Field of Invention:
The present invention relates to a rear view outer mirror assembly of automobiles, particularly, the present invention relates to a fold-unfold mechanism of an outer rear view mirror assembly.
Background of Invention:
An outer rear-view mirror assembly is provided on one or both the outer sides to see the rear-view. In other words, the rear view mirror is provided to see objects (i.e. other vehicle or moving or stationary objects) located at the back side of the automotive vehicle. Since the outer rear view mirror assembly is provided on one or both the outer sides of the vehicle/automobile, the outer rear-view mirror assembly is also known as side rear-view mirror assembly. The side rear-view mirror assembly is provided with a manually operated fold-unfold mechanism. The fold-unfold mechanism is constructed so that the mirror assembly is unfolded position when the rear-view mirror is in use. Similarly, when the rear-view mirror is not in use, the rear-view mirror assembly can be folded in a particular direction with the help of the fold-unfold mechanism.
However, the existing/conventional fold-unfold mechanism of outer rear view-mirror assembly discussed above suffer from the following disadvantages,
(a) The existing fold-unfold mechanism consists of a mounting-pivot which is made up of a die-cast material which is costlier and hard processing material.
(b) The existing fold-unfold mechanism does not endure longer owing to the friction between the ferrous material and injection molding part which gets damaged sooner after a number of cycles of use.
(c) In the existing fold-unfold mechanism, even a slight sudden push applied on the outer rear view mirror may cause the failure in mechanism.
In the view of the disadvantages mentioned above, there is a need to develop a fold-unfold mechanism which overcomes at least one of the above mentioned problems. Further, there is a need of develop a fold-unfold mechanism which prevents quicker failure of mechanism due to friction etc. Further more, there is a need to develop a mechanism which is cost effective and have increase life cycle.

Objects of the Present Invention:
The main object of the present invention is to provide an improved outer rear-view mirror assembly (1).
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fold-unfold mechanism for outer rear-view mirror assembly.
Still another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a fold-unfold mechanism which reduces the direct friction between components of the fold-unfold mechanism. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fold-unfold mechanism with longer endurance life.
One more object of the present invention is to provide a fold-unfold mechanism for outer rear-view mirror assembly which is cost effective.
Summary of the invention:
The present invention provides an improved fold-unfold mechanism for outer rear-view mirror assembly (1) of vehicle. The assembly includes a frame (2), a mounting-pivot (3), an actuator (12), a spring (18) and locking washer (20). A steel washer (19) is disposed between the locking washer (20) and the spring (18) so as to avoid contact between the spring (18) and the locking washer (18) thereby reducing friction between the two working components. The mounting pivot (3) comprises a column (9) and collar (7). The collar (7) has plurality of engraved grooves (8). The actuator (12) comprises a cylindrical cavity (14) to accommodate the column (9). A rim (15) is provided in the cavity (14). The rim (15) comprises protruded projections (16). The shape of projections (16) and engraved grooves (8) are similar so as to get engaged firmly with each other and to stop the mirror assembly at a predefined position. The fold-unfold mechanism of the present invention provides one folded and at least two unfolded stop positions for the mirror assembly.
Brief Description of the drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a fold-unfold mechanism for outer rear-view mirror assembly (1) according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fold-unfold mechanism shown in figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the mounting pivot (3) according to an embodiment of the
present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the actuator (12) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a vertical sectional view of fold-unfold mechanism shown in figure 1. Figure 6 illustrates a locking washer (20) sub assembly of fold-unfold mechanism of outer rear-view mirror assembly according to an embodiment of present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of locking washer (20) sub assembly shown in figure 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Description of present invention:
Accordingly, the present invention provides an outer rear-view mirror assembly (1) with a fold-unfold mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention, the fold-unfold mechanism of outer rear-view mirror assembly comprises a frame (2) rigidly mounted on body of the vehicle, a mounting-pivot (3) secured with the frame (2) comprising a base plate (4) and column (9) extending perpendicularly from the base plate (4), an actuator (12) being pivotally mounted on the mounting-pivot (3), is movable from a folded position to at least two unfolded position, a locking washer (20) for securing the actuator (12) with the mounting-pivot (3) under force of a spring (18) and a flat washer (19) disposed between the locking washer (20) and the spring (18). Figure 1 shows a fold-unfold mechanism for outer rear-view mirror assembly (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the actuator (12) comprises a body for mounting the mirror assembly, a housing (14) having a cylindrical bore having a first open end for receiving the column (9) of the mounting pivot (3) and a second open end for receiving the spring (18).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the column (9) of the mounting pivot (3) having an increased diameter portion so as to define a collar (7).
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the collar (7) is provided with three pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) each comprising a first groove (Pnl) and a second groove (Pn2) for defining the folded position and two unfolded position of the actuator (12).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical bore of the housing (14) is provided with three projections (16) to cooperate with the grooves (8) provided on the collar (7) for defining the folded position and two unfolded position of the actuator (12).
In further embodiment of the present invention, the bore of the housing (14) is provided with a circumferential rim (15) for disposing the three projections (16) locatable on the grooves (8) provided on the collar (7).
In further more embodiment of the present invention, in the folded position, the three projections (16) provided in the bore (14) is respectively locatable in the second groove (Pn2) of each of the pair of grooves (Pn1,Pn2).
In another embodiment of the present invention, in the first unfolded position, the three projections (16) provided in the bore (14) is respectively locatable in the first groove (Pn1) of each of the pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) so as to define a first unfolded position.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, in the second unfolded position, the three projections (16) provided in the bore (14) is respectively locatable in the second grooves (Pn2) of each of the pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2).
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the folded and unfolded positions are located angularly spaced apart from each other in which the first unfolded position is located between the second unfolded position and the folded position.
In further embodiment of the present invention, the actuator (12) is movable about axis of mounting pivot from first unfolded position to second unfolded position upon receiving impact.

In further more embodiment of the present invention, the actuator (12) is movable about axis of mounting pivot from second unfolded position to third unfolded position upon receiving a further impact.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the base plate (4) of the pivot is provided with a stopper (11) which locatable in a angular recess (17) formed in the housing (14) and the said recess (17) having two angularly spaced apart end walls (a, b) defining a first extreme position and a second extreme position such that folded and all the unfolded position of the actuator (12) lies between the first extreme and second extreme positions.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second extreme positions are located at a location of the folded position and the third unfolded position.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the spring (18) being disposed in the bore (14) of the housing between inner wall and column (9) of the mounting pivot (3), is supported on the circumferential rim (15).
In further embodiment of the present invention, the locking washer (20) is made up of plastic while the flat washer (19) is a steel washer (19).
In further more embodiment of the present invention, the locking washer (20) comprises a circular base (22) with an axially extruded hollow cylindrical element (27).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the adjoined circular base (22) and cylindrical element (27) forms a neck (28) upon which plurality of ribs (25) with locking slots (26) are provided.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the open end of cylindrical element is
provided with plurality of tapered ribs (29) to cooperate with recess (10) provided on the column
(9).

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the locking washer (20) is provided with steel washer (19) fitted in the locking slots (26) of the plurality of ribs (25) so as to avoid contact of spring (18) with the plastic locking washer (20) and thus in order to minimize friction between the spring and plastic washer.
The present invention provides outer rear-view mirror assembly for an automotive. Referring to figure 1-7, which show various parts of the mirror assembly of the present invention and views thereof, it can be observed that the same comprises:
Mirror assembly - 1;
Frame - 2;
Base portion - 2a;
Bracket portion - 2b;
Mounting pivot - 3;
Base plate of mounting pivot - 4;
Holes/aperture in mounting pivot - 5;
Smooth 'L' shape curve - 6a;
Side straight curve on base plate - 6b;
Collar- 7;
Engraved grooves on collar - 8;
Pairs of engraved grooves - Pn1, Pn2;
Column - 9;
Locking recess - 10;
Stopper -11;

Faces of stopper - c and d;
Actuator- 12;
Body-13;
Housing comprising cylindrical cavity/bore - 14;
Rim-15;
Protruded projection - 16;
Angular recess - 17;
Extreme end faces or angularly spaced apart end walls of angular recess - a and b;
Spring- 18;
Flat/steel washer- 19;
Locking washer - 20;
Through slots of washer -21;
Circular base of locking washer - 22;
Extruded portion - 23;
Engraved portion - 24;
Rib-25;
Perfect 'L' shape locking slot - 26;
Cylindrical element - 27;
Neck portion-28;
Tapered rib - 29.
Referring the Figure-1, a partial view of the outer rear-view mirror assembly (1) is shown. An actuator (12) is used for mounting mirror setting sub-assembly including mirror glass and mirror

housing in order to make complete outer rear-view mirror assembly to see the rear view from the vehicle. The mirror setting mechanism is not shown in the drawings for the sake of simplicity.
Referring to figure 2, the frame (2) is fixed or mounted on the outer side of the vehicle. The frame (2) comprises a bracket portion (2b) and base portion (2a) extending laterally from the said bracket portion (2b). The mounting-pivot (3) is mounted on the base portion (2a). The mounting pivot (3) can be made of any suitable material. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mounting-pivot (3) is made up of nylon with 30% glass filler and can be produced by injection molding. As shown in figure 2, the mounting-pivot (3) comprises a base plate (4) and an elongated cylindrical column (9) extending vertically from the said base plate (4). The said column (9) has a portion (7) with increased diameter adjoining to the said base plate so as to define a collar (7) of the said column (7). The collar (7) comprises plurality of pairs of tapered engraved grooves (Pn1, Pn2). Each pair comprises first and second grooves i.e. Pn1 and Pn2. The base plate (4) of the mounting-pivot (3) is secured with the base portion (4) of the frame (2) using one or more fasteners/screws (not shown in figure). The base plate (4) provided with one or more holes/apertures (5) to fasten the screws. According to an embodiment of the present invention, thickness of base plate (4), pivot diameter and wall thickness of the mounting-pivot (3) is constructed so that the mounting pivot (3) sustain bending test with at least loading of 294 N or more to the position one third from the mirror end for 1 minute.
After fastening the mounting-pivot (3) to the said frame (2), actuator (12) is assembled. Figure 2 shows a partial view of the actuator (12). The actuator (12) comprises a body (13) and housing (14). The body (13) is used for mounting the mirror setting mechanism (which is not shown in figure 2). The housing (14) has a cylindrical cavity or bore adapted to receive the said elongated column (9) of the mounting pivot (3).
Referring to Figure 3, the mounting pivot (3) has a base plate (4) with smooth 'L' shape curve (6a) on one side and a slight curve (6b) on the other for the fitment on the base portion (2a). In an embodiment of the present invention, the collar (7) is provided with a three pair of engraved grooves (P11, P12), (P21, P22), (P31, P32) circumferentially distributed over the collar (7). A trapezoidal protruded portion (11) is provided in between first and second pair of grooves i.e. (P11, P12), (P21, P22)- The trapezoidal protruded portion (11) is provided for the purpose of

stopping the actuator (12) at the extreme positions. Therefore the trapezoidal protruded portion (11) acts as stopper. Further, the upper end of the column (9) is provided with plurality of locking recess (10).
Referring to figure 4, cylindrical cavity (14) of actuator (12) is provided with a rim (15) and a partial circular engraved slot or angular recess (17) circumferentially on the rim (15) on the bottom side of actuator (12). The rim (15) is provided with one or more protruded projections (16). The projections (16) are constructed so as to be locatable in pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) provided with the collar (7) of the mounting pivot (3) when the actuator (12) is assembled on the mounting pivot (3). In an embodiment of the present invention, the collar (7) is provided with a three pair of grooves (P11, P12), (P21, P22), (P31, P32) and the rim (15) is provided with three protruded projections (16) so as to define three positions of the fold-unfold mechanism thereby defining three position of the outer rear-view mirror assembly (1).
Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the fold-unfold mechanism. In an embodiment of the present invention the actuator (12) is located on the mounting-pivot (3) under a compression force of a spring (18) or resilient means such that the projections (16) are locatable in the said pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) under a compression force of a spring (18). For this purpose, a steel spring (19) is disposed inside the cylindrical cavity (14) as shown in figure 5. In an embodiment of the present invention the spring (18) is a compression spring. As shown in figure 5, the spring (18) is inserted between the mounting pivot (3) and inner walls of the cavity (14). Referring to figure 2 and 5, the spring (18) is disposed from top end of the cavity (14) around the column (9) of the mounting pivot (3) and supported by the rim (15). Thereafter, the spring (18) locked with the help of a locking washer (20). The locking washer (20) locked into the locking recess (10) provided on the upper end of the column (9). The spring (18) is locked between the rim (15) and the locking washer (20) so that spring force is applied to the rim (15) thereby the spring force is applied to the actuator (12). In turn the projections (16) are located in the pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) under the spring force. In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking washer (20) is made up of thermoplastic.
As observed from the construction shown in figures 2 and 5, the actuator (12) is pivotally movable with respect to the mounting pivot (3). In an embodiment of the present invention, a

force is required to be applied on the actuator (12) to move the said actuator (12) pivotally with respect to mounting pivot (3) from one position to the other position. For the smooth operation, the said pairs of engraved grooves (Pn1, Pn2) as well as the protruded projections (16) are provided with tapered surfaces.
The movement of actuator (12) results in friction between the spring (18) and the locking washer (20). In order to avoid the friction, a steel washer (19) is disposed between the spring (18) and the locking washer (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 5, the steel washer (19) is fitted on circular base (22) of the locking washer (20) in such a way that the top of spring (18) is in contact with the steel washer (19). The steel washer (19) prevents the direct contact between spring (18) and the locking washer (20). Therefore, an advantage of introduction of the steel washer (19) is reduction of friction between two working components. Therefore, an increase in life of the mechanism can be achieved by the present invention.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate locking washer (20) of fold-unfold mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to figures 5, 6 and 7, locking washer (20) is fitted with a steel washer (20) according to an embodiment of present invention. Referring to figures 5 and 6, the locking washer (20) has substantially circular base (22) with an axially extruded cylindrical element (27). The cylindrical element (27) has increased diameter portion or a filleted portion (28) adjoining the said base so as to define neck (28) around the cylindrical element (27) adjoining the said base (22). As shown in figures 6 and 7, one or more ribs are provided on the neck (28) of the locking washer (20). At the end of each rib a perfect 'L' shape locking slot (26) is provided. The steel washer (19) has one or more rectangular through slots (21). With the help of through slots (21), the steel washer (19) is secured with the ribs (25) provided on the locking washer (20). The assembled arrangement of the locking washer (20) with the steel washer (19) is shown in figure 6. The steel washer (19) can be press fitted with the ribs (25) which prevents relative rotation between the locking washer (20) and the steel washer (19). The main advantage of the locking washer (20) and steel washer (19) assembly is that the compression spring does not come in direct contact with the said thermoplastic locking washer (20) and thus there is no wearing occurred between

the said two components. Moreover, the said compression spring (18) will be in direct contact with steel washer (19) and there is no wearing between the spring (18) and locking washer (20).
As shown in figures 6 and 7, for securing the locking washer (20) with the column (9) of the mounting pivot (3) three tapered ribs (29) are provided on the cylindrical element (27) of the locking washer (20). The recess (10) of the column (9) is provided with corresponding grooves for securing the tapered ribs (29). The function of tapered rib (29) is to lock the mirror glass assembly at a particular desired position as per requirement of driver or user. During locking, the protruded projections (16) fit themselves in corresponding first or second grooves of the pair of grooves and the compression spring (18) is subjected to axial compression.
The mirror assembly mounted on the actuator (12) is pivotally movable on the frame (2). When the driver wants to move (i.e. fold-unfold) the rear-view mirror, he will push/pull the mirror glass assembly in particular direction. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pairs of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) on the collar are provided so as to define folded positions, a first unfolded position and a second unfolded position. When in use, the actuator (12) is pivotably movable from one position to the next position. Referring to the figures 3 and 4, stopper face 'c' rests against surface 'a' of the semicircular engraved slot or angular recess (17) during the folded position of the mirror assembly. Also the all three protruded projections (16) are located into the second grooves of the pair of grooves i.e. into the P12, P22 and P32 grooves on the collar (7) to define the folded position. To unfold the mirror assembly for the first unfolded position, the driver will push the mirror assembly outwardly. Upon application of force, the mirror assembly will tend to move. Hence, the protruded projections (16) will be forced to move out from the P12, P22 and P32 grooves and will locate themselves into the next adjacent grooves on the collar (7) such as P11, P21 and P31 grooves to define first unfolded position. Due to the locking between the P11, P21 and P31 grooves and projections (16) the mirror assembly will remain in first unfolded positions inspite of the wind pressure and vibrations.
In an embodiment of the present invention, to unfold the mirror assembly for the second unfolded position, either the driver will push the mirror assembly outwardly or the mirror assembly may move outwardly due to an external impact for example hitting by any other vehicle. Upon application of force, the mirror assembly will tend to move. Hence, the protruded

projections (16) will be forced to move out from the P11, P21 and P31 grooves and will locate themselves into the next adjacent grooves on the collar (7) such as P12, P22 and P32 grooves to define second unfolded position. If the driver wants to bring the mirror assembly from second unfolded position to first unfolded position, he may pull the mirror assembly inwardly upto the predefined position.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the mirror assembly of the present invention can be unfolded to an extreme unfolded position defined herein. In case of an impact on the mirror assembly from the front of the mirror assembly when the assembly is unfolded to second unfolded position, the mirror assembly will further move back or outwardly. In order to prevent from back hitting of the mirror assembly to the vehicle body, the trapezoidal protruded portion or stopper (11) provided on the mounting pivot (3) act as stopper. When mirror assembly moves back from the second unfolded position, the surface 'b' of the semicircular engraved slot or angular recess (17) rests against the surface 'd' of the stopper so as to define the extreme unfolded position. Hence, the mirror assembly will be stopped at the predefined extreme unfolded position.
The present invention is described with reference to the figures and specific embodiments; this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various alternate embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such alternative embodiments form part of the present invention.

We claim:
1. An outer rear view mirror assembly (1) having a mirror assembly for vehicle, comprising
a frame (2) rigidly mounted on body of the vehicle;
a mounting-pivot (3) secured with the frame comprising a base plate (4) and column (9) extending perpendicularly from the base plate (4);
an actuator (12) being pivotally mounted on the mounting-pivot (3), is movable about axis of the mounting pivot (3) from a folded position to at least two unfolded position;
a locking washer (20) for securing the actuator (12) with the mounting-pivot (3) under force of a the spring; and
a flat washer (19) disposed between the locking washer (20) and spring (18).
2. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator
(12) comprises:
a body (13) for mounting the mirror assembly;
a housing (14) having a cylindrical bore having a first open end for receiving the column (9) of the mounting pivot (3) and a second open end for receiving the spring (18).
3. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the column (9) of the mounting pivot (3) having an increased diameter portion (7) so as to define a collar (7).
4. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the collar (7) is provided with three pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) each comprising a first groove (Pn1) and a second groove (Pn2) for defining the folded position and two unfolded position of the actuator (12).
5. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cylindrical bore of the housing (14) is provided with three projections (16) to cooperate with the
grooves (8) provided on the collar (7) for defining the folded position and two unfolded position of the actuator (12).
6. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bore of the housing (14) is provided with a circumferential rim (15) for disposing the three protruded projections (16) locatable on the grooves (8) provided on the collar (7).
7. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in the folded position, the three projections provided in the bore is respectively locatable in the second grooves (Pn2) of each of the pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2).
8. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein, in the first unfolded position, the three projections provided in the bore is respectively locatable in the first grooves (Pn1) of each of the pair of grooves (Pn1, Pn2) so as to define a first unfolded position.
9. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in the second unfolded position, the three projections (16) provided in the bore is respectively locatable in the second grooves (Pn2) of each of the pair of grooves(Pn1, Pn2)-
10. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the folded and unfolded positions are located angularly spaced apart from each other in which the first unfolded position is located between the second unfolded position and the folded position.
11. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuator (12) is movable from first unfolded position to second unfolded position upon receiving impact.
12. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the actuator (12) is movable from second unfolded position to third unfolded position upon receiving a further impact.
13. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the base plate (4) of the pivot (3) is provided with a stopper (11) which locatable in a angular recess (17) formed in the housing (14) and the said recess (17) having two angularly spaced apart end walls (a, b) defining a first extreme position and a second extreme position such that folded and all the unfolded position of the actuator lies between the first extreme and second extreme positions.
14. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first and second extreme positions are located at a location of the folded position and the third unfolded position.
15. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the spring (18) being disposed in the bore of the housing (14) between inner wall and column (9) of the mounting pivot (3), is supported on the circumferential rim (15).
16. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking washer (20) is made up of plastic while the flat washer (19) is a steel washer (19).
17. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and 17, wherein the locking washer (20) comprises a circular base (22) with an axially extruded hollow cylindrical element (27).
18. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the adjoined circular base (22) and cylindrical element (27) forms a neck (28) upon which plurality of ribs (25) with locking slots (26) are provided.
19.The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 18, wherein the open end of cylindrical element (27) is provided with plurality of tapered ribs (29) to cooperate with recess (10) provided on the column (9).
20. The outer rear view mirror assembly (1) for vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the locking washer (20) is provided with the steel washer (19) fitted in the locking slots (26) of the plurality of ribs (25) so as to avoid contact of spring (18) with the plastic locking washer (20).