Exterior vehicle mirror assembly with sensors

An exterior mirror sensor system for commercial vehicles comprising an exterior mirror, a sensor for monitoring an exterior mirror zone, and an indicator for indicating objects detected in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor may be a distance sensor, a motion sensor or a heat sensor. The system may further comprise a control unit connected to the sensor and indicator for controlling the indicator. The system may further comprise a camera for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit may actuate the indicator upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may comprise an audible indicator. The system may further comprise a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor wherein the data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exterior mirror assembly for commercial vehicles, in particular for trucks or busses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In commercial vehicles, particularly for busses, highly visible mirror designs are used. These mirror structures protrude far forward a top portion of a commercial vehicle body. These mirrors have been called “horn” or “L-shaped” mirrors because of their appearance.

These mirror assemblies typically include an L-shaped mirror housing and a mirror support mount disposed at a second free end. The mirror housing is approximately vertical when attached to the commercial vehicle and points with the first free end downward towards the road surface. The mirror support mount is approximately horizontal in the mounted state and may be mounted by the second free end to a mirror support mount affixed to the vehicle.

Since these mirrors extend beyond the windshield and thereby beyond the forward end of the vehicle, they are greatly at risk of damage due to impact. In addition, these mirrors are often stolen due to the value of the mirrors and the attachment of the mirror.

It would be advantageous to further develop the existing mirror assemblies so that the risk of damage and of theft is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is an exterior vehicle mirror assembly sensor system for commercial vehicles which provides damage and theft protection. The assembly comprises an overhead exterior mirror carried by a commercial vehicle and a sensor carried by the exterior mirror for monitoring objects within an exterior mirror zone surrounding the exterior mirror and generating sensor signals in response to the detection of an object in the exterior mirror zone. A control unit receives the sensor signals and transmits fault signals to an associated indicator. An electrical coupling member may be disposed between the exterior mirror and the vehicle for electrically connecting the sensor to the control unit. An indicator notifies individuals of any objects detected in the exterior mirror zone by the sensor. The exterior mirror comprises a mirror support mount carried by the vehicle and attached to the coupling member and a mirror housing connected to the mirror support mount. The mirror housing may extend generally vertically downward while carried by the vehicle. The sensor is carried by the mirror housing of the exterior mirror. The sensor may be a distance sensor for detecting the distance of an object in the exterior mirror zone for use as a damage prevention aide. The sensor may be a motion sensor, for detecting motion in the exterior mirror zone for use as a theft deterrent. The sensor may be a heat sensor for detecting heat in the exterior mirror zone for use as a theft deterrent. The system may further include a camera carried by the mirror. The camera is in communication with the control unit for recording objects in the exterior mirror zone. The control unit actuates the indicator upon receiving a fault signal representing the detection of an object by the sensor. The system may include a light source carried by the exterior mirror. The light source is connected to the control unit for actuation by the control unit upon the detection of an object by the sensor. The system may include a data input unit for recording data detected by the sensor. The data input unit is connected to the control unit and receives the data detected by the sensor from the control unit. The indicator may be an audible indicator for audibly indicating the detection of an object by the sensor. The indicator may be an optical output for optically indicating the detection of an object by the sensor. The electrical coupling is detachably connected to the mirror head.

The invention is a sensor system for detecting objects around a commercial vehicle's exterior mirror. The system contains a sensor carried by an exterior mirror for detecting objects in an exterior mirror zone surrounding the exterior mirror and generates a trigger signal upon detecting an object in the exterior mirror zone. The system also includes an indicator in electronic communication with the sensor for receiving the trigger signal and indicating that the signal has been received. The sensor system may also include an electronic coupling member disposed between the sensor and the vehicle for electrically connecting the sensor to the vehicle. The sensor can be at least one selected from a group consisting of a motion sensor for detecting motion of objects, a distance sensor for detecting the proximity of objects in the exterior mirror zone, a heat sensor for detecting heat from objects in the exterior mirror zone, and a video camera for optically detecting objects in the exterior mirror zone. The sensor system may include a data input unit connected to the sensor for receiving the trigger signal from the sensor and storing the trigger signal from the sensor representing the detection of an object by the sensor. The sensor system may further include a light source carried by the exterior mirror. The light source is in electronic communication with the sensor for actuation upon detection of an object in the exterior mirror zone. The indicator comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of from an optical indicator or an audible indicator, or can be both.

This invention is also a method for damage and theft protection of exterior vehicle mirrors using sensors. The method contains the steps of monitoring the exterior mirror zone representing the area surrounding the exterior mirror with at least one sensor, determining if an object is detected in the exterior mirror zone by the sensor, and indicating on an associated indicator the detection of an object in the exterior mirror zone.

The mirror assembly shown generally inFIGS. 1-4comprises a mirror assembly1with two mirror panes11and12installed in a housing and capable of being adjusted. Mirror pane11may be a main mirror and mirror pane12may be a wide-angle mirror. The mirror head assembly1is generally L-shaped and includes a mirror head, shown generally as14, and a mirror foot, shown generally as16. Mirror head assembly1has a first free end15and a second free end17. The mirror head14is nearly vertical in its mounted state and points with its free end15downward to the road surface. The mirror foot16is nearly horizontal in its mounted state. Mirror foot16may be mounted by its free end17via a coupling unit21to a support mount2. In a further embodiment, the mirror may be mounted in a detachable manner. The mirror support mount2is attached to a driver cab3of a vehicle.

As can best be seen inFIG. 2, a sensor assembly is illustrated as including a sensor arrangement, designated generally at4, carried near first free end15within mirror head14. Sensor arrangement4is integrated into the mirror head assembly, shown generally as1. Sensor arrangement4may be one or more of a distance sensor41, a motion sensor42, a heat sensor44, and a camera43. Sensor arrangement4can be, in the case of a distance sensor, a damage and injury prevention aide. In the case of a motion sensor, sensor arrangement4is an antitheft aide. A light source5directed downward is integrated into the mirror head assembly1in the mirror foot16. The light source may be used by the system as an antithieft aide.

Depending on the desired result, one or more of the sensors may be used for the monitoring of the mirror's surroundings. For example, distance sensors, motion sensors, cameras and heat sensors may be used in any combination. Distance sensors detect the distance of obstacles, in particular in front of the vehicle. Distance sensors are useful in protecting the exterior mirror from damage while the vehicle is in operation. This operation is discussed more fully below. When the vehicle is parked, motion and heat sensors can detect persons who may touch the mirrors or the vehicle in general in an unauthorized manner. Cameras, which may be connected to a recording unit, can record such activities.

Referring now toFIG. 2, distance sensor41may detect objects within a certain distance of the exterior mirror when the vehicle is traveling. Once an object has come within that certain distance within the exterior mirror zone, the sensor transmits a trigger signal75indicating the presence of the object. The trigger signal is sent to the indicator. The trigger signal activates the indicator, thus indicating the presence of an object in the exterior mirror zone. In a further embodiment, the trigger signal is transmitted to a control unit6which processes and transmits signals76a,76b, and76cto the indicators. Each of these signals may actuate the indicator. As stated above, the indicator is at least one of an audible indicator and optical indicator. An audible alarm audibly indicates to the driver of the vehicle the presence of an object in the exterior mirror zone. The audible alarm may be any type of indication capable of being heard.

The area around the mirror assembly, i.e. in particular the area in front of, behind, laterally to and below the mirror assembly is monitored for obstacles or general objects. This area, described above and shown generally inFIGS. 1 and 4, is known as the exterior mirror zone. This sensor installation makes it possible to recognize obstacles appearing in the area around the mirror, so that the driver can react before damage is inflicted on the mirror assembly.

During the vehicle operation, if an obstacle capable of damaging the mirror assembly appears In the exterior mirror zone the distance sensor will detect the object. The exterior mirror zone may include an area of at least two feet around the mirror. The exterior zone may include the short distance in front of the vehicle in course of travel. If an object is detected by the distance sensor41, a warning message is emitted for the driver via an indicator. The indicator is at least one of an optical or audible indicator. These indicators may include at least one of loudspeaker72and the monitor71to emit a warning message, audibly and visually.

In addition to the protection from objects while the vehicle is traveling, the sensor arrangement may protect the mirror from theft or damage while parked. When the vehicle is parked, this sensor arrangement makes it possible to detect objects and persons moving in the area around the mirror. By emitting an alarm signal, theft can be prevented. The alarm signal may be optical or acoustical. The alarm signal may address the driver by means of a suitable display inside the vehicle or in combination with the vehicle horn or light so as to scare off any potential thief. While the vehicle is parked, the area around the mirror assembly is monitored by suitable sensors to sense the presence of a person or object into a prescribed zone. The sensors include motion sensor42and heat sensor44. If a person comes too close to the mirror assembly and detected by motion sensor42, the light source5is actuated by the control unit6. If the person remains within monitoring range, the vehicle horn is actuated. Potential thieves can be discouraged to a certain degree by these measures.

In addition to the motion sensor, a heat sensor or other sensor may be used to detect objects in the form of potential thieves of the mirror. A motion sensor detects any movement in the exterior mirror zone as described above. Continued movement in the exterior mirror zone may indicate an attempt to steal the mirror. A heat sensor detects the presence of a heat source near the sensor, in this example, in the exterior mirror zone. The presence of a heat source in the exterior mirror zone may indicate the presence of an individual near the mirror. The person's continued presence may indicate an attempt to steal the mirror. Light source5is included in the exterior mirror, and may be actuated upon the detection of persons in the vicinity of the mirror assembly by a heat sensor. Thereby potential thieves can also be discouraged.

FIG. 3shows a block diagram of the sensor and control components of the invention. Multiple sensors are shown inFIG. 3including distance sensor41and motion sensor42and heat sensor44. Further, camera43is shown as being installed in the mirror head of the exterior mirror. Each of the sensors, including the camera, are connected to control unit6via electrical coupling element22.

In operation, both while traveling and while the vehicle is parked, if the sensors detects an object in the exterior mirror zone, the sensor sends an electrical trigger signal to control unit6. Control unit6actuates an indicator representing the trigger signal sent by one of the sensors. This indicator is at least one from a group of light source5, loudspeaker72, horn73, display71. Upon receiving a trigger signal from the sensor, control unit6actuates at least one of the above listed indicators. For example, while the vehicle is in operation, monitor71may display an optical notification that an object has been detected by one of the distance sensors. Loudspeaker72and horn73may provide an audible indication that an object has been detected as an antitheft measure. In a further embodiment, loudspeaker72and display71may be used to indicate detection of an object by a distance sensor. Horn73and light source5are used in a further embodiment to indicate an object that has been detected by at least one of heat sensor44, motion sensor42, and camera43as a theft prevention aide. Control unit6actuates light source5if an object is detected by the heat or distance sensors while the vehicle has been parked. In a further embodiment, if an object is detected while the vehicle is parked for an extended period of time, horn73is actuated in addition to light source5being actuated in order to provide a further theft deterrent. In a further embodiment, data input unit74can receive input from control unit6representing information about trigger signals that have been sent by any of the sensors. Thus, data input unit74stores information relating to all sensor activity including trigger signals being sent by sensors representing the detection of an object in the exterior mirror zone, both while the vehicle is moving and parked.

As can best be seen inFIG. 4, a portion of the exterior mirror zone is shown. Lines100indicate a portion of the zone behind the exterior mirror that can be detected by sensor41or42. Line106indicates a portion of the zone in front of the exterior mirror that can be detected by sensor41or42. Lines102and108indicate portions of the exterior mirror zone on both the left and right of the exterior mirror. Line104indicates at least a portion of the exterior mirror zone below the mirror that can be detected by sensor41and42.FIG. 1also illustrates a portion of the exterior mirror zone.

The preceding description is for example purposes only and in no way limits the scope of the following claims.