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectiona l view of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a rearview device with enlarged peripheral walls.
• relationa l terms such as first a nd second, top and bottom, a nd the like, a re used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessari ly requiring or im plying a ny actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.
• An element proceeded by "comprises . . . a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, a rticle, or a pparatus that comprises the element.
• the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B a nd C in combination; or A, B, a nd C in com bination.
• reference numeral 10 genera lly designates a rearview device having a front element 12 defining a first surface 14 and a second surface 16.
• a rear element 18 defines a third surface 20 and a fourth surface 22.
• An electro-optic material 24, such as an electrochromic materia l, is located between the front element 12 and the rea r element 18.
• a ca rrier plate 26 includes a front side 28, a back side 30, and a peripheral wa ll 32. The front side 28 is disposed proximate the fourth surface 22.
• a device housing 36 is opera bly coupled to the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26.
• the peripheral wa ll 32 a nd a n outer portion 38 of the back side 30 of the ca rrier plate 26 extend beyond the device housing 36 and a re externally exposed.
• the rea rview device 10 is generally configured for installation on a front windshield of a vehicle.
• the rearview device 10 includes a mount 50 configured for engagement with the inside surface of the windshield.
• the mount 50 includes a windshield connector 52 defining a socket 54 configured to engage a ball 56 (FIG. 4) of a device support 58.
• the ball 56 and socket 54 can be disposed inside or outside of the device housing 36.
• the mount 50 provides for a range of movement of the rearview device 10 relative to the windshield. Further, it is also contemplated that the mount 50 can be operably coupled with the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26 inside the device housing 36.
• the socket 54 may be similar to that set forth in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
• the device support 58 extends into and is received by a recess 60 defined in a rear portion 62 of the device housing 36 and provides one or more of an electrical, mechanical, and data connection to the rearview device 10.
• the height and width of the device housing 36 is considerably smaller than the height and width of the carrier plate 26, the front element 12, and the rear element 18.
• the device housing 36 mounts to the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26. More specifically, the device housing 36 mounts to a fastening arrangement in the form of an engagement wall 66 extending from the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26.
• the fastening arrangement is disposed on an inside surface of the device housing 36. Accordingly, the outer portion 38 of the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26 is left exposed.
• the outer portion 38 of the carrier plate 26 may include a similar or dissimilar texture and color to the device housing 36. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the carrier plate 26 extends past the device housing 36 approximately one inch.
• the rearwardly extending engagement wall 66 of the carrier plate 26 is configured for mechanical attachment with the device housing 36.
• the device housing 36 is generally configured to house, support, and protect electrical components, including at least one circuit board.
• the device housing 36 is slightly tapered and configured for engagement with the engagement wall 66 disposed on the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26. It is generally contemplated that the engagement wall 66 may engage an inside of the device housing 36 or an outside of the device housing 36 during assembly. It is also contemplated that the carrier plate 26 could be integrally formed or molded with the device housing 36 as a single piece. [0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the front element 12 is exposed while the rear element
• the ca rrier plate 26 includes a rounded rear transition portion 72 similar to the rounded front edge 70 of the front element 12. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the carrier plate 26 wraps around the rear element 18 and abuts the second surface 16 of the front element 12. This construction provides a uniform and smooth transition from the carrier plate 26 to the front element 12 and encloses the rear element 18 and also conceals the rear element 18 from view. Alternatively, the carrier plate 26 can abut the fourth surface 22 of the rear element 18. In this instance, a periphery of the rear element 18 may be exposed. It is also contemplated that a seal 80 may be disposed between the carrier plate 26 and the front element 12 that maintains the front element 12 and the carrier plate 26 coupled.
• the rounded front edge 70 of the front element 12 may be molded, ground, or otherwise formed on the peripheral front edge of the front element 12. It is generally contemplated that the radius of curvature of the front element 12 may mimic or otherwise be similar to the rounded rear transition portion 72 between the peripheral wall 32 and the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26. Accordingly, a consistent feel between the front element 12 and the carrier plate 26 is provided to a user adjusting the rearview device 10.
• the carrier plate 26 and the front element 12 may include different peripheral constructions.
• the peripheral wall 32 of the carrier plate 26 may include a transition portion having an angled wall rather than a rounded wall.
• a knurled or otherwise rough surface may be formed on the peripheral wall 32 that assists a user in grasping the rearview device 10 and adjusting the same prior to or during travel.
• the rounded front edge 70 of the front element 12 may be smooth, frosted, etc. to complement the feel and appearance of the carrier plate 26.
• the rear element 18 will be spaced a predetermined distance from an inside surface of the carrier plate 26. However, it is also contemplated that the rear element 18 may be in abutting contact with the inside surface of the carrier plate 26 at the peripheral wall 32. Such construction may aid in properly locating the carrier plate 26 during manufacturing.
• male and fema le adapters 86, 88 may operably couple circuit boards 90 with the vehicle. I n an embodiment, the male adapter 86 disposed on the ends of wires 92 is coupled with the female adapter 88 on the circuit boards 90.
• the wires 92 extend through the device housing 36 and the mount 50 and ultimately to a control center, such as a vehicle controller area network (CAN) bus.
• a control center such as a vehicle controller area network (CAN) bus.
• the engagement wall 66 is integral with the carrier plate 26 and extends rearwardly therefrom at a generally orthogonal angle thereto.
• the engagement wall 66 may extend in a variety of other angles from the carrier plate 26.
• the engagement wall 66 may extend from the device housing 36 into secure engagement with slots defined on the back side 30 of the carrier plate 26. It is contemplated that the engagement wall 66 may extend around all, substantially all, or some of the inside surface of the device housing 36.
• the device housing 36 and the carrier plate 26 may be generally opaque, translucent, or transparent. Regardless, it is generally contemplated that a majority of the electrical components used to operate the rearview device 10 are disposed within the device housing 36 and behind the rear element 18 of the rearview device 10 after assembly.
• the recess 60 in the device housing 36 may include at least one aperture 100 configured to relay power and/or data lines therethrough to the circuits boards disposed in the device housing 36. It is contemplated that the data and/or power lines will extend from the circuit boards 90 through the apertures defined in the recess 60 and ultimately through the device support 58 and ball 56 of the mount 50.
• the carrier plate 26 may be configured to extend forward past the second surface 16 of the front element 12.
• the carrier plate 26 includes a framed ring design.
• a peripheral hiding layer for example a chrome ring, is positioned on the second surface 16 to hide electrical contacts in communication with the electro-optic material 24 disposed between the front element 12 and the rear element 18.
• the peripheral walls 32 of the ca rrier plate 26 include a forward rounded portion 110 that round to a forward, inward edge that is flush with, or nearly flush with, the first surface
• the rear element 18 is generally concealed between the carrier plate 26 and the front element 12. Additionally, the peripheral wall 32 of the carrier plate 26 conceals the peripheral edge of both the front element 12 and the rear element 18.
• the present disclosure may be used with a rearview assembly such as that described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,925,891; 8,814,373; 8,201,800; and 8,210,695; U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014/0063630 and 2012/0327234; and U.S. Provisiona l Patent Application Nos. 61/709,716; 61/707,676; and 61/704,869, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Further, the present disclosure may be used with a rearview packaging assembly such as that described in U.S. Patent Nos.
• the term "coupled” in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc. generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationa ry in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
• elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied.
• the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materia ls that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, cha nges, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

Landscapes

• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Nonlinear Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Optics & Photonics (AREA)
• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Crystallography & Structural Chemistry (AREA)
• Rear-View Mirror Devices That Are Mounted On The Exterior Of The Vehicle (AREA)
• Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
• Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
• Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)

Priority Applications (4)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=54367095

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (6)

Families Citing this family (10)

Citations (3)

Family Cites Families (22)

• 2015
  • 2015-05-08 US US14/707,148 patent/US9545882B2/en active Active
  • 2015-05-08 CN CN201580024071.8A patent/CN106458095A/zh active Pending
  • 2015-05-08 JP JP2016569054A patent/JP2017515747A/ja active Pending
  • 2015-05-08 WO PCT/US2015/029904 patent/WO2015172032A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2015-05-08 EP EP15789475.9A patent/EP3140160B1/en active Active
  • 2015-05-08 KR KR1020167031473A patent/KR101729000B1/ko active Active
• 2018
  • 2018-03-20 JP JP2018052750A patent/JP6657282B2/ja active Active

Patent Citations (3)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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