Electrochromic light modulation structure and traffic device

Abstract

An electrochromic color-changing structure and a transportation device are disclosed. The electrochromic color-changing structure includes a substrate, an electrochromic device, and a first protective layer. The electrochromic device is located on the substrate and includes a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer is located between the electrochromic layer and the substrate. Both the first and second electrode layers are full-layer transparent electrode layers, and at least one of the first and second electrode layers includes an oxide material. The first protective layer covers the electrochromic device. The electrochromic device also includes a metal electrode located on at least one of the sides of the first and second electrode layers away from the second electrode layer, and the metal electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the first and second electrode layers. By incorporating the metal electrode, the electrochromic speed and color-changing uniformity of the large-area electrochromic color-changing structure are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrochromic color-changing structure and a transportation device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, electrochromic glass is widely used in automotive glass, aerospace glass, and building materials. Electrochromism is the phenomenon where the optical properties of a material (such as reflectivity, transmittance, and absorptivity) undergo stable and reversible color changes under the influence of an applied electric field, manifesting as reversible changes in color and transparency. Materials possessing electrochromic properties are called electrochromic materials, and devices made from electrochromic materials are called electrochromic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides an electrochromic color-changing lighting structure and a transportation device. The electrochromic color-changing lighting structure includes a substrate, an electrochromic device, and a first protective layer. The electrochromic device is located on the substrate and includes a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer is located between the electrochromic layer and the substrate. Both the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are full-layer transparent electrode layers, and at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer includes an oxide material. The first protective layer covers the electrochromic device. The electrochromic device also includes a metal electrode located on at least one of the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer, and the metal electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0004] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the metal electrode includes at least one of a metal mesh electrode and a metal thin layer, the thickness of which is 1 to 20 nanometers; the metal electrode overlaps with the electrochromic layer along a direction perpendicular to the substrate.

[0005] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the electrochromic color-changing structure further includes: an antenna structure, which is disposed in the same layer as at least a portion of the metal electrode and spaced apart from it.

[0006] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the metal electrode includes a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode. The first metal electrode is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. The second metal electrode is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The antenna structure is disposed on the same layer as the first metal electrode, and the thickness of the antenna structure is greater than the thickness of the second metal electrode.

[0007] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the first metal electrode includes a first metal mesh electrode or a first metal thin layer, and the second metal electrode includes a second metal thin layer.

[0008] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the metal mesh electrode includes a first metal mesh electrode and a second metal mesh electrode. The first metal mesh electrode is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. The second metal mesh electrode is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The overlap rate between the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode on the substrate is greater than 90%. The antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as one of the first metal mesh electrode and the second metal mesh electrode.

[0009] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, at least 90% of the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer on the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the metal thin layer on the substrate; the metal thin layer includes a first metal thin layer and a second metal thin layer, the first metal thin layer is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer, and the second metal thin layer is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer; the antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as one of the first metal thin layer and the second metal thin layer.

[0010] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure includes a solid structure and, along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the antenna structure does not overlap with the electrochromic layer.

[0011] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure includes a mesh structure, and along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the antenna structure may or may not overlap with the electrochromic layer.

[0012] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure includes a main body, the main body being octagonal in shape, wherein the included angle between at least two adjacent sides of the octagon is 135 degrees.

[0013] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure includes a main body portion, the main body portion includes the mesh structure, the mesh structure includes a first strip extending along a first direction and a second strip extending along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction.

[0014] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure includes a main body, the main body includes the mesh structure, and the mesh structure includes a plurality of strips arranged radially from a point in the central region of the main body.

[0015] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the electrode layer electrically connected to the metal electrode in the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers.

[0016] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode is 100 to 5000 nanometers, and the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode is 1 to 5 micrometers.

[0017] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the electrochromic color-changing structure further includes: a second protective layer covering the second electrode layer. At least a portion of the second metal mesh electrode and the antenna structure are located on the side of the second protective layer away from the substrate. The second protective layer includes a slot configured to expose the second electrode layer, through which the second metal mesh electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. An electrode portion is also provided on the side of the second protective layer away from the second electrode layer, and the electrode portion is electrically connected to the second metal mesh electrode. The first protective layer covers the second metal mesh electrode and the antenna structure.

[0018] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as the first metal mesh electrode, and the first protective layer covers the antenna structure; the first metal mesh electrode includes two metal layers, and the material of the antenna structure is the same as the material of the metal layer furthest from the substrate among the two metal layers.

[0019] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the second electrode layer includes a first film layer, a second film layer, and a third film layer stacked together. The first film layer and the third film layer are made of the same material, the thickness ratio of the first film layer to the third film layer is 0.9 to 1.1, and the thickness of the second film layer is less than the thickness of the first film layer.

[0020] For example, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the electrochromic layer includes an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, and a storage layer stacked sequentially, wherein the electrochromic material layer is located between the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer.

[0021] For example, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the electrochromic material layer includes one of inorganic electrochromic materials and organic electrochromic materials, and the electrolyte layer includes one of solid electrolyte and liquid electrolyte.

[0022] The present disclosure provides a transportation device including a sunroof, said sunroof comprising any of the above-described electrochromic color-changing structures. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 It is an electrochromic color-changing structure.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided as an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figures 3 to 5 These are schematic diagrams of the planar structures of metal mesh electrodes in different examples.

[0027] Figure 6 To adopt Figure 4 The transmittance curve of the metal mesh electrode is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 The graph shows the transmittance of the electrochromic color-changing structure as a function of wavelength.

[0030] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to different examples of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 15 to 17 This is a planar structural diagram of the antenna structure provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure in different examples.

[0036] Figure 18 for Figures 15 to 17 The gain comparison diagram of the antenna structures shown is presented.

[0037] Figure 19 for Figure 15 The antenna structure shown has gain diagrams for different radiation directions.

[0038] Figure 20 for Figure 16 The antenna structure shown has gain diagrams for different radiation directions.

[0039] Figure 21 for Figure 17 The antenna structure shown has gain diagrams for different radiation directions.

[0040] Figure 15 to 17 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 23 This is a schematic block diagram of transportation equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Based on the described embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that an element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Features such as “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “identical” used in embodiments of this disclosure include features in the strict sense of “parallel,” “perpendicular,” and “identical,” as well as cases where “substantially parallel,” “substantially perpendicular,” and “substantially identical” include a certain degree of error, taking into account measurement and errors associated with the measurement of a particular quantity (e.g., limitations of the measurement system), indicating a range of acceptable deviations for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “substantially” can mean within one or more standard deviations, or within 10% or 5% of said value. Unless otherwise specified in the following embodiments of this disclosure, the quantity of a component means that the component may be one or more, or can be understood as at least one. “At least one” means one or more, and “more” means at least two. The term "same-layer setting" as used in this disclosure refers to a structure formed by two (or more) structures through the same deposition process and patterned through the same patterning process, and their materials may be the same or different.

[0045] Figure 24 It is an electrochromic color-changing structure. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the electrochromic color-changing structure includes a glass 1, an electrochromic device, and a protective layer 7 covering the electrochromic device. The electrochromic device includes a lower electrode 2, a color-changing layer 3, an electrolyte layer 4, an ion storage layer 5, and an upper electrode 6, which are stacked sequentially. Both the lower electrode 2 and the upper electrode 6 are integral transparent conductive films in the electrochromic device, such as indium tin oxide (ITO). The aforementioned color-changing layer is the core layer of the electrochromic device and the layer where the color-changing reaction occurs. The materials of the color-changing layer can be classified into inorganic electrochromic materials and organic electrochromic materials.

[0046] New energy vehicles have attracted much attention as a new economic growth point, but battery range has become a major factor restricting interior space design, making it difficult for mechanically opening sunroofs or mechanical panoramic sunroofs to be widely used in new energy vehicles. As a result, color-changing sunroofs are gradually being applied to new energy vehicles.

[0047] Currently, color-changing skylights mainly employ electrochromic (EC) technology, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology, and suspended particle devices (SPD) technology. PDLC and SPD are physical dimming technologies, while EC is an electrochemical dimming technology. PDLC skylights primarily work by altering the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules within the glass, causing it to switch between a transparent and a frosted state. For example, after a power outage, ordinary PDLC glass immediately transitions to a frosted state and does not maintain high light transmittance; its heat insulation performance is also somewhat inferior. SPD skylights incorporate suspended particles within the glass interlayer. When power is off, these Brownian motion particles randomly align, absorbing over 99% of visible light. This type of skylight is more power-intensive, requiring 110V to operate, and reverts to a dark state upon power failure. Its maximum operating temperature is 60℃, and its cost is also higher. EC technology works by having ions pass through an electrolyte layer, enter the electrochromic layer, and react chemically with the substances in the electrochromic layer, thus changing the glass's color.

[0048] During the research, the inventors of this application discovered that the color-changing tarp includes: Figure 1 The electrochromic dimming structure shown has a slow color-changing speed because at least one of its upper and lower electrodes is made of indium tin oxide (ITO), with a sheet resistance of 50 ohms per square. For example, it takes several minutes to adjust the dimming screen from high transmittance to low transmittance. Moreover, the larger the area of ​​the dimming screen, the slower the color-changing speed, which greatly reduces the experience of the color-changing screen.

[0049] This disclosure provides an electrochromic lighting structure and a transportation device. The electrochromic lighting structure includes a substrate, an electrochromic device, and a first protective layer. The electrochromic device is located on the substrate and includes a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer is located between the electrochromic layer and the substrate. Both the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are full-layer transparent electrode layers, and at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer includes an oxide material. The first protective layer covers the electrochromic device. The electrochromic device also includes a metal electrode located on at least one of the sides of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer, and the metal electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0050] The electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure provided in this disclosure significantly reduces the overall sheet resistance of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer by setting a metal electrode electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. This effectively improves the electrochromic color-changing speed and color-changing uniformity of the large-area electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure. When this electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure is applied to a color-changing sky screen, it helps to improve the experience of the color-changing sky screen.

[0051] The electrochromic color-changing structure and transportation equipment provided in this disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing light structure provided as an example of an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the electrochromic color-changing structure includes a substrate 100, an electrochromic device 200, and a first protective layer 300.

[0053] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the substrate 100 may include a light-transmitting material such as glass.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, the electrochromic device 200 is located on the substrate 100. The electrochromic device 200 includes a first electrode layer 210, an electrochromic layer 230 and a second electrode layer 220 stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer 210 is located between the electrochromic layer 230 and the substrate 100. Both the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 are whole-layer transparent electrode layers. At least one of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 includes an oxide material.

[0055] For example, the material of the first electrode layer 210 may include indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin dioxide (FTO), etc. For example, the material of the second electrode layer 220 may be the same as that of the first electrode layer 210. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 15 to 800 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 20 to 500 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 25 to 400 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 30 to 300 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 40 to 200 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 may be 50 to 100 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 can be 60–90 nanometers. When the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are made of oxide materials, it is beneficial to minimize the influence of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer on the electrochromic layer.

[0056] For example, the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 can also be thin metal layers, and the thickness of the thin metal layer can be less than 50 nanometers. For example, the material of the thin metal layer can include gold (Au), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and aluminum (Al), etc.

[0057] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electrochromic layer 230 includes an electrochromic material layer 231, an electrolyte layer 232, and a storage layer 233 stacked sequentially. The electrochromic material layer 231 is located between the electrolyte layer 232 and the first electrode layer 210. For example, the material of the electrochromic material layer 231 can be a cathodic color-changing material, and the material of the storage layer 233 can be an anodic color-changing material.

[0058] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the material of the electrochromic material layer 231 may include inorganic electrochromic materials and organic electrochromic materials.

[0059] For example, organic electrochromic materials include polyaniline and its derivatives, polypyrrole and its derivatives, polythiophene and its derivatives, violetin, tetrathiofulvalene, and metal phthalocyanine compounds.

[0060] For example, inorganic electrochromic materials include tungsten trioxide (WO3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), and tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5). For instance, when the electrochromic material layer 231 is made of tungsten trioxide (WO3), its electrochromic mechanism can be the injection and extraction of electrons and ions.

[0061] For example, tungsten trioxide (WO3) can be prepared by reactive sputtering, during which the flow ratio of argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) can be 1:1, the working power can be 100W, and the thickness of the prepared electrochromic material layer 231 can be 300 nanometers.

[0062] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the material of electrolyte layer 232 includes at least one of all-solid polymer electrolyte, gel polymer electrolyte, and composite polymer electrolyte. For example, various polymer materials are used in the preparation of polymer electrolytes, among which the most representative polymer electrolyte matrix materials are polyether-based (mainly PEO), polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF)-based, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)-based.

[0063] For example, solid electrolytes include lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), lithium phosphorus silicon oxynitride (LiSiPON), lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO), lithium lanthanum titanium oxide (LLTO), tantalum-doped lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZTO), lithium polymer (LiPO), tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), lithium tantalate (LiTaO3), silicon oxide (SiO2), etc.

[0064] For example, nitrogen gas (N2) can be introduced during the preparation of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON). The volumetric flow rate of nitrogen gas (N2) is 60 sccm, the working power can be 100 W, and the thickness of the electrolyte layer formed can be 300 nanometers.

[0065] For example, the materials of the storage layer 233 include nickel oxide (NiO), iridium oxide (IrO2), manganese dioxide (MnO2), cobalt tetroxide (Co3O4), etc. For example, the storage layer 233 can be called the counter electrode. For example, the storage layer 233 can function as a ion storage and charge balancing electrode.

[0066] For example, nickel oxide (NiO) can be prepared by reactive sputtering, during which the flow ratio of argon (Ar) to oxygen (O2) can be 8:1, the working power can be 100W, and the thickness of the prepared electrochromic material layer 231 can be 300 nanometers.

[0067] For example, electrochromic material layer 231 and storage layer 233 can be prepared by sol-gel method, screen printing, blade coating, slot coating method, or infusion method to form colloidal film layer.

[0068] For example, inorganic electrochromic materials can be classified into cathode- and anodic-colored materials according to their coloring method. Oxides containing tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), and titanium (Ti) are examples of cathode-colored materials. Anodic electrochromic materials are mainly group VIII transition metal oxides, such as oxides containing nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and iridium (Ir), as well as their hydrated oxides. They exhibit a fading state when reduced and a colored state when oxidized. The Prussian blue system also belongs to anodic-colored materials. Materials exhibiting dual coloring properties, such as vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅), rhodium oxide (Rh₂O₃), and CoOx, also belong to anodic-colored materials.

[0069] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the surface of the first electrode layer 210 is in contact with the surface of the electrochromic material layer 231, the surface of the electrochromic material layer 231 is in contact with the surface of the electrolyte layer 232, the surface of the electrolyte layer 232 is in contact with the surface of the storage layer 233, and the surface of the storage layer 233 is in contact with the surface of the second electrode layer 220. When a voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 to generate a voltage difference, ions in the storage layer 233 pass through the electrolyte layer 232 into the electrochromic material layer 231, combine with the substances in the electrochromic material layer 231, and undergo a chemical reaction, so the color of the electrochromic material layer 231 changes and its transparency decreases; when there is no voltage difference between the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220, ions are extracted from the electrochromic material layer 231 and return to the storage layer, and the electrochromic material layer 231 returns to its transparent state.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, in the electrochromic color-changing structure, the first protective layer 300 covers the electrochromic device 200. For example, the first protective layer 300 covers the surface of the electrochromic device 200 away from the substrate 100 and the side surface of the electrochromic device 200, and the first protective layer 300 wraps the electrochromic device 200 to protect it.

[0071] For example, the first protective layer 300 may be composed of one or more layers of lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxynitride (SiON), silicon oxide (SiO), etc.

[0072] like Figure 2As shown, the electrochromic device 200 further includes a metal electrode 240 located on at least one of the sides of the first electrode layer 210 away from the second electrode layer 220 and the side of the second electrode layer 220 away from the first electrode layer 210, and the metal electrode 240 is electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220.

[0073] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the thickness of the electrode layer electrically connected to the metal electrode 240 in the first electrode layer 210 and the second electrode layer 220 is no greater than 100 nanometers. For example, the thickness of this electrode layer is no greater than 90 nanometers. For example, the thickness of this electrode layer is no greater than 80 nanometers.

[0074] The electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure provided in this disclosure, by setting a metal electrode in the electrochromic device that is electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, can greatly reduce the resistance of the first electrode layer and / or the second electrode layer and the metal electrode as an integral electrode, effectively improving the electrochromic speed of the large-area electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure. Therefore, when the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure is applied to the color-changing sky screen, it is beneficial to improve the experience of the color-changing sky screen.

[0075] Furthermore, by setting both oxide electrode layer and metal electrode as electrodes for the electrochromic color-changing light-changing structure, it is possible to prevent the metal electrode from directly contacting the electrochromic layer and affecting its performance, and also to reduce the thickness of the electrode layer. Thus, while reducing the overall resistance of the electrodes used as the electrochromic color-changing light-changing structure, the addition of metal electrodes will not result in a large thickness of the electrochromic color-changing light-changing structure or affect the performance of the electrochromic layer.

[0076] Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of the planar structures of metal mesh electrodes in different examples.

[0077] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the metal electrode 240 includes a metal mesh electrode 241, along a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100 (e.g., Figures 3 to 5 (As shown in the Y direction), the metal mesh electrode 241 overlaps with the electrochromic layer 230.

[0078] For example, the material of the metal mesh electrode 241 can be gold (Au), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), etc.

[0079] For example, such as Figures 2 to 5As shown, the metal mesh electrode 241 includes a hollow area 242, which can be uniformly arranged. For example, the pattern of the hollow area 242 can include regular patterns such as polygons, circles, and ellipses, or it can include other irregular shapes, such as wavy shapes. For example, polygons can include shapes such as triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons.

[0080] In some examples, such as Figure 2 As shown, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 100–5000 nanometers, and the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 1–5 micrometers. For example, the metal mesh electrode includes multiple strip electrodes, and the distance between adjacent strip electrodes is greater than 1 micrometer. For example, the distance between adjacent strip electrodes is greater than 2 micrometers.

[0081] For example, when the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 is relatively wide, such as 2 to 5 micrometers, the linewidth will not be comparable to the wavelength, and therefore no interference fringes will be generated. For example, when the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 is relatively narrow, such as 1 micrometer, and the spacing of the metal mesh electrodes 241 is large, such as a spacing greater than 1 micrometer, no interference will be generated.

[0082] For example, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 150–1000 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 400–900 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 400–900 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 500–800 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 200–300 nanometers.

[0083] For example, the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 1.5 to 4.5 micrometers. For example, the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 2.5 to 3.5 micrometers. For example, the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 is 2 to 3 micrometers.

[0084] Figures 3 to 5 In the electrochromic material layer shown, when the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are not electrically connected to the metal electrode, the sheet resistance of both the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is 50 ohms / cube; in the electrochromic color-changing structure provided in this application, at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is electrically connected to the metal electrode, such as forming Figures 2 to 5 The electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure shown can significantly reduce the sheet resistance of the electrode layer and the electrode formed by the metal electrode by setting metal electrodes, such as not exceeding 10 ohms / square, thus effectively improving the electrochromic speed of the large-area electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure.

[0085] Figure 1 To adopt Figure 2 The transmittance curve of the metal mesh electrode is shown. For example, Figure 6The linewidth of the metal mesh electrode 241 shown can be 5 micrometers. For example, as... Figure 4 and Figure 4 As shown, the transmittance of the metal mesh electrode 241 in the visible light band is not less than 90%. For example, the transmittance of the metal mesh electrode 241 is not less than 91%. For example, the transmittance of the metal mesh electrode 241 is not less than 92%. For example, the transmittance of the metal mesh electrode 241 is not less than 93%. For example, the above transmittance refers to the average transmittance of the entire metal mesh electrode, which is related to the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode.

[0086] By adjusting the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode, the light transmittance of the metal mesh electrode can be improved. If it is not less than 90%, the metal mesh electrode can be regarded as a transparent electrode. This reduces the resistance of the electrode in the electrochromic color-changing structure while minimizing the impact on the light transmission effect of the electrode.

[0087] Figure 4 The schematic diagram shows that the surface of the first electrode layer 210 away from the metal mesh electrode is flat. In actual products, since a metal mesh electrode is provided between the first electrode layer 210 and the substrate 100, the surface of the first electrode layer 210 away from the metal mesh electrode will have a protrusion corresponding to the metal mesh electrode. The electrochromic color-changing structure provided in this application, by setting the thickness of the metal mesh electrode to be thinner, is beneficial to reduce the height of the protrusion on the side of the first electrode layer away from the substrate, and is beneficial to prevent the protrusion from affecting the performance of the electrochromic layer.

[0088] Figure 6 The diagram schematically shows a metal mesh electrode located between the first electrode layer and the substrate, but it is not limited thereto; the metal mesh electrode may also be located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the substrate.

[0089] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of this disclosure. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the metal mesh electrode 241 includes a first metal mesh electrode 2411 and a second metal mesh electrode 2412. The first metal mesh electrode 2411 is located on the side of the first electrode layer 210 away from the second electrode layer 220 and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 210. The second metal mesh electrode 2412 is located on the side of the second electrode layer 220 away from the first electrode layer 210 and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer 220. The first electrode layer 210 and the first metal mesh electrode 2411 together serve as electrodes on one side of the electrochromic color-changing structure, and the second electrode layer 220 and the second metal mesh electrode 2412 together serve as electrodes on the other side of the electrochromic color-changing structure.

[0090] By setting a first metal mesh electrode electrically connected to the first electrode layer and a second metal mesh electrode electrically connected to the second electrode layer, the resistance of the electrodes on both sides of the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure can be greatly reduced, effectively improving the electrochromic speed of the large-area electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure.

[0091] For example, the power supply used to apply voltage to electrochromic light can be directly connected to the metal mesh electrode. However, it is not limited to this; the power supply used to apply voltage to electrochromic light can also be directly connected to the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[0092] In some examples, such as Figure 7 As shown, the overlap rate between the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 on the substrate 100 and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 on the substrate 100 is greater than 90%. For example, the overlap rate between the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 on the substrate 100 and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 on the substrate 100 is greater than 92%. For example, the overlap rate between the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 on the substrate 100 and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 on the substrate 100 is greater than 95%. For example, the overlap rate between the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 on the substrate 100 and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 on the substrate 100 is greater than 98%. For example, the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 on the substrate 100 and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 on the substrate 100 completely coincide.

[0093] By setting the overlapping relationship of the first metal mesh electrode and the second metal mesh electrode on the substrate, it is beneficial to improve the transmittance of the electrode of the electrochromic color-changing structure.

[0094] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the material of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 can be the same as that of the first metal mesh electrode 2411, such as gold (Au), platinum (Pt), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), etc.

[0095] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the thickness of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 and the first metal mesh electrode 2411 can be the same, such as 100 to 5000 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 and the thickness of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 can both be 1 micrometer.

[0096] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the linewidth of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 and the first metal mesh electrode 2411 can be the same, such as 1 to 5 micrometers. For example, the linewidth of both the first metal mesh electrode 2411 and the second metal mesh electrode 2412 can be 3 micrometers.

[0097] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the metal mesh electrodes, such as the first metal mesh electrode 2411 and the second metal mesh electrode 2412, can be deposited using a DC magnetron sputtering method and patterned as needed.

[0098] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, a high-precision exposure machine can be used to pattern the first metal grid electrode 2411 and the second metal grid electrode 2412 to set the line width of the metal grid electrode as small as possible, such as below 3 micrometers, such as 2 micrometers, such as 1 micrometer, which helps to further reduce the visual presence of the metal grid electrode.

[0099] Figure 7 for Figure 7 The graph shows the transmittance of the electrochromic color-changing structure as a function of wavelength. Figure 8 As shown, when the electrochromic color-changing structure is in a nearly transparent state, such as a faded state, the transmittance of light with a wavelength of 550 nm is about 64.0%; when the electrochromic color-changing structure is in a color-changing state, such as a colored state, the transmittance of light with a wavelength of 550 nm is about 15.2%. Thus, the modulation degree of the electrochromic color-changing structure for light with a wavelength of 550 nm is 48.8%.

[0100] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to different examples of embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 9 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown is similar to Figure 10 The difference between the electrochromic color-changing structures shown lies in whether or not a limiting structure 023 is set.

[0101] For example, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first metal mesh electrode 2411 includes two metal layers, such as metal layer 021 and metal layer 022. For example, metal layer 022 can be an electroplating seed layer, which can be patterned into a metal mesh structure; metal layer 021 can be a film layer grown on metal layer 022 by electroplating. For example, the material of metal layer 021 can be molybdenum, and the material of metal layer 022 can be copper. For example, the thickness of metal layer 022 can be 300 nanometers, and the thickness of metal layer 021 can be greater than 1 micrometer. Electroplating can form metal mesh electrodes with relatively thick thicknesses (e.g., 1–100 micrometers, 2–5 micrometers, 3–4 micrometers) at a lower cost.

[0102] For example, such as Figure 9As shown, the hollow area 242 of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 is provided with a limiting structure 023 to limit the thickness of the metal layer 022. For example, the limiting structure 023 can be made of a transparent organic material, such as polyimide (PI) or acrylic adhesive. For example, the limiting structure 023 can also be made of a transparent inorganic material, such as silicon oxide or silicon nitride. For example, the thickness of the limiting structure 023 can be 1.5 to 2.5 micrometers. For example, the thickness of the limiting structure 023 can be 2 micrometers.

[0103] For example, after forming the defined structure 023, the defined structure 023 and the metal layer 023 can be placed in an electroplating solution to electroplat the metal layer 022.

[0104] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 The structures in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown, except for the second electrode layer, can have the same characteristics as the corresponding structures in the above examples, and will not be described again here.

[0105] In some examples, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second electrode layer 220 includes a first film layer 221, a second film layer 222 and a third film layer 223 stacked together. The first film layer 221 and the third film layer 223 are made of the same material. The thickness ratio of the first film layer 221 to the third film layer 223 is 0.9 to 1.1, and the thickness of the second film layer 222 is less than the thickness of the first film layer 221.

[0106] For example, the first film layer 221 and the third film layer 223 have the same thickness. For example, the material of the first film layer 221 and the third film layer 223 can be aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and the material of the second film layer 222 can be silver (Ag). For example, the material of the first film layer 221 and the third film layer 223 can be indium tin oxide (ITO), and the material of the second film layer 222 can be silver (Ag).

[0107] For example, the thickness of the first film layer 221 and the third film layer 223 can both be 50 nanometers, and the thickness of the second film layer 222 can be 30 nanometers. For example, the second electrode layer 220 can adopt a sandwich structure including a thin silver layer.

[0108] By utilizing the optical microcavity effect, the heating effect of the infrared band of solar spectrum energy on the electrochromic color structure can be reduced, which is beneficial to improving the reliability and cycling characteristics of the electrochromic color structure.

[0109] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown is similar to Figure 12The difference in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown is that: Figure 12 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown also includes an antenna structure 400 disposed at least partially in the same layer as the metal electrodes and spaced apart from them. Figure 7 The substrate 100, first electrode layer 210, second electrode layer 220, electrochromic layer 230, and first protective layer 300 in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown can be coupled with... Figure 12 The corresponding structures in any of the examples shown have the same characteristics, which will not be repeated here.

[0110] The electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure disclosed herein, by incorporating an antenna structure in at least a portion of the same layer as the metal electrodes, can effectively improve the electrochromic speed of a large-area electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure by reducing the resistance of the electrodes in the electrochromic device, while simultaneously achieving microwave signal reception and transmission without increasing the film layer. For example, the antenna structure can be used for satellite communication. For instance, the antenna structure can realize the transmission and reception functions of 4G and 5G microwave signals.

[0111] For example, Figure 12 The schematic diagram shows that the metal mesh electrode 241 includes a first metal mesh electrode 2411 and a second metal mesh electrode 2412, but it is not limited thereto. The metal mesh electrode 241 may also include only one layer of structure, such as only one layer of mesh electrode electrically connected to the first electrode layer, or only one layer of mesh electrode electrically connected to the second electrode layer.

[0112] In some examples, such as Figures 2 to 11 As shown, the antenna structure 400 is disposed in the same layer as one of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 and the second metal mesh electrode 2412.

[0113] In some examples, such as Figure 12 As shown, the antenna structure 400 is disposed in the same layer as the first metal mesh electrode 2411, and the first protective layer 300 covers the antenna structure 400. The first protective layer is used to protect the antenna structure.

[0114] In some examples, such as Figure 12 As shown, the shape of the antenna structure 400 is the same as that of at least a portion of the metal mesh electrode 241, and the antenna structure 400 may or may not overlap with the electrochromic layer 230 along a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100.

[0115] For example, such as Figure 12 As shown, the antenna structure 400 can be formed in the same patterning process as the first metal mesh electrode 2411, and the shape of the antenna structure 400 is formed as a metal mesh. For example, the material, thickness, and linewidth of the antenna structure 400 and the first metal mesh electrode 2411 can be the same.

[0116] Figure 12The diagram schematically shows that the antenna structure and the electrochromic layer do not overlap to reduce mutual interference between the electrochromic device and the antenna structure. When the electrochromic color-changing structure is applied to the sunroof of a transportation device, the antenna structure can be clipped into the groove, which is a groove for engaging the edge of the sunroof.

[0117] Of course, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to this. The antenna structure with the same shape as at least some of the positions of the metal mesh electrode can be overlapped with the electrochromic layer. Since the antenna structure has good light transmission characteristics, it is beneficial to increase the area of ​​the electrochromic device by overlapping the electrochromic layer with the antenna structure.

[0118] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown is similar to Figure 13 The difference in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown is that: Figure 13 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown also includes an antenna structure 400 arranged in the same layer as the metal mesh electrodes and spaced apart. Figure 10 The substrate 100, first electrode layer 210, second electrode layer 220, electrochromic layer 230, and first protective layer 300 in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown can be coupled with... Figure 13 The corresponding structures in any of the examples shown have the same characteristics, which will not be repeated here. For example, as Figure 13 As shown, the first protective layer 300 covers the antenna structure 400.

[0119] In some examples, such as Figures 2 to 11 As shown, the first metal mesh electrode 2411 includes two metal layers 021 and 022, and the material of the antenna structure 400 is the same as the material of the metal layer 021 that is furthest from the substrate 100 among the two metal layers 021 and 022. Figure 13 The antenna structure 400 shown can be used with Figure 13 The antenna structure 400 shown has the same characteristics, which will not be described again here.

[0120] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown is similar to Figure 14 The difference in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown is that: Figure 14 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown also includes antenna structures 400 arranged in the same layer as the metal mesh electrodes and spaced apart. For example, the number of antenna structures 400 can be one, two, or more. Figure 7 The substrate 100, first electrode layer 210, second electrode layer 220, and electrochromic layer 230 in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown can be coupled with... Figure 14The corresponding structures in any of the examples shown have the same characteristics, which will not be repeated here.

[0121] In some examples, such as Figure 12 As shown, the electrochromic color-changing structure also includes a second protective layer 600 covering the second electrode layer 220. For example, the second protective layer 600 may cover the surface of the second electrode layer 220 away from the substrate 100, the electrochromic layer 230, and the side surface of the first electrode layer 210. For example, the second protective layer 600 may be made of the same material as the first protective layer 300, such as silicon dioxide. For example, the thickness of the portion of the second protective layer 600 on the side of the second electrode layer 220 away from the substrate 100 may be 80–120 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the portion of the second protective layer 600 on the side of the second electrode layer 220 away from the substrate 100 may be 100 nanometers.

[0122] In some examples, such as Figures 2 to 11 As shown, at least a portion of the second metal mesh electrode 2412 and the antenna structure 400 are located on the side of the second protective layer 600 away from the substrate 100. The second protective layer 600 includes a slot 610 configured to expose the second electrode layer 220, through which the second metal mesh electrode 2412 is electrically connected to the second electrode layer 220. For example, the second protective layer 600 can be dry-etched using reactive ion etching (RIE) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) equipment to pattern the mesh-like slot 610. For example, the shape of the slot 610 can be the same as the shape of the second metal mesh electrode 2412.

[0123] In some examples, such as Figure 14 As shown, an electrode portion 500 is also provided on the side of the second protective layer 600 away from the second electrode layer 220. The electrode portion 500 is electrically connected to the second metal mesh electrode 2412. For example, the electrode portion 500 may include a first electrode portion 510 and a second electrode portion 520. By applying different voltages to the first electrode portion 510 and the second electrode portion 520 to form a voltage difference, heat is generated when the second metal mesh electrode 2412 is energized by the electrode portion 500. This heat can be used to de-ice or defog the electrochromic color-changing structure. For example, when the electrochromic color-changing structure is used in the sunroof of a transportation device, the second metal mesh electrode is energized by applying voltage to the electrode portion, and the second metal mesh electrode functions as a heater, which can promote snow melting in winter, evaporation of water film on the sunroof, and defoggering.

[0124] For example, such as Figure 14As shown, when the electrochromic color dimming structure is used for dimming, only one electrode in the electrode section 500 is configured to apply voltage to the second metal mesh electrode 2412 to achieve color change of the electrochromic layer; when the second metal mesh electrode 2412 is used for heating, voltage is applied to both electrode sections in the electrode section 500, while the first metal mesh electrode 2411 is not applied voltage, and the electrochromic color dimming structure does not work at this time.

[0125] In some examples, such as Figure 14 As shown, the first protective layer 300 covers the second metal mesh electrode 2412 and the antenna structure 400 to protect the electrochromic device and the antenna structure.

[0126] Figure 14 The following are planar structural diagrams of the antenna structure provided according to embodiments of this disclosure in different examples. Figure 14 for Figures 15 to 17 The gain comparison diagram of the antenna structures shown is presented. Figure 18 for Figures 15 to 17 The antenna structure shown has gain diagrams for different radiation directions. Figure 19 for Figure 15 The antenna structure shown has gain diagrams for different radiation directions. Figure 20 for Figure 16 The antenna structure shown has gain diagrams for different radiation directions.

[0127] Figure 21 Any of the antenna structures shown in the examples can be applied to Figure 17 The antenna structure in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown.

[0128] In some examples, the metal electrode includes a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode. The first metal electrode is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. The second metal electrode is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The antenna structure is disposed on the same layer as the first metal electrode, and the thickness of the antenna structure is greater than the thickness of the second metal electrode.

[0129] In some examples, the first metal electrode includes a first metal mesh electrode or a first metal thin layer, and the second metal electrode includes a second metal thin layer.

[0130] In some examples, such as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, the antenna structure 400 includes a solid structure, and along the direction perpendicular to the substrate 100, the antenna structure 400 does not overlap with the electrochromic layer 230. For example, the outline shape of the antenna structure 400 can be polygonal, and the aforementioned solid structure means that the part surrounded by the polygonal outline of the antenna structure 400 is a solid structure, excluding the perforations.

[0131] For example, such as Figures 12 to 14As shown, the shape of the antenna structure 400 can differ from the shape of the metal mesh electrodes arranged in the same layer. For example, in the direction parallel to the linewidth of the metal mesh electrodes, the size of the antenna structure 400 is larger than the linewidth of the metal mesh electrodes. For example, the size of the octagon along the V direction can be 2–3 mm, such as 2.3 mm. For example, the size of the octagon along the V direction determines the range of resonant frequency and gain; for example, at this size, resonance occurs around 28 GHz, with a maximum gain of 27 GHz. For example, the resonant frequency and gain range of the antenna structure will change with the size of the octagon.

[0132] In some examples, such as Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the antenna structure 400 includes a main body 401, which is octagonal in shape, with at least two adjacent sides having an included angle of 135 degrees. For example, the main body 401 is the part that transmits and receives microwave signals. For example, the aforementioned two adjacent sides refer to two sides that have a direct connection relationship.

[0133] For example, when an antenna structure is rectangular, the radiated electrical length is the distance between the top and bottom sides (assuming the bottom side of the rectangle is connected to the feed line, and the top and bottom sides are perpendicular to the feed line). The current can only oscillate within this fixed electrical length, thus generating radiation. The left and right sides of the rectangle (parallel to the feed line) do not participate in radiation. Alternatively, the antenna structure can be a microstrip transmission line, where the ratio of its physical length to the wavelength of the transmitted electromagnetic wave is the electrical length. For example, when an antenna structure is octagonal, due to the presence of hypotenuses, such as a 135-degree angle, the electrical length is not constant. Only the side parallel to the feed line does not participate in radiation (the resulting current oscillation is very small and can be ignored). Other sides perpendicular to the feed line or at a certain angle participate in radiation. Therefore, the electrical length varies. Compared to a structure with a constant electrical length, an octagon has more sides participating in radiation, and the electrical length varies to some extent. Therefore, its radiation gain is increased to some extent compared to a rectangular structure. For example, the bandwidth of a rectangular structure is generally 10% of the center frequency, while an octagon can extend to 10%-20%. The bandwidth of high-frequency bands (especially millimeter waves) determines their transmission capacity, so high-frequency antennas are generally required to be broadband or ultra-wideband.

[0134] For example, with Figures 12 to 15 The V direction shown is a reference direction. One of two adjacent sides extends parallel or perpendicular to the V direction, and the angle between the extension direction of the other side and the V direction is +45 degrees or -45 degrees. For example, as... Figure 15As shown, the octagon includes two sides. The angle between the extension direction of one side and the V direction is +45 degrees, and the angle between the extension direction of the other side and the V direction is -45 degrees. For example, this antenna structure uses dual-polarized antenna technology, which combines two antennas with orthogonal polarization directions of +45 degrees and -45 degrees, and they operate simultaneously in transmit / receive full-duplex mode, thus saving the number of antennas.

[0135] The main body of the antenna structure provided in this embodiment adopts an octagonal profile, and the sides of the octagonal profile can resonate. The octagonal antenna structure has more resonant sides, which is beneficial to maximize the gain while realizing the miniaturization of the antenna structure. Furthermore, setting the included angle between at least two adjacent sides of the octagon to 135 degrees is beneficial to increase the bandwidth and is suitable for high frequency requirements.

[0136] Of course, the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to this. The main body of the antenna structure can also be quadrilateral, such as a rectangle, square, hexagon, or other polygons.

[0137] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the antenna structure 400 also includes two electrode portions 402 electrically connected to the main body 401, such that the two electrode portions 402 are configured to receive different electrical signals. For example, the electrode portions 402 and the main body 401 can be an integrally formed structure. For example, the two electrode portions 402 can be connected to two inclined sides of an octagon, respectively.

[0138] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the end of the electrode portion 402 away from the main body portion 401 includes a bonding portion 4021, which has a trapezoidal shape. This bonding portion 4021 is used for bonding with a circuit board and can provide impedance matching. For example, if the traces on the circuit board (FPC) are thin, a trapezoidal shape for the bonding portion 4021, compared to a rectangular shape, can reduce trace width differences during bonding and prevent poor port parameters.

[0139] By adjusting the shapes of the main body and electrode parts of the antenna structure, it is beneficial to improve the radiation effect of the antenna structure while enhancing the signal transmission effect.

[0140] For example, such as Figure 15 and Figure 15 As shown, by setting the antenna structure to Figure 18 The octagonal solid structure shown, employing dual-polarized antenna technology, is beneficial for improving the radiation performance of the antenna structure. For example, the maximum gain of this antenna structure is approximately 6 dBi; the maximum gain of this antenna structure at 0 degrees phase at 28 GHz in all radiation directions is approximately 4.4 dBi; and the maximum gain of this antenna structure at 90 degrees phase at 28 GHz in all radiation directions is approximately 3 dBi.

[0141] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the thickness of the antenna structure 400 can be the same as the thickness of the first metal mesh electrode 2411 disposed in the same layer, or when the first metal mesh 2411 has multiple film layers, the thickness of the antenna structure 400 can be the same as the thickness of the film layer furthest from the substrate 100. In the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure provided in this disclosure, the antenna structure and a layer of metal mesh are formed in the same patterning process. The thickness of the antenna structure can be set to be the same as the thickness of the metal mesh layer, or the same as the thickness of at least one film layer of the metal mesh layer. Simultaneously, the antenna structure is set as a solid structure and does not overlap with the electrochromic device, which can avoid the electrochromic device affecting the radiation effect of the antenna structure and is beneficial to making the antenna structure have a better radiation effect. When the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure including the above-mentioned antenna structure is applied to the sunroof of a transportation device, the antenna structure can be inserted into a groove, which is a groove for setting the sunroof, to prevent the antenna structure from affecting the light transmission effect of the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure.

[0142] In some examples, such as Figure 15 and Figures 12 to 15 As shown, the antenna structure 400 includes a mesh structure. For example, the main body 401 of the antenna structure 400 includes a mesh structure. Figure 16 The diagram schematically shows that the antenna structure 400 and the electrochromic layer 230 do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100. However, this is not the only possibility. When the antenna structure includes a mesh structure, the antenna structure has better light transmission. The antenna structure can overlap with the electrochromic layer, which is beneficial for increasing the area of ​​the electrochromic device used for color change.

[0143] Figure 17 and Figures 12 to 14 The outline of the antenna structure shown can be compared with... Figure 16 The outlines of the antenna structures shown are the same, so they will not be described again here.

[0144] In some examples, such as Figure 17As shown, the main body 401 of the antenna structure 400 includes multiple contour edges 440 surrounding a mesh structure. The mesh structure includes a first strip 410 extending along a first direction and a second strip 420 extending along a second direction, the first and second directions intersecting. For example, the first direction can be the X direction in the figure, and the second direction can be the Y direction in the figure; the first and second directions can be interchanged. For example, the first and second directions can be perpendicular, but are not limited thereto. For example, the angle between the first and second directions can be 30 to 120 degrees, 45 to 100 degrees, or 60 to 80 degrees. For example, the angle between the first strip 410 and at least one contour edge 440 is 45 degrees, and the angle between the second strip 420 and at least one contour edge 440 is 45 degrees.

[0145] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the first portion 410 can be connected to the connection point of two adjacent contour edges 440. The angle between the first portion 410 and one of the contour edges 440 can be 45 degrees, and the angle between the first portion 410 and the other contour edge 440 can be 90 degrees. (Reference) Figure 16 The direction of extension of the outline edge of the antenna structure 400. Figure 16 The first section 410 and the second section 420 in the antenna structure 400 shown can form a dual-polarized antenna with two orthogonal polarization directions of +45 degrees and -45 degrees, which is beneficial to saving the number of antennas.

[0146] For example, such as Figure 15 As shown, the number of the first stripe 410 and the second stripe 420 is the same to achieve symmetry. In this case, the performance of the two polarization directions is the same, such as the isolation S21 and S12 being the same, and the two channels can be switched arbitrarily. Of course, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. The number of the first stripe and the second stripe can also be different. In this case, the performance of the two channels may differ greatly, and the isolation S21 and S12 will be different. If performance requirements are high, the two channels cannot be switched arbitrarily.

[0147] For example, the line widths of the first strip 410 and the second strip 420 can both be the same as the line width of the metal mesh electrode to facilitate manufacturing. For example, the line width of the contour edge 440 can be the same as the line width of the metal mesh electrode. For example, the first strip 410, the second strip 420, and the contour edge 440 can be an integrally formed structure.

[0148] For example, both ends of the first strip 410 are connected to the outline edge 440, and both ends of the second strip 420 are connected to the outline edge 440.

[0149] For example, Figure 16The diagram schematically shows that there are two first sections 410 and two sections 420, but it is not limited to this. When the antenna structure does not overlap with the electrochromic layer, the number of the first section and the second section can be appropriately increased to improve the radiation effect of the antenna structure. When the antenna structure overlaps with the electrochromic layer, the number of the first section and the second section should be set by comprehensively considering the light transmission effect and radiation effect of the antenna structure.

[0150] For example, such as Figure 16 and Figure 16 As shown, by setting the antenna structure to Figure 18 The grid structure shown, employing dual-polarized antenna technology, is beneficial for improving the radiation performance of the antenna structure. For example, the maximum gain of this antenna structure is approximately 2 dBi; the maximum gain of this antenna structure at 0 degrees phase in all radiation directions at 28 GHz is approximately -0.61 dBi; and the maximum gain of this antenna structure at 90 degrees phase in all radiation directions at 28 GHz is approximately -2.5 dBi.

[0151] For example, Figure 20 Only the grid structure in the main body is shown; the electrode part of the antenna structure can also be set as a grid structure.

[0152] In some examples, such as Figure 16 As shown, the antenna structure 400 includes multiple contour edges 440 surrounding a grid structure, which includes multiple strips 430 arranged radially, originating from a point within the central region 450 of the main body 401. The aforementioned central region can refer to an area with a radius equal to 1 / 4 to 3 / 4 of the diagonal length of an octagon, centered at the center of such an octagonal contour. For example, the starting point of the radially arranged multiple strips 430 can be the center point of the central region.

[0153] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, at least one strip 430 may connect to the end of the contour edge 440. For example, the end of each strip 430 may connect to the contour edge 440. For example, the end of the strip 430 may connect to one end of the contour edge 440 or to any point on the edge of the contour edge 440. For example, the strip 430 and the contour edge 440 may be an integrally formed structure. For example, the line width of both the strip 430 and the contour edge 440 may be the same as the line width of the metal mesh electrode for ease of manufacturing.

[0154] For example, Figure 17 Only the grid structure in the main body is shown; the electrode part of the antenna structure can also be set as a grid structure.

[0155] For example, Figure 17The diagram schematically shows that there are 8 strips 430, but it is not limited to this. When the antenna structure does not overlap with the electrochromic layer, the number of strips can be appropriately increased to improve the radiation effect of the antenna structure. When the antenna structure overlaps with the electrochromic layer, the number of strips should be set by comprehensively considering the light transmission effect and radiation effect of the antenna structure.

[0156] For example, such as Figure 17 and Figure 17 As shown, by setting the antenna structure to Figure 18 The grid structure using dual-polarized antenna technology shown is beneficial to improving the radiation performance of the antenna structure. For example, the maximum gain of this antenna structure is about 1.5 dBi; the maximum gain of this antenna structure at 0 degrees phase at 28 GHz in all radiation directions is about -1.8 dBi; and the maximum gain of this antenna structure at 90 degrees phase at 28 GHz in all radiation directions is about -4.3 dBi.

[0157] For example, such as Figure 21 As shown, the radiation performance of a solid antenna structure is better than that of an antenna structure with a grid structure. (Comparison) Figure 17 and Figure 18 The antenna structure with a grid structure shown was discovered Figure 16 The grid structure shown is conducive to the uniform distribution of current, enabling smooth current conduction and strong resonance radiation.

[0158] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 16 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown is similar to Figure 22 The difference in the electrochromic color-changing structure lies in the different structure of the metal electrode 240.

[0159] In some examples, such as Figure 22 As shown, the metal electrode 240 includes at least one of a metal mesh electrode and a metal thin layer 243. The metal thin layer 243 has a thickness of 1–20 nanometers and overlaps with the electrochromic layer 230 along a direction perpendicular to the substrate 100. For example, the thickness of the metal thin layer 243 is 2–10 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal thin layer 243 is 3–6 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal thin layer 243 is 4–9 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal thin layer 243 is 5–8 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal thin layer 243 is 7–15 nanometers. For example, the thickness of the metal thin layer 243 is 12–18 nanometers.

[0160] In some examples, such as Figure 12As shown, the metal electrode 240 includes a first metal mesh electrode 2411 and a second metal thin layer 2432. The first metal mesh electrode 2411 is located on the side of the first electrode layer 210 away from the second electrode layer 220 and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 210. The second metal thin layer 2432 is located on the side of the second electrode layer 220 away from the first electrode layer 210 and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer 220. The antenna structure 400 is disposed in the same layer as the first metal mesh electrode 2411, and the thickness of the antenna structure 400 is greater than the thickness of the second metal thin layer 2432. For example, the antenna structure 400 can be disposed in the same layer as the first metal mesh electrode 2411. Figure 22 The antenna structures 400 shown have the same characteristics, which will not be described again here.

[0161] The electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure disclosed herein uses a thin metal layer as the metal electrode on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer. This improves conductivity while reflecting sunlight, such as the infrared band, to reduce heat and provide a better working environment for the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure. At the same time, the metal electrode on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer is set as a metal mesh electrode with a thickness greater than the thin metal layer. The antenna structure, which is patterned in the same step as the metal mesh electrode, is made thicker and solid, which improves the radiation effect of the antenna structure.

[0162] For example, Figure 22 The first metal mesh electrode shown may have the same characteristics as the first metal mesh electrode in the example above, and will not be described again here.

[0163] For example, such as Figures 15 to 17 As shown, at least 90% of the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer 220 onto the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second metal thin layer 2432 onto the substrate 100. For example, more than 95% of the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer 220 onto the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second metal thin layer 2432 onto the substrate 100. For example, the orthographic projection of the second electrode layer 220 onto the substrate 100 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second metal thin layer 2432 onto the substrate 100.

[0164] For example, Figure 22 The first metal mesh electrode shown can be adopted Figure 22 and Figure 22 The first metal mesh electrode shown is, as Figure 9 As shown, if a thick metal mesh is formed by electroplating, the antenna structure and the first metal mesh electrode can be formed in a synchronous patterning process, and the antenna structure can have a thicker thickness, such as more than 1 micrometer.

[0165] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic color-changing structure provided according to another example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.Figure 13 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown is similar to Figure 23 The difference in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown lies in the different structure of the metal electrode 240.

[0166] In some examples, such as Figure 23 As shown, at least 90% of the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer 210 onto the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the metal thin layer 243 onto the substrate 100. For example, more than 95% of the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer 210 onto the substrate 100 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the metal thin layer 243 onto the substrate 100. For example, the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer 210 onto the substrate 100 completely overlaps with the orthographic projection of the metal thin layer 243 onto the substrate 100.

[0167] In some examples, such as Figure 22 As shown, the metal thin layer 243 includes a first metal thin layer 2431 and a second metal thin layer 2432. The first metal thin layer 2431 is located on the side of the first electrode layer 210 away from the second electrode layer 220 and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer 210. The second metal thin layer 2432 is located on the side of the second electrode layer 220 away from the first electrode layer 210 and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer 220. The antenna structure 400 is disposed in the same layer as one of the first metal thin layer 2431 and the second metal thin layer 2432. Distributing the antenna structure in the same layer as the metal electrode layer helps to save space and reduce costs. Figure 23 The diagram schematically shows the antenna structure 400 on the same layer as the first metal thin layer 2431, but it is not limited thereto; the antenna structure may also be arranged on the same layer as the second metal thin layer.

[0168] For example, such as Figure 23 As shown, the thickness of the first metal thin layer 2431 is greater than the thickness of the second metal thin layer 2432, and the thickness of the antenna structure 400 is the same as the thickness of the first metal thin layer 2431, so as to maximize the thickness of the antenna structure and improve the radiation effect of the antenna structure.

[0169] The above Figure 23 and Figure 23 The first metal thin layer or first metal mesh electrode in the electrochromic color-changing structure shown can be referred to as the first metal electrode. Figure 22 and Figure 23 The second metal layer in the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure shown can be called the second metal electrode. By setting the thickness of the antenna structure, which is arranged in the same layer as the first metal electrode, to be greater than that of the second metal electrode, the thickness of the antenna structure can be increased as much as possible to improve the radiation effect of the antenna structure. The use of a second metal layer for the second metal electrode is beneficial for reflecting more sunlight, reducing the heating effect of the infrared band of the solar spectrum on the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure, and improving the reliability and cycling characteristics of the electrochromic color-changing light-emitting structure.

[0170] The electrochromic devices in the examples shown in the above figures are interchangeable, for example, they can be replaced with... Figure 22 The second electrode layer shown has three film layers and is applied to Figure 23 In the electrochromic color-changing structure shown, the heating effect of the infrared band of solar spectral energy on the electrochromic color-changing structure is further reduced.

[0171] The first metal mesh electrode in the examples shown in the above figures can be applied to Figure 11 The electrochromic color-changing structure shown.

[0172] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a transportation device. Figures 22 to 23 This is a schematic block diagram of transportation equipment. For example... Figure 22 Figure 24 Figure 24 As shown, the transportation equipment includes a sunroof, and the sunroof has any of the above-mentioned electrochromic color-changing structures.

[0173] For example, transportation equipment includes a slot for engaging a sunroof. The antenna structure can be set as a solid and thick structure and placed in the slot, which will not affect the light transmittance of the sunroof and can greatly improve the radiation characteristics of the antenna structure.

[0174] For example, the first electrode layer is closer to the interior space of the transportation equipment than the second electrode layer.

[0175] For example, transportation equipment can be various suitable means of transportation, such as land transportation equipment like cars of various types, or water transportation equipment like boats.

[0176] The following points need to be explained:

[0177] (1) The accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this disclosure only involve the structures involved in the embodiments of this disclosure, and other structures can be referred to the general design.

[0178] (2) Where there is no conflict, features of the same embodiment and different embodiments of this disclosure may be combined with each other.

[0179] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrochromic color-changing structure, comprising: Substrate; An electrochromic device is located on the substrate. The electrochromic device includes a first electrode layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second electrode layer stacked sequentially. The first electrode layer is located between the electrochromic layer and the substrate. Both the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer are whole-layer transparent electrode layers, and at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer includes an oxide material. A first protective layer covers the electrochromic device; The electrochromic device further includes a metal electrode located on at least one of the sides of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer, and the metal electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The electrochromic device further includes an antenna structure, which is at least partially co-layered with and spaced apart from the metal electrode. The antenna structure includes a solid structure or a mesh structure and is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. The antenna structure does not overlap with the electrochromic layer. The second electrode layer includes a first film layer, a second film layer, and a third film layer stacked together. The first film layer and the third film layer are made of the same material. The thickness ratio of the first film layer to the third film layer is 0.9 to 1.1, and the thickness of the second film layer is less than the thickness of the first film layer.

2. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 1, wherein, The metal electrode includes at least one of a metal mesh electrode and a thin metal layer, wherein the thickness of the thin metal layer is 1 to 20 nanometers. Along a direction perpendicular to the substrate, the metal electrode overlaps with the electrochromic layer.

3. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 2, wherein, The metal electrode includes a first metal electrode and a second metal electrode. The first metal electrode is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. The second metal electrode is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as the first metal electrode, and the thickness of the antenna structure is greater than the thickness of the second metal electrode.

4. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 3, wherein, The first metal electrode includes a first metal mesh electrode or a first metal thin layer, and the second metal electrode includes a second metal thin layer, wherein the thickness of the first metal electrode is greater than the thickness of the second metal thin layer.

5. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 2, wherein, The metal mesh electrode includes a first metal mesh electrode and a second metal mesh electrode. The first metal mesh electrode is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. The second metal mesh electrode is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The overlap rate between the orthographic projection of the first metal mesh electrode on the substrate and the orthographic projection of the second metal mesh electrode on the substrate is greater than 90%. The antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as one of the first metal mesh electrode and the second metal mesh electrode.

6. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 2, wherein, At least 90% of the orthographic projection of the first electrode layer onto the substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the metal thin layer onto the substrate; The metal thin layer includes a first metal thin layer and a second metal thin layer. The first metal thin layer is located on the side of the first electrode layer away from the second electrode layer and is electrically connected to the first electrode layer. The second metal thin layer is located on the side of the second electrode layer away from the first electrode layer and is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. The antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as one of the first metal thin layer and the second metal thin layer.

7. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The antenna structure includes a main body, which is octagonal in shape, wherein the included angle between at least two adjacent sides of the octagon is 135 degrees.

8. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, When the antenna structure includes a mesh structure, the antenna structure includes a main body portion, the main body portion includes the mesh structure, the mesh structure includes a first strip extending along a first direction and a second strip extending along a second direction, the first direction intersecting the second direction.

9. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, When the antenna structure includes a mesh structure, the antenna structure includes a main body, the main body includes the mesh structure, and the mesh structure includes multiple strips arranged radially from a point in the central area of ​​the main body.

10. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The thickness of the electrode layer that is electrically connected to the metal electrode in the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers.

11. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 2, wherein, The thickness of the metal mesh electrode is 100~5000 nanometers, and the linewidth of the metal mesh electrode is 1~5 micrometers.

12. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 5, further comprising: A second protective layer covers the second electrode layer; Wherein, at least a portion of the second metal mesh electrode and the antenna structure are located on the side of the second protective layer away from the substrate, and the second protective layer includes a slot configured to expose the second electrode layer, through which the second metal mesh electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode layer; The second protective layer is further provided with an electrode portion on the side away from the second electrode layer. The electrode portion is electrically connected to the second metal mesh electrode. The electrode portion includes a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion. The first electrode portion and the second electrode portion are configured to apply different voltages to form a voltage difference. The first protective layer covers the second metal mesh electrode and the antenna structure.

13. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 5, wherein, The antenna structure is disposed in the same layer as the first metal mesh electrode, and the first protective layer covers the antenna structure; The first metal mesh electrode comprises two metal layers, and the material of the antenna structure is the same as the material of the metal layer furthest from the substrate among the two metal layers.

14. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The electrochromic layer includes an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, and a storage layer stacked sequentially, with the electrochromic material layer located between the electrolyte layer and the first electrode layer.

15. The electrochromic color-changing structure according to claim 14, wherein, The electrochromic material layer includes one of inorganic electrochromic materials and organic electrochromic materials, and the electrolyte layer includes one of solid electrolyte and liquid electrolyte.

16. A transportation device, comprising a sunroof, wherein, The skylight includes the electrochromic color-changing structure according to any one of claims 1-15.

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