ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS FOR ELECTRO-OPTIC ELEMENTS

• US 20180024401A1
• Filed: 07/19/2017
• Published: 01/25/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2016
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Stray, Joel A., Tonar, William L., Cammenga, David J.
• Application Number:
  US15/653,647
• Publication Number:
  US 20180024401A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/087 with remote or automatic control means
• 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 16/023 for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 17/04 using prisms only
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/133553 Reflecting elements associated to illuminating devices G02F1/133605
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1345 Conductors connecting electrodes to cell terminals
• 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 1/161 Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/18 Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast

Abstract

A rearview mirror assembly is provided that includes a bezel, and an electro-optic element that includes a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substrate defines third and fourth surfaces and a hole extending between the third and fourth surfaces. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. A primary seal is disposed between the first and second substrates. The seal and the first and second substrates define a cavity therebetween. A conductive bus is positioned proximate the hole of the second substrate and an electro-optic material is disposed within the cavity. The bezel extends onto at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of the second substrate.

Claims

1. A rearview device, comprising:

a bezel; and

an electro-optic element comprising;

a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;

a second substrate defining third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate defining a hole extending between the third and fourth surfaces, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer;

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

a conductive bus positioned proximate the hole of the second substrate; and

an electro-optic material disposed within the cavity,

wherein the bezel extends onto at least one of the third and fourth surfaces of the second substrate.

2. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein a filler is disposed within the hole, the filler comprising at least one of a metal tube, conductive polymer, solder paste, and monolithic piece of metal.

3. The rearview device of claim 2, and further wherein the filler is flush with the fourth surface.

4. The rearview device of claim 2, wherein the filler is substantially covered by the bezel.

5. The rearview device of claim 2, further comprising:

an insert disposed within the bezel and in electrical communication with the filler.

6. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein the bezel extends onto the fourth surface of the second substrate.

7. The rearview device of claim 1, wherein the bezel defines an aperture proximate the hole of the second substrate.

8. The rearview device of claim 7, wherein the aperture is filled with a conductive component.

9. A rearview device, comprising:

a housing; and

an electro-optic element positioned in the housing, comprising;

a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces and a first edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the first substantially transparent substrate, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;

a second substrate defining third and fourth surfaces and a second edge extending around at least a portion of a perimeter of the second substrate, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer, further wherein the second substrate defines a hole disposed in the fourth surface;

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

an electro-optic material disposed within the cavity; and

a conductive filler disposed in the hole.

10. The rearview device of claim 9, wherein the conductive filler comprises at least one of a solder paste and a monolithic piece of metal.

11. The rearview device of claim 9, wherein the conductive filler comprises at least one of a metal tube and a conductive polymer.

12. The rearview device of claim 9, wherein the conductive filler is substantially flush with the fourth surface.

13. The rearview device of claim 9, wherein a distance between a surface of the conductive filler and the fourth surface is from about 0.01 mm to about 0.2 mm.

14. The rearview device of claim 9, wherein a surface of the conductive filler is substantially parallel with the fourth surface.

15. An electro-optic element for a rearview device, comprising:

a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, wherein the second surface comprises a first electrically conductive layer;

a second substrate defining third and fourth surfaces, the second substrate defining a hole between the third and fourth surfaces, wherein the third surface comprises a second electrically conductive layer;

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

an electro-optic material disposed within the cavity; and

a conductive filler disposed within the hole and defining a filler surface which is substantially planar with the fourth surface.

16. The element of claim 15, wherein the conductive filler comprises at least one of solder paste and a monolithic piece of metal.

17. The element of claim 15, wherein the conductive filler comprises at least one of a metal tube and a conductive polymer.

18. The element of claim 15, wherein the conductive filler is in electrical communication with the second electrically conductive layer.

19. The element of claim 15, wherein the conductive filler is in electrical communication with the first electrically conductive layer.

20. The element of claim 15, wherein the hole has a cross-sectional diameter of from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.