Electrochromic device and applications thereof

Abstract

This invention provides an electrochromic device and its application, comprising: a first substrate; a first conductive layer disposed on the first substrate; a first busbar disposed on and around the first conductive layer to form a first closed region on the first conductive layer; a color-changing layer disposed on the first conductive layer and away from the first substrate; a second conductive layer disposed on the color-changing layer and away from the first conductive layer; a second busbar disposed on and around the second conductive layer to form a second closed region on the second conductive layer; the area of ​​the second closed region is equal to the area of ​​the first closed region; and a second substrate disposed on the second conductive layer and away from the color-changing layer. This invention, through the design of the arrangement of the first and second busbars, effectively improves the color-changing rate of the device, avoids material waste, simplifies the device fabrication and lead-out process, and improves the reliability 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 its application. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromism refers to the phenomenon where, under the influence of an external electric field and current, a material undergoes a reversible redox reaction, leading to structural changes and consequently altering its absorption spectrum or optical properties (such as transmittance, absorptivity, and reflectivity). This results in reversible changes in color or transparency. Currently, electrochromic devices are widely used in energy-saving windows, automotive rearview mirrors, and display devices.

[0003] Common electrochromic devices are generally composed of a substrate layer, a conductive layer, a color-changing active material layer, another conductive layer, and a substrate layer stacked in sequence. The color-changing active material layer includes an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer, etc. The conductive layer is provided with and connected to lead-out structures to realize the electrical connection between the external power supply and the electrochromic device.

[0004] Many researchers are dedicated to developing novel electrochromic devices and color-changing apparatuses. For example, CN213365229U discloses an electrochromic device comprising a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and lead-out electrodes, wherein 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 being located on the same side of the electrochromic layer, and a first busbar is provided on the first conductive layer, and a second busbar is provided on the second conductive layer, with the lead-out electrodes respectively connected to the first busbar and the second busbar. 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.

[0005] In general, to achieve better electrochromic rates, especially in large-size applications such as electrochromic windows, existing electrochromic devices typically incorporate multiple busbars. These busbars are arranged in either a U-shape (where different sized U-shaped busbars are arranged on the upper and lower conductive layers, forming an inner and outer ring combination to create a U-shape structure) or an alternating multi-segment arrangement (where multiple busbars are arranged around the perimeter of the upper conductive layer, with gaps between each busbar, and multiple busbars are also arranged on the lower conductive layer at the corresponding gaps between the busbars on the upper conductive layer). The above-mentioned busbar arrangement results in unequal corresponding areas of the upper and lower conductive layers, which not only wastes excess material but also requires setting instrument parameters separately for different structures of the upper and lower busbars during fabrication, making the operation process more complicated. In addition, the staggered multi-segment arrangement requires each busbar segment to be connected to a lead electrode, which has defects such as multiple lead electrodes, instability, and difficulty in maintenance. All of these defects will lead to insufficient device reliability.

[0006] Therefore, developing an electrochromic device that avoids material waste, has a simple lead-out method, is not prone to short circuits, and has high reliability, while maintaining high color-changing efficiency, is the research focus of this field. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an electrochromic device and its application. By designing the arrangement of the first busbar and the second busbar, the color-changing rate of the device is effectively improved on the one hand, material waste is avoided on the other hand, the device fabrication and lead-out process is simplified, and the reliability of the device is improved.

[0008] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0009] 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 and located around the periphery of the first conductive layer to form a first closed region on 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 and located around the periphery of the second conductive layer to form a second closed region on the second conductive layer; and a second substrate disposed on the second conductive layer and located away from the color-changing layer. Preferably, the area of ​​the second closed region is equal to the area of ​​the first closed region.

[0010] In the electrochromic device provided by this invention, the first busbar is disposed around the periphery of the first conductive layer to form a closed pattern, namely the first closed region; the second busbar is disposed around the periphery of the second conductive layer to form a closed pattern, namely the second closed region. This method of setting busbars around all four peripheries of the conductive layer can effectively improve the color-changing rate of the electrochromic device. Furthermore, making the areas of the first closed region and the second closed region equal can not only ensure that the material area of ​​the first busbar and the second busbar is consistent, preventing material waste, but also simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to set parameters such as the amount of busbar material separately. Moreover, the first busbar and the second busbar, which are respectively formed into closed patterns, significantly reduce the difficulty of setting the lead electrodes and reduce the number of lead electrodes, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the electrochromic device.

[0011] Preferably, at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate is a transparent material. More preferably, the material of the first substrate and / or the second substrate is an optically grade transparent material, which includes, but is not limited to, glass, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), cyclic olefin copolymers, or cellulose triacetate. Thus, the optical property changes of the electrochromic device can be displayed through a transparent substrate, and a suitable substrate material can be selected according to the needs of the application scenario to improve the applicability of the electrochromic device.

[0012] Preferably, the materials of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are transparent conductive materials used 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 at least a combination of 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 color-changing layer comprises an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer arranged sequentially.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] Preferably, 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. Here, "not coinciding" means at least not completely coinciding. This reduces the occurrence of short circuits due to contact between the first and second busbars.

[0019] Preferably, the widths of the first busbar and the second busbar are equal. More preferably, the graphic structures of the first closed area and the second closed area are completely identical. Here, "completely identical graphic structures" means that the shapes of the first and second closed areas are exactly the same, but they may not necessarily be perfectly aligned. Their projections on the same plane (e.g., the first conductive layer) can be perfectly aligned after being 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 certain angle to be perfectly aligned. Thus, on the one hand, it can ensure that the material area used for the first and second busbars is equal, avoiding material waste; on the other hand, with closed patterns and busbars of equal area, it is not necessary to set parameters such as the amount of busbar material separately during the preparation process, and the same busbar pattern can be applied to both conductive layers simultaneously without separate design, thereby simplifying the preparation process.

[0020] Preferably, both the first and second closed regions have a convex structure. This makes it easier to form identical graphic structures and minimizes the overlap area of ​​the projected area after alignment, thereby reducing the risk of short circuits due to contact between the first and second busbars and improving the stability and reliability of the electrochromic device.

[0021] Preferably, 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. More 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 location in the convex structure where the size (diameter) changes in the direction perpendicular to its axis of symmetry. Thus, by coinciding the axes of symmetry 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.

[0022] Preferably, both the first and second closed regions are rectangular, and more preferably square. Since the areas of the first and second closed regions are equal, and the projections of the first busbar on the first conductive layer and the second busbar on the first conductive layer do not coincide, the projections of the first and second closed regions on the first conductive layer are locally misaligned.

[0023] Preferably, the electrochromic device further includes: a first lead-out electrode connected to the first busbar; and a second lead-out electrode connected to the second busbar. Thus, the lead-out electrodes allow 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 electrodes to the busbar, and then to the conductive layer, thereby creating an electric field within the electrochromic device, causing phenomena such as coloring or decolorization.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Preferably, the projection of the first lead-out electrode onto the first conductive layer does not contact the projection of the second busbar onto the first conductive layer; similarly, the projection of the second lead-out electrode onto the first conductive layer does not contact the projection of the first busbar onto the first conductive layer. Thus, on the one hand, the first lead-out electrode extends from the outer side of the first busbar, and the second lead-out electrode extends from the outer side of the second busbar, so neither lead-out electrode needs to cross the other side of the busbar (e.g., the first lead-out electrode does not need to cross the second busbar, and the second lead-out electrode does not need to cross the first busbar), avoiding short circuits caused by contact between the lead-out electrode and the other side of the busbar, thereby improving the reliability of the device. That is, when connecting the lead-out electrodes, because 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, thus eliminating the need to connect the other lead-out electrode to the busbar. Disrupting the side busbar (e.g., removing the portion of the busbar that overlaps with the projection of the lead-out electrode) effectively avoids the risk of short circuits and simplifies the device fabrication process. On the other hand, since it is not necessary to disrupt either side of the busbar, i.e., it is not necessary to disrupt the first and second busbars, the uniformity and consistency of electrical conduction at various points on the busbar can be ensured, thus ensuring the uniformity and consistency of the color-changing rate of the electrochromic device. This also helps to further improve the electrical conduction rate (if the busbar is disrupted, its electrical conduction rate will be affected), thereby improving the color-changing rate of the electrochromic device.

[0027] Preferably, the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are disposed on the same side of the electrochromic device. This allows the two lead-out electrodes to emerge from the same side, ensuring symmetry in their positions (i.e., at the same horizontal or vertical height), which facilitates the connection of an external power source and simplifies the fabrication process. Furthermore, when it is necessary to shield the lead-out electrodes, placing them on the same side of the electrochromic device allows for shielding only on one side of the device, simplifying the shielding area setup and reducing its size. This effectively increases the usable area of ​​the electrochromic device, for example, achieving a narrow bezel effect in mobile terminals.

[0028] As mentioned above, when setting the lead-out electrodes, the substrate, conductive layer, electrochromic layer, electrolyte layer, and ion storage layer on the opposite side are usually removed by laser half-cutting process. As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, both the first closed area and the second closed area have a convex structure. When setting the lead-out electrodes, the busbar on the other side can be avoided during laser half-cutting (for example, in the case of a U-shaped busbar layout, the laser half-cutting process will cut a part of the busbar that should not be cut off, causing the busbar to form a break, which affects the current conduction efficiency and thus affects the color change rate). This prevents the current conduction efficiency from being affected and further ensures that the color change efficiency of the electrochromic device is high enough.

[0029] Preferably, all corners of the first busbar are rounded. More 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.

[0030] Preferably, all corners of the second busbar are rounded. More 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.

[0031] In existing technologies, busbars with a "U"-shaped layout typically have right angles at their corners. This results in the busbar width at the corners being greater than that at the non-corner areas, leading to current concentration at the corners (higher than at the non-corner areas). Over long-term use, this can easily cause the conductive layer in these areas to be subjected to excessive current and fail. In other words, the conductive layer (color-changing layer) in the corner area will be damaged and fail due to prolonged excessive current, thus affecting the overall reliability of the device. Therefore, as a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the corners of the first busbar and / or the second busbar are rounded. This ensures that the linewidth on the first busbar and / or the second busbar is equal throughout, and the current and voltage division are basically consistent at all points. This avoids the current concentration at the right angles that could damage the conductive layer in the right-angle edge area due to prolonged excessive current, thereby improving the reliability, stability, and lifespan of the device.

[0032] Preferably, both the first and second enclosed areas 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 equal 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 area due to prolonged exposure to excessive current, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the device and extending its lifespan.

[0033] Preferably, the difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the rounded corner is equal to the width of the busbar.

[0034] Preferably, an insulating protective layer is provided on the first busbar and / or the second busbar; more preferably, an insulating protective layer is provided on the shoulder area of ​​the convex structure of the first busbar and the second busbar. This effectively prevents short circuits caused by electrical connection between the busbar and the conductive layer on the other side. Furthermore, for convex structures, when the overlapping area of ​​the busbar projections is only the shoulder area, an insulating protective layer can be provided only in the shoulder area, effectively preventing contact short circuits while also saving on the amount of insulating protective layer used and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0035] Preferably, the insulating protective layer extends inward (i.e., the side away from the device edge) and has a specific width. This is equivalent to placing a large-value resistor between the conductive layer and the busbar, increasing the voltage drop across the busbar and the insulating protective layer, while decreasing the voltage drop across the corresponding conductive layer. This effectively prevents damage and failure of the conductive layer due to excessive voltage or current, improving device reliability. More preferably, the width connecting the insulating protective layer and the conductive layer on the side away from the edge is 1–3 cm, for example, 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. Thus, the insulating protective layer completely covers the busbar, avoiding device damage and failure caused by the conductive layer in the busbar area being subjected to excessive current for a long time, and further avoiding covering too much color-changing area, thereby increasing the color-changing area of ​​the device and improving the utilization rate of the electrochromic device.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an electrochromic device, the electrochromic device comprising the electrochromic device as described in the first aspect.

[0037] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0038] The electrochromic device provided by this invention effectively improves the color-changing rate and uniformity of the device through the design of the arrangement of the first and second busbars. At the same time, the equal areas of the first and second closed regions not only ensure that the material area of ​​the first and second busbars is consistent, preventing material waste, but also simplify the manufacturing process, reduce the difficulty of setting the lead electrodes, and reduce the number of lead electrodes, thereby improving the reliability and stability of the electrochromic device and extending its service life. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device provided in Example 1;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device provided in Example 2;

[0041] Figure 3 A top view of the electrochromic device provided in Example 2;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a top view of the electrochromic device provided in Example 3;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a top view of the electrochromic device provided in Example 4;

[0044] Figure 6 A top view of the electrochromic device provided for Comparative Example 1;

[0045] 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 lead-out electrode, 52-second lead-out electrode, AA'-symmetry axis between the first and second closed regions, BB'-shoulder region between the first and second closed regions. Detailed Implementation

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] 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 arranged around the first conductive layer 21 and is disposed between the first conductive layer 21 and the color-changing layer 30. A second busbar 42 is arranged around the second conductive layer 22 and is disposed between the second conductive layer 22 and the color-changing layer 30. The first busbar 41 forms a first closed area, and the second busbar 42 forms a second closed area. The areas of the first closed area and the second closed area are equal.

[0052] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, a first busbar is arranged around the periphery of the first conductive layer, and a second busbar is arranged around the periphery of the second conductive layer. This effectively improves the color-changing rate and uniformity of the device and simplifies the lead-out method. At the same time, the first and second busbars form closed patterns with equal areas. This not only ensures that the material area used for the first and second busbars is consistent, preventing material waste, but also simplifies the manufacturing process and improves the reliability of the electrochromic device.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] 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 arranged around the first conductive layer 21, and the first busbar 41 is disposed between the first conductive layer 21 and the electrochromic layer 31. A second busbar 42 is arranged around the second conductive layer 22, and the second busbar 42 is disposed between the second conductive layer 22 and the ion storage layer 33. The first lead-out electrode 51 is connected to the first busbar 41 by conductive adhesive, and the second lead-out electrode 52 is connected to the second busbar 42 by conductive adhesive. Figure 2 (Not shown in the image).

[0055] A top view of the electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 3 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 AA' are projected onto the first conductive layer 21. The center of the shoulder region BB' is also projected onto the first conductive layer 21.

[0056] The first busbar 41 and the second busbar 42 have the same width, and the corners of both busbars are rounded. The shoulder corners of the convex structure are also rounded.

[0057] The projection of the first lead-out electrode 51 on the first conductive layer 21 and the projection of the second busbar 42 on the first conductive layer 21 do not contact each other, and the projection of the second lead-out electrode 52 on the first conductive layer 21 and the projection of the first busbar 41 on the first conductive layer 21 do not contact each other; that is, the lead-out positions of the first lead-out electrode 51 and the second lead-out electrode 52 are on the same side of the electrochromic device and are symmetrical, and each does not need to cross the busbar on the other side.

[0058] The electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, through the design of the arrangement of the first and second busbars, achieves high color-changing rate and uniformity while ensuring consistent material area for both busbars, preventing material waste. Furthermore, during busbar fabrication, 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. Moreover, the first and second busbars, each forming a closed pattern, require only two lead-out electrodes, reducing the difficulty of electrode setup and the number of lead-out electrodes, thereby improving the reliability of the electrochromic device. Further, the two lead-out electrodes 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 laser half-cutting the lead-out electrodes, the other side of the busbar is not interrupted, further increasing the electrical conduction rate and thus the 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.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] A schematic diagram of the top view of an electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 2 is only that the first and second closed areas are rectangular in shape, with equal areas, and their projections on the first conductive layer 21 are partially offset. The first lead-out electrode 51 is connected to the first busbar 41 by conductive adhesive, and the second lead-out electrode 52 is connected to the second busbar 42 by conductive adhesive. Here, to avoid electrical contact between the second lead-out electrode 52 and the first busbar 41, the area overlapping with the projection of the second lead-out electrode 52 can be removed by breaking the first busbar 41. Alternatively, an insulating layer can be provided on the side of the second lead-out electrode 52 facing the first busbar 41 to avoid electrical contact between them, and it is not necessary to break the first busbar 41. Thus, the electrical conduction rate of the busbar can be further ensured, and the color-changing rate of the electrochromic device can be guaranteed not to be affected.

[0061] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, a first busbar is arranged around the periphery of the first conductive layer, and a second busbar is arranged around the periphery of the second conductive layer. This effectively improves the color-changing rate and uniformity of the device. At the same time, only two lead-out electrodes are required for the two busbars, greatly simplifying the lead-out method. Moreover, the first and second busbars form closed patterns with equal areas. This not only ensures that the material usage area of ​​the first and second busbars is consistent, preventing material waste, but also eliminates the need to set parameters such as the amount of busbar material during the busbar fabrication process due to the equal area of ​​the closed patterns and busbars. Furthermore, the same structural pattern can be applied to both conductive layers simultaneously without separate design, simplifying the fabrication process and improving the reliability of the electrochromic device.

[0062] Example 4

[0063] A schematic diagram of the top view of an electrochromic device is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the only difference from Embodiment 3 is that the second lead electrode 52 is positioned differently; the projection of the first lead electrode 51 on the first conductive layer 21 and the projection of the second busbar 42 on the first conductive layer 21 do not contact each other, and the projection of the second lead electrode 52 on the first conductive layer 21 and the projection of the first busbar 41 on the first conductive layer 21 do not contact each other.

[0064] In the electrochromic device provided in this embodiment, the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are located on the same side of the electrochromic device, and each does not need to cross the busbar on the other side, thus avoiding short circuits caused by contact between the lead-out electrode and the busbar on the other end, and further improving the stability and reliability of the device.

[0065] Comparative Example 1

[0066] An electrochromic device, the schematic top view structure of which is as Figure 6 shown. The difference from Embodiment 2 is only that the graphic structures of the first closed area and the second closed area are two rectangles with different areas, that is, 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" character shape.

[0067] Compared with Embodiment 1, the layout method of the bus bars in Comparative Example 1 will cause the corresponding areas of the first bus bar and the second bus bar to be unequal, resulting in the need to separately set the dosage parameters of the bus bar materials during the preparation of the device, which makes the process complex and causes waste of redundant materials around. Further, when connecting the lead-out electrodes with the "hui" character shaped bus bars, the second lead-out electrode led out from the inside inevitably contacts the first bus bar on the outside, which easily leads to a short-circuit situation and reduces the reliability of the device.

[0068] The applicant declares that the present invention uses the above embodiments to illustrate an electrochromic device and its application of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above process steps, i.e., 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 improvement to the present invention, the equivalent substitution of the raw materials selected for the present invention, the addition of auxiliary components, the selection of specific methods, etc., all fall within the protection scope and the disclosure scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, The electrochromic device comprises: a first substrate; a first conductive layer disposed on the first substrate; a first busbar disposed on the first conductive layer and located around the first conductive layer to form a first enclosed area on the first conductive layer; a color-changing layer disposed on the first conductive layer and away from the first substrate; a second conductive layer disposed on the color-changing layer and away from the first conductive layer; a second busbar disposed on the second conductive layer and located around the second conductive layer to form a second enclosed area on the second conductive layer; the area of the second enclosed area is equal to the area of the first enclosed area; a second substrate disposed on the second conductive layer and away from the color-changing layer; a projection of the first busbar on the first conductive layer and a projection of the second busbar on the first conductive layer do not completely coincide; a first lead electrode connected to the first busbar; a second lead electrode connected to the second busbar; a projection of the first lead electrode on the first conductive layer and a projection of the second busbar on the first conductive layer do not contact each other; a projection of the second lead electrode on the first conductive layer and a projection of the first busbar on the first conductive layer do not contact each other.

2. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The width of the first busbar is equal to the width of the second busbar.

3. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The graphic structure of the first enclosed area and the graphic structure of the second enclosed area are completely the same.

4. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The first enclosed area and the second enclosed area are both in convex structure.

5. Electrochromic device according to claim 4, characterized in that The projection of the symmetry axis of the first enclosed area on the first conductive layer and the projection of the symmetry axis of the second enclosed area on the first conductive layer completely coincide.

6. The electrochromic device of claim 4, wherein, The projection of the shoulder center of the convex structure of the first enclosed area on the first conductive layer and the projection of the shoulder center of the convex structure of the second enclosed area on the first conductive layer coincide.

7. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The first enclosed area and the second enclosed area are both in rectangular structure.

8. The electrochromic device of claim 7, wherein, The first enclosed area and the second enclosed area are both in square structure.

9. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The first lead electrode and the first busbar are connected by conductive glue; the second lead electrode and the second busbar are connected by conductive glue.

10. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The first lead electrode and the second lead electrode are disposed on the same side of the electrochromic device.

11. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The corners of the first busbar are all set as first rounded corners.

12. The electrochromic device of claim 11, wherein, The difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the first rounded corner is equal to the width of the first busbar.

13. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The corners of the second busbar are all set as second rounded corners.

14. The electrochromic device of claim 13, wherein, The difference between the outer radius and the inner radius of the second rounded corner is equal to the width of the second busbar.

15. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, The first enclosed area and the second enclosed area are both in convex structure, and the shoulder corners of the convex structure are all rounded corners.

16. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein, An insulating protective layer is disposed on the first busbar and / or the second busbar.

17. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, The electrochromic device comprises the electrochromic device as claimed in any one of claims 1-16.

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