Patent ID: 6330101
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: B60R,G02F

Abstract:
An Electrochromic (EC) panel drive unit for a rear-view mirror which controls the driving operation of an EC panel used for rear-view mirror with a first terminal and a second terminal, such that a DC voltage is applied in a forward direction to said first terminal and said second terminal in order to obtain a colored state for said EC panel, and conversely, said DC voltage is applied in a reverse direction to said first terminal and said second terminal in order to obtain a colorless state for said EC panel, said EC panel drive unit comprising:a first switch as well as a second switch;a timer circuit which emits an output signal once said first switch or said second switch is turned to the ON position and remains in the ON position for a set period of time; andswitching means which apply said DC voltage in a forward direction across said first terminal and said second terminal while the output signal is being outputted from said timer circuit in the case where said first switch is turned to the ON position, and which apply said DC voltage in a reverse direction across said first terminal and said second terminal while the output signal is being outputted from said timer circuit in the case where said second switch is turned to the ON position, said switching means being composed of four semiconductor elements, having a flip-flop circuit which supplies an ON/OFF switching signal for said semiconductor elements through the ON/OFF operation of said first switch and said second switch.