Vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly including an accessory-containing housing

• US 6,593,565 B2
• Filed: 11/29/2001
• Issued: 07/15/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Magna Electronics Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lynam, Niall R., Heslin, Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, QUE TAN
• Application Number:
  US09/997,579
• Publication Number:
  US 20020113203A1
• Time in Patent Office: 593 Days
• Field of Search: 250/239, 250/216, 250/21.HAL, 250/227.11, 250/214.B, 359/229, 359/230, 359/242, 359/267, 340/485, 340/461, 340/602
• US Class Current: 250/239
• 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 vehicle interior rearview mirror assembly comprises a housing adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of a vehicle. A plurality of accessories preferably is included in the housing, with at least one of the plurality of accessories being adapted for viewing through the windshield of the vehicle to which the housing is mounted. Preferably, a rain sensor is included in the housing. A rearview mirror attaches to the housing by a pivot joint, the rearview mirror being pivotally adjustable about the housing and the housing remaining fixedly mounted to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle while the rearview mirror is being adjusted. Preferably, electrical wiring passes through the pivot joint. Preferably, an electro-optic mirror is included in the rearview mirror. Various electrical components can be housed in the housing that attaches to the windshield. For example, a compass sensor selected from one of a magneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-inductive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor and a flux-gate sensor can be included.

Claims

1. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a housing for attachment to the interior of the vehicle, said housing adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle;

a rain sensor included in said housing, said rain sensor adapted for viewing through the windshield of the vehicle on which said housing is mounted;

a rearview mirror comprising a rearview mirror housing, an electro-optic mirror included in said rearview mirror housing, said electro-optic mirror comprising an electro-optic mirror element having front and rear plates and an electro-optic medium disposed between said front and rear plates;

said rearview mirror further comprising a compass display;

said rearview mirror attaching to said housing by a pivot joint, said rearview mirror being pivotally adjustable about said housing, said housing remaining fixedly mounted to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle while said rearview mirror is being adjusted;

at least one electrical component included in said housing, said at least one electrical component comprising one of;

a) a vehicle altitude sensor,

b) a vehicle incline sensor,

c) a headlamp sensor,

d) a daylight sensor,

e) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter,

f) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) receiver,

g) an antenna,

h) a camera,

i) a microphone, and

j) a compass sensor;

said assembly further including electrical wiring for electrically connecting to at least one of said electro-optic mirror and said compass display of said rearview mirror, said electrical wiring passing through said pivot joint.

2. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said compass display is positioned to display through said electro-optic mirror element.

3. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said rearview mirror housing includes a chin portion and an eyebrow portion, said compass display being positioned to display through one of said chin and said eyebrow portions of said rearview mirror housing.

4. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 3 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said chin portion of said rearview mirror housing.

5. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 3 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said eyebrow portion of said rearview mirror housing.

6. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a passageway for said electrical wiring.

7. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 6 wherein said pivot joint includes a conduit therethrough which receives said electrical wiring, said conduit communicating with said rearview mirror housing and said passageway in said housing.

8. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing includes a front end for releasable attachment to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, a rear end including said pivot joint, and a biasing member which engages and biases said rain sensor into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

9. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 8 wherein said housing includes a first opening at said front end, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said housing is attached to the interior surface of the windshield, said biasing member biasing said rain sensor forwardly through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

10. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 9 wherein said housing comprises a cavity, said cavity including a second opening at said rear end, said electrical component being accessible through said second opening.

11. The interior mirror assembly of claim 10 wherein said housing includes an internal wall separating said cavity into first and second compartments, said rain sensor mounted in a first of said compartments and said electrical component mounted in the second of said compartments.

12. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 11 further including a removable cover which mates with said housing around said second opening and in use extends along the windshield towards vehicle header adjacent the windshield.

13. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 12 wherein said electrical wiring electrically connects said rain sensor and said electrical component to the electrical system of the vehicle.

14. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 12 wherein said cover is made of a polymeric material which snap-engages said housing around said second opening.

15. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 12 wherein said electrical component comprises an antenna.

16. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said electrical component comprises a printed circuit board bearing a compass sensor.

17. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing includes an opening in which said rain sensor is mounted, said assembly further including a biasing member which biases said rain sensor forwardly through said opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.

18. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said electrical wiring connects to the electrical system of the vehicle.

19. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a metal housing.

20. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 19 wherein said metal housing comprises a die cast metal housing.

21. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a polymeric housing.

22. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 21 wherein said polymeric housing comprises a molded polymeric housing.

23. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 22 wherein said molded polymeric housing comprises a housing molded from an engineering polymeric resin.

24. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 23 wherein said engineering polymeric resin comprises a filled nylon.

25. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 50 millimeters.

26. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 25 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 25 millimeters.

27. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 25 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 30 millimeters.

28. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 40 millimeters.

29. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 35 millimeters.

30. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor module.

55. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 21 wherein said housing includes at least one other electrical component, said at least one other electrical component comprising one of:

a) a vehicle altitude sensor,

b) a vehicle incline sensor,

c) a headlamp sensor,

d) a daylight sensor,

e) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter,

f) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) receiver,

g) an antenna,

h) a camera, and

i) a microphone.

31. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a housing for attachment to the interior of the vehicle, said housing adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle;

a rain sensor included in said housing, said rain sensor adapted for viewing through the windshield of the vehicle on which said housing is mounted;

a rearview mirror comprising a rearview mirror housing, an electro-optic mirror included in said rearview mirror housing, said electro-optic mirror comprising an electro-optic mirror element having front and rear plates and an electro-optic medium disposed between said front and rear plates;

said rearview mirror attaching to said housing by a pivot joint, said rearview mirror being pivotally adjustable about said housing, said housing remaining fixedly mounted to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle while said rearview mirror is being adjusted;

an electrical component included in said housing, said electrical component comprising a compass sensor, said compass sensor selected from one of a magneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-inductive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor and a flux-gate sensor;

said assembly further including electrical wiring for electrically connecting to an electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing, said electrical wiring passing through said pivot joint.

32. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rearview mirror further comprises a compass display and wherein said compass display is positioned to display through said electro-optic mirror element.

33. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rearview mirror further comprises a compass display and wherein said rearview mirror housing includes a chin portion and an eyebrow portion, said compass display being positioned to display through one of said chin and said eyebrow portions of said rearview mirror housing.

34. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 33 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said chin portion of said rearview mirror housing.

35. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 33 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said eyebrow portion of said rearview mirror housing.

36. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said housing includes a passageway for said electrical wiring.

37. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 36 wherein said pivot joint includes a conduit therethrough which receives said electrical wiring, said conduit communicating with said rearview mirror housing and said passageway in said housing.

38. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said housing includes a front end for releasable attachment to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, a rear end including said pivot joint, and a biasing member which engages and biases said rain sensor into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

39. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 38 wherein said housing includes a first opening at said front end, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said housing is attached to the interior surface of the windshield, said biasing member biasing said rain sensor forwardly through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

40. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said housing comprises a cavity, said cavity including a second opening at said rear end, said compass sensor being accessible through said second opening.

41. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 40 wherein said housing includes an internal wall separating said cavity into first and second compartments, said rain sensor mounted in a first of said compartments and said compass sensor mounted in the second of said compartments.

42. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 41 further including a removable cover which mates with said housing around said second opening and in use extends along the windshield towards vehicle header adjacent the windshield.

43. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 42 wherein said electrical wiring electrically connects said rain sensor and said compass sensor to the electrical system of the vehicle.

44. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 42 wherein said cover is made of a polymeric material which snap-engages said housing around said second opening.

45. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 42 wherein said compass sensor comprises one of a magneto-resistive and a magneto-inductive sensor.

46. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said compass sensor comprises one of a magneto-resistive and a magneto-inductive sensor.

47. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said housing includes an opening in which said rain sensor is mounted, said assembly further including a biasing member which biases said rain sensor forwardly through said opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.

48. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said electrical wiring connects to the electrical system of the vehicle.

49. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said housing comprises a metal housing.

50. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 49 wherein said metal housing comprises a die cast metal housing.

51. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 39 wherein said housing comprises a polymeric housing.

52. The rearview interior mirror assembly of claim 51 wherein said polymeric housing comprises a molded polymeric housing.

53. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 52 wherein said a molded polymeric housing comprises a housing molded from an engineering polymeric resin.

54. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 53 wherein said engineering polymeric resin comprises a filled nylon.

56. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing comprises said electro-optic mirror.

57. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rearview mirror further comprises a compass display and wherein said electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing comprises at least one of said electro-optic mirror and said compass display of said rearview mirror.

58. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said compass sensor comprises a magneto-inductive sensor.

59. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said compass sensor comprises a magneto-resistive sensor.

60. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein a circuit board bearing said compass sensor is housed in said housing.

61. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 50 millimeters.

62. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 61 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 25 millimeters.

63. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 61 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 30 millimeters.

64. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 40 millimeters.

65. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 35 millimeters.

66. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 31 wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor module.

67. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a housing for attachment to the interior of the vehicle, said housing adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle;

a plurality of accessories included in said housing, at least one of said plurality of accessories adapted for viewing through the windshield of the vehicle on which said housing is mounted, said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprising one of a rain sensor, a forwardly-viewing camera, and a headlamp sensor;

a rearview mirror comprising a rearview mirror housing, an electro-optic mirror included in said rearview mirror housing, said electro-optic mirror comprising an electro-optic mirror element having front and rear plates and an electro-optic medium disposed between said front and rear plates;

said rearview mirror attaching to said housing by a pivot joint, said rearview mirror being pivotally adjustable about said housing, said housing remaining fixedly mounted to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle while said rearview mirror is being adjusted;

an electrical component included in said housing, said electrical component comprising a compass sensor, said compass sensor selected from one of a magneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-inductive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor and a flux-gate sensor;

said assembly further including electrical wiring for electrically connecting to an electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing, said electrical wiring passing through said pivot joint.

68. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said rearview mirror further comprises a compass display and wherein said compass display is positioned to display through said electro-optic mirror element.

69. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said rearview mirror further comprises a compass display and wherein said rearview mirror housing includes a chin portion and an eyebrow portion, said compass display being positioned to display through one of said chin and said eyebrow portions of said rearview mirror housing.

70. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 69 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said chin portion of said rearview mirror housing.

71. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 69 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said eyebrow portion of said rearview mirror housing.

72. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said housing includes a passageway for said electrical wiring.

73. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 72 wherein said pivot joint includes a conduit therethrough which receives said electrical wiring, said conduit communicating with said rearview mirror housing and said passageway in said housing.

74. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said housing includes a front end for releasable attachment to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, a rear end including said pivot joint, and a biasing member which engages and biases said rain sensor into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

75. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 74 wherein said housing includes a first opening at said front end, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said housing is attached to the interior surface of the windshield, said biasing member biasing said rain sensor forwardly through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

76. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 75 wherein said housing comprises a cavity, said cavity including a second opening at said rear end, said compass sensor being accessible through said second opening.

77. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 76 wherein said housing includes an internal wall separating said cavity into first and second compartments, said rain sensor mounted in a first of said compartments and said compass sensor mounted in the second of said compartments.

78. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 77 further including a removable cover which mates with said housing around said second opening and in use extends along the windshield towards vehicle header adjacent the windshield.

79. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 78 wherein said electrical wiring electrically connects said rain sensor and said compass sensor to the electrical system of the vehicle.

80. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 78 wherein said cover is made of a polymeric material which snap-engages said housing around said second opening.

81. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 78 wherein said compass sensor comprises one of a magneto-resistive and a magneto-inductive sensor.

82. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said compass sensor comprises one of a magneto-resistive and a magneto-inductive sensor.

83. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said housing includes an opening in which said rain sensor is mounted, said assembly further including a biasing member which biases said rain sensor forwardly through said opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.

84. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said electrical wiring connects to the electrical system of the vehicle.

85. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said housing comprises a metal housing.

86. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 85 wherein said metal housing comprises a die cast metal housing.

87. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said housing comprises a polymeric housing.

88. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 87 wherein said polymeric housing comprises a molded polymeric housing.

89. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 88 wherein said molded polymeric housing comprises a housing molded from an engineering polymeric resin.

90. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 89 wherein said engineering polymeric resin comprises a filled nylon.

91. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said housing includes at least one other electrical component, said at least one other electrical component comprising one of:

a) a vehicle altitude sensor,

b) a vehicle incline sensor,

c) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter,

d) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) receiver,

e) an antenna, and

f) a microphone.

92. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing comprises said electro-optic mirror.

93. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said rearview mirror further comprises a compass display and wherein said electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing comprises at least one of said electro-optic mirror and said compass display of said rearview mirror.

94. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said compass sensor comprises a magneto-inductive sensor.

95. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said compass sensor comprises a magneto-resistive sensor.

96. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said housing includes a circuit board bearing said compass sensor.

97. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 50 millimeters.

98. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 97 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 40 millimeters.

99. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 97 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 35 millimeters.

100. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 97 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 25 millimeters.

101. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 97 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 30 millimeters.

102. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor module.

103. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor.

104. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera.

105. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 67 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a headlamp sensor.

106. An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a housing for attachment to the interior of the vehicle, said housing adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle;

a plurality of accessories included in said housing, at least one of said plurality of accessories adapted for viewing through the windshield of the vehicle on which said housing is mounted, said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprising one of a rain sensor, a forwardly-viewing camera, and a headlamp sensor;

a rearview mirror comprising a rearview mirror housing, an electro-optic mirror included in said rearview mirror housing, said electro-optic mirror comprising an electro-optic mirror element having front and rear plates and an electro-optic medium disposed between said front and rear plates;

said rearview mirror attaching to said housing by a pivot joint, said rearview mirror being pivotally adjustable about said housing, said housing remaining fixedly mounted to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle while said rearview mirror is being adjusted;

an electrical component included in said housing, said electrical component comprising a compass sensor, said compass sensor selected from one of a magneto-resistive sensor, a magneto-inductive sensor, a magneto-capacitive sensor and a flux-gate sensor;

wherein said rearview mirror comprises a compass display and wherein said compass display is positioned to display through one of i) said electro-optic mirror element, ii) a chin portion of said rearview mirror housing, and iii) an eyebrow portion of said rearview mirror housing.

107. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said compass display is positioned to display through said electro-optic mirror element.

108. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said chin portion of said rearview mirror housing.

109. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said compass display is positioned to provide a display through said eyebrow portion of said rearview mirror housing.

110. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said assembly further includes electrical wiring for electrically connecting to an electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing, said electrical wiring passing through said pivot joint and wherein said housing includes a passageway for said electrical wiring.

111. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 110 wherein said pivot joint includes a conduit therethrough which receives said electrical wiring, said conduit communicating with said rearview mirror housing and said passageway in said housing.

112. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said housing includes a front end for releasable attachment to the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, a rear end including said pivot joint, and a biasing member which engages and biases said rain sensor into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

113. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 112 wherein said housing includes a first opening at said front end, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said housing is attached to the interior surface of the windshield, said biasing member biasing said rain sensor forwardly through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

114. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 113 wherein said housing comprises a cavity, said cavity including a second opening at said rear end, said compass sensor being accessible through said second opening.

115. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 114 wherein said housing includes an internal wall separating said cavity into first and second compartments, said rain sensor mounted in a first of said compartments and said compass sensor mounted in the second of said compartments.

116. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 115 further including a removable cover which mates with said housing around said second opening and in use extends along the windshield towards vehicle header adjacent the windshield.

117. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said assembly further includes electrical wiring which electrically connects said rain sensor and said compass sensor to the electrical system of the vehicle.

118. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said cover is made of a polymeric material which snap-engages said housing around said second opening.

119. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 116 wherein said compass sensor comprises one of a magneto-resistive and a magneto-inductive sensor.

120. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said compass sensor comprises one of a magneto-resistive and a magneto-inductive sensor.

121. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said housing includes an opening in which said rain sensor is mounted, said assembly further including a biasing member which biases said rain sensor forwardly through said opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle.

122. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said assembly further includes electrical wiring for electrically connecting to an electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing, said electrical wiring passing through said pivot joint, said electrical wiring connecting to the electrical system of the vehicle.

123. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 122 wherein said electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing comprises said electro-optic mirror.

124. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 122 wherein said electrical accessory included in said rearview mirror housing comprises at least one of said electro-optic mirror and said compass display of said rearview mirror.

125. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said housing comprises a metal housing.

126. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 125 wherein said metal housing comprises a die cast metal housing.

127. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said housing comprises a polymeric housing.

128. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 127 wherein said polymeric housing comprises a molded polymeric housing.

129. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 128 wherein said molded polymeric housing comprises a housing molded from an engineering polymeric resin.

130. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 129 wherein said engineering polymeric resin comprises a filled nylon.

131. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said housing includes at least one other electrical component, said at least one other electrical component comprising one of:

a) a vehicle altitude sensor,

b) a vehicle incline sensor,

c) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) transmitter,

d) a geographic positioning satellite (GPS) receiver,

e) an antenna, and

f) a microphone.

132. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said compass sensor comprises a magneto-inductive sensor.

133. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said compass sensor comprises a magneto-resistive sensor.

134. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said housing includes a circuit board bearing said compass sensor.

135. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 50 millimeters.

136. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 135 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 40 millimeters.

137. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 135 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of less than about 35 millimeters.

138. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 135 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 25 millimeters.

139. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 135 wherein said rain sensor has a cross section diameter of greater than about 30 millimeters.

140. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor comprises a rain sensor module.

141. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a rain sensor.

142. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a forwardly-viewing camera.

143. The interior rearview mirror assembly of claim 106 wherein said at least one of said plurality of accessories comprises a headlamp sensor.