Interior vehicle mirror assembly having communication module

• US 5,798,688 A
• Filed: 02/07/1997
• Issued: 08/25/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 02/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/796,051
• Time in Patent Office: 564 Days
• Field of Search: 340/438, 340/461, 340/469, 340/815.41, 362/83.1, 359/838, 359/839, 359/843, 359/844, 455/90, 455/99, 455/100, 455/128, 455/575
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/086 using a mirror angularly movable between a position of use and a non-glare position reflecting a dark field to the user, e.g. situated behind a transparent glass used as low-reflecting surface; Wedge-shaped mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems

Abstract

A vehicle interior mirror assembly for use with a vehicle having a communication system, such as a keyless entry system, global positioning system navigational system or remote garage door opener includes a reflective element, a case for the reflective element, a manual actuator for adjusting the position of the reflective element and an electromagnetic communication module. The communication module is supported within the case by the manual actuator. In this manner, the structure of the mirror assembly and the production process for assembling the mirror assembly can be substantially identical between mirror assemblies including a communication module and mirror assemblies without a communication module.

Claims

1. A vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly, comprising:

a reflective element;

a case for said reflective element;

a manual actuator including a user operable grasp handle for adjusting the position of said reflective element between day and night viewing positions; and

an electromagnetic communication module supported within said case by said manual actuator.

2. The mirror assembly in claim 1 wherein said communication module includes a printed circuit board including a metal layer defining an antenna and a circuit for processing signals received or transmitted by said antenna.

3. The mirror assembly in claim 1 wherein said communication module includes a printed circuit board supporting a discrete coil antenna and a circuit for processing signals received or transmitted by said antenna.

4. The mirror assembly in claim 1 wherein said communication module includes a printed circuit board having a circuit and is adapted for connection with a string antenna extending from said printed circuit board wherein said circuit processes signals received or transmitted by said antenna.

5. The mirror assembly in claim 1 wherein said case includes an edge defining an opening and said communication module includes a connector aligned with said opening.

6. The mirror assembly in claim 5 wherein said actuator is supported by a mounting arm which is adapted for connection adjacent a vehicle windshield and said mounting arm passes through said opening.

7. The mirror assembly in claim 1 wherein said communication module is one of a keyless entry receiver, a global positioning system receiver, a garage door opener transmitter, a smart warning system signal receiver and an intelligent vehicle highway system signal receiver.

8. The mirror assembly in claim 1 in combination with a vehicle having a keyless entry system wherein said communication module is a keyless entry receiver interconnected with said keyless entry system.

9. The mirror assembly in claim 1 wherein said manual actuator includes a stationary toggle member and a pivot lever pivotally joined with said toggle member and supporting said grasp handle wherein pivotal movement of said pivot lever modifies the position of said reflective element with respect to said toggle member.

10. The mirror assembly in claim 9 wherein said communication module is mounted to said toggle member.

11. A vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly for use with a vehicle having a communication system comprising:

a case having a first aperture on a lower surface thereof and a second aperture on a rear surface thereof;

a manual actuator including a toggle member and a pivot lever, the pivot lever including a user operable grasp handle for adjusting the position of the case with respect to the toggle member, said grasp handle extending through said first aperture;

a mounting arm extending through said second aperture for mounting said toggle member to a vehicle;

a reflective element mounted to said case; and

an electromagnetic communication module mounted to said toggle member and adapted to be interconnected with a communication system of the vehicle.

12. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said communication module includes an electrical connector aligned with said second aperture in order to interconnect said communication module with the communication system of the vehicle.

13. The mirror assembly in claim 12 wherein said communication module is positioned on a side of said toggle member opposite said mounting arm and wherein said toggle member includes an aperture aligned with said electrical connector.

14. The mirror assembly in claim 13 wherein said toggle member includes a recessed portion and wherein said communication module is positioned in said recessed portion.

15. The mirror assembly in claim 12 wherein said communication system includes another electrical connector adapted to be locked to said electrical connector in order to prevent separation of said electrical connectors.

16. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said toggle member includes a recessed portion and wherein said communication module is positioned in said recessed portion.

17. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said communication module includes a printed circuit board, including a metal layer defining an antenna, and a circuit for processing signals received or transmitted by said antenna.

18. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said communication module includes a printed circuit board supporting a discrete coil antenna and a circuit for processing signals received or transmitted by said antenna.

19. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said communication module includes a printed circuit board having a circuit and is adapted for connection with a string antenna extending from said printed circuit board, wherein said circuit processes signals received or transmitted by said antenna.

20. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said communication module is one of a keyless entry receiver, a global positioning system receiver, a garage door opener transmitter, a smart warning system signal receiver and an intelligent vehicle highway system signal receiver.

21. The mirror assembly in claim 11 wherein said communication system is a keyless entry system and wherein said communication module is a keyless entry receiver.