Vehicle conversation mirror assembly and overhead center console including the same

Abstract

Multiple embodiments of the present application provide a conversation mirror assembly, including: a first shell, a second shell pivotally connected to the first shell via a rotating shaft, a conversation mirror connected to the second shell, a locking device, and a buffer device. The conversation mirror is located in the space defined by the first shell and the second shell in the stowed position, and can be unfolded to the use position as the second shell pivots. The locking device may include a first locking member connected to the first shell and a second locking member connected to the second shell, and the first and second locking members are generally located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror. In the locked state, the second shell locks the conversation mirror in the stowed position, and in the unlocked state, the second shell can pivot relative to the first shell around the rotating shaft to unfold the conversation mirror. The buffer device may be located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror and be separated from the locking device along the length direction, and the buffer device is offset from the rotating shaft.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle conversation mirror assembly and an overhead center console comprising the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Usually, vehicles such as sedans or SUVs can accommodate multiple people, and in order to facilitate the driver to observe the rear passengers or the situation inside the car, some vehicles provide a conversation mirror placed on the top. The conversation mirror can be integrated into the top center console to better utilize the space, but the top center console usually also includes other components such as reading lights, glasses boxes, etc., which have high requirements for the size and layout of the conversation mirror.

[0003] The prior art provides a variety of conversation mirror designs. In order to meet the requirement of small size, a compromise solution is to design the conversation mirror to have a more curved shape, that is, a larger curvature. However, this will cause the user to observe a greater deformation of the image, thereby affecting the user experience.

[0004] For another example, US patent application US20130120864A1 discloses an overhead center console, wherein a conversation mirror housing is pivotally connected to a rotation axis in the lateral direction of the vehicle, and a conversation mirror is accommodated at the rear of the conversation mirror housing. In addition, one side of the conversation mirror housing includes a guide structure, and the other side includes a buffer.

[0005] The inventors realize that the structure of the conversation mirror in the prior art may not meet the requirements of a small space and a large field of view, and thus hope to provide a simple and easy design that can meet the space and field of view requirements, in order to solve at least one of the existing technical problems.

[0006]

Application Contents

[0007] According to one aspect of the present application, a conversation mirror assembly is provided. The conversation mirror assembly may include: a first shell, a second shell pivotally connected to the first shell via a rotating shaft, a conversation mirror connected to the second shell, a locking device, and a buffer device. The conversation mirror is located in the space defined by the first shell and the second shell in the stowed position, and can be unfolded to the use position with the pivoting of the second shell. The locking device may include a first locking member connected to the first shell and a second locking member connected to the second shell, and the first and second locking members are generally located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror; in the locked state, the second shell locks the conversation mirror in the stowed position, and in the unlocked state, the second shell can pivot relative to the first shell around the rotating shaft to unfold the conversation mirror. The buffer device may be located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror and be separated from the locking device along the length direction, and the buffer device is offset from the rotating shaft 270.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second shell may include a base portion and a base, the base extending from the base portion in a direction basically perpendicular to the base portion, wherein the second locking member is arranged on the base, and the locking directions of the first and second locking members are generally parallel to the base portion of the second shell in the locked state and basically perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0009] In another embodiment, the buffer device includes a first buffer component located on the first shell and a second buffer component located on the second shell. In the unlocked state, the first buffer component rotates relative to the second buffer component to limit the rotation rate of the second shell around the rotation axis.

[0010] In another embodiment, the first housing includes a first base facing the second housing, and the first base includes a first side wall. The second housing includes a base portion and a second base, and the second base extends from the base portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion, and the second base of the second housing includes a second side wall that is generally perpendicular to the base portion and the rotating shaft. The second side wall is substantially parallel to and adjacent to the first side wall, and the first buffer component is formed on the first side wall, and the second buffer component is formed on the second side wall.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the first and second buffer components may be first and second toothed components configured to mesh with each other.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the first buffer component is a gear sector, and the second buffer component is a gear meshing with the gear sector.

[0013] In another embodiment, the base of the second housing is substantially rectangular and has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end respectively include a first and a second lug extending away from the base, wherein the shaft passes through the first and second lugs and the through hole of the second side wall to connect the second housing to the first housing.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the conversation mirror assembly may further include a mirror frame surrounding the conversation mirror. The mirror frame includes snap-fit ​​structures located on both sides of the back of the conversation mirror and may be connected to the second housing via snap-fit ​​structures formed on the lugs of the second housing.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the second shell further comprises a rib extending from the base portion, and one surface of the rib is configured to follow the shape of the conversation mirror and abut against the back of the conversation mirror.

[0016] In another embodiment, the first housing includes a first plate and a second plate that are generally located in the same plane, and a door-shaped receiving frame between the first plate and the second plate. The receiving frame includes a pair of support arms extending away from the first plate and the second plate and an inner housing connected to the support arms, the pair of support arms and the inner housing form a space for receiving the conversation mirror with the second housing, and in the retracted position of the conversation mirror, the first plate, the second plate and the base are substantially flush.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, a pair of support arms of the first housing and the inner housing form an opening that allows the conversation mirror to pivot.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the locking device is a push-type unlocking device.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the conversation mirror assembly may further include a spring, wherein the spring is connected to the shaft and adjacent to the second buffer component, and the spring biases the second shell toward the use position.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, an overhead center console is provided. The overhead center console may have a center console shell that is at least partially hidden in the vehicle ceiling decoration, and a conversation mirror assembly located in the center console shell. The conversation mirror assembly may include: a first shell fixedly connected to the center console shell, a second shell pivotally connected to the first shell through a rotating shaft, a conversation mirror connected to the second shell, a locking device, and a buffer device. The conversation mirror is located in the space defined by the first shell and the second shell in the stowed position and the outer surface of the second shell is generally flush with the outer surface of the adjacent component, and the conversation mirror can be unfolded to the use position as the second shell pivots. The locking device includes a first locking member connected to the first shell and a second locking member connected to the second shell, and the first and second locking members are generally located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror. In the locked state, the second shell locks the conversation mirror in the stowed position, and in the unlocked state, the second shell can pivot relative to the first shell around the rotating shaft to unfold the conversation mirror. The buffer device is located in the middle part of the conversation mirror in the length direction and is spaced apart from the locking device along the length direction. The rotation axis of the buffer device is substantially parallel to the rotation axis and deviates from the rotation axis.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first housing may include a first flat plate and a second flat plate that are generally located in the same plane, and a receiving frame between the first flat plate and the second flat plate. The receiving frame further includes a pair of support arms extending away from the first flat plate and the second flat plate, and an inner housing connected to the support arms. The pair of support arms and the inner housing together with the second housing form a space for receiving the conversation mirror, and the second housing includes a base portion, and in the stowed position of the conversation mirror, the outer surfaces of the first flat plate, the second flat plate, and the base portion are substantially flush.

[0022] In another embodiment, the buffer device includes a first buffer component located on the first housing, and a second buffer component located on the second housing, and the second buffer component is engaged with the first buffer component. When the locking device is unlocked, the first buffer component rotates relative to the second buffer component to limit the rotation rate of the second housing around the rotation axis.

[0023] In another embodiment, the first shell includes a first wall, and a first buffer component is formed on the first wall; the second shell includes a base extending in a direction basically perpendicular to the base portion, the base includes a side wall that is generally perpendicular to the rotation axis and adjacent to the first wall, and the second buffer component is formed on the side wall, wherein the rotation axis passes through the side wall and is separated from the second buffer component. In one example, the first wall and the side wall are basically parallel.

[0024] In another embodiment, the base of the second shell may include a base end away from the base portion, and a second locking member is formed at the base end, wherein the locking directions of the first and second locking members are generally parallel to the base portion of the second shell when in the locked position.

[0025] In another embodiment, the overhead center console may further include a glasses storage box independent of the conversation mirror assembly, and vehicle auxiliary function components are provided in the rear area of ​​the first tablet and the second tablet, wherein the vehicle auxiliary function components include one or more of a reading light, a microphone, a camera, and a sensor.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, in the retracted position, the rotation axis, the contact points of the first and second buffer components, and the locking point of the locking device form a triangle in a plane that is angled with the rotation axis.

[0027] The above advantages and other advantages and features of the present application will become apparent by reading the following detailed description alone or in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] For a more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present application, reference should be made to the embodiments illustrated in more detail in the accompanying drawings and described by way of example below, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A bottom view of a vehicle overhead center console in one embodiment is schematically shown;

[0030] Figure 2 Schematically shows a front view of a vehicle conversation mirror assembly in one embodiment, wherein the conversation mirror is in a retracted state;

[0031] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 2 A front view of the vehicle conversation mirror assembly in the illustrated embodiment, wherein the conversation mirror is in use;

[0032] Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 2 An exploded view of a vehicle conversation mirror assembly in the illustrated embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 Schematically shows Figure 2 A rear view of the conversation mirror assembly in the illustrated embodiment. [Specific implementation method]

[0034] For the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar components. In the following description, multiple operating parameters and components are described in multiple embodiments. These specific parameters and components are included in this article only as examples and are not meant to be limiting.

[0035] As required, specific embodiments of the present application are disclosed in this specification; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present application and may be implemented in a variety of alternative forms. The drawings need not be drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or reduced to show the details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to implement the present application in a variety of forms.

[0036] As mentioned in the background technology, some existing vehicles are equipped with conversation mirrors so that front-seat users, such as drivers, can better observe the conditions of rear-seat passengers in the vehicle. However, it is a challenge to arrange conversation mirrors in a limited space. For example, a wider field of view can be provided by providing a larger mirror curvature, but users will observe more image deformation, resulting in a poor user experience. The inventor of the present application proposes a conversation mirror assembly with an improved structure, hoping to solve at least one problem in the prior art.

[0037] Figure 1The top view of the vehicle top center console 100 in one embodiment is schematically shown. As shown in the figure, in one or more embodiments, the vehicle may include sun visors 102, 104 respectively located on both sides of the front of the vehicle. The sun visors 102, 104 are shown in the stowed state, that is, they are folded and attached to the roof decoration or ceiling 106. The vehicle also includes a rearview mirror 108 located at the front of the roof (W represents the front of the vehicle, R represents the rear of the vehicle) facing the rear R of the vehicle, and the top center console 100 is partially arranged in the roof decoration 106. In one or more embodiments, the top center console 100 can integrate multiple functions, for example, it can include a storage box 110 for storing sunglasses, a conversation mirror assembly 200 for observing rear passengers, a reading light 120, etc. As shown in the figure, in one or more examples, the top center console 100 is provided with a conversation mirror assembly 200, and the conversation mirror 200 shown in the figure is an independent module, that is, independent of the glasses storage box 110, and the conversation mirror is shown to be in a stowed state. In the stowed state shown, the exposed portion of the conversation mirror assembly 200 has an appearance that is substantially flush with the overhead center console 100. It is understood that, as required, the conversation mirror assembly 200 can also be arranged in the vehicle as a separate / independent module from the overhead center console 100, such as mounted on the ceiling.

[0038] The structure, storage and use state of conversation mirror assembly 200 will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 A front view of a vehicle conversation mirror assembly 200 in one embodiment is schematically shown, wherein the conversation mirror 200 is in a retracted state. Figure 3 The front view of a vehicle conversation mirror assembly 200 in one embodiment is schematically shown, wherein the conversation mirror 200 is in an open state or in use state. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle conversation mirror assembly 200 includes a portion hidden in Figure 1 The first housing 210 in the overhead center console 100 (or partially hidden in the roof decoration 106), the second housing 220 pivotally connected to the first housing 210, and the conversation mirror 230 connected to the second housing 220. Figure 2 The stowed position shown is located in the space defined by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, and the conversation mirror 230 can be unfolded to the space defined by the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 as the second housing 220 pivots. Figure 3 Use position shown.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the first housing 210 includes a first flat plate 211 and a second flat plate 212 that are generally located in the same plane, and a door-shaped receiving frame 213 between the first flat plate 211 and the second flat plate 212, and the receiving frame 213 includes a pair of support arms 214a, 214b extending away from the first flat plate 211 and the second flat plate 212 and an inner housing 215 connected to the support arms. The pair of support arms 214a, 214b, the inner housing 215 and the second housing 220 form a space for accommodating the conversation mirror 230. In this example, the pair of support arms 214a, 214b and the inner housing 215 of the first housing 210 form an opening 240 that allows the conversation mirror 230 to pivot. In the illustrated stowed position of the conversation mirror 230, the outer surfaces of the first flat plate 211, the second flat plate 212 and the second housing 220 are substantially flush. In other examples, the rear area of ​​the first flat plate 211 and the second flat plate 212 is provided with a vehicle auxiliary function component, wherein the vehicle auxiliary function component includes one or more of a reading light, a microphone, a camera and a sensor. "Behind" or "rear" as used herein or elsewhere may refer to the side that is less visible (or relatively further away) from a vehicle occupant.

[0040] Reference below Figure 4-Figure 5 Further explain the connection relationship of components in one or more embodiments. Figure 4 Schematically shows Figure 2 An exploded view of a vehicle conversation mirror assembly in the illustrated embodiment; Figure 5 Schematically shows Figure 2 In one or more embodiments, the first housing 210 and the second housing 220 of the conversation mirror assembly 200 are connected to each other via a shaft 270 , and the conversation mirror assembly 200 further includes a locking device 250 and a buffer device 260 .

[0041] In one or more examples, the locking device 250 may include a first locking member 250a connected to the first shell 210 and a second locking member 250b connected to the second shell 220, and the first locking member 250a and the second locking member 250b are substantially located in the middle part of the length direction L of the conversation mirror 230; in the locked state, the second shell 220 locks the conversation mirror 230 in the Figure 2 In the stowed position shown in FIG. 1 , in the unlocked state, the second housing 220 can be pivoted relative to the first housing 210 about the rotation axis 270 to unfold the conversation mirror 230 for use by the user. Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown.

[0042] In one or more examples, the buffer device 260 may be located in the middle portion of the length direction L of the conversation mirror 230 and spaced apart from the locking device 250 along the length direction L. As shown in the figure, in one or more examples, in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 270, the buffer device 260 is spaced apart from the rotation axis 270, or in other words, the rotation axis 261 of the buffer device 260 is not coaxial with the rotation axis 270, or the buffer device 260 is offset relative to the rotation axis 270. The middle portion described here or at other positions, the middle position may refer to an area spaced apart from the end of the component and generally close to the middle, including but not limited to the position of the midpoint, for example, the length of the conversation mirror is L, the middle portion or the middle position is located in the area 1 / 4L to 3 / 4L from the end, and in another example, the middle portion or the middle position is located in the area 1 / 3L to 2 / 3L from the end. In one or more examples, the locking device 250 is closer to the midpoint of the length direction L of the conversation mirror 230 (i.e., the position of 1 / 2L), while the buffer device 260 is as close to the middle area as possible but spaced apart from the locking device 250. By arranging the locking device 250 and the buffer device 260 in the middle and rear area of ​​the conversation mirror 230, the space can be effectively utilized, the operation is more stable, and the space at both ends of the rotating shaft 270 is avoided, so that the length direction L of the conversation mirror 230 can be increased as much as possible, or in other words, the size of the conversation mirror assembly can be minimized while providing the same conversation mirror length.

[0043] Further references Figure 2-Figure 5 In one embodiment, the buffer device 260 includes a first buffer component 260a located on the first shell 210 and a second buffer component 260b located on the second shell 220. Figure 2 The locked state shown, refer to Figure 5 , the second cushioning component 260b is combined with the first portion of the first cushioning component 260a, or in other words, is combined at the first position I; Figure 3 to Figure 4 In the unlocked state shown, the first buffer component 260a can rotate relative to the second buffer component 260b to limit the rate at which the second housing 220 rotates around the rotation axis 270, and finally the second buffer component 260b is combined with the second portion of the first buffer component 260a (eg, Figure 5 II shown). It can be seen that in this embodiment, the buffer device 260 is generally arranged near the middle position of the length direction L of the conversation mirror 230. The first and second buffer components 260a and 260b can be first and second toothed components. In the example shown in the figure, the first buffer component 260a is a toothed fan, and the second buffer component 260b is a gear meshed with the toothed fan. The structure of the buffer component can be selected according to the needs, and any suitable buffer component that can limit the movement rate between two relatively rotating components can be selected.

[0044] Continue to refer Figure 4-5 In one or more embodiments, the first housing 210 includes a first base 216 facing the second housing 220, and the first base 216 includes a first side wall 217. The second housing 220 may include a base portion 222 and a second base 226, the second base 226 extending from the base portion 222 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion 222, the second base 226 of the second housing 220 includes a second side wall 227 generally perpendicular to the base portion 222 and the rotation axis 270, and the second side wall 227 is substantially parallel to and adjacent to the first side wall 217, wherein a first buffer component 260a is formed on the first side wall 217, and a second buffer component 260b is formed on the second side wall 227 and is partially engaged with the first buffer component 260a. By engaging and relatively rotating the two buffer components respectively located on the first housing 210 and the second housing 220, the rotation rate of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210, that is, the speed at which the conversation mirror 230 is unfolded, can be controlled. The smooth deployment is beneficial to the life of components, and the buffer component 260 can also provide stability in the use of the conversation mirror 230 during the driving of the vehicle.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the base portion 222 of the second housing 220 is substantially rectangular and has a first end portion 223 and a second end portion 224. The first and second ends 223 and 224 respectively include a first lug 222a and a second lug 222b extending away from the base portion 222, and the extending main planes of the first lug 222a and the second lug 222b are substantially parallel to the second side wall 227. The first housing 210, the first lug 222a, the second lug 222 and the second side wall 227 include a through hole that can accommodate a rotating shaft 270. The rotating shaft 270 passes through the first and second lugs 222a, 222b and the second side wall 227 to connect the second housing 220 to the first housing 210. The structure in which the rotating shaft 270 passes through the second side wall 227 makes the rotation of the second housing 220 relative to the first housing 210 more stable. In another embodiment, in the stowed position, the contact points of the rotating shaft 270, the first buffer part 260a and the second buffer part 260b, and the locking point of the locking device 250 form a triangle in a plane angled with the rotating shaft 270. In other words, the rotating shaft of the buffer device 260, the locking device 250 and the rotating shaft 270 are not coaxial, or are relatively offset from the rotating shaft 270, which can provide higher strength / stability than a coaxial setting in both the stowed position and the open use position.

[0046] Continue to refer Figure 2-Figure 5In some other embodiments, the conversation mirror assembly 200 further includes a frame 232 surrounding the conversation mirror 230, the frame 232 includes snap-fit ​​structures 233a, 233b located on both sides of the back of the conversation mirror 230, and is connected to the second housing 220 through snap-fit ​​structures 228a, 228b formed on the lugs 222a, 222b of the second housing 220. In another example, the base 222 of the second housing 220 further includes a plurality of connection features 236 (e.g., protrusions or grooves) located thereon, and the frame 232 further includes corresponding connection features (grooves or protrusions) located at the bottom thereof, so as to be snap-fitted to the inner surface of the second housing 220. In another embodiment, the second housing 220 further includes one or more ribs 229 extending from the base 222, and a surface 231 of the rib 229 (corresponding to the surface of the conversation mirror 230) is configured to follow the shape of the conversation mirror 230 and abut against the back of the conversation mirror 230 to provide a stable support for the conversation mirror 230.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in another embodiment, the second base 226 of the second shell 220 may include a base end 226a away from the base portion 224, wherein the base end 226a is formed with a second locking member 250b. The first locking member 250a is located on the wall of the inner shell 213 of the first shell 210, and the first locking member 250a can be set through the opening 219 located on the wall of the inner shell 213 ( Figure 5 The locking devices 250a and 250b are in a locked state), wherein the locking direction F of the first and second locking components 250a and 250b is generally parallel to the base portion 222 of the second housing 220 in the stowed position and is substantially perpendicular to the rotating shaft 270. The term "locking direction" here or elsewhere may refer to the direction in which the two locking components move relative to each other from initial contact / combination to final locking / mutual locking, and the corresponding unlocking direction may be the direction in which the two locking components move relative to each other from initial relative separation to an unlocked state. In one or more embodiments, the locking device 250 is a push-to-unlock device, i.e., a push-to-unlock or push-to-lock locking device.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, during the process of opening the conversation mirror assembly 200, the user can move the conversation mirror assembly 200 along the vehicle height direction H (eg, Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 2 ), the second housing 220 is pushed, and the second housing 220 rotates around the rotating shaft 270 after receiving the force. Figure 5As shown, after receiving the force shown in the direction H, the tendency of the second housing 220 to rotate along the direction R will drive the second locking member 250b on the second housing 220 to push the first locking member 250a along the direction F shown in the figure to achieve unlocking. After the first locking member 250a and the second locking member 250b are relatively unlocked, under the action of gravity (due to the deadweight of the conversation mirror assembly 200), the second housing 220 of the conversation mirror assembly 200 drives the conversation mirror 230 to rotate around the rotation axis 270 in the direction opposite to the R direction to Figure 3 In other words, the direction H of the force applied by the user is substantially perpendicular to the locking direction F of the first and second locking members 250a and 250b. The arrangement of the locking member at the middle rear portion of the conversation mirror 230 does not require the provision of locking devices at both ends or edges of the second housing 220, allowing the arrangement of the conversation mirror 230 to be more space-saving, and the locking is more stable. After the conversation mirror 230 is unfolded, there are no exposed locking members and buffer members, thereby making it more aesthetically pleasing.

[0049] Continue to refer Figure 4-Figure 5 In one or more embodiments, conversation mirror assembly 200 may further include spring 234, wherein spring 234 is connected to rotating shaft 270 and adjacent to second buffer component 260b, spring 234 biases second housing 220 toward the use position, so that after locking device 250 of conversation mirror assembly 200 is unlocked as described above, spring 234 can further bias second housing 220 to the use position. When the self-weight of the conversation mirror is set to be insufficient to provide a force or speed for deflection, a bias spring may be used, and spring 234 may abut against second housing 220 at the use position to provide stability at the use position. It is understood that conversation mirror assembly 200 may also include a stop / limit feature to limit the angle of deflection.

[0050] One or more embodiments of the present application provide a conversation mirror assembly and an overhead center console including the conversation mirror assembly. An independent conversation mirror assembly module is provided by relatively pivoting a first shell, a second shell, and a conversation mirror connected to the second shell. Furthermore, more efficient space utilization can be provided by providing locking and buffer components behind the conversation mirror near the middle area, and the size of the conversation mirror can be minimized without changing the function of the conversation mirror. Moreover, the position settings of the buffer components and locking components of the conversation mirror in multiple examples of the present application allow for more stable locking and operation, and are more aesthetically pleasing. A person skilled in the art in the art of one or more embodiments of the present application may make various changes, modifications, and variations to these specific embodiments without departing from the essence and scope defined by the claims of the present application.

[0051] Certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and non-obvious are particularly pointed out in the claims. These claims may refer to "an" element or a "first" element or similar features. Such claims should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the described features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed by amendment of the present claims or by presentation in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equivalent, or different than the original claims, should be deemed included in the subject matter of the present application.

Claims

1. A conversation mirror assembly, comprising: The first shell, a second housing pivotally connected to the first housing via a rotating shaft, a conversation mirror connected to the second shell, the conversation mirror being located in a space defined by the first shell and the second shell in a stowed position and being deployable to a use position as the second shell pivots, A locking device, wherein the locking device comprises a first locking member connected to the first shell and a second locking member connected to the second shell, wherein the first and second locking members are substantially located in the middle of the length direction of the conversation mirror; In a locked state, the second housing locks the conversation mirror in the retracted position; in an unlocked state, the second housing can pivot relative to the first housing around the rotation axis to unfold the conversation mirror; and A buffer device, the buffer device is located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror and is separated from the locking device along the length direction, and the buffer device is offset from the rotating shaft. The first shell includes a first plate and a second plate which are generally located in the same plane, and a door-shaped accommodating frame between the first plate and the second plate, the accommodating frame includes a pair of support arms extending away from the first plate and the second plate and an inner shell connected to the support arms, the pair of support arms and the inner shell form the space for accommodating the conversation mirror with the second shell, and when the conversation mirror is in the retracted position, the first plate, the second plate and the base of the second shell are substantially flush.

2. A conversation mirror assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The second shell includes a base portion and a base, wherein the base extends from the base portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion, wherein the second locking member is arranged on the base, and the locking directions of the first and second locking members are generally parallel to the base portion of the second shell when in the stowed position and substantially perpendicular to the rotating shaft.

3. A conversation mirror assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the buffer device includes a first buffer component located on the first shell, and a second buffer component located on the second shell, and in an unlocked state, the first buffer component rotates relative to the second buffer component to limit the rate at which the second shell rotates around the rotation axis.

4. The conversation mirror assembly of claim 3, wherein the first shell includes a first base facing the second shell, the first base includes a first side wall, wherein the second shell includes a base portion and a second base, the second base extends from the base portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion, the second base of the second shell includes a second side wall that is generally perpendicular to the base of the base portion and the rotation axis, and the second side wall is substantially parallel to and adjacent to the first side wall, wherein the first buffer component is formed on the first side wall, and the second buffer component is formed on the second side wall.

5. The conversation mirror assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first and second buffer components are first and second toothed components meshing with each other. 6 . The conversation mirror assembly as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the first buffer component is a gear sector, and the second buffer component is a gear meshing with the gear sector.

7. A conversation mirror assembly as described in claim 4, wherein the base portion of the second shell is substantially rectangular and has a first end and a second end, the first and second ends respectively include a first and a second lug extending away from the base portion, and the rotating shaft passes through the first and second lugs and the through hole on the second side wall to connect the second shell to the first shell.

8. The conversation mirror assembly as described in claim 7 further includes a mirror frame surrounding the conversation mirror, wherein the mirror frame includes snap-fit ​​structures located on both sides of the back of the conversation mirror and is connected to the second shell via a snap-fit ​​structure formed on the lug of the second shell.

9. The conversation mirror assembly of claim 8, the second housing further comprising a rib extending from the base portion, a surface of the rib being configured to follow the shape of the conversation mirror and abut against a back of the conversation mirror.

10. The conversation mirror assembly of claim 1, the pair of support arms and the inner housing forming an opening that allows the conversation mirror to pivot.

11. The conversation mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the locking device is a push-to-unlock device.

12. The conversation mirror assembly of claim 3, comprising a spring, wherein the spring is connected to the shaft and adjacent to the second buffer component, the spring biasing the second housing toward the use position.

13. An overhead center console, comprising a center console housing at least partially hidden in a vehicle ceiling decoration, and a conversation mirror assembly located in the center console housing, the conversation mirror assembly comprising: A first housing fixedly connected to the center console housing, a second housing pivotally connected to the first housing via a rotating shaft, a conversation mirror connected to the second shell, wherein the conversation mirror is located in the space defined by the first shell and the second shell and the outer surface of the second shell is generally flush with the outer surface of the adjacent component in the stowed position, and the conversation mirror can be unfolded to the use position as the second shell pivots, A locking device, wherein the locking device comprises a first locking member connected to the first shell and a second locking member connected to the second shell, the first and second locking members are substantially located in the middle of the length direction of the conversation mirror, and in a locked state, the second shell locks the conversation mirror in the retracted position; In the unlocked state, the second housing can be pivoted relative to the first housing around the rotation axis to unfold the conversation mirror; and A buffer device, the buffer device is located in the middle part of the length direction of the conversation mirror and is separated from the locking device along the length direction, the rotation axis of the buffer device is substantially parallel to the rotation axis and deviates from the rotation axis, The first shell includes a first flat plate and a second flat plate which are generally located in the same plane, and a door-shaped containing frame between the first flat plate and the second flat plate, the containing frame includes a pair of support arms extending away from the first flat plate and the second flat plate and an inner shell connected to the support arms, the pair of support arms and the inner shell together with the second shell form a space for accommodating the conversation mirror, the second shell includes a base portion, and in the retracted position of the conversation mirror, the outer surfaces of the first flat plate, the second flat plate and the base portion are substantially flush.

14. An overhead center console as described in claim 13, wherein the buffer device includes a first buffer component located on the first shell, and a second buffer component located on the second shell, the second buffer component is engaged with the first buffer component, and when the locking device is unlocked, the first buffer component rotates relative to the second buffer component to limit the rotation rate of the second shell around the rotating shaft.

15. The overhead center console as described in claim 14, wherein the first shell includes a first wall, the first buffer component is formed on the first wall, the second shell includes a base extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base portion, the base includes a side wall that is generally perpendicular to the rotation axis and adjacent to the first wall of the first shell, the second buffer component is formed on the side wall, and wherein the rotation axis passes through the side wall and is spaced apart from the second buffer component.

16. An overhead center console as described in claim 15, wherein the base of the second shell includes a base end away from the base portion, and a second locking member is formed on the base end, wherein the locking directions of the first and second locking members are generally parallel to the base portion of the second shell when in the stowed position.

17. The overhead center console as claimed in claim 13, comprising a glasses storage box independent of the conversation mirror assembly, and vehicle auxiliary function components are arranged in the rear area of ​​the first flat panel and the second flat panel, wherein: The vehicle auxiliary function components include one or more of reading lights, microphones, cameras, and sensors.

18. The overhead center console as claimed in claim 14, wherein in the stowed position, the rotation shaft, the contact points of the first and second buffer components, and the locking point of the locking device form a triangle in a plane that is angled with the rotation shaft.

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