Vanity mirror with lighting function and car sun visor

Abstract

To provide a vanity mirror having both lighting and power-saving effect.SOLUTION: A vanity mirror with a lighting function having an open state and a closed state is provided on a car sun visor, and includes: a fixed section having a mirror surface; a power storage unit, an open state detection element for determining whether the vanity mirror is turned to the open state; a detection circuit which is energized from the power storage unit while the vanity mirror is in the open state; a movable section; and a light source provided near the mirror surface and providing an illumination function. The detection circuit determines an angle or distance difference between the fixed section and the movable section, and determines whether the vanity mirror is in the open state based on a determination result. In the open state, the light source determines light emission necessity and / or intensity of light emission based on the detection result of the detection circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vanity mirror with a lighting function, and particularly to a vanity mirror that activates or determines the lighting function according to the open / closed state of the vanity mirror.

Background Art

[0002] A vehicle vanity mirror provided between the windshield and the driver is now an essential piece of in-vehicle equipment. The vanity mirror not only blocks sunlight but is also used to tidy up the driver's appearance. However, when sunlight is blocked, the image reflected in the vanity mirror becomes relatively dark, and details become invisible. Therefore, when using the mirror, auxiliary lighting is often required to fully utilize the function of the mirror. However, the power supply for the lighting uses the vehicle battery. For example, if the auxiliary lighting is accidentally left on and the vehicle is parked for a long time, the power of the vehicle battery may be consumed by the auxiliary lighting for a long time, reducing the remaining amount and preventing the vehicle from starting. Alternatively, if the vehicle is left in the sun for a long time and the auxiliary lighting is used in addition, the temperature inside the vehicle may rise, causing malfunctions.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a vanity mirror that combines lighting and power-saving effects and can significantly improve the quality and reliability during use.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a vanity mirror with an illumination function that blocks ambient light from a car window, solves the aforementioned problems, and also has an energy-saving effect. The vanity mirror with an illumination function includes an open state and a closed state. The vanity mirror comprises a fixed part having a mirror surface, a movable part having an angle or distance difference with respect to the fixed part, an energy storage unit, an open state detection element that determines whether the vanity mirror is in an open state and, according to the result, determines whether the vanity mirror is in an open or closed state, a detection circuit that is energized from the energy storage unit when the vanity mirror is in an open state, and a light source that provides illumination energy for the mirror surface, and in the open state, determines whether or not to emit light and / or the intensity of the emitted light based on the detection result of the detection circuit.

[0005] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit may include a battery, another electrical storage element, or another element that combines the functions of energy storage and power generation (for example, a solar cell). The open state detection element may be composed of a detection element that detects the angle or distance difference between the mirror and the fixed part, such as a Hall sensor or a proximity detection element.

[0006] In the above embodiment, when the vanity mirror is open, the energy storage unit supplies power to the detection circuit. When the vanity mirror is closed, the energy storage unit turns off the light source.

[0007] Furthermore, in addition to the vanity mirror described above, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a car sun visor that is fixed to the vehicle body by a ceiling suction fixing part and has a lighting function, comprising a car sun visor body having a receiving part, and a vanity mirror assembly having a splice socket and a vanity mirror, wherein the splice socket engages with the receiving part and is provided to magnetically attract the vanity mirror, and the vanity mirror is magnetically attached to the splice socket and comprises a fixed part having a mirror surface, a movable part having an angle or distance difference with respect to the fixed part, a power storage unit, an open state detection element that determines the angle or distance difference between the fixed part and the movable part and determines whether the vanity mirror is in an open state or a closed state based on the determination result, a detection circuit which is energized from the power storage unit when the vanity mirror is in an open state, and a light source which provides lighting energy for the mirror surface and determines whether or not to light up and / or the intensity of the light emission based on the detection result of the detection circuit when the vanity mirror is in an open state.

[0008] In one embodiment, the vanity mirror assembly has a retractable and rotatable mechanism between it and the car sun visor body, and the vanity mirror assembly performs both retractable and rotatable movements relative to the car sun visor simultaneously by the retractable and rotatable mechanism.

[0009] The following examples illustrate the purpose, technical content, features, and technical effects of the present invention in detail to facilitate understanding. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagrams of the open and closed states of a vanity mirror in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Schematic diagrams of the open and closed states of a vanity mirror in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of a vanity mirror in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the circuit design in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A]A schematic diagram of a car sun visor with lighting function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] A schematic diagram of a car sun visor with lighting function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] A schematic diagram showing a retractable and rotatable mechanism between a vanity mirror and a car sun visor body in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] A schematic diagram showing a retractable and rotatable mechanism between a vanity mirror and a car sun visor body in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6C] A schematic diagram showing a retractable and rotatable mechanism between a vanity mirror and a car sun visor body in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The drawings of this invention are schematic representations intended to show the interrelationships of each component and part that makes up the circuit, and the shapes and dimensions are not drawn to scale. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a vanity mirror 10 with a lighting function that blocks ambient light from a car window, solves the aforementioned problems, and also has an energy-saving effect. In one embodiment, the vanity mirror 10 with a lighting function includes an open state (as shown in Figure 1, there is a rotation angle or distance difference between the fixed part 10a and the movable part 10b) and a closed state (as shown in Figure 2, the fixed part 10a and the movable part 10b are in surface contact). The vanity mirror 10 is connected to a car sun visor and includes a fixed part 10a including a mirror surface 14, a power storage unit 11 provided in the fixed part 10a of the vanity mirror 10, and an open state detection element 12 that determines whether the movable part 10b has rotated to the open state. Here, the open state detection element 12, as an example, is configured to include a Hall sensor 121 and a magnet 122, as shown in Figure 1, and is positioned on two relative rotatable parts of the vanity mirror 10 (a fixed part 10a and a movable part 10b), to determine the angle A between the movable part 10b and the fixed part 10a (or mirror surface 14) (in other embodiments, for example, if the movable part 10b is extended from the fixed part 10a, the open state detection element 12 determines the distance difference) and whether it is in an open state. The vanity mirror 10 further includes a detection circuit 13 which is energized from the energy storage unit 11 when the vanity mirror 10 is in the open state and activated to detect the surrounding conditions of the vanity mirror 10; a mirror surface 14 provided on the fixed part 10a; and a light source 15 provided near the mirror surface 14 for providing illumination energy to the mirror surface 14, which, in the open state, determines whether or not to emit light and / or the intensity of the emitted light based on the detection result of the detection circuit 13.

[0012] Figures 1 and 2 schematically show the arrangement of the fixed part 10a (where the energy storage unit 11, detection circuit 13, and mirror surface 14 are located) and the movable part 10b in the vanity mirror 10. Some of these elements can be replaced as needed. For example, the energy storage unit 11, detection circuit 13, and mirror surface 14 may be located on the movable part 10b. The user can adjust these arrangements as needed.

[0013] In one embodiment, the energy storage unit 11 may include a battery, another electrical storage element, or another element that combines energy storage and power generation functions (e.g., a solar cell). The vanity mirror 10 (and the energy storage unit 11 within it) of the present invention is not electrically directly connected to the vehicle's battery or generator. If the energy storage unit 11 is a commercially available conventional battery, the user can easily replace the energy storage unit 11 to maintain the normal operation of the vanity mirror 10's lighting function. Furthermore, this design can reduce power consumption due to long-term lighting, which has been a problem in the prior art, and can prevent malfunctions.

[0014] The vanity mirror 10 described above has a movable part 10b that can rotate from bottom to top so that when it is open, the mirror surface 14 faces the driver. According to the present invention, in addition to the form in which the movable part 10b rotates to the open state described above, the movable part 10b may also be designed to pull the mirror surface 14 downward from the vanity mirror 10 (not shown), so that after the movable part 10b is pulled out, the mirror surface 14 faces the driver directly. In either form, when the movable part 10b of the vanity mirror 10 is in the open state, the open state detection element 12 can determine that it is open. The open state detection element 12 can be composed of a sensor element that detects the angle A or distance difference between the movable part 10 and the fixed part 10a. For example, the Hall sensor or proximity sensor shown in Figure 1, or any other design such as other electrical, optical, or mechanical sensors are possible.

[0015] Furthermore, the arrangement of each element in the vanity mirror is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. For example, referring to Figure 3, the vanity mirror 20 is designed so that the fixed part 10a includes a power storage unit 11, a Hall sensor 121, and a detection circuit 13, and the movable part 10b includes a mirror surface 14, a light source 15, and a magnet 122.

[0016] In the above embodiment, first, the open state detection element 12 determines whether the movable part 10b is in an open or closed state. If the vanity mirror 10 is in an open state, the energy storage unit 11 supplies power to the light source 15. If the vanity mirror 10 is in a closed state, the energy storage unit 11 does not supply power to the light source 15. Therefore, energy consumption of the light source 15 can be saved.

[0017] In one embodiment, the detection circuit 13 optionally includes at least one of the ambient light sensor 131, proximity sensor 132, and contact sensor 133. The vanity mirror 10, when in the open state, determines whether or not light is emitted and the intensity of the emitted light based on the detection result of at least one element of the detection circuit 13. If the ambient light sensor detects that the ambient light exceeds a predetermined light intensity, or if the proximity sensor detects the approach of an object, the light source 15 is turned off or the light intensity of the light source 15 is reduced.

[0018] In one embodiment, detection of ambient light intensity by the ambient light sensor 131 and detection of approaching objects by the proximity sensor may be used in combination. For example, the emission of light from the light source 15 and the intensity of the emission can be determined by the maximum value of the detection values ​​of the ambient light sensor 13 and the proximity sensor 132, the minimum value of the detection values ​​of the ambient light sensor and the proximity sensor, the average value of the detection values ​​of the ambient light sensor and the proximity sensor, or by prioritizing the detection value of the ambient light sensor (e.g., giving it a higher weight or proportion) or by prioritizing the detection value of the proximity sensor (e.g., giving it a higher weight or proportion). The user can determine the desired combination of determinations as needed. This embodiment is illustrative and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] The various combinations of determinations described above can be realized by software or hardware calculations. For example, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the circuits of an open state detection element 12, a detection circuit 13, and a light source 15 in one embodiment of the present invention. The open state detection element 12 controls the connection of the voltage Vin of the energy storage unit 11 to the ambient light sensor 131, proximity sensor 132, and contact sensor 133 of the detection circuit 13 using switches Q1, Q2, and Q3. The detection results from the ambient light sensor 131, proximity sensor 132, and contact sensor 133 are transmitted to the control unit MCU. Based on each detection result, the control unit MCU determines whether the light source 15 is emitting light or the intensity of the light emission. For example, the presence or absence of light emission or the intensity of light emission of the light source 15 is determined based on the maximum value among the detection values ​​of the ambient light sensor 131 and proximity sensor 132 (for example, the detection results of the ambient light sensor 131 and proximity sensor 132 are output to a node in the same control unit MCU and the maximum value among them is directly acquired).

[0020] In the above embodiment, the determination is automatically made based on the detection values of the ambient light sensor 131 and the proximity sensor 132. However, the situation inside the vehicle may not be predicted, and there may be cases where the user needs to adjust the usage status of the light source 15 by themselves. Therefore, in another embodiment, in the open state, the determination of whether the light source 15 emits light and the intensity of the emitted light, or the adjustment of the emission intensity of the light source 15 (for example, the emission intensity is in a state determined by the detection values of the ambient light sensor 131 and the proximity sensor 132) can be adjusted according to any one of the number of contacts detected by the touch sensor 133, the length of time, the interval between two contacts, or a combination of these. For example, when the number of contacts is large, the emission intensity of the light source 15 is increased. Also, for example, when the interval between two contacts is long, the emission intensity of the light source 15 is decreased. Also, for example, a specific emission intensity, etc. is determined by a specific combination of the number of contacts, the length of time, and the time interval. Also, for example, it can be switched between a cool-color light and a warm-color light, or between dark and bright, according to a specific number of contacts, time, and the interval between two contacts. Also, for example, the emission time can be extended or shortened according to a specific number of contacts, time, and the interval between two contacts. In this way, the user can design a common touch control form according to their needs.

[0021] In addition to the vanity mirror described above, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the present invention further provides a car sun visor 50 equipped with a lighting function. The car sun visor 50 is fixed to the vehicle body by a ceiling suction fixing part 51 and comprises a car sun visor body 52 having a receiving part 521 (in a recess in the car sun visor body 52) and a vanity mirror assembly 53 having a splice socket 531 and a vanity mirror 532. The splice socket 531 engages with the receiving part 521 (fixed by the engagement of engaging parts 1 and 2) and is provided to magnetically attract the vanity mirror 532 (by attraction between magnetic attraction parts 1 and 2). Referring to the elements and drawings of the vanity mirror 10 in the above embodiment, the vanity mirror 532 according to this embodiment has a mirror surface 14 and includes a fixed part 10a that is magnetically attached to the splice socket 531 (by attraction between magnetic adsorption parts 1 and 2), a movable part 10b that has an angle A or distance difference with respect to the fixed part 10a, a power storage unit 11, an open state detection element 12 that determines the angle A or distance difference between the fixed part 10a and the movable part 10b and determines whether the vanity mirror 532 is in an open state or a closed state based on the determination result, a detection circuit 13 that is energized from the power storage unit 11 when the vanity mirror 532 is in an open state, and a light source 15 that provides illumination energy for the mirror surface 14, and in the open state, the light source 15 determines whether or not to emit light and / or the light emission intensity based on the detection result of the detection circuit 13. For details on the open and closed states of the vanity mirror 532, please refer to the description of the above embodiment, and a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0022] Regarding the engaging parts 1 and 2, their mode of operation is to engage the splice socket 531 and the receiving part 521 by means of a thrust force, and to separate the splice socket 531 and the receiving part 521 by means of a tensile force. Regarding the magnetic adsorption parts 1 and 2, their mode of operation is to magnetically adsorb the splice socket 531 and the vanity mirror 532 by means of a magnetic attraction force. Alternatively, press to separate the splice socket 531 and the vanity mirror 532. That is, the splice socket 531 and the vanity mirror 532 are separated by reducing the adsorption force of the magnet. The engaging parts 1 and 2 and the magnetic adsorption parts 1 and 2 detach the vanity mirror 532 with a relatively large force for maintenance and battery replacement, but are designed to maintain the engagement state between the splice socket 531 and the receiving part 521 during daily use.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 6A, in the embodiment, there is an ejectable and rotatable mechanism 533 between the vanity mirror 532 and the car sun visor main body 52, and the vanity mirror 532 can be ejected and rotated with respect to the car sun visor main body 52 by the ejectable and rotatable mechanism 533. The operations of ejection and rotation may or may not be simultaneous. The rotation angle may be adjusted according to the needs of the user or may be a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle may be, for example, 90 degrees, but is not limited thereto. The ejected and rotated vanity mirror 532 has, for example, a direction of the mirror surface 14 mainly in the vertical direction between it and the car sun visor main body 52, giving the user many options.

[0024] Also, when the user finishes using the vanity mirror 532, for example, by simply pushing the vanity mirror 532 towards the car sun visor main body 52, the vanity mirror 532 is pushed into the splice socket 531 (FIG. 6B), and at the same time, the vanity mirror 532 rotates in the reverse direction, so that the vanity mirror 532 is accommodated in the car sun visor main body 52.

[0025] The above-described ejection and rotation mechanism 533 is basically a movable structure that has both rotational and ejection movements as one of its main functions. Referring to Figure 6C, the rotational structure 533 is composed of a cylinder 5331 with a helical groove, a spring 5332, and a cylinder 5333 with a protruding block. These three elements are mounted coaxially, and the protruding block is fitted into the helical groove. In this way, when the vanity mirror 532 is ejected or the car sun visor body 52 is pushed in, the rotational movements shown in Figures 6A and 6B can be performed simultaneously.

[0026] In one embodiment, the retractable rotating structure 533 between the vanity mirror 532 and the car sun visor body 52 may expose the power storage unit 11 to facilitate battery replacement. The present invention has been described above in relation to embodiments, but the above is intended to make it easier for those skilled in the art to understand the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the rights of the present invention. To the extent that it does not deviate from the spirit of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications, and such modifications are also included in the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0027] 10, 20: Vanity mirror 10a: Fixed part 10b: Moving part 11: Energy storage unit 12: Open state detection elements 121: Hall sensor 122: Magnet 13: Detection circuit 131: Ambient light sensor 132: Proximity sensor 133: Contact Sensor 14: Mirror surface 15: Light source 50: Car sun visor 51: Ceiling suction fixing part 52: Car sun visor body 53: Vanity Mirror Assembly 531: Splice socket 532: Vanity Mirror 533: Retractable and rotatable mechanism 5331, 5333: Cylinder 5332: Spring MCU: Control Unit Q1, Q2, Q3: Switch Vin: Voltage

Claims

1. A car sun visor with a lighting function, which is fixed to the vehicle body by a ceiling suction mounting part and is configured to block ambient light from the car window, A car sun visor body having a receiving part, A vanity mirror assembly comprising a splice socket and a vanity mirror, wherein the splice socket engages with the receiving portion and is magnetically attracted to the vanity mirror, The aforementioned vanity mirror is A fixing part that is magnetically attracted to the splice socket, A movable part having a mirror surface and having an angle or distance difference between the fixed part and the mirror surface, Energy storage unit, An open state detection element that determines the angle or distance difference between the fixed part and the mirror surface, and determines whether the mirror surface is in an open or closed state based on the determination result, When the vanity mirror is in the open state, the power storage unit is powered by a detection circuit, A car sun visor with an illumination function, comprising a light source that provides illumination energy to the mirror surface, and in the open state, the light source determines whether or not to emit light and the intensity of the emitted light based on the detection result of the detection circuit.

2. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 1, wherein a retractable and rotatable mechanism is provided between the vanity mirror and the car sun visor body, and the vanity mirror performs a retractable and rotatable operation relative to the car sun visor body by the retractable and rotatable mechanism.

3. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 1, wherein the vanity mirror is not electrically connected directly to the vehicle's battery or generator.

4. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 1, wherein the detection circuit comprises at least one of an ambient light sensor, a proximity sensor, and a contact sensor.

5. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 4, wherein the light source determines whether or not to emit light and the intensity of the emitted light based on the detection result of at least one of the sensors.

6. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 4, wherein, in the open state, the ambient light sensor detects that the ambient light exceeds a predetermined light intensity, or the proximity sensor detects that an object is nearby, the light emission of the light source is turned off or the light emission intensity of the light source is reduced.

7. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 4, wherein in the open state, the light emission or light emission intensity of the light source is determined or adjusted according to the number of contacts detected by the contact sensor, the duration of contact, the interval between two contacts, or any combination thereof.

8. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 1, wherein the open state detection element includes a Hall sensor or a proximity sensor.

9. The car sun visor with lighting function according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage unit turns off the light source when closed.

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