Electrical connections for electro-optic elements

• US 10,399,498 B2
• Filed: 12/18/2017
• Issued: 09/03/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 12/19/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Heintzelman, Adam R., Lara, Juan C., Derry, Christopher M., Cammenga, David J
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong, Eric
• Application Number:
  US15/845,096
• Publication Number:
  US 20180170263A1
• Time in Patent Office: 624 Days
• Field of Search: 385 2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/062 with remote control for adjusting position B60R1/0607 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/01 Head-up displays
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0101 characterised by optical features G02B27/0172 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/15 based on an electrochromic effect
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/153 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/161 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/163 Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cells; Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3406 Control of illumination source illumination devices structurally associated with liquid crystal cells G02F1/1336
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/38 using electrochromic devices

Abstract

An electro-optic element of a display of a vehicle includes a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface. A first edge extends around the first substrate. A second substantially transparent substrate defines a third surface and a fourth surface. A second edge extends around the second substrate. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. At least one of the first and second edges is stepped proximate the seal to define a channel. An electro-optic material is positioned within the cavity.

Claims

1. An electro-opticelement of a display of a vehicle, comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, wherein a first edge extends around the first substrate;

a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein a second edge extends around the second substrate;

a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates, the seal and the first and second substrates defining a cavity therebetween, wherein at least one of the first and second edges includes a stepped formation proximate the seal to define a channel;

an electrical bus positioned within the channel; and

an electro-optic material positioned within the cavity.

2. The electro-optic element of claim 1, wherein the second edge is stepped in an inboard direction to define the channel.

3. The electro-optic element of claim 1, wherein both the first and second edges are stepped to define the channel.

4. The electro-optic element of claim 3, further comprising:

a first electrical bus positioned proximate the first stepped edge; and

a second electrical bus positioned proximate the second stepped edge, wherein the first and second electrical buses are electrically isolated.

5. The electro-optic element of claim 4, wherein the seal is positioned between the first and second electrical buses.

6. The electro-optic element of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a spacing between about 20 μ

m and about 75 μ

m.

7. The electro-optic element of claim 1, wherein an electrical connection extends into the channel, the electrical connection comprises a polymeric film with a metallic coating.

8. The electro-optic element of claim 1, wherein an electrical connection extends into the channel and a thickness of the electrical connection is greater than a spacing of the cavity.

9. An electro-opticelement, comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, wherein a first edge extends around the first substrate;

a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein a second edge extends around the second substrate;

a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates, the seal and the first and second substrates defining a cavity therebetween, wherein the cavity has a thickness between the first and second substrates of less than about 75 μ

m and the second edge includes a stepped formation in an inboard direction to define a channel;

a conductive bus positioned within the channel and extending substantially over the second edge; and

an electro-optic material positioned within the cavity.

10. The electro-optic element of claim 9, wherein the seal is positioned inboard of the channel.

11. The electro-optic element of claim 10, wherein the channel is wider than it is tall.

12. The electro-optic element of claim 10, wherein the channel is taller than it is wide.

13. The electro-optic element of claim 9, wherein the electro-optic material is an electrochromic material.

14. The electro-optic element of claim 9, wherein an electrical bus is positioned within the channel and extends substantially around the second substrate.

15. The electro-optic element of claim 9, wherein the first edge is stepped in an inboard direction such that the channel is defined by the first and second stepped edges and an electrical bus substantially fills the channel.

16. An electro-optic element, comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate defining a first surface and a second surface, wherein a first edge extends around the first substrate;

a second substantially transparent substrate defining a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein a second edge extends around the second substrate, wherein the second edges is set inboard of the first edge to define a channel;

a conductive bus positioned within the channel, the conductive bus defining an exterior curved surface which substantially intersects the fourth surface;

a primary seal disposed between the first and second substrates, the seal and the first and second substrates defining a cavity therebetween; and

an electro-optic material positioned within the cavity.

17. The electro-optic element of claim 16, wherein the conductive bus comprises a silver epoxy.