Vehicular exterior rear view mirror assembly

Abstract

To provide a vehicular exterior rear view mirror assembly which is aerodynamically efficient and enables reduction of manufacturing costs.SOLUTION: An exterior rear view mirror assembly 1 includes: a fixing part 2 configured to be attached to an exterior part of a vehicle; a movable part 3 which is attached to the fixing part 2 and may rotate around a first axis X1 relative to the fixing part 2; and a mirror head 4 including a mirror housing 5 and a mirror reflection surface. The mirror head 4 is attached to the movable part 3 so that the mirror head 4 and the movable part 3 are jointly rotatable around the first axis X1. The mirror head 4 can incline around an inclination point or rotate around a second axis relative to the movable part 3 to adust a rear view field when the exterior rear view mirror assembly 1 is operatively attached to the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Field and Object of the Invention) The present invention generally relates to the field of vehicle exterior rearview mirror assemblies operable to adjust the rearward field of view of a vehicle driver.

[0002] An object of the present invention is to provide an aerodynamically efficient exterior rearview assembly, and further to increase the design freedom of its components.

[0003] An additional object of the present invention is to provide an exterior rearview mirror assembly that can be manufactured with components such as a miniaturized mirror head and leg portions in order to reduce manufacturing costs.

Background Art

[0004] (Background of the Invention) An exterior rearview mirror assembly for an automobile typically includes a mirror base or mirror foot adapted to be attached to the automobile, a mirror head disposed on the mirror foot, and a mirror glass housed in and rigidly disposed in the mirror head. At least one joint is provided between the arrangement of the mirror head and the mirror foot on the automobile.

[0005] Generally, an exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror actuator operable to adjust a mirror reflecting element relative to a mirror casing so as to adjust the rearward field of view of a vehicle driver. A folding rearview mirror assembly includes an actuator for pivoting or folding the mirror casing relative to the side of the vehicle.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] (Summary of the Invention) The present invention relates to an external rear view assembly for a vehicle, the assembly comprising: a fixed part configured to be attached to the exterior of the vehicle; a movable part attached to 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 pane.

[0007] The mirror pane has a first surface, a second surface, and a periphery. The periphery of the mirror pane may or may not overlap completely with the mirror housing. Furthermore, the mirror housing may or may not overlap flush with the first surface of the mirror pane. Here, the first surface is the surface closer to the driver when the assembly is operably mounted in the vehicle.

[0008] The mirror head is attached to the movable part, and the mirror head and the movable part can rotate together around the first axis X1.

[0009] The assembly is configured such that, when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle, the movable part can rotate around a first axis X1 between an extended position, i.e., a driving position where the mirror head is positioned to provide the driver with a rearward view while the vehicle is in motion, and a parking position where the mirror head is folded toward the vehicle.

[0010] Furthermore, when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle, the mirror head can be tilted or rotated relative to the movable part about a tilt point or second axis X2 in order to adjust the rearward view for the driver.

[0011] Furthermore, the mirror head may be further adapted to tilt or rotate relative to the movable part around the third axis X3.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second axes (X1, X2) are either orthogonal to each other or positioned relative to each other to define an angle within the range of 70°–110°.

[0013] Furthermore, the first and third axes (X1, X3) are either parallel to each other or positioned relative to each other to define an angle within the range of 340°-20°.

[0014] The assembly is configured such that a gap is formed between the movable part and the mirror head, allowing the mirror head to tilt or rotate. Preferably, the gap is formed between the curved surface of the movable part and the curved surface of the mirror housing.

[0015] The mirror head may have a lower extension, and part of the movable portion may be positioned behind the lower extension when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle, from the driver's viewpoint while the vehicle is moving forward. This configuration reduces the height of the assembly and also reduces the size of its components.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the mirror head is positioned above the movable part, and another portion of the mirror head is positioned in front of the movable part from the driver's perspective while the vehicle is moving forward and when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle. Preferably, at least 50%, or at least 75%, or 100%, of the upper surface of the movable part is overlapped by the mirror head. Even more preferably, at least 50%, or 75%, or 100% of the front surface of the movable part (from the driver's perspective while the vehicle is in motion) is overlapped or covered by the mirror head.

[0017] Furthermore, in the case of the overlapping portion between the movable part and the mirror head as described above, this also includes embodiments in which the upper surface or front surface of the movable part overlaps with the mirror head from one end to the other in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (axis X in Figure 7). However, the upper surface or front surface of the movable part does not completely overlap with the mirror head from one end to the other in a direction lateral to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (axis Y in Figure 7).

[0018] The assembly comprises a first actuator housed (at least partially) inside the movable part and adapted to impart rotational motion to the movable part about a first axis X1. The assembly further comprises a second actuator housed inside the mirror head and adapted to impart tilting or rotational motion to the mirror head about at least a second axis X2 or a tilt point. The first and second actuators are independently operable and conventionally consist of electric motors. Preferably, the second actuator, or a third actuator operating independently of the first and second actuators, can impart tilting or rotational motion to the mirror head about a third axis X3.

[0019] When the mirror housing and mirror pane are mounted to each other, they move in tandem (together), meaning there is no relative movement between them when the first or second actuator is operating.

[0020] Furthermore, the assembly includes a bracket having a first part and a second part, the first part enclosing the inside of the movable part and coupled to the movable part of the first actuator, the second part enclosing the inside of the mirror head and coupled to the fixed part of the second actuator, and the mirror head is attached to the movable part by the bracket.

[0021] The bracket may consist of an independent component attached to the movable part of the first actuator and also to the fixed part of the second actuator. Alternatively, the bracket may be formed integrally with the movable part of the first actuator, integrally with the fixed part of the second actuator, or integrally with both the movable part of the first actuator and the fixed part of the second actuator.

[0022] The intermediate portion between the first and second parts of the bracket is positioned to cross the gap formed between the movable part and the mirror head, preferably in a lateral direction.

[0023] At least one electrical and electronic component is attached to the movable part and / or to the mirror head. This electrical and electronic component is preferably one of the following list: camera, lighting device, antenna, wireless communication system.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the assembly includes two cameras mounted on the movable part, and preferably also includes a lighting device mounted on the movable part or the mirror head. Since the cameras are arranged on the movable part that only moves between the parking position and the driving position, the field of view of the camera in the driving position is not affected by the adjustment of the mirror pane when the mirror pane moves in conjunction with the mirror head.

[0025] Preferably, another electrical and electronic component is attached to the bracket. This electrical and electronic component is preferably one of the following list: camera, lighting device, antenna, wireless communication system.

[0026] Some advantages of the present invention are listed below. · Symmetrical mirrors. For aesthetic and aerodynamic reasons, the viewing angles between the driver's side mirror and the driver himself and between the passenger side mirror and the driver are significantly different, so usually the design of the mirror head is changed between the two. In the present invention, since the adjustment of the mirror head is independent of the movable part, the symmetry between the two mirror heads can be maintained, and the aesthetic and aerodynamic appearance can be improved. · Since the actuator for the folding operation is arranged at least partially on the movable part outside the mirror head, the size of the mirror head can be reduced. · Reduction of the friction coefficient for the following reasons. When the mirror housing and the mirror pane move in conjunction, when the second actuator operates as a regulating device for the mirror pane, by providing a gap between the movable part and the mirror head, and by the low extension of the mirror head, the size of the mirror head is reduced according to the previous item. · By providing an air inlet and an air outlet between the mirror head and the movable part, a more efficient design becomes possible. Also, by utilizing the gaps and air guides, the aerodynamic design can be improved. · The molds for each project can be reduced. The energy efficiency with the reduced-size mirror housing means a reduction in size and molds. · The concept of the rearview mirror is a flag or a triangle and can be attached to the vehicle (as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B). · Additional devices such as a camera and a wiper can be attached to the movable part, and these are arranged in the stationary part. It is essential that these additional devices are in the stationary part. Since these parts only move from the parking position to the driving position and vice versa, these parts can be configured to operate in the driving position, and independent mirror adjustment can be made not to affect these parts.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] (Brief Description of the Drawings) Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 2A] FIGS. 2A and 2B are two cross-sectional views taken in the plane A-A of FIG. 1 of a side view of the rearview mirror assembly. FIG. 2A is a schematic view. [Figure 2B] FIGS. 2A and 2B are two cross-sectional views taken in the plane A-A of FIG. 1 of a side view of the rearview mirror assembly. FIG. 2B is a detailed view. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows two side views, 3A and 3B, of the mirror assembly according to the present invention including the rotation axis, and the tilting or rotational movement of the mirror head is shown by a dashed line in 3B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembly, and the tilting or rotational movement of the mirror head is shown by a dashed line. [Figure 5] Figures 5A and 5B are two front views of two alternative designs for the mounting section of the rear view assembly. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the rear view assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a rear view of the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a front view of the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is another perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a top view of the assembly shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] (Preferred form of the invention) Figures 1 and 2 show exemplary embodiments of an external rearview mirror assembly (1) for a vehicle according to the present invention, the assembly (1) comprising a fixed part (2) configured to be attached to the exterior of a vehicle (not shown), and a movable part (3) attached to the fixed part (2) and rotatable relative to the fixed part (2) about a first axis (X1).

[0030] The assembly (1) further comprises a mirror head (4) including a mirror housing (5) and a mirror pane (6) having a mirror reflective surface.

[0031] The mirror pane (6) has a first surface, a second surface, and a periphery, the first surface being the surface closer to the driver when the assembly is operably mounted in the vehicle. The periphery of the mirror pane (6) may be fully overlapped, partially overlapped, or alternatively not overlapped by the mirror housing (5), as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Furthermore, the mirror housing (5) may overlap the first surface of the mirror pane (6) to be flush or not flush, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

[0032] The mirror head (4) is attached to the movable part (3) such that the mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) can rotate around the first axis (X1).

[0033] Once the assembly (1) is operably mounted to the vehicle, the movable part (3) may rotate around the first axis (X1) between an extended position, i.e., a driving position where the mirror head (4) is positioned to provide the driver with a rearward view while the vehicle is in motion, and a parking position where the mirror head (4) is folded toward the vehicle.

[0034] Furthermore, the mirror head (4) has at least one degree of freedom of movement, and for example, when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle, the mirror head (4) can tilt and / or rotate around a tilt point or second axis (X2) relative to the movable part (3) to adjust the driver's rear view. The actuator for imparting the tilting motion can be implemented, for example, as a ball joint, which typically has several degrees of freedom of movement. The first and second axes (X1, X2) are substantially orthogonal to each other or positioned relative to each other to define angles within the range of 70°-110°, i.e., (90°+ / -20°).

[0035] As shown in Figures 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) tilts or rotates with respect to the movable part (3) about the third axis (X3), thereby positioning the first and third axes (X1, X3) to be parallel to each other or to define an angle within the range of 340°-20°, i.e., (0°+ / -20°).

[0036] The assembly (1) is configured such that a gap (7) is formed between the movable part (3) and the mirror head (4), allowing the mirror head (4) to tilt or rotate relative to the movable part (3).

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the mirror head (4) has a curved surface (8), and the movable part (3) also has a curved surface (9), with the two curved surfaces (8, 9) facing each other, and a gap (7) formed between the two curved surfaces (8, 9) to allow rotational or tilting motion of the mirror head (4) relative to the movable part (3).

[0038] Assembly (1) may include a diffuser or guide to direct airflow into the gap in order to optimize the coefficient of friction.

[0039] Alternatively, in contrast to providing curved surfaces (8, 9) and gaps (7), in another preferred embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the mirror head (4) has a cavity accessible from the outside of the mirror head (4), and the movable part (3) is enclosed or partially enclosed within its cavity in the mirror head (4) so ​​that relative movement between the movable part and the mirror head is possible.

[0040] Furthermore, the mirror head (4) has a lower extension (10) in the portion into which the mirror pane (6) is fitted. The lower extension (10) extends the mirror housing (5) toward the ground (when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle), and part of the movable part (3) is behind the extension (10) as seen from the driver when the assembly (1) is mounted to the vehicle, and the mirror housing (5) is above the movable part and closer to the driver than the movable part (3).

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, 100% of the front of the movable part (3) (from the driver's perspective while the vehicle is moving forward normally) is overlapped or covered by the mirror head (4). In an alternative embodiment, at least 50% or at least 75% of the front of the movable part (3) is overlapped or covered by the mirror head (4).

[0042] Because of the lower extension (10) of the mirror head (4), the assembly (1) can be made smaller in size, in contrast to the generally bulky rearview mirrors of prior art, as the mirror head and the fixing part are assembled one on top of each other with the entire upper surface of the movable part covered by the mirror head.

[0043] In contrast to the prior art, the present invention can be described as the mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) being put together to reduce the overall volume of the assembly (1), while the required surface area of ​​the mirror pane (6) is maintained.

[0044] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2A, 100% of the upper surface of the movable part (3) is overlapped by the mirror head (4). In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 2B, the upper surface of the movable part (3) is overlapped by the mirror head (4) between 75% and 100%.

[0045] The mirror pane (6) also extends onto this extension (10), as shown, for example, in Figure 2. The movable part (3) is located behind the lower extension (10) as seen from the driver's perspective while the vehicle is in operation and when the assembly is operably mounted to the vehicle. The gap (7) extends between the extension (10) and the movable part (3).

[0046] Assembly (1) comprises a first actuator (12) at least partially housed inside the movable part (3) and adapted to impart rotational motion to the movable part (3). Assembly (1) further comprises a second actuator (13) housed inside the mirror head (4) and adapted to impart rotational or tilting motion to the mirror pane (6), or to the mirror pane (6) and mirror head (4) when the mirror pane (6) and mirror head (4) are coupled together. In any case, the mirror housing (5) and mirror pane (6) always move in conjunction with the first actuator (12).

[0047] The first and second actuators (12, 13) are independently operable and are typically composed of electric motors.

[0048] Each of the first and second actuators (12, 13) has a fixed part (12a, 13a) and a movable part (12b, 13b) that is movable relative to the fixed part (12a, 13a). The fixed part (12a) of the first actuator (12) is fixed to the fixed part (2), and the movable part (12b) is fixed to the movable part (3) and the first part (11a) of the bracket (11). Next, the second part (11b) of the bracket (11) is coupled to the fixed part (13a) of the second actuator (13) which is located inside the mirror head (4), and the movable part (13b) of the second actuator (13) is coupled to the mirror pane (6).

[0049] Assembly (1) includes a bracket (11) having a first portion (11a) enclosed inside the movable part (3) and coupled or integrally formed with the movable part (12b) of the first actuator (12), and a second portion (11b) enclosed inside the mirror head (4) and coupled or integrally formed with the fixed part (13a) of the second actuator (13), wherein the mirror head (4) is attached to or supported by the movable part (3) by the bracket (11). The bracket (11) can cross the gap (7) as shown in Figure 2.

[0050] The mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) are each provided with an opening for the bracket (11) to pass through, and rubber gaskets (16) are fitted to these openings to prevent external elements such as water and dust from entering the inside of the mirror head (5) and the movable part (3).

[0051] The mirror pane (6) and the movable part (13b) of the second actuator (13) are directly attached to each other. Alternatively, the mirror pane (6) and the movable part (13b) are connected by a first intermediate coupling member such as a back plate (15), as shown in Figure 2B.

[0052] Preferably, the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to move in conjunction with the action provided by the first or second actuators (12, 13) without any relative movement between them. For example, they may be directly attached to each other. Alternatively, the mirror housing (5) and the mirror pane (6) may be connected by a second intermediate coupling member (17). In this case, attachment of the second actuator (13) to the movable part (13b) can be achieved by the following means: the mirror housing (5), the second intermediate coupling member (17), or the mirror pane (6). As an example, in Figure 2B, attachment of the second actuator (13) to the movable part (13b) is done via the second intermediate coupling member (17).

[0053] In an alternative embodiment where the mirror housing (5) and mirror pane (6) do not move together, the mirror housing (5) is then coupled to a bracket (11) or to a fixed component (13a) of the second actuator (13), and the mirror pane (6) is coupled to a movable component (13b) of the second actuator (13).

[0054] The movable part (3) is fitted with at least one electrical or electronic component, such as at least one camera (14), two cameras, or a lighting device, as in the embodiments shown in Figures 3A and 3B. Alternatively, the electrical or electronic component may also be provided in the mirror head (4) or on the same bracket (11).

[0055] By positioning the camera (14) or electrical / electronic component on the movable part (3) or bracket (11), the camera (14) or electrical / electronic component moves together with the mirror head (4) to a parking position that is less prone to damage, thereby improving the safety of the assembly. At the same time, when the mirror pane (6) moves in conjunction with the mirror housing (5), the camera (14) or electrical / electronic component moves only in accordance with the action of the first actuator (12) and not in accordance with the action of the second actuator (13) that adjusts the position of the mirror pane (6). Therefore, when it is necessary to adjust the position of the mirror pane (6), the proper working position of the camera (14) or electrical / electronic component does not change in the operating position.

[0056] The bracket (11) may be provided with an internal channel for routing wiring from the movable part (3) to the mirror head (4) for electrical connections to the second actuator (13) and other electrical devices within the mirror head (4) that require power and control signals for operation. This internal passage can be isolated from the surroundings to prevent water or dust from entering the interior of the mirror head or the movable part, which is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the assembly has a gap between the mirror head and the movable part, in which case the portion of the bracket in the gap is not protected by the movable part or the mirror housing.

[0057] The bracket (11) may be provided with fixing means for securing wiring along the bracket (11), particularly in embodiments where the movable part (3) is located inside the mirror head (4).

[0058] Since the bracket (11) is a non-moving element when the mirror head (4) can move due to the action of the second actuator (13), or when the mirror head (4) and movable part (3) move together due to the action of the first actuator (12), it is possible to prevent the wiring from twisting or getting caught on the mirror head (4) or movable part (3) by fixing the wiring to the bracket (11) or passing the wiring through the bracket (11).

[0059] The bracket (11) can be made from a metal material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or other suitable light metal or light metal alloy if it is necessary to support a heavy mirror head or if the mirror head needs to withstand strong aerodynamic forces, such as in a high-speed vehicle. Otherwise, the bracket (11) can be made from a suitable plastic material.

[0060] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the appended dependent claims and any combination thereof.

Claims

1. a fixing part (2) configured to be attached to an exterior part of a vehicle; a movable part (3) attached to the fixed part (2) and rotatable relative to the fixed part (2) around a first axis (X1); a mirror head (4) including a mirror housing (5) and a mirror pane (6); Preparation, the mirror head (4) is attached to the movable part (3) so that the mirror head (4) and the movable part (3) can rotate together around the first axis (X1); The mirror head (4) can tilt or rotate relative to the movable part (3) around a tilting point or a second axis (X2), the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2) are orthogonal to each other or are arranged relative to each other to define an angle in the range of 70° to 110°; the mirror head (4) is further adapted to tilt or rotate relative to the movable part (3) about a third axis (X3); the first axis (X1) and the third axis (X3) are parallel to each other or are arranged relative to each other to define an angle in the range of 340° to 20°; Exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicle (1)

2. 2. An external rearview mirror assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, configured such that a gap (7) is formed between the movable part (3) and the mirror head (4) to allow tilt or rotation of the mirror head (4).

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

4. The mirror head (4) has a lower extension (10), 2. The external rearview mirror assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the external rearview mirror assembly (1) is operably attached to a vehicle and, when viewed from the perspective of a driver operating the vehicle, a portion of the movable portion (3) is positioned rearward of the lower extension portion (10).

5. a first actuator (12) at least partially enclosed within said movable part (3) and adapted to impart a rotational movement to said movable part (3); a second actuator (13) enclosed within the mirror head (4) and adapted to impart to the mirror head (4) a tilting movement about a tilt point or a rotational movement about at least the second axis (X2); An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

6. An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first actuator (12) and the second actuator (13) are independently operable.

7. The device further includes a bracket (11) having a first portion (11a) and a second portion (11b), the first part (11a) is housed inside the movable part (3) and is connected to or integrally formed with the movable part (12b) of the first actuator (12); the second part (11b) is housed inside the mirror head (4) and is connected to or integrally formed with a fixed part (13a) of the second actuator (13); 6. An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said mirror head (4) is attached to said movable part (3) by said bracket (11).

8. An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein a portion of the bracket (11) crosses the gap (7).

9. 2. An external rearview mirror assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical or electronic component is housed inside the moving part (3) or the mirror head (4).

10. 8. An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein at least one electrical / electronic component is mounted on said bracket (11).

11. 2. The external rearview mirror assembly (1) of claim 1, wherein the movable portion (3) is configured to be rotatable about the first axis (X1) between an extended position in which the mirror head (4) can be positioned to provide a driver with a rearward view while driving the vehicle, and a parked position in which the mirror head (4) is folded toward the vehicle, when the external rearview mirror assembly (1) is operably mounted on the vehicle.

12. The mirror pane (6) has a first surface, a second surface and a periphery; the first surface is the surface closest to the driver when the exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) is operably mounted on the vehicle; 2. An exterior rearview mirror assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the peripheral edge of the mirror panel (6) is wholly or partially overlapped by the mirror housing (5), or alternatively is not overlapped by the mirror housing (5).

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