GB2541224A

GB2541224A - Mirror assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2541224A
Application number: GB1514356.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brown Christopher; Atkinson Matthew; Bellamy Christopher; Moffat Cora; booker Thomas
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2015-08-13
Filing date: 2015-08-13
Publication date: 2017-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 2035-08-13
Also published as: GB201514356D0; GB2541224B

Abstract

A vanity mirror assembly 12 for an interior of a vehicle cabin, such as in a vehicle door 14, is disclosed, the vanity mirror assembly comprising; a mirror unit 18 configurable to display the reflection of a user; and, a coupling means 30 configured to couple the mirror unit to the cabin interior to permit movement of the mirror unit about more than one axis, and so as to allow positioning of the mirror unit in a range of deployed positions from a stowed position. The mirror unit may be movable about a vertical axis and a horizontal axis as a result of hinges 34a, 34b, 36a, 36b being provided at both ends of the coupling means. In an alternative arrangement a ball and socket joint (figures 5, 6) connects the coupling means to the vehicle interior. When stowed the mirror assembly may lie flush with the vehicle door. The mirror assembly may also be provided in a vehicle seat, ceiling or dashboard.

Description

MIRROR ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a mirror assembly for mounting in a vehicle cabin. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a mirror assembly for mounting on the door in a vehicle cabin. The invention also extends to a vehicle incorporating such a mirror assembly.

BACKGROUND

Automotive vehicles are typically provided with mirrors installed in the cabin interior and arranged to aid the driver to see out the rear of the vehicle. In addition, there are a number of circumstances where it may be desirable for the passengers to observe their own appearance and for this a vanity mirror may be provided.

Known vanity mirror assemblies are usually positioned in the headlining of the cabin interior. In a typical design, a mirror, encased in a support, is secured to the roof lining along one edge by way of a damped hinged mechanism. Such an assembly may form part of a sun visor arrangement, when positioned above the front row of seats. Whilst not in use the mirror is stowed, parallel to the cabin roof, with the mirrored surface facing towards the cabin headlining. The cabin occupant can fold down the free edge of the mirror support in order to expose the mirror and observe their reflection.

Such mirrors are adjustable by way of a hinge mechanism that secures the mirror to the cabin headlining. Storing a mirror in the cabin headlining is not possible for vehicles with collapsible cabin roofs, for example convertibles, or where the available space in the cabin headlining is limited by the presence of a sun roof.

Furthermore, as they are attached to the headlining, the mirrors cannot be satisfactorily positioned for all vehicle occupants. Shorter occupants, for example, may be too far away from the mirror for them to clearly see their own reflection. In certain circumstances it is necessary for a vehicle occupant to remove their seatbelt in order to reposition themselves relative to the mirror, in order to use the mirror, for example, when applying makeup. Removal of the seatbelt reduces vehicle occupant safety, in particular when the mirror is operated whilst the vehicle is in motion. An alternative is to use a hand held vanity mirror but there are specific challenges to using such a mirror in a moving vehicle. For example, it can be difficult to hold the mirror steady and apply makeup at the same time, especially when both hands are required in some instances.

The present invention aims to address at least some of these problems with the prior art, and to provide improvements thereupon.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle cabin, a vehicle comprising a cabin interior and a vanity mirror assembly, and a vehicle door comprising a vanity mirror assembly.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle cabin interior, the vanity mirror assembly comprising; a mirror unit configurable to display a reflection of a user; and a coupling means configured to couple the mirror unit to the cabin interior to permit movement of the mirror unit along both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, so as to allow positioning of the mirror unit in a range of deployable positions within the cabin interior from a stowed position.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vanity mirror assembly for an interior of a vehicle door, the vanity mirror assembly comprising; a mirror unit configurable to display a reflection of a user; and a coupling means configured to couple the mirror unit to the interior of the vehicle door to permit movement of the mirror unit about more than one axis, and so as to allow positioning of the mirror unit in a range of deployable positions from a stowed position.

Advantageously, the above mentioned aspects of the invention provides a means of coupling the mirror unit to any location within the cabin interior, whilst permitting the movement of the mirror unit about more than one axis. This enables the vehicle occupant to manoeuvre the mirror unit into a wide range of deployable positions, thus enabling the occupant to clearly see their reflection without having to adjust their seating position.

The coupling means may include a mirror deployment assembly having a first part coupled to the cabin interior, for example to the vehicle door, and a second part coupled to the mirror unit. The first part of the mirror deployment assembly may be a ball and socket joint, which permits movement of the mirror unit about multiple axes. The second part of the mirror deployment assembly may be rigidly fixed to the mirror unit.

Alternatively or in addition, the coupling means may include a first hinge assembly wherein the deployment assembly is coupled to the cabin interior (e.g. to the vehicle door) by the first hinge assembly. The coupling means may include a second hinge assembly, wherein the deployment assembly is coupled to the mirror unit by the second hinge assembly.

Advantageously, the second hinge assembly allows the mirror unit to be manoeuvred independently of the deployment assembly, thereby allowing the vehicle occupant to move the mirror unit into a deployed position in which they can easily view their reflection.

The deployment assembly may include a deployment arm, wherein the first hinge assembly is located at a first end of the deployment arm and the second hinge assembly is located at a second end of the deployment arm. The first end of the deployment arm may be coupled to the cabin interior, for example to the interior of the vehicle door, and the second end of the deployment arm may be coupled to the mirror unit. The second end of the deployment arm may be opposite the first end.

Advantageously the deployment arm permits the mirror unit to be manoeuvred, by the vehicle occupant, into a position that is substantially away from the cabin interior, improving the versatility of the assembly.

At least one of the first and second hinge assemblies may include a multi-directional hinge, to allow movement of the mirror unit about more than one axis. The multi-directional hinge may comprise a first hinge component, configurable to permit movement of the mirror unit in a substantially horizontal plane, and a second hinge component, configurable to permit movement of the mirror unit in a substantially vertical plane.

In certain embodiments the first hinge assembly may comprise a first uni-directional hinge, and the second hinge assembly (134, 334; 136, 336) may comprise a second uni-directional hinge configurable to permit movement of the mirror unit (118, 318) about a different axis to the first uni-directional hinge.

At least one of the first and second hinge assemblies may be configured to permit movement of the mirror unit in a substantially horizontal plane. Alternatively, both the first and the second hinge assemblies may be configured to permit movement of the mirror unit in a substantially horizontal plane.

The first uni-directional hinge may be configured to permit movement of the mirror unit in a substantially horizontal plane and the second uni-directional hinge may be configured to permit movement of the mirror unit in a different plane.

The coupling means may comprise a dampening mechanism configured to damp the movement of the mirror unit. The damping mechanism advantageously allows the mirror deployment assembly and the mirror unit to be maintained in a range of deployable positions from the stowed position when all other forces are removed.

The mirror unit may comprise a mirror and a mirror surround, wherein the mirror may be movably mounted within the mirror surround. The mirror unit may comprise a hinge assembly configurable to permit a tilting movement of the mirror within the mirror surround. The mirror unit may be detachably mounted to the coupling means.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a cabin interior and at least one vanity mirror assembly. The mirror unit may be configurable to stand proud of the cabin interior when in any one of the range of deployable positions, and may be configurable to lie substantially flush with the cabin interior when in the stowed position.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle door comprising a vanity mirror assembly.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a plan view of a vehicle provided with a vanity mirror assembly according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are a series of schematic drawings showing the vanity mirror assembly of Figure 1 in various different stowed and deployed positions;

Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of an underside view of the vanity mirror assembly of Figures 2a, 2b and 2c;

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are a series of schematic drawings illustrating an alternative embodiment of the vanity mirror assembly of Figure 1, in various different stowed and/or deployed positions;

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are a series of schematic drawings of various different stowed and/or deployed positions of an alternative embodiment of the vanity mirror assembly, in which the vanity mirror assembly is coupled to a cabin interior of a vehicle via a ball and socket joint;

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of a cross-sectional view of the mirror deployment assembly comprised in the vanity mirror assembly of Figures 5a, 5b and 5c; and

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are a series of schematic drawings of an alternative embodiment of the vanity mirror assembly of Figure 1, showing the mirror in various different stowed and/or deployed positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 includes a vanity mirror assembly 12 for mounting in a vehicle cabin interior 13. The vanity mirror assembly 12 includes a mirror unit 18 and a mirror deployment assembly 16. The mirror unit 18 is coupled to the cabin interior 13 by way of the mirror deployment assembly 16 so as to permit movement of the mirror unit 18 about more than one axis, and to allow movement of the mirror unit 18 from a stowed position to one or more deployed positions. Furthermore, the mirror unit 18 is coupled to the cabin interior such that the mirror unit 18 can be arranged in any one of a range of deployed positions from a stowed position. In at least some of the deployed positions, the mirror unit 18 stands proud of the cabin interior, and when in the stowed position, the mirror unit 18 lies substantially adjacent to the cabin interior. In certain embodiments the mirror unit may be arranged to lie flush with the cabin interior.

In certain embodiments the mirror deployment assembly 16 is coupled to an interior of a vehicle door, such that the mirror unit 18 is deployable within the cabin interior.

With reference to Figure 2a, 2b, and 2c an embodiment of the vanity mirror assembly 12 will now be described in further detail. The mirror assembly 12 includes a mirror unit 18 and a mirror deployment assembly 16, which is coupled to an interior of a vehicle door 14. In the illustrated embodiment the mirror deployment assembly 16 is coupled to a vehicle door card 14a of the vehicle door 14. The door card 14a is an interior panel of the vehicle door 14, which forms part of the cabin interior 13 of the vehicle. Alternatively, the mirror unit 18 may be coupled to any number of locations within the cabin interior 14, including but not limited to a rear side of a front row seat, above a window and a ceiling of the cabin interior of the vehicle. The mirror deployment assembly 16 includes a deployment arm, one end of which is coupled to the mirror unit 18 and the other end of which is coupled to the door 14.

With reference to Figure 2c, the mirror unit 18 includes a rectangular mirror 24, framed within a mirror surround 26. Alternatively, the mirror 24 and mirror surround 26, may take the form of any shape including but not limited to a circle, square, oval and triangle. The mirror 24 is a planar mirror with a flat reflective surface. The mirror 24 includes an aluminium film, which is highly polished on one side to provide a reflective surface. The polished side of the aluminium film is mounted to a thin sheet of plate glass, which protects the film from becoming damaged or tarnished. The mirror surround 26 is constructed from an injection moulded plastic, such as Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), for example, and is provided with a recessed inlay into which the mirror 24 is mounted so that the reflective surface of the mirror 24 faces outwards from the mirror unit 18. The mirror surround 26 is further provided with a handle 28 fixed to a lateral edge of the mirror surround 26, which indicates to the user where to hold the mirror unit 18 and provides a means for manipulating the mirror assembly 12. The mirror surround is optional, and in alternative embodiments is dispensed with. For example, in such alternative embodiments the mirror unit 18 may comprise the mirror 24 without the mirror surround 26. The mirror 24, comprised in the mirror unit 18, may be directly coupled to the cabin interior 14 by the mirror deployment assembly 16.

With reference to Figure 2b, the door card 14a is provided with a recess 22a and a groove 22b, which communicates with the recess 22a. The recess 22a and groove 22b together define a housing for the mirror unit 18 and mirror deployment assembly 16 respectively when the mirror unit is in the stowed position. The recess 22a is arranged to compliment the shape of the mirror unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 22a includes a rectangular opening, arranged to receive the mirror unit 18, with the reflective surface of the mirror 24 facing towards the interior of the recess 22a so as to protect the mirror 24 from sustaining damage when stowed. The recess 22a is sufficiently deep to allow the mirror unit 18 to be stowed fully within it, such that the outer surface of the mirror surround 26, of the mirror unit 18, lies flush with the cabin interior door card 14a, when the mirror unit is in the stowed position.

With reference to Figure 2b and 2c, the deployment assembly 16 comprises a deployment arm 30, which deployment arm 30 includes a first part 30a, which first part 30a is coupled by a first hinge assembly 34 to the cabin interior door card 14a. The deployment arm 30 also comprises a second part 30b, which second part 30b is coupled by a second hinge assembly 36 to the mirror unit 18. The first part 30a of the mirror deployment assembly 16 forms one end of the deployment arm 30, while the second hinge assembly 36 is coupled to the mirror unit 18 at the other end of the deployment arm at the second part 30b.

The first hinge assembly 34 is arranged to allow movement of the deployment arm 30 about two axes. Similarly, the second hinge assembly 36 is arranged to allow movement of the mirror unit 18 about two axes. In this way, the movement enabled by the first and second hinge assemblies 34, 36 allows for the mirror unit 18 to be arranged in a range of different deployed positions from the stowed position.

With reference to 2c, the first hinge assembly 34 is a multi-directional hinge, comprising a first hinge component 34a and a second hinge component 34b; wherein the first hinge component 34a is a pivot hinge and the second hinge component 34b is a butt hinge. The pivot hinge 34a permits movement of the deployment arm about a first axis, such movement allowing the mirror unit to be moved into and out of the recess 22a along a substantially horizontal plane. The butt hinge 34b permits movement of the deployment arm 30 about a second axis, arranged perpendicularly to the first axis, thereby allowing the mirror unit to be moved up and down along a substantially vertical plane.

The pivot hinge 34a comprises a hinge pin 38a and a hinge plate 38b. The hinge pin 38a connects an upper and lower interior wall of the groove 22b. The hinge pin 38a and plate 38b are aligned along a common hinge axis such that they are each movable with respect to the other about the common hinge axis.

The butt hinge 34b comprises a first leaf and a second leaf, coupled together by a set of interlinking knuckles. The first leaf is fixedly attached to the hinge plate 38b of the pivot hinge 34a, while the second leaf forms an integral part of the deployment arm 30. The knuckles of the first and second leaves accommodate a hinge pin (not shown), which links the knuckles together to define a butt hinge axis. The knuckles are axially aligned along their opposed marginal edges, thereby allowing the first and the second leaves to rotate with respect to each other, about the hinge axis.

With reference to Figure 3, the second hinge assembly 36 may also comprise a multidirectional hinge, comprising a first hinge 36a and a second hinge 36b; wherein the first hinge 36a is a pivot hinge and the second hinge 36b is a butt hinge. The pivot hinge 36a includes a hinge pin 39a and a hinge plate 39b. The hinge pin 39a projects outwardly from an end of the underside of the mirror unit 18 whilst the hinge plate 39b sits around the hinge pin 39a. The hinge pin 39a and plate 39b are aligned along a common pivot hinge axis so that they are each movable with respect to the other about the common hinge axis. The butt hinge 36b includes a first leaf and a second leaf, which are connected together by a set of interlinking knuckles. The first leaf is fixedly attached to the hinge plate 39b of the pivot hinge 36a, while the second leaf forms an integral part of the deployment arm 30. The knuckles of the first and second leaves accommodate a hinge pin (not shown), which links the knuckles together to define a butt hinge axis. The knuckles are axially aligned along their opposed marginal edges, thereby allowing the first and the second leaves to rotate with respect to each other, about the hinge axis.

The pivot hinge 34a, 36a and butt hinge 34b, 36b of the first and second hinge assemblies 34, 36 take the form of constant torque friction hinges. Details of constant torque friction hinges are well known in the art, and will be familiar to the person skilled in the art. The friction hinges are configured to allow a user to move the mirror unit 18 into a desired position and to maintain that position when all other forces are removed, i.e. when a user has moved the mirror unit into their desired position. For example, the friction hinges prevent the motion of the vehicle from urging the mirror unit to move from the chosen position, and also prevents the mirror unit from shifting position under its own weight. By removing the need for the user to hold the mirror unit 18, the vanity mirror assembly 12 enables the user to perform tasks, such as applying makeup, using both hands, whilst simultaneously using the mirror 24.

In order to manoeuvre the mirror unit 18 into a desired position of use, the following steps are carried out: pressure is applied to the handle 28 of the mirror unit 18 in a direction that is generally opposed to the cabin interior door card 14a (e.g. the handle 28 is pulled away from the door card 14a), as shown in Figure 2b. In so doing, the mirror deployment assembly 16 is urged to pivot horizontally about the pivot hinge 34a of the first hinge assembly 34; simultaneously the mirror unit 18 is urged to pivot about the pivot hinge 36a of the second hinge assembly 36. A combination of these two movements results in the mirror unit 18 being extracted from the recess 22a so that the reflective surface of the mirror 24 faces the user in a deployed position.

The vertical height of the deployed mirror unit 18 can be further manipulated through the application of pressure to the mirror unit 18 in a substantially vertical direction, as shown in Figure 2c. In so doing, the mirror deployment assembly 16 is pivoted about the butt hinge 34b of the first hinge assembly 34. By articulating the mirror assembly 12 in this way the user is able to raise and lower the height of the mirror unit 18, relative to the cabin interior door card 14a, whilst maintaining the mirror unit 18 in a substantially landscape orientation.

Further positional adjustment of the mirror assembly 12 is achievable by tilting and/or rotating the mirror unit 18 about the second hinge assembly 36. Hinging the mirror unit 18 about the butt hinge 36b allows the user to adjust the orientation of the mirror unit 18, between a landscape and a portrait orientation. In the portrait orientation, further articulation of the second hinge assembly 36 results in a rotation of the mirror unit 18 about the pivot hinge 36a, which enables the user to tilt the mirror unit 18 so that the reflective surface of the mirror 24 is directed towards the user’s face.

Figure 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d schematically depict a vanity mirror assembly 112 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The vanity mirror assembly 112 of this embodiment includes the same or similar components as the previous embodiments, albeit configured in a different manner.

With reference to Figures 4c and 4d, the mirror unit 118 includes a rectangular mirror 124, movably coupled to a mirror surround 126 by two pivot hinges 128, each comprising a hinge pin and a hinge plate (not shown). The mirror 124 is a planar mirror with a flat reflective surface. The mirror surround 126 forms a rectangular frame around the mirror 124, comprising two opposing lateral walls and two opposing longitudinal walls.

With reference to the pivot hinges 128 of the mirror surround 126, each hinge pin projects inwardly from the opposing lateral walls of the mirror surround 126, and extends along at least a part of the longitudinal axis of the mirror unit 118. Each hinge plate is fixedly attached to an opposing lateral edge of the mirror 124 and is arranged to receive the hinge pin of the corresponding pivot hinge 128. The hinge pin and plate of each pivot hinge 128 are equidistantly arranged along the opposing lateral edges of the mirror unit 118 in order to movably couple the mirror 124 to the mirror surround 126 along the central longitudinal axis of the mirror unit 118, in such a way as to allow the mirror 124 to tilt within the mirror surround 126.

With particular reference to Figure 4a, the cabin interior door card 114a is provided with a recess 122 for housing the mirror unit 118 and the mirror deployment assembly 116. The recess 122 defines a rectangular opening, within which the mirror unit 118 is received, such that the outer surface of the mirror unit 118 lies flush with the cabin interior 114, and the reflective surface of the mirror 124 faces towards the recess 122 when in the stowed position.

With reference to Figure 4b and 4c, the mirror deployment assembly 116 includes a first part 130a, coupled by a first hinge assembly 134 to a cabin interior door card 114a, and a second part 130b coupled by a second hinge assembly 136 to the mirror unit 118. The first part 130a of the deployment assembly 116 forms one end of a deployment arm 130 and the second part 130b of the deployment assembly 116 forms a substantially opposing end of the deployment arm 130.

The first hinge assembly 134 is a uni-directional pivot hinge arranged to allow the mirror deployment assembly 116 to rotate about a single axis. The first hinge assembly 134 includes a hinge pin 134a and a hinge plate 134b. The hinge pin 134a projects upwardly from an interior wall of the recess 122. The hinge plate 134b is fixedly attached to the first part of the deployment arm 130 and is configured to receive the hinge pin 134a, such that each one of the hinge pin 134a and hinge plate 134b are movable with respect to each other about a common hinge axis.

The second hinge assembly 136 is structurally similar to the first hinge assembly 134, and is a uni-directional pivot hinge arranged to allow movement of the mirror unit 118 about a single axis. The second hinge assembly 136 comprises a hinge pin 136a that projects outwardly from an end of the underside of the mirror unit 118, and a hinge plate 136b. The hinge plate 136b is configured to receive the hinge pin 136a, and is attached to the second part of the deployment arm 130.

The range of movement permitted by the first and second hinge assemblies 134,136 allows for the mirror unit 118 to be configured in a range of different deployed positions from the stowed position.

The pivot hinges of the first and second hinge assemblies 134,136 are both constant torque friction hinges. Such hinges are known in the art, and will be familiar to the person skilled in the art. They allow the mirror deployment assembly 116 and the mirror unit 118 to be maintained in a range of deployed positions from the stowed position.

To manoeuvre the mirror unit 118 into a deployed position, the following steps are carried out: initially, the mirror unit 118 is manoeuvred into a deployed position by pulling one end of the mirror unit 118 away from the cabin interior door card 114a, as shown in Figure 4b. In so doing, the mirror unit 118 is urged to pivot about the second hinge assembly 136, whilst the mirror deployment assembly 116 is simultaneously urged to pivot about the first hinge assembly 134, thereby extracting the mirror unit 118 from the recess 122.

Further articulation of the mirror assembly 112 is afforded by rotating the mirror 124 about the longitudinal axis of the mirror unit 118. In doing so the user is able to tilt the reflective surface of the mirror 124 upwards towards the user’s face, thereby allowing the user to view their reflection.

Figure 5a, 5b and 5c schematically depict a vanity mirror assembly 212 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The vanity mirror assembly 212 shares the same or similar components as the previous embodiments, albeit configured in a different manner.

With reference to Figure 5a, the vanity mirror assembly 212 includes a mirror unit 218 and a mirror deployment assembly 216 for mounting to the interior of a vehicle door 214.

With reference to Figure 5c, the mirror unit 218 includes a rectangular shaped mirror 224 and a complimentary mirror surround 226, which forms a supportive frame around the rectangular shaped mirror 224. The mirror surround 226 further comprises a support arm 232, which projects from a lateral edge of the mirror surround 226 and is fixedly attached to a ball and socket joint 234. In combination, the support arm 232 and the ball and socket joint 234 define the mirror deployment assembly 216 in this embodiment. When in a stowed position the mirror unit 218 is housed within the cabin interior door card 214a of the vehicle door 214.

Figure 6 illustrates the ball and socket joint 234 of the mirror deployment assembly 216 in further detail. The ball and socket joint 234 enables the mirror unit 218 to pivot about more than one axis. The ball and socket joint 234 includes a spherical head 242, a bearing shell 240 and a joint housing 238. The support arm 232 of the mirror unit 218 is fixedly attached to the surface of the spherical head 242. The spherical head 242 is movably retained in the bearing shell 240, which itself is retained within the joint housing 238. The joint housing 238 is embedded within the cabin interior door card 214a. The bearing shell 240 may take the form of an elastomeric band, with an inner and an outer rim, which sits between the joint housing 238 and the spherical head 242. The outer rim of the bearing shell 240 is fixedly attached to the interior surface of the joint housing 238, whilst the spherical head is configured to move freely within the bearing shell 240.

The radius of the inner rim (0) of the bearing shell 240 is smaller than the radius (Θ) of the spherical head 242 so that the bearing shell 240 is placed under pretension when mounted in the joint housing 238. Due to the pretension of the bearing shell 240, a frictional force is applied to the surface of the spherical head 242, which resists movement of the spherical head 242 within the bearing shell 240. The frictional force that is applied to the spherical head 242 is sufficient to maintain the mirror unit 218 in any one of a range of deployed positions when other forces are removed. The spherical head 242 is also prevented from passing through the opening of the joint housing 238 by the bearing shell 240 and is therefore securely coupled to the cabin interior.

With reference to Figures 5b and 5c, the cabin interior door card 214a is provided with a first recess 222a for housing the main body of the mirror unit 218, and a second recess or groove 222b, which couples the joint housing 238 of the ball and socket joint 234 to the first recess 222a, and is also arranged to receive the deployment assembly. The first recess 222a defines a rectangular opening, configured to receive the mirror unit 218. When in the stowed position, the outer surface of the mirror unit 218 lies flush with the cabin interior door card 214a. In this position, the reflective surface faces inwardly towards the recess 222a. The second recess 222b defines an elongated rectangular opening for housing the supporting arm 232 of the mirror unit 218 when the mirror unit 218 is in the stowed position

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d depict a vanity mirror assembly 312 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The vanity mirror assembly 312 of this embodiment includes the same or similar components as shown in previous embodiments, albeit configured in a different manner.

With reference to Figure 7b, the mirror unit 318 includes a rectangular mirror 324, framed within a mirror surround 326. The mirror surround 326 is provided with a recessed inlay in which the rectangular mirror 324 is received so that the reflective surface of the mirror 324 faces outwardly from the mirror unit 318.

The cabin interior door card 314a is provided with a recess 322 for housing the mirror unit 318 and the mirror deployment assembly 316, such that the outer surface of the mirror unit 318 lies flush with the cabin interior door card 314a, and the reflective surface of the mirror 324 faces inwardly towards the recess 322, when arranged in the stowed position as illustrated in Figure 7a. The recess defines a rectangular opening, within which the mirror unit 318 is receivable.

With reference to Figures 7c and 7d, the mirror deployment assembly 316 includes a deployment arm 330, one end of which is coupled to the mirror unit 318 and the other end of which is coupled to the cabin interior door card 314a. The deployment arm 330 includes a first part, coupled by a first hinge assembly 334 to the cabin interior door card 314a, and a second part coupled by a second hinge assembly 336 to the mirror unit 318. The first part of the mirror deployment assembly 316 forms one end of the deployment arm 330 while the second hinge assembly is coupled to the mirror unit 318.

The first hinge assembly 334 is a uni-directional pivot hinge arranged to allow the mirror unit 318 to rotate about a first pivot hinge axis, from a stowed position to one or more deployed positions. The first hinge assembly 334 includes a first pivotal member 334a, a second pivotal member 334b and a hinge pin (not shown). The first pivotal member 334a forms a bracket, which is attached to an interior wall of the recess 322, while the second pivotal member 334b is fixedly attached to the first part of the deployment arm 330. The first pivotal member 334a is provided with an upper and a lower part separated by an opening into which the second pivotal member 334b is received. The upper and lower parts of the first pivotal member 334a and the second pivotal member 334b are each provided with a cavity for receiving the hinge pin. The hinge pin connects the upper and lower parts of the first pivotal member 334a to the second pivotal member 334b such that the hinge pin, the first pivotal member 334a and the second pivotal member 334b are aligned along a shared pivot hinge axis. Consequently the first pivotal member 334a and the second pivotal member 334b are movable with respect to each other about the shared pivot hinge axis.

The second hinge assembly 336 is a uni-directional pivot hinge, arranged to allow movement of the mirror unit 318 about a second pivot hinge axis, which is arranged perpendicularly to the first pivot hinge axis. The second hinge assembly 336 is provided with a first pivotal member 336a and a second pivotal member 336b. The second pivotal member 336b takes the form of a hinge pin that is attached to an outer lateral edge of the mirror unit 318. The first pivotal member 336a is attached to the second part of the deployment arm 330 and is provided with a socket for receiving the pin of the first pivotal member 336a.

The first and second pivotal members 336a, 336b, of the second hinge assembly 336 are detachably mounted, thereby allowing the mirror unit 318 to be detached from the mirror deployment assembly 316, as shown in Figure 7d.

In use, the mirror unit 318 is manoeuvred into a deployed position by pulling the free lateral edge of the mirror unit 318 away from the cabin interior door card 314a, as shown in Figure 7b. In so doing, the mirror unit 318 is urged to pivot about the first hinge assembly 334, thereby extracting the mirror unit 318 from the recess 322 until the reflective surface of the mirror 324 is facing the user.

The mirror unit 318 is further manoeuvred into the desired deployed position by rotating the mirror unit 318 about the second hinge assembly 336, as shown in Figure 7c. In so doing, the reflective surface of the mirror 324 is tilted towards the user’s face, thereby allowing the user to view their own reflection.

The orientation of the vanity mirror assembly 312 can be adjusted further, by rotating the mirror unit 318 about the first and/or the second hinge assembly 336, according to an individual user’s preference. For example, depending on the cabin lighting conditions a user may prefer to position their face near to the vehicle window in order to view their reflection in good light.

As shown in Figure 7d, the mirror unit 318 is detachable from the mirror deployment assembly 316. Once the first hinge assembly 334 has been unfolded, the mirror unit 318 is detached from the mirror deployment assembly 316 by pulling the mirror unit 318 in a direction away from the cabin interior door card 314a, as shown in the Figure 7d. Conversely, the mirror unit 318 is re-attached to the mirror deployment assembly 316 by aligning the first pivotal member 336a of the second hinge assembly 336 with the second pivotal member 336b and then pushing the mirror unit 318 towards the cabin interior door card 314a.

To return the vanity mirror assembly 312 to the stowed position requires reversing the steps required to open the mirror to the deployed positions. That is, the mirror unit 318 is first rotated about the second pivot hinge 336 until the mirror unit 318 is substantially aligned with the mirror deployment assembly 316, with the reflective surface of the mirror 324 facing towards the recess 322. The mirror unit 318 is then rotated about the first pivot hinge 334, in the general direction of the vehicle door 314, until the mirror unit 318 is stowed within the recess 322, as shown in Figure 7a.

In other embodiments (not shown) the assembly resembles that in Figure 2a to 2c but the outer surface of the stowed mirror unit 18 may lie completely flush with the cabin interior door card 14a such that a user is unable to apply any leverage to the mirror unit 18 in order to withdraw it from within the recess 22a. Consequently, the vanity mirror assembly 12 may be provided with an ejection assembly, which is configured to eject the mirror unit 18 from the recess 22a when in the stowed position, so that it can be manipulated to a desired deployed position by the user.

The ejection assembly includes a torsion spring, an ejection arm and a locking mechanism. The ejection arm, having deployed and retracted states is located within the recess 22a and is configured to urge the mirror unit 18 to be displaced from the recess 22a when in the ejected state, and to allow the mirror unit 18 to be stowed within the recess 22a, when in the stowed state. The torsion spring is arranged to bias the ejection arm in a direction that is substantially away from the recess 22a, in order to facilitate the ejection of the mirror unit 18 from the recess 22a.

The locking mechanism, having locked and unlocked states, serves to restrain movement of the ejection arm. The locking mechanism includes a key for cooperating with a corresponding key-hole. The key operates with the key-hole to restrain the movement of the ejection arm. The key may be retracted from and inserted within the key-hole, respectively to permit (unlock) and prevent (lock) the movement of the ejection arm. A locking spring is included to bias the key into the key-hole such that the key is automatically stowed within the key-hole when the ejection arm is in the closed position and not subject to any further external forces. The spring biasing of the key automatically locks the ejection arm at the stowed position when a user moves the mirror unit 18 into the recess 22a.

Also included in the ejection assembly is a push-button lever to mechanically stimulate the movement of the ejection arm. The push-button lever is located on the upper side of the cabin interior door card 14a and includes an arm that extends from the upper side of the cabin interior door card 14a to a cam of a cam arrangement that is housed within the cabin interior door card 14a. The cam is rotary mounted and provided with teeth, which can engage with teeth on the key such that any downward pressure exerted on the push-button lever causes the arm to simultaneously retract the key from the corresponding key-hole. Once the key is retracted, the torsion spring is free to urge the ejection arm away from the recess, thus ejecting the mirror unit 18 away from the recess of the cabin interior door card.

Alternatively, the push button may be located on an interior wall of the recess 22a, and is orientated towards the opening of the recess 22a such that when a user applies pressure to the outer face of the mirror unit 18, the inner face of the mirror unit 18 activates the push button, and thereby ejects the mirror unit 18 from the recess 22a. This provides a sophisticated feel to the assembly and improves the ease with which the mirror unit is positioned into a deployed position.

Alternatively, an electrical lock actuating mechanism is included to actuate the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked states. The lock actuating mechanism is configured to transition between each locking state in response to an electrical stimulant. A shape memory alloy element or other electrically stimulated element may be included to electrically stimulate the movement of the ejection arm. The shape memory alloy element is attached to the key and is configured to retract the key from the corresponding key-hole in response to receiving an electrical signal. The shape memory alloy element is connected to the key in such a manner that expansion or contraction of the shape memory alloy element is sufficient to retract the key from the key-hole.

The locking spring applies force to reset the cam, and the push-button lever, after mechanical stimulation, or to reset the shape memory alloy element, after it has been electrically stimulated.

In alternative embodiments it is envisaged that the vanity mirror assembly may be coupled to a cabin seat within the vehicle cabin, for example to an arm rest. Similarly, the vanity mirror assembly may be coupled to an interior ceiling of the vehicle cabin, or to a dashboard within the vehicle cabin.

It will be appreciated that the mirror deployment assembly 16 and the mirror unit 18 may include other features to facilitate swivelling, rotating, tilting, or otherwise positioning of the deployed mirror deployment assembly 16 and the mirror unit 18, as alternatives to those described previously, to provide a better viewing angle for the user, and which fall within the scope of the present invention.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention could be modified to take many alternative forms without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) for an interior of a vehicle door (14, 114, 214, 314), the vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) comprising; a mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) configurable to display a reflection of a user; and a coupling means configured to couple the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) to the vehicle door to permit movement of the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) about more than one axis, and so as to allow positioning of the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) in a range of deployable positions from a stowed position.

2. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) according to Claim 1, wherein the coupling means includes a mirror deployment assembly (16, 116, 216, 316) having a first part coupled to the interior of the vehicle door (14, 114, 214, 314) and a second part coupled to the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318).

3. A vanity mirror assembly (212) according to Claim 2, wherein the first part of the mirror deployment assembly (216) is a ball and socket joint (234) which permits movement of the mirror unit (218) about multiple axes.

4. A vanity mirror assembly (212) as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the second part of the mirror deployment assembly is rigidly fixed to the mirror unit (218).

5. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 312) according to Claim 2, wherein the coupling means includes a first hinge assembly (34, 134, 334) and wherein the mirror deployment assembly (16,116, 316) is coupled to the interior of the vehicle door (14, 114, 214, 314) by the first hinge assembly (34,134, 334).

6. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 312) according to Claim 5, wherein the coupling means includes a second hinge assembly (36, 136, 336) and wherein the mirror deployment assembly (16, 116, 316) is coupled to the mirror unit (18, 118, 318) by the second hinge assembly (36, 136, 336).

7. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 312) as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the deployment assembly (16, 116, 316) includes a deployment arm (30, 130, 330), the first hinge assembly (34,134, 334) being located at a first end of the deployment arm (30, 130, 330) and the second hinge assembly (36, 136, 336) being located at a second end of the deployment arm (30, 130, 330), the first end of the deployment arm (30, 130, 330) being coupled to the interior of the vehicle door (14, 114, 214, 314) and the second end of the deployment arm (30, 130, 330) being coupled to the mirror unit (18, 118, 318).

8. A vanity mirror assembly (12) according to Claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and second hinge assemblies (34; 36) includes a multi-directional hinge, to allow movement of the mirror unit (18) about more than one axis.

9. A vanity mirror assembly (12) as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the multi-directional hinge comprises a first hinge component (34a, 36a) configurable to permit movement of the mirror unit (18) in a substantially horizontal plane, and a second hinge component (34b, 36b) configurable to permit movement of the mirror unit (18) in a substantially vertical plane.

10. A vanity mirror assembly (112, 312) as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the first hinge assembly comprises a first uni-directional hinge, and the second hinge assembly (134, 334; 136, 336) comprises a second uni-directional hinge configurable to permit movement of the mirror unit (118, 318) about a different axis to the first unidirectional hinge.

11. A vanity mirror assembly (112, 312) as claimed in Claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second hinge assemblies (134, 334; 136, 336) is configured to permit movement of the mirror unit (118, 318) in a substantially horizontal plane.

12. A vanity mirror assembly (112, 312) as claimed in Claim 11, wherein both the first and the second hinge assemblies (134, 334; 136, 336) are configured to permit movement of the mirror unit (118, 318) in a substantially horizontal plane.

13. A vanity mirror assembly (112, 312) as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the first unidirectional hinge is configured to permit movement of the mirror unit (118, 318) in a substantially horizontal plane and the second uni-directional hinge is configured to permit movement of the mirror unit (118, 318) in a different plane.

14. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) according to any preceding claim, wherein the coupling means comprises a dampening mechanism configured to damp the movement of the mirror unit (18,118, 218, 318).

15. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) comprises a mirror (24, 124, 224, 324) and a mirror surround (26, 126, 226, 326).

16. A vanity mirror assembly (112) according to Claim 15, wherein the mirror (124) is movably mounted within the mirror surround (126).

17. A vanity mirror assembly (112) according to Claim 16, wherein the mirror unit (118) comprises a hinge assembly (128) configurable to permit a tilting movement of the mirror (124) within the mirror surround (126).

18. A vanity mirror assembly (312) according to any preceding claim, wherein the mirror unit (318) is detachably mounted to the coupling means (316).

19. A vehicle comprising a vehicle door (14,114, 214, 314) and at least one vanity mirror assembly (12, 112,212, 312) according to any of the preceding claims.

20. A vehicle comprising a vehicle door and at least one vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) according to claim 19, wherein the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) is configurable to stand proud of the cabin interior (14, 114, 214, 314) when in any one of the range of deployable positions, and is configurable to lie substantially flush with the vehicle door (14,114, 214, 314) when in the stowed position.

21. A vehicle door (14, 114, 214, 314) comprising a vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) according to any of Claims 1 to 18.

22. A vanity mirror assembly (12,112, 212, 312) for a cabin interior (13), the vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) comprising; a mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) configurable to display a reflection of a user; and a coupling means configured to couple the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) to the cabin interior (13) to permit movement of the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) along both a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, so as to allow positioning of the mirror unit (18, 118, 218, 318) in a range of deployable positions within the cabin interior from a stowed position.

23. The vanity mirror assembly according to Claim 22, wherein the coupling means is configured to couple the mirror unit to a vehicle seat comprised within the cabin interior.

24. The vanity mirror assembly according to Claim 23, wherein the coupling means is configured to couple the mirror unit to an arm rest comprised in the vehicle seat.

25. A vanity mirror assembly (12, 112, 212, 312) substantially as described herein, and/or as illustrated in any one of the accompanying figures.

26. A vehicle substantially as described herein, and/or as illustrated in any one of the accompanying figures.