Rear-view mirror with multiple interchangeable signals for vehicles with two, three, four or more wheels

• US 20030169160A1
• Filed: 01/09/2003
• Published: 09/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/12/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alejandro Rodriguez Barros, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Fernandez
• Original Assignee: Alejandro Rodriguez Barros, Jose Manuel Rodriguez Fernandez
• Inventors: Rodriguez Fernandez, Jose Manuel, Rodriguez Barros, Alejandro
• Granted Patent: US 6,926,432 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/426.1
• 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: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/123 with thermometers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

The invention relates to a rear-view mirror for vehicles, which consists of compatible, combinable and exchangeable modules such as: (A) and (B), or integrated (A+B), functional, signal, lighting and sensor modules; and structural (C), (D) and (E) modules; cover-housing, body-housing and support which may include functional modules. (A), (B) and (A+B) fulfill their function even if the rear-view mirror is folded. They use a multifocal light source of LED'"'"'s inserted into a flexible and orientable circuit and/or a mixed rigid-flexible circuit combining LED'"'"'s+bulbs and other lighting elements, with variable optical and reflective means enabling more than one signal from one same transparent surface with direct light output, indirect-reflected light output and/or through intermediate optical light guides depending on the directions required in the front, the side, the back and the lateral ground for different commands, applications and safety signals.

Claims

1. - Side mirror providing direct or combined optical vision, or by means of a system of prisms, lenses and/or video cameras, characterised in that it is made up of interchangeable and combinational modular parts having coincident points, edges and assembly shapes, for vehicles with 2, 3, 4 or more wheels, and comprises structural modules combined with other functional ones, some having symmetrical design so that the same part can be used on the left or right hand side, with the lighting and signal modules (A, B and/or A+B), or variations thereof, performing some of their functions even when the mirror is folded in its parking position and with the structural modules (C, C1, D and E) being preferably the supports therefor, see FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 43, 100, 110, 118, 122, 124, 125 and 127.

(A) is a functional module which emits/receives luminous and sonorous signals, and others, and includes sensors and which normally produces a signal output in three directions, to the front, side and rear, based on a multipoint light source comprising LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) (30) inserted on a flexible and/or mixed flexible and rigid circuit (20), and/or LEDs+bulb, and/or LEDs+OLES, creating direct, direct reflected and/or indirect light output by means of intermediate light conductors (150) which are preferably transparent and colourless. See FIGS. 8, 16, 33, 34, 43, 114, 116, 118, 122, 124, 125, and 127.

(B) is a functional module, acting as a complementary multifocus lighting element comprising LEDs or bulbs facing different directions, which normally covers the side area, with a rotatory platform between 0°

and more than 180°

, or a fixed platform which includes several foci facing different directions, and a ventilation channel for cooling the lamp based system or the metallic mass of the LED circuit support; and

can have a timer (310) and sensors such as temperature probe (T1), whereby it simplifies wiring by providing a common negative on the connector for various elements. See FIGS. 5 and 110 to 140.

(C) is a structural module comprising the housing cover which provides quick assembly and an anti-theft arrangement and personalises the outer appearance of the assembly, which can be divided into two parts (C and C1) and can support some of the modules (A), (B) and/or (A+B). See FIGS. 5, 114 and 115.

(D) is a structural module comprising the housing or chassis-housing (D+G) and is preferably one part, or two if it includes a folding system, central support and link to the mirror elements which are interchangeable according to the various combinations, and it provides rigidity to the system and in some versions, is used as the cooler for module (B). See FIGS. 5 and 134.

(E) Is a structural module comprising the support or arm support, and it is the part that attaches the system to the housing, door, crankand/or cowling, and comprises the pivot base where the folding or articulated mechanism, if included, rotates, and normally it includes a signal module (A1), (A2) or (A1+B), (A2+B). See FIGS. 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 43 and 122 to 129.

2. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) emits and receives luminous signals and many other types, with different functions and colours, from one and the same module or one and the same transparent lighting surface (1) and covers, wholly or partially, an accurately lit horizontal angle between 0°

and 270°

(45°

+180°

+45°

) (See FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 13) and a minimum vertical angle between −

15° and

+15°

, with the angles being considered, according to the predetermined signals and functions, as coincident either all together or individually, with driving axis (500) being the 0°

to 180°

reference on the left or right hand side and for any kind of vehicle.

3. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 2, characterised in that modules (A), (A1) and/or (A+B) it includes, together with some of the luminous signals, and activates simultaneously, an acoustic warning by means of a buzzer or sonorous diode (70), see FIG. 43, or the like, to provide another type of warning to those who cannot see the signal directly, and it also comprises an infra-red sensor (25), as a receiver, to activate by remote control (360), see FIG. 142, emergency lights, alarm or module (B) side light.

4. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that owing to its design, location and outer appearance of modules (A, A1, B and A+B) and the options it offers, defines an elongated signal projected into the void, located on the end side of the vehicle body, visible both from the front and the rear, normally on the projecting part of the mirror, on the middle line of the housing and which does not increase the general volume of the mirror, defined by length (L) made up of sectors (L1, L2, L3) corresponding to different functional or non functional signal areas, and it can cover the outer perimeter of the whole system from (000) on the body attachment support (E), to the intersection between planes (1) and (66) on the projecting side end or apex (204) having a rounded radius (R1) greater than 1 mm, with this end including a protective projection over level (0) which protects level (1) against knocks and scratches, with it being possible that this consists of one part, if the mirror is not provided with a folding mechanism, or two coincident and consecutive parts if any kind of folding system (16), movable o rotational, is included, and in this case each part of module (A) (A1, 2, 3,4) combined on the transparent and/or monocolour lighting surface (1) can perform the same or different functions according to the various shapes and colours of the light output, and the same is true of the combined versions (A+B).

5. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that according to the appearance and design of module (A), see FIGS. 6 to 13, its dimensions can be shortened and its shape simplified, covering only (L3 or L2+L3) located on the side end and/or (L1) on support (E), with this being just one part if the mirror is not provided with a folding mechanism, and at least one of these three parts (L1), the signal on the support and/or front spot, (L2), the relief, catadioptric area and/or front spot (3), and (L3), the signal to the side and rear, on level and/or off level, that produces projections (K1) and (K2), FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 40, 41 and 42, and includes submodule (4).

6. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that it has five orthogonal projections from surface (1) with respect to driving axis (500) for any mirror design, height or position, over the vertical planes K, FIGS. 40, 41, 42, 123-B, which are as follows:

Rearward projection (K1) over a plane that is perpendicular to (500) is greater than 0.5 cm², is always in the area from line (X) at the end, see FIG. 39, and has a smaller surface area than the other projections from (1), but in module (A1), (A1+B) and (A2+B), the surface area may be larger, see FIG. 124-B;

Rearward projection (K2) over a plane at 45°

to (500), is always larger than 4 cm².

Side projection (K3) over a plane parallel to (500).

Forward projection (K4) over a plane at 45°

to (500), and generally having the largest surface area in any variant of (A).

Forward projection (K5) over a plane perpendicular to (500).

7. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that the part of surface (1) of (A) that generates projection (K1) and the rearward signal, is comprised in an end area defined by line (X) that passes through the housing intersection points (X1) and (X2), in turn, determined by the intersection with the housing having a radius which is equivalent to half the distance between the upper and lower tangent of the housing, plus 20%, with the centre of said radius being the middle point on the vertical tangent at the side end, and the area extending from line (X) towards the end leading away from the vehicle body, see FIGS. 6, 9, 13 and 39-A-B-C.

8. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that owing to its optical and lighting design it is a multifocal signal provided with three focal points that emit and receive signals at any wavelength and from any source, ranging from 350 nm to 1150 nm to the front, side and rear, preferably simultaneously, according to functional requirements, determining two functional areas as (F1), the forward projection area, or front spot, that complements the vehicle'"'"'s front signals, and (F2), the combined focus area to the side and rear that complements the side and rear signals.

9. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 4 and 8, characterised in that for (F2) the mixed circuit provides warning signals using other emission and reception means, either sonorous or ultrasonic, and/or an inverse function whereby the system detects elements in the horizontal signal area by emitting infra-red signals, coded or uncoded, and receiving said signals in photosensors (25-A-B) corresponding to these emissions, FIGS. 7, 33, 37, 75, 77,81 to 87, 93, 100 to 105 and 123, or by emitting infra-red signals to control the opening of gateways and barriers (25), or a remote control receiver and/or temperature information sensor, and furthermore in (F1), its emission/reception function can operate in combination with the front spot on the other mirror to produce a range finder that warns when another vehicle approaches in the same direction, with each of these functions being regularised by means of an integrated electronic circuit.

10. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 4, 8 and 9, characterised in that the emission function performed by LED-IR (25-A) and the reception function performed by photodiode (25-B), that warn of the presence of vehicles or bodies in area (F2), are reversible-mutual warning functions since a pilot in area (4) or another signal on (A) warns the vehicle or person entering the area that they are in the vicinity of a vehicle, and a pilot anywhere inside the vehicle or on the mirror which is easily visible by the driver, together with a sonorous warning inside the vehicle, warns the driver that a vehicle or body is approaching, and so both parties are warned of the situation simultaneously.

11. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that there is a critical distance (DC) along the line continuing from mirror glass (50) when it is tilted in its maximum position (50N) and from the clearance between the mirror glass and the housing, which is the sum of the thickness of the housing, plus the thicknesses of the outside (1) and inside parts (10) and (12) of (A), and there is usually a space inside these thicknesses for conducting the light in its projection towards (K1), with (DC) being shorter than five times the sum of these thicknesses. See FIGS. 40 to 42.

12. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that element (00), the LED or bulb or LED-IR generating the light projected towards (K1) is located along a length which is half the total horizontal length of surface (1), (L1+L2+L3) of module (A), and the starting point of said length is the intersection between (DC) and (1) with consideration for 50% to the front and 50% to the rear thereof.

13. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that between surface (66), (outside end part (1) visible from behind the vehicle), and the tangent to the end or edge of the housing in this point (61) (protecting part in the event of knocks from behind) there is always a distance (D1) which determines partition (N), except FIG. 40-H, where (61) and (66) coincide, with (N) being inside and the particular rectified light solution being applied, FIG. 40.

14. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 4, characterised in that the attachment of (A) to end or projection (5) is always contained in a housing, preferably coupled (avoiding movements in the direction of the arrows surrounding (P1) to the outside, inside and rear, thus avoiding the three grades of freedom) to the end of the body of mirror (D) or (D+G) in area (61), except if (A) is mounted on (C), see FIG. 40-F, when the end of (C) acts as projection (5) and is contained in the body of the mirror having the same concept as (A), and design permitting, in combined modules, this principle can be applied to other edges of the module, see FIGS. 112, 115.

15. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that modules (A), (A1) and (A+B) use reversible or non-reversible attachment means, that can be screwed or attached by clips from top to bottom and bottom to top, and normally they are contained in internal housing (10) which is welded to (1) by ultrasound, or adhered to edge (14), FIGS. 39 and 40, and attached to (C) by means of the edge with a recessed engagement (11), made from elastomeric bi-material acting as sealing joint and also protecting against vibrations and aerodynamic noise, and having at least one clip and/or arm for screws (8 and 9) together with other positioning elements, such as perimetral edge (67) and conical pressure teeth that engage and attach the part both to module (C) and module (D), indistinctively, according to the design version.

16. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 15, characterised in that the attachment system is associated with access to signal modules (A), (B), (A+B), (A1+B) and (A2+B) in which the element is mounted, and the access points are as follows:

A—

Internal access. Mirror glass (50) is removed. The signal mounted on cover (C), (C1) and/or (D) provides access to elements (8) and (9) which are released internally by first removing the mirror glass. It does not matter that other parts like the chassis or internal motors are disassembled. The signal can exit internally or externally and/or externally even when cover (C) is mounted previously, and the way in which the mirror glass is disassembled is not important. See FIGS. 43, 46, 47, 49, 51 to 53, 57, 58, 68, 94, 95, 98, 99, 102, 103, 109, 117 and 121.

B—

External access. Cover (C) is removed (without removing mirror glass (50)), by means of its clips, see FIG. 132, even when the signal is mounted between the cover and chassis. See FIGS. 42, 83, 96 and 115.

C—

Lower and/or external access. Without removing cover (C), or mirror glass (50);

by means of a lower orifice or screw, and/or by removing a lower cover (C1) or module (B) proper acting as access cover to the attachment of (A), either by means of the gap between mirror glass (50) and housing (D) shown by arrow (Q), or by rotating the mirror glass to its end position where (B) is accessed as well, FIGS. 130, 131, together with clip and screw (8) and (9). If (B) does not exist, only fixing elements of (A). See FIGS. 41, 45, 48 and 112.

D—

Side access. By rotating the whole mirror on its folding axis or folding point and by means of the gap thus created between the housing and the door attachment support. See FIG. 43 is ideal for (A1) and/or (A1+B), (A2+B) and FIGS. 122, 124, 127 and 128.

17. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 15 and 16, characterised in that in order to remove mirror glass (50) that provides internal access for signal module maintenance, preferably a mirror glass support plate (50) is used, see FIG. 45-C, which avails of the inherent material flexibility in arms (50-B) to move plate (50-A), which is not adhered to mirror glass (50-E), by pressing on (50-C) in the direction of arrow (50-H) and thus increasing distance (D1) between clips (8), and releasing the glass, whereby the plastic piece is an integral element, and as further options, the mirror glass support plate can be removed from the rotation mechanism, see FIGS. 45-A and B, by means of a pressure washer or screw (55-A), and/or, FIG. 45-D, by means of the safety spring (55-A).

18. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that modules (A), (A1), (B) and/or (A+B) perform their functions directly and/or indirectly, by combining commands, timers and/or sequential electronic light-up and switch-off circuits, stroboscopic elements, sensors and/or photodiodes and decoders, which are essentially, as follows:

Indicating signal for turning, area (A), (A1) and (A2), FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 12, 43, 65, 68, 108, 111, 114, 118, 122, 124, 125;

Braking or stop signal, area (4), FIGS. 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 13, 71, 111;

Door opening pre-warning signal, areas (A and 2), and/or (4) and/or (A1), preferably the same colour as the signal in that area but at a different frequency according to the stroboscopic sequencer (320), FIG. 142, which can be green in the case of a taxi and that is preferably activated by a switch or photodiode on the inside door handle, FIG. 142 (308), (307);

Emergency signal (304), FIG. 141, areas (A, 2 and A1) left or right hand side simultaneously;

Fog, rain and parking lights, areas (3 and 3 bis) with direct projection, high brightness LEDs, FIGS. 3, 7, 11, 46, 81 to 84, 93, 95, 98, 99, 100, 110, 120, 125, 127.

Slowing down signal, area (4) fixed and/or with strobe, at a low intensity, using a small percentage of intensity with attenuator (306), FIGS. 1, 3, 7, 8, 13, 71, 111.

Flash signal and strobe for special vehicles such as police, fire engines, ambulances, security cars, area (3), FIGS. 52.

Second, different coloured signal for special vehicles, as indirect light output, normally blue and/or white (police and security), red (fire engines), green (taxis), FIGS. 47 to 50.

Multi-coloured signal based on one and the same circuit, FIGS. 14 to 38, by LEDs arranged alternatively with even numbers for one colour, and odd numbers for another, and/or in two consecutive series and/or in two parallel linear, different coloured series, and/or combining the first and the second signal, and/or with LEDs from more than one chip with different wavelength, and/or LEDs R-G-B, inserted from (00) to (000), with this being applicable to any version of (A) with a flexible or mixed circuit, FIG. 43.

Side presence detector in area (F2), photodiodes (25-A-B), located in (4), FIGS. 75, 77, 81 to 87, 93, 123, 128;

Front presence detector or range finder works in combination with the mirrors in area (F1), front spot with a concentrating lens of the IR beam, FIGS. 46, 105, 106;

Area (3), a decorative or reflecting variant, which also carries signal reception photodiodes (25) and sonorous signals (70), FIGS. 1, 7, and 51;

Fixed side light with multiple foci, FIGS. 100, 110, 116 to 131;

Ground side light, which rotates between 0° and

180°

with respect to the driving axis;

Side light for changing wheels, which can be adjusted to the front and the rear;

Side light for parking provided with an automatic orientation memory facility for the reverse and first gear. FIGS. 132 to 140.

19. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 18, characterised in that module (A) and/or (A1) and/or (B), (A+B), FIG. 4, continues to perform its function in the parking position, in any design or for any shape, whether, integral, elongated, shortened, rounded, minimum size, vertical, FIGS. 118 to 121, or above or below the middle line of the mirror, or for any shape of light output whether direct, indirect, reflected, homogeneous or sectioned, FIG. 43, or defined by one or several foci, FIGS. 54 or 65. Also in versions (A+B), (A1+B). The mirror illuminates in the same way, with respect to the normal driving position, without altering the photometry effect of its projection on the planes, FIG. 2, (X=−

1), (Z=−

1), (X=+1) and the illuminated areas (Z1, Z2, Z3), FIGS. 2 and 3, to the front, the side and the rear, possibly simultaneously, so as to perform the basic functions, according to claim 17, all from one same lighting surface (1), (200) and (263), with this principle being applied equally in style versions, for example in trucks and motorcycles, (A) in part (A1) occupies module (E) which is elongated and extends from attachment (60) in the door, body, cowling or crank, towards the most projecting side end.

20. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) emits the signal preferably by means of a light source made up of several LED chips (30) of various shape, optic, wavelength or encapsulation and which are inserted at least in one printed circuit (20), with the insertion track of positive pole (29), or cathode, of each LED having a greater area than that of the negative pole (23), FIGS. 24 and 44-A-B, and the base being made from a flexible material, fibre glass, treated polyester, soft metal or other materials with similar flexibility characteristics and which can withstand the welding temperature, or any other method of attaching the components, such as SMD, pressing, clipping, FIGS. 14 to 35. The circuit optimises the thermal and lighting operation and duration, because the LEDs emit light to the front (30) or to the side (30-1) and are inserted in a minimum arrangement of two per series, and are connected at least in one series and/or in several, arranged in parallel, with the corresponding protection circuit against electrical surcharge (22), FIGS. 20, 37 and 38, that is located on the same circuit or in power cable (17), and is normally based on calculated resistances and diodes which balance the current for each LED.

21. Side mirror according to claims 1 and 20, characterised in that module (A) supports flexible circuit (20) provided with calculated slits (21), FIGS. 1 and 17, whereby the circuit can be twisted or stretched, arranged at a split-level, or provided with tabs or folds and adapted to curved or flat shapes, or a combination thereof, so that it remains fixed between the teeth, guides and positioning elements of its support base (24), FIGS. 44-A-B, reflective parabola (12) and/or lighting surface (1), thus producing a direct signal (32) which emits more than 10% of the light from source (30) towards (1) and from there to the outside, in a radial, homogeneous, concentrated and/or dispersed light flow, as required, also having a multiple sequence of foci emitting light to the front and/or to the side, tilted at a progressive angle which is exact and calculated for each point of the module, regardless of its shape and/or whether its light output system is direct, indirect or reflected, with said foci occupying a minimum space. FIGS. 14 to 19, 33 to 35, 43, 100 to 102, 103, 106 to 109, 114, 115, 118 to 121 and 123-B.

22. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 20, characterised in that, in order to obtain optimum light performance, module (A) uses LEDs (30) of the type that can be assembled on the surface, SMD (39), FIGS. 29, 30, 31 and/or inserted in through holes (29), FIGS. 23 to 28, or inserted by clipping (29), FIGS. 29, 33 and 34, with said LEDs being of any emitted wavelength, power, and/or shape with respect to capsule (30) and optic (36) which produce light output to the side (30-A) or to the front (30), FIGS. 22 to 31, whereby, indistinctively, a basic optic (38) of conical projection is used, which surrounds LED chip (34), and/or the alternative combined with the ovoid optic or the one having a toroid-shaped section (36), FIGS. 23, 24, and/or a cylindrical section (36), FIGS. 26 to 28, with chip (34), FIG. 25, being a rectangular shape, and in one version, more than one square chip is used, one adjacent to the other in one and the same capsule (34), FIG. 29, with said chips being adhered to at least one reflective support (35), also of rectangular or elliptical shape, which also absorbs and dissipates heat from the capsule by means of pins (39), regardless of polarity but preferably by the positive pole, and produces the same effect as the rectangular chip by means of its respective power microcables to cathode (42), with it also being possible to use three chips of the R-G-B type (red, green, blue) in one and the same capsule and produce several colours, including white.

23. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 20, characterised in that, for each almost rectangular LED, module (A) uses a pyramidal light projection, FIG. 22, on a plane (111) perpendicular to focal centre (32) that covers an effective angle of at least −

15°

to +15°

in the vertical direction (45), with the lens shape being defined by the side or horizontal diameter of projection (44) being greater than the vertical, FIGS. 22, 29, 30, 31, and by the general signal projection for the series of various focal points, being the sum of these individual, pyramidal projections that can be combined alternately, and according to the functions of claim 6, with conventional, conical projection LEDs, FIG. 21.

24. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 20, characterised in that module (A) uses LEDs with different optics in one and the same mixed circuit which concentrates the light in a beam and/or disperses it in the horizontal direction, according to the function, FIG. 32, and the basic versions that produce these characteristic projections are as follows:

FIG. 32-B, spot-light concentrator;

FIG. 32-D, vertical prisms for diffusing or dispersing the light in the horizontal direction, with the horizontal projection always being greater than the vertical;

FIG. 32-E, image multiplier creating a diamond effect, concentrated spots;

FIG. 32-F, a mix between effect 32-D in the centre and effect 32-E to the side;

FIG. 32-G, double or triple inverted chip, direct-reflected, concentrating spot, in R-G-B produces even white light;

FIG. 32-C, oval with horizontal expansion, in which the horizontal projection is always greater than the vertical.

25. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 20, characterised in that module (A) and/or (A+B) and the versions thereof, use a mixed, rigid-flexible combined circuit in the support, and elements considered to be electronic circuit components including light and signal emitting/receiving elements, sensors, timers and function chips all normally with a connector and common negative, and which are adapted, according to design, to work between 6 and 42 volts, with the basic element combinations being as follows:

LEDs having different characteristics, brightness intensity, capsule shape, welding, optic, quantity of chips and wavelength;

Bulbs, normally 1W, having different shapes, long life, different couplings, tinted or transparent exterior, or containing xenon gas;

Photodiodes and/or phototransistors sensitive to wavelengths between 350 nm and 1150 nm;

Infra-red (IR) LEDs;

Sonorous diodes;

Superfices OLES (Organic Light Emitting Substrate), electroluminescent polymer substrate for any application and having any design or shape, including letters and logos;

Function microcircuits, decoders, detectors, timers, protection circuits, attenuator resistors, sequencers and probes;

Special stroboscopic discharge lamps;

High tension mini neon tubes with light up electronic circuit;

with supports including;

Flexible base, fibre glass, or polyester less than 0.5 mm thick;

Rigid base, fibre glass greater than 250 microns thick;

Malleable metal with folds for LED support and/or clip-attached bulbs;

with the preferred metal being aluminium (A1) so that heat is radiated through contact, and with the preferred function-based combinations being bulb+LEDs, LEDs+OLES, LEDs+bulb+photodiode sensors, stroboscopic lamp+LEDs, FIGS. 33, 34, 35, 46, 52, 77, 87, 99, 100 to 103, 106, 108 to 110, 114, 115, 120, 123 and 128.

26. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) has a standard shape lighting surface (1) normally provided with a smooth external face, which can be adapted to design different mirrors, with the edges, perimeters and recesses (11) thereof coinciding with the similar negative engaging shapes, openings and attachment elements of the various housings and/or chassis, with the inside surface thereof consisting normally of a combination of vertical prisms (7) and/or convergent or Fresnel lenses (6), having different angles and shapes for different areas of the module, with said inside surface having alternative light output means in the form of guiding channels (150, 153 and 158), integrated in one and the same part of surface (1) or in a second part (1 bis) parallel or perpendicular thereto, in accordance with the angle required for the signal in this area and the effect intended to be obtained, with said surface being a plastic material, preferably PMMA, PC or the like, transparent, colourless or tinted, FIGS. 8, 11, 43 and 57 to 69.

27. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that lighting surface (1) of module (A) can emit mono- or multicoloured light from one single monocolour transparent surface and it acquires colouring by emitting light from different types of LEDs and/or source, (which are transparent and colourless when switched off), inserted on the circuits in a combination of even and odd numbers from (00) to (000), FIG. 43, or in a parallel series, with the regulation wavelength for the colour of the corresponding signal when it is more than one signal, with colouring being acquired in other variants, by using mini lamps or tinted tubes and/or light filtered through a lighting surface having at least one regulation colour, preferably red for stop, orange for indicating direction, and more than one color sectioned on the same surface if there are also special strobe and flash functions, such as blue and/or colourless for police, green for taxis for hire, red for fire engines, yellow for special vehicles. See FIGS. 46, 47, 52, 108, 114, 118.

28. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 20, characterised in that surface (1) of module (A) comprises in area (2) and (66) the output signal forming rearward projection (K1), see FIGS. 40-H to 43, without increasing volume or having to design steps or projecting parts, whereby three optical elements are combined and produce on (66), from the bulb or LED (00) source, a direct light output which is colourless and non-reflecting, with the on level configuration preventing turbulence and aerodynamic noise, and eliminating (D1) because the levels of planes (61) and (66) are coincident, FIGS. 40-H and 41, said mirror being characterised in that:

Area (66) normally produces a smooth light output and does not have prisms, lenses or relieves on its outside and inside surface from plane (66) to at least 30 mm towards the front of surface (1);

Area (7) which orientates and rectifies the output light, is a prism between source (00), LED (30) or bulb;

Antireflective area (N) is a side surface which is normally a black, matt colour, or chromed, which acts as an internal dividing partition and may be provided with an orifice or mini LED (30) that produces light output for operation control (51);

and in that it is a rectified light output, accurately facing projection (K1)(100) which does not produce any uncontrolled or rebounding light within the plastic part of (66), and the driver'"'"'s (202) vision, FIG. 3, is not blurred by signal beam (100) since, although the driver can see more than 10% of area (66) which produces this projection, he/she does not see any flashes, colouring, or diverted remaining light in that area.

29. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), FIGS. 43 to 44, 46 to 52 and variants thereof, comprise internal reflecting means which normally have a metallic surface treatment, or are painted, and which generally have a parabolic shape (12) and non-smooth surface, provided with multiple consecutive convex spherical sectors (13), divided by a grid of parallel and meridian lines, in the vertical or oblique direction, preferably similar to scales or half pearls in relief, while the same principles also apply to other shapes, such as for example, pentagonal or hexagonal edges, with the mini spherical mirrors producing a multiplying effect on the foci of any type of light source, and on the remaining light which rebounds inside surface (1), producing a homogeneous light output, which is the product of the collimator or the sum of many virtual micro foci reflected by the calculated inclination of each scale in relation to its real focus, while, in combination, lighting surface (1) is mainly smooth, without prisms, and as a result, the projected signal complies with regulation photometry requirements.

30. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 29, characterised in that module (A) uses combined internal means on surfaces (1) and (12) to optimise the light output and produce virtual multifoci and a uniform light in (1), with said combination consisting of the following, FIGS. 56, 57 and 64:

metallic reflecting parabola (12) normally provided with convex, parallel, horizontal and/or vertical cylindrical sectors (13) on the whole surface or part thereof, and surface (1) with vertical and/or horizontal prisms of variable inclination, width or orientation (7), FIGS. 1, 7, 8, 43, that produce the effect of a line of light, or a homogeneous lighting surface, by applying vertical prisms to (1), and horizontal prisms to (12) or vice versa, and/or by combining and inserting as an option, convergent circular lenses or Fresnel lenses (6), with respect to the centre of each foci, along the module in order to orientate the light in the required direction. FIGS. 1, 7, 8, 43, 64, 100 to 103, 120, 123, 125 and 63.

31. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 29, characterised in that in one version of module (A) under surface (1), there is an intermediate reflecting surface, sectioned and combined, between source (30) and (1), FIGS. 53 to 55, constituted by surface (12) and internal cones, cylindroides and tubes (112), preferably transparent and chromed around each LED (30), with their geometric axis coinciding with the axis of the light emitting focus (32), in a radial or parallel arrangement, being intercepted, separated and/or truncated by a flat or convex surface (12), provided with equal surface treatment to optimise the light output, and with prisms (6) and (7), according to claims 29 and/or 30, being combined with the lenses so that each focus and area produce non-homogeneous light on surface (1), sectioning effect (small tubes of light) for each emitting focus, with the photometry homologation being the same for each focus, FIGS. 53 to 55, 95, 100 to 103.

32. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that as variants of light emission foci, modules (A) and (B) are provided with a multifocal interior comprising incandescent micro lamps, FIGS. 56, 58, of the preferred W1, 2W or more type without bushings, tinted with the regulation colour, with at least one lamp (95) being used with a mask, which can be semi-chromed, said lamps being inserted in parallel arrangement on two metallic guides (91), (92) with their corresponding folds (98), (91) to attach the lamps or lamp supports (93), with combined optics being used to optimise the output signal, consisting of the reflective parabola and the lighting surface according to claims 20 to 30 inclusive, where each focus emits a radial light, surface (12) is a calculated parabola around each focus (90) and surface (1) can include a Fresnel lens.

33. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), FIGS. 58, 75 and 97, offers the minimised one focus option and therefore uses either a normal W5W type bulb, that is transparent or tinted (95) and/or masked (95-A) and its corresponding lamp support (93), or LEDs arranged in a flexible or rigid circuit, reduced to at least two LEDs with direct output (30), or lateral output (30-A) and/or any type of optic, capsule or attachment, producing a radial light output in both cases that covers signal areas (F1) and (F2), with the reflecting means, optics, connections, cables and attachment being similar to those used in other versions of (A).

34. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) and the variants thereof having a same exterior (1) and different interior construction (10), use a flexible circuit and/or alternative mixed interior circuit useable with other series and/or inserted series of LEDs having a different wavelength and intensity, and/or micro lamps, in order to produce more than one signal from the same lighting surface, said signals having a different colour, command, function and light up and switch off sequence and/or strobe effect according to each group of LEDs, and/or the photodiode presence detector and LED-IR (25-A-B) with reversible warning, towards outside area (100) and inside the vehicle (200), FIGS. 43, 47 to 53, with the light output being direct and/or indirect, and/or indirect-reflected, and the LEDs being located in an area of the module according to the required function (A1), (A bis), (3 bis), (1), (4) and/or are complement, front (F1) and side (F2), for special functions:

blue for police lights (3 bis) or (A bis), green for taxi lights, red for stop at the rear (4), yellow at the front for fog lights (3 bis), FIG. 64, and orange for emergency in all directions of (A).

35. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 29, characterised in that module (A) has a series of at least one mini-LED of any colour, preferably on the projecting end as an operation control light for various functions;

indicator (51), FIG. 43, and another LED (00), FIGS. 43, 46, 47 and 142, that operates intermittently as an alarm connection control light and as the pre-warning light of the sensor indicating the presence of the alarm, when the car is parked and the engine switched off. Photodiode detecting light when the presence of a vehicle is detected in the proximity and interrupts the LED-IR emission in area (F2). Also acting as security light, FIGS. 51 and 142, illuminating the sides of the vehicle, and in order to guarantee its operation, it has an alternative independent power system (74) provided by means of the rechargeable battery (72), fixed by clips (73) which receives and supplies energy from the general circuit driven by reversing switch (78), with the alarm connection being driven by remote control (360).

36. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that when module (A) is used for special vehicles, on surface (1) thereof it reproduces more than one special signal using indirect, reflected light (132), FIGS. 47 to 50, and, preferably, in the front-side area it has a series of LEDs (130), the colour of the required signal, located on circuit (120) in the lower channel, orientated so that the light output is produced by the collimator, reflected on metallic internal surface (12) and staggered at a calculated angle (13), with the same prisms of the direct light output being combined with lighting surface (1), where the light emitting element is not visible directly and so the second signal is more homogeneous, while said module also uses a combination of prisms according to claims 20 and 21 and, for the light-up sequence, depending on the function, it comprises a circuit (320) for producing a rapidly flashing stroboscopic effect, FIG. 142, while it also being possible to include LEDs with three chips, R-G-B and/or a series of three alternated LEDs R-G-B so as to produce more than one colour, even white.

37. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 36, characterised in that in module (A) indirect light output is produced by means of solid light guiding bodies (150), FIGS. 47 to 50, which produce light output (32bis) when the light collides with surfaces at an incidence angle greater than 10°

(155), preferably prisms at 45°

with respect to the direction of the light trajectory, and in FIG. 50, the same effect is produced by the light on external surface (1) in the area provided with prisms (155).

38. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 36, characterised in that the emission source in module (A) is provided with the combined version of LEDs+neon for special vehicles, FIGS. 49 and 50, which instead of circuit (120) uses a tube of neon or argon gas (140) retained by positioning elements (142) with their light up or electronic voltage increasing circuit (144), and emits the indirect-reflected light having the colour required for the signal by means of the collimator and reflecting points (13) or light guiding elements (150) and prisms (155), with light (32 bis) exiting from internal guiding elements and/or surface (1).

39. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 36, characterised in that module (A) uses a mixed circuit and in area (3), as a variant, it uses special signals based on a flash discharge tube or stroboscopic lamp (80), FIG. 52, with the corresponding thyristor and condenser (81) based circuit, in order to produce white light preferably of the slow or quickly flashing stroboscopic type.

40. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A1), (A+B) in all its versions, normally comprises in the front area closest the body, a consecutive area thereto, and part of the lighting surface, which is not intended for light output, but has instead a machined interior provided with prisms that produce a catadrioptic effect (cats eyes) reflecting direct external light, of regulation colour according to the projection plane, FIGS. 7, 122 and 124.

41. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that one version of module (A) comprises area (3) not intended for light output, which has catadrioptic machining and/or a reproduced sign or logo of the inner low relief type, preferably with a contrasted background and chromed letters or designs on the same level and on the same lighting surface, and/or low relief machining on the inner surface of transparent surface (1) that reveals the graphic design when light coincides at a tangent with this level difference, and/or on surface (12) in low relief separated from surface (1) which acts a transparent protection cover.

42. Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that as an alternative the module (A), (A+B), and all versions thereof, create a double signal effect on surface (1) when their interior is machined with three-faced pyramids (160) which produce the catadrioptic effect, or reflection of outside light, and in addition, the point of these pyramids is truncated or flattened (170) and they let the light pass through from the inside of that area, thus producing a double function, i.e.:

catadrioptic effect and a lighting surface for inside signal, either with an LED or bulb source, using inside reflecting means corresponding to the required focal point and areas (F1 and F2), FIGS. 87, 108 to 112 and 113 to 115.

43. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) and/or (A+B), FIG. 46, is a mixed module with combined circuit and optics, with one part thereof being preferably conventionally rigid and the other part flexible, where internal surface (12) and the machining of (1) can be varied and combined, with area (3) comprising area (3bis) provided with high brightness LEDs within cones or tubes (112), inserted on a circuit adhered to a metallic plate (20) so as to dissipate heat and concentrate the light through lenses (6) as a warning or parking light, and the remainder of module (A) uses a flexible base circuit.

44. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) emits mono- or multicoloured light since surface (1) is made up of a grid-like design with light guiding fibres (150) injected with methacryllate (PMMA) or like material, said fibres being interwoven and machined (155) on the internal surface of (1) where the light changes direction when reflected against the machined prismatic grooves or small surfaces at 45°

, which produce output light perpendicular (32bis) to the light trajectory that extends into its rearward output (2) at the end of the fibre optic, which initially captures light in the fibre concentrated area (7) from at least one group of LEDs (30) inserted on circuit (20), and each group of LEDs can be of different colour so that two different signals can be emitted from one same surface (1), and the attachment and connection means (8 and 9) are the same as for the other module (A) variants, FIG. 61.

45. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) and the variants thereof, use internal transparent light guiding means (150), in radial arrangement with respect to the point of light emission, FIG. 62, and/or in parallel arrangement, FIGS. 64 and 64, said means conditioning the mould stripping direction of part (160), and can be one and the same part with (1).

46. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 45, characterised in that module (A) and the versions thereof, produce direct and indirect output, the internal light guiding elements absorb light in surface (156) next to LED (30), which is transmitted within a central body (159) having low incident angles less than 45°

, to the areas of direct light output (151) in the form of channels of light coinciding with central foci (32), and/or indirect light output areas such as the machining, relieves (153) or prisms (155 and 158) where light output (32) is produced by internal reflection, with some of these parts being optionally chromed to facilitate reflection, FIGS. 61 to 64.

47. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 65 to 67, have intermediate optical bodies (150) between source (30) and surface (1), which disperse and/or concentrate direct light (32) and maintain a distance (V1) greater than 1 mm between LED (30) and the optic of intermediate body (6) and, in turn, there is a distance (V2) greater than 1 mm between (6) and surface (1), FIG. 67, where optics (67) can be arranged in a same or different direction, FIG. 65.

48. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 68 to 70, comprise intermediate optical bodies having at least one prism (PR) facing in similar direction, particularly for area (F1) or front spot, which produce a diamond or multiplying optical effect on the image of source (30) such as direct light, due to an optical effect, where body (150) is a prism having a flat light input surface (151)located on a chromed, normally smooth surface (12) and an outlet with a surface parallel to inlet (6) that may comprise a convergent lens while also being wholly or partially surrounded by faces (S1) that have alpha incident angles ( ), with respect to the direct light of the source, interpolated between <

90° and

>

45°

, FIG. 70, and when the LED light, preferably a SMD, crosses said face (S1), it changes direction (32bis) parallel to the central or direct beam (32), and the LED image is multiplied in light output area (12) as many times as there are faces on the prism, imitating the effect of a shining jewel, and in order to produce this effect, the light outlet surfaces of body (150) are separated from the light input surface by a distance (D1), greater than 1 mm, and the parallelepipedic body of prisms can have a different shape and section, for example, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, frustopyramidal, cross-shaped, star-shaped, or irregular and/or a half figure, FIGS. 68 to 70.

49. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and versions thereof, FIGS. 71 to 73, have solid transparent light guiding bodies (150) parallel to surface (1), and/or parallel and integrated on surface (1), with double LED (30) light trajectory from one end to the other and vice versa from (T) to (R), with the light output being produced by reflection on internal surfaces (155), or prisms at 45°

with respect to the reflecting inner back surface (12), preferably metallic, with the light inlet on concave surface (156), where the photons close to the LED are absorbed, being an area superimposed on inner reflecting end (155bis), with all these prisms producing the indirect homogeneous light output (32bis) and (32) along surface (1) for guiding channels of any section, whether tubular or semi-tubular, FIG. 73, with the rearward light output in this version of module (A) in area (2) being direct, as shown by LEDs (30) orientated towards area (100) by means of prisms (7) as occurs in all versions of modules (A), like the connection, wiring and attachment system.

50. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 49, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and versions thereof, normally have in area (F1), indirect light output produced by intermediate light guiding bodies (150), FIGS. 74 to 80, placed between source (30) LED or (95) bulb, and surface (1), said bodies being solid and transparent, made from PMMA or like material, using 10% or more of the light generated by the source and guiding it along said body, with light inlet provided at least at one end in the form of convex optics (6-A) with a meniscus (6bis), flat (6-B), or concave (156) type edge, FIG. 72, said body having a mask (12-A) preferably chromed that covers the source elements and circuits in the direction of guiding element (150), the LEDs in the direction of (F2) and the output (32bis) through (1-A) when light reflects on surfaces or prisms (155) machined on the inner surface (12bis), which are angled at more than 10°

with respect to the light trajectory within the body, and the remaining light output (155bis) or final prism at the end of the body is at an angle equivalent to (155).

51. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 49 and 50, characterised in that in module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 74 to 80, guiding elements (150) are preferably elongated, cylindroide or other regular or irregular shapes, and the minimum dimensions are:

length (L1) greater than 20 mm, width (D4) greater than 1 mm, and thickness (D2) greater than 1 mm, and said elements are located inside (A) attached to the internal walls thereof (12), (10) or (1) by means of clips (8), positioning or pressure teeth, at a distance (D1) from lighting surface (1), greater than 1 mm, and at a distance (D3) from lighting surface (12), greater than 1 mm.

52. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 49, 50 and 51, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 78 to 85, comprise indirect light guiding elements (150) which can be any shape according to the required version, regular or irregular, straight or curved, with surface (1-A) being smooth or split-level (1-B), and/or provided with irregular optical lenses or prisms (6), FIG. 80, provided with horizontal curved shapes, FIG. 81, said surface diverting the light more than once by means of prisms and intermediate counter prisms (155-A) and (155-B), thus establishing split levels along the guiding body with partial light output through these prisms, and the light travelling in one or two directions along said surface and/or in combination with areas (3bis) or front spot.

53. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 49, 50, 51 and 52, characterised in that in module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 89 to 93, indirect light guiding elements (150) are modular, simple, symmetrical and/or can be repeated in series and/or combined even though they are different shapes, and they include a side or front light inlet, FIG. 91, and/or combine the diamond effect and guiding element (150) in one single body, FIG. 90, producing direct-indirect light.

54. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 92 and 93, have modular, symmetrical guiding elements which divert the light more than once by means of the collimator-central prism (155bis) effect and in concurrent directions, producing light output which is partially direct, through (32) and (1-A) and partly indirect-reflected through counter collimator (155) made up of small micro prisms, FIG. 92-C, and for either one or two LEDs or bulb-based system.

55. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 49 to 54, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 92-A-B and 93, has a mixed light guiding element with direct-indirect light for the horizontal projection which has a greater angle than the vertical, that concentrates the light, with the whole surface (1-A) being a concentrating lens (6) in the vertical direction, and a dispersing lens in the horizontal direction by means of vertical prisms (7bis), and it can comprise central or side tubes with direct outlet (32) through optic (6) thereof.

56. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 49 to 55, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 94 and 95, comprises a minimum size guiding body (150), preferably having an irregular, asymmetrical shape that uses at least one bulb or two LEDs that produce direct-indirect light which has the features of related claims and covers functions (F1) and (F2), and which can also be combined in a mixed circuit with front spots (3) or other forms of indirect outlet by means of light guiding elements, or reflected by the collimator.

57. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 97 to 99, have basic minimum size versions, amongst others, that use light guiding elements (150) along which light passes in a one or two-way direction, covering functions (F1) and (F2), these versions being:

A.—

FIG. 97, bulb (95) is provided with or without a mask, as the only source of direct-reflected output for (F2) and light guiding element (150) for (F1).

B.—

FIG. 98, mixed circuit as source of direct-reflected output for (F2) and light guiding element with single or double trajectory and front spot (3bis) provided with LED and concentrating optic for (F1).

C.—

FIG. 99, front spot with bulb and side light output towards guiding element (150) for (F1), and LED with direct-reflected output for (F2).

58. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that in the minimum size versions of module (A), (A+B), (A1+B), FIG. 36, preferably a double lamp support (600) is used for clip-attached bulbs, with ventilation outlet (560) and water trap, and a timer circuit (310) having common negative, which can be used for one same function, or for each bulb in different functions depending on whether the connector has two or three outlets.

59. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the minimum size versions thereof, FIG. 96, comprises a signal of double direct-reflected light produced by a collimator, with each light intended to cover (F1) and (F2) with two bulbs that are either partially masked or not (12-A), so as to produce retroreflection on collimators (12) and (13), with double lamp support (600) being used.

60. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIG. 40-H, 100 to 103, provides direct-reflected light output produced by means of the collimator or axial reflection on metallic surface (12), (13), and reflects more than 5% of the light generated by source (30), comprising any kinds of LED, against a series of staggered parabola sections and/or aligned planes on a parabola so as to direct the light towards the outside (32bis), while another part of the light from the source, greater than 5%, produces direct light output (32), with the LEDs orientated axially between 90°

and 45°

either in the same direction, FIG. 103, or facing each other, FIG. 102 and 40-H, and the distance between aligned LEDs is greater than 15 mm.

61. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 60, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof can use direct-reflected light produced by collimator (12), (13), combined with other output forms and/or source for (F2), FIGS. 75, 77, 81, 82, 85, 86, and with light guiding elements (150) for (F1), FIGS. 100 to 103, and for (F1+F2) and front spot, it can combine with LED or double bulb lamp support (600), FIG. 106, and for (F2) it can combine with OLES and front spot;

FIG. 111, for minimum size (F1+F2) it can combine with one single masked bulb;

FIG. 114 for (F1+F2) it can combine with lighting surface (1) and catadrioptic effect, FIGS. 120 and 121, the light output can be produced in the vertical direction for (F1).

62. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 60 and 61, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, can use various, combined light outputs and sources, preferably bulbs and LEDs for one same function, (F1) and/or (F2), thus guaranteeing the basic operation in case the bulb burns out, FIGS. 86, 87, with a masked bulb (3), with a perforated chromed mask, producing direct light (32) and reflected outside light (32bis), and indirect light by means of guiding element (150), and light reflected by front collimator (13), with the circuit of LEDs producing direct-reflected light for (F1) and (F2), and in FIGS. 100 to 102 and 108 to 110, light is produced with a masked bulb having two phases, one reflecting phase (3) which conceals the colour of the chromed bulb provided with internal reflection cones (13bis) that produce direct output (32) and with external reflection surfaces (13) that produce reflected external light (32bis), with the second phase being the light control lens (6), and the rest of the signal being direct output light, emitted through sections or light tubes (30-C), and direct-reflected light for (F2).

63. - Side mirror according to claim 1 and 60, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof use LEDs and OLES as a mixed light source, FIGS. 104 to 107;

LEDs (30) are applied where the light must be more concentrated, and OLES (34) are applied where a more homogeneous surface light is required, since this is a flexible plastic support substrate, preferably polyester (N) which carries, between two metallic tracks (N2) and (N4) less than 300 microns thick, a semiconducting, electroluminescent polymer substrate (N3) less than 1 mm thick, while other separation and/or protection substrates can also be used, and by establishing a potential difference between the tracks light (32) is produced with a different wavelength according to composition (N3), with established design, shape and/or letters (34bis), and it can be lit by sector or sequentially by means of an electronic circuit;

the OLES or OLED is flexible and is less than 2 mm thick, and/or it can be serigraphed on the inside surface (12bis) of an intermediate optic element (150), FIG. 107.

64. - Side mirror according to claim 1, 60 and 63, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, use OLES as a complementary, mixed source, which have contrasting areas between illuminated areas, that are preferably black and/or anti-reflecting grey (N5), with the distance (D1) between electroluminescent substrate (N) and the tangent to surface (1) being greater than 1 mm and forming an angle (W), FIG. 104-A, between apex (A) on (1) and another on apex (B) diagonally opposite between substrate (N) and surface (12), (less than 89°

with respect to the focal centre of light emission (32)), with surface (10) having a deep, metallic, black or grey, anti-reflecting face (12-X), greater than 1 cm², which can comprise internal light output control optics (6bis).

65. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 60, 63 and 64, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof comprise internal optics and light guiding elements (150) with reflection prisms (155) and, as an option or feature, they can include surface (12bis), FIGS. 74 and 80, without prisms, covered with a reflecting substrate such as titanium dioxide and/or OLES with their own brightness, and in order to optimise the contrast, all the options have metallic, anti-reflecting side surfaces, and/or black and/or grey (12-X) which are greater than 1 cm². FIGS. 76, 89, 104 and 107.

66. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 60 and 62, characterised in that module (A+B) and the versions thereof include as an option, one part (3) of the source of (A) also as a combined source of (B), FIG. 110, and in a minimum size version, a bulb is used as the same source of (A+B), FIGS. 111 and 112, with bulb (95) for (A) covering functions (F1) and (F2) and including the metallic two phase (3) and (3bis) mask, which colours the signal by means of lens (6), produces side output and lets the signal pass through reflection cones (3bis), and which, by means of surfaces (12) and (12bis), re-directs the light downwards for function (B), the module being composed of an integral external part (1), a lamp support (39), and an integral internal housing (10) provided with an air inlet (266) on a lower level than outlet (560), and it can include the sensory and detection functions in (4).

67. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 15, 16 and 66, characterised in that module (A+B) and the versions thereof with combined and/or separated sources, or sources located elsewhere in the mirror structure (C), (E) and/or (D), comprise:

One single external, transparent and colourless surface (1) provided with a separator (77) having at least one channel or level difference greater than 100 microns and/or an opaque over-injected band which reduces the transmittance and colouring of one signal light by 1% or more in the sector of the other signal in the case that the transmittance limiting machining does not exist.

Any shape claimed herein for the signal output and production (A), and preferably in (B) for the source comprising at least one bulb and or lamp support combined (600).

Maintenance can normally be performed externally with any type of access.

For versions (A1+B) and/or (A2+B), maintenance access is normally through (9) in the folding gap between the housing and support, FIGS. 122, 123, and 128, and/or through the inside of the vehicle or door.

One integral part for internal housing (10) with concentrated ventilation tunnel with inlet (266) and outlet (560).

One common combined connector with common negative.

All the functions can be included, sensors, probes, photodiodes and electronic circuits claimed herein to form a multifunctional, integral module for any voltage.

The lightning surface (263) of signal (B) cannot be seen on the same horizontal level and at a distance of 10 metres beyond the rear limit of the vehicle.

68. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 67, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 118 to 121, use a mixed vertical signal (A), with the output for (F2) being horizontal, while for (F1) light output is indirect by means of vertical guiding elements (150) and/or indirect-reflected light by means of a vertical collimator, using cover (3bis) and reflection surface (12bis) and the lenses on the side output (6bis) to redirect the source light towards collimator (13) by means of retroprojection, with reflecting surfaces (13) and prisms (155) of (150) being located in spiral fashion with respect to the vertical central axis (SP) in order to distribute the light at a horizontal angle (F1).

69. Side mirror according to claims 1 and 67, characterised in that module (A+B) and the versions thereof are located on support (E) and/or the end nearest the body, forming (A1+B) and they have the same projections (K) and functions (F1) and (F2) as (A), but they are separated into two areas, front and rear, and they use the mixed source, FIG. 123-B, with any system claimed and/or a minimum size version based on combined lamp support (600), FIG. 123-A, and/or a minimum size version having a single bulb for the two functions (A) and (B), applying the mask principle of claim 66.

70. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 67 and 69, characterised in that, as an option on module (A1+B) and the versions thereof, FIGS. 124 to 126, signal (A) is on the vertical plane of the door support (E) and/or on the vertical arm of the housing, on either side of the folding gap, which links with the door or cowling, normally (D) or (E), and in that projections (K1) and (K5) are almost equal and a distance (D1) greater than 5 mm, exists between the plane Z=0, tangent to output surface (263) of signal (B), and Z=−

1, the focal centre of (A), which shows that signal (A2) is always below the horizontal level of (B), forming the combined module (A2+B) with features and possible equipment level equivalent to the other modules (A+B).

71. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 67, characterised in that module (A1+B) and the versions thereof, offer the option of a mixed circuit with front spot (3) performing a different function to the rest of the signal towards (F1), the logo part on the housing (3-B) and the sensors, photodiodes and reversible signal (25-A-B) towards (F2), and they can be activated before or after the indicator is activated.

72. - Side mirrors according to claims 1 to 71, characterised in that functional modules (A), (A1), (A+B) and the versions thereof (2, 3, 4) use signal systems based on a flexible circuit comprising multifocal LEDS and/or mixed circuit with various light output solutions such as direct, indirect light by means of guiding bodies, and indirect-reflected light by means of the collimator, applied individually or in combination, with the same principle being applicable to the construction of other signals and pilot lights to the front and/or rear and/or complementary internal lights and/or external lights, and/or a third braking light on ailerons or small spoilers.

73. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (B) is an adjustable, multifocal lighting element on the side of the vehicle, that covers, extending from a zenith on the plane of the mirror base, located individually or combined with (A) on (C), (D) or (E), to the floor, a side area provided with a light source that, in a fixed module, has at least one light emitting point facing in an other direction, FIGS. 130 to 133, or has an adjustable emission point, regulated manually and/or by the assembly motor on an axis ranging between 0°

to more than 180°

in the horizontal direction, and/or has a combination of the two systems;

rotation of the assembly and a multifocal light source with foci arranged in different directions, and/or the multifocal system for a fixed module, which always covers an illuminated area, from the zenith point to the front or to the rear of the side, even when the mirror is folded in its parking position, in all versions, FIGS. 2, 4 and 133.

74. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that the module (B) fulfils the following conditions in respect to the illumination of the side of the vehicle, in different situations:

A—

The system is activated by remote control and switched off automatically by a timer after a maximum 2-minute period.

B—

The system acts as a central locking and/or alarm connection control light

C—

The system is adjusted manually for quick tasks performed at the side of the car, such as changing the wheel, and loading the vehicle.

D—

The system'"'"'s motorised version provides a memory facility to complement low speed parking manoeuvres, such as reversing and first gear, by illuminating the rear side or front side of the vehicle, depending on the selected gear.

E—

The system illuminates the surrounding area for functions in special cars, security cars and cranes.

F—

The system is activated by photodiode (25-B) together with the reversible signal before the alarm is connected, to establish an illuminated security area which lights up automatically and switches off by means of a timer after a period that may be shorter or longer than the remote control period mentioned for A.

75. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (B) is mobile and can be rotated with respect to at least one axis, it provides complementary side lighting, and is made up of two parts, one mobile and the other fixed for attachment to the housing, and depending on the version applied, it is activated preferably manually and/or by motor, FIGS. 135 to 140, with all the motorised versions being also activated manually by (262), and the component parts are as follows:

1. Lighting focus part (270), (263), (212), (30), (21) and (10).

2. Rotary movement ring (240) normally on a horizontal plane and fixed for attachment to the housing (254, 251, 252) and clips (214 and 261);

retention ring (260), positioning element (214), (253) and system attachment to housing (250), (253) and (261).

76. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that the lighting focus of module (B), FIGS. 70, 71 and 79, can be rotated on a horizontal plane <

180° and

slows down its movement as it approaches intermediate positions (214), with the lamp assembly (212), lamp support (211), contacts, and the optical means on lighting surface (263), and reflecting parabola (264) with convergent reflecting microspheres (265) completing the assembly. The same for module (A). (B) can be located inside the combined module (A+B) and even in support (E), forming (A+B), and/or (A1+B), and/or (A2+B) with (B) being mobile.

77. Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that in module (B), the lighting surface is made from transparent material (263) which is normally PC and/or PMMA, which produces double light output at an angle, and in order to optimise the light signal, the internal reflecting means of housing (265) are combined, normally ABS+PC according to claims 29 and 30, that is, metallized sectors of a staggered parabola or collimator, orientated at a calculated angle, and consequently face (200) has a smooth lenticular surface and is not machined, and face (201) is provided with parallel prisms tilted at a variable angle, where one face is shaped like a convergent lens, and produce light output (210) and (220).

78. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that module (B), FIGS. 130, 131, 2 and 4, does not rotate and has a multifocal system containing at least two LED foci (30) which enable it to illuminate at least two areas, FIG. 2 (Z1, Z2 and Z3) even when the mirror is folded in the parking position, FIG. 4, with said LEDs being orientated irregularly on a metallic plate, FIG. 131, in the direction of arrow (32), to cover lighting areas (111, 222 and 333), and said LEDs being inserted on the surface (29) of circuit (20), in turn, adhered to a metallic plate, thus forming one single unit for dissipating heat, which exits the area by means of the air channel having inlet (265) and outlet (560), with the metallic plate being positioned by plastic teeth (24) and the system receiving current by means of connector (211) supported by clips (550), and the metallic base being provided with folds created by slits (21), thus applying the same principle as the flexible circuit of claims 20 and 21, where the system is attached in a similar way to module (A) by means of elements (8) and (9), and (B) can be placed inside the combined module (A+B) even in support (E), thus forming (A+B), and/or (A1+B), and/or (A2+B), with (B) being fixed.

79. - Side mirror according to claim 1, 73 and 78, characterised in that module (B), FIG. 130, comprises a multilamp system of the W5W type or greater, comprising interchangeable lamps, similar to FIGS. 56 and 57, claim 32, where lamps (95) are orientated irregularly on lamp support (93) that receive current from external tracks (87), and the system has a typical attachment, ventilation and power assembly equivalent to module (B), FIG. 131 and all modules (A);

and/or a double lamp support (600), FIG. 36.

80. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 73 and 78, characterised in that module (B) comprises multi LEDs and can rotate, FIGS. 136 and 137, and the LED circuit (20) is mounted by means of plastic studs (24) to the circular housing (10) which rotates with respect to part (252) which, in turn, links the system to the mirror housing by means of edges (260 and 253), with the rotary movement (240)>

180°

being activated manually by appendix (262) and setting its position in the flexible teeth (214) on split levels (56), and by applying the variable multifocal orientation principle, using the metallic mass adhered to the circuit on which the LEDs are inserted to dissipate the heat (20), the ventilation channel with water trap and inlet at (266), (265) and outlet at (560) creating a chimney effect, the prisms on the transparent surface combined according to each LED (263), multiple focal orientation (32) is achieved, with the contact and power system (211, 39, 550 and 17) being typical and common to all modules (A and B) including one or another lighting or signal function, where (B) can be placed inside the combined module (A+B) even in support (E), forming (A+B), and/or (A1+B) and/or (A2+B), with (B) comprising multi LEDs and being able to rotate.

81. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that module (B) comprises an interchangeable, incandescent lamp for lamp support (212), that preferably uses a bushing-less bulb, having a 9 mm wide base, and works between 3.5 and 15 watts, or the tube, dichroic halogen, high brightness LED set, or neon or xenon gas equivalent thereof, and for special applications, it is complemented with a LED laser (295) that indicates the orientation, regardless of which lighting part is concerned.

82. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that module (B) has a convection current ventilation channel for transferring circulating air, which extends from inlet (266), FIGS. 134 to 139, on the lower level, which includes a hydraulic trap or is direct (265), as far as outlet (560) where the air is warmer and at a lower density, owing to the height difference regardless of the function position, with these inlets and outlets having a hydraulic trap to prevent liquids, water for pressure washing and/or dust from entering, while it is possible to use another type of trap or alternative membrane, and also this is applied to the combined module (A+B) and the versions thereof, even when the outlet is outside part (B), but always at a higher level than the inlet.

83. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that module (B) includes part (252), an attachment ring between the focus and housing, normally made from ABS or PC, and/or a similar plastic material, which enables rotation between 0°

and more than 190°

on a horizontal plane (180°

+5°

+5°

with respect to the vehicle driving axis), and in the motorised version, supports a motor (280), FIG. 135, and its reducing systems (282), of any kind, including clutch and friction systems, whereby the lighting focus can be repositioned manually in an position by means of appendix (262). It is adjusted by nuts and screws (258) that provide appropriate pressure without producing vibration on edge (254), and having the conical area (P1) for retention and friction purposes during movement.

84. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that module (B) comprises a motor (280), FIG. 135, attached to rotatory ring (252), together with gear reducer (275) including friction clutch, that acts on crown gear (272) as far as stop (273), so as to produce the rotatory movement on the horizontal plane, with the lighting assembly using, indistinctively, one focus, FIG. 135, and/or multifoci comprising LEDs, FIG. 136, since the ring that links to housing (252) is made up of two semi circles and coincides on its engagement edge (254) FIGS. 139, 140, and in all assemblies has a conical profile and regulates its pressure to obtain a gap 0, preventing vibrations through the screws and nut (258), and it is attached to the housing by clip (261).

85. - Side mirror according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that module (B), FIG. 134 can rotate and uses a halogen lamp (212) included in capsule (10) with reflecting means (290), optics (263), contacts (211) and connectors (39) retained by clips (550) similar to modules (A and B), and avails of metallic mass transmission to dissipate heat, with surface (568) and plate (588), attaching and connecting (B) to module (D) or chassis, and with the lamp subassembly sealed and integrated by capsule (10) and optic attached by metal segments (510) terminating in teeth (264) which, in turn, are held by pressure ring (64), with the segments ending in chimney (560) provided with air outlet (567) and inlet (265) that form an ascending air circulation channel, based on temperature difference since (B) is not in contact with the housing, and where it is possible to rotate the module manually using appendix (262).

86. - Side motor according to claim 1, characterised in that power cabling (17) for all functional modules (A) and (B) passes through the inside (60) of body or axis (16) for any vehicle version, providing the system is equipped with a rotation-based folding mechanism.

87. - Side motor according to claims 1 and 73, characterised in that to produce the rotary movement, module (B) is provided with a tripolar command and power system for motor (280) including an inverse command (351) and an inverse switch (352), which is the same as that which is normally found inside the door to orientate mirror (55) and move the corresponding motors, and it is also possible to activate module (B) by means of a radio frequency circuit that receives orders from remote control (360), which in its push-button version (361) comprises 4 joystick-type positions, and from infra-red receiving sensors (25) and at least two infra-red emitting LEDs (362), FIG. 142, these commands being independent of the light up and switch off commands with timer (310) which regulate the lighting action of (B).

88. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that the activation of functional modules (A and B) and the features in the different areas of each (A1, 2, 3, 3 bis, 4, (B) rotary motorized), is regulated by general commands corresponding to the operation of other vehicle signals, indicator, stop and emergency lights and/or as a feature, new controls are added which convert the mentioned modules into new signals.

89. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) activates the door opening pre-warning function by means of a signal that flashes in three directions, and in order to produce the normal indicator colour, or green for the double colour signal from one same surface (1) a circuit (300) is inserted, FIGS. 141 and 142, which produces more cycles per minute with stroboscopic effect, and is driven by a button command in the inside opening lever of each door (308) and/or by a button that is within the driver'"'"'s reach, and/or by an inverse switch that is activated when the taximeter (307) is stopped, and/or by a photodiode of any wavelength located on the inside door handle which completes the circuit when someone brings their hand close to this handle, and said function also warns when passengers are about to enter or leave the vehicle, when the vehicle is going to stop and when goods have to be loaded or unloaded therefrom.

90. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that in areas (3) and (3bis) of surface (1) in module (A) (A bis), the complementary signal that is produced, whether a position light, illumination, indicator, photosensor, fog light (330), security light, emergency light or flash with alternated flashes at different frequencies, is activated by means of independent commands (355) and/or by those corresponding to the same special functions and/or, where appropriate, a circuit is included that regulates the light up and switch off frequency (350).

91. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (A) includes a combined, automatic integrated command (300), (305), FIGS. 141 and 142, together with the emergency light control, said command being graphically different since it is a button represented by a circle within a triangle, and when activated it initiates three highway signals and combines two different coloured signal areas (4) red and (1) which is yellow in any version, and when command (300), which is applicable to the vehicle'"'"'s other light signals, is activated, the following occurs automatically:

1. It warns that the driver is slowing down, by contacting element (301) located in any part of the acceleration system, and it is activated when the driver removes his/her foot from the accelerator pedal, and then attenuating circuit (306) illuminates a red light at (4) with low intensity.

2. It warns of a braking action when brake (302) is activated, and a light is illuminated at (4) at full intensity, together with other similar lights and timer (305) is set.

3. Timer (305) can be adjusted as required, and after a few seconds, indicators (1) in any version of (A) are illuminated together with other similar lights.

4. By removing his/her foot from the brake pedal, the driver interrupts the brake signalling process, which will be re-initiated when appropriate.

92. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that apart from signal (303) and emergency light (304) functions, module (A) also includes activating a sonorous or warning diode (66) which works on the same activation and switch off frequency as the lights, and it is also added to some special functions, such as the door opening warning light.

93. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that module (B) is activated by multiple remote control (360) by means of a coded, infra-red receiving diode (25), and/or by the central locking system and/or alarm (355) and/or any system which the driver uses voluntarily to close the vehicle or leave it inaccessible, and/or any system synchronised with any type of gear lever, in memorised first gear and reverse positions, and which is activated to perform low speed parking manoeuvres (354).

94. - Side mirror according to claim 1, characterised in that by means of inverse switch (78) and the ignition key, when switching off the car engine and/or connecting the alarm, and/or activating the central locking by remote control (360) or the like, module (A) activates flashing LED (00) at the projecting side end of the mirror, as a control light corresponding to the parked position, and, in turn, activates the self-powered circuit provided with rechargeable battery (72) and a diode to avoid inverted loading or unloading in the general vehicle circuit, from which energy is normally supplied.

95. - Side mirror according to claim 1 and 88, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, include a reversible signal which is activated automatically when photodiode (25-B), sensitive to between 350 nm and 1150 nm, completes the circuit, and this is activated by the coded signal emitted by at least one day or night LED-IR (25-A), and/or by the presence of somebody in the detection area (F2) in daylight which modifies the wavelength received, and then at least one LED of (4) emits a warning signal to the person in the detection area and, simultaneously, another signal is produced, in the form a pilot light inside the vehicle or on the mirror proper as control light (51), which warns the driver of the situation, and as an option, an inside sonorous warning could be provided, with the automatic connection by the photodiode being activated prior to connecting the indicator and/or can be activated even when the vehicle is parked before the alarm is activated, thus establishing an illuminated security area when someone approaches, and activate other functions such as (B) which switches off automatically by means of its timer, after the period determined for this function, which is less than two minutes, FIGS. 1, 7, 17, 75, 93, 105, 106, 111, 120.

96. - Side mirror according to claims 1, 88 and 95, characterised in that module (A), (A+B) and the versions thereof, include a synchronised signal between the left and right mirrors, consisting of a coded emission from at least one LED-IR on each mirror, in the direction of area (F1) or to the front, and when someone enters or approaches the vehicle from the front, this is detected by photodiode (25-B) which interrupts the emitted signal and acts as a range finder, warning the driver, by means of a sonorous diode and/or an easily visible control light inside the vehicle, that someone is approaching the vehicle from the front, with an electronic circuit regulating the signal coding and its decoding, which activates the warning to the driver, and this warning can be activated prior to connecting the indicator, if desired, FIGS. 81, 84, 105, 106.