Exterior mirror

• US 6,848,816 B2
• Filed: 02/09/2001
• Issued: 02/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/11/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: McCaffrey, Patrick, Herps, Andrew D., Schuumans, Maarten J., Moase, Chris, Gilbert, Robert W., Peacock, Adam S., Olijnyk, Mark, van de Loo, Paul, Gersch, Alex, Munir, Kash A., Teal, Richard G., Schwarz, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Cariaso, Alan
• Assistant Examiner(s): Tsidulko, Mark
• Application Number:
  US09/780,528
• Publication Number:
  US 20010036081A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,453 Days
• Field of Search: 362/494, 362/140, 362/141, 362/142, 362/144, 362/10, 362/30, 362/226, 362/468, 362/475, 362/510, 362/511, 362/514, 362520-522, 362/540, 362/100, 362/83.1, 362/61
• 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 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• 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

Abstract

The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual'"'"'s approach to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle mirror comprising:

a mirror housing containing a reflective element;

an attachment assembly attached to a vehicle for securing the mirror to a the vehicle; and

an approach light in said attachment assembly, wherein said approach light is an assembly including a lens housing, a reflector for directing light, a light source and a lens, wherein said reflector is moveable within said housing in relation to predetermined inputs.

2. The mirror of claim 1 wherein aid reflector is pivoted between a forward direction and a rearward direction for providing illumination in response to predetermined inputs.

3. The mirror of claim 2 said reflector is pivotally attached to the housing for rotating along an axis.

4. A vehicle mirror comprising:

a mirror housing containing a reflective element;

a attachment assembly attached to a vehicle for securing the mirror to a the vehicle; and

an approach light in said attachment assembly, said approach light assembly including a lens housing, a reflector for directing light, a positionable light source, a lens configured to provide a plurality of optical light outputs depending on the position selected for the reflector, wherein said reflector is pivoted between a forward direction and a rearward direction for providing illumination in response to predetermined inputs.

5. The mirror of claim 4 wherein said lens includes a first zone, a second zone, a third zone and a fourth, which correspond to positions of said reflector.

6. The mirror of claim 5 wherein said first one defines a forward zone having a 30 degree sweep.

7. The mirror of claim 5 wherein said second zone has an adjustable zone with a sweep of 120 degrees.

8. The mirror of claim 5 wherein said third zone is a reverse zone covering a rearward 30 degree sweep.

9. The mirror of claim 5 wherein said fourth zone is an approach light zone.

10. The mirror of claim 5 wherein a second horizontal axis of movement is provided such that said reflector may be moved in both vertical and horizontal directions.

11. The mirror of claim 10 a pair of motors are provided for controlling vertical and horizontal axis, and a controller is utilized for positioning of the mirror in accordance with predetermined inputs.

12. The mirror of claim 11 wherein said inputs are in response to manual control by an occupant of a vehicle.

13. The mirror of claim 11 wherein a plurality of sensors is provided for input to the controller.

14. The mirror of claim 13 wherein a remote transmitter is provided, one of said sensors being provided for detecting the positioning of said remote transmitter and illumination in a direction toward said transmitter.

15. The mirror of claim 14 wherein said remote transmitter is a key fob transmitter.

16. The mirror of claim 13 wherein one of said sensors is a reverse gear sensor wherein said controller moves said reflector to said third zone upon sensing position of said vehicle in reverse gear.

17. The mirror of claim 13 wherein a lock sensor is provided for positioning said light in said fourth approach light position in response to unlocking of said door.

18. A vehicle mirror comprising:

a mirror housing containing a reflective element;

an attachment portion attached to a vehicle for securing the mirror to the vehicle; and

an approach light assembly having a lens housing, a reflect or for directing light, a light source and a lens, wherein said reflector is movable within said housing in relation to predetermined inputs, wherein said reflector is pivoted between a forward direction and a rearward direction for providing illumination in response to predetermined inputs.

19. The mirror of claim 18 wherein said reflector is pivotally attached to the housing for rotating along an axis.