CA1291739C - Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car side - Google Patents
Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car sideInfo
- Publication number
- CA1291739C CA1291739C CA000572786A CA572786A CA1291739C CA 1291739 C CA1291739 C CA 1291739C CA 000572786 A CA000572786 A CA 000572786A CA 572786 A CA572786 A CA 572786A CA 1291739 C CA1291739 C CA 1291739C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- illumination light
- case
- mirror
- lamp
- insertion opening
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 title claims description 36
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004438 eyesight Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000001331 nose Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
- B60Q1/2665—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on rear-view mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/24—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments for lighting other areas than only the way ahead
- B60Q1/245—Searchlights, e.g. adjustable from within the vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/062—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position
- B60R1/07—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators
- B60R1/072—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior with remote control for adjusting position by electrically powered actuators for adjusting the mirror relative to its housing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/06—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior
- B60R1/076—Rear-view mirror arrangements mounted on vehicle exterior yieldable to excessive external force and provided with an indexed use position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
- B60R1/1207—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with lamps; with turn indicators
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A housing is adapted for mounting on the vehicle. A mirror is mounted on an exterior wall of the housing, and a lamp mounted within a recess on an adjacent wall. The lamp is journalled between the forked end of a hollow shaft for rotation about a first axis extending between the ends of the fork while the hollow shaft is journalled in the housing for rotation about a second axis extending perpendicularly thereto along the center of said shaft. The shaft and the lamp are separately driven by power means located in the housing to selectively rotate the lamp about the first axis and the forked end about the second axis, whereby the lamp is universally adjustable.
A housing is adapted for mounting on the vehicle. A mirror is mounted on an exterior wall of the housing, and a lamp mounted within a recess on an adjacent wall. The lamp is journalled between the forked end of a hollow shaft for rotation about a first axis extending between the ends of the fork while the hollow shaft is journalled in the housing for rotation about a second axis extending perpendicularly thereto along the center of said shaft. The shaft and the lamp are separately driven by power means located in the housing to selectively rotate the lamp about the first axis and the forked end about the second axis, whereby the lamp is universally adjustable.
Description
129~739 BACK-MIRROR FITTED WITH ILLUMINATION LUGHT AT CAR SIDE
FILED OF THE INVENTION
-The present invention relates to a rear view mirror for automobiles and, in particular, to a rear view mirror provided with an illumination light, charaterized in that the illumination light is mounted to be rotated in all directions so that dark sides of the car may be easily illuminated.
In conventional vehicles there is no problem in driving forward and backward during the night with the aid of head lights and rear lamps mounted at the front and rear ends of the car. However, the sighting of objects approaching from the dark right or left sides of the vehicle or from above or below the vehicle is very difficult due to the enveloping darkness.
Especially at night, backward driving or approach driving to other cars or walls as well as driving into a garage or parking space is very troublesome because of the darkness in the side directions. As a result, safe driving is greatly hindered.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides rotatable illumination lights for illuminating the dark side and dark areas around the car by mounting tl3e light in the rear view mirror case.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a rear view mirror and light assembly for vehicles is provided comprising a parallelepiped housing adapted for mounting on the vehicle. A mirror is mounted on an exterior wall of the housing, and a lamp mounted within a recess on an adjacent Wall. The lamp is journalled between the forked end of a hollow shaft for rotation about a first axis extending between the ends of the fork while the hollow shaft is journalled in the housing for rotation about a second axis extending perpendicularly thereto along the center of said 12917~9 shaft. The shaft and the lamp are separately driven by power means located in the housing to selectively rotate the lamp about the first axis and the forked end about the second axis, wherby the lamp is universally adjustable.
Thus, the rear view mirror assembly is mounted on car in such a way that the lamp may be rotated in all directions concurrently with the adjustment of the mirror. In this way, dark areas may be optionally and selectively illuminated. Consequently, safe driving at night can be achieved because circumferential areas about the vehicle can be easily seen even when the car is driven backward or driven to approach other cars as well as for garaging.
Furthermore, circumferential areas about the car may be seen by a driver's direct eyesight as well as by the indirect sighting of the driver from his seat throught the mirrors.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the annexed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rear view mirror case provided with openings for an illumination light and steering rod according to the invention, including an exploded view of bhe base plate, steering rod, and steering tube, to be mounted in the case :
Fig. 2 provides exploded perspec~ive views of a pillar and a mechanism for the apparatus of the present invention in which :
Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the steering mecllanism which operates the illumination light in all directions and also steers the mirror in the up and down directions, Fig. 2b is a perspective view of the base plate and the steering tuhe encased together in the mirror case, and Fig. 2c is a right side view of a pillar, showing a retainer for receiving a steering base plate, Fig. 3 provides perspective views of internal structure of the mechanism n which :
Fig. 3a is a perspective view of the interior of the mechansim, showing members engaged with a driving shaft and a shaft tube, Fig. 3b is an enlarged vertical section of worms and helical gears, and .~
Fig. 3c is an enlarged vertical section, showing the illumination light being engaged with the driving shaft and shaft tube :
Fig. 4 provides exploded perspective views of the rear view mirror and illumination light in which :
Fig. 4a i8 a perspective view of the back of the mirror, showing drivin8 screws and a coupler"
., .
Fig. 4b is a plain perspective view of the mirror case in which the mechanism case is fixed to the base plate by screws and the steering base plate is fixed to the retainer by screws whereby the assembled mirror case may be moved along the pillar, and Fig. 4c shows an illumination light with a reflection member being directed upwards, ready to be inserted in the illumination light insertion opening :
Fig. 5 provides perspective views of the present invention in which Fig. 5a is a plain perspective view, showing a reflection lamp of the illumination light being driven upwards, and 1~91739 Fig. 5b is a plain perspective view, showing a reflection lamp of the illumination light being driven downwards : and Fig. 6 provides views showing the operation of the illumination light in which :
Fig. 6a shows the illumination light being driven to the left, and Fig. 6b shows the illumination light being driven to the r.ght.
Legend 1. Back -mirror case 2. Illumination la~p tn8ertion opening 3. Steering rod insertion opening 4. H-shaped support bracket 7. Tubular steering collar Stsering rod 11. Coil spring .
13. U-shaped ciip 14. Annular recess 19. Mechanism case 20. Illumination lamp 29. Tubular shaft 30. Support frame 31. Driving rod 32. Knurling member 33. Ratchet 40. Lid 41, 41' Holes ~`
12~1739 nETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to ~ig. 1 t the rear view mirror comprises a generally parallelepiped case 1 having an opening 2 in its lower wall for the insertion of an illuminating light L (Fig. 4) and an opening 3 at a left lower edge for insertion of an adjustment or positioning mechanism P(Fig. 2). An H-shaped support bracket 4 is mounted within the case l. The hracket 4 is provi~ed with holes 5, 5' in each corner which register with corresponding tubular posts 6, 6' provided in the case 1 and upon which the bracket 4 fixedly sits.
The adjustment mechanism P comprises a tubular steering collar 7 integral formed on the lower left arm of the H-shaped support bracket 4.
The collar 7 is adapted to slideably fit over a tubular rod 10 mounted on a flat plate 15 which is exposed through the corner opening 3 in the case 1, The lower frontal e~ge of the collar 7 is provided with a plurality of uniformly spaced slots 8 facing toward the plate 15 while a radially inwardly directed shoulder 9 is formed on the interior of collar 7.
The tubular rod lO is provided with a plurality~of corresponding detents or noses 8' and an arcuate shoulder 9' which causes the slots 8 and nosss 8' to interer.gage and fit snuggly when the collar 7 and rod lU
are pushed axially together. In this condition the rod 10 extends through and beyond the collar 7 over which is provided a collar spring 11 held by a washer 12 and U-shaped clip 13 which fits onto an annular recess.14 formed at the end of the rod 10.
FILED OF THE INVENTION
-The present invention relates to a rear view mirror for automobiles and, in particular, to a rear view mirror provided with an illumination light, charaterized in that the illumination light is mounted to be rotated in all directions so that dark sides of the car may be easily illuminated.
In conventional vehicles there is no problem in driving forward and backward during the night with the aid of head lights and rear lamps mounted at the front and rear ends of the car. However, the sighting of objects approaching from the dark right or left sides of the vehicle or from above or below the vehicle is very difficult due to the enveloping darkness.
Especially at night, backward driving or approach driving to other cars or walls as well as driving into a garage or parking space is very troublesome because of the darkness in the side directions. As a result, safe driving is greatly hindered.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides rotatable illumination lights for illuminating the dark side and dark areas around the car by mounting tl3e light in the rear view mirror case.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, a rear view mirror and light assembly for vehicles is provided comprising a parallelepiped housing adapted for mounting on the vehicle. A mirror is mounted on an exterior wall of the housing, and a lamp mounted within a recess on an adjacent Wall. The lamp is journalled between the forked end of a hollow shaft for rotation about a first axis extending between the ends of the fork while the hollow shaft is journalled in the housing for rotation about a second axis extending perpendicularly thereto along the center of said 12917~9 shaft. The shaft and the lamp are separately driven by power means located in the housing to selectively rotate the lamp about the first axis and the forked end about the second axis, wherby the lamp is universally adjustable.
Thus, the rear view mirror assembly is mounted on car in such a way that the lamp may be rotated in all directions concurrently with the adjustment of the mirror. In this way, dark areas may be optionally and selectively illuminated. Consequently, safe driving at night can be achieved because circumferential areas about the vehicle can be easily seen even when the car is driven backward or driven to approach other cars as well as for garaging.
Furthermore, circumferential areas about the car may be seen by a driver's direct eyesight as well as by the indirect sighting of the driver from his seat throught the mirrors.
The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the annexed drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rear view mirror case provided with openings for an illumination light and steering rod according to the invention, including an exploded view of bhe base plate, steering rod, and steering tube, to be mounted in the case :
Fig. 2 provides exploded perspec~ive views of a pillar and a mechanism for the apparatus of the present invention in which :
Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the steering mecllanism which operates the illumination light in all directions and also steers the mirror in the up and down directions, Fig. 2b is a perspective view of the base plate and the steering tuhe encased together in the mirror case, and Fig. 2c is a right side view of a pillar, showing a retainer for receiving a steering base plate, Fig. 3 provides perspective views of internal structure of the mechanism n which :
Fig. 3a is a perspective view of the interior of the mechansim, showing members engaged with a driving shaft and a shaft tube, Fig. 3b is an enlarged vertical section of worms and helical gears, and .~
Fig. 3c is an enlarged vertical section, showing the illumination light being engaged with the driving shaft and shaft tube :
Fig. 4 provides exploded perspective views of the rear view mirror and illumination light in which :
Fig. 4a i8 a perspective view of the back of the mirror, showing drivin8 screws and a coupler"
., .
Fig. 4b is a plain perspective view of the mirror case in which the mechanism case is fixed to the base plate by screws and the steering base plate is fixed to the retainer by screws whereby the assembled mirror case may be moved along the pillar, and Fig. 4c shows an illumination light with a reflection member being directed upwards, ready to be inserted in the illumination light insertion opening :
Fig. 5 provides perspective views of the present invention in which Fig. 5a is a plain perspective view, showing a reflection lamp of the illumination light being driven upwards, and 1~91739 Fig. 5b is a plain perspective view, showing a reflection lamp of the illumination light being driven downwards : and Fig. 6 provides views showing the operation of the illumination light in which :
Fig. 6a shows the illumination light being driven to the left, and Fig. 6b shows the illumination light being driven to the r.ght.
Legend 1. Back -mirror case 2. Illumination la~p tn8ertion opening 3. Steering rod insertion opening 4. H-shaped support bracket 7. Tubular steering collar Stsering rod 11. Coil spring .
13. U-shaped ciip 14. Annular recess 19. Mechanism case 20. Illumination lamp 29. Tubular shaft 30. Support frame 31. Driving rod 32. Knurling member 33. Ratchet 40. Lid 41, 41' Holes ~`
12~1739 nETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to ~ig. 1 t the rear view mirror comprises a generally parallelepiped case 1 having an opening 2 in its lower wall for the insertion of an illuminating light L (Fig. 4) and an opening 3 at a left lower edge for insertion of an adjustment or positioning mechanism P(Fig. 2). An H-shaped support bracket 4 is mounted within the case l. The hracket 4 is provi~ed with holes 5, 5' in each corner which register with corresponding tubular posts 6, 6' provided in the case 1 and upon which the bracket 4 fixedly sits.
The adjustment mechanism P comprises a tubular steering collar 7 integral formed on the lower left arm of the H-shaped support bracket 4.
The collar 7 is adapted to slideably fit over a tubular rod 10 mounted on a flat plate 15 which is exposed through the corner opening 3 in the case 1, The lower frontal e~ge of the collar 7 is provided with a plurality of uniformly spaced slots 8 facing toward the plate 15 while a radially inwardly directed shoulder 9 is formed on the interior of collar 7.
The tubular rod lO is provided with a plurality~of corresponding detents or noses 8' and an arcuate shoulder 9' which causes the slots 8 and nosss 8' to interer.gage and fit snuggly when the collar 7 and rod lU
are pushed axially together. In this condition the rod 10 extends through and beyond the collar 7 over which is provided a collar spring 11 held by a washer 12 and U-shaped clip 13 which fits onto an annular recess.14 formed at the end of the rod 10.
As seen in Fig. 2 a flat plate 15 is intergrally attached at the end of the rod 10 and is fixedly fit into a retainer 17 extending from and integrally formed with a pillow block 16 which itself is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle chassis or exterior member. The flat plate 15 is secured to the retainer 17 by suitable screws 18 or similar fastening means so that only the case 1 and its contents are moveable relative to the pillow block 16.
As seen in Figs. 2 and 4, there is mounted on the support bracket 4 a case 19 in which the operating and adjustment mechanism for the mirror are located. The case 19 is formed with upper and lower sections adapted to be fastened together. The upper and lower sections of the case l9 is provided with tubular shaft 29 at its corners, each having a hole adapted to register with the tubular posts 6 so as to be secured to case 1 by suitable screws or bolts.
As seen in Fig. 3, there is located within the case 19 a mechanism for driving the lamp 20 of the illuminating light L comprising motors 21 and 21' and a mechanism for driving the mirrors M comprising motors 23 and 23'.
Each of thè motors 21 and 21' are provided with a correspo,ndin8 drive shaft in the form of worms 24 wh;le each of the motors 23 and 23' are similarly provided with drive worms 24'. The worms 24 engage with helical gears 25 and 25', which are respectively mounted on stub shafts 26 and 26' at the ends of which are also carry driven gears 27 ~nd 27' which drive further gears 28 and 28'.
The worm gear 28 is fixed to one end of a hollow tubular shaft 29, the other end of which is forked, forming a U-shaped supporting frame 30 in which is retained the lamp 20. In this manner, the forked end is rotatable about an axis passing through the center of the shaft 29. The worm gear 28' is fixed on a driving rod 31 which passes through the tubular shaft 29 and is formed with a knurled member 32 at its other end which engages with a ratchet 33 in the housing for the lamp 20 so as to enable rotation of the lamp about an axis perpendicular to that of the shaft 29, as seen in Figs. 4 and 5.
_ 6 --12~739 Inside the lamp 20 there is disposed a reflector 34 and a light bulb 35. The electric wire 36 connected to both terminals of the lamp 20 is led outside via the insidehollow arms of the support frame 30.
Each of the two worms 24', coupled to the motors 23 and 23', driving the mirror 22, operate driving screws 37 and 37', respectively, which are loosely attached to the back of the mirror 22 so that by threading or unthreading the s~rews 37 and/or 37' the mirror is tilted up or down and sideways. The driving screws 37 and 37' pass through helical gears 38 and 38', respectively, which mesh with the worms 24'. Helical rings 39 and 39' meshing with the screws 37 and 37' are formed inside ~he he~ical gears 38 and 38' and are aligned with holes 41 and 41' when the lid 40 of the mechanism case 19 is put in place so that the screws 37 and 37' can pass therethrough.
When the screws 37 and 37' are passed through the holes 41 and 41'.
the lower ends of the driving screws 37 and 37' are tightened about inside projections 42 and 42' of the helical rings 39 and 39'. As seen in Fig. 4 a coupler 43 secured to the back of the mirror is placed over an engagement ring 44 formed over the lid 40. Clamps 45 and 45' project in tubular form from the back of the }id 40 and serve as support members to keep the helical gears 38 and 38' from being lifted out of place.
Reference numerals 46 and 46' are lead wires cGnnecting each of the motore 21, 21', 23, and 23' to convention vehicular power sources. The motors 21 and 21' as well as motors 23 and 23' are preferably reversible electrical motors and are connected to the power source through conventional on-off andJor polarity reversing switches.
In practicej the present invention is used by fixing the pillow block 16 to the side of the vehiole, preferably on the window frame just as the conventional mirror is fixed.
To drive the lamp 20 in either the up or down direction the motor 21' is actuated so that the associated worm 24 drives the helical gear 25' which in turn drives the driving gear 27' of the shaft 26. since the _ 7 _ 1291~39 driven gear 28' meshes with the driving gear 27', the driving rod 31 is rotated inside the tubular shaft 29. As a result the knurled member 32, formed at the outer end of the rod 31, meshes with the ratchet 33, causing the lamp 20 to rotate about the transverse axis between the arms of the forked end, as indicated by the double arrow A.
Depending on the direction in which the motor 21' is driven, the lamp 20 will thus move up or down in t~le direction shown by the double arrow A in Fig. 3 to enable the castirg of light in the up or down direction.
To rotate the lamp 20 about the axis of the tubular shaft 29 so as to irradiate at front and rear acute angles as well as to the right orleft side, the motor 21 is actuated, cau~ing the worm 24 to drive the helical gear 25 which in turn drives the gear 27, whereby causing the tubular shaft 29 to rotate about its central axis. The rotation of shaft 29 causes the forked support frame 30 to pivot to the ri8ht or left direction as indicated by the arrow B, concurrently carrying with it the lamp 20, which may be separately rotated about the perpendicular axis as indicated above.
The direction of rotation of the shaft 29 will also depend on the direction in which the motor 21 is driven.
In addition to being able to radiate light in all directions of the car by rotating the illumination lamp 20, the mirror is also constructed so as to similarly function as now explained. The actuation of the motor 23' dri~es the helical gear 33' through the rotation of the worm 24' and the associated driving screw 37', threadedly engaged around the inside projection 42' of the helical ring 39', is pulled inwardly whereby mirror 22 is caused to pivot to the right to receive images of objects or places illuminated by lamp 20 from that direction. To tilt the mirror 22 to the left the ~otor 23 is actuated in the same manner, and the illuminated objects from that direction will be observed. To release the driving screws 37 and 37' from the inside projections 42 and 42' and to reset the mirrors, forward-reverse mirrors switches (not shown) controlling the motors 23 and 23' are actuated.
12!~1739 Thus, according to the present invention, all directions radiating from the car may be illuminated by rotating the lamp 20 selectively in any combination of directions. By using the lamp 20 of the present invention, safe driving in the night, particularly in case of driving in crowded places or garaging the car, can be achieved. The driver's visibility may be particularly extended when the car is driven on curved roads.
~ he present invention may also be used when changing tires at night, coupling or uncoupling of chains in snow season, and in other repair works of the car where illumination of the sides of the car are necessary.
~`
By fixing the pillow block 16 to the side window frame of the car, location of the mirror case l may easily adjusted by manual operation, since the steering base 15 and the retainer 17 being fixed together by screws are resiliently held by the rod 10 pushed into the tube 7 which is held by the resilient coil spring 11.
As seen in Figs. 2 and 4, there is mounted on the support bracket 4 a case 19 in which the operating and adjustment mechanism for the mirror are located. The case 19 is formed with upper and lower sections adapted to be fastened together. The upper and lower sections of the case l9 is provided with tubular shaft 29 at its corners, each having a hole adapted to register with the tubular posts 6 so as to be secured to case 1 by suitable screws or bolts.
As seen in Fig. 3, there is located within the case 19 a mechanism for driving the lamp 20 of the illuminating light L comprising motors 21 and 21' and a mechanism for driving the mirrors M comprising motors 23 and 23'.
Each of thè motors 21 and 21' are provided with a correspo,ndin8 drive shaft in the form of worms 24 wh;le each of the motors 23 and 23' are similarly provided with drive worms 24'. The worms 24 engage with helical gears 25 and 25', which are respectively mounted on stub shafts 26 and 26' at the ends of which are also carry driven gears 27 ~nd 27' which drive further gears 28 and 28'.
The worm gear 28 is fixed to one end of a hollow tubular shaft 29, the other end of which is forked, forming a U-shaped supporting frame 30 in which is retained the lamp 20. In this manner, the forked end is rotatable about an axis passing through the center of the shaft 29. The worm gear 28' is fixed on a driving rod 31 which passes through the tubular shaft 29 and is formed with a knurled member 32 at its other end which engages with a ratchet 33 in the housing for the lamp 20 so as to enable rotation of the lamp about an axis perpendicular to that of the shaft 29, as seen in Figs. 4 and 5.
_ 6 --12~739 Inside the lamp 20 there is disposed a reflector 34 and a light bulb 35. The electric wire 36 connected to both terminals of the lamp 20 is led outside via the insidehollow arms of the support frame 30.
Each of the two worms 24', coupled to the motors 23 and 23', driving the mirror 22, operate driving screws 37 and 37', respectively, which are loosely attached to the back of the mirror 22 so that by threading or unthreading the s~rews 37 and/or 37' the mirror is tilted up or down and sideways. The driving screws 37 and 37' pass through helical gears 38 and 38', respectively, which mesh with the worms 24'. Helical rings 39 and 39' meshing with the screws 37 and 37' are formed inside ~he he~ical gears 38 and 38' and are aligned with holes 41 and 41' when the lid 40 of the mechanism case 19 is put in place so that the screws 37 and 37' can pass therethrough.
When the screws 37 and 37' are passed through the holes 41 and 41'.
the lower ends of the driving screws 37 and 37' are tightened about inside projections 42 and 42' of the helical rings 39 and 39'. As seen in Fig. 4 a coupler 43 secured to the back of the mirror is placed over an engagement ring 44 formed over the lid 40. Clamps 45 and 45' project in tubular form from the back of the }id 40 and serve as support members to keep the helical gears 38 and 38' from being lifted out of place.
Reference numerals 46 and 46' are lead wires cGnnecting each of the motore 21, 21', 23, and 23' to convention vehicular power sources. The motors 21 and 21' as well as motors 23 and 23' are preferably reversible electrical motors and are connected to the power source through conventional on-off andJor polarity reversing switches.
In practicej the present invention is used by fixing the pillow block 16 to the side of the vehiole, preferably on the window frame just as the conventional mirror is fixed.
To drive the lamp 20 in either the up or down direction the motor 21' is actuated so that the associated worm 24 drives the helical gear 25' which in turn drives the driving gear 27' of the shaft 26. since the _ 7 _ 1291~39 driven gear 28' meshes with the driving gear 27', the driving rod 31 is rotated inside the tubular shaft 29. As a result the knurled member 32, formed at the outer end of the rod 31, meshes with the ratchet 33, causing the lamp 20 to rotate about the transverse axis between the arms of the forked end, as indicated by the double arrow A.
Depending on the direction in which the motor 21' is driven, the lamp 20 will thus move up or down in t~le direction shown by the double arrow A in Fig. 3 to enable the castirg of light in the up or down direction.
To rotate the lamp 20 about the axis of the tubular shaft 29 so as to irradiate at front and rear acute angles as well as to the right orleft side, the motor 21 is actuated, cau~ing the worm 24 to drive the helical gear 25 which in turn drives the gear 27, whereby causing the tubular shaft 29 to rotate about its central axis. The rotation of shaft 29 causes the forked support frame 30 to pivot to the ri8ht or left direction as indicated by the arrow B, concurrently carrying with it the lamp 20, which may be separately rotated about the perpendicular axis as indicated above.
The direction of rotation of the shaft 29 will also depend on the direction in which the motor 21 is driven.
In addition to being able to radiate light in all directions of the car by rotating the illumination lamp 20, the mirror is also constructed so as to similarly function as now explained. The actuation of the motor 23' dri~es the helical gear 33' through the rotation of the worm 24' and the associated driving screw 37', threadedly engaged around the inside projection 42' of the helical ring 39', is pulled inwardly whereby mirror 22 is caused to pivot to the right to receive images of objects or places illuminated by lamp 20 from that direction. To tilt the mirror 22 to the left the ~otor 23 is actuated in the same manner, and the illuminated objects from that direction will be observed. To release the driving screws 37 and 37' from the inside projections 42 and 42' and to reset the mirrors, forward-reverse mirrors switches (not shown) controlling the motors 23 and 23' are actuated.
12!~1739 Thus, according to the present invention, all directions radiating from the car may be illuminated by rotating the lamp 20 selectively in any combination of directions. By using the lamp 20 of the present invention, safe driving in the night, particularly in case of driving in crowded places or garaging the car, can be achieved. The driver's visibility may be particularly extended when the car is driven on curved roads.
~ he present invention may also be used when changing tires at night, coupling or uncoupling of chains in snow season, and in other repair works of the car where illumination of the sides of the car are necessary.
~`
By fixing the pillow block 16 to the side window frame of the car, location of the mirror case l may easily adjusted by manual operation, since the steering base 15 and the retainer 17 being fixed together by screws are resiliently held by the rod 10 pushed into the tube 7 which is held by the resilient coil spring 11.
Claims (4)
1. Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car side, comprising a back-mirror case provided with an illumination light insertion opening at lower wall and a steering rod insertion opening at a left side edge, a steering tube formed at one end of a base plate as an integral part thereof being encased in said case together with said base plate, a steering rod being pushed into said steering tube and a resilient coil spring inserted around said steering tube being pressed until a clip fits snugly into a clip recess, a mechanism case with a mechanism case lid having holes being fixed to said base plate in said case, a support frame retaining an illumination light being fixed at one end of a shaft tube, and said illumination light being inserted into said illumination light insertion opening so that a knurling member formed at a front end of a driving shaft may engage with a guiding knurling member of said illumination light, characterized in that said illumination light may be rotated toward up and down direction by the rotation of said driving shaft and in right and left direction by the rotation of said shaft tube.
2. Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car side according to claim 1, characterized in that said illumination light 20 is rotatably inserted into said illumination light is rotatably inserted into said illumination light insertion opening provided at lower wall of said case.
3. Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car side according to claim 1, characterized in that said case comprises said illumination light insertion opening at lower wall and said steering rod insertion opening at a left side edge, and that said illumination light retained by said support frame may be inserted into said illumination light insertion opening.
4. Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car side according to claim 1, characterized in that said shaft tube and said driving shaft being arranged in said mechanism case provided with said mechanism case lid having holes, and that said mechanism case and said mechanism case lid being fixed to said base plate in said case.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR1019870008093A KR910002276B1 (en) | 1987-07-24 | 1987-07-24 | Rear-view mirror with light at car side |
| KR1987-8093 | 1987-07-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1291739C true CA1291739C (en) | 1991-11-05 |
Family
ID=19263279
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000572786A Expired - Lifetime CA1291739C (en) | 1987-07-24 | 1988-07-22 | Back-mirror fitted with illumination light at car side |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4809137A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH01111549A (en) |
| KR (1) | KR910002276B1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU1929788A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1291739C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3825398A1 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2618397A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2208284A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1226295B (en) |
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| US9586526B2 (en) | 1995-04-21 | 2017-03-07 | Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. | Vehicle exterior mirror system |
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| ES2257945B1 (en) * | 2004-10-22 | 2007-08-16 | Fico Mirrors, S.A. | OUTDOOR REAR VIEW MIRROR FOR A VEHICLE. |
| DE102006056069A1 (en) * | 2006-11-20 | 2008-05-21 | Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany Gmbh | Exterior rearview mirror for vehicles, preferably for motor vehicles |
| US7618169B1 (en) * | 2007-01-31 | 2009-11-17 | Herbert Lee | Light projecting rear view mirror apparatus |
| US20120294027A1 (en) * | 2011-05-17 | 2012-11-22 | Code 3, Inc. | Universal Light Module for Exterior Side Rear View Mirror of Vehicle |
| JP5734762B2 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2015-06-17 | 株式会社東海理化電機製作所 | Mirror device for vehicle |
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| ES2572302B1 (en) * | 2014-11-28 | 2017-03-17 | Domingo PANEDA MEDINA | Exterior mirror with built-in lighting |
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| CN105882536B (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2018-02-06 | 山东文捷智能动力有限公司 | Rearview mirror steering assistance illuminator |
| CN108237969A (en) * | 2017-12-15 | 2018-07-03 | 北京车和家信息技术有限公司 | Auxiliary lighting control method and device, storage medium, light and vehicle |
| CN108705971B (en) * | 2018-05-22 | 2020-03-27 | 厦门飞德利照明科技有限公司 | Vehicle-mounted LED lighting system |
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| US1448791A (en) * | 1920-01-14 | 1923-03-20 | Coffeen Roy | Spotlight |
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| US3596079A (en) * | 1969-02-20 | 1971-07-27 | Martin C Clark | Power control and backup light for vehicle rearview mirror |
| FR2359012A1 (en) * | 1976-07-21 | 1978-02-17 | Shimizu Yuichi | Safety wing mirror for night driving - has rearwards directed light mounted below mirror housing and operated by switch |
| CH648246A5 (en) * | 1980-04-11 | 1985-03-15 | Josef Felber | REAR LIGHT DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY FOR TRUCKS. |
-
1987
- 1987-07-24 KR KR1019870008093A patent/KR910002276B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1987-09-21 US US07/099,125 patent/US4809137A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1988
- 1988-07-21 GB GB8817377A patent/GB2208284A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-07-21 AU AU19297/88A patent/AU1929788A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1988-07-22 JP JP63184245A patent/JPH01111549A/en active Pending
- 1988-07-22 CA CA000572786A patent/CA1291739C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1988-07-23 DE DE3825398A patent/DE3825398A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-07-25 FR FR8809998A patent/FR2618397A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1988-07-25 IT IT8821469A patent/IT1226295B/en active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE3825398A1 (en) | 1989-02-02 |
| AU1929788A (en) | 1989-01-27 |
| US4809137A (en) | 1989-02-28 |
| IT8821469A0 (en) | 1988-07-25 |
| KR890001796A (en) | 1989-04-06 |
| JPH01111549A (en) | 1989-04-28 |
| GB8817377D0 (en) | 1988-08-24 |
| FR2618397A1 (en) | 1989-01-27 |
| KR910002276B1 (en) | 1991-04-11 |
| GB2208284A (en) | 1989-03-22 |
| IT1226295B (en) | 1990-12-27 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |