Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a vehicle external rear view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base frame portion and a case frame portion mounted to the base frame portion for rotation about a pivot axis. A detent is operable between the base frame portion and the case frame portion. A spring mechanism clamps the case frame portion to the base frame portion and includes a compression spring disposed around the axis and a spring tie. The spring has first and second tie ends spaced apart from each other and connected by a tie shaft. The tie shaft passes through the spring. The spring tie shaft includes a spring tie reaction feature, whereby in a deployed position, a torque applied to the case frame portion about an axis orthogonal to the axis by an external force is resisted by the spring tie reaction feature.

Abstract: A pivot mechanism for a vehicle external rear view mirror assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes: a base frame portion and a case frame portion mounted to the base frame portion for rotation about a pivot axis. A detent is operable between the base frame portion and the case frame portion. A spring mechanism clamps the case frame portion to the base frame portion and includes a compression spring disposed around the axis and a spring tie. The spring has first and second tie ends spaced apart from each other and connected by a tie shaft. The tie shaft passes through the spring. The spring tie shaft includes a spring tie reaction feature, whereby in a deployed position, a torque applied to the case frame portion about an axis orthogonal to the axis by an external force is resisted by the spring tie reaction feature.

Abstract: A foldable rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mounting bracket mountable to a vehicle, the mounting bracket having a base with detent features disposed on a detent circle on the base; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the mirror base for rotation about a mirror head axis, the frame having detent features to match the detent features of the base, the detent features of the base and the frame forming a detent system, the detent system having at least a drive position. The frame is shaped to provide an aperture to receive either of: a manual fold insert; or a power fold mechanism having a clutch mechanism, the aperture at least partially inboard in a radial direction with respect to the detent features on the frame whereby at least the clutch mechanism of the power fold mechanism can be accommodated to operate on a smaller radius than that of the detent features.

Abstract: An external rear view mirror assembly to be fitted to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mirror base mountable to a vehicle; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the base for rotation about a mirror head axis; a detent operably interposed between the base and the frame; a spring acting between the frame and the base in a direction parallel to the axis, the spring for holding the detent engaged; and a power fold mechanism operably interposed between the base and the frame, the power fold mechanism having a drive train and a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising a pair of axially spaced apart clutching faces, connecting the drive train to the base when the drive train is driving, the clutch mechanism arranged and constructed such that forces are not transmitted from the frame to the drive train when the drive train is not driving.

Abstract: A device to adjust the orientation of a mirror of a motorcar includes a body to accommodate a first and a second electric motor and a first and a second gear driven by first and second motor respectively. Gear rods are formed as circular arc sections and the body accommodates means to resiliently press the first and second gear rod against the first and second gears, respectively, eliminating relative movement between the gearing of the gear rods and the gears in operation conditions. Each of the gears include a safety clutch, allowing the gears to slip in overload conditions.

Abstract: A foldable rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mounting bracket mountable to a vehicle, the mounting bracket having a base with detent features disposed on a detent circle on the base; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the mirror base for rotation about a mirror head axis, the frame having detent features to match the detent features of the base, the detent features of the base and the frame forming a detent system, the detent system having at least a drive position. The frame is shaped to provide an aperture to receive either of: a manual fold insert; or a power fold mechanism having a clutch mechanism, the aperture at least partially inboard in a radial direction with respect to the detent features on the frame whereby at least the clutch mechanism of the power fold mechanism can be accommodated to operate on a smaller radius than that of the detent features.

Abstract: An external rear view mirror assembly to be fitted to a motor vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a mirror base mountable to a vehicle; a mirror head frame rotatably mounted to the base for rotation about a mirror head axis; a detent operably interposed between the base and the frame; a spring acting between the frame and the base in a direction parallel to the axis, the spring for holding the detent engaged; and a power fold mechanism operably interposed between the base and the frame, the power fold mechanism having a drive train and a clutch mechanism, the clutch mechanism comprising a pair of axially spaced apart clutching faces, connecting the drive train to the base when the drive train is driving, the clutch mechanism arranged and constructed such that forces are not transmitted from the frame to the drive train when the drive train is not driving.

Abstract: A electric motor and motor housing assembly includes an electric motor body having spaced apart sockets for receiving and frictionally engaging spaced apart electrical power supply terminals. A housing supports the motor. The housing defines an aperture over the sockets. The assembly also includes a connector body. A pair of spaced apart electrical terminals extends outwards from the connector body and is receivable by the sockets. A motor body gripping portion extends from the connector body. The gripping portion mechanically latches to the motor body thereby substantially preventing relative movement between the terminals and the sockets. A pliable member is mounted between the connector body and the housing. The pliable member allows relative movement between the connector body and the housing while the motor moves relative to the housing under varying loads.

Abstract: A device to adjust the orientation of a mirror of a motorcar includes a body to accommodate a first and a second electric motor and a first and a second gear driven by first and second motor respectively. Gear rods are formed as circular arc sections and the body accommodates means to resiliently press the first and second gear rod against the first and second gears, respectively, eliminating relative movement between the gearing of the gear rods and the gears in operation conditions. Each of the gears include a safety clutch, allowing the gears to slip in overload conditions.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.

Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.

Abstract: A vehicle external review-view mirror assembly having an extension and retraction mechanism for a telescopic arm support that connects a mirror head to a mirror mounting bracket is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a hollow outer arm extending from the bracket, an inner arm mounted to the head and extending into the outer arm for relative sliding movement out of and into the outer arm; a driving wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm or the head; a driven wheel rotatably mounted to the inner arm and positioned within the outer arm at a location spaced apart from the driven wheel; and a toothed belt extending between the driving wheel and the driven wheel for power transmission between them. A pair of laterally spaced apart contact rollers are mounted coaxially with the driven wheel, the pair of contact rollers engaging spaced apart bearing surfaces depending from the outer arm.

Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.