Mirror unit and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a mirror unit (1) with a mirror glass (2) and a display (3) arranged one behind the other. According to the present invention, the mirror unit 1 includes a flexible lighting unit 4 and a camera 5. The flexible lighting unit 4 is bendable from a rod-like position to a position that surrounds the mirror glass 2 and the display 3, and can return to the rod-like position. The camera 5 is integrated into the mirror glass 2 and / or the display 3.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mirror unit and a vehicle according to the characterizing part of the preamble of claim 1. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle mirror is known from the prior art, as described in Patent Document 1. The vehicle mirror comprises a mirror glass and an organic light-emitting display formed from two substrates and an OLED layer, the mirror glass at the same time forming one of the substrates of the OLED display.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes a vehicle lighting device with a flexible light guide, in which the light guide that guides light from a light source to the part of the vehicle to be illuminated is made of a flexible, transparent plastic having a thickness of at least 2 mm, and in this case the minimum allowable elastic bending radius of the light guide is at most 5 times its thickness.

[0004] Patent document 3 discloses a vehicle and a recording device for use inside the vehicle. The recording device includes a camera, an adjustment mechanism, a control unit, and also a voice recognition system for automatically controlling the start and stop of the recording terminal device by the driver of the vehicle. The control unit is provided for controlling the adjustment mechanism, which allows changing the angle of the camera relative to the vehicle's rearview mirror in which the camera is located.

[0005] From US Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0129999 a display with an integrated illuminator is known. An electronic device includes a camera facing a user for capturing video of the user and a display. The device further includes display illumination logic for identifying that the user is under-illuminated in the video and for reconfiguring a first section of the display as an illuminated area, reconfiguring a second section of the display as an illuminated area, and increasing the brightness of one or more pixels within the illuminated area.

[0006] Patent document 5 discloses an apparatus comprising a camera, a main display including a pixel array and an aperture adjacent to the pixel array, an auxiliary display, and an optical device including a reflective optical element and an actuator connected to the reflective optical element. The actuator is designed to switch the reflective optical element between a first configuration and a second configuration. The first configuration defines an optical path from the aperture to the camera, and the second configuration defines an optical path from the aperture to the auxiliary display.

[0007] Patent Document 6 describes an interior mirror assembly for a motor vehicle. The interior mirror assembly includes a selectively operable mirror system, a display integrated into the mirror system, and a sensor system for detecting ambient environment information in the form of measurement data. A selectively operable camera is provided, whose camera image is displayed on the display. The sensor system is selectively connected to the operable mirror system or the operable camera, so that the measurement data provides additional information to the mirror image or the camera image. A microphone, a speaker device, and a wireless radio interface are provided. The interior mirror assembly is detachable and can be used as a mobile communication unit even outside the vehicle. Patent Document 7 discloses a cone- or dome-shaped ring light with multiple light sources arranged at desired angles relative to the optical axis. The light sources are arranged on a flexible circuit board that is folded into a cone- or dome-shaped arrangement. The butting ends and sides of the folded circuit board are firmly attached or fixed to each other to permanently hold the flexible circuit board in its folded state. Patent Document 8 describes an integrated, foldable auxiliary lighting lamp including a base, a support rod, and a main body. One end of the support rod is movably connected to the base, and the other end of the support rod is connected to the main body. The main body includes a lamp upper part, connecting parts, and a lamp lower part. The lamp upper part and the lamp lower part are detachably connected by multiple connecting parts. The lamp lower part is rigidly connected to the support rod. Patent Document 9 discloses a multi-function auxiliary lighting device consisting of a ring-shaped lamp tube, a connecting rod, and a base. The ring-shaped lamp tube is inserted into the base through the connecting rod. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] DE10140689A1 [Patent Document 2] DE10236499A1 [Patent Document 3] CN209112091U [Patent Document 4] US2021 / 0118404A1 [Patent Document 5] US2021 / 0136291A1 [Patent Document 6] DE10043087B4 [Patent Document 7] US5920643A [Patent Document 8] CN211694638U [Patent Document 9] CN208044277U Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The problem on which the invention is based is to provide an improved mirror unit compared to the prior art and an improved vehicle compared to the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] This problem is solved according to the invention by a mirror unit with the features of claim 1 and a vehicle with the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] The mirror unit comprises a mirror glass and a display, i.e. a display unit, arranged one behind the other.

[0012] According to the present invention, the mirror unit comprises a flexible lighting unit and a camera. The lighting unit can be bent from a rod-like position to a position that surrounds the mirror glass and the display, and can return from that position to the rod-like position. For example, the lighting unit comprises one or more LEDs (light-emitting diodes) as light-emitting means. The camera is integrated into the mirror glass and / or the display.

[0013] The mirror glass is formed, for example, as a partially transparent mirror, also called a semi-transparent mirror or a two-way mirror, and is arranged in front of the display, or the mirror glass is arranged behind the display. The display is particularly formed as an OLED display. When the mirror glass is arranged behind the display, the display is formed to be transparent in the non-operating state. For example, the mirror glass forms the substrate of the display.

[0014] The mirror unit is particularly intended for use in a vehicle. A vehicle therefore has at least one such mirror unit. Here, for example, the mirror unit can be fixedly connected to a vehicle component or can be non-destructively removed from the vehicle component without tools and then placed back on the vehicle component, so that the mirror unit can also be used outside the vehicle. Vehicle components on which the mirror unit is or can be placed in the above-mentioned manner are, for example, sun visors or, particularly when used in the rear seats of a vehicle, the headrests or backs of the seat backs of the front seats. When used in the rear seats, the mirror unit can also be, for example, deployed and placed on the backs of the front seat backs or the center console.

[0015] The mirror unit according to the present invention can be used, on the one hand, as a normal mirror, for example, a cosmetic mirror, and, on the other hand, for taking photographs and videos. In particular, a person can take photographs and videos of themselves, so-called selfies. In this case, the lighting unit ensures very good lighting for both purposes, and in particular lighting in the form of a ring light for photography and videography. By installing it in a vehicle, shake-free photography is achieved, which is not possible with, for example, a handheld camera, such as a smartphone. The display and camera can also be used instead of the mirror glass for the mirror function, in particular the cosmetic mirror function. Advantageously, this also provides a magnifying and / or zoom function.

[0016] The solution according to the invention therefore comprises a variable ring light / mirror light in the form of a lighting unit and a mirror glass, which at the same time comprises a screen function and a camera function, so that in the operating state the mirror unit at the same time comprises a display with a fully integrated camera, in which case the flexible and elastically deformable lighting unit can completely surround the display, the mirror glass and the camera.

[0017] To operate the mirror unit according to the present invention, at least one operating unit and / or at least one operating interface for connecting to the at least one operating unit are provided. Thus, for example, the mirror unit can be operated and driven using an operating unit of the vehicle, for example, a so-called head unit, and / or using voice control, buttons, and / or gesture control, and / or via a connection to a so-called wearable, such as a smart watch and / or a mobile terminal device, for example, a computer, in particular a laptop or tablet and / or a smartphone. This allows, for example, the display and camera to be activated and deactivated, the recording function to be started and ended, and the zoom function of the camera to be controlled, for example. In particular, the operating interface also enables a connection to the vehicle's operating system and thus its operating components, and thus, for example, integration into the vehicle's user functions. Operation can take place within the vehicle, for example, via its operating elements, and outside the vehicle, via a device connected to the mirror unit in each case, for example, via a smartphone, smart watch, or computer.

[0018] In particular, by connection to a computer, in particular a laptop or tablet, and / or a smartphone, the mirror unit can also be used to carry out, for example, video conferences, where, for example, background effects can be adjusted so that the other party cannot discern the actual location of the person detected by the mirror unit's camera.

[0019] To bend the lighting unit, the mirror unit has, for example, a bending actuator, in particular an electromechanical bending actuator. The flexible lighting unit can then be driven and controlled by the bending actuator, allowing it to move around the periphery of the display and mirror glass and back again. For example, the lighting unit can be transformed from a horizontal starting position corresponding to known makeup mirror lighting into a ring-like shape, completely surrounding the periphery of the mirror glass and display, which are each formed, for example, in a circular, elliptical, or angular shape. This creates the perfect ring illumination required for optimal lighting in selfie photos and videos.

[0020] As already mentioned, the mirror unit also realizes an extension of the function of a conventional makeup mirror, since the integrated camera and display functions and the digital zoom also realize a magnifying function and image capture.Here too, if necessary, a lighting unit formed into a ring light or a rod-shaped, particularly horizontally oriented, starting position of the lighting unit can be used.

[0021] The lighting units are in particular configured to emit light of different colors and / or intensities and / or color temperatures, whereby the color and / or intensity, e.g. the flash function, and / or the color temperature can be adjusted, e.g. via the respective operating units mentioned above.

[0022] The mirror unit described above is therefore a combination of a cosmetic mirror, a magnifying glass, a photo / video camera, in particular for taking selfies, with optimal and flexible lighting, and can also be used for video conferencing, in particular by connecting to a computer, e.g., a laptop or tablet, and / or a smartphone. By being able to be installed in a vehicle, the user can keep both hands free to operate the computer or smartphone and simultaneously participate in a conference via video from the vehicle.

[0023] If the mirror unit can be removed from a vehicle component non-destructively without tools and re-installed on the vehicle component, it can also be used outside the vehicle in the manner described above, i.e., with the functions and advantages described above. In particular, for use outside the vehicle, the mirror unit has, for example, an electrically rechargeable energy storage unit and an energy transmission interface for connection to an electrical energy supply. The energy transmission interface can be, for example, a USB interface, in particular a USB-C interface, or an inductive interface. Both variations can also be provided. For example, inside the vehicle, the mirror unit can be connected to the vehicle's electrical onboard power grid via the energy transmission interface. Outside the vehicle, for example, connection to the energy supply grid via this energy transmission interface can be planned. If this is temporarily not possible, the energy supply can be ensured by an electrically rechargeable energy storage unit, in particular a battery.

[0024] For non-destructive installation in a vehicle without tools, the mirror unit may have, for example, a magnetic holder and / or a locking holder. The locking holder may be used to lock the mirror unit to, for example, a corresponding holding unit in the vehicle, and then release the lock from the holding unit. The magnetic holder may be used to attach the mirror unit to various corresponding magnetic surfaces in the vehicle and then remove it again. Furthermore, the magnetic holder may be used to attach the mirror unit to a corresponding magnetic surface outside the vehicle, such as a refrigerator, a charging station, fitness equipment, or other location.

[0025] For stable positioning outside the vehicle, a deployable and foldable stand device is alternatively or additionally provided. This is particularly advantageous when a suitable magnetic surface is not available at a suitable location. The stand device ensures a reliable standing position. For this purpose, the stand device may have, for example, a central pivot foot or two lateral pivot feet or three or more pivot feet. The stand device can be deployed and folded, for example, mechanically, in particular manually, or in other ways.

[0026] The mirror unit described above can thus be fully integrated into a vehicle and its functions, for example, as a replacement or upgrade for a vanity mirror, where the mirror function can also include photography and zoom / magnification functions, provide optimal lighting, particularly with a ring light, and provide operation inside and outside the vehicle, for example, via an application and / or voice control, both inside the vehicle using the corresponding device in the vehicle and outside the vehicle, for example, using a smartphone and / or computer. The stable arrangement achieved inside and outside the vehicle allows devices connected to the mirror unit, such as a smartphone or computer, to be used in parallel, for example, for video conferencing and / or computer work. The ability to remove the mirror unit from the vehicle and re-install it in a new vehicle non-destructively without tools also allows for universal use, not limited to the vehicle.

[0027] To achieve optimal lighting, the mirror unit has, for example, a ball joint to which, for example, a magnetic holder and / or a locking holder and / or a stand device is connected, so that the display, the camera and the mirror glass can be pivoted relative to the magnetic holder and / or the locking holder and / or the stand device.

[0028] The camera has an image stabilization function, in particular to compensate for movements that may occur despite the above-mentioned stable arrangement of the mirror unit.

[0029] For example, the mirror unit, and in particular the camera and imaging system of the mirror unit, also has a memory function and / or a profile storage function.

[0030] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1]1 shows a schematic view of a sun visor of a vehicle and a mirror unit arranged in the sun visor, the mirror unit having a mirror glass and a display arranged in tandem, and also having a camera and a flexible lighting unit in a rod-like position. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic view of a sun visor with a mirror unit and an illumination unit of the mirror unit in a transition position. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic view of a sun visor with a mirror unit and an illumination unit of the mirror unit in a position surrounding the mirror glass and the display. [Figure 4] 1 shows diagrammatically different possible arrangements of the mirror unit inside and outside the vehicle; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate corresponding parts.

[0033] In the following, a mirror unit 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. On the one hand, this mirror unit 1 can be used as a normal mirror, for example a makeup mirror, and on the other hand, it can also be used for taking photos and videos, and for example for video conferencing.

[0034] To achieve this, the mirror unit 1 comprises a mirror glass 2 and a display 3 arranged one after the other, and the mirror unit 1 further comprises a flexible lighting unit 4 and a camera 5 .

[0035] The mirror glass 2 is formed, for example, as a partially transparent mirror also called a semi-transparent mirror or a one-way mirror, and is arranged in front of the display 3 as viewed from the user, or the mirror glass 2 is arranged behind the display as viewed from the user. The display 3 is particularly formed as an OLED display. When the mirror glass 2 is arranged behind the display 3, the display 3 is formed to be transparent in a non-operating state. For example, the mirror glass 2 forms a substrate of the display 3.

[0036] In particular, the camera 5 is integrated into the mirror glass 2 and / or the display 3, i.e. the camera 5 is arranged at least partially in a recess provided for the camera 5. Alternatively, the camera can also be arranged, for example, on the rear side of the display 3 and / or the mirror glass 2, with the optical axis of the camera 5 then running through the display 3 and / or the mirror glass 2. For this purpose too, a corresponding recess can be provided in the display 3 and / or the mirror glass 2, if necessary, and / or the display 3 and / or the mirror glass 2 are made transparent for this purpose in the region of this optical axis in the direction of the camera 5.

[0037] The lighting unit 4 has, for example, one or more LEDs (light emitting diodes) as light emitting means. The lighting unit 4 is bendable from a rod-shaped position to a position surrounding the mirror glass 2 and the display 3 and back again. FIGS. 1 to 3 exemplarily show the bending of the lighting unit 4 from the rod-shaped position shown in FIG. 1 to the position surrounding the mirror glass 2 and the display 3 shown in FIG. 3. The bending movement is diagrammatically shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 by the bending movement arrow BP. FIG. 2 shows the lighting unit 4 in a dashed line in the rod-shaped starting position and in a solid line in the transition state to the position surrounding the mirror glass 2 and the display 3.

[0038] The mirror unit 1 is intended to be used in particular in a vehicle 6, as exemplarily shown in Figures 1 to 3, where, for clarity, only the vehicle component 7 formed as a sun visor of the vehicle 6, in which the mirror unit 1 is arranged, is shown respectively.

[0039] The vehicle 6 therefore has at least one such mirror unit 1. In this case, the mirror unit 1 can, for example, be fixedly connected to a vehicle component 7. Alternatively, the mirror unit 1 can be removed from the vehicle component 7 non-destructively and without tools and placed back on the vehicle component 7, for example as exemplarily shown in Figure 4. This allows the mirror unit 1 to also be used outside the vehicle 6, for example by placing it on an at least substantially horizontal base 8 or on a vertical or inclined surface 9, in the example shown the housing of a refrigerator.

[0040] A vehicle component 7 in which the mirror unit 1 is arranged in the vehicle 6 or on which the mirror unit 1 can be arranged in the above-mentioned manner is, for example, a sun visor as shown here by way of example, or the headrest or back of the seat back of the front seat, particularly in the case of use in the rear seat of the vehicle 6. In the case of use in the rear seat, the mirror unit 1 can also be arranged, for example, deployably in the back of the front seat or in the center console.

[0041] As already explained, the above-described mirror unit 1 can be used on the one hand as a normal mirror, for example a cosmetic mirror, and on the other hand for taking photos and videos and for conducting video conferences. Using the mirror unit 1, a person, i.e., the user of the mirror unit 1, can take photos and videos of themselves, so-called selfies, in particular. Depending on whether the mirror unit 1 is fixedly arranged in the vehicle 6 or can be non-destructively and without tools removed from the vehicle 6 and then installed again in the vehicle 6, the mirror unit 1 can be used for these functions only inside the vehicle 6 or both inside and outside the vehicle 6.

[0042] The lighting unit 4 ensures very good lighting for both purposes, i.e., for the mirror function and for the filming function with the camera 5, in particular in the form of a ring light for photography and videography, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. By mounting it in the vehicle 6, shake-free filming is achieved, which is not possible with a handheld smartphone, for example. The display 3 and camera 5 can also be used instead of the mirror glass 2 for the mirror function, in particular for the vanity mirror function. Advantageously, this also provides a magnifying and / or zoom function.

[0043] To operate the mirror unit 1, in particular at least one operating unit is provided, for example in the form of one or more buttons and / or at least one operating interface for connection to the at least one operating unit. Thus, for example, the mirror unit 1 can be operated and driven via an operating unit of the vehicle 6, for example via a so-called head unit and / or via voice control and / or via a connection to a so-called wearable, for example a smart watch and / or a mobile terminal device, for example a computer, in particular a laptop or a tablet and / or a smartphone. This allows, for example, to activate and deactivate the display 3 and the camera 5, to start and stop the recording function and to operate, for example, the zoom function of the camera 5.

[0044] In particular, the operating interface also enables a connection to the operating system of the vehicle 6 and thus to its operating components, and thus for example an integration into the user functions of the vehicle 6. Operation can take place in the vehicle 6, for example via its operating elements, and outside the vehicle 6 via a device respectively connected to the mirror unit 1, for example via a smartphone, a smartwatch or a computer. Alternatively, operation can also take place in the vehicle 6 via a device respectively connected to the mirror unit 1, for example via a smartphone, a smartwatch or a computer.

[0045] In particular, by connecting to a computer, in particular a laptop or tablet, and / or a smartphone, the mirror unit 1 can also be used to carry out, for example, the aforementioned video conferences, in which case, for example, background effects can be adjusted so that the other party cannot discern the actual location of the person detected by the camera 5 of the mirror unit 1.

[0046] To bend the lighting unit 4, the mirror unit 1 includes, for example, a bending actuator, in particular an electromechanical bending actuator. The flexible lighting unit 4 can then be driven and controlled by the bending actuator, allowing it to move around the periphery of the display 3 and mirror glass 2 and back again. For example, the lighting unit 4 can be deformed from a horizontal starting position shown in FIG. 1 , which corresponds to known makeup mirror lighting, into a ring-like shape, completely surrounding the mirror glass 2 and display 3, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . This results in a perfect ring illumination, which is required for optimal illumination in selfie photos and videos. The mirror glass 2 and display 3 can each be formed, for example, circular, as in the illustrated example, or can also be formed, for example, elliptical or angular.

[0047] As already mentioned, the mirror unit 1 also realizes an extension of the conventional makeup mirror function, since the integrated camera and display functions and the digital zoom also realize a magnifying function and image capture.Here too, if necessary, a ring-shaped lighting unit 4 or a rod-shaped, in particular horizontally oriented, starting position of the lighting unit 4 can be used.

[0048] The lighting unit 4 is in particular configured to emit light of different colors and / or intensities and / or color temperatures, whereby the color and / or intensities, e.g. the flash function and / or color temperature, can be adjusted, for example, via the respective operating units mentioned above, i.e., for example, by means of one or more operating units of the mirror unit 1 and / or by means of one or more operating units of the vehicle 6 and / or by means of a device respectively connected to the mirror unit 1, for example a smartphone or a computer, in particular a laptop or tablet.

[0049] The mirror unit 1 described above is therefore a combination of a makeup mirror, a magnifying glass, a photo / video camera, in particular for taking selfies, with optimal and flexible lighting, and can also be used for video conferencing, in particular by connecting to a computer, e.g., a laptop or tablet, and / or a smartphone. By being mounted in the vehicle 6, the user's hands are free to operate the computer or smartphone and simultaneously participate in a conference via video from the vehicle 6.

[0050] If the mirror unit 1 can be removed from the vehicle component 7 non-destructively without tools and placed back on the vehicle component 7, it can also be used outside the vehicle 6 in the manner described above, i.e. with the functions and advantages obtained thereby, as suggested in Figure 4. In particular, for use outside the vehicle 6, the mirror unit 1 has, for example, an electrically rechargeable energy storage unit and an energy transmission interface 10 for connection to an electrical energy supply, as shown schematically on the right side of Figure 4. Here, the rear view of the vehicle component 7 and the mirror unit 1 placed thereon is shown.

[0051] The energy transmission interface 10 may be, for example, a USB interface, in particular a USB-C interface, as shown here diagrammatically, or an inductive interface. Both variants may also be provided. For example, the mirror unit 1 can be connected to the vehicle's 6 electrical onboard power grid via the energy transmission interface 10 in the vehicle 6. For this purpose, the vehicle component 7 has an interface counterpart corresponding to the energy transmission interface 10 of the mirror unit 1, so that the mirror unit 1 can be connected to this interface counterpart. For example, the energy transmission interface 10 may simultaneously be an operating interface, in particular a data transmission interface, of the mirror unit 1, so that the mirror unit 1 is also operated by the vehicle 6 via the energy transmission interface 10. Alternatively or additionally, the operating interface, in particular the data transmission interface, may be, for example, a cable-free interface, in particular a wireless transmission interface. This is particularly advantageous for connecting the mirror unit 1 to a smartphone and / or a computer, in particular a laptop or tablet.

[0052] Outside the vehicle 6, a connection to an energy supply network can be provided, for example, via the energy transmission interface 10 of the mirror unit 1. If it is temporarily not possible to connect an external energy supply to the energy transmission interface 10 of the mirror unit 1, the energy supply of the mirror unit 1 is ensured by an electrically rechargeable energy store, in particular a battery, of the mirror unit itself, which is charged when connected to an external electrical energy supply.

[0053] For tool-free, non-destructive mounting in the vehicle 6, the mirror unit 1 has, for example, a magnetic holder and / or a locking holder. Using the locking holder, the mirror unit can be locked, for example, to a corresponding holding unit provided in the vehicle 6 and can be unlocked again from the holding unit. Using the magnetic holder, the mirror unit can be attached to various corresponding magnetic surfaces in the vehicle 6 and can be detached again. Furthermore, using the magnetic holder, the mirror unit can also be attached to a corresponding magnetic surface 9 outside the vehicle 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, or to a refrigerator, or to a charging station, fitness equipment or other location.

[0054] For stable positioning outside the vehicle 6, a deployable and foldable stand device 11 is alternatively or additionally provided, for example as shown in Fig. 4. This is particularly advantageous if a suitable magnetic surface 9 is not provided at a suitable location. The stand device 11 ensures reliable standing on a substantially horizontal base 8. For this purpose, the stand device has, for example, three pivot legs 12, as shown in Fig. 4, or in other embodiments a central pivot leg 12 or two lateral pivot legs 12 or more than three pivot legs 12. The stand device 11 can be deployed and folded mechanically, in particular manually, or in other ways, for example as indicated by the dashed folding arrow KP in Fig. 4.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows exemplary possibilities that arise when a mirror unit 1 can be removed from a vehicle 6 non-destructively and without tools and placed back in the vehicle. On the left side of FIG. 4, the mirror unit 1 is placed in the vehicle 6 and is attached to a vehicle component 7, which is here configured as a sun visor. For use outside the vehicle 6, the mirror unit can be removed from this vehicle component 7 non-destructively and without tools and attached to a magnetic surface 9, in the illustrated example, a refrigerator, for example, using a magnet holder on the mirror unit itself, as shown at the bottom of FIG. 4, or can be placed on a horizontal base 8, as shown in the second diagram at the top of FIG. 4. For this purpose, the stand device 11 of the mirror unit 1 is unfolded, and the mirror unit 1 is then positioned on the horizontal base 8.

[0056] When the mirror unit 1 is to be used again in the vehicle 6, it is either removed from the magnetic surface 9, in the illustrated example, from a refrigerator, or lifted again from the horizontal base 8, and the stand device 11 is folded again, as shown in the third view at the top of FIG. 4. The mirror unit 1 is then attached again to the vehicle component 7 of the vehicle 6 without tools, as shown on the right side of the vehicle 4 as a view of the rear of the vehicle component 7 configured as a sun visor and the mirror unit 1. Preferably, the energy transmission interface 10 of the mirror unit 1 is connected to a corresponding interface of the vehicle 6, so that the electrical energy supply of the mirror unit 1 is ensured via the vehicle 6, and, for example, the energy storage of the mirror unit 1 is also charged. Furthermore, the mirror unit 1 can also be connected to an operating element of the vehicle 6 via this energy transmission interface 10. In this case, this energy transmission interface 10 is simultaneously the operating interface of the mirror unit 1. Alternatively, the mirror unit 1 can be connected to the operating element of the vehicle 6 without cables, in particular wirelessly.

[0057] The mirror unit 1 described above can thus be fully integrated into the vehicle 6 and its functions, for example as a replacement or upgrade for a vanity mirror, with the mirror function also being able to use photography and zoom / magnifying functions, providing optimal lighting, in particular by means of a ring light, and operation inside and outside the vehicle 6, for example via an application and / or voice control, both inside the vehicle 6 using corresponding devices in the vehicle 6 and outside the vehicle 6, for example, using a smartphone and / or computer. The stable arrangement achieved inside and outside the vehicle 6 allows devices connected to the mirror unit 1, such as a smartphone or computer, to be used in parallel, for example for video conferencing and / or computer work. The ability to remove the mirror unit 1 from the vehicle 6 non-destructively and without tools and to re-install it in the vehicle 6 also allows for universal use, without being limited to the vehicle 6.

[0058] To achieve optimal orientation of the mirror unit 1 outside and / or inside the vehicle 6, the mirror unit 1 can have, for example, a ball joint, which allows the mirror unit 1 to be swiveled in any direction. For example, a magnet holder and / or a locking holder and / or a stand device 11 is connected to this ball joint, so that the display 3, the camera 5 and the mirror glass 2 can be swiveled relative to the magnet holder and / or the locking holder and / or the stand device 11.

[0059] The camera 5 has an image stabilization function, in particular to compensate for movements that may occur despite the above-mentioned stable arrangement of the mirror unit 1.

[0060] For example, the mirror unit 1, and in particular the camera 5 and the photographing system of the mirror unit 1, also have a memory function and / or a profile storage function.

Claims

1. A mirror unit (1) comprising a mirror glass (2) and a display (3), the mirror glass (2) and the display (3) being arranged in tandem, a flexible lighting unit (4) that can be bent from a rod-like position to a position that surrounds the mirror glass (2) and the display (3) and can return to the rod-like position; a camera (5) integrated into the mirror glass (2) and / or the display (3); The mirror unit (1) is characterized by:

2. Mirror unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by at least one operating unit and / or at least one operating interface for connecting to at least one operating unit.

3. 3. The mirror unit (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a bending actuator for bending the illumination unit (4).

4. 4. Mirror unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the lighting unit (4) is formed in particular to emit light of different colors and / or intensities and / or color temperatures.

5. 5. A mirror unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by an electrically rechargeable energy store and an energy transmission interface (10) for connection to an electrical energy supply.

6. Mirror unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a magnet holder and / or a locking holder.

7. 7. A mirror unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by a deployable and foldable stand device (11).

8. A vehicle (6) equipped with a mirror unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mirror unit (1) is fixedly connected to a vehicle component (7) or can be removed from the vehicle component (7) non-destructively without tools and can be repositioned on the vehicle component (7).

Images