LIGHT MODULE FOR A VEHICULAR EXTERIOR MIRROR ASSEMBLY

• US 20090251914A1
• Filed: 06/15/2009
• Published: 10/08/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1993
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Pastrick, Todd W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,815,348 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/494
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/38 using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/054 Variable non-standard intensity, i.e. emission of various beam intensities different from standard intensities, e.g. continuous or stepped transitions of intensity
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/30 Lamps commanded by wireless transmissions
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/12 which protect the occupants against personal attack from the inside or the outside of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover. At least one light-emitting diode is disposed within the enclosure cavity. When the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when the light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when the at least one light emitting diode is electrically powered, light radiated by the at least one light emitting diode radiates through the light-transmitting cover and may radiate away from the side of the vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is attached and/or may illuminate the ground in the vicinity of a door of the equipped vehicle. The light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

Claims

1. A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly, the exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle, the exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, said light module comprising:

an enclosure defining an enclosure cavity, said enclosure comprising a light-transmitting opening covered with a light-transmitting cover;

wherein said enclosure is fixedly disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and separate from the movably positionable reflectance element;

a plurality of light-emitting diodes within said enclosure cavity;

wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is electrically powered, at least one of said light emitting diodes radiates light through said light-transmitting cover generally along a light-radiating axis that extends away from the side of the vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is attached, said light-radiating axis being at an angle of at least approximately 15 degrees away from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle equipped with the exterior rearview mirror assembly; and

wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

2. The light module in claim 1, wherein said light-radiating axis is at an angle of between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the equipped vehicle.

3. The light module in claim 1, wherein a retaining structure of said enclosure is configured to mate with a retaining structure of the exterior rearview mirror assembly in order to at least partially retain said enclosure in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

4. The light module in claim 1, including a seal, and wherein said seal comprises a polymer material having a durometer hardness in the range of from about 50 SHORE A to about 95 SHORE A.

5. The light module in claim 1, wherein one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a prong and the other of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a socket, and wherein said prong engages said socket.

6. The light module in claim 5, wherein said prong releasably engages said socket.

7. The light module in claim 1, wherein at least one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a guide member.

8. The light module in claim 1, wherein at least one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a deflectable clip.

9. The light module in claim 1, including a light-reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said plurality of light-emitting diodes.

10. The light module in claim 1, wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of (i) an optical lens, (ii) a diffusive optic, (iii) a diffractive optic, (iv) a refractive optic, (v) a reflective optic, (vi) a holographic optic, (vii) a binary optic, (viii) a clear optic and (ix) a sinusoidal optic.

11. The light module in claim 1, wherein said enclosure is formed from a heat-resistant polymer.

12. The light module in claim 11, wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees Celsius.

13. The light module in claim 1, including a reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said plurality of light-emitting diodes.

14. The light module in claim 13, wherein said reflecting surface comprises at least one of (a) a metal reflecting surface, (b) a metal coating, (c) a vacuum-deposited metal coating, (d) an aluminum coating, (e) a white reflecting surface, (f) a silver reflecting surface and (g) a metal stamping.

15. The light module in claim 13, wherein said reflecting surface comprises a metal reflecting surface.

16. The light module in claim 13, wherein said reflecting surface comprises a vacuum-deposited metal coating.

17. The light module in claim 16, wherein said vacuum-deposited metal coating comprises aluminum.

18. The light module in claim 1, including at least one mating configuration of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly which at least partially retains said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

19. The light module in claim 18, wherein said mating configuration includes at least one snap-fit of said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

20. The light module in claim 1, wherein said enclosure is formed from a heat-resistant polymer and wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees Celsius and wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, polyester, nylon, and ABS.

21. The light module in claim 1, wherein said light module comprises a turn signal light module and wherein when said turn signal light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is electrically powered, light radiated by said plurality of light emitting diodes of said light module is at least substantially non-viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

22. The light module in claim 21, wherein light radiated by said at least one of said plurality of light emitting diodes is viewable by a driver of another vehicle at the side of the equipped vehicle at which said light module is disposed.

23. A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly, the exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle, the exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, said light module comprising:

an enclosure defining an enclosure cavity, said enclosure comprising a light-transmitting opening covered with a light-transmitting cover;

wherein said enclosure is fixedly disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and separate from the movably positionable reflectance element;

a plurality of light-emitting diodes within said enclosure cavity;

wherein said light module comprises a turn signal light module that generates a turn signal indication responsive to actuation by the driver of a turn indicator stick of the vehicle equipped with the exterior rearview mirror assembly and said light module;

wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is electrically powered, light radiated by said plurality of light emitting diodes of said light module is at least substantially non-viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle;

wherein when said turn signal light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is electrically powered, light radiated by at least one of said plurality of light emitting diodes is viewable by a driver of another vehicle at the side of the equipped vehicle at which said light module is disposed; and

wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

24. The light module in claim 23, wherein a retaining structure of said enclosure is configured to mate with a retaining structure of the exterior rearview mirror assembly in order to at least partially retain said enclosure in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

25. The light module in claim 23, wherein one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a prong and the other of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a socket, and wherein said prong engages said socket, and wherein said prong releasably engages said socket.

26. The light module in claim 23, wherein at least one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one of (a) a guide member and (b) a deflectable clip.

27. The light module in claim 23, including a light-reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said plurality of light-emitting diodes, and wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of (i) an optical lens, (ii) a diffusive optic, (iii) a diffractive optic, (iv) a refractive optic, (v) a reflective optic, (vi) a holographic optic, (vii) a binary optic, (viii) a clear optic and (ix) a sinusoidal optic.

28. The light module in claim 23, wherein said enclosure is formed from a heat-resistant polymer, and wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees Celsius.

29. The light module in claim 23, including a reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said plurality of light-emitting diodes, and wherein said reflecting surface comprises a at least one of (a) a metal reflecting surface, (b) a metal coating, (c) a vacuum-deposited metal coating, (d) an aluminum coating, (e) a vacuum-deposited metal coating comprising aluminum, (f) a white reflecting surface, (g) a silver reflecting surface and (h) a metal stamping.

30. The light module in claim 23, including at least one mating configuration of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly which at least partially retains said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said mating configuration includes at least one snap-fit of said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

31. The light module in claim 23, wherein when said turn signal light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is electrically powered, said at least one of said light emitting diodes radiates light through said light-transmitting cover generally along a light-radiating axis that extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is attached.

32. The light module in claim 31, wherein said light-radiating axis is at an angle of between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the equipped vehicle.

33. A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly, the exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle, the exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, said light module comprising:

an enclosure defining an enclosure cavity, said enclosure comprising a light-transmitting opening covered with a light-transmitting cover;

wherein said enclosure is fixedly disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and separate from the movably positionable reflectance element;

a plurality of light-emitting diodes within said enclosure cavity;

wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is electrically powered, light radiated by at least one of said plurality of light emitting diodes illuminates the ground in the vicinity of a door of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

34. The light module in claim 33, wherein said light module comprises a security light module and wherein said security light module is responsive to a control system of the vehicle.

35. The light module in claim 34, wherein said control system is responsive to a proximity detection system.

36. The light module in claim 34, wherein said control system is responsive to a remote transmitting device.

37. The light module in claim 33, wherein a retaining structure of said enclosure is configured to mate with a retaining structure of the exterior rearview mirror assembly in order to at least partially retain said enclosure in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

38. The light module in claim 33, wherein one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a prong and the other of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a socket, and wherein said prong engages said socket, and wherein said prong releasably engages said socket.

39. The light module in claim 33, wherein at least one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one of (a) a guide member and (b) a deflectable clip.

40. The light module in claim 33, including a light-reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said plurality of light-emitting diodes, and wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of (i) an optical lens, (ii) a diffusive optic, (iii) a diffractive optic, (iv) a refractive optic, (v) a reflective optic, (vi) a holographic optic, (vii) a binary optic, (viii) a clear optic and (ix) a sinusoidal optic.

41. The light module in claim 33, wherein said enclosure is formed from a heat-resistant polymer, and wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees Celsius.

42. The light module in claim 33, including a reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said plurality of light-emitting diodes, and wherein said reflecting surface comprises a at least one of (a) a metal reflecting surface, (b) a metal coating, (c) a vacuum-deposited metal coating, (d) an aluminum coating, (e) a vacuum-deposited metal coating comprising aluminum, (f a white reflecting surface, (g) a silver reflecting surface and (h) a metal stamping.

43. The light module in claim 33, including at least one mating configuration of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly which at least partially retains said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said mating configuration includes at least one snap-fit of said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

44. A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly, the exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle, the exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, said light module comprising:

an enclosure defining an enclosure cavity, said enclosure comprising a light-transmitting opening covered with a light-transmitting cover;

wherein said enclosure is fixedly disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and separate from the movably positionable reflectance element;

at least one light-emitting diode within said enclosure cavity;

a reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said at least one light-emitting diode, wherein said reflecting surface comprises a at least one of (a) a metal reflecting surface, (b) a metal coating, (c) a vacuum-deposited metal coating, (d) an aluminum coating, (e) a vacuum-deposited metal coating comprising aluminum, (f) a white reflecting surface, (g) a silver reflecting surface and (h) a metal stamping;

wherein said light module comprises a security light module and wherein said security light module is responsive to a control system of the vehicle, and wherein said control system is responsive to a remote transmitting device;

wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said at least one light emitting diode is electrically powered, light radiated by said at least one light emitting diode illuminates the ground in the vicinity of a door of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

45. The light module in claim 44, wherein said control system is responsive to a proximity detection system.

46. The light module in claim 44, wherein a retaining structure of said enclosure is configured to mate with a retaining structure of the exterior rearview mirror assembly in order to at least partially retain said enclosure in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

47. The light module in claim 44, wherein one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a prong and the other of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a socket, and wherein said prong engages said socket, and wherein said prong releasably engages said socket.

48. The light module in claim 44, wherein at least one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one of (a) a guide member and (b) a deflectable clip.

49. The light module in claim 44, wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of (i) an optical lens, (ii) a diffusive optic, (iii) a diffractive optic, (iv) a refractive optic, (v) a reflective optic, (vi) a holographic optic, (vii) a binary optic, (viii) a clear optic and (ix) a sinusoidal optic.

50. The light module in claim 44, wherein said enclosure is formed from a heat-resistant polymer, and wherein said polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees Celsius.

51. The light module in claim 44, including at least one mating configuration of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly which at least partially retains said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said mating configuration includes at least one snap-fit of said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

52. The light module of claim 44, wherein said at least one light emitting diode comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

53. A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly, the exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle, the exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, said light module comprising:

an enclosure defining an enclosure cavity, said enclosure comprising a light-transmitting opening covered with a light-transmitting cover;

wherein said enclosure is formed of a heat-resistant polymer;

wherein said enclosure is fixedly disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and separate from the movably positionable reflectance element;

at least one light-emitting diode within said enclosure cavity;

wherein said light module comprises a security light module and wherein said security light module is responsive to a control system of the vehicle, and wherein said control system is responsive to at least one (a) a remote transmitting device and (b) a proximity detection system;

wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said at least one light emitting diode is electrically powered, light radiated by said at least one light emitting diode illuminates the ground in the vicinity of a door of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

54. The light module in claim 53, wherein a retaining structure of said enclosure is configured to mate with a retaining structure of the exterior rearview mirror assembly in order to at least partially retain said enclosure in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

55. The light module in claim 53, wherein one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a prong and the other of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a socket, and wherein said prong engages said socket, and wherein said prong releasably engages said socket.

56. The light module in claim 53, wherein at least one of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly includes at least one of (a) a guide member and (b) a deflectable clip.

57. The light module in claim 53, wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises at least one of (i) an optical lens, (ii) a diffusive optic, (iii) a diffractive optic, (iv) a refractive optic, (v) a reflective optic, (vi) a holographic optic, (vii) a binary optic, (viii) a clear optic and (ix) a sinusoidal optic.

58. The light module in claim 53, wherein said heat-resistant polymer has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees Celsius.

59. The light module in claim 53, including at least one mating configuration of said light module and the exterior rearview mirror assembly which at least partially retains said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said mating configuration includes at least one snap-fit of said light module in the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

60. The light module of claim 53, including a reflecting surface at least partially surrounding said at least one light-emitting diode, wherein said reflecting surface comprises a at least one of (a) a metal reflecting surface, (b) a metal coating, (c) a vacuum-deposited metal coating, (d) an aluminum coating, (e) a vacuum-deposited metal coating comprising aluminum, (f) a white reflecting surface, (g) a silver reflecting surface and (h) a metal stamping.

61. The light module of claim 53, wherein said at least one light emitting diode comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

62. A light module for an exterior rearview mirror assembly, the exterior rearview mirror assembly adapted for attachment to the side of a vehicle, the exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of the vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached to the side of the vehicle, said light module comprising:

an enclosure defining an enclosure cavity, said enclosure comprising a light-transmitting opening covered with a light-transmitting cover;

wherein said enclosure is fixedly disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and separate from the movably positionable reflectance element;

wherein said light-transmitting cover is attached to said enclosure by at least one of (i) sonic welding, (ii) vibration welding, and (iii) adhesive bonding;

wherein, when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly, said light-transmitting cover generally conforms to at least one of (i) a styling line of the exterior rearview mirror assembly and (ii) an aerodynamic line of the exterior rearview mirror assembly;

at least one light-emitting diode within said enclosure cavity; and

wherein said light module is substantially moisture impervious and is removable from the exterior rearview mirror assembly.

63. The light module of claim 62, wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said at least one light emitting diode is electrically powered, light radiated by said at least one light emitting diode illuminates the ground in the vicinity of a door of the equipped vehicle.

64. The light module in claim 62, wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said at least one light emitting diode is electrically powered, light radiated by said at least one light emitting diode radiates through said light-transmitting cover generally along a light-radiating axis that extends away from the side of the equipped vehicle to which the exterior mirror assembly is attached.

65. The light module in claim 64, wherein said light-radiating axis is at an angle of between approximately 15 degrees and approximately 30 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the equipped vehicle.

66. The light module of claim 62, wherein said light module comprises a turn signal light module and wherein when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is mounted at the side of the vehicle and when said light module is disposed in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and when said at least one light emitting diode is electrically powered, light radiated by said at least one light emitting diode of said light module is at least substantially non-viewable by the driver of the equipped vehicle.

67. The light module of claim 62, wherein said at least one light emitting diode comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.