Vehicle accessory module

• US 20030169522A1
• Filed: 01/31/2003
• Published: 09/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Schofield, Kenneth, Lynam, Niall R., Whitehead, Peter J., DeWard, Joshua L.
• Granted Patent: US 6,824,281 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/876
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/10 Front-view mirror arrangements; specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle B60R1/002; Periscope arrangements , i.e. optical devices using combinations of mirrors, lenses, prisms or the like specially adapted for covering the peripheral part of the vehicle B60R1/002; for viewing traffic-lights B60R1/005; Other mirror arrangements giving a view from above or under the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• 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 2001/1246 with clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1261 with antennae
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1276 with radio receivers, loud-speakers or buzzers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/106 using night vision cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/108 using 'non-standard' camera systems, e.g. camera sensor used for additional purposes i.a. rain sensor, camera sensor split in multiple image areas
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8033 for pedestrian protection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/698 for achieving an enlarged field of view, e.g. panoramic image capture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

An accessory system of a vehicle comprises an accessory module assembly having a mounting portion, a head portion and a rearview mirror assembly. The mounting portion extends generally upward when mounted to an attachment member at a vehicle windshield. The head portion may extend generally horizontally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle from an upper portion of the mounting portion. The head portion comprises electronic circuitry for at least one accessory. The mirror assembly is mountable to the mounting portion, with the head portion of the accessory module assembly extending generally above the mirror casing. The head portion may be viewable and/or user accessible above the mirror casing when the mirror assembly is mounted to the mounting portion. The head portion may be pivotable or articulatable relative to the base portion of the accessory module assembly.

Claims

1. An accessory system for a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle windshield having a first attachment member affixed thereto;

an accessory module assembly comprising a mounting portion and a head portion, said mounting portion being configured to mount to said first attachment member, said mounting portion extending generally upward when mounted to said first attachment member, said mounting portion having a second attachment member, said head portion being at an upper portion of said mounting portion and extending generally horizontally and rearwardly from said upper portion with respect to the vehicle when said mounting portion is mounted to said first attachment member, said head portion comprising electronic circuitry for at least one accessory; and

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror casing and a reflective element, said mirror assembly being mountable to said second attachment member, said head portion of said accessory module assembly extending from said upper portion of said mounting portion generally above said mirror casing and being at least one of viewable and user accessible above said mirror casing when said mirror assembly is mounted to said second attachment member.

2. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said head portion is movably attached to said upper portion of said mounting portion and is movable relative to said mounting portion.

3. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein said head portion is pivotally mounted to said upper portion of said mounting portion and is pivotable sidewardly relative to said mounting portion about a generally vertical pivot axis to adjust the angle of said head portion with respect to the driver of the vehicle.

4. The accessory system of claim 3, wherein said head portion is pivotally mounted to said upper portion of said mounting portion at a pivot joint, said pivot joint comprising at least one detent to substantially retain said head portion relative to said mounting portion in at least one position.

5. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein said head portion is pivotally mounted to said upper portion of said mounting portion and is pivotable upwardly and downwardly relative to said mounting portion about a generally horizontal pivot axis to adjust the angle of said head portion with respect to the driver of the vehicle.

6. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein said head portion is articulatably mounted to said upper portion of said mounting portion and is articulatable relative to said mounting portion about a pivot axis, said pivot axis comprising a generally horizontal pivot axis when said mounting portion is mounted to said first attachment member.

7. The accessory system of claim 6, wherein said head portion is articulatable between a mounting orientation, where said head portion is positioned to be generally along said mounting portion, and an in-use orientation, where said head portion extends generally horizontally and rearwardly from said upper portion with respect to the vehicle when said mounting portion is mounted to said first attachment member.

8. The accessory system of claim 7, wherein said head portion is articulatable to said mounting orientation to facilitate mounting of said accessory module assembly to said first mirror attachment member.

9. The accessory system of claim 7, wherein said head portion extends generally horizontally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle and generally above said mirror casing when said mounting portion is mounted to said first attachment member and when said head portion is in said in-use orientation and when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted to said second mounting member.

10. The accessory system of claim 7, wherein said accessory module assembly comprises a biasing element which biases said head portion toward said in-use orientation relative to said mounting portion.

11. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said head portion comprises at least one of a display element and a user input device associated with said at least one accessory.

12. The accessory system of claim 11, wherein said at least one of a display element and a user input device is at least one of viewable and user accessible above said mirror casing when said mirror assembly is mounted to said second attachment member.

13. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of a compass sensor, a compass display, a temperature display, a microphone, a user input device and a garage door opener device.

14. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least two accessories.

15. The accessory system of claim 14, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a compass sensor and a compass display.

16. The accessory system of claim 14, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a microphone and a user input device.

17. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein said accessory module provides a vehicular telecommunication function.

18. The accessory system of claim 17, wherein said vehicular telecommunication function provides a telephonic function.

19. The accessory system of claim 14, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a user input device and a garage door opener device.

20. The accessory system of claim 19, wherein said garage door opener device is operable to actuate a garage door opener for opening a garage door.

21. An accessory system for a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle windshield having a first attachment member affixed thereto;

an accessory module assembly comprising a mounting portion and a head portion, said mounting portion being configured to mount to said first attachment member and to extend generally upward when mounted to said first attachment member, said mounting portion having a second attachment member, said head portion being pivotally attached to said mounting portion, said head portion housing electronic circuitry of at least one accessory; and

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror casing and a reflective element, said mirror assembly being mountable to said second attachment member, said head portion of said accessory module assembly extending from said mounting portion generally above said mirror casing and being at least one of viewable and user accessible above said mirror casing when said mirror assembly is mounted to said second attachment member.

22. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said head portion is pivotable sidewardly relative to said mounting portion about a generally vertical pivot axis when said mounting portion is mounted to said first mounting member, said head portion being pivotable to adjust an angle of said head portion with respect to the driver of the vehicle.

23. The accessory system of claim 22, wherein said head portion is pivotally mounted to said mounting portion at a pivot joint, said pivot joint comprising at least one detent to substantially retain said head portion relative to said mounting portion in at least one position.

24. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said head portion is pivotally mounted to said mounting portion and is pivotable upwardly and downwardly relative to said mounting portion about a generally horizontal pivot axis when said mounting portion is mounted to said first mounting member, said head portion being pivotable to adjust the angle of said head portion with respect to the driver of the vehicle.

25. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said head portion is pivotable about a pivot axis, said pivot axis being generally horizontal when said mounting portion is mounted to said first attachment member.

26. The accessory system of claim 25, wherein said head portion is pivotable between a mounting orientation, where said head portion is articulated to be generally folded along said mounting portion, and an in-use orientation, where said head portion extends from an upper portion of said mounting portion and generally above said mirror casing assembly when said mirror assembly is mounted to said mounting portion.

27. The accessory system of claim 26, wherein said head portion is pivoted to said mounting orientation to facilitate mounting of said accessory module assembly to said first attachment member.

28. The accessory system of claim 26, wherein said accessory module assembly comprises a biasing element which biases said head portion toward said in-use position.

29. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said head portion extends generally horizontally and rearwardly from an upper portion of said mounting portion when said mounting portion is mounted to said first attachment member.

30. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said head portion comprises at least one of a display element and a user input device associated with said at least one accessory.

31. The accessory system of claim 30, wherein said at least one of a display element and a user input device is at least one of viewable and user accessible above said mirror casing when said mirror assembly is mounted to said second attachment member.

32. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of a compass sensor, a compass display, a temperature display, a microphone, a user input device and a garage door opener device.

33. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least two accessories.

34. The accessory system of claim 33, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a compass sensor and a compass display.

35. The accessory system of claim 33, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a microphone and a user input device.

36. The accessory system of claim 35, wherein said accessory module provides a vehicular telecommunication function.

37. The accessory system of claim 36, wherein said vehicular telecommunication function provides a telephonic function.

38. The accessory system of claim 33, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a user input device and a garage door opener device.

39. The accessory system of claim 38, wherein said garage door opener device is operable to actuate a garage door opener for opening a garage door.

40. An accessory system for a vehicle comprising:

a vehicle windshield having an attachment member affixed thereto;

an accessory module assembly comprising a mounting portion for mounting said accessory module assembly to said attachment member, and a head portion for housing electronic circuitry associated with at least one accessory, said head portion being articulatably mounted to said mounting portion, said head portion being articulatable relative to said mounting portion between a folded orientation, wherein said head portion is folded generally along said mounting portion, and a non-folded orientation, wherein said head portion extends generally from said mounting portion; and

an interior rearview mirror assembly comprising a mirror casing and a reflective element, said mirror assembly being mountable to said mounting portion of said accessory module assembly.

41. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said mounting portion extends generally upward from said attachment member when mounted to said attachment member.

42. The accessory system of claim 41, wherein said head portion is articulatably mounted at an upper portion of said mounting portion.

43. The accessory system of claim 42, wherein said head portion extends generally horizontally and rearwardly from said upper portion when said mounting portion is mounted to said attachment member.

44. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said head portion extends at least partially above said mirror casing so as to be at least one of viewable and user accessible when in said non-folded orientation and when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted to said mounting portion and when said mounting portion is mounted to said attachment member.

45. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said head portion comprises at least one of a display element and a user input device.

46. The accessory system of claim 45, wherein said at least one of a display element and a user input device is at least one of viewable and user accessible when said accessory module assembly is in said non-folded orientation and when said interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted to said mounting portion and when said mounting portion is mounted to said attachment member.

47. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said head portion is articulated to said mounting orientation to facilitate mounting of said mounting portion to said attachment member.

48. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said mounting portion extends generally upward and generally along said windshield when mounted to said attachment member.

49. The accessory system of claim 48, wherein said head portion extends from an upper portion of said mounting portion and generally horizontally and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle when in said non-folded orientation and when said mounting portion is mounted to said attachment member.

50. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said accessory module assembly comprises a biasing element which biases said head portion toward said non-folded position.

51. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said head portion is articulatable about an axis, said axis being generally horizontal when said mounting portion is mounted to said attachment member.

52. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least one of a compass sensor, a compass display, a temperature display, a microphone, a user input device and a garage door opener device.

53. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said at least one accessory comprises at least two accessories.

54. The accessory system of claim 53, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a compass sensor and a compass display.

55. The accessory system of claim 53, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a microphone and a user input device.

56. The accessory system of claim 55, wherein said accessory module provides a vehicular telecommunication system.

57. The accessory system of claim 56, wherein said vehicular telecommunication system provides a telephonic function.

58. The accessory system of claim 53, wherein said at least two accessories at least comprise a user input device and a garage door opener device.

59. The accessory system of claim 58, wherein said garage door opener device is operable to actuate a garage door opener for opening a garage door.