Patent Abstract:
A lighted exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly including a reflective element and an electrically-operable actuator. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a breakaway joint assembly. The reflective element has an electrically powered heater operable to remove ice or dew from the reflective element. The exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator lamp that has a light source and a lens. The lamp is included in the exterior rearview mirror assembly and unaffected by operation of the actuator. The breakaway joint assembly includes a wire-way through which a wire cable passes. The wire cable includes wires for operating the actuator, the heater and the lamp. The light source includes at least one light emitting diode.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/854,481, filed Aug. 11, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,997,777, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/037,409, filed Feb. 26, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,983, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/505,268, filed on Aug. 16, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,925, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/287,565, filed Nov. 4, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,755, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/938,182, filed on Aug. 23, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,853, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/630,332, filed on Jul. 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,069, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/420,658, filed on Oct. 19, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,099,155, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/232,316, filed on Jan. 18, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,077, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/934,490, filed on Sep. 19, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,863,116, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/607,285, filed on Feb. 26, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,705, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/333,412, filed on Nov. 2, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,305, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/011,947, filed on Feb, 1, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,371,659. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to security systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to remotely actuated, personal safety lighting systems. The invention is particularly adapted to incorporation in the exterior mirrors of a vehicle. 
         [0003]    Personal security in and around vehicles has become an important concern. In particular, an increasing number of assaults and robberies are committed in parking lots while occupants are entering and exiting vehicles. While remote-operated, keyless entry systems have been incorporated in vehicles in order to unlock the vehicle and illuminate interior lights, such systems merely expedite entry to the vehicle and do not, per se, enhance security around the vehicle. Accordingly, a need exists for a vehicle security system to increase the security for vehicle occupants while entering and exiting the vehicle. Any such system would need to be aesthetically pleasing and not burdensome in use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is intended to provide a personal safety feature for a vehicle in the form of a floodlight adapted to projecting light generally downwardly on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area. Advantageously, the floodlight is preferably positioned in the housing of an exterior mirror having a reflective element also positioned in the housing, According to an aspect of the invention, an actuator is provided for the floodlight including a base unit in the vehicle and a remote transmitter. The base unit is responsive to a signal from the remote transmitter in order to actuate the floodlight. This allows the vehicle operator to actuate the floodlight from a distance in order to establish the security zone prior to approaching the vehicle. 
         [0005]    According to another aspect of the invention, an actuator for the floodlight includes a lockout device in order to prevent actuation of the floodlight during operation of the vehicle. According to yet a further aspect of the invention, a signal light that is adapted to projecting light generally rearwardly of the vehicle is included in the exterior mirror housing. An actuator for the warning light is connected with the stoplight circuit, turn signal circuit, or both the stoplight and turn signal circuit, of the vehicle in order to actuate the warning light when either the stoplight or turn signal is being actuated. 
         [0006]    According to yet another aspect of the invention, the floodlight is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the housing on an area adjacent a portion of the vehicle that extends laterally onto the vehicle and downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, a security zone is established from the vehicle door to the rear of the vehicle. The signal light is adapted to projecting a pattern of light extending laterally away from the vehicle and rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, the pattern generated by the signal light cannot be substantially observed by a driver of the vehicle. However, the pattern generated by the signal light may be observed by a driver of another vehicle passing the vehicle equipped according to the invention. 
         [0007]    The floodlight and signal lights may be generated by a light emitting diode positioned in the housing, a vacuum fluorescent lamp positioned in the housing, an incandescent lamp positioned in the housing or a light source in the vehicle and a light pipe between the light source and the mirror housing. 
         [0008]    By providing a lighted security zone adjacent the vehicle, users can observe suspicious activity around the vehicle. The pattern of light generated by a security light according to the invention establishes a security zone around, and even under, the vehicle in the important area where the users enter and exit the vehicle. The provision for remote actuation of the security light provides a deterrent to ward off persons lurking around the protected vehicle while the users are still at a safe distance from the vehicle. The provision for a lockout circuit ensures that the security light will not inadvertently be actuated while the vehicle is in motion. The invention, further, conveniently combines a signal light that acts in unison with the vehicle&#39;s turn signal, brake light, or both, with the security light in an exterior mirror assembly. The signal light may be designed to be observed by other vehicles passing the equipped vehicle but not directly by the driver of the equipped vehicle. 
         [0009]    These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly (rear of the vehicle) incorporating the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the mirror assembly in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top view of the mirror assembly in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is the same view of  FIG. 1  of an alternative embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a control system according to the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a control system according to the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a breakaway perspective view of the system in  FIG. 1  revealing internal components thereof; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view taken along the lines VIII-VIII in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view taken along the lines IX-IX in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the security zone light pattern generated by a security light according to the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the light pattern generated by a signal light useful with the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in FIG,  13 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is the same view as  FIG. 7  of a first alternative light source according to the invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is the same view as  FIG. 7  of a second alternative light source; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is the same view as  FIG. 7  of a third alternative light source; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is the same view as  FIG. 7  of a fourth alternative light source; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is the same view as  FIG. 7  of the invention embodied in an alternative mirror structure. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0030]    Referring now specifically to the drawings, and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, a vehicle personal security lighting system  25  includes an exterior mirror assembly  26  having a conventional reflectance element  28 , a security light  30 , preferably white, or clear, and a signal light  32 , preferably red, incorporated in a housing, or casing,  34 . Casing  34  is connected by a neck  36  to a stationary panel or sail  38  adapted for incorporation with the forward portion of the vehicle side window assembly, and which mounts mirror assembly  26  to the door of a vehicle  40  (see  FIG. 10 ). Reflectance element  28  may be any of several reflectors, such as glass coated on its first or second surface with a suitable reflective layer or layers, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,471, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, or an electro-optic cell including a liquid crystal, electrochromic, or electrochernichromic fluid, gel or solid-state compound for varying the reflectivity of the mirror in response to electrical voltage applied thereacross as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,824, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , as is conventional, reflectance element  28  is mounted to a bracket  43  by an actuator  42 . Casing  34  is mounted to bracket  43 . Actuator  42  provides remote positioning of reflectance element  28  on two orthogonal axes. Such actuators are well known in the art and may include a jackscrew-type actuator  42  such as Model No. H16-49-8001 (right-hand mirror) and Model No, H16-49-8051 (left-hand mirror) by Matsuyama of Kawagoe City, Japan, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , or a planetary-gear actuator  42 ′ such as Model No. 540 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,281,899) sold by Industrie Koot BV (IKU) of Montfoort, Netherlands, as illustrated in  FIG. 20 . As is also conventional, the entire casing  34  including actuator  42 ,  42 ′ is mounted via bracket  43  for breakaway motion with respect to stationary panel  38  by a breakaway joint assembly  44 . Breakaway joint assembly  44  ( FIG. 9 ) includes a stationary member  46  attached to vehicle  40 , a pivoting member  48  to which bracket  43  and casing  34  are attached, and a wire-way  50  through which a wire cable  52  passes. Wire cable  52  includes individual wires to supply control signals to actuator  42 ,  42 ′, as well as signals to control the level of reflectivity, if reflective element  28  is of the variable reflectivity type noted above, such as an electrochromic mirror. Power may also be supplied through cable  52  for a heater  53  as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,824 in order to evaporate ice and dew from reflective element  28 . 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , actuator  42 ,  42 ′ receives a first set of reversible voltage signals from a switch  54 , in order to bidirectionally pivot in one axis, and a second set of reversible signals from a switch  56 , in order to bidirectionally pivot in the opposite axis, as is conventional. Switches  54  and  56  are actuated by a common actuator (not shown) that is linked so that only one of the switches  54  and  56  may be actuated at a time. In this manner, actuator  42 ,  42 ′ may utilize one common conductor for both switches  54 ,  56 . 
         [0033]    Each of the security light  30  and signal light  32  includes a light source  60  and reflector  62  behind a lens  64  ( FIG. 8 ). Light source  60 , reflector  62  and lens  64  are designed for security light  30  to project a pattern  66  of light, such as white light, through a clear, non-filtering lens, in order to establish a security zone around the vehicle ( FIGS. 10-12 ). Pattern  66  extends rearward from mirror assembly  26 . Vertically, pattern  66  contacts the ground at  68  in the vicinity of entry and exit by the vehicle occupants ( FIGS. 10 and 12 ). Laterally, pattern  66  fans out into contact with the side  70   a,    70   b  of the vehicle. This contact washes the sides of the vehicle to reflect the light in order to further illuminate the area in order to establish the security lighting zone ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In a preferred embodiment, pattern  66  extends rearwardly from mirror assembly  26  without projecting any portion of the pattern forwardly of the mirror assembly. 
         [0034]    Signal light  32  generates a light pattern  72 , which is directed generally horizontally rearwardly of vehicle  40  ( FIGS. 13-15 ). Pattern  72  is laterally directed substantially away from side  70   a,    70   b  of vehicle  40  so that the driver of vehicle  40  does not directly intercept pattern  72 , although a minor intensity (such as 10%) of the pattern is intercepted by the driver in order to provide awareness of the actuating of the signal light. Pattern  72  fans laterally away from side  70   a,    70   b  to an extent that is parallel the face of reflectance element  28 , which is substantially perpendicular to side  70   a,    70   b  ( FIG. 14 ). Thus, the driver of another vehicle (not shown) passing vehicle  40  on the left or right side of vehicle  40  will intercept pattern  72  while the vehicle is behind and beside vehicle  40 . Although, in an illustrated embodiment, lens  64  of signal light  32  is substantially planar, lens  64  of signal light  32  could be made to wrap around the outward side of casing  34  in order to function as a side marker for the vehicle as is required in some European countries. 
         [0035]    Vehicle mirror assembly security system  25  is actuated by a control system  74  ( FIG. 5 ). Control system  74  includes means for actuating security light  30  including a remote transmitting device  76  and a stationary receiving device  78 . Transmitting device  76  may be remotely carried by the vehicle operator and includes switches  80  and  81  in order to actuate the transmitting circuitry to transmit a signal form antenna  82 , which is received by antenna  84  of receiving device  78 . Receiving device  78  is mounted in the vehicle, such as in the vehicle trunk compartment, and includes an output  86  in order to operate remote door lock circuit  88 , as is conventional. Output  86  is, additionally, provided as an input  90  of a lockout circuit  92 , whose output  94  is supplied to security lamp  30 . Input  90  may additionally be actuated by a timeout circuit  96 , which is conventionally supplied in a vehicle in order to dim the interior lights, following a slight delay, after the occurrence of an event, such as the opening and closing of the doors of the vehicle. Signal light  32  is actuated on line  98  from either a turn indicator circuit  100  or a stop lamp indicator circuit  102 , both of which are conventionally supplied with vehicle  40 . 
         [0036]    In operation, when the operator actuates switch  80  of transmitting device  76 , receiving device  78  produces a signal on output  86  in order to cause remote door lock circuit  88  to unlock the doors. Alternatively, actuation of switch  81  on remote transmitting device  76  causes receiving device  78  to produce a signal on output  86  to cause remote door lock circuit  88  to lock the vehicle doors. The signal on output  86  actuates security lamp  30  provided that lockout circuit  92  does not inhibit the signal. Lockout circuit  92  responds to operation of the vehicle in order to avoid actuation of security lamp  30  when the vehicle is in motion. Such lockout circuits are conventional and may be responsive to placing of the vehicle transmission in gear of sensing of the speed of the vehicle, or the like. Security lamp  30  is also actuated, in response to interior lighting device timeout circuit  96 , whenever the interior lights of the vehicle are being actuated by timeout circuit  96 , provided that lookout circuit  92  does not inhibit the signal from security lamp  30 . This is provided in order to allow security lamp  30  to be actuated in response to the entry to, or exit from, vehicle  40  without the operator utilizing transmitting device  76  to lock or unlock the doors. Signal lamp  32  is actuated in response to turn indicator circuit  100  whenever the operator moves the indicator stick in the direction of that particular signal lamp  32 . Signal lamp  32  may additionally be actuated from stop lamp circuit  102  in response to the driver actuating the vehicle&#39;s brakes. 
         [0037]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , lens  64  of signal lamp  32  is adapted to filter the light provided from lamp  32  so as to be red and is provided for vehicles  40  in which the stop lamps and rear turn indicator lamps are, likewise, red, Because signal lamp  32  shines red, pattern  72  is restricted from extending forward of the vehicle. This is in order to comply with regulations prohibiting red lights from causing confusion with emergency vehicles by shining forward of the vehicle. 
         [0038]    For vehicles having red stoplights and amber turn indicators in the rear, a vehicle mirror security assembly  25 ′ includes an exterior mirror assembly  26 ′ and a control system  74 ′ ( FIGS. 4 and 6 ). Exterior mirror assembly  26 ′ includes a security light  30 ′, preferably white or clear, and a pair of signal lights  32   a ′ and  32   b ′. Signal light  32   a ′ is amber and is actuated directly from turn indicator circuit  100 ′. This amber color can be provided either by an amber light bulb or source, or a filtering lens providing an amber color. Signal light  32   b ′ is red and is actuated directly from stop lamp circuit  102 ′. Each of the light patterns generated by signal lights  32   a ′ and  32   b ′ substantially correspond with light pattern  72 . The light pattern generated by security light  30 ′ is substantially equivalent to pattern  66 . With the exception that turn signal indicator circuit  100 ′ actuates signal light  32   a ′ and stop lamp circuit  102 ′ actuates signal light  32 W, control system  74 ′ operates substantially identically with control circuit  74 . 
         [0039]    In the illustrated embodiment, light source  60 , for both security light  30  and signal light  32 , may be supplied as a conventional incandescent or halogen lamp  60   a  (FIG,  7 ). Alternatively, a conventional incandescent fuse lamp  60   b  may be used ( FIG. 16 ). Alternatively, a vacuum fluorescent lamp  60   c,  which is available in various colors, may be used ( FIG. 17 ). Alternatively, a light emitting diode  60   d  may be used ( FIG. 18 ). As yet a further alternative, a fiber optic bundle  104  forming a light pipe may be positioned to discharge light behind lens  64 . Fiber optic bundle  104  passes through breakaway joint  44  in wire-way  50  in order to transmit light from a source (not shown) within vehicle  40 . By way of example, lens  64  may be supplied as a segmented lens, a prismatic lens, or a Fresnel lens in order to generate light patterns  66  and  72 . Bracket  43  and breakaway joint  44  are marketed by Donnelly Corporation, the present assignee, of Holland, Mich. The remote actuator composed of remote transmitting device  76  and stationary receiving device  78  may be radio frequency coupled, as is conventional. Alternatively, they may be infrared coupled as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,258,352. 
         [0040]    Although the invention is illustrated in a mirror assembly utilizing an automatic remote actuator, it may also be applied to manual remote actuators and handset actuators. As previously set forth, reflectance element  28  may be conventional or may be supplied as an electrochromic self-dimming mirror. Although the invention is illustrated with breakaway joint  44 , the invention may also be applied to mirrors that are rigidly mounted to the vehicle. 
         [0041]    Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing form the principles of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the Doctrine of Equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8