Accessory mounting system for housing a camera that views through a light transmitting portion of a light absorbing layer at a portion of the windshield of the vehicle

• US 7,538,316 B2
• Filed: 08/25/2008
• Issued: 05/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• 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:
  US12/197,660
• Publication Number:
  US 20080308708A1
• Time in Patent Office: 274 Days
• Field of Search: 250/239, 250/208.1, 250/216, 250/214.AL, 250/227.25, 359/229, 359/230, 359/242, 340/461, 340/485, 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

An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an assembly adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface at a portion of the windshield of the vehicle. A light absorbing layer is at that portion of the windshield and at least partially hides the assembly from view by a viewer external the vehicle who is viewing through the windshield when the assembly is normally mounted to the receiving structure. The light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion. At least two accessories are housed by the assembly and one of the two accessories includes a forwardly-viewing camera that views through the light transmitting portion of the light absorbing layer at that portion of the windshield of the vehicle when the assembly is mounted to the receiving structure, and wherein the light absorbing layer comprises a ceramic frit layer.

Claims

1. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

an assembly adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface at a portion of the windshield of the vehicle;

a light absorbing layer at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said assembly from view by a viewer external the vehicle, said viewer viewing through the windshield when said assembly is normally mounted to said receiving structure;

wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a ceramic frit layer;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

at least two accessories housed by said assembly;

one of said at least two accessories comprising a forwardly-viewing camera; and

said forwardly-viewing camera viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure.

2. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said assembly includes a passageway for electrical wiring.

3. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said assembly comprises a pivot element and wherein said pivot element includes a conduit therethrough for electrical wiring, said pivot element connecting to an interior mirror.

4. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein at least one accessory housed by said assembly at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly.

5. The accessory mounting system of claim 4, wherein said accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly comprises a vehicular mirror.

6. The accessory mounting system of claim 4, wherein said accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly comprises an interior electrochromic mirror.

7. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said assembly comprises a pivot element, said pivot element connecting to an interior mirror.

8. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein an additional one of said at least two accessories is selected from the group consisting 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, (j) a compass sensor, (k) a rain sensor, (l) a photosensor and (m) a garage door opener.

9. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein an additional one of said at least two accessories is selected from the group consisting of (a) a headlamp sensor, (b) an antenna, (c) a camera, (d) a microphone, (e) a compass sensor, (f) a rain sensor, (g) a photosensor and (h) a garage door opener.

10. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor.

11. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said ceramic frit layer comprises a ceramic black frit layer.

12. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting opening.

13. The accessory mounting system of claim 12, wherein said assembly includes a first opening, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, and wherein said first opening of said assembly generally aligns with said light transmitting opening of said light absorbing layer when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle.

14. The accessory mounting system of claim 13, wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor is urged forward through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

15. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting opening, and wherein said light transmitting opening is generally disposed at a central portion of said light absorbing layer.

16. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said assembly includes a cavity and wherein an internal wall separates said cavity into first and second compartments, said one of said at least two accessories being in said first compartment and another of said at least two accessories being in said second compartment.

17. The accessory mounting system of claim 16, further comprising a removable cover that mates with said assembly.

18. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a metallic element adhesively attached to the windshield.

19. The accessory mounting system of claim 18, wherein said metallic element is adhesively attached to the windshield by at least one of an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a polyvinyl butyral adhesive and a silicone adhesive.

20. The accessory mounting system of claim 19, wherein said receiving structure is formed by a metal fabrication, said metal fabrication comprising at least one of casting and sintering.

21. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a polymeric element adhesively attached to the windshield.

22. The accessory mounting system of claim 1, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield is adhesively attached to the windshield at a portion of the windshield generally proximate to an interior rearview mirror of the vehicle.

23. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

an assembly adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface at a portion of the windshield of the vehicle;

wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises an element adhesively attached to the windshield;

a light absorbing layer at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said assembly from view by a viewer external the vehicle, said viewer viewing through the windshield when said assembly is normally mounted to said receiving structure;

wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a frit layer;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting opening;

at least two accessories housed by said assembly;

one of said at least two accessories comprising a forwardly-viewing camera; and

said forwardly-viewing camera viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure.

24. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said assembly comprises a pivot element and wherein said pivot element includes a conduit therethrough for electrical wiring, said pivot element connecting to an interior mirror.

25. The accessory mounting system of claim 24, wherein at least one accessory housed by said assembly at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in said interior mirror and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in said interior mirror.

26. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said assembly comprises a pivot element, said pivot element connecting to an interior electrochromic mirror.

27. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein at least one accessory housed by said assembly at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly.

28. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor.

29. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said frit layer comprises a ceramic black frit layer.

30. The accessory mounting system of claim 29, wherein said assembly includes a first opening, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, and wherein said first opening of said assembly generally aligns with said light transmitting opening of said light absorbing layer when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle.

31. The accessory mounting system of claim 30, wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor is urged forward through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

32. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said light transmitting opening is generally disposed at a central portion of said light absorbing layer.

33. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said assembly includes a cavity and wherein an internal wall separates said cavity into first and second compartments, said one of said at least two accessories being in said first compartment and another of said at least two accessories being in said second compartment.

34. The accessory mounting system of claim 33, further comprising a removable cover that mates with said assembly.

35. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a metallic element adhesively attached to the windshield and wherein said metallic element is adhesively attached to the windshield by at least one of an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a polyvinyl butyral adhesive and a silicone adhesive.

36. The accessory mounting system of claim 35, wherein said receiving structure is formed by a metal fabrication, said metal fabrication comprising at least one of casting and sintering.

37. The accessory mounting system of claim 23, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a polymeric element adhesively attached to the windshield.

38. An accessory mounting system suitable for use in a vehicle, said accessory mounting system comprising:

an assembly adapted for releasable mounting to a receiving structure on the interior surface at a portion of the windshield of the vehicle;

wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a metallic element adhesively attached to the windshield;

a light absorbing layer at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle, said light absorbing layer at least partially hiding said assembly from view by a viewer external the vehicle, said viewer viewing through the windshield when said assembly is normally mounted to said receiving structure;

wherein said light absorbing layer comprises a frit layer;

wherein said light absorbing layer includes a light transmitting portion;

wherein said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer comprises a light transmitting opening;

at least two accessories housed by said assembly;

one of said at least two accessories comprising a forwardly-viewing camera;

said forwardly-viewing camera viewing through said light transmitting portion of said light absorbing layer at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure; and

wherein at least one accessory housed by said assembly at least one of (a) electrically couples to an accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly and (b) shares a component with an accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly.

39. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said assembly comprises a pivot element and wherein said pivot element includes a conduit therethrough for electrical wiring, said pivot element connecting to an interior mirror.

40. The accessory mounting system of claim 39, wherein said accessory located in the vehicle external to said assembly comprises an accessory located in said interior mirror.

41. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said assembly comprises a pivot element, said pivot element connecting to an interior electrochromic mirror.

42. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor.

43. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said frit layer comprises a ceramic black frit layer.

44. The accessory mounting system of claim 43, wherein said assembly includes a first opening, said first opening facing toward the windshield when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure on the interior surface of the windshield of the vehicle, and wherein said first opening of said assembly generally aligns with said light transmitting opening of said light absorbing layer when said assembly is mounted to said receiving structure at said portion of the windshield of the vehicle.

45. The accessory mounting system of claim 44, wherein another of said at least two accessories comprises a rain sensor and wherein said rain sensor is urged forward through said first opening into contact with the interior surface of the windshield.

46. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said light transmitting opening is generally disposed at a central portion of said light absorbing layer.

47. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said assembly includes a cavity and wherein an internal wall separates said cavity into first and second compartments, said one of said at least two accessories being in said first compartment and another of said at least two accessories being in said second compartment.

48. The accessory mounting system of claim 47, further comprising a removable cover that mates with said assembly.

49. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a metallic element adhesively attached to the windshield and wherein said metallic element is adhesively attached to the windshield by at least one of an epoxy adhesive, a urethane adhesive, a polyvinyl butyral adhesive and a silicone adhesive.

50. The accessory mounting system of claim 49, wherein said receiving structure is formed by a metal fabrication, said metal fabrication comprising at least one of casting and sintering.

51. The accessory mounting system of claim 38, wherein said receiving structure on the interior surface comprises a polymeric element adhesively attached to the windshield.