| 摘要 |
An improved low cost automatic rearview mirror for automotive vehicles is provided, the mirror being capable of operating in harsh environments over wide variations in temperature, humidity, vibration, atmospheric corrosion, salt spray, electronic disturbances and sand and grit abrasion. In one embodiment of the invention, an electro-optically dimming exterior rearview mirror for automotive vehicles, said mirror comprising, in combination, a front element (14) having an optically transparent inboard portion (14B) and an outboard portion (14A) projecting laterally outwardly from said inboard portion, a rear element (18), said outboard portion of said front element (14) and said rear element (18) each having reflective surfaces thereon, said inboard portion (14B) of said front element and said rear element each having front and rear surfaces and defining a space (13) between said rear surface of said inboard portion and said front surface of said rear element, and electro-optic medium (24) confined in said space (13) whereby light transmittance of said medium is variable upon the application of an electrical potential thereto, said front surface of said inboard portion (14B) of said front element having a predetermined radius of curvature, said outboard portion (14A) of said front element having a front surface projecting laterally outwardly beyond said front surface of said rear element. Another embodiment of the invention provides improved signaling means. <IMAGE> |
