Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VEHICULAR MIRROR ASSEMBLY INCORPORATING
MULTIFUNCTIONAL ILLUMINATION SOURCE
BACKCiROIIND OF TIIE INVENTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applications Serial
No.
601319,174, filed April 9, 2002; 601319,17.'i, filed April 9, 2002; and
60/319,323, filed
June 18, 2002, which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an external vehicle mirror and, more particularly, to
an
external vehicle mirror having multiple illumination modes. In one aspect, the
invention
relates to vehicle external mirrors incorporating an illumination device
mounted for
movement between multiple functional positions. In another aspect, the
invention relates
to an assembly of light-emitting diodes of different colors for selectively
producing, in
combination, colored light for different vehicular functions.
Description of the Related Art
External mirrors are ubiquitous for contemporary motor vehicles and have long
been used to aid the driver in operating the ~rehicle, especially i.n
improving the rearward
view of the driver. Over time, more and more functionality has been
incorporated into
the external mirrors. For example, it is common to pivot or fold the external
mirror
against the vehicle body and prevent the jan-ing of the mirror when the
vehicle is not
operated. The mirror-folding function can incorporate a power assist, such as
that
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,684,646, which is incorporated by reference.
Functionality can also be added by incorporating lights for illuminating
portions
of the vehicle or the surrounding area into external mirrors, such as are
disclosed in U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,371,659, 6,176,602, 6,086,229, and 5,871,275, which are
incorporated in
their entirety herein by reference. These lights are used for several
different illumination
modes. One mode of illumination is a downwardly directed illumination source
that
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illuminates a portion of the vehicle, generally one of the front door areas,
adjacent the
external mirror. This type of downwardly directed illumination source is often
referred to
as a "puddle light.°' Another illumination mode is accomplished by a
rearwardly directed
light, which illuminates the portion of the vehicle behind the mirrors and is
useful in
reverse operation of the vehicle. This mode of illumination is often referred
to as a "rear
assist light." An additional illumination mode comprises illumination sources
incorporated into the external mirror to perform a turn signal indicator
function, referred
to as a "turning mode."
Since many of the illumination modes are very useful and convenient to the
vehicle operator, it is desirable to incorporate as many illumination modes in
an external
mirror as possible. Unfortunately, several characteristics of the external
mirror and the
vehicle marketplace make it difficult to incorporate multiple illumination
modes in a
single external mirror.
External mirror assemblies are typically constructed to minimize their cross-
sectional profile to reduce aerodynamic drag, which can improve vehicle fuel
efficiency
and reduce the associated wind-generated noise of the mirror. The tendency to
reduce or
minimize the cross-sectional profile of the mirror results in little available
interior volume
in the mirror assembly for locating the light assemblies needed for the
multiple
illumination modes. To the extent that interior volume is available for
mounting the
illumination source, the location of the available interior volume is not
always at a
location where the illumination source can illuminate the desired area. The
undesirable
location of available interior volume is exacerbated when multiple modes of
illumination
are desired.
The characteristics of the vehicle parts manufacturing marketplace in general
and
the exterior mirrors specifically impose additional constraints a.nd hurdles
for providing a
suitable multiple illumination mode external mirror. The exterior mirror
marketplace has
conflicting characteristics: increased functionality versus reduced cost and
reduced part
count. Reduced part count for the most part is related to cost. 'Thus, while
there is a
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desire for multiple illumination modes, they typically must be accomplished
with
minimal cost and part count increases.
Illumination devices in vehicles have typically employed incandescent lamps,
which typically have a limited useful life, lack ease of replacement, and have
a tendency
to hurn out, particularly in a harsh environment. Furthermore, incandescent
lamps tend to
be relatively large. Thus, incandescent Lamps have been replaced with light-
emitting
diodes (LEDs). However, there are limitations in doing so. Significantly, it
is difficult to
emit white light from an LED, and, although it is possible to do so, the white-
light LEDs
can be expensive. Use of LEDs is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. f,I32,072 to
Turnbull et
al., issued October 17, 2000, which uses a mixture of amber and blue-green
LEDs to
produce an "effective" or synthetic white light. A lighting device for motor
vehicles
utilizing LEDs is also disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,3=17,880 and 6,152,590.
SUMMARY O~' THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention relates to a vehicular mirror system comprising:
a
vehicular mirror assembly adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, the vehicular
mirror
assembly having a reflective element mounted therein; said vehicular mirror
assembly
comprising an illumination device, said illumination device projecting
emitting light
when electrically powered, the illumination device moveable between at least a
first
position to perform a first illumination function and a second position to
perform a
second illumination function; said first illumination function comprising one
function
selected from the group consisting of a ground illumination function, a signal
light
function, and a reverse light function; and said second illumination function
comprising
another function selected from the group consisting of a ground illumination
function, a
signal Light function, and a reverse light function.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a vehicula~° mirror system
comprising: a
base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle; a vehicular mirror assembly movably
mounted
to the base for movement between an extended position and a folded position,
the
vehicular mirror assembly having an outwardly-facing reflective element
mounted
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therein; and an illumination device mounted to the vehicular mirror assembly
for emitting
light, the illumination device being mounted for movement between at least a
first
position to perform a first illumination function and a second position to
perform a
second illumination function.
In a further aspect of the invention, a vehicular mirror system comprises a
vehicular mirror assembly adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, the vehicular
mirror
assembly having a reflective element mounted therein; and an illumination
device
mounted to the vehicular mirror assembly to direct light outwardly therefrom,
the
illumination device being selectively actuatable to emit illumination for
performing a first
illumination function and a second illumination function, the illumination
device
comprising a first set of light-emitting diodes emitting light of a first
color and a second
set of light-emitting diodes emitting light of a second color, the first set
of light-emitting
diodes being selectively operable to emit light of a first color to perform
the first
illumination function, and the first set of light-emitting diodes and the
second set of light-
emitting diodes being selectively operable in combination to emit light of a
second color
to perform the second illumination function.
Various embodiments of the invention are also contemplated. An actuator can be
operably interconnected to the illumination device to move the illumination
device
between the first and second positions. A support can be provided which
extends from
the vehicular mirror assembly for mounting the vehicular mirror assembly to
the vehicle,
and the illumination device is mounted to one of the vehicular mirror assembly
and the
support. The illumination device can comprise a light source which is moveable
between at least the first position and the se<;ond position. The light source
can be at least
one incandescent light. The light source can be at least one light-emitting
diode. The
illumination device can further comprise an electric motor for moving the
light source
between at least the first position and the second position. The illumination
device can
comprise a fixed light source and a reflector that is moveable between at
least the first
position and the second position. The reflector can comprise a convex mirror.
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The actuator can be operably interconnected to the illumination device to move
the illumination device between the first and second positions. The
illumination device
can comprise a light source which is moveable between at least the first
position and the
second position. The illumination device can further comprise a reflector that
is
moveable between at least the first position and the second position, A driver
can be
provided that operably couples the at least one of the vehicular mirror
assembly and the
base and the reflector such that the movement of the vehicular mirror assembly
between
the extended position and the retracted position moves the second reflective
element
between the first position and the second position.
The combination of the colors emitted by the first and second sets of light-
emitting diodes can be a synthetic white light. The first illumination
function can
comprise one function selected from the group consisting of a ground
illumination
function, a signal light function, and a reverse light function. The second
illumination
function can comprise another function selected from the group consisting of a
ground
illumination function, a signal light function, and a reverse light function.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TIIE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an exterior mirror
assembly comprising a mirror housing rotatably mounted to a mirror support,
which is
adapted to be connected to a motor vehicle, and a lens mounted to a lower
surface of the
mirror support and covering an illumination source.
Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the exterior mirror assembly of Fig. 1
and
illustrates a mirror mounted within the mirror housing.
Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of the exterior mirror assembly of Figs. 1
and 2.
Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the exterior mirror assembly of Figs. 1-
3.
Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the mirror assembly of Fig, 1 illustrating the
major
components including the mirror housing rotatably mounted to the mirror
support by a
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pedestal motor housing, an illumination source located in the mirror support,
and a mirror
assembly.
Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the illumination source, which comprises a drive
motor, drive gears, transmission and light element all of which are connected
to a housing
for the illumination source.
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the assembled components of the illumination
source of Fig. 6, with an upper housing cover removed for clarity.
Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of the assembled illumination source with the
housing cover removed and positioned within the minor support, and the light
element
shown in a forward directed position.
Fig. 9 is a top perspective view identical to Fig. 8 except that the light
element is
located in a reward position.
Fig. 10 is a top perspective view identical to Fig. 8 except that the light
element is
located in a neutral position, between the forward and rearward positions.
Fig. 11 is a logic control table illustrating the status of the various mirror
assembly
components for various operational conditions of the vehicle.
Fig. 12 is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of the exterior
mirror
assembly in a drive or extended position and comprising a minor housing
rotatably
mounted to a mounting bracket, which is adapted to be connected to a motor
vehicle, and
a lens mounted to a lower surface of the mirror support and covering an
illumination
source.
Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of the exterior minor assembly of Fig. 12.
Fig. 14 is a rear perspective view of the exterior mirror assembly of Fig. 12
in a
folded position.
Fig. 15 is a top perspective view of the exterior minor assembly of Fig. 14.
Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the minor assembly of Fig. 12 illustrating the
major components including a support bracket connecting the aninor housing to
a pivot
mechanism, which is mounted to the mounting bracket, and an illumination
source
located in the mounting bracket.
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Fig. 17 is an enlarged exploded view of the mounting bracket and the
illumination
source in combination with the pivot mechanism of Fig. 16, and illustrating
the
components of the illumination source including a yoke carrying a light
element, with a
reflector pivotally mounted to the yoke, and a drive mechanism for pivoting
the reflector.
Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the assembled mirror support and illumination
source of Fig. 17.
Fig. 19 is a schematic sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 12
illustrating
the position of the reflector relative to a transfer gear and a cam of the
drive mechanism
when the mirror assembly is in the extended position.
Fig. 20 is a schematic sectional view taken along line 20-20 of Fig. 12
illustrating
the position of the reflector relative to the light element when the mirror
assembly is in
the extended position.
Fig. 21 is a schematic sectional view taken along line 21-21 of Fig. 14 and
illustrates the position of the reflector relative to the transfer gear and
the cam of the drive
mechanism when the mirror assembly is in the folded position.
Fig. 22 is a schematic sectional view taken along line 22-22 of Fig. 14 and
illustrates the position of the reflector relative to the light element when
the mirror
assembly is in the folded position.
Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the exterior mirror
assembly and movable illumination source which is illustrated in a rearward-
directed
position corresponding to the mirror assembly being in the extended position.
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the third embodiment movable light of Fig.
23,
with the third embodiment light in a forward-directed position corresponding
to the
mirror assembly being in the folded position.
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the exterior mirror
assembly and movable illumination source which is illustrated in a rearward-
directed
position corresponding to the mirror assembly being in the extended position.
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Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment movable light of Fig.
25,
with the fourth embodiment light in a forward-directed position corresponding
to the
mirror assembly being in the folded position.
Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a vehicle exterior
mirror
assembly from beneath the mirror assembly comprising a light-emitting diode
assembly
illuminated to form a puddle light according to the invention ~.tnd a lens
covering the
light-emitting diode assembly.
Fig. 28 is a partially exploded view of the external mitTOr assembly of Fig.
27
showing the arrangement of the lens and the light-emitting diode assembly.
Fig. 29 is a schematic view of the light-emitting diode assembly of Fig. 28
showing a first embodiment of the light-emitting diode assembly.
Fig. 30 is a schematic view of the light-emitting diode assembly of Fig. 28
showing a second embodiment of the light-emitting diode assembly.
Fig. 31 is a schematic view of the light-emitting diode assembly of Fig. 28
showing a third embodiment of the light-emitting diode assembly.
Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the external mirror assembly of Fig. 27
showing
the light-emitting diode assembly illuminated to form a puddle light.
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the external mirror assembly of Fig. 27
showing
the light-emitting diode assembly illuminated to form a turn signal.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ~NIBODINIENTS
Figs. 1-4 illustrate a first embodiment of a vehicular mirror system
comprising an
external mirror assembly 10 of the type suitable for mounting to the exterior
of a motor
vehicle 11. The external mirror assembly 10 comprises a breakaway moveable
portion 12
pivotally mounted to fixed support portion 14, which is adapted to be mounted
to the
vehicle 11. The moveable portion 12 is closed on a forward side and defines a
recess 16
on its rear side in which is received a mirror 18.
Referring to Fig. 5 specifically, and Figs. 1-4 generally, the mirror recess
16 of the
moveable portion 12 is preferably sized to receive a mirror positioning
mechanism
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comprising a mirror reflective element 22, preferably an electrochromic mirror
reflective
element, mounted to a drive unit 24, which is sometimes referred to as a
mirror actuator,
or a "power pack." The drive unit 24 mounts to the interior of the moveable
portion 12 in
a well-known manner to provide for adjusting the tilt of the reflective
element 22 about at
least two axes, and is operably connected to the vehicle's controller (not
shown). The
drive unit 24 is often used to adjust the tilt of the mirror depending on the
operational
status of the vehicle. For example, if the vehicle is operated in reverse, the
vehicle
controller automatically tilts the mirror downwardly, usually in response to
the vehicle
being placed in reverse, to provide the operator with a better view of the
rear of the
vehicle (and such as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,8'1,275, which is
incorporated in
its entirety herein). If the vehicle is operated in forward, the mirror is
tilted. upwardly to
provide the operator with a rearward view of the road and traffic advancing
from behind.
The mirror 18 is mounted within the reflective element 22 thereby permitting
the
adjustment of the mirror 18 through the adjustment of the reflective element
22 by the
drive unit 24. The mirror I8, the reflective element 22., and the drive unit
24 and its
operation, are all well-known and will not be described in greater detail.
Referring to Fig. 5, the fixed support portion 14 comprises a support bracket
30
and a complementary trim cover 32. The support bracket 30 includes a mounting
portion
34 for securing the support bracket 30 to the vehicle 11 in a generally
conventional
manner and a support base 36 extending laterally away from the mounting
portion 34 in a
generally horizontal plane when the support bracket 30 is mounted to the
vehicle 11.
The trim cover 32 comprises a shoulder portion 38 and defines a through
opening
40 in which the support base 34 is received when the trim cov~;r 32 is mounted
to the
support bracket 30. An open-top sleeve 42 extends laterally away from the
shoulder 38
and defines a sleeve opening 44 therethrough . The sleeve 42 terminates in
opposing
sidewalls 46 that couple with the edges of the support base 34 when the trim
cover 32 is
mounted to the support bracket 30.
The sleeve 42 is sized such that, when the support base 36 is coupled with the
sidewalk 46, a gap remains between the support base 36 and the sleeve 42 to
define an
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illumination source recess 48 having a laterally-oriented opening that is
closed by a lens
50, which removably communicates, such as with a snap-fitting or suitable
threaded
fasteners, with the end of the sleeve 42 to close the illumination source
recess 48.
The lens 50 comprises a lower wall 52 and an arcuate end wall 54, which
transitions into a lateral wall 56 facing rearward. There is no corresponding
lateral wall
portion in the front edge of the arcuate wall 54, although it would be within
the scope of
the invention for such a lateral extending portion to be provided.
A cylindrical mirror pivot 60 mounts to the support base 36 and is received
within
an arm portion 62 of the moveable portion L 2 to pivota.Ily mount the housing
I2 to the
fixed support portion 14. The pivot 60 has a generally cylindrical shape with
a hollow
interior in which is received an electric motor (not shown) for rotating the
mirror pivot 60
to rotate the moveable portion 12 from an extended position, wherein the
moveable
portion 12 is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle I l, to a retracted
position, wherein
the moveable portion 12 is substantially parallel to the vehicle 11. The
mirror pivot 60 is
well known and is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,684,646, which is
incorporated herein
by reference. Therefore, the mirror pivot 60 will not be described in further
detail.
An illumination device 70 is received within the illumination source recess 48
and
comprises a housing 72 from which extends an illuminating element 74. The
illumination device 70 is positioned within the illumination source recess 48
such that the
light emitted by the illuminating element 74 passes through the lens 50 and is
visible
exteriorly of the mirror assembly 10.
The illuminating element 74 is preferably an incandescent lamp. However, other
suitable light emitting sources, such as a light-emitting diode or a
fluorescent source or a
neon source or a laser source or another non-incandescent light source, can be
used
without departing from the scope of this invention.
Referring to Fig. 6, the illuminating assembly 70 is shown in greater detail.
The
housing 72 comprises a base 78 and a cover 80. The base 78 is a somewhat
rectilinear
body and comprises a bottom wall 82 from which orthogonally extends a
peripheral wall
84. The bottom wall 82 has a generally rectilinear shape. The peripheral wall
84 extends
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substantially about the periphery of the bottom wall 82, except along a
portion 88. It will
be understood that the base 78 can assume other configurations suitable for
enclosing the
illuminating assembly 70 in the illumination source recess 48.
The cover 80 is a plate-like a body having a shaped complementary to the shape
of
the bottom wall 82, mounts to the upper edge of the peripheral sidewall 84 to
form a
recess in the housing 72, and defines a slot 90 between the portion 88 and the
cover 80.
The light element 74 extends through the slot 90.
A light element drive mechanism 9G is mounted within the interior of the
housing
72 and is actuated to move the light element 74 througl-~ an arcuate range of
motion
limited by the extent of the slot 90. The drive mechanism 9G comprises an
electric motor
98 (or another motive element such as a shape metal alloy motive element, such
as
disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,364,496 or an electroactive polymer motive
element such
as is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,376,97 = suitable for energizing by the
vehicle's
electrical power system, and having a geared output shaft 100 that is coupled
to a drive
gear 106 by a transmission comprising a transition gear 102 and a transfer
gear 104. The
drive gear 106 couples the transitian gear 104 to a light mount 108, which
mounts the
light element 74.
The transition gear 102 comprises a large diameter input gear 110 and a small
diameter output gear 112, both of which are coaxially mounted to an axle 114.
The pitch
of the teeth of the output gear 112 is skewed relative to a longitudinal axis
of the axle 114
and the teeth are complementary to the teeth of the drive gear 106 to effect a
change in
the rotation from a generally horizontal rotation of the transition gear 102
to a generally
vertical rotation of the drive gear 106.
The transfer gear I04 comprises an input gear 1:15 adapted to be operably
enmeshed with the input gear 110, and an output gear 116 adapted to be
operably
enmeshed with the motor output gear 100. The transfer gear 104 is provided
with a
coaxial bore 105 extending therethrough. The output gear 116 is smaller in
diameter than
the input gear 115 to form a gear reduction from the motor output gear 100 to
the drive
gear 106.
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The drive gear 106 is generally disk-shaped with an axial opening 120. The
light
mount 108 is similarly disk-shaped, with an opening 124. A light socket 126 is
fixedly
mounted to the light mount 108 and receives the light element 74 in a
conventional
manner. A portion 109 of the light socket 126 extends radially away from the
opening
124 to overhang the light mount 108 along a portion of the circumference
thereof.
Although not shown in the drawings, the light socket 126 is connected to a
source of
power for supplying the light element 74 with the necessary electz7cal power
for
illumination.
Referring to Figs. G and 7, various suitable mounting structures, such as
stops,
posts, bosses, and cradles, are provided on or formed in the bottom wall 82 of
the housing
72 for fixedly and cooperatively mounting the components of the drive
mechanism 96. A
pair of spaced walls 130 having corresponding notches 132 farm a motor cradle
for
supporting the electric motor 98. Similarly, a pair of spaced walls 134 having
notches
136 form a transition gear cradle for supporting the transition gear 102. A
first post 140
extending orthogonally from the bottom wall 82 is adapted to rotatably mount
the transfer
gear 104. Similarly, a second post 146 extending orthogonally from the bottom
wall 82 is
adapted to rotatably mount the drive gear and the light mount 108.
As best seen in Fig. 7, the motor 98 is mounted to the housing 72 by a portion
of
the motor resting in the motor cradle so that the output shaft 100 is parallel
to the bottom
wall 82 and can freely rotate. The transition gear 102 is rotatably mounted to
the housing
72, parallel to the output shaft 100, by the axle l I4 being received within
the transition
gear cradle. The transfer gear 104 is slidably mounted onto the post 140 until
the output
gear 1I6 abuts the bottom wall 82. Similarly, the drive gear 106 is slidably
mounted onto
the post 146 by the post 146 being received through the axial opening 120
until a lower
surface of the drive gear 106 abuts the bottom wall 82. The light mount 108 is
similarly
mounted to the post 146.
The drive gear 106 and the light mount 108 are operably coupled together
through
suitable means such as adhesives, fasteners, or an interference fit, such that
the movement
of the drive gear 106 results in the coz-responding movement of the light
mount 108.
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Preferably the light mount 108 is of a smaller diameter than the drive gear
and the portion
109 of the light receptacle 126 overhanging the light mount 108 rests on and
is attached
to the drive gear 106.
Referring to Figs. 8-10, the operation of the drive mechanism 96 and the
operational range of the light element 74 is briefly described. The control of
power to the
electric motor 98 and the light element 74 is handled by the vehicle control
system in a
well-known manner and is not germane to the invention. Therefore, the specific
type of
control system and wiring for the electric motor 98 and the light element 74
will not be
described in detail. To understand the invention, it is only necessary to know
that the
electric motor can be turned on and off by the vehicle controller as desired
to effect the
movement of the light element 74.
Figs. 8-10 are partial assembly views of the mirror assembly 10 with the
support
36 and the cover 80 removed to show the position of the light element 74 in
various
modes of illumination. Fig. 8 illustrates the light element 74 in a forward
position where
the light element 74 is generally directed toward the rear end of the sidewall
54 In the
forward position, the light element 74 generally illuminates a portion of the
vehicle 11
forward of the door, along with a portion of the door. Such a mode of
illumination is
contemplated as being useful in aiding the operator in locating the vehicle
11.
Fig. 9 illustrates the light element 74 in a rearward position where the light
element 74 is generally directed toward the lateral extending portion 56 of
the lens 50.
and is useful in illuminating portions of the vehicle 1 l and the surrounding
area located
rearwardly of the mirror assembly 10.
Fig. 10 illustrates the light element 74 in a neutral position, which is
located
approximately midway between the forward and rearward positions shown in Figs.
8 and
9, respectively. In the neutral position, the light element 74 will
predominantly illuminate
the vehicle door and the surrounding area of the vehicle and is well-suited
for a puddle
mode of lighting. The light element 74 can also be used to perform a turn
signal function
when in the neutral position through suitable operational control from the
vehicle control
system.
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While the preferred embodiment discloses the transmission as comprising the
transition gear 102 and transfer gear 104, other suitable transmissions can be
used. For
example, a belt could connect the motor 9~ to the drive gear I06. There could
also be a
direct connection between the motor output gear 100 and the drive gear IOG,
which would
reduce the number of gears. Depending on the type of motor, such a
configuration may
require additional electronic control of the motor.
Fig. 11 schematically illustrates the status of the various mirror assembly
components for multiple vehicle operations. It is anticipated that the
operator of the
vehicle will activate several of the vehicle operational modes by using a key
fob in
conjunction with the controller for the vehicle. Since a key fob and vehicle
controller
combination are well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art and are not
germane to the
invention, they will not be described other than by general reference. Of
course, it will be
understood that this invention can work equally as well in a "passive entry"
system such
as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,497,305, which is incorporated in its
entirety herein.
The selected mirror status conditions are listed on the vertical axis of Fig.
11 and
include the: MIRROR HOUSING POSITION, MIRROR TILT POSITION, LIGHT
ONIOFF status, and the LIGHT POSITION. The selected vehicle operations
include;
KEY fob UNLOCK, APPROACH VEHICLE, OPEN DOOR, IGNITION ON,
TRANSMISSION REVERSE or DRIVE, IGNITION OFF, AND KEY FOB LOCK.
The selected vehicle operations sequentially track the major steps that an
operator
will take when approaching the vehicle and prepare for driving the vehicle.
Since most
contemporary vehicles have a key fob that controls the automatic loclting and
unlocking
of the vehicle doors, as a vehicle operator approaches the vehicle, the
operator typically
actuates the key fob to unlock the vehicle (KEY fob "UNLOCK"). Upon reaching
the
vehicle, the operator will then open the door (OPEN DOOR) to enter the
vehicle. The
APPROACH VEHICLE step will typically comprise all or part of the time between
the
depression of the 1<ey fob to unlock the door and the opening of the door.
After entering the vehicle, the operator typically will start the vehicle
engine
(IGNITION "ON"), put the vehicle in gear (TRANSMISSION "REVERSE" or
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"DRIVE"), and drive to the destination, where the vehicle operator shuts off
the ignition
(IGNITION "OFF"), leaves the vehicle, and locks the door (key fob "LOCK") with
the
key fob.
During these standard steps in the operation of a vehicle, the moveable
portion 12
and mirror 18 can have different physical positions, especially when the
mirror is a power
fold mirror as preferred by the invention. Since the mirror assembly 10 is a
power fold
mirror, the moveable portion 12 can either be in the extended ("OUT") position
or the
folded ("IN") position. The mirror 18 can also be in either its normal
position ("NOM")
or in a downwardly tilted position (°'DOWN"), which is used when
operating the vehicle
in reverse. The light element 74 can be either ON or OFF. It can also be
cycled between
ON and OFF to form a strobe effect ("STROBE"). The position of the light
element 74
can also vary between the forward ("FOR"), rearward ("REAIR"), and neutral
positions for
each of the vehicle operations.
The vehicle operations are sensed by the vehicle controller which then sets
the
desired status for the IvBRROR HOUSING POSITION, MIRROR TILT POSITION,
LIGHT ON/OFF, AND LIGHT POSITION as shown in the table of Fig. 1 I. The logic
of
the mirror status conditions for the various vehicle operations will be
described in the
context of operating the vehicle.
As the operator nears the vehicle, the operator the presses the lcey fob to
unlock
the vehicle door. In the KEY fob UNLOCK operational condition, the mirror
housing
remains in the IN position to reduce the likelihood that the vehicle operator
will hit the
mirror when entering the vehicle. The mirror tilt remains in the NORMAL
position. The
light element is turned ON and preferably operated in the STROBE mode to aid
the
operator in finding the vehicle. It is preferred that the light element 74 be
in the forward
position.
After unlocking the vehicle with the key fob and whi 1e the operator is
approaching
the vehicle, the light element 74 is set to the ON position instead of the
STROBE mode.
The switching of the light element 74 to the ON position from the STROBE mode
preferably occurs after a predetermined time. The status of the other mirror
features does
-15-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
not change, except that the light element 74 can be moved into the neutral
position if it is
desired to provide a puddle mode illumination as the operator approaches the
vehicle The
transition from the forward to the neutral position can occur immediately or
after the
passing of a predetermined time.
Upon opening the door to the vehicle, the light element; 74 is turned OFF. It
is
assumed that when the vehicle operator opens the door, the vehicle operator no
longer
needs the light element 74 turned ON to aid the vehicle operator in finding
the vehicle or
in viewing the area surrounding the vehicle as the operator mars the door. l-n
the OPEN
DOOR operation, the light element can be either in the p'ORWARD or NEUTRAL
position. The light element is moved to the NEUTRAL position to perform a turn
signal
function.
When the ignition is turned ON, the mirror housing is moved from the IN to the
OUT position, so that the operator can use the exterior mirror assembly 10 in
its normal
manner. The light element 74 is moved from its current position to the REAR
position by
energizing the motor 90 in anticipation that the operator may operate the
vehicle in the
reverse position. While it is preferred that the light element 7~- be moved to
the REAR
position in anticipation that the vehicle will be operated in REVERSE, the
light element
74 can be left in the FORWARD position until the vehicle is put into gear or
moved into
the NEUTRAL position.
After the ignition is turned ON, if the operator places the vehicle in
reverse, the
mirror is tilted from the NORMAL to the DOWN position to provide the operator
with a
better view of the rear of the vehicle. The light clement 74 is moved to the
REAR
position if it is currently in another position and turned ON to illuminate
the rear portion
of the vehicle and the surrounding area to aid the operator in the reverse
operation of the
vehicle.
If the operator places the vehicle in DRIVE or places the vehicle in DRIVE
after a
reverse operation, the mirror is left in or returned to the NORMAL tilt
position and the
light element 74 remains OFF and is moved to the NEUTRAL position to perform a
turn
-16-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
signal function. The light element 74 in this condition is then operated in
conjunction
with the vehicle turn signals.
Upon the turning OFF of the ignition, the moveable portion 12 is rotated from
the
OUT to the IIVT position, the mirror is tilted t:o the normal position if in
the DOWN
position, and the light 74 is turned OFF and moved to the REAR position.
Assuming the
key fob is used to lock the vehicle after the ignition is turned OFF, the
status of the mirror
elements does not change.
It should be noted that the status of the minor elements as described is in
sequence for the major steps in the operation of the vehicle. However, actual
use of the
exterior mirror assembly 10 is not limited to the sequential operation, and
the status of the
mirror elements for each of the operations listed in Fig. 11 will be set when
the particular
operation is initiated regardless of the prior operation.
While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain
specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of
illustration and
not of limitation. For example, the illuminating assembly of the invention and
the
described functions can be used in a mirror not having a power fold function
or an
adjustable mirror function. The illuminating assembly '70 can also be located
in the
moveable portion 12 and not just in the support base 36 as illustrated. The
utility and
functionality of the illuminating assembly according to the invention is not
limited to a
particular external mirror. The illuminating assembly of the invention can be
incorporated into both a folding or fixed mirror and still provide full
functionality.
Figs. 12-15 illustrate a second embodiment of an external mirror assembly 210
of
the type suitable for mounting to the exterior of the motor vehicle I1. Figs.
12 and 13
illustrate the external mirror assembly 210 in an extended position for use
when the
vehicle 11 is being driven, whereas Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate the exterior
mirror assembly
210 in a folded position for use when the vehicle 11 is parked:
The external mirror assembly 210 comprises a moveable portion 212, pivotally
mounted to a fixed support portion 214, which is adapted to be mounted to the
vehicle 11.
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CA 02424848 2003-04-09
The moveable portion 212 is closed on a forward side and defines a recess 21G
on its rear
side in which is received a mirror 218.
Referring also to Fig. 16, the mirror recess 216 of the moveable portion 212
is
preferably sized to receive a mirror positioning mechanism comprising a frame
222 (also
referred to in the art as a glass housing, case, or carrier) mounted to a
drive unit 224,
which is sometimes referred to as a "power pack." The drive unit 224 mounts to
the
interior of the moveable portion 212 in a well-known manner to provide for
adjusting the
tilt of the frame 222 about at least two axes, and is operably connected to
the vehicle's
controller (not shown).
The mirror 218 is mounted within the frame 222 thereby permitting the
adjustment of the mirror 218 through the adjustment of the frame 222 by the
drive unit
224. As illustrated, the mirror 218 is a dual-view mirror comprising a
standard planar
mirror element 225 and a wide field of view convex miwor element 227.
Alternatively,
the mirror 218 can comprise a standard planar mirror element without a convex
mirror
element. The mirror 218, the frame 222, and the drive unit 224 are all well-
known and
will not be described in greater detail.
As shown in Fig. 16, the fixed support portion 214 comprises a support bracket
228 and a mounting bracket 230, which has a complementary trim cover 232. The
support bracket 228 connects the moveable portion 212 to the mounting bracket
230
through a powered fold or pivot mechanism 234, which rotates the support
bracket 228
relative to the mounting bracket 230.
The support bracket 228 comprises an arm 234 that is cooperatively received
within a channel 236 in the moveable portion 212. A collar 238 is located at
one end of
the arm 234 and is sized to slidably receive a motorized pivot mechanism 235.
A carn
240 extends below a lower edge of the collar 238.
Although not necessary for the invention, the support bracket 228 is of the
type
that can be used in exterior mirrors that are laterally extendable relative to
the vehicle.
The complete details of such a support bracket are shown in U.S. Patent No.
6,213,609
B l, which is incorporated herein by reference.
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CA 02424848 2003-04-09
Referring to Figs. I6 and I7, the mounting bracket 230 includes a mounting
portion 242 for securing the mounting bracket 230 to the vehicle 11 and a
support base
244 extending laterally away from the mounting portion 242. The support base
244
includes a well 246 adapted to receive the pivot mechanism 235. The well 246
is defined
by an annular side wall 248 that extends upwardly from a bottom wall 250 on
which the
pivot mechanism 235 is supported when received within the well 246. A
illuminating
assembly opening 252 is formed in the side wall 248 near the distal portion of
the support
base 244. A partial-peripheral lip 254 circumscribes a portion of the support
base 244.
The trim cover 232 comprises a shoulder portion 258 and defines a through
opening 260 in which the support base 244 is received when the trim cover 232
is
mounted to the mounting bracket 230. An open-top sleeve 262 extends away from
the
shoulder 258 and has a peripheral side wall 266, which terminates in an
inwardly directed
lip 268. An open portion 270 is formed in the side wall 266 and the lip 268.
The trim cover 232 further comprises a lens 272 that snap-fits to the sleeve
262
and closes the open portion 270. The lens has a side wall 274 and an inwardly-
extending
lip 276, which corresponds to the side wall 266 and the lip 268 of the sleeve
262. The
lens 272 is preferably transparent or translucent.
The sleeve 262 is sized to slidably receive the support base 244 when the trim
cover 232 is mounted to the mounting bracket 230. Wllen the lens 272 is
mounted to the
sleeve 262, the lens 272 overlies the illuminating assembly opening 252.
The pivot mechanism 235 has a generally cylindrical shape with a hollow
interior
in which is received an electric motor (not shown) for rotating the support
bracket 228 to
thereby rotate the moveable portion 212 from an extended position (Figs. 12
and 13),
wherein the moveable portion 212 is substantially perpendicular to the
vehicle, to a
retracted position (Figs. 14 and 15), wherein the moveable portion 212 is
substantially
parallel to the vehicle. The pivot mechanism 235 is well-known and disclosed
in U.B.
Patent No. 5,684,646, which is incorporated herein by reference. Therefore,
the pivot
mechanism 235 will not be described in further detail. 1t will be understood
that the
powered pivot mechanism 235 is shown herein as an example of the preferred
I 9-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
embodiment only, and that anything which effects the pivotal movement of the
mirror of
assembly 210 (even if powered by a vehicle occupant's hand) is acceptable as a
substitute
for the pivot mechanism 235 described herein without departing from the scope
of this
invention.
An illuminating assembly 280 is mounted to the support base 244 . The
illuminating assembly 280 comprises a yoke 282 fixedly mounted to the lip 254
of the
support base 244 in alignment with the illuminating assembly opening 252 . The
illuminating assembly further comprises a Light element 284 fixedly mounted to
the yoke
282 and a reflector assembly 286 movably mounted to the yoke 282 for
reflecting the
light from the light element 284 in multiple directions depending on the
position of the
reflector assembly 286. A drive mechanism 288 cooperates with the support
bracket 228
to move the reflector 286 between a forward-facing position or forward
position, for
illuminating a front portion of the vehicle 11, and a rearward-facing position
or rearward
position, for illuminating a rear portion of the vehicle 11.
Looking at the illuminating assembly 280 in greater detail, the yoke 282
comprises parallel, spaced-a part side rails 290 connected at their upper ends
by a cross
member 292, and defining a light receptacle 294. A finger 296 extends away
from the
cross member 292 and above the Light receptacle 294 and has a first post 298
extending
upwardly orthogonal thereto. A second post 300 is provided in a well on the
cross
member 292.
The side rails 290 are mounted to the lip 254 of the support base 244 to
secure the
yoke 282 to the mounting bracket 230. The Light element 284 is received within
the light
receptacle 294 to fixedly mount the light element 284 to the yoke 282. It is
preferred that
the portion of the rails 290 and the cross member 292 suz~rounding the
receptacle 294
have a reflective surface to z-eflect the light from the light element 284.
The reflector assembly 286 comprises a reflector 302 having a reflective inner
surface 303 (Fig. 18) and a finger 304 extending laterally from the reflector
302. An
opening 306 is formed in the finger 304 and is sized to ~°eceive the
post 298 to mount the
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CA 02424848 2003-04-09
reflector 302 to the yoke 282. The reflector 302 is preferably concave with a
reflective
inner surface.
The drive mechanism 288 comprises a cam follower 310 and a spur gear 312.
The cam follower 310 includes a contact surface 314 on a first end and a gear
portion 316
on a second end, with an opening 318 therebetween. The opening 318 is sized to
receive
the post 300 to pivotally mount the cam follower 310 to the yoke 282. The spur
gear 312
includes an opening 320 sized to receive the post 298 to rotatably mount the
spur gear
312 to the yoke 282. The spur gear 312 is preferably mounted to the post 298
prior to the
reflector assembly 286. By doing so, the finger 304 of the reflector assembly
286 helps
retain the spur gear 312 on the post 298.
The drive mechanism 288 further comprises a return spring 322 having a central
coil 324 and opposing parallel legs 328. The coil is received .round a pin 326
in the well
of the cross member 292 . ~ne of the legs 328 bears against the corresponding
rail 290
and the other leg 328 bears against the side of the cam follower 310 to bias
the contact
surface 314 toward the rail 290 against which the one leg 328 contacts, which
corresponds to the reflector 302 being in the rearward position.
Referring to Fig. 18, the illuminating assembly 280 is shown assembled and
mounted to the support base 244, without the trim cover 232 assembled to the
mounting
bracket 230 for purposes of clarity. As illustrated in Fig. 18, the reflector
302 is shown in
the forward position that corresponds to the moveable portion 212 being in the
folded
position.
When the illuminating assembly 280 is assembled and mounted to the support
base 244, the gear portion 316 of the cam follower 310 meshes with the spur
gear 312.
The contact surface 314 of the cam follower 310 extends through the
illuminating
assembly opening 252 and into the well 246. When the support bracket 228 and
the pivot
mechanism 235 are mounted to the support base 244, the collar 238 is received
about the
pivot mechanism 235 such that the cam 240 extends into the well 246 and will
lie in the
path of the cam follower 310. Thus, the reflector 302 can be pivoted between
the forward
position and the rearward position.
-21-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
When the reflector 302 is the forward or rearward position, the shape of the
reflector inner surface is such that it cooperates with the shape of the yoke
surrounding
the receptacle 294 to collectively form a dish-like reflec ive surface to
improve the
amount of light that is reflected from the light elemenC 284.
The operation of the mirror assembly 21.0 will naw be described with respect
to
Figs. 19-22 specifically and Figs. 12-15 generally. For p~irpos~s of this
description, it is
assumed that the moveable portion 2I2 begins in the extended position, which
is
illustrated in Figs. 19 and 20. In the extended position, the reflector 302 is
rearwardly
oriented to reflect any light from the light element 284 toward the rear of
the vehicle
through the lens 272. The cam follower 310 is positioned such that the contact
surface
314 extends through the illuminating assembly opening 252 in the support base
244 and
is not in contact with the cam 240 of the collar 238 extending from the
support bracket
228. The return spring 322 biases the cam follower 310 into this position.
Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, when the moveable portion 212 is moved from the
extended to the folded position by the actuation of the pivot mechanism 235 ,
the pivot
mechanism 235 rotates the cam 240 into contact with the contact surface 314 to
rotate the
cam follower 310 clockwise, as seen in Fig. 21, about the post 300 and against
the force
of the return spring 322. The rotation of the cam follower 300 and the cam 240
cause a
corresponding rotation of the spur gear 312, which causes a simultaneous
rotation of the
reflector 302. The rotational movement of the cam follower 310 is great enough
to rotate
the reflector 302 approximately 180 degrees such that it is pointing in the
forward
position whereby the light emitted from the light element 284 will be
reflected forwardly
through the lens 272.
The cam 240 remains in contact with a portion of the contact surface 3141 when
the moveable portion 212 is in the folded position as illusti°ated in
Figs. 21 and 22. The
contact between the cam 240 and the contact surface 314 of the cam follower
310
maintains the reflector 302 in the forward position as long as the moveable
portion 212
remains in the folded position.
'22-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
As best seen and Figs. 20 and 22, when the reflector 302 is in either the
forward or
rearward position, the inner surface 303 of the reflector 302 forms a dish-
shaped
reflective surface with the yoke 282 to enhance the amount of light reflected
from the
light element 284.
It is anticipated that the operation of the mirror assembly 210 will be
controlled by
the vehicle control system, which responds to signals received by a key fob in
a well-
known manner. It is preferred that when the vehicle is in a parked condition
(typically
when the vehicle is turned off and/or the transmission is in park), the
vehicle control
system will rotate the moveable portion 212 from the extended position to the
folded
position. As a vehicle operator approaches the vehicle, the operator will
unlock the
vehicle using the key fob. When the vehicle controller receives the unlock
signal from
the key fob, the vehicle controller will energize the light element 284. Since
the
moveable portion 212 is in the folded position, the reflector 302 will be in
the forward
position and the light illuminated by the energized light element 284 will be
directed
forwardly from the vehicle to aid the operator in locating the vehicle.
When the vehicle is in a drive condition (typically when the vehicle is turned
on
and/or the transmission is in reverse), the vehicle controller energizes the
pivot .
mechanism 235 to move the moveable portion 212 from the folded position to the
extended position. In the extended position, the reflector 302 is in a
rearward position to
reflect the light from the light element 284 rearwardly through the lens 272
to illuminate
the rear of the vehicle. The controller preferably shuts off power to the
light element 284
when the vehicle is no longer in reverse.
Figs. 23 and 24 illustrate a third embodiment of the mirror assembly according
to
the invention. The third embodiment of the mi1-ror assembly differs from the
second
embodiment in the structure for the illuminating assembly. Therefore, similar
numerals
will be used to identify similar parts between the second and third
embodiments and the
description of the third embodiment will be limited to the new illuminating
assembly and
the related structure.
-23-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
The illuminating assembly 330 for the third embodiment comprises a dish
reflector 332, which mounts the light element 284. A post 334 extends upwardly
from a
rear portion of the dish reflector 332 and through an opening in the lip 254
of the support
base 244. A spur gear 336 is mounted to the upper end of the post 334 to
thereby secure
the dish reflector 332 to the lip 254.
The collar 238 of the support bracket 228 comprises an external gear 338
instead
of the cam 240 found in the first embodiment. The external gear 338 meshes
with the
spur gear 336. When the moveable portion 212 is rotated betv~een the extended
and
folded positions by the pivot mechanism 234, the exten~al gear 338 rotates the
spur gear
336 to rotate the dish reflector 332 from the rearward position as seen in
Fig. 23 to the
forward position as seen in Fig. 24 .
Figs. 25 and 26 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the external mirror assembly
according to the invention. The fourth embodiment mirror assembly differs from
the
second embodiment also in the structure of the illuminating assembly.
Therefore, similar
numerals will be used to identify similar parts between the fourth and the
second
embodiments and the description of the fourth embodiment w 1l be limited to
the new
illuminating assembly and related structure.
One difference between the illuminating assembly 360 for the fourth embodiment
and the illuminating assembly 280 for the second embodiment is that the
illuminating
assembly 360 is actuated independently of the rotation of the support bracket
228. The
illuminating assembly 360 comprises a yoke 362 having a receptacle 364 in
which is
mounted the light element 284. A reflector 3GG is pivotally mounted to an
upper portion
of the yoke 362 and includes a drive gear 3G8, whose rotation rotates the
reflector 3G6.
A spur gear 370 is rotatably mounted to a finger 371 extending from the
support
base 244. The spur gear 370 meshes with the drive gear 368 such that the
rotation of the
spur gear 370 rotates the drive gear 368. The spur gear 370 is mounted on a
common
shaft with a transfer gear 372, which meshes with an output guar 374
associated with an
electric motor 376. The transfer gear 372 is substantially larger in diameter
than the spur
-24-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
gear 370, thereby providing in a gear reduction. The electric motor 376 is
mounted to the
support base 244 behind the trim cover 232 through a suitable mounting.
To move the reflector 366 from the :forward position as shown in Fig. 25 to
the
rearward position as shown in Fig. 26, the vehicle control system energizes
the electric
motor 376. To return the reflector back to the forward position, the vehicle
controller
merely reverses the electric motor 376. Thus, the forward and reverse
operation of the
electric motor 376 will effect the movement of the reflector 3G6 between the
forward and
rearward positions.
Fig. 27 shows a fifth embodiment of the external mirror assembly 10 in which a
portion of the underside of the external moveable portion 12 comprises a
generally clear,
transparent lens 420, enabling light generated from within the housing 12 to
travel
through the lens 420 to the exterior of the housing I2. Referring also to Fig.
28, in the
preferred embodiment, the lens 420 is a somewhat U-shaped piece, preferably
formed of
a durable material such as a high impact strength plastic, comprising a bottom
facet 422, a
rearward facet 424, and a forward facet 426. The lens 420 is adapted to
integrate into the
underside of the external moveable portion 12, and it will be readily apparent
to a person
of ordinary skill in the art that the Lens 420 can be fabricated in any
appropriate shape in
order to integrate the lens 420 into the overall design of the external
moveable poz~tion 12,
consistent with the function of the lens as hereinafter described. Although
the lens 420
(and an associated LED assembly) are shown on the underside of the housing 12,
it can
also be located on the base, i.e., the fixed support portion 14, without
departing from the
scope of this invention.
A light-emitting diode (LED) assembly 428 comprises a generally plate-like
panel
430 to which is mounted an LED array 432 comprising first color LEDs 434
emitting
light of a first color, and second color LEDs 436 emitting light of a second
color.
Preferably, the first color LEDs 434 emit light of an amber color and the
second color
LEDs 436 emit light of a blue-green color, such that the combined illumination
of the
first color LEDs 434 and the second color LEDs 436 will result in light having
a generally
white color. The LED assembly 428 can be mounted to a suitable conventional
mounting
_25-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
frame (not shown) in the interior of the moveable portion 12, or in the
illumination source
recess 48 as an element of the illumination device 70, previously described
herein, so that
light will be transmitted from the LED assembly 428 through the lens 420 to
the exterior
of the moveable portion I2. Conventional wiring (not shown) operably connects
the LED
assembly 428 to suitable controls (not shown) located in the interior of the
motor vehicle
which are readily accessible to the operator. Preferably, the controls enable
the LED
assembly 428 to be selectively operated so that either the first color LEDs
434 can be
selectively illuminated, or both the first color LEDs 434 and the second color
LEDs 436
can be selectively illuminated.
The LEDs 434, 436 can be selectively arranged in any configuration. Referring
now to Fig. 29, in which the first color LEDs are designated with the numeral
"1" and the
second color LEDs are designated with the numeral "2," the LEDs 434, 436 can
be
arranged in a "checkerboard" pattern, with alternating Colo.'s along each row
and column
comprising the LED assembly 428. Referring to Fig. 30, the LEDs 434, 436 can
be
arranged in rows comprising a single color, with the rows arranged in any
desired order.
Referring to Fig. 31, the LEDs 434, 436 can be arranged to form a pattern. As
an
example, the first color LEDs 434 in Fig. 31 form a generally circular
pattern. It will be
readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the LEDs 434, 436
can be arranged
in any desired configuration, provided that the number and placement of the
LEDs 434,
436 produce light of the desired quality and intensity.
Refernng now to Fig. 32, the combined illumination oil all the LEDs 434, 436
will
produce a generally white light which will project downwardly through the
bottom facet
422 of the lens 420 to form a "puddle light" beam 440 of white light fox
illuminating an
area below and adjacent to the external minor assembly 10. It will be evident
that the
light will also be transmitted through the rearward facet 424 and the forward
facet 426,
which will expand the area illuminated by the white light both forward and
rearward of
the mirror assembly 10. Referring to Fig. 33, alternatively, illumination of
only the LEDs
of a selected color, such as the first color LEDs 434, wil l produce light of
only the first
color, which will project through the lens 420 and be observed through the
bottom facet
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CA 02424848 2003-04-09
422, the rearward facet 424, and the forward facet 426. Preferably, these LEDs
will be
operatively connected to the turn signal indicator of the motor vehicle to be
operated
when the turn signal is operated.
It will be understood that any of the light assemblies described herein can be
selectively actuated with other vehicular lighting assemblies, such as turn
signals, brake
lights, reverse lights, headlights, running lights, fog lights, parking lights
and the like
without departing from the scope of this invention. In addition various
illumination
sources can be used without departing from the scope of this invention as
well, including
incandescent lamps, light-emitting diodes (.LEDs), light pipes or other fiber
optics from a
remote illumination source, etc.
The external mirror assembly incorporating the LEDs provides additional
lighting
options in a rear view mirror while maintaining a compact configuration. The
limitations
of incandescent lamps, particularly size and durability, are avoided by the
use of LEDs.
The limitations of white light LEDs, i.e. cost and fabrication difficulty, are
avoided
through the use of complementary colored LEDs which, when illuminated in
combination, produce a white light. Through appropriate controls, including
interconnection with the vehicle's turn signals, the LEDs can be selectively
illuminated to
provide in one instance a white light for use as a "puddle light" or "rear
assist light" and
in another instance a colored light providing an externally-visible turn
signal indicator in
addition to the vehicle's conventionally-positioned turn signals.
While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain
specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of
illustration and
not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are possible within
the scope of
the foregoing disclosure and drawings without departing from the scope of the
invention.
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CA 02424848 2003-04-09
PARTS LIST
external mirror assembly 66
12 mirror housing/moveable 68
portion
14 mirror support/fixed support70 illumination device
16 recess 72 housing
18 mirror 74 light element
76
22 reflective element 78 base
24 drive unit 80 cover
26 82 bottom wall
28 84 peripheral wall
support bracket 86
32 trim cover 88 portion
34 mounting portion 90 slot
36 support base 92
38 shoulder portion ~4
through opening 96 drive mechanism
42 sleeve 98 electric motor
44 sleeve opening 100 geared output shaft
46 sidewalk 102 t~~ansition gear
48 illumination source recess 104 transfer gear
lens 106 drive gear
52 lower wall 108 light mount
54 arcuate end wall 110 large diameter input
gear
56 lateral wall 112 smaller diameter output
gear
58 114 axle
pivot 116 tubular shaft
62 arm portion 118
64 120 axial opening
-33-
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
122 230 mounting bracket
124 opening 232 trim cover
126 light socket 234 pivot mechanism (arm)
128 236 channel
130 spaced wall 238 collage
132 notch 240 cam
134 spaced wall 242 mounting portion
136 notch 244 support base
138 246 well
140 first post 248 annular side wall
142 250 bottom wall
144 252 illuminating assembly
opening
146 second post 254 partial-peripheral lip
148 256
150 258
* 260 pivot
* 262 sleeve
210 external mirror assembly 264
212 mirror housing 266 side wall
214 mirror support 268 lip
216 recess 270 open portion
218 mirror 272 lens
220 274 side wall
222 frame 276 lip
224 drive unit 278
226 280 illuminating assembly
227 wide field of view convex 282 yoke
mirror
element 284 light element
228 support bracket 286 reflector assembly
_34_
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
288 drive mechanism 342
290 side rails 344
292 cross member 346
294 light receptacle 348
296 finger 350
298 first post 352
300 second post 354
302 reflector 356
303 reflective inner surface 358
304 finger 360 third embodiment illuminating
306 opening assembly
308 362 yoke
310 cam follower 364 receptacle
312 spur gear 366 reflector
314 contact surface 368 drive gear
316 gear portion 370 spur gear
318 opening 372 transfer gear
320 opening 374 output gear
322 return spring 376 electric motor
324 central coil 37g
326 pin 380
328 opposing legs
330 second embodiment illuminating
assembly 410
332 dish reflector 412
334 post 414
336 spur gear 4I6
338 external gear 418
340 420 lens
_35_
CA 02424848 2003-04-09
422 bottom facet 434 first color
LED
424 rearward facet 436 second color
LED
426 forward facet 438
428 LED assembly 440 puddle light
beam
430 panel 442 signal light
beam
432 LED array
60089177
_~G_
