Automatic antidazzle semitransparent mirror

• US 4,655,549 A
• Filed: 02/22/1985
• Issued: 04/07/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1984
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd. (DENSO Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd. (DENSO Corporation)
• Inventors: Itoh, Hiroshi, Suzuki, Yasutoshi, Hara, Kunihiko, Fukada, Tsuyoshi, Ohmi, Shinya
• Primary Examiner(s): Corbin, John K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/704,401
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 350/614, 350/336, 350/339 R, 350/341, 350/334, 350/338, 350/642, 350/331 R, 350/278-283
• US Class Current: 349/195
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133553 Reflecting elements associated to illuminating devices G02F1/133605

Abstract

A reflection mirror using a liquid crystal cell is disclosed. A first thin film consisting of one of magnesium difluoride, silicon dioxide, silicon monoxide or titanium dioxide is formed on a glass substrate supporting the liquid crystal cell and a thin aluminum film is formed on the first thin film as a reflection mirror layer. Adhesiveness of the thin aluminum film to the glass substrate is strengthened by the first thin film. A second thin film is formed on the thin aluminum film to protect the same from being hurt. The reflection mirror may be used as a dazzle-free reflection mirror of an automotive vehicle.

Claims

1. A reflection mirror comprising:

a glass substrate;

a liquid crystal cell supported on said glass substrate for changing transmittivity of light incident thereto in accordance with an electric voltage applied thereto;

a first thin film formed on said glass substrate and consisting of one of magnesium difluoride, silicon dioxide, silicon monoxide or titanium dioxide;

a thin aluminum film on said first thin film forming a semitransparent mirror surface which transmits a portion of and reflects a portion of the light incident thereto through said liquid crystal cell;

a photo sensor positioned behind said thin aluminum film for detecting an intensity of the light incident thereto through said liquid crystal cell and said thin aluminum film;

a driving circuit connected to said photo sensor for applying said electric voltage to said liquid crystal cell in accordance with the intensity of the light detected by said photo sensor; and

a light shielding body encasing therein said glass substrate, said liquid crystal cell, said first thin film, said thin aluminum film and said photo sensor.

2. A reflection mirror according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer and a pair of orientation films sandwiching said liquid crystal layer therebetween and is positioned adjacent to said thin aluminum film so that said liquid crystal cell is applied with said electric voltage through said thin aluminum film.

3. A reflection mirror according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal cell is positioned adjacent to one side surface of said glass substrate and said first thin film is formed on the other side surface of said glass substrate.

4. A reflection mirror according to claim 3, wherein said liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer, a pair of orientation films sandwiching and liquid crystal layer therebetween and a pair of electrode films sandwiching said orientation films therebetween.

5. A reflection mirror according to claim 3 further comprising a second thin film formed on said thin aluminum film for protecting said thin aluminum film and consisting of one of magnesium difluoride, silicon dioxide, silicon monoxide or titanium dioxide.

6. A reflection mirror according to claim 1, wherein said driving circuit includes:

means for comparing the detected intensity of light with a reference level and producing a first and second output indicative of the detected intensity of light being higher and lower than the reference level, respectively;

means for applying said electric voltage to said liquid crystal cell in response to the first output of said comparing means; and

means for increasing and decreasing the reference level in response to the second output and the first output of said comparing means.

7. A reflection mirror for a vehicle comprising:

a light shielding frame body attached to a vehicle body and having an opening therein;

a glass substrate provided within said frame body;

a thin intermediate film formed on said glass substrate opposite to said opening of said frame body and consisting of one of magnesium difluoride or titanium dioxide;

a thin semitransparent metal film formed on said intermediate film for reflecting and passing therethrough the light incident thereto through said opening of said frame body;

a photo sensor positioned behind said metal film within said frame body for detecting an intensity of light passed through said metal film;

an electric circuit connected to said photo sensor for determining a desired reflectivity of light at said metal film in accordance with the detected intensity of light; and

means provided within said frame body and driven by said electric circuit for adjusting the reflectivity of light to the desired reflectivity determined by said electric circuit.