Electrochromic mirrors having a signal light
US6111683A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2001/1223
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved electrochromic rearview mirror assembly for motor vehicles is disclosed that includes a signal light mounted behind the electrochromic mirror. The electrochromic mirror has a signal light area formed in its reflective coating by removing a portion of the reflective coating and aligning the signal light with this signal light area. The portion removed is laser ablated to leave lines devoid of reflective material separated by lines of the reflective material. The signal light area may be formed in the reflective coating of the electrochromic mirror regardless of whether the reflective coating is applied to the rear or front surface of the rear element of the electrochromic mirror. If the reflective coating is applied to the front surface of the rear element (i.e., the third surface), the reflective material used is also electrically conductive so as to function as one of the electrodes for the electrochromic mirror. In this case, the remaining lines of reflective material in the signal light area are in electrical contact with the remaining reflective and conductive layer on the third surface. The reflective layer forms an integral electrode in contact with the electrochr…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.