Rearview mirror assembly

Abstract

A rearview mirror assembly has a transflective element, a carrier plate, and an imager. The transflective element can have a first side and a second side in a first direction relative to the first side. The carrier plate has a third side and a fourth side. The third side is adhered to the second side and extends substantially along the second side. The carrier plate can also have a cavity extending from the third side in the first direction. The cavity can have a first aperture, a second aperture, and an end. The first aperture can be at the third side. The second aperture can be disposed in the first direction relative to the first aperture. The end can surround the second aperture. The imager can extend through the second aperture and include a light collecting portion disposed proximate the second side.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 079,636, filed September 17, 2020, entitled “REARVIEW ASSEMBLY,” pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to rearview mirror assemblies, and more specifically to rearview mirror assemblies having an imager behind a reflective element. Background Technology

[0004] Integrating cameras into vehicles is becoming increasingly common. In some cases, cameras are also integrated into rearview mirror assemblies. Specifically, cameras can be positioned behind the transmissive and reflective elements of these rearview mirror assemblies to reduce their visibility to the user. However, cameras positioned behind surfaces can experience unwanted artifacts appearing in their images. Off-axis light relative to the camera lens can pass through the transmissive and reflective elements and be reflected from various surfaces before being collected by the camera lens. This problem is particularly prevalent in wide-angle camera lenses because, due to their wide field of view, they may collect additional reflections that other lenses might not otherwise collect. However, wide-angle camera lenses also provide a wider field of view, which can be beneficial or necessary in some applications, such as cabin monitoring. Therefore, there is a need for an improved rearview mirror assembly in which the camera is positioned behind the transmissive and reflective elements. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to this disclosure, the disadvantages and problems associated with unwanted artifacts caused by positioning the imager behind a transmissive and reflective element have been significantly reduced or eliminated.

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a rearview mirror assembly is disclosed. The rearview mirror assembly may include a transmissive-reflective element, a carrier plate, and an imager. The transmissive-reflective element may have a first side and a second side. The second side may be disposed in a first direction relative to the first side. The transmissive-reflective element may be variable reflective. In some embodiments, the transmissive-reflective element may include a first substrate, a second substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electro-optic medium. The first substrate may have a first surface and a second surface. The second substrate may be generally parallel to the first substrate and have a third surface and a fourth surface. The first electrode may be associated with the second surface. The second electrode may be associated with the third surface. The electro-optic medium may be disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. Similarly, the carrier plate may have a third side and a fourth side. The carrier plate may be disposed in the first direction relative to the transmissive-reflective element. The third side may be adhered to the second side and extend substantially along the second side. The carrier plate may also form a cavity. The cavity may extend from the third side in the first direction and have a first aperture, a second aperture, and an end. In some embodiments, the cavity may be generally cylindrical. Furthermore, the surface defined by the cavity may be anti-reflective. The first aperture may be on the third side. The second aperture can be positioned relative to the first aperture in a first direction. Additionally, the second aperture can be smaller than the first aperture. An end portion can surround the second aperture. The cavity can also have sidewalls extending between the third aperture and the end portion. Furthermore, these sidewalls can be substantially perpendicular to the third side. The imager is operable to capture light and generate an image. Furthermore, the imager can extend through the second aperture and include a light-collecting portion positioned close to the second side. In some embodiments, the light-collecting portion can be positioned less than 5 mm or less than 1 mm from the second side. Additionally, the imager can substantially fill the second aperture.

[0007] In some embodiments, the carrier plate may also have a lip portion. The lip portion may surround the first hole and includes an inner edge, an outer edge, and a connecting surface. The inner edge may abut against a second side. Furthermore, the inner edge may define the first hole. The outer edge may surround the inner edge. The connecting surface may extend between the inner and outer edges. The connecting surface may be inclined relative to a third side. The lip portion may protrude in a second direction relative to the third side. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction.

[0008] In some embodiments, the carrier plate may be adhered to the second side via an adhesive foam layer. Additionally, in other embodiments, the carrier plate does not directly contact the transmissive / reflective element except through contact via a lip portion.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a support plate is disclosed. The support plate may include an elongated member and a cavity. The elongated member may have a first side and a second side. The second side may be disposed in a first direction relative to the first side. The cavity may extend from the first side in the first direction. Additionally, the cavity may have a first hole, a second hole, and an end portion. The first hole may be on the first side. The second hole may be disposed in the first direction relative to the first hole. The end portion may surround the second hole. Furthermore, the elongated member is operable to support a transmissive / reflective element of a rearview mirror assembly. Moreover, the second hole is operable to receive a light-collecting portion of an imager, such that the imager can capture an image through the transmissive / reflective element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elongated member may also include a lip portion. The lip portion may surround the first aperture. Additionally, the lip portion may extend in a second direction relative to the first side. The second direction may be defined as a direction opposite to the first direction. In some such embodiments, the lip portion includes an inner edge defining the first aperture. In this embodiment, the cavity may additionally include a sidewall extending between the first aperture and the end portion.

[0011] Some advantages of this disclosure include the reduction or elimination of unwanted artifacts in imaging. Compared to existing rearview mirror assemblies where the imager is positioned behind a transmissive, semi-reflective element, off-axis light relative to the light-collecting portion of the imager can have less reflection collected by the light-collecting portion. Specifically, off-axis light can travel deeper into the cavity than the light-collecting portion. Additionally, light illuminating the sidewalls can be reflected even deeper into the cavity. Furthermore, light can be sufficiently absorbed through anti-reflective surface treatments. Therefore, by reflecting light away from the light-collecting portion and absorbing off-axis light, the cavity can significantly reduce the amount of off-axis light captured by the imager. Consequently, artifacts present in the image produced by the imager can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, embodiments with a lip portion can additionally have the advantage of eliminating light reflection from the adhesive foam layer. These advantages may be particularly advantageous for embodiments where the imager has a wide field of view.

[0012] After studying the following specification, claims, and drawings, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objectives, and features of this disclosure. It will also be understood that features of each embodiment disclosed herein may be used in conjunction with features of other embodiments, or as a substitute for said features. Attached Figure Description

[0013] In each diagram:

[0014] Figure 1 A forward perspective view of one embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly.

[0015] Figure 2A: An exploded forward perspective view of one embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly.

[0016] Figure 2B Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the cavity of the support plate for the rearview mirror assembly.

[0017] Figure 3A A forward sectional perspective view of one embodiment of a rearview mirror assembly.

[0018] Figure 3B : A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the rearview mirror assembly.

[0019] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an electro-optic semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element. Detailed Implementation

[0020] For the purposes described herein, the specific apparatus and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in this disclosure are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, the specific features relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not limiting.

[0021] Figure 1-4 A schematic diagram of a rearview mirror assembly 10 is shown. The rearview mirror assembly 10 may include a transmissive / reflective element 100, a support plate 200, an imager 300, and / or a housing 400. Furthermore, the rearview mirror assembly 10 may be an interior rearview mirror assembly or an exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle. Therefore, the rearview mirror assembly 10 is operable to provide the driver with a rearward field of view relative to the vehicle associated with it.

[0022] The transmissive and reflective element 100 has a first side 101 and a second side 102. The first side 101 may face the driver. The second side 102 may be opposite the first side 101. Therefore, the second side 102 may be positioned relative to the first side 101 in a first direction. The first direction may be defined as a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane region of the first side 101. Furthermore, the transmissive and reflective element 100 may substantially reflect light illuminating the first side 101 while substantially transmitting light. In other words, the transmissive and reflective element 100 may transmit light in the first direction while reflecting light in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the transmissive and reflective element 100 may have a variable reflectivity. In such embodiments, the transmissive and reflective element 100 may be an electro-optic element (as shown in Figures 1 and 2). Figure 4 (As shown). Therefore, the transmissive and reflective element 100 may include a first substrate 110, a second substrate 120, a first electrode 130, a second electrode 140, a seal 150, a chamber 160 and / or an electro-optic medium 170.

[0023] The first substrate 110 includes a first surface 111 and a second surface 112. The second surface 112 may be disposed relative to the first surface 111 in a first direction. In some embodiments, the first surface 111 may correspond to a first side 101. Furthermore, the first substrate 110 may be made of any of a variety of materials that are transparent or substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass, float glass, natural and synthetic polymeric resins, plastics, and / or composite materials. The substrate material may be selected from any number of materials, provided that these materials are substantially transparent and exhibit suitable physical properties, such as strength and resistance to environmental conditions, such as ultraviolet radiation exposure from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

[0024] The second substrate 120 is disposed in a generally parallel and spaced-apart relationship relative to the first substrate 110. Furthermore, the second substrate 120 includes a third surface 123 and a fourth surface 124. The fourth surface 124 may be disposed relative to the third surface 123 in a first direction. In some embodiments, the fourth surface 124 may correspond to a second side 102. Additionally, the second substrate 110 may be made of the same or similar material as the first substrate 110.

[0025] The first electrode 130 is a conductive material associated with the second surface 112. The conductive material of the first electrode 130 may be substantially transparent in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum and generally resistant to corrosion from materials contained within the electro-optic element. The conductive material may be a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), indium-doped oxide, zinc oxide-doped oxide, or other materials known in the art.

[0026] Similarly, the second electrode 140 is a conductive material associated with the third surface 123. The second electrode 140 can also be substantially transparent. Therefore, the conductive material of the second electrode 140 can be made of the same or similar material as the first electrode 130. In some embodiments, the second electrode 130 can also be substantially reflective or include a substantially reflective layer. Therefore, the second electrode 130 can be transmissive and reflective. In other embodiments, the reflector can be associated with the second electrode 140 between the electro-optic medium 170 and the second electrode 140, with the third surface 123 between the second electrode 140 and the second substrate 120, or with the fourth surface 124 of the second substrate 120. Typical reflective materials include chromium, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, aluminum, gold, platinum, palladium, nickel, molybdenum, and combinations thereof.

[0027] The seal 150 may be peripherally disposed to define the chamber 160 between the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 120. The chamber 160 may be defined by the seal 150 in combination with at least two of the following: the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, the first electrode 130, and the second electrode 140. In some embodiments, the chamber 160 may be more specifically defined by the seal 150, the first electrode 130, and the second electrode 140. The seal 150 may comprise any material capable of being adhesively bonded to at least two of the first substrate 110, the second substrate 120, the first electrode 130, and the second electrode 140, thereby sealing the chamber 160 to prevent unintentional leakage of the electro-optic medium 170.

[0028] An electro-optic medium 170 is disposed within chamber 160. Furthermore, the electro-optic medium 170 is electroactive. Therefore, the electro-optic medium 170 can operate between an activated state and an inactivated state in response to an electrical potential. Thus, the electro-optic medium 170 may include electroactive anode and cathode materials, as well as other materials. In some embodiments, the anode and / or cathode materials may be electrochromic. In other words, the electro-optic medium 170 may be electrochromic. Electrochromism refers to the ability of an electrochromic article to exhibit a change in absorbance at one or more wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum upon activation due to the application of a voltage or potential. Therefore, the electro-optic medium 170 may be variable transmittance. The change in absorbance may be in the visible light region, ultraviolet region, infrared region, and / or near-infrared region. In other embodiments, the electro-optic medium 170 may be a liquid crystal medium or a suspended particulate medium. The electro-optic medium 170 can be made of any of a variety of materials, including, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent 6,433,914 entitled “Color-Stabilized Electrochromic Devices,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0029] The support plate 200 is an elongated member disposed in a first direction relative to the transmissive and reflective element 100. Furthermore, the support plate 200 includes a third side 203 and a fourth side 204. The fourth side 204 may be disposed in the first direction relative to the third side 203. Additionally, the support plate 200 may extend substantially along the second side 102 and is configured to support the transmissive and reflective element 100. In some embodiments, the support plate 200 may be in abutment contact with and / or adhered to the second side 102. In some such embodiments, the support plate 200 may be adhered to the second side 102 via an adhesive foam layer 210. Furthermore, the support plate 200 may have a polymer and / or foam structure. Additionally, the support plate 200 may form a cavity 220.

[0030] Cavity 220 may be a recessed portion formed by a recess extending from the third side 203 in a first direction. Furthermore, cavity 220 may be formed in various shapes. For example, cavity 220 may be generally cylindrical, elliptical-cylindrical, conical, truncated cone, pyramidal, cubic, rectangular, hexagonal prism, or octagonal prism. In some embodiments, the surface of cavity 220 may be surface-treated with an antireflective agent to reduce or minimize reflections on the surface of cavity 220. Additionally, cavity 200 may include a first aperture 221 and a second aperture 222. The first aperture 221 may be substantially along or on the third side 203. The second aperture 222 may be disposed relative to the first aperture 221 in the first direction and / or may be substantially along or on the fourth side 204. The first aperture 221 and the second aperture 222 may be formed in various shapes, and in some embodiments, may be formed from the same or different shapes. For example, the first aperture and the second aperture may be circular, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, hexagonal, or octagonal. In some embodiments, the second hole 222 may be smaller than the first hole 221. Therefore, the width of the second hole 222 may be smaller than the width of the first hole 221. The cavity 220 may also extend to an end 224 surrounding the second hole 222. The end 224 may be substantially parallel to and disposed in the first direction relative to the third side 203. Additionally, in some embodiments, the sidewall 225 defined by the cavity 220 may be substantially perpendicular to the second side 102, the third side 203, the end 224, the first hole 221, and / or the second hole 222. Furthermore, the sidewall 225 may be substantially aligned with the first hole 221. Therefore, the sidewall 225 may extend between the first hole 221 and the end 224.

[0031] In some embodiments, the carrier plate 200 may further include a lip portion 230. The lip portion 230 may surround the first hole 221. Additionally, the lip portion 230 may protrude from and extend from the third side 203 in a second direction. The lip portion 230 may include an inner edge 231, an outer edge 232, and a connecting surface 233. The inner edge 231 may define the first hole 221. In some embodiments, the inner edge 231 may abut against the second side 102. The outer edge 232 is larger than the inner edge and surrounds the inner edge 231. In some embodiments, the outer edge 232 may be substantially planar with respect to the third side 203. In other embodiments, the outer edge 232 may be substantially planar with respect to the inner edge 231. The connecting surface 233 may be a surface extending between the inner edge 231 and the outer edge 232. Therefore, the connecting surface 233 may be inclined relative to the third side 203. Furthermore, the connecting surface 233 may be planar or curved.

[0032] Additionally, in some embodiments, the adhesive foam layer 210 may be substantially disposed between the second side 102 and the third side 203, such that the carrier plate 200 does not directly contact the transmissive / reflective element 100 except through contact via the lip portion 230. Furthermore, the adhesive foam layer 210 may include an opening 211 substantially aligned with the first hole 221, the lip portion 230, the inner edge 231, and / or the outer edge 232, such that the first hole 221 is substantially not obstructed by the adhesive foam layer 210.

[0033] Imager 300 can be any device operable to capture light and generate an image. The image can be a digital image. For example, imager 300 can be a camera. Imager 300 can be at least partially disposed within cavity 220. Furthermore, imager 300 includes a light-collecting portion 310, a lens barrel 320, and a photosensitive array 330. Furthermore, imager 300 can be configured such that the light-collecting portion 310 is disposed within cavity 220. The light-collecting portion 310 can correspond to a front lens or aperture. Additionally, the light-collecting portion 310 can be disposed near the second side 102 and in or near the first aperture 221. The light-collecting portion 310 can be, for example, less than 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm from the second side 102. Lens barrel 320 can be at least partially disposed within cavity 220. Furthermore, lens barrel 320 can extend through the second aperture 222. Additionally, lens barrel 320 can substantially fill the second aperture 222. The photosensitive array 330 can be positioned relative to the second aperture 220 in the first direction. Therefore, the photosensitive array 330 can be a pixel sensor using semiconductor charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In some embodiments, the imager 300 can have a wide field of view. Therefore, the imager 300 can have a wide-angle lens.

[0034] The housing 400 may form a second cavity and have an opening. The opening may be positioned in a first direction of the second cavity. The transmissive and transflective element 100 may be disposed substantially in or near the opening. Thus, the carrier plate 200 and the imager 300 may be disposed within the second cavity. In some embodiments, the housing 400 may substantially abut the second surface 112. Additionally, the housing 400 may support the carrier plate 200. The carrier plate 200 may be secured to the housing 400 by a plurality of mechanical fasteners 410. The housing 400 may also include a mounting base 420. The mounting base 420 may operatively secure the housing 400 to a surface of a vehicle, such as a windshield, headliner, or body panel.

[0035] In operation, light can illuminate the transmissive and reflective element 100 from the first side 101. Some light may be reflected back from it. In an embodiment where the transmissive and reflective element 100 is a variable transmission electro-optic element, the first electrode 130 and the second electrode 140 can apply a potential to the electro-optic medium 170. The electro-optic medium 170 can thus be activated and absorb a portion of the light, thereby reducing its reflectivity. In addition to reflecting the light back, some light can be transmitted through it. Transmitted light aligned with the first aperture 221 can travel through it and be collected by the imager 300. Therefore, the imager 300 can provide an image corresponding to the outside of the scene and in a second direction relative to the rearview mirror assembly 10.

[0036] Some embodiments of the rearview mirror assembly 10 can have the advantage of reducing or eliminating artifacts in the imaging. Compared to existing rearview mirror assemblies where the imager is positioned behind a transmissive, semi-reflective element, off-axis light relative to the light-collecting portion 310 of the imager 300 can have less reflection collected by the light-collecting portion 310. Specifically, off-axis light can travel deeper into the cavity 220 than the light-collecting portion 310. Additionally, light illuminating the sidewall 225 can be reflected back into the cavity 220 even deeper. Furthermore, light can be sufficiently absorbed due to anti-reflective surface treatment. Therefore, by reflecting light away from the light-collecting portion 310 and absorbing off-axis light, the cavity 220 can significantly reduce or eliminate off-axis light captured by the imager 300. Thus, artifacts present in the image produced by the imager 300 can be significantly reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, embodiments with a lip portion 230 can additionally have the advantage of eliminating light reflection from the adhesive foam layer 210. These advantages may be particularly advantageous for embodiments where the imager 300 has a wide field of view.

[0037] In this document, relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily imply any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0038] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “associated” generally means a direct or indirect engagement of two components (electrical or mechanical). Such engagement may be static or movable in nature. Such engagement may be achieved using two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intermediate member integral with or forming a single unit with each other. Unless otherwise stated, such engagement may be permanent in nature, or removable or detachable in nature.

[0039] As used herein, when referring to a list of two or more items, the term "and / or" means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0040] The term "substantially" and its variations will be understood by those skilled in the art to describe values ​​or features that are equal to or approximately equal to. For example, "substantially plane" is intended to mean a planar or generally planar surface. Furthermore, "generally" is intended to indicate that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. Where there is a use of terminology that is not readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the context in which the term is used, "substantially" may mean values ​​that differ from each other by about 10%, such as by about 5%, or by about 2%.

[0041] The term "semi-transmissive and semi-reflective" generally refers to an optical configuration that reflects at least a portion of light incident from at least one side and transmits at least a portion of light incident from at least one side. Specifically, "semi-transmissive and semi-reflective" describes an optical element or component that has a non-zero transmittance level in a light wavelength range and also a non-zero reflectance level within a certain region. The applicable light wavelength range will vary based on the context. However, if the relevant wavelength band of light is not obvious, the wavelength band of light generally refers to visible light.

[0042] The term "transparent" is used in a relative sense. "Transparent" refers to an optical element or material that is generally transparent at the wavelength in question, and typically allows light of that wavelength to pass through. The wavelength in question will vary depending on the context. However, if the wavelength in question is not explicitly stated, it usually refers to visible light.

[0043] The term "comprising" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or not inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further constraints, an element preceded by "comprising..." does not preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0044] It should be understood that although several embodiments are described in this disclosure, numerous variations, alterations, transformations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and unless expressly stated otherwise in the language, this disclosure is intended to cover such variations, alterations, transformations and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A rearview mirror assembly, comprising: A transmissive and reflective element having a first side and a second side, the second side being relative to the first side in a first direction; A support plate having a third side and a fourth side, the support plate defining a cavity passing through the support plate, wherein the cavity is cylindrical and has: The first aperture is adjacent to the semi-transmissive and semi-reflective element on the third side. A second hole is disposed in the first direction relative to the first hole, and the diameter of the second hole is smaller than the diameter of the first hole; An imager receiving recess is disposed in a first direction relative to the second hole, and the diameter of the imager receiving recess is smaller than the diameter of the first hole. and The end of the hole surrounds the second hole; as well as An imager operable to capture light and produce an image, the imager extending through the second aperture and including a light-collecting portion disposed near the second side.

2. The rearview mirror assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light-collecting portion is disposed at a position less than 5 mm from the second side.

3. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the imager substantially fills the second hole.

4. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the support plate further includes a lip portion surrounding the first hole and comprising: Inner edge, The outer edge, which surrounds the inner edge, and A connecting surface that extends between the inner edge and the outer edge.

5. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein the lip portion protrudes in a second direction relative to the third side, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

6. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein the inner edge is substantially adjacent to the second side.

7. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein the inner edge can define the first hole.

8. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein the connecting surface is inclined relative to the third side.

9. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the cavity has a sidewall extending between the first hole and the end portion.

10. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 9, wherein the sidewall is substantially perpendicular to the third side.

11. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the first hole is larger than the second hole.

12. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the cavity is cylindrical.

13. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the surface of the cavity is anti-reflective.

14. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the transmissive and reflective element is variable reflective.

15. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 2, wherein the transmissive and reflective element comprises: A first substrate includes a first surface and a second surface; The second substrate is disposed substantially parallel to the first substrate and has a third surface and a fourth surface; A first electrode, which is associated with the second surface; The second electrode is associated with the third surface; as well as An electro-optic dielectric is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

16. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein the support plate is adhered to the second side via an adhesive foam layer.

17. The rearview mirror assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein: The support plate is adhered to the second side via an adhesive foam layer; and Apart from contact via the lip portion, the carrier plate does not directly contact the transmissive and reflective element.

18. A support plate, comprising: An elongated member having a first side and a second side disposed in a first direction relative to the first side; and A cavity extending from the first side in a first direction, the cavity having: The first hole is located on the first side. A second hole is disposed in the first direction relative to the first hole, and the diameter of the second hole is smaller than the diameter of the first hole; An imager receiving recess is disposed in a first direction relative to the second hole, and the diameter of the imager receiving recess is smaller than the diameter of the first hole. and The end of the hole surrounds the second hole; in: The elongated member is operable to support a transmissive and reflective element of the rearview mirror assembly, and the first hole is adjacent to the transmissive and reflective element. and The second aperture is operable to receive the light-collecting portion of the imager, enabling the imager to capture an image through the transmissive and reflective element.

19. The support plate of claim 18, wherein the elongated member further comprises a lip portion surrounding the first hole and extending in a second direction relative to the first side, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

20. The support plate as claimed in claim 19, wherein: The lip portion includes an inner edge defining the first opening; and The cavity also includes a sidewall extending between the first hole and the end.

Images