Electrochromic rearview mirror assembly

Abstract

An electrochromic rearview mirror assembly comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, an electrochromic medium, a light-transmitting conductive layer, a visible light half-reflection infrared high-penetration layer and a frame. The first substrate comprises a first surface and a second surface, the first surface comprises a first edge area and a first main area, and the second surface comprises a second edge area and a second main area. The second substrate comprises a third surface and a fourth surface. The electrochromic medium is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The light-transmitting conductive layer is disposed on the second main region of the second surface. The visible light half-reflection infrared high-penetration layer is arranged on the third surface of the second substrate. The frame is arranged on the second edge area of the second surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rearview mirror assembly, in particular to an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly. Background Art

[0002] With different application requirements, car rearview mirrors no longer only have the function of viewing oncoming vehicles or road conditions, but have more advanced additional functions. For example, electrochromic rearview mirrors are combined with ambient light sensors to detect the light intensity in the environment and output signals to control the electrochromic elements of the rearview mirrors, so that the light absorption properties of the electrochromic elements are changed, changing the reflectivity of the vehicle rearview mirrors to light, thereby reducing glare or achieving a dimming effect.

[0003] Electrochromic rearview mirrors usually require the use of a transflective layer, and the traditional transflective layer is a multilayer film containing metal materials, such as disclosed in US10746910B2 and US20190094642A1. Other related technologies can also be found in US Pat. Nos. US7821696B2, US7663798B2, and US6356376B1. The function of the transflective layer containing metal is to make the viewer have a preferred appearance color (color value or b* value) when viewing the electrochromic rearview mirror from the viewing direction, and to achieve the effect of semi-reflection and semi-transmission.

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned known technologies, if the multilayer film of the semi-reflective and semi-transmissive layer does not contain metal materials, the appearance and color of the rearview mirror will be poor. Therefore, the applicant believes that the existing electrochromic rearview mirror needs to be improved. Summary of the invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem of poor color of the known electrochromic rearview mirror assembly.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention discloses an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, an electrochromic medium, a light-transmitting conductive layer, a visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer and a frame. The first substrate comprises a first surface facing a viewer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprises a first edge region and a first main region surrounded by the first edge region, and the second surface comprises a second edge region and a second main region surrounded by the second edge region. The second substrate is arranged behind the first substrate, and the second substrate comprises a third surface facing the first substrate and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface. The electrochromic medium is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The light-transmitting conductive layer is arranged on the second main region of the second surface of the first substrate. The visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer is arranged on the third surface of the second substrate and faces the second main region of the second surface of the first substrate. The frame is arranged on the second edge region of the second surface of the first substrate.

[0007] In one embodiment, the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-transmittance layer is a metal-free multilayer film, and from the perspective of the viewer viewing the first surface, the first edge area displays a color with a b* value between -2.6 and 0, and the first main area displays a color with a b* value between 0 and +2.5.

[0008] In one embodiment, the b* value of the first edge region viewed from the viewer's perspective is approximately -2.3.

[0009] In one embodiment, the b* value of the first primary area as viewed from the viewer's perspective is approximately +2.4.

[0010] In one embodiment, the visible light semi-reflective infrared light high-transmitting layer is a metal-free multi-layer film and displays a color with a b* value between -5.7 and 0, and the frame displays a color with a b* value between -2.6 and 0.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first edge region displays a color with a b* value between -2.6 and 0 from the viewer's perspective toward the first surface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first primary area displays a color with a b* value between 0 and +2.5 from the viewer's perspective looking toward the first surface.

[0013] In one embodiment, the b* value of the first main area and the b* value of the first edge area of ​​the first surface of the first substrate satisfy the following formula:

[0014]

[0015] is the b* value of the first edge region, is the b* value of the first main area, and the b* value of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared light high-penetrating layer and the b* value of the frame satisfy the following formula:

[0016]

[0017] is the b* value of the border, is the b* value of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared light high-penetrating layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer includes a first layer, a second layer disposed on the first layer, a third layer disposed on the second layer, a fourth layer disposed on the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed on the fourth layer, the first layer is indium tin oxide, the second layer is silicon dioxide, the third layer is niobium pentoxide, the fourth layer is silicon dioxide, and the fifth layer is amorphous silicon.

[0019] In one embodiment, a thickness of the first layer is between 100nm and 200nm, a thickness of the second layer is between 50nm and 100nm, a thickness of the third layer is between 25nm and 75nm, a thickness of the fourth layer is between 75nm and 125nm, and a thickness of the fifth layer is between 10nm and 50nm.

[0020] In one embodiment, an infrared thermal imaging sensor is further included, which is disposed on a side of the second substrate away from the first substrate. The infrared thermal imaging sensor receives infrared rays penetrating the first substrate and the second substrate from the outside to obtain infrared thermal imaging data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a visible light semi-reflecting infrared light high-penetration layer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention viewed from a viewing angle of a viewing direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The terminology used herein is based on the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used herein may also include the plural forms.

[0026] Directional terms used herein, such as up, down, left, right, front, back and their derivatives or synonyms, refer to the orientation of elements in the drawings and are not intended to limit the present invention unless the context clearly states otherwise.

[0027] See also Figure 1 The present invention discloses an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly 1, comprising a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, a light-transmitting conductive layer 30, a frame 40, a visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetration layer 50, an electrochromic medium 60, and a sealing member 70. The second substrate 20 is disposed behind the first substrate 10 (viewed in a viewing direction V), and the viewing direction V is from the first substrate 10 to the second substrate 20.

[0028] The first substrate 10 includes a first surface 11 and a second surface 12, wherein the first surface 11 faces a viewer (i.e., the first surface 11 faces the viewing direction V), and the second surface 12 is disposed relative to the first surface 11 and is located at an opposite side of the first surface 11. The first surface 11 includes a first main area 111 and a first edge area 112, and the second surface 12 includes a second main area 121 and a second edge area 122, wherein the first main area 111 is surrounded by the first edge area 112, and the second main area 121 is surrounded by the second edge area 122, and the first main area 111 corresponds to the second main area 121, and the first edge area 112 corresponds to the second edge area 122.

[0029] The first substrate 10 can be regarded as a front component, that is, the first substrate 10 faces the viewer, and the viewing direction V of the viewer is from the first surface 11 to the second surface 12, and the second substrate 20 can be regarded as a rear component. From the viewing direction V toward the first surface 11 of the rearview mirror assembly 1, the first edge area 112 and the second edge area 122 can be regarded as a surrounding portion corresponding to the frame 40, and the frame 40 is used to shield the sealing member 70 in the viewing direction V.

[0030] The second substrate 20 includes a third surface 21 and a fourth surface 22 . The third surface 21 faces the first substrate 10 , and the fourth surface 22 is disposed relative to the third surface 21 and is located at an opposite side of the third surface 21 .

[0031] In one example, the first substrate 10 is a material that is transparent and insulating in the visible light region and needs to have sufficient strength under the operating conditions of the car, such as glass, polymer or plastic. The glass can be borosilicate glass, soda-lime glass or float glass. The requirements of the second substrate 20 are similar to those of the first substrate 10, but the second substrate 20 needs to be at least partially transparent to infrared light. The second substrate 20 can be glass, ceramic, polymer or plastic.

[0032] The light-transmitting conductive layer 30 is disposed on the second main area 121 of the second surface 12 of the first substrate 10. The frame 40 is disposed on the second edge area 122 of the second surface 12 of the first substrate 10. The visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 is disposed on the third surface 21 of the second substrate 20.

[0033] The light-transmitting conductive layer 30 and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50 are respectively used as electrodes, and the light-transmitting conductive layer 30 is made of a material with high light transmittance and good conductivity, such as fluorine-doped tin oxide, doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide (Zn3In2O6), indium tin oxide (ITO), ITO / metal / ITO (IMI), etc. The frame 40 can be made of a metal material, such as a chromium layer.

[0034] The visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 is a multi-layer structure, especially a metal-free multi-layer film, which has the optical properties of semi-reflective visible light and high penetration infrared light, and also has the property of being conductive. Therefore, in addition to being used as an electrode, the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 also provides the user with a field of vision to inspect the rear by reflection through its optical properties, and can further cooperate with an infrared thermal imaging sensor 80 to be set in the rearview mirror assembly 1, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0035] For example, the infrared thermal imaging sensor 80 can be disposed on a side of the second substrate 20 away from the first substrate 10, that is, the infrared thermal imaging sensor 80 is located on the opposite side of the viewing direction V. The infrared thermal imaging sensor 80 receives infrared rays from the outside that penetrate the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 to obtain infrared thermal imaging data, which is used to monitor the conditions in the vehicle, thereby enhancing the safety of the driver and passengers in the vehicle. For example, it can detect and determine the conditions of the driver falling asleep, driving under the influence of alcohol, being unconscious, accidentally locking the child in the vehicle, or leaving the child in the vehicle. When these conditions occur, the vehicle can issue an alarm to remind the driver, passengers, or third parties. In one example, the infrared thermal imaging sensor 80 can sense infrared light with a wavelength between 940nm and 1080nm.

[0036] Figure 3The visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 is a non-limiting example, and the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 includes a first layer 50a, a second layer 50b, a third layer 50c, a fourth layer 50b and a fifth layer 50e, wherein the first layer 50a is ITO, the second layer 50b is SiO2, the third layer 50c is Nb2O5, the fourth layer 50b is SiO2, and the fifth layer 50e is a-Si, forming a five-layer structure of ITO / SiO2 / Nb2O5 / SiO2 / a-Si, the first layer 50a is arranged near the front of the rearview mirror assembly 1, and the fifth layer 50e is arranged near the rear of the rearview mirror assembly 1. In one example, the thickness of the first layer is between 100nm and 200nm, the thickness of the second layer is between 50nm and 100nm, the thickness of the third layer is between 25nm and 75nm, the thickness of the fourth layer is between 75nm and 125nm, and the thickness of the fifth layer is between 10nm and 50nm. In another example, the thickness of the first layer 50a is 155nm, the thickness of the second layer 50b is 73nm, the thickness of the third layer 50c is 56nm, the thickness of the fourth layer 50d is 104nm, and the thickness of the fifth layer 50e is 25nm. In this example, the transmittance of the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 to infrared light is greater than 50%.

[0037] The electrochromic medium 60 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Specifically, the electrochromic medium 60 is disposed between the light-transmitting conductive layer 30 and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50, and the two sides of the electrochromic medium 60 are respectively in contact with the light-transmitting conductive layer 30 and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50. The light-transmitting conductive layer 30 and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50 are respectively electrically connected to an electric power source, and the electric power source is used to apply electric power to the two sides of the electrochromic medium 60 through the light-transmitting conductive layer 30 and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50, so as to change the color or hue of the electrochromic medium 60.

[0038] The sealing member 70, the light-transmitting conductive layer 30, the frame 40, and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50 define a chamber 71, and the chamber 71 is used to accommodate the electrochromic medium 60. The sealing member 70 is used to prevent the electrochromic medium 60 from leaking outward. In one example, the sealing member 70 can be epoxy resin, and the frame 40 can shield the sealing member 70 in the viewing direction V.

[0039] Figure 4The first main area 111 and the first edge area 112 of the first surface 11 are shown. For the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly of the first substrate 10, the light-transmitting conductive layer 30 and the electrochromic medium 60 of the same or similar color and brightness, the color and brightness displayed by the first main area 111 and the first edge area 112 are related to the color of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetration layer 50 and the frame 40 located behind these areas. In these areas, the b* value (b* of L*a*b* in the CIELAB color space) plays an important factor affecting the visual perception of the viewer. If the b* value is larger, the color will be more yellow; if the b* value is smaller, the color will be more blue. Therefore, it is necessary to control the b* value of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetration layer 50 and the frame 40 within an appropriate range, so that the b* value of the first main area 111 and the first edge area 112 is also within an appropriate range.

[0040] In one example of the present invention, when viewed from the viewing direction V, the b* value of the first main area 111 and the b* value of the first edge area 112 of the first surface 11 of the first substrate 10 satisfy the following formula:

[0041]

[0042] The b* value in the above formula is defined from the perspective of the viewer outside the rearview mirror assembly 1. is the b* value of the first edge region 112, is the b* value of the first main area 111.

[0043] The b* value of the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetrating layer 50 and the b* value of the frame 40 satisfy the following formula:

[0044]

[0045] The b* value in the above formula is obtained when the rearview mirror assembly 1 is not assembled yet and the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetration layer 50 and the frame 40 are directly observed. is the b* value of the frame 40, is the b* value of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50. In one example, when directly viewed, the b* value of the frame 40 is between -2.6 and 0, such as between -2.6 and -2.2, and the b* value of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared high-penetrating layer 50 is between -5.7 and 0, such as between -5.7 and -5.1.

[0046] The rearview mirror assembly 1 assembled with the frame 40 having a b* value between -2.6 and 0 and the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 having a b* value between -5.7 and 0, from the perspective of the viewer viewing the first surface 11, the first edge region 112 has a b* value between -2.6 and 0, and the first main region 111 has a b* value between 0 and +2.5. The rearview mirror assembly 1 assembled with the frame 40 having a b* value between -2.6 and -2.2 and the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 having a b* value between -5.7 and -5.1, from the perspective of the viewer viewing the first surface 11, the first edge region 112 has a b* value between -2.6 and -2.2, and the first main region 111 has a b* value between +2.1 and +2.5. For example, the b* value of the first edge region 112 viewed from the perspective of the viewer is approximately −2.3, and the b* value of the first main region 111 viewed from the perspective of the viewer is approximately +2.4.

[0047] The present invention controls the b* value of the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer 50 to be between -5.1 and -5.7, thereby making the b* value of the first main area 111 between +2.1 and +2.5 after assembly, and the b* value of the first edge area 112 between -2.6 and -2.2, providing viewers with better color.

[0048]

Explanation of symbols

[0049] 1: Rearview mirror assembly

[0050] 10: First substrate

[0051] 11: First surface

[0052] 111: First major area

[0053] 112: First edge area

[0054] 12: Second Surface

[0055] 121: Second major area

[0056] 122: Second edge area

[0057] 20: Second substrate

[0058] 21: The Third Surface

[0059] 22: The Fourth Surface

[0060] 30: Transparent conductive layer

[0061] 40: Border

[0062] 50: Visible light semi-reflective infrared high penetration layer

[0063] 50a: First layer

[0064] 50b: Second layer

[0065] 50c: Third layer

[0066] 50d: Fourth layer

[0067] 50e: Fifth floor

[0068] 60: Electrochromic media

[0069] 70: Sealing component

[0070] 71: Chamber

[0071] 80: Infrared thermal imaging sensor

[0072] V: View direction

Claims

1. An electrochromic rearview mirror assembly, characterized in that: include: A first substrate, comprising a first surface facing a viewer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a first edge region and a first main region surrounded by the first edge region, and the second surface comprises a second edge region and a second main region surrounded by the second edge region; a second substrate disposed behind the first substrate, the second substrate comprising a third surface facing the first substrate and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; an electrochromic medium, disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a light-transmitting conductive layer, disposed on the second main area of ​​the second surface of the first substrate; a visible light semi-reflecting infrared light high-penetrating layer, disposed on the third surface of the second substrate and facing the second main area of ​​the second surface of the first substrate; as well as a frame, disposed on the second edge region of the second surface of the first substrate; Among them, the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer is a metal-free multi-layer film, and from the perspective of the viewer viewing the first surface, the first edge area displays a color with a b* value between -2.6 and 0, and the first main area displays a color with a b* value between 0 and +2.

5.

2. The rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The b* value of the first edge region viewed from the viewer's perspective is approximately -2.

3.

3. The rearview mirror assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The b* value of the first principal area as viewed from the viewer's perspective is approximately +2.

4.

4. An electrochromic rearview mirror assembly, characterized in that: include: A first substrate, comprising a first surface facing a viewer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a first edge region and a first main region surrounded by the first edge region, and the second surface comprises a second edge region and a second main region surrounded by the second edge region; a second substrate disposed behind the first substrate, the second substrate comprising a third surface facing the first substrate and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; an electrochromic medium, disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a light-transmitting conductive layer, disposed on the second main area of ​​the second surface of the first substrate; a visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer disposed on the third surface of the second substrate, the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer being a metal-free multi-layer film and displaying a color with a b* value between -5.7 and 0; as well as A frame is disposed on the second edge region of the second surface of the first substrate, and the frame displays a color with a b* value between -2.6 and 0.

5. The rearview mirror assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first edge region displays a color with a b* value between -2.6 and 0 from the viewer's perspective toward the first surface.

6. The rearview mirror assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first primary area displays a color with a b* value between 0 and +2.5 from the viewer's perspective toward the first surface.

7. An electrochromic rearview mirror assembly, characterized in that: include: A first substrate, comprising a first surface facing a viewer and a second surface opposite to the first surface, wherein the first surface comprises a first edge region and a first main region surrounded by the first edge region, and the second surface comprises a second edge region and a second main region surrounded by the second edge region; a second substrate disposed behind the first substrate, the second substrate comprising a third surface facing the first substrate and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface; an electrochromic medium, disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a light-transmitting conductive layer, disposed on the second main area of ​​the second surface of the first substrate; a visible light semi-reflecting infrared ray high-penetrating layer, disposed on the third surface of the second substrate, the visible light semi-reflecting infrared ray high-penetrating layer being a metal-free multi-layer film; as well as a frame, disposed on the second edge region of the second surface of the first substrate; The b* value of the first main area and the b* value of the first edge area of ​​the first surface of the first substrate satisfy the following formula: is the b* value of the first edge region, is the b* value of the first main area; The b* value of the visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer and the b* value of the frame satisfy the following formula: is the b* value of the border, is the b* value of the visible light semi-reflecting infrared light high-penetrating layer.

8. The rearview mirror assembly according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 7, characterized in that: The visible light semi-reflective infrared high-penetration layer includes a first layer, a second layer disposed on the first layer, a third layer disposed on the second layer, a fourth layer disposed on the third layer, and a fifth layer disposed on the fourth layer, wherein the first layer is indium tin oxide, the second layer is silicon dioxide, the third layer is niobium pentoxide, the fourth layer is silicon dioxide, and the fifth layer is amorphous silicon.

9. The rearview mirror assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The thickness of the first layer is between 100 nanometers and 200 nanometers, the thickness of the second layer is between 50 nanometers and 100 nanometers, the thickness of the third layer is between 25 nanometers and 75 nanometers, the thickness of the fourth layer is between 75 nanometers and 125 nanometers, and the thickness of the fifth layer is between 10 nanometers and 50 nanometers.

10. The rearview mirror assembly according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 7, characterized in that: It also includes an infrared thermal imaging sensor, which is arranged on a side of the second substrate away from the first substrate. The infrared thermal imaging sensor receives infrared rays penetrating the first substrate and the second substrate from the outside to obtain infrared thermal imaging data.

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