ACCESSORY SYSTEM SUITABLE FOR USE IN A VEHICLE

• US 20100195226A1
• Filed: 04/13/2010
• Published: 08/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R., Heslin, Patrick
• Granted Patent: US 8,309,907 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/844
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0217 for loud-speakers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0247 for microphones or earphones
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• 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 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0077 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0822 characterized by the arrangement or type of detection means
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0881 characterized by the attachment means on the windshield
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A vehicular accessory system includes an attachment element at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield. The attachment element accommodates a rain sensor, which has a field of view through an aperture of the attachment element towards the vehicle windshield. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a case that houses a reflective mirror element, and includes a base portion with a mirror mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element. The base portion encompasses the rain sensor when the mirror mount is attached to the attachment element at the vehicle windshield. The mirror assembly includes a video camera disposed at the base portion. Electrical wiring may, at least in part, connect the video camera in the base portion with circuitry in the case, and the electrical wiring may be routed through a pivot joint of the mirror assembly.

Claims

1. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system, wherein said attachment element has an aperture therethrough;

said attachment element configured to accommodate a rain sensor, wherein said rain sensor has a field of view through said aperture of said attachment element and towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor is accommodated by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a case, said case housing an electro-optic reflective mirror element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror mount that is configured for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element when said attachment element is attached to the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein, when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, said reflective mirror element has a field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

said interior rearview mirror assembly including a pivot joint enabling a driver of the equipped vehicle to pivotally adjust said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a base portion disposed generally at the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said base portion comprises said mirror mount;

wherein said base portion does not adjust relative to said attachment element when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element and when the driver of the equipped vehicle pivotally adjusts said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said base portion encompasses said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera disposed at said base portion, and wherein said video camera has, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a headlamp controller disposed in said case, and wherein said headlamp controller is operable to control at least one exterior light of the equipped vehicle;

wherein electrical wiring, at least in part, connects said video camera at said base portion with said headlamp controller in said case; and

wherein said electrical wiring is routed through said pivot joint.

2. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said attachment element comprises a mounting button.

3. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein said mounting button comprises an annular mounting button.

4. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein said mounting button comprises a generally circular-shaped mounting button having an annular outer portion, and wherein said aperture comprises a hollow open central portion of said generally circular-shaped mounting button.

5. The accessory system of claim 4, wherein said annular outer portion comprises a metallic material.

6. The accessory system of claim 5, wherein said metallic material of said annular outer portion comprises at least one of zinc, steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel and a metal alloy.

7. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a windshield-contacting rain sensor.

8. The accessory system of claim 7, wherein said rain sensor contacts the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle through said aperture of said attachment element when said rain sensor is accommodated by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

9. The accessory system of claim 8, wherein said rain sensor is urged into contact with the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

10. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor unit and wherein said rain sensor unit includes a detecting portion at said aperture of said attachment element that contacts the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

11. The accessory system of claim 10, wherein said detecting portion of said rain sensor unit is urged through said aperture of said attachment element into optical contact with the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

12. The accessory system of claim 11, further comprising a resilient member that urges said detecting portion of said rain sensor unit through said aperture of said attachment element into optical contact with the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor unit is accommodated by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

13. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor unit that is manufactured separate from said interior rearview mirror assembly.

14. The accessory system of claim 13, wherein said rain sensor unit is deliverable to a vehicle assembly facility as a unit separable from said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said rain sensor unit is accommodated by said attachment element in an assembly process separate from the attaching of said mirror mount of said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element.

15. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said base portion comprises a housing that at least partially envelops said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element.

16. The accessory system of claim 15, wherein said housing comprises a cover.

17. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein said cover comprises a plastic cover.

18. The accessory system of claim 17, wherein said plastic cover at said base portion is removable.

19. The accessory system of claim 18, wherein said plastic cover is removable to provide access to an accessory at said base portion.

20. The accessory system of claim 19, wherein said accessory comprises said rain sensor.

21. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein a light absorbing layer is disposed at the windshield of the equipped vehicle to at least partially reduce viewability by a viewer external the equipped vehicle of said base portion attached to said attachment element when said viewer is viewing through the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

22. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion, and wherein said rain sensor views through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer at the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor is accommodated by said attachment element.

23. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein an additional accessory is disposed at said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said additional accessory is selected from the group consisting of (a) a vehicle altitude sensor, (b) a vehicle incline sensor, (c) a headlamp sensor, (d) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) receiver, (e) an antenna, (f) a microphone, (g) a compass sensor and (h) a garage door opener.

24. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said pivot joint comprises a ball and socket pivot joint.

25. The accessory system of claim 24, wherein said ball and socket pivot joint comprises a ball element and a socket element and wherein said ball element has a passageway therethrough for said electrical wiring.

26. The accessory system of claim 25, wherein said ball element comprises part of said base portion.

27. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said pivot joint has a passageway therethrough for said electrical wiring.

28. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said video camera comprises a camera module that is received at said base portion of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

29. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system, wherein said attachment element has an aperture therethrough;

said attachment element configured to accommodate a rain sensor, wherein said rain sensor has a field of view through said aperture of said attachment element and towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor is accommodated by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said rain sensor comprises a windshield-contacting rain sensor, and wherein said rain sensor contacts the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle through said aperture of said attachment element when said rain sensor is accommodated by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a case, said case housing an electrochromic reflective mirror element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror mount that is configured for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element when said attachment element is attached to the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein, when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, said reflective mirror element has a field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

said interior rearview mirror assembly including a pivot joint enabling a driver of the equipped vehicle to pivotally adjust said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a base portion disposed generally at the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said base portion comprises said mirror mount;

wherein said base portion does not adjust relative to said attachment element when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element and when the driver of the equipped vehicle pivotally adjusts said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said base portion encompasses said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera disposed at said base portion, and wherein said video camera has, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a headlamp controller disposed in said case, and wherein said headlamp controller is operable to control at least one exterior light of the equipped vehicle;

wherein electrical wiring, at least in part, connects said video camera at said base portion with said headlamp controller in said case; and

wherein said electrical wiring is routed through said pivot joint.

30. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said rain sensor is urged into contact with the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

31. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor unit and wherein said rain sensor unit includes a detecting portion at said aperture of said attachment element that contacts the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

32. The accessory system of claim 31, wherein said detecting portion of said rain sensor unit is urged through said aperture of said attachment element into optical contact with the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

33. The accessory system of claim 32, further comprising a resilient member that urges said detecting portion of said rain sensor unit through said aperture of said attachment element into optical contact with the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor unit is accommodated by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle.

34. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor unit that is manufactured separate from said interior rearview mirror assembly.

35. The accessory system of claim 34, wherein said rain sensor unit is deliverable to a vehicle assembly facility as a unit separable from said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said rain sensor unit is accommodated by said attachment element in an assembly process separate from the attaching of said mirror mount of said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element.

36. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said base portion comprises a housing that at least partially envelops said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element.

37. The accessory system of claim 36, wherein said housing comprises a cover.

38. The accessory system of claim 37, wherein said cover comprises a plastic cover.

39. The accessory system of claim 38, wherein said plastic cover at said base portion is removable.

40. The accessory system of claim 39, wherein said plastic cover is removable to provide access to an accessory at said base portion.

41. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein said accessory comprises said rain sensor.

42. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said pivot joint comprises a ball and socket pivot joint.

43. The accessory system of claim 42, wherein said ball and socket pivot joint comprises a ball element and a socket element and wherein said ball element has a passageway therethrough for said electrical wiring.

44. The accessory system of claim 43, wherein said ball element comprises part of said base portion.

45. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said pivot joint has a passageway therethrough for said electrical wiring.

46. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said attachment element comprises a generally circular-shaped mounting button having an annular outer portion, and wherein said aperture comprises a hollow open central portion of said generally circular-shaped mounting button.

47. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein said annular outer portion comprises a metallic material, and wherein said metallic material comprises one of zinc, steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel and a metal alloy.

48. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system, wherein said attachment element has an aperture therethrough;

said attachment element configured to accommodate a rain sensor, wherein said rain sensor has a field of view through said aperture of said attachment element and towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor is accommodated as a rain sensor unit by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a case, said case housing an electro-optic reflective mirror element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror mount that is configured for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element when said attachment element is attached to the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein, when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, said reflective mirror element has a field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

said interior rearview mirror assembly including a pivot joint enabling a driver of the equipped vehicle to pivotally adjust said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a base portion disposed generally at the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said base portion comprises said mirror mount;

wherein said base portion does not adjust relative to said attachment element when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element and when the driver of the equipped vehicle pivotally adjusts said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said base portion encompasses said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera disposed at said base portion, and wherein said video camera has, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a headlamp controller disposed in said case, and wherein said headlamp controller is operable to control at least one exterior light of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said attachment element comprises an annular mounting button comprising a generally circular-shaped annular outer portion, and wherein said aperture comprises a hollow open central portion of said mounting button.

49. The accessory system of claim 48, wherein said pivot joint comprises a ball and socket pivot joint comprising a ball element and a socket element, and wherein said ball element comprises part of said base portion and has a passageway therethrough for electrical wiring, and wherein said electrical wiring, at least in part, connects said video camera at said base portion with circuitry in said case and wherein said electrical wiring is routed through said passageway.

50. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system, wherein said attachment element has an aperture therethrough;

said attachment element configured to accommodate a rain sensor, wherein said rain sensor has a field of view through said aperture of said attachment element and towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor is accommodated as a rain sensor unit by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a case, said case housing an electrochromic reflective mirror element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror mount that is configured for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element when said attachment element is attached to the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein, when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, said reflective mirror element has a field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

said interior rearview mirror assembly including a pivot joint enabling a driver of the equipped vehicle to pivotally adjust said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a base portion disposed generally at the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said base portion comprises said mirror mount;

wherein said base portion does not adjust relative to said attachment element when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element and when the driver of the equipped vehicle pivotally adjusts said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said base portion encompasses said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera disposed at said base portion, and wherein said video camera has, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle; and

wherein said pivot joint comprises a ball and socket pivot joint comprising a ball element and a socket element, and wherein said ball element has a passageway therethrough for electrical wiring, and wherein said electrical wiring, at least in part, connects said video camera at said base portion with circuitry in said case and wherein said electrical wiring is routed through said passageway.

51. The accessory system of claim 50, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a headlamp controller disposed in said case and operable to control at least one exterior light of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said ball element comprises part of said base portion, and wherein said attachment element comprises an annular mounting button comprising a generally circular-shaped annular outer portion and wherein said aperture comprises a hollow open central portion of said mounting button, and wherein said circuitry in said case connected with said video camera by said electrical wiring that is routed through said passageway comprises at least a part of said headlamp controller.

52. An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system, wherein said attachment element has an aperture therethrough;

said attachment element configured to accommodate a rain sensor, wherein said rain sensor has a field of view through said aperture of said attachment element and towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said rain sensor is accommodated as a rain sensor unit by said attachment element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

an interior rearview mirror assembly having a case, said case housing an electrochromic reflective mirror element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a mirror mount that is configured for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element when said attachment element is attached to the in-cabin surface of the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein, when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, said reflective mirror element has a field of view rearward of the equipped vehicle;

said interior rearview mirror assembly including a pivot joint enabling a driver of the equipped vehicle to pivotally adjust said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a base portion disposed generally at the windshield of the equipped vehicle when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element at the windshield of the equipped vehicle, and wherein said base portion comprises said mirror mount;

wherein said base portion does not adjust relative to said attachment element when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element and when the driver of the equipped vehicle pivotally adjusts said case to set the rearward field of view of said reflective mirror element to the driver'"'"'s desired setting;

wherein said base portion encompasses said rain sensor when said mirror mount is attached to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a video camera disposed at said base portion, and wherein said video camera has, when said interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the equipped vehicle, a field of view towards the windshield of the equipped vehicle;

wherein said pivot joint comprises a ball and socket pivot joint comprising a ball element and a socket element; and

wherein said rain sensor unit is manufactured separate from said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said rain sensor unit is deliverable to a vehicle assembly facility as a unit separable from said interior rearview mirror assembly, and wherein said rain sensor unit is accommodated by said attachment element in an assembly process separate from the attaching of said mirror mount of said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element.

53. The accessory system of claim 52, wherein said ball element has a passageway therethrough for electrical wiring and wherein said electrical wiring is routed through said passageway and said electrical wiring, at least in part, connects said video camera at said base portion with circuitry in said case.