A motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit and assembly

Abstract

The motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit (100) comprises a housing (110) a reflective member (130) rotatably received therein having a peripheral edge whose outermost peripheral line passing through boundary points (AC, AD, BC, BD) of corresponding upper, lower and side sections (A, B, C, D) and through intermediate points (Ai, Bi, Ci, Di) wherein at least one intermediate point (Ci, Di) of the side sections (C, D) is displaced towards the front side (F) of the housing (110) with respect to at least other intermediate points (Ai, Bi) of the upper and lower sections (A, B).

Description

[0001] A motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit and assembly

[0002] The present disclosure refers to a motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit to monitor the surroundings of a vehicle behind the driver. The present disclosure also refers to a rear-view mirror assembly comprising at least a first and a second of such rear-view mirror units.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART

[0004] Conventionally designed mirror systems are known in the art enabling the driver to monitor the surroundings of the rear of the vehicle under driving conditions. Said mirror systems typically comprise two exterior mirror units and an additional interior mirror unit. Each exterior mirror unit comprises a mirror housing and a mirror glass. The mirror glass is pivotably attached to the mirror housing for suitable adjusting the field of view of the surroundings.

[0005] Known mirror systems have significant drawbacks. One of said drawbacks is that known mirror systems provide limited information, i.e. reduced vision, from the rear of the vehicle. Reduced vision is usually created in said known mirror systems due to obstructions or reflections in the mirror glass both on the vehicle driver's and passenger's side. Said obstructions or reflections result from the design of the mirror housing or from the design of a mirror frame which in some models are arranged in the mirror housing.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit with which the user’s vision is not limited by avoiding or at least reducing obstructions or reflections in the mirror glass.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] A motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit is disclosed herein that provides an improved visibility, a wider viewing angle, and thus an enlarged field of view. Improved visibility is especially advantageous for the mirror unit of the passenger's side where obstructions or reflections are usually greater.

[0009] The present motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit comprises a housing. The housing has a front side and an opposite rear side. As used herein, front side is to be understood as the side generally facing forward the vehicle, and rear side is to be understood as the side generally facing rearward the vehicle, when the rear-view mirrors are mounted to a vehicle

[0010] The present motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit further comprises a reflective member that is rotatably received within said housing. The reflective member is visible from the outside through an opening formed in the rear side of the housing.

[0011] The reflective member may be capable of being rotated with respect to the housing around at least one axis, and preferably around a first axis and a second axis. More in particular, the reflective member may be capable of being rotated with respect to the housing at least around one axis covering an angle of ±12° such as, for example, covering an angle of ±8°. The reflective member may be attached to the mirror housing through an actuator for rotating around said at least one axis. Covering an angle of ± degrees does not always involve any symmetry. For example, the reflective member may be capable, in one example, of being rotated with respect to the housing at least around one axis covering an angle of -6° and +4°.

[0012] The opening formed in the rear side of the housing of the rear-view mirror unit has a peripheral edge including an outermost peripheral line arranged away from said rear side, and when the edge is flat and could be more than one outermost peripheral edges, the unique that we have to take into consideration is the closest to the reflective mirror. The peripheral edge therefore defines the contour of the opening.

[0013] The reflective element is arranged in the opening. That is, the outermost peripheral line surrounds the reflective element. Preferably, the reflective element may comprise a single reflective element or, alternatively, at least two reflective elements. In any case, the reflective element may be moved by the (single) actuator. If the at least two reflective elements are provided, the two reflective elements may be moved by the (single) actuator in tandem (i.e. , together at the same time).

[0014] The reflective element comprises an outer surface which is viewable by the driver when in use. The outer surface of the reflective element has an average radius of curvature larger than 1000 millimeters towards the rear side, preferably without any radius of curvature being less than 1000 millimeters. At least a portion of the reflective member may be shaped at least substantially in correspondence to the outermost peripheral line. Rotation of the reflective member may be given relative to said peripheral edge of the housing. In practice, a maximum offset from a top view along the rear-front side direction of the housing of the rearview mirror between a point in the outer surface of the reflective member and points of the outermost peripheral line of the peripheral edge of the opening of the mirror housing is preferably less than 60 mm, optimally less than 40 mm, and most preferably less than 30 mm.

[0015] Said outermost peripheral line has upper, lower, and side sections. In particular, the outermost peripheral line has an upper section. The outermost peripheral line also has a lower section that is arranged spaced apart from and closer to the ground than the upper section when the rear-view mirror unit is mounted to a vehicle. The upper section and the lower section of the outermost peripheral line may be at least substantially coincident with each other when viewed from a top view. The outermost peripheral line also has first and second side sections. The second side section is spaced apart from and closer from a driver position than the first side section when the rear-view mirror unit is mounted to a vehicle.

[0016] The upper section and the first side section of the outermost peripheral line meet at a first upper boundary point. The upper section and the second side section of the outermost peripheral line meet at a second upper boundary point. The lower section and the first side section of the outermost peripheral line meet at a first lower boundary point. The lower section and the second side section of the outermost peripheral line meet at a second lower boundary point.

[0017] The outermost peripheral line of the peripheral edge of the housing further includes at least four points. That is, the outermost peripheral line passes at least through the following points. The outermost peripheral line passes through a first intermediate point that is positioned at an intermediate position between the respective first and second upper boundary points. The outermost peripheral line also passes through a second intermediate point that is positioned at an intermediate position between the respective first and second lower boundary points. The outermost peripheral line also passes through a third intermediate point that is positioned at an intermediate position between the first upper boundary point and the first lower boundary point. The outermost peripheral line also passes through a fourth intermediate point that is positioned at an intermediate position between the second upper boundary point and the second lower boundary point.

[0018] At least one of said third and fourth intermediate points of the first and second side sections of the outermost peripheral line is arranged in a position that is displaced towards the front side of the housing with respect to at least one of the first and second intermediate points of the upper and lower sections of the outermost peripheral line, preferably both of said first and second intermediate points.

[0019] It may be preferred that at least one of the third and fourth intermediate points of at least one of the first and second side sections of the outermost peripheral line is arranged closer to the front side of the housing than the respective first upper and lower boundary points and second upper and lower boundary points.

[0020] The upper section and the lower section of the outermost peripheral line may be rearwardly offset from one another up to 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 2 mm, when viewed from a top view.

[0021] At least one portion of at least one of the upper, lower, and side sections of the outermost peripheral line is preferably curved. Most preferably, at least one portion of at least one of the upper, lower, and side sections of the outermost peripheral line are curved, preferably according to a constant radius.

[0022] The present rear-view mirror unit may comprise a frame. Said frame may be an element, such as a separate plastic finishing element that, in use, is attached to the housing, surrounding the reflective element, with the opening formed in said frame, and therefore, the outermost peripheral line surrounding the opening.

[0023] Said upper and lower boundary points and said intermediate points of the outermost peripheral line may be advantageously arranged such that the peripheral edge of the housing lies in a spherical surface. The spherical surface is preferably a rearward curved exterior 3D surface.

[0024] In one preferred example of the rear-view mirror unit, the housing includes an inner wall formed in the opening arranged adjacent to at least one of the first and second side sections of the outermost peripheral line. Said inner wall, if provided, is arranged substantially perpendicular to the reflective member when the reflective member is placed in use in the rear-view mirror in a neutral position. A neutral position of the reflective member, as used herein, refers to a position within the rear-view mirror housing in which said inner wall extends parallel to an axis arranged perpendicular to two movement axes of the actuator according to which said reflective member is driven in the housing.

[0025] The present disclosure further relates to a rear-view mirror assembly comprising at least a first and a second of said rear-view mirror units. The first rear-view mirror unit of the assembly is arranged, in use in a vehicle, closer to a driver position, and the second rear-view mirror unit of the assembly is arranged, in use in a vehicle, furthest from the driver position. The housing of the first and second rear-view mirror units, once they are mounted to a vehicle, are symmetrical along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle according to a front elevational view.

[0026] It is preferred that the third intermediate point in the first rear-view mirror unit, when viewed from a top view, is closer to the front side of the housing than the other first, second, and fourth intermediate points of said first rear-view mirror unit, and / or the fourth intermediate point in the second rear-view mirror is closer to the front side of the housing than the other first, second, and third intermediate points of said second rear-view mirror unit.

[0027] With the present motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit, the overall size of the mirror unit is advantageously optimized while great mirror symmetry is achieved. In particular, the size of the reflective element has been found to be reduced for the same viewing angle, or the viewing angle can be increased with the same size of the reflective element.

[0028] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] A non-limiting example of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is a side elevational view of one example of the present motor vehicle rearview mirror unit;

[0032] Figure 2 is a top view of the motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit in figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit in figure 1 ; Figure 4 is a front view of the motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit in figure 1 ; and

[0034] Figure 5 is a top sectional view of the motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit in figure 1.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In the example shown, the motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit 100 comprises a housing 110. The housing 110 of the rear-view mirror unit 100 has a front side F which is the side facing forward the vehicle, and an opposite rear side R which is the side facing rearward the vehicle, as depicted in figures 1 and 2.

[0037] Referring to figures 3 and 4, a reflective member 130 is rotatably received within the housing 110. The reflective member 130 is visible from the outside the housing 110 through an opening 140 that is formed in the rear side R of the housing 110.

[0038] The reflective member 130 in the example shown can be rotated with respect to the housing 110 around at least one axis, and preferably around a first axis and a second axis. More in particular, the reflective member may be capable of being rotated with respect to the housing at least around one axis covering an angle of ±12° such as, for example, covering an angle of ±8°. Rotation of the reflective member 130 in this example is carried out through an actuator, not shown.

[0039] The opening 140 formed in the rear side R of the housing 110 has a peripheral edge. Said peripheral edge is defined by an outermost peripheral line 120. The outermost peripheral line 120 is the line that surrounds the opening 140 and is arranged rearwardly furthest away from the front side F of the housing 110. As shown in figures 3 and 4, at least a portion of the reflective member 130 is shaped in correspondence to the outermost peripheral line 120, in this example the whole reflective member 130 is shaped in correspondence to the outermost peripheral line 120.

[0040] The outermost peripheral line 120 has an upper section A and a lower section B. The lower section B is arranged spaced apart from and closer to the ground than the upper section A. As shown in figure 2, said upper and lower sections A, B of the outermost peripheral line 120 are coincident with each other when viewed from a top view. In other cases, it may be preferred that the upper section A and the lower section B of the outermost peripheral line 120 are rearwardly offset from one another up to 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, when viewed from a top view. The outermost peripheral line 120 also has a first side section C and a second side section D. The second side section D is spaced apart from and closer from a driver position than the first side section C when the rear-view mirror unit 100 is mounted to a vehicle.

[0041] Referring now to figures 3 and 4 of the drawings, the upper section A and the first side section C of the outermost peripheral line 120 meet at a first upper boundary point AC. On the other hand, the upper section A and the second side section D of the outermost peripheral line 120 meet at a second upper boundary point AD. Furthermore, the lower section B and the first side section C of the outermost peripheral line 120 meet at a first lower boundary point BC. Finally, the lower section B and the second side section D of the outermost peripheral line 120 meet at a second lower boundary point BD.

[0042] The outermost peripheral line 120 of the peripheral edge of the housing 110 further includes at least four additional points Ai, Bi, Ci, Di positioned in said upper, lower, and side sections A, B, C, D of the outermost peripheral line 120. More specifically, the outermost peripheral line 120 passes through a first intermediate point Ai that is positioned at an intermediate position between the respective first and second upper boundary points AC, AD. The outermost peripheral line 120 also passes through a second intermediate point Bi that is positioned at an intermediate position between the respective first and second lower boundary points BC, BD. The outermost peripheral line 120 also passes through a third intermediate point Ci that is positioned at an intermediate position between the first upper boundary point AC and the first lower boundary point BC. The outermost peripheral line 120 also passes through a fourth intermediate point Di that is positioned at an intermediate position between the second upper boundary point AD and the second lower boundary point BD.

[0043] At least one of said third and fourth intermediate points Ci, Di of the first and second side sections C, D of the outermost peripheral line 120 is arranged in a position that is displaced towards the front side F of the housing 110 with respect to at least one of the first and second intermediate points Ai, Bi of the upper and lower sections A, B of the outermost peripheral line 120, preferably with respect to the intermediate points Ai, Bi of the upper and lower sections A, B and also to the intermediate points Di, Ci of the other side sections D, C, respectively.

[0044] With the above configuration, a rear-view mirror unit is obtained whose overall size is greatly optimized since the dimensions of the reflective element 130 are reduced for the same viewing angle, that is, a viewing angle can be increased for the same size of the reflective element 130.

[0045] It may be preferred that at least one of the third and fourth intermediate points Ci, Di of at least one of the first and second side sections C, D of the outermost peripheral line 120 is arranged closer to the front side F of the housing 110 than the respective first upper and lower boundary points AC, BC and second upper and lower boundary points AD, BD.

[0046] At least one portion of at least one of the upper, lower, and side sections A, B, C, D of the outermost peripheral line 120 is preferably curved. Most preferably, at least one portion of at least one of the upper, lower, and side sections A, B, C, D of the outermost peripheral line 120 are curved according to a constant radius.

[0047] The above mentioned upper and lower boundary points AC, AD, BC, BD, and said intermediate points Ai, Bi, Ci, Di in the outermost peripheral line 120 may be advantageously arranged such that the peripheral edge of the housing 110 lies in a spherical surface. The spherical surface is preferably a rearward curved exterior 3D surface.

[0048] In the example of the rear-view mirror unit 100 shown in the drawings, the housing 110 surrounding the opening 140 includes an inner wall 150 formed therein. As shown in figure 5 of the drawings, the inner wall 150 of the housing 110 is arranged adjacent the outermost peripheral line 120 of the housing 110. Said inner wall 150 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the reflective member 130 when the latter is in a neutral position in use.

[0049] A rear-view mirror assembly is provided to be fitted to a motor vehicle. Said rear-view mirror assembly comprises the first rear-view mirror unit 100 described above arranged closer to a driver position, i.e. , a driver rear-view mirror unit, and the second rear-view mirror unit 100 described above arranged furthest from the driver position, i.e., a passenger rear-view mirror unit. The housing 110 of the first and second rearview mirror units 100 are in this case symmetrical along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle according to a front elevational view. The configuration of the rear-view mirror units 100 provide great mirror symmetry to the overall rear-view mirror assembly. In turn, an improved visibility, wider viewing angle, and enlarged field of view are obtained.

[0050] The above is especially advantageous for the mirror unit 100 arranged in the passenger's side where obstructions or reflections are usually greater. In the front view of the motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit 100 shown in figure 4, a shadow portion 160 is depicted as an example of said obstructions or reflections. In said example in figure 4, the shadow portion 160 is formed in the passenger's rear-view mirror unit 100 and is seen by driver. In the passenger’s rear-view mirror 100, the intermediate point Di is closer than the rest of the intermediate points Ai, Bi, Ci, while in the driver's rear-view mirror 100, the intermediate point Ci is closer than the rest of the intermediate points Ai, Bi, Di.

[0051] Although one example of the present motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit and assembly has been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents thereof are possible. For example, although sections of the outermost peripheral line of the housing are curved, straight portions may be included.

[0052] All possible combinations of the described example are thus covered by the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular example disclosed herein but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0053] Reference signs related to drawings placed in parentheses in the claims are solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility of the claims and shall not be construed as limiting their scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A motor vehicle rear-view mirror unit (100) comprising a housing (110) having a front side (F) and an opposite rear side (R), and a reflective member (130) rotatably received within the housing (110) and visible from the outside through an opening (140) formed in the rear side (R) of the housing (110), wherein the housing (110) has a peripheral edge defining the contour of the opening (140), the peripheral edge including an outermost peripheral line (120) arranged away from said rear side (R); wherein the outermost peripheral line (120) has an upper section (A), a lower section (B) spaced apart from and closer to the ground than the upper section (A), a first side section (C), and a second side section (D) spaced apart from and closer from a driver position than the first side section (C) when the rear-view mirror unit (100) is mounted to a vehicle; wherein:- the upper section (A) and the first side section (C) of the outermost peripheral line (120) meet at a first upper boundary point (AC);- the upper section (A) and the second side section (D) of the outermost peripheral line (120) meet at a second upper boundary point (AD);- the lower section (B) and the first side section (C) of the outermost peripheral line (120) meet at a first lower boundary point (BC); and- the lower section (B) and the second side section (D) of the outermost peripheral line (120) meet at a second lower boundary point (BD); wherein the outermost peripheral line (120) further includes at least:- a first intermediate point (Ai) positioned at an intermediate position between the respective first and second upper boundary points (AC, AD);- a second intermediate point (Bi) positioned at an intermediate position between the respective first and second lower boundary points (BC, BD);- a third intermediate point (Ci) positioned at an intermediate position between the first upper boundary point (AC) and the first lower boundary point (BC); and- a fourth intermediate point (Di) positioned at an intermediate position between thesecond upper boundary point (AD) and the second lower boundary point (BD); and wherein at least one of the third and fourth intermediate points (Ci, Di) of the first and second side sections (C, D) of the outermost peripheral line is arranged in a position that is displaced towards the front side (F) of the housing (110) with respect to at least one of the first and second intermediate points (Ai, Bi) of the upper and lower sections (A, B) of the outermost peripheral line.2.- The rear-view mirror unit (100) of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the third and fourth intermediate points (Ci, Di) of at least one of the first and second side sections (C, D) of the outermost peripheral line is arranged closer to the front side (F) of the housing (110) than the respective first upper and lower boundary points (AC, BC) and second upper and lower boundary points (AD, BD).3.- The rear-view mirror unit (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper section (A) and the lower section (B) of the outermost peripheral line (120) are rearwardly offset from one another up to 5 mm when viewed from a top view.4.- The rear-view mirror unit (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper section (A) and the lower section (B) of the outermost peripheral line (120) are at least substantially coincident with each other when viewed from a top view.5.- The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein at least one portion of at least one of the upper, lower, and side sections (A, B, C, D) of the outermost peripheral line (120) is curved.

6. The rear-view mirror unit (10) of claim 5, wherein at least one portion of at least one of the upper, lower, and side sections (A, B, C, D) of the outermost peripheral line (120) is curved according to a constant radius.

7. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein it comprises a frame which, in use, is attached to the housing (110), with the outermost peripheral line (120) being formed in said frame.

8. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the reflective member (130) is shaped at least substantially in correspondence to the outermost peripheral line (120).

9. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the reflective member (130) is capable of being rotated with respect to the housing (110) around at least one axis10. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the reflective member (130) is capable of being rotated with respect to the housing (110) at least around one axis covering an angle of ±12°.

11. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the reflective member (130) is capable of being rotated with respect to the housing (110) at least around one axis covering an angle of ±8°.

12. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the upper and lower boundary points (AC, AD, BC, BD) and the intermediate points (Ai, Bi, Ci, Di) of the outermost peripheral line (120) are arranged such that the peripheral edge of the housing (110) lies in a spherical surface13. The rear-view mirror unit (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the housing (110) includes an inner wall (150) formed therein arranged adjacent to at least one of the first and second side sections (C, D) of the outermost peripheral line, said inner wall (150) being arranged substantially perpendicular to the reflective member (130).

14. A rear-view mirror assembly comprising at least a first and a second rear-view mirror units (100) as claimed in any of the claims 1-12, the first rear-view mirror unit being arranged, in use in a vehicle, closer to a driver position, and the second rearview mirror unit being arranged, in use in a vehicle, furthest from the driver position or passenger side, wherein the housing (110) of the first and second rear-view mirror units (100) are symmetrical along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle according to a front elevational view.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein when viewed from a top view, the third intermediate point (Ci) in the first rear-view is closer to the front side (F) of the housing (110) than the other first, second, and fourth intermediate points (Ai, Bi, Di) of said first rear-view, and / or the fourth intermediate point (Di) in the second rear-view is closer to the front side (F) of the housing (110) than the other first, second, and third intermediate points (Ai, Bi, Ci) of said second rear-view.

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