Vehicular mirror system with at least one of power-fold and power-extend functionality

• US 20030218812A1
• Filed: 04/22/2003
• Published: 11/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/23/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Donnelly Mirrors North America, LLC (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Peterson, Kenneth C., Ruse, James A., Foote, Keith D., Brown, Kris D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,070,287 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/874
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/074 for retracting the mirror arrangements to a non-use position alongside the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/078 easily removable; mounted for bodily outward movement, e.g. when towing

Abstract

A motorized pivoting and extending mechanism for a vehicular mirror assembly includes, alternatively, a force-reduction mechanism for reducing the friction within the mechanism, and a slip clutch mechanism for reducing overloading of the motor when the limits of mirror extension and retraction have been reached. Mirror power functions receive electrical power and control signals through a circular array of electrical contacts incorporated into the pivot connection irrespective of the pivotal orientation of the mirror. A motor shut-off circuit is able to shut off the motor within a predetermined period of time. The mirror can be angularly adjusted upon movement of the mirror between the retracted and the extended positions to maintain a common field of view for a driver of the vehicle to prevent the extension and/or retraction of the mirror from undesirably repositioning the field of view captured by the mirror.

Claims

1. An external mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle;

a moveable portion pivotally mounted to the fixed portion through a normal range of movement between a folded position and an unfolded, retracted position defined by a pair of terminal ends, the moveable portion having a reflective element mounted therein defining a rearwardly-directed field of view for a driver of the vehicle;

an actuator including a motor having at least one output shaft adapted for bi-directional rotational movement, wherein driven rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes the movable portion to be pivoted with respect to the fixed portion; and

at least one of;

a force-modifying device operably interconnected to the actuator for reducing a drive force required to pivot the movable portion relative to the fixed portion within the normal range of movement corresponding to the folded and unfolded, retracted positions and increasing the drive force required to pivot the movable portion relative to the fixed portion beyond one of the terminal ends of the normal range of movement;

a transmission operably interconnected to the actuator, the actuator operably interconnected to the moveable portion for continuous movement in a first stage and a second stage, wherein the transmission operably cooperates with the actuator for movement between the first stage and the second stage, wherein in the first stage rotational movement of the motor pivots the movable portion between a folded position to an unfolded, retracted position and in the second stage translates the moveable portion between the unfolded, retracted position and an extended position; and

an adjuster operably interconnected to the reflective element, wherein the reflective element is positioned at a first angle of reflectance and the adjuster positions the reflective element at a second angle of reflectance as the reflective element is moved between the unfolded, retracted and an extended position to adjust the field of view of the reflective element for the driver of the vehicle.

2. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein one of the fixed portion and the non-rotatable portion of the actuator has one of a detent thereon and a recess therein defining the terminal ends of the normal range of movement corresponding to the folded and unfolded positions, and one of the moveable portion and the rotatable portion of the actuator has the other of the detent and the recess.

3. The external mirror system of claim 2 and further comprising at least one spring biasing the detent and the recess together.

4. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein the force-modifying device comprises a pin interconnected to the actuator for preventing contact between the detent and the recess during the normal range of movement.

5. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein at least one output shaft of the motor has a proximal portion thereof interconnected to a first linkage for pivoting the movable portion between the folded position and the unfolded, retracted position.

6. The external mirror system of claim 5 wherein the first linkage comprises a rack gear operably connected to a spur gear, and the spur gear is prevented from movement relative to the fixed portion during the first stage.

7. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein:

the fixed portion includes a first conductor located along a pivotal movement region;

the moveable portion includes a second conductor maintained in operable interaction with the first conductor in the pivotal movement region along the normal range of movement; and

the actuator has at least one terminal operably interconnected to the second conductor;

whereby operable interconnection between the actuator and the first conductor is maintained during pivotal movement of the moveable portion relative to the fixed portion throughout at least the normal range of movement thereof.

8. The external mirror system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the first and second conductors comprise a conductive material deposited onto the surface of the corresponding fixed portion and moveable portion.

9. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein the adjuster defines an arcuate path between the retracted and extended positions and the adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element between the first angle of reflectance and the second angle of reflectance occurs as the reflective element is moved along the arcuate path.

10. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein the adjuster further comprises one of a cam and a cam follower operably interconnected to one of the reflective element and the moveable portion, and the other of the cam and cam follower operably interconnected to the fixed portion, wherein following movement of the cam follower with the cam positions the reflective element between the first angle of reflectance and the second angle of reflectance when the movable portion is moved between the unfolded, retracted and extended positions.

11. The external mirror system of claim 1 wherein the adjuster comprises:

a first arm mounted to the fixed portion and adapted to extend laterally-outwardly from a vehicle having one of a cam and cam follower thereon; and

a second arm mounted to one of the movable portion and the reflective element and received by the first arm for lateral extendable and retractable movement therewith, the second arm having the other of the cam and cam follower thereon.

12. An external mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle;

a moveable portion pivotally mounted to the fixed portion through a normal range of movement between a folded position and an unfolded position defined by a pair of terminal ends, the moveable portion having a reflective element mounted therein;

an actuator having a non-rotatable portion mounted to the fixed portion and a rotatable portion mounted to the movable portion, wherein relative rotation of the rotatable portion of the actuator with respect to the non-rotatable portion causes the movable portion to be pivoted with respect to the fixed portion; and

a force-modifying device operably interconnected to the actuator for reducing a drive force required to pivot the movable portion relative to the fixed portion within the normal range of movement corresponding to the folded and unfolded positions and increasing the drive force required to pivot the movable portion relative to the fixed portion beyond one of the terminal ends of the normal range of movement.

13. The external mirror system of claim 12 wherein one of the fixed portion and the non-rotatable portion of the actuator has one of a detent thereon and a recess therein defining the terminal ends of the normal range of movement corresponding to the folded and unfolded positions, and one of the moveable portion and the rotatable portion of the actuator has the other of the detent and the recess.

14. The external mirror system of claim 13 and further comprising at least one spring biasing the detent and the recess together.

15. The external mirror system of claim 12 wherein the force-modifying device comprises a pin interconnected to the actuator for preventing contact between the detent and the recess during the normal range of movement.

16. The external mirror system of claim 12 wherein the force-modifying device comprises a ring interconnected to the actuator for preventing contact between the detent and the recess during the normal range of movement.

17. The external mirror system of claim 16 wherein the ring is C-shaped.

18. The external mirror system of claim 12 wherein the actuator further comprises a motive element for driving the rotatable portion of the actuator to pivot the moveable portion between the folded and unfolded positions.

19. The external mirror system of claim 18 wherein the motive element comprises a motor.

20. The external mirror system of claim 19 wherein the force-modifying device further comprises a clutch disposed between the motor and the rotatable portion of the actuator.

21. The external mirror system of claim 20 wherein the clutch engages the rotatable portion of the actuator within the normal range of movement and disengages therefrom when the moveable portion is forced beyond one of the terminal ends.

22. The external mirror system of claim 20 wherein the clutch comprises a drive surface and a driven surface.

23. The external mirror system of claim 22 wherein the drive surface and the driven surface are biased together by at least one spring.

24. An external vehicular mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle;

a moveable portion adapted for a normal range of movement including a reflective element mounted therein;

an actuator including a motor having at least one output shaft adapted for bi-directional rotational movement, the actuator operably interconnected to the moveable portion for continuous movement in a first stage and a second stage, wherein in the first stage rotational movement of the motor pivots the movable portion between a folded position to an unfolded, retracted position and in the second stage translates the moveable portion between the unfolded, retracted position and an extended position; and

a transmission for transitioning rotational movement of the motor between the first and second stages.

25. The external mirror system of claim 24 wherein the at least one output shaft of the motor has a proximal portion thereof interconnected to a first linkage for pivoting the movable portion between the folded position and the unfolded, retracted position.

26. The external mirror system of claim 25 wherein the first linkage comprises a rack gear operably connected to a spur gear, and the spur gear is prevented from movement relative to the fixed portion during the first stage.

27. The external mirror system of claim 26 wherein the spur gear is moveable relative to the fixed portion when the fixed portion is forced beyond the normal range of movement.

28. The external mirror system of claim 26 and further comprising at least one spring for biasing the spur gear and the fixed portion together.

29. The external mirror system of claim 24 wherein the at least one output shaft of the motor has a distal portion thereof interconnected to a second linkage for translating the movable portion between the unfolded, retracted position and the extended position.

30. The external mirror system of claim 29 wherein the second linkage comprises a drive nut operably connected to a catch, and the drive nut moves along the output shaft for translational movement of the catch during the second stage.

31. The external mirror system of claim 29 wherein the transmission comprises the drive nut wherein the drive nut is operably engaged to the at least one output shaft of the motor, a first bracket comprising a first slot, and a second bracket comprising a second slot wherein, when the motor reaches a point between the proximal and distal portions of the jackscrew, the drive nut oscillates from the first slot to the second slot between the first linkage and the second linkage to transfer movement of the moveable portion between pivotal movement and extension movement.

32. The external mirror system of claim 24 wherein the motor is pivotally mounted to the fixed portion.

33. The external mirror system of claim 24 wherein the spur gear is associated with the fixed portion and the rack gear is associated with the moveable portion, and the rack gear is operably engaged with both the spur gear and the drive nut during the first stage.

34. The external mirror system of claim 33 wherein the drive nut is disengaged from the rack gear and operably engaged with the reflective element during the second stage for extendable movement along the jackscrew.

35. The external mirror system of claim 24 and further comprising a shut-off circuit for controlling the operation of the motor.

36. The external mirror system of claim 35 wherein the shut-off circuit comprises a first switch for selecting one of operation of the first stage and operation of the second stage.

37. The external mirror system of claim 35 wherein the shut-off circuit comprises a second switch for controlling the operation of the first stage.

38. The external mirror system of claim 35 wherein the shut-off circuit comprises a third switch for controlling the operation of the second stage.

39. The external mirror system of claim 24 wherein the transmission comprises a clutch mounted to the at least one output shaft of the motor and to the actuator, wherein the clutch driveably interconnects the at least one output shaft of the motor to drive the actuator in the first stage at a first motor speed, and wherein the clutch driveably interconnects the at least one output shaft of the motor to drive the actuator in the second stage at a second motor speed.

40. The external mirror system of claim 39 wherein the clutch comprises a drive surface and a driven surface.

41. The external mirror system of claim 40 wherein the drive surface and the driven surface are biased together by at least one spring.

42. The external mirror system of claim 39 wherein the motor comprises a first output shaft connected to the actuator to drive the actuator in the first stage for pivotal movement of the moveable portion and a second output shaft connected to the actuator to drive the actuator in the second stage for extension movement of the moveable portion.

43. The external mirror system of claim 42 wherein the clutch is disposed between the first output shaft and the actuator.

44. The external mirror system of claim 43 wherein the clutch comprises a drive surface and a driven surface.

45. The external mirror system of claim 44 wherein the drive surface is operably engaged with the driven surface when the first output shaft is rotated at a first speed, and is operably disengaged with the driven surface when the first output shaft is rotated at a second speed which is slower than the first speed.

46. The external mirror system of claim 42 wherein the second output shaft is operably disengaged from the actuator when the second output shaft is operated at a first speed, and is operably engaged with the actuator when the second output shaft is rotated at a second speed which is slower than the first speed.

47. An external mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle;

a moveable portion including a reflective element mounted therein; and

a functionality module mounted at one part to the fixed portion and at another part to the moveable portion, the functionality module including a plurality of mounts for operably mounting one of the movement functionality components in universal interconnection fashion selected from the group consisting of;

a powered-fold, powered-extend mechanism;

a powered-fold, manual-extend mechanism;

a manual-fold, powered-extend mechanism;

a manual-fold, manual-extend mechanism;

a powered-fold mechanism;

a powered-extend mechanism;

a manual-extend mechanism; and

a manual-fold mechanism;

wherein the functionality module is capable of operably mounting a plurality of the movement functionality components.

48. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the manual-fold, powered-extend mechanism comprises at least one motive element, a first linkage interconnected to the at least one motive element for pivoting the moveable portion between a folded position and a retracted, unfolded position, and a second linkage interconnected to the at least one motive element for translating the moveable portion between the retracted, unfolded position and an extended, unfolded position.

49. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the powered-fold, manual-extend mechanism comprises at least one motive element, a first linkage interconnected to the at least one motive element for pivoting the moveable portion between a folded position and a retracted, unfolded position, and a second linkage responsive to an externally-applied manual force for translating the moveable portion between a retracted, unfolded position and an extended position.

50. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the manual-fold, powered-extend mechanism comprises at least one motive element, a first linkage responsive to an externally-applied manual force for pivoting the moveable portion between a folded position and a retracted, unfolded position, and a second linkage interconnected to the at least one motive element for translating the moveable portion between a retracted, unfolded position and an extended position.

51. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the manual-fold, manual-extend mechanism comprises a first linkage responsive to an externally-applied manual force for pivoting the moveable portion between a folded position and a retracted, unfolded position, and a second linkage responsive to an externally-applied manual force for translating the moveable portion between a retracted, unfolded position and an extended position.

52. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the powered-fold mechanism comprises at least one motive element, and a linkage interconnected to the at least one motive element for pivoting the moveable portion between a folded position and a unfolded position.

53. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the powered-extend mechanism comprises at least one motive element, and a linkage interconnected to the at least one motive element for translating the moveable portion between a retracted position and an extended position.

54. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the manual-extend mechanism comprises a linkage responsive to an externally-applied manual force for translating the moveable portion between a retracted position and an extended position.

55. The vehicular mirror system of claim 47 wherein the movement functionality component corresponding to the manual-fold mechanism comprises a linkage responsive to an externally-applied manual force for pivoting the moveable portion between a folded position and an unfolded position.

56. A method for assembling an external mirror system for a vehicle comprising the steps of:

providing a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle;

providing a moveable portion;

providing a plurality of movement functionality components selected from the group consisting of;

a powered-fold, powered-extend mechanism, a powered-fold, manual-extend mechanism, a manual-fold, powered-extend mechanism, a manual-fold, manual-extend mechanism, a powered-fold mechanism, a powered-extend mechanism, a manual-extend mechanism, and a manual-fold mechanism;

providing a universal mounting module adapted to receive one of each of the group of movement functionality components;

selecting one of the movement functionality components from the group;

mounting the selected movement functionality component to the universal mounting module; and

mounting the universal mounting module at one part to the fixed portion and at another part to the moveable portion.

57. The method of claim 56 and further comprising the step of mounting a reflective element within the moveable portion.

58. The method of claim 56 and further comprising the step of removing the universal mounting module from the external mirror system and removing the selected movement functionality component therefrom.

59. The method of claim 58 and further comprising the step of selecting another of the movement functionality components from the group.

60. The method of claim 59 and further comprising the step of mounting the newly-selected movement functionality component to the universal mounting module.

61. The method of claim 60 and further comprising the step of remounting the universal mounting module at one part to the fixed portion and at another part to the moveable portion.

62. An external mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle including a first conductor located along a pivotal movement region;

a moveable portion pivotally mounted to the fixed portion through a normal range of movement between folded position and an unfolded position, the moveable portion including a second conductor maintained in operable interaction with the first conductor in the pivotal movement region along the normal range of movement, the moveable portion including a reflective element mounted therein; and

an actuator operably interconnected to the reflective element for adjustment of the position of the reflective element, the actuator having at least one terminal operably interconnected to the second conductor;

whereby operable interconnection between the actuator and the first conductor is maintained during pivotal movement of the moveable portion relative to the fixed portion throughout at least the normal range of movement thereof.

63. The external mirror system of claim 62 wherein at least one of the first and second conductors comprise a conductive material deposited onto the surface of the corresponding fixed portion and moveable portion.

64. The external mirror system of claim 63 wherein the first conductor and the second conductor each comprise a plurality of conductive tracks in operable communication with the plurality of conductive tracks on the other of the first conductor and the second conductor.

65. The external mirror system of claim 64 wherein the plurality of conductive tracks are isolated from one another.

66. The external mirror system of claim 65 wherein the first and second conductors conduct electricity.

67. The external mirror system of claim 62 and further comprising a heater operably interconnected to the reflective element, the heater having at least one terminal thereon.

68. The external mirror system of claim 67 and further comprising a third conductor operably interconnected at one portion to at least one of the actuator and the second conductor and at another portion to the at least one terminal of the heater.

69. The external mirror system of claim 62 wherein the movable portion has a first pivot portion and the reflective element has a back side with a second pivot portion, the first and second pivot portions being received by one another to form a universal pivot between the movable portion and the reflective element.

70. The external mirror system of claim 69 and further comprising a third conductor operably interconnected at one portion to at least one of the actuator and the second conductor and terminating at another portion at the first pivot portion.

71. The external mirror system of claim 70 and further comprising a fourth conductor operably interconnected at one portion to a mirror system component and terminating at another portion at the second pivot portion.

72. The external mirror system of claim 71 wherein the third and fourth conductors are operably interconnected to one another through the universal pivot.

73. The external mirror system of claim 72 wherein the mirror system component is at least one of a heater, an illumination device, a reflective element dimming device, an actuator for performing a mirror function, a mirror positioning device, a mirror position feedback device, a blind zone indicator and a mirror function sensor.

74. An external mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a first portion having a first mounting portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle, a second mounting portion, and a first conductor extending between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion, wherein the first conductor has a first terminal end in register with the vehicle mounting portion and a second terminal end in register with the second mounting portion;

a second portion with a mounting portion thereon and having a reflective element mounted therein, the second portion having a second conductor extending from the mounting portion, wherein the second conductor has a first terminal end in register with the mounting portion and a second terminal end;

wherein, when the mounting portion of the second portion is mounted to the second mounting portion of the first portion, the first terminal end of the second conductor is brought into operable communication with the second terminal end of the first conductor thus operably interconnecting the second terminal end of the second conductor with the first terminal end of the first conductor simply by virtue of the mounting between the first and second portions of the external mirror system.

75. The external mirror system of claim 74 wherein at least one of the first and second conductors comprise a conductive material deposited onto the surface of the corresponding first and second portions.

76. The external mirror system of claim 75 wherein the first conductor and the second conductor each comprise a plurality of conductive tracks in operable communication with the plurality of conductive tracks on the other of the first conductor and the second conductor.

77. The external mirror system of claim 76 wherein the plurality of conductive tracks are isolated from one another.

78. The external mirror system of claim 77 wherein the first and second conductors conduct electricity.

79. The external mirror system of claim 74 wherein the second terminal end of the second conductor is interconnected to a functional mirror component to supply power thereto.

80. The external mirror system of claim 79 wherein the mirror component comprises at least one of a heater, an illumination device, a reflective element dimming device, an actuator for performing a mirror function, a mirror positioning device, a mirror position feedback device, a blind zone indicator and a mirror function sensor.

81. An external mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

a fixed portion adapted to be mounted to the vehicle;

a moveable portion movably mounted to the fixed portion between a retracted position and a laterally-extended position relative to the fixed portion;

a reflective element movably mounted to the moveable portion at a first angle of reflectance with respect to a driver of the vehicle for providing a rearwardly-directed field of view;

an adjuster operably interconnected to the reflective element to position the reflective element at a second angle of reflectance as the reflective element is moved between the retracted and extended positions to adjust the field of view of the reflective element for the driver of the vehicle.

82. The external mirror system of claim 81 wherein the adjuster defines an arcuate path between the retracted and extended positions and the adjustment of the field of view of the reflective element between the first angle of reflectance and the second angle of reflectance occurs as the reflective element is moved along the arcuate path.

83. The external mirror system of claim 82 wherein the adjuster comprises:

a first arcuate arm mounted to the fixed portion and adapted to extend laterally-outwardly from a vehicle; and

a second arcuate arm mounted to the movable portion and received by the first arcuate arm for lateral extendable and retractable movement therewith.

84. The external mirror system of claim 83 wherein the reflective element is mounted to the second arcuate arm.

85. The external mirror system of claim 84 and further comprising a motive element, actuatable from a signal, for moving the second arm between the retracted and extended positions.

86. The external mirror system of claim 85 wherein the motive element further comprises a motor with a threaded output shaft, and a nut threadingly received on the output shaft and operably interconnected to the reflective element for moving the reflective element between the extended and retracted positions.

87. The external mirror system of claim 81 wherein the adjuster comprises:

a first arcuate arm mounted to the fixed portion and adapted to extend laterally-outwardly from a vehicle; and

a second arcuate arm mounted to the movable portion and received by the first arcuate arm for lateral extendable and retractable movement therewith.

88. The external mirror system of claim 87 wherein the reflective element is mounted to the second arcuate arm.

89. The external mirror system of claim 81 and further comprising a motive element, actuatable from a signal, for moving the moveable portion between the retracted and extended positions.

90. The external mirror system of claim 89 wherein the motive element further comprises a motor with a threaded output shaft, and a nut threadingly received on the output shaft and operably interconnected to the reflective element for moving the reflective element between the extended and retracted positions.

91. The external mirror system of claim 81 wherein the adjuster comprises one of a cam and cam follower operably interconnected to the reflective element, and the other of the cam and cam follower operably interconnected to one of the fixed portion and the moveable portion.

92. The external mirror system of claim 91 wherein the cam and cam follower are operably interconnected to one another to position the reflective element between the first angle of reflectance and the second angle of reflectance when the movable portion is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

93. The external mirror system of claim 92 wherein the adjuster comprises:

a first arm mounted to the fixed portion and adapted to extend laterally-outwardly from a vehicle having one of the cam and cam follower thereon; and

a second arm mounted to the movable portion and received by the first arm for lateral extendable and retractable movement therewith, the second arm having the other of the cam and cam follower thereon.

94. The external mirror system of claim 81 and further comprising one of a cam and a cam follower operably interconnected to one of the reflective element and the moveable portion, and the other of the cam and cam follower operably interconnected to the fixed portion, wherein following movement of the cam follower with the cam positions the reflective element between the first angle of reflectance and the second angle of reflectance when the movable portion is moved between the retracted and extended positions.

95. The external mirror system of claim 81 wherein the adjuster comprises:

a first arm mounted to the fixed portion and adapted to extend laterally-outwardly from a vehicle having one of a cam and cam follower thereon; and

a second arm mounted to one of the movable portion and the reflective element and received by the first arm for lateral extendable and retractable movement therewith, the second arm having the other of the cam and cam follower thereon.