EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLES

Abstract

An exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles includes a fixed part configured to be attached to an exterior part of a vehicle, a movable part mounted at the fixed part and rotatable relative to the fixed part about a first axis X1, and a mirror head including a mirror housing and a mirror reflective surface. The mirror head is mounted at the movable part, such that the mirror head and the movable part are jointly rotatable about the first axis X1. The mirror head can tilt or rotate relative to the movable part, about a tilting point or second axis X2 to adjust a rear field of view when the assembly is operatively attached to a vehicle.

Claims

1. An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) for vehicles, the assembly (1) comprising: a fixed part (2) configured to be attached to an exterior part of a vehicle, a movable part (3) mounted at the fixed part (2), and rotatable relative to the fixed part (2) about a first axis (X1), a mirror head (4) comprising a mirror housing (5) and a mirror pane (6), wherein the mirror head (4) is mounted at the movable part (3), such that the mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) are jointly rotatable about the first axis (X1), and wherein the mirror head (4) can tilt or rotate relative to the movable part (3) about a tilting point or second axis (X2).

2. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mirror head (4) is further adapted to tilt or rotate relative to the movable part about a third axis (X3).

3. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, configured such that a gap (7) is formed in between the movable part (3) and the mirror head (4) to allow the tilting or rotation movement of the mirror head (4), and wherein preferably the gap (7) is formed between a curved surface (9) of the movable part (3) and a curved surface (8) of the mirror housing (5).

4. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) are jointly movable.

5. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mirror head (4) has a lower extension (10), and wherein a part of the movable part (3) is placed behind the lower extension (10), when the assembly (1) is operatively attached to a vehicle, and from the point of view of a driver while driving the vehicle.

6. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a first actuator (12) encased at least partially inside the movable part (3) and adapted to impart a rotation movement to the movable part (3), and a second actuator (13) enclosed within the mirror head (4) and adapted to impart a titling movement about a tilting point to the mirror head (4), or a rotational movement to the mirror head (4) about at least the second axis X2.

7. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first and second actuators (12,13) are independently operable.

8. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 6, further comprising a bracket (11) having a first part (11a) enclosed inside the movable part (3) and coupled or integrally formed with a movable component (12b) of the first actuator (12), and a second part (11b) enclosed inside the mirror head (4) and coupled or integrally formed with a fixed component (13a) of the second actuator (13), such that the mirror head (4) is mounted at the movable part (3) by means of the bracket (11).

9. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 8, wherein a part of the bracket (11) runs, preferably transversally, across the gap (7).

10. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one electric and/electronic component is housed in the movable part (3) or inside the mirror head (4), wherein the electric and/electronic component is preferably one of the following list: a camera, a lighting device, an antenna, a wireless communication system.

11. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 8, wherein at least one electric and/electronic component is attached to the bracket (11), wherein the electric and/electronic component is preferably one of the following list: a camera, a lighting device, an antenna, a wireless communication system.

12. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, configured such that when the assembly (1) is operatively attached to a vehicle, the movable part (3) can rotate about the first axis (X1) between an extended position in which the mirror head (4) can be positioned to provide a rear field of view for a driver while driving a vehicle, and a parking position in which the mirror head (4) is folded towards the vehicle.

13. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first and third axis (X1,X3) are parallel to each other, or they are arranged relative to each other to define an angle within the range 340° to 20°.

14. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second axis (X1,X2) are orthogonal to each other, or they are arranged relative to each other to define an angle within the range 70° to 110°.

15. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mirror pane (6) has: a first surface, a second surface and a perimetric edge, wherein the first surface is the surface closer to the driver when the assembly is operatively attached to the vehicle, and wherein the perimetric edge of the mirror pane (6) is overlapped totally or partially by the mirror housing (5), or alternatively it is not overlapped by the mirror housing (5).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention are henceforth described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a front elevational view of an exterior rear view mirror assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0037] FIG. 2A shows a cross-sectional schematic view of the exterior rear view mirror of FIG. 1 taken on plane A-A in FIG. 1, of a side view of the rear-view mirror assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0038] FIG. 2B shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the exterior rear view mirror of FIG. 1 taken on plane A-A in FIG. 1, of a side view of the rear-view mirror assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0039] FIG. 3A shows a sides view of an exterior mirror rear view mirror including an axis of rotation, and a tilting axis, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0040] FIG. 3B depicts the rear view mirror of FIG. 3A translating about the axis of rotation and the tilting axis, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the assembly, wherein the tilting or rotating movement of the mirror head is indicated by broken lines.

[0042] FIG. 5A depicts a front elevational view of a rear view mirror assembly in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0043] FIG. 5B depicts a front elevational view of a rear view mirror assembly in accordance with another non-limiting example;

[0044] FIG. 6 depicts a disassembled view of a rear view mirror assembly, in accordance with a non-limiting example;

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 6.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows a rear elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 6.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows a front elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 6.

[0048] FIG. 10 shows another perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 6.

[0049] FIG. 11 shows a top plan view of the assembly of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] FIGS. 1 and 2 show an exemplary implementation of an exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) for vehicles according to the invention, wherein the assembly (1) comprises: a fixed part (2) configured to be attached to an exterior part of a vehicle (not shown), a movable part (3) mounted at the fixed part (2) and rotatable relative to the fixed part (2) about a first axis (X1). Moveable part (3) includes a distal end (100) and an upper surface (102).

[0051] The assembly (1) further comprises a mirror head (4) comprising a mirror housing (5) having a lower surface (115) and a distal end portion (120) that, in a non-limiting example, is adjacent to or aligns with the distal end (102) of movable part 3 in at least an angular position between mirror head (4) and moveable part (3). Mirror head (4) also includes a mirror pane (6) having a mirror reflective surface.

[0052] The mirror pane (6) has a first surface, a second surface and a perimetric edge, wherein the first surface is the surface closer to the driver when the assembly is operatively attached to the vehicle. The perimetric edge of the mirror pane (6) may be overlapped totally, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, or partially by the mirror housing (5), or alternatively not overlapped by the mirror housing (5). Further, the mirror housing (5) could overlap, be flush, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B or not with the first surface of the mirror pane (6).

[0053] The mirror head (4) is mounted at the movable part (3), such that the mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) are jointly rotatable about the first axis (X1).

[0054] When the assembly (1) is operatively attached to a vehicle, the movable part (3) can rotate about the first axis (X1) between an extended position in which the mirror head (4) can be positioned to provide a rear field of view for a driver while driving a vehicle, and a parking position in which the mirror head (4) is folded towards the vehicle.

[0055] In addition, the mirror head (4) has at least one degree of freedom of movement, such as the mirror head (4) can tilt and/or rotate relative to the movable part (3) about a tilting point or second axis (X2) to adjust a rear field of view for a driver when the assembly is operatively attached to a vehicle. An actuator to impart the tilt movement, can be implemented for example as a ball-joint, that typically has several degrees of freedom of movement. The first and second axis (X1, X2) are substantially orthogonal to each other, or they are arranged relative to each other to define an angle within the range 70° to 110°, that is (90°+/−20°).

[0056] As represented in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4, the mirror head (4) is further adapted to have a second degree of freedom of movement, for example the mirror head (4) is adapted to tilt or rotate relative to the movable part (3) about a third axis X3, such that the first and third axis (X1,X3) are parallel to each other, or they are arranged relative to each other to define an angle within the range 340° to 20°, that is (0°+/−20°).

[0057] The assembly (1) is configured such that a gap (7) is formed in between the movable part (3) and the mirror head (4) to allow the tilting or rotation movement of the mirror head (4) relative to the movable part (3).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the mirror head (4) has a curved surface (8), and the movable part (3) has also a curved surface (9), such that both curved surfaces (8,9) are opposite each other, and the gap (7) is formed between both curved surfaces (8,9), in order to allow rotational or tilting movement of the mirror head (4) with respect to the movable part (3).

[0059] The assembly (1) might include diffusers or guides to direct the air flow through the gap, in order to optimize the coefficient of friction therein.

[0060] Alternatively, to the provision of curved surfaces (8,9) and the gap (7), in other preferred embodiment of the invention (not shown), the mirror head (4) has a cavity accessible from outside the mirror head (4), and the movable part (3) is enclosed or partially enclosed in that cavity of the mirror head (4) in a way that relative movement between the movable part and the mirror head is allowed.

[0061] Furthermore, the mirror head (4) has a lower extension (10) at the part of the same where the mirror pane (6) is fitted. The lower extension (10) is a prolongation of the mirror housing (5) towards the ground (when the assembly is operatively attached to a vehicle), and part of the movable part (3) is behind the extension (10) from the point of view of a driver when the assembly (1) is attached to a vehicle, and the mirror housing (5) is also above the movable part and closer to the driver than the movable part (3).

[0062] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, 100% of the front surface (from the point of view of the driver while driving the vehicle forward normally) of the movable part (3) is overlapped or covered by the mirror head (4). In alternative embodiments, at least 50%, or at least 75% of the front surface of the movable part (3) is overlapped or covered by the mirror head (4).

[0063] Due to the lower extension (10) of the mirror head (4), the assembly (1) can have a reduced size, in contrast with prior art rear view mirrors that typically are quite bulky because the mirror head and fixed part are assembled one on top of each other with the whole upper surface of the movable part covered by the mirror head.

[0064] It could be described that, in the present invention in contrast with the prior art, the mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) are brought together in order to reduce the volume of the whole assembly (1) but maintaining the required surface of the mirror pane (6).

[0065] Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIG. 2A 100% of the upper surface 102 of the movable part (3), is overlapped by the mirror head (4). In the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2B, between 75% and 100% of the upper surface of the movable part (3), is overlapped by the mirror head (4).

[0066] The mirror pane (6) also extends on this extension (10), as shown for example in FIG. 2. The movable part (3) is placed behind the lower extension (10) from the point of view of a driver while driving the vehicle, and when the assembly is operatively attached to a vehicle. The gap (7) also extends in between the extension (10) and the movable part (3).

[0067] The assembly (1) includes a first actuator (12) encased at least partially inside the movable part (3) and adapted to impart a rotation movement to the movable part (3), and a second actuator (13) enclosed within the mirror head (4) and adapted to impart a rotation or titling movement to the mirror pane (6) or to the mirror pane (6) and mirror head (4) when they are coupled together. In any case, the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) always move in tandem with respect to the first actuator (12).

[0068] The first and second actuators (12,13) are independently operable, and typically consist of electric motors.

[0069] Each of the first and second actuators (12,13), are formed as a single component having a fixed component (12a, 13a) respectively and a movable component (12b,13b) respectively movable in relation to the fixed component (12a,13a). The term “single component” should be understood to describe that virtually no gap exists between fixt components (12a, 13a) and corresponding ones of moveable components (12b, 13b). A bracket (11) joins the first actuator 12 to the second actuator (13). More specifically, the fixed component (12a) of the first actuator (12) is fixed to the fixed part (2), and its movable component (12b) is fixed to the movable part (3) and to the first part (11a) of the bracket (11). In turn, a second part (11b) of the bracket (11) is joined to the fixed part (13a) of the second actuator (13) placed inside the mirror head (4), and the movable part (13b) of the second actuator (13) is coupled with the mirror pane (6). In a non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bracket (11) includes an intermediate portion (11c) that extends between the first part (11a) and the second part (11b). In one non-limiting example, Intermediate portion (11c) of the bracket (11) passes through a central portion of upper surface (102) into mirror housing (5). In another non-limiting example, intermediate portion (11c) passes into mirror housing (5) though a center portion of lower surface (115).

[0070] In a non-limiting example, axis X1 is spaced from the intermediate portion (11c). Similarly, the axis X3 is spaced from the intermediate portion (11c) of the bracket (11). Still further, the intermediate portion (11c) is arranged between axis X1 and the distal end 100 of moveable part (3).

[0071] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict an alternate example showing axis X3 being arranged between axis X1 and distal end (100) of moveable part (3).

[0072] The assembly (1) includes a bracket (11) having a first part (11a) enclosed inside the movable part (3) and coupled or integrally formed with the movable component (12b) of the first actuator (12), and a second part (11b) enclosed inside the mirror head (4) and coupled or integrally formed with the fixed component (13a) of the second actuator (13), such that the mirror head (4) is mounted or it is supported at the movable part (3) by means of the bracket (11). The bracket (11) may run across the gap (7), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0073] The mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) have respective openings for the passage of the bracket (11), and rubber gaskets (16) are fitted in those openings such that no external elements, such that water or dust, can enter into the mirror head (5) and the movable part (3).

[0074] The mirror pane (6) and the movable component (13b) of the second actuator (13) are directly attached with each other. Alternatively, the mirror pane (6) and the movable component (13b) are coupled by means of a first intermediate coupling member, such as a back plate (15) as shown in FIG. 2B.

[0075] Preferably, the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) are connected to each other, with no relative movement between them, moving in tandem, by an action imparted by the first or the second actuator (12,13). For example, they may be directly attached to each other. Alternatively, the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) may be coupled by means of a second intermediate coupling member (17). In this case, the attachment to the movable component (13b) of the second actuator (13), can be realized by means of: the mirror housing (5), the second intermediate coupling member (17), or by means of the mirror pane (6). As an example, in FIG. 2B, the connection to the movable component (13b) of the second actuator (13) is made through the second intermediate coupling member (17).

[0076] In the alternative embodiment in which the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) do not move in tandem, then, the mirror housing (5) is coupled to: the bracket (11), or to the fixed component (13a) of the second actuator (13), and the mirror pane (6) is coupled with the movable component (13b) of the second actuator (13).

[0077] The movable part (3) is fitted with at least one electric and/electronic component, for example at least one camera (14) as is the case of the implementation shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, two cameras and or a lighting device. Alternatively, an electric and/electronic component is also provided in the mirror head (4) or on the same bracket (11). In a non-limiting example, the electronic component (14) is arranged between intermediate portion (11c) of the bracket (11) and the distal end 100 of the moveable part (3).

[0078] By placing the camera (14) or the electric/electronic component in the movable part (3) or in the bracket (11), the safety of the assembly is improved because the camera (14) or the electric/electronic component move together with the mirror head (4) to the parking position in which they are less exposed to damage, but at the same time it is achieved that the proper working position of the camera (14) or the electric/electronic component is not altered in the drive position when the position of the mirror pane (6) needs to be adjusted in the case that the mirror pane (6) moves in tandem with the mirror housing (5), due to the camera (14) or the electric/electronic component only moves according to the action of the first actuator (12) and not according to the action of the second actuator (13) which adjusts mirror pane (6) position.

[0079] The bracket (11) can be provided with an internal channel for the passage of wires from the movable part (3) to the mirror head (4) for the electric connection of the second actuator (13) and other electric devices placed in the mirror head (4) that require power and control signals to operate. This internal passage may be isolated from the environment to avoid the entrance of water or dust to the interior of the mirror head or to the interior the movable part, that is especially advantageous in the embodiment in which the assembly is provided with a gap in between the mirror head and the movable part, because in that case, the portion of the bracket in the gap, is not protected by the movable part or the mirror housing.

[0080] The bracket (11) may be provided with fixing means for fixing a wiring along the same, especially in the embodiment in which the movable part (3) is inside the mirror head (4).

[0081] Since the bracket (11) is an element that does not move when the mirror head (4) could move through the action of the second actuator (13), or move together with the mirror head (4) and movable part (3) through the action of the first actuator (12), the fixation of the wiring to the bracket (11) or the passing of the wiring through the bracket (11) itself, helps to prevent the wiring from twisting or getting caught in any element of the mirror head (4) or movable part (3).

[0082] The bracket (11) can be made of a metallic material, such as: aluminium, an aluminium alloy or any other suitable light metal or light metal alloy, when a heavy mirror head has to be supported or when the mirror head has to withstand strong aerodynamic forces, as is the case of high speed vehicles. In other cases, the bracket (11) can be made of a suitable plastic material.

[0083] FIG. 6 depicts a disassembled view of the assembly 1 in accordance with a non-limiting example. FIG. 7 depicts a forward perspective view of the assembly 1 showing the mirror housing (5) overlapping a rear edge 200 of the moveable part (3). FIG. 8 depicts an alternative embodiment in which the rear edge (200) of the moveable part (3) is visible by a user looking at the mirror pane (6). FIG. 9 is an forward facing view of the assembly (1) in accordance with a non-limiting example. FIG. 10 is an exterior facing view of the assembly (1) in accordance with a non-limiting example. FIG. 11 is a downwardly facing view of the assembly (1) in accordance with a non-limiting example.

[0084] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the appended dependent claims and the multiple combinations of those claims.