An electrochromic mirror element and a rearview mirror assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochromic mirror element, comprising: a substantially transparent first conductive substrate including a second surface; a substantially transparent second conductive substrate including a third surface; a sealant disposed substantially circumferentially between the outer peripheral regions of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate to sealingly bond the second surface and the third surface and define a cavity; an electrochromic medium disposed in the cavity; a substantially transparent planar substrate provided with a first shielding layer along the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate; and a substantially transparent concave outer shell that completely covers the edge surfaces of the first conductive substrate, the second conductive substrate, and the planar substrate, and a second shielding layer is provided along the inner surface of the side portion of the outer shell. When viewed from the outer surface of the concave outer shell, the sealant is hidden behind the shielding layer. The electrochromic mirror element of the present invention has the advantages of overall beauty, wide field of view, safety against collision, not easily broken, convenient for mass production, and reduction of manufacturing costs, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrochromic devices, and particularly to an electrochromic mirror element and a rearview mirror assembly equipped with the electrochromic mirror element. Background Art

[0002] Electrochromism refers to a change in which, under the action of an external electric field, a material undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction or a change in which charge (electrons or ions) is injected or extracted inside the molecular structure, thereby causing reversible changes in the optical properties of the material, such as transmittance, absorptance, and reflectance, in regions such as visible light, infrared light, or ultraviolet light. This technology has very important application values in fields such as building glass, vehicle intelligent variable-color windows, aircraft windows, variable-color sunglasses, automotive anti-glare rearview mirrors, information display, and military technology.

[0003] In GB15084-2006 "Performance and Installation Requirements for Rearview Mirrors of Motor Vehicles" and ECE-R46 Regulation "UNIFORM PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE APPROVAL OF REAR-VIEW MIRRORS, AND OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITH REGARD TO THE INSTALLATION OF REAR-VIEW MIRRORS", regulations on the field of view requirements for rearview mirrors are both stipulated. Considering passenger safety, it is required that the front edge of the rearview mirror is enclosed within a protective frame, and the edge position has a curvature radius of not less than 2.5 mm.

[0004] In view of the requirements of the above regulations, in the prior art disclosed in, for example, WO2004 / 098953 and WO2005 / 082015, a plastic housing design with a front opening is usually adopted, and then the electrochromic mirror element is fixed at the front opening position. The plastic housing usually has a plastic frame covering the edge surface of the electrochromic mirror element to meet the safety requirements proposed by the regulations. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic mirror element, which includes a substantially transparent first conductive substrate, a substantially transparent second conductive substrate, a seal that hermetically combines the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate and defines a cavity, an electrochromic medium filled in the cavity, a substantially transparent planar substrate, and a substantially transparent concave housing disposed around the first conductive substrate, the second conductive substrate, and the planar substrate; a first shielding layer is provided in the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate, and the concave housing is integrally formed and provided with a second shielding layer, which is overall beautiful, has a wide field of view, is safe from collision, is not easily broken, and is convenient for mass production and cost reduction.

[0006] The second aspect of the present invention is based on a provided substantially transparent concave housing, which allows for flexible design of the first conductive substrate, the second conductive substrate, and the planar substrate to form various forms of rearview mirror assemblies equipped with electrochromic mirror elements.

[0007] Explanatory drawings of the specification

[0008] Figure 1 Is an exploded view of an external rearview mirror assembly;

[0009] Figure 2 Is an exploded view of an internal rearview mirror assembly;

[0010] Figure 3 Is a front view of an internal rearview mirror assembly;

[0011] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along the A-A direction in containing the first embodiment of the electrochromic mirror element of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 5 Is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the second embodiment after modification of the embodiment;

[0013] Figure 6 Is Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the third embodiment after modification of the embodiment;

[0014] Figure 7 Is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment containing the electrochromic mirror element of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 8 Is Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment after modification of the embodiment;

[0016] Figure 9 Is Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the sixth embodiment after modification of the embodiment;

[0017] Figure 10 Is a cross-sectional view of the seventh embodiment containing the electrochromic mirror element of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the eighth embodiment after modification of the embodiment;

[0019] Figure 12 Is Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the ninth embodiment after modification of the embodiment;

[0020] Figure 13 Is Figures 4 to 12 A schematic view of an embodiment of an alternative to the embodiment.

[0021] Figure 14 For Figures 4 to 13 Schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the embodiment.

[0022] Figure 15 For Figures 4 to 14 Cross-sectional view of the first electrode lead-out method adopted by the embodiment;

[0023] Figure 16 For Figures 4 to 14 Cross-sectional view of the second electrode lead-out method adopted by the embodiment;

[0024] Figure 17 For Figures 4 to 14 Cross-sectional view of the third electrode lead-out method adopted by the embodiment;

[0025] Figure 18 For Figures 4 to 14 Cross-sectional view of the fourth electrode lead-out method adopted by the embodiment.

[0026] Figure 19 For Figures 7 to 9 Cross-sectional view of another implementation manner of the detachable electrode lead-out method of the embodiment. Specific implementation manner

[0027] The following description is used to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments in the following description are only examples, and those skilled in the art can think of other obvious variations.

[0028] Figure 1 Denote the external rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle. The external rearview mirror assembly 1000 includes a rear cover 1001, a circuit board 1002, a carrier plate 1003, a heating sheet 1005, and an electrochromic mirror element 1004. The rear cover 1001 is a structural member with a central cavity. The carrier plate 1003 and the rear cover 1001 are fixedly connected by mechanical buckling. The circuit board 1002 is disposed between the rear cover 1001 and the carrier plate 1003. The electrochromic mirror element 1004 includes a substantially transparent conductive substrate 12 and a concave outer shell 5 covering the conductive substrate 12. The front part of the concave outer shell 5 faces the observer. The back of the conductive substrate 12 is connected to the heating sheet 1005 by gluing and then glued to the carrier plate 1003. The electrochromic mirror element 1004 is electrically connected to the circuit board 1002. After the circuit board 1002 is powered on, the electrochromic mirror element 1004 can change its coloring or fading state at a rated voltage or different voltages, changing the reflectivity of the electrochromic mirror element 1004, thereby producing an anti-glare effect.

[0029] Figure 2The interior rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle comprises a rear cover 2001, a circuit board 2002, a carrier plate 2003 and an electrochromic mirror element 2004; the rear cover 2001 is a structural member of a central cavity, the carrier plate 2003 and the rear cover 2001 are fixedly connected by mechanical fastening, the circuit board 2002 is arranged between the rear cover 2001 and the carrier plate 2003, and the electrochromic mirror element 2004 comprises a substantially transparent conductive substrate 1 2 and a concave shell 5 covering a conductive substrate 12, the front of the concave shell 5 faces the observer, and the back of the conductive substrate 12 is connected to the carrier plate 2003 by gluing; the electrochromic mirror element 2004 is electrically connected to the circuit board 2002, and after the circuit board 2002 is energized, the electrochromic mirror element 2004 can be changed to a state of coloring or fading at a rated voltage or a different voltage, thereby changing the reflectivity of the electrochromic mirror element 2004, thereby producing an anti-glare effect.

[0030] As a further improved technical solution, the vehicle rearview mirror assembly may also include at least one of a light source, an interior lighting assembly, a digital voice processing system, a power supply, a global positioning system, a humidity sensor, an information display, a light sensor, a blind spot lamp, a turn signal lamp, a navigation system, a temperature indicator, a voice control system, a microphone, a remote communication system, a navigation assistance system, a lane departure warning system, a suitable cruise control system and a visual system.

[0031] After summarizing each of the possible common structural elements in the embodiments, each embodiment is described in detail below.

[0032] Figure 3 showing a front view of an interior rearview mirror assembly; Figure 4 express Figure 3Cross-sectional view of the electrochromic mirror element 100 of the first embodiment taken along the A-A direction. The electrochromic mirror element 100 includes: a first conductive substrate that is substantially transparent and consists of a first glass element 1 and a transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the first glass element 1. For ease of description, the front surface of the first conductive substrate facing the observer is defined as the first surface 11a, the rear surface of the first conductive substrate on which the transparent conductive layer 7 is deposited is defined as the second surface 11b, and the edge surface adjacent to the first surface 11a and the second surface 11b is defined as the first edge surface 11c; a second conductive substrate that is substantially transparent and consists of a second glass element 2 and a thin film stack 8 deposited on the second glass element 2. For ease of description, the front surface of the second glass element 2 on which the thin film stack 8 is deposited is defined as the third surface 21b (this third surface 21b faces the observer), the rear surface of the second glass element 2 is defined as the fourth surface 21a, and the edge surface adjacent to the third surface 21b and the fourth surface 21a is defined as the second edge surface 21c. The first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship, and the size and area of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are substantially the same, and their edge surfaces are substantially aligned circumferentially, with a setting approximately zero offset; a seal 3, which is disposed substantially circumferentially between the outer peripheral regions of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate to sealingly bond the second surface 11b and the third surface 21b to each other and define a cavity 4a; an electrochromic medium 4, which is disposed in the cavity 4a; a substantially transparent planar substrate 10. For ease of description, the front surface of the planar substrate 10 is defined as the fifth surface 10b (this fifth surface 10b faces the observer), the rear surface of the planar substrate 10 is defined as the sixth surface 10a, and the edge surface adjacent to the fifth surface 10b and the sixth surface 10a is defined as the third edge surface 10c. A first shielding layer 61 is provided along the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate. The fifth surface 10b and the sixth surface 10a are respectively bonded to the top inner surface 51b and the first surface 11a through an optical adhesive, and the third edge surface 10c of the planar substrate is flush with the first edge surface 11c of the first conductive substrate;and a substantially transparent concave housing 5. For the sake of convenience in description, the concave bottom portion of the concave housing 5 parallel to the first surface 11a is defined as the housing top 51, and the side portions of the concave housing 5 close to the first edge surface 11c and the second edge surface 21c are defined as the housing sides 52. The housing top 51 and the housing sides 52 are integrally formed. The surface of the housing top 51 facing the observer is defined as the top outer surface 51a, the surface of the housing top 51 facing away from the observer is defined as the top inner surface 51b, the surface of the housing sides 52 facing the observer is defined as the side outer surface 52a, and the surface of the housing sides 52 facing away from the observer is defined as the side inner surface 52b. The top inner surface 51b is fitted to the first surface 11a, the side inner surface 52b completely covers the first edge surface 11c, the second edge surface 21c and the third edge surface 10c and is fitted to the first edge surface 11c, the second edge surface 21c and the third edge surface 10c. And the end face 53a of the housing side 52 of the concave housing 5 is flush with the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate 2. A second shielding layer 62 is provided along the housing side 52. When observed from the top outer surface 51a and the side outer surface 52a, the seal 3 is hidden behind the first shielding layer 61 and the second shielding layer 62. The medium for fitting the top inner surface 51b to the first surface 11a is a substantially transparent adhesive. The medium for fitting the side inner surface 52b to the first edge surface 11c and the second edge surface 21c is a high-performance adhesive. The material of the concave housing 5 is a substantially transparent resin material, which avoids the safety risk brought to the vehicle occupants when the glass material breaks when the rearview mirror assembly is impacted by the outside world. At the same time, when the first shielding layer 61 and the second shielding layer 62 are respectively provided on the outer peripheral region of the top inner surface 51b of the housing top 51 and the side inner surface 52b of the housing side 52, the substantially transparent housing top 51 and the housing sides 52 bring a better visual experience to the observer.;

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the concave housing 5 in the vicinity of the outer peripheral region further has a peripheral bending edge 54 with a radius greater than 2.5 mm.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the electrochromic mirror element 110 of this embodiment is basically the same as the structural setting method of the first embodiment in Figure 4 . The main difference is that in this embodiment, the end face 53a of the housing side 52 of the concave housing 5 extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate. This structural setting method can provide the contact area between the side inner surface 52b and the end face 53a of the housing side 52 and the carrier plate, effectively ensuring the connection between the concave housing 5 and the carrier plate.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, the electrochromic mirror element 120 of this embodiment is substantially the same as Figure 5 the structural arrangement of the embodiment. The main difference is that in this embodiment, the end face 53a of the outer shell side portion 52 of the concave outer shell 5 extends outward and at least partially covers the outer peripheral region of the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate. The structural arrangement of this embodiment can further ensure that the concave outer shell 5 wraps the conductive substrate, making the integrity between the concave outer shell 5 and the conductive substrate better, and avoiding the occurrence of phenomena such as warping and falling off of the outer shell side portion 52 of the concave outer shell 5.

[0036] Figure 7Cross-sectional view of an electrochromic mirror element showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. To avoid overly repetitive descriptions, the surface definitions and identifications of the components in the electrochromic mirror element 200 of this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The electrochromic mirror element 200 includes: a substantially transparent first conductive substrate composed of a first glass element 1 and a transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the first glass element 1; a substantially transparent second conductive substrate composed of a second glass element 2 and a thin film stack 8 deposited on the second glass element 2. The first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship, and the size area of the first conductive substrate is smaller than that of the second conductive substrate; a seal 3 is disposed substantially circumferentially between the outer peripheral regions of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate to sealingly bond the second surface 11b and the third surface 21b to each other and define a cavity 4a; an electrochromic medium 4 is disposed in the cavity 4a; a substantially transparent planar substrate 10 is provided with a first shielding layer 61 along the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate. The fifth surface 10b and the sixth surface 10a are respectively adhered to the top inner surface 51b and the first surface 11a through an optical adhesive. The third edge surface 10c of the planar substrate is flush with the first edge surface 11c of the first conductive substrate; and a substantially transparent concave outer shell 5 includes an integrally formed shell top 51 and a shell side 52. The top inner surface 51b is adhered to the first surface 11a. The side inner surface 52b completely covers the first edge surface 11c, the second edge surface 21c, and the third edge surface 10c and is adhered to the first edge surface 11c, the second edge surface 21c, and the third edge surface 10c. The end face 53a of the shell side 52 of the concave outer shell 5 is flush with the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate. A second shielding layer 62 is provided along the shell side 52. When observed from the top outer surface 51a and the side outer surface 52a, the seal 3 is hidden behind the first shielding layer 61 and the second shielding layer 62. The medium for adhering the top inner surface 51b to the first surface 11a is a substantially transparent adhesive. The medium for adhering the side inner surface 52b to the first edge surface 11c and the second edge surface 21c is a high-performance adhesive. Compared with the foregoing embodiments, the size area of the first conductive substrate in this embodiment is smaller than that of the second conductive substrate, and the second edge surface 21c of the second conductive substrate extends beyond the first edge surface 11c of the first conductive substrate. This structural arrangement provides a more flexible arrangement for electrode leads. It can either adopt the Figures 15 - 18 shown electrode lead-out method or be optimized on the basis of Figure 16 , that is, a detachable electrode can be provided without thinning the outer peripheral region of the third surface 21b; specifically, as shown in Figure 19As shown, one end of the first conductive clip 91 is detachably extended onto the third surface 21b and is in contact with the thin film stack 8 to form electrical communication, while the other end of the first conductive clip 91 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral region on the fourth surface 21a; one end of the second conductive clip 92 is detachably extended onto the third surface 21b and forms electrical communication with the transparent conductive layer 7 on the second surface 11b through the conductive block 31. At least a partial region of the conductive block 31 is embedded in the seal 3, and a partial portion is exposed outside the seal 3 for electrical contact with the second conductive clip, while the other end of the second conductive clip 92 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral region on the fourth surface 21a.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the concave housing 5 near the outer peripheral region further has a peripheral bending edge 54 with a radius greater than 2.5 mm.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, the electrochromic mirror element 210 of this embodiment is basically the same as Figure 7 the structural arrangement of the embodiment. The main difference is that in this embodiment, the end face 53a of the housing side portion 52 of the concave housing 5 extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate.

[0039] As a preferred embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, the electrochromic mirror element 220 of this embodiment is basically the same as Figure 8 the structural arrangement of the embodiment. The main difference is that in this embodiment, the end face 53a of the housing side portion 52 of the concave housing 5 extends outward and at least partially covers the outer peripheral region of the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate.

[0040] Figure 10Cross-sectional view of an electrochromic mirror element showing the seventh embodiment of the present invention. To avoid overly repetitive descriptions, the surface definitions and identifications of the components in the electrochromic mirror element 300 of this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. The electrochromic mirror element 300 includes: a substantially transparent first conductive substrate composed of a first glass element 1 and a transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the first glass element 1; a substantially transparent second conductive substrate composed of a second glass element 2 and a thin film stack 8 deposited on the second glass element 2. The first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship, and the size area of the first conductive substrate is larger than that of the second conductive substrate; a seal 3 disposed substantially circumferentially between the outer peripheral regions of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate to hermetically bond the second surface 11b and the third surface 21b to each other and define a cavity 4a; an electrochromic medium 4 disposed in the cavity 4a; a substantially transparent planar substrate 10 provided with a first shielding layer 61 along the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate. The fifth surface 10b and the sixth surface 10a are respectively adhered to the top inner surface 51b and the first surface 11a through an optical adhesive. The third edge surface 10c of the planar substrate is flush with the first edge surface 11c of the first conductive substrate; and a substantially transparent concave outer shell 5 including an integrally formed outer shell top 51 and an outer shell side 52. The top inner surface 51b is adhered to the first surface 11a. The side inner surface 52b completely covers the first edge surface 11c, the second edge surface 21c, and the third edge surface 10c and is adhered to the first edge surface 11c, the second edge surface 21c, and the third edge surface 10c. The end face 53a of the outer shell side 52 of the concave outer shell 5 is flush with the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate. A second shielding layer 62 is provided along the outer shell side 52. When viewed from the top outer surface 51a and the side outer surface 52a, the seal 3 is hidden behind the first shielding layer 61 and the second shielding layer 62. The medium for adhering the top inner surface 51b to the first surface 11a is a substantially transparent adhesive. The medium for adhering the side inner surface 52b to the first edge surface 11c and the second edge surface 21c is a high-performance adhesive. Compared with the foregoing embodiments, the size area of the first conductive substrate in this embodiment is larger than that of the second conductive substrate, and the first edge surface 11c of the first conductive substrate extends beyond the second edge surface 21c of the second conductive substrate. This structural arrangement provides another implementable way for electrode lead-out. Specifically, in this embodiment, Figure 18 one end of the second electrode lead 97 in Figure 18The setting manner of the first electrode lead 96 in

[0041] As a preferred embodiment, the concave outer shell 5 further has a peripheral bending edge 54 with a radius greater than 2.5 mm on the outer surface near the outer peripheral region.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment, as Figure 11 shown, the electrochromic mirror element 310 of this embodiment is basically the same as Figure 10 the structural setting manner of the embodiment. The main difference is that in this embodiment, the end face 53a of the shell side portion 52 of the concave outer shell 5 extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface 21a of the second conductive substrate.

[0043] As Figure 12 shown, as an alternative technical solution, in at least one embodiment, the electrochromic mirror element 400 also includes a substantially transparent first conductive substrate, a substantially transparent second conductive substrate, a seal 3, an electrochromic medium 4, a substantially transparent planar substrate 10, and a substantially transparent concave outer shell 5. The first conductive substrate of the electrochromic mirror element is composed of a first glass element 1 and a transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the second surface 11b of the first glass element 1. The third edge surface 10c of the planar substrate 10 extends outward at least partially beyond the first edge surface 11c of the first conductive substrate. A first shielding layer 61 and a second shielding layer 62 are respectively provided along the outer peripheral region and the inner surface 52b of the side portion of the sixth surface 10a. When observed from the top outer surface 51a and the side outer surface 52a, the seal 3 is hidden behind the first shielding layer 61 and the second shielding layer 62. By the outward extension setting of the planar substrate 10, the connection firmness between the planar substrate 10 and the concave outer shell 5 is improved. At the same time, since the first shielding layer has a certain reflectivity and has the effect of shielding the seal, the overall visual field area of the electrochromic mirror element is larger, bringing a more beautiful visual experience.

[0044] As Figure 13As shown, as an alternative technical solution to the above embodiment, in at least one embodiment, the electrochromic mirror element 500 also includes a substantially transparent first conductive substrate, a substantially transparent second conductive substrate, a seal 3, an electrochromic medium 4, a substantially transparent planar substrate 10, and a substantially transparent concave housing 5; the second shielding layer 62 of the electrochromic mirror element is a film layer deposited on the side portion 52 of the housing, and this film layer can be at least partially deposited on the inner surface 52b or the outer surface 52a of the side portion, preferably deposited on the inner surface 52b of the side portion, so as to prevent the film layer from being affected by the external environment and reducing its service life. The film layer is at least one of Ag, Ti, Al, Cr, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, and the film layer can be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering, or chemical electroplating methods. The second shielding layer obtained by the above physical vapor deposition method hides the seal and the electrode provided on the conductive substrate, thereby making the overall visual appearance of the rearview mirror assembly more beautiful.

[0045] As Figure 14 shown, as an improved technical solution to the above embodiment, in at least one embodiment, the concave housing 5 has a peripheral outer rounded corner 55 with a radius greater than 2.5 mm on the outer surface near the peripheral region, and the peripheral outer rounded corner 55 extends circumferentially along the housing top 51 of the concave housing 5; the peripheral outer rounded corner 55 is convex, that is, when viewed from the outside of the concave housing, the topmost end of the peripheral outer corner 55 not only exceeds the outer surface 52a of the side portion 52 of the housing but also exceeds the top outer surface 51a of the housing top 51. The peripheral outer rounded corner 55 and the housing top 51 and the housing side portion 52 are integrally molded. The design of the peripheral outer rounded corner 55 can visually partially hide the plastic parts at the rear end of the rearview mirror assembly when the electrochromic mirror element is assembled in the rearview mirror assembly, making the overall rearview mirror assembly more beautiful.

[0046] When those skilled in the art adopt the electrochromic mirror element structure described in detail in the above embodiment and install it into the rearview mirror housing to form a complete rearview mirror with electrochromic function, it is also necessary to clearly know the implementable materials used for each component of the described electrochromic mirror element and the electrode lead-out method of the electrochromic mirror element. At the same time, in order to describe clearly and avoid the discussion about the materials of each component of the electrochromic mirror and the electrode lead-out method from being too cumbersome, the inventor will describe in detail in the following part:

[0047] The first glass element 1, the second glass element 2 and the planar substrate 10 can be selected from ordinary electronic-grade float soda-lime glass, medium silica-aluminum glass, high silica-aluminum glass or high borosilicate glass; the first glass element 1, the second glass element 2 and the planar substrate 10 are colorless or light-colored glass. The thickness of the first glass element 1, the second glass element 2 and the planar substrate 10 is 0.2 - 3 mm, more preferably 0.5 - 2 mm.

[0048] In at least one embodiment, the substantially transparent first conductive substrate and the substantially transparent second conductive substrate can be made of a colorless or light-colored transparent polymer material to replace the colorless or light-colored first glass element 1 and second glass element 2. The planar substrate 10 can be made of a colorless or light-colored transparent polymer material to replace it.

[0049] The transparent conductive layer 7 can be selected from at least one of ZnO doped with metal ions, SnO 2 , In 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , HfO 2 , CuO or SnO doped with fluorine 2 . Among them, the metal ions are Mg 2+ , Al 3+ , Ga 3+ , Sb 3+ , Nb 4+ , Ge 3+ , Zr 4+ at least one of them.

[0050] The transparent conductive layer 7 can also adopt a composite film layer structure in the form of a metal oxide / metal / metal oxide film layer. The metal oxide is Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , TiO 2 , WO 3 , ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , SnO 2 , SiO 2 , ZrO 2 at least one of them. The metal is an alloy material of one or more of Al, Ag, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru, Rh. The transparent conductive layer 7 can be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering.

[0051] The thin film stack 8 includes a reflective layer and a conductive layer. The reflective layer is at least one of a metal film layer or a metal oxide film layer. The metal film layer is an alloy material of one or more of Al, Ag, Cr, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru, Rh; the metal oxide film layer structure is a high refractive index film layer / low refractive index film layer / high refractive index film layer; wherein the high refractive index film layer material is Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , TiO 2 , ZrO 2 One of the materials, the low refractive index is SiO 2 Or MgF 2 . The conductive layer can be selected from at least one of ZnO doped with metal ions, SnO 2 , In 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , HfO 2 , CuO or SnO doped with fluorine 2 . Among them, the metal ions are Mg 2+ , Al 3+ , Ga 3+ , Sb 3+ , Nb 4+ , Ge 3+ , Zr 4+ At least one of; it can also adopt a composite film layer structure in the form of a metal oxide / metal / metal oxide film layer, and the metal oxide is Nb 2 O 5 , Ta 2 O 5 , TiO 2 , WO 3 , ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , SnO 2 , SiO 2 , ZrO 2 At least one of, and the metal is an alloy material of one or more of Al, Ag, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru, Rh. The thin film stack 8 can be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering.

[0052] Figures 4 to 14The first shielding layer 61 provided for the electrochromic mirror element is a film layer deposited in an annular manner on the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate 10. This film layer can be deposited on the fifth surface 10b or the sixth surface 10a of the planar substrate 10. Preferably, it is deposited on the sixth surface 10a to reduce the width of the annular film layer deposited on the planar substrate 10, thereby improving the viewing field of the electrochromic mirror element. The film layer is at least one of Ag, Ti, Al, Cr, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt. The film layer can be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering, or by chemical electroplating methods. The first shielding layer obtained by the above physical vapor deposition method hides the seal and the electrode provided on the conductive substrate, thereby making the overall visual appearance of the rearview mirror assembly more beautiful.

[0053] Figures 4 to 12 and Figure 14 The second shielding layer 62 provided for the electrochromic mirror element is a semi-transparent physical layer with a rough and uneven surface formed on at least a part of the inner surface 52b or the outer surface 52a of the side part 52 of the concave housing 5. This semi-transparent physical layer is directly formed in one step during the molding process of the concave housing. Specifically, by adjusting the roughness of the mold surface, a semi-transparent physical layer with a rough and uneven surface can be obtained on the inner surface 52b or the outer surface 52a of the side part. In this embodiment, the second shielding layer 62 is formed by surface treatment of a part of the concave housing, without the need to additionally provide a film layer as a shielding layer. Similarly, the technical effect that the seal 3 and the electrode are hidden and not noticeable when viewed from the outer surface of the concave housing 5 can be achieved. And because the second shielding layer is formed in one step during the molding process, it can be mass-produced without the need to separately coat each concave housing. Therefore, the production cost and manufacturing difficulty of the electrochromic mirror element are greatly reduced. To further optimize the electrochromic mirror element, a concave housing 5 with a relatively thin thickness can be used. In addition, the second shielding layer can also be obtained after surface treatments such as mechanical sandblasting, manual grinding, or chemical etching, but the cost will be slightly higher relatively.

[0054] The concave housing 5 is selected from resins of a substantially transparent material. The resin of the substantially transparent material is a colorless or light-colored transparent polymer material. Specifically, at least one of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polyimide, silicone resin, cross-linked transparent polyurethane, and polyvinyl chloride, which have transparent characteristics themselves or after modification, can be selected. The thickness of the top part 51 of the concave housing 5 is selected to be 0.5 mm - 5 mm, preferably 1 - 3 mm.

[0055] The seal 3 is an epoxy adhesive. Further preferably, an epoxy adhesive using an aromatic amino compound or a cyanate resin compound or an acid anhydride compound as a curing agent can be selected.

[0056] For the high-performance adhesive, at least one of organic adhesives or inorganic adhesives can be selected. The organic adhesive is at least one of epoxy adhesives, phenolic adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, silicone adhesives, and cyanoacrylate adhesives; the inorganic adhesive is at least one of inorganic adhesives such as silicates, phosphates, sulfates, or borates.

[0057] The substantially transparent adhesive is selected from one of PVB-based, acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, or epoxy adhesives.

[0058] The material of the electrochromic medium 4 is a solution containing an anode electroactive material and a cathode electroactive material; the anode electroactive material is selected from at least one of triphenylamine, substituted triphenylamine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, ferrocene salts, substituted ferrocene salts, phenothiazine, substituted phenothiazine, thiophene, substituted thiophene, phenazine, and substituted phenazine, and the cathode electroactive material is selected from at least one of viologen, substituted viologen, anthraquinone, and substituted anthraquinone.

[0059] Such as Figure 15As shown, in at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the area between the side inner surface 52b of the concave shell 5 and the second edge surface 21c is provided with an electrode lead-out channel, and the electrode is clamped on the second conductive substrate in the form of a U-shaped conductive clip, and the U-shaped conductive clip includes a first conductive clip 91 and a second conductive clip 92, one end of the first conductive clip 91 extends to a portion of the outer peripheral area on the third surface 21b, and contacts with the thin film stack 8 on the third surface 21b to form an electrical connection, and at least partially extends into the seal 3 and is fixed thereto, while the other end of the first conductive clip 91 extends to a portion of the outer peripheral area on the fourth surface 21a, and further by arranging a conductive wire bundle (not shown) required for electrical connection with the circuit board at this position, in addition, at least a portion of the transparent film deposited on the second surface 11b is The transparent conductive layer 7 is etched or masked to form a first non-conductive area 71, so that the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are electrically insulated; at the same time, one end of the second conductive clip 92 extends to a portion of the peripheral area on the third surface 21b, and contacts with the transparent conductive layer 7 on the second surface 11b to form electrical communication, one end of the second conductive clip 92 at least partially extends into the seal 3 and is fixed there, and the other end of the second conductive clip 92 extends to a portion of the peripheral area on the fourth surface 21a, and further by arranging a conductive wire bundle (not shown) required for electrical communication with the circuit board at this position, in addition, at least a portion of the thin film stack 8 deposited on the third surface 21b is etched or masked to form a second non-conductive area 81, so that the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are electrically insulated. After the U-shaped conductive clip in this embodiment is assembled, at least one electrode lead needs to be spot welded on the surface of the conductive clip extending to the fourth surface 21a, so as to be electrically connected with the electrode lead from the circuit board.

[0060] like Figure 16As shown, as an improved technical solution, in at least one embodiment, at least a partial region between the inner surface 52b of the side portion of the concave housing 5 and the second edge surface 21c is provided with an electrode lead-out channel, and the electrode is detachably connected to the second conductive substrate in the form of a U-shaped conductive clip. The U-shaped conductive clip includes a first conductive clip 91 and a second conductive clip 92; the second conductive substrate of the electrochromic mirror element is composed of a second glass element 2 and a thin film stack 8 deposited on the third surface 21b of the second glass element 2. A partial peripheral region of the third surface 21b of the second glass element 2 is thinned to form a groove 21 to define a space capable of accommodating the thickness of the side portion 52 of one end of the U-shaped conductive clip. The thinning process can be selected from chemical etching or physical frosting methods. The width of the peripheral region of the third surface 21b subjected to the thinning process is less than or equal to the width of the seal 3 in this peripheral region to prevent the electrochromic medium 4 from leaking out of the cavity 4a from the position of the groove 21, thus unable to ensure the normal operation of the electrochromic mirror; the thin film stack 8 is deposited on the third surface 21b and extends into the thinned groove 21, thereby providing an effective contact area between the U-shaped conductive clip and the thin film stack 8, and the U-shaped conductive clip and the groove 21 are in a tight fit, thereby effectively ensuring the electrical connection between the thin film stack 8 and the U-shaped conductive clip; one end of the first conductive clip 91 extends to the position of the groove 21 on the third surface 21b and is in contact with the thin film stack 8 on the groove 21 to form an electrical connection, while the other end of the first conductive clip 91 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral region on the fourth surface 21a. Further, a wire harness (not shown) required for electrical connection with the circuit board is provided at this position. In addition, at least a partial transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the second surface 11b is formed into a first non-conductive region 71 by etching or masking to electrically insulate the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate; at the same time, one end of the second conductive clip 92 extends to the position of the groove 21 on the third surface 21b and forms an electrical connection with the transparent conductive layer 7 on the second surface 11b through a conductive block 31. At least a partial region of the conductive block 31 is buried in the seal 3 to better fix the conductive block 31 between the second surface 11b and the third surface 21b, thereby effectively ensuring the electrical connection between the second conductive clip 92 and the transparent conductive layer 7. The other end of the second conductive clip 92 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral region on the fourth surface 21a. Further, a wire harness (not shown) required for electrical connection with the circuit board is provided at this position. In addition, at least a partial thin film stack 8 deposited on the third surface 21b is formed into a second non-conductive region 81 by etching or masking to electrically insulate the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate. The conductive block can be selected from at least one of conductive metals such as copper, silver, nickel and their alloys as the conductive component.After the U-shaped conductive clip in this embodiment is assembled, at least one electrode lead needs to be spot welded on the surface of the conductive clip extending to the fourth surface 21a so as to be electrically connected to the electrode lead from the circuit board. The above-mentioned improved electrode lead-out method can be flexibly disassembled and used through the first conductive clip 91 and the second conductive clip 92 at the position of the groove 21, and is not completely fixed on the second conductive substrate by the seal 3 and cannot be disassembled. In other words, the U-shaped conductive clip does not need to be fixed on the second conductive substrate when the seal 3 is coated, but can be assembled flexibly, quickly and in batches after the overall seal 3 is coated and cured. This technical concept can make the assembly and replacement of the lead-out electrode of the electrochromic mirror more convenient and flexible, and make it possible to replace the damaged electrode.

[0061] like Figure 17As shown, as an improved technical solution, in at least one embodiment, at least a partial area between the inner surface 52b of the side part of the concave housing 5 and the second edge surface 21c is provided with an electrode lead-out channel. The electrodes are arranged on the second conductive substrate in the form of an L-shaped electrode strip. Specifically, the L-shaped electrode strip includes a first electrode strip 93 and a second electrode strip 94. One end of the first electrode strip 93 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral area on the third surface 21b and is in contact with the thin film laminate 8 on the third surface 21b to form electrical communication, and at the same time at least partially extends into the seal 3 and is fixed therein. The other end of the first electrode strip 93 is a plurality of busbar plugs 95 protruding side by side. It extends in the electrode lead-out channel and does not completely extend beyond the fourth surface 21a, or continues to extend outward beyond the fourth surface 21a and is integrally exposed. Through the quick insertion of the busbar plug 95 and a female socket (not shown) led out from the circuit board, electrical communication is formed. The female socket is provided with a plurality of side-by-side concave parts that frictionally cooperate with the protruding parts of the busbar plug 95. In addition, at least a partial transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the second surface 11b is formed into a first non-conductive area 71 by etching or masking to electrically insulate the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate. At the same time, one end of the second electrode strip 94 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral area on the third surface 21b and is in contact with the transparent conductive layer 7 on the second surface 11b to form electrical communication. One end of the second electrode strip 94 at least partially extends into the seal 3 and is fixed therein. The other end of the second electrode strip 94 is arranged in the same way as the first electrode strip 93, and electrical communication is achieved through quick insertion. In addition, at least a partial thin film laminate 8 deposited on the third surface 21b is formed into a second non-conductive area 81 by etching or masking to electrically insulate the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate. The plurality of busbar plugs 95 protruding side by side provided at one end of the L-shaped electrode strip close to the first surface 11a can not only be quickly inserted into the female socket led from the circuit board to complete quick assembly and electrical connection, but also through the frictional cooperation between the busbar plug 95 and the plurality of side-by-side electrical contacts on the female socket, make the electrical connection of the electrode leads more reliable, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the electrochromic mirror element.

[0062] As Figure 18As shown, as an improved technical solution, in at least one embodiment, at least a partial region between the inner surface 52b of the side portion of the concave housing 5 and the second edge surface 21c is provided with an electrode lead-out channel, and one end of the electrode extends outward through this electrode lead-out channel, and the other end is fixed in the seal 3. Specifically, the electrode includes a first electrode lead 96 and a second electrode lead 97. One end of the first electrode lead 96 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral region on the third surface 21b and is fixed in the seal 3, and is in electrical communication with the thin film stack 8 on the third surface 21b in contact therewith. The other end of the first electrode lead 96 extends outward through the electrode lead-out channel and is in electrical communication after being connected to the electrode wire harness led from the circuit board. In addition, at least a partial transparent conductive layer 7 deposited on the second surface 11b is formed into a first non-conductive region 71 by means of etching or masking, so as to electrically insulate the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate; at the same time, one end of the second electrode lead 97 extends to a partial position in the outer peripheral region on the third surface 21b and is in electrical communication with the transparent conductive layer 7 on the second surface 11b in contact therewith. The other end of the second electrode lead 97 is arranged in the same manner as the first electrode lead 96. In addition, at least a partial thin film stack 8 deposited on the third surface 21b is formed into a second non-conductive region 81 by means of etching or masking, so as to electrically insulate the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate. In the above improved technical solution, the electrode lead can be selected from conductive metal wires such as copper wires and silver wires that can conduct electricity. At the initial stage of manufacturing, one end of the electrode lead is pre-buried in the seal 3 to form electrical communication with the seal 3, and the overall lead is led out to the back of the electrochromic mirror element through the insulating protective wire sleeve wrapped outside, so as to facilitate flexible electrical connection with the lead led from the circuit board.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the electrode is selected from at least one of conductive metals such as copper, silver, nickel and their alloys as an electrical contactor.

[0064] By performing corresponding etching or masking at different positions on the second surface 11b and the third surface 21b to form non-conductive regions, the occurrence of a short circuit phenomenon between the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate can be effectively prevented. As a further improvement scheme, in at least one embodiment, the non-conductive regions can be correspondingly filled with non-conductive materials to further improve the electrical insulation performance between the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate; through the above settings of the electrode lead-out and electrical insulation methods of the conductive clip, the electrical communication between the first conductive substrate, the second conductive substrate and the circuit board is finally completed.

[0065] It can be understood that those skilled in the art can apply the relevant materials and electrode lead-out methods in the above electrochromic mirror element to Figures 4 - 14In the structures described in detail in the above embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can clearly understand the specific implementation manners of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An electrochromic mirror element, characterized in that, the element comprises: a substantially transparent first conductive substrate, including a first surface and a second surface and a first edge surface adjacent to the first surface and the second surface; a substantially transparent second conductive substrate, including a third surface and a fourth surface and a second edge surface adjacent to the third surface and the fourth surface, the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate being arranged in a spaced-apart relationship; a sealant, substantially circumferentially disposed between the outer peripheral regions of the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate to sealingly bond the second surface and the third surface to each other and define a cavity; an electrochromic medium, disposed in the cavity; a substantially transparent planar substrate, including a fifth surface and a sixth surface and a third edge surface adjacent to the fifth surface and the sixth surface, a first shielding layer being provided along the outer peripheral region of the planar substrate, the fifth surface and the sixth surface being respectively adhered to the top inner surface and the first surface through an optical adhesive; the planar substrate is selected from ordinary electronic-grade float soda-lime glass or medium silicon-aluminum glass or high silicon-aluminum glass or high borosilicate glass; and a substantially transparent concave housing, including a housing top having a top outer surface and a top inner surface and a housing side having a side outer surface and a side inner surface, the top inner surface being adhered to the fifth surface, the side inner surface completely covering the first edge surface, the second edge surface and the third edge surface and being adhered to the first edge surface, the second edge surface and the third edge surface, a second shielding layer being provided along the housing side, the sealant being hidden behind the first shielding layer and the second shielding layer when viewed from the top outer surface and the side outer surface; the concave housing is selected from resins of substantially transparent materials, and the concave housing is integrally formed.

2. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the third edge surface of the planar substrate is flush with the first edge surface of the first conductive substrate.

3. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the third edge surface of the planar substrate extends outward at least partially beyond the first edge surface of the first conductive substrate.

4. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the first shielding layer is provided in an annular manner in the outer peripheral region of the sixth surface of the planar substrate.

5. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the thickness of the first conductive substrate is 0.2 - 3 mm.

6. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the end face of the housing side of the concave housing is flush with the fourth surface of the second conductive substrate.

7. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the end face of the housing side of the concave housing extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface of the second conductive substrate.

8. The electrochromic mirror element according to claim 1, characterized in that, the end face of the housing side of the concave housing extends outward and at least partially covers the outer peripheral region of the fourth surface of the second conductive substrate.

9. A vehicle rearview mirror assembly, characterized in that, The rearview mirror assembly is assembled by using the electrochromic mirror element as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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