MXPA00000760A - Rearview mirror assembly with integral display element - Google Patents

Abstract

A rearview mirror (2) is described, especially for motor vehicles, in which in the direction of a top view, at least one radiation emitting display element (8) is placed behind the mirror pane (6), which emits through the said mirror pane (6). The display element (8) can emit light in the visible range or in the infrared range. Said display element (8) is preferred as a light emitting diode (10) or a seven segment display. The object of the present invention can, for instance, be combined with a so-called back-up aid, whereby then the display element(s) (8) can display back-up distance data or distance codes between the tailgate and an obstruction or a target of back-up maneuvering

Description

MIRROR MIRRORS WITH ELEMENTS COMPREHENSIVE INDICATORS FOR MOTORIZED VEHICLES Description of the invention The invention relates to a rearview mirror, in particular for motorized vehicles according to the generic concept of claim 1 of the present application. It is common knowledge to equip vehicles with so-called auxiliary back-up or recoil equipment that has one or more detectors as its characteristic. The detectors can operate for example on an ultrasonic base and can be placed on the back of the vehicle. Evaluation and indication devices connected to the detectors can be placed in the driver's cab or compartment. In particular, for large commercial vehicles, such as trucks, for example semi-trailers, articulated vehicles and the like, back-up auxiliary equipment provides great assistance for the driver. With such help in the reverse maneuver, an indication of the distance to an obstruction or to an objective of the maneuver can be made, for example to a port or charging station. The detector (s) placed on the back of the vehicle determines the distance to an obstruction or target and this distance is indicated on a monitor in the driver's compartment. The REF: 31514 distance can be displayed either directly in meters and centimeters by means of a screen or indicator of seven segments or more preferably the screen or indicator will display one or more signal lamps of different colors (Light Emitting Diodes, hereinafter referred to herein as LED) by means of which the distance to an obstruction or to the purpose of the maneuver is shown, in defined increments. Additionally, acoustic signals can be used. Where the reverse or reverse maneuver is involved, the driver is dependent to a large extent on the information that is seen in the external rearview mirror. With the help of the rear-view mirrors that are on both sides of the cab as a rule, the driver is in a position to maneuver safely. Depending of course on the appropriate knowledge and experience. In connection with auxiliary reversing equipment of the kind described, very large vehicles with a non-visible rear area can maneuver safely. The disadvantage in the described situation is that when a maneuver is carried out with the help of the two rear-view mirrors and the auxiliary reversing equipment, the driver's attention is continually attracted to one of the two rear-view mirrors or between two mirrors and also must be diverted to a screen or indicator arranged on or in the dashboard. This requires more effort of concentration and also impairs the accuracy of the judgment with respect to the images in the mirror or in the auxiliary reversing indicator. The latter is particularly significant if there are highly contrasted brightness conditions between the image in the rear view mirrors and the auxiliary reversing indicator, since the eyes always require a certain time to adapt to a change in brightness - darkness, darkness - brightness in the field of visualization In addition, the image in the rear-view mirror (s) and the indicator falls as a rule at different distances, so that the eyes, in the continuous change of view, also require a certain compensation time for this. . All these factors are added to the point where a lot of knowledge and concentration is required by the driver in the reversing maneuver with the help of the rear-view mirrors and the indication of an auxiliary gear. Facing this problem, the purpose of the invention is to create a rearview mirror that allows the driver of a vehicle to accept, together with the information that is communicated by the rear view mirrors, additional information without having to take the view of the rear view mirrors .a.

To achieve this purpose, the present invention proposes according to claim 1 a rearview mirror particularly for motorized vehicles with a mirror glass, wherein the mirror is characterized in that, in the top viewing direction behind the mirror glass, it is placed at least one emitting radiation indicating element that radiates through the mirror glass. In the scope of the present invention there would be a radiation emitting indicator element located behind the mirror glass, whereby this indicator element would emit its radiation through the glass of the mirror. Mirror glasses, for example, such as chrome-glass, to a certain degree are transparent for such radiation entering through the back side of the mirror glass. At the same time, the mirror glasses are still reflective or reflective and mirror-like, when viewed from the front or front side. The present invention makes use of this, since it places at least one radiation-emitting indicator element behind the mirror glass. This indicator, associated with this element, for an observer in front of the mirror, falls more or less in the plane of the glass of the mirror and the information transmitted by the indicator element is seen through the mirror glass "inside" of the usual reflected image , which is reflected from the mirror glass. In this way, it is possible to place the indicating element (s) emitter (s) of auxiliary reversing equipment, in accordance with the teachings of the patent invention, behind the mirror glass. When this is done, then these indicator elements merge their corresponding information through the glass of the mirror, combining with the reflecting image on the glass of the mirror. Then the observer receives, at first glance, information of the image in the mirror on the mirror glass, also as information of the indicator element (s). The driver's vision no longer needs to be shared between the mirror and a separate indicating device. The driver's vision no longer needs to be diverted alternately to the instrument panel, but his attention remains, in the reverse maneuver, only in the mirror. This is the result of all the data collected for the reverse operation that is presented at first glance. A more precise and fatigue-free handling is made possible by these measures. The indicator element can radiate either in the visible light spectrum or infrared light. In practice, the emission of light in the visible spectrum is used in most cases since, with such light, a direct optical indication is possible. For certain application cases, an infrared emission would be of interest, for example, for information that is not visible to the naked eye or coding between the vehicle and a stationary point for monitoring and registration. In relation to this, it should be mentioned that the object of the present invention is concerned with bringing the radiation emitting indicator elements in general behind the mirror glass. A transmission of direct visual information to the driver by means of these indicator elements is only one possible and especially advantageous application of the concept of the invention. Also advantageous according to a further embodiment are a plurality of light-emitting indicator elements mounted in groups behind the mirror glass. In this case it becomes possible to transmit even more complex data, for example a decreasing spatial interval between the rear hatch of the vehicle and an obstruction or maneuvering target, during the recoil. Of possible consideration is for example a larger series of indicator elements fitted close together, between which one or the other is either active or inactive, if the rear hatch of the vehicle is close to an obstruction or the maneuvering target behind. The method of operation in this case is that as it approaches a minimum distance either all indicator elements are deactivated or cause an illumination of the indicator in the form of a figurative barrier. An additional possibility in the representation of information would be to enable an intermittent indicator, the frequency of which is directly proportional to the distance to the obstruction or the objective of the reversing maneuver. Preference is given to LEDs that serve as indicating elements, in particular high capacity LEDs. Preference is given due to small size, moderate energy demand, high life expectancy, freedom from sensitivity to vibration and impact and availability in various dimensions and shapes. An additional advantage is also obtained when, according to a further embodiment, the LEDs are of various colors. By this, the content of data that can be transferred through the mirror glass can still be expanded. Instead of, or in addition to the LEDs, the indicator elements can activate one or more "seven segment" indicators. In this case it is possible to indicate the intermediate distance from the rear hatch of the vehicle to the obstacle or objective of the reversing maneuver, in a direct analogue way, that is, in meters or centimeters. Also, other data such as the temperature of the outside, the clear distance secured to the vehicle coming in the way, the ignition of the heating of the mirror, a memory function for the motor adjusting the mirror, turn signals, the presence of people in the area dead not visible, all of which may be captured and subsequently converted to an indication. Due to the fact that the indicator elements are arranged behind the mirror glass and must radiate through the mirror glass, the advantage arises, on the one hand that the indicator image produced from the emission of the indicator element, is practically appreciated direct on the reflective surface of the mirror. In addition, the indicator elements now involved are protected from the dangers of time and the environment. However, it also arises due to the radiation through the glass of the mirror, a certain weakening of the image shown that is observed by the driver. In situations of unfavorable light, this can lead to a situation where the visual light projected onto the mirror glass of the rear view mirror can not be read or deciphered or is only poorly recognizable. Taking this into account, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the reflective coating of the surface area immediately opposite to the emanation of the indicator elements is eliminated at least partially. This allows the emanating indication to advance from the indicator element to the viewing surface with minimal hindrance through the transparent or translucent material of the mirror glass. Thus the indicator is not weakened. In order to prevent that by this partial removal of the reflector coating, the rearview mirror, that is its reflecting layer, is seen as "perforated" according to yet another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the removal of the reflective layer is out in the form of cut, thin lines, parallel to each other or in the form of individual small dots. Again, by filling a surface shape sized to conform to the orifice or emitting aperture of the indicator element, the above removal means are applied to the front surface of the mirror. Particularly when the removed surface of the mirror is in the form of thin lines, cut, parallel to each other or in the form of small individual points, this removal or distancing of the mirror coating, from a certain distance of observation, is no longer essentially visible and it does not essentially impair the presentation of the image in the mirror. A further possibility is to subject the reflective layer to abrasion, in such a way that distinctive symbols or so-called pictograms are then illuminated, when one or other of the various indicator elements behind the reflecting layer are activated.

In order to prevent possible divergent radiation or halo formations around the point of true light or images, the back side of the mirror, with the exception of the transparent areas for visible light or radiation can be covered for example with a coating of lacquer. The partial removal or abrasion of the reflective layer can be carried out, for example, by a precision laser method or by an etching process, by sandblasting, by incising lines or by masking when the reflective mirror coating. The direction of radiation of the indicator elements may be at an angle either far away or towards the observer, such that the resulting image in several directions appears bright or intense differently and also clear or less clear, that is, to the point of not being seen. The direction of radiation of the indicator elements can be directed by means of lenses, which are embedded in the material of the mirror glass or fastened to it. Additional details, aspects and advantages of the present invention arise from the following description of the modalities with the use of the drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 is a simplified side sectional view through a rearview mirror according to the invention, with an indicator element placed behind the glass of the mirror, Figure 2 is a front view of a glass of the mirror with a arrangement or possibilities for the indicator elements and figure 3 is a sectional side view through a lens embedded in the mirror glass. A rearview mirror, designated in the general drawings as 2, exhibits the laminated construction as shown in the sectional view of Figure 1, with a carrier plate 4 and a glass 6 of the mirror attached thereto. The rear view mirror 2 in the embodiment shown in figure 1, is designed as a so-called front surface mirror, ie the mirror glass 6 has the reflective layer or layer not on the surface in proximity to the carrier 4, but on the Free exposed surface. An example of this kind of glass 6 of the mirror is a chrome-glass mirror. The carrier plate 4 serves for the assembly of at least one or preferably a plurality of indicator elements 8, located behind the glass 6 of the mirror, is thus located inside the rearview mirror 2. In figure 1, the indicator element 8 is designed in the form of an LED 10. To secure the LED 10, the carrier plate 4 comprises a receptacle 12 that conforms to the external contour of the LED 10, in which the LED 10 is inserted and if necessary, is also maintained with adhesive. In the area of the receptacle 12, the carrier plate is opened in such a way that the LED is allowed to be directly behind the glass 6 of the mirror. The electrical connection elements 14 and 16 of the LED 10 are soldered on a board 18, which has the necessary power and control wiring. Preferably, the board 18 is in the form of a so-called circuit board. The board 18 can be supported, for example, on the carrier plate 4, as indicated in FIG. 1 by the dotted line. If necessary or desired, a focusing lens can still be placed between the front side or the front end of the LED 10 and the rear side of the glass 6 of the mirror. This lens then makes sure that the light emitted from the LED 10 reaches the back side of the reflecting mirror layer 6, essentially in a vertical direction, such that less refractive error and reflection occurs and the amount of available light is used to its maximum extent. Furthermore, such focusing lens allows the formation of a beam and thus an intensification of the light emitted by the LED 10, which light advances through the glass of the mirror 6.

The direction of the radiation emitting indicator element can also advance to an angle either to the observer or to the observer., in such a way that it is appreciated that the image produced by the indicator element from several directions is differently intense or bright, also as more clear or less clear, even to the point of not being seen. Thus, other people, that is, passengers are not disturbed. The direction of irradiation of the radiation-emitting indicating element can be directed in this respect by means of the lens, the lenses are either embedded to the material of the mirror glass or fastened thereto. Instead of the design of a part of the receptacle 12 on the carrier plate 4, this can consist of a separate component, which is fastened on the carrier plate 4 or fixed thereto by adhesive or is still fastened in another way. Also, in the case of another embodiment of the radiation emitting indicator element, this can also be secured by adhesive directly on the back side of the mirror glass. Figure 2 shows a view from the front on a surface section of the glass 6 of the mirror of the rear view mirror 2 according to the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a total of three LEDs 10 and indicating elements 20a, 20b and 20c are shown which are adjacent to each other. Figure 2 also shows the possibility that an LED or pilot light, a so-called seven-segment indicator 22 which also projects its image through the glass material 6 of the mirror, can be used behind the mirror glass 6. By means of mounting a plurality of LEDs and / or a plurality of seven-segment indicators, the presentation of complex information or data on the surface of the mirror glass 6 can be performed. The amplification allows the additional effect that LEDs or pilot lights indicating different colors can be used, particularly in green, yellow and red colors. In addition, the indicator elements 8 can be grouped together on the surface of the glass 6 of the mirror or arranged in another manner in order to make certain information or indications more noticeable. Instead of light emitting indicator elements, that is, indicating elements that emit light in the visible range, for certain cases of applications, as explained above, it may be advantageous to use indicator elements that emit in the infrared spectrum, that is, the called IR diodes. For example, the use of LEDs in the infrared spectrum is advantageous if a camera is installed. Such a camera would be mounted externally to the vehicle and would verify such areas in dead zones that can not be seen by the driver. The IR diodes together with an IR-sensitive camera allow a verification or presentation of images without detriment to the immediate surroundings, that is, by glare. In this connection reference is made to the concurrent German patent entitled "Rearview Mirror" (file number of the patent attorney ML0316). In the text contained therein, a particularly advantageous camera for this service is described. In the descriptions contained therein, full reference is made to this instrument. On the basis of the passage of radiation emanating from the indicator element 8 and passing through the glass material 6 of the mirror and thereafter through the reflecting mirror coating, a certain weakening of the emitted light or other radiation of the element occurs. indicator 8. Although this can be partially compensated by the use of for example high capacity LED, according to yet another preferred embodiment, the reflective coating of the mirror glass 6, in at least one area opposite the indicator element 8, can be partially removed. Figure 2 illustrates a total of five possibilities as to how this mirror coating of the mirror glass 6 in front of the indicator element (s) 8 can be eliminated. In the case of the indicator element or LED 20a, the reflector mirror coating is in the form of very thin divided lines., aligned in essence closely and parallel to each other. These lines 24 can run horizontally, diagonally or vertically and are opposite the indicator element (s) 8 or the LED 20a. Due to the elimination of the mirror coating by the thin lines 24, on the one hand, a clearly larger portion of the radiation emitted from the indicator element 8 can pass outside, on the other hand, the reflective character of the mirror glass 6 will be affected only in a despicable way. The same or similar effects can be obtained where the reflecting layer is partially removed by a plurality of individual small dots 26, as indicated in Figure 2, in the case of the LED 20c. A further possibility for the removal of the reflector coating would be to partially remove it, in the form of one of the radiation emitting surfaces of the corresponding size 28 of the indicator element. Since the size of the surface 28 essentially represents only the size of the radiation emitting surface of the indicator element (LED 20b), by this method, the surface of the mirror glass 6 is affected in the same way only immaterially. Also, in front of the seven-segment indicator 22 or in front of a plurality of seven-segment indicators, for example lines 24 or points 26 can be designed in the reflective mirror layer, in order to increase the transparency of the mirror glass, is say, the reflective coating on the mirror glass. In addition, the reflective coating can be partially removed in the form of symbols and pictograms. As an example, a symbol 30 is referred to herein as an ice warning and a symbol 32 for heating the mirror in Figure 2. The design of lines or dots 24, 26 and 28 can be made by a laser, by means of a laser. engraving process, by sandblasting, by scraping. The design can also be effected by a corresponding masking when the reflector coating is applied on the mirror glass 6. The indicator element (s) may be equipped with a common attenuating function or acting separately in order to have the possibility of ating the optimum or desired degree of current brightness. The radiation direction of the emitting radiation indicating element may be inclined, if required, from an observed or it may be directed towards the observer, in such a way that the indicating element appears differently intense or bright or clear or less clear, even to the point of not being seen. Thus, other people, for example a passenger, do not need to be bothered by the indicator. The direction of radiation of the radiation-emitting indicator element can thus be directed by means of lenses either embedded in the material of the mirror glass or fixed adhesively thereto. Figure 3 shows an example of an embedded lens 34. In order to prevent possible divergent radiation or halo formations around the point of true light or light emanations, the back side of the mirror 6, with the section of the transparent areas for visible light or radiation they can be covered for example with a coating of lacquer. Figure 3 shows the arrangement with the lacquer coating 36 applied around the lens 34. In the case of Figure 1, the lacquer coating 36 was applied between the carrier plate 4 and the mirror glass 6 around the receptacle 12. More precisely, the lacquer was applied around the opening or orifice 38 which emanates radiation defined by the receptacle. Within the framework of the present invention, it is possible to merge data to the reflected images existing in the rear view mirror. For example, in the case of auxiliary reversing or recoiling equipment, the driver, during reversing maneuvers, where he has to use the rear-view mirror, simultaneously receives data from the auxiliary reversing equipment in terms of the separation distance of an obstacle or the objective of the maneuver, in such a way that the driver's look does not need to alternate continuously between the rear-view mirrors and the indicator of the driver. recoil (or reverse) on the dashboard. Also, other data may be presented, for example the external temperature and the like. In addition, warning or notification signs can be combined on the surface of the rear view mirror 2. Since the indicator elements 8 are behind the mirror glass 6 and the carrier plate 4, they are protected from the influences of pollution and the environment and are reliably protected. It is noted, in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content is claimed as property to the following claims: 1. A rear-view mirror, in particular for motorized vehicles with a mirror glass, characterized because, in the direction of a top view, behind the glass of mirror, at least one radiation-emitting indicator element that emits radiation through the mirror glass is placed.
2. 2. A rear view mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one indicator element emits light in the visible range.
3. 3. A rearview mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one indicator element emits light in the infrared range.
4. 4. A rearview mirror according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a plurality of radiation-emitting indicator elements are mounted in groups behind the glass of the mirror.
5. 5. A rearview mirror according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the light-emitting diodes of the radiation-emitting indicator element are especially high-capacity light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
6. 6. A rear view mirror according to claim 5, characterized in that the light emitting diodes are of various colors.
7. 7. A rearview mirror according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the radiation emitting indicator element consists of a seven segment display or indicator.
8. 8. A rear view mirror according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the reflective mirror coating of the mirror glass, in an area opposite the indicator element, is at least partially eliminated.
9. 9. A rearview mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflective mirror coating of the mirror glass is removed in front of the indicator element, in the form of fine lines essentially parallel to each other.
10. 10. A rearview mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflective mirror coating of the mirror glass is removed in front of the indicator element in the form of individual small dots.
11. 11. A rearview mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflective mirror coating of the mirror glass is eliminated by points opposite the indicator element, in the configuration of a surface shape that essentially conforms to the size of the emitting surface of the mirror. radiation of the indicator element.
12. 12. A rear view mirror according to claim 8, characterized in that the reflecting coating of the mirror glass opposite the indicator element is eliminated in the form of a symbol or pictogram.
13. 13. A rearview mirror according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the reflective coating is subjected to abrasion by means of a laser.
14. 14. A rearview mirror with any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the reflective coating is subjected to abrasion by means of a etching or etching process.
15. 15. A rearview mirror according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the reflective coating is subjected to abrasion by means of a scraping process.
16. 16. A rearview mirror according to any of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the reflective coating is subjected to abrasion by means of a sandblasting process.
17. 17. A rear view mirror according to any of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the glass side of the mirror next to the radiation emitting indicator element, with the exception of those areas of the radiation emissions, is covered with an impenetrable coating by the light or radiation.
18. 18. A rearview mirror according to any of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the radiation direction of the radiation emitting indicating element can be inclined either angularly from an observer or angularly inclined towards the observer.
19. 19. A rearview mirror according to claim 18, characterized in that the radiation direction of the radiation-emitting indicator element is directed by means of a lens embedded in the material of the mirror glass or fixed thereto.