LOW PROFILE MIRROR PIVOT

• US 20180065555A1
• Filed: 09/08/2017
• Published: 03/08/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/08/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Filipiak, Kenneth R., Koleszar, Christopher J., Kuester, Ulrich A., Roth, Mark R.
• Granted Patent: US 10,640,045 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/1821 for rotating or oscillating mirrors

Abstract

A rearview assembly includes a mount configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle. A first support includes a generally linear body and extends downward from the mount. The first support defines a first axis of rotation. A second support defines a second axis of rotation and extends from a side of the first support in a direction generally orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the first support. A brace is coupled with the second support and extends below the second support. A spring clip extends around and is in abutting contact with the second support. A housing is operably coupled with the second support. The housing is rotatable about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

Claims

1. A rearview assembly comprising:

a mount configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle;

a first support having a generally linear body and extending downward from the mount, the first support defining a first axis of rotation;

a second support defining a second axis of rotation and extending from a side of the first support in a direction generally orthogonal to the first axis of rotation of the first support;

a brace coupled with the second support and extending below the second support;

a spring clip extending around and in abutting contact with the second support; and

a housing operably coupled with the second support, wherein the housing is rotatable about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

2. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring clip includes a clamping portion disposed below the second support.

3. The rearview assembly of claim 2, wherein the clamping portion includes first and second engagement tabs disposed on opposing sides of the spring clip.

4. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring clip includes a generally L-shaped configuration defining an open interior.

5. The rearview assembly of claim 4, further comprising:

an L-shaped connecting structure disposed within the L-shaped configuration.

6. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the spring clip is disposed between first and second connecting members.

7. The rearview assembly of claim 6, wherein the first and second connecting members operably couple the brace with the second support.

8. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the brace is operably coupled with a carrier plate that supports a full display device.

9. The rearview assembly of claim 1, wherein the brace is operably coupled with a carrier plate that supports an electro-optic device operable between a generally clear state and a generally darkened state.

10. A rearview assembly comprising:

a mount configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle;

a first support extending downward from the mount and defining a first axis of rotation;

a second support defining a second axis of rotation and extending orthogonal from the first support;

a brace coupled with the second support proximate a carrier plate operably coupled with an electro-optic device;

a spring clip extending around and in abutting contact with the second support; and

a housing operably coupled with the second support and supporting the carrier plate, the housing being rotatable about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation.

11. The rearview assembly of claim 10, wherein the spring clip includes a generally L-shaped configuration defining an open interior.

12. The rearview assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

an L-shaped connecting structure disposed within the L-shaped configuration.

13. The rearview assembly of claim 10, wherein the brace is operably coupled with the carrier plate that supports a full display device.

14. The rearview assembly of claim 10, wherein the mount is coupled with a bracket that includes channels configured to receive channels of the mount.

15. A rearview assembly comprising:

a mount configured to be operably coupled with a vehicle;

a first support extending downward from the mount and defining a first axis of rotation;

a second support defining a second axis of rotation and extending orthogonal from the first support;

a brace coupled with the second support proximate a carrier plate operably coupled with an electro-optic device;

a spring clip including an upper clamp portion that provides a clamping force around the second support, wherein the upper clamp portion and the electro-optic device are rotatable about both the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation; and

a housing operably coupled with the second support and supporting the carrier plate.

16. The rearview assembly of claim 15, wherein the spring clip is disposed between first and second connecting members.

17. The rearview assembly of claim 16, wherein the first and second connecting members operably couple the brace with the second support.

18. The rearview assembly of claim 15, wherein the brace is operably coupled with the carrier plate that supports a full display device.

19. The rearview assembly of claim 15, wherein the brace is operably coupled with the carrier plate that supports the electro-optic device operable between a generally clear state and a generally darkened state.

20. The rearview assembly of claim 15, wherein the mount is coupled with a bracket that includes channels configured to receive channels of the mount.