Electrochromic rearview mirror lens with high response speed and assembly
By setting a shielding layer on the electrochromic rearview mirror lens and using a reversible electrodeposition solution, the problems of slow response speed and unstable optical performance are solved, achieving rapid switching and improved stability, and extending service life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO MI RUO ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrochromic rearview mirrors have slow response speeds, unstable optical performance, and short lifespans, making them unable to meet the demands of rapidly changing driving environments.
A shielding layer is set on the outer periphery of the first conductive substrate, and a reversible electrodeposition solution is used, including a reversible metal electrodeposition material, a supporting electrolyte and a dielectric, to achieve rapid switching between a transparent state and a mirror state by applying an external electric field.
It achieves fast response speed, improves the stability and lifespan of optical performance, reduces energy consumption, and enhances user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN224176856U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of electrochromic rearview mirrors, and in particular to an electrochromic rearview mirror lens and assembly with a fast response speed. Background Technology
[0002] Electrochromic technology is a technique that controls the optical properties of materials (such as reflectivity and transmittance) by applying an external electric field. It is widely used in smart windows, display devices, and anti-glare rearview mirrors. Traditional electrochromic rearview mirror lenses primarily rely on the oxidation-reduction reaction of electrochromic materials under the influence of an electric field, thereby altering their optical properties. However, existing electrochromic rearview mirror lenses have several limitations. First, their response speed is slow; switching from a transparent state to a mirror state or vice versa takes a considerable amount of time, which cannot meet the demands of rapidly changing driving environments. Second, their optical performance is not stable enough; after long-term use, reflectivity or transparency may decrease, affecting driving safety and user experience. These problems limit the widespread application of electrochromic rearview mirror lenses in the automotive and other fields, urgently requiring an improved technological solution to enhance their performance. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed to solve the technical problems of slow response speed, unstable optical performance and short service life of existing electrochromic rearview mirror lenses.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:
[0005] An electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response speed, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens comprising:
[0006] A first conductive substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface facing an observer;
[0007] The second conductive substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface, the fourth surface facing away from the observer, and the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship.
[0008] A sealant, substantially circumferentially disposed between the outer peripheral regions of the first and second conductive substrates, to sealably bond the second and third surfaces together and define a cavity; and
[0009] A reversible electrodeposition solution is disposed in the cavity;
[0010] The outer periphery of the first conductive substrate is further provided with a shielding layer, the width of which is greater than the width of the sealant; under the action of an applied electric field, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens can switch adjustablely between a transparent state and a mirror state.
[0011] This application provides a shielding layer in the outer peripheral area of the first conductive substrate, which not only shields the sealant and provides a certain degree of protection, but also makes the overall appearance of the rearview mirror lens neater and more aesthetically pleasing.
[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the first conductive substrate is composed of a substantially transparent first substrate and a first transparent conductive layer deposited on the second surface of the first substrate; the first transparent conductive layer is in contact with a reversible electrodeposition solution.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the second conductive substrate consists of a substantially transparent second substrate and a second transparent conductive layer deposited on a third surface of the second substrate; the second transparent conductive layer is in contact with a reversible electrodeposition solution.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution, at least a portion of the outer peripheral region of the first conductive substrate is further provided with an insulating layer, the insulating layer being disposed on the first transparent conductive layer.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the reversible electrodeposition solution includes a reversible metal electrodeposition material, a supporting electrolyte, and a solvent. Under the action of an applied electric field, the reversible metal electrodeposition material in the reversible electrodeposition solution of the electrochromic rearview mirror lens of this application can undergo reversible metal electrodeposition and dissolution operations on one of the surfaces of a first conductive substrate or a second conductive substrate, thereby achieving switching between a transparent state and a mirror state.
[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the reversible metal electrodeposition material is a silver-containing compound; preferably, the reversible metal electrodeposition material is a silver salt compound; more preferably, the reversible metal electrodeposition material includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of AgNO3, AgBr, AgClO4, or AgCl. This application selects silver-containing compounds, particularly silver salt compounds such as AgNO3, AgBr, AgClO4, or AgCl, as the reversible metal electrodeposition material. This not only utilizes the excellent optical properties of silver (such as high reflectivity) but also ensures the high efficiency and reversibility of the metal electrodeposition process. The deposition and dissolution process of silver is relatively fast and stable, which makes the switching between transparent and mirror states of the device more rapid and reliable, significantly improving the optical performance and lifespan of the device.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution, the supporting electrolyte is at least one inorganic salt selected from lithium, potassium, or sodium salts; preferably, the lithium salt is at least one inorganic salt selected from LiBr, LiCl, LiI, LiBF4, and LiClO4; the potassium salt is at least one selected from KCl, KBr, and KI; and the sodium salt is at least one selected from NaCl, NaBr, and NaI. As another alternative preferred technical solution, the supporting electrolyte is a quaternary ammonium salt compound with an unspecified hydrocarbon group length; preferably, the quaternary ammonium salt compound is at least one selected from tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl), tetraethylammonium bromide (TEABr), tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr), and tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAClO4). By selecting a suitable electrolyte, the ionic strength and conductivity of the solution can be adjusted, thereby further improving the efficiency and response speed of electrodeposition, while reducing energy consumption and increasing the lifespan of the device.
[0018] As a preferred technical solution, the reversible electrodeposition solution further includes a dielectric material. The presence of the dielectric material significantly improves the electrodeposition and dissolution response speed of the electrochromic rearview mirror lens, thereby enhancing the response speed of the electrochromic device.
[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the medium is a cerium-containing compound; preferably, the medium is a cerium salt compound; more preferably, the medium is a salt formed from tetravalent cerium. The tetravalent cerium salt of this application possesses unique redox properties in electrochemical reactions, which can efficiently promote the deposition and dissolution process of metal ions. Specifically, compared with tetravalent cerium, the reversible metal electrodeposition material silver (Ag) has a higher electronic potential; however, electrons typically prefer to relinquish energy and transfer to lower energy states. Therefore, when tetravalent cerium comes into contact with the deposited silver layer, silver transfers electrons to tetravalent cerium ions, resulting in the silver layer dissolving and reforming to form silver ions that dissolve back into the original solution, while the tetravalent cerium ions are reduced to the trivalent state. The cerium-containing compound of this application, acting as a medium, plays the role of an electron transfer medium, greatly improving the rate of metal deposition and dissolution reactions; moreover, the presence of cerium ions also significantly reduces the activation energy of metal deposition at the transparent conductive layer. Using tetravalent cerium salt as the dielectric significantly improves both the ON and OFF response speeds of the device. This rapid response speed enables the device to switch from transparent to mirror state and return from mirror to transparent state in a very short time, greatly enhancing the user experience.
[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens further includes a first conductive clip; the first conductive clip is disposed on the edge of the second substrate, one end of the first conductive clip extends to the corresponding position of the sealant and directly or indirectly maintains an electrical contact relationship with the first transparent conductive layer, and the other end extends to the fourth surface of the second substrate.
[0021] As a preferred technical solution, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens further includes a second conductive clip; the second conductive clip is disposed on the edge of the second substrate, one end of the second conductive clip extends to the corresponding position of the sealant and maintains electrical contact with the second transparent conductive layer directly or indirectly, and the other end extends to the fourth surface of the second substrate.
[0022] Another aspect of this application is to provide an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly with a fast response speed, the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly including an electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response speed as described above, as well as a circuit board and a housing; the electrochromic rearview mirror lens is housed in an opening of the housing, and the circuit board is housed inside the housing; the electrochromic rearview mirror lens and the circuit board are electrically connected.
[0023] As a preferred technical solution, the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly further includes a display screen; the display screen is disposed on the fourth surface of the second conductive substrate; and the display screen is electrically connected to the circuit board.
[0024] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0025] This invention relates to an electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response speed, which enables rapid switching from transparent to mirror state, while also possessing good optical performance and stability, helping to reduce energy consumption and extend the lens's service life.
[0026] This invention relates to an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly with a fast response speed. When in a transparent state, it can switch to a display screen mode. When energized, it undergoes an electrodeposition coloring effect, and then switches to a reflective mirror mode, allowing for better observation of the rear view of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description
[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic rearview mirror lens of this utility model.
[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the metal electrodeposition color state of the electrochromic rearview mirror lens of this utility model.
[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly structure of this utility model.
[0030] The components include: a first substrate 1, a second substrate 2, a sealant 3, a reversible electrodeposition solution 4, a first conductive clip 5, a second conductive clip 6, a housing 7, a display screen 8, a circuit board 9, a first surface 1a, a second surface 1b, a first edge surface 1c, a third surface 2a, a fourth surface 2b, a cavity 41, a first transparent conductive layer 101, a shielding layer 102, an insulating layer 103, a silver layer 104, and a second transparent conductive layer 201. Detailed Implementation
[0031] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art.
[0032] Example
[0033] This embodiment features an electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response time, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a first conductive substrate, a second conductive substrate, a sealant 3, and a reversible electrodeposition solution 4; the first conductive substrate includes a first surface 1a and a second surface 1b, with the first surface 1a facing the observer; the second conductive substrate includes a third surface 2a and a fourth surface 2b, with the fourth surface 2b facing away from the observer, and the first and second conductive substrates are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship; the sealant 3 is disposed substantially circumferentially between the outer peripheral regions of the first and second conductive substrates to seal the second surface 1b and the third surface 2a together and define a cavity 41, for example, the spacing of the cavities 41 is approximately 200 μm; the reversible electrodeposition solution 4 is disposed in the cavity 41; wherein, a shielding layer 102 is also disposed on the outer peripheral region of the first conductive substrate, the width of the shielding layer 102 being greater than the width of the sealant 3; under the action of an applied electric field, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens can be adjusted to switch between a transparent state and a mirror state.
[0034] In one preferred embodiment, the first conductive substrate comprises a substantially transparent first substrate 1 and a first transparent conductive layer 101 deposited on a second surface 1b of the first substrate 1; the first transparent conductive layer 101 is in contact with the reversible electrodeposition solution 4. The second conductive substrate comprises a substantially transparent second substrate 2 and a second transparent conductive layer 201 deposited on a third surface 2a of the second substrate 2; the second transparent conductive layer 201 is in contact with the reversible electrodeposition solution 4. The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may be independently selected from one of substantially transparent glass, organic resin, or ceramic. The glass may be ordinary electronic-grade float soda-lime glass, medium-silica alumina glass, high-silica alumina glass, or high-borosilicate glass; and the glass may be colorless or light-colored. The first transparent conductive layer 101 and the second transparent conductive layer 201 may be independently selected from at least one of indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), indium zinc oxide, or graphene.
[0035] In one preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the outer peripheral region of the first conductive substrate is further provided with an insulating layer 103, which is disposed on the first transparent conductive layer 101. The material of the insulating layer 103 is not strictly limited, as long as it provides good insulation. For example, the material of the insulating layer 103 can be inorganic materials such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride.
[0036] In one preferred embodiment, the reversible electrodeposition solution 4 includes a reversible metal electrodeposition material, a supporting electrolyte, and a solvent.
[0037] In one preferred embodiment, the reversible metal electrodeposition material is a silver-containing compound; preferably, the reversible metal electrodeposition material is a silver salt compound; more preferably, the reversible metal electrodeposition material includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of AgNO3, AgBr, AgClO4 or AgCl.
[0038] In one preferred embodiment, the supporting electrolyte is at least one inorganic salt selected from lithium, potassium, or sodium salts; preferably, the lithium salt is at least one inorganic salt selected from LiBr, LiCl, LiI, LiBF4, and LiClO4; the potassium salt is at least one selected from KCl, KBr, and KI; and the sodium salt is at least one selected from NaCl, NaBr, and NaI. In another preferred embodiment, the supporting electrolyte is a quaternary ammonium salt compound with an unspecified hydrocarbon group length; preferably, the quaternary ammonium salt compound is at least one selected from tetraethylammonium chloride (TEACl), tetraethylammonium bromide (TEABr), tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr), and tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAClO4). The solvent is not particularly limited, as long as it can stably dissolve the material; for example, triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TGM), propylene carbonate (PC), and dimethylformamide (DMF) can be used.
[0039] In one preferred embodiment, the reversible electrodeposition solution 4 further includes a dielectric medium. The dielectric medium is a cerium-containing compound; preferably, the dielectric medium is a cerium salt compound; more preferably, the dielectric medium is a salt formed from tetravalent cerium.
[0040] As an example, the reversible electrodeposition solution 4 is prepared by dissolving 100 mM silver nitrate (AgNO3) as the Ag-containing electrodeposition material, 50 mM cerium ammonium nitrate (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 as the dielectric material, and 500 mM lithium bromide (LiBr) as the supporting electrolyte in the solvent DMF, and then preparing the electrolyte to obtain the reversible electrodeposition solution 4.
[0041] In one preferred embodiment, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens further includes a first conductive clip 5; the first conductive clip 5 is disposed on the edge of the second substrate 2, one end of the first conductive clip 5 extends to a corresponding position of the sealant 3 and maintains direct or indirect electrical contact with the first transparent conductive layer 101, and the other end extends to the fourth surface 2b of the second substrate 2. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens further includes a second conductive clip 6; the second conductive clip 6 is disposed on the edge of the second substrate 2, one end of the second conductive clip 6 extends to a corresponding position of the sealant 3 and maintains direct or indirect electrical contact with the second transparent conductive layer 201, and the other end extends to the fourth surface 2b of the second substrate 2.
[0042] This embodiment features an electrochromic rearview mirror assembly with a fast response time. The assembly includes an electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response time as described above, a circuit board 9, and a housing 7. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens is housed in an opening of the housing 7, and the circuit board 9 is housed within the housing 7. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens and the circuit board 9 are electrically connected. This electrochromic rearview mirror assembly can be designed as a frameless or narrow-bezel structure. That is, when the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly is a frameless structure, such as… Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first edge surface 1c of the first substrate 1 of the electrochromic rearview mirror lens and the outer surface of the outer wall of the housing 7 form a smooth, rounded transition, and the radius of the rounded corner is greater than 2.5 mm. When the electrochromic rearview mirror is assembled into a narrow frame structure, the outer wall of the housing 7 extends to the side wall edge of the first substrate 1, but does not cover the first surface 1a of the first substrate 1. At this time, the outer wall of the housing 7 has a rounded end with a radius greater than 2.5 mm.
[0043] In one preferred embodiment, the electrochromic rearview mirror assembly further includes a display screen 8; the display screen 8 is disposed on the fourth surface 2b of the second conductive substrate; the display screen 8 is electrically connected to the circuit board 9.
[0044] In one preferred embodiment, the driving voltage for the electrochromic rearview mirror lens in the ON state is -2.0V to -2.9V. The driving voltage for the electrochromic rearview mirror lens in the OFF state is +0.3V to +1.2V. Figure 2The diagram shows the driving circuit for the electrochromic rearview mirror lens in the metal electrodeposition colored state (i.e., ON state). Applying a DC driving voltage of -2.8V enables the deposition of a silver layer 104, completing the coloring process of the electrochromic device. Specifically, the first transparent conductive layer 101 on the first substrate 1 is the negative electrode, and the second transparent conductive layer 201 on the second substrate 2 is the positive electrode. A silver layer 104 is deposited on the first transparent conductive layer 101 on the negative electrode side, forming a reflective mirror surface. After applying a reverse voltage of +1.2V to the electrochromic rearview mirror lens, the deposited silver layer 104 dissolves, and the optical device returns to its initial transparent state. Test results show that, using (NH4)2Ce(NO3)6 as the dielectric, the ON response speed is 4.0 seconds, and the OFF response speed is 4.8 seconds, demonstrating a fast switching time. The ON response speed is defined as the time (in seconds) for the reflectivity to increase from 10% to 65% after applying an ON voltage in the transparent state. The OFF response speed is defined as the time (in seconds) for the reflectivity to decrease from 65% to 10% of the initial transmittance.
[0045] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model.
Claims
1. An electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response speed, characterized in that, The electrochromic rearview mirror lens includes: A first conductive substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface facing an observer; The second conductive substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface, the fourth surface facing away from the observer, and the first conductive substrate and the second conductive substrate are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship. A sealant, substantially circumferentially disposed between the outer peripheral regions of the first and second conductive substrates, to seal the second and third surfaces together and define a cavity; and A reversible electrodeposition solution is disposed in the cavity; The outer periphery of the first conductive substrate is further provided with a shielding layer, the width of which is greater than the width of the sealant; under the action of an applied electric field, the electrochromic rearview mirror lens can switch adjustablely between a transparent state and a mirror state.
2. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first conductive substrate consists of a substantially transparent first substrate and a first transparent conductive layer deposited on a second surface of the first substrate; the first transparent conductive layer is in contact with a reversible electrodeposition solution.
3. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second conductive substrate consists of a substantially transparent second substrate and a second transparent conductive layer deposited on a third surface of the second substrate; the second transparent conductive layer is in contact with a reversible electrodeposition solution.
4. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating layer is further provided on at least a portion of the outer peripheral region of the first conductive substrate, the insulating layer being disposed on the first transparent conductive layer.
5. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reversible electrodeposition solution includes a reversible metal electrodeposition material, a supporting electrolyte, and a solvent.
6. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reversible electrodeposition solution also includes a dielectric volume.
7. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic rearview mirror lens also includes a first conductive clip; the first conductive clip is disposed on the edge of the second substrate, one end of the first conductive clip extends to the corresponding position of the sealant and maintains electrical contact with the first transparent conductive layer directly or indirectly, and the other end extends to the fourth surface of the second substrate.
8. The electrochromic rearview mirror lens with fast response speed as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic rearview mirror lens also includes a second conductive clip; the second conductive clip is disposed on the edge of the second substrate, one end of the second conductive clip extends to the corresponding position of the sealant and maintains electrical contact with the second transparent conductive layer directly or indirectly, and the other end extends to the fourth surface of the second substrate.
9. An electrochromic rearview mirror assembly with fast response speed, characterized in that, The electrochromic rearview mirror assembly includes an electrochromic rearview mirror lens with a fast response speed as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, a circuit board, and a housing; the electrochromic rearview mirror lens is housed in an opening of the housing, and the circuit board is housed inside the housing; the electrochromic rearview mirror lens is electrically connected to the circuit board.
10. The electrochromic rearview mirror assembly with fast response speed as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The electrochromic rearview mirror assembly also includes a display screen; the display screen is disposed on the fourth surface of the second conductive substrate; the display screen is electrically connected to the circuit board.