ELECTROCHROMIC MIRROR REFLECTIVE ELEMENT FOR VEHICULAR REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY

• US 20120206790A1
• Filed: 04/20/2012
• Published: 08/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Varaprasad, Desaraju V., Zhao, Mingtang, Dornan, Craig Allen, Agrawal, Anoop, Allemand, Pierr-Marc, Lynam, Niall R.
• Granted Patent: US 8,559,093 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/267
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/06 comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10036 comprising two outer glass sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10697 being cross-linked
• 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: B60Q 2900/40 Several lamps activated in sequence, e.g. sweep effect, progressive activation
• 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: C09K 2211/1007 Non-condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1011 Condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1014 bridged by heteroatoms, e.g. N, P, Si or B
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1029 containing one nitrogen atom as the heteroatom
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1033 with oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1037 with sulfur
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 9/02 Organic tenebrescent materials
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1503 caused by oxidation-reduction reactions in organic liquid solutions, e.g. viologen solutions
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1516 comprising organic material
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/15165 Polymers
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/155 Electrodes
• 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 2001/1518 : Ferrocene compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/58 : Arrangements comprising a monitoring photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2202/022 : polymeric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24785 : including layer embodying mechanically interengaged strands, strand portions or strand-like strips [e.g., weave, knit, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/26 : Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component, the element or component having a specified physical dimension
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31551 : Of polyamidoester [polyurethane, polyisocyanate, polycarbamate, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31649 : Ester, halide or nitrile of addition polymer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31678 : Of metal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31935 : Ester, halide or nitrile of addition polymer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/0419 : By distorting within elastic limit

Abstract

An electrochromic mirror reflective element suitable for use in a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle includes first and second substrates having an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween and bounded by a perimeter seal. A perimeter coating is disposed at a second surface of the first substrate proximate at least a perimeter portion of the first substrate. The perimeter coating generally conceals the perimeter seal from view by a person viewing a first surface of the first substrate and through the first substrate. An at least partially reflective stack of thin films is disposed at least a portion of a third surface of the second substrate. The perimeter seal is at least partially visible to a person viewing a fourth surface of the second substrate and through the second substrate.

Claims

1. An electrochromic mirror reflective element suitable for use in a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle, said electrochromic mirror reflective element comprising:

a first substrate and a second substrate having an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween, wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by a perimeter seal, and wherein said perimeter seal is disposed between said first and second substrates;

wherein said first substrate comprises a first substantially transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface;

wherein said second substrate comprises a second substantially transparent substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite said third surface;

wherein a transparent electrically conductive thin film is disposed at least a portion of said second surface of said first substrate;

wherein a perimeter coating is disposed at said second surface of said first substrate proximate at least a perimeter portion of said first substrate, and wherein said perimeter coating comprises at least one of (i) a reflective perimeter coating, (ii) an electrically conductive perimeter coating and (iii) a substantially opaque perimeter coating;

wherein said perimeter coating generally conceals said perimeter seal from view by a person viewing said first surface of said first substrate and through said first substrate;

wherein an at least partially reflective stack of thin films is disposed at least a portion of said third surface of said second substrate, and wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films comprises at least one metal thin film; and

wherein said perimeter seal is at least partially visible to a person viewing said fourth surface of said second substrate and through said second substrate.

2. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films comprises at least one metal oxide thin film.

3. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films comprises at least one semi-conductive metal oxide thin film.

4. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 3, wherein said at least one semi-conductive metal oxide thin film comprises indium tin oxide.

5. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films comprises at least one tungsten oxide thin film.

6. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least one metal thin film comprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, palladium, platinum, titanium, gold, chromium, silver and an alloy.

7. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 6, wherein said alloy comprises steel.

8. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least one metal thin film comprises silver.

9. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said transparent electrically conductive thin film at said second surface of said first substrate comprises a material selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, tin oxide, antimony-doped tin oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, antimony-doped zinc oxide and aluminum-doped zinc oxide.

10. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said perimeter coating comprises a reflective metal thin film and wherein said perimeter coating circumscribes the outer perimeter of said second surface of said second substrate.

11. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 10, wherein said perimeter coating comprises chromium.

12. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said perimeter coating comprises a stack of thin films.

13. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least one metal thin film is one of (a) undercoated with a metal oxide thin film, (b) overcoated with a metal oxide thin film, (c) undercoated with a metal oxide thin film and overcoated with a metal oxide thin film, (d) undercoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (e) overcoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (f) undercoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film and overcoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (g) undercoated with an indium tin oxide thin film, (h) overcoated with an indium tin oxide thin film, (i) undercoated with an indium tin oxide thin film and overcoated with an indium tin oxide thin film.

14. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said perimeter seal comprises a compound seal including a conductive seal layer.

15. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic medium comprises at least one of (i) a viologen, (ii) a phenazine, (iii) 5,10-dihydro-5,10-dimethylphenazine, (iv) a heptyl viologen, (v) propylene carbonate, (vi) an ultraviolet stabilizer, (vii) a phenothiazine, (viii) a metallocene, (ix) a cross-linked polymer, (x) a plasticizer, (xi) a polychromic solid film formed from curing an electrochromic monomer composition, (xii) a cathodic electrochromic compound, (xiii) an anodic electrochromic compound, (xiv) a cathodic electrochromic compound and an anodic electrochromic compound, (xv) an electrochromic cross-linked polymer solid film, (xvi) an electrochromic solid film, (xvii) a ferrocene and (xviii) tungsten oxide.

16. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said first substrate comprises a substantially transparent glass substrate.

17. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 16, comprising a coating at said first surface of said first substrate that alters the contact angle of water relative to its contact angle to glass.

18. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 17, wherein said coating is hydrophobic.

19. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said first substrate and said second substrate are generally sized and shaped to like dimensions, and wherein said second substrate is disposed to the rear of said second surface of said first substrate in a generally flush design.

20. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films has a visible light reflectance of at least about 70 percent reflectance.

21. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films has a visible light transmission within a range of about 8 percent transmission to about 30 percent transmission.

22. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic mirror reflective element is configured for use in an interior rearview mirror assembly.

23. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 22, wherein said interior rearview mirror assembly comprises at least one device selected from the group comprising:

an exterior light control, a moisture sensor, an information display, a light sensor, a blind spot indicator, an approach warning, an operator interface, a compass, a temperature indicator, a voice actuated device, a microphone, a dimming circuitry, a GPS device, a navigation aid, a lane departure warning system, a vision system and a rear vision system.

24. The electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic mirror reflective element is configured for use in an exterior rearview mirror assembly.

25. An interior electrochromic mirror reflective element suitable for use in an interior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle, said interior electrochromic mirror reflective element comprising:

a first substrate and a second substrate having an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween, wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by a perimeter seal, and wherein said perimeter seal is disposed between said first and second substrates;

wherein said first substrate and said second substrate are generally sized and shaped to like dimensions, and wherein said second substrate is disposed to the rear of said second surface of said first substrate in a generally flush design;

wherein said first substrate comprises a first substantially transparent glass substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface;

wherein said second substrate comprises a second substantially transparent glass substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite said third surface;

wherein a transparent electrically conductive thin film is disposed at least a portion of said second surface of said first substrate;

wherein a perimeter coating is disposed at said second surface of said first substrate proximate at least a perimeter portion of said first substrate, and wherein said perimeter coating circumscribes the outer perimeter of said second surface of said second substrate;

wherein said perimeter coating comprises a reflective metal thin film;

wherein said perimeter coating generally conceals said perimeter seal from view by a person viewing said first surface of said first substrate and through said first substrate;

wherein an at least partially reflective stack of thin films is disposed at least a portion of said third surface of said second substrate, and wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films comprises at least one metal thin film; and

wherein said perimeter seal is at least partially visible to a person viewing said fourth surface of said second substrate and through said second substrate.

26. The interior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 25, wherein said at least one metal thin film is one of (a) undercoated with a metal oxide thin film, (b) overcoated with a metal oxide thin film, (c) undercoated with a metal oxide thin film and overcoated with a metal oxide thin film, (d) undercoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (e) overcoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (f) undercoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film and overcoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (g) undercoated with an indium tin oxide thin film, (h) overcoated with an indium tin oxide thin film, (i) undercoated with an indium tin oxide thin film and overcoated with an indium tin oxide thin film.

27. The interior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 25, wherein said perimeter coating is electrically conductive.

28. The interior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 25, wherein said perimeter coating comprises a stack of thin films.

29. The interior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 25, wherein said perimeter coating comprises chromium.

30. An exterior electrochromic mirror reflective element suitable for use in an exterior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle, said exterior electrochromic mirror reflective element comprising:

a first substrate and a second substrate having an electrochromic medium disposed therebetween, wherein said electrochromic medium is bounded by a perimeter seal, and wherein said perimeter seal is disposed between said first and second substrates;

wherein said first substrate and said second substrate are generally sized and shaped to like dimensions, and wherein said second substrate is disposed to the rear of said second surface of said first substrate in a generally flush design;

wherein said first substrate comprises a first substantially transparent glass substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite said first surface;

wherein said second substrate comprises a second substantially transparent glass substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite said third surface;

wherein a transparent electrically conductive thin film is disposed at least a portion of said second surface of said first substrate;

wherein a perimeter coating is disposed at said second surface of said first substrate proximate at least a perimeter portion of said first substrate, and wherein said perimeter coating circumscribes the outer perimeter of said second surface of said second substrate;

wherein said perimeter coating comprises a reflective metal thin film, and wherein said perimeter coating is electrically conductive;

wherein said perimeter coating generally conceals said perimeter seal from view by a person viewing said first surface of said first substrate and through said first substrate;

wherein an at least partially reflective stack of thin films is disposed at least a portion of said third surface of said second substrate, and wherein said at least partially reflective stack of thin films comprises at least one metal thin film; and

wherein said perimeter seal is at least partially visible to a person viewing said fourth surface of said second substrate and through said second substrate.

31. The exterior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 30, wherein said at least one metal thin film is one of (a) undercoated with a metal oxide thin film, (b) overcoated with a metal oxide thin film, (c) undercoated with a metal oxide thin film and overcoated with a metal oxide thin film, (d) undercoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (e) overcoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (f) undercoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film and overcoated with a transparent electrically conductive thin film, (g) undercoated with an indium tin oxide thin film, (h) overcoated with an indium tin oxide thin film, (i) undercoated with an indium tin oxide thin film and overcoated with an indium tin oxide thin film.

32. The exterior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 30, wherein said perimeter coating comprises a stack of thin films.

33. The exterior electrochromic mirror reflective element of claim 30, wherein said perimeter coating comprises chromium.