A dimming rearview mirror and vehicle

Abstract

This utility model discloses a dimming rearview mirror and a car. The dimming rearview mirror includes a housing assembly, a dimming lens, and a photovoltaic module. The dimming lens is disposed on the housing assembly and includes a first transparent conductive layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a mirror coating layer arranged sequentially. The photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic layer and a conductive component. The current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the conductive component. The first output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer, and the second output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer. This dimming rearview mirror does not require an external power supply during use, making it very convenient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of rearview mirror technology, and in particular to a dimming rearview mirror and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry, vehicle safety and comfort have become the focus of consumers' attention. As an important component for improving driving safety, the technological innovation of dimmable rearview mirrors has also attracted much attention. Currently, the widely used dimmable rearview mirrors on the market are mainly based on the principle of electrochromic technology. That is, through electronic control, the intensity of the light reflected by the rearview mirror is adjusted to adapt to driving needs under different lighting conditions and avoid glare interference caused by strong light from vehicles behind.

[0003] However, existing dimmable rearview mirrors rely entirely on an external power source during operation, increasing wiring complexity and the risk of malfunction. For example, aging, wear, or loose connections in the wiring can cause power outages. Furthermore, in special circumstances, such as a collision damaging the vehicle's electrical system, or when the vehicle's battery is depleted in remote areas, the externally powered dimmable rearview mirror will not function properly.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose new solutions to reduce the dependence of dimming rearview mirrors on external power sources and improve product reliability and safety. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main purpose of this invention is to propose a dimming rearview mirror, which aims to solve the problem that existing dimming rearview mirrors are too dependent on external power sources.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a dimming rearview mirror, comprising a housing assembly, a dimming lens, and a photovoltaic module. The dimming lens is disposed on the housing assembly and includes a first transparent conductive layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second transparent conductive layer, and a mirror coating layer arranged sequentially. The photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic layer and a conductive component. The current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the conductive component. The first output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer, and the second output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer.

[0007] Preferably, the photovoltaic layer is disposed on the outer surface of the dimming lens.

[0008] Preferably, the photovoltaic layer is disposed on a housing assembly adjacent to the dimming lens.

[0009] Preferably, the photovoltaic layer comprises a perovskite thin film.

[0010] Preferably, the photovoltaic layer comprises an organic solar cell thin film.

[0011] Preferably, the photovoltaic layer comprises a perovskite composite thin film.

[0012] Preferably, the photovoltaic layer is a transparent layer, comprising monocrystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, and polycrystalline silicon, and is adhered to or plated on the outer surface of the switching lens.

[0013] Preferably, the dimming rearview mirror further includes a photoresistor, which is disposed in the power supply circuit between the photovoltaic module and the first transparent conductive layer or the second transparent conductive layer.

[0014] Preferably, the dimming rearview mirror further includes an energy storage capacitor, the input terminal of which is connected to the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component.

[0015] Preferably, the dimming rearview mirror further includes a photosensitive chip and a control circuit. The power supply terminal of the photosensitive chip and the power supply terminal of the control circuit are both connected to the output terminal of the energy storage capacitor. The output terminal of the photosensitive chip is connected to the data input terminal of the control circuit, and the controlled terminal of the photosensitive chip is connected to the control terminal of the control circuit.

[0016] Preferably, the dimming rearview mirror further includes an energy storage battery, the input terminal of which is connected to the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component.

[0017] This utility model also proposes a car, including the dimming rearview mirror as described above.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] The photovoltaic layer converts incident light into electrical energy, which is then transmitted to a first and a second transparent conductive layer (such as an ITO electrode) by conductive components. A voltage difference is created between the two conductive layers, generating an electric field perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer. Under the influence of this electric field, the liquid crystal molecules undergo directional deflection, altering their optical properties (such as birefringence or polarization state), thereby adjusting the transmittance or reflectivity of the dimming mirror. When a user is driving, the rearview mirror automatically adjusts its reflectivity according to the ambient light intensity to avoid glare. Since the energy comes from ambient light, no external power supply is required, achieving a self-powered dimming function.

[0020] On the other hand, by setting an energy storage capacitor in the power supply path of the photovoltaic layer and the first transparent conductive layer or the second transparent conductive layer, energy can be replenished to drive the liquid crystal molecules to deflect when the glare intensity is weak, thereby reducing the response delay; and instantaneous surge current can be avoided from being input into the first transparent conductive layer or the second transparent conductive layer, thereby improving product safety. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dimming lens in one embodiment of the dimming rearview mirror of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the dimming rearview mirror of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0024] This utility model proposes a dimming rearview mirror. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, the dimming rearview mirror includes a housing assembly 20, a dimming lens 10, and a photovoltaic module (not shown). The dimming lens 10 is disposed on the housing assembly 20 and includes a first transparent conductive layer 200, a liquid crystal layer 300, a second transparent conductive layer 400, and a mirror coating layer 500 disposed sequentially. The photovoltaic module includes a photovoltaic layer 100 and a conductive component (not shown). The current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer 100 is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component. The first output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer 200, and the second output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer 400.

[0025] Here, the photovoltaic layer 100 is used to convert light energy into electrical energy, and the conductive component is used to transmit the electrical energy generated by the photovoltaic layer 100 to the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400, so that the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400 apply voltage to the liquid crystal layer 300, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 300 are deflected, thereby adjusting the reflectivity of the dimming lens 10 to the incident light, and realizing the dimming function of the dimming rearview mirror.

[0026] In this way, when the user is driving the car, the dimming rearview mirror can work automatically based on the power generated by the ambient light or the car lights, without the need for an external power source, which is very convenient.

[0027] It should be noted that the placement of the photovoltaic layer 100 can be determined based on the size and location of the dimming rearview mirror. For example, when the dimming rearview mirror is located outside the car, considering that the dimming lens 10 can receive a large amount of incident light and generate sufficient power, the photovoltaic layer 100 can be integrated on the outer surface of the dimming lens 10 (i.e., the surface adjacent to the first transparent conductive layer 200). However, if the dimming rearview mirror is large, the power generated by the photovoltaic layer 100 on the outer surface of the dimming lens 10 alone may be insufficient to supply power, so it is necessary to supplement the photovoltaic layer 100 at other locations on the dimming rearview mirror, such as by integrating the photovoltaic layer 100 on the housing assembly 20 adjacent to the dimming lens 10. Similarly, when the dimming rearview mirror is located inside the car, considering that the dimming lens 10 can receive a smaller amount of incident light, the power generated by the photovoltaic layer 100 on the surface of the dimming lens 10 alone may be insufficient to supply power, so it is also necessary to supplement the photovoltaic layer 100 at other locations on the dimming rearview mirror.

[0028] To increase the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic layer 100, in an optional embodiment, the photovoltaic layer 100 includes a perovskite thin film (not shown). Compared to ordinary photovoltaic materials, perovskite has a higher conversion efficiency for light energy and is more reliable under different lighting conditions, which can improve the utilization efficiency of vehicle high beam energy at night.

[0029] In another alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic layer 100 includes an organic solar cell thin film (not shown). Compared to ordinary photovoltaic materials, solar cell thin films have advantages such as high flexibility, solution-processability, and low cost, and perform well under low-light conditions, enabling effective utilization of light energy from vehicle high beams at night.

[0030] In another alternative embodiment, the photovoltaic layer 100 includes a perovskite composite thin film (not shown). Combining perovskite with other materials with special properties can produce a synergistic effect, further improving the light energy conversion efficiency and stability, and further improving the utilization efficiency of vehicle high beam energy at night.

[0031] In another optional embodiment, the photovoltaic layer 100 is a transparent layer comprising monocrystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, and polycrystalline silicon, and is adhered to or plated onto the outer surface of the dimming lens 10. In specific implementations, the thickness of the photovoltaic layer 100 can be set according to the required driving voltage of the dimming lens 10. It is easily understood that, given the same area, the thicker the photovoltaic layer 100, the more electrical energy it generates, and the higher the output driving voltage. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dimming lens 10 can still achieve normal dimming function even in low-light conditions at night, ensuring stability and reliability.

[0032] To improve the user experience of the dimming rearview mirror, in an optional embodiment, the dimming rearview mirror further includes a photoresistor (not shown), which is disposed in the power supply circuit between the photovoltaic module and the first transparent conductive layer 200 or the second transparent conductive layer 400.

[0033] When the photoresistor senses strong incident light, it can trigger the power supply circuit between the photovoltaic layer 100 and the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400 to conduct, so that the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400 apply voltage to the liquid crystal layer 300, thereby reducing the reflectivity of the dimming lens 10 to the incident light and playing an anti-glare role.

[0034] In practical implementation, photoresistors can be used in conjunction with electronic components such as relays (not shown) or transistors (not shown). For example, a photoresistor and a transistor can be combined to form a switching circuit. Specifically, the photoresistor is connected in the base circuit of the transistor. When the light intensity changes, causing a change in the resistance of the photoresistor, it will cause a change in the base current of the transistor. When the base current reaches a preset threshold, the transistor conducts, which is equivalent to closing the switch, allowing the load connected in the collector circuit to work; when the light is insufficient, the resistance of the photoresistor is high, the base current is low, the transistor is cut off, and the load does not work.

[0035] This avoids the rearview mirror from working frequently, only activating the dimming function when the light intensity reaches the threshold, making it more stable and reliable.

[0036] To further enhance the user experience of the dimming rearview mirror, in an optional embodiment, the dimming rearview mirror also includes an energy storage capacitor (not shown in the figure), the input terminal of which is connected to the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer 100, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component.

[0037] Understandably, adding an energy storage capacitor serves two purposes: firstly, it allows the photovoltaic layer 100 to store electrical energy when the incident light on the dimming rearview mirror is weak, enabling it to quickly drive the liquid crystal layer 300 for timely dimming; secondly, it prevents the photovoltaic layer 100 from outputting excessive current and impacting the transparent conductive film when the incident light on the dimming rearview mirror is too strong.

[0038] Furthermore, in order to enable the dimming rearview mirror to dim only at night, in an optional embodiment, the dimming rearview mirror further includes a photosensitive chip (not shown) and a control circuit (not shown). The power supply terminal of the photosensitive chip and the power supply terminal of the control circuit are both connected to the output terminal of the energy storage capacitor. The output terminal of the photosensitive chip is connected to the data input terminal of the control circuit, and the controlled terminal of the photosensitive chip is connected to the control terminal of the control circuit.

[0039] In practice, the energy storage capacitor stores electrical energy for a short time to provide power to the dimming lens 10, the photosensitive chip, and its control circuit. When the photosensitive chip senses incoming light, it generates an analog signal corresponding to the intensity of the incoming light. The photosensitive chip converts this analog signal into a digital signal, which is then input to the control circuit. The control circuit determines the current intensity of the incident light based on the input digital signal. If the intensity of the incident light exceeds a preset threshold, the dimming lens 10 is controlled to dim; otherwise, no response is made.

[0040] In another alternative embodiment, the dimming rearview mirror further includes an energy storage battery (not shown), the input terminal of which is connected to the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer 100, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component.

[0041] Similar to adding energy storage capacitors, adding energy storage batteries can not only store electrical energy for timely dimming, but also stabilize the driving voltage of the transparent conductive film, preventing the transparent conductive film from being subjected to current surges when the incident light is too strong.

[0042] It is worth mentioning that, as described above, the dimming lens 10 and the housing assembly 20 can be bonded together using an adhesive layer (not shown in the figure). For example, the adhesive layer is an optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer. The housing assembly 20 may include a front housing (not shown in the figure) and a rear housing (not shown in the figure), which are fixedly connected. For example, the front housing and the rear housing may be provided with a snap-fit ​​(not shown in the figure) and a slot (not shown in the figure), respectively, so that the fixed connection can be achieved by pressing the front housing firmly onto the rear housing. Of course, screws or the like can also be used to fix the front housing to the rear housing.

[0043] Furthermore, the dimmable rearview mirror may also include a movable bracket (not shown in the figure). One end of the movable bracket is located on the side of the housing assembly 20 away from the dimmable lens 10. The movable bracket is movably connected to the housing assembly 20, allowing the housing assembly 20 to rotate relative to the bracket within a certain angular range. In this way, the dimmable rearview mirror can be positioned on the windshield or roof of the vehicle, and the driver can easily adjust the dimmable rearview mirror to a suitable angle position according to their needs.

[0044] In at least one embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 300 may include one of an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) liquid crystal material, a guest-host (GH) liquid crystal material, a twisted nematic (TN) liquid crystal material, and a Pi-cells liquid crystal material.

[0045] The first transparent conductive layer 200 includes a transparent conductive material and a first electrode. The transparent conductive material is uniformly distributed in the first transparent conductive layer 200 and electrically connected to the first electrode. The second transparent conductive layer 400 includes a transparent conductive material and a second electrode (not shown). The transparent conductive material is uniformly distributed in the second transparent conductive layer 400 and electrically connected to the second electrode. When both the first electrode and the second electrode are powered on, an electric field is formed between the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400. A voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal layer 300 therein, causing the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 300 to deflect, thereby adjusting the reflectivity of the dimming lens 10 to incident light. The mirror coating 500 can be silver plating or a high-reflectivity thin film.

[0046] The working principle of this dimming rearview mirror is explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0047] When the incident light from the dimming rearview mirror is insufficient to cause glare to the driver, the photovoltaic layer 100 converts the received light energy into electrical energy and charges the energy storage capacitor (or energy storage battery). At the same time, the switching circuit consisting of the photoresistor and its adapter components is disconnected, preventing power supply to the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400. The dimming lens 10 maintains its initial reflectivity, and the dimming rearview mirror does not need to activate the dimming function.

[0048] When the incident light on the dimming rearview mirror increases momentarily (for example, when a car behind suddenly turns on its high beams at night), the photovoltaic layer 100 converts the received light energy into electrical energy and charges the energy storage capacitor (or energy storage battery). Simultaneously, the switching circuit consisting of the photoresistor and its adapter closes, supplying power to the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400. This reduces the reflectivity of the dimming lens 10, preventing glare for the driver due to excessive incident light.

[0049] Because the energy storage capacitor (or energy storage battery) has been continuously charged before the incident light intensity increases instantaneously, it can quickly supply power to the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400 when the incident light intensity increases instantaneously, enabling the dimming lens 10 to dim in time and avoiding delay. Furthermore, because the energy storage capacitor (or energy storage battery) has a voltage stabilizing effect, the first transparent conductive layer 200 and the second transparent conductive layer 400 will not be impacted by the instantaneous current when the incident light intensity of the dimming rearview mirror increases instantaneously, ensuring stability and reliability.

[0050] Throughout the process, the dimming rearview mirror achieves dimming through its own power supply, requiring no external power source, which is very convenient.

[0051] This utility model also proposes a car that includes a dimming rearview mirror as described above. The specific structure of the dimming rearview mirror is as described in the above embodiments. Since this car adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here. The dimming rearview mirror can be used to prevent the driver from being dazzled by excessive incident light from the rearview mirror. This car includes, but is not limited to, gasoline-powered cars, internal combustion engine cars, pure electric cars, hybrid electric cars, range-extended electric cars, and other civilian and commercial vehicles, as well as engineering vehicles such as excavators and bulldozers.

[0052] It should be noted that the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0053] The above description is only a part or preferred embodiment of this utility model. Neither the text nor the drawings should limit the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made using the content of this utility model specification and drawings under the overall concept of this utility model, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A dimming rearview mirror, characterized by, include: Housing assembly; A dimming lens, wherein the dimming lens is disposed on the housing assembly, and includes a first transparent conductive layer, a liquid crystal layer, a second transparent conductive layer and a mirror coating layer disposed sequentially; A photovoltaic module, comprising a photovoltaic layer and a conductive component, wherein the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer is electrically connected to the input terminal of the conductive component, the first output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer, and the second output terminal of the conductive component is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer.

2. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein, The photovoltaic layer is disposed on the outer surface of the dimming lens.

3. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein, The photovoltaic layer is disposed on the housing assembly adjacent to the dimming lens.

4. The dimming rearview mirror as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The photovoltaic layer includes any one of the following: perovskite thin film, organic solar cell thin film, and perovskite composite thin film.

5. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein, The photovoltaic layer is a transparent layer, comprising monocrystalline silicon, gallium arsenide, and polycrystalline silicon, and is adhered to or plated on the outer surface of the dimming lens.

6. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein, The dimming rearview mirror also includes a photoresistor, which is disposed in the power supply circuit between the photovoltaic module and the first transparent conductive layer or the second transparent conductive layer.

7. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein, The dimming rearview mirror also includes an energy storage capacitor, the input terminal of which is connected to the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer, and the output terminal of which is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component.

8. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 7, wherein, The dimming rearview mirror also includes a photosensitive chip and a control circuit. The power supply terminal of the photosensitive chip and the power supply terminal of the control circuit are both connected to the output terminal of the energy storage capacitor. The output terminal of the photosensitive chip is connected to the data input terminal of the control circuit, and the controlled terminal of the photosensitive chip is connected to the control terminal of the control circuit.

9. The dimming rearview mirror of claim 1, wherein, The dimming rearview mirror also includes an energy storage battery. The input terminal of the energy storage battery is connected to the current output terminal of the photovoltaic layer, and the output terminal of the energy storage battery is connected to the input terminal of the conductive component.

10. An automobile characterized by comprising: Including the dimming rearview mirror as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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