U.S. patent application number 10/481965 was filed with the patent office on 2004-09-23 for multiplex mirror.
Invention is credited to Dumont, Daniel, Duroux, Bernard.
Application Number | 20040184170 10/481965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25412881 |
Filed Date | 2004-09-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040184170 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Duroux, Bernard ; et
al. |
September 23, 2004 |
Multiplex mirror
Abstract
A side view mirror (36) including a multiplexor chip (42), NTC
thermistor (62) within the housing (10). The multiplexor controls
multiple functionality from the housing (10) and provides
simplified LIN bus connection to the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Duroux, Bernard;
(Garancieres, FR) ; Dumont, Daniel; (Veneux les
Sablons, FR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Warn Burgess & Hoffmann
P O Box 70098
Rochester Hills
MI
48307
US
|
Family ID: |
25412881 |
Appl. No.: |
10/481965 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
July 2, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US02/20893 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10481965 |
Dec 22, 2003 |
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09900655 |
Jul 6, 2001 |
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6485155 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
359/877 ;
359/872 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 2001/123 20130101;
B60R 2001/1223 20130101; B60R 1/07 20130101; B60R 2001/1215
20130101; B60R 1/1207 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
359/877 ;
359/872 |
International
Class: |
G02B 007/182 |
Claims
1. A method for positioning a mirror comprising: (a) providing a
mirror including a reflective surface; (b) a carrier assembly
attached to said mirror surface, said carrier assembly including a
first motor for adjusting the angular orientation of the mirror by
said motor; (c) a signal pickup for electrically picking up a
signal for each rotation of the motor shaft; (d) measuring the
rotation of the shaft between a first position and a second
position for providing a position index for positioning said
reflective surface at any predetermined point between said first
and second position; and (e) establishing a base point for
positioning of said mirror surface by driving the motor to a stop
at one of said first and second positions and thereafter actuating
said motor to a predetermined position between said first and
second positions.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a
multiplexing chip for providing positioning of the mirror.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said multiplexing chip stores one
or several predetermined positions for said mirror surface in
memory.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein a second motor is provided for
adjusting said mirror, said first and second motors providing for
adjustments in an x and y direction, said multiplexing chip
monitoring and memorizing the rotations of the motors for
determining position.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein an NTC thermistor is used to
compensate for temperature variations in the electrical signal.
6. The method of claim 4 wherein said multiplexor also controls
mirror functions selected from the group consisting of fold
control, heating of the mirror surface, lighting, turn signals,
alarms, intercom functions or combinations thereof and wherein said
multiplexor includes a wiring harness into a vehicle consisting of
three wires.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein said wires include positive power,
a negative or ground wire and a serial connection wire.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein said serial connection wire is
connected to a controller.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein said multiplexing chip is sealed
in a housing and mounted in said mirror housing.
10. A mirror having a plurality of controllable features selected
from the group consisting of mirror adjustments, fold control,
heating, lighting, memory, turn signals, temperature read-out, and
intercom functions, said mirror comprising: a mirror housing; a
multiplexing chip contained within said housing; said multiplexor
including a three wire serial connection to a control interface for
controlling said controllable features.
11. The mirror of claim 10 wherein said three wire connection
includes a positive connection, a negative (ground) connection, and
a LIN serial bus connection.
12. The mirror of claim 10 wherein a thermistor is provided, said
thermistor being connected to said multiplexor such that said
multiplexor linearizes said thermistor and controls temperature
sensitive electric functions from within said mirror.
13. The mirror of claim 10 wherein at least one motor having a
rotatable shaft is provided for positioning of a mirror in a
predetermined position within said housing, the rotations of said
shaft being counted and stored in said multiplexor memory from at
least one stop position, said multiplexor storing a predetermined
mirror position and indexing to said stop position prior to moving
said mirror into said predetermined position.
14. A mirror for a vehicle comprising: a mirror housing; a
multiplexing chip mounted in said housing; a wiring harness
connecting said multiplexing chip to a controller inside a vehicle;
and a thermistor connected to said multiplexor wherein said
thermistor curve is linearized by said multiplexor and said
multiplexor and the linearization is used to adjust for temperature
induced fluctuations in the electronic control.
15. The mirror of claim 14 wherein said thermistor is selected from
the group of NTC and PTC thermistors so the power or temperature
may be controlled by pulse width modulation which is supplied by
the multiplexing chip.
16. The mirror of claim 14 wherein said NTC signal and said
multiplexor compensate for speed of motor in relationship to
temperature for providing substantially constant speed under
varying temperature conditions.
17. The mirror of claim 14 wherein said thermistor is integral with
the mirror housing.
18. The mirror of claim 14 wherein said multiplexor is affixed in
the mirror housing in an overmolded container.
19. The mirror of claim 18 wherein the housing is waterproof.
20. The mirror of claim 14 wherein said chip further comprises an
output connector for attachment to the control inputs of a
vehicle.
21. A method for positioning a mirror comprising: (a) providing a
mirror including a reflective surface; (b) a carrier assembly
attached to said mirror surface, said carrier assembly including a
first motor for adjusting the angular orientation of the mirror by
said motor; (c) a signal pickup for electrically picking up a
signal for each rotation of the motor shaft; (d) measuring the
rotation of the shaft between a first stop position and a second
stop position along either a first or second axis and averaging the
result to provide a zero position index for positioning said
reflective surface at any predetermined point between said first
and second position; and (e) establishing a base point for
positioning of said mirror surface by driving the motor to said
zero position, and thereafter actuating said motor to a
predetermined position between said first and second positions by
advancing the motor from said zero position to said predetermined
position.
22. The method of claim 21 further comprising providing a
multiplexing chip for providing positioning of the mirror.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein said multiplexing chip stores
one or several predetermined positions for said mirror surface in
memory.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein a second motor is provided for
adjusting said mirror, said first and second motors providing for
adjustments in an x and y direction, said multiplexing chip
monitoring and memorizing the rotations of the motors for
determining position, and wherein said zero position is established
on both axes.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein an NTC thermistor is used to
compensate for temperature variations in the electrical signal.
26. The method of claim 24 wherein said multiplexor also controls
mirror functions selected from the group consisting of fold
control, heating of the mirror surface, lighting, turn signals,
alarms, intercom functions or combinations thereof and wherein said
multiplexor includes a wiring harness into a vehicle consisting of
three wires.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein said wires include positive
power, a negative or ground wire and a serial connection wire.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein said serial connection wire is
connected to a controller.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein said multiplexing chip is sealed
in a housing and mounted in said mirror housing.
30. A mirror having a plurality of controllable features selected
from the group consisting of mirror adjustments, fold control,
heating, lighting, memory, turn signals, temperature read-out, and
intercom functions, said mirror comprising: a mirror housing; a
multiplexing chip contained within said housing; said multiplexor
including a three wire serial connection to a control interface for
controlling said controllable features; at least one motor having a
rotatable shaft for positioning of a mirror in a predetermined
position within said housing along a first axis, the rotations of
said shaft being counted and stored in said multiplexor memory from
at least one zero position, said multiplexor storing a
predetermined mirror position and indexing to said zero position
prior to moving said mirror into said predetermined position along
said first and second axis.
31. The mirror of claim 30 wherein said three wire connection
includes a positive connection, a negative (ground) connection, and
a LIN serial bus connection.
32. The mirror of claim 30 wherein a second motor having a second
rotatable shaft is provided for positioning said mirror along a
second axis within said housing, wherein a zero position is
provided as a point along said first axis and said second axis and
is indexed prior to moving said mirror to said predetermined
position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This application relates to multi-featured mirrors,
particularly side viewing mirrors for use in side view mirror
assemblies for vehicles. Side view mirrors have been increasing
complex with more electronic features and functions in them in
recent years. For instance, puddle lights, turn signals, electronic
controls, heated mirror surfaces, speakers, electrochromic mirrors
and electronic folding of mirrors are all features which are
commonly found in side view mirrors today.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It has become a increasing complex task to provide the
proper controls for all of the features and to provide them in a
convenient location to the operator of the vehicle. Typically, all
multifunctional mirrors feature a wiring harness of somewhat
complex proportions having sometimes six, seven or eight wires
leading to various functions inside of the mirror housing, all of
which must be controlled outside of the mirror housing. This adds
complexity to the vehicle assembly where controllers and computer
chips must be provided for in the vehicle. This makes mirror
functionality and vehicle integration costly, complex and somewhat
burdensome from a mirror sales point of view.
[0003] Therefore, it has been a goal in the art to provide a less
complex, lighter weight, and improved method for controlling mirror
functions in a side view mirror.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a mirror having a plurality of control features such as mirror
adjustments, fold controls, heating, lighting, memory, turn
signals, puddle lamps, electrochromic mirrors, temperature readouts
and intercom functions. The mirror of the present invention
includes a mirror housing and multiplexing chip contained within
the housing. The multiplexing chip includes a three-wire connection
to a control interface inside the vehicle for control of the
features.
[0005] A second aspect of the present invention is that the
multiplexing chip is advantageously used to provide a controlled
memory position of the mirror surface in the housing. In this
respect, a pair of motors are used for controlling and positioning
the x and y coordinates of the mirror surface. A signal is read by
the multiplexing chip for each rotation of each of the motors.
Prior to returning the motors to a preprogrammed memory position,
the motors are indexed to a full x or y coordinate endpoint, and
thereafter the multiplexor can index the motor to its end position
and bring it back to the proper memory position by measuring the
turns of the motor. In this manner, if for some reason the mirror
has become misaligned, the multiplexing chip will return the mirror
to the proper position by this indexing function each time prior to
returning to a preprogrammed memory position set forth in the
multiplexing chip.
[0006] Additionally, the multiplexing chip allows for multiple
mirror functionality control with only a 3 wire lead into the
vehicle, simplifying controls within the vehicle. Use of the
multiplexor within a mirror housing also allows the placement of an
NTC or PTC thermistor within the housing, to provide in-housing
temperature compensation to the electrical systems such as the
mirror motors and to read the outside temperature. This also allows
accurate control of the mirror motors via pulse width modulation
from the multiplexor chip.
[0007] Further understanding of the present invention will be had
in view of the description of the drawings and detailed description
of the invention, when viewed in conjunction with the subjoined
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a mounting plate with two discrete
drive assemblies installed in the mounting plate;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a mounting plate and rear view
mirror assembly along section line 1-1 of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the motor rotational
pickup and the and the peak signals read by the multiplexor
chip;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the multiplexor chip;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a mirror having an x and y axis for use
in an alternate embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a sectional view along axis y-y of FIG. 5; and
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along axis x-x of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the inside of a mirror housing 10
having a mounting plate 12. The mounting plate has a number of
recesses 14, 16, 18 and 20 for the fitment of various parts, such
as for example a discrete drive assembly 22 (FIGS. 1 and 2) in
recess 14 and a like discrete drive assembly 24 (FIG. 1 only) in
recess 16.
[0016] The discrete drive assembly 22 comprises a cover 26 the
uppermost surface of which is housed an electric motor 28 shown in
phantom. The motor has a worm screw 30 attached to its output
shaft.
[0017] The worm screw 30 engages with a jacking screw 32 having a
ball head 34 at its upper end for engagement with the rear view
mirror 36 as depicted in FIG. 2. As the worm screw is moved
longitudinally along is longitudinal axis, in and out of the recess
14, the mirror moves about the pivot 38 in an axis orthogonal to
the vertical plane lying along the line 1-1 of FIG. 1.
[0018] The same arrangement is provided by discrete drive assembly
24 which creates a movement of the mirror about the pivot 38 in an
axis orthogonal to the vertical plane lying along the line 2-2 in
FIG. 1.
[0019] Both electric motors are controlled remotely by the driver
of the vehicle and, in some, but not all mirrors, the mirror
position is adjusted using only one motor such as mono-axis mirror
assemblies. The invention to be described in greater detail is
useable with those having one or two position adjusting motors.
Such motor positioning systems are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,418
to Fimeri, issued Nov. 21, 1989, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0020] As set forth above and in accordance as specified that the
present invention is a method for position of the mirror 10. The
mirror includes a reflective surface 36 and carrier assembly 38
attached to the mirror surface and is included at least the first
motor such as such 26 for adjusting the angular orientation of the
mirror by the motor.
[0021] The shaft 40 of the motor in FIG. 3 is monitored by
measuring the peaks in current as the motor shaft rotates along the
brushes 42 and 44. Thus, the number of peaks such as shown at a, b,
c, etc. are counted by a multiplexor. Thus, a signal (a, b, c . . .
) for each rotation of the motor shaft is measured. The rotational
shaft is measured between a first position and a second position
preferably the stop positions on either (preferably both) of the x
or y axis of the mirror movement to determine the number of
rotations of the shaft (peaks a, b, c . . . ) between the first
stop position and the second. In order to provide a proper
positioning of the mirror position between the first and second
position, a base point for positioning the mirrors established by
driving the motor to a stop at one of the first or second positions
and thereafter actuating the motor to a predetermined position
between the first and second positions. Each of the motors 24, 26
is actuated this way to provide accurate memory positions for the
mirror.
[0022] In the present invention, a multiplexing chip 42 is provided
which measures the peaks of motors 24 and 26, and allows control of
the x and y position of the mirror assembly, in order to allow
memory function without any recopy potentiometer.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, the multiplexing chip is connected
to various functional features found in the mirror which are
selected from the group of a fold control, heating of the mirror,
security lighting, turn signals, stop signals, alarms, intercom
functions, light sensors, keyless entry, image capture device,
compass, intelligent vehicle highway system, global positioning
system, garage door opener, or combinations thereof, and, of
course, x and y coordinate positioning of the mirror. The use of
the multiplexing chip allows for control of all these functions by
way of a serial bus, LIN connection to a controller 45. Thus,
because of the use of the multiplexing chip, all of these functions
can be controlled by way of a serial input/output line 46 along
with a ground line 48. Thus, with the serial bus line 46 in a
preferred embodiment, the mirror folding can be controlled as shown
at 52. Memory positions can be stored for the x-position 54 and
y-position 56 of the mirror surface. Additionally, at 58, the
memory fold positions may be provided for purposes of alarms or the
like. Mirror heating of the mirror could be controlled such as at
60.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, an NTC thermistor 62 is provided
for measurement of temperature. As will be readily appreciated, the
thermistor 62 may be linearized by the multiplexor which removes
linearization systems outside of the mirror as required in prior
art designs. Thus, with the NTC multiplexor combination for
specified temperatures, less inputs are necessary and less external
control mechanisms are necessary allowing the NTC to be positioned
and controlling various temperature sensitive items within the
mirror itself. By use of the multiplexor, the NTC output can be
linearized and mirror control in accordance with temperature such
that the x and y motors provide constant speed no matter what the
temperature. Additionally, dual speed mirror fold functions may be
provided with the use of the multiplexor.
[0025] Additionally, the use of a multiplexor allows for additional
functionality to the mirror, such as temperature controlled mirror
heating. For instance, in another aspect of the invention, an alarm
feature could be connected to the multiplexor. In the alarm
feature, if an unauthorized entry is conducted without, for
instance, a key sensed in the door lock or a wireless key fob
signal sensed, the multiplexor could be programmed to have a
flashing light or the light go off and/or provide folding of the
entire mirror and lock the entire mirror in the folded position
until the key fob is actuated or a key is used in the door. This
allows additional security for the vehicle.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, a Motorola power chip with AMP
connections is utilized. For instance, a suitable Motorola power
chip, Model No. M05Br06 is utilized. Additional functionality is
provided in that the logic of a power fold mechanism could be
included in the chip which reduces the cost of the power fold
mechanism and could be utilized to have two speeds of power fold.
The circuit is also configured in an alternate embodiment to be
auto diagnostic, providing signals if the components are working
incorrectly. Also, with respect to the power fold mechanism, the
chip is programmed to sense overcurrent and would allow the power
fold to discontinue upon, for instance, hitting an object or the
like, and may provide other functionality. Additionally, as set
forth above a telecommand module may be connected directly to the
power chip for door opening and the like thereby increasing
functionality and reducing cost.
[0027] A conventional control panel may be utilized for control of
the functionality in the mirror. Thus, standard user controls for
controlling the mirror angles and the predetermined memory
positions are interfaced into the multiplexing chip through the
serial bus interface. However, in the present invention, the memory
is retained in the mirror itself by way of the multiplexor rather
than an external unit within the vehicle. Thus, assembly of the
vehicle is advantageously improved.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a method of permanization of the
mirror position without the benefit of a separate potentiometer is
shown. In this method, the zero position of FIG. 5, Y'OY X'OX may
be found by measurement of the ripple current of the electrical
motor collector on each axis. In this discussion, y and x represent
the number of electrical motor rotations for the distance between
steps along Y'OY and X'OX. The stored zero position is +y.sub.1
rotations for the position vector OY and -y.sub.2 for OY'.
Similarly, for the position OX, the number of rotations is
+x.sub.1, and for OX', the number of rotations is -x.sub.2.
[0029] Most mirrors include override positions which, if the mirror
is bumped, will move the position of the mirror and the reference
position will disappear since the angles of the mirror are wrong
upon impact or movement of the mirror surface. In the subject
example, the mirrors may be rotated 12.degree. on either axis. This
input is memorized in the chip. Ribs 1 and 2 are provided for
limits on the movement for the y position, and stops 3 and 4
provide limits on movement for the determination of the position of
x. Thus, in operation, the memorization features always proceed
from the midpoint zero position O. The midpoint zero position O is
memorized by allowing the mirror first to go to rib 1 and then
after going to rib 2 and memorizing the motor rotations. Thus, the
middle or zero position is y/2 (designated y.sub.m). Thereafter,
the mirror is positioned at y.sub.m and the same positioning is
used on the x axis. Thus, the mirror goes to rib 3 and then
proceeds to rib 4, and the number of turns is memorized. The
midpoint of this is memorized by x/2, which is designated as
x.sub.m. Thereafter, the mirror repositions itself at
x.sub.my.sub.m by going to a stop position at the zero position and
seeking the memorized position from this zero position.
[0030] Thus, the memorized position is always measured from the
x.sub.my.sub.m position. Each time a memory of the mirror is
desired, the mirror positions itself in accordance with this
procedure and, thereafter, will measure the mirror prize position
from the x.sub.my.sub.m position.
[0031] In practice, adjustment may be made by a high speed motor to
reduce the adjustment time, preferably to less than 5 seconds. In
addition, for improving the accuracy of the mirror position and the
memory position, dispute of traveling during positioning will be
decreased using pulse width modulation of the current to position
slightly before the memorized position, wherein the memorized
position can be accurately dialed into place. For example, the high
speed motor could be used up to about 4.degree. before the
memorized position and, thereafter, slowly brought into the proper
position in the mirror housing. Thus, using this method, it is not
necessary to have a separate potentiometer in the mirror assembly
for providing feedback as to the position of the mirror. This
reduces the cost of the mirror and provides an accurate positioning
system with less inputs. This results in a simplified wiring
harness.
[0032] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this invention has been described in connection with
particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should
not be so limited, since other modifications will become apparent
to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings,
specification and following claims.
* * * * *