CAM profile socket retention mechanism for switchable display mirrors

Abstract

A vehicle rearview includes an actuation mechanism having a first rib fixed with a housing and having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends. A mounting plate is rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing and defines a first slot having a first end and a second end. A toggle unit is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is rotatable between first and second positions and defines a second slot. An actuation pin extends through the first opening, the first slot, and the second slot and is moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between a first position with the actuator pin disposed in the first resting end and a second position with the actuator pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 03430T (GEN10 FP1432AWO)CAM PROFILE SOCKET RETENTION MECHANISM FOR SWITCHABLE DISPLAY MIRRORSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.Provisional Application No. 63 / 779,870 filed on March 28, 2025, entitled "CAM PROFILE SOCKET RETENTION MECHANISM FOR SWITCHABLE DISPLAY MIRRORS," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a vehicle rearview and more particularly, relates to a mechanism for movement of a reflective surface of the mirror substrate through a predetermined angle.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle rearview includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an actuation mechanism coupled within the interior of the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a first rib fixed with the housing and having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends. A mounting plate is rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and defines a first slot having a first end alternately alignable with the first resting end and the second resting end of the first operative surface and a second end alignable with the apex of the first arcuate surface. A toggle unit is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is rotatable about an axis between first and second positions. A first arm extends from the toggle unit and defines a second slot having a closed end alignable with the first end of the first slot. The closed end is disposed away from the axis, and the axis of the toggle unit is positioned opposite the first end of the mounting plate with respect to the interior cavity. The actuation mechanism further includes an actuation pin extending through the first opening, the first slot, and the second slot. The actuation pin extends generally parallel with the axis of the toggle barrel and is moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between a first position with the actuator pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface and a second position with the actuator pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a switchable display mirror assembly includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate positioned over the open side of the housing, the substrate including a display and a reflective surface, a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a mounting arm coupled with the mounting plate by a ball and socket coupling, a toggle unit coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggle unit including a lever extending through the housing, and an actuation pin operably coupling the toggle unit with the housing such that rotation of the toggle unit between the first and second positions causes rotation of the housing about the first end of the mounting plate through a predetermined angle while the mounting plate remains generally static.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actuation mechanism for a vehicle rearview mirror includes a rib having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends, a toggle unit rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggle unit including a first arm defining a slot, an actuation pin extending through the opening and the slot, the actuation pin being moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between the first position with the actuation pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface and the second position with the actuation pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface, and a spring operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end based on a position of the actuation pin relative to the apex.

[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present device will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rearview assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle including the rearview assembly of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of an actuation mechanism included in the rearview of FIG. 1 in a first stable position;

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the actuation mechanism a second stable position;

[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of the rearview shown in the first stable position;

[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of the rearview shown in the second stable position;

[0014] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the actuation mechanism;

[0015] FIG. 8 is a bottom-front perspective view of an alternative actuation mechanism in a first stable position; and

[0016] FIG. 9 is a bottom-front perspective view of the actuation mechanism of FIG. 8 in a second stable condition.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a vehicle rearview. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0018] For purposes of description herein the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the device may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0019] Ordinal modifiers (i.e., "first", "second", etc.) may be used to distinguish between various structures of the disclosed vehicle rearview in various contexts, but that such ordinals are not necessarily intended to apply to such elements outside of the particular context in which they are used and that, in various aspects different ones of the same class of elements may be identified with the same, context-specific ordinal. In such instances, other particular designations of the elements are used to clarify the overall relationship between such elements. Ordinals are not used to designate a position of the elements, nor do they exclude additional, or intervening, non-ordered elements or signify an importance or rank of the elements within a particular class.

[0020] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0021] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0022] For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "about," "approximately," or "substantially" are intended to mean that a value of a parameter is close to a stated value or position. However, minor differences may prevent the values or positions from being exactly as stated. Thus, unless otherwise noted, differences of up to ten percent (10%) for a given value are reasonable differences from the ideal goal of exactly as described. In many instances, a significant difference can be when the difference is greater than ten percent(10%), except as where would be generally understood otherwise by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on the context in which such term is used.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, reference numeral 10 generally designates a vehicle rearview.The vehicle rearview 10 includes a housing 14 defining an interior cavity 16 and an actuation mechanism 18 coupled within the interior cavity 16 of the housing 14. The actuation mechanism 18 includes a first rib 19 fixed with the housing 14 and having an opening 20 defining an operative surface 21 with a first resting end 22, a second resting end 24, and an apex 36 defined between the first and second resting ends 22 and 24. A mounting plate 26 is rotatably coupled within the interior cavity 16 of the housing 14 at a first end 28 of the mounting plate 26 and defines a first slot 30 having a first end 32 alternately alignable with the first resting end 22 and the second resting end 24 of the first operative surface 21 and a second end 34 alignable with the apex 36 of the first operative surface 21. A toggle unit 38 is coupled within the interior cavity 16 of the housing 14 and is rotatable about an axis 40 between first (FIG. 5) and second (FIG. 6) positions. A first arm 42 extends from the toggle unit 38 and defines a second slot 44 having a closed end 46 alignable with the first end 32 of the first slot 30. The closed end 46 is disposed away from the axis 40, and the axis 40 of the toggle unit 38 is positioned opposite the first end 28 of the mounting plate 26 with respect to the interior cavity 16. The actuation mechanism 18 further includes an actuation pin 52 extending through the first opening 20, the first slot 30, and the second slot 44. The actuation pin 52 extends generally parallel with the axis 40 of the toggle unit 38 and is moveable by rotation of the toggle unit 38 between the first position, with the actuator pin 52 disposed in the first resting end 22 of the operative surface 21 and the second position with the actuator pin 52 disposed in the second resting end 24 of the operative surface 21.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, rearview 10 can be used in connection with a vehicle interior 59.In particular, rearview 10 can be mounted adjacent a windshield 55 of vehicle 12 either by attachment with the windshield 55 itself or to an internal component adjacent headliner 53 (which may include a portion of the vehicle frame, a vehicle panel, or other support structure, for example). Such attachment is achieved by a mounting arm 54 that is coupled with vehicle 12, as described, and couples with actuation mechanism 18, as explained further below, by extending through an opening 56 in housing 14. Opposite opening 56, a substrate 58 is positioned over an open side 70 of housing 14. Substrate 58 is generally configured to present an image (reflected or video, as described below) to a driver ofvehicle 12 of the view to the rear of vehicle 12 and, accordingly, may be adjustable by movement of housing 14 with respect to mounting arm 54. In one embodiment, substrate 58 may include a video display along a portion or an entirety thereof such that rearview 10 is what may be referred to as a full-display mirror. Substrate 58, when including such a display, may be referred to herein as "display substrate 58" and may be capable of displaying a mirror-image of the view to the rear of vehicle 12 (that may be captured by an appropriately-positioned video camera or the like) when the display is in an active state. Such an image may generally replicate that which would be available from a typical reflective mirror and can be supplemented with other information presented on display substrate 58. In combination with such display substrate 58, a reflective surface 62 may be applied so as to overlie the display as a coating or separate element having properties to both provide a reflected image as well as to permit a video image of display substrate 58 to be visible therethrough.

[0025] The presence of reflective surface 62 permits substrate 58 to be used as a standard rearview (i.e., without the need to view the displayed image) when the display is inactive, which may occur when the related vehicle 12 is not running or when power to the display substrate 58 is interrupted, for example. When in the active state, however, the presence of the reflective surface 62 over display substrate 58 can cause the image reflected by reflective surface 62 to compete with an image presented on display substrate 58. To alleviate such image competition, substrate 58 can be positioned such that reflective surface 62 reflects an image of the headliner 53 toward the driver. Because vehicle headliners are of generally consistent, non-reflective material, such an image may compete less with the video image of display substrate 58.

[0026] In another embodiment, substrate 58 can be in the form of a prism mirror substrate of a generally transparent material having a tapered shape and an internal reflective surface. In this manner, the above-described rotation of toggle unit 38 can, as described further below, cause rotation of housing 14 and substrate 58 between a downwardly-angled position, in which the image reflected off of the highly-reflective surface is oriented toward the rear of the vehicle 12 so as to be visible to the driver, and a n upwardly-directed position, in which the highly-reflective surface reflects an image of the headliner 53, the outer, polished surface reflecting an image toward the rear of the vehicle 12. In general, this arrangement allows for separate day and night modes in which the upwardly-directedposition presents a dimmer image to the driver, by way of the polished surface instead of the mirror surface.

[0027] Rearview 10, by way of the actuation mechanism 18, including toggle unit 38, can allow for a user to control repositioning of substrate 58 between the above-described downwardly- and upwardly-directed positions for the desired use of rearview 10, depending on the type of substrate 58. Such movement can be achieved by manipulation of lever 66 between the first position, shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, for example, to the second position, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, which can cause actuation mechanism 18 to change from a first stable configuration (FIGS. 3 and 5) to a second stable configuration (FIGS. 4 and 6), which in turn causes movement of housing 14 and substrate 58 through a predetermined angle relative to mounting arm 54. In an example, such movement can be through a downward (i.e., away from headliner 53) angle 64 of between about 5° and 10°, and in one embodiment about 7°.

[0028] As shown in the cross-section views of FIGS. 5 and 6, mounting arm 54 can couple with actuation mechanism 18 by articulating attachment with mounting plate 26 (FIG. 6) thereof by a ball and socket coupling 60. This arrangement can allow for the above- mentioned general adjustment of substrate 58 so as to position substrate 58 as desired with respect to the driver for viewing of the video image viewable on substrate 58 in, for example, a "display" mode, as shown in FIG. 5. As described further below, movement of lever 66 from the first position to the second position, for example, can cause movement of housing 14 relative to mounting plate 26, while mounting plate 26 remains generally static. Such a configuration can allow substrate 58 to toggle between the positions for substrate 58 provided by the above-referenced stable conditions of actuation mechanism 18 without changing the positions themselves.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, housing 14 is shown in the form of a single-piece unit, and can further be made from a single piece of injection molded plastic or the like, although other materials are possible. Substrate 58 can be coupled to housing 14 by way of a bezel 68 or other secondary housing piece to fix substrate 58 over an open side 70 of housing 14. In another example, substrate 58 can be coupled directly to housing 14 over open side 70. In either example, housing 14 is structured so that interior cavity 16 is of a sufficient depth to retain internal structures thereof, including actuation mechanism 18, and other related structures. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, mounting plate 26, as described above, is rotatablycoupled with housing 14 at first end 28 of the mounting plate 26. Such coupling can be achieved by the use of pin 72 (FIG. 8) to couple first end 28 of mounting plate 26 with opposite ribs 19 (FIG. 5), which includes the above-mentioned first rib 19. The ribs 19 can be rigidly fixed with respect to housing 14, including by being integrally molded therewith.

[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 3-7, actuation mechanism 18 is shown that can achieve motion of an associated rearview housing 14 through rotation of toggle unit 38, as driven by lever 66, for example. Barrel 67 defines the portion of toggle unit 38 that is rotatably fixed within housing 14, such as by resting in a saddle 76 defined by an adjacent portion of the housing 14. The aforementioned first arm 42 extends from barrel 67 in a direction generally toward mounting plate 26, as described further below. Lever 66 also extends from barrel 67, oppositely from first arm 42 with respect to the toggle barrel 67, such that manipulation of lever 66 causes rotation of barrel 67. In the illustrated embodiment, toggle unit 38 is an integral structure that may, for example, be a unitary piece of molded plastic or the like. First arm 42, by way of barrel 67 rotation about axis 40 rotates through an angle of about axis 40 between the first position illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 and corresponding with the upwardly-angled position of rearview 10 (which may correspond to the video display being active), and a second position, illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6 and corresponding with the downwardly-angled position of substrate 58 (which may correspond to an inactive video display).

[0031] As illustrated, the operative surface 21 is defined along a bottom side of the opening 20 in the rib 19 and itself defines first resting end 22 and second resting end 24 that are spaced apart in the illustrated horizontal direction by a distance 80 that, relative to the vertical distance 82 between both first end 22 and second end 24 of operative surface 21 and pin 72, defines the angle 64 between the above -describe first and second stable positions of substrate 58. As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the generally vertical orientation of first slot 30 and the aforementioned alignment of first end 32 with the vertical position of the first and second resting ends 22, 24 of operative surface 21 is such that movement of pin 52 between first resting end 22 and second resting end 24 of first operative surface 21 causes rotation of housing 14 with respect to mounting plate 26. The vertical height of first slot 30, accordingly accommodates the vertical portion of movement of actuation pin 52 along the operative surface 21 and, in particular, over the apex 36 between the first and second resting ends 22 and 24. As shown in FIG. 7, the actuationmechanism 18 further includes a spring 74 in the form of a coil spring that is retained in a cavity 86 that extends along the side of the mounting plate 26. In this manner, the spring 74 can be compressed against the adjacent end of actuation pin force on actuation pin 52 can cause actuation pin 52 to be urged toward the one of first resting end 22 or second resting end 24 of operative surface 21 that corresponds to the side of apex 36 on which actuation pin 52 is positioned. The resulting arcuate shape of the operative surface 21 (which need not be specifically semi-circular) can, therefore, help urge actuation mechanism 18 to the respective stable positions associated with first resting end 22 and second resting end 24 of operative surface 21 and can help to prevent inadvertent movement of actuation mechanism 18.

[0032] As discussed above, the movement of toggle unit 38 through angle 78, such as by manipulation of lever 66, causes movement of actuation pin 52 between the first and second resting ends 22 and 24 of operative surface 21. It is noted, however, that the opening 20 in which the operative surface 21 has a consistent height above the first and second resting ends 22 and 24, such that it does not define a consistent track or other path with the shape of the operative surface 21 or, particularly, the apex 36 defined therein. Notably, this allows movement of the toggle unit 38 between the first and second positions (and vice-versa) to disengage the actuation pin 52 from the housing 14, with the actuation pin 52 out of contact with operative surface 21 and spaced within the opening 20 for at least a portion of such movement. When toggle unit 38 reaches the end of the movement, the actuation pin 52 re-engages with the housing 14 by coming to rest within the one of the first and second resting ends 22 and 24 that corresponds with the position of the rearview 10 achieved by the toggle unit 38 movement. In one aspect, the compression of spring 74 and the resultant application of force on actuation pin 52 into the respective one of the first and second resting ends 22 and 24 can make the stability of the respective position of rearview 10 independent of any force on the toggle unit 38. In this manner, the lever 66, for example, does not have to abut a portion of the housing 14 in either of the forward or rearward positions thereof to maintain a stable position for the rearview 10.

[0033] As can further be seen in FIGS. 3-6, the rotation of lever 66 from the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 engages a first surface 48 of the second slot 44 with actuation pin 52. In this manner, the force of first surface 48 on actuation pin 52 includes a vertically upward component to move actuation pin 52 is awayfrom first resting end 22 of operative surface 21, against the force of spring 74, and toward the center of the opening 20. During continued rotation of first arm 42 by rotation of toggle unit 38, the first surface 48 urges actuation pin 52 past apex 36 and generally toward second end 24, at which point the continued movement of first arm 42 allows the actuation pin 52 to move back into contact with the operative surface 21, under the expansion force of spring 74, as the actuation pin 52 moves into the second resting end 24. In a similar manner, upon the rotation of toggle unit 38 in the opposite direction, the second surface 50 of second slot 44, which is generally parallel to first surface 48, forces actuation pin 52 away from second resting end 24 of operative surface 21 and toward first resting end 22, with actuation pin 52 similarly disengaging from operative surface 21 during such movement. As shown, the second slot 44 can be open opposite the closed end 46 to, for example, facilitate assembly of the actuation mechanism 18.

[0034] Generally, the force of spring 74 is calibrated with respect to the geometry of the above-described components of actuation mechanism 18 such that movement of actuation mechanism 18 occurs at a force on the lever 66 that is less than the force required to manipulate the configuration of ball and socket coupling 60. In this manner, a force applied on lever 66 does not result in movement of mounting plate 26 with respect to mounting arm 54, while also preventing inadvertent movement of actuation mechanism 18 and providing good tactile feedback on lever 66.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 3-7, toggle unit 38 may be symmetrical so as to include two arms 42 on opposite sides of toggle barrel 67, each including generally identical second slots 44 therein. In this manner, housing 14 can include two parallel ribs 19 on opposite sides of mounting plate 26, each with generally identical first openings 20 and corresponding operative surfaces 21. Similarly, mounting plate 26 can define two generally identical first slots 30 (or a single, first slot 30 located centrally or extending generally through a solid portion of mounting plate 26) adjacent respective ribs 19, along with two spring cavities 86 on opposite lateral sides thereof, each including a spring 74 that acts on the opposite ends of the actuation pin 52. Such a configuration allows actuation pin 52 to extend through both openings 20, both first slots 30, and both second slots 44 so as to provide balanced force during movement of actuation mechanism 18.

[0036] An alternative embodiment of actuation mechanism 118 is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 that is generally similar in construction and operation to actuation mechanism 18 describedabove and can, accordingly, be used in a rearview similar to rearview 10, also described above. In particular, the actuation mechanism 118 includes similar components to those discussed above with respect to actuation mechanism 18. In the present actuation mechanism 118, the operative surface 121 is generally inverted from the orientation of operative surface 21 and is defined on an open end of the corresponding rib 119. In this manner, the first arm 142 and the lever 166 are positioned on the same side of toggle barrel 167 such that movement of the lever 166 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 9 moves the actuation pin 152 in a downward direction out of the first resting end 122 of the operative surface 121 and over the apex 136, with continued movement of lever 166 allowing the actuation pin 152 to move upward back into contact with the operative surface 121 and into the second resting end 124, with corresponding repositioning of the rearview 10 with which the actuation mechanism 118 is assembled resulting from such movement. In a further aspect, the actuation mechanism 118 can include one or more springs coupled between the upper pin 172 and the actuation pin 152 to urge the actuation pin 152 into the first and second resting ends 122 and 124 against extension of such a spring during movement between the corresponding stable positions. As further shown, the actuation mechanism 118 can include a securing plate 184 with which ribs 19 are integrally formed. In turn, securing plate 184 is rigidly coupled with the rearview substrate, such as by coupling with an assembly including portions of substrate associated with an integrated display in assembly therewith or with the corresponding bezel, which may be assembled with and may support the substrate. In such an assembly, the housing may be generally cosmetic and may be assembled, such as by snap-fit or the like, with the substrate and / or a bezel.

[0037] The invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle rearview includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an actuation mechanism coupled within the interior of the housing. The actuation mechanism includes a first rib fixed with the housing and having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends. A mounting plate is rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and defines a firstslot having a first end alternately alignable with the first resting end and the second resting end of the first operative surface and a second end alignable with the apex of the first operative surface. A toggle unit is coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and is rotatable about an axis between first and second positions. A first arm extends from the toggle unit and defines a second slot having a closed end alignable with the first end of the first slot. The closed end is disposed away from the axis, and the axis of the toggle unit is positioned opposite the first end of the mounting plate with respect to the interior cavity. The actuation mechanism further includes an actuation pin extending through the opening, the first slot, and the second slot. The actuation pin extends generally parallel with the axis of the toggle unit and is moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between the first position, with the actuator pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface, and the second position, with the actuator pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface.

[0039] In the vehicle rearview of H

[0036] , the toggle unit can be rotatable with respect to the housing between a first position and a second position respectively corresponding to the first and second positions of the axis of the pin, and movement of the toggle unit between the first position and the second position can cause rotation of the housing about the first end of the mounting plate through a predetermined angle.

[0040] In the vehicle rearview of any of HH

[0036] or

[0037] , the second slot can define an open end opposite the closed end and first and second parallel sides extending away from the closed end.

[0041] In the vehicle rearview of any of HH

[0036] to

[0038] , the mounting plate can define a spring cavity having a closed side adjacent the first end of the mounting plate and an open end disposed away from the first end, the actuation mechanism can further include a spring disposed within the spring cavity and operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end.

[0042] In the vehicle rearview of any of HH

[0036] to

[0039] , the toggle unit can further include a lever rigidly coupled with the first arm and extending oppositely therefrom through the housing.

[0043] In the vehicle rearview of H

[0040] , the lever can be disposed opposite from the first arm about the axis of the toggle unit.

[0044] In the vehicle rearview of H

[0040] , the lever can be aligned with the first slot on a first side of the axis of the toggle unit.

[0045] In the vehicle rearview of any of HH

[0036] to

[0042] , the predetermined angle can be between about 5 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0046] In the vehicle rearview of any of HH

[0036] to

[0043] , the vehicle rearview can further include a substrate positioned over an open side of the housing, the substrate including a display and a reflective surface overlying the display.

[0047] In the vehicle rearview of any of HH

[0036] to

[0044] , the vehicle rearview can further include a mounting arm coupled with the mounting plate by a ball and socket coupling.

[0048] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a switchable display mirror assembly includes a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side, a substrate positioned over the open side of the housing, the substrate including a display and a reflective surface, a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing at a first end thereof, a mounting arm coupled with the mounting plate by a ball and socket coupling, a toggle unit coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggle unit including a lever extending through the housing, and an actuation pin operably coupling the toggle unit with the housing such that rotation of the toggle unit between the first and second positions causes rotation of the housing about the first end of the mounting plate through a predetermined angle while the mounting plate remains generally static.

[0049] In the switchable display mirror assembly of H

[0046] , the assembly can further include a first rib fixed with the housing and having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends, wherein the actuation pin is moveable between the first resting end and the second resting end.

[0050] In the switchable display mirror assembly of H

[0047] , the assembly can further include a spring operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end of the operative surface.

[0051] In the switchable display mirror assembly of any of HH

[0046] to

[0048] , the predetermined angle can be between about 5 degrees and 10 degrees.

[0052] In the switchable display mirror assembly of any of HH

[0046] to

[0049] , the reflective surface can reflect an image of a vehicle headliner toward a driver when the toggle unit is in the first position and the display is in an active state.

[0053] In the switchable display mirror assembly of any of HH

[0046] to

[0050] , the toggle unit can further include a first arm extending therefrom and defining a slot through which the actuation pin extends.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actuation mechanism for a vehicle rearview mirror includes a rib having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends, a toggle unit rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggle unit including a first arm defining a slot, an actuation pin extending through the opening and the slot, the actuation pin being moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between the first position with the actuation pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface and the second position with the actuation pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface, and a spring operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end based on a position of the actuation pin relative to the apex.

[0055] In the actuation mechanism of H

[0052] , the toggle unit can further include a lever rigidly coupled with the first arm, manipulation of the lever causing rotation of the toggle unit about the axis.

[0056] In the actuation mechanism of any of HH

[0052] or

[0053] , the actuation pin can disengage from the operative surface during movement between the first and second positions, with the actuation pin out of contact with the operative surface and spaced within the opening for at least a portion of such movement.

[0057] In the actuation mechanism of any of HH

[0052] to

[0054] , the slot can define a closed end disposed away from the axis and first and second parallel surfaces extending away from the closed end, the first and second parallel surfaces alternately engaging the actuation pin during rotation of the toggle unit between the first and second positions.

[0058] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an actuation mechanism for a vehicle rearview includes a rib having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends, a toggle unit rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggleunit including a first arm defining a slot, an actuation pin extending through the opening and the slot, the actuation pin being moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between the first position with the actuation pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface and the second position with the actuation pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface, and a spring operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end based on a position of the actuation pin relative to the apex.

[0059] In the actuation mechanism of H

[0051] , the toggle unit can further include a lever rigidly coupled with the first arm, manipulation of the lever causing rotation of the toggle unit about the axis.

[0060] In the actuation mechanism of any of HH

[0051] or

[0052] , the actuation pin can disengage from the operative surface during movement between the first and second positions, with the actuation pin out of contact with the operative surface and spaced within the opening for at least a portion of such movement.

[0061] In the actuation mechanism of any of HH

[0051] to

[0053] , the slot can define a closed end disposed away from the axis and first and second parallel surfaces extending away from the closed end, the first and second parallel surfaces alternately engaging the actuation pin during rotation of the toggle unit between the first and second positions.

[0062] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0063] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0064] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0065] The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only.Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle rearview, comprising:a housing defining an interior cavity; andan actuation mechanism coupled within the interior of the housing and including: a first rib fixed with the housing and having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends;a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the cavity of the housing at a first end thereof and defining a first slot having a first end alternately alignable with the first resting end and the second resting end of the first operative surface and a second end alignable with the apex of the first operative surface;a toggle unit coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, a first arm extending from the toggle unit and defining a second slot having a closed end alignable with the first end of the first slot, the closed end being disposed away from the axis, the axis of the toggle unit being positioned opposite the first end of the mounting plate with respect to the interior cavity; andan actuation pin extending through the opening, the first slot, and the second slot, the pin extending generally parallel with the axis of the toggle unit and being moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between the first position, with the actuator pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface, and the second position, with the actuator pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface.

2. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, wherein:the toggle unit is rotatable with respect to the housing between a first position and a second position respectively corresponding to the first and second positions of the axis of the pin; andmovement of the toggle unit between the first position and the second position causes rotation of the housing about the first end of the mounting plate through a predetermined angle.

3. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, wherein the second slot defines an open end opposite the closed end and first and second parallel sides extending away from the closed end.

4. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate defines a spring cavity having a closed side adjacent the first end of the mounting plate and an open end disposed away from the first end, the actuation mechanism further including a spring disposed within the spring cavity and operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end.

5. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, wherein the toggle unit further includes a lever rigidly coupled with the first arm and extending oppositely therefrom through the housing.

6. The vehicle rearview of claim 5, wherein the lever is disposed opposite from the first arm about the axis of the toggle unit.

7. The vehicle rearview of claim 5, wherein the lever is aligned with the first slot on a first side of the axis of the toggle unit.

8. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, wherein the predetermined angle is between about 5 degrees and 10 degrees.

9. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, further comprising a substrate positioned over an open side of the housing, the substrate including a display and a reflective surface overlying the display.

10. The vehicle rearview of claim 1, further comprising a mounting arm coupled with the mounting plate by a ball and socket coupling.

11. A switchable display mirror assembly, comprising:a housing defining an interior cavity and an open side;a substrate positioned over the open side of the housing, the substrate including a display and a reflective surface;a mounting plate rotatably coupled within the interior cavity of the housing at a first end thereof;a mounting arm coupled with the mounting plate by a ball and socket coupling; a toggle unit coupled within the interior cavity of the housing and rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggle unit including a lever extending through the housing; andan actuation pin operably coupling the toggle unit with the housing such that rotation of the toggle unit between the first and second positions causes rotation of the housing about the first end of the mounting plate through a predetermined angle while the mounting plate remains generally static.

12. The switchable display mirror assembly of claim 11, further comprising a first rib fixed with the housing and having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends, wherein the actuation pin is moveable between the first resting end and the second resting end.

13. The switchable display mirror assembly of claim 12, further comprising a spring operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end of the operative surface.

14. The switchable display mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein the predetermined angle is between about 5 degrees and 10 degrees.

15. The switchable display mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein the reflective surface reflects an image of a vehicle headliner toward a driver when the toggle unit is in the first position and the display is in an active state.

16. The switchable display mirror assembly of claim 11, wherein the toggle unit further includes a first arm extending therefrom and defining a slot through which the actuation pin extends.

17. An actuation mechanism for a vehicle rearview, comprising:a rib having an opening defining an operative surface with a first resting end, a second resting end, and an apex defined between the first and second resting ends;a toggle unit rotatable about an axis between first and second positions, the toggle unit including a first arm defining a slot;an actuation pin extending through the opening and the slot, the actuation pin being moveable by rotation of the toggle unit between the first position with the actuation pin disposed in the first resting end of the operative surface and the second position with the actuation pin disposed in the second resting end of the operative surface; anda spring operably contacting the actuation pin to urge the actuation pin selectively toward the first resting end or the second resting end based on a position of the actuation pin relative to the apex.

18. The actuation mechanism of claim 17, wherein the toggle unit further includes a lever rigidly coupled with the first arm, manipulation of the lever causing rotation of the toggle unit about the axis.

19. The actuation mechanism of claim 17, wherein the actuation pin disengages from the operative surface during movement between the first and second positions, with the actuation pin out of contact with the operative surface and spaced within the opening for at least a portion of such movement.

20. The actuation mechanism of claim 17, wherein the slot defines a closed end disposed away from the axis and first and second parallel surfaces extending away from the closed end, the first and second parallel surfaces alternately engaging the actuation pin during rotation of the toggle unit between the first and second positions.

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