Potentiometer for motorized mirror

• US 20020008923A1
• Filed: 06/11/2001
• Published: 01/24/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Churchette, Andrew, Henion, Paul R., Peacock, Adam S., Sturek, James S., Gilbert, Tony, Swindon, David
• Granted Patent: US 6,474,822 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/879
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/072 for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing

Abstract

A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

Claims

1. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a reflective element;

a backing assembly supported by the mirror housing, the backing assembly supporting the reflective element, the backing assembly having a pivot point about which the backing assembly and the reflective element pivot;

an electric motor mounted to the mirror housing, the electric motor being responsive to an electrical input to displace the backing assembly and supported reflective about the pivot point; and

a position sensor, including an integral dampener, the position sensor detecting displacement of the backing assembly while dampening movement of the position sensor.

2. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said position sensor, including an integral dampener, comprises a dampener housing, including an elongated central cavity an actuation rod with a friction end portion, is slidably associated in said apertures, a potentiometer board containing resistive tracks, and a wiper operably associated therewith for reading the relative position of the shaft along the board.

3. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein said friction end includes a spring loaded portion for engaging the sides of said aperture.

4. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a leaf type spring which engages the side of said aperture.

5. The mirror assembly of claim 3 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a pair of opposed friction members with a coil spring therebetween for urging the opposed friction members against opposed walls of said aperture.

6. The mirror assembly of claim 5 wherein said activation rod includes a reduced thickness portion for providing flexibility to said shaft.

7. The mirror assembly of claim 6 wherein bearing protrusions are formed or said friction member for facilitating off axis movement between said rod and said friction member.

8. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a reflective element;

a backing assembly supported by the mirror housing, the backing assembly supporting the reflective element, the backing assembly having a pivot point about which the backing assembly and the reflective element pivot;

an electric motor mounted to the mirror housing, the electric motor being responsive to an electrical input to displace the backing assembly and supported reflective element about the pivot point; and

a position sensor with an integral dampener unit being attached at one end to the backing assembly and at another end to the mirror housing.

9. The mirror assembly of claim 8 wherein said position sensor including an integral dampener further comprises a dampener housing, including an elongated central cavity, an actuation rod with a friction end portion, said actuation rod is slidably associated in said cavity, a potentiometer board affixed in said cavity, said potentiometer board containing resistive tracks, and a wiper operably associated with said actuation rod for reading the relative position of the rod along the board.

10. The mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein said friction end includes a spring loaded portion for engaging a side of said aperture.

11. The mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a leaf type spring which engages the side of said aperture.

12. The mirror assembly of claim 10 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a pair of opposed friction members with a coil spring therebetween for urging the opposed friction members against opposed walls of said aperture.

13. The mirror assembly of claim 12 wherein said activation rod includes a reduced thickness portion for providing flexibility to said shaft.

14. The mirror assembly of claim 13 wherein bearing protrusions are formed or said friction member for facilitating off axis movement between said rod and said friction member.

15. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a reflective element;

a backing assembly supported by the mirror housing, the backing assembly supporting the reflective element, the backing assembly having a pivot point about which the backing assembly and the reflective element pivot;

an electric motor mounted to the mirror housing, the electric motor being responsive to an electrical input to displace the backing assembly and supported reflective element about the pivot point;

a combination positioning sensor and dampener assembly operatively connected to the backing assembly and the mirror housing, the combination position sensor and dampener assembly dampening movement of the backing assembly and generating an output signal in accordance with displacement of the backing assembly with respect to the mirror housing and generating an output signal in accordance with displacement of the backing assembly.

16. The mirror assembly of claim 15 wherein said combined position sensor and dampener assembly comprises a dampener housing, including an elongated cavity, a rod portion with a friction end portion is slidably associated in said central cavity, a potentiometer board containing resistive tracks, and a wiper operably associated in said cavity therewith for reading the relative position of the wiper along the board.

17. The mirror assembly of claim 16 wherein said friction end portion includes a spring loaded portion for engaging the sides of said aperture.

18. The mirror assembly of claim 17 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a leaf type spring which engages the side of said aperture.

19. The mirror assembly of claim 17 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a pair of opposed friction members with a coil spring therebetween for urging the opposed friction members against opposed walls of said aperture.

20. The mirror assembly of claim 19 wherein said rod includes a reduced thickness portion for providing flexibility to said shaft.

21. The mirror assembly of claim 20 wherein bearing protrusions are formed or said friction member for facilitating off axis movement between said rod and said friction member.