Universal exterior vehicle security light

0001This 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.

0002Personal 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, <u>per se</u>, 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.

0003In order to include a security light system in a vehicle exterior mirror assembly, the security light must be rugged and resistant to environmental conditions such as water splash from road surfaces, rain and other precipitation as well as car washes. The assembly desirably must additionally be of relatively low cost and easy to manufacture in order to be acceptable to vehicle manufacturers. In addition, the security light desirably must be capable of matching a multiplicity of mirror housing designs. Moreover, the security light desirably is compact so as to fit into the interior cavity of conventional exterior mirror housings. For styling and aerodynamic reasons, exterior mirror housings are of determined and restricted size, shape, design, and interior volume. Moreover, the interior volume is already typically relatively cramped as it must accommodate not only the mirror reflector element itself and its movement, but also usually a manual or electric actuator that allows adjustment of the rearward field of view of the reflector remotely by the driver from the interior cabin of the vehicle. Also, since it is commercially desirable for a manufacturer of a security light to supply to a multitude of exterior mirror manufacturers, for their incorporation into their own particular exterior mirror assembly construction, it is desirable that the light be of a module type that is compact; that is weatherproofed; that is attachable and receivable by a wide variety of exterior mirror assembly designs; that is readily, standardly, and conveniently connectable to the vehicle electrical service and wiring already commonly found in conventional exterior mirror assemblies; and that is economic both for manufacture by the light module manufacturer and for the manufacturer of the complete exterior mirror assembly who will incorporate the light module into a mirror housing.

0004Importantly, the security light must be easy to service. The vehicle repair technician must be provided with easy access to the light source in order to replace the light source during the useful life of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light source should be replaceable without removing and subsequently replacing numerous fasteners. Such fasteners are not only time-consuming to remove and replace, but are subject to getting lost as well as damaged.

0005Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a security light system having a light module designed which could be universally adaptable to the exterior mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. The task is complicated because the light pattern illuminating the ground, such as adjacent the front and rear doors, on one side of the vehicle is generally desirably a mirror image of the ground illumination light pattern on the other side of the vehicle. Both light patterns extend outwardly from the respective side of the vehicle to a lateral outer boundary, but in opposite directions. However, the use of a light module that can produce the desired ground illumination light pattern in the respective driver's side and passenger's side is further complicated because the angle defined by the exterior mirror assembly case housing that contains the respective light module with respect to the center line on the vehicle is not necessarily the same for the driver's side mirror assembly as the passenger side mirror assembly. The mounting angle φ between the casing face of the passenger side outside mirror assembly and the vehicle center line is often smaller than the mounting angle θ between the casing face of the driver side assembly and the vehicle center line. Typically, θ , which is the drivers side angle, is between approximately 70° and 90°. Typically φ, which is the passenger side angle is between 5° and 15° less than the corresponding angle θ on the same vehicle. Thus, a light module mounted identically into two otherwise identical mirror case housings can irradiate different areas on the left and right hand side of the vehicle when these housings are mounted on the vehicle simply because angles θ and φ differ on the vehicle.

0006It would also be desirable to provide a light module design which could be universally adaptable in many vehicles designed by different manufacturers. This task is complicated by the wide range of designs of exterior mirrors in various vehicles. It is an onerous task to provide a light module which can be incorporated into virtually any exterior mirror design because extra space in such mirrors is often very limited.

0007The security light system should be compact and replaceable so that it can either be serviced or simply replaced. For a disposable light module, the cost of manufacture must be sufficiently low enough to warrant the light module to be removed and replaced in its entirety. Most or all of the above requirements must be met in order to have a commercially viable vehicle exterior mirror assembly security system suitable for use on a vehicle, such as an automobile. Indeed, the Applicants do not know of any successful commercial incorporation of a light module into an exterior mirror assembly on an automobile and believe that their inventions are the first commercially successful applications of a light module suitable for use in the exterior mirror assembly on an automobile.

0008Various aspects of the present invention are defined in the independent claims. Some preferred features are defined in the dependent claims.

0009The present invention is intended to provide a personal safety feature for a vehicle in the form of a light 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 light, that preferably provides a security function, is provided as a module that is suitable for use in the exterior mirror housing designs of various vehicles. The light module is capable of low cost, easy manufacture. Furthermore, the module is compact and is substantially moisture impervious in order to resist environmental forces.

0010The security system is adapted to projecting a pattern of light from the exterior mirror 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 in the vicinity of the vehicle doors where occupants enter and exit the vehicle.

0011According to an aspect of the invention, a mirror assembly security system includes an exterior mirror assembly having a reflective element and a casing for the reflective element. The casing includes means defining a mounting surface and a cooperative member associated with the mounting surface. The security system further includes a light module positioned in the mirror assembly for projecting light from the mirror assembly on an area in order to create a lighted security zone in that area. The light module according to this aspect of the invention includes an enclosure, a light-transmitting opening in the enclosure, a light source supported in the enclosure for radiating light through the light-transmitting opening and a cover for the light-transmitting opening. The light module further includes a positioning member mating with the cooperating member of the mirror assembly in order to orient the enclosure at a given orientation with respect to the mounting surface.

0012In this manner, the same light module design may be utilized on both sides of the vehicle not withstanding that the light modules generate light patterns which are different on different sides of the vehicle. The light modules can be oriented in order to orient the light pattern in a manner which is appropriate for the respective side of the vehicle.

0013The enclosure may include a reflective surface, said reflective surface directing at least a portion of light radiating from said light source through said light-transmitting opening. The reflective surface may at least partially surround said light source in said enclosure. The reflective surface may direct light from said light source in a direction generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The enclosure may include a reflective member having a reflective surface, said reflective member having portions straddling said light source. The enclosure may include first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply. The contacts may extend through said enclosure for coupling to an external power supply. The contacts may be insert molded with said enclosure. The contacts may comprise brass stampings. At least a portion of said contacts are integral with said first and second side walls. The side walls may be flexible and adapted to deflect to permit insertion of said light source between said side walls and are generally rigid when said cover is installed on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in said enclosure between portions of said contacts when said cover is installed. The light source may radiate light from a longitudinal extent, said longitudinal extent extending between said side walls. The reflective surface may at least partially extend between said side walls, said reflective surface partially surrounding said light source to direct light radiating from said light source toward said light-transmitting opening. The said cover may be an optical lens, preferably a Fresnel lens, or a diffusive optic lens or a diffractive optic lens or a refractive optic lens or a reflective optic lens or a holographic optic lens or a binary optic lens or a clear optic lens, or a sinusoidal optic lens. The enclosure may have a central axis of orientation generally parallel to the direction of light transmitted from said light module and including a cylindrical wall extending around said axis of orientation. The light source may have an elongated extent and emitting light radially from a portion of said elongated extent, said elongated extent extending between portions of said cylindrical wall. The enclosure may include a reflective surface extending between said cylindrical wall, said reflective surface surrounding a portion of said light source so that light radiating from a rearward side of said light source is directed through said light-transmitting opening rearwardly of the vehicle. The enclosure may include first and second contacts, said contacts disposed on opposed sides of said cylindrical wall to support said light source and adapted for electrically coupling said light source to an external power supply. Each of said contacts may include a support arm and a connection arm, said connection arms extending through said enclosure and projecting outwardly from said enclosure for connecting to the external power supply; and said light source may include frusto-conical contacts on opposed ends of said elongated extent, said contacts supported by said support arms of said contacts. The reflective surface may be supported on said inner surface of said enclosure. The housing of said exterior mirror assembly may have a housing wall defining said mounting surface, said enclosure adapted for mounting in said housing wall. The cover and cylindrical wall may be adapted to mount said light module in said housing wall. The reflective surface may be aluminum. The module may be a unitary assembly adapted to be substantially moisture impervious. The cover may be sealingly fixed to said enclosure, or welded to said enclosure, or fixed to said enclosure with adhesive. The mirror assembly security system may include an adhesive vent patch covering said vent aperture to permit discharge of moisture from the enclosure but to block moisture from entering said enclosure. The vent patch may comprise Gortex® material. The module may be positioned in said exterior mirror assembly housing for directing the light radiating through said light-transmitting opening of said module in a direction generally downwardly with respect to the vehicle. The light source is preferably selected from the group of an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connectable between a light source in said vehicle and said enclosure. The positioning member may comprise a key structure and said cooperating member comprises a key way. The mirror assembly may further comprise another exterior mirror assembly for mounting on an opposed side of the vehicle from said exterior mirror assembly, said another exterior mirror assembly including another reflective element and another housing for said another reflective element including means defining another mounting surface and another cooperating member associated with said another mounting surface, said another exterior mirror assembly further including another said light module having another enclosure and another positioning member, a mating with said another cooperating member cooperating in order to orient said another enclosure at another given orientation with respect to said another mounting surface. The given orientation and said another given orientation may be in the range of approximately 30 degrees to approximately 60 degrees apart, preferably approximately 30 degrees apart.

0014According to another aspect of the invention, a light module for positioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle includes a housing, a pair of electrical contacts disposed on an inner surface of a housing wall, a light-transmitting opening in the housing and a cover extending over the light-transmitting opening. A light source is supported by the contacts in a manner which radiates light towards the light-transmitting opening. The housing wall and portions of the contacts on the housing wall are flexible and are adapted to deflect prior to installation of the cover. This permits insertion of the light source between the housing walls. The cover adds rigidity to the housing wall when it is installed on the vehicle so that the light source is rigidly supported in the enclosure between the contacts when the cover is installed. This aspect of the invention comprehends the provision of a light module which will be replaceable in its entirety wherein, once inserted in the housing, the light source will not be individually replaced. However, the light source is easily inserted in the housing and, when the housing assembly is complete, is securely retained in the supporting electrical contacts.

0015According to another aspect of the invention, a security light module for an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a compartment. The housing has a unitary body including a side wall and a light emitting opening in communication with the compartment. The compartment defines a central axis and a light source is provided having an elongated radiating surface which is mounted in the compartment symmetrically with respect to the central axis. A reflective surface is provided which at least partially straddles the light source. A cover seals the compartment and is adapted to transmit light from the light source. The reflective surface and/or the cover individually or in combination direct light from the light source in a direction generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle and outwardly from the respective sides of the vehicle. In this manner, the light module does not need to be oriented in the exterior mirror housing with the compartment directed in the general direction in which the light pattern is directed. This provides a more compact light module which may be oriented in the exterior mirror housing in a manner required in order to direct the light pattern in a desired manner which is contemplated to be different depending upon the side of the vehicle on which the light module is mounted.

0016By 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 invention, further, conveniently combines a signal light that acts in unison with the vehicle's turn signal, brake light, or both, with the security light, or as a stand-alone accessory, 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.

0017According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a light module for positioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle, the exterior mirror assembly having a casing and a retaining structure located within said casing, said light module comprising: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>enclosure having an enclosure wall defining an inner surface;</li><li>a pair of electrical contacts disposed on said inner surface of said enclosure wall, said contacts adapted for coupling to an external power supply;</li><li>a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure;</li><li>a cover extending over said light-transmitting opening for sealing said enclosure for transmitting light from a light source in said enclosure to an area adjacent the vehicle;</li><li>a light source supported by and coupled to said contacts in said enclosure, said light source radiating light toward said light-transmitting opening and through said cover;</li><li>said enclosure adapted for mounting in the opening of the exterior mirror housing; and</li><li>said enclosure wall and portions of said contacts on said enclosure wall are flexible and are adapted to deflect prior to installation of said cover to permit insertion of said light source between said enclosure wall, said cover adding rigidity to said enclosure wall when installed on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in said enclosure between said contacts when said cover is installed. The light module may further comprise a light-directing surface provided in said enclosure for directing light from said light source toward said light-transmitting opening. The light-directing surface may be vacuum-metalized on to a surface of a plastic member supported on said inner surface of said enclosure. The said contacts are at least partially integrally molded with said enclosure wall. The enclosure wall defines a dome-shaped body having opposed ends walls and a side wall extending between said end walls, portions of said contacts disposed on said end walls. The light source may include an elongated light-directing surface, said elongated light radiating surface extending substantially between said end walls of said enclosure. The light-directing surface may be disposed on said side wall of said enclosure, said light directing surface extending substantially between said end walls for directing the light from said elongated light radiating surface toward said light-transmitting opening. Each of said contacts may include a support arm and a connection arm, said connection arms extending through said enclosure and projecting outwardly from said enclosure for coupling to an external power supply; and said light source may include frusto-conical contacts on opposed ends of said elongated radiating surface, said contacts supported in said support arms of said contacts. The support arms may each include a receiving structure, said frusto-conical contacts extending in said receiving structure for support therein. The enclosure and said cover may define a unitary module which is adapted to be substantially moisture impervious. The cover is welded to said enclosure, thereby sealing said enclosure, or is fixed to said enclosure with adhesive, thereby sealing said enclosure. The enclosure may include a vent aperture defining an airflow path through said enclosure in order to dissipate heat from said light source. The vent aperture may include an adhesive vent patch covering said vent aperture to permit discharge of moisture from the enclosure but to block moisture from entering said enclosure. The vent patch may comprise Gortex material. The enclosure may be made from a heat-resistant polymer, preferably polycarbonate or polyester or nylon or ABS. The cover may be an optical lens, preferably selected from the group consisting of a diffusive optic lens, a diffractive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, a clear optic lens, a Fresnel lens, a micro-Fresnel lens, and a sinusoidal optic lens. The light source may be one of a vacuum or gas filled incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, at least one light-emitting diode, a vacuum fluorescent lamp, and a light pipe connectable between a light source in the vehicle and said enclosure.</li></ul>

0018According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a security light module for an exterior mirror assembly for a vehicle, the exterior mirror assembly including a mirror case and a reflective element supported in the mirror case, said security module comprising: <ul id="ul0002" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>a housing defining an compartment, said housing having a unitary body including a side wall and a light emitting opening in communication with said compartment, said compartment defining a central axis;</li><li>a light source having an elongated radiating surface, said light source mounted in said compartment approximately on said central axis;</li><li>a reflective surface at least partially straddling said light source;</li><li>a cover sealing said compartment and adapted to transmit light from said light source, wherein at least one of said reflective surface and said cover direct light from said light source in a direction angled with respect to said central axis. The housing may include an inner surface and a plastic member supported on said inner surface, said plastic member including a reflective surface. The said reflective surface is metalized onto said plastic member, preferably said reflective surface is vacuum metalized aluminium. The said reflective surface may comprise a surface of a reflective member, said reflective member having a domed, saddle-shaped body with opposed wall portions, said opposed wall portions straddling said elongated light radiating surface of said light source. The wall portions of said reflective member have unequal lengths, whereby said reflective member directs a greater amount of light rearwardly of the vehicle. The side wall may include first and second opposed end walls and a back wall extending between said end walls, a first lamp supporting electrical contact is supported on said first end wall, a second lamp supporting electrical contact is supported on said second end wall, said elongated light radiating surface extending between said opposed side walls. The contacts may extend along said end walls to support said light source adjacent said reflective member, whereby said wall portions of said reflective member are coextensive with said elongated light radiating surface of said light source. The housing may be adapted to be substantially moisture impervious. The cover may be welded to said housing, thereby sealing said compartment, or may be fixed to said housing with adhesive, thereby sealing said compartment. The unitary body may include a vent aperture defining an airflow path through said compartment in order to discharge moisture from said compartment. The security light module may include an adhesive vent patch to cover said vent aperture for discharging moisture from said compartment and for blocking moisture from entering said compartment. The vent patch may comprise Gortex® material. The housing may include a positioning member for cooperating with a structure in the exterior mirror assembly for orienting said light module in a correct installation orientation for the exterior mirror assembly. The security light module may include fastenerless mounting means for removably mounting said housing in a mirror case.</li></ul>

0019According to a yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mirror assembly security system for a vehicle comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>an exterior mirror assembly including a housing and a reflective element supported by said housing;</li><li>a light module positioned in said exterior mirror assembly, said light module for projecting light from said exterior mirror assembly on an area near the vehicle in order to create a lighted security zone in the area; and</li><li>said light module including an enclosure and a light source supported in said enclosure, said enclosure having a volume that is less than approximately 100 cubic centimeters, and said light module for illuminating an area with a light level in the range of approximately 10 lux to approximately 40 lux. The said volume of said enclosure may be less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters, and preferably less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters. The said enclosure may include first and second opposed side walls and first and second electrical contacts, said first contact disposed on said first side wall, said second contact disposed on said second side wall and said contacts supporting said light source and for electrically coupling said light source to the external power supply. The side walls may be flexible and adapted to deflect to permit insertion of said light source between said side walls and are generally rigid when said cover is installed on said enclosure so that said light source is rigidly supported in said enclosure between portions of said contacts when said cover is installed.</li></ul>

0020According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a light module for positioning in an opening in an exterior mirror assembly of a vehicle, the exterior mirror assembly having a housing and a reflective element supported in the housing, the housing including an opening, said light module comprising: <ul id="ul0004" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>enclosure defining a compartment having an inner surface;</li><li>a light-transmitting opening in said enclosure;</li><li>a cover extending over said light-transmitting opening for sealing said enclosure and for transmitting light from a light source in said enclosure to an area adjacent the vehicle, said cover including at least one non-planar optic surface for directing the light in a first direction from the module for illuminating an area adjacent a first side of the vehicle;</li><li>a light source supported in said enclosure, said light source radiating light toward said light-transmitting opening and through said cover;</li><li>said enclosure adapted for mounting in the opening of the exterior mirror housing; and</li><li>said cover adapted to be reorientated about the enclosure to redirect the light from the module in a second direction for illuminating an area adjacent a second side of the vehicle. The cover may have a second non-planar surface for directing light from the light source in a direction angled with respect to said first direction. The direction angled with respect to said first direction may include a lateral direction with respect to the vehicle. The enclosure may include a reflective member, said reflective member surrounding a portion of said light source so that light radiating from said light source is directed from said module for illuminating an area generally rearwardly of the vehicle. The reflective member may include a reflective surface for directing light from said light source and from said module for illuminating an area generally downwardly of the vehicle.</li></ul>

0021These and other objects, advantages and features of this invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>Fig. 1 is a perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly (rear of the vehicle) incorporating the invention;</li><li>Fig. 2 is a rear view of the mirror assembly in Fig. 1;</li><li>Fig. 3 is a top view of the mirror assembly in Fig. 1;</li><li>Fig. 4 is the same view as Fig. 1 of an alternative embodiment of the invention;</li><li>Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a control system according to the invention;</li><li>Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a control system according to the invention;</li><li>Fig. 7 is a breakaway perspective view of the system in Fig. 1 revealing internal components thereof;</li><li>Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken along the lines VIII-VIII in Fig. 7;</li><li>Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken along the lines IX-IX in Fig. 7;</li><li>Fig. 10 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the security zone light pattern generated by a security light according to the invention;</li><li>Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in Fig. 10;</li><li>Fig. 12 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in Fig. 10;</li><li>Fig. 13 is a side elevation of a vehicle illustrating the light pattern generated by a signal light useful with the invention;</li><li>Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the vehicle and light pattern in Fig. 13;</li><li>Fig. 15 is a rear elevation of the vehicle and light pattern in Fig. 13;</li><li>Fig. 16 is the same view as Fig. 7 of a first alternative light source according to the invention;</li><li>Fig. 17 is the same view as Fig. 7 of a second alternative light source;</li><li>Fig. 18 is the same view as Fig. 7 of a third alternative light source;</li><li>Fig. 19 is the same view as Fig. 7 of a fourth alternative light source;</li><li>Fig. 20 is the same view as Fig. 7 of the invention embodied in an alternative mirror structure;</li><li>Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly (rear of the vehicle), according to another aspect of the invention;</li><li>Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating details of the light module;</li><li>Fig. 23 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXIII-XXIII in Fig. 22;</li><li>Fig. 24 is a front elevation of the mirror assembly in Figs. 21 and 22 illustrating the manner in which a light module is removably mounted to an exterior rearview mirror housing;</li><li>Fig. 25 is the same view as Fig. 23 of an alternative embodiment;</li><li>Fig. 26 is an exploded perspective view taken from the front of a mirror assembly of another alternative embodiment of the invention;</li><li>Fig. 27 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXVII-XXVII in Fig. 26;</li><li>Fig. 28 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXVIII-XXVIII in Fig. 26;</li><li>Fig. 29 is the same perspective view as Fig. 22 of another alternative embodiment;</li><li>Fig. 30 is a front elevation of the mirror assembly in Fig. 29 illustrating the light module mounted to the support bracket;</li><li>Fig. 31 is a sectional view taken along the lines XXXIII-XXXIII in Fig. 30;</li><li>Fig. 32 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the light module mounted to a surface of an exterior mirror assembly;</li><li>Fig. 33 is a front elevation of the light module of Figure 32;</li><li>Fig. 34 is an exploded perspective view of the light module of Fig. 32;</li><li>Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the light module taken along line XXXV of Fig. 32;</li><li>Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the light module taken along line XXXVI of Fig. 33;</li><li>Fig. 37 is a plan view of a cover of the light module;</li><li>Fig. 38 is a cross sectional view taken along line XXXVIII of Fig. 37;</li><li>Fig. 39 is a cross sectional view taken along line XXXIX of Fig. 37;</li><li>Fig. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the light module taken along line XXXX of Fig. 33 showing illustrating side elevational view of the light pattern produced by the module;</li><li>Fig. 41 is a front elevational view of the reflective member;</li><li>Fig. 42 is a top plan view of the reflective member of Fig. 40; and</li><li>Fig. 43 is a plan view of a vehicle illustrating the orientation of the module in the respective left and right side exterior mirror assemblies of the vehicle.</li></ul>

0022Referring 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 or red-orange, 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 United States Patent 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 electrochemichromic fluid, gel or solid-state compound for varying the reflectivity of the mirror in response to electrical voltage applied thereacross as disclosed in United States Patent No. 5,151,824, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

0023With reference to Figs. 7 and 8, as is conventional, reflectance element 28 is mounted to a bracket 43 by a positioning device such as 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. Patent 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 United States Patent No. 5,151,824 in order to evaporate ice and dew from reflective element 28.

0024With 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.

0025Each 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 70a, 70b 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.

0026Signal 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 70a, 70b 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 70a, 70b to an extent that is parallel the face of reflectance element 28, which is substantially perpendicular to side 70a, 70b (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 the 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.

0027Vehicle 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 from 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, interior cabin, or within or on a mirror assembly, and includes an output 86 in order to operate remote door lock circuit 88, as is conventional. For example, an antenna, such as a metallic antenna comprising, for example, 6 to 20 gauge copper wire, and/or an RF, IR, and the like signal receiving circuit, may be incorporated into one, and preferably both, of the exterior mirror assemblies, or into the interior mirror assembly, or into vehicle glazing, trim items such as sunvisors and overhead consoles, and their like. Such an antenna can be auxiliary mounted, integrally mounted, or insert molded into or onto, for example, the exterior mirror bracket, sail, housing, bezel, or visor, or could be part of the light module. Such receiving system can be of the automatic, proximity detection type that automatically senses proximity and approach of the vehicle owner by its automatic detection of the transducer carried by the vehicle owner, without that vehicle owner having necessarily to operate neither a button on a hand-held unit. Also, the receiver may be part of, or itself be, a proximity detection system that activates and illuminates the light module of this invention whenever the vehicle is approached under conditions where vehicle security is being detected and protected.

0028Output 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.

0029In 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 or sensing of the speed of the vehicle, or the like. The lockout circuit may also be included in the vehicle's ignition system, such that the security light is disabled when the engine is started and the vehicle is operating. Thus, the lamp will be off when the ignition switch is turned to start the engine. 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 lockout 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's brakes.

0030In 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.

0031For 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 32a' and 32b'. Signal light 32a' 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 32b' is red, red-orange or amber, as desired by the automaker, and is actuated directly from stop lamp circuit 102'. Each of the light patterns generated by signal lights 32a' and 32b' 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 32a' and stop lamp circuit 102' actuates signal light 32b', control system 74' operates substantially identically with control circuit 74.

0032In 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 60a (Fig. 7). Alternatively, a conventional incandescent fuse lamp 60b may be used (Fig. 16). Alternatively, a vacuum fluorescent lamp 60c, which is available in various colors, may be used (Fig. 17). Alternatively, a light-emitting diode 60d 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 clear lens, a diffuser lens, 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, Michigan. 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 United States Patent No. 4,258,352.

0033Although 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.

0034An alternative vehicle personal security lighting system 25' includes a light module 104 that is removably positioned within housing 34' of exterior mirror assembly 26' (Fig. 21). In addition to the opening for accepting bezel or cowling 106, mirror housing 34' includes a downward opening 108 for receiving light module 104. Additionally, bezel 106 includes a recess 110 which defines an opening facing generally downwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. Exterior mirror assembly 26 includes a bracket 43' for mounting positioning device 42 which mounts reflective element 28. Bracket 43' has two pairs of flexible prongs 112, which are received within sockets 114 defined on an enclosure 116 of light module 104. Prongs 112 releasably engage sockets 114 in order to retain the light module within the exterior mirror assembly in openings 108 and 110. Light module 104 may be disassembled from exterior mirror assembly 26' by reaching behind reflective element 28 with a pair of needle-nose pliers, or the like, and sequentially compressing each of the pairs of prongs 112 in order to release the prongs from sockets 114. Thus, prongs 112 and sockets 114 provide a fastener-less system which retains the light module in the exterior mirror assembly without the use of separate fasteners. A pair of shoulders 118, which define a slot 120 therebetween, engage a protrusion from an inner surface (not shown) of housing 34' in order to assist in stably positioning light module 104 within housing 34'. Alternatively, one or more fasteners, such as screws, clasps, latches, clips, and their like could be used. But, preferably, for ease of serviceability and for consumer acceptability, only one, and at most two, such fastener should be used. A further advantage of a fastener-less system is that it facilitates supply of a light module of this invention for use in a plurality of exterior mirror assemblies manufactured by a multitude of exterior mirror manufacturers with minimum modifications to the complete mirror assembly housing.

0035Unitary enclosure 116 has a generally downwardly directed light-transmitting opening 122 and an opening 121 for receiving a light socket 124. Light socket 124 provides electrical connection to a light source 126, which is electrically interconnected to the vehicle through a cable 128. The socket may be self-gasketing, achieved by selection of a material in its construction, at least at the mating surface, that achieves a sealing function. Preferably, the socket, either wholly, or partially at least at its mating surface, is a resilient, somewhat flexible polymer material, preferably with a durometer hardness, measured on the SHORE A scale of less than approximately 95, more preferably less than approximately 85, and most preferably less than approximately 75 but preferably of SHORE A hardness greater than about 50, and preferably greater than about 60. Materials appropriate to achieve this, and simultaneously have the physical, mechanical, and high temperature performance needed, include silicone, urethanes, thermoplastic rubbers, and polyvinyl chloride. Preferably, the material used for the self-gasketing socket is capable of withstanding temperatures in use in excess of approximately 200° F or higher. Alternatively, a rigid construction may be used for the light socket, such as a ceramic, engineering plastic, Bakelite, nylon, polyester, filled polyester, or filled (glass and/or mineral) nylon, if a gasketing material delivering the above properties are used at the point of mating of light socket 124 and enclosure 116. Light socket 124 seals against enclosure 116 by the provision of a gasket, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is provided by the flexible nature of light socket 124. Alternatively, a separate gasket member formed of material such as silicone, neoprene, thermoplastic rubber, EPDM, polypropylene/EPDM alloy and similar elastomeric materials, preferably having the hardness properties listed above, could be inserted between the light socket and the enclosure. Light-transmitting opening 122 is covered by a cover member 130. Cover member 130 is a lens member, which affects the distribution of light emitted from light source 126. In the illustrated embodiment, cover member 130 is a clear optic lens that provides a substantially uniform puddle of light on the illuminated area adjacent the vehicle's door having a relatively wide light pattern, or flood pattern. Alternatively, cover member 130 could be a diffractive optic, a diffusive optic, a refractive optic, a reflective optic, a holographic optic, a binary optic, or a sinusoidal optic. In the illustrated embodiment, light source 126 is an incandescent lamp that is a filament optic having a minimum five-candle power. Such candle power mounted within an exterior mirror assembly of an automobile will preferably produce a ground surface illumination intensity of at least approximately 5 lux or greater, more preferably at least about 10 lux, and most preferably at least about 20 lux. Light source 126 may range in power up to 32-candle power or more. The preferred range is between approximately 5-candle power and approximately 15-candle power. It is desirable to provide as much candle power as possible without creating excessive heat within enclosure 116. If a high wattage lamp is used, a ventilation system is provided. Ventilation techniques are known in the art which allow the passage of air through the cavity 134 in which the light source is positioned while providing a substantially moisture-impervious barrier.

0036Light module 104 additionally includes a reflector 132 surrounding light source 126, both positioned in a cavity 134, which extends to light-transmitting opening 122. The purpose of the reflector is in order to direct the light from light source 126 into the pattern of light illustrated in Figs. 10-12. Reflector 132 may be a parabolic reflector, as illustrated in Fig. 23, but may additionally include an extended tunnel in order to provide collimation of the light beam. In the illustrated embodiment, reflector 132 is aluminum or high efficiency aluminum vacuum-deposited on a wall 133 defining cavity 134, with an optional coating of lacquer. Alternatively, wall 133 may be coated with a white paint, such as "Argent" white or a silver paint. Reflector 132 may be a separate member, such as stamped metal or an aluminized glass optic. Alternatively, light source 126 and reflector 132 may be provided as an assembly.

0037Light module 104 includes a second cavity 140 defined in enclosure 116 and extending to a second light-transmitting opening 136. A signal light assembly 138 is positioned within cavity 140 to radiate light rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. Signal light assembly 138 includes a pair of electrical contacts 142, which protrude through grooves 144 defined in a flange 146 surrounding opening 136. Contacts 142 engage a connector 148, which provides electrical connection between signal light assembly 138 and the vehicle through cable 128 which, in turn, may piggyback or otherwise connect to existing 12-volt battery/ignition wiring already supplied in the housing to service an electrical actuator and/or a defroster heater pad.

0038Signal light assembly 138 includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes 152 positioned on circuit board 150. A variety of emitting sources may be used as light-emitting source 90, including, but not limited to, very high intensity amber and reddish-orange light-emitting diode (LED) sources, such as solid-state light-emitting diode (LED) sources utilizing double heterojunction AlGaAs/GaAs material technology, such as very high intensity red LED lamps T-1 3/4 (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101, available from Hewlett Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, California, or which use transparent substrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) material technology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, California under the designation T-1 3/4 (5mm) HLMT-DL00, HLMT-CH00, HLMT-CL00, HLMT-CH15, HLMT-CL15 and HLMT-DH00 or high power AlInGaP amber and reddish-orange lamps under the designation HLMA-CHOO/-CLOO, HLMA-DGOO/-DHOO/-DLOO, HLMA-EH20/-EL20, HLMA-KH00/-KL00, and HLMA-QHOO/-QLOO, or which use InGaAIP material technology available from Toshiba Corporation of Latham, New York, such as under the designation TLRH180D or GaAlAs/GaAlAs LED sources available from Sharp Corporation Electronics Components Group such as Model No. GL6UR31T and Model No. GL6UR3T which are red LEDs. Light emittance colors provided by such solid-state sources include orange, yellow, amber, red, and reddish-orange, desirably without need of ancillary spectral filters. The preferred solid-state light-emitting diodes, at 25° C or thereabouts, operate at a forward voltage of about 2 volts to about 5 volts; have a luminous intensity (measured at the peak of the spacial radiation pattern which may not be aligned with the mechanical axis of the source package) of a minimum, at 20 mA current, of about 500 to about 5000 mcd (typical, about 700 to about 7000 mcd); operate at a forward current of about 20 mA to about 50 mA; emit with a dominant wavelength (CIE Chromaticity Diagram) of about 530 nm to about 680 nm; and have a viewing angle 2θ_½ (where θ_½ is the off-axis angle where the luminous intensity is one half the peak intensity) of about 5° to about 25°.

0039A lens assembly 154, which may be a polycarbonate or acrylic material, is positioned over signal light assembly 138. Lens assembly 154 may include a clear or sinusoidal optical surface 156 and a plurality of louvers 158. Louvers 158 and light-emitting diodes 152 are skewed away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the light-emitting diodes and louvers are skewed at an angle of at least approximately 15°, more preferably approximately 20°, and most preferably approximately 25° to 30° from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle, but preferably not more than about 45°. The purpose of the skewing is in order to allow the light radiated by the signal light assembly to be visible by drivers in vehicles to the side of vehicle 40, but to be shielded from the driver of the vehicle 40. This features prevents distraction to the driver of the vehicle equipped with the security lighting system. A cover member 160 encloses signal light assembly 138 and sinusoidal optical surface 156 by moisture-tight engagement with flange 146 of enclosure 116. In the illustrated embodiment, light-emitting diodes 152 are individually mounted at an angle on circuit board 150. In an alternative embodiment, light-emitting diodes 152 could be mounted upright, normal to circuit board 150, with the entire signal light assembly mounted at an angle with respect to the vehicle passenger compartment in order to provide proper skewing away from the driver of the vehicle equipped with the mirror assembly security system according to the invention. Also, when desired, a current limiting resistor can be mounted on circuit board 150 in series with the light-emitting diodes 152 to limit current therethrough and to mate to the 12-volt ignition/battery potential servicing the exterior mirror assembly.

0040Enclosure 116 is made from a heat-resistant material and is substantially moisture impervious. Preferably, a polymer material is used which has a heat distortion temperature (as measured by ASTM D 648 for a 12.7 x 12.7 x 6.4 mm specimen and at 1820 kPa) of at least approximately 80° C, more preferably at least approximately 100° C, and most preferably at least approximately 120° C. A mineral-filled or glass-filled nylon or polyester or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer may be utilized for enclosure 116. In the illustrated embodiment, enclosure 116 is made from polycarbonate with cover members 130 and 160 made from a polycarbonate or acrylic. The components of enclosure 116 may be assembled by conventional sonic welding, vibration welding, or by the use of suitable adhesives. Enclosure 116 is opaque, except for cover members 130 and 160, in order to shade light. The light module fits within the cavity defined within housing 34' by openings 108 and 110 in a manner which conforms to the styling and aerodynamic lines of the housing.

0041In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Fig. 25, a light module 104' is provided that includes a first downwardly directed light-transmitting opening 122 but does not include a rearwardly directed light-transmitting opening in the housing bezel. Light module 104' provides a puddle of light around the vehicle's doors, but does not include a signal light visible by drivers on the sides of the vehicle 40 equipped with light module 104'. In this manner, a mirror assembly security system, according to the invention, may be provided with a generally downwardly directed security light alone (104') or in combination with a signal light (104), which may illuminate in unison with the vehicle's turn signal, or brake lights, or both. Alternatively, signal light 104 may be provided as a stand-alone module packaged such as described herein and achieving the advantages in terms of modularity, ease of service/installation, weather resilience, etc., described herein. Thus, it is seen that the present invention provides an exceptionally flexible design which is easily adapted to various configurations desired by the vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, because the security system is provided in a unitary module having a unitary cover member/lens, the invention may be readily adapted to many vehicle housing designs without requiring extensive re-engineering of the vehicle exterior mirror housing.

0042In another embodiment, a light module 104" includes side-by-side cavities 134' and 140' (Figs. 26-28). Cavity 134' terminates in a light-transmitting opening 122', which extends both downwardly and rearwardly with respect to the vehicle. A light-directing lens, or prism, 162 in cavity 134' captures a portion of the light radiated by light source 126' and directs it rearwardly of the vehicle. The puddle of light produced by light module 104" is capable of extending rearwardly of the vehicle because of the nature of light-transmitting opening 122' and the light redirecting effect of prism 162. The second cavity 140' in enclosure 116' includes a light-transmitting opening 136' which extends generally rearwardly of the vehicle. A light source 138' is positioned within cavity 140' and is surrounded by a reflector 164, which directs light through light-transmitting opening 136'. A diffuser assembly 154' includes an integral cover member and louvers in order to direct light radiated by light source 138' away from the passenger compartment of the vehicle equipped with light module 104". A unitary cover 130' extends over both openings 122' and 136'. Enclosure 116' includes a surface 166, which is configured with a groove 168, which mates with a tongue (not shown) in housing 34" of mirror assembly 36". The mating tongue-and-groove surface configuration is repeated on the surface of enclosure 116', which is opposite surface 166. The tongue-and-groove configuration at least partially retains light module 104" within housing 34" with a fastener, such as a threaded fastener 169, between an opening in housing 34" and extending into enclosure 116'. In the illustrated embodiment, light radiated from light source 126' through light-transmitting opening 122' provides a puddle of light adjacent the vehicle doors in order to produce a lighted security zone. The light radiated through light-transmitting opening 136 produced by light source 138' provides a signal indicator, which may be a turn signal indicator, or a brake signal indicator, or both a turn signal and brake signal indicator.

0043In another embodiment, a light module 104''' includes a removable fastenerless attachment system 170 including a first member 172 mounted to bracket 43" and a second member 174 mounted to enclosure 116' (Figs. 29-31). First member 172 is a clip connector having a pair of guide members 176a, 176b and a retaining prong 178 overlaying the guide members. Second member 174 includes a wall 180 defining a doghouse type receiving connector. Guide members 176a, 176b assist the sliding entry of first member 172 into the cavity defined within wall 180 so that prong 178 engages the wall to retain the clip within the cavity.

0044With fastenerless attachment system 170, module 104''' is easily and readily mounted by a simple insertion into the receiving opening in the mirror housing such that the first member is received by and engaged with the doghouse style receiving connector of the second member. To remove module 104''' for service, a tool, such as a flathead screwdriver, is inserted in the gap between the mirror element and the lamp module and prong 178 is raised, using a lift and twist motion, while the module is being pulled outwards from the mirror housing.

0045In a preferred embodiment, the lamp module of this invention incorporates a signal light that is a 12-watt #912 incandescent light source available from OSRAM/Sylvania, Hillsboro, New Hampshire (with about 12-candle power when operated at about 12.8 volts) mounted in a self-gasketing socket available from United Technologies Automotive, Detroit, Michigan under the trade name E25B-13A686-BA and fabricated of an electrical grade polyvinyl chloride injection molding compound such as to comply with Engineering Standard ESB-M4D317-A of Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference or from a thermoplastic rubber self-gasketing socket. The socket, in turn, is housed in a unitary enclosure, as described herein, fabricated of heat resistant polycarbonate supplied by General Electric Plastics, Woodstock, Illinois under the trade name ML4389 and meeting Ford Engineering Specification ESF-M4-D100-A, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The lens is made of acrylic supplied by General Electric Plastics under the 141-701 trade name. The LEDs in the signal light, of which six are used, are HLMA-DG00 high power AlInGa solid-state light-emitting diodes supplied by Hewlett Packard Corporation with a dominant wavelength at 622 nanometers, a peak wavelength at 630 nanometers, a 30° viewing angle, and a typical luminous efficiency, at 25° C, of 197 lumens/watt. When incorporated into an exterior mirror housing and mounted on a typical automobile, the ground illumination lamp height is approximately 30 ± 5" from the ground surface, and, when operated at about 12 volts, the lamp light source illuminates an approximately 2-foot by 4-foot or thereabouts ground area adjacent the vehicle with a light level of at least about 10 lux and an average light level of preferably approximately 40 lux or more.

0046Light modules of this invention, including a ground illumination lamp and a signal light incorporated into an exterior mirror assembly, were mounted and driven on vehicles through a variety of driving conditions and through varied environmental exposure, and were found to have the performance and environmental resilience required by automakers so as to be suitable for commercial use on vehicles.

0047Although illustrated herein as being located along the bottom rim of the exterior trim housing, other locations are possible for the signal light of the invention, including the top and outboard rim of the exterior rim housing, and even elsewhere on the exterior vehicle body as appropriate.

0048Should it be desired to vary the intensity of the signal lights so they are brightest during high ambient lighting conditions, such as on a sunny day, but so that they are dimmer when ambient conditions are lower, such as at night, the intensity of signal light can be modulated using a photosensor such as a photoresistor, photodiode, phototransistor, or their like. A photosensor that controls the intensity of the signal light so that it reduces its intensity during low ambient light driving conditions, such as by pulse width modulation on the electrical line powering the LEDs in the signal light, may be mounted integrally with the lamp module itself, or it may be part of the vehicle electronics itself, such as a photosensor mounted as a part of an automatic electrochromic mirror circuit, as part of a vehicle automatic headlamp activation circuit, as part of a headlamp daylight running light control circuit, or their like.

0049Also, the concepts of this invention are applicable to a variety of exterior vehicular mirror assembly constructions, including one-part designs, uni-body constructions, and their like, as known in the exterior mirror assembly art. The concepts of the invention are applicable to a variety of assemblies including assemblies that use a bracket as a distinct internal structure and assemblies that do not use a bracket but rather are bracket-less assemblies where the housing itself serves as a structural element with means such as on the walls of the housing for securing an actuator and for receiving a lamp module.

0050Referring now to Figs. 32-43, a self-contained, unitary light module 200 is shown mounted to a surface 201 of an exterior mirror assembly. The light module 200 includes an enclosure, housing 202, for supporting a light source 204, which radiates light through a light transmitting opening 206 formed in the housing 202, and a cover 207 for sealing the housing and for transmitting the light from the light source to a desired area near the vehicle to create a security zone. Preferably, the light should be directed generally rearwardly and downwardly in order to create a security zone in an area adjacent the doors through which passengers and the driver enter and exit the vehicle. It should be understood, that the security zone may comprise any area on or relatively near the vehicle.

0051Housing 202 is made from a heat-resistant material and is substantially moisture impervious. Preferably, a polymer material is used which has a heat distortion temperature (as measured by ASTM D 648 for a 12.7 x 12.7 x 6.4 mm specimen and at 1820 kPa) of at least approximately 80° C, more preferably at least approximately 100° C, and most preferably at least approximately 120° C. A mineral-filled or glass-filled nylon or polyester or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer may be utilized for housing 202. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 202 is made from nylon and is preferably opaque in order to shade light. Module 200 is preferably mounted in an opening provided in the exterior mirror housing in a snap fit arrangement so that it can be quickly and easily removed from the mirror assembly. Alternatively, housing 202 may include a retaining structure, which cooperates with a groove or other retaining structure provided in the exterior mirror assembly. Preferably, the mounting is a fastener-less mounting arrangement to ease installation. Moreover, module 200 may be mounted in the exterior mirror housing in accordance with the mounting details described in reference to the previous embodiments of the invention.

0052Light source 204 is preferably a festoon lamp having an elongated light radiating surface 208 which extends between two frusto-conical end caps 210 and 212. End caps 210 and 212 provide electrical contacts for the lamp 204 and are supported by a pair of electrically conductive contacts 214 and 216 positioned in a compartment, or cavity, 219 of housing 202. Conductive contacts 214 and 216 are preferably brass stampings which include arms 218 and 220 for supporting light source 204 therebetween. Contacts 214 and 216 further include respective connector portions 222 and 224 which extend through openings 223 formed in wall 225 of housing 202 for connection to an external power supply. Preferably, connectors 222 and 224 connect to a control circuit such as control circuit 74, described in reference to the previous embodiments of the invention, in order to power light source 204.

0053Contacts 214 and 216 are directly supported by wall 225 of housing 202 and are preferably molded with the wall 225 and, most preferably, insert molded with end wall portions 225a and 225b and a back wall portion 225c. Support arms 218 and 220 of contacts and end walls 225a and 225b of housing 202 are flexible and deflect when lamp 204 is inserted between the walls and between contact support arms 218 and 216. However, once cover 207 is mounted to housing 202, end walls 225a and 225b are held generally rigid by the cover and no longer deflect. Consequently, lamp 204 is rigidly secured between contacts 214 and 216 and between end walls 225a and 225b. These features provide added measures to minimize the effect of the vibration from the exterior mirror assembly.

0054In order to appropriately direct substantially all light that radiates from light source 204 out through opening 206, a reflective member 226 is provided. Reflective member 226 is preferably stamped anodized aluminum and comprises a domed, saddle-shape body with downwardly extending portions 228 and 230. As best seen in Figures 34 and 36, downwardly extending portions 228 and 230 of reflective member 226 partially surround light source 204 and include respective reflective surface 228b, 230b to reflect the light radiating from the back and sides of light source 204 toward the light transmitting opening 206. As can be seen in Figures 34 and 35, portions 228 and 230 straddle the frusto-conical ends 210 and 212 of lamp 204 so that the lamp 204 may be supported by contacts 214 and 216. Preferably, sides 228 and 230 have cut-out portions 228a and 230a to provide clearance for the frusto-conical ends 210 and 212 of the lamp 204. Reflective surfaces 228b and 230b are orientated to reflect the light radiating from the back surface 204a and side surfaces 204b, 204c of lamp 204 toward the opening 206 of housing 202. As can best be seen in Figure 36, forward downwardly extending portion 228 extends further around lamp 204 than does rearward portion 230 so that more light is directed rearwardly of the vehicle. Side 230 also includes a relatively planar portion 229 to reflect light on to portion 228 to further direct more light rearwardly of the vehicle.

0055As can be seen in Figures 35 and 36, reflective member 226 include a reflective inner surface 226a and is mounted to housing 202 through a mounting hole 226b, which is disposed on a top portion thereof. The perimeter of mounting hole 226b engages a heat stake 202a formed on the inner surface 231 of housing 202. Other conventional methods of attaching the reflective member 226 to the inner surface 231 of housing 202 are contemplated, such as a snap-fit arrangement; fasteners, such as screws; adhesives, or other conventionally known fastening techniques. In the embodiment shown in Figures 35 and 36, mounting hole 226b is located in a "non reflective zone"-an area where the reflected light merely reflects back on to the lamp. Reflective surface 226a may alternatively be formed on a piece of plastic having the general shape of the reflector member 226. In such alternative embodiment, a reflective surface is formed by vacuum metalizing aluminum onto an inwardly facing inner surface the piece of plastic.

0056Light module 200 further includes a cover 207 which extends over opening 206 and secures to the perimeter of housing 202. As best shown in Figures 34-39, cover 207 includes an annular recess 232 with annular upstanding flange portions 233 and 243 extending around the perimeter of cover 207. Cover 207 is polycarbonate in the illustrated embodiment, but may comprise acrylic or other suitable translucent material. Housing 202 includes a peripheral edge portion 202b which extends into recess 232 of cover 207. As best seen in Figures 35 and 36, peripheral edge portion 202b extends into recess 232 between flanges 233 and 234 and is secured therein by sonic or vibration welding or suitable adhesive, solvent bonding, or other suitable methods of sealing. Inner surface 231 of housing 202 includes an annular shoulder 202c to provide a better connection for sealing the cover 207 to housing 202. Preferably, the cover 207 is attached and sealed to housing 202 by sonic welding the outermost flange 234 to the exterior surface of housing 202. Alternatively, either flange may be fixed to respective surfaces on the housing by a suitable adhesive. Moreover, cover 207 may be attached to housing 202 by solvent bonding and other suitable methods of attachment that achieve a sealed connection between cover 207 and housing 202.

0057Cover 207 is preferably a molded lens member, which is adapted to further direct the distribution of light emitted from the light source 204 to a desired area near or adjacent the vehicle. In the illustrative embodiment shown in Figs. 35-39, cover member 204 is a generally clear optic lens that includes two non-planar optical surfaces 232a and 232b to laterally collimate the light beam and thereby provide a more uniform lateral light pattern on the area adjacent the vehicle's door. Non-planar surface 232a may also be adapted to provide a slight increase in lateral outward orientation to the light pattern, with respect to the vehicle. In this manner, the security zone, which is generally wedge-shaped, as seen in Figure 43, extends further from the area adjacent the door to an area offset from the door so that a large area in the general vicinity of the door is illuminated. Preferably, cover 207 is a Fresnel lens. Alternatively, cover member 207 may be a micro-Fresnel lens, a diffractive optic lens, an diffusive optic lens, a refractive optic lens, a reflective optic lens, a holographic optic lens, a binary optic lens, or a sinusoidal optic lens.

0058Light source 204, as described previously, is preferably a lamp with an elongated radiating surface. More preferably, lamp 204 comprises an incandescent festoon lamp having a filament with a minimum luminous intensity of approximately 5 mean spherical candela. Light source 204 may range in luminous intensity up to approximately 14 mean spherical candela. The preferred range of luminous intensity is between approximately 7 mean spherical candela and approximately 12 means spherical candela. Incandescent light source 204 may be a vacuum lamp or filled with a gas such as krypton, argon, xenon, or the like. It is desirable to provide as much candle power possible without creating excessive heat within the enclosure of housing 202. This allows the light module to create a security zone having an illumination range of between approximately 10 lux and approximately 40 lux.

0059In order to allow moisture to exit from enclosure 219, a vent aperture 235 is provided, which extends through housing wall 225 and preferably through side wall 225c of housing 202. Vent aperture 235 is covered by an adhesive vent patch 236 that permits discharge of the moisture from the enclosure but substantially blocks moisture from entering the enclosure. Preferably, vent patch 236 is made from GORTEX® material. Vent aperture 235 may also provide a ventilation system by permitting passage of heat from the housing 202.

0060As described previously, light module 200 is preferably a self contained disposable light module. It is contemplated that the light source will not be replaceable and that the light module will be field replaceable as a unit. It is also preferably a universal light module having a unitary body which can be incorporated into many existing exterior mirror assemblies. The compact light module 200 preferably has a diameter of approximately one to one and a half inches (1 to 1½"), so that it may be inserted into most exterior mirror assembly styles. Moreover, light module 200 preferably has a volume of less than approximately 100 cubic centimeters. More preferably, light module 200 has a volume of less than approximately 70 cubic centimeters and, most preferably, a volume of less than approximately 50 cubic centimeters.

0061Housing 202 includes an open ended generally cylindrical body which extends around a central axis of orientation 237 for the housing and, consequently, defines a circular light transmitting opening 206 at the open end thereof. Central axis 237 is preferably orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Because of its geometric shape, housing 202 can be oriented about central axis 237 without any apparent change in outward appearance. This feature in combination with its compact size allows the module to be inserted in any desired orientation in most any exterior mirror assembly without disturbing the aesthetic appeal of the exterior mirror assembly housing. As can be seen in Figure 43, the same module 200 can be installed in either the right or the left exterior mirror assembly by reorientating the module about its central axis 237. In order to assure the proper orientation, housing 202 includes a positioning member, or key, 238 that provides a reference point on the housing 202 exterior so that the desired orientation may be determine.

0062Preferably, positioning member 238 comprises a projecting structure, such as a lug or a key, which projects outwardly from housing 202. Alternatively, positioning member may comprise a receiving structure, such as a notch. Similarly, exterior mirror assembly includes a structure, such as a key way or a notch, to mate with the positioning structure to orientate module 200 to a specific orientation for that particular mirror assembly.

0063As illustrated in Figure 40, a light pattern 240 emitted from the module, as would be seen from a side elevational of the vehicle, includes forward and rearward boundaries 240a and 240b which define the boundary of the light pattern 240. The boundaries of the this pattern are generally established by the curvature of reflective member 226 and by the length of portions 228 and 230. Consequently, the light pattern may be controlled as needed by configuring the shape and orientation of reflective member 226. Forward boundary 240a, as illustrated, is generally parallel with central axis 237 of module 200 to direct light generally downward with respect to the vehicle. Boundary 240b is angled with respect to central axis 237 in order to direct light rearwardly of the vehicle. In this manner, light pattern 240 is directed away from the central axis of the light chamber. This allows the light module to direct light generally rearwardly of the vehicle even though the light chamber axis is generally vertically oriented.

0064When viewed from above the vehicle, as in Figure 43, light pattern 240 includes lateral boundaries 242a and 242b. When module 200 is mounted in the left hand mirror assembly, mirror boundary 242a is generally parallel with the vehicle's longitudinal axis 244 although some overlap with the vehicle side is desired. When the same module is installed in the right hand exterior mirror assembly and reorientated about its central axis 237, inner boundary 242a is generally parallel with the vehicle's longitudinal axis 244 on the left side of the vehicle, whereas, outer boundary 242b is angled with respect to longitudinal axis 244 in a counter-clockwise direction. As described above, the light pattern produced by module 200 can be reorientated to accommodate both sides of the vehicle by reorientating the module 200 about its central axis 37. The module can be oriented in both the right and left hand mirror assemblies to accommodate the different angles θ and φ formed respectively between the left hand mirrors and the vehicle axis.

0065Boundaries 242b may be desirably oriented even further laterally outwardly of the vehicle by reorienting the cover 207 one hundred and eighty (180) degrees about central axis 237 of the housing 202 from one side of the vehicle to the other side of the vehicle. This reorientation of the cover 207 would be performed during assembly, before the cover 207 is sealed onto housing 202. As best seen in Figure 44, when cover 207 is oriented for installation of module 200 on the right hand side of the vehicle optical surface 232a is oriented toward the right as viewed from above. When ever 207 is oriented for installation of module 200 on the left side of the vehicle, optical surface 232a is oriented forward the left side of the vehicle. Thus it is seen that cover 207 may be independently oriented about the central axis 237 of the housing 202 to extend outwardly the outward lateral boundary 242b of the light pattern irrespective of which side of the vehicle light module 200 is positioned.

0066As can be seen in Figures 43 and 44, the angle between the two positions of the left handed and right handed light patterns is designated "A", in both cases, as measured from the left hand side of the vehicle in a counter clockwise direction, and is approximately 30 degrees. More, preferably, the angle is in the range of approximately 5 degrees to 30 degrees.

0067Also, although desirably and preferably finding utility as a security light, the exterior mirror assembly light modules of this invention are also useful for other purposes such as providing for a courtesy exterior light and a general ground illumination light when such lighting may be desired such as when a door is opening, a key is inserted, or a keyboard entry is touched, or when approach of a person to a vehicle is detected such as by voice activation, proximity detection and their like. Also, light modules using the principles and concepts described herein could be provided for mounting on the vehicle other than within an exterior mirror assembly, such as under a door within a door well or under a door body panel so as to provide ground illumination directly under a door whenever said door is opened.

0068Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from 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.