Side view mirror with integral lighting

• US 7,080,913 B2
• Filed: 12/19/2002
• Issued: 07/25/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Original Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Incorporated (The Sumi Motherson Group)
• Inventors: Henion, Paul R., Gilbert, Robert W., Duroux, Bernard, Sturek, James S., Francis, Neil J., McCloy, Graham B.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shafer, Ricky D.
• Application Number:
  US10/635,488
• Publication Number:
  US 20050190465A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,314 Days
• Field of Search: 359/838, 359/839, 359/855, 359/864, 359/865, 359/877, 359/872, 340/475, 340/479, 362/494, 362/135, 362/140, 362/555, 362/800
• US Class Current: 359/864
• 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 1/381 with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A mirror assembly in which the mirror housing and multi-function backing plate provide various useful functions. The multi-function backing plate supports not only a conventional reflective element but also supports a wide angle reflective element. The wide angle reflective element may be adjustable. The multi-function backing plate supports an indicator light assembly so that the mirror assembly can provide an indicator light function. The multi-function backing plate also support a recessible spot or approach lamp which, when the mirror is in an operative position, is recessed within the housing. When the mirror is in an inoperative state, the multi-function backing plate can be rotated so as to expose the spot or approach light. Various light pipe configurations enable transmission of light projected from a light source mounted to and behind the multi-function backing plate to project light through the light pipe externally to the mirror housing to provide an indicator light function.

Claims

1. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a first reflective element having a first field of view;

a second reflective element having a second field of view, the second field of view being wider than the first field of view, wherein the first and second reflective elements are operably associated with the mirror housing; and

an indicator light assembly for generating a light signal, the indicator light assembly operably contained within the mirror housing;

a multi-function backing plate supported by the mirror housing;

wherein the first reflective element, the second reflective element, and the indicator light assembly are each independently supported by the multi-function backing plate;

wherein the indicator light assembly comprises;

a light source; and

a lens for focusing light generated by the light source;

wherein the light source and the lens are operably associated with the mirror housing.

2. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

3. The mirror assembly of claim 2 wherein the LEDs operate simultaneously to provide a single light emission.

4. The mirror assembly to claim 2 wherein the LEDs operate sequentially to provide a directional component to the indicator light.

5. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein the light source further comprises a light source and a light pipe to provide light to the lens.

6. The mirror assembly of claim 1 wherein the second reflective element is disposed below the first reflective element and the indicator light assembly is interposed between the first and second reflective elements.

7. A mirror assembly for a vehicle comprising:

a mirror housing;

a first reflective element having a first field of view;

a second reflective element having a second field of view, the second field of view being wider than the first field of view; and

an indicator light assembly for generating a light signal;

a multi-function backing plate supported by the mirror housing;

wherein the first reflective element, second reflective element, and indicator light assembly are operably associated with the mirror housing, the first reflective element, the second reflective element, and the indicator light assembly are each independently supported by the multi-function backing plate.

8. The mirror assembly of claim 7 wherein the first reflective element is formed of one of plastic and glass.

9. The mirror assembly of claim 7 wherein the second reflective element is formed of one plastic and glass.

10. The mirror assembly of claim 7 wherein a portion of the multi-function backing plate supporting the second reflective element is formed in a desired shape of the second reflective element.

11. The mirror assembly of claim 7 wherein an orientation of the second reflective element is adjustable independently of the first reflective element.