Mirror with internal support plate
US6239899A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R1/088
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a housing defining a cavity and a front opening, and an electrochromic mirror subassembly supported in the front opening. A support plate is supported by the housing in the cavity, and a printed circuit board is supported behind the support plate. The support plate includes a front surface located proximate but spaced rearward of a rear surface of the mirror subassembly to form a thin gap of about 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, and preferably of about 0.5 mm, therebetween. The support plate covers at least about 50%, and preferably about 80%, of glass elements in the mirror subassembly. The support plate includes forwardly-oriented biasing fingers shaped to press on a back perimeter of the mirror subassembly to maintain the gap without distorting the mirror subassembly. The support plate permits flexure of the mirror subassembly into the thin gap, but prevents excessive deformation of the mirror subassembly, thus reducing a tendency of the mirror subassembly to fracture. The support plate also includes rearwardly-oriented biasing fingers shaped to maintain compression on the printed circuit board to prevent rattling and looseness. The printed circuit boa…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.