INTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR SYSTEM WITH FORWARDLY-VIEWING CAMERA

• US 20110134553A1
• Filed: 02/14/2011
• Published: 06/09/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Heslin, Patrick, Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,994,471 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/872
• 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 interior rearview mirror system includes an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield and an interior rearview mirror assembly that includes a structure that includes a mount for attaching the mirror assembly to the attachment element, a pivot element, and an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at the pivot element. The interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the vehicle about the pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view. At least one accessory is encompassed by the structure of the mirror assembly. The structure covers the at least one accessory from view by the driver operating the vehicle. One of the accessories is a forwardly-viewing camera and, with the interior rearview mirror assembly attached to the attachment element, the forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield.

Claims

1. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element and (ii) a pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least two accessories are encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said structure comprises at least one of (i) a polymeric structure formed by molding and (ii) a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said at least two accessories from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure includes at least one of (a) a portion abutting close to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed, and (b) a portion contacting the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed; and

wherein one of said at least two accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield.

2. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover.

3. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication and wherein said detachable cover comprises a polymeric molding, and wherein said detachable cover detachably attaches to said metallic structure.

4. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 3, wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, a rain sensor is covered by said detachable cover from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

5. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 3, wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover abuts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

6. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 5, wherein said detachable cover contacts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

7. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 3, wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, an edge portion of said detachable cover lies flat against the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

8. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said at least two accessories.

9. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein said at least two accessories form a cluster of individual sensors and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

10. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 9, wherein said detachable cover covers said cluster from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

11. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 2, wherein said detachable cover comprises a functionally attractive cover.

12. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein a portion of said structure comprises a polymeric structure formed by molding and another portion of said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication.

13. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 12, wherein said metallic structure comprises a die cast metallic structure.

14. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 12, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera is accommodated by said metallic structure.

15. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 14, wherein a compartment of said metallic structure accommodates said forwardly-viewing camera.

16. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 15, wherein said polymeric structure detachably attaches to said metallic structure.

17. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint.

18. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 17, wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway.

19. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 18, wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint.

20. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 19, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head.

21. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 20, wherein said circuitry relates to said electrochromic rearview mirror element.

22. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 20, wherein said circuitry relates to a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element.

23. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 22, wherein said display comprises a compass display.

24. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said pivot element comprises a ball of a ball and socket pivot joint.

25. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located external to said structure and (b) shares a component with an accessory located external to said structure.

26. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 25, wherein said accessory located external to said structure comprises an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head.

27. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein the other of said at least two accessories comprises (a) a headlamp sensor, (b) a rain sensor, (c) a camera, (d) a compass sensor, and (e) a garage door opener.

28. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein the other of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor.

29. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 28, wherein said rain sensor at least one of (a) views through an aperture of said structure and through the vehicle windshield, (b) views through an aperture of said structure and views, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield, (c) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing through the vehicle windshield, and (d) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield.

30. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said structure includes an internal wall that separates a cavity of said structure into first and second compartments, and wherein said forwardly-viewing camera is accommodated by said first compartment.

31. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein at least one of (a) said attachment element at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield comprises an attachment element adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, (b) said attachment element at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield comprises a metallic attachment element adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, (c) said attachment element at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield comprises a generally circular mirror mounting button and (d) said attachment element at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield comprises an attachment element adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield by at least one of an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a polyvinyl butyral adhesive and a silicone adhesive.

32. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said attachment element is formed by metal fabrication and wherein said attachment element is adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

33. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 32, wherein said metal fabrication comprises at least one of casting and sintering.

34. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said attachment element comprises a polymeric element adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

35. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said attachment element is adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and is configured for attachment of said mount of said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly.

36. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said attachment element comprises a metallic mirror mounting button adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

37. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera comprises a camera module that is provided at said structure as a modular unit.

38. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 37, wherein an electrical connection is made to said camera module.

39. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly and said forwardly-viewing camera are provided to a vehicle assembly plant by a mirror manufacturer and wherein the other of said at least two accessories is provided to the vehicle assembly plant by a separate manufacturer.

40. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 39, wherein the other accessory comprises a rain sensor.

41. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 40, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly is configured so that electrical connection to the other accessory is readily made when the other accessory is accommodated by said structure.

42. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element and (ii) a pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint, wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway, wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head, and wherein said circuitry relates to at least one of (a) said electrochromic rearview mirror element and (b) a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least two accessories are encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said at least two accessories from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle; and

wherein one of said at least two accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield.

43. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said structure comprises at least one of (i) a polymeric structure formed by molding and (ii) a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication.

44. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure includes at least one of (a) a portion abutting close to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed, and (b) a portion contacting the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed.

45. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said circuitry relates to a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element, and wherein said display comprises a compass display.

46. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication and wherein said detachable cover comprises a polymeric molding, and wherein said detachable cover detachably attaches to said metallic structure.

47. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 46, wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least one of (a) said detachable cover abuts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, (b) said detachable cover contacts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and (c) an edge portion of said detachable cover lies flat against the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

48. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said at least two accessories, and wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor.

49. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, and wherein said at least two accessories form a cluster of individual sensors and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and wherein said detachable cover covers said cluster of individual sensors from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

50. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein a portion of said structure comprises a polymeric structure formed by molding and another portion of said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication, and wherein said metallic structure comprises a die cast metallic structure.

51. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein a portion of said structure comprises a polymeric structure formed by molding and another portion of said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication, and wherein said forwardly-viewing camera is accommodated by said metallic structure, and wherein a compartment of said metallic structure accommodates said forwardly-viewing camera.

52. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head.

53. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein the other of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor, and wherein said rain sensor at least one of (a) views through an aperture of said structure and through the vehicle windshield, (b) views through an aperture of said structure and views, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield, (c) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing through the vehicle windshield, and (d) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield.

54. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said attachment element comprises a metallic mirror mounting button adhesively attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and wherein said forwardly-viewing camera comprises a camera module that is provided at said structure as a modular unit.

55. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 42, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly and said forwardly-viewing camera are provided to a vehicle assembly plant by a mirror manufacturer and wherein the other of said at least two accessories is provided to the vehicle assembly plant by a separate manufacturer, and wherein the other accessory comprises a rain sensor.

56. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element and (ii) a pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least two accessories are encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said at least two accessories from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle;

wherein one of said at least two accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera and wherein the other of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly and said forwardly-viewing camera are provided to a vehicle assembly plant by a mirror manufacturer and wherein said rain sensor is provided to the vehicle assembly plant by a separate manufacturer;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield; and

wherein said rain sensor at least one of (a) views through an aperture of said structure and through the vehicle windshield, (b) views through an aperture of said structure and views, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield, (c) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing through the vehicle windshield, and (d) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield.

57. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 56, wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint, wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway, wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head, and wherein said circuitry relates to at least one of (a) said electrochromic rearview mirror element and (b) a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element.

58. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 56, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication and wherein said detachable cover comprises a polymeric molding, and wherein said detachable cover detachably attaches to said metallic structure.

59. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 58, wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least one of (a) said detachable cover abuts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, (b) said detachable cover contacts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and (c) an edge portion of said detachable cover lies flat against the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

60. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 56, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said at least two accessories.

61. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 56, wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, and wherein said at least two accessories form a cluster of individual sensors and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and wherein said detachable cover covers said cluster of individual sensors from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

62. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 56, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head.

63. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element and (ii) a pivot element;

wherein said structure comprises a detachable cover, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication and wherein said detachable cover comprises a polymeric molding, and wherein said detachable cover detachably attaches to said metallic structure;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint, wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway, wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least two accessories are encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said at least two accessories from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle;

wherein one of said at least two accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera and wherein the other of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield; and

wherein said rain sensor at least one of (a) views through an aperture of said structure and through the vehicle windshield, (b) views through an aperture of said structure and views, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield, (c) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing through the vehicle windshield, and (d) is biased at least partially through an aperture of said structure and into contact with the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield for viewing, via an opening in a light absorbing layer at the vehicle windshield that generally coincides with said aperture of said structure, through the vehicle windshield.

64. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly and said forwardly-viewing camera are provided to a vehicle assembly plant by a mirror manufacturer and wherein said rain sensor is provided to the vehicle assembly plant by a separate manufacturer.

65. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63, wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least one of (a) said detachable cover abuts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, (b) said detachable cover contacts the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and (c) an edge portion of said detachable cover lies flat against the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield.

66. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63, wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said at least two accessories.

67. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63, wherein said at least two accessories form a cluster of individual sensors and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin, surface of the vehicle windshield, and wherein said detachable cover covers said cluster of individual sensors from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

68. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head.

69. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 63, wherein said circuitry relates to at least one of (a) said electrochromic rearview mirror element and (b) a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element.

70. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element and (ii) a pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint, wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway, wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head, and wherein said circuitry relates to at least one of (a) said electrochromic rearview mirror element and (b) a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, a forwardly-viewing camera is encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield;

wherein said structure comprises at least one of (i) a polymeric structure formed by molding and (ii) a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication; and

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure includes at least one of (a) a portion abutting close to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said forwardly-viewing camera is disposed, and (b) a portion contacting the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said forwardly-viewing camera is disposed.

71. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 70, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in said interior rearview mirror head.

72. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 70, wherein said structure includes a detachable cover and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of said forwardly-viewing camera.

73. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 70, wherein said structure comprises a die cast metallic structure.

74. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 70, wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers another accessory located at or on said in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

75. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 74, wherein said structure includes a detachable cover and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said forwardly-viewing camera and said other accessory.

76. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element and (ii) a pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint, and wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway, and wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint, and wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head, and wherein said circuitry relates to at least one of (a) said electrochromic rearview mirror element and (b) a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least two accessories are encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein said structure comprises at least one of (i) a polymeric structure formed by molding and (ii) a metallic structure formed by metallic fabrication;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said at least two accessories from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure includes at least one of (a) a portion abutting close to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed, and (b) a portion contacting the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed;

wherein one of said at least two accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera and wherein the other of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly and said forwardly-viewing camera are provided to a vehicle assembly plant by a mirror manufacturer and wherein said rain sensor is provided to the vehicle assembly plant by a separate manufacturer; and

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield.

77. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 76, wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said rain sensor from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

78. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 76, wherein said structure includes a detachable cover and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said forwardly-viewing camera and said rain sensor.

79. An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle, said interior rearview mirror system comprising:

an attachment element attached at an in-cabin surface of a vehicle windshield of the vehicle equipped with said interior rearview mirror system;

an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment to said attachment element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a structure that includes (i) a mount for attaching said interior rearview mirror assembly to said attachment element (ii) a pivot element and (iii) a detachable cover;

wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises an interior rearview mirror head pivotally attached at said pivot element;

wherein said interior rearview mirror head includes an electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said interior rearview mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said pivot element to adjust a rearward field of view of said electrochromic rearview mirror element;

wherein said pivot element comprises an element of a ball and socket pivot joint, and wherein said pivot joint includes a passageway, and wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said pivot joint, and wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said interior rearview mirror head;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, at least two accessories are encompassed by said structure of said interior rearview mirror assembly;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure covers said at least two accessories from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle;

wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said structure includes at least one of (a) a portion abutting close to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed, and (b) a portion contacting the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at least partially encompassing where said at least two accessories are disposed;

wherein said at least two accessories form a cluster of individual sensors and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and wherein said detachable cover covers said cluster from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle; and

wherein one of said at least two accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera and wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said forwardly-viewing camera views through the vehicle windshield.

80. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 79, wherein, with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, said detachable cover is detachable to facilitate service of at least one of said at least two accessories.

81. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 80, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure and wherein, with said detachable cover attached at said metallic structure and with said interior rearview mirror assembly attached to said attachment element, a rain sensor is covered by said detachable cover from view by the driver operating the equipped vehicle.

82. The interior rearview mirror system of claim 81, wherein said circuitry relates to at least one of (a) said electrochromic rearview mirror element and (b) a display in said interior rearview mirror head that displays through said electrochromic mirror element.