Blind spot indicator assembly and rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a blind spot indicator assembly and a rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle. A blind spot indicator assembly (100) includes a housing (110) including a first side having an aperture (145) closed by a lens assembly (170) and a cavity (120) having an inner surface. A printed circuit board, PCB (180), has at least two connection pins (200) extending laterally such that a longitudinal dimension (d1) of the aperture (145) is equal to or greater than a longitudinal dimension (d3) of the PCB when the connection pins (200) do not protrude outwardly from an edge of the PCB (180), and the aperture (145) is smaller than the longitudinal dimension (d3) of the PCB when the connection pins protrude outwardly from the edge of the PCB (180). A longitudinal dimension (d1) of the aperture (145) is equal to or greater than a total dimension (d6) including a longitudinal dimension (d3) of the PCB plus a protruding distance (d4) by which the connection pin (200) protrudes beyond the longitudinal dimension (d3) of the PCB.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indicator assembly for warning a driver of a motor vehicle of an object, such as another vehicle, in a blind spot or blind zone. Background Art

[0002] A blind spot or blind zone is a lateral area near a motor vehicle where the driver does not have a proper view when looking in the rearview mirror.

[0003] Blind spot indicators are known based on sensors and optics that identify when an object enters a blind spot or blind zone that can warn the driver that the blind spot is now occupied by an object, such as a vehicle in an adjacent lane.

[0004] An example of a rearview mirror assembly having a blind spot indicator for a motor vehicle is disclosed in US9663027 filed in the name of the same applicant as the present application. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element attached to a clip and a waterproof lighting module attached to the reflective element. A printed circuit board is disposed at an angle to the clip in the inner cavity of the waterproof lighting. At least one light emitting diode is provided on the printed circuit board. The protective housing for the waterproof lighting module has a metallized and textured surface on its inside. The first side of the printed circuit board rests on the waterproof lighting module, and the second side opposite the first side does not rest on the waterproof lighting module. The light emitted by the light emitting diode is reflected on the metallized surface of the protective housing, and the emitted light passes indirectly through the surface of the reflective element through the opening of the reflective element.

[0005] US9754489 and US10614719 mention a mirror reflective element subassembly for an exterior rearview mirror of a motor vehicle, which includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate, and a blind zone indication module. In US9754489, the module includes a housing, a circuit board, and a light source, and is disposed at an orifice formed through the back plate. The circuit board includes a circuit and conductive terminals electrically connected to the circuit of the circuit board. The conductive terminals extend into a connector portion of the housing. The connector portion is configured to connect to a connector of a wiring harness of the exterior rearview mirror assembly. In US10614719, the module is attached to the rear side of the mirror reflective element via an orifice of the mirror back plate, and it further includes a housing for receiving circuit elements and at least one light emitting diode therein. The housing is received at the rear side of the mirror back plate. The conductive terminals are provided in the circuit elements connected thereto and are received in a connector portion of the housing to connect to the wiring harness of the rearview mirror assembly.

[0006] Although such blind zone indicators enhance driving safety, it has been found that there is a problem that the illumination is partially directed in a direction different from that of the driver. There is still a need for a blind spot indicator in which illumination for users different from the driver can be effectively avoided, especially reducing the assembly cost. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a blind spot indicator assembly for a motor vehicle for warning of the presence of another vehicle or object in the vicinity. It has been found that the blind spot indicator assembly of the present invention solves the above problems in the prior art devices while providing further significant advantages.

[0008] The blind spot indicator assembly of the present invention can be, for example, a visual indicator to show the driver that another vehicle or object has been detected. The present disclosure also relates to a rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle, which includes the above blind spot indicator assembly.

[0009] The blind spot indicator assembly for a motor vehicle disclosed herein is a single unit. A single unit herein refers to such an assembly whose elements do not belong to or share with other elements different from the blind spot indicator assembly itself. The blind spot indicator assembly of the present invention includes a housing, which includes a first side having an aperture defined by a longitudinal dimension. The housing of the blind spot indicator assembly is also provided with an inner cavity, which is defined by an inner surface.

[0010] The lens assembly is also arranged to close the aperture of the housing. A printed circuit board (PCB) having a longitudinal dimension is also provided. The PCB is for the purpose of supporting one or more light sources and the required circuitry. The PCB has a first side and an opposite second side. At least two connection pins are arranged to extend laterally on the first side of the PCB. The PCB is preferably arranged between the connection pins and the lens assembly.

[0011] This arrangement enables the longitudinal dimension of the aperture to be equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension of the printed circuit board when the said connection pins of the PCB do not protrude outwards from the edge of the PCB, and enables the longitudinal dimension of the aperture to be equal to or greater than the total dimension including the longitudinal dimension of the printed circuit board plus the protruding distance by which the connection pins protrude beyond the longitudinal dimension of the printed circuit board when the said connection pins of the PCB protrude outwards from the edge of the PCB.

[0012] Thus, when the connection pins do not protrude outwards from the edge of the PCB, then:

[0013] d1 ≥ d3; and

[0014] When the said connection pins protrude outwards beyond the edge of the PCB, then:

[0015] d1 ≥ d6

[0016] Where:

[0017] d1 is the longitudinal dimension of the aperture of the housing;

[0018] d3 is the longitudinal dimension of the PCB;

[0019] d4 is the protruding distance by which the connection pins protrude beyond d3; and

[0020] d6 = d3 + d4.

[0021] The housing may include a first part and a second part. The first part of the housing includes the above-mentioned orifice in the housing, and the PCB is placed on the first part. The second part of the housing extends laterally from the first part of the housing. The second part of the housing is configured to receive at least a first part of the connector to insert into the connection pins of the PCB.

[0022] The first part of the housing is preferably configured to receive at least a length of the connector when the connector is inserted into the connection pins of the PCB.

[0023] The housing preferably includes a protrusion in the first part. The protrusion is arranged to extend from the inner surface towards the orifice of the housing. The protrusion of the housing is formed at a distance from the second part of the housing by a length to serve as an end stop for inserting the connector.

[0024] The length of the connector that can be inserted into the first part of the housing can be at least 3 mm. Thus, if d2 is the length of the connector inserted into the connection pins, then d2 ≥ 3 mm. In addition, d7 ≥ 5 mm, preferably ≥ 5.5 mm, and optimally d7 ≥ 6 mm, where d7 is the length corresponding to the length d2, including the distance to the sealing device receiving part. On the other hand, the connector can be at least 10 mm long.

[0025] The second part of the housing is optimally arranged to be spaced apart from the lens assembly. In other examples, the second part of the housing is arranged to be flush with the lens assembly. In an advantageous example, the second part of the housing includes a sealing device receiving part. The sealing device receiving part is used to receive the sealing device provided in the connector. The sealing device receiving part extends along a length on the inner surface of the second part to contact the connector when inserted into the second part. In a non-limiting example, the length of the sealing part can be at least 2 mm, preferably 3 mm or more. Other values are not excluded. In addition, the second part of the housing can be provided with a connector engaging part for axially holding the connector when the connector is inserted therein.

[0026] The blind spot indicator assembly of the present invention can also be provided with a double-sided tape arranged to contact both the second side of the printed circuit board and the lens assembly.

[0027] The present disclosure also discloses a blind spot indicator assembly, which includes a connector in connection pins to be inserted into a PCB. The connector has a first part intended to pass through a second part of a housing and be received in a first part of the housing. The connector has a second part received in a corresponding second part of the housing. The first part of the connector can be at least 3 mm long. In other examples, the connector can be at least 10 mm long and have a sealing device 3 mm long in the second part of the connector.

[0028] The present disclosure discloses a method for assembling a blind spot indicator assembly. The method can be applied to the above blind spot indicator assembly or any blind spot indicator assembly, which includes a housing having a lumen and an orifice, a lens assembly arranged to close the orifice, and a printed circuit board (PCB) including at least two connection pins.

[0029] The method includes arranging the housing of the blind spot indicator assembly such that the orifice of the housing is perpendicular to the direction of gravity and farther from the ground than a second side of the housing opposite a first side of the housing, and wherein a second side of the PCB is farther from the ground than a first side of the PCB.

[0030] The method further includes arranging the PCB within the orifice of the housing and arranging the lens assembly to close the orifice of the housing.

[0031] The method can further include providing a double-sided tape on a second side of the PCB and an outer surface of the orifice of the housing.

[0032] Steps of attaching the double-sided tape to the lens assembly and attaching the lens assembly to the housing and the PCB can be performed.

[0033] Compression pressure can be applied to the housing and the lens assembly along the assembly direction, at least substantially perpendicular to the lens assembly, or along the assembly direction.

[0034] The present disclosure also discloses a rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle. The mirror assembly includes a lens and a support arm for attaching the rearview mirror to the vehicle. The lens includes a mirror housing, a reflecting mirror assembly, and a mirror adjuster for adjusting the orientation of the reflecting mirror. The reflecting mirror assembly includes a reflecting mirror and a back plate to which the reflecting mirror is attached.

[0035] The reflecting mirror assembly further includes the blind spot indicator assembly as described above, and the rearview mirror assembly further includes a connector inserted into a second part of the housing of the blind spot indicator assembly. The connector is configured to be electrically connected to connection pins of a printed circuit board to supply power to at least one or more light sources in the printed circuit board.

[0036] As described above, the reflective mirror assembly includes a blind spot indicator assembly, a back plate, and a mirror. The mirror has a first surface and a second surface. In operation, the second surface is closer to the back plate than the first surface. Preferably, the reflective mirror assembly further includes a heater disposed on the second surface of the mirror. More preferably, the back plate and the blind spot indicator assembly are directly attached to the heater. Preferably, the back plate and the blind spot indicator assembly are attached by an adhesive means.

[0037] The back plate is shaped to allow the blind spot indicator assembly to be placed between the back plate and the mirror, or flush with the back plate relative to the mirror. Preferably, the back plate is shaped to match the blind spot indicator assembly, with or without interaction therebetween. Preferably, in operation, the side of the PCB adjacent to the back plate is located within the thickness of the back plate. The above features advantageously allow all components of the blind spot indicator assembly to be assembled on the same axis during an automated process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle including a blind spot indicator assembly;

[0040] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a top view of the rearview mirror assembly in

[0041] Figure 3a is a cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror assembly showing the blind spot indicator assembly with a back plate and a mirror in a first example;

[0042] Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror assembly showing the blind spot indicator assembly with a back plate and a mirror in a second example; and

[0043] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the rearview mirror assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, a blind spot indicator assembly 100 is shown. The blind spot indicator assembly 100 is intended to warn of the presence of another vehicle or object in the vicinity of a motor vehicle. The blind spot indicator assembly includes a housing 110.

[0045] In addition, a rearview mirror assembly 10 is shown. The rearview mirror assembly 10 further includes a connector 300 to be inserted into the housing 110 of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 for electrical connection to connection pins 200 of a printed circuit board, i.e., PCB 180, for powering at least one or more light sources 190 therein, as will be described in detail below.

[0046] The housing 110 of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 has a first side with an aperture 145 extending along a longitudinal dimension d1. The housing 110 has an inner surface 125 defining an inner cavity.

[0047] In use, the aperture 145 of the housing 110 is closed by the lens assembly 170. As described above, the printed circuit board PCB 180 is provided to power the light source 190. The PCB 180 has a longitudinal dimension d3.

[0048] Two connection pins 200 are arranged to extend transversely on a first side 185 of the PCB 180. In the example shown, the connection pins 200 are at least 5 mm long. The PCB 180 is arranged between the connection pins 200 and the lens assembly 170. A double-sided tape is provided to contact the opposite second side 186 of the PCB 180 and the lens assembly 170.

[0049] In a first condition, when the connection pins 200 of the PCB 180 do not protrude outward from the edge of the PCB 180, the longitudinal dimension d1 of the aperture 145 is equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension d3 of the PCB 180, i.e., when the connection pins do not protrude outward from the edge of the PCB, d1≥d3.

[0050] In a second condition, when the connection pins 200 of the PCB 180 protrude outward from the edge of the PCB 180, the longitudinal dimension d1 of the aperture 145 is equal to or greater than the total dimension d6 including the longitudinal dimension d3 of the PCB 180 plus the protruding distance d4 by which the connection pins 200 protrude beyond the longitudinal dimension d3 of the PCB 180. Thus, when the connection pins protrude outward from the edge of the PCB, then d1≥d6, where d6 = d3 + d4.

[0051] The housing 110 includes a first portion 115a on which the PCB 180 is placed. The housing 110 further includes a second portion 115b extending transversely from the first portion 115a. The second portion 115b of the housing 110 is configured to receive the above-mentioned connector 300. In use, the connector 300 is inserted into the connection pins 200 of the PCB 180. In this example, the connector 300 is 10 mm long.

[0052] The connector 300 has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the connector 300 is intended to pass through the second portion 115b of the housing 110 and be received in the first portion 115a of the housing. The second portion of the connector 300 is received in the second portion 115b of the housing 110.

[0053] The housing 110 further includes a protrusion 210 extending from the inner surface 125 of the housing towards the orifice 145 of the housing 110. The protrusion 210 is formed at a length from the second part 115b of the housing 110. The protrusion 210 is configured to serve as an end stop when inserting the connector 300.

[0054] When inserted into the connection pins 200 of the PCB 180, the connector 300 can be inserted a length d2 within the first part 115a of the housing 110. In this example, d2 ≥ 3 mm. Also in this example, d7 ≥ 5 mm, preferably d7 ≥ 5.5 mm, and optimally d7 ≥ 6 mm, where d7 is the length corresponding to the length d2, including the distance to the seal device receiving portion 220, as described below.

[0055] The second part 115b of the housing 110 is arranged to be spaced apart from the lens assembly 170. In this example, the second part 115b of the housing 110 includes a seal device receiving portion 220, which is configured to receive a suitable seal device 225 provided in the second part of the connector 300. The seal device receiving portion 220 extends along a length d5 ≥ 2 mm on the inner surface of the second part 115b of the housing 110 to contact the connector 300 when inserted into the second part 115b of the housing 110. The second part 115b of the housing 110 has a connector engaging portion 116. The connector engaging portion 116 axially holds the connector 300 when the connector 300 is inserted therein.

[0056] Reference Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b , in which a rearview mirror assembly is shown. The rearview mirror assembly 10 includes a lens and a support arm (not shown) for attaching the rearview mirror assembly 10 to a vehicle, which are shown in detail in the exploded view of the Figure 4 of the drawings.

[0057] The lens includes a lens housing 15, preferably for receiving a lens frame 16, a rearview mirror assembly, and a mirror adjuster 17 therein, and the mirror adjuster is used to adjust the orientation of the rearview mirror 12. The rearview mirror assembly further includes a rearview mirror 12 and a back plate 18, and the rearview mirror 12 is attached to the back plate 18. In Figure 3a the example shown, a part of the back plate 18 is arranged below the second part 115b of the housing 110, while in Figure 3b the example shown, no part of the back plate 18 is arranged below the second part 115b of the housing 110. As Figure 3bAs shown in the example of , the lower part of the back plate 18 extends outward from the end of the blind spot indicator assembly 100. Therefore, there is no part of the back plate 18 between the blind spot indicator assembly 100 and the mirror 12. Thus, the assembly of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 is possible along a single axis (i.e., the assembly direction D), where the blind spot indicator assembly 100 abuts the heater 19, as described below, where the back plate 18 is disposed on the blind spot indicator assembly 100 and also abuts the heater 19.

[0058] As described above, the heater 19 is provided to include a heating element that serves as a resistive heater for the mirror 12 when current flows through it during use. The heater 19 includes an adhesive for attaching the mirror 12 to the back plate 18. The blind spot indicator assembly 100 is in turn attached to the heater 19. The back plate 18 is shaped to allow the blind spot indicator assembly 100 to be placed flush with the back plate 18 relative to the mirror 12. In this case, the back plate 18 is configured to receive the rear portion of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 that extends toward the back plate 18. Additionally, the back plate 18 is shaped to match the blind spot indicator assembly 100 with no interaction between them.

[0059] As Figure 3a and Figure 3b shown, further, in use, at least one side 186 of the PCB is included in the back plate thickness, the side being close to the side of the back plate that is attached to the heater 19.

[0060] In Figure 3a 、 Figure 3b these examples, the outermost part of the lens assembly 170 that is farthest from the housing 110 is arranged to be flush with the surface of the back plate 18 that is closest to the mirror 12 in use. In particular, as described above, at least one side 186 of the sides 185, 186 of the PCB 180 is included in the back plate thickness that includes the surface of the back plate 18 that is positioned closest to the mirror 12. The back plate 18 also includes an opening in its surface that is closest to the mirror 12. The opening is larger than the size of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 in any direction. For this reason, the mirror sub-assembly can be assembled only in one direction, the heater 19 is fixed to the mirror 12, and then, the back plate 18 and the blind spot indicator assembly 100 are fixed to the heater 19 in the same direction.

[0061] A part of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 is arranged to be farthest from the mirror 12 relative to the part of the back plate 18 that includes the surface closest to the mirror 12. At least 50% - 75% - 100% of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 in a plane perpendicular to the mirror 12 is located between the back plate 18 and the mirror 12.

[0062] The blind spot indicator assembly 100 is received within the opening of the backplate 18. In this regard, in use, a gap between the blind spot indicator assembly 100 and the backplate 18 in the direction towards the mirror 12 is defined between the second part 115b of the housing 110 and the backplate 18 to facilitate insertion of the connector 300 into the blind spot indicator assembly 100.

[0063] The blind spot indicator assembly 100 is assembled with the housing 110 arranged such that its aperture 145 is perpendicular to the direction of gravity, i.e., the vertical or substantially vertical direction, or in the assembly direction D, and is further from the ground than the second side of the housing 110 opposite the first side of the housing 110, and the second side 186 of the PCB 180 is further from the ground than the first side 185 of the PCB 180.

[0064] The PCB 180 is then disposed within the aperture 145 of the housing 110, and the lens assembly 170 closes the aperture 145 of the housing 110. A double-sided tape (not shown) is provided on the second side 186 of the PCB 180 and on the outer surface of the aperture 145 of the housing 110. The double-sided tape is attached to the lens assembly 170, which in turn is attached to the housing 110 and the PCB 180.

[0065] If desired, compressive pressure can be applied to both the housing 110 and the lens assembly 170 along the assembly direction D, at least substantially perpendicular to the lens assembly 170.

[0066] In this way, the above components of the blind spot indicator assembly 100 can be assembled along the same axis, i.e., along the assembly direction, in an automated process.

Claims

1. A blind spot indicator assembly (100) for a motor vehicle, the blind spot indicator assembly (100) comprising: - a housing (110) comprising a first side having an orifice (145) defined by a longitudinal dimension (d1), the housing (110) also having an inner cavity (120) defined by an inner surface; - a lens assembly (170) arranged to close the aperture (145) of the housing (110); and - a printed circuit board (180) having a longitudinal dimension (d3) and comprising at least two connection pins (200) extending transversely on a first side (185) of the printed circuit board (180); in When the connecting pin (200) does not protrude outward from the edge of the printed circuit board (180), the longitudinal dimension (d1) of the aperture (145) is equal to or greater than the longitudinal dimension (d3) of the printed circuit board (180), and When the connecting pin (200) protrudes outward from the edge of the printed circuit board (180), the longitudinal dimension (d1) of the opening (145) is equal to or greater than a total dimension (d6) including the longitudinal dimension (d3) of the printed circuit board (180) plus a protruding distance (d4) by which the connecting pin (200) protrudes beyond the longitudinal dimension (d3) of the printed circuit board (180).

2. The blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (110) includes a first portion (115a) and a second portion (115b), wherein the printed circuit board (180) is placed at the first portion (115a), and the second portion (115b) extends laterally from the first portion (115a) and is configured to receive at least a first portion of a connector (300) to be inserted into the connecting pin (200).

3. The blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The first portion (115a) of the housing (110) is configured to receive at least a length (d2) of the connector (300) when the connector (300) is inserted into the connection pin (200).

4. The blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The housing (110) includes a protrusion (210) extending from the inner surface toward the orifice (145), the protrusion (210) being formed at a length (d2) from the second portion (115b) of the housing (110) to serve as an end stop when inserting the connector (300).

5. The blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The length (d2) of the connector (300) that can be inserted into the first portion (115a) of the housing (110) is at least 3 mm.

6. A blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The printed circuit board (180) is arranged between the connecting pins (200) and the lens assembly (170).

7. A blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second portion (115b) of the housing (110) is arranged to be spaced apart from the lens assembly (170).

8. The blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second portion (115b) of the housing (110) includes a sealing device receiving portion (220) for receiving a sealing device (225) disposed in the connector (300), and the sealing device receiving portion (220) extends along a length (d5) on an inner surface (125) of the second portion (115b) of the housing (110) to contact the connector (300) when the connector (300) is inserted into the second portion (115b) of the housing (110).

9. The blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The length (d5) of the sealing device receiving portion (220) is at least 2 mm.

10. A rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle, the rearview mirror assembly comprising a connector (300) and a blind spot indicator assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the connector (300) being inserted into the second portion (115b) of the housing (110) of the blind spot indicator assembly (100) for electrically connecting to the connection pins (200) of the printed circuit board (180) to supply power to at least one or more light sources (190) in the printed circuit board (180).

11. A rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 10, wherein: The rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a lens and a support arm for attaching the rearview mirror to the vehicle, Wherein, the lens comprises: - mirror housing (15); -A reflective mirror assembly, the reflective mirror assembly comprising: - a reflector (12); and - a back plate (18) to which the reflector is attached; and - A mirror adjuster for adjusting the orientation of the mirror.

12. The rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The back plate (18) is shaped to allow the blind spot indicator assembly (100) to be placed flush with the back plate (18) relative to the reflector (12).

13. A rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: No portion of the back plate (18) is between the blind spot indicator assembly (100) and the reflector.

14. A rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein: A gap is defined between the second portion (115b) of the housing (110) and the back plate (18) toward the reflector.

15. A rearview mirror assembly for a motor vehicle according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The connector is at least 10 mm long.

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