VEHICULAR MIRROR WITH REDUCED-FORCE PIVOTING MECHANISM

摘要

A motorized pivoting and extending mechanism for a vehicular mirror assemblyincludes, alternatively, a force-reduction mechanism for reducing the frictionwithin themechanism, and a slip clutch mechanism for reducing overloading of the motorwhen thelimits of mirror extension and retraction have been reached. Mirror powerfunctionsreceive electrical power and control signals through a circular array ofelectrical contactsincorporated into the pivot connection irrespective of the pivotal orientationof the mirror.A motor shut-off circuit is able to shut off the motor within a predeterminedperiod oftime. The mirror can be angularly adjusted upon movement of the mirror betweentheretracted and the extended positions to maintain a common field of view for adriver ofthe vehicle to prevent the extension and/or retraction of the mirror fromundesirablyrepositioning the field of view captured by the mirror.