Lighted vehicular exterior rearview mirror system

• US 6,685,348 B2
• Filed: 07/08/2002
• Issued: 02/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/01/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America Incorporated (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: van de Ven, Michiel P., Mousseau, Rick, Whitehead, Peter J., Pastrick, Todd W., Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): CARIASO, ALAN B
• Application Number:
  US10/190,840
• Publication Number:
  US 20020172053A1
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 362/142, 362/143, 362/144, 362/494, 180/167, 180/287, 359/841, 359/843, 359/877
• US Class Current: 362/494
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• 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 21/12 which protect the occupants against personal attack from the inside or the outside of the vehicle

Abstract

An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprises an exterior mirror assembly having a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is configured to mount to a side of the vehicle. The movable portion includes a reflective element and is movable about the fixed portion between a normal viewing position where the movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position where the movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle. The exterior mirror assembly includes at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from the exterior mirror assembly. A proximity detector is preferably provided that actuates a powerfold mechanism when the proximity detector detects an object so as to move the movable portion from the normal viewing position to the folded position.

Claims

1. An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly, said exterior mirror assembly comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, said fixed portion being configured to mount to a side of the vehicle, said movable portion including a reflective element, said movable portion being movable about said fixed portion by a powerfold mechanism between a normal viewing position wherein said movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position wherein said movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle;

said exterior mirror assembly comprising at least one light assembly, said at least one light assembly including a light source, said at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on a side of the vehicle and when said light source of said at least one light assembly is actuated; and

a proximity detector, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position.

2. The exterior rearview mirror system according to 1, wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes said proximity detector.

3. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 2, wherein said movable portion includes said proximity detector.

4. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

5. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

6. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

7. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

8. The exterior mirror system of claim 4, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said mirror assembly with minimum protrusion into a slipstream of said mirror assembly.

9. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said object is chosen from another vehicle and a wall.

10. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 1, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said movable portion.

11. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly.

12. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 11, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

13. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 11, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

14. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 11, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

15. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 11, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

16. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a security light assembly.

17. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 16, wherein said security light assembly is included in one of said movable portion and said fixed portion.

18. The exterior mirror system of claim 16, wherein said light pattern comprises a first light pattern and a second light pattern, said security light assembly projecting said first light pattern generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said normal viewing position and projecting said second light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said folded position.

19. The exterior mirror system according to claim 18, wherein said first light pattern includes a first leading edge generally parallel with the vehicle and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge and generally angled away from the vehicle.

20. The exterior mirror system of claim 18, wherein said second light pattern includes a first leading edge angled generally inwardly toward the vehicle for illuminating a vehicle door and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge of said second light pattern and generally angled away from the vehicle.

21. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 18, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

22. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 16, wherein said movable portion includes a lower housing wall, said security light assembly mounted at said lower housing wall.

23. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 22, wherein said light source is included in a housing.

24. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 16, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to rotate in said movable portion to maintain an orientation of said light pattern with respect to the vehicle independent of the position of said movable portion.

25. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 16, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

26. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 16, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

27. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 16, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

28. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 16, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

29. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 18, wherein said security light assembly includes a cover, said light source directing light through said cover to generate said first and second light patterns.

30. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 29, wherein said cover comprises an optical cover.

31. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said powerfold mechanism is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle.

32. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 31, wherein said powerfold mechanism is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle to move from said folded position to said normal viewing position.

33. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 32, wherein said powerfold mechanism is operable at a distance from the vehicle to move from said folded position to said normal viewing position upon receipt by a receiver of the vehicle of one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal.

34. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 33, wherein said one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal is generated by a transmitter carried by a person exterior the vehicle.

35. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 34, wherein said person exterior the vehicle comprises a person approaching the vehicle.

36. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 34, wherein said transmitter comprises a hand-held transmitter.

37. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 34, wherein said transmitter comprises a key fob.

38. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 32, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a security light assembly and wherein the light source of said security light assembly actuates when said powerfold mechanism is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle to move from said folded position to said normal viewing position.

39. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

40. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a light pipe.

41. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 40, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

42. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 40, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

43. An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly, said exterior mirror assembly comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, said fixed portion being configured to mount to a side of the vehicle, said movable portion including a reflective element, said movable portion being movable about said fixed portion by a powerfold mechanism between a normal viewing position wherein said movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position wherein said movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle;

said exterior mirror assembly comprising at least one light assembly, said at least one light assembly including a light source, said at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on a side of the vehicle and when said light source of said at least one light assembly is actuated; and

wherein said powerfold mechanism is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle.

44. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, including a proximity detector, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position and wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes said proximity detector.

45. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 44, wherein said movable portion includes said proximity detector.

46. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

47. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

48. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

49. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

50. The exterior mirror system of claim 46, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said mirror assembly with minimum protrusion into a slipstream of said mirror assembly.

51. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 44, wherein said object is chosen from another vehicle and a wall.

52. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 43, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said movable portion.

53. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly.

54. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 53, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

55. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 53, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

56. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 53, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

57. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 53, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

58. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a security light assembly.

59. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 58, wherein said security light assembly is included in said movable portion.

60. The exterior mirror system of claim 58, wherein said light pattern comprises a first light pattern and a second light pattern, said security light assembly projecting said first light pattern generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said normal viewing position and projecting said second light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said folded position.

61. The exterior mirror system according to claim 60, wherein said first light pattern includes a first leading edge generally parallel with the vehicle and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge and generally angled away from the vehicle.

62. The exterior mirror system of claim 60, wherein said second light pattern includes a first leading edge angled generally inwardly toward the vehicle for illuminating a vehicle door and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge of said second light pattern and generally angled away from the vehicle.

63. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claims 60, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

64. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 58, wherein said movable portion includes a lower housing wall, said security light assembly mounted at said lower housing wall.

65. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 64, wherein said light source is included in a housing.

66. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 64, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to rotate in said movable portion to maintain an orientation of said light pattern with respect to the vehicle independent of the position of said movable portion.

67. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 58, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode.

68. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 58, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

69. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 58, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

70. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 58, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

71. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 60, wherein said security light assembly includes a cover, said light source directing light through said cover to generate said first and second light patterns.

72. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 71, wherein said cover comprises an optical cover.

73. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 58, including a proximity detector, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position.

74. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said powerfold mechanism is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle to move from said folded position to said normal viewing position.

75. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 74, wherein said powerfold mechanism is operable at a distance from the vehicle to move from said folded position to said normal viewing position upon receipt by a receiver of the vehicle of one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal.

76. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 75, wherein said one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal is generated by a transmitter carried by a person exterior the vehicle.

77. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 76, wherein said person exterior the vehicle comprises a person approaching the vehicle.

78. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 76, wherein said transmitter comprises a hand-held transmitter.

79. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 76, wherein said transmitter comprises a key fob.

80. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 74, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a security light assembly and wherein the light source of said security light assembly actuates when said powerfold mechanism is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle to move from said folded position to said normal viewing position.

81. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

82. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 43, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a light pipe.

83. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 82, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

84. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 82, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

85. An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly, said exterior mirror assembly comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, said fixed portion being configured to mount to a side of the vehicle, said movable portion including a reflective element, said movable portion being movable about said fixed portion between a normal viewing position wherein said movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position wherein said movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle;

said exterior mirror assembly comprising at least one light assembly, said at least one light assembly including a light source, said at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on a side of the vehicle and when said light source of said at least one light assembly is actuated;

at least one of a) said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism and said system including a control for remotely operating said powerfold mechanism at a distance from the vehicle, b) said system including a proximity detector and said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position, c) said at least one light assembly comprising a security light assembly, d) said at least one light assembly comprising a signal light assembly, said reflective element being adjustable within said movable portion and said signal light assembly being fixedly included in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflective element, and e) said at least one light assembly comprising a security light assembly and a signal light assembly in a module;

said light source comprising at least one chosen from an incandescent source, a fluorescent source, and a light emitting diode; and

wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a light pipe.

86. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 85, including a proximity detector and said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position and wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes said proximity detector.

87. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 86, wherein said movable portion includes said proximity detector.

88. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 85, wherein said light source is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle and wherein said light source comprises one of an incandescent source and a light emitting diode.

89. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 85, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

90. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 85, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

91. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 85, wherein said light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

92. The exterior mirror system of claim 85, said at least one light assembly is included in said mirror assembly with minimum protrusion into a slipstream of said mirror assembly.

93. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 86, wherein said object is chosen from another vehicle and a wall.

94. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 85, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said movable portion.

95. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 85, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly, said reflective element being adjustable within said movable portion and said signal light assembly being fixedly included in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflective element.

96. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 95, wherein said light source comprises at least one chosen from an incandescent source and a light emitting diode.

97. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 95, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

98. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 95, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

99. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 95, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

100. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 95, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a security light assembly.

101. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 100, wherein said security light assembly is included in said movable portion.

102. The exterior mirror system of claim 100, wherein said light pattern comprises a first light pattern and a second light pattern, said security light assembly projecting said first light pattern generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said normal viewing position and projecting said second light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said folded position.

103. The exterior mirror system according to claim 102, wherein said first light pattern includes a first leading edge generally parallel with the vehicle and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge and generally angled away from the vehicle.

104. The exterior mirror system of claim 102, wherein said second light pattern includes a first leading edge angled generally inwardly toward the vehicle for illuminating a vehicle door and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge of said second light pattern and generally angled away from the vehicle.

105. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 100, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

106. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 100, wherein said movable portion includes a lower housing wall, said security light assembly mounted at said lower housing wall.

107. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 106, wherein said light source is included in a housing.

108. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 106, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to rotate in said movable portion to maintain an orientation of said light pattern with respect to the vehicle independent of the position of said movable portion.

109. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 100, wherein said light source comprises a fluorescent source.

110. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 100, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

111. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 100, wherein said light source comprises a micro-incandescent source.

112. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 100, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

113. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 102, wherein said security light assembly includes a cover, said light source directing light through said cover to generate said first and second light patterns.

114. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 113, wherein said cover comprises an optical cover.

115. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 85, including a proximity detector and said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position.

116. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 85, wherein said light source is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle.

117. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 116, wherein said light source is operable upon receipt by a receiver of the vehicle of one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal.

118. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 117, wherein said one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal is generated by a transmitter carried by a person exterior the vehicle.

119. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 118, wherein said person exterior the vehicle comprises a person approaching the vehicle.

120. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 118, wherein said transmitter comprises a hand-held transmitter.

121. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 118, wherein said transmitter comprises a key fob.

122. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 86, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly.

123. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 85, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

124. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 85, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly, said reflective element being adjustable within said movable portion and said signal light assembly being fixedly included in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflective element and wherein said movable portion includes said signal light assembly.

125. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

126. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said light source comprises an incandescent source.

127. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said signal light assembly is included in said mirror assembly with minimum protrusion into a slipstream of said mirror assembly.

128. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 127, wherein said light pattern comprises an amber light pattern.

129. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a powerfold mechanism.

130. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 108, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a breakaway mechanism.

131. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a powerfold mechanism.

132. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a breakaway mechanism.

133. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 124, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

134. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 127, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

135. An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle comprising:

an exterior mirror assembly, said exterior mirror assembly comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion, said fixed portion being configured to mount to a side of the vehicle, said movable portion including a reflective element, said movable portion being movable about said fixed portion between a normal viewing position wherein said movable portion is extended outwardly from the vehicle and a folded position wherein said movable portion is folded toward the side of the vehicle;

said exterior mirror assembly comprising at least one light assembly, said at least one light assembly including a light source, said at least one light assembly projecting a light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly when said exterior mirror assembly is mounted on a side of the vehicle and when said light source of said at least one light assembly is actuated;

at least one of a) said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism and said system including a control for remotely operating said powerfold mechanism at a distance from the vehicle, b) said system including a proximity detector and said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position, c) said at least one light assembly comprising a security light assembly, d) said at least one light assembly comprising a signal light assembly, said reflective element being adjustable within said movable portion and said signal light assembly being fixedly included in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflective element, and e) said at least one light assembly comprising a security light assembly and a signal light assembly;

said light source comprising at least one light emitting diode; and

wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said mirror assembly with minimum protrusion into a slipstream of said mirror assembly.

136. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, including a proximity detector and said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position and wherein said exterior mirror assembly includes said proximity detector.

137. The exterior rearview mirror assembly according to claim 136, wherein said movable portion includes said proximity detector.

138. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 136, wherein said light source is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle.

139. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 135, wherein said light source a plurality of light emitting diodes.

140. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 135, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a light pipe.

141. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 140, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

142. The exterior mirror system of claim 141, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said movable portion and comprises a signal light assembly.

143. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 136, wherein said object is selected from the group comprising another vehicle and a wall.

144. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 135, wherein said at least one light assembly is included in said movable portion.

145. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly, said reflective element being adjustable within said movable portion and said signal light assembly being fixedly included in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflective element.

146. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 145, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

147. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 146, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light pipe.

148. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 145, wherein said movable portion includes said signal light assembly.

149. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 146, wherein said movable portion includes said signal light assembly.

150. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a security light assembly.

151. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 150, wherein said security light assembly is included in said movable portion.

152. The exterior mirror system of claim 150, wherein said light pattern comprises a first light pattern and a second light pattern, said security light assembly projecting said first light pattern generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said normal viewing position and projecting said second light pattern from said exterior mirror assembly generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle when said movable portion is in said folded position.

153. The exterior mirror system according to claim 152, wherein said first light pattern includes a first leading edge generally parallel with the vehicle and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge and generally angled away from the vehicle.

154. The exterior mirror system of claim 152, wherein said second light pattern includes a first leading edge angled generally inwardly toward the vehicle for illuminating a vehicle door and a second leading edge angled with respect to said first leading edge of said second light pattern and generally angled away from the vehicle.

155. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 150, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

156. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 150, wherein said movable portion includes a lower housing wall, said security light assembly mounted at said lower housing wall.

157. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 156, wherein said light source is included in a housing.

158. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 150, wherein said security light assembly is adapted to rotate in said movable portion to maintain an orientation of said light pattern with respect to the vehicle independent of the position of said movable portion.

159. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 135, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

160. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 142, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

161. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 150, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

162. The exterior rearview mirror system of claim 155, wherein said security light assembly comprises a light pipe.

163. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 152, wherein said security light assembly includes a cover, said light source directing light through said cover to generate said first and second light patterns.

164. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 163, wherein said cover comprises an optical cover.

165. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, including a proximity detector and said exterior mirror assembly including a powerfold mechanism, said proximity detector actuating said powerfold mechanism when said proximity detector detects an object so as to move said movable portion from said normal viewing position to said folded position.

166. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, wherein said light source is remotely operable at a distance from the vehicle.

167. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 166, wherein said light source is operable upon receipt by a receiver of the vehicle of one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal.

168. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 167, wherein said one of a radio frequency signal and an infrared signal is generated by a transmitter carried by a person exterior the vehicle.

169. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 168, wherein said person exterior the vehicle comprises a person approaching the vehicle.

170. The exterior rearview mirror system claim 168, wherein said transmitter comprises a hand-held transmitter.

171. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 168, wherein said transmitter comprises a key fob.

172. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 136, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly.

173. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, wherein said reflective element comprises an electrochromic reflective element.

174. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 135, wherein said at least one light assembly comprises a signal light assembly, said reflective element being adjustable within said movable portion and said signal light assembly being fixedly included in said exterior mirror assembly separate from said reflective element and wherein said movable portion includes said signal light assembly.

175. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 174, wherein said light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes.

176. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 174, wherein signal light assembly comprises a light pipe.

177. The exterior rearview mirror system according to 175, wherein said signal light assembly comprises a light pipe.

178. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 177, wherein said light pattern comprises an amber light pattern.

179. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 174, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a powerfold mechanism.

180. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 174, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a breakaway mechanism.

181. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 177, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a powerfold mechanism.

182. The exterior rearview mirror system according to claim 177, wherein said movable portion is movable about said fixed portion by a breakaway mechanism.