CLIAMS:1. An inner rear view mirror assembly (100) of a vehicle comprising:
a housing (101) comprising an inner surface (102) and an outer surface (103);
a holder (105) comprising a first end (105a) and a second end (105b), wherein the first end (105a) is detachably mounted onto a vehicle body through a mounting assembly, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a first member (107) disposed on the vehicle body and a second member configured in the first end (105a) of the holder (105), the second member of the mounting assembly is coupled to the first member (107) of the mounting assembly for holding the housing (101) in the vehicle body;
a lighting unit (109) configured in the inner surface (102) of the housing (101), wherein a light source (117) of the lighting unit (109) is positioned in a provision provided in the housing (101); and
a mirror (116) attached to the housing (101) at periphery of the inner surface (102) of the housing (101), wherein the mirror (116) encloses the lighting unit (109) in the housing (101).

2. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting unit (109) comprises a power source (115) for providing electric energy to the light source (117).

3. The assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the power source is charged when the second member of the mounting assembly is coupled to the first member (107) of the mounting assembly.

4. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (107) and second member (108) comprises positive and negative terminals for charging the power source.

5. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises a first switch provisioned on the outer surface (103) of the housing (101), wherein the first switch is configured to activate or deactivate the light source (117).

6. The assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first switch is connected to the light source (117) and the power source (115).

7. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light source (117) is illuminated when the housing (101) is detached from the vehicle body.

8. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power source (115) is rechargeable.

9. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the provision is a through provision.

10. The assembly as claimed in claim 1 comprises a reflector glass (201) placed on outer surface (103) of the housing (101) to enclose the provision.

11. The assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the reflector glass (201) directs light from the light source (117) into a beam.

12. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner surface (102) of the housing (101) comprises a cavity.

13. The assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second end (105b) of the holder (105) is pivoted to the housing (101).

,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure in general relates to a field of automotive engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively the disclosure relates to an inner rear view mirror assembly of a vehicle. Further, embodiments disclose a detachable inner rear view mirror assembly which is configured with a lighting unit.

BACKGROUND
Generally, in vehicles including but not limiting to passenger vehicle such as but not limiting to cars, sports utility vehicles, multi utility vehicle, one or more outer rear view mirrors, and at least one inner rear view mirror are provided. The rear view mirrors are primarily used to provide rear vision to the driver or passenger in the vehicle. This may help the driver to maneuver the vehicle based on road traffic conditions. Conventionally, the inner rear view mirror comprises of a mirror housing fixed to the vehicle body at one end by at least one of welding or fastening. Other end of the housing houses a reflective glass. The inner rear view mirror can be adjusted in the vehicle cabin depending on the line of sight requirement of the driver for rear vision.

In recent past, the rear view mirrors are equipped with some electronic, electric and other additional functional features such as reading lights, reflective elements with displays, controls for actuating doors of the vehicle, rear view indicators, or the like. These components utilize space available in the inner rear view mirror housing. This also improves the vehicle aesthetics and also helps to reduce the complexity of assembling various parts in the vehicle cabin.

The conventional inner rear view mirror assemblies incorporating the lighting unit have been relatively complicated while functioning their intended purposes. More specifically, many operations are necessary to properly assemble the various parts in a rear view mirror assembly to arrive at the desired product. These various parts have, in many cases, been difficult and tedious to handle. Further, the conventional inner rear mirror assemblies incorporating the lighting unit provides an option to illuminate light only inside the vehicle cabin, and do not provide an option to the user to use the rear view mirror assembly outside the vehicle as a lighting source, since such rear view mirrors are fixed to the vehicle body. However, need for using the light source outside the vehicle exists more frequently to passengers, particularly in some emergency conditions such as vehicle breakdown, and the like where passenger comes out of the vehicle in dark environment. In most of the situations, passengers may not be carrying additional light source with them. Thus, they tend to keep the vehicle head lamps in on condition when they get out of vehicle in dark. This drains out of battery of the vehicle, and would result in problems while cranking the vehicle. Also, some passengers may keep the ignition on when headlamps are on to recharge the battery. However, in such situations vehicle unnecessarily consume fuel, which may result in reduction of fuel economy.

In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop an inner rearview mirror assembly such that the rearview mirror assembly can be used as a lighting source inside and outside the vehicle to overcome one or more problems stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure there is provided a rear view mirror assembly. The rear view mirror assembly comprises a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface. The rear view mirror assembly comprises a holder. The holder comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably mounted onto a vehicle body through a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly comprises a first member disposed on the vehicle body and a second member configured in the first end of the holder, wherein the second member of the mounting assembly is coupled to the first member of the mounting assembly for holding the housing in the vehicle body. A lighting unit is configured in the inner surface of the housing, wherein a light source of the lighting unit is positioned in a provision provided in the housing. The rear view mirror assembly comprises a mirror attached to the housing at periphery of the inner surface of the housing, wherein the mirror encloses the lighting unit in the housing.

In an embodiment, the lighting unit comprises a power source for providing electric energy to the light source.
In an embodiment, the rear view mirror assembly comprises a first switch provisioned on the outer surface of the housing, wherein the first switch is configured to activate or deactivate the light source.

In an embodiment, the light source is illuminated when the housing is detached from the vehicle body.

In an embodiment, the switch is connected to the light source and the power source.

In an embodiment, the power source is rechargeable.

In an embodiment, the provision is a through provision.

In an embodiment, the rear view mirror assembly comprises a reflector glass placed on outer surface of the housing to enclose the provision.

In an embodiment, the reflector glass directs light from the light source into a beam.

In an embodiment, the inner surface of the housing comprises a cavity.

In an embodiment, the power source is charged when the second member of the mounting assembly is coupled to the first member of the mounting assembly.
In an embodiment, the first member and second member comprise positive and negative terminals for charging the power source.

In an embodiment, the second end of the holder is pivoted to the housing.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1a illustrates a front perspective view of an inner rearview mirror assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig.1b illustrates another front perspective view of the inner rearview mirror assembly of Fig. 1a with a mirror according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig.2 illustrates rear perspective view of the inner rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1;
Fig.3a illustrates block diagram of a lighting unit used in the inner rearview mirror assembly of Fig. 1a according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig.3b illustrates block diagram of a lighting unit used in the rearview mirror assembly of Fig. 1a according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig.4 illustrates another rear perspective view of the inner rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

To overcome one more problems stated in the background, the present disclosure provides an inner rear view mirror assembly. The inner rear view mirror assembly is detachably mounted onto the vehicle body such that the inner rear view mirror assembly may be detached by the driver or the passenger with minimum human effort and skill. The inner rear view mirror assembly comprises a housing having a cavity and an outer shell. The housing is configured as an enclosure and a support member of the inner rear view mirror assembly. Further, a holder having a first end detachably mounted to the vehicle body through a mounting assembly and the second end pivoted to the housing. The inner rear view mirror assembly further comprises a lighting unit in which a lighting source is adapted to accommodate a provision provided in the housing. The light unit is configured to illuminate the light when it is activated. Further, a mirror also called as reflective surface is provided in the inner rear view mirror assembly, and is fixed to periphery of the housing. The mirror encloses the lighting unit inside the cavity of the housing. Since, the inner rear view mirror is detachable from the vehicle body it may be carried by the driver or passenger, when they go out of vehicle in dark. This eliminates requirement of additional light source to be carried by the passenger, and thereby improves customer satisfaction and comfort.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Reference will now be made to figures which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Where ever possible referral numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts.

Fig. 1a illustrates front perspective view of an inner rearview mirror assembly (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The rear view mirror assembly (100) comprises housing (101). The housing (101) comprises an inner surface (102) defining a cavity, and an outer surface (103) in the form of an outer shell of the cavity. The rear view mirror assembly (100) also comprises a holder (105) with a first end (105a) and a second end (105b). The first end (105b) of the holder (105) is detachably mounted onto a vehicle body through a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly comprises a first member (107) and a second member (108) (shown in Fig.4). The first member (107) is disposed on the vehicle body and the second member (108) is configured in the holder (105). In an embodiment, the first member (107) is mounted onto a windshield or roof panel of the vehicle. The second member (108) of the mounting assembly is coupled to the first member (107) of the mounting assembly for holding the housing (101) in the vehicle body. The second end (105b) of the holder (105) is pivoted to the housing (101) such that the housing (101) can move on the holder (105). In an embodiment, the holder (105) is detachable from the vehicle body through the second member (108) i.e the second member (108) is removable from the first member (107) to detach the holder (105) from the vehicle body. As an example, the second member (108) includes, but not limited to, a sliding rail and a mounting clip.

Further, the inner rear view mirror assembly (100) comprises a lighting unit (109) which is configured in the inner surface (102) i.e. in the cavity of the housing (100). The lighting unit (109) includes a power source (115) and a light source (117). In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the power source (115) is a rechargeable battery, and, the light source (117) is at least one of plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and incandescent bulb. However, one should not construe the use of rechargeable battery as a power source, and aforementioned units as light sources, as the person skilled in the art should understand that any other power source and the light source may be used in the present disclosure. The power source (115) is connected to a charging unit in the vehicle for example a battery of the vehicle for charging when the inner rear view mirror assembly (100) is mounted onto the vehicle body.

As shown in Fig.2, the light source (117) is placed in a provision provided in housing (100) such that the light source (117) illuminates light through the provision to the outside. In an embodiment, the provision is a through provision, and extends from the inner surface (102) to the outer surface (103). The light source (117) is placed in the provision so that the light from the light source (117) passes through the outer surface (103) of the housing (101). The power source (115) is connected to the light source (117) through plurality of wires. The power source (115) and the light source (117) are connected to the first switch (111). The switch (111) is placed on the outer surface (103) of the housing (101).

The rear view mirror assembly (100) also comprises a mirror (116) as shown in Fig.1b. The mirror (116) is attached to the housing (101) at periphery of the inner surface of the housing (101). The mirror (116) encloses the lighting unit (109) in the housing (101).

Referring now to Fig.2, the light source (117) comprises a reflector glass (201) placed on the outer surface (103) of the housing (101). The reflector glass (201) is placed on the at least one light source (117). The reflector glass (201) is configured to direct the light from the light source (117) into a beam. A cover is placed on the portion on the outer surface (103) of the housing (101) which would be removed to place the power source (115) on the back side of the housing (101).

Fig.3a illustrates a block diagram of a lighting unit in the rear view mirror assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the lighting unit (109) comprises the power source (115) and the light source (117). As an example, the power source (115) is a battery. A wire is connected from the positive terminal of the power source (111) to the first switch (111). Another wire is connected from the negative terminal of the power source (115) to the light source (117). As an example, the light source (117) is plurality of LEDs. A wire is connected from the light source (117) to the first switch (111). In an embodiment, when the first switch (111) is activated, the power source (115) provides electrical energy to the LEDs for activating the LEDs. When the first switch (111) is deactivated, the power source (115) does not provide electrical energy to the LEDs for activation.

Fig.3b illustrates block diagram of a lighting unit in the rear view mirror assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
In an embodiment, a second switch (207) is configured in the second member (108), which is mounted on the holder (105). A wire is connected from the power source (115) to the second switch (207). Another wire is connected from the battery to the light source (117). A wire is connected from the light source (117) to the second switch (207). In an embodiment, when the second member (108) is coupled to the first member (107) for mounting the holder (105) onto the vehicle body, the second switch (207) is deactivated. In an embodiment, when the second member (108) is detached from the first member (107), the second switch (207) is activated. When the second switch (207) is activated, the power source (115) provides electrical energy to the light source (117) for illumination of the light source (117). The user may deactivate the light source (117) by manually deactivating the second switch (207).

In another embodiment, when the second member (108) is detached from the first member (107), a light sensor configured in the holder (105) measures intensity of ambient light in the vehicle i.e high ambient light or low ambient light. If the measured light intensity inside the vehicle is high, the second switch (207) is not activated and if the measured light intensity inside the vehicle is high then the second switch (207) is activated. When the second switch (207) is activated, the power source (115) provides electrical energy to the light source (117) for illumination of the light source (117). The user may deactivate the light source (117) by manually deactivating the second switch (207).

Fig.4 illustrates another rear perspective view of the inner rearview mirror assembly (100) of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig.4 the second member (108) i.e the sliding rail comprises a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The wire from the positive terminal and the negative terminal is connected to the power source (115). The first member (107) i.e. sliding barrel comprises a positive terminal and the negative terminal. When the second member (108) is coupled to the first member (107), the power source (115) is charged from a charging unit of the vehicle such as battery of the vehicle, or any other power generation sources such as solar panels and the like.

ADVANTAGES
In an embodiment, the inner rear view mirror assembly is detachable from the vehicle body. Therefore, the inner rear view mirror assembly is used as a lighting source. Due to which the user of the vehicle need not carry a separate torch in the vehicle for lighting purpose as the rear mirror view can be used as a lighting source.
EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS

Reference number Description
100 Inner rear view mirror assembly
101 Housing
102 Inner Surface
103 Outer surface
105 Holder
107 First member
108 Second member
111 First Switch
115 Power Source
116 Mirror
117 Light source
201 Reflector glass
203 Battery cover
207 Second switch