EXTENDED FIELD OF VIEW EXTERIOR MIRROR ELEMENT FOR VEHICLE

• US 20140043706A1
• Filed: 10/15/2013
• Published: 02/13/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,783,882 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/864
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/0602 comprising means for cleaning or deicing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/072 for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/08 involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots , e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors B60R1/025, B60R1/10 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/082 using a single wide field mirror or an association of rigidly connected mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0006 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/182 for mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/161 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells

Abstract

A vehicular exterior sideview mirror assembly includes a main plano mirror element fixedly disposed at a first portion of a mirror backing plate element and an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly disposed at a second portion of the backing plate element. The main plano mirror element and the auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element are adjacently disposed at the backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship. The field of view of the main plano mirror element overlaps the field of view of the non-plano curved mirror element. The overall rearward field of view of the main plano mirror element and auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least about 25 degrees relative to the side of the vehicle. The overall rearward field of view of the main plano mirror element and auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is less than about 50 degrees relative to the side of the vehicle.

Claims

1. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for use on a vehicle, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing;

a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is movable within said mirror housing by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly disposed at a first portion of said mirror backing plate element;

said main plano mirror element having a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly disposed at a second portion of said mirror backing plate element;

wherein said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element are adjacently disposed at said mirror backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship and are not superimposed with one mirror element on top of the other mirror element;

said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element having a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that is at said second portion of said mirror backing plate element is angled relative to said main plano mirror element that is at said first portion of said mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element mounts to said actuator such that movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element comprises a polymeric molding;

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating;

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element combined with said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least about 25 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element combined with said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is less than about 50 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

2. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated convex-curved substrate and wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element is convex-curved and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a spherical curvature.

3. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element has a curvature at least partially matching said spherical curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

4. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein, when used in the exterior sideview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, said main plano mirror element has a rearward field of view that generally subtends an angle of less than about 20 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a rearward field of view that generally subtends an angle that is in the range from about 15 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle to about 50 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

5. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said main plano mirror element has an X-axis and a Y-axis and wherein, when disposed at said second portion of said mirror backing plate element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least one of (a) tilted generally downward with respect to the Y-axis of said main plano mirror element by an angle that is in the range from about 0.75 degrees to about 5 degrees and (b) tilted generally forwardly with respect to the X-axis of said main plano mirror element by an angle that is in the range from about 0.75 degrees to about 5 degrees.

6. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle views into a blind spot in a side lane adjacent the side of the equipped vehicle at which said exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached, and wherein said blind spot is generally outside the rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element when said main plano mirror element is viewed by a driver of the equipped vehicle when said exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle.

7. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a reflector-coated convex-curved glass substrate and wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element is convex-curved and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a spherical curvature and wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element has curvature substantially matching said spherical curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element.

8. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element by between about 2 degrees and about 20 degrees.

9. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said main plano mirror element has a fixed reflectance and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a fixed reflectance.

10. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said main plano mirror element is disposed at said mirror backing plate element by at least one of an adhesive attachment and a mechanical attachment and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is disposed at said mirror backing plate element by at least one of an adhesive attachment and a mechanical attachment, and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a bent glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector.

11. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating, and wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element comprises a curvature corresponding to a curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element, and wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element comprises at least one of (a) a spherical curvature, (b) an aspherical curvature and (c) a multiradius curvature.

12. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a heater element operable to demist/deice the outmost surface of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element when said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is disposed at said mirror backing plate element and when said exterior sideview mirror assembly is attached and operated at the side of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprises a driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly.

13. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprises a door-mounted driver-side exterior sideview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating, and wherein said metallic reflector coating is selected from the group consisting of (i) a chromium coating, (ii) a titanium coating, (iii) a rhodium coating, (iv) a metal-alloy coating, (v) a nickel alloy coating, (vi) an aluminum coating and (vii) a silver coating.

14. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a metallic reflector coating and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a spherically bent curved glass substrate.

15. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for use on a vehicle, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing;

a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is movable within said mirror housing by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly disposed at a first portion of said mirror backing plate element;

said main plano mirror element having a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly disposed at a second portion of said mirror backing plate element;

wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a metallic reflector coating and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element comprises a curved glass substrate;

wherein said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element are adjacently disposed at said mirror backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship and are not superimposed with one mirror element on top of the other mirror element;

wherein said second portion of said mirror backing plate element has a curvature at least partially matching the curvature of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element having a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that is at said second portion of said mirror backing plate element is angled relative to said main plano mirror element that is at said first portion of said mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element mounts to said actuator such that movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element comprises a polymeric molding;

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating;

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element combined with said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least about 25 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element combined with said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is less than about 50 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

16. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein, when used in the exterior sideview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, said main plano mirror element has a rearward field of view that generally subtends an angle of less than about 20 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a rearward field of view that generally subtends an angle that is in the range from about 15 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle to about 50 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

17. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 15, wherein said main plano mirror element has an X-axis and a Y-axis and wherein, when disposed at said second portion of said mirror backing plate element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least one of (a) tilted generally downward with respect to the Y-axis of said main plano mirror element by an angle that is in the range from about 0.75 degrees to about 5 degrees and (b) tilted generally forwardly with respect to the X-axis of said main plano mirror element by an angle that is in the range from about 0.75 degrees to about 5 degrees.

18. An exterior sideview mirror assembly suitable for use on a vehicle, said exterior sideview mirror assembly comprising:

a mirror housing;

a mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element is movable within said mirror housing by an electrically-operable actuator;

a main plano mirror element fixedly disposed at a first portion of said mirror backing plate element;

said main plano mirror element having a first primary field of view rearward of a vehicle equipped with said exterior sideview mirror assembly;

an auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element fixedly disposed at a second portion of said mirror backing plate element;

wherein said main plano mirror element has a fixed reflectance and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a fixed reflectance;

wherein said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element are adjacently disposed at said mirror backing plate element in a side-by-side relationship and are not superimposed with one mirror element on top of the other mirror element;

said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element having a second auxiliary field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said first primary field of view of said main plano mirror element overlaps said second auxiliary field of view of said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element by between about 2 degrees and about 20 degrees;

wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element that is at said second portion of said mirror backing plate element is angled relative to said main plano mirror element that is at said first portion of said mirror backing plate element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element mounts to said actuator such that movement of said mirror backing plate element by said actuator simultaneously and similarly moves said main plano mirror element and said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element;

wherein said mirror backing plate element comprises a polymeric molding;

wherein said main plano mirror element comprises a generally flat glass substrate having a surface coated with a metallic reflector coating;

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element combined with said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least about 25 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein the overall rearward field of view of said main plano mirror element combined with said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is less than about 50 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

19. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 18, wherein, when used in the exterior sideview mirror assembly of the equipped vehicle, said main plano mirror element has a rearward field of view that generally subtends an angle of less than about 20 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element has a rearward field of view that generally subtends an angle that is in the range from about 15 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle to about 50 degrees relative to the side of the equipped vehicle.

20. The exterior sideview mirror assembly of claim 18, wherein said main plano mirror element has an X-axis and a Y-axis and wherein, when disposed at said second portion of said mirror backing plate element, said auxiliary non-plano curved mirror element is at least one of (a) tilted generally downward with respect to the Y-axis of said main plano mirror element by an angle that is in the range from about 0.75 degrees to about 5 degrees and (b) tilted generally forwardly with respect to the X-axis of said main plano mirror element by an angle that is in the range from about 0.75 degrees to about 5 degrees.