An electrochromic device and an electrochromic apparatus comprising the same

Abstract

The application provides an electrochromic device and an electrochromic apparatus comprising the same, the electrochromic device comprising: a first substrate; a first conductive layer; a first bus bar disposed on the first conductive layer; a first insulating protective layer disposed on the first bus bar, and the first bus bar is located in an encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer and the first conductive layer; a color-changing layer; a second conductive layer; a second bus bar disposed on the second conductive layer; a second insulating protective layer disposed on the second bus bar, and the second bus bar is located in an encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer and the second conductive layer; and a second substrate. By disposing the insulating protective layer on the bus bar, the application effectively avoids the short circuit caused by the connection of the bus bar and the conductive layer on the other side, effectively avoids the damage and failure of the device caused by the long-term bearing of excessive current by the conductive layer, improves the stability and reliability of the device, and prolongs the service life of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of color-changing display technology, specifically relating to an electrochromic device and an electrochromic apparatus containing the same. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, electrochromic devices have been widely used in energy-saving windows, automotive rearview mirrors, display devices, and mobile terminals. The principle of electrochromic devices is the electrochromic phenomenon of materials, specifically referring to the reversible oxidation-reduction reaction of materials under the influence of external electric fields and currents, leading to changes in their structure, which in turn causes changes in the absorption spectrum or optical properties (such as transmittance, absorptivity, and reflectivity), resulting in reversible changes in color or transparency in appearance.

[0003] A typical electrochromic device consists of two conductive substrates and a color-changing active material layer disposed between the two conductive substrates. The color-changing active material layer includes an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer. Lead-out structures are connected to the conductive layers of the conductive substrates to achieve electrical connection between the external power supply and the electrochromic device.

[0004] Many researchers are dedicated to the development of novel electrochromic devices and color-changing apparatuses. For example, CN112513726A discloses an apparatus including an electrochromic device, comprising a first busbar electrically connected to a first transparent conductive layer; a second busbar electrically connected to a second transparent conductive layer, the second busbar being generally not parallel to the first busbar; and a third busbar electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer and generally parallel to the first busbar. CN113227892A discloses an apparatus comprising a substrate having at least three sides and an active stack on the substrate, the active stack including a first transparent conductive layer, a second transparent conductive layer, an anodic electrochemical layer, and a cathodic electrochemical layer; further comprising a first busbar group including a plurality of busbars, each busbar electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer; a second busbar group including a plurality of busbars, each busbar electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer; and a busbar arrangement including busbars from the first busbar group and busbars from the second busbar group on at least three sides of the substrate. CN213365229U discloses an electrochromic device, including a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and lead-out electrodes. The first conductive layer, the electrochromic layer, and the second conductive layer are stacked. The first conductive layer includes a first overlapping region and a first staggered region, and the second conductive layer includes a second overlapping region and a second staggered region. At least a portion of the first staggered region and the second staggered region are located on the same side of the electrochromic layer. A first bus bar is provided on the first conductive layer, and a second bus bar is provided on the second conductive layer. The lead-out electrodes are respectively connected to the first bus bar and the second bus bar.

[0005] With advancements in display technology, people have higher expectations for the performance of color-changing display devices. However, the stability and lifespan of current electrochromic devices still fall short of high standards, especially in areas where busbars are located, where damage can easily occur over long-term use, leading to device failure. Therefore, developing electrochromic devices with higher stability, better reliability, and longer lifespan is an urgent problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an electrochromic device and an electrochromic apparatus containing the same. Through the design of the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer, the electrochromic device not only has excellent color-changing display performance, but also has higher stability and reliability, and extends the working life of the device.

[0007] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electrochromic device, comprising: a first substrate; a first conductive layer disposed on the first substrate; a first busbar disposed on the first conductive layer; a first insulating protective layer disposed on the first busbar, wherein the first busbar is located in an encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer and the first conductive layer; a color-changing layer disposed on the first conductive layer and located away from the first substrate; a second conductive layer disposed on the color-changing layer and located away from the first conductive layer; a second busbar disposed on the second conductive layer; a second insulating protective layer disposed on the second busbar, wherein the second busbar is located in an encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer and the second conductive layer; and a second substrate disposed on the second conductive layer and located away from the color-changing layer.

[0009] In electrochromic devices, especially those with busbars, long-term use can easily lead to damage and failure. This invention, through research, has found that in electrochromic devices, when the conductive layer areas of conductive regions S1 (including busbars) and S2 (without busbars) are the same, the presence of the busbars reduces the surface resistance of conductive region S1 (the resistance of the busbars is much lower than that of the conductive layer). Therefore, under a constant voltage, the current through conductive region S1 increases, meaning the conductive layer in region S1 experiences a larger current. Over long-term use, this can easily cause the conductive layer in this region to be subjected to excessive current and fail. In other words, the conductive layer (color-changing layer) around the busbars will be damaged and fail due to prolonged excessive current, thus affecting the overall reliability of the device.

[0010] Based on the above research results, the electrochromic device provided by this invention has a first insulating protective layer on the first busbar and a second insulating protective layer on the second busbar, thereby effectively preventing short circuits caused by the busbar connecting to the conductive layer on the other side. Furthermore, the first busbar is located within an encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer and the first conductive layer, and the second busbar is located within an encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer and the second conductive layer. That is, the insulating protective layer, while covering the busbar, extends outward to the outer edge of the conductive layer and inward to the inner side covering the busbar, connecting with the conductive layer on that side, thereby covering the failure area around the busbar caused by excessive current. On the other hand, the insulating protective layer is equivalent to setting a large-value resistor between the conductive layer and the busbar to adjust the surface resistance of the entire conductive area. This increases the voltage drop across the busbar and the insulating protective layer, while decreasing the voltage drop across the corresponding conductive layer. This effectively avoids device damage and failure caused by excessive current in the conductive layer over a long period, improves the stability and reliability of the device, and extends its service life.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is a transparent material; more preferably, the materials of the first substrate and the second substrate are optically grade transparent materials, including but not limited to: glass, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), cyclic olefin copolymers, or cellulose triacetate. Thus, the transparent substrate can display the changes in the optical properties of the electrochromic device, and suitable substrate materials can be selected according to the needs of the application scenario to improve the applicability of the electrochromic device.

[0012] Preferably, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are made of transparent conductive materials to demonstrate the changes in the optical properties of the electrochromic device. The materials are conductive materials known in the art, including but not limited to any one or a combination of at least two of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc aluminum oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), silver nanowires, graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal meshes, or silver nanoparticles.

[0013] Preferably, the materials of the first busbar and the second busbar are each independently a metal material with high conductivity, such as any one or a combination of at least two of conductive silver paste, conductive copper paste, conductive carbon paste, nano silver conductive ink, copper foil, copper wire or conductive film; more preferably, conductive silver paste.

[0014] Preferably, the first busbar is disposed between the first substrate and the first conductive layer, or between the first conductive layer and the color-changing layer; more preferably, it is disposed between the first conductive layer and the color-changing layer. Preferably, the second busbar is disposed between the second substrate and the second conductive layer, or between the second conductive layer and the color-changing layer; more preferably, it is disposed between the second conductive layer and the color-changing layer. Thus, the busbar can be positioned appropriately according to actual needs to more conveniently and effectively form an electrical connection with an external power source or lead-out electrodes, and conduct electricity to the conductive layer to create an effective electric field within the electrochromic device, causing the color-changing layer to undergo decolorization or coloring (color change) effects, thereby improving the applicability of the electrochromic device.

[0015] Preferably, the projection of the first busbar on the first conductive layer does not coincide with the projection of the second busbar on the first conductive layer. Here, "not coinciding" means at least not completely coinciding. This more effectively reduces the overlapping area of ​​the projections of the first and second busbars, thereby reducing the risk of short-circuit failure due to contact between the first and second busbars, and ultimately improving the reliability and stability of the electrochromic device.

[0016] Preferably, the first busbar is disposed on the first conductive layer and located around the first conductive layer to form a first closed area on the first conductive layer; the above arrangement means that busbars are disposed around the first conductive layer, which effectively improves the conductivity rate, thereby improving the color change rate and color change uniformity of the electrochromic device.

[0017] Furthermore, the first busbar is continuously arranged around the first conductive layer to form a first closed region. Thus, while ensuring excellent color-changing effect, only one lead-out electrode is needed to bring out the first busbar, reducing the difficulty of setting up the lead-out electrode and improving the reliability of the device.

[0018] Preferably, the second busbar is disposed on the second conductive layer and located around the perimeter of the second conductive layer to form a second closed region on the second conductive layer; thereby, the conductivity rate of the device can be effectively improved, and the color-changing rate and color-changing uniformity of the electrochromic device can be enhanced. Furthermore, the second busbar is continuously disposed around the perimeter of the second conductive layer to form a second closed region. While maintaining excellent color-changing effect, only one lead-out electrode is required for lead-out, reducing the number of lead-out electrodes and improving the reliability of the device.

[0019] Preferably, the area of ​​the first closed area is equal to the area of ​​the second closed area. This busbar arrangement not only ensures that the material area used by the first and second busbars is consistent, preventing material waste, but also simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to separately set parameters such as the amount of busbar material used.

[0020] Preferably, the widths of the first busbar and the second busbar are equal. More preferably, the graphic structure of the first closed area is the same as that of the second closed area. "Same graphic structure" means that the shapes of the first and second closed areas are completely identical, but they may not necessarily be perfectly aligned. They can be perfectly aligned after being projected onto the same plane (e.g., the first conductive layer) and optionally rotated by a certain angle and / or displaced by a certain distance. For example, if both the first and second closed areas are irregular shapes, they need to be rotated by a corresponding angle to be perfectly aligned. This further ensures the equality of busbar material usage. The same graphic structure and busbar material usage can be applied to both conductive layers simultaneously without separate design, greatly simplifying the device fabrication process and operation procedures.

[0021] Preferably, both the first closed region and the second closed region have a convex structure.

[0022] Preferably, the projection of the symmetry axis of the first closed region onto the first conductive layer completely coincides with the projection of the symmetry axis of the second closed region onto the first conductive layer. Preferably, the projection of the center of the shoulder of the convex structure of the first closed region onto the first conductive layer coincides with the projection of the center of the shoulder of the convex structure of the second closed region onto the first conductive layer. Here, "shoulder of the convex structure" refers to the position in the convex structure where the size (diameter) changes on a plane perpendicular to its symmetry axis. Thus, by coinciding the symmetry axes of the closed regions and the centers of the shoulders, the area where the projections of the first and second busbars overlap can be minimized, while the area where the first and second closed regions overlap can be maximized. This not only reduces the risk of short circuits due to busbar contact but also increases the color-changing area of ​​the electrochromic device, improving its practicality.

[0023] Preferably, both the first closed area and the second closed area are rectangular in shape, and more preferably square in shape.

[0024] Preferably, the corners of the first busbar are all rounded.

[0025] Preferably, the difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the first rounded corner is equal to the width of the first busbar.

[0026] Preferably, the corners of the second busbar are all rounded.

[0027] Preferably, the difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the second rounded corner is equal to the width of the second busbar.

[0028] In existing technologies, when a busbar is positioned around the periphery of a conductive layer, its corners are right angles. In this case, within the conductive region including the corners, the width of the busbar at the corner is greater than that at the non-corner locations, leading to current concentration at the corners (higher than at the non-corner locations). Over long-term use, this can easily cause the conductive layer in this area to suffer excessive current and fail. Specifically, the conductive layer (color-changing layer) in the corner area will be damaged and fail due to prolonged excessive current, thus affecting the reliability of the device. Therefore, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the corners of the first busbar and / or the second busbar are rounded. This ensures that the width of the first busbar and / or the second busbar is equal at all points, maintaining a consistent current and voltage distribution. This avoids the situation where current concentration at right angles causes damage to the conductive layer in the right-angle edge area due to excessive current, thereby improving the reliability, stability, and lifespan of the device.

[0029] Preferably, both the first and second enclosed regions have a convex structure, and the shoulder corners of the convex structure are rounded. This ensures that the linewidths on the first and second busbars are uniform throughout, and that the current and voltage distribution are essentially consistent at all points. This avoids the situation where current concentration at right-angle corners causes damage to the conductive layer in the right-angle edge region due to excessive current, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the device and extending its lifespan.

[0030] Preferably, the difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the rounded corner is equal to the width of the busbar.

[0031] Preferably, the widths of the first and second insulating protective layers are each independently 1.5–8 cm, for example, 1.8 cm, 2 cm, 2.2 cm, 2.5 cm, 2.8 cm, 3 cm, 3.5 cm, 4 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 5.5 cm, 6 cm, 6.5 cm, 7 cm, or 7.5 cm, as well as specific values ​​between these ranges. For space limitations and for the sake of brevity, this invention will not exhaustively list all the specific values ​​included in the range. This allows the insulating protective layer to completely cover the busbar, with a portion extending to the near-edge side of the conductive layer and another portion extending to the far-edge side of the conductive layer. This increases the voltage division on the busbar and the insulating protective layer, avoiding device damage and failure caused by the conductive layer in the busbar area being subjected to excessive current for a long time, thus improving the reliability and stability of the device.

[0032] In this invention, the extension direction of the first busbar is defined as the first direction, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction is defined as the second direction. The "width of the first insulating protective layer" refers to the dimension of the first insulating protective layer in the second direction. The "width of the second insulating protective layer" is similarly defined and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0033] Preferably, the thickness of the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer are each independently 3-8 μm, for example, 3.2 μm, 3.5 μm, 3.8 μm, 4 μm, 4.2 μm, 4.5 μm, 4.8 μm, 5 μm, 5.2 μm, 5.5 μm, 5.8 μm, 6 μm, 6.2 μm, 6.5 μm, 6.8 μm, 7 μm, 7.2 μm, 7.5 μm, or 7.8 μm, as well as specific values ​​between the above values. Due to space limitations and for the sake of brevity, the present invention will not exhaustively list the specific values ​​included in the range. Therefore, the thickness can be matched with that of the electrolyte and the busbar, and a resistor with an appropriate resistance value can be set between the conductive layer and the busbar to adjust the surface resistance of the entire conductive area. This increases the voltage drop across the busbar and the insulating protective layer, while decreasing the voltage drop across the corresponding conductive layer, thereby effectively avoiding device damage and failure caused by excessive current in the conductive layer over a long period.

[0034] Preferably, the width of the connection between the first insulating protective layer and the first conductive layer on the side away from the edge is 1 to 3 cm, for example, it can be 1.1 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.7 cm, 1.9 cm, 2 cm, 2.1 cm, 2.3 cm, 2.5 cm, 2.7 cm, or 2.9 cm, as well as specific values ​​between the above values. Due to space limitations and for the sake of brevity, the present invention will not exhaustively list the specific values ​​included in the range. Thus, the first insulating protective layer completely covers the first busbar, increasing the voltage division on the first busbar and the first insulating protective layer. This avoids the problem of device damage and failure caused by the conductive layer in the area where the busbar is located being subjected to excessive current for a long time, and further avoids covering too much color-changing area, thereby increasing the color-changing area of ​​the device and improving the utilization rate of the electrochromic device.

[0035] Preferably, the width of the connection between the second insulating protective layer and the second conductive layer on the side away from the edge is 1 to 3 cm, for example, it can be 1.1 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.5 cm, 1.7 cm, 1.9 cm, 2 cm, 2.1 cm, 2.3 cm, 2.5 cm, 2.7 cm, or 2.9 cm, as well as specific values ​​between the above values. Due to space limitations and for the sake of brevity, the present invention will not exhaustively list the specific values ​​included in the range. Thus, the second insulating protective layer, while completely covering the second busbar, increasing the voltage division between the second busbar and the second insulating protective layer, and preventing device damage and failure caused by long-term excessive current in the conductive layer of the busbar area, further avoids the second insulating protective layer covering too much of the color-changing area, thereby increasing the color-changing area of ​​the device and improving the utilization rate of the electrochromic device.

[0036] Preferably, the materials of the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer are each independently optically transparent materials, preferably insulating varnish, and more preferably insulating varnish with a specific color, such as the same color as the device coloring, or any other arbitrary color, to cover and modify the busbar and its surrounding area.

[0037] Preferably, the electrochromic device further includes: a first lead-out electrode connected to the first busbar; the first insulating protective layer is not provided at the position on the first busbar where it connects to the first lead-out electrode; a second lead-out electrode connected to the second busbar; the second insulating protective layer is not provided at the position on the second busbar where it connects to the second lead-out electrode. Thus, the lead-out electrode allows the busbar to be electrically connected to an external power source. When a voltage is applied by the external power source, current is conducted through the lead-out electrode to the busbar, and then to the conductive layer, thereby creating an electric field inside the electrochromic device, causing the electrochromic device to exhibit coloring or decolorization phenomena.

[0038] Preferably, the first lead-out electrode is connected to the first busbar via conductive adhesive; the second lead-out electrode is connected to the second busbar via conductive adhesive. This allows for a more convenient and effective stable connection between the lead-out electrode and the busbar.

[0039] Preferably, the first busbar and the second busbar are electrically connected to an external power source through the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode, respectively; for example, after removing the substrate, conductive layer, electrochromic layer, electrolyte layer and ion storage layer in a local area by laser half-cutting, the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are connected to the first busbar and the second busbar, respectively, through conductive adhesive.

[0040] Preferably, the projection of the first lead-out electrode on the first conductive layer and the projection of the second busbar on the first conductive layer do not contact each other; the projection of the second lead-out electrode on the first conductive layer and the projection of the first busbar on the first conductive layer do not contact each other. In the above-mentioned arrangement of the lead-out electrodes, the first lead-out electrode is led out from the outer side of the first busbar, and the second lead-out electrode is led out from the outer side of the second busbar. The two lead-out electrodes do not need to cross the busbar on the other side, avoiding short circuits caused by contact between the lead-out electrodes and the other end of the busbar, thus improving the reliability of the device. That is, when connecting the lead-out electrodes, since the projections of the lead-out electrodes and the other side of the busbar do not coincide, there is no risk of short circuit due to contact. Therefore, it is not necessary to break the other side of the busbar (remove the part that coincides with the projection of the lead-out electrode), which can effectively avoid the risk of short circuits. This simplifies the device fabrication process and also helps to further improve the electrical conductivity (if the busbar is broken, its electrical conductivity will be affected), thus improving the color-changing rate of the electrochromic device.

[0041] Preferably, the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are disposed on the same side of the electrochromic device. This ensures that the two lead-out electrodes emerge from the same side and maintain symmetry in their positions (i.e., at the same horizontal or vertical height), simplifying the fabrication process. Simultaneously, the lead-out electrodes do not cross the busbar on the other side, reducing the likelihood of short circuits and improving the device's reliability.

[0042] Preferably, the color-changing layer comprises an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer arranged sequentially.

[0043] In this invention, the materials of the electrochromic layer, electrolyte layer, and ion storage layer can be materials known in the prior art. For example, the material of the electrochromic layer can be specifically selected from color-changing materials capable of forming solid thin films in the prior art, such as inorganic materials like NiO, WO3, Nb2O5, and TiO2; organic materials like polythiophene derivatives and copolymer systems; and metal conjugated systems, such as Prussian blue. The electrolyte layer is preferably a solid electrolyte layer, formed by curing an electrolyte solution. The material of the electrolyte layer includes a mixture of polymer, metal ion salt, and additives. The material of the ion storage layer includes metal oxides formed from any one or at least two metal elements of groups 4 to 12, or mixtures of metal oxides, or metal oxides doped with any other metal oxide.

[0044] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an electrochromic device, the electrochromic device comprising the electrochromic device as described in the first aspect.

[0045] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0046] In the electrochromic device provided by this invention, by setting an insulating protective layer on the busbar, the short circuit caused by the connection between the busbar and the conductive layer on the other side is effectively avoided. At the same time, the insulating protective layer extends to the conductive layers on both sides of the busbar in addition to covering the busbar, which effectively avoids the problem of device damage and failure caused by the conductive layers being subjected to excessive current for a long time, improves the stability and reliability of the device, and extends the working life of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device provided in Example 1;

[0048] Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of the electrochromic devices provided in Examples 2-5;

[0049] Figure 3 A top view of the electrochromic device provided in Example 2;

[0050] Figure 4 This is a top view of the electrochromic device provided in Example 3;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a top view of the electrochromic device provided in Example 4;

[0052] Figure 6 A top view of the electrochromic device provided for Comparative Example 1;

[0053] Figure 7 A partial top view of the electrochromic device provided for Comparative Example 1;

[0054] Figure 8 A top view of the electrochromic device provided for Comparative Example 2;

[0055] Wherein, 11-first substrate, 12-second substrate, 21-first conductive layer, 22-second conductive layer, 30-color-changing layer, 31-electrochromic layer, 32-electrolyte layer, 33-ion storage layer, 41-first busbar, 42-second busbar, 51-first insulating protective layer, 52-second insulating protective layer, 61-first lead electrode, 62-second lead electrode, S1-conductive region containing busbar, S2-conductive region without busbar. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated below through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described are merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0057] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "vertical," and "horizontal," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0058] Furthermore, features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of those features, used to distinguish and describe features, without any order or emphasis. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "connected," "linked," "installed," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms within this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] A schematic diagram of an electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the structure includes a first substrate 11, a first conductive layer 21, a color-changing layer 30, a second conductive layer 22, and a second substrate 12 arranged sequentially. A first busbar 41 is disposed between the first conductive layer 21 and the color-changing layer 30, and a second busbar 42 is disposed between the second conductive layer 22 and the color-changing layer 30. A first insulating protective layer 51 is disposed on the first busbar 41, and the first busbar 41 is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer 51 and the first conductive layer 21. A second insulating protective layer 52 is disposed on the second busbar 42, and the second busbar 42 is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer 52 and the second conductive layer 22.

[0062] The width of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 42 is 1cm; the width of the first insulating protective layer 51 is 3cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the first conductive layer 21 away from the edge is 1cm; the width of the second insulating protective layer 52 is 3cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the second conductive layer 22 away from the edge is 1cm.

[0063] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, an insulating protective layer is provided on the busbar to prevent short circuits caused by the busbar connecting to the conductive layer on the other side. At the same time, the insulating protective layer extends to the conductive layers on both sides of the busbar after covering it, thereby covering the failure area around the busbar caused by excessive current. This is equivalent to setting a large-value resistor between the conductive layer and the busbar, adjusting the surface resistance of the entire conductive area, increasing the voltage drop across the busbar and the insulating protective layer, while decreasing the voltage drop across the corresponding conductive layer. This effectively avoids the problem of device damage and failure caused by the conductive layer being subjected to excessive current for a long time, improves the stability and reliability of the device, and thus extends the device's service life.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] A schematic diagram of an electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the structure includes a first substrate 11, a first conductive layer 21, a color-changing layer, a second conductive layer 22, and a second substrate 12 arranged sequentially. The color-changing layer includes an electrochromic layer 31, an electrolyte layer 32, and an ion storage layer 33 arranged sequentially. A first busbar 41 is disposed between the first conductive layer 21 and the electrochromic layer 31, and a second busbar 42 is disposed between the second conductive layer 22 and the ion storage layer 33. A first insulating protective layer 51 is disposed on the first busbar 41, and the first busbar 41 is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer 51 and the first conductive layer 21. A second insulating protective layer 52 is disposed on the second busbar 42, and the second busbar 42 is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer 52 and the second conductive layer 22. The first lead-out electrode 61 is connected to the first busbar 41 by conductive adhesive, and the first insulating protective layer 51 is not coated on the position of the first busbar 41 where it connects to the first lead-out electrode 61; the second lead-out electrode 62 is connected to the second busbar 42 by conductive adhesive, and the second insulating protective layer 52 is not coated on the position of the second busbar 42 where it connects to the second lead-out electrode 62 (the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are in...). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image).

[0066] The width of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 42 is 1.5cm; the thickness of the first insulating protective layer 51 and the second insulating protective layer 52 is 4μm; the width of the first insulating protective layer 51 is 7cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the first conductive layer 21 away from the edge is 3cm; the width of the second insulating protective layer 52 is 7cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the second conductive layer 22 away from the edge is 3cm.

[0067] A top view of the electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 3As shown, the first bus bar 41 forms a first closed area, and the second bus bar 42 forms a second closed area; both the graphic structures of the first closed area and the second closed area are rectangles, and the projection of the first bus bar 41 on the first conductive layer 21 and the projection of the second bus bar 42 on the first conductive layer 21 form a "hui"-shaped structure (a hollow-square nested structure).

[0068] In the electrochromic device provided by this embodiment, an insulating protective layer is disposed on the bus bar, which avoids short circuit caused by connection between the bus bar and the conductive layer on the other side; meanwhile, the insulating protective layer extends to and connects with the conductive layers on both sides of the bus bar on the basis of covering the bus bar, which effectively avoids the problem of device damage and failure caused by the conductive layer in the area where the bus bar is located being subjected to excessive current for a long time, improves the stability and reliability of the device, and prolongs the working life of the device. Further, bus bars are continuously arranged around the conductive layer of the device, which effectively increases the conduction rate of the device, and improves the color changing rate and color changing uniformity of the electrochromic device.

[0069] Example 3

[0070] An electrochromic device, the schematic structural diagram of which is Figure 2 shown, comprises a first substrate 11, a first conductive layer 21, a color changing layer, a second conductive layer 22 and a second substrate 12 which are arranged in sequence; the color changing layer comprises an electrochromic layer 31, an electrolyte layer 32 and an ion storage layer 33 which are arranged in sequence; a first bus bar 41 is arranged between the first conductive layer 21 and the electrochromic layer 31, and a second bus bar 42 is arranged between the second conductive layer 22 and the ion storage layer 33; a first insulating protective layer 51 is arranged on the first bus bar 41, and the first bus bar 41 is located in an encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer 51 and the first conductive layer 21; a second insulating protective layer 52 is arranged on the second bus bar 42, and the second bus bar 42 is located in an encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer 52 and the second conductive layer 22. The first lead-out electrode 61 is connected to the first bus bar 41 through conductive adhesive, and the position on the first bus bar 41 connected to the first lead-out electrode 61 is not coated with the first insulating protective layer 51; the second lead-out electrode 62 is connected to the second bus bar 42 through conductive adhesive, and the position on the second bus bar 42 connected to the second lead-out electrode 62 is not coated with the second insulating protective layer 52 (the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are Figure 2 not shown herein).

[0071] The width of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 42 is 2cm; the thickness of the first insulating protective layer 51 and the second insulating protective layer 52 is 4μm; the width of the first insulating protective layer 51 is 5cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the first conductive layer 21 away from the edge is 1.5cm; the width of the second insulating protective layer 52 is 5cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the second conductive layer 22 away from the edge is 1.5cm.

[0072] A top view of the electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the first busbar 41 constitutes the first closed area, and the second busbar 42 constitutes the second closed area; the first closed area and the second closed area have rectangular shapes with equal areas, and their projections on the first conductive layer 21 are partially offset and aligned.

[0073] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, an insulating protective layer is provided on the busbar to prevent the busbar from connecting with the conductive layer on the other side and causing a short circuit. At the same time, the insulating protective layer extends to the conductive layers on both sides of the busbar after covering it, which effectively avoids the problem of device damage and failure caused by long-term excessive current in the conductive layer in the area where the busbar is located, improves the stability and reliability of the device, and extends the working life of the device. Furthermore, the device's conductive layer is continuously surrounded by busbars, effectively increasing the device's conductivity and improving the color-changing rate and uniformity of the electrochromic device. Simultaneously, it ensures consistent material area for the first and second busbars, preventing material waste. Moreover, during the busbar fabrication process, there is no need to separately set parameters such as the amount of busbar material; the same structural pattern can be applied to both conductive layers simultaneously, simplifying the fabrication process. Furthermore, the first and second busbars, forming closed patterns respectively, require only two lead-out electrodes, reducing the number of lead-out electrodes and thus improving the reliability of the electrochromic device. Furthermore, the two lead-out electrodes are independent and do not need to cross the other side of the busbar, avoiding short circuits caused by contact between the lead-out electrodes and the other end of the busbar, thus improving the device's reliability. When performing laser half-cutting of the lead-out electrodes, the other side of the busbar is not interrupted, further increasing the electrical conductivity and improving the color-changing rate of the electrochromic device.

[0074] Example 4

[0075] A schematic diagram of an electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 2As shown, the structure includes a first substrate 11, a first conductive layer 21, a color-changing layer, a second conductive layer 22, and a second substrate 12 arranged sequentially. The color-changing layer includes an electrochromic layer 31, an electrolyte layer 32, and an ion storage layer 33 arranged sequentially. A first busbar 41 is disposed between the first conductive layer 21 and the electrochromic layer 31, and a second busbar 42 is disposed between the second conductive layer 22 and the ion storage layer 33. A first insulating protective layer 51 is disposed on the first busbar 41, and the first busbar 41 is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer 51 and the first conductive layer 21. A second insulating protective layer 52 is disposed on the second busbar 42, and the second busbar 42 is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer 52 and the second conductive layer 22. The first lead-out electrode 61 is connected to the first busbar 41 by conductive adhesive, and the first insulating protective layer 51 is not coated on the position of the first busbar 41 where it connects to the first lead-out electrode 61; the second lead-out electrode 62 is connected to the second busbar 42 by conductive adhesive, and the second insulating protective layer 52 is not coated on the position of the second busbar 42 where it connects to the second lead-out electrode 62 (the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are in...). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image).

[0076] The width of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 42 is 1.5cm; the width of the first insulating protective layer 51 is 6cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the first conductive layer 21 away from the edge is 2cm; the width of the second insulating protective layer 52 is 6cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the second conductive layer 22 away from the edge is 2cm.

[0077] A top view of the electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the first busbar 41 constitutes the first closed area, and the second busbar 42 constitutes the second closed area; the first closed area and the second closed area are identical "convex" structures with equal areas, and their axes of symmetry are projected onto the first conductive layer 21. The projections of the center of the shoulder region onto the first conductive layer 21 are also identical.

[0078] The corners of the first busbar 41 and the second busbar 42 are rounded, and the shoulder corners of the convex structure are also rounded.

[0079] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, an insulating protective layer is provided on the busbar to prevent the busbar from connecting with the conductive layer on the other side and causing a short circuit. At the same time, the insulating protective layer extends to the conductive layers on both sides of the busbar after covering it, which effectively avoids the problem of device damage and failure caused by the conductive layer in the area where the busbar is located being subjected to excessive current for a long time. This improves the stability and reliability of the device and extends its working life. Furthermore, the design of the busbar layout ensures high color-changing rate and uniformity while maintaining consistent material area for the first and second busbars, preventing material waste. During busbar fabrication, there's no need to separately set parameters such as material usage; the same structural pattern can be applied to both conductive layers simultaneously, simplifying the fabrication process. Moreover, the first and second busbars, forming closed patterns, require only two lead-out electrodes, reducing the difficulty of electrode setup and improving the reliability of the electrochromic device. Furthermore, the two lead-out electrodes operate independently without crossing the other side of the busbar, preventing short circuits caused by contact between the lead-out electrodes and the other end of the busbar, thus enhancing device reliability. When laser-cutting the lead-out electrodes, the other side of the busbar is not interrupted, further increasing the electrical conduction rate and color-changing rate of the electrochromic device. In addition, the corners of the first and second busbars, as well as the shoulder corners of the convex structure, are rounded to ensure that the line width of the first and second busbars is equal everywhere, and the current and voltage division are basically consistent at all points. This avoids the situation where current concentration occurs at right-angle corners, causing the conductive layer in the right-angle edge area to bear excessive current and be damaged, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the device and extending its lifespan.

[0080] Example 5

[0081] An electrochromic device differs from Embodiment 4 only in that the width of the first insulating protective layer 51 is 2.5 cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the first conductive layer 21 away from the edge is 0.5 cm; the width of the second insulating protective layer 52 is 2.5 cm, and the connection width between it and the side of the second conductive layer 22 away from the edge is 0.5 cm; all other structures are the same as in Embodiment 4.

[0082] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, the width of the insulating protective layer is relatively small, especially the connection width between the insulating protective layer and the conductive layer on the side far from the edge is small. This results in an insignificant increase in voltage division on the busbar and the insulating protective layer, which means that the conductive layer in the area where the busbar is located still has the risk of increased current during long-term use, thereby affecting the reliability of the device.

[0083] Comparative Example 1

[0084] An electrochromic device, the structural schematic diagram of which is shown below. Figure 6 As shown, the only difference between it and Embodiment 3 is that the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer are not provided; all other structures are the same as Embodiment 3.

[0085] A partial top view of the electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 7 As shown, the conductive areas of the conductive layer in the conductive region S1 containing the busbar and the conductive region S2 without the busbar are the same. Therefore, the resistance R of the conductive layer is constant. The presence of the busbar (with a lower resistance than the conductive layer) in the conductive region S1 reduces the surface resistance of S1. Thus, under a constant voltage, the current through the conductive region S1 increases. This means that the conductive layer in the region S1 bears a larger current. During long-term use, this can easily lead to the conductive layer in this region being subjected to excessive current for a long time and failing. In other words, the conductive layer (color-changing layer) around the busbar will be damaged and fail due to excessive current for a long time, thereby affecting the overall reliability of the device and shortening its service life.

[0086] Comparative Example 2

[0087] An electrochromic device, the structural schematic diagram of which is shown below. Figure 8 As shown, the only difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 3 is that the first insulating protective layer 51 is disposed on the first busbar 41 and does not contact the first conductive layer 21; the second insulating protective layer 52 is disposed on the second busbar 42 and does not contact the second conductive layer 22; all other structures are the same as in Embodiment 3.

[0088] In the electrochromic device provided in Comparative Example 2, the insulating protective layer can prevent the busbar from connecting to the conductive layer on the other side to a certain extent, thus avoiding short circuits. However, compared with the electrochromic device provided by this invention, the insulating protective layer of Comparative Example 2 does not completely cover the busbar, and cannot regulate the current in the conductive area containing the busbar. During the use of the device, the conductive layer around the busbar is subjected to excessive current for a long time, which can easily lead to damage and failure, thereby affecting the overall reliability of the device.

[0089] The applicant declares that the present invention is illustrated through the above embodiments to provide an electrochromic device and an electrochromic apparatus including the same, but the present invention is not limited to the above process steps, that is, it does not mean that the present invention must rely on the above process steps to be implemented. Those skilled in the art should understand that any improvements to the present invention, equivalent substitutions of the raw materials used in the present invention, additions of auxiliary components, selection of specific methods, etc., all fall within the protection scope and disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, include: First base; A first conductive layer is disposed on the first substrate; The first busbar is disposed on the first conductive layer; A first insulating protective layer is disposed on the first busbar, and the first busbar is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the first insulating protective layer and the first conductive layer; A color-changing layer is disposed on the first conductive layer and away from the first substrate; A second conductive layer is disposed on the color-changing layer and is located away from the first conductive layer; The second busbar is disposed on the second conductive layer; A second insulating protective layer is disposed on the second busbar, and the second busbar is located in the encapsulation structure formed by the second insulating protective layer and the second conductive layer; A second substrate is disposed on the second conductive layer and is located away from the color-changing layer; The width of the connection between the first insulating protective layer and the side of the first conductive layer away from the edge is 1~3 cm; The width of the connection between the second insulating protective layer and the second conductive layer on the side away from the edge is 1~3 cm; The first busbar is disposed on the first conductive layer and located around the first conductive layer to form a first closed area on the first conductive layer; The second busbar is disposed on the second conductive layer and located around the second conductive layer to form a second closed area on the second conductive layer; The graphic structure of the first closed region is the same as that of the second closed region; Both the first closed region and the second closed region have a convex structure; The projection of the axis of symmetry of the first closed region onto the first conductive layer completely coincides with the projection of the axis of symmetry of the second closed region onto the first conductive layer; The projection of the shoulder center of the convex structure of the first closed region onto the first conductive layer coincides with the projection of the shoulder center of the convex structure of the second closed region onto the first conductive layer.

2. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The projection of the first busbar onto the first conductive layer does not coincide with the projection of the second busbar onto the first conductive layer.

3. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first busbar is disposed on the first conductive layer and located around the first conductive layer to form a first closed area on the first conductive layer; The second busbar is disposed on the second conductive layer and located around the second conductive layer to form a second closed area on the second conductive layer; The area of ​​the first enclosed region is equal to the area of ​​the second enclosed region.

4. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The widths of the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer are each 1.5 to 8 cm.

5. The electrochromic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The thickness of the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer are each 3~8 μm.

6. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The materials of the first insulating protective layer and the second insulating protective layer are each independently insulating varnish.

7. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first lead electrode is connected to the first busbar; the first insulating protective layer is not provided at the position on the first busbar where it is connected to the first lead electrode. The second lead electrode is connected to the second busbar; the position on the second busbar where it is connected to the second lead electrode is not provided with a second insulating protective layer.

8. The electrochromic device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first lead electrode is connected to the first busbar via conductive adhesive; the second lead electrode is connected to the second busbar via conductive adhesive.

9. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The color-changing layer comprises an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer arranged sequentially.

10. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corners of the first busbar and / or the second busbar are rounded, and the width of the first busbar and / or the second busbar is equal at all points.

11. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, The electrochromic device includes the electrochromic device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images