Abstract: A vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention is provided with a base 2, a shaft 3, a spring 10, a mirror assembly 4, and a washer 6. An annular line contact portion 50 is provided on an abutment face 35 of the washer 6 that abuts against an abutment face 33 of a mount portion 12 of the mirror assembly 4. As a result, the vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention can prevent generation of abnormal noise further reliably and a further long period of time by means of the annular line contact portion 50. In addition, an abutment plane 301 of a rotation stop portion is provided at a shaft 3. A linear edge 601 of the rotation stop portion is provided at the washer 6.

Abstract: A vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention is provided with a base 2, a shaft 3, a spring 10, a mirror assembly 4, and a washer 6. An annular line contact portion 50 is provided on an abutment face 35 of the washer 6 that abuts against an abutment face 33 of a mount portion 12 of the mirror assembly 4. As a result, the vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention can prevent generation of abnormal noise further reliably and a further long period of time by means of the annular line contact portion 50. In addition, an abutment plane 301 of a rotation stop portion is provided at a shaft 3. A linear edge 601 of the rotation stop portion is provided at the washer 6.

Abstract: A vehicular mirror device includes a housing which is comprised of two housing components at least partially opposed to each other, and which is adapted to cover a mirror from the front during traveling of a vehicle. A collar is integrally and projectingly provided on one of the housing components to extend so that it is superposed onto the other housing component at opposed portions of both the housing components, and a plurality of recesses are provided in a juxtaposed manner in a tip end of the collar. This suppresses to the utmost the generation of a wind roar due to traveling wind flowing into between opposed portions of the housing components.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle door mirror capable of restraining whistling sounds produced by an airflow passing through a gap between a mirror base and a mirror housing when the vehicle is running. A vehicle door mirror is formed by rotatably supporting a mirror housing on a mirror base. A concave part is formed in a downward surface of the mirror housing that is rotated relative to the mirror base in a state in which the downward surface faces to an upward surface of the mirror base. Protrusions are formed in the entire region of the concave part. The protrusions project to a position close to the upward surface of the mirror base beyond the position of the outside portion of the concave part of the downward surface. The cross section of a front edge of the concave part is formed so as to be rounded.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door mirror and assembly method therefor with improved assembly performance. A housing support member, housing, and base of a manually retractable door mirror are assembled using screws, a coil spring, and a plate. During assembly, the housing support member is supported in an upside-down position by a jig, and the housing and base are placed in sequence in an upside-down position on the housing support member from above. An electric drive mechanism, fitting, housing, and base of an electrically retractable door mirror are assembled using screws. During assembly, the electric drive mechanism is supported in an upside-down position by a jig, and the fitting, housing, and base are placed in sequence in an upside-down position on the electric drive mechanism from above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manually retractable vehicle door mirror which can reduce the number of parts and improve efficiency of assembly operations as well as provide large bearing capacity at a location outwardly away from a shaft location to bear bending moments acting on a housing support member due to external forces. A housing support member is formed integrally with a shaft, annular wall, and a housing-support-member-side portion of a clutch, which are placed coaxially with a rotation axis. A housing is fixedly coupled to the housing support member. A base is formed integrally with a shaft passage hole, annular wall housing groove, and a base-side portion of a clutch, which are placed coaxially with a rotation axis. The shaft is rotatably inserted into the shaft passage hole, the annular wall is rotatably housed in the annular wall housing groove, and the housing support member is supported on the base in such a way as to be able to rotate around the rotation axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a base which can be used for both manually retractable vehicle door mirror in which a shaft is placed on a rotating side and electrically retractable vehicle door mirror in which a shaft is placed on a stationary side. A base includes a car body fixing section and rotation support section. The rotation support section is equipped with an upright shaft fastening surface on which a shaft of an electric drive mechanism of an electrically retractable door mirror is fastened upright. A center hole is formed in a central part of the upright shaft fastening surface to rotatably pass a shaft formed on a rotating side of a manually retractable door mirror. An annular wall housing groove is formed on an outer circumferential side of the upright shaft fastening surface to rotatably house an annular wall formed coaxially with the shaft on the rotating side of the manually retractable door mirror.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for trucks, vans and the like, for providing front or rear viewing as the vehicle is moving forward or is backing up, for example, into a truck loading dock area. The mirror assembly comprises a mirror unit that is connected by a mirror arm to a support structure, e.g., a flange or bracket, that is fixed to the vehicle. The support structure projects minimally sideways of the vehicle and pivotably supports the mirror arm in a manner whereby the mirror unit and its arm can swing about a pivot axis, enabling the mirror and its arm to lie alongside a side wall of the vehicle or tightly against the rear of the vehicle. A return or rebound mechanism returns the mirror unit to its normal operational position automatically, once contact with an obstruction that has pivoted the mirror unit from its normal position, has been removed.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle including an extendable mirror for improved rearward viewing is disclosed. Several embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly each comprise a mirror housing, a mirror disposed in the mirror housing, and some structure to allow extension of the mirror between an inboard position and an outboard position. In one embodiment, the mirror assembly includes structure to allow rotation of the mirror between inboard and outboard positions. The mirror may comprise a post disposed in a mirror shell and extending along a longitudinal horizontal axis which extends through a plane defined by the mirror, offset from a central vertical axis of the mirror. In another embodiment, the means for rotating the mirror comprises a pivot part having a shaft disposed in an aperture in the mirror shell, which is disposed along the longitudinal horizontal axis.

Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle is proposed that comprises a first hinge part for mounting on the motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith via a shaft. The second hinge part supports a mirror frame of the wing mirror unit, wherein the shaft is connected with one hinge part and wherein the other hinge part is arranged pivotably about the shaft. The mirror frame has a location guide that corresponds with a location rib of a power fold module that is inserted into the frame.

Abstract: A reflector for the lighting device and an illumination system of the projection apparatus are provided. The reflector comprises a first reflecting structure and a second reflecting structure disposed on the portion of the first reflecting structure. The reflecting surfaces of the first and second reflecting structures are formed with a distance therebetween. After the first portion of the light is reflected from the first reflecting surface and the second portion of the light is reflected from the second reflecting surface, the second portion of the light is adapted to remove the centrally dimmed area at the opening of the lighting device. Thus, the luminance performance can be improved.

Abstract: A mirror assembly includes a reflective element assembly providing a reflective view, a base mounted to a motor vehicle, a support arm assembly having a first end attached to the base for movement between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, and a second end mounted to the reflective element assembly, a detent assembly interposed between the first end of the support arm assembly and the base, and a pivot assembly associated with the detent assembly and adapted for manual and motorized movement of the support arm assembly between the folded configuration and the unfolded configuration. The detent assembly includes an actuator plate and a detent plate, the actuator plate having a first series of detent structures and the detent plate having a second series of detent structures complementary to the first series of detent structures for nested engagement of the actuator plate and the detent plate.

Abstract: A mirror system for a motor vehicle comprises a reflective element assembly, a support bracket, a tilt actuator, and a fastener system for fastening at least one of the reflective element assembly and the tilt actuator to at least one of the tilt actuator and the support bracket. The fastener system comprises a projection on one of the reflective element assembly and the support bracket, and a receptacle on the other of the support bracket and the tilt actuator. The projection can be removably interlocked with the receptacle to fasten the reflective element assembly or the tilt actuator to the tilt actuator or the support bracket, respectively.

Abstract: A rotation range control mechanism includes a clutch holder provided around a shaft, a washer fixed to a casing, a control convex portion arranged on the clutch holder, and contact portions arranged on the washer.

Abstract: A connector assembly for releasably attaching a stabilizer arm to a support arm of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror. The assembly includes a connector head carried by the stabilizer arm and a connector receiver is carried by the other of said stabilizer arm and support arm. A retention slot is included in said connector receiver for receiving said connector head. A biasing element is carried in said retention slot for biasing against said connector head when received in said retention slot. A catch tongue projects from one of said connector head and said biasing element. A catch recess is carried by the other of said connector head and said biasing element which is complementary to said catch tongue for interlocking said connector head with said biasing element in said retention slot to provide an increased surface area of engagement.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior mirror assembly comprises a base assembly adapted for fixed attachment to an exterior portion of the vehicle and a reflective element assembly pivotally attached to the base assembly and supported thereby. A pivot member having a perimeter wall is interposed between the base assembly and the reflective element assembly and defines an axis of rotation between the base assembly and the reflective element assembly. A side-acting detent assembly is mounted to one of the base assembly and the reflective element assembly, and has a side-acting detent assembly member positioned to exert a force against the perimeter wall of the pivot member normal to the axis of rotation. One of the pivot member and the side-acting detent assembly member comprises at least one indentation and the other of the pivot member and the side-acting detent assembly member comprises a bearing element.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a folding outer mirror, in which the cost reduction, the prevention of large sizes and heavy weights, and higher stiffness of the stopper mechanism can be obtained. The folding outer mirror includes a mirror base extending outside from a side surface of vehicle body, a mirror assembly attached rotatably to the mirror base, and a stopper mechanism for stopping the mirror assembly at a predetermined position. The stopper mechanism is provided with a base-side engaging surface formed in the mirror base, and a body-side engaging surface formed in the mirror assembly and being in plane contact with the base-side engaging surface at a predetermined position. The base-side engaging surface and the body-side engaging surface are formed such that a raising angle relative to a rotating direction of the mirror assembly becomes a sharp angle.

Abstract: In a shaft structure of a retractable outer mirror, a shaft includes: a first member; and a second member. The first member includes: a base section having an attachment boss; a shaft section vertically arranged on the base section; and a catch part by which a catch member is caught. The second member includes: clutch parts that performs an engagement or a release of the engagement in response to rotation of a frame; and an insert portion inserted into a shaft section. The second member is fitted in with the shaft section from above a top end side of the shaft section.

Abstract: A hinge construction for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle including a first hinge part for mounting on a motor vehicle and a second hinge part, pivotably connected therewith, for supporting a wing minor unit. In an embodiment, the first and second hinge parts cooperate via a rack-and-pinion guide and a drive mechanism having a disengageable coupling. The drive mechanism and the rack-and-pinion guide cause the hinge parts upon pivoting to rotate and translate relative to each other. The disengageable coupling is operatively configured to disengage the motor and the gear drive from the first hinge part. The invention also relates to a wing mirror unit provided with embodiments of a hinge construction.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: A connector assembly for releasably attaching a stabilizer arm to a support arm of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror. The assembly includes a connector head carried by the stabilizer arm. The connector head includes a convex bottom surface. A connector receiver is carried by the support arm. A retention slot is included in the connector receiver for receiving the connector head. A first locking element is carried by the connector head. A second locking element is carried within the retention slot for cooperating with the first locking element to releasably engage the connector head with the connector receiver. A biasing element is carried in the retention slot biasing against the convex bottom surface of the connector head for urging the first and second locking elements together, wherein the convex bottom surface pivots on the biasing element to accommodate misalignment between the connector head and the connector receiver.

Abstract: A mirror assembly is inclinably mounted on a resin shaft via a spring and a resin stopper.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.

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: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of vehicles having forward folding door mirror assemblies. One such embodiment of a vehicle comprises a mirror assembly mounted to a vehicle door and configured to rotate about a substantially vertical axis between at least a first position in which the mirror assembly is extended away from the vehicle door for use while driving and a second position in which the mirror assembly is folded forward toward a front end of the vehicle. The vehicle also comprises a mechanism coupled to the mirror assembly and to a vehicle body and responsive to an opening of the vehicle door to rotate the mirror assembly about the substantially vertical axis from the second position to the first position when the door is opened. Also disclosed herein are mirror assemblies and methods of protecting door-mounted mirrors on vehicles.

Abstract: The exterior rearview mirror is comprised of a mirror housing, having at least one transparent light window, behind which at least one light is disposed, comprising at least one illuminant, whose light passes through the light window to the outside. In order provide the exterior rearview mirror so that different light functions and light directions can be performed by the light, at least a portion of the light is disposed adjustable.

Abstract: A side mirror includes a mount seat mounted to a front cowl that covers a portion of the front of a vehicle body, a mirror stay supported on the mount seat with a basal end thereof supported in a turnable manner, and a mirror provided at a tip end of the mirror stay. The mount seat includes a base portion 41a extended in one direction and mounted to the front cowl, and a support portion provided on the base portion 41a to support the basal end of the mirror stay so that a direction Dp in which a turning shaft of the mirror stay extends is inclined to a length direction DL of the base portion. With this structure, a side mirror increased in degree of freedom in selecting a mount position on a front cowl can be provided.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a vehicle mountable support and a support arm. A mirror housing is movable along the support arm between the support and a distal end. An electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism can adjust the mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes. An electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism pivots the support arm about the support between an extended position and a position folded against a vehicle side. An electronic control system controls movement of the mirror housing along the support arm, and folding of the support arm, independent of an adjustment of the mirror unit. The electronic control system comprises a memorized position for the powered pivoting and extending mechanism, or alternatively, a microprocessor for controlling at least one of movement of the mirror housing along the support arm, folding of the support arm, and adjustment of the mirror unit.

Abstract: In some embodiments of outer rear-view mirrors, a mirror head (12) and a mirror base (11) are joined together in an articulated manner by a hinge (15, 16). The mirror head (12) can pivot out of a normal operational position in or against the travelling direction (10) and be fixed in the position swivelled against the travelling direction (10). For the outer rear-view mirror to be pivotable out of its normal operational position in or against the travelling direction (10), the intermediate joint (30) has two parallel joint axes arranged between the mirror base and the mirror head, and a U-shaped projection (37). The outer rear-view mirror is advantageously used in motor vehicles.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle door mirror capable of restraining whistling sounds produced by an airflow passing through a gap between a mirror base and a mirror housing when the vehicle is running. A vehicle door mirror is formed by rotatably supporting a mirror housing on a mirror base. A concave part is formed in a downward surface of the mirror housing that is rotated relative to the mirror base in a state in which the downward surface faces to an upward surface of the mirror base. Protrusions are formed in the entire region of the concave part. The protrusions project to a position close to the upward surface of the mirror base beyond the position of the outside portion of the concave part of the downward surface. The cross section of a front edge of the concave part is formed so as to be rounded.

Abstract: A retaining hinged connection, with a more simple assembly operation, having fewer components than does the conventional retaining hinges. An outside mirror is proposed to be engaged with such a retaining hinged connection. The connection is achieved in that the retaining axle component is designed with at least one retaining element and advantageously including a compression spring. This invention eliminates the use of bolts for securing the hinge assembly.

Abstract: A mirror mounting assembly for mounting a mirror on a vehicle bulkhead. The assembly includes a mirror element and a main support arm having a first end and a second end. The mirror element is connected to the first end of the main support arm. The second end of the main support arm is mountable to the vehicle. A pair of brackets are configured to conform to an engine bay side wall of the vehicle. Each bracket has a center portion and two laterally extending flanges that extend at an angle from the center portion in opposite directions. One of the flanges of each bracket is connectable to the bulkhead of the vehicle in the engine bay. A first additional support arm has a first end connected to a first one of the brackets and a second end connected to the main support arm. A second additional support arm has a first end connected to the main support arm and a second end connectable to the vehicle.

Abstract: An exterior accessory assembly or module for a vehicle door assembly comprises an exterior rearview mirror and/or door cap assembly, which may further include a cover member, a door handle, window frame, window seal and/or an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The exterior rearview mirror and/or the cap assembly may mount to the modular door and provide an exterior rearview mirror, a window frame and/or door handle. The latch and/or mirror connectors provide for connection to the handle and/or mirror assembly, respectively, of the accessory module as the accessory module is affixed to the door frame. Preferably, the exterior mirror and/or cap assembly and door frame include corresponding electrical connectors for connecting electrical accessories of the accessory module to a door wiring or harness.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a vehicle mountable support and a support arm. A mirror housing is movable along the support arm between the support and a distal end. An electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism can adjust the mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes. An electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism pivots the support arm about the support between an extended position and a position folded against a vehicle side. An electronic control system controls movement of the mirror housing along the support arm, and folding of the support arm, independent of an adjustment of the mirror unit. The electronic control system comprises a memorized position for the powered pivoting and extending mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicular integrated mirror system is provided that is supported on a vehicle body that includes a door, and has an outside mirror disposed outside a vehicle compartment and an interior mirror disposed within the vehicle compartment at a position in the proximity of the outside mirror so that, in cooperation with the outside mirror, a vehicle rear field of vision is obtained, wherein a mirror holder retaining the outside mirror and the inside mirror is swingably supported on mirror support means mounted on the vehicle body in order to change the reflection angle of the two mirror relative to a vehicle driver, and the reflection angle of the outside mirror and the inside mirror is changed by remote drive means that makes the mirror holder swing by remote operation. This enables the reflection angle of the outside mirror and the inside mirror to be remotely controlled.

Abstract: A wing mirror unit for a vehicle includes a base plate, a supporting frame pivotally connected to the base plate, and an actuator including an engaging part that is connected to the supporting frame. The supporting frame is pivotal with respect to the base plate between a folded orientation and an unfolded orientation. The engaging part in operable connection with the supporting frame is adjustable between a first orientation located near the body of a vehicle and a second orientation located farther outward with respect the body of said vehicle.

Abstract: A rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed, the rearview mirror assembly including a support structure for mounting the mirror assembly to the vehicle. The support structure includes a first part for substantially permanent connection to the vehicle and a second part for selective connection to the first part. A support arm is provided on which at least one mirror is mounted, the second part of the support structure being disposed on the support arm. A locking mechanism is disposed on the support structure for selectively locking together the first and second parts of the support structure to thereby secure the support arm and mirror to the vehicle.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a wing mirror unit for a motor vehicle comprising a central shaft and a mirror housing pivotably arranged around the central shaft. In an embodiment, a bottom surface of the mirror housing is supported on a supporting surface at the base of the central shaft and, through cooperation, first and second run-on surfaces define a predetermined angular position between the central shaft and the mirror housing corresponding to a folded-out position of the mirror housing. In an embodiment, first run-on surfaces are provided on a side of the mirror housing remote from the supporting surface, and second run-on surfaces are connected with the central shaft to be axially compliant and rotation-coupled.

Abstract: A rear seat viewing system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The rear seat viewing system includes a mirror attached to a mirror mounting device. The mirror mounting device may retract the mirror into an exterior surface of a rear seat in a stowed position and extend the mirror outside of the exterior surface of the rear seat in an employed position. A linkage mechanism attached to the mirror mounting device can allow horizontal and vertical adjustment of the mirror.

Abstract: A side mirror assembly for a motor vehicle includes a base which is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A tube is pivotably secured to the base. The tube extends between a pivot end and a distal end. A mirror housing defines a mirror opening and a tube opening. The mirror housing receives the distal end and a portion of the tube disposed adjacent the distal end through the tube opening. A mirror is mounted within the mirror housing and is exposed through the mirror opening for an operator of the motor vehicle to view rearward of the motor vehicle without turning completely around. A case frame is fixedly secured to the mirror housing at a position disposed adjacent the mirror. The side mirror assembly also includes a locking lever which is movable between an unlocked position allowing the case frame and the mirror housing to slide along the tube and a lock position for securing the case frame and the mirror housing at a desired position along the tube.

Abstract: A side mirror assembly is provided with a plurality of mirror members arranged in a longitudinal array to decrease the lateral profile of the side mirror assembly, and thereby potentially increase fuel economy, without sacrificing field of view for the driver. The mirror members are arranged with reflective surfaces angled with respect to a longitudinal axis running through the array, with the angles generally decreasing in a forward direction. An image of an object outside of the vehicle reflected by the mirror members is not reversed (i.e., the image is not a “mirror image” in which right and left sides are switched or flipped), thus increasing the ability of the driver to mentally process the image and respond in an appropriate manner. A method of manufacturing a side mirror assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a vehicle mountable support and a support arm. A mirror housing is movable along the support arm between the support and a distal end. An electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism can adjust the mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes. An electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism pivots the support arm about the support between an extended position and a position folded against a vehicle side. An electronic control system controls movement of the mirror housing along the support arm, and folding of the support arm, independent of an adjustment of the mirror unit. The electronic control system comprises a memorized position for the powered pivoting and extending mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding mechanism for exterior rear-view mirrors in an automotive vehicle, comprising a housing integral with a mirror-carrying casing, and an actuated ring acting as an axis of rotation of the mentioned casing with respect to a support chassis fixed to the vehicle, the ring being provided with first positional fixing means susceptible to coupling the mentioned ring to the support chassis and with second positional fixing means which, in collaboration with a stop element integral with the housing and loaded by un elastic member, limit the rotation of the mentioned casing around the ring and according to one rotating direction, all this with the stop element and the elastic member being integrated in a single piece with elastic properties.

Abstract: A holding member integrally includes a bearing pair that rotatably support at least one gear of rotation-force transmission mechanism.

Abstract: An exterior vehicle mirror system has a support mounted to the side of the vehicle; a support arm extending from said support to a distal end; a mirror housing movable along said support arm from a first position proximate said fixed support to a second position proximate said distal end, and enclosing a mirror unit and an electrically powered mirror unit adjust mechanism for adjusting said mirror unit about horizontal and vertical axes; an electrically powered pivoting and extending mechanism for pivoting said support arm about said support between an extended position and a folded position, and for moving said mirror housing along said support arm from said first position to said second position; and an electronic control system operable by a driver of the vehicle to control the operation of said powered pivoting and extending mechanism independent of the operation of said powered mirror unit adjust mechanism.

Abstract: A holding member includes a bearing that receives a thrust force of at least one of a first gear and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are in a non-contact state in a thrust direction.