Potentiometer for motorized mirror

• US 6,474,822 B2
• Filed: 06/11/2001
• Issued: 11/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Churchett, Andrew, Peacock, Adam S., Sturek, James S., Gilbert, Tony, Swindon, David, Henion, Paul R.
• Primary Examiner(s): SIKDER, MOHAMMAD YUNUS
• Application Number:
  US09/878,531
• Publication Number:
  US 20020008923A1
• Time in Patent Office: 512 Days
• Field of Search: 359/879, 359/878, 359/877, 359/871, 359/872, 359/873, 359/874, 248/485, 248/487, 248/550, 364/508
• US Class Current: 359/879
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/072 for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing

Abstract

A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.

Claims

1. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a reflective element;

a backing assembly supported by the mirror housing, the backing assembly supporting the reflective element, the backing assembly having a pivot point about which the backing assembly and the reflective element pivot;

an electric motor mounted to the mirror housing, the electric motor being responsive to an electrical input to displace the backing assembly and supported reflective element about the pivot point;

a combination positioning sensor and dampener assembly operatively connected to the backing assembly and the mirror housing, the combination position sensor and dampener assembly dampening movement of the backing assembly and generating an output signal in accordance with displacement of the backing assembly with respect to the mirror housing.

2. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said combined position sensor and dampener assembly comprises a dampener housing, including an elongated cavity, a rod portion with a friction end portion is slidably associated in said central cavity, a potentiometer board containing resistive tracks, and a wiper operably associated in said cavity therewith for reading the relative position of the wiper along the board.

3. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein said friction end portion includes a spring loaded portion for engaging the sides of said aperture.

4. The mirror assembly of claim 3 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a leaf type spring which engages the side of said aperture.

5. The mirror assembly of claim 3 wherein said spring loaded portion includes a pair of opposed friction members with a coil spring therebetween for urging the opposed friction members against opposed walls of said aperture.

6. The mirror assembly of claim 5 wherein said rod includes a reduced thickness portion for providing flexibility to said shaft.

7. The mirror assembly of claim 6 wherein bearing protrusions are formed or said friction member for facilitating off axis movement between said rod and said friction member.