U.S. patent application number 15/285929 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-24 for vehicle sun visor assembly having an electrical system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Motus Integrated Technologies. Invention is credited to Philip Allen Lehman, Kevin Andrew Still.
Application Number | 20170240103 15/285929 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59629219 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170240103 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Still; Kevin Andrew ; et
al. |
August 24, 2017 |
VEHICLE SUN VISOR ASSEMBLY HAVING AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Abstract
A vehicle sun visor assembly includes a circuit board having a
mounting surface. The vehicle sun visor assembly also includes a
top-emitting light emitting diode (LED) mounted on the mounting
surface of the circuit board. In addition, the vehicle sun visor
assembly includes a light guide having a light emitting surface and
a light receiving surface. The light receiving surface is
substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface, and the
light guide is configured to receive light emitted from the
top-emitting LED through the light receiving surface and to emit
the light from the top-emitting LED through the light emitting
surface toward a vehicle interior.
Inventors: |
Still; Kevin Andrew;
(Wyoming, MI) ; Lehman; Philip Allen; (West Olive,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Motus Integrated Technologies |
Holland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59629219 |
Appl. No.: |
15/285929 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62298756 |
Feb 23, 2016 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 16/04 20130101;
B60Q 3/252 20170201; B60Q 3/80 20170201; B60J 3/0278 20130101; B60J
3/0282 20130101; B60Q 3/66 20170201 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 3/02 20060101
B60Q003/02; B60Q 3/00 20060101 B60Q003/00; B60J 3/02 20060101
B60J003/02 |
Claims
1. A vehicle sun visor assembly, comprising: a first circuit board
having a mounting surface; a first top-emitting light emitting
diode (LED) mounted on the mounting surface of the first circuit
board; and a first light guide having a light emitting surface and
a light receiving surface, wherein the light receiving surface is
substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface, and the
first light guide is configured to receive light emitted from the
first top-emitting LED through the light receiving surface and to
emit the light from the first top-emitting LED through the light
emitting surface toward a vehicle interior.
2. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting
surface of the first circuit board faces the light receiving
surface.
3. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 1, comprising a second
top-emitting LED mounted on the mounting surface of the first
circuit board.
4. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 1, comprising: a second
circuit board having a mounting surface; a second top-emitting LED
mounted on the mounting surface of the second circuit board; and a
second light guide having a light emitting surface and a light
receiving surface, wherein the light receiving surface of the
second light guide is substantially perpendicular to the light
emitting surface of the second light guide, and the second light
guide is configured to receive light emitted from the second
top-emitting LED through the light receiving surface of the second
light guide and to emit the light from the second top-emitting LED
through the light emitting surface of the second light guide toward
the vehicle interior.
5. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 4, comprising a mirror,
wherein the first light guide and the second light guide are
positioned on opposite lateral sides of the mirror.
6. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 5, wherein the first
circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned laterally
outward from the first light guide and the second light guide,
respectively.
7. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first
circuit board is positioned closer to a rotational axis of the
vehicle sun visor assembly than the first light guide along a
vertical axis.
8. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 1, wherein the first
circuit board is positioned farther from a rotational axis of the
vehicle sun visor assembly than the first light guide along a
vertical axis.
9. A vehicle sun visor assembly, comprising: a first circuit board
having a mounting surface; a first top-emitting light emitting
diode (LED) mounted on the mounting surface of the first circuit
board; and a first light guide having a light emitting face and a
light receiving peripheral edge extending about at least a portion
of the light emitting face, wherein the first light guide is
configured to receive light emitted from the first top-emitting LED
through the light receiving peripheral edge and to emit the light
from the first top-emitting LED through the light emitting face
toward a vehicle interior.
10. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 9, wherein the mounting
surface of the first circuit board faces the light receiving
peripheral edge.
11. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 9, comprising: a second
circuit board having a mounting surface; a second top-emitting LED
mounted on the mounting surface of the second circuit board; and a
second light guide having a light emitting face and a light
receiving peripheral edge extending about at least a portion of the
light emitting face of the second light guide, wherein the second
light guide is configured to receive light emitted from the second
top-emitting LED through the light receiving peripheral edge of the
second light guide and to emit the light from the second
top-emitting LED through the light emitting face of the second
light guide toward the vehicle interior.
12. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 11, comprising a
mirror, wherein the first light guide and the second light guide
are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the mirror.
13. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 12, wherein the first
circuit board and the second circuit board are positioned laterally
outward from the first light guide and the second light guide,
respectively.
14. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 9, wherein the first
circuit board is positioned closer to a rotational axis of the
vehicle sun visor assembly than the first light guide along a
vertical axis.
15. A vehicle sun visor assembly, comprising: a first light guide
having a light receiving surface and a light emitting surface; a
first circuit board having a mounting surface extending
substantially perpendicularly to the light emitting surface; and a
first light source mounted on the mounting surface of the first
circuit board; wherein the first light guide is configured to
receive light emitted from the first light source through the light
receiving surface and to emit the light from the first light source
through the light emitting surface toward a vehicle interior.
16. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 15, wherein the
mounting surface of the first circuit board faces the light
receiving surface.
17. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 15, comprising: a
second light guide having a light receiving surface and a light
emitting surface; a second circuit board having a mounting surface
extending substantially perpendicularly to the light emitting
surface of the second light guide; and a second light source
mounted on the mounting surface of the second circuit board;
wherein the second light guide is configured to receive light
emitted from the second light source through the light receiving
surface of the second light guide and to emit the light from the
second light source through the light emitting surface of the
second light guide toward the vehicle interior.
18. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 17, comprising a
mirror, wherein the first light guide and the second light guide
are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the mirror.
19. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 15, wherein the first
light source comprises a top-emitting light emitting diode
(LED).
20. The vehicle sun visor assembly of claim 15, wherein the first
circuit board is positioned closer to a rotational axis of the
vehicle sun visor assembly than the first light guide along a
vertical axis.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/298,756, entitled "VEHICLE
SUN VISOR ASSEMBLY HAVING AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM", filed Feb. 23,
2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The disclosure relates generally to a vehicle sun visor
having an electrical system.
[0003] Many vehicles employ sun visors to shield occupants from
sunlight, thereby enabling the occupants to focus on the
surrounding environment. For example, certain vehicles include sun
visors positioned adjacent to a top portion of the windshield to
facilitate access by a driver and/or front passenger. Under certain
lighting conditions, a driver may deploy the sun visor (e.g., by
rotating the sun visor about a rotational axis from a storage
position to a deployed position) to reduce light transmission into
the vehicle interior, thereby enabling the driver to focus on
vehicle operations.
[0004] Certain sun visors include a vanity mirror and a lighting
system configured to illuminate a vehicle occupant, thereby
enabling the vehicle occupant to view a reflection in the vanity
mirror during low light conditions. The lighting system may be part
of a visor electrical system, which may include a power source
(e.g., battery) configured to provide electrical power to a light
source (e.g., light emitting diode (LED)) of the lighting system.
In certain electrical systems, the power source may be positioned
proximate to the lighting system and the vanity mirror.
Unfortunately, positioning the power source proximate to the vanity
mirror may increase the mass moment of inertia of the sun visor
about the rotational axis. Accordingly, the torque sufficient to
rotate the sun visor about the rotational axis from the deployed
position to the storage position may be significantly greater than
the torque sufficient to rotate a sun visor that does not include
an internal power source (e.g., a sun visor having a lighting
system powered by a vehicle power source, such as the vehicle
battery).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle sun visor
assembly including a circuit board having a mounting surface. The
vehicle sun visor assembly also includes a top-emitting light
emitting diode (LED) mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit
board. In addition, the vehicle sun visor assembly includes a light
guide having a light emitting surface and a light receiving
surface. The light receiving surface is substantially perpendicular
to the light emitting surface, and the light guide is configured to
receive light emitted from the top-emitting LED through the light
receiving surface and to emit the light from the top-emitting LED
through the light emitting surface toward a vehicle interior.
[0006] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle sun visor
assembly including a circuit board having a mounting surface. The
vehicle sun visor assembly also includes a top-emitting light
emitting diode (LED) mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit
board. In addition, the vehicle sun visor assembly includes a light
guide having a light emitting face and a light receiving peripheral
edge extending about at least a portion of the light emitting face.
The light guide is configured to receive light emitted from the
top-emitting LED through the light receiving peripheral edge and to
emit the light from the top-emitting LED through the light emitting
face toward a vehicle interior.
[0007] The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle sun
visor assembly including a light guide having a light receiving
surface and a light emitting surface. The vehicle sun visor
assembly also includes a circuit board having a mounting surface
extending substantially perpendicularly to the light emitting
surface. In addition, the vehicle sun visor assembly includes a
light source mounted on the mounting surface of the circuit board.
The light guide is configured to receive light emitted from the
light source through the light receiving surface and to emit the
light from the light source through the light emitting surface
toward a vehicle interior.
DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle
that may include at least one sun visor assembly having an
electrical system.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the interior of
the vehicle of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sun visor
assembly having an electrical system.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment
of an electrical system that may be employed within the sun visor
assembly of FIG. 3, in which a power source tray is removed from a
sun visor body.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the power source tray of
FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sun visor body of
FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vanity
mirror assembly that may be employed within the sun visor assembly
of FIG. 3, in which the sun visor assembly includes an electrical
system.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
electrical system that may be employed within the vanity mirror
assembly of FIG. 7.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
electrical system that may be employed within the vanity mirror
assembly of FIG. 7.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an
electrical system that may be employed within the vanity mirror
assembly of FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle
10 that may include at least one sun visor assembly having an
electrical system. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 10 may
include sun visors within an interior 12 of the vehicle 10. In such
embodiments, the sun visors are configured to shield vehicle
occupants from sunlight. Each sun visor may include a vanity mirror
and a lighting system configure to illuminate a vehicle occupant,
thereby enabling the vehicle occupant to view a reflection in the
vanity mirror during low light conditions. The lighting system may
be part of a visor electrical system, which may include a power
source (e.g., battery) configured to provide electrical power to a
light source (e.g., light emitting diode (LED)) of the lighting
system. In certain embodiments, a vehicle sun visor assembly
includes a sun visor body and an electrical system. The electrical
system includes a power source tray configured to receive a power
source (e.g., battery), and the sun visor body includes a mounting
feature configured to couple the power source tray to the sun visor
body and to facilitate removal of the power source tray from the
sun visor body. In addition, the sun visor assembly includes an
electrical contact coupled to the sun visor body and configured to
establish an electrical connection with the power source while the
power source tray is engaged with the mounting feature. The
removable power source tray provides easy access to the power
source, thereby facilitating the process of removal and replacement
of the power source. In addition, because the mounting feature of
the sun visor body may be positioned in a variety of locations, the
design opportunities of the sun visor assembly may be enhanced.
[0019] In certain embodiments, the vehicle sun visor includes a sun
visor body and an electrical system having a power source mounting
assembly. The power source mounting assembly is configured to
receive a power source. In addition, the sun visor body is
configured to rotate about a rotational axis between a deployed
position and a storage position. A lateral centerline of the power
source mounting assembly is positioned closer to the rotational
axis than to a lateral centerline of the sun visor body.
Accordingly, the mass moment of inertia of the sun visor assembly
about the rotational axis may be reduced, as compared to sun visor
assemblies in which the power source is positioned proximate to a
vanity mirror assembly. As a result, the torque sufficient to
rotate the sun visor assembly about the rotational axis from the
deployed position to the storage position may be significantly
reduced.
[0020] In certain embodiments, the vehicle sun visor assembly
includes a circuit board extending along a longitudinal axis of the
vehicle sun visor assembly. The sun visor assembly also includes a
light source mounted on a mounting surface of the circuit board
that extends substantially perpendicularly to a vertical axis of
the vehicle sun visor assembly. In addition, the sun visor assembly
includes a light guide having a light receiving surface. The
mounting surface faces toward the light receiving surface of the
light guide, the light source is configured to emit light toward
the light receiving surface of the light guide, and the light guide
is configured to receive the light from the light source through
the light receiving surface and to emit the light from the light
source toward a vehicle interior. Because the mounting surface of
the circuit board faces the light receiving surface of the light
guide, a top-emitting light emitting diode (LED) may be utilized.
As a result, the efficiency of the visor electrical system may be
enhanced, as compared to an electrical system that employs a
side-emitting LED.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the interior 12 of
the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1. As illustrated, the vehicle interior 12
includes a sun visor assembly 14 having an electrical system 16. As
previously discussed, the electrical system may provide easy access
to the power source by providing the power source in a removable
power source tray. In addition, by mounting the power source closer
to the rotational axis of the sun visor assembly than to a lateral
centerline of the sun visor body, the torque sufficient to rotate
the sun visor assembly from the deployed position to the storage
position may be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the electrical
system may reduce the power utilized by the lighting system by
employing a top-emitting LED on a circuit board mounting surface
that faces a light receiving surface of a light guide.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a sun visor
assembly 14 having an electrical system 16. In the illustrated
embodiment, the sun visor assembly 14 includes a sun visor body 18
configured to rotate about a rotational axis 20 between a storage
position (e.g., parallel to a headliner of the vehicle interior
and/or in contact with the headliner) and a deployed position
(e.g., positioned to reduce light transmission into the vehicle
interior). For example, to transition the sun visor body 18 from
the illustrated deployed position to the storage position, a
vehicle occupant may rotate the sun visor body 18 in a first
rotational direction 22 about the rotational axis 20. Conversely,
to transition the sun visor body 18 from the storage position to
the illustrated deployed position, the vehicle occupant may rotate
the sun visor body 18 in a second rotational direction 24, opposite
the first rotational direction 22, about the rotational axis 20. In
the illustrated embodiment, the sun visor assembly 14 includes a
pivot rod 26 coupled to the sun visor body 18. The pivot rod 26 is
configured to engage a corresponding clip within the vehicle
interior to secure the sun visor assembly 14 in a forward position
(e.g., proximate to the windshield) and to facilitate rotation of
the sun visor body 18 about the rotational axis 20.
[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the sun visor assembly 14
includes a vanity mirror 28 and a lighting system 30 configured to
illuminate a vehicle occupant, thereby enabling the vehicle
occupant to view a reflection in the vanity mirror 28 during low
light conditions. The lighting system 30 includes two light sources
32 and two light guides 34. Each light source 32 is configured to
emit light toward a respective light guide 34, and each light guide
34 is configured to emit light toward the vehicle interior. While
the illustrated embodiment includes two light sources 32 and two
light guides 34, it should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, the lighting system may include more or fewer light
sources (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more) and/or more or fewer light
guides (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more). In addition, while the light
guides 34 are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the vanity
mirror 28 (e.g., opposite sides of the vanity mirror 28 along a
lateral axis 36) in the illustrated embodiment, it should be
appreciated that the light guide(s) may be positioned in other
suitable locations in alternative embodiments.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system 30 is
part of the visor electrical system 16, and the visor electrical
system 16 includes a power source 38 (e.g., batteries, etc.)
configured to provide electrical power to the light sources 32 of
the lighting system 30. The power source 38 is electrically coupled
to a switch 40 configured to activate the light sources 32 by
completing an electrical connection between the power source 38 and
the light sources 32, and to deactivate the light sources 32 by
interrupting the electrical connection between the power source 38
and the light sources 32. In certain embodiments, the switch 40 may
be positioned such that opening a vanity mirror cover engages the
switch 40 and closing the vanity mirror cover disengages the switch
40. Accordingly, the light sources 32 may be activated while the
vanity mirror cover is open and deactivated while the vanity mirror
cover is closed.
[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical system 16
includes a controller 42 configured to control operation of the
light sources 32. For example, the controller 42 may be configured
to gradually increase the brightness of the light sources 32 upon
engagement of the switch 40 until an operational brightness is
achieved. In addition, the controller 42 may be configured to
gradually decrease the brightness of the light sources 32 upon
disengagement of the switch 40 until the light sources 32 are
deactivated. The controller 42 may also be configured to deactivate
the light sources 32 after a threshold duration, even while the
switch is engaged. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 42
is communicatively coupled to a light sensor 44. The light sensor
44 may be configured to output a signal indicative of brightness of
the ambient light within the vehicle interior, and the controller
42 may be configured to control the light sources 32 based on the
signal. For example, the controller 42 may be configured to
deactivate the light sources 32, even while the switch 40 is
engaged, during bright ambient light conditions (e.g., when viewing
the vanity mirror during the daytime). As a result, the operational
duration of the power source 38 (e.g., the length of time the power
source 38 may provide sufficient electrical power to the light
sources 32 to induce the light sources 32 to illuminate) may be
extended. While the illustrated embodiment includes a controller 42
and a light sensor 44, it should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, the controller and/or the light sensor may be
omitted.
[0026] In certain embodiments, the power source 38 may be
configured to receive electrical power, thereby increasing the
operational duration of the power source 38. For example, the power
source 38 may include rechargeable batteries configured to recharge
in response to receiving electrical power. In the illustrated
embodiment, the electrical system 16 includes an energy harvester,
such as the illustrated solar cell 46. The solar cell 46 may be
configured to provide electrical power to the power source at least
during bright ambient lighting conditions, thereby increasing the
operational duration of the power source 38. While the illustrated
embodiment include a solar cell 46, it should be appreciated that
other energy harvesters (e.g., vibrational energy harvesters,
thermal gradient energy harvesters, etc.) may be electrically
coupled to the power source, either individually or in combination
(e.g., in combination with one another, in combination with the
solar cell, etc.), in alternative embodiments. Furthermore, in the
illustrated embodiment, the electrical system 16 includes an
electrical port 48 (e.g., universal serial bus (USB) port, etc.)
configured to receive electrical power. As illustrated, the
electrical port 48 is electrically coupled to the power source 38,
thereby enabling the power source 38 to receive electrical power
from the electrical port 48. An electrical cable may be selectively
coupled to the electrical port 48 to provide electrical power to
the power source 38, thereby increasing the operational duration of
the power source 38. While the illustrated embodiment includes an
energy harvester and an electrical port, it should be appreciated
that in alternative embodiments, the energy harvester and/or the
electrical port may be omitted.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical system 16
includes a transceiver 50 configured to control remote electronic
devices (e.g., garage door openers, access gates, etc.). As
illustrated, the transceiver 50 is electrically coupled to the
power source 38, and the power source 38 is configured to provide
sufficient electrical power for the lighting system 30 and the
transceiver 50. For example, the power source 38 may include one or
more AA and/or AAA batteries, or a rechargeable battery having
sufficient electrical capacity to power the lighting system 30 and
the transceiver 50. In certain embodiments, the lighting system or
the transceiver may be omitted. In such embodiments, a power source
having less electrical capacity may be utilized, e.g., one or more
coin cell batteries or a smaller rechargeable battery. In further
embodiments, the electrical system may include additional
electrical device, such as a display and/or an audio system. In
such embodiments, a power source having greater electrical capacity
may be utilized, e.g., a larger rechargeable battery.
[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 38 is
coupled to the sun visor body 18 by a power source mounting
assembly, such as the illustrated power source tray 52. Because the
power source 38 is not mounted to a circuit board of the lighting
system 30 (e.g., a circuit board supporting the light sources 32),
a circuit board of the transceiver 50, or a circuit board of
another device, the sun visor assembly is reconfigurable (e.g., by
omitting the lighting system 30, by omitting the transceiver 50, by
adding additional electronic devices, etc.) without modifying the
electrical connections to the power source and/or without modifying
the portion of the sun visor body that supports the power source
tray. However, the power source tray may be selected to accommodate
a power source that provides sufficient electrical power for the
electrical devices of the sun visor assembly. For example, a power
source tray may be configured to support two coin cell batteries
for sun visor assemblies that include the lighting system. Another
power source tray may be configured to support four coin cell
batteries for sun visor assemblies that include the lighting system
and the transceiver. And, a further power source tray may be
configured to support six coin cell batteries for sun visor
assemblies that include the lighting system, the transceiver, and
another electrical device (e.g., audio system, video system, etc.).
In addition, the power source tray may be configured to support
different battery types (e.g., coin cells, button cells,
cylindrical batteries, etc.) to provide a power source that
provides sufficient electrical power for the electrical devices of
the sun visor assembly.
[0029] As illustrated, a lateral centerline 54 of the power source
tray 52 (e.g., a centerline extending along the lateral axis 36 at
the midpoint of the extent of the power source tray 52 along a
vertical axis 56) is positioned a first distance 58 from the
rotational axis 20 along the vertical axis 56. In the illustrated
embodiment, the first distance 58 is less than a second distance 60
between the lateral centerline 54 of the power source tray 52 and a
lateral centerline 62 of the sun visor body 18 (e.g., a centerline
extending along the lateral axis 36 at the midpoint of the extent
of the sun visor body 18 along the vertical axis 56) along the
vertical axis 56. Accordingly, the lateral centerline 54 of the
power source tray 52 is positioned closer to the rotational axis 20
than to the lateral centerline 62 of the sun visor body 18.
Therefore, the mass moment of inertia of the sun visor assembly 14
about the rotational axis 20 may be reduced, as compared to sun
visor assemblies in which the power source is positioned proximate
to a vanity mirror assembly. As a result, the torque sufficient to
rotate the sun visor assembly 14 about the rotational axis 20 from
the deployed position to the storage position may be significantly
reduced.
[0030] As discussed in detail below, the sun visor body 18 includes
a mounting feature, such as the illustrated opening 63, configured
to couple the power source tray 52 to the sun visor body 18 (e.g.,
by receiving the power source tray through the opening) and to
facilitate removal of the power source tray 52 from the sun visor
body 18. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the power
source tray 52 may be removed from the sun visor body 18 via
translation in a direction 64 along the lateral axis 36. With the
power source tray 52 removed, the power source 38 may be removed
and replaced (e.g., at the end of the useful life of the power
source). The power source tray 52 may then be disposed within the
sun visor body 18 through the opening 63 via translation in a
direction 66 along the lateral axis 36. The power source tray 52
may be retained within the sun visor body 18 by a clip, a magnet,
or any other suitable retaining device/system (e.g., which may be
part of the mounting feature). As discussed in detail below, the
electrical system 16 includes an electrical contact coupled to the
sun visor body 18 and configured to establish an electrical
connection with the power source 38 while the power source tray 52
is disposed within the sun visor body 18. The removable power
source tray provides easy access to the power source, thereby
facilitating the process of removal and replacement of the power
source.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 63 is positioned
on a lateral side 68 of the sun visor body 18. However, it should
be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the opening may be
positioned at any other suitable location on the sun visor body.
For example, the opening may be positioned on a top vertical side
of the sun visor body, on a bottom vertical side of the sun visor
body, or on the other lateral side of the sun visor body. Because
the opening in the sun visor body may be positioned in a variety of
locations, the design opportunities of the sun visor assembly may
be enhanced. In addition, it should be appreciated that a size of
the power source tray 52 and a size of the opening 63 may be
particularly configured to accommodate the size and number of power
sources. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includes a
single power source tray and a single opening, it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the sun visor assembly
may include multiple openings and a corresponding number of power
source trays (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more).
[0032] While the illustrated embodiment includes a power source
tray 52 configured to be substantially (e.g., completely) disposed
within the sun visor body, it should be appreciated that other
power source tray/sun visor body configurations may be employed in
alternative embodiments. In certain embodiments, the power source
tray may form a portion of the outer surface (e.g., show surface)
of the sun visor assembly. For example, the power source tray may
include the pivot rod and a portion of the sun visor assembly
surrounding the pivot rod. In such embodiments, a portion of the
power source tray may be disposed within an opening in the sun
visor body, or the power source tray may be coupled to a mounting
feature of the sun visor body, to secure the power source tray to
the sun visor body, thereby forming the sun visor assembly. In
further embodiments, the power source may be coupled to the sun
visor body by a non-removable power source mounting assembly.
[0033] FIG. 4 is an perspective view of a portion of an embodiment
of an electrical system 16 that may be employed within the sun
visor assembly 14 of FIG. 3, in which the power source tray 52 is
removed from the sun visor body 18. As previously discussed, the
power source tray 52 may be disposed within the sun visor body 18
via translation in the direction 66 through the opening 63. In
addition, the power source tray 52 may be removed from the sun
visor body 18 via translation in the direction 64 through the
opening 63. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source tray 52
includes a first guide feature, such as the illustrated groove 70,
and the sun visor body 18 includes a second guide feature, such as
the illustrated rail 72. The groove 70 is configured to engage the
rail 72 to guide the power source tray 52 through the opening 63.
While the power source tray includes a groove and the sun visor
body includes a rail in the illustrated embodiment, it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the sun visor body may
include a groove and the power source tray may include a rail. In
further embodiments, the power source tray and/or the sun visor
body may include other guide features and/or mounting features,
such as tracks, magnets, or clips, among other guide/mounting
features.
[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical system 16
includes a first electrical contact 74 coupled to the sun visor
body 18 and a second electrical contact 76 coupled to the sun visor
body 18. The electrical contacts 74 and 76 are configured to
establish an electrical connection with the power source 38 while
the power source tray 52 is disposed within the sun visor body 18.
In the illustrated embodiment, the power source 38 includes coin
cell batteries 78 (e.g., two sets of coin cell batteries, each set
including two coin cell batteries stacked on top of one another
along a longitudinal axis 80), and the electrical contacts 74 and
76 are configured to contact respective terminals of the coin cell
batteries 78. In the illustrated embodiment, each electrical
contact is formed from a metal stamping. However, it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the electrical
contacts from be formed from other elements (e.g., a coil spring, a
pin, a plate, etc.).
[0035] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the power source tray 52 of
FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the power source tray 52
includes two slots 82, each configured to receive two coin cell
batteries 78. As illustrated, a first lip 84 and a second lip 86 on
a first longitudinal side 88 of each slot blocks movement of the
coin cell batteries in a first longitudinal direction 90 along the
longitudinal axis 80. In addition, a third lip 92 and a fourth lip
94 on a second longitudinal side 96 of each slot blocks movement of
the coin cell batteries in a second longitudinal direction 98 along
the longitudinal axis 80. While the power source tray 52 is
disposed within the sun visor body, the first electrical contact
engages first terminals (e.g., negative terminals) 100 of the coin
cell batteries 78 on the second longitudinal side 96 of the slots
82, and the second electrical contact engages second terminals
(e.g., positive terminals) 102 of the coin cell batteries 78 on the
first longitudinal side 88 of the slots 82.
[0036] While each slot 82 is configured to receive two coin cell
batteries 78 in the illustrated embodiment, it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, each slot may be
configured to receive more or fewer coin cell batteries (e.g., 1,
2, 3, 4, or more). In addition, while the power source tray 52
includes two slots 82 in the illustrated embodiment, it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the power source tray
may include more or fewer slots (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more).
Furthermore, while the illustrated power source tray 52 is
configured to receive coin cell batteries, it should be appreciated
that in alternative embodiments, the power source tray may be
configured to receive button cell batteries, cylindrical batteries
(e.g., AA, AAA, etc.), or batteries having other shapes (e.g.,
rectangular prism, etc.).
[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sun visor body 18 of
FIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical contact
74 is coupled to a vertical wall 104 of the sun visor body 18, and
the second electrical contact 76 is coupled to a lateral wall 106
of the sun visor body 18. The first electrical contact 74 is
coupled to the vertical wall 104 by stakes 108, and the first
electrical contact 74 includes two protrusions 110 configured to
contact the first terminals (e.g., negative terminals) of the
respective batteries. The second electrical contact 76 is clipped
to the lateral wall 106 via a bend 112, and the second electrical
contact 76 includes two protrusions 114 configured to contact the
second terminals (e.g., positive terminals) of the respective
batteries. The number of protrusions 110 and 114 may be selected to
correspond to the number of slots of the power source tray. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first electrical contact 74 includes a
connector 116 configured to electrical couple the first electrical
contact 74 to other components of the electrical system 16, and the
second electrical contact 76 includes a connector 118 configured to
electrically couple the second electrical contact 76 to other
components of the electrical system 16.
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vanity
mirror assembly 120 that may be employed within the sun visor
assembly of FIG. 3, in which the sun visor assembly 120 includes an
electrical system 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the vanity
mirror assembly 120 includes a vanity mirror 122 configured to
enable a vehicle occupant to view a reflection in the vanity mirror
122. The vanity mirror assembly 120 also includes a vanity mirror
cover 124 configured to selectively cover the vanity mirror 120.
For example, the vehicle occupant may rotate the vanity mirror
cover 124 in a direction 126 about a rotational axis 128 from the
illustrated open position (e.g., a position that exposes the vanity
mirror 122) to a closed position (e.g., a position that conceals
the vanity mirror 122), and the vehicle occupant may rotate the
vanity mirror cover 124 in a direction 130 about the rotational
axis 128 from the closed position to the illustrated open position.
In certain embodiments, rotating the vanity mirror cover 124 to the
open position engages the lighting system 30, thereby enabling the
vehicle occupant to view the reflection during low light
conditions.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system 30
includes a first light guide 132 positioned on a first side of the
vanity mirror 122 along the lateral axis 36, and the lighting
system 30 includes a second light guide 134 positioned on a second
side of the vanity mirror 122, opposite the first side, along the
lateral axis 36. In certain embodiments, a circuit board is
positioned above the light guides 132 and 134 along the vertical
axis 56. The circuit board includes light sources mounted on the
circuit board and directed toward respective light receiving
surfaces of the light guides. The light guides are configured to
receive the light from the light sources and to direct the light
toward the vehicle interior (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 80),
thereby illuminating the vehicle occupant.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an
electrical system 16 that may be employed within the vanity mirror
assembly of FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting
system 30 of the electrical system 16 includes a circuit board 136
extending along the longitudinal axis 80. The lighting system 30
also includes a first light source 138 (e.g., LED, organic light
emitting diode (OLED), etc.) and a second light source 140 (e.g.,
LED, OLED, etc.). Each light source 138 and 140 is mounted on a
mounting surface 142 of the circuit board 136 that extends
substantially perpendicularly to the vertical axis 56. As used
herein, substantially perpendicularly refers to an angle between
the vertical axis 56 and the mounting surface 142 of the circuit
board 136 of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60
degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105
degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
Each light source 138 and 140 is configured to emit light in a
direction 144 (e.g., along the vertical axis 56) substantially
perpendicular to the mounting surface 142 of the circuit board 136.
In addition, the first light guide 132 is configured to receive the
light from the first light source 138 through a light receiving
surface 146 of the first light guide 132, and the second light
guide 134 is configured to receive the light from the second light
source 140 through a light receiving surface 148 of the second
light guide 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
surface 142 of the circuit board 136 faces toward the light
receiving surface of each light guide such that the light from each
light source is directed toward the light receiving surface of a
respective light guide. Each light guide is configured to emit the
light from the respective light source toward the vehicle interior
(e.g., along the longitudinal axis 80) in a direction 150 (e.g., by
redirecting the light from the direction 144 to the direction 150
via one or more reflective surfaces and/or refractive elements),
thereby illuminating a vehicle occupant.
[0041] Because the mounting surface 142 of the circuit board 136
faces the light receiving surface 146 of the first light guide 132
and the light receiving surface 148 of the second light guide 134,
the first light source 138 and the second light source 140 may each
include a top-emitting LED. As a result, the efficiency of the
visor electrical system 16 may be enhanced, as compared to an
electrical system that employs side-emitting LED(s). While each
light source 138 and 140 in the illustrated embodiment includes a
single light emitting element (e.g., LED, OLED, etc.), it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, at least one light
source may include more light emitting elements (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4,
or more). Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiment includes
two light guides (i.e., one light guide on each lateral side of the
vanity mirror), it should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, the lighting system 30 may include more or fewer light
guides (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or more). The light guide(s) may also be
arranged in any suitable location relative to the vanity mirror. In
addition, while the circuit board 136 is positioned above the light
guides 132 and 134 along the vertical axis 56 (e.g., closer to the
rotational axis 20 than the light guides) in the illustrated
embodiment, it should be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, the circuit board may be positioned below the light
guides (e.g., farther from the rotational axis than the light
guides).
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, electrical power is provided
to the circuit board 136 by two metal stampings 152 (e.g., clamped
to the circuit board). However, it should be appreciated that in
alternative embodiments, electrical power may be provided to the
circuit board by wires or any other suitable electrical conductors.
In certain embodiments, a controller, such as the controller
described above with reference to FIG. 3, is mounted on the
mounting surface of the circuit board, thereby facilitating control
of the light sources. In addition, it should be appreciated that
other electrical components may be mounted on the mounting surface
of the circuit board, or any other suitable surface of the circuit
board, in certain embodiments.
[0043] In certain embodiments, an electrical conductor (e.g., metal
stamping) may be positioned to selectively contact electrical
contacts on the circuit board 136 to complete a circuit that
activates the light sources 138 and 140. For example, the
electrical conductor may be coupled to the vanity cover and
positioned such that the electrical conductor contacts the
electrical contacts while the vanity cover is in the open position.
In further embodiments, the vanity cover may be configured to drive
an electrical conductor (e.g., coupled to the vanity mirror
assembly, the sun visor body, etc.) into contact with the
electrical contacts of the circuit board while the vanity cover is
in the open position. Accordingly, the light sources 138 and 140
may be activated while the vanity cover is in the open position and
deactivated while the vanity cover is in the closed position.
[0044] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
electrical system 154 that may be employed within the vanity mirror
assembly of FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical
system 154 includes a lighting system 156 having a first circuit
board 158 and a second circuit board 160. As illustrated, the first
circuit board 158 is positioned outward from the first light guide
132 along the lateral axis 36, and the second circuit board 160 is
positioned outward from the second light guide 134 along the
lateral axis 36. Accordingly, the first and second circuit boards
are positioned laterally outward from the first and second light
guides, respectively, which are positioned laterally outward from
the vanity mirror 122. The lighting system 156 also includes a
first light source 162, a second light source 164, a third light
source 166, and a fourth light source 168. In the illustrated
embodiment, each light source includes a top-emitting LED. However,
it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, at least
one light source may include a side-emitting LED, an OLED, or a
fluorescent bulb, among other light sources. For example, in
certain embodiments, at least one light source may include one or
more top-emitting LEDs, one or more side-emitting LEDs, one or more
OLEDs, one or more fluorescent bulbs, or a combination thereof. In
the illustrated embodiments, the first light source 162 and the
third light source 166 are mounted on a mounting surface 170 of the
first circuit board 158, and the second light source 164 and the
fourth light source 168 are mounted on a mounting surface 172 of
the second circuit board 160. While two light sources are mounted
on each circuit board in the illustrated embodiment, it should be
appreciated that in alternative embodiments, more or fewer light
sources (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) may be mounted on at
least one circuit board.
[0045] As used herein, "top-emitting LED" refers to an LED that
emits light from a surface substantially opposite from the mounting
surface of the LED (e.g., the surface that mounts to a circuit
board). For example, an angle between the light emitting surface
and the mounting surface may be about 140 degrees to about 180
degrees, about 150 degrees to about 180 degrees, about 160 degrees
to about 180 degrees, about 170 degrees to about 180 degrees, or
about 180 degrees. Furthermore, as used herein, "side-emitting LED"
refers to an LED that emits light from a surface substantially
perpendicular to the mounting surface of the LED (e.g., the surface
that mounts to a circuit board). For example, an angle between the
light emitting surface and the mounting surface may be about 45
degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120
degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 85 degrees to
about 95 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
[0046] The first light guide 132 includes a light emitting face or
surface 174 and a light receiving surface 176. In the illustrated
embodiment, the light receiving surface 176 is substantially
perpendicular to the light emitting surface 174. As used herein,
"substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle between the light
receiving surface 176 and the light emitting surface 174 of the
first light guide 132 of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees,
about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about
105 degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 90
degrees. The first light guide 132 is configured to receive light
emitted from the first light source 162 and the third light source
166 in a direction 178 (e.g., along the lateral axis 36) through
the light receiving surface 176 and to emit the light from the
first and third light sources through the light emitting surface
174 toward the vehicle interior (e.g., along the longitudinal axis
80) in the direction 150 (e.g., by redirecting the light from the
direction 178 to the direction 150 via one or more reflective
surfaces and/or refractive elements), thereby illuminating a
vehicle occupant. While the light receiving surface of the first
light guide receives light directly from the light sources in the
illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in
alternative embodiments, the light receiving surface of the first
light guide may receive light indirectly from the light sources
(e.g., via reflection off a surface and/or refraction through a
light transmissive element).
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting surface 170 of
the first circuit board 158 faces the light receiving surface 176
of the first light guide 132. As used herein, "faces" refers to the
mounting surface 170 being generally directed toward the light
receiving surface 176, and an angle between the mounting surface
170 and the light receiving surface 176 of less than 45 degrees,
less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees,
less than 5 degrees, or about 0 degrees. For example, the light
emitted from each light source may be in the form of a cone having
an apex angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10
degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 15 degrees to about 30
degrees. By way of example, if one light source is a top-emitting
LED configured to emit a cone of light with an apex angle of about
30 degrees, and the mounting surface 170 is angled about 20 degrees
relative to the light receiving surface 176, at least a portion of
the light from the light source may pass through the light
receiving surface 176.
[0048] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
surface 170 of the first circuit board 158 is substantially
perpendicular to the light emitting surface 174 of the first light
guide 132. As used herein, "substantially perpendicular" refers to
an angle between the mounting surface 170 of the first circuit
board 158 and the light emitting surface 174 of the first light
guide 132 of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60
degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105
degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
For example, the mounting surface 170 of the first circuit board
158 may be angled about 15 degrees relative to the light receiving
surface 176 of the first light guide 132, and/or the light
receiving surface 176 of the first light guide 132 may be angled
about 75 degrees relative to the light emitting surface 174 of the
first light guide 132.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the first light guide 132
includes a light receiving peripheral edge 182 that extends about
at least a portion of the light emitting surface/face 174. The
light receiving surface 176 corresponds to one surface of the light
receiving peripheral edge 182. As illustrated, the light receiving
peripheral edge 182 also includes a second light receiving surface
146, a third light receiving surface 186, and a fourth light
receiving surface 188. Each of the light receiving surfaces may
receive light from the light source(s) mounted on the mounting
surface 170 of the first circuit board 158. For example, the
mounting surface 170 of the first circuit board 158 may face the
second light receiving surface 146 (e.g., with the first circuit
board 158 positioned closer to the rotational axis 20 of the sun
visor assembly than the first light guide 132 along the vertical
axis 56), the mounting surface 170 of the first circuit board 158
may face the third light receiving surface 186 (e.g., with the
first circuit board 158 disposed between the first light guide 132
and the vanity mirror 122 along the lateral axis 36), or the
mounting surface 170 of the first circuit board 158 may face the
fourth light receiving surface 188 (e.g., with the first circuit
board 158 positioned farther from the rotational axis 20 of the sun
visor assembly than the first light guide 132 along the vertical
axis 56). In addition, in certain embodiments, multiple circuit
boards may be disposed about the light receiving peripheral edge,
and the mounting surface of each circuit board may face a
respective light receiving surface of the first light guide.
Furthermore, while the illustrated light receiving peripheral edge
includes four light receiving surfaces, it should be appreciated
that in alternative embodiments, the light receiving peripheral
edge may include more or fewer light receiving surfaces, such as 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more light receiving surfaces (e.g., based
on the shape of the light guide, the number of peripheral surfaces
configured to receive light, etc.).
[0050] The second light guide 134 includes a light emitting face or
surface 190 and a light receiving surface 192. In the illustrated
embodiment, the light receiving surface 192 is substantially
perpendicular to the light emitting surface 190. As used herein,
"substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle between the light
receiving surface 192 and the light emitting surface 190 of the
second light guide 134 of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees,
about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about
105 degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 90
degrees. The second light guide 134 is configured to receive light
emitted from the second light source 164 and the fourth light
source 168 in a direction 194 (e.g., along the lateral axis 36)
through the light receiving surface 192 and to emit the light from
the second and fourth light sources through the light emitting
surface 190 toward the vehicle interior (e.g., along the
longitudinal axis 80) in the direction 150 (e.g., by redirecting
the light from the direction 194 to the direction 150 via one or
more reflective surfaces and/or refractive elements), thereby
illuminating a vehicle occupant. While the light receiving surface
of the second light guide receives light directly from the light
sources in the illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated
that in alternative embodiments, the light receiving surface of the
second light guide may receive light indirectly from the light
sources (e.g., via reflection off a surface and/or refraction
through a light transmissive element).
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting surface 172 of
the second circuit board 160 faces the light receiving surface 192
of the second light guide 134. As used herein, "faces" refers to
the mounting surface 172 being generally directed toward the light
receiving surface 192, and an angle between the mounting surface
172 and the light receiving surface 192 of less than 45 degrees,
less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees,
less than 5 degrees, or about 0 degrees. For example, the light
emitted from each light source may be in the form of a cone having
an apex angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10
degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 15 degrees to about 30
degrees. By way of example, if one light source is a top-emitting
LED configured to emit a cone of light with an apex angle of about
30 degrees, and the mounting surface 172 is angled about 20 degrees
relative to the light receiving surface 192, at least a portion of
the light from the light source may pass through the light
receiving surface 192.
[0052] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
surface 172 of the second circuit board 160 is substantially
perpendicular to the light emitting surface 190 of the second light
guide 134. As used herein, "substantially perpendicular" refers to
an angle between the mounting surface 172 of the second circuit
board 160 and the light emitting surface 190 of the second light
guide 134 of about 45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60
degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105
degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 90 degrees.
For example, the mounting surface 172 of the second circuit board
160 may be angled about 15 degrees relative to the light receiving
surface 192 of the second light guide 134, and/or the light
receiving surface 192 of the second light guide 134 may be angled
about 75 degrees relative to the light emitting surface 190 of the
second light guide 134.
[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the second light guide 134
includes a light receiving peripheral edge 196 that extends about
at least a portion of the light emitting surface/face 190. The
light receiving surface 192 corresponds to one surface of the light
receiving peripheral edge 196. As illustrated, the light receiving
peripheral edge 196 also includes a second light receiving surface
148, a third light receiving surface 200, and a fourth light
receiving surface 202. Each of the light receiving surfaces may
receive light from the light source(s) mounted on the mounting
surface 172 of the second circuit board 160. For example, the
mounting surface 172 of the second circuit board 160 may face the
second light receiving surface 148 (e.g., with the second circuit
board 160 positioned closer to the rotational axis 20 of the sun
visor assembly than the second light guide 134 along the vertical
axis 56), the mounting surface 172 of the second circuit board 160
may face the third light receiving surface 200 (e.g., with the
second circuit board 160 disposed between the second light guide
134 and the vanity mirror 122 along the lateral axis 36), or the
mounting surface 172 of the second circuit board 160 may face the
fourth light receiving surface 202 (e.g., with the second circuit
board 160 positioned farther from the rotational axis 20 of the sun
visor assembly than the second light guide 134 along the vertical
axis 56). In addition, in certain embodiments, multiple circuit
boards may be disposed about the light receiving peripheral edge,
and the mounting surface of each circuit board may face a
respective light receiving surface of the second light guide.
Furthermore, while the illustrated light receiving peripheral edge
includes four light receiving surfaces, it should be appreciated
that in alternative embodiments, the light receiving peripheral
edge may include more or fewer light receiving surfaces, such as 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more light receiving surfaces (e.g., based
on the shape of the light guide, the number of peripheral surfaces
configured to receive light, etc.).
[0054] Because the mounting surface of each circuit board faces the
light receiving surface of the respective light guide, the light
sources may each include a top-emitting LED. As a result, the
efficiency of the visor electrical system 154 may be enhanced, as
compared to an electrical system that employs side-emitting LED(s).
While the illustrated embodiment includes two light guides (i.e.,
one light guide on each lateral side of the vanity mirror), it
should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the lighting
system 156 may include more or fewer light guides (e.g., 1, 2, 3,
4, or more). The light guide(s) may also be arranged in any
suitable location relative to the vanity mirror.
[0055] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of an
electrical system 204 that may be employed within the vanity mirror
assembly of FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical
system 204 includes a lighting system 206 having a circuit board
208. As illustrated, the circuit board 208 is positioned below the
light guides relative to the rotational axis 20 of the vehicle sun
visor along the vertical axis 56. Accordingly, the circuit board
208 is positioned farther from the rotational axis 20 of the
vehicle sun visor assembly than the first and second light guides.
In the illustrated embodiment, the lighting system 206 also
includes a first light source 210 and a second light source 212. In
the illustrated embodiment, each light source includes a
top-emitting LED. However, it should be appreciated that in
alternative embodiments, at least one light source may include a
side-emitting LED, an OLED, or a fluorescent bulb, among light
sources. For example, in certain embodiments, at least one light
source may include one or more top-emitting LEDs, one or more
side-emitting LEDs, one or more OLEDs, one or more fluorescent
bulbs, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiments,
the first light source 210 and the second light source 212 are
mounted on a mounting surface 214 of the circuit board 208. While
two light sources are mounted on the circuit board in the
illustrated embodiment, it should be appreciated that in
alternative embodiments, more or fewer light sources (e.g., 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, or more) may be mounted on the circuit board.
[0056] The first light guide 132 includes the light emitting face
or surface 174 and the light receiving surface 188. In the
illustrated embodiment, the light receiving surface 188 is
substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface 174. As
used herein, "substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle
between the light receiving surface 188 and the light emitting
surface 174 of the first light guide 132 of about 45 degrees to
about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75
degrees to about 105 degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees,
or about 90 degrees. The first light guide 132 is configured to
receive light emitted from the first light source 210 in a
direction 216 (e.g., along the vertical axis 56) through the light
receiving surface 188 and to emit the light from the first light
source through the light emitting surface 174 toward the vehicle
interior (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 80) in the direction
150 (e.g., by redirecting the light from the direction 216 to the
direction 150 via one or more reflective surfaces and/or refractive
elements), thereby illuminating a vehicle occupant.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting surface 214 of
the circuit board 208 faces the light receiving surface 188 of the
first light guide 132. As used herein, "faces" refers to the
mounting surface 214 being generally directed toward the light
receiving surface 188, and an angle between the mounting surface
214 and the light receiving surface 188 of less than 45 degrees,
less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees,
less than 5 degrees, or about 0 degrees. For example, the light
emitted from the light source may be in the form of a cone having
an apex angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10
degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 15 degrees to about 30
degrees. By way of example, if the light source is a top-emitting
LED configured to emit a cone of light with an apex angle of about
30 degrees, and the mounting surface 214 is angled about 20 degrees
relative to the light receiving surface 188, at least a portion of
the light from the light source may pass through the light
receiving surface 188.
[0058] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
surface 214 of the circuit board 208 is substantially perpendicular
to the light emitting surface 174 of the first light guide 132. As
used herein, "substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle
between the mounting surface 214 of the circuit board 208 and the
light emitting surface 174 of the first light guide 132 of about 45
degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120
degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 85 degrees to
about 95 degrees, or about 90 degrees. For example, the mounting
surface 214 of the circuit board 208 may be angled about 15 degrees
relative to the light receiving surface 188 of the first light
guide 132, and/or the light receiving surface 188 of the first
light guide 132 may be angled about 75 degrees relative to the
light emitting surface 174 of the first light guide 132.
[0059] The second light guide 134 includes the light emitting face
or surface 190 and the light receiving surface 202. In the
illustrated embodiment, the light receiving surface 202 is
substantially perpendicular to the light emitting surface 190. As
used herein, "substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle
between the light receiving surface 202 and the light emitting
surface 190 of the second light guide 134 of about 45 degrees to
about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees, about 75
degrees to about 105 degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees,
or about 90 degrees. The second light guide 134 is configured to
receive light emitted from the second light source 212 in the
direction 216 (e.g., along the vertical axis 56) through the light
receiving surface 202 and to emit the light from the second light
source through the light emitting surface 190 toward the vehicle
interior (e.g., along the longitudinal axis 80) in the direction
150 (e.g., by redirecting the light from the direction 216 to the
direction 150 via one or more reflective surfaces and/or refractive
elements), thereby illuminating a vehicle occupant.
[0060] In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting surface 214 of
the circuit board 208 faces the light receiving surface 202 of the
second light guide 134. As used herein, "faces" refers to the
mounting surface 214 being generally directed toward the light
receiving surface 202, and an angle between the mounting surface
214 and the light receiving surface 202 of less than 45 degrees,
less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees,
less than 5 degrees, or about 0 degrees. For example, the light
emitted from the light source may be in the form of a cone having
an apex angle of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10
degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 15 degrees to about 30
degrees. By way of example, if the light source is a top-emitting
LED configured to emit a cone of light with an apex angle of about
30 degrees, and the mounting surface 214 is angled about 20 degrees
relative to the light receiving surface 202, at least a portion of
the light from the light source may pass through the light
receiving surface 202.
[0061] Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the mounting
surface 214 of the circuit board 208 is substantially perpendicular
to the light emitting surface 190 of the second light guide 134. As
used herein, "substantially perpendicular" refers to an angle
between the mounting surface 214 of the circuit board 208 and the
light emitting surface 190 of the second light guide 134 of about
45 degrees to about 135 degrees, about 60 degrees to about 120
degrees, about 75 degrees to about 105 degrees, about 85 degrees to
about 95 degrees, or about 90 degrees. For example, the mounting
surface 214 of the circuit board 208 may be angled about 15 degrees
relative to the light receiving surface 202 of the second light
guide 134, and/or the light receiving surface 202 of the second
light guide 134 may be angled about 75 degrees relative to the
light emitting surface 190 of the second light guide 134.
[0062] Because the mounting surface of the circuit board faces the
light receiving surfaces of the respective light guides, the light
sources may each include a top-emitting LED. As a result, the
efficiency of the visor electrical system 204 may be enhanced, as
compared to an electrical system that employs side-emitting LED(s).
While the illustrated embodiment includes two light guides (i.e.,
one light guide on each lateral side of the vanity mirror), it
should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the lighting
system 206 may include more or fewer light guides (e.g., 1, 2, 3,
4, or more). The light guide(s) may also be arranged in any
suitable location relative to the vanity mirror.
[0063] As used herein, "light guide" refers to a component that
enables light to pass through one or more bodies of the component.
For example, the body/bodies of the light guide may be formed from
glass, a polymeric material (e.g., polycarbonate, acrylic, etc.),
or any other suitable material that facilitates light passage. The
body/bodies may be substantially transparent or translucent, and/or
the body/bodies may be clear or tinted (e.g., such that a desired
light color is output from the light guide). As previously discuss,
the light guide may include one or more reflective surfaces and/or
refractive elements configured to redirect the light from an input
direction to an output direction. Furthermore, in certain
embodiments, one or more light guides may be integrated with the
vanity mirror. For example, the body of the vanity mirror and the
body of the light guide(s) may be formed from a single piece of
material.
[0064] As used herein, "circuit board" refers to an element
configured to support one or more electronic components (e.g., one
or more LEDs, one or more transistors, one or more integrated
circuits, etc.). For example, a substrate of the circuit board may
be formed from a substantially rigid material, such as fiberglass,
or the substrate may be formed from a substantially flexible
material, such as a polymeric material. The material and/or the
thickness of the substrate may be particularly selected to
establish a desired rigidity/flexibility. In certain embodiments,
the circuit board may include one or more electrical conductors
that extend along the substrate (e.g., etched into a conductive
layer disposed on the substrate, printed onto the substrate, etc.)
to electrical couple electronic components to one another. The
number and configuration of the electrical conductor(s) may be
particularly selected to establish the desired connection(s)
between the electrical components (e.g., mounted on or coupled to
the circuit board). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, an insert
molding process may be used to at least partially enclose one or
more electrical conductors into an element configured to support
the electrical component(s) (e.g., LED(s), etc.), thereby forming a
circuit board. By way of example, one or more electrical conductors
may be disposed within a mold cavity, and a liquid polymeric
material may then be injected into the mold cavity, thereby
encasing at least a portion of each electrical conductor. Upon
setting of the polymeric material, an element having at least
partially enclosed electrical conductor(s) is formed. Electrical
component(s) (e.g., LED(s), etc.) may be disposed onto the element
and electrically connected to the at least partially enclosed
electrical conductor(s).
[0065] While only certain features and embodiments have been
illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur
to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,
structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values
of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any
process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications
and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.
Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the
exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may
not have been described (i.e., those unrelated to the presently
contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement). It
should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous
implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development
effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless
be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture
for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure,
without undue experimentation.
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