Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle

• US 8,696,179 B2
• Filed: 03/11/2013
• Issued: 04/15/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Pastrick, Todd W.
• Primary Examiner(s): SEMBER, THOMAS M
• Application Number:
  US13/793,372
• Publication Number:
  US 20130207799A1
• Time in Patent Office: 400 Days
• Field of Search: 362/494, 362/548, 362/549, 362/540, 362/545, 362/249.02, 340/472, 340/475, 359/874, 359/877
• 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 lighted exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing that houses a reflectance element. A turn signal indicator unit is disposed at a portion of the housing and has an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with the enclosure. The turn signal indicator unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes. At least some light emitting diodes of the plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, may individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd. When the plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by the turn signal indicator unit may be principally directed away from the side of the vehicle at which the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached.

Claims

1. A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror assembly comprising:

a foldable portion and a non-foldable portion;

wherein said non-foldable portion is configured to mount at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said foldable portion comprises a housing, wherein said housing houses a reflectance element;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said reflectance element is movably positionable by a driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view;

wherein said reflectance element is movably positionable via actuation of an electrical actuator, and wherein said electrical actuator is operable, responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle, to position said reflectance element about two axes;

wherein said foldable portion is movably attached at said non-foldable portion via a breakaway joint, and wherein said breakaway joint comprises a pivoting member of said foldable portion that pivots about a stationary member of said non-foldable portion;

wherein at least one wire passes through a passageway of said breakaway joint and wherein said at least one wire supplies electrical power to at least one of (i) said electrical actuator and a defroster heater ad for said reflectance element;

a turn signal indicator unit disposed at a portion of said housing of said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with said enclosure;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit is fixedly disposed at said housing separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal indicator unit;

wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that at least partially wraps around the outboard portion of said housing of said exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, said plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd;

wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is principally directed away from the side of the equipped vehicle at which said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is substantially viewable by a driver of another vehicle overtaking the equipped vehicle at the side and to the rear of the equipped vehicle.

2. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, comprising a ground illumination light disposed at a portion of said lighted exterior mirror assembly.

3. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 5,000 mcd.

4. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said light emitting diodes are operated via pulse width modulation.

5. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said light emitting diodes are electrically connected in series with a resistor.

6. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said enclosure comprises a heat-resistant material.

7. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 6, wherein said heat-resistant material has a heat distortion temperature of at least approximately 80 degrees C.

8. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.

9. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes comprises a plurality of individual light emitting diodes mounted on a circuit board.

10. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm.

11. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 10, wherein the dominant wavelength of emitted light is less than about 680 nm.

12. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of at least about 5 degrees.

13. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 12, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of less than about 25 degrees.

14. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes are skewed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the equipped vehicle.

15. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) said light-transmitting cover is joined at said enclosure by welding, (ii) said light-transmitting cover is adhesively joined at said enclosure and (iii) said light-transmitting cover is mechanically joined at said enclosure.

16. A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror assembly comprising:

a foldable portion and a non-foldable portion;

wherein said non-foldable portion is configured to mount at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said foldable portion comprises a housing, wherein said housing houses a reflectance element;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said reflectance element is movably positionable by a driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view;

wherein said reflectance element is movably positionable via actuation of an electrical actuator, and wherein said electrical actuator is operable, responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle, to position said reflectance element about two axes;

wherein said foldable portion is movably attached at said non-foldable portion via a breakaway joint, and wherein said breakway joint comprises a pivoting member of said foldable portion that pivots about a stationary member of said non-foldable portion;

wherein at least one wire passes through a passageway of said breakaway joint and wherein said at least one wire supplies electrical power to at least one of (i) said electrical actuator and (ii) a defroster heater pad for said reflectance element;

a turn signal indicator unit disposed at a portion of said housing of said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with said enclosure;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit is fixedly disposed at said housing separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal indicator unit;

wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that at least partially wraps around the outboard portion of said housing of said exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, said plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes are skewed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd;

wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is principally directed away from the side of the equipped vehicle at which said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is substantially viewable by a driver of another vehicle overtaking the equipped vehicle at the side and to the rear of the equipped vehicle.

17. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, comprising a ground illumination light disposed at a portion of said lighted exterior mirror assembly.

18. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 5,000 mcd.

19. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein said reflectance element comprises an electrochromic reflectance element.

20. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes comprises a plurality of individual light emitting diodes mounted on a circuit board.

21. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm.

22. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 21, wherein the dominant wavelength of emitted light is less than about 680 nm.

23. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of at least about 5 degrees.

24. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 23, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of less than about 25 degrees.

25. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 16, wherein at least one of (i) said light-transmitting cover is joined at said enclosure by welding, (ii) said light-transmitting cover is adhesively joined at said enclosure and (iii) said light-transmitting cover is mechanically joined at said enclosure.

26. A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror assembly comprising:

a foldable portion and a non-foldable portion;

wherein said non-foldable portion is configured to mount at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said foldable portion comprises a housing, wherein said housing houses a reflectance element;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said reflectance element is movably positionable by a driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view;

wherein said reflectance element is movably positionable via actuation of an electrical actuator, and wherein said electrical actuator is operable, responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle, to position said reflectance element about two axes;

wherein said foldable portion is movably attached at said non-foldable portion via a breakaway joint, and wherein said breakaway joint comprises a pivoting member of said foldable portion that pivots about a stationary member of said non-foldable portion;

wherein at least one wire passes through a passageway of said breakaway joint and wherein said at least one wire supplies electrical power to at least one of (i) said electrical actuator and (ii) a defroster heater pad for said reflectance element;

a turn signal indicator unit disposed at a portion of said housing of said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with said enclosure;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit is fixedly disposed at said housing separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal indicator unit;

wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that at least partially wraps around the outboard portion of said housing of said exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, said plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm;

wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is principally directed away from the side of the equipped vehicle at which said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is substantially viewable by a driver of another vehicle overtaking the equipped vehicle at the side and to the rear of the equipped vehicle.

27. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 26, wherein the dominant wavelength of emitted light is less than about 680 nm.

28. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 26, comprising a ground illumination light disposed at a portion of said lighted exterior mirror assembly.

29. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 26, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes are skewed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the equipped vehicle.

30. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 26, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of at least about 5 degrees.

31. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 30, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of less than about 25 degrees.

32. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 26, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 5,000 mcd.

33. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 26, wherein at least one of (i) said light-transmitting cover is joined at said enclosure by welding, (ii) said light-transmitting cover is adhesively joined at said enclosure and (iii) said light-transmitting cover is mechanically joined at said enclosure.

34. A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror assembly comprising:

a foldable portion and a non-foldable portion;

wherein said non-foldable portion is configured to mount at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said foldable portion comprises a housing, wherein said housing houses a reflectance element;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said reflectance element is movably positionable by a driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view;

wherein said reflectance element is movably positionable via actuation of an electrical actuator, and wherein said electrical actuator is operable, responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle, to position said reflectance element about two axes;

wherein said foldable portion is movably attached at said non-foldable portion via a breakaway a joint and wherein said breakaway joint comprises a pivoting member of said foldable portion that pivots about a stationary member of said non-foldable portion;

wherein at least one wire passes through a passageway of said breakaway joint and wherein said at east one wire su electrical power to at least one of said electrical actuator and a defroster heater pad for said reflectance element;

a turn signal indicator unit disposed at a portion of said housing of said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with said enclosure;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit is fixedly disposed at said housing separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal indicator unit;

wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that at least partially wraps around the outboard portion of said housing of said exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, said plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a dominant wavelength of at least about 530 nm;

wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is principally directed away from the side of the equipped vehicle at which said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is substantially viewable by a driver of another vehicle overtaking the equipped vehicle at the side and to the rear of the equipped vehicle.

35. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein the dominant wavelength of emitted light is less than about 680 nm.

36. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 34, comprising a ground illumination light disposed at a portion of said lighted exterior mirror assembly.

37. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes are skewed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the equipped vehicle.

38. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of at least about 5 degrees.

39. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of less than about 25 degrees.

40. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 34, wherein at least one of (i) said light-transmitting cover is joined at said enclosure by welding, (ii) said light-transmitting cover is adhesively joined at said enclosure and (iii) said light-transmitting cover is mechanically joined at said enclosure.

41. A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror assembly comprising:

a foldable portion and a non-foldable portion;

wherein said non-foldable portion is configured to mount at a side of a vehicle equipped with said light exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said foldable portion comprises a housing, wherein said housing houses a reflectance element;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said reflectance element is movably positionable by a driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view;

wherein said reflectance element is movably positionable via actuation of an electrical actuator, and wherein said electrical actuator is operable, responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle, to position said reflectance element about two axes;

wherein said foldable portion is movably attached at said non-foldable portion via a breakaway joint and wherein said breakaway joint comprises a pivoting member of said foldable portion that pivots about a stationary member of said non-foldable portion;

wherein at least one wire passes through a passageway of said breakaway joint and wherein said at least one wire supplies electrical power to at least one of (i) said electrical actuator and a defroster heater sad for said reflectance element

a turn signal indicator unit disposed at a portion of said housing of said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with said enclosure;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit is fixedly disposed at said housing separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal indicator unit;

wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that at least partially wraps around the outboard portion of said housing of said exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, said plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a dominant wavelength in a range of about 530 nm to about 680 nm;

wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is principally directed away from the side of the equipped vehicle at which said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is substantially viewable by a driver of another vehicle overtaking the equipped vehicle at the side and to the rear of the equipped vehicle.

42. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes are skewed at an angle with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the equipped vehicle.

43. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes comprise amber light-emitting light emitting diodes.

44. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein all light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes comprise amber light-emitting light emitting diodes.

45. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 41, comprising a ground illumination light disposed at a portion of said lighted exterior mirror assembly.

46. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 41, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of at least about 5 degrees and less than about 25 degrees.

47. A lighted exterior mirror assembly configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle, said lighted exterior mirror assembly comprising:

a foldable portion and a non-foldable portion;

wherein said non-foldable portion is configured to mount at a side of a vehicle equipped with said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said foldable portion comprises a housing, wherein said housing houses a reflectance element;

wherein, when said lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle, said reflectance element is movably positionable by a driver of the equipped vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view;

wherein said reflectance element is movably positionable via actuation of an electrical actuator, and wherein said electrical actuator is operable, responsive to actuation by the driver of the equipped vehicle, to position said reflectance element about two axes;

wherein said foldable portion is moveable attached at said non-foldable portion via a breakaway joint, and wherein said breakaway joint comprises a pivoting member of said foldable portion that pivots about a stationary member of said non-foldable portion;

wherein at least one wire passes through a passageway of said breakaway joint and wherein said at least one wire supplies electrical power to at least one of said electrical actuator and (ii) a defroster heater pad for said reflectance element;

a turn signal indicator unit disposed at a portion of said housing of said lighted exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises an enclosure and a light-transmitting cover joined with said enclosure;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit is fixedly disposed at said housing separate from said reflectance element whereby movement of said reflectance element is independent of said turn signal indicator unit;

wherein said light-transmitting cover comprises a portion configured for facing rearward of the vehicle and another portion that at least partially wraps around the outboard portion of said housing of said exterior mirror assembly;

wherein said turn signal indicator unit comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the equipped vehicle and when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, said plurality of light emitting diodes emits light that is viewable at least rearward of the equipped vehicle;

wherein at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes, when individually operating at about 25 degrees C. at a forward voltage of at least about 2 volts and at a forward current of at least about 20 mA, individually emit light with a luminous intensity of at least about 500 mcd;

wherein light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes comprise amber light-emitting light emitting diodes;

wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is principally directed away from the side of the equipped vehicle at which said lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached; and

wherein the pattern of light emitted by said turn signal indicator unit is substantially viewable by a driver of another vehicle overtaking the equipped vehicle at the side and to the rear of the equipped vehicle.

48. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 47, comprising a ground illumination light disposed at a portion of said lighted exterior mirror assembly.

49. The lighted exterior mirror assembly of claim 47, wherein, when said plurality of light emitting diodes is powered, at least some light emitting diodes of said plurality of light emitting diodes have a viewing angle of at least about 5 degrees and less than about 25 degrees.