Patent ID: 12208736

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is used to disclose the present invention to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the present invention. The preferred embodiments described below are only examples, and other obvious variations are conceivable by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG.1shows an exterior rear-view mirror assembly of a vehicle. The exterior rear-view mirror assembly1000includes a rear cover1001, a circuit board1002, a bearing board1003, a heating plate1005and an electrochromic mirror element1004. The rear cover1001is a structural member with a central cavity, the bearing board1003and the rear cover1001are fixedly connected via mechanical snap fit, and the circuit board1002is arranged between the rear cover1001and the bearing board1003. The electrochromic mirror element1004includes a substantially transparent electrically conductive substrate12and a concave housing5covering the electrically conductive substrate12, a front of the concave housing5faces an observer, and a back of the electrically conductive substrate12is connected to the heating plate1005through gluing, which is in turn glued to the bearing board1003. The electrochromic mirror element1004is electrically connected to the circuit board1002. After the circuit board1002is powered on, the electrochromic mirror element1004switches between a colored state and a bleached state under a nominal voltage or different voltages, and the reflectivity of the electrochromic mirror element1004changes, thus realizing an anti-glare effect.

FIG.2shows an interior rear-view mirror assembly of a vehicle. The interior rear-view mirror assembly2000includes a rear cover2001, a circuit board2002, a bearing board2003and an electrochromic mirror element2004. The rear cover2001is a structural member with a central cavity, the bearing board2003and the rear cover2001are fixedly connected via mechanical snap fit, and the circuit board2002is arranged between the rear cover2001and the bearing board2003. The electrochromic mirror element2004includes a substantially transparent electrically conductive substrate12and a concave housing5covering the electrically conductive substrate12, a front of the concave housing5faces an observer, and a back of the electrically conductive substrate12is connected to the bearing board2003through gluing. The electrochromic mirror element2004is electrically connected to the circuit board2002. After the circuit board2002is powered on, the electrochromic mirror element2004switches between a colored state and a bleached state under a nominal voltage or different voltages, and the reflectivity of the electrochromic mirror element2004changes, thus realizing an anti-glare effect.

As a further improved technical scheme, the vehicle rear-view mirror assembly may also include at least one of a light source, an interior lighting component, a digital voice processing system, a power supply, a global positioning system, a humidity sensor, an information display, a light sensor, a blind spot lamp, a turn signal lamp, a navigation system, a temperature indicator, a voice control system, a microphone, a remote communication system, a navigation assistant system, a lane departure warning system, a suitable cruise control system, or a vision system.

After describing each possible common structural element in the embodiments, each embodiment will be described individually in detail below.

FIG.3is a front view of an interior rear-view mirror assembly.FIG.4is a sectional view of an electrochromic mirror element100in a first embodiment taken along line A-A inFIG.3. The electrochromic mirror element100includes: a substantially transparent first electrically conductive substrate consisting of a first glass element1and a transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the first glass element1, where for the convenience of description, a front surface of the first electrically conductive substrate facing the observer is defined as a first surface11a, a rear surface of the first electrically conductive substrate on which the transparent electrically conductive layer7is deposited is defined as a second surface11b, and an edge surface adjacent to the first surface11aand the second surface11bis defined as a first edge surface11c; a substantially transparent second electrically conductive substrate consisting of a second glass element2and a film layer stack8deposited on the second glass element2, where for the convenience of description, a front surface of the second glass element2on which the film layer stack8is deposited is defined as a third surface21b(the third surface21bfaces the observer), a rear surface of the second glass element2is defined as a fourth surface21a, and an edge surface adjacent to the third surface21band the fourth surface21ais defined as a second edge surface21c, the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate are arranged at a distance from each other, the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate have basically the same size and area, and their edge surfaces are basically aligned in a circumferential direction, with nearly zero offset; a sealing member3arranged substantially in a circumferential direction between outer peripheral areas of the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate to hermetically bond the second surface11bto the third surface21band to define a cavity4a; an electrochromic medium4provided in the cavity4a; and a substantially transparent concave housing5, where also for the convenience of description, a concave bottom edge part of the concave housing5parallel to the first surface11ais defined as a housing top51, a side edge part of the concave housing5close to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cis defined as a housing side52, and the housing top51and the housing side52are integrally formed, a surface of the housing top51facing the observer is defined as an outer top surface51a, a surface of the housing top51facing away from the observer is defined as an inner top surface51b, a surface of the housing side52facing the observer is defined as an outer side surface52a, and a surface of the housing side52facing away from the observer is defined as an inner side surface52b, the inner top surface51bis attached to the first surface11a, the inner side surface52bcompletely covers the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cand is attached to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21c, and an end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5is flush with the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate2; and a shielding layer6is arranged along an outer peripheral area of the housing top51and along the housing side52, and the sealing member3is hidden behind the shielding layer6when viewed from the outer top surface51aand the outer side surface52a. A medium by which the inner top surface51bis attached to the first surface11ais a substantially transparent adhesive. A medium by which the inner side surface52bis attached to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cis a high-performance adhesive. The concave housing5is made of a substantially transparent resin material, so that the danger, caused by glass breakage, to people inside the vehicle when the rear-view mirror assembly is subjected to an external impact can be avoided. In addition, when the shielding layer6is arranged on the outer peripheral area of the inner top surface51bof the housing top51and the inner side surface52bof the housing side52, the substantially transparent housing top51and housing side52bring a better visual experience to the observer.

As a preferred embodiment, the concave housing5also has a curved peripheral edge54with a radius greater than 2.5 mm on an outer surface near the outer peripheral area.

As a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.5, the electrochromic mirror element110of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the first embodiment inFIG.4in terms of structural arrangement, except that the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5in this embodiment extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate. The structural arrangement of this embodiment can provide a contact area between the inner side surface52band the end surface53aof the housing side52and the bearing board, thus effectively ensuring the connection between the concave housing5and the bearing board.

As a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.6, the electrochromic mirror element120of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the embodiment inFIG.5in terms of structural arrangement, except that the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5in this embodiment extends outward and at least partially covers an outer peripheral area of the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate. The structural arrangement of this embodiment can further ensure that the concave housing5surrounds the electrically conductive substrate, so that the integrity of the concave housing5and the electrically conductive substrate is better, and the housing side52of the concave housing5is prevented from warping or falling off.

FIG.7shows a sectional view of an electrochromic mirror element of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In order to avoid repetitive description, surface definition and identification of each component in the electrochromic mirror element200of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The electrochromic mirror element200includes: a substantially transparent first electrically conductive substrate consisting of a first glass element1and a transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the first glass element1; a substantially transparent second electrically conductive substrate consisting of a second glass element2and a film layer stack8deposited on the second glass element2, where the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate are arranged at a distance from each other, and the size and area of the first electrically conductive substrate are smaller than those of the second electrically conductive substrate; a sealing member3arranged substantially in a circumferential direction between outer peripheral areas of the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate to hermetically bond the second surface11bto the third surface21band to define a cavity4a; an electrochromic medium4provided in the cavity4a; and a substantially transparent concave housing5including a housing top51and a housing side52which are integrally formed, where the inner top surface51bis attached to the first surface11a, the inner side surface52bcompletely covers the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cand is attached to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21c, the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5is flush with the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate2, a shielding layer6is arranged along the outer peripheral area of the housing top51and the housing side52, and the sealing member3is hidden behind the shielding layer6when viewed from the outer top surface51aand the outer side surface52a. A medium by which the inner top surface51bis attached to the first surface11ais a substantially transparent adhesive. A medium by which the inner side surface52bis attached to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cis a high-performance adhesive. Compared with the previous embodiments, the size and area of the first electrically conductive substrate of this embodiment are smaller than those of the second electrically conductive substrate, and the second edge surface21cof the second electrically conductive substrate exceeds the first edge surface11cof the first electrically conductive substrate. This structural arrangement allows more flexible electrode lead-out, which can be realized by adopting the electrode lead-out method shown inFIGS.15-18, or by optimizingFIG.16, that is, a detachable electrode can be arranged without thinning the peripheral area of the third surface21b. Specifically, as shown inFIG.19, one end of a first electrically conductive clip91detachably extends to the third surface21band makes contact with the film layer stack8to form an electrical connection, while the other end of the first electrically conductive clip91extends to part of the peripheral area on the fourth surface21a; and one end of a second electrically conductive clip92detachably extends to the third surface21b, and is electrically connected to the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bthrough an electrically conductive block31, the electrically conductive block31is at least partially buried in the sealing member3and partially exposed out of the sealing member3to make electrical contact with the second electrically conductive clip, and the other end of the second electrically conductive clip92extends to part of the peripheral area on the fourth surface21a.

As a preferred embodiment, the concave housing5also has a curved peripheral edge54with a radius greater than 2.5 mm on an outer surface near the outer peripheral area.

As a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.8, the electrochromic mirror element210of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the embodiment inFIG.7in terms of structural arrangement, except that the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5in this embodiment extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate.

As a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.9, the electrochromic mirror element220of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the embodiment inFIG.8in terms of structural arrangement, except that the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5in this embodiment extends outward and at least partially covers an outer peripheral area of the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate.

FIG.10shows a sectional view of an electrochromic mirror element of a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In order to avoid repetitive description, surface definition and identification of each component in the electrochromic mirror element300of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The electrochromic mirror element300includes: a substantially transparent first electrically conductive substrate consisting of a first glass element1and a transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the first glass element1; a substantially transparent second electrically conductive substrate consisting of a second glass element2and a film layer stack8deposited on the second glass element2, where the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate are arranged at a distance from each other, and the size and area of the first electrically conductive substrate are greater than those of the second electrically conductive substrate; a sealing member3arranged substantially in a circumferential direction between outer peripheral areas of the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate to hermetically bond the second surface11bto the third surface21band to define a cavity4a; an electrochromic medium4provided in the cavity4a; and a substantially transparent concave housing5including a housing top51and a housing side52which are integrally formed, where the inner top surface51bis attached to the first surface11a, the inner side surface52bcompletely covers the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cand is attached to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21c, the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5is flush with the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate2, a shielding layer6is arranged along the outer peripheral area of the housing top51and the housing side52, and the sealing member3is hidden behind the shielding layer6when viewed from the outer top surface51aand the outer side surface52a. A medium by which the inner top surface51bis attached to the first surface11ais a substantially transparent adhesive. A medium by which the inner side surface52bis attached to the first edge surface11cand the second edge surface21cis a high-performance adhesive. Compared with the previous embodiments, the size and area of the first electrically conductive substrate of this embodiment are greater than those of the second electrically conductive substrate, and the first edge surface11cof the first electrically conductive substrate exceeds the second edge surface21cof the second electrically conductive substrate. This structural arrangement provides another way for electrode lead-out to be implemented. Specifically, in this embodiment, one end of a second electrode lead97inFIG.18is arranged on the second surface11bin an overhanging manner and makes electrical contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7, and the other end extends out of the fourth surface21athrough the electrode lead-out channel. The other electrode is led out in the same way as a first electrode lead96inFIG.18.

As a preferred embodiment, the concave housing5also has a curved peripheral edge54with a radius greater than 2.5 mm on an outer surface near the outer peripheral area.

As a preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG.11, the electrochromic mirror element310of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the embodiment inFIG.10in terms of structural arrangement, except that the end face53aof the housing side52of the concave housing5in this embodiment extends outward and at least partially exceeds the fourth surface21aof the second electrically conductive substrate.

As shown inFIG.12, as an alternative technical scheme, in at least one embodiment, the electrochromic mirror element400also includes a substantially transparent first electrically conductive substrate, a substantially transparent second electrically conductive substrate, a sealing member3, an electrochromic medium4and a substantially transparent concave housing5. The first electrically conductive substrate of the electrochromic mirror element consists of a first glass element1and a transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on a second surface11bof the first glass element1. A peripheral area of the first surface11aof the first glass element1is thinned by chemical etching or physical grinding. A shielding layer6is arranged along the outer peripheral area of the inner top surface51band along the inner side surface52b, and the outer peripheral area is arranged corresponding to the thinned area. When viewed from the outer top surface51aand the outer side surface52a, the sealing member3is hidden behind the shielding layer6. By the thinning treatment of the first glass element1, the width of the shielding layer6on the outer peripheral area can be reduced, thereby enlarging an observation area of a middle visual area of the electrochromic mirror element.

As shown inFIG.13, as an alternative to the above embodiments, in at least one embodiment, the electrochromic mirror element500also includes a substantially transparent first electrically conductive substrate, a substantially transparent second electrically conductive substrate, a sealing member3, an electrochromic medium4and a substantially transparent concave housing5. The shielding layer6of the electrochromic mirror element is a semi-transparent physical layer with an uneven surface formed on the outer peripheral area of the housing top51of the concave housing5and an inner or outer surface of the housing side52. The semi-transparent physical layer is obtained after surface treatment such as mechanical sand blasting, manual grinding or chemical corrosion. In this embodiment, the shielding layer6is formed by surface treatment of some areas of the concave housing, so there is no need to arrange an additional film layer to serve as a shielding layer, and the technical effect that the sealing element3and the electrode are hidden and cannot be detected when viewed from an outer surface of the concave housing5can also be achieved, thus effectively reducing the production cost and manufacturing difficulty of the electrochromic mirror element. In order to further optimize the electrochromic mirror element, a thin concave housing5may be used.

As shown inFIG.14, as an improved technical scheme of the above embodiments, in at least one embodiment, the concave housing5has a rounded peripheral corner55with a radius greater than 2.5 mm on the outer surface near the outer peripheral area, and the rounded peripheral corner55extends circumferentially along the housing top51of the concave housing5. The rounded peripheral corner55is convex, that is, when viewed from the outside of the concave housing, a topmost end of the rounded peripheral corner55not only exceeds the outer side surface52aof the housing side52but also exceeds the outer top surface51aof the housing top51. The rounded peripheral corner55is integrally molded with the housing top51and the housing side52. The design of the rounded peripheral corner55allows plastic parts at a rear end of the rear-view mirror assembly to be visually and partially hidden when the electrochromic mirror element is assembled in the rear-view mirror assembly, so that the whole rear-view mirror assembly looks more pleasing.

When those of ordinary skill in the art adopt the electrochromic mirror element structure as described in detail in the above embodiments and install it into the rear-view mirror housing to form a complete rear-view mirror with an electrochromic function, they still need to know clearly the implementable materials of the components of the electrochromic mirror element and the electrode lead-out way of the electrochromic mirror element. Meanwhile, in order to provide clear description and avoid too much discussion about the materials of the components and electrode lead-out way of the electrochromic mirror, the inventors provide detailed description below.

The first glass element1and the second glass element2may be selected from ordinary electronic grade float soda lime glass or medium silica aluminum glass or high silica aluminum glass or high borosilicate glass. The first glass element1and the second glass element2are colorless or light-colored glass. The thicknesses of the first glass element1and the second glass element2are 0.2-3 mm, more preferably 0.5-2 mm.

In at least one embodiment, the substantially transparent first electrically conductive substrate and the substantially transparent second electrically conductive substrate may be selected from a colorless or light-colored transparent polymer material to replace the colorless or light-colored first glass element1and second glass element2.

The transparent electrically conductive layer7may be selected from at least one of SnO2doped with fluorine, or ZnO, SnO2, In2O3, TiO2, HfO2or CuO doped with metal ions, where the metal ions are at least one of Mg2+, Al3+, Ga3+, Sb3+, Nb4+, Ge3+, or Zr4+.

The transparent electrically conductive layer7may also adopt a composite film layer structure in the form of a metal oxide/metal/metal oxide film layer, the metal oxide is at least one of Nb2O5, Ta2O5, TiO2, WO3, ZnO, Al2O3, SnO2, SiO2, or ZrO2, and the metal is one of Al, Ag, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru or Rh or an alloy material of one or more of Al, Ag, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru or Rh. The transparent electrically conductive layer7may be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering.

The film layer stack8includes a reflective layer and an electrically conductive layer. The reflective layer is at least one of a metal film layer or a metal oxide film layer, the metal film layer is one of Al, Ag, Cr, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru or Rh or an alloy material of one or more of Al, Ag, Cr, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru or Rh, and the metal oxide film layer structure is a high/low/high refractive index film layer, where the high refractive index film layer material is one of Nb2O5, Ta2O5, TiO2or ZrO2, and the low refractive index film layer material is SiO2or MgF2. The electrically conductive layer may be selected from at least one of SnO2doped with fluorine, or ZnO, SnO2, In2O3, TiO2, HfO2or CuO doped with metal ions, where the metal ions are at least one of Mg2+, Al3+, Ga3+, Sb3+, Nb4+, Ge3+, or Zr4+. The electrically conductive layer may also adopt a composite film layer structure in the form of a metal oxide/metal/metal oxide film layer, the metal oxide is at least one of Nb2O5, Ta2O5, TiO2, WO3, ZnO, Al2O3, SnO2, SiO2, or ZrO2, and the metal is one of Al, Ag, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru or Rh or an alloy material of one or more of Al, Ag, Cu, Ir, Ni, Ti, Pb, Pt, Ru or Rh. The film layer stack8may be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering.

The shielding layer6provided inFIGS.4-12andFIG.14is a film layer deposited on the outer peripheral area of the housing top51and the housing side52. The film layer is at least one of Ag, Ti, Al, Cr, Ni, Mo, Ru, Rh, Ir, Pd, or Pt, and may be prepared by physical vapor deposition methods such as vacuum evaporation or magnetron sputtering, or chemical plating methods. The shielding layer obtained by the above physical vapor deposition methods allows the sealing element and the electrode arranged on the electrically conductive substrate to be hidden, so that the whole rear-view mirror assembly looks more appealing.

The concave housing5is made of substantially transparent resin. The substantially transparent resin is a colorless or light-colored transparent polymer material, which may specifically be at least one of acrylic resin, polycarbonate, polyimide, silicone resin, crosslinked transparent polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride, which is transparent intrinsically or becomes transparent after modification. The housing top51of the concave housing5has a thickness of 0.5-5 mm, preferably 1-3 mm.

The sealing member3is an epoxy adhesive, and more preferably, an epoxy adhesive containing aromatic amino compounds, cyanate resin compounds or anhydride compounds as curing agents.

The high-performance adhesive may be at least one of an organic adhesive or an inorganic adhesive. The organic adhesive is at least one of epoxy adhesive, phenolic adhesive, polyurethane adhesive, organic silica gel adhesive, or cyanoacrylic adhesive. The inorganic adhesive is at least one of silicate inorganic adhesives, phosphate inorganic adhesives, sulfate inorganic adhesives, or borate inorganic adhesives.

The substantially transparent adhesive is one of PVB adhesives, acrylic adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, organosilicone adhesives or epoxy adhesives.

The electrochromic medium4is a solution containing an anode electroactive material and a cathode electroactive material. The anode electroactive material is selected from at least one of triphenylamine, substituted triphenylamine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, ferrocene salt, substituted ferrocene salt, phenothiazine, substituted phenothiazine, thiazine, substituted thiazine, phenazine, or substituted phenazine. The cathode electroactive material is selected from at least one of viologen, substituted viologen, anthraquinone, or substituted anthraquinone.

As shown inFIG.15, in at least one embodiment, at least part of the area between the inner side surface52bof the concave housing5and the second edge surface21cis provided with an electrode lead-out channel, and the electrode is clamped on the second electrically conductive substrate with a U-shaped electrically conductive clip, which includes a first electrically conductive clip91and a second electrically conductive clip92. One end of the first electrically conductive clip91extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, makes contact with the film layer stack8on the third surface21bto form an electrical connection, and also at least partially extends into the sealing member3and is fixed there. The other end of the first electrically conductive clip91extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the fourth surface21a, and further passes an electrically conductive wiring harness (not shown) arranged at this position and needed for electrical connection with the circuit board. In addition, at least part of the transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the second surface11bis etched or masked to form a first non-electrically conductive area71, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. Moreover, one end of the second electrically conductive clip92extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, and makes contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bto form an electrical connection. One end of the second electrically conductive clip92at least partially extends into the sealing member3and is fixed there. The other end of the second electrically conductive clip92extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the fourth surface21a, and further passes an electrically conductive wiring harness (not shown) arranged at this position and needed for electrical connection with the circuit board. In addition, at least part of the film layer stack8deposited on the third surface21bis etched or masked to form a second non-electrically conductive area81, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. After the U-shaped electrically conductive clip in this embodiment is assembled, it is also necessary to spot-weld at least one electrode lead onto a surface of the electrically conductive clip extending to the fourth surface21ato be electrically connected to an electrode lead from the circuit board.

As an alternative embodiment, one end of the second electrically conductive clip92extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, instead of directly making contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bto form an electrical connection, and the second electrically conductive clip92and the transparent electrically conductive layer7are electrically connected by arranging electrically conductive silver paste which is arranged at a position where the electrode lead-out channel communicates with the transparent electrically conductive layer, that is, the communication position of the first edge surface11c, the second edge surface21cand an outer surface of the sealing member3. Further, the transparent electrically conductive layer7extends from the second surface11bto the first edge surface11cto increase an electrical contact area between the second electrically conductive clip92and the transparent electrically conductive layer7.

As shown inFIG.16, as an improved technical scheme, in at least one embodiment, at least part of an area between the inner side surface52bof the concave housing5and the second edge surface21cis provided with an electrode lead-out channel, and the electrode is detachably connected to the second electrically conductive substrate with a U-shaped electrically conductive clip, which includes a first electrically conductive clip91and a second electrically conductive clip92. The second electrically conductive substrate of the electrochromic mirror element consists of the second glass element2and the film layer stack8deposited on the third surface21bof the second glass element2. Part of the peripheral area of the third surface21bof the second glass element2is thinned to form a groove21, so as to define a space which can receive the thickness of the housing side52at one end of the U-shaped electrically conductive clip. The thinning may be achieved by chemical etching or physical grinding. The width of the thinned peripheral area of the third surface21bis smaller than or equal to the width of the sealing member3in this peripheral area, so as to prevent the electrochromic medium4from leaking out of the cavity4afrom the groove21which may affect the normal operation of the electrochromic mirror. The film layer stack8is deposited on the third surface21band extends into the groove21after thinning treatment, thereby providing an effective contact area between the U-shaped electrically conductive clip and the film layer stack8, and the U-shaped electrically conductive clip is closely matched with the groove21, thus effectively ensuring the electrical connection between the film layer stack8and the U-shaped electrically conductive clip. One end of the first electrically conductive clip91extends to the groove21on the third surface21b, and makes contact with the film layer stack8on the groove21to form an electrical connection. The other end of the first electrically conductive clip91extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the fourth surface21a, and further passes an electrically conductive wiring harness (not shown) arranged at this position and needed for electrical connection with the circuit board. In addition, at least part of the transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the second surface11bis etched or masked to form a first non-electrically conductive area71, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. Moreover, one end of the second electrically conductive clip92extends to the groove21on the third surface21b, and is electrically connected with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bthrough the electrically conductive block31, which is at least partially buried in the sealing member3to be better fixed between the second surface11band the third surface21b, thus effectively ensuring the electrical connection between the second electrically conductive clip92and the transparent electrically conductive layer7. The other end of the second electrically conductive clip92extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the fourth surface21a, and further passes an electrically conductive wiring harness (not shown) arranged at this position and needed for electrical connection with the circuit board. In addition, at least part of the film layer stack8deposited on the third surface21bis etched or masked to form a second non-electrically conductive area81, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. The electrically conductive block may use at least one of copper, silver, nickel or other electrically conductive metal or alloys thereof as an electrically conductive component. After the U-shaped electrically conductive clip in this embodiment is assembled, it is also necessary to spot-weld at least one electrode lead onto a surface of the electrically conductive clip extending to the fourth surface21ato be electrically connected to an electrode lead from the circuit board. According to the improved electrode lead-out method, the U-shaped electrically conductive clip can be flexibly disassembled at the groove21through the first electrically conductive clip91and the second electrically conductive clip92, instead of being fixed on the second electrically conductive substrate by the sealing member3and unable to be disassembled, or the U-shaped electrically conductive clip does not need to be fixed on the second electrically conductive substrate when the sealing member3is coated, but can be assembled flexibly and quickly in batches after the whole sealing member3is coated and cured. This technical concept makes the assembly and replacement of the lead-out electrode of the electrochromic mirror more convenient and flexible, and makes it possible to replace a damaged electrode.

As shown inFIG.17, as an improved technical scheme, in at least one embodiment, at least part of the area between the inner side surface52bof the concave housing5and the second edge surface21cis provided with an electrode lead-out channel, and the electrode is arranged on the second electrically conductive substrate in the form of an L-shaped electrode strip. Specifically, the L-shaped electrode strip includes a first electrode strip93and a second electrode strip94, and one end of the first electrode strip93extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, is in contact with the film layer stack8on the third surface21bto form an electrical connection, and also at least partially extends into the sealing member3and is fixed there. The other end of the first electrode strip93is provided with a plurality of bus plugs95protruding side by side, which extend in the electrode lead-out channel without completely exceeding the fourth surface21a, or continue to extend outward beyond the fourth surface21ato be totally exposed. The bus plug95is quickly plugged into a socket (not shown) led out from the circuit board to form an electrical connection. The socket is provided with a plurality of side-by-side concave parts which are in friction fit with convex parts of the bus plug95. In addition, at least part of the transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the second surface11bis etched or masked to form the first non-electrically conductive area71, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. Moreover, one end of the second electrode strip94extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, and makes contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bto form an electrical connection. One end of the second electrode strip94at least partially extends into the sealing member3and is fixed there, the other end of the second electrode strip94is arranged in the same way as the first electrode strip93, and electrical connection is realized through quick plugging. In addition, at least part of the film layer stack8deposited on the third surface21bis etched or masked to form the second non-electrically conductive region81, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. The L-shaped electrode strip has a plurality of side-by-side convex bus plugs95arranged at one end close to the first surface11a, so as to be quickly plugged in the socket led from the circuit board to realize quick assembly and electrical connection; besides, through the friction fit between the bus plug95and a plurality of side-by-side electrical contacts on the socket, the electrical connection of the electrode lead is more reliable, thus ensuring the long-term stable operation of the electrochromic mirror element.

As an alternative embodiment, one end of the second electrode strip94extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, instead of directly making contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bto form an electrical connection, and the second electrically conductive clip94and the transparent electrically conductive layer7are electrically connected by arranging electrically conductive silver paste which is arranged at a position where the electrode lead-out channel communicates with the transparent electrically conductive layer, that is, the communication position of the first edge surface11c, the second edge surface21cand an outer surface of the sealing member3. Further, the transparent electrically conductive layer7extends from the second surface11bto the first edge surface11cto increase an electrical contact area between the second electrode strip94and the transparent electrically conductive layer7.

As shown inFIG.18, as an improved technical scheme, in at least one embodiment, at least part of the area between the inner side surface52bof the concave housing5and the second edge surface21cis provided with an electrode lead-out channel, through which one end of the electrode extends outward and the other end is fixed in the sealing member3. Specifically, the electrode includes a first electrode lead96and a second electrode lead97, and one end of the first electrode lead96extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, is fixed in the sealing member3, and makes contact with the film layer stack8on the third surface21bto form electrical communication. The other end of the first electrode lead96extends outward through the electrode lead-out channel, and is electrically connected to the electrode wiring harness led from the circuit board. In addition, at least part of the transparent electrically conductive layer7deposited on the second surface11bis etched or masked to form the first non-electrically conductive region71, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. Moreover, one end of the second electrode lead97extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, and makes contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bto form an electrical connection. The other end of the second electrode lead97is arranged in the same way as the first electrode lead96. In addition, at least part of the film layer stack8deposited on the third surface21bis etched or masked to form the second non-electrically conductive region81, so as to electrically insulate the first electrically conductive substrate from the second electrically conductive substrate. In the improved technical scheme mentioned above, the electrode leads may be electrically conductive metal wires such as electrically conductive copper wires and silver wires. At the initial stage of manufacturing, one end of the electrode lead is embedded in the sealing member3to form an electrical connection with the sealing member3, and the whole lead is led out to the back of the electrochromic mirror element through an insulated protective wire sleeve outside, so as to facilitate flexible electrical connection with the lead led from the circuit board.

As an alternative embodiment, one end of the first electrode lead96extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21band is fixed in the sealing member3, instead of directly making contact with the film layer stack8on the third surface21bto form an electrical connection, and the first electrode lead96and the film layer stack8are electrically connected by arranging electrically conductive silver paste which may be arranged at the position of the electrode lead-out channel. Further, the film layer stack8extends from the third surface21bto the second edge surface21cto enlarge an electrical contact area between the first electrode lead96and the film layer stack8. One end of the second electrode lead97extends to part of the outer peripheral area on the third surface21b, instead of directly making contact with the transparent electrically conductive layer7on the second surface11bto form an electrical connection, and the second electrically conductive lead97and the transparent electrically conductive layer7are electrically connected by arranging electrically conductive silver paste which is arranged at a position where the electrode lead-out channel communicates with the transparent electrically conductive layer, that is, the communication position of the first edge surface11c, the second edge surface21cand an outer surface of the sealing member3. Further, the transparent electrically conductive layer7extends from the second surface11bto the first edge surface11cto increase an electrical contact area between the second electrode lead97and the transparent electrically conductive layer7.

In at least one embodiment, the electrode uses at least one of copper, silver, nickel or other electrically conductive metal or alloys thereof as an electric contactor.

Through etching or masking at different positions of the second surface11band the third surface21bto form the non-electrically conductive areas, a short circuit between the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate can be effectively prevented. As a further improvement, in at least one embodiment, the non-electrically conductive areas are correspondingly filled with non-electrically conductive materials to further improve the electrical insulation performance between the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate. The electrical connection between the first electrically conductive substrate and the second electrically conductive substrate and the circuit board is finally completed through the arrangement of the electrode lead-out of the electrically conductive clip and the electrical insulation mode.

It can be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art can apply the related materials and electrode lead-out method of the electrochromic mirror element to the structures described in detail in the above embodiments inFIGS.4-13, so that those of ordinary skill in the art can clearly know the specific implementation of the inventive concept.

It can be seen that the present invention has considerable advantages compared with the prior art. The basic principle, main features and advantages of the present invention are shown and described above. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the present invention is limited by the above-mentioned embodiments. What is described in the above-mentioned embodiments and the description is only to illustrate the principles of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may have various changes and improvements, which all fall within the scope of the claimed invention.