Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-12-19
2002-03-05
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S882000, C359S883000, C359S862000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06352348
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
The invention concerns a mirror assembly with a mirror pane and mirror carrier plate, especially for outside rearview mirrors for motor vehicles, and the invention concerns also a rearview mirror with such an assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
EP-0 659 609 discloses a rearview mirror, which encompasses a mirror element releaseably fastened in a housing. The mirror element has a mirror pane and mirror carrier plate. In this case, the mirror pane is adhesively affixed to the mirror carrier plate over its entire surface.
When such mirror elements are installed as outside mirrors in trucks, very frequently strong vibrations occur, which, in an extreme instance, can lead to the separation of the mirror pane from the carrier plate. In other words, extreme vibrations in these types of mirror elements can cause a deterioration of the optical qualities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Thus, the present invention makes available a mirror element, particularly for outside, rearview service on commercial vehicle of which is less subject to vibration disturbances, This achievement is accomplished through the features of the invention.
By the fact that the mirror carrier plate possesses at least one unobstructed opening, the mirror pane cannot lie in full surface contact on the carrier. The mirror pane on that account is partially freed from the mirror carrier plate as far as vibrations are concerned. Because of the cutouts, a lighter mirror carrier plate is also achieved. This contributes to making the entire system lighter.
In accord with an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mirror pane lies upon spacers, so that the mirror pane contacts the carrier plate only from point to point, i.e., from spacer to spacer, and as a consequence, is further freed from contact with the surface of the plate. In the intervening space defined by the spacers between the mirror carrier plate and the mirror pane, a coating of adhesive material is applied, which assures a retentive connection between the mirror pane and the carrier plate. Due to the elasticity and plasticity of the adhesive layer, vibration is scarcely communicated to the mirror pane.
In accord with yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the unobstructed openings are so placed in the mirror carrier plate that a peripheral edge area of the mirror carrier plate remains, which provides greater stability.
Following yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a plurality of unobstructed openings are provided, which are apportioned over the mirror carrier plate. By means of this plurality of the openings, the characteristic frequency of the mirror carrier plate, i.e., the entire mirror system, is influenced. This provides another tool for the reduction of tendencies toward vibration.
Yet another embodiment provides the advantage that the area of the openings are within 10% to 70%, preferably 15% to 50%, of the entire area of the mirror pane. By these means, stability of a sufficient order is established, and the positive effect in regard to a better vibration relationship is still achieved.
In accord with another advantageous embodiment of the invention, openings are of different sizes, whereby the vibration characteristics can be specifically influenced.
In accord with yet another advantageous embodiment, centrally located openings, i.e., penetrative cutouts, which are shaped as circular sectors are provided. Between the sectors run webs which are the equivalent of spokes converging at a central hub. At the central hub is located the boss, or molding head, of the cast carrier plate. This embodiment improves the flow characteristics of the low viscosity plastic during the production of the plate in the injection molding process.
In the rearview mirror in accord with one aspect of the invention, the mirror element is affixed to the housing, and the housing itself, in turn, is position-adjustably fastened to a holder. A rearview mirror may be fastened on a holder, which is equipped with a positioning device.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3508815 (1970-04-01), Scheitlin et al.
patent: 3644022 (1972-02-01), Jagdt et al.
patent: 4701037 (1987-10-01), Bramer
patent: 5031871 (1991-07-01), Ohta et al.
patent: 5604644 (1997-02-01), Lang et al.
patent: 5621577 (1997-04-01), Lang et al.
patent: 5691849 (1997-11-01), Ledroit et al.
patent: 5793530 (1998-08-01), Lang
patent: 5925272 (1999-07-01), Lang et al.
patent: 6217181 (2001-04-01), Lynam et al.
patent: 4010083 (1991-10-01), None
patent: G9108483 (1992-01-01), None
patent: 0865967 (1998-09-01), None
patent: 0659609 (1999-01-01), None
USSN 09/266,987, filed Mar. 12, 1999, equivalent to German Patent Application No. 198 40 004.7, filed Sep. 02, 1998.
USSN 09/045,098, filed Mar. 20, 1998, equivalent to EP 0 865 967.
Verified English language translation of G 9 108 483.
Centmayer Stefan
Lang Heinrich
Seiboth Wolfgang
Dority & Manning P.A.
Lang-Mekra North America LLC
Sikder Mohammad
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