ACCESSORY SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE

• US 20130037589A1
• Filed: 10/15/2012
• Published: 02/14/2013
• 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: Lynam, Niall R., Heslin, Patrick
• Granted Patent: US 8,513,590 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 224/482
• 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 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0077 using adhesive means, e.g. hook and loop fasteners

Abstract

An accessory system for a vehicle includes a windshield of a vehicle and a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield. A structure is attached at the receiving structure. With the structure attached at the receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and the cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera. At least one of the individual sensors may (a) receive an input via a bus communication and/or (b) deliver an output via a bus communication. With the structure attached at the receiving structure, at least one of the individual sensors may be removable from the structure for service. At least one of the sensors may view through the windshield via a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at the windshield.

Claims

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

a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system;

a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of said windshield, wherein said receiving structure comprises one of (i) a contiguous receiving structure comprising a contiguous perimetal portion and (ii) a non-contiguous receiving structure comprising at least two spaced apart elements;

a structure attached at said receiving structure, wherein said structure comprises a portion that attaches at said receiving structure;

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near said in-cabin surface of said windshield, and wherein said cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera; and

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, at least one of said individual sensors is removable from said structure for service.

2. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said receiving structure comprises a contiguous receiving structure comprising a contiguous perimetal portion.

3. The accessory system of claim 2, wherein said receiving structure has an aperture therethrough, and wherein said contiguous perimetal portion circumscribes said aperture.

4. The accessory system of claim 3, wherein said contiguous perimetal portion comprises an annulus.

5. The accessory system of claim 3, wherein at least one sensor of said individual sensors views through said windshield via said aperture.

6. The accessory system of claim 5, wherein said sensor that views through said windshield via said aperture comprises a rain sensor.

7. The accessory system of claim 5, wherein said sensor that views through said windshield via said aperture views through a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

8. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said receiving structure comprises a non-contiguous receiving structure comprising at least two spaced apart elements.

9. The accessory system of claim 8, wherein said at least two spaced apart elements comprise at least two spaced apart rails.

10. The accessory system of claim 8, wherein one of said individual sensors comprises a rain sensor.

11. The accessory system of claim 8, wherein one of said individual sensors views through a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

12. The accessory system of claim 11, wherein said one of said individual sensors viewing through said light transmitting aperture comprises a rain sensor.

13. The accessory system of claim 12, wherein said at least one of said individual sensors removable from said structure for service comprises said rain sensor.

14. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure is detachably attached at said receiving structure.

15. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure is attached at said receiving structure via a breakaway attachment.

16. The accessory system of claim 1, comprising a cover configured for attachment at said structure.

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

18. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein said cover is configured for detachable attachment at said structure.

19. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, said cover, when attached at said structure, substantially conceals the presence of at least said cluster of individual sensors from view by a driver of the equipped vehicle when normally operating the equipped vehicle.

20. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein said cover provides protection against ingress of a contaminant.

21. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein said cover provides a conduit for electrical leads.

22. The accessory system of claim 21, wherein said electrical leads are associated with at least one sensor accommodated at said structure.

23. The accessory system of claim 16, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, said cover is detachable to facilitate service.

24. The accessory system of claim 1, comprising a cover configured for attachment at said structure, wherein said cover, when attached at said structure, at least partially hides said cluster of individual sensors from view by a driver of the equipped vehicle when normally operating the equipped vehicle.

25. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein one of said individual sensors comprises a compass sensor.

26. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure includes a mount for attaching an interior rearview mirror assembly at said structure.

27. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure includes one of a ball pivot element and a socket pivot element of a single ball and socket pivot joint and wherein a mirror head includes the other of said ball pivot element and said socket pivot element of said single ball and socket pivot joint, and wherein, with said mirror head attached at said structure, said mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said single ball and socket pivot joint to adjust a rearward field of view of a reflective element of said mirror head.

28. The accessory system of claim 27, wherein said structure includes said ball pivot element of said single ball and socket pivot joint and wherein said mirror head includes said socket pivot element of said single ball and socket pivot joint.

29. The accessory system of claim 27, wherein said single ball and socket pivot joint includes a passageway, and wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said single ball and socket pivot joint.

30. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said receiving structure comprises a mirror mounting button.

31. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to at least one sensor accommodated at said structure.

32. The accessory system of claim 29, wherein said at least one electrical lead connects to circuitry disposed in said mirror head.

33. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said cluster of individual sensors includes at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of (i) a rain sensor, (ii) a compass sensor, (iii) a vehicle altitude sensor, (iv) a vehicle incline sensor, (v) a headlight intensity sensor, (vi) a daylight intensity sensor and (vii) a geographic positioning satellite sensor.

34. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure accommodates circuitry associated with at least one of (a) said forwardly-viewing camera and (b) a sensor of said cluster of individual sensors.

35. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera views through a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing layer at said windshield.

36. The accessory system of claim 35, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a frit layer.

37. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said portion of said structure is configured to twist onto said receiving structure to attach said structure at said receiving structure.

38. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said individual sensors at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication.

39. The accessory system of claim 38, wherein said bus communication comprises a CAN bus communication.

40. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure is manufactured at a first manufacturer and is shipped to a vehicle assembly plant by said first manufacturer, and wherein an operator at said vehicle assembly plant attaches said structure at said receiving structure.

41. The accessory system of claim 40, wherein a sensor is disposed at one of said structure and said receiving structure before said structure is attached at said receiving structure.

42. The accessory system of claim 41, wherein said sensor comprises a rain sensor module.

43. The accessory system of claim 41, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, an operator at said vehicle assembly plant attaches a cover at said structure.

44. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure comprises a metallic structure formed by at least one of (i) casting and (ii) sintering.

45. The accessory system of claim 1, wherein said structure comprises a polymeric structure.

46. An accessory system for a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system;

a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of said windshield, wherein said receiving structure comprises at least two spaced apart elements;

a structure attached at said receiving structure, wherein said structure comprises a portion that attaches at said receiving structure;

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near said in-cabin surface of said windshield, and wherein said cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera;

wherein said cluster of individual sensors further includes at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) a rain sensor, (ii) a compass sensor, (iii) a vehicle altitude sensor, (iv) a vehicle incline sensor, (v) a headlight intensity sensor, (vi) a daylight intensity sensor and (vii) a geographic positioning satellite sensor; and

wherein at least one of said individual sensors at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication.

47. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, at least one of said individual sensors is removable from said structure for service.

48. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein said cluster of individual sensors further includes a rain sensor.

49. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera views through a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

50. The accessory system of claim 49, wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a frit layer.

51. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein said at least two spaced apart elements comprise at least two spaced apart rails.

52. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein at least one of (i) said structure is detachably attached at said receiving structure and (ii) said structure is attached at said receiving structure via a breakaway attachment.

53. The accessory system of claim 46, comprising a cover configured for attachment at said structure.

54. The accessory system of claim 53, wherein said cover is configured for detachable attachment at said structure.

55. The accessory system of claim 53, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, said cover, when attached at said structure, substantially conceals the presence of at least said forwardly-viewing camera from view by a driver of the equipped vehicle when normally operating the equipped vehicle.

56. The accessory system of claim 53, wherein said cover provides at least one of (i) protection against ingress of a contaminant and (ii) a conduit for electrical leads.

57. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein said structure includes a ball pivot element of a single ball and socket pivot joint and wherein a mirror head includes a socket pivot element of said single ball and socket pivot joint, and wherein, with said mirror head attached at said structure, said mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said single ball and socket pivot joint to adjust a rearward field of view of a reflective element of said mirror head.

58. The accessory system of claim 57, wherein said single ball and socket pivot joint includes a passageway, and wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said single ball and socket pivot joint.

59. The accessory system of claim 46, wherein said structure accommodates circuitry associated with at least one of (a) said forwardly-viewing camera and (b) a sensor of said cluster of individual sensors.

60. An accessory system for a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system;

a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of said windshield, wherein said receiving structure comprises a contiguous structure;

a structure attached at said receiving structure, wherein said structure comprises a portion that attaches at said receiving structure;

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near said in-cabin surface of said windshield, and wherein said cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera;

wherein said cluster of individual sensors further includes at least one selected from the group consisting of (i) a rain sensor, (ii) a compass sensor, (iii) a vehicle altitude sensor, (iv) a vehicle incline sensor, (v) a headlight intensity sensor, (vi) a daylight intensity sensor and (vii) a geographic positioning satellite sensor; and

wherein at least one of (i) said structure is detachably attached at said receiving structure and (ii) said structure is attached at said receiving structure via a breakaway attachment.

61. The accessory system of claim 60, wherein said contiguous receiving structure comprises a contiguous perimetal portion.

62. The accessory system of claim 61, wherein said receiving structure has an aperture therethrough, and wherein said contiguous perimetal portion circumscribes said aperture.

63. The accessory system of claim 62, wherein said contiguous perimetal portion comprises an annulus.

64. The accessory system of claim 62, wherein at least one of said individual sensors views through said windshield via said aperture.

65. The accessory system of claim 64, wherein said at least one of said individual sensors comprises a rain sensor.

66. The accessory system of claim 65, wherein said receiving structure comprises a mirror mounting button.

67. The accessory system of claim 64, wherein said at least one of said individual sensors views through a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

68. The accessory system of claim 60, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, said at least one of said individual sensors is removable from said structure for service.

69. The accessory system of claim 60, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera views through a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

70. The accessory system of claim 60, wherein at least one of said individual sensors at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication.

71. The accessory system of claim 60, comprising a cover configured for attachment at said structure.

72. The accessory system of claim 71, wherein said cover is configured for detachable attachment at said structure.

73. The accessory system of claim 71, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, said cover, when attached at said structure, substantially conceals the presence of at least said forwardly-viewing camera from view by a driver of the equipped vehicle when normally operating the equipped vehicle.

74. The accessory system of claim 71, wherein said cover provides at least one of (i) protection against ingress of a contaminant and (ii) a conduit for electrical leads.

75. The accessory system of claim 60, wherein said structure includes a ball pivot element of a single ball and socket pivot joint and wherein a mirror head includes a socket pivot element of said single ball and socket pivot joint, and wherein, with said mirror head attached at said structure, said mirror head is adjustable by a driver of the equipped vehicle about said single ball and socket pivot joint to adjust a rearward field of view of a reflective element of said mirror head.

76. The accessory system of claim 75, wherein said single ball and socket pivot joint includes a passageway, and wherein at least one electrical lead passes through said passageway of said single ball and socket pivot joint.

77. The accessory system of claim 60, wherein said structure accommodates circuitry associated with at least one of (a) said forwardly-viewing camera and (b) a sensor of said cluster of individual sensors.

78. An accessory system for a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system;

a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of said windshield;

a structure attached at said receiving structure, wherein said structure comprises a portion that attaches at said receiving structure;

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near said in-cabin surface of said windshield, and wherein said cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera and includes a rain sensor;

wherein at least one of said individual sensors at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication; and

wherein at least one of said sensors views through said windshield via a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

79. The accessory system of claim 78, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, at least one of said individual sensors is removable from said structure for service.

80. The accessory system of claim 78, wherein said receiving structure comprises one of (i) a contiguous receiving structure comprising a contiguous perimetal portion and (ii) a non-contiguous receiving structure comprising at least two spaced apart elements.

81. The accessory system of claim 78, wherein said receiving structure comprises a non-contiguous receiving structure comprising at least two spaced apart elements.

82. The accessory system of claim 81, wherein said at least two spaced apart elements comprise at least two spaced apart rails.

83. An accessory system for a vehicle, said accessory system comprising:

a windshield of a vehicle equipped with said accessory system;

a receiving structure attached at an in-cabin surface of said windshield;

a structure attached at said receiving structure, wherein said structure comprises a portion that attaches at said receiving structure;

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, a cluster of individual sensors resides on or near said in-cabin surface of said windshield, and wherein said cluster of individual sensors includes a forwardly-viewing camera;

wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, a cover, when attached at said structure, substantially conceals the presence of at least said forwardly-viewing camera from view by a driver of the equipped vehicle when normally operating the equipped vehicle, and wherein said cover is configured for detachable attachment at said structure; and

wherein at least one of said sensors views through said windshield via a light transmitting aperture established in a light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.

84. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein at least one of said individual sensors at least one of (a) receives an input via a bus communication and (b) delivers an output via a bus communication.

85. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, at least one of said individual sensors is removable from said structure for service.

86. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, an operator at a vehicle assembly plant attaches said cover at said structure.

87. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein said cover comprises a polymeric cover.

88. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein said cover provides protection against ingress of a contaminant.

89. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein said cover provides a conduit for electrical leads.

90. The accessory system of claim 89, wherein said electrical leads are associated with at least one of said individual sensors.

91. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein, with said structure attached at said receiving structure, said cover is detachable to facilitate service.

92. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein said sensor that views through said windshield via said light transmitting aperture comprises a rain sensor.

93. The accessory system of claim 83, wherein said forwardly-viewing camera views through said light transmitting aperture established in said light absorbing hiding layer at said windshield.