Electrochromic device having an electrically conductive seal

• US 20030103257A1
• Filed: 09/30/2002
• Published: 06/05/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Cammenga, David J., Tonar, William L., Bauer, Frederick T., Byker, Harlan J., Forgette, Jeffrey A.
• Granted Patent: US 6,665,107 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/265
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1215 with information displays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1506 caused by electrodeposition, e.g. electrolytic deposition of an inorganic material on or close to an electrode
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/155 Electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/1502 complementary cell
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/15145 the electrochromic layer comprises a mixture of anodic and cathodic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/34 reflector
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2203/02 reflective
• CPC Class Codes: H10K 50/87 Arrangements for heating or cooling

Abstract

An electrochromic variable reflectance mirror for a vehicle includes a front element having a rear surface with a first layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon, and a rear element having a front surface with a second layer of electrically conductive material disposed thereon. An electrical conductor may be provided to electrically couple a portion of the first conductive layer with a portion of the second conductive layer. At least one of the first and second conductive layers may be separated into a first portion and a second portion that is electrically isolated from the first portion and is in electrical contact with an electrochromic material disposed between the elements. A seal is provided to sealably bond the elements together in a spaced-apart relationship. The seal may have at least one electrically conductive region.

Claims