Multi-function rearview device

Abstract

To provide a rear view mirror assembly with an improved space utilization ratio so that additional functions can be provided and elements can be integrated in order to provide additional functions to a driver and other persons of a vehicle.SOLUTION: There is provided a rearview device 100 including a housing 110, a bezel 130, and a rearview element 120 used for vehicles. In one embodiment, the bezel 130 includes a transparent or chrome-based coating as to allow one or more lighting assemblies positioned in or beneath the bezel 130 to illuminate the surrounding and provide various functions to a driver or other persons. For example, various indicator functions can be provided. Various electronic means may be placed in or beneath the bezel 130 to optimize a use space inside the rearview device 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 470,658, filed March 13, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 256,532, which claims the benefit of foreign priority to European Patent Application No. 15183748.1, filed September 3, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 256,540, filed September 3, 2016, which claims the benefit of foreign priority to European Patent Application No. 15183758.0, filed September 3, 2015, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 124,310, filed September 7, 2016, which is a national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT / AU2015 / 000093, filed February 20, 2015, claiming benefit of foreign priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2014900781, filed March 7, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 800,413, filed November 1, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 603,751, filed May 24, 2017, claiming benefit of foreign priority to European Patent Application No. 16198759.9, filed November 14, 2016, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 2017327167, filed June 5, 2017, which is a national stage of International Patent Application No. PCT / IB2015 / 059419, filed June 9, 2016, which claims the benefit of foreign priority to European Patent Application No. 14196582, filed December 5, 2014, and European Patent Application No. 15162850, filed April 8, 2015, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.This application also claims the benefit of foreign priority to German Patent Application No. 102012108480.7, filed September 11, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 022,896, filed September 10, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 000,754, filed January 19, 2016, now issuing as U.S. Patent No. 9,796,333, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 607,894, filed May 30, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. This application is also a national stage of PCT / AU2013 / 000047 filed January 24, 2013, which claims the benefit of foreign priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2012900267 filed January 24, 2012; a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 374,376 filed July 24, 2014, which is now a national stage entry of an international patent application; a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14 / 936,024 filed November 9, 2015, now issuing as U.S. Patent No. 9,656,601; and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 439,188 filed February 22, 2017, which is now issued as U.S. Patent No. 9,181,616, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention The following description relates to a rearview device for a vehicle. For example, such a rearview device may include a bezel that can be illuminated to provide different functions to the driver or other person viewing the bezel. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Related Technologies Exterior rearview devices for vehicles incorporating light sources are well known in the state of the art. Typically flashing direction indicators are installed to increase safety and enhance design, as described for example in US Pat. No. 7,600,905 or EP Pat. No. 2 340 967.

[0004] Also, warning indicators and other light sources have been incorporated into the housing, bezel, or rear of the rearview element to function as turn signals, brake signals, and blind spot indicators. Such light sources are described in EP 2151350, EP 2463152, EP 2463153, U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,025, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,164,482. Warning indicators using optical fibers are also used in external rearview devices in U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,985. Furthermore, external rearview devices can be equipped with video displays and display devices, and are also used as indicators, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,777,611 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,581,859.

[0005] Lighting systems which illuminate the ground and areas around the doors to enhance the safety of vehicle occupants are incorporated into exterior rearview devices and are well known, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,287.

[0006] From EP 2106970 an interior rearview arrangement is known which provides ambient light arising from behind a reflective portion of a rearview element. This arrangement provides a bezel-less design which minimizes the space required and meets certain design criteria for improving the appearance for the driver.

[0007] For all these purposes, in order to meet the demand for high brightness, low power consumption and ease and flexibility of their installation, different types of light sources and guides have been identified, some of which are described in EP Patent No. 3138734 and EP Patent No. 3061587.

[0008] Also, a specular reflective element with a heater pad including a conductive pathway is described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0221505. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0221505 describes a mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview assembly for a vehicle including a reflective element and a heater pad. The heater pad includes a heater pad substrate having a plurality of conductive pathways established therein. The heater pad substrate is disposed on a rear surface of the reflective element. The conductive pathways may include (i) a heating pathway, (ii) first and second electro-optical control pathways, and / or (iii) an accessory control pathway.

[0009] US Patent Application No. 2017327167 discloses a method for manufacturing an automotive mirror, in particular a side mirror, comprising forming a printed substrate as a flexible printed circuit board having n+1 branches, nεN, providing n modules each including at least one electrical element, connecting up to n branches to one module and connecting one branch to a power source and / or to a cable or cable harness that connects to a control unit external to the mirror.

[0010] The rearview device is highly visible to the vehicle driver. State-of-the-art external rearview devices typically have a black or colored bezel surrounding the rearview element. Typically, the rearview element is not attached to the bezel, but to a mounting plate that allows the rearview element to be adjusted to suit the vehicle driver's needs. The actuator only moves the rearview element when adjusting the rearview element to suit the vehicle driver's needs. Thus, there is no space between the bezel / housing and the rearview element. "Additional space would be required behind the rearview element, leading to loss of installation space, and nothing can be placed there. Typically, the actuator adjusts the rearview element within an angle of at least 8 degrees and no more than 12 degrees. This further leads to electronics and other components placed behind the rearview element being exposed to environmental conditions."

[0011] Furthermore, rearview devices usually incorporate several separate modules to provide different functions, such as light modules, heating pads, etc. This results in a mirror assembly with many components and high manufacturing costs.

[0012] As a result, there is a need for a rearview mirror assembly with improved space utilization so that additional functions can be provided and elements can be integrated to provide additional functionality to the vehicle operator and others.

[0013] It would therefore be advantageous to take advantage of the high visibility location of the rearview device to provide additional important information to the driver, particularly when using an enclosed rearview device integrally formed from its components and moving the entire rearview device to the driver during adjustment of the rearview device, thereby eliminating the need to leave additional space previously required for adjusting the rearview element and allowing installation of additional components and features in the rearview device directly behind the rearview element and / or attached to the bezel. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A multi-function rearview device for use in a vehicle includes a rearview element including at least one of a reflective element, a camera, and a display element, a bezel formed on an outer portion of the multi-function rearview device surrounding the rearview element, an interior space formed within the bezel, and at least one of one or more light assemblies disposed at least partially within the interior space of the bezel, the rearview element being attached to at least one of the bezel and the housing configured to be mounted on the vehicle and movable relative to the vehicle.

[0015] The bezel may be made of a plastic substrate that is at least one of tinted, textured, clear, and coated. The coating of the bezel may be at least one of a decorative coating, an Advanced Surface Technology (AST) surface coating, and a Spectral Control System.

[0016] The bezel may be formed or molded from a polymeric substrate. The bezel may be transparent and may include a chrome-based coating to conceal one or more light assemblies below the bezel until illuminated.

[0017] The chromium-based coating is an alloy of chromium with a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals, the alloy having a crystal structure of a first order body-centered cubic phase coexisting with a second order omega hexagonal close-packed phase.

[0018] The one or more light assemblies may include at least one light indicator including a direction indicator, an approach light, a strong brake signal, an emergency brake signal, a logo light, a puddle light, a human machine interface (HMI), a blind spot indicator (BSI), a charge indicator status, a vehicle mode, a sport mode, an economy mode, an autonomous driving mode, a sleep mode, a vehicle lock, a vehicle theft, a warning signal, a temperature or weather indicator, a traffic light signal, a fuel status, an emergency indication for an emergency vehicle including a police vehicle, a doctor vehicle, an ambulance, or a traffic maintenance vehicle, a vehicle communication, a handshake, a connection indicator, and a hazard light. One or more light function indications may be provided. The one or more light assemblies may each include at least one of a printed circuit board, a light emitting diode, an integrated lens, a self-charging illuminating material, a flexible circuit board, a light bulb, and a lamp.

[0019] The light assembly may be configured to direct light to various locations on the bezel. The light assembly may be configured to direct illumination with different characteristics to different locations on the bezel to provide different lighting function indications.

[0020] The multiple light assemblies may be configured to direct light having different characteristics to different locations on the bezel to provide different lighting function indications. The different light characteristics may be determined by at least one of light color, light intensity, and light pulse length.

[0021] The various positions of the bezel may include at least a position on the bezel above the rearview element, a position on the bezel below the rearview element, a position on the bezel facing the vehicle, and a position on the bezel not facing the vehicle.

[0022] The multiple light assemblies may include four light assemblies: a first light assembly disposed within an interior space of the bezel above the rearview device, a second light assembly disposed within an interior space of the bezel below the rearview device, a third light assembly disposed within the interior space of the bezel at a position facing the interior of the vehicle, and a fourth light assembly disposed within the interior space of the bezel at a position not facing the interior of the vehicle.

[0023] The light assembly or assemblies may be placed directly on the plastic portion of the bezel without the use of a printed substrate, or using a surface mount, overmolding, conductive material, or printed material.

[0024] At least one of the conductor paths, electronic means, and one or more light assemblies can be applied directly to the bezel by at least one of injection molding (MID), conductive foil (IML), and laser direct structuring (LDS).

[0025] The one or more light assemblies may include an LED holder with an integrated connector that can be clipped into the interior space of the bezel. The one or more light assemblies may include at least one light source unit having at least one wire but not including a printed circuit board, a housing unit supporting the light source unit and provided with suitable means for at least one of holding and connecting, and a sealing means.

[0026] The one or more light assemblies may include a light source including at least one of an LED light, a light tape, a printed light, an optical light guide, a lamp, a light source including a luminescent electrically charged material, an electrically charged cell, a solar cell, or a light source including a battery.

[0027] The multi-function device may include one or more light assemblies configured to direct a plurality of different colors of light across a surface of the bezel so that the entire bezel can have one color at a time, and configured to provide a plurality of different colors of light to different zones of the bezel so that different zones of the bezel can have different colors at a time.

[0028] The housing, reflective element, and bezel ensure that the multifunction device is sealed from the outside environment and is protected from dust. , water, or moisture. The multi-function device may further include a light diffuser disposed within the interior space of the bezel.

[0029] The multi-function rearview device may be operatively connected to an actuator, which may be located outside the housing. The multi-function rearview device may be operatively connected to the actuator by self-docking or direct contact.

[0030] The actuator may move the multi-function device including the entire housing, not just the rearview element. The actuator may be configured for rotational and / or translational movement.

[0031] The multi-function device may further include a foot adapted to be secured to a vehicle, the housing having the bezel being movable thereon. The foot may provide at least one spherical seat for the housing.

[0032] The housing may include an upper portion and a lower portion, and the bezel may be attached to both portions. The bezel may be fixed, adhesively attached, removably attached, or clipped to the housing.

[0033] The bezel may be attached to the housing along with at least one of one or more light assemblies and electronic means. The actuator may determine the light output of one or more light assemblies.

[0034] The actuator may use a LIN or CAN connection to determine the light output of one or more light assemblies. The multi-function device may further include a connection to a control unit of the vehicle to control at least one of one or more light assemblies, display elements, actuators, camera controls, or cleaning devices.

[0035] The multi-function device may further include at least one sensor, an output of the sensor controlling at least one of the one or more light assemblies, the display, and the actuator.

[0036] The sensor may be a camera. The multi-function device may further include a heater and / or a wiper for the rearview element.

[0037] The electronic means may be connected to at least one of one or more light assemblies, display elements, actuators, sensors, cameras, heaters, and wipers.

[0038] The electronic means and the bezel may form a unit. The multi-function device may further include an automatic light adjusting element. The multi-function device may further include a light sensor for controlling multiple light intensities or brightnesses.

[0039] One or more light assemblies may include at least one side marker indicator or parking light indicator. At least one or more lighting function indications may be provided. The multi-function device may further include a flexible circuit including one or more lighting elements, which may be attached directly to the flexible circuit.

[0040] The flexible circuit may further include a single connector control unit configured to control one or more lighting elements and to receive an external connector. The flexible circuit may further include an integrated heating pad configured to heat the rearview element.

[0041] The flexible circuit may further include an integrated temperature sensor. The flexible circuit may further include at least one of an integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® communication unit and antenna.

[0042] The flexible circuit may further include an integrated heating pad configured to heat the rearview element and flexing around a slot formed in the bezel. The bezel may include a light receiving portion configured to receive light to function as an indicator, in particular a side turn indicator.

[0043] The one or more lighting elements may be at least two lighting elements configured to project different colors of light to provide different functions. The one or more lighting elements may be at least four lighting elements configured to project different colors of light to provide different functions.

[0044] The various functions provided may include at least one or more light function indications including direction indicators, approach lights, strong brake signal, emergency brake signal, logo light, puddle light, human machine interface (HMI), blind spot indicator (BSI), charge indicator status, vehicle mode, sport mode, economy mode, autonomous driving mode, sleep mode, vehicle lock, vehicle theft, warning signal, temperature or weather indicator, traffic light signal, fuel status, emergency indication for emergency vehicles including police vehicles, doctor vehicles, ambulances, or traffic maintenance, vehicle communication, handshake, connection indicator, and hazard lights. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For purposes of illustration, certain embodiments of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of systems and apparatus consistent with the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain advantages and principles consistent with the present invention. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a rearview device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of the rearview device with line AA. [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the rearview device taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a light assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a rearview device and two examples of details of the rearview device. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an integrated flexible circuit including one or more lighting elements. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a rearview device including the integrated flexible circuit of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of another example of a rearview device including an alternative integrated flexible circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Before describing at least one example of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The drawings and description are provided to acquaint one of ordinary skill in the art with making and using the invention for which patent protection is sought. The invention is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced and carried out in various ways. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that for clarity and understanding, not all features of a commercial embodiment have been shown. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the development of an actual commercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present invention will require numerous implementations, specific decisions to achieve the ultimate goal of the commercial embodiment developer. While these efforts may be complex and time consuming, these efforts are routine for those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0047] It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. For example, the use of singular terms such as "a" is not intended to limit the number of items. Also, the use of relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "lower," "upper," "side," "corner," and the like are used in the description to clearly refer to the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the appended claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that any one of the features of the invention can be used separately or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the drawings and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the appended claims.

[0048] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of a rearview device 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the rearview device 100 includes a housing 110, a rearview element 120, and a bezel 130. The bezel 130 can be subdivided into a number of different zones 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D. By way of example, four different positions or zones 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D are shown. These different positions 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D provide different functions or combinations of different functions, such as indicators to the driver and others.

[0049] A multi-function rearview device bezel 130 with four or any number of separate zones 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D each having one or more or a combination of the following functions (monochromatic or multi-chromatic light sources): clear coating, AST coating, charging indicator, logo lamp, approach light side turn indicator, HMI / BLIS, vehicle mode (sport / economy), autonomous mode, sleep mode, vehicle lock, vehicle theft, warning signal, temperature / weather indicator, traffic light signal, heavy / emergency brake signal, fuel status.

[0050] The lights at different positions 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D may have different characteristics such as color, intensity, pulse length, etc., but may also be used to provide the same light simultaneously to illuminate all or part of the bezel 130. Legs may be connected to the rearview device 100.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an example of a rearview device 100 highlighting the line AA used in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the rearview device 100 along line AA shown in FIG. 2. The rearview element 120 in this example is a glass substrate with a reflective coating on the inner surface. A light assembly in the form of an LED light strip 140 is attached to a diffuser 150. The diffuser 150 is attached to a bezel 130. The bezel 130 is a multi-function external glass bezel 130 with an integrated clear chrome-based coating to function as a bezel molding for a vanity mirror. A painted portion 115 of the housing 110 is shown, which may be a scalp paint.

[0052] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light assembly 200. The light assembly 200 in this example includes a connector 210, a PCB board 220, an LED 230, one or more lenses 240, and at least one filter 250. The light assembly may be disposed in an external housing 260.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rearview device 100 and a diagram showing two examples of details of the rearview device 100. 5 and details of the rearview device 100, the light assembly 200 according to FIG. 4 may be located inside the rearview device 100. An external connector 210A is shown for controlling and providing power to the light assembly 200. The rearview device 100 includes a multi-function exterior mirror glass bezel 130, one shown without and one with an integral lens 240.

[0054] In accordance with the foregoing examples, the present description provides a multi-function rearview device 100 for use in a vehicle, including a multi-function rearview element 120, a housing 110, and a bezel 130. The housing 110 may be configured to be mounted to the vehicle and movable relative to the vehicle when mounted to the vehicle. The rearview element 120 may include at least one of a reflective element and a display element, and is mounted to at least one of the housing 110 and the bezel 130.

[0055] The housing 110 can be made from a single piece, or may include a top and a bottom with the bezel 130 attached to both pieces. The bezel 130 may be formed in an outer portion of the housing 110 surrounding the rearview element 120 and may include an interior space formed within the bezel 130 and at least one of the one or more light assemblies 200 and one or more electronic means disposed within the interior space of the bezel 130. The bezel 130 may be formed as one integral piece or may be formed from multiple segments 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D, such as two segments including a top and bottom, four segments 130A, 130B, 130C, 130D including four sides, or any number of segments.

[0056] The bezel 130 can be formed or molded from any type of glass. Glass is used herein to mean a non-crystalline amorphous solid that exhibits a glass transition when heated toward a liquid state. Polymeric substrates are particularly suitable due to their light weight, cost effectiveness, and durability. The bezel is removable and replaceable with a standard non-illuminated bezel, which can be removed and replaced with a bezel that provides illumination and indication. Non-illuminated bezels may be opaque, transparent, light-transmitting, or translucent. Similarly, illuminated bezels may be opaque, transparent, light-transmitting, or translucent.

[0057] The bezel 130 may be molded to include a recess on its inner surface to accommodate at least one or more light assemblies 200, one or more electronic means, and other internal structure of the rearview device 100.

[0058] The bezel 130 may include a clear or coated surface with a colored surface finish, and it or the space beneath it may be used to house at least one optoelectronic device and at least a portion of other functionality within the rearview device, such as an internally incorporated heater or wiper.

[0059] Bezel 130 may be configured to be fixed, glued, clipped, or removably attached to housing 110 in any manner. A transparent material or surface coating may be used to transmit light from one or more light assemblies 200 in the rearview device 100 to the outside, such as the driver of the vehicle, or other persons or sensors viewing the rearview device 100. For example, a transparent bezel 130 including a chrome-based coating may be used, such that the light assemblies 200 below the bezel 130 can be hidden from an outside viewer until illuminated.

[0060] The chromium-based coating may be an alloy of chromium and a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals, the alloy having a crystal structure of a first order body-centered cubic phase coexisting with a second order omega hexagonal close-packed phase.

[0061] The multi-function device or bezel 130 may include only one light assembly 200 or multiple light assemblies 200. The one light assembly 200 or multiple light assemblies 200 may be configured to direct light to different locations on the bezel 130 and provide different light characteristics at different locations on the bezel 130 to provide different light function indications. These different characteristics may include at least one of the color of the light, the intensity of the light, and the pulse length of the light.

[0062] The coating may interfere with various light applications. To allow the light to be shaped according to various needs, a portion of the bezel surface may be left free of coating or the coating may be removed later to form a special shape. The lens 240 may be molded directly into this or other portion or added later. This allows, for example, a company logo to be projected onto the ground when no coating is applied or when the coating is removed from the bottom of the bezel 130.

[0063] The different positions of the bezel 130 may include at least a position 130A on the bezel 130 above the rearview element 120, a position 130C on the bezel 130 below the rearview element 120, a position 130B on the bezel 130 facing the vehicle, and a position 130D on the bezel 130 not facing the vehicle. Within each position, a single light assembly 200 may be disposed within the interior space of the bezel 130. For example, a first light subassembly 200 may be disposed within the interior space of the bezel 130 above the rearview device 120, a second light assembly 200 may be disposed within the interior space of the bezel 130 below the rearview device 120, a third light assembly 200 may be disposed within the interior space of the bezel 130 at a position on the bezel 130 facing the vehicle, and a fourth light assembly 200 may be disposed within the interior space of the bezel 130 at a position not facing the vehicle.

[0064] Alternatively, the bezel 130 can be subdivided into multiple locations to provide multiple different light functions, and multiple different light subassemblies 200 can be positioned at multiple locations within the interior space of the bezel.

[0065] The one or more light assemblies 200 may include a light source 230 having at least one of an LED light, a light tape, a printed light, an optical light guide, or a lamp.

[0066] The one or more light assemblies 200 or electronic means may be disposed directly on the plastic part or bezel 130 without using a printed circuit board 220. One or more conductor paths connect different parts of the one or more light assemblies and the electronic means and may also be connected to other electrical systems inside and outside the rear-view device 100. Alternatively, the plastic part or bezel 130 may be molded around the conductor paths, the one or more light assemblies 200 or the electronic means. At least one conductor path, the electronic means and the one or more light assemblies 200 may be applied directly to the plastic part or bezel 130 by one or more of injection molding (MID), conductive foil (IML) and laser direct structuring (LDS).

[0067] The one or more light assemblies 200 may also include an LED holder with an integrated connector 210 that can be clipped into the interior space of the bezel 130 . The one or more light assemblies 200 may also include at least one light source unit 230 having at least one wire, a housing unit without a printed circuit board, designed with suitable means for supporting and holding and / or connecting the light source unit, and a sealing means for protecting and sealing the LED from the environment.

[0068] One or more light assemblies 200 can be configured to direct multiple different colors of light across the surface of the bezel 130 so that the entire bezel can have one color at a time, and can be configured to illuminate different zones of the bezel with multiple different colors so that different zones of the bezel can be different colors simultaneously.

[0069] In one example, the light assembly may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 220, a light emitting diode (LED) 230, and an integrated lens 240. The light resulting from one or more light assemblies 200 of different embodiments can be used to provide at least one or more lighting function indications at different locations including direction indicators, blind spot indicators, approach lights, strong braking signals, emergency braking signals, logo lights, puddle lights, human machine interface, charge indicator status, vehicle mode, sport mode, economy mode, autonomous driving mode, sleep mode, vehicle lock, vehicle theft, warning signals, temperature or weather indicators, traffic light signals, and fuel status.

[0070] In certain examples, at least some of the light may be directed toward the ground or toward another person or a sensor outside the vehicle to communicate information. The rearview device may further include a light diffuser disposed within the interior space of the bezel. The housing 110, reflective element 120, and bezel 130 of the rearview device 100 may be integrally formed such that the multifunction device 100 is sealed from the outside environment.

[0071] The multi-function rearview device 100 can be operatively connected to an actuator such that the actuator is disposed outside of the housing such that the actuator can move the multi-function device 100, including the entire housing 110, as well as the rearview element 120. The actuator can be configured to perform one or more different types of motion, such as rotational motion and translational motion.

[0072] The actuator may also be configured to determine the light output of one or more light assemblies 200. The rear-view device 100 includes a foot adapted to be fixed to a vehicle, relative to which the housing 110 having the bezel 130 is movable.

[0073] In one example, the legs provide at least one spherical seat for the housing 110 . In another example, the bezel 130 is attached to the housing 110 along with at least one of the one or more light assemblies 200 and the electronic means.

[0074] The rearview device 100 may include a connection to a vehicle control unit to control one or more of the light assemblies 200, the rearview elements 120, and / or the actuators.

[0075] The rearview device 100 may also include at least one sensor, the output of which may be used to control at least one of one or more light assemblies 200, reflective elements 120, actuators, or other functions and systems, such as heaters or wipers.

[0076] The rearview device 100 may include one or more light assemblies 200, a rearview element 120, and a connection to a vehicle control unit for controlling at least one of the actuators. The sensor may be, for example, a camera.

[0077] The rearview device 100 may further include additional functions and systems, such as a heater or a wiper. The electronic means may be configured to control and connect one or more of the light assemblies 200, the display element 120, the actuators, the sensors, the cameras, the heaters, and the wipers. The electronic means may also form a unit together with the bezel 130.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an integrated flexible circuit 600 that includes one or more lighting elements 610. As shown in FIG. 6, the light and signal modules and sensors in the exterior door mirror are typically provided as individual module assemblies and connected to individual rigid PCBs using conventional wire harnesses. In a preferred example, the rearview device includes lighting, sensors, and heating functions, all of which are integrated into one flexible printed circuit / ribbon circuit 600 that is secured using adhesive to a surface of the rearview device, such as a glass surface that acts as a heat sink. The flexible circuit 600 provides all the peripheral mirror functions with LED lights and electronics, single point electrical connection to the mounting surface, and self-docking connections, while also providing flexibility to position the lights and sensors in the correct location. Thus, these peripheral electrical functions can be integrated into a fixed glass case bezel, and can be removed, assembled, or maintained in a simple operation using the rotating assembly movement of the glass carrier bezel.

[0079] In this example, the flexible circuit 600 may include one connector control unit 620 and a flexible heater pad or ribbon circuit 630 to which one or more lighting elements 610 are directly attached.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of an example of a rearview device including the integrated flexible circuit of FIG. As shown in Fig. 7, the rearview device 700 may include an integrated flexible circuit 600. As already described with reference to Fig. 6, the flexible circuit 600 includes one connector control unit 620 and a flexible heater pad or ribbon circuit 630 with one or more lighting elements 610 directly attached thereto. In this example, five lighting units are attached and point in different directions and may project different colored lights as described throughout this application. For example, a first light 610a projects blue light, a second and third light 610b, 610c project red light, and a fourth light 610b, 610c project red light. The light 610d projects a green light, the fifth light 610e projects a yellow light, and all the lights can change color and can be used for different functions. One connector control unit 620 can control all the functions on the bezel including all the lighting elements 610a-610e and the heating pad and temperature sensor 640. The connector control unit 620 may be configured to accept a harness with a connector 710, and preferably, more than one control unit 620 may be provided.

[0081] Thus, the case bezel 720 of the rearview device 700 may be provided as part of a single piece fixed glass bezel assembly with integrated lighting and other modules. The bezel 720 may include a light receiving portion 740 forming an integrated side turn indicator module, in this case receiving light projected by the fifth light 610e. A glass reflector 750 may be provided on the opposite side of the bezel 720, although it should be understood that the bezel 720 and flexible circuit 600 described are equally applicable for use in a camera surveillance system (CMS).

[0082] When providing an integrated flexible circuit / ribbon 600 with a one-piece fixed glass bezel assembly 700, one assembly is provided that consolidates all peripheral electric mirror functions into one easily repairable part, facilitating customer upgrades and reducing service costs. Electronics fixed to the flexible ribbon 600 may provide a mirror glass defrost heater element, utilizing the mirror glass as a heat sink. A single point electrical connector 620 integrated into the flexible circuit 600 provides electrical connection to the vehicle and can be connected using conventional electrical connectors or self-docking connectors when used in conjunction with the rotating bezel concept. This reduces packaging space and provides repeatable location / routing of multiple configurations.

[0083] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another example of a rearview device including an alternative integrated flexible circuit. Similar to the rearview device 700 of FIG. 7, the rearview device 900 of FIG. 8 includes a flexible circuit 800 having an integrated lighting element 810, an electrical connector 820, and a temperature sensor 840. The flexible circuit 800 may include an attached heater pad 830 formed as an appendage to the body of the flexible circuit 800. For example, the heater pad 830 may be attached to the body of the flexible circuit 800 by a narrower neck portion. This allows the heater pad 830 to be received in a slot 960 formed in the bezel 920 and to be positioned in an ideal location, such as around the bend in the slot 960 and behind the glass reflector 950. The flexible circuit 800 may also include a communication module 850, such as a bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, and an integrated antenna 860.

[0084] Similar to the rearview device 700, the rearview device 900 may be configured to receive a harness having a connector 910. The case bezel 920 of the rearview device 900 may be provided as part of a single piece fixed glass bezel assembly with integrated lighting and other modules. The bezel 920 may include a light receiving portion 940 forming an integrated side turn indicator module, in this case receiving light projected by the fifth light 810. A glass reflector 950 may be provided on the opposite side of the bezel 920, although it should be understood that the bezel 920 and flexible circuit 800 described are equally applicable for use in a camera surveillance system (CMS).

[0085] This application also relates to a light assembly, a rearview device, and a light module for a light assembly, for an exterior rearview device for a vehicle, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 256,540, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Regarding.

[0086] A light module for a light assembly of an external rearview device may comprise a light source unit with at least one wire suitable for electrical connection with a printed circuit board of the rearview device, in particular the light assembly. The light module further comprises a housing unit supporting the light source unit and is provided with connection and / or holding means suitable for attachment to at least a part of the rearview device, in particular the housing part. The light module further comprises sealing means suitable for a water- and dust-proof connection between the light module and the at least one component.

[0087] The light source unit preferably includes an optoelectronic component electrically connected to a wire, an emitting surface preferably provided by a transparent and / or translucent resin in which the optoelectronic component is embedded, and a light source housing contained in or attached to the housing unit.

[0088] Furthermore, preferred examples may be characterized in that the housing unit together with the light source housing and / or the sealing means may be formed, for example by hot embossing or 2K injection molding.

[0089] The housing unit may be formed with through holes for each wire, and / or the housing unit may be formed with a receiving structure for the light source unit, and / or the housing unit may be formed with connecting and / or retaining means such as a plug or snap connection.

[0090] The connecting and / or retaining means may include at least two snaps, each snap being provided with a stop element, in another example one snap may be used, in another example three snaps may be used, in another example four snaps may be used or any number of snaps may be used.

[0091] Further, the sealing means may be disposed around the periphery of the housing unit or may form a periphery of the housing unit in the area supporting the light source unit. Additional examples may feature that one or more light source units may be supported by the housing unit and / or each light source unit includes an LED unit with one or more LEDs. In another example, at least two light source units are used. In another example, at least three light source units are used, and any number of light source units may be used.

[0092] Additionally, the exterior rearview device light assembly may include side turn indicators, blind spot detection, logo lamps, door handle lights, and / or approach lights having at least one light module as described herein.

[0093] The light assembly may include at least one printed circuit board separate from the light module to which one or more wires are soldered and which provides a solder pad pattern.

[0094] The solder pad pattern may include at least one pad, and preferably two pads, for each light module, each pad being 3 mm 2 More than 5mm 2 and / or the two pads have a distance of at least 0.5 mm or an extension in length of at least 0.5 mm and / or a width of at least 0.5 mm and / or a solder-resistant compound is provided on the outside of the pads on the printed circuit board.

[0095] An electronic circuit board unit may be connected to each light module and a power source, and / or one electronic circuit board unit may be connected to two or more light source units, in particular the light source units are connected in series or in parallel.

[0096] The electronic circuit board unit may include at least one driver circuit for connecting directly or indirectly to a power source and at least one printed circuit board, preferably one printed circuit board for all light modules of the multiple light modules or a printed circuit board for each light module.

[0097] At least one plug connection may be provided for electronically and physically connecting the printed circuit board and / or the driver circuitry. The present invention may also provide an exterior rearview device for a vehicle, comprising at least one light module as described herein and / or at least one light assembly as described herein.

[0098] The emitting surface of the light module may be flush with the exterior surface of at least one housing portion to which the light module is attached via its connecting and / or retaining means. In another example, the emitting surface of the light module overlies or underlies the exterior surface of at least one housing portion to which the light module is attached, and many different overlies, flush, or underlies arrangements may be used.

[0099] The light module may be provided with multiple advantages by using three components in the form of a light source unit, a housing unit and a sealing means. First, it is noted that the light source unit, which may be an LED unit, may not have a printed circuit board, so that a solderless light source holder is provided, which reduces production costs. Also, the housing unit not only holds or supports the light source unit, but is provided with connection and / or holding means for facilitating the attachment of the light module to the rearview device, which also reduces production costs. Furthermore, the fact that sealing means are provided for waterproofing and dustproofing extends the life of the light module in the external rearview device.

[0100] To further save costs, it may be advantageous to form the housing unit together with the light source housing of the light source unit and / or the sealing means, such as with a 2K injection molding process.

[0101] Since the light module may not have its own, it can be connected to a remote printed circuit board, providing high flexibility in terms of mounting location within the external rearview device. Thus, a light assembly including a single printed circuit board connected to multiple electronic consumer units including the light modules described herein may have a very simple system architecture with a low amount of parts.

[0102] The printed circuit board of the light assembly may have a special solder pad pattern to improve heat dissipation and performance. For example, one light module of the present invention may be connected to two pads of said pattern with two wires with a minimum distance between the two pads of at least 0.5 mm, and / or each pad may have at least one extension of at least 0.5 mm in dimension. Furthermore, the printed circuit board may be covered with a solder-resistant compound on the outside of the solder pads.

[0103] When multiple light source units are connected in parallel to a light module, the amount of wires connected to the soldering pad patterns may be reduced compared to when each light source unit is disposed individually.

[0104] The external rearview device of the present invention may include one or more light modules for providing, among other things, side turn indicators, blind spot detection, logo lamps, door handle lights and / or approach lights, each of these functions being realized by a light module, with all light modules connected to a single circuit board located remotely from the light modules, providing great flexibility with respect to the placement of the light modules within the external rearview device.

[0105] Each light module is provided with a sealing means to ensure that little water or dust can penetrate into the interior of the external rearview device, which is necessary to ensure a long lifespan. This application also relates to an electronic device configured for use in an automotive rearview system, and a rearview system including such an electronic device, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15 / 256,532, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0106] The improved rearview device for a motor vehicle, configured for use in a rearview device for a motor vehicle, comprises at least one housing device with at least one bottom and a cover part arranged or arrangeable on the bottom, which in the combined state defines an at least almost completely closed cavity with at least one first holding means of the holding unit, via which the housing device can be fixed or is fixed in or on the rearview device. At least one electronic module comprising at least one conductor unit and at least one contact means connected to the conductor unit, is arranged on a surface of the bottom and / or cover part facing the cavity, the conductor unit having at least one carrier and at least one conductor path directly applied to the carrier. The contact means extending through the cover part by at least one protruding contact and / or extending through the bottom are accessible from the outside. At least one carrier of the at least one conductor unit is at least partially formed by a functional surface of the bottom and / or cover part adjacent to the cavity and rotating towards the cavity, the cover part and / or the bottom part with the at least one first holding means of the holding unit forming a common component.

[0107] Additional preferred examples of electronic devices are also described. At least one carrier of the conductor unit is at least partially formed by a functional surface of the base part and / or the cover part, so that the electronic device can be designed compactly with fewer components, which also reduces the assembly work.

[0108] Apart from the conductor paths, the conductor unit may also contain electronic components such as integrated circuits (ICs), capacitors, resistors, etc. These can also be arranged on the functional surfaces of the carrier, in particular on the bottom and / or cover parts.

[0109] The conductor unit may be designed like a board, without having a separate structure. In such a case, the conductor unit may be formed entirely on the functional surface. It is considered that the parts of the conductor unit can be attached to the functional surface as separate parts, without the conductor unit as a whole being formed by separate parts.

[0110] In a further development, the at least one carrier of the at least one carrier may be completely formed by a functional surface of the base part and / or the cover part. In such cases, the carrier of the electronic module formed as a separate component can be dispensed with entirely, when the functional surfaces of the base or cover part take over the functions of a carrier previously formed as a separate component.

[0111] Conductor paths applied to a carrier, e.g. a functional surface, can essentially be realized by conductor units formed as separate components. However, if the conductor paths are applied directly to the carrier, e.g. by injection molding (Molded Interconnect Devices (MID)), by conductive foils (Inmold-Labeling (IML)) and / or by Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) performed directly on the carrier, e.g. to the functional surface, the electronic device can be designed compactly.

[0112] Furthermore, the number of housing devices and electronic modules arranged therein can be reduced if the electronic module comprises a plurality of conductor units and / or if the electronic module forms a common control unit for a plurality of electrical loads of the rearview device, each electrical load being functionally assigned or allocated to at least one conductor unit, in particular at least one main conductor unit comprising a driver circuit by which the conductor units functionally assigned to the electrical loads are individually and / or jointly controllable.

[0113] This allows electronic modules that previously operated separately to be combined independently of each other in a common electronic module. In this way, the number of housing devices allowed can also be reduced to a single housing device in which the common electronic module is arranged. This allows the rearview device to have a smaller configuration and a more compact design since it requires less space to accommodate the electronic devices.

[0114] The at least one holding unit may comprise at least one first holding means, which together with the cover part and / or the base part form a common component, such as an injection moulded part.

[0115] If the first holding means of the holding unit with the cover part or the bottom part form a common part, in particular an injection moulded part, the electronic device can be designed with fewer parts and the ease of assembly is further increased.

[0116] It has proven to be further advantageous if the housing device can be or is removably fixed in or on the rear view device by a holding unit, in particular by a first holding means, in particular by a rear grip, and / or if the first holding means comprises a latch element such as an external thread on the cover part or the bottom, a clip or a bayonet joint, and / or a screw or bolt element.

[0117] In a further development of the above-mentioned exemplary embodiment, it has proven advantageous if the holding unit comprises a second holding means comprising an internal thread, capable of interacting with a first holding means designed as an externally threaded section, which is fixed in or on the rearview device and includes a rear grip receiving means which interacts with the first holding means designed as a latch element, in particular fixed to a holding plate of the rearview device, and / or a receiving part of the first holding means designed as a screw or bolt element.

[0118] When manufacturing an electronic device, the individual components of the electronic module are mechanically placed on the cover part and / or the functional surface of the bottom part, where the tool used to assemble the electronic module configuration is moving parallel to the plane of the cover part and / or the functional surface of the bottom part, the plane being subtended by vectors in the x and y directions, When combining the individual components transversely to the plane, the tool moves along the z-direction. In order to keep the movements in the z-direction low, it has proven advantageous if the first holding means is fixed with a first end to an end of the cover part or the bottom part opposite the functional surface of the cover part or the bottom part and is arranged such that the second end extends in the direction of the functional surface, the first holding means being designed such that it extends without overlapping the plane of the functional surface and the second end has a distance from the plane of the functional surface.

[0119] For example, the first retaining means may be designed as a clip. In such a case, the retaining means designed as a clip may extend in the z-direction without protruding beyond the functional surface. This means that a wide assembly path of the tool used for assembly, which would be necessary for a retaining means protruding beyond the functional surface, can be prevented from damaging the retaining means.

[0120] If the first retaining means comprises an external thread, for example on a cover or bottom of the housing device, and the second retaining means comprises an internal thread, the electronic device can be easily and securely screwed into the rearview device without tools.

[0121] If the first retaining means includes a latch element and the second retaining means includes a receiving means that interacts with the latching means, the electronic device can be assembled by simply clipping the electronic device to the rearview device. Furthermore, in such a case, maintenance of the electronic device is also simplified, since the electronic device can be attached to the rearview device without tools or removed without tools by releasing the clip connection.

[0122] The electronic device may be connected to a power source if at least one protrusion of the at least one contact means and the externally accessible contact portion comprise at least one pin, in particular a plurality of pins, via which the electronic module is connectable or is connected to at least one power source and / or at least one electrical load.

[0123] Furthermore, in one example of the electronic device, the electronic device may include at least one energy storage portion disposed in the cavity of the housing apparatus and having the function assigned to the electronic module for storing and discharging electrical energy.

[0124] In such cases it is possible to maintain an energy storage unit independent of the power supply, for example to maintain the warning light function at least for a limited time, for example for peak balancing or to keep the stored energy available in the event of a power failure.

[0125] To simplify joining of the cover part to the bottom and to reduce the risk of tilting when joining the cover part to the bottom, the cover part and the bottom part may comprise cylindrical portions that allow them to slide into each other when joined. They may slide concentrically or telescopically, and the cover part may include edge sections that project radially relative to the cylindrical portion and extend completely around the outer surface of the cover part when the cover part and the bottom part are joined to form the end stop.

[0126] The round shape achieves an even distribution of the clamping force of the retaining unit and through the provision of a uniform, rounded contact area a good sealing surface is available. In a further development, the cover part and / or the bottom part may have a pot-like design, in which at least the cover part comprises an extensive base plate adjacent to the cylindrical part and extends transversely or inclined to the axis of the cylindrical part, with the functional surface being arranged on the side rotating towards the bottom and the contact part of the contact means being arranged on the side away from the bottom and surrounded by the cylindrical surface.

[0127] The bottom and cover parts are each designed with a cylindrical section, so that they can slide concentrically and elastically against each other when joining, making a uniform contact area available. In this way, the gap between the bottom and cover parts can be kept small. The electronic device may include at least one sealant arranged between the cover part and the bottom, in particular between the edge sections of the bottom and cover parts, so that the cavity of the housing device can be sealed with respect to the gap between the cover part and the bottom.

[0128] In this way, the ingress of moisture and dirt into the cavity is prevented, thereby reducing the risk of contamination or damage to the electronic module. The electronic device can be particularly easily assembled and disassembled for maintenance purposes if the bottom of the housing device comprises a one-piece element of the components, in particular a one-piece injection-molded part such as the retaining plate of the rear view device. In such a case, the individual components of the electronic device are preassembled and for final assembly, only the electronic module, the initial retaining means of the retaining unit and the cover part to which the sealant is fixed are screwed or glued to the bottom. In this way, the previously multiple individual electronic modules with the previously multiple housing devices are each formed by multiple separate components and can be assembled and disassembled in a single movement.

[0129] Furthermore, when the base, the cover, the first retaining means, and / or the second retaining means comprise plastic, the electronic device can be lightweight and economically manufactured. The electronic device can be designed as a light module, in particular for ambient lighting in a rearview system.

[0130] The rearview device may include at least one electronic device as described herein. The rearview device may include at least one reflective element and / or at least one camera. The combination of electronic devices and rearview devices is deemed advantageous in many ways.

[0131] Since the bottom part and / or the cover part comprise functional surfaces facing the cavity which at least partially form a carrier for the conductor unit, the electronic device can be designed with a reduced number of configurations.

[0132] The housing device can be arranged with a plurality of conductor units forming a common electronic module, so that the previous plurality of electronic devices can be arranged in a common electronic device, such as a common housing device, thus reducing the space that needs to be allowed in the rearview device.

[0133] Also described are a head section and rearview device that can be compactly designed as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 000,754, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0134] This object is achieved by the head section in that the housing section and the lid section tightly seal the hollow area towards the outside at least substantially all around.

[0135] The hollow area is enclosed towards the outside at least almost all around, so that the hollow area is protected from the ingress of dirt and moisture, which allows at least one electronic unit to be arranged in the hollow area without having to have a seal of its own, which allows a compact design of the head section to be created.

[0136] Generally, it is feasible to provide the electronic unit with its own housing, so that it can be arranged in the hollow area between the housing section and the lid section. However, it has been shown to be advantageous if the at least one electronic unit can be arranged or is arranged without a housing in the hollow area.

[0137] The housing section and the lid section can generally be connected to one another in any required manner. In one embodiment of the head section according to the invention, it is provided that the housing section and the lid section are lockable or locked to one another at the joint, so that they overlap and form an undercut relative to one another. If the lid section and the housing section form an undercut, a fixed connection of the two configurations can be easily realized. In particular, in such a case, the housing section and the lid section can be locked to one another without the use of tools, for example by means of a clip.

[0138] Generally, it is possible to create joints only in sections. Preferably, the joints are designed to be circumferential. It is feasible for the rearview means to be movable relative to the housing section. This is the case, for example, when the lid section and / or the housing section are at least partially made from a flexible, pliable material, such as a plastic film. However, the rearview means may also be locked relative to the housing section. In such a case, the rearview means may be set by adjusting the head section.

[0139] The rearview means may be separable from the lid section or may comprise a separate part. In such a case, the lid section may for example be glued or locked, for example by spraying a reflective coating on the lid section. However, in one embodiment of the head section according to the invention, it is provided that the lid section and the rearview means comprise a single-piece construction.

[0140] This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts in the head section. In general, it is possible to make the lid section disk-shaped. However, the lid section can be designed as a kind of clamp, in particular comprising a flat section with a rear view means and at least one edge section extending laterally or obliquely to the flat section. In such a case, the lid section can be locked to the housing section like a clamp with at least one edge section, where the edge section can either adjoin the housing section from the inside or grip the housing section from the outside.

[0141] The housing section and the lid section can be made from any material required. If the lid section and the rearview means comprise a composite single-piece construction, i.e. the rearview means is part of the lid section, it is advantageous if the lid section comprises a multi-piece construction, where it is shown that the flat portion comprises a first lid part, in particular a plastic part, and the edge portion comprises a second lid part, in particular a plastic part.

[0142] Generally, it is possible for a multi-part construction to include a dual part plastic section, however, if the lid section has some functionality, there may be an additional plastic part.

[0143] Due to the fact that the edge section may include another plastic part, such as a flat portion, the edge section is designed to form a tightly sealed seal. The electronic unit may include, for example, a lighting unit. Light from the head section generated by the lamp may be transmitted outwardly through a light window. In such a case, the electronic unit may include a repeatedly flashing light or illumination for the area immediately surrounding the vehicle.

[0144] In one embodiment, the housing section is provided to include a first housing part, in particular a plastic part, which is arranged directly in the hollow area and is in particular a colored first housing part that is essentially opaque and / or non-translucent, the first housing part including an opening in the area of ​​the optical window. Since the first housing arrangement is opaque and translucent, an attractive appearance can be obtained. Since the first housing part is provided with an opening, the light from the electronic unit can be transmitted to the outside.

[0145] In a further development of the latter embodiment of the invention, it is provided that an optical element, such as an optical fiber and / or an optical disk, can be arranged in and / or on the opening of the first housing part of the housing section to prevent penetration by dirt or moisture, and a housing seal can be or is arranged between the first housing part of the housing section and the optical element. Due to the housing seal being provided between the optical element and the opening of the housing section, the hollow area is tightly sealed towards the outside. As a result, no separate housing is required for the electronic unit.

[0146] As a complement or alternative to the provision of a housing seal, it has been shown to be advantageous if a second housing part, in particular a plastic part, is arranged on the surface of the first housing part, which faces away from the hollow region and which is essentially translucent and / or transparent at least in the region of the optical window, in particular in the region of the optical window designed as an optical element such as an optical fiber and / or an optical disk.

[0147] The second housing part is adjacent to the first housing part, in particular covering the opening in the first housing part towards the outside, so that no housing seal is necessary. The second housing part is translucent and / or transparent, so that light from the electronic unit, which is designed as a lighting unit, can be transmitted outwards from the hollow area of ​​the head section.

[0148] The rearview means may comprise reflecting means and / or display means such as a screen, in particular an LED or LCD screen. If the display means comprises a screen, the screen can be arranged on a flat part of the lid section. Furthermore, it is feasible to arrange the lid section, at least in the part where the LED or LCD screen is arranged, to be transparent and / or translucent and to arrange the screen next to the flat part of the lid section facing towards the hollow area.

[0149] The electronic unit may include a mounting feature for the rearview device, which allows for easy mounting of the rearview device. The mounting feature may be located on the top surface of the flat portion of the lid section facing towards the hollow area.

[0150] The installation arrangement may include an installation unit having at least one lighting means lockable or locked to the rearview means, thereby generating a directable or directed light beam that is at least approximately solely perceptible in a designated operating position by the driver of the vehicle and / or the control unit. The lighting means may include a coiled bulb, an LED or a laser.

[0151] by the driver of the vehicle and / or the control unit in the designated operating position at least Due to the fact that the rearview means can almost solely detect the light beam, the rearview means can be easily adjusted to a compliant position.

[0152] To allow light to escape, the housing section and / or the lid section, in particular the edge section, may comprise transparent and / or translucent areas through which the light beam emitted by the lighting means can pass outwardly at least largely unhindered.

[0153] Thereby, the light emitted by the lighting means is transmitted from the inside of the rearview device outwards and becomes perceptible from the outside, while at the same time being protected from environmental influences in the hollow area of ​​the housing.

[0154] The transparent and / or translucent areas can generally be designed in any manner required. The transparent and / or translucent areas may in particular comprise a recess throughout and / or a translucent and / or transparent material such as glass, in particular smoked glass, or plastic.

[0155] In general, it is feasible that the light beams emitted by the lighting means are sufficiently bundled to be perceptible almost singly in an operating position designated by the driver and / or the control unit of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the installation unit may comprise at least one optical element which is functionally assignable by the lighting means or which is assigned to the lighting means, and the light beams emitted by the lighting means may be at least bundled.

[0156] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a rearview device, such as an interior or exterior mirror for a motor vehicle, having at least one head section, in particular at least one of the above mentioned features. Finally, the object is achieved by a motor vehicle having at least one of the above mentioned features and / or at least one head part, in particular at least one of the above mentioned features, at least one rearview device.

[0157] Because the lid section and the housing section almost completely enclose the hollow area, electronic devices that do not require a housing can be provided in the hollow area, resulting in a compact design of the head section and the rearview device.

[0158] The present invention also provides a plastic substrate coated with a decorative coating as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 124,310, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, wherein the decorative coating comprises a spectral control system and a stress control system, the spectral control system being multiple layers and additionally comprising a protective layer, and the stress control system being at least a single layer between the spectral control system and the substrate.

[0159] The multiple layers of the spectral control system may be absorbing layers alternating with transparent layers, the optical thicknesses of the spectral control system being selected so that the decorative coating achieves a desired optical effect, and at least one layer of the stress control system has a compressive stress of such magnitude that the overall residual stress of the decorative coating is compressive when measured in the absence of an additional protective layer.

[0160] In order to understand the following discussion, it is important to understand what is meant by the phrase "desired optical effect" and the subsequent impact of determining the desired optical effect on the method of spectrally tailoring the decorative coating to provide a coated substrate having the desired optical effect. do.

[0161] The desired optical effect comprises the desired appearance of a surface or part of a surface of a product (when viewed from the front) that includes a coated substrate according to the invention. The desired optical effect is comprised of a combination of a desired transmitted color, a desired specular reflected color, and a desired diffuse reflected color, taking into account the combined effects of the decorative coating, the plastic substrate, and the presence or absence of a backlight. In this regard, the plastic substrate must be considered, since the substrate itself may be colored or transparent, may contain embedded particles to give the uncoated substrate a hazy appearance, or may have one or both of its (uncoated) surfaces with a texture that may be employed to provide a "brushed metal" appearance. It should be understood that while all of these characteristics contribute to the overall appearance of the final product, it is the decorative coating, specifically the spectral control system, that can be adjusted in the present invention to allow the achievement of the desired optical effect.

[0162] With respect to determining the desired transmitted color, the desired specular reflected color, and the desired diffuse reflected color (cp;pr), references throughout this specification to "color" refer to the 1976 CIE L * a * b * Measured L according to the spatial (or CIELAB) color model * , a * , and b * A color reference defined by, which is a roughly uniform color scale organized in a cube format. * and b * On the color axis, positive a * Value is red, negative a * Value is green, positive b * Value is yellow, negative b * The value is blue, and the vertical scale of lightness (or grayscale) is L * ranges from 0 (black) to 100 (white), making it possible to place the total color E at three points. * ) is (a * .sup.2+b * .sup.2) and is used to quantify the magnitude of a color without regard to lightness.

[0163] Additionally, references to "transmitted" and "reflected" color refer to the color of light after it has been transmitted through an object ("transmitted color") or after it has reflected off the surface of an object ("reflected color"). Furthermore, with respect to reflected color, "specular reflection" refers to the reflection of light from the surface of an object like a mirror, where light from a single incoming direction is reflected in a single outgoing direction, whereas "diffuse reflection" of course refers to the incoming light being reflected in a wide range of directions.

[0164] Thus, the spectral control system is ideally used to modify the spectral reflection and transmission to obtain the desired optical effect for the coated substrate. In particular, the optical thickness of the spectral control system is selected so that the decorative coating achieves the desired optical effect. In one form, the magnitude of the spectral transmission is controlled primarily by the total optical thickness of the absorbing layers in the spectral control system. However, both the reflected color and the transmitted color are controlled by the interference effect between the absorbing and transparent layers in the spectral control system. By controlling the optical thickness of all layers of the spectral control system, including both the absorbing and transparent layers as needed, this interference effect can be "tuned" to obtain the desired reflected and transmitted colors.

[0165] In a preferred embodiment, the optical thickness is first selected to achieve the desired transmission, which is controlled by the combined optical thicknesses of the absorbing layers. After establishing this goal, the optical thickness of the transparent layer, and the ratio of the thicknesses of the individual absorbing layers, are further refined using thin film modeling software (such as Tfcalc.TM.) to obtain the desired reflected color through interference effects.

[0166] For example, a desired product may require a glossy black appearance in front of an illuminated display. This can be achieved with a decorative coating of a neutral reflective color with negligible diffuse reflected color. This is achieved by using a * =44, a * =0, b *= 0 and the desired transmission color, L * =25, a * =0, b * =0 appears as the desired specular color.

[0167] Taking this example further, using a CrZr alloy as the absorbing layer, the total thickness of the absorbing layer to achieve a %T of about 14% can be about 16.4 nm. To achieve the desired interference, a four-layer stack can be used such that the total thickness of the absorbing layer is split into two layers of 9.7 nm and 6.7 nm, with the thicker layer deposited first. A SiO2 transparent layer can then be used to split the two absorbing layers, on top of which the final SiO2 layer is deposited. In this example, a spectral control system is used that includes CrZr / SiO2 / CrZr / SiO2, where the thickness of the SiO2 layer in combination with the CrZr layer is then optimized via a thin film modeling program to achieve the desired reflected color.

[0168] In this regard, it should be understood that the "optical thickness" is a dimensionless measure of the degree to which a given material retards the passage of light, derived from the multiplication of the complex refractive index and the distance traveled by a light beam through the material. It is also called the optical path length. The complex refractive index is a number composed of a real part (defined as the refractive index) and an imaginary part (defined as the extinction coefficient). It is understood that for any layer of material, the optical thickness (t) is defined as the refractive index of the material (n) multiplied by the physical thickness (d) of the layer, normalized at the wavelength of operation for the curvature of this wavelength. Thus, by way of example, the optical thickness can be calculated using the refractive index at a wavelength of 550 nm. For example, Chromium with a physical thickness of 50 nm:n550=3.17 corresponds to an optical thickness of 0.288, while SiO2 with a physical thickness of 100 nm:n 550 = 1.455 corresponds to an optical thickness of 0.265.

[0169] It should also be understood that references throughout this specification to an "absorbing layer" are references to a layer comprising a material or mixture of materials having a measured optical extinction coefficient greater than 1 in the spectral range of 400 nm to 1000 nm inclusive. Additionally, it should be understood that references throughout this specification to a "transparent layer" are references to a layer comprising a material or mixture of materials having a measured optical extinction coefficient less than 1 in the spectral range of 400 nm to 1000 nm inclusive.

[0170] When utilized in the decorative coatings of the present invention, a protective layer is applied on top of the spectral control system (hence becoming the outermost layer) to enhance abrasion resistance, fingerprint resistance, and "easy clean" functionality. Suitable materials for such a protective layer may be plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) with or without particulate additives for haze control (matt additives), fluoropolymer-based coatings deposited by evaporation or liquid transfer techniques, or liquid hard coats applied by spin, dip, spray, or flow coating techniques.

[0171] If a protective layer is used, it forms part of the spectral control system (and part of the decorative coating) and similarly must be considered for its influence on the desired optical effect. Indeed, in those forms of the invention in which a protective layer is employed, this results in the combined optical thickness of the protective layer and the absorbing and transparent layers being selected so that the decorative coating achieves the desired optical effect.

[0172] As mentioned above, in the case of the absorbing layers of the spectral control system, these are layers comprising a material or a mixture of materials having an optical attenuation coefficient measured in the metallic spectral range of 400 nm to 1000 nm that is greater than 1. Preferably, these materials are metals, semi-metals, metal alloys, or mixtures thereof, having a refractive index such that the sum of the refractive index and the attenuation coefficient is greater than 2, while maintaining an attenuation coefficient greater than 1. In the case of the transparent layers of the spectral control system, also as mentioned above, these are layers comprising a material or a mixture of materials having an attenuation coefficient measured in the metallic spectral range of 400 nm to 1000 nm that is less than 1. Preferably, these materials are metals, semi-metals, metal alloys (or mixtures thereof) having a refractive index such that the sum of the refractive index and the attenuation coefficient is less than 3, while maintaining an attenuation coefficient less than 1. (a mixture of

[0173] In this form, the spectral control system is an interference system composed of alternating layers of materials of different refractive index, ideally with a relatively high refractive index contrast between adjacent layers. In this regard, such refractive index contrast can be achieved by selection of transparent layers of a material having an appropriately low refractive index and absorbing layers of a material having an appropriately high refractive index. In this regard, the refractive index difference should be as large as possible to reduce the overall film thickness required to produce the desired reflected color. It is desirable to use low refractive index materials with the lowest possible thickness of material practical.

[0174] With this in mind, suitable materials for the absorbing layer may be selected from the group of metals, semi-metals, and metal alloys including chromium, aluminum, titanium, nickel, molybdenum, zirconium, tungsten, silicon, niobium, tantalum, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, silver, zinc, indium, germanium, tin, and mixtures thereof, and oxides, nitrides, borides, fluorides, or carbides thereof, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, at least one layer is chromium, or a chromium mixture such as Cr-Zr, Cr-Ni, or Cr-Mo, or a carbide or nitride thereof such as Cr-N.

[0175] Suitable materials for the transparent layer may be selected from the group of metals, semi-metals, and metal alloys including boron, silicon, germanium, antimony, tellurium, polonium, niobium, zirconium, magnesium, tin, tantalum, aluminum, chromium, titanium, and mixtures thereof, and their oxides, nitrides, borides, fluorides, or carbides, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, at least one layer is formed from an oxide such as SiO2.

[0176] A preferred deposition method that can be adopted to apply the multiple layers of the spectral control system to the stress control system can also be selected from a suitable vacuum deposition system such as thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation (with or without ion beam assistance), or sputter deposition. Sputter deposition is the preferred method. Also, the surface of the plastic substrate may first be subjected to a surface treatment to improve the adhesion between the stress control system and the spectral control system. The surface treatment may be selected from any of plasma discharge, corona discharge, glow discharge, and UV radiation.

[0177] The preferred optical thickness of each layer of the spectral control system will, of course, depend on the desired optical effect. Thus, it is expected that there will be different combinations of "preferred optical thicknesses" for different products. With this in mind, in a spectral control system that is a four layer stack, such as the example above, it is expected that the first CrZr layer will have a preferred physical thickness in the range of 2 nm to 40 nm. The second layer may have a preferred physical thickness in the range of 20 nm to 200 nm. The second layer may have a more preferred physical thickness in the range of 48 nm to 101 nm. The third layer may have a preferred physical thickness in the range of 2 nm to 40 nm. The third layer may have a more preferred range of physical thickness in the range of 6.7 nm to 25 nm. The fourth layer may have a preferred physical thickness in the range of 15 nm to 200 nm. The fourth layer may have a more preferred physical thickness in the range of 15 nm to 40 nm.

[0178] Returning now to the description of the stress-controlled system, as mentioned above, the stress-controlled system is ideally composed of one or more layers of a material capable of ensuring that the overall residual stress of the decorative coating is compressive (when measured without the additional protective layer), but is compatible with the plastic substrate. In this respect, a "compatible layer" will be one that exhibits good adhesion to the plastic substrate.

[0179] In this regard, it has been found that in this stress range, the coated substrate performs well through durability tests such as salt spray, thermal shock, dry heat, soaking, and humidity testing. Throughout this specification, this range is referred to as the "desired stress window." However, alternative ranges of the desired stress window are less than -6 MPa, or less than -63 MPa, or less than -76 MPa, or less than -100 MPa, or less than -110 MPa, or less than -112, or less than 160 MPa. Additionally, the lower limit of the stress window is greater than or equal to -360 MPa, greater than or equal to -359 MPa, greater than or equal to -300 MPa, greater than or equal to -250 MPa, or greater than or equal to -200 MPa. Further combinations of these ranges are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, the stress window may be greater than or equal to -300 MPa and less than or equal to 0 MPa, greater than or equal to -300 MPa and less than or equal to -63 MPa, greater than or equal to -300 MPa and less than or equal to -75 MPa, greater than or equal to -300 MPa and less than or equal to -110 MPa, or greater than or equal to -250 MPa and less than or equal to 0 MPa, etc.

[0180] As discussed above, the stress control system is ideally used to balance the overall residual stress of the decorative coating such that the overall residual stress is maintained within a desired stress window. In this regard, when the total optical thickness of the absorbing layer and the transparent layer (and protective layer, if present) is selected such that the spectral control system provides the desired optical effect, the stress control system should include a layer of an appropriate amount of compressive stress to maintain the overall residual stress of the decorative coating within the desired stress window.

[0181] The deposition method referred to that can be adopted to apply one or more layers of the stress control system to the plastic substrate can be selected from any vacuum deposition system, such as thermal evaporation, electron beam evaporation (with or without ion beam assistance), or sputter deposition, with sputter deposition being the preferred method.

[0182] The surface of the substrate may also be first subjected to a surface treatment to improve adhesion between the stress control system and the substrate. The surface treatment may be selected from the following: plasma discharge, corona discharge, glow discharge, UV radiation.

[0183] In one form, the stress control system can be tuned to achieve a desired stress window by optimizing the deposition parameters of one or more of its layers. These parameters include sputter power, gas pressure, nitrogen gas doping, and coating thickness. The stress can also be tuned to be more compressive (or less tensile) by introducing a thermal stress component via substrate heating or by performing a pretreatment process immediately prior to deposition of the stress control system. The interaction of the stress control system with the spectrum control system is complex, and tuning of the overall residual stress is ideally done in terms of the entire decorative coating being a complete coating "stack."

[0184] In this regard, the total residual stress is the measured stress profile (without protective layer, if such protective layer is utilized) of the stress-controlled system and the spectrum-controlled system as a complete laminate deposited on a glass microscope cover slide. The stress measurements were taken by measuring the glass slide before and after deposition of the coating with a stress measurement device (Sigma Physik This can be obtained by inserting it into a 3.5mm casing (such as SIG-500SP).

[0185] Typically, there is little room to adjust the stress in the spectral control system, since the layers must maintain a nearly perfect (and consistent) composition to achieve the desired optical effect, meaning that the resultant stress in the spectral control system tends to be uncontrollable and be tensile or sometimes slightly compressive. It is therefore the stress control system that is adjusted to bring the overall residual stress of the decorative coating into the desired stress window. For example, if the spectral control system is highly tensile, the stress control system must be adjusted to achieve the desired stress window. To achieve this, the stresses are compressive and need to be of a greater magnitude.

[0186] The stress control system is preferably a single layer of a material that produces a high level of compressive stress when deposited. A material known for its compressive stress is SiO x , SiO x N y , CrN x , NbO x , TaO x , and ZrO x and preferably, x and y are both between 0.1 and 2.0.

[0187] The stress control system may be a multi-layer system, which may be necessary if the preferred stress control layer is not compatible (shows poor adhesion) with the substrate. In this case, a compressible or slightly stretchable compatible layer is deposited on the substrate, and then a highly compressible layer is deposited on top. An example of a multi-layer system may be CrN / Nb2O5. Such a multi-layer stress control system is expected to obtain a highly compressive stress compatible with the substrate.

[0188] Thus, if it becomes necessary to change the desired optical effect to another desired optical effect, such as by selecting different optical thicknesses for either or both of the absorbing and transparent layers of the spectral control system to raise a different color, an accompanying change in the stress control system may also be required to ensure that the overall residual stress of the decorative coating is maintained within the desired residual stress window.

[0189] Accordingly, the present application also provides a method of applying a decorative coating to a plastic substrate, the decorative coating providing a desired optical effect to the coated substrate, the decorative coating including a spectral control system and a stress control system, the spectral control system being a plurality of layers optionally including a protective layer, the stress control system being at least a single layer, and the plurality of layers of the spectral control system being absorbing layers alternating with transparent layers, the method comprising: a) determining the desired optical effect; b) determining an appropriate spectral control system that provides the desired optical effect, with reference to the optical thickness required for the spectral control system; c) determining an appropriate stress control system having an amount of compressive stress such that the overall residual stress of the decorative coating is compressive when measured in the absence of the optional protective layer; d) coating the plastic substrate with a suitable stress control system; e) Coating the stress control system with an appropriate spectrum control system; f) Thereby forming a coated plastic substrate having the desired optical effect.

[0190] The plastic substrate of the present invention may be formed from any suitable plastic material. For example, the plastic substrate may be formed from a material selected from the group including polyacrylate, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, epoxy, phenol, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate, acetal, and mixtures thereof. Preferred plastic substrate materials include polycarbonate, poly(2,2'-dihydroxyphenylpropane) carbonate, polydiethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), polymethyl methacrylate, and polystyrene, or mixtures thereof. In a preferred form, the substrate typically has a physical thickness in the range of 0.1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm, and most preferably in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0191] Products having the decorative coating described herein may optionally include other coatings between the decorative coating and the substrate, such as the protective layers described above, that are part of the decorative coating's Spectral Coating System or by the decorative coating. In particular, in some embodiments, a hard layer may be provided between the decorative coating and the substrate. It is anticipated that it will be advantageous to include a hard coating in this form, which is a protective layer that does not contribute to the overall desired optical effect, although in other embodiments, the outer protective layer over the decorative coating is itself a hard coating.

[0192] In this regard, a coating called a "hard coating" is one that is harder and stiffer than the substrate, thereby improving the abrasion resistance of that substrate. Such abrasion-resistant hard coatings reduce damage caused by impacts and scratches. Abrasion resistance can be measured using ASTM F735 "Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics and Coatings Using the Vibrating Sand Method", ASTM D4060 "Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings", a Taber Abrasion Tester, or the well-known steel wool test.

[0193] Additionally, some plastic substrates may be damaged by certain solvents. For example, polycarbonate is damaged by acetone. For many products that may be suitable for the decorative coating of the present invention, they are required to have "chemical resistance", that is, the ability to withstand exposure to common solvents such as diesel fuel, petroleum, battery acid, brake fluid, antifreeze, acetone, alcohol, automatic transmission fluid, hydraulic oil, ammonia-based window cleaners, etc. In this regard, it should be understood that a hard coating would ideally provide such chemical resistance to the product having the decorative coating of the present invention.

[0194] The hard coating is preferably formed from one or more abrasion-resistant layers and may include a primer layer that bonds well to the plastic substrate and forms a favorable material for the subsequent abrasion-resistant layer. The primer layer may be provided by any suitable material, for example an organic resin such as an acrylic polymer, a copolymer of an acrylic monomer and methacryloxysilane, or a copolymer of a methacrylic monomer and an acrylic monomer having a benzotriazole group or a benzophenone group. These organic resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0195] [1] The abrasion resistant layer is preferably an organosilicon, acrylic, urethane, melamine, or amorphous SiO x C y H z The abrasion-resistant layer is formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: Most preferably, the abrasion-resistant layer is an organosilicon layer due to its excellent abrasion resistance and compatibility with physical vapor deposition films. For example, an abrasion-resistant layer comprising an organosilicon polymer can be formed by forming a layer of a compound selected from the following compounds by a method such as dip coating, and then curing the layer: The compound is: Trialkoxysilanes or triacyloxysilanes such as methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, methyltrimethoxyethoxysilane, methyltriacetoxysilane, methyltrippropoxysilane, methyltributoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, ethyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltracetoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxyethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, phenyltriacetoxysilane, gamma-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, gamma-chloropropyltriethoxysilane, gamma-chloropropyltripropoxysilane, 3-chloropropyltripropoxysilane, ,3,3-trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane, γ-(β-glycidoxyethoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane, β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltriethoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethyloxysilane, γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, N-β(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, β- cyanoethyltriethoxysilane, and dialkoxysilanes or diacyloxysilanes, such as dimethyldimethoxysilane, phenylmethyldimethoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, phenylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylphenyldimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylphenyldiethoxysilane, γ-chloropropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-chloropropylmethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldiacetoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, methylvinyldimethoxysilane, and methylvinyldiethoxysilane.

[0196] The abrasion resistant layer can be coated onto the plastic substrate by dip coating in a liquid followed by solvent evaporation, or by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) via a suitable monomer. Alternative deposition techniques such as flow coating or spray coating are also suitable. To improve the abrasion resistance of the hard coating, subsequent coatings of the abrasion resistant layer can be added, preferably within 48 hours, to avoid aging and contamination of the old coating.

[0197] The thickness of the abrasion-resistant layer is preferably selected to help provide suitable abrasion resistance.In this regard, suitable abrasion resistance is Bayer abrasion ratio 5 for uncoated plastic substrate (such as polycarbonate), or alternatively, haze δ of less than 15% in Taber abrasion test after testing with 500g load and 500 cycles with CS10F wheel (haze % measured according to ASTM D1003).When these requirements are met and organosilicon is used as the abrasion-resistant layer, the thickness of the hard coating is preferably in the range of about 1 micron to about 15 microns, and most preferably 3 microns to 7 microns.

[0198] Improved visual appearance can be achieved by patterning the substrate. For example, a pattern can be formed on the front surface of the substrate by using a patterned injection mold. An example of a desired optical effect is replicating brushed stainless steel, and it has been found that parallel lines of random length (1 cm to 5 cm) placed close to each other can achieve this appearance when subsequently coated with the present invention.

[0199] A further refinement to improve the visual comparison with brushed stainless steel is to incorporate a matte additive into the hard-coating protective layer applied to the patterned substrate. In this regard, it is known that the matte effect is achieved due to the uneven surface created by small (usually around 0.5 μm) particles of the matte additive. By modifying the protective layer by the addition of a matte additive to the hard-coat, a "satin" appearance can also be obtained. This is characterized by a significant diffuse reflection component (diffuse reflection of about 10% to 30%, preferably 16%, and specular reflection of about 8%).

[0200] In a further aspect of the invention, the decorative coating can be overcoated with a protective layer to further enhance abrasion resistance or aid in the cleanability of the coated product. For example, the protective layer may be formed from a material exhibiting properties including hydrophobic, hydrophilic, oleophobic, oleophilic and oleophobic properties or combinations thereof, and may include a hard coating as described above (with or without matte additives (particles)).

[0201] With respect to possible uses of the decoratively coated plastic substrates according to the present invention, as indicated above, the coated plastic substrates can be used in the interior and exterior trim of luxury automobiles. The materials can be used as designer surfaces for a variety of consumer goods, including system components, consumer and household items, as well as fashionable consumer electronic products, and partial or full surfaces of these items.

[0202] Coated plastic substrates can also, in the right circumstances, provide product lighting patterns, commonly referred to as "hidden until turned on" lighting, and backlighting in general. In this regard, by selecting the correct %R and %T, the desired optical effect can be achieved by allowing light to shine through the coating to produce a lighting pattern. However, if backlighting is not present, the visual appearance of the product will appear uniform, and therefore no visible pattern will be present.

[0203] It is also an object of the present invention to further develop known external rear vision devices that reduce size and cost while increasing functionality and efficiency, as described in European Application No. 16198759.9, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0204] This object is solved by means of a casing of the head assembly, in particular a leg of the base assembly which provides a spherical seat for the lower casing element, and by frame means which provide at least one spherical seat for the casing, being rigidly attached to the fixed part by the frame means or being included in the fixed part.

[0205] Depending on the application, the base assembly may include a mounting part for attachment to the vehicle, which carries a control system for the articulation assembly or to the articulation assembly, and / or which guides cables from the interior of the vehicle to the interior of the leg, and / or which closes the leg at its end opposite its spherical seat.

[0206] It is also proposed that the base assembly includes a carrier part for mounting the fixed part of the articulation assembly and / or the fixed part of the frame means, the carrier part extending from a spherical seat of the base assembly and / or the carrier part directing the cable from the inside of the leg through a cable outlet to the head assembly.

[0207] Furthermore, the invention proposes that the carrier part is arranged at least partially in the fixed part and / or that the carrier part is attached to the fixed part by means of a screw or clip connection and / or a bayonet attachment.

[0208] The frame means may comprise a support part which supports the fixed part of the joint assembly, preferably at least partially by surrounding the fixed part with the support part, in particular having a ring shape, and / or by a clip or snap connection.

[0209] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the frame means comprises a first spherical seat for the lower casing element of the casing and a second spherical seat for the upper casing element of the casing, preferably the first and second spherical seats of the frame means being provided by extensions arranged at both ends of the fixed part and / or on the sides of the support part facing away from the fixed part of the articulation means.

[0210] According to the invention it is proposed that the first spherical seat is provided by a first extension pointing away from the fixed part of the articulation means and a second extension towards the movable part of the articulation means, preferably the support part and the first and second extensions form part of a ring having a notch providing a rim facing towards the movable part of the articulation means.

[0211] It is preferred that the fixing means is provided with a cable outlet, the cable outlet of the fixing means being aligned with the cable outlet of the carrier part and / or the cable outlet of the fixing means being arranged to the side, facing away from the fixed part of the articulation means and / or the cable exiting the cable outlet of the fixing means is connected to at least one camera and / or at least one light unit arranged at least partially within the head assembly.

[0212] Furthermore, the invention proposes that the lower casing element has a first spherical seat which cooperates with the spherical seat of the leg and / or a second spherical seat which cooperates with the first spherical seat of the frame means, preferably the first and second spherical seats of the lower casing element being provided by a base of the lower casing element.

[0213] The lower casing element preferably has a mounting part fixed to the movable part of the articulation assembly, preferably the mounting part extends substantially perpendicular to a base of the lower casing element, and / or preferably the mounting part and the frame means are arranged on either side of a unit provided by the fixed and movable parts of the articulation means, and / or preferably the mounting part at least partially surrounds the movable part, and / or preferably the mounting part and the movable part are connected via a clip, plug and / or snap connection.

[0214] It is also proposed that the mounting part is provided with a partial ring for partially surrounding the movable part of the joint assembly, the partial ring being preferably provided by a cutout determined by the partial ring provided by the support part and the first and second extension parts.

[0215] The unit may be an actuator for a reflective element, in particular in the form of a mirror element, attached to a mounting. It is further proposed that the lower casing element holds the upper casing element and / or the camera and / or that a bezel is attached to the lower and upper casing elements, the bezel preferably surrounding the reflective element.

[0216] The head assembly of an external rear vision device, particularly in the form of a mirror head for an external rear view mirror, may be articulated inboard / outboard and up / down using articulation means around a spherical joint, particularly a glass actuator, with spherical seats between the parts that move relative to each other so that they can rotate about two mutually perpendicular articulation axes with a common articulation point. This allows for a significant reduction in mirror size, with a reduction in size of up to 30%, while ensuring that functionality for current end users is maintained. Furthermore, the unique layout of the internal mechanism with the spherical seats allows for improved packaging and performance.

[0217] The articulation assembly is also supported and protected against impacts using a spherical seat, in particular due to the arrangement of frame means between the articulation assembly and the casing of the head assembly. The casing, assembled from several casing elements, one of which is fixed to the moving part of the articulation assembly, improves weight distribution and reduces the overall housing front area of ​​the vehicle, improving aerodynamic performance and therefore providing greater fuel efficiency.

[0218] The pivot system used in the rear vision device of the present invention, with a single pivot point for two articulation axes, allows for mirror adjustment motion while providing dynamic mirror performance and mirror shock support.

[0219] Further, U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,433, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. As described in application Ser. No. 15 / 439,188, in another aspect, a mirror assembly includes a mirror housing, a reflective element having a first field of view, a reflective coating having a second field of view, the second field of view being wider than the first field of view, and a multi-function backing plate supported by the mirror housing and including a reflective element support area, the reflective element being supported by the multi-function backing plate and the reflective coating support area where the reflective coating is applied to the backing plate.

[0220] The reflective coating support area may be convex so that the reflective coating is convex and provides a wider field of view. The reflective element support region may include an opening for receiving the reflective element, and the reflective coating support region may be thicker than the reflective element support region.

[0221] The reflective coating may be a chromium-based reflective coating. In another aspect, the description relates to a backing plate or polymer substrate that is coated with a reflective coating, such as a chromium-based reflective coating.

[0222] The present description also provides a chromium-based reflective coating for a backing plate or polymer substrate, the coating being an alloy of chromium with a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals, the alloy having a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase coexisting with a secondary omega hexagonal close-packed phase. In a preferred form of the invention, the alloy is a binary alloy of chromium with the dopant material.

[0223] The present description also provides a method of forming a chromium-based reflective coating on a backing plate or polymer substrate, the method comprising applying chromium and a dopant material to the polymer substrate by physical vapor deposition, the dopant material being selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals to form an alloy coating, the alloy coating being applied to have a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase coexisting with a secondary omega hexagonal close-packed phase. In a preferred form of the invention, the alloy is applied to be a binary alloy of chromium and the dopant material.

[0224] In one embodiment, the at least one light emitting element is disposed on one side of the polymer substrate, and the polymer substrate and the chrome-based reflective coating are at least partially transparent to light originating from the at least one lighting element.

[0225] The polymeric substrates can be used in a variety of technical fields, such as the automotive industry, the advertising industry, or any industry that provides products with protective coatings that also provide light reflective and light transmitting properties.

[0226] The chromium-based reflective coating may be based on an alloy containing chromium. Chromium is one of the group 6 of transition metals and has a body-centered cubic (bcc) crystal structure. Incorporated as a major component in the preferred binary alloy of the present invention, which is an alloy of two major metal components, chromium is mainly used to contribute to the generation of a shiny, hard surface that is resistant to corrosion, thus providing the alloy with the desired properties of light reflectance, preferably R% greater than 50%, to find acceptable application in forming mirrors. It has a high melting point, a stable crystal structure and a moderate thermal expansion, making it an ideal major component for use in the harsh environmental conditions mentioned above.

[0227] The secondary component of the preferred binary alloy is a dopant material as described above, which herein is often referred to as M and is selected from hexagonal close-packed (hcp) transition metals. The hcp structure is The most common of the transition metals include the transition metals zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti), cobalt (Co), hafnium (Hf), rubidium (Ru), yttrium (Y), and osmium (Os). In this regard, some of these hcp transition metals, such as Zr, Ti, and Co, are actually easier materials to use and are preferred dopant materials for purposes of the present invention.

[0228] Because Zr is expected to be the most preferred hcp dopant material, the invention will be described herein primarily with Zr as the hcp dopant material, although this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0229] In a preferred form of the invention, the alloy is a binary alloy and the atomic percentage of the dopant material in the binary alloy is in the range of about 1.9 atomic % to about 5.8 atomic %, inclusive, however, within this broad range there may be narrower ranges relating to specific dopant materials, as further described below.

[0230] The introduction of small amounts of hcp dopant materials into chromium (a bcc transition metal) has been found to result in a range of alloy compositions having intermetallic crystal structures in which bcc and omega-hcp phases coexist, providing these alloys with additional advantageous properties (beyond those of chromium alone). In fact, careful selection of the amount of hcp dopant material relative to the amount of chromium can result in alloy compositions rising within a particular desired range, maximizing desirable properties (such as wear resistance) and minimizing undesirable properties (such as non-neutral color).

[0231] By way of explanation, it has been found that coatings according to the present invention change in phase composition as the elemental composition of the dopant material is increased from bcc only, to bcc plus omega-hcp, to bcc plus amorphous phase. The optical and mechanical properties observed in the coatings show corresponding changes with these changes in composition, with favorable optical and mechanical properties occurring when the phase composition is bcc plus omega-hcp. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the observed changes are due to changes in the electronic structure of the atoms and the crystal structures relative to one another.

[0232] Specifically, when the phase composition is bcc plus omega-hcp, the crystal structure of the coating exhibits d-orbital transitions, resulting in an increase in neutral color and relatively low reflectance, while the ordered crystal structure is relatively resistant to abrasion. By comparison, when an amorphous phase is present, d-orbital transitions are no longer observed, indicating that orbital hybridization between adjacent atoms partially fills the d-orbitals, correlating with less desirable lower reflectance. Furthermore, it was found that the low atomic packing density of such an amorphous phase results in a coating with reduced abrasion resistance, which is of course undesirable.

[0233] With this in mind, the general formula CrM xCalling the dopant material M, we find that the phase transition from bcc plus omega-hcp to bcc plus amorphous occurs at a value of x of about 0.06, which correlates up to about 5.8 atomic % for the dopant material Zr. The same transition is expected to occur for Ti and Co at roughly the same values ​​of x.

[0234] Unlike reflectance, it has been found that the color of the coating of the present invention does not show a trend change in the phase transition from bcc plus omega-hcp to bcc plus omega-hcp phase. Conversely, in the phase transition from bcc to bcc plus omega-hcp, a change in color of the coating of the present invention is observed when the value of x (in the general formula above) for Zr is about 0.05 (correlating to a lower limit of about 4.5%). This indicates that the onset of orbital hybridization of the electronic structure occurs at a concentration of Zr close to about 4.5 atomic % of the dopant material. However, the transition point for the same Co dopant material is found to be around 1.9 atomic %.

[0235] For illustration, and again using Zr as an exemplary hcp dopant material, at low concentrations, increasing the elemental composition of Zr increases the wear resistance. A maximum in wear resistance is observed at the transition from bcc to bcc plus omega-hcp, after which increasing the Zr concentration steadily decreases the measured wear rate. Indeed, CrZr x From the electron diffraction analysis of the coatings, two transition concentrations have been defined that represent the change from one phase composition to another. For Zr as a dopant material, these transitions are at approximately x=0.05 (bcc to bcc plus Ω-hcp) and 0.06 (bcc plus Ω-hcp to bcc plus amorphous). In this respect, the omega-hcp phase is understood to be a phase-shifting transformation from the bcc structure.

[0236] Thus, in one example, the alloy is a binary alloy, the dopant material is Zr, and the atomic percentage of the dopant material in the binary alloy is in the range of about 4.5 atomic % to about 5.8 atomic %.

[0237] In yet another form, the alloy is a binary alloy, the dopant material is Co, and the atomic percentage of the dopant material in the binary alloy ranges from about 1.9 atomic % to about 5.7 atomic %. In conjunction with the conclusions the inventors could predict (based on the similarity of the physical properties of all hcp transition metals) from the experimental work (described below) conducted with Zr and Co, and with a range of Ti, one skilled in the art will understand that the behavior of other hcp transition metals as dopant materials in the present invention is reasonably expected to be the same or similar to that seen with Zr, Co, and Ti. Indeed, comparative experimental work (also described below) conducted with the bcc transition metal molybdenum (Mo) did not predict (and did not see) similar behavior due to the different physical properties of this transition metal, and tended to support these predictive conclusions regarding hcp transition metals.

[0238] Indeed, given that the physical properties of other hcp transition metals are similar to both Zr and Co, Ti, Hf, Ru, Y, and Os are expected to exhibit the same structure-forming capabilities in the Cr-based alloys of the present invention when their concentrations are within the range of about 1.9 at. % to about 5.8 at. %.

[0239] The coating may preferably be an ultra-thin coating, with a thickness selected to achieve a desired optical property, such as transmission and / or reflectance. For example, a coating is defined herein as a coating with a thickness of 200 nm or less. In one embodiment, the coating has a thickness of 100 nm. It is envisioned that the preferred thickness is in the range of 100 nm or less, or more preferably in the range of 40 nm to 80 nm, or more preferably in the narrower range of 50 nm to 70 nm. Ideally, the thickness is about 60 nm.

[0240] Preferably, the polymeric substrates of the present invention are formed by injection compression molding, although other methods known in the art such as compression molding, blow molding, reaction molding, and sheet casting may also be utilized and thus are within the scope of the present invention.

[0241] The polymeric substrate may be any known type of polymeric substrate material, such as a substrate formed from a material selected from the group including polyacrylate, polyester, polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polycarbonate, epoxy, phenolic, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, acrylonitrile-styrene-arylate, acetal, and mixtures thereof. Preferred Substrate Materials Examples of the polyolefin polymer include polycarbonate, poly(2,2'-dihydroxyphenylpropane) carbonate, polydiethylene glycol bis(allyl carbonate), polymethyl methacrylate and polystyrene, or mixtures thereof.

[0242] The polymeric substrate or backing plate supporting the coating of the present invention may include other coatings (pre-coatings) between the coating and the substrate, within the coating, or as an outer layer. In particular, it is anticipated that in some embodiments it will be advantageous to include a hard coating between the coating and the substrate, or as an outer coating. In this form, the hard coating is a protective layer that does not contribute to the overall desired optical effect, while in other embodiments, the outer protective layer over the decorative coating is itself a hard coating.

[0243] In this regard, a coating referred to as a "hard coating" is one that is harder and stiffer than the substrate, thereby improving the abrasion resistance of that substrate. Examples of hard coats are organosilicon, acrylic, urethane, melamine, or amorphous SiO x C y H zSuch abrasion resistant hard coatings reduce damage caused by impacts and scratches. Abrasion resistance can be measured using ASTM F735 "Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Transparent Plastics and Coatings Using the Vibrating Sand Method", ASTM 04060 "Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings", a Taber Abrasion Tester, or the well-known steel wool test.

[0244] The abrasion resistant layer is preferably an organosilicon, acrylic, urethane, melamine, or amorphous SiO x C y H z The abrasion-resistant layer is formed from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of: 1) SiO 2 , SiO 3 , SiO 4 , SiO 5 , SiO 6 , SiO 7 , SiO 8 , SiO 9 , SiO 10 , SiO 11 , SiO 12 , SiO 13 , SiO 14 , SiO 15 , SiO 16 , SiO 17 , SiO 18 , SiO 19 , SiO 20 , SiO 21 , SiO 22 , SiO 23 , SiO 24 , SiO 25 , SiO 26 , SiO 27 , SiO 28 , SiO 29 , SiO 30 , SiO 31 , SiO 32 , SiO 34 , SiO 35 , SiO 36 , SiO 37 , SiO 38 , SiO 39 , SiO 38 , SiO 39 , SiO 38 , SiO 39 , SiO 39 , SiO 38 , SiO 39 , SiO 39 , SiO 31 , SiO 32 , SiO 34 , SiO 35 , SiO 36 , SiO 37 , SiO 38 , SiO 39 ...

[0245] The compound is a trialkoxysilane or a triacyloxysilane such as methyltrimethoxysilane, methyltriethoxysilane, methyltrimethylethoxysilane, methyltriacetoxysilane, methyltrippropoxysilane, methyltributoxysilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, ethyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltriethoxysilane, vinyltracetoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxyethoxysilane, phenyltrimethoxysilane, phenyltriethoxysilane, phenyltriacetoxysilane, gamma-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane, gamma-chloropropyltriethoxysilane, gamma-chloropropyltripropoxysilane, 3,3,3-trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane, gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, gamma-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane, gamma-(β-glycidoxyethoxy)propyltrimethoxysilane, β-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane, β-(3 ,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethylriethoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethyloxysilane, γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, γ-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, Nβ(aminoethyl)-γ-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, β-cyanoethyltriethoxysilane, and the like; and dialkoxysilanes or diacyloxysilanes, such as dimethyldimethoxysilane, phenylmethyldimethoxysilane, dimethyldiethoxysilane, phenylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylphenyldimethoxysilane, γ-glycidoxypropylphenyldiethoxysilane, γ-chloropropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-chloropropylmethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldiacetoxysilane, γ-methacryloxypropylmethyldimethoxysilane, γ-chloropropylmethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldiacetoxysilane, Examples of suitable silanes include silane, gamma-methacryloxypropylmethyldiethoxysilane, gamma-mercaptopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, gamma-mercaptopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, gamma-aminopropylmethyldimethoxysilane, gamma-aminopropylmethyldiethoxysilane, methylvinyldimethoxysilane, and methylvinyldiethoxysilane.

[0246] Precoated films also include inorganic oxides (silica, titania, alumina), thin metal films (such as Cr) that are prepared such that the precoated substrate has the desired surface energy, residual stress, coefficient of thermal expansion, conductivity, chemical functionality, etc., as required for a particular application of Cr-based alloy coatings.

[0247] Similarly, one skilled in the art will appreciate that an overcoating can be applied over the coating of the present invention. This overcoating may include a transparent coating for purposes such as mechanical strength, wettability, optical interference filters, modified coefficient of friction, etc. The overcoating may be a hardcoat or other protective layer as described above. Such protective layers enhance abrasion resistance, fingerprint resistance, and "easy to clean" features. Suitable materials for such protective layers may be plasma polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), with or without particulate additives for haze control (matt additives), fluoropolymer-based coatings deposited by evaporation or liquid transfer techniques, or liquid hardcoats applied by spin, dip, spray, or flow coating techniques. In one embodiment, when the polymer substrate is used as a housing for a rearview device, the overcoating is transparent to light from the optical element and may have the same color as the rearview device and the rest of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the color may be different from the rest of the vehicle.

[0248] In a preferred form, the physical vapor deposition technique employed in the method of the present invention is based on magnetron sputtering, which may be from a primary alloy target or using a co-sputtering process involving two targets made from each component of the alloy. It will be appreciated that alternatively, the preferred alloys may be deposited using thermal or electron beam evaporation of the respective alloy components.

[0249] Due to the nature of the polymer substrate, conventional temperature treatments (during or after deposition) cannot generally be employed to modify the properties of the alloy coatings of the type of the present invention, but it should be understood that this ultimately depends on the polymeric material of the polymer substrate. In the coatings of the present invention, the inventors have found that the phase composition of the preferred alloys changes as the elemental composition of the dopant material (such as Zr, Ti, or Co) increases, from bcc only, to bcc plus Ω-hcp, to bcc plus amorphous phase. The optical and mechanical properties of these preferred alloys (as ultrathin coatings) show variation with composition, and the observed changes are related to the change in the electronic structure of the atoms and the adaptation of the crystals to each other.

[0250] Indeed, these crystalline ultrathin coatings exhibit d-orbital transitions that result in a neutral color and a relatively low increase in reflectivity, and a relatively high abrasion resistance due to the well-ordered crystal structure. When amorphous material is present in the coating, d-orbital transitions are no longer observed, indicating partial filling of the d-orbitals. Orbital hybridization between adjacent atoms is believed to partially fill the d-orbitals, correlating with the yellow color and high reflectivity. Furthermore, the low atomic packing density of the amorphous phase resulted in coatings with reduced abrasion resistance.

[0251] It should be understood that many different coating compounds are described throughout this description and the invention is not limited to such coatings. For example, a coated backing plate according to the present invention may be coated with any type of reflective coating, including but not limited to the coatings described herein. (Item 1) A multi-function rearview device (100, 700, 900) for use in a vehicle, comprising: a rearview element (120, 750, 950) including at least one of a reflective element, a camera, and a display element; a bezel (130, 720, 920) formed on an outer portion of the multi-function rearview device (100, 700, 900) surrounding the rearview element (120, 750, 950), An interior space is formed within the bezel (130, 720, 920), at least one of one or more light assemblies (200, 610, 810) and one or more electronic means is at least partially disposed within said interior space of said bezel (130); a bezel (130, 720, 920); The rearview element (120, 750, 950) is attached to at least one of a bezel (130, 720, 920) and a housing (110) configured to be mounted to the vehicle and movable relative to the vehicle, a multi-function rearview device (100, 700, 900). (Item 2) In the multi-function rearview device (100) according to item 1, the bezel (130) is made of a plastic substrate that is at least one of tinted, surface-finished, clear, and coated, and / or the bezel (130) is coated, and the coating of the bezel (130) is at least one of a decorative coating, an Advanced Surface Technology (AST) surface coating, and a Spectral Control System, and / or The bezel (130) of the multi-function rearview device (100) is formed or molded from a polymeric substrate. (Item 3) In the multi-function rearview device (100) described in item 1 or 2, the bezel is transparent and includes a chromium-based coating that hides one or more light assemblies below the bezel until it is turned on, and preferably the chromium-based coating is an alloy of chromium and a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals, and the alloy has a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase coexisting with a secondary omega hexagonal close-packed phase. (Item 4) In the multi-function rearview device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 3, the one or more light assemblies provide at least one or more light function indications, preferably direction indicators, approach lights, strong brake signals, emergency brake signals, logo lights, puddle lights, human machine interface (HMI), blind spot indicators (BSI), charge indicator status, vehicle mode, sport mode, economy mode, autonomous driving mode, sleep mode, vehicle lock, vehicle theft, warning signals, temperature or weather indicators, traffic light signals, fuel status, emergency indications for emergency vehicles including police vehicles, doctor vehicles, ambulances, or traffic maintenance, vehicle communication, handshake, connection indicators, hazard lights, side marker indications, and / or parking light indications; and / or A multi-function rearview device (100), wherein the one or more light assemblies (200) each include at least one of a printed circuit board, a light emitting diode, an integrated lens, a self-charging lighting material, a flexible circuit board, a light bulb, and a lamp. (Item 5) In the multi-function rearview device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising only one light assembly (200) of the one or more light assemblies (200); the light assembly (200) is configured to direct light to different locations on the bezel (130); and / or A multi-function rearview device (100), wherein the light assembly (200) is configured to direct light with different characteristics to different locations on the bezel (130) to provide different light function indications. (Item 6) In the multi-function rearview device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 4, a plurality of light assemblies (200) of one or more light assemblies (200) configured to direct light having different characteristics to different locations of the bezel to provide displays of different light functions; The different light characteristics are determined by at least one of light color, light intensity, and light pulse length; and / or The different positions of the bezel (130) include at least one of a position of the bezel (130) above a rearview element (120), a position of the bezel (130) below a rearview element (120), a position of the bezel (130) facing the vehicle, and a position of the bezel (130) not facing the vehicle; and / or The multiple light assemblies (200) include four light assemblies (200), a first light assembly (200) disposed in the interior space of the bezel (130A) above the rearview device, a second light assembly (200) disposed in the interior space of the bezel (130B) below the rearview device, a third light assembly (200) disposed in the interior space of the bezel (130C) at a position on the bezel facing the vehicle, and a fourth light assembly (200) disposed in a position not facing the vehicle in the interior space of the bezel (130D), in a multi-function rearview device (100). (Item 7) A multifunction rearview device (100) as described in any one of items 1 to 6, wherein each light assembly (200) is disposed directly on the plastic portion of the bezel (130) without the use of a printed circuit board or by using a surface mount, overmolding, conductive material, or printed material. (Item 8) In the multi-function device (100) described in any one of items 1 to 7, at least one of the conductor paths, the electronic means, and the one or more light assemblies (200) is applied directly to at least the bezel (130) by at least one injection molding (MID) using a conductive foil (IML) and laser direct structuring (LDS). (Item 9) Item 9. The multi-function device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 8, comprising the one or more light assemblies (200), the one or more light assemblies (200) comprise an LED holder with an integrated connector that is clippable into the interior space of the bezel (130); and / or The one or more light assemblies (200) include: At least one light source unit (230) having at least one wire but not including a printed circuit board; a housing unit for supporting said light source unit (230) and having suitable means for holding and / or connecting said light source unit (230); and / or The one or more light assemblies are a multi-function device (100) comprising a light source (230) comprising at least one of an LED light, a light tape, a printed light, an optical light guide, a lamp, a lighting charging material, a charging cell, a solar cell, or a battery. (Item 10) 10. The multifunction device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more light assemblies (200) configured to direct light of a plurality of different colors onto an entire surface of the bezel (130) such that the entire bezel (130) can have one color at a time, and configured to provide light of a plurality of different colors to different zones (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D) of the bezel (130) such that different zones (130A, 130B, 130C, 130D) of the bezel (130) can have different colors at a time. (Item 11) A multifunction device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the housing (110), the reflective element (120), and the bezel (130) are integrally formed such that the multifunction device (100) is sealed from the external environment to protect it from dust, water, or moisture. (Item 12) Item 12. The multifunction device (100) of any one of items 1 to 11, further comprising a light diffuser (150) disposed within the interior space of the bezel (130). (Item 13) A multi-function device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the multi-function device (100) is functionally connected to an actuator, the actuator being disposed outside the housing (110), preferably by the multi-function device (100) being functionally connected to the actuator by self-docking or direct contact. (Item 14) Item 14. The multifunction device (100) of item 13, wherein the actuator moves the multifunction device (100) including the housing (110) as a whole, as well as the rear view element (120), and / or the actuator is configured for at least one of rotational and translational motion, and / or the actuator determines the light output of the one or more light assemblies (200), particularly using a LIN or CAN connection. (Item 15) A multi-function device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a foot adapted to be fixed to the vehicle, the housing (110) having the bezel (130) being movable relative thereto, preferably the foot providing at least one spherical seat for the housing (110). (Item 16) 16. A multifunction device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the housing (110) comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and the bezel (130) is attached to both portions. (Item 17) A multifunction device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the bezel (130) is fixed, glued, removably attached or clipped to the housing, and / or the bezel (130) is attached to the housing together with at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200) and electronic means. (Item 18) A multi-function device (100) according to any one of items 1 to 17, further comprising a connection to a control unit of the vehicle for controlling at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200), the display element, an actuator, a camera controller, or a cleaning device. (Item 19) 19. The multi-function device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising at least one sensor, the output of which controls at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200), a display, and an actuator; Preferably, the sensor is a camera; and / or Preferably, the sensor is a light sensor for controlling a plurality of light intensities or light brightnesses. Item 2. The multi-function device (100) according to item 1. (Item 20) 20. The multi-function device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising at least one of a heater and a wiper for the rearview element (120), and / or Dimming elements, A multi-function device (100) further comprising: (Item 21) In a multifunction device (100) described in any one of items 1 to 20, the electronic means is connected to at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200), the display element, an actuator, a sensor, a camera, a heater, and a wiper, and preferably the electronic means and the bezel (130) form a unit. (Item 22) The multifunction device (700, 900) of any one of items 1 to 21 further comprises a flexible circuit (600, 800) including the one or more optical elements, wherein the one or more optical elements (610, 810) are directly attached to the flexible circuit (600, 800). (Item 23) 23. The multi-function device (700, 900) of claim 22, wherein the flexible circuit (600, 800) further comprises a single connector control unit (620, 820) configured to control the one or more light elements and for receiving an external connector (910); and / or the flexible circuit (600, 800) further comprises an integrated heating pad (630, 830) configured to heat the rearview element (750, 950); and / or The flexible circuit (600, 800) further comprises an integrated temperature sensor (640, 840); and / or The flexible circuit (600, 800) further comprises at least one of an integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® communication unit (850) and an antenna (860); and / or A multi-function device (700, 900), wherein the flexible circuit (800) further comprises an integrated heating pad (830) configured to heat a rearview element (950) and bend around a slot (960) formed in the bezel (920). (Item 24) A multifunction device (700, 900) according to item 22 or 23, wherein the bezel (720, 920) is provided with a light receiving portion (940) configured to receive light to function as an indicator, in particular a side turn indicator. (Item 25) In the multifunction device (700, 900) according to any one of items 22 to 24, the one or more lighting elements (610, 810) are at least two lighting elements (610, 810) configured to project light of different colors to provide various functions, and / or A multi-function device (700, 900), wherein the one or more lighting elements (610, 810) are at least four lighting elements (610, 810) configured to project light of different colors to provide different functions. (Item 26) In the multi-function device (700, 900) of item 25, the different functions provided include direction indicators, approach lights, strong brake signals, emergency brake signals, logo lights, puddle lights, human machine interface (HMI), blind spot indicators (BSI), charging indicator status, vehicle mode, sport mode, economy mode, autonomous driving mode, sleep mode, vehicle lock, vehicle theft, warning signals, temperature or weather indicators, traffic light signals, fuel status, emergency indications for emergency vehicles including police vehicles, doctor vehicles, ambulances, or traffic maintenance, vehicle communication, handshake, connection indicators, hazard lights side marker indications, and / or parking light indications.

Claims

1. A multi-function rearview device (100, 700, 900) for use in a vehicle, comprising: a rearview element (120, 750, 950) including at least one of a reflective element, a camera, and a display element; a bezel (130, 720, 920) formed on an outer portion of the multi-function rearview device (100, 700, 900) surrounding the rearview element (120, 750, 950), An interior space is formed within the bezel (130, 720, 920), one or more light assemblies (200, 610, 810) are disposed at least partially within the interior space of the bezel (130); a light diffuser (150) disposed within the interior space of the bezel (130); a bezel (130, 720, 920); the rearview element (120, 750, 950) is attached to at least one of a bezel (130, 720, 920) and a housing (110) configured to be attached to the vehicle and moveable relative to the vehicle; A multi-function rearview device (100, 700, 900) in which the bezel (130) includes a transparent, chrome-based coating and conceals the one or more light assemblies (200) beneath the bezel (130) until illuminated.

2. 10. The multi-function rearview device (100) of claim 1, wherein the bezel (130) is formed or molded from a polymeric substrate.

3. The multi-function rearview device (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the chromium-based coating is an alloy of chromium and a dopant material, the dopant material being selected from hexagonal close-packed transition metals, and the alloy has a crystal structure of a primary body-centered cubic phase coexisting with a secondary omega hexagonal close-packed phase.

4. A multi-function rearview device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more light assemblies comprise a light assembly in the form of an LED light strip (140) attached to the light diffuser (150), the light diffuser (150) being attached to the bezel (130).

5. A multi-function rearview device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the interior space is defined between the bezel (130) and the rearview element (120).

6. A multi-function rearview device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each light assembly (200) is disposed directly on the plastic portion of the bezel (130) without the use of a printed circuit board or by using a surface mount, overmolding, conductive material, or printed material.

7. The multi-function rearview device (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of conductor paths, electronics, and one or more light assemblies (200) are applied directly to at least the bezel (130) by at least one injection molding (MID) using a conductive foil (IML) and laser direct structuring (LDS).

8. 4. The multi-function rearview device (100) of claim 1, wherein the one or more light assemblies (200) comprise an LED holder with an integrated connector (210) clippable into the interior space of the bezel (130); and / or The one or more light assemblies (200) include: At least one light source unit (230) having at least one wire but not including a printed circuit board; a housing unit for supporting said light source unit (230) and provided with suitable means for holding and / or connecting; and and / or The one or more light assemblies are a multi-function rearview device (100) comprising a light source (230) comprising at least one of an LED light, a light tape, a printed light, an optical light guide, a lamp, a lighting charging material, a charging cell, a solar cell, or a battery.

9. A multi-function rearview device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the multi-function rearview device (100) is functionally connected to an actuator, and the actuator is positioned outside the housing (110) by the multi-function rearview device (100) being functionally connected to the actuator by self-docking or direct contact.

10. 10. The multi-function rearview device (100) of claim 9, wherein the actuator moves not only the rearview element (120) but also the multi-function rearview device (100) including the housing (110) as a whole; and / or A multi-function rearview device (100), wherein the actuator is configured for at least one of rotational and translational movement and / or the actuator determines the light output of the one or more light assemblies (200), particularly using a LIN or CAN connection.

11. A multi-function rearview device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a foot suitable for fixing to the vehicle, the housing (110) having the bezel (130) being movable relative thereto, the foot providing at least one spherical seat for the housing (110).

12. A multi-function rearview device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (110) has an upper portion and a lower portion, and the bezel (130) is attached to both portions.

13. A multi-function rearview device (100) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bezel (130) is fixed, glued, removably attached or clipped to the housing, and / or the bezel (130) is attached to the housing together with at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200) and electronic equipment.

14. A multi-function rearview device (100) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a connection to a control unit of the vehicle for controlling at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200), the display element, an actuator, a camera controller, or a cleaning device.

15. The multi-function rearview device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising at least one sensor, the output of which controls at least one of the one or more light assemblies (200), a display, and an actuator; the sensor is a camera; and / or A multi-function rearview device (100), wherein the sensor is a light sensor for controlling a plurality of light intensities or light brightnesses.

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