U.S. patent application number 09/741770 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for low vibration mirror assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lang-Mekra North America, LLC. Invention is credited to Centmayer, Stefan, Lang, Heinrich, Seiboth, Wolfgang.
Application Number | 20020027728 09/741770 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7945911 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020027728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lang, Heinrich ; et
al. |
March 7, 2002 |
Low vibration mirror assembly
Abstract
A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle having a mirror element
attached to a carrier plate is disclosed. Also disclosed is a
method of assembling a rearview mirror assembly with an
exchangeable mirror element.
Inventors: |
Lang, Heinrich; (Ergersheim,
DE) ; Seiboth, Wolfgang; (Bad Windsheim, DE) ;
Centmayer, Stefan; (Ergersheim, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey M. Karmilovich
Dority & Manning, P.A.
700 East North Street
P. O. Box 1449
Greenville
SC
29602
US
|
Assignee: |
Lang-Mekra North America,
LLC
|
Family ID: |
7945911 |
Appl. No.: |
09/741770 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2000 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
359/881 ;
359/838; 359/871; 359/879 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/881 ;
359/838; 359/871; 359/879 |
International
Class: |
G02B 005/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 1, 2000 |
DE |
20015092.8 |
Claims
Claimed is:
1. A mirror element, especially for an outside rearview mirror for
motor vehicles, with a mirror carrier plate (6), which includes the
holding catch elements (12) for the fastening of the mirror carrier
plate (6) onto a rearview mirror body (10), and with a mirror pane
(4), which is fastened on the mirror carrier plate (6), therein
characterized, in that the mirror carrier plate (6) exhibits at
least one, unobstructed opening (22; 30; 34) and in that the mirror
pane (4) rests upon the mirror carrier plate (6) only in contact
areas (18; 24).
2. A mirror element in accord with claim 1, therein characterized,
in that spacers (18) are installed in the contact areas (24) of the
mirror carrier plate (6), upon which spacers (18) the mirror pane
(4) lies.
3. A mirror element in accord with claim 1 or claim 2, therein
characterized, in that the mirror pane (4) and the mirror carrier
plate (6) are affixed to one another by a layer of adhesive
material (20).
4. A mirror element in accord with one of the foregoing claims,
therein characterized, in that the mirror carrier plate (6)
exhibits a closed, peripherally running edge zone (25).
5. A mirror element in accord with one of the foregoing claims,
therein characterized, in that a plurality of unobstructed openings
(30; 34) are distributed over the surface of the mirror carrier
plate (6).
6. A mirror element in accord with one of the foregoing claims,
therein characterized, in that the openings (22; 30; 34) occupy an
area of 10% to 70%, i.e. preferred, 15% to 50% of the area of the
mirror pane (6).
7. A mirror element in accord with one of the foregoing claims,
therein characterized, in that the openings exhibit different
sizes.
8. A mirror element in accord with one of the foregoing claims 5 to
7, therein characterized, in that the openings (34) are in the
shape of sectors of a circle and that between the circular sectors
(24) are to be found spoke-like webs (36), which converge at a hub
(38).
9. A rearview mirror for motor vehicles with a support arm, with a
positionable housing (10) on said support arm, and with an
unadjustable, but exchangeable mirror element (2) in accord with
one of the foregoing claims.
10. A rearview mirror for motor vehicles possessing: a support arm,
a support plate placed in a housing (10) on which the housing is
secured, a fastening device by which support plate is attached to
support arm and a mirror element (2) which is releasably affixed to
support plate in accord with one of the foregoing claims.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention concerns a mirror assembly with a mirror pane
and mirror carrier plate, especially for outside rearview mirrors
for motor vehicles, and the invention concerns also a rearview
mirror with such an assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] EP-0 659 609 discloses a rearview mirror, which encompasses
a mirror element releaseably fastened in a housing. The mirror
element has a mirror pane and mirror carrier plate. In this case,
the mirror pane is adhesively affixed to the mirror carrier plate
over its entire surface.
[0003] When such mirror elements are installed as outside mirrors
in trucks, very frequently strong vibrations occur, which, in an
extreme instance, can lead to the separation of the mirror pane
from the carrier plate. In other words, extreme vibrations in these
types of mirror elements can cause a deterioration of the optical
qualities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Thus, the present invention makes available a mirror
element, particularly for outside, rearview service on commercial
vehicles, which is less subject to vibration disturbances. This
achievement is accomplished through the features of the
invention.
[0005] By the fact that the mirror carrier plate possesses at least
one unobstructed opening, the mirror pane cannot lie in full
surface contact on the carrier. The mirror pane on that account is
partially freed from the mirror carrier plate as far as vibrations
are concerned. Because of the cutouts, a lighter mirror carrier
plate is also achieved. This contributes to making the entire
system lighter.
[0006] In accord with an advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the mirror pane lies upon spacers, so that the mirror pane contacts
the carrier plate only from point to point, i.e., from spacer to
spacer, and as a consequence, is further freed from contact with
the surface of the plate. In the intervening space defined by the
spacers between the mirror carrier plate and the mirror pane, a
coating of adhesive material is applied, which assures a retentive
connection between the mirror pane and the carrier plate. Due to
the elasticity and plasticity of the adhesive layer, vibration is
scarcely communicated to the mirror pane.
[0007] In accord with yet another advantageous embodiment of the
invention, the unobstructed openings are so placed in the mirror
carrier plate that a peripheral edge area of the mirror carrier
plate remains, which provides greater stability.
[0008] Following yet another advantageous embodiment of the
invention, a plurality of unobstructed openings are provided, which
are apportioned over the mirror carrier plate. By means of this
plurality of the openings, the characteristic frequency of the
mirror carrier plate, i.e., the entire mirror system, is
influenced. This provides another tool for the reduction of
tendencies toward vibration.
[0009] Yet another embodiment provides the advantage that the area
of the openings are within 10% to 70%, preferably 15% to 50%, of
the entire area of the mirror pane. By these means, stability of a
sufficient order is established, and the positive effect in regard
to a better vibration relationship is still achieved.
[0010] In accord with another advantageous embodiment of the
invention, openings are of different sizes, whereby the vibration
characteristics can be specifically influenced.
[0011] In accord with yet another advantageous embodiment,
centrally located openings, i.e., penetrative cutouts, which are
shaped as circular sectors are provided. Between the sectors run
webs which are the equivalent of spokes converging at a central
hub. At the central hub is located the boss, or molding head, of
the cast carrier plate. This embodiment improves the flow
characteristics of the low viscosity plastic during the production
of the plate in the injection molding process.
[0012] In the rearview mirror in accord with one aspect of the
invention, the mirror element is affixed to the housing, and the
housing itself, in turn, is position-adjustably fastened to a
holder. A rearview mirror may be fastened on a holder, which is
equipped with a positioning device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
[0013] Further details, features and advantages of the invention
are to be inferred from the following description of preferred
embodiments as shown in drawings.
[0014] There is shown in:
[0015] FIG. 1 a cross-sectional, top view of a first embodiment of
a rearview mirror in accord with the invention in which a mirror
element is fastened by retaining elements to a housing-rim of a
rearview mirror housing,
[0016] FIG. 2 a cross-sectional, top view of a second embodiment of
a rearview mirror in accord with the invention in which a mirror
element is secured on the inside of a rear housing wall,
[0017] FIG. 3 a front view of a mirror carrier plate of an
embodiment of a mirror element with a central opening,
[0018] FIG. 4 a sectional view through the section line A-A of FIG.
3 of the embodiment with the mirror element installed,
[0019] FIG. 5 a sectional view through the section line B-B of FIG.
3 of the embodiment with the mirror element installed,
[0020] FIG. 6 a front view of a mirror carrier plate in accord with
a second embodiment of a mirror element with an opening, and
[0021] FIG. 7 a front view of a mirror carrier plate in accord with
a third embodiment of a mirror element with an opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which
examples embodying the present invention are shown. The drawings
and detailed description provide a full and detailed written
description of the invention, and of the manner and process of
making and using it, so as to enable one skilled in the pertinent
art to make and use it, as well as the best mode of carrying out
the invention. However, the examples set forth in the drawings and
detailed description are provided by way of explanation of the
invention and are not meant as a limitation of the invention. The
present invention thus includes any modification and variations of
the following examples as come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention, in which
an invented mirror element 2 (i.e., a mirror assembly) having a
mirror pane 4 and a mirror carrier plate 6 is fastened at the rim 8
of rearview mirror housing 10 by means of catch elements 12. The
catch elements 12 are of one piece construction formed by molding
in the edge zone 14 of the mirror carrier plate 6.
[0024] The mirror carrier plate 6 possesses in the edge zone 14, in
a lengthening of the catch element 12, a peripherally running
groove 16 into which the rim 8 of the mirror housing engages. By
these means, the interior of the mirror housing 10 is sealed off
against surrounding ambient conditions. Also by means of this
coupling, a tight coupling is produced between the mirror housing
10 and the mirror element 8. With this type of coupling, if
conventional mirror elements had been used, vibrations from the
vehicle would be transmitted through the mirror housing 10 to the
mirror element 2.
[0025] Molded onto the mirror carrier plate 6 are raised spacers
18, on top of which the mirror pane 4 lies. Because of the spacers
18 between the mirror pane 4 and the mirror carrier plate 6, an
intervening space exists which is filled with an adhesive layer 20.
This adhesive layer 20 forms a bond between the mirror pane 4 and
the carrier plate 6.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which
the mirror element 2 is secured by means of the catch elements 12a,
12b on a retaining means 21 which extends inward from the back side
10a of the mirror housing 10.
[0027] Various alternatives for mirror element 2, which are shown
as installed in the embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, will be
described below with the aid of FIGS. 3 to 7.
[0028] FIGS. 3 to 5 show a first embodiment of a mirror element in
accord with the present invention. FIG. 3 depicts a plan view of
the mirror carrier plate 6. The mirror carrier plate 6 possesses a
central, unobstructed opening 22, so that mirror pane 4 (not shown
in FIG. 3) lies in contact with the mirror carrier plate 6 only in
the remaining contact area 24. The contact area 24 includes a
closed, peripheral area 25 of the carrier plate 6 around the
opening 22. The spacers 18 are located in the contact area 24 upon
which the mirror pane 4 rests. Through a second opening 26,
electrical connections for a mirror heating can be introduced
through the mirror carrier plate 6.
[0029] The FIGS. 4 and 5 show, respectively, sectional
presentations of the first embodiment of the mirror element 2.
[0030] FIG. 4 shows the section along the line A-A in FIG. 3 and
FIG. 5, the section along the line B-B in FIG. 3. In the sectional
drawings of the FIGS. 4, 5 the mirror element 2 is shown, whereas
in FIG. 3 only the mirror carrier plate is depicted. The mirror
carrier plate 6 in FIG. 3 possesses on its outer edge a peripheral
rim 28, so that the mirror pane 6 is seen to lie in a recess 7 in
the mirror carrier plate 6 supported by spacers 18.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a mirror carrier plate 6 of a second embodiment
of the mirror element 2, in accord with the present invention, in
which four, unobstructed, circular openings 30 are placed
symmetrically and rectangularly with respect to each other. At the
same time, once again the opening 26 is provided for electrical
connections. The remaining build-up of the mirror element 2
represents the previously described forms of construction.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows the mirror carrier plate 6 of a third
embodiment of the invention in which four circular sector shaped
openings 34 are centrally located. The four circular sector shaped
openings 34 are so arranged centrally above the opening 26 that
their combined appearance is of a circular opening with four
sectors 34. The four sector openings 34 are separated by cross
shaped running spoke-like webs 36 with a central hub 38. During
production of the mirror carrier plate 6, the hub 38 formed the
molding inlet opening for the mirror carrier plate 6.
[0033] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For
example, specific shapes of various elements of the illustrated
embodiments may be altered to suit particular applications. The
present invention is intended to include such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
* * * * *