Remote optical device

Abstract

The invention relates to a remote optical device (1), in particular a monocular telescope, a binocular telescope, a night vision device, comprising at least one display area (21) for displaying optical information, characterized in that at least two electrochromic means (1) are associated with said at least one display area (21), each of the at least two electrochromic devices is switchable into one or more operating states in order to vary the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of the respective optical information; a control device (23) associated with the at least two electrochromic devices (1), the control device being configured to generate control information for switching the at least two electrochromic devices (1) into one or more respective operating states.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a long-range optical device, in particular a monocular telescope, a binocular telescope, a night vision device, comprising at least one display area for displaying optical information. Background Art

[0002] The corresponding remote optical device is basically of various designs known from the prior art and comprises a display area for displaying or viewing optical information.

[0003] Likewise, in order to be able to change or adjust the brightness and / or contrast of a corresponding display area, which display area can be, for example, an observation area or field of view of an optical channel of the remote optical device, it is basically known that the remote optical device is equipped with an electrochromic device, which comprises an electrochromic element arranged or formed between two conductive elements and formed by or comprising an electrochromic material.

[0004] Although correspondingly equipped remote optical devices provide the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of the corresponding display area, i.e. in particular the brightness and / or contrast, in a basically satisfactory manner, there is a need for further developed remote optical devices which open up additional degrees of freedom with regard to the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area, i.e. in particular the brightness and / or contrast. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved remote optical device.

[0006] This object is achieved by a remote optical device according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the remote optical device.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a remote optical device, which may be, for example, a binocular (monocular or binocular), a telescopic sight, a night vision device, or thermal viewing or aiming optics, etc. The remote optical device comprises at least one display area for displaying or viewing optical information.

[0008] The at least one display area may be formed, for example, by a viewing area or a field of view of an optical channel of the remote optical device. Thus, for example, a corresponding viewing area or a corresponding field of view may be formed by an optical channel of the remote optical device. The corresponding optical channel may extend between an objective formed by at least one objective lens and an eyepiece formed by at least one eyepiece. Thus, the corresponding optical information may be a real image, possibly an optically magnified real image, of a target area, a target object, etc. observed by the remote optical device.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, at least one display area may be formed by an electrical or electronic display device, such as a display apparatus. Thus, the corresponding optical information may be electrically or electronically generated optical information of, for example, a target area, a target object, etc. observed by a remote optical device. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding optical information may be alphanumeric and / or graphic information, such as symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., which is generated, for example, by a hardware and / or software-implemented control device associated with the corresponding electrical or electronic display device.

[0010] In all cases, the optical information output by the corresponding electrical or electronic display device can be coupled into the optical channel of the remote optical device via a coupling device, possibly for display superimposed with the real image. The corresponding coupling device can for example be constituted by a prismatic arrangement with one or more prisms, or by a foil arrangement, or include such an arrangement.

[0011] The remote optical device comprises at least two electrochromic devices associated with at least one display area. Each of the at least two electrochromic devices comprises at least one electrochromic element, which is arranged or formed between two conductive elements, which are arranged or formed on the corresponding substrate element. The corresponding electrochromic element can, for example, be formed by or include an electrochromic material. The corresponding conductive element can, for example, be formed by or include a contact layer of a conductive material, the conductive material being in particular a conductive metal such as copper. It is conceivable that the corresponding contact layer is at least partially applied to a conductive layer or coating arranged or formed on the substrate element body of the corresponding substrate element on at least one side. The corresponding conductive layer or coating can, for example, be formed by or include a transparent conductive oxide (such as indium tin oxide (ITO)).

[0012] Each of the at least two electrochromic devices can be switched to one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or contrast of the corresponding optical information. Each of the at least two electrochromic devices is therefore configured to adjust or change the optical properties (i.e. in particular the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast) of the corresponding optical information. The change of the optical properties of the corresponding optical information is performed by switching the corresponding electrochromic device into the corresponding operating state of the corresponding electrochromic device; therefore, different operating states of the corresponding electrochromic device can be associated with different optical properties of the corresponding optical information.

[0013] Thus, the remote optical device is characterized by at least two electrochromic devices associated with at least one display area, each of which can be switched to one or more operating states in order to change the optical properties of the corresponding optical information, namely in particular the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast. This opens up additional degrees of freedom in terms of the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area. This is due in particular to the fact that by specifically switching at least two electrochromic devices into specific operating states in each case, specific optical properties of the corresponding optical information can be obtained, whereby at least two electrochromic devices each have a specific transmittance (light transmittance) for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range and a specific brightness, color, contrast, etc. associated therewith, so that the final transmittance of at least two electrochromic devices for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range and the final brightness, color, contrast, etc. associated therewith can be achieved.

[0014] As can be seen below, at least two electrochromic devices or at least two electrochromic devices of a remote optical device can be arranged or formed in a series circuit, so that at least two electrochromic devices are arranged or formed directly or indirectly, i.e., in the optical path of the remote optical device, i.e., in particular in an optical channel, with at least one other optical element inserted one after the other. Alternatively or additionally, at least two electrochromic devices or at least two electrochromic devices of a remote optical device can be arranged or formed in a parallel circuit, so that at least two electrochromic devices are arranged or formed adjacent to each other in the optical path of the remote optical device, i.e., in particular in an optical channel, or each electrochromic device is arranged or formed adjacent to each other in the optical path of the remote optical device, i.e., in particular in an optical channel. Thus, in the case of a remote optical device with several optical paths or channels, at least one electrochromic device can be arranged or formed in each optical channel or path.

[0015] In order to switch the at least two electrochromic devices to the respective operating states, the remote optical device comprises at least one control device, which is associated with the at least two electrochromic devices and implemented in hardware and / or software and is configured to generate control information for switching the at least two electrochromic devices to one or more operating states. The at least one control device may be configured to generate control information for switching the at least two electrochromic devices to the respective operating states. The respective control information may, for example, be or be generated based on information or signals generated by user-side input and / or information or signals generated by a detection or sensor device, for example for detecting optical properties of the environment surrounding the remote optical device.

[0016] At least one control device may be arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the remote optical device. Alternatively or additionally, the control device or control device may be arranged or formed in a mobile terminal device, such as a laptop, a smartphone, smart glasses, a tablet computer, etc., or in at least one other remote optical device, such as a target optical device, a target range finder, etc., which communicates with the remote optical device via a wired or wireless data connection. The wireless data connection may be or be implemented via a wireless data transmission standard, such as Bluetooth.

[0017] For example, by applying a voltage or a current to the respective electrochromic device, a switching of at least two electrochromic devices to respective operating states may be performed. By applying different levels of voltage or current, which may vary over time, to the respective electrochromic device, different operating states of the respective electrochromic device may be achieved, which are accompanied by different changes, i.e., in particular, changes of different significance, of the optical properties of the respective optical information. The level of the voltage or current, which may be applied or applied to the respective electrochromic device, which may vary over time, may be controlled or adjusted as part of the switching of the respective electrochromic device to the respective operating state via at least one control device.

[0018] In order to be able to apply a voltage or current to the respective electrochromic device, the remote optical device may have at least one electrical energy supply device, for example in the form of an electrical energy storage device, such as a wired or wireless rechargeable battery. The respective electrical energy supply device may be structurally arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the remote optical device and may be connected or connected to an external energy supply, such as a power grid or an external energy storage device, via one or more interfaces.

[0019] If the remote optical device comprises several display areas, for example in a configuration with a first display area formed by an optical channel for a real image and a second display area formed by an electrical or electronic display device for an electrically or electronically generated image, at least one electrochromic device may be associated with each display area. Alternatively, at least two electrochromic devices may be associated with only one (single) display area.

[0020] Thus, one or more electrochromic devices may form a component that is structurally arranged or formed within an optical channel of the remote optical device, in particular within an optical channel extending between an objective lens and an eyepiece in an optical barrel of the remote optical device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more electrochromic devices may form a component that is structurally arranged or formed outside an optical channel of the remote optical device, in particular outside an optical channel extending between an objective lens and an eyepiece in an optical barrel of the remote optical device.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of remote optical devices are explained below, which can in principle be combined with one another as desired:

[0022] In one embodiment, at least two electrochromic devices can be converted to one or more corresponding operating states based on dependence on each other or independence of each other. Therefore, at least two electrochromic devices can be converted to corresponding operating states based on dependence on each other or independence of each other. Therefore, at least two electrochromic devices can be put into operation and / or operation based on dependence on each other or independence of each other. At least two electrochromic devices are mutually dependently converted to corresponding operating states, for example, it can mean that when the first electrochromic device is converted to an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, the second electrochromic device is turned on or off in response to the change in the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic device, and therefore depends on this and is converted to an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by the specific value or another specific value. At least two electrochromic devices being converted to corresponding operating states independently of each other may mean, for example, that when the first electrochromic device is converted to an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, the second electrochromic device does not respond to the change in the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic device, but independently converts to an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by the said or another specific value.

[0023] In another embodiment, by switching at least two electrochromic devices into respective operating states, a targeted adjustment of the optical properties of at least one display area can be achieved for a specific application area, which can be characterized, for example, by a special environment in which the remote optical device is used, for example, to observe a target area, a target object, etc. For example, for the application of the remote optical device in high brightness areas, such as in snowy areas, deserts, etc., and / or in areas of specific colors, such as in forests, over water, etc., a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area can be made, which can be automatic or automatically controlled via at least one control device. In this way, for example, high ambient brightness can be reduced and / or low ambient contrast can be increased. In a similar manner, a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area can be made, which can be automatic or automatically controlled via at least one control device, for the application of the remote optical device at specific times of the day, month or year.

[0024] In another embodiment, the blocking function of the remote optical device can be realized by converting at least two electrochromic devices to corresponding operating states. The corresponding blocking function can include the electrochromic device temporarily converting to a corresponding operating state, wherein the resulting transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is very low, so that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or cannot be displayed or viewed to a desired degree or in a desired manner. This can be achieved, for example, by targeted darkening, coloring, etc. of at least one display area or optical information. Therefore, the corresponding blocking function can include the realization of a blocking mode, wherein the resulting transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is very low, so that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or cannot be displayed or viewed to a desired degree or in a desired manner. For example, the cancellation of the blocking mode can be realized by at least one control device, by authentication or identification of a specific user (e.g., by password input, user identification, etc.). In a similar manner, the blocking mode can be canceled alternatively or additionally on an external terminal device, such as a laptop computer, a smart phone, smart glass, a tablet computer, etc., or at least one other remote optical device, such as a target optical device, a target rangefinder, etc.

[0025] In another embodiment, as already mentioned, at least two electrochromic devices can be arranged or formed in the optical channel of the remote optical device. As described above, the corresponding optical channel can extend between the objective lens and the eyepiece of the remote optical device. At least two electrochromic devices can be associated with the objective lens, the eyepiece or another optical assembly such as a partition cube assembly (if present) including one or more optical elements arranged or formed in the optical channel, for example. In this way, the transmittance of the objective lens, the eyepiece or the corresponding optical assembly for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range can be changed or adjusted. At least two electrochromic devices can be directly integrated into the objective lens and / or the eyepiece of the remote optical device. Therefore, in particular, the substrate elements of the at least two electrochromic devices can be configured and / or used as lens elements of the objective lens and / or the eyepiece of the remote optical device, thereby providing a highly integrated optical device.

[0026] In another embodiment, where the remote optical device has at least two optical channels, such as in a configuration of the remote optical device as a binocular, at least one first electrochromic device may be arranged or formed in the first optical channel of the remote optical device, and at least one second electrochromic device may be arranged or formed in the second optical channel of the remote optical device. Thus, by transferring the electrochromic devices arranged or formed therein, the optical properties of the at least two optical channels, i.e., in particular the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, may be changed or adjusted dependently or independently of each other.

[0027] In another embodiment, at least a first electrochromic device may be associated with an optical channel of a remote optical device to change the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of optical information (i.e., for example a real image) viewable via the optical channel, i.e., typically the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and at least a second electrochromic device may be associated with an electronic display device (such as a display device) of the remote optical device to change or adjust the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of optical information generated via the electronic display device, i.e., typically the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. As described above, the optical information generated by the electrical or electronic display device may be coupled via an optical coupling device, in particular for superposition with the optical information visible in the optical channel.

[0028] In another embodiment, the first electrochromic device can be configured in one or more corresponding operating states for adjusting the defined brightness and / or defined color and / or defined contrast of the corresponding optical information in a first brightness and / or color and / or contrast range, and the second electrochromic device can be configured in one or more corresponding operating states for adjusting the defined brightness and / or defined color and / or defined contrast of the corresponding optical information in a second brightness and / or color and / or contrast range. The second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range can be the same or different from the first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range (or vice versa). The chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the corresponding electrochromic devices for adjusting the options of the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast, i.e., the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be the same, so that different electrochromic devices can achieve, for example, the same brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, because the electrochromic elements are configured in the same manner with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, certain ranges of brightness and / or color and / or contrast can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the respective electrochromic devices for adjusting the options of defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast, i.e. typically the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, may be different, so that different electrochromic devices may achieve, for example, different brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast ranges, due to the electrochromic elements being differently configured with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties.

[0029] In another embodiment, the first electrochromic device can therefore be configured in corresponding one or more operating states for adjusting the defined chromaticity of the corresponding optical information in the first wavelength range, and the second electrochromic device can be configured in corresponding one or more operating states for adjusting the defined chromaticity of the corresponding optical information in the second wavelength range. The second chromaticity range or the second color associated therewith can be the same or different from the first chromaticity range or the first color associated therewith (and vice versa). In the case of different chromaticity ranges or colors, for example, these can be complementary. Here, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the corresponding electrochromic devices responsible for defining the possibility of adjusting the chromaticity or color, i.e., the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be the same, so that different electrochromic devices can achieve, for example, the same chromaticity range or color range or color, because the electrochromic elements are configured in the same way with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, certain chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the respective electrochromic devices responsible for the defined chromaticity or color adjustment possibilities, i.e., typically the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, may be different, so that different electrochromic devices may achieve, for example, different chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors, due to the electrochromic elements being configured differently with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties. As described above, the second chromaticity range or color range may be different from the first chromaticity range or color range, whereby the second chromaticity range or color range may be a chromaticity range or color range that is complementary to the first chromaticity range or color range. This is useful for hunting applications, for example, because animals can be better distinguished from plants.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least two electrochromic devices can be structurally arranged or formed together, or integrated in a modular or modularly shaped assembly. The corresponding assembly can be formed by or include a modular or shaped housing device, for example, which has a receiving space, and at least two electrochromic devices can be arranged or formed in the receiving space. The corresponding housing device can include one or more fixed interfaces, through which the housing device can be fixed to a defined orientation and / or position on or in a remote optical device. The corresponding fixed interface can be, for example, a mechanical fixed interface, which can realize a shape-fitting and / or force-fitting fixation of the corresponding housing device on or in a remote optical device, that is, in particular, a shape-fitting and / or force-fitting fixation on or in a housing portion of a remote optical device. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course conceivable that the housing device is attached to or in a remote optical device by material bonding, that is, by, for example, an adhesive or welding.

[0031] As described above, each of the at least two electrochromic devices generally comprises at least one electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material, which is arranged or formed in each case between two conductive elements arranged or formed on a substrate element. With regard to the compact arrangement or integration possibilities of the electrochromic devices, a further embodiment provides that the two conductive elements are arranged or formed on at least one substrate element, in particular on different surfaces of at least one substrate element, i.e. for example the upper side and the lower side, whereby the conductive element arranged or formed on the first surface of at least one substrate element, i.e. for example the upper side and the lower side, is arranged or formed between the two conductive elements. The first conductive element arranged or formed on the first surface (i.e. for example the upper side) of the at least one substrate element is associated with the first electrochromic device, and the second conductive element arranged or formed on the second surface (i.e. for example the lower side) of the at least one substrate element is associated with the second electrochromic device.

[0032] Certain embodiments of specific configurations of electrochromic devices of a remote optical device are described below; the following embodiments apply to at least one, and typically all, electrochromic devices of a remote optical device:

[0033] As mentioned above, a respective electrochromic device generally comprises at least one electrochromic element arranged or formed between two conductive elements, which may form electrodes of the electrochromic device, and which are formed from or include at least one electrochromic material.

[0034] The respective conductive element can be formed by or comprise a conductive layer or coating, i.e. in particular a transparent conductive layer or coating. In particular, the respective conductive element can be formed as a transparent conductive layer or coating on a transparent substrate element, for example made of glass or (transparent) plastic, or comprise such a layer or coating. Thus, the respective conductive element can be applied at least partially or possibly completely as a conductive layer or coating on the substrate element or on the substrate element body of the substrate element.

[0035] The corresponding conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a coating formed of at least one transparent conductive oxide or comprising at least one transparent conductive oxide. Specifically, the corresponding conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a layer or coating formed of indium tin oxide (ITO) - as an example of a transparent conductive oxide - or comprising ITO, in short, an ITO layer or coating. Transparent conductive oxides, such as ITO, are generally characterized by a relatively high conductivity in the visible wavelength range (typically 10 4 S / cm) and a high light transmittance (>90% at a layer thickness of 100 nm) and are therefore particularly suitable for forming corresponding conductive coatings for the electrochromic devices described herein.

[0036] The corresponding electrochromic element may be, for example, or include at least one layer or coating formed by or including at least one electrochromic material. The electrochromic material may, for example, undergo a change in its transmittance by an increase or decrease in its color or color intensity when a voltage or current is applied. Therefore, the corresponding electrochromic material may be considered to be, for example, an electrically switchable electrochromic material. Specifically, the electrochromic material may be, for example, a redox-active material, i.e., in particular a redox-active compound, or include at least one such material, which undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (or vice versa). The corresponding redox-active material may be or include a metal complex, such as a metal complex based on tungsten oxide (WO3), which undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (or vice versa). Alternatively or additionally, for example, a metal-supramolecular polyelectrolyte ((FE-)MEPE) may be considered to be an electrochromic material. In all cases, the corresponding electrochromic material may be embedded in an embedding material.

[0037] If the electrochromic device comprises several respective electrochromic elements, at least one layer or coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, for example based on metal salts, may be arranged or formed between these electrochromic elements.

[0038] In order to make electrical contact with at least one electrochromic element, ie, in particular, to apply a voltage or current to at least one electrochromic element, the corresponding electrochromic device may include at least one contact layer made of a conductive material. The specific configuration of the corresponding contact layer is explained in more detail below:

[0039] As described above, the electrochromic device comprises at least one substrate element, which is made of glass, such as silicate glass, in particular borosilicate glass, or sapphire glass, or (transparent) plastic, in particular polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. Here, designs consisting of transparent film materials or transparent films can also be considered. Although the specific configuration of at least one contact layer of the electrochromic device for electrical contact is described below, in particular in combination with the substrate element, the following explanation applies similarly to each substrate element and each contact layer of each electrochromic device. This is because each electrochromic device generally includes at least two substrate elements and two corresponding contact layers, which generally have at least similar, in particular identical configurations.

[0040] The corresponding substrate element usually consists of a substrate element body. The substrate element body has a basic shape that can be integrated into the optical barrel of the remote optical device. Therefore, the shape of the substrate element body is usually selected according to the available installation space in the remote optical device to determine the geometric construction parameters, such as size, for appropriate integration.

[0041] Since at least two electrochromic devices can be arranged or will be arranged in the optical lens barrel of remote optical equipment usually, therefore usually select the geometrical construction parameters of corresponding substrate element main body according to the available installation space in the optical lens barrel.In this respect, substrate element main body with disc-like or circular basic shape is particularly suitable.Therefore, each substrate element main body is configured as disc shape usually.But, also can think of other constructions, for example have polygonal, i.e. triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, enneagon, decagon, eleven angles or dodecagonal basic shape disc-like or disc-shaped substrate element main body.

[0042] Each substrate element body can be configured in a disc-like or disc-shaped manner and thus have an upper side and a lower side, which individually or jointly define a main extension plane of the respective substrate element body. In addition to the above-mentioned conductive layer or coating, a contact layer made of a conductive material, such as a metal, in particular a noble metal, such as gold, or a semi-noble metal, such as copper, is arranged or formed on the upper side and / or the lower side of the respective substrate element body, as also described above. The contact layer is usually applied to the top and / or the bottom of the respective substrate element body of at least one substrate element by a chemical and / or physical application process, in particular a chemical and / or physical deposition process, further in particular a chemical and / or physical vapor deposition process. As an example of a corresponding application process, application by means of spin coating can also be considered.

[0043] The layer thickness of the contact layer may be in the range between 1 nm and 1000 nm, in particular in the range between 1 nm and 950 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 900 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 850 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 800 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 750 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 700 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 650 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 600 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 550 nm. , further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 500 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 450 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 400 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 350 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 300 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 250 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 200 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 150 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 100 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 50 nm. For example, instead of 1 nm, 2 nm, 3 nm, 4 nm, 5 nm, 6 nm, 7 nm, 8 nm, 9 nm or 10 nm can also be used as the respective lower limit. In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used alone or as upper or lower limits for the layer thickness interval.

[0044] The contact layer can be applied directly or indirectly to the upper side and / or lower side of the corresponding substrate element body. In a first alternative, a corresponding transparent conductive layer or coating is also arranged or formed on the upper side and / or lower side of the substrate element body; the transparent conductive layer or coating can be arranged or formed in particular in the region of the upper side and / or lower side of the substrate element body, in which region the contact layer does not extend. In a second alternative, a corresponding transparent conductive layer or coating is arranged or formed on the upper side and / or lower side of the substrate element body, in particular over the entire surface, and the contact layer is arranged or formed at least partially on the transparent conductive layer or coating.

[0045] The respective contact layer can extend at least partially around the edge of the respective substrate element body or along the edge of the respective substrate element body in an annular or ring-shaped manner, i.e. in particular in a ring segment-shaped or ring-shaped manner, as described above, the substrate element body has, for example, a disk-shaped or circular basic shape. The respective contact layer can thus be configured as an at least partially extending conductive layer, if necessary completely around the edge of the substrate element body or along the edge of the substrate element body. The respective contact layer can thus be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer; thus, the respective contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer extending around the edge of the substrate element body or along the edge of the substrate element body.

[0046] The corresponding substrate element body is therefore not provided with a contact layer over its entire upper and / or lower surface, but only in a portion of the upper or lower surface around the edge. This generates advantages not only with regard to a reliable electrical contact of the corresponding electrochromic device with a power supply, such as a battery integrated in the remote optical device, but also with regard to the application of a voltage to the at least one electrochromic element, when the electrochromic element is contacted in a ring-shaped or annular manner, which occurs at least temporarily during operation of the corresponding electrochromic device. - This leads to a particularly rapid and uniform change of the optical properties of the electrochromic device, namely in particular the transmittance, in a surprising manner, in particular in contrast to contact at only one point. The described arrangement or formation of the conductive layer also makes it possible to vary the brightness or contrast to a large extent along the circumference from "outside to inside" and excludes phenomena known from the prior art, such as coloring in the manner of a stage curtain. In addition, there are advantages, for example, in connection with production, in that the at least one substrate element does not have to be provided with a contact layer over its entire surface in the region of the upper side or underside of the substrate element body, but only in the edge region.

[0047] As described above, the respective contact layer at least partially extends around the edge of the respective substrate element body or along the edge of the respective substrate element body, which substrate element body as described above usually has a disc-shaped or circular basic shape, and the contact layer extends in an annular or ring-shaped manner, especially in a segment-shaped or ring-shaped manner, i.e. has an annular or ring-shaped or segment-shaped or ring-shaped basic shape. The contact layer can extend around or along at least 25%, especially around at least 30%, especially around at least 35%, especially around at least 40%, especially around at least 45%, especially around at least 50%, especially around at least 55%, especially around at least 60%, especially around at least 65%, especially around at least 70%, especially around at least 75%, especially around at least 80%, especially around at least 85%, especially around at least 90%, especially around at least 95%, possibly even around 100% of the edge of the substrate element body. Along the edge of the substrate element body (the above values ​​can also be regarded as the upper or lower limit of the interval). The more completely the contact layer extends around or along the edge of the respective substrate element body, the faster or more uniform the change of the optical properties, i.e. in particular the transmission, of the electrochromic device can be. In this respect, therefore, the contact layer typically extends at least 50% around or along the edge of the respective substrate element body.

[0048] Here, conceivable values ​​for the width of the contact layer formed in the form of a ring (segment) or segment are also given by way of example; therefore, the width of the contact layer can be, for example, 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm (the above values ​​can also be regarded as the upper or lower limit of the interval).

[0049] Between the contact layer and the edge of the respective substrate element body, at least in sections, there may be a defined free space in which the contact layer does not extend. Thus, the contact layer does not have to extend completely to the edge of the respective substrate element body, at least in sections with respect to its radial extension (with respect to the symmetry or center axis of the substrate element body), but there may be a defined distance between the periphery of the contact layer (which, as described above, is in particular configured in the form of a ring (segment) or segment) and the actual edge of the upper side or lower side of the respective substrate element body. Thus, the contact layer can at least partially have a defined distance to the edge of the upper side or lower side of the respective substrate element body, for example 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm (the above values ​​can also be regarded as upper or lower limits of intervals). In this way, for example, the material used to form the contact layer can be reduced and thus the time required to apply the contact layer to the upper side or lower side of the respective substrate element body can be reduced.

[0050] As mentioned above, the contact layer is particularly used to make the corresponding electrochromic device contact with the power supply. Therefore, the contact layer can include a contact part of the electrochromic device, which can be contacted by an electrical contact element, which can be connected or connected to a wire, a stranded wire, a cable, a spring contact, a pin contact, etc. of the power supply.

[0051] The respective contact portion can, for example, have different dimensions than other regions of the contact layer in order to ensure reliable contact with the respective electrical contact element, in particular with regard to its radial extension in the direction of the edge of the upper or lower side of the respective substrate element body. Thus, the contact portion can be formed by or represent a radial extension of the contact layer (compared to other regions of the contact layer), the contact portion extending in the circumferential direction around a specific region of the edge of the substrate element body, i.e., extending circumferentially around or along the edge of the respective substrate element body, for example, by at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 20%, further in particular at least 25%, further in particular at least 30%, further in particular at least 35%, further in particular at least 40%, further in particular at least 45%, further in particular at least 50%. In the region of the respective contact portion, there is usually no respective conductive layer or coating present; therefore, the contact portion can be applied directly to the upper or lower side of the respective substrate element body.

[0052] In order to structurally integrate the corresponding electrochromic device into the remote optical device in a simple and stable manner, i.e., in particular, into the corresponding optical lens barrel of the remote optical device, the edge of the corresponding substrate element body can have at least one flat portion. The corresponding flat portion can be defined in particular by a line or straight line passing through at least two points on the edge of the corresponding substrate element body forming the periphery of the corresponding substrate element body. Further in particular, the corresponding flat portion can be defined by a secant line passing through at least two points on the edge of the corresponding substrate element body forming the periphery of the corresponding substrate element body. Therefore, the shape of the corresponding substrate element body does not need to be a complete disk, because the edge of the corresponding substrate element body can have at least one corresponding flat portion. The corresponding flat portion of the corresponding substrate element body can also simplify the structural integration of the electrochromic device into the remote optical device, for example, because the flat portion can be used to achieve an anti-rotation locking of the electrochromic device in the optical lens barrel of the remote optical device.

[0053] Similarly, the corresponding flat portion can form a functionalized interface of the corresponding electrochromic device, as will be shown below, in which way specific electrical contact options of the corresponding electrochromic device with the power supply can be realized. This applies in particular to the case where the contact portion is arranged or formed relative to the flat portion of the corresponding substrate element body. Therefore, the contact portion and the flat portion can be (essentially) arranged or formed with a 180° offset circumferentially relative to the particularly disc-shaped or circular basic shape of the corresponding substrate element body as described above. In a top view of the corresponding upper side or lower side of the corresponding substrate element body, the contact portion can therefore, for example, be arranged or formed at the top, and the flat portion can be arranged or formed relatively at the bottom.

[0054] In a device, which is particularly compact, it is convenient to contact the corresponding electrochromic device with a power supply, and the corresponding electrochromic device includes two substrate elements, each of which has a substrate element body with a corresponding flattened portion and an electrical contact portion arranged or formed opposite to the flattened portion. The substrate element bodies of the first substrate element and the second substrate element can be arranged one on top of the other, and their contact layers face each other, but cannot be electrically contacted with each other to avoid short circuits. The corresponding contact layers can be located on top of each other in such a way that they can complement each other to form a closed loop; therefore, the contact layer arranged or formed on the substrate element body of the first substrate element can (also) extend in the circumferential direction in the area where no contact layer extends on the substrate element body of the second substrate element. Typically, the superimposed arrangement of the substrate elements is also selected so that their corresponding contact portions are at least partially exposed, so that the electrochromic device can contact the power supply via both the contact portion of the first substrate element and the contact portion of the second substrate element. The first electrical contact element can connect the contact portion of the contact layer of the first substrate element to the power supply, and the second electrical contact element can connect the contact portion of the contact layer of the second substrate element to the power supply.

[0055] At least one electrochromic element of the corresponding electrochromic device, as described above, can be a layer or coating of electrochromic material, and can also be arranged or formed on the corresponding substrate element body, thereby at least partially, in particular completely covering the contact layer and the layer or coating of conductive material. The layer or coating of conductive material can also be arranged or formed on the corresponding upper side or lower side of the corresponding substrate element body.

[0056] The corresponding electrochromic device may also have at least one spacer element made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, which is at least partially, if necessary completely, arranged or formed on at least one electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element may have a ring-shaped or annular basic shape. The outer dimensions of the spacer element with the corresponding ring-shaped or annular basic shape may correspond to the outer dimensions of the corresponding substrate element body, so that the spacer element is placed flush on the corresponding substrate element body. In the inner space defined by the ring-shaped or annular basic shape of the at least one spacer element, the aforementioned layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be arranged or formed. In particular, the corresponding spacer element is configured to separate or space the corresponding contact layers from each other so that they cannot make electrical contact.

[0057] Another embodiment of an electrochromic device is described as follows:

[0058] The electrochromic device in turn comprises at least one substrate element having a substrate element body. The substrate element body generally has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical barrel of a remote optical device. Therefore, the shape of the substrate element body is generally selected according to the available installation space in the remote optical device to determine the geometric construction parameters, such as size, shape, etc., for the intended integration of the electrochromic device.

[0059] The substrate element or the substrate element body is usually formed from a transparent material. In particular, the substrate element or the substrate element body can be made of glass, in particular sapphire glass, silicate glass, further in particular borosilicate glass, etc., or of (transparent) plastic, in particular polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. Designs consisting of transparent film materials or transparent films are also conceivable.

[0060] The substrate element body generally has one or more surfaces. At least one surface is formed to be at least partially inclined or curved, if necessary, completely inclined or curved. As will be seen below, the at least partially inclined or curved surface is generally associated with or forms the upper side of the substrate element body.

[0061] As will be seen below, the substrate element body may generally have at least one surface which is at least partially flat, in particular from a manufacturing point of view. Thus, the substrate element body may have at least one flat base formed by a flat surface or a flat surface portion of the substrate element body. Depending on the specific design of the substrate element body, the flat base may be arranged or formed, for example, parallel to or at an angle to at least one other surface of the substrate element body. Thus, the planar base may, for example, be associated with or form a first side, in particular an upper side, of the substrate element body, while the other surface may be associated with or form a second side, in particular a lower side, of the substrate element body.

[0062] The substrate element body can, for example, have a disk-like or disc-shaped basic shape, in particular a disk-like or circular basic shape. Thus, the substrate element or the substrate element body can be a disk-like or disc-shaped component, in particular a disk-like or circular component. This is an embodiment of a relatively compact configuration with regard to its spatial volume. In this case, in the case of configuring the substrate element or the substrate element body as a (circular) disk-like or disc-shaped component, a corresponding flat base can be formed, for example, on the upper side or in the region of the upper side of the substrate element body.

[0063] Alternatively, the substrate element body may, for example, have a polygonal basic shape. Thus, the substrate element or the substrate element body may be a polygon or a polygonal component. In particular, the substrate element or the substrate element body may be a prism, in particular a prism forming a component of an optical beam splitter, such as a beam splitter cube. This is a highly integrated embodiment with regard to the integration of various optical functions. If the substrate element or the substrate element body is configured as a polygon or a polygonal component, the corresponding planar base may, for example, be formed by the outer surface or in the region of the outer surface of the substrate element body.

[0064] At least one electrochromic element formed by or containing at least one electrochromic material is arranged or formed on the surface of the substrate element body - the corresponding surface can be, for example, the outer surface of the substrate element body, in particular the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the upper side or the lower side of the substrate element body. This surface of the substrate element body can be the aforementioned surface, that is, in particular the aforementioned flat surface, or the surface of the substrate element body can have the aforementioned flat base. If at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed on the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the upper surface of the substrate element body, the surface of the substrate element body opposite to this outer surface, that is, the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the lower side of the substrate element body, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, that is, generally has an optically effective shaping. On the contrary, if at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed on the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the lower side of the substrate element body, the surface of the substrate element body opposite to this outer surface, that is, the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the upper side of the substrate element body, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, that is, generally has an optically effective shaping.

[0065] Here, it should also be mentioned again in summary that corresponding substrate elements can also form components of optically active devices, such as prisms, beam splitter cubes or the like.

[0066] If the electrochromic device has several substrate elements, the respective substrate elements can be provided with electrochromic elements which differ in at least one chemical parameter (e.g. chemical composition) and / or physical parameter (e.g. layer thickness). In particular, the electrochromic elements arranged or formed on different substrate elements can differ in their electrochromic properties, i.e., for example, in their color, their contrast, etc.

[0067] On the surface of the substrate element body, at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed, and the surface can have a circumferentially inclined or curved portion at least partially, in particular completely, in the area of ​​the (outer or lateral) edge. Therefore, the surface of the substrate element body on which at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed can have a first part (first surface part) and a second part (second surface part). The first part forms the base of the substrate element body. The second part forms an (outer) edge portion of the substrate element body that at least partially, in particular completely surrounds the base portion, and the second part is in particular curved or inclined relative to the base portion. Therefore, in the form of the second part, the substrate element body can have an edge portion, which is, for example, concave or convex, curved or inclined. On the other hand, the first part is generally flat; therefore, the first part generally forms the aforementioned flat surface or a flat surface portion of the substrate element body.

[0068] Thus, when viewed in cross section, the substrate element body may have two different cross-sectional configurations, namely a first cross-sectional configuration formed by the first portion, ie the base portion, and a second cross-sectional configuration formed by the second portion, ie the curved or inclined edge portion.

[0069] The second part generally has reduced dimensions, i.e., in particular a reduced height, compared to the first part, which provides a particularly space-saving electrical contacting option for the electrochromic device, since the electrical contact elements can be arranged or formed on the second part, i.e., in particular on the surface of the second part, without having to change the dimensions, i.e., in particular the height, of the electrochromic device. Thus, the dimensions, i.e., in particular the height, of the electrochromic device, which applies in particular to designs with a (circular) disk-shaped or disc-shaped substrate element body, but in principle also to all other designs, can be (essentially) determined by the dimensions, i.e., in particular the height, of the substrate element body or bodies of the electrochromic device.

[0070] As described above, at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed at least on a first portion of the surface of the substrate element body; however, it is conceivable that at least one electrochromic element is also arranged or formed on a second portion of the surface of the substrate element body; therefore, at least one electrochromic element may extend (only) at least partially, optionally completely, on the first portion of the surface of the substrate element body, or both at least partially, optionally completely, on the first portion of the surface of the substrate element body and at least partially, optionally completely, on the second portion of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0071] The at least one electrochromic element can be arranged or formed on an electrically conductive layer or coating; thus, a first portion of the surface of the substrate element body can be at least partially, in particular completely, provided with an electrically conductive layer or coating, on which at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Similarly, a second portion of the surface of the substrate element body can be at least partially, possibly completely, provided with an electrically conductive layer or coating, on which at least one electrochromic element can be arranged or formed. The respective electrically conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a coating formed of at least one transparent conductive oxide or a coating comprising at least one such oxide; the following explanations of transparent conductive oxides apply analogously.

[0072] When a voltage or current is applied, an electrochromic material can change its transmittance, for example by increasing or decreasing its color or color intensity. Therefore, an electrochromic material can be considered to be, for example, an electrically switchable electrochromic material. In particular, the electrochromic material can be, for example, a redox-active material, i.e., in particular a redox-active compound, or comprises at least one such material that undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (or vice versa). The corresponding redox-active material can be a metal complex, such as a metal complex based on tungsten oxide (WO3), nickel oxide (NiO), molybdenum oxide (MoO3), Mnm+[Fe(III)Fe(II) (CN)]63 15H2O (Berlin blue or Prussian blue) or titanium oxide. (Prussian blue) or titanium oxide (TiO2), which undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (or vice versa). Alternatively or additionally, conjugated polymer molecules such as PEDOT, amine derivatives such as triphenylamine derivatives, polyimides, metal-supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE) can be considered as electrochromic materials. The change in the transmittance of the electrochromic material may be accompanied by a change in the color and / or reflection or mirror properties of certain characteristics of the electrochromic material, thereby accompanied by a change in the color and / or reflection or mirror properties of at least one electrochromic element.

[0073] As described above, in the case of an embodiment of the electrochromic device, the substrate elements may be provided with electrochromic elements which differ in at least one chemical parameter, such as the chemical composition, and / or in a physical parameter, such as the layer thickness. In particular, the electrochromic elements arranged or formed on different substrate elements may differ in their electrochromic properties, i.e., for example in their color, contrast, etc. In particular, a first electrochromic element applied to a first substrate element may be based on, for example, tungsten oxide (WO3) and a second electrochromic element applied to a second substrate element may be based on, for example, titanium oxide (TiO2). Other configurations are conceivable.

[0074] The at least one electrochromic element may be or include at least one layer or coating. The layer or coating may be formed of at least one electrochromic material or include at least one such material. The thickness of the layer or coating may be in the range between 1 nm and 2000 nm, in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1950 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1900 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1850 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1800 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1750 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1700 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1650 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1600 nm, further in particular in the range between 1 nm and 1550 nm. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a range between 1 nm and 1500 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1450 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1400 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1350 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1300 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1250 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1200 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1150 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1100 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 10 In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a range between 1 nm and 50 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 1000 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 950 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 900 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 850 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 800 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 750 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 700 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 650 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 600 nm, further particularly in the range between 1 nm and 550 nm. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a range of about 1 nm to about 500 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 500 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 450 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 400 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 350 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 300 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 250 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 and 200 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 150 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 100 nm, more particularly in the range between 1 nm and 50 nm.For example, 2 nm, 3 nm, 4 nm, 5 nm, 6 nm, 7 nm, 8 nm, 9 nm or 10 nm can also be used as the respective lower limit instead of 1 nm. In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used alone or as upper or lower limit of a layer thickness interval.

[0075] If necessary, the layer thickness can also be in the micrometer range, so that all the above-mentioned layer thicknesses or layer thickness ranges can also be in the micrometer unit. Accordingly, high layer thicknesses can be achieved, for example, by multiple coating processes.

[0076] At least one electrochromic element may form an electrode of the electrochromic device and be arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements.

[0077] The corresponding conductive element can be formed by or include a conductive layer or coating, that is, in particular a transparent conductive layer or coating. In particular, the corresponding conductive element can be formed as a transparent conductive layer or coating on the surface of the substrate element body, or include such a layer or coating. Therefore, the corresponding conductive element can be applied to the surface of the substrate element body at least partially or, if necessary, completely as a conductive layer or coating. The corresponding conductive layer or coating can also be called a contact layer. The corresponding contact layer usually extends in a ring-shaped or annular manner at least partially around the edge of the substrate element body or along the edge of the substrate element body, as mentioned above, the substrate element body has, for example, a disc-shaped or circular basic shape. Therefore, the contact layer can be configured as a conductive layer or coating that extends at least partially, possibly completely around the edge of the substrate element body or along the edge of the substrate element body. The corresponding contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer; therefore, the corresponding contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer extending around the edge of the substrate element body or along the edge of the substrate element body. The layer thickness of the respective conductive layer or coating or contact layer can be similar to the layer thickness of the layer or coating of the at least one electrochromic material listed above as an example.

[0078] The corresponding conductive layer or coating may specifically be, for example, a coating formed of or containing at least one transparent conductive oxide. For example, the corresponding conductive layer or coating may be, for example, a coating formed of indium tin oxide (ITO) - as an example of a transparent conductive oxide - or a coating containing ITO, referred to as an ITO coating for short. Transparent conductive oxides, such as ITO, are generally characterized by a relatively high conductivity (typically 10 4 S / cm) and a high light transmittance (>90% at a layer thickness of 100 nm) and are therefore particularly suitable for forming corresponding conductive coatings for the electrochromic devices described herein.

[0079] If the electrochromic device comprises several electrochromic elements, at least one layer or coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, for example based on a metal salt, may be arranged or formed between these electrochromic elements. The layer thickness of the at least one layer or coating of the electrolyte material may be in the range between 1 and 2000 μm, in particular, the layer thickness of the at least one layer or coating of the electrolyte material is in the range between 10 and 1000 μm, further in particular between 100 and 500 μm.

[0080] Returning to the geometrical design of the surface of the substrate element body in the embodiment with the respective first portion and the respective second portion, the latter being curved or inclined, the following may also apply:

[0081] If the second portion is formed to be inclined, ie forms or comprises an inclined surface, the second portion or the inclined surface may extend at an angle ranging between 91° and 179° relative to the first portion, in particular the exposed surface of the typically flat first portion as described above. Specifically, the angle of the inclined surface may have the following values: 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, 96°, 97°, 98°, 99°, 100°, 111°, 112°, 113°, 114°, 115°, 116°, 117°, 118°, 119°, 120°, 121°, 122°, 123°, 124°, 125°, 126°, 127°, 128°, 129°, 130°, 131°, 132°, 133°, 134°, 135°, 136°, 137°, 138°, 139°, 140°, 141°, 142 , 143°, 144°, 145°, 146°, 147°, 148°, 149°, 150°, 151°, 152°, 153°, 154°, 155°, 156°, 157°, 158°, 159°, 160°, 161°, 162°, 163°, 164°, 165°, 166°, 167°, 168°, 169°, 170°, 171°, 172°, 173°, 174°, 175°, 176°, 177°, 178°, 179° relative to the exposed surface of the first portion, in particular the generally flat first portion as described above. At least two of the above values ​​may also form the limits of the angle range, so that the second portion or the inclined surface extends at an angle of, for example, 95-150°, in particular 105°-145°, further in particular 125°-140° relative to the first portion, in particular the exposed surface of the first portion which is typically flat as described above. Thus, by selecting the corresponding angle or angle range, there are essentially design parameters for achieving the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic device; in particular, the angle or angle range may be selected according to the geometrical configuration of the electrical contact element in order to achieve an electrical contact that is as flat as possible.

[0082] If the second portion is curved, i.e. forms or has a convex or concave curved surface, the second portion or the curved surface may have a radius between 5° and 45°. Specifically, the radius of the curved surface may have a value of 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45° to 90°. At least two of the above values ​​may also form the limit values ​​of the radius range, so that the second portion or the curved surface may, for example, have a radius in the range of 15-45°, in particular 20-40°, further in particular 25-35°. Thus, by selecting the corresponding radius or radius range, there are essentially design parameters for achieving the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic device; in particular, the radius or radius range may be selected according to the configuration of the geometrical construction of the electrical contact element in order to achieve an electrical contact that is as flat as possible. In principle, all of the above values ​​may also be used individually or as the corresponding upper or lower limit of the angle interval.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the curved second portion may lie on a circular radius, which, depending on the radial dimension of the substrate element body - this applies in particular to substrate element bodies with a rotationally symmetrical basic shape - lies, for example, on a radius in the range between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. A circular radius may refer to an imaginary circle whose center lies on an imaginary line extending axially through the center of the substrate element body. Thus, the radius may be, for example: 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm , 15.5mm, 16mm, 16.5mm, 17mm, 17.5mm, 18mm, 18.5mm, 19mm, 19.5mm, 20mm, 20.5mm, 21mm, 21.5mm, 22mm, 22.5mm, 23mm, 23.5mm, 24.5mm, 25mm, 25.5mm, 26mm, 26.5mm, 27mm, 27.5mm, 28mm, 28.5mm, 29.5mm, 30mm. In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used individually or as the corresponding upper or lower limit of the radius interval.

[0084] Another design parameter important for achieving the desired electrical contact of the at least one electrochromic element may be the length or radial extension of the second portion (for rotationally symmetrical surfaces, for example in the case of a disc-shaped or disc-shaped design of the substrate element body); the length of the second portion may be another parameter important for achieving the desired electrical contact of the at least one electrochromic element. or a disc-shaped design of the substrate element body of the second portion); the length of the second portion may typically be at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, further in particular at least 3 mm, further in particular at least 4 mm, further in particular at least 5 mm, further in particular at least 6 mm, further in particular at least 7 mm, further in particular at least 8 mm, further in particular at least 9 mm, further in particular at least 10 mm, further in particular at least 11 mm, further in particular at least 12 mm, further in particular at least 13 mm, further in particular at least 14 mm, further in particular at least 15 mm, further in particular at least 16 mm, further in particular at least 17 mm, further in particular at least 18 mm, further in particular at least 19 mm, further in particular at least 20 mm. In principle, all of the above values ​​may also be used on their own or as respective upper or lower limits of an interval.

[0085] The radial dimension of the second portion can be at least 1%, in particular at least 2%, further in particular at least 3%, further in particular at least 4%, further in particular at least 5%, further in particular at least 6%, further in particular at least 7%, further in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 9%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 11%, further in particular at least 12%, further in particular at least 13%, further in particular at least 14%, further in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 16%, further in particular at least 17%, further in particular at least 18%, further in particular at least 19%, further in particular at least 20% of the diameter of the substrate element body; as mentioned, this applies in particular to rotationally symmetrical substrate element bodies, i.e., for example, for (circular) disk-shaped or disk-shaped substrate element bodies. In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used individually or as respective upper or lower limits of an interval.

[0086] As described above, the first part can be at least partially, in particular completely, provided with a conductive layer or coating, on which at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Therefore, the conductive coating can be arranged or formed between the surface of the at least one electrochromic element and the substrate element body, which can extend completely on the corresponding surface of the substrate element body. In principle, various techniques can be considered to apply the conductive layer or coating, which can be used to affect or control the extension of the conductive layer or coating on the surface of the substrate element body. Spin coating process, spray coating process, dipping process, etc. are only examples in this article; in principle, chemical and / or physical deposition process, such as vapor deposition process, or printing process, such as pad printing process is also possible. Therefore, the conductive layer can be applied to the surface of the substrate element body, for example, by a spin coating process, a spray coating process, a dipping process or a chemical and / or physical deposition process. A variation of at least one electrochromic element as a layer or coating can be applied in a similar manner.

[0087] However, it is worth noting that the outermost edges of the surface of the substrate element body are not provided with a corresponding conductive layer or coating, because during the application process, the outermost edges are at least partially covered by one or more retaining elements, which locally prevent the application of the conductive layer or coating. However, it is conceivable that these areas are also provided with a conductive layer or coating in a separate application process.

[0088] The electrochromic device may include at least one electrical contact element for electrically contacting the at least one electrochromic element with an electrical energy source or power supply. In particular, the at least one electrical contact element - which may be or include, for example, a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc. - may be in contact with a corresponding conductive layer or coating, which may also be referred to as an electrical contact layer as described above. The electrical contact element may be in electrical contact with an exposed portion of the conductive layer or coating, which is particularly arranged or formed in the region of the second portion of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0089] Since the second part of the surface of the substrate element body is usually provided with a conductive layer or coating over the entire surface, a very uniform electrical contacting of the at least one electrochromic element can take place, which in turn leads to a very uniform change of the optical properties during operation. Thus, the described arrangement or design of the conductive layer or coating enables a largely circumferential change of the brightness or contrast from "outside to inside" and excludes any undesirable phenomena, such as a discoloration in the manner of a stage curtain.

[0090] The second part of the surface of the substrate element body can have a different roughness than the first part of the surface of the substrate element body. In particular, the second part can have a lower roughness than the first part of the surface of the substrate element body. In this way, for example, in terms of layer thickness, a very constant application of the conductive layer or coating can be ensured, which in turn can bring advantages related to the electrical contact of at least one electrochromic element. In particular, according to DIN ISO 10110-8, the second part of the surface of the substrate element body can have a surface specification of P1, P2, P3 or P4, in particular, according to DIN ISO 10110-8, a surface specification of P2, P3 or P4, in particular P3 or P4, can be considered. The surface specification of the first part is correspondingly lower; for example, the surface specification of the first part can be P3 according to DIN ISO 10110-8, and the surface specification of the second part can be P2 according to DIN ISO10110-8.

[0091] Electrochromic devices generally include several substrate elements or substrate element bodies, each of which has a surface with corresponding first and second parts. The substrate elements or substrate element bodies are generally arranged on top of each other in a similar stacking or stacking shape, so that the corresponding surfaces with the corresponding first and second parts are opposite to each other. In particular, the substrate elements or substrate element bodies are arranged on top of each other in a stacking or stacking shape, so that their corresponding second parts face each other, forming a wedge-shaped or wedge-shaped intermediate space when viewed from a cross section. The intermediate space also forms a spatial volume for making the corresponding substrate element or the associated electrochromic element in close electrical contact with the electrical contact element. However, in order to avoid short circuits, any contact layers of the corresponding substrate elements or substrate element bodies are generally not in contact with each other. At least one electrolyte layer made of an electrolyte material (e.g., an electrolyte material based on a metal salt) can be arranged or formed between the corresponding electrochromic elements, particularly a liquid or gel electrolyte layer.

[0092] A corresponding stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of the respective substrate element bodies on top of each other is also conceivable if the outer surfaces of the substrate element bodies facing each other do not have flat sections but are, for example, curved. In this case, the curvature of the substrate element bodies is typically configured in a corresponding or opposite manner, which enables a stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of the respective substrate element bodies on top of each other.

[0093] At least two substrate elements can be at least partially embedded in or surrounded by an insulating material, in particular an electrically and / or thermally insulating potting compound, for example based on plastic or plastic resin. In this way, the electrochromic element and the corresponding contact layer can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical or thermal influences.

[0094] The entire electrochromic device can be arranged in a receiving or housing part. In particular, at least two substrate elements can be arranged in a receiving space of a corresponding receiving or housing part and embedded in a corresponding insulating material in this receiving space, for example by encapsulation. Thus, the corresponding receiving or housing part generally not only provides additional protection against corresponding external influences, but also can improve the handling of the electrochromic device, for example during assembly into a remote optical device.

[0095] The electrochromic device may have at least one spacer element made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic, which is at least partially arranged or formed on at least one electrochromic element, and if necessary, can be completely arranged or formed. The at least one spacer element may have a basic shape of an annular or ring-shaped. The outer dimensions of at least one spacer element having a corresponding annular or ring-shaped basic shape may correspond to the outer dimensions of the substrate element body, so that at least one spacer element is placed flush on the substrate element body. The layer or coating of the aforementioned electrolyte material can be arranged or formed in the inner space defined by the annular or ring-shaped basic shape of the at least one spacer element. The at least one spacer element is particularly configured to separate or space the contact layers of the corresponding substrate elements from each other so that they cannot be in electrical contact.

[0096] The electrochromic device may be structurally integrated into an optical channel or optical barrel of the remote optical device, which optical channel or optical barrel typically extends between the eyepiece and the objective of the remote optical device; therefore, the electrochromic device may be arranged or formed in the optical channel or optical barrel of the remote optical device. In particular, the electrochromic device may be arranged or formed in a portion of the optical channel or optical barrel extending between the objective and the eyepiece.

[0097] The remote optical device may comprise an optical output device, e.g. in the form of a display, for outputting optical information. The optical information, i.e. e.g. alphanumeric symbols, graphics, images, videos etc., which can be output via the optical output device, may be coupled into the optical channel of the remote optical device via a coupling device, e.g. formed by or comprising a prismatic device comprising one or more prisms, or via a foil device. The electrochromic device may be directly or indirectly associated with the optical output device, so that e.g. the brightness and / or the contrast of the optical information, which can be output via the optical output device, can be specifically changed by means of the electrochromic device.

[0098] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrochromic device for a remote optical device, in particular for manufacturing an electrochromic device according to the above-mentioned embodiments, so that all explanations related to the electrochromic device according to the above-mentioned embodiments apply analogously to the method (and vice versa).

[0099] The method comprises at least the following steps which may be performed more than once: a) providing at least one substrate element comprising a substrate element body having a surface with a first portion and an optionally curved or inclined second portion; and b) applying at least one electrochromic element on at least the first portion of the surface of the substrate element body, the at least one electrochromic element being formed of or comprising an electrochromic material.

[0100] In particular, the method comprises at least the following steps, which can be performed several times: providing at least one substrate element having a substrate element body, the substrate element body having a surface, the surface having a first portion and an optionally curved or inclined second portion; applying a conductive layer or coating to the first portion and the second portion of the surface of the substrate element body; applying at least one electrochromic element formed of or containing an electrochromic material at least to the conductive layer or coating at least in the region of the first portion of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0101] As part of the method, the configured substrate elements as described above may be arranged one above the other, in particular in such a way that respective second portions of surfaces of respective substrate element bodies are arranged opposite one another to form a wedge-like or wedge-shaped intermediate space.

[0102] The method may also include the step of electrically contacting the corresponding second part with an electrical energy source or power supply. To this end, the corresponding second part may be contacted with the electrical energy source or power supply by at least one electrical contact element, such as a wire, cable, contact ring, litz wire, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0103] The present invention will be explained again below with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings. It shows:

[0104] Figure 1-3 are schematic diagrams of remote optical devices according to examples of embodiments;

[0105] Figure 4-7 are schematic diagrams of electrochromic devices according to examples of embodiments;

[0106] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a substrate element of an electrochromic device according to an example embodiment;

[0107] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic device according to an example embodiment; and

[0108] Figure 10-15 Each of them is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] Figure 1-3 Schematic diagrams of remote optical devices 9 according to embodiment examples are respectively shown. Figure 1-3 It is shown that the remote optical device 9 can be configured as, for example, a monocular telescope, a telescopic sight, a night vision device or a thermal viewing or aiming optic (see Figure 1 , 3 ) or binoculars (see Figure 2 ).

[0110] In all embodiment examples, the remote optical device 9 therefore comprises at least one optical barrel 10 defined by an unspecified housing part of the remote optical device 9. In the embodiment example shown, the optical barrel 10 extends between an objective 11 comprising one or more objective lenses (not shown) and an eyepiece 12 comprising one or more eyepieces (not shown). The optical path extending between the objective 11 and the eyepiece 12 also defines an optical channel of the remote optical device 9 indicated by a corresponding dashed line. Figure 1 , Figure 3 In the embodiment example of FIG. 1 , the remote optical device 9 comprises an optical lens barrel 10 and thus an optical channel. Figure 2 In the embodiment example of FIG. 1 , the remote optical device 9 comprises two optical barrels 10 and thus two optical channels. Figure 2 In the embodiment example of FIG. 1 , the optical lens barrels 10 are connected to each other via a connection device 20 .

[0111] In all embodiments, the remote optical device 9 comprises at least one display area 21 for displaying or viewing optical information. The at least one display area 21 can be formed, for example, by a viewing area or a field of view of an optical channel of the remote optical device 9. Thus, the corresponding viewing area or the corresponding field of view can be formed, for example, by an optical channel of the remote optical device 9, which, as previously described, extends between an objective lens 11 formed by at least one objective lens and an eyepiece 12 formed by at least one eyepiece. Thus, the corresponding optical information can be a real image, possibly an optically magnified real image, of a target area, a target object, etc. observed with the help of the remote optical device.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, at least one display area 21 may be formed by an electrical or electronic display device 22 (e.g. a display apparatus). Thus, the corresponding optical information may be electrically or electronically generated optical information of, for example, a target area, a target object, etc. observed by the remote optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding optical information may be alphanumeric and / or graphic information, such as symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., which is generated, for example, by a hardware and / or software-implemented control device 23 associated with the corresponding electrical or electronic display device 22.

[0113] If a superimposed display with a real image is required, the optical information output by the corresponding electrical or electronic display device 21 can be coupled into the optical channel of the remote optical device 9 via a coupling device 24, as shown as an example in the figure. The corresponding coupling device can, for example, be formed by or include a prismatic device with one or more prisms, or by a foil device.

[0114] As can be seen from the figure, the remote optical devices 9 each comprise at least two electrochromic means 1 associated with at least one display area 21 .

[0115] As from Figure 4-7 It can be seen that each electrochromic device 1 includes at least one electrochromic element 5, 6, which is arranged or formed between two conductive elements, which are arranged or formed on the corresponding substrate element 2 in the form of a contact layer 3 (for example, made of a metal such as copper). For example, the corresponding electrochromic element can be formed by or include an electrochromic material. It can be seen that each electrochromic element in the figure is formed by a first layer 5 made of an electrochromic material, a second layer 6 made of an electrochromic material used as an ion storage layer (which can be called a counter electrode) and a layer 7 arranged or formed between the layers 5 and 6 and made of an electrolyte material (for example, in the form of a gel), which is permeable to ions. On the substrate element 2, at least on the surface facing the respective electrochromic element, there is also a transparent conductive layer 4 made of a transparent conductive material (for example, ITO) (see layers 5-7). The spacing element made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic is represented by the reference numeral 8.

[0116] Each of the at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be switched into one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or contrast of the respective optical information. Each of the at least two electrochromic devices 1 is therefore configured to adjust or change the optical properties of the respective optical information, i.e. in particular the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast. The change of the optical properties of the respective optical information is performed by switching the respective electrochromic device 1 into the respective operating state of the respective electrochromic device 1; thus, different operating states of the respective electrochromic device 1 can be associated with different optical properties of the respective optical information.

[0117] Thus, the remote optical device 9 shown in the figure is characterized by at least two electrochromic devices 1 associated with at least one display area 21, each of which can be switched to one or more operating states in order to change the optical properties, i.e. in particular the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the corresponding optical information. This opens up additional degrees of freedom in relation to the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area 21. This is due in particular to the fact that by specifically switching at least two electrochromic devices 1 into specific operating states in each case, specific optical properties of the corresponding optical information can be obtained, wherein at least two electrochromic devices 1 each have a specific transmittance (light transmittance) for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range and a specific brightness, color, contrast, etc. associated therewith, so that the resulting transmittance of at least two electrochromic devices 1 for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range and the resulting brightness, color, contrast, etc. associated therewith can be achieved.

[0118] As according to Figure 1 , Figure 2 As can be seen in the example of embodiment of the at least two electrochromic devices 1 or at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged or formed in series connection, so that the at least two electrochromic devices 1 are arranged or formed directly or indirectly, i.e., in the optical path, i.e., in particular, the optical channel, of the respective remote optical device 1, with at least one other optical element inserted one after the other. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged or formed in a parallel circuit, so that the at least two electrochromic devices 1 are arranged or formed adjacent to one another in the optical path, i.e., in particular, the optical channel, of the respective remote optical device 1, or in each case in the optical path, i.e., in particular, the optical channel, of the respective remote optical device 1. Thus, in the case where the remote optical device 1 has a plurality of optical paths or channels, such as Figure 2 As shown, at least one electrochromic device 1 may be arranged or formed in each optical channel or path.

[0119] In order to switch the at least two electrochromic devices 1 to the corresponding operating states, the remote optical device 9 includes a control device 23, which is associated with the at least two electrochromic devices 1 and implemented in hardware and / or software, and which is configured to generate control information for switching the at least two electrochromic devices 1 to one or more operating states. The control device 23 can be configured to generate control information for switching the at least two electrochromic devices 1 to the corresponding operating states. The corresponding control information can, for example, be or be generated based on information or signals generated by user-side input and / or information or signals generated by a detection or sensor device (not shown), for example, for detecting optical properties of the environment surrounding the remote optical device 9.

[0120] Figure 1 , Figure 2 It is shown that the control device 23 can be arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the remote optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 23 can be arranged or formed in a mobile terminal 25, such as a laptop, a smart phone, smart glasses, a tablet computer, etc., or in at least one other remote optical device, such as a target optical device, a target range finder, etc., which communicates with the remote optical device 9 via a wired or wireless data connection. The wireless data connection can be or is implemented via a wireless data transmission standard (such as Bluetooth).

[0121] For example, the switching of at least two electrochromic devices 1 to respective operating states may be achieved by applying a voltage or a current to the respective electrochromic device 1. Different operating states of the respective electrochromic device 1 may be achieved by applying different levels of voltage or current, which may vary over time, to the respective electrochromic device 1, which are accompanied by different changes, i.e., in particular, changes of different significance, of the optical properties of the respective optical information. As part of switching the respective electrochromic device 1 to the respective operating state, the level of the voltage or current, which may vary over time, may be controlled or adjusted by the control device 23, which may vary over time.

[0122] In order to be able to apply a voltage or current to the respective electrochromic device 1, the remote optical device 9 may have at least one power supply device 19, for example in the form of a power storage device, such as a wired or wireless rechargeable battery. The respective power supply device 19 may be structurally arranged or formed on or in a housing portion of the remote optical device 9.

[0123] If the remote optical device 9 comprises several display areas 21, for example in a configuration with a first display area formed by an optical channel for a real image and a second display area formed by an electrical or electronic display device 22 for an electrically or electronically generated image, at least one electrochromic device 1 may be associated with each display area 21. Alternatively, at least two electrochromic devices 1 may be associated with only one (single) display area 21.

[0124] like Figure 1-6 As indicated by the frame 26 surrounding the respective electrochromic device 1, one or more electrochromic devices 1 may form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed within an optical channel of the remote optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, one or more electrochromic devices 1 may form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed outside the respective optical channel of the remote optical device 9.

[0125] The corresponding frame 26 can be a modular or modularly shaped component, which in turn can, for example, be composed of a modular or modularly shaped housing device or include such a housing device, which has a receiving space in which at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged or formed. The corresponding housing device can have one or more fixing interfaces (not shown), through which the housing device can be fixed on or in the remote optical device 9 in a certain orientation and / or position. The corresponding fixing interface can be, for example, a mechanical fixing interface, which enables the corresponding housing device to be fixed on or in the remote optical device 9 in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, that is, in particular, fixed on or in the housing part of the remote optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course conceivable to connect the housing device to or in the remote optical device 9 by material bonding, that is, for example, an adhesive or a welding connection.

[0126] At least two electrochromic devices 1 can be transferred to one or more corresponding operating states dependently or independently of each other, and thus can be transferred to corresponding operating states dependently or independently of each other. Thus, at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be put into operation and / or operate dependently or independently of each other. The mutual transition of at least two electrochromic devices 1 to corresponding operating states can mean, for example, that in the case where the first electrochromic device 1 is transitioned to an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, the second electrochromic device 1 operates in response to a change in the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic device 1, and thus, depending on this, transitions to an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by the specific value or another specific value. At least two electrochromic devices 1 are transformed into corresponding operating states independently of each other may mean, for example, that the first electrochromic device 1 is transformed into an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, but in response to a change in the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic device 1, the second electrochromic device 1 is independently transformed into an operating state or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by the specific value or another specific value.

[0127] The switching of at least two electrochromic devices 1 to respective operating states can be achieved by purposefully adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area 21 for a specific application area, which is characterized, for example, by a special environment in which the remote optical device 9 is used, for example, for observing a target area, a target object, etc. For example, for the application of the remote optical device 9 in high brightness areas (e.g., snowy areas, deserts, etc.) and / or in specific color areas (e.g., forests, water, etc.), a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area 21 can be made in each case, which can be automatic or automatically controlled via the control device 23, so that, for example, high ambient brightness can be reduced and / or low ambient contrast can be increased. In a similar manner, alternatively or additionally, for the application of the remote optical device 9 at specific times of the day, month or year, a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area 21 can be made, which can be controlled in an automatable or automated manner via the control device 23.

[0128] By switching at least two electrochromic devices 1 into corresponding operating states, a blocking function of the remote optical device 9 can be implemented, which includes temporarily switching the electrochromic device 1 into a corresponding operating state, in which the resulting transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is so low that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or cannot be displayed or viewed to the desired extent or in the desired manner. This can be achieved, for example, by selectively darkening, coloring, etc. at least one display area 21 or the optical information. Therefore, the corresponding blocking function can include the implementation of a blocking mode, in which the resulting transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is so low that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or cannot be displayed or viewed to the desired extent or in the desired manner. For example, the cancellation of the blocking mode can be achieved by the control device 23, by authentication or identification of a specific user (for example, by password input, user identification, etc.). In a similar manner, deactivation of the blocking mode can alternatively or additionally be performed on an external terminal device, such as a laptop, a smartphone, smart glasses, a tablet computer, etc., or at least one other remote optical device, such as a target optical device, a target rangefinder, etc.

[0129] As already mentioned and in Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , at least two electrochromic devices 1 may be arranged or formed in the optical channel of a remote optical device 9, which as already mentioned and in FIG. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , it extends between the objective lens 11 and the eyepiece 12 of the remote optical device 9. Figure 3As can be seen in FIG. 1 , at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be associated with, for example, an objective lens 11, an eyepiece 12, or another optical assembly (not shown) including one or more optical elements arranged or formed in an optical channel, such as a spacer cube assembly (if present). In this way, the transmittance of the objective lens, the eyepiece, or the corresponding optical assembly for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range can be changed or adjusted. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the invention, it is particularly shown that at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be directly integrated into the objective 11 and / or the eyepiece 12 of the remote optical device 9. Therefore, in particular, the substrate elements 2 of the at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be configured and / or used as lens elements of the objective 11 and / or the eyepiece 12 of the remote optical device 9. One or more corresponding lens elements and therefore one or more corresponding substrate elements 2 can be curved or domed.

[0130] for Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment example, in which the remote optical device 9 has two optical channels, at least one first electrochromic device 1 can be arranged or formed in the first optical channel of the remote optical device 9, and at least one second electrochromic device 1 can be arranged or formed in the second optical channel of the remote optical device 9. Thus, the optical properties of at least two optical channels, i.e., in particular the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be changed or adjusted by shifting the electrochromic devices 1 arranged or formed in these channels either dependently or independently of each other. Figure 2 As mentioned and shown by way of example in FIG. 2 , at least two electrochromic devices 1 may also be arranged or formed in each optical channel.

[0131] Reference below Figure 4-7 Specific exemplary arrangements and configuration options of at least two electrochromic devices 1 are explained.

[0132] according to Figure 4 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows an exemplary configuration with two electrochromic devices 1 .

[0133] In this embodiment, each electrochromic device 1 includes, from top to bottom, a first substrate element 2 made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic, on which a contact layer 3 made of a conductive metal such as copper (the contact layer is used to make the electrochromic material mentioned below contact with an external voltage source) is arranged or made, and a transparent conductive layer 4 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO. Next is a first layer 5 made of an electrochromic material, which can be called a working electrode, a layer 6 made of an ion-permeable electrolyte material, such as a gel form, and a second layer 7 made of an electrochromic material, which serves as an ion storage layer, which can be called a counter electrode. Then, when the second layer 7 made of an electrochromic material is followed by a contact layer 3 made of a conductive metal such as copper, which is used to make the above-mentioned electrochromic material contact with an external voltage source, and a transparent conductive layer 4 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, and a second substrate element 2, the layer structure is repeated. A spacing element made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic is shown with reference numeral 8.

[0134] In accordance with Figure 4 In the embodiment of the present invention, a gap 27 is formed between the two electrochromic devices 1, and thus, for example, an air space is formed, so that an anti-reflective coating can be applied to the surface of the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic device 1 facing the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic device 1. Alternatively or additionally, an anti-reflective coating can be applied to the surface of the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic device 1 facing the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic device 1.

[0135] according to Figure 5 Embodiments and basis Figure 4 The difference of the embodiment of is that here, instead of two electrochromic devices 1, three electrochromic devices 1 are arranged or formed in series. Figure 4 All explanations concerning the embodiment of the invention apply analogously. The same applies to the embodiment with more than three electrochromic devices 1 connected in series.

[0136] according to Figure 6 The embodiment example is basically based on Figure 4, but differs therefrom in that there is no interstitial space 27, and thus no air gap, between the two electrochromic devices 1, because the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic device equally forms the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic device 1. Therefore, the substrate element associated with the two electrochromic devices 1 has two contact layers 3 and two conductive layers 4, wherein the contact layer 3 is arranged or formed on a first surface of the substrate element 2, the conductive layer 4 being associated with the first or upper electrochromic device 1, and the contact layer 3 is arranged or formed on an opposite second surface of the substrate element 2, the conductive layer 4 being associated with the second or lower electrochromic device 1.

[0137] according to Figure 7 Example of embodiment and according to Figure 6 The difference from the embodiment example of is that here, instead of two electrochromic devices 1, three electrochromic devices 1 are arranged or formed in series. Figure 6 All explanations concerning the embodiment examples of 1 apply analogously. The same applies to embodiments with more than three electrochromic devices 1 connected in series.

[0138] Based on Figure 6 and Figure 7 , it can be seen that two conductive elements can be arranged or formed on at least one substrate element 2, in particular on different surfaces of the substrate element 2, i.e., for example, the upper side and the lower side, wherein a first conductive element arranged or formed on the first surface, i.e., for example, a first conductive element arranged or formed on the first surface, e.g., the top side, of the substrate element 2 is associated with the first electrochromic device 1, and a second conductive element arranged or formed on the second surface, e.g., the bottom side, of the substrate element is associated with the second electrochromic device 1.

[0139] In all exemplary embodiments, a first electrochromic device 1 can be associated with an optical channel of a remote optical device 9 in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of optical information (i.e., for example a real image) observable through the optical channel, i.e., typically the transmission of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and at least one second electrochromic device 1, such as an electronic display device 22 of a display device (if present), can be associated with the remote optical device 9 in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of optical information generated by means of the electronic display device 22, i.e., typically the transmission of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. As described above, the optical information generated by the electrical or electronic display device 22 can be coupled or coupled via an optical coupling device 24, in particular for superposition with the optical information visible in the optical channel.

[0140] For all embodiments, it also applies that the first electrochromic device 1 can be configured in a corresponding one or more operating states for adjusting a defined brightness and / or a defined color and / or a defined contrast of the corresponding optical information in a first brightness and / or color and / or contrast range, and the second electrochromic device 1 can be configured in a corresponding one or more operating states for adjusting a defined brightness and / or a defined color and / or a defined contrast of the corresponding optical information in a second brightness and / or color and / or contrast range. The second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range can be the same or different from the first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range (and vice versa). The chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the corresponding electrochromic devices 1 for adjusting the options of the defined brightness and / or the defined chromaticity and / or the defined contrast, i.e., the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range in general, can be the same, so that different electrochromic devices 1 can, for example, achieve the same brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, because the electrochromic elements are configured identically in terms of their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, a specific range of brightness and / or color and / or contrast can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the respective electrochromic devices 1 for adjusting the options of a defined brightness and / or a defined chromaticity and / or a defined contrast, i.e., typically the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be different, so that different electrochromic devices 1 can achieve, for example, different brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast ranges, due to the electrochromic elements being differently configured with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties.

[0141] Therefore, it is applicable to all embodiments that the first electrochromic device 1 can be configured in a corresponding one or more operating states for adjusting the defined chromaticity of the corresponding optical information in the first wavelength range, and the second electrochromic device 1 can be configured in a corresponding one or more operating states for adjusting the defined chromaticity of the corresponding optical information in the second wavelength range. The second chromaticity range or the second color associated therewith can be the same or different from the first chromaticity range or the first color associated therewith (and vice versa). In the case of different chromaticity ranges or colors, for example, these can be complementary. Here, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the corresponding electrochromic devices 1 responsible for defining the adjustment possibilities of the chromaticity or color, i.e., the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be the same, so that different electrochromic devices 1 can achieve, for example, the same chromaticity range or color range or color, because the electrochromic elements are configured identically with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, a specific chromaticity range or color range or color can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of the respective electrochromic devices 1 responsible for the defined chromaticity or color adjustment possibilities, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, may be different, so that different electrochromic devices 1 may achieve, for example, different chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors, due to the electrochromic elements being configured differently with respect to their chemical and / or physical properties. As described above, the second chromaticity range or color range may be different from the first chromaticity range or color range, whereby the second chromaticity range or color range may be a chromaticity range or color range that is complementary to the first chromaticity range or color range. This is useful for hunting applications, for example, because animals can be better distinguished from plants.

[0142] As already explained, each electrochromic device 1 comprises a respective contact layer 3 made of an electrically conductive material for making electrical contact with one or more electrochromic elements, usually present as a layer or coating 5, 7 made of an electrochromic material, ie in particular for applying a voltage or a current. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An example of an embodiment of a specific configuration of the contact layer 3 is explained in more detail:

[0143] Figure 8 An exemplary top view of the upper or lower side of the substrate element 2 of the electrochromic device 1 according to an embodiment example is shown, whereby Figure 8 The following explanation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can be applied analogously to all substrate elements 2 of each electrochromic device 1 .

[0144] The substrate element 2 is composed of a substrate element body 14, which in this embodiment has an exemplary disk-shaped or circular basic shape. In principle, the substrate element body 14 has a basic shape that can be integrated into the optical tube 10 of the remote optical device 9; therefore, the shape of the substrate element body 14 determines the geometric construction parameters, such as the size, in order to be integrated as desired, depending on the installation space available in the remote optical device 9, i.e., in particular in the optical tube 10.

[0145] As described above, the contact layer 3 formed of an electrically conductive material, for example a metal, in particular a noble metal, such as gold, or a semi-noble metal, such as copper, is arranged or formed on the upper side or the lower side of the substrate element body 14 forming the main extension plane of the substrate element 2. The contact layer 3 is usually applied to the upper surface or the lower surface of the substrate element body 14 by a chemical and / or physical application process, in particular a chemical and / or physical deposition process, further in particular a chemical and / or physical vapor deposition process. The layer thickness of the contact layer 3 can, for example, be in the range between 10 nm and 500 nm, in particular in the range between 10 nm and 450 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 400 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 350 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 300 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 250 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 200 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 150 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 100 nm, further particularly in the range between 10 nm and 50 nm.

[0146] Obviously, the contact layer 3 extends in an annular or ring-shaped manner, i.e. in particular in a ring segment or ring-shaped manner, around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14 having a disk-shaped or circular basic shape. The contact layer 3 is thus configured as a conductive layer extending at least partially around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the contact layer 3 is shown as a continuous layer; in principle, a quasi-continuous or discontinuous contact layer 3 is also conceivable; therefore, the contact layer 3 can generally be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer extending around the edge of the substrate element body 14 or along its edge.

[0147] Thus, the substrate element body 14 is not provided with a contact layer 3 over the entire surface in the region of its upper or lower side, but only in a portion of the upper or lower side extending around the edge. This has advantages not only in terms of reliable electrical contact of the electrochromic device 1 with a power supply source, such as a battery integrated in a remote optical device, but also in terms of applying a voltage to the electrochromic element, which occurs at least intermittently during operation of the electrochromic device 1 when the electrochromic element is contacted in an annular or ring-shaped manner. This leads to a surprisingly fast and uniform change of the optical properties of the electrochromic device 1, namely in particular the transmittance, in particular in contrast to contact at only one point. The arrangement or design of the conductive layer also makes it possible to vary the brightness or contrast circumferentially to a large extent from "outside to inside", and excludes phenomena known in the prior art, such as coloring in the manner of a stage curtain. In addition, there are advantages, for example, in terms of manufacturing technology, because the substrate element 2 does not have to be provided with a contact layer 3 over the entire surface in the region of the top or bottom of the substrate element body, but only around the edge.

[0148] As described above, the contact layer 3 extends in an annular or shaped manner, i.e. in particular in an annular or shaped manner, i.e. has an annular or shaped or annular segment or shaped basic shape, at least in a portion around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the contact layer 3 extends around or along at least 50% of the edge of the substrate element body 14. The more completely the contact layer 3 extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14, the faster or more uniformly the optical properties of the electrochromic device 1, i.e., in particular the transmittance, can change.

[0149] Figure 8 It is also shown that at least in the portion where the contact layer 3 does not extend, there may be a defined free space 15 between the contact layer 3 and the edge of the substrate element body 14. Thus, the contact layer 3 does not have to extend at least partially completely to the edge of the substrate element body 14 in terms of its radial extension (relative to the axis of symmetry or center axis A1 of the substrate element body 14), but there may be a defined distance between the periphery of the contact layer 3 and the actual edge of the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14, for example 0.5 mm.

[0150] Figure 8 It is also shown that the contact layer 3 may include a contact portion 16 which may be contacted by an electrical contact element, such as a wire, a litz wire, a cable, a spring contact, a pin contact or the like, which may be connected or coupled to a voltage or power supply.

[0151] Figure 8A contact portion 16 is also shown, which, for example in order to ensure reliable contact with a corresponding electrical contact element, has different dimensions than other regions of the contact layer 3 in terms of its radial extension in the direction of the edge of the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14. The contact portion 16 can thus be formed by or represent a radial extension of the contact layer 3 (compared to other regions of the contact layer 3), which extends circumferentially around a specific region of the edge of the substrate element body, i.e., for example around or along at least 10% of the edge of the substrate element body 14. The contact portion 16 can be applied directly to the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14; therefore, in the region of the contact portion 16, a corresponding transparent conductive layer or coating does not have to be present.

[0152] Figure 8 It is also shown that the edge of the substrate element body 14 may have a flat portion 17. In particular, the flat portion 17 may be defined by a straight line L or a corresponding secant S, which passes through two points P1, P2 on the edge of the substrate element body 14 forming the periphery of the substrate element body 14. The shape of the substrate element body 14 does not therefore need to be a complete disk, as the edge of the substrate element body 14 may have a corresponding flat portion 17. The flat portion 17 may also simplify the structural integration of the electrochromic device into the remote optical device 9, for example, as the flat portion 17 may be used to achieve an anti-rotational locking of the electrochromic device 1 in the optical lens barrel 10 of the remote optical device 9.

[0153] Similarly, if combined with Fig. 9 It can be further seen from the embodiment example that the flat portion 17 can form a functionalized interface of the electrochromic device 1 when a special electrical contact option of the electrochromic device 1 with the power supply can be realized in this way. Figure 8 This applies in particular if the contact portion 16 is arranged or formed opposite the flat portion 17, as shown. The contact portion 16 and the flat portion 17 can thus be arranged or formed offset (substantially) by 180° in the circumferential direction relative to the disk-shaped or circular basic shape of the substrate element body 14. Figure 8 In the top view of the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14 shown, the contact portion 16 is therefore arranged or formed at the top and the flat portion 17 is arranged or formed opposite at the bottom.

[0154] Based on Fig. 9In the embodiment example, it can be seen that the electrochromic device 1 has two correspondingly configured substrate elements 2, each substrate element having a substrate element body 14 with a corresponding flat portion 17 and a contact portion 16 arranged or formed opposite to the flat portion 17. The substrate element bodies 14 of the first substrate element 2 and the second substrate element 2 are arranged one above the other, and their contact layers 3 face each other, but cannot electrically contact each other to avoid short circuits. The corresponding contact layers 3 can be located on top of each other in such a way that they can complement each other to form a closed loop; therefore, the contact layers 3 arranged or formed on the first substrate element 2 (for example, Fig. 9 The contact layer 3 on the substrate element body 14 of the upper substrate element in the embodiment of the present invention may (also) be formed on the second substrate element 2 (e.g., Fig. 9 The first electrical contact element extends in the circumferential direction in the area where the contact layer 3 does not extend on the substrate element body 14 of the lower substrate element in the embodiment of the present invention. It is also obvious that the superimposed arrangement of the substrate elements 2 is selected so that their respective contact portions 16 are at least partially exposed, so that the electrochromic arrangement 1 can be contacted with the power supply via both the contact portion 16 of the first substrate element 2 and the contact portion 16 of the second substrate element 2. The first electrical contact element can be connected to the first substrate element 2 (for example Fig. 9 The contact portion 16 of the contact layer 3 of the upper substrate element 2 in the embodiment of the present invention is connected to the power supply, and the second electrical contact element can connect the second substrate element 2 (for example Fig. 9 The contact portion 16 of the contact layer 3 of the lower substrate element in the embodiment of the present invention is connected to a power supply.

[0155] exist Figure 10-15 Each of the figures shows a schematic diagram of an electrochromic device 1 according to another embodiment example. The electrochromic device 1 may also form a component of a remote optical device 9.

[0156] The electrochromic device 1 is a component, i.e. in particular an electrochromic component, which can be structurally integrated into a remote optical device 9. In particular, the electrochromic device 1 is a component, i.e. in particular an electrochromic component, which can be structurally integrated into an optical channel of the remote optical device 9, in particular into an optical channel extending within an optical barrel 10 of the remote optical device 9 between the objective 11 and the eyepiece 12. Therefore, as a component of a corresponding remote optical device 9, the electrochromic device 1 is a component, i.e. in particular an electrochromic component, which is integrated into the corresponding optical channel of the remote optical device 9.

[0157] The electrochromic device 1 comprises at least one substrate element 2 having a substrate element body 14. The substrate element body 14 has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical barrel of a remote optical device 9. Therefore, the shape of the substrate element body 14 determines geometrical parameters, such as size, shape, etc., which are usually selected according to the available installation space in the remote optical device 9 in order to achieve the desired integration of the electrochromic device 1.

[0158] The substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is usually formed of a transparent material. Specifically, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can therefore be formed, for example, of glass, in particular sapphire glass, silicate glass, further in particular borosilicate glass, or of (transparent) plastic, in particular polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. In this context, it is also conceivable that the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is made of a transparent film material or a transparent film.

[0159] In this embodiment example, the substrate element body 14 has one or more surfaces 14.1-14.n. Fig.10 , Fig.11 In the embodiment examples of the substrate element body 14, it can be seen that at least one surface 14.1 can be flat. In these embodiments, the substrate element body 14 thus has at least one flat base formed by the flat surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. Depending on the specific embodiment of the substrate element body 14, the flat base can be arranged or formed, for example, parallel to or at an angle to at least one other surface of the substrate element body 14. Fig.10 , Fig.11 In the embodiment example shown in , the flat base exemplarily forms a part of the upper side of the substrate element body 14 and is therefore arranged parallel to the surface forming the lower side of the substrate element body 14 .

[0160] exist Fig.10 , Fig.11 In the embodiment shown, the substrate element body 14 has a basic shape of a disk or a circle. Therefore, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a disk-shaped or disk-shaped component. This is an embodiment of a relatively compact configuration with respect to its spatial volume. When the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is configured as a (circular) disk-shaped or disk-shaped component, for example, as from Fig.10 , Fig.11 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , a corresponding flat base can be formed by the upper side or in the region of the upper side of the substrate element body 14 .

[0161] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment shown, Fig.10 , Fig.11In contrast to the embodiment shown, the substrate element body 14 does not have a flat base in the region of its upper side, but is (completely) curved in the region of its upper side. Thus, the substrate element body 14 can have, for example, a lens geometry. Similarly, embodiments of the substrate element body 14 with an inclined upper side are also conceivable.

[0162] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment shown, the substrate element body 14 has a polygonal basic shape. Therefore, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a polygon or a polygonal component. In particular, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a prism, in particular a prism forming a component of an optical beam splitter, such as a beam splitter cube. This is a highly integrated embodiment configured with respect to the integration of various optical functions. When the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is configured as a polygon or a polygonal component, for example, Fig.13 As shown, a corresponding flat base can be formed by the outer surface of the substrate element body 14 or in the region of the outer surface.

[0163] In accordance with Fig.10 , Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the electrochromic element formed by or including at least one electrochromic material (which can be formed, for example, by the layer 5) is arranged or formed on the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14, which, as described above, is the outer surface of the substrate element body 14 which, as an example, forms the upper side of the substrate element body 14. This surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 is the above-mentioned flat surface, or the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 has the above-mentioned flat base. The same applies to the Fig.12 Examples of embodiments of the present invention.

[0164] When a voltage or current is applied, an electrochromic material can change its transmittance, for example by increasing or decreasing its color or color intensity. Therefore, an electrochromic material can be considered as an electrochromic material that is, for example, electrically switchable. In particular, the electrochromic material can be, for example, a redox-active material, that is, in particular a redox-active compound, or comprises at least one such material that undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (or vice versa). The corresponding redox-active material can be or comprise a metal complex, such as a metal complex based on tungsten oxide (WO3), nickel oxide (NiO), molybdenum oxide (MoO3) or titanium oxide (TiO2), which undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (or vice versa). Alternatively or additionally, conjugated polymer molecules such as PEDOT, amine derivatives such as triphenylamine derivatives, polyimides, metal-supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE) can be considered as electrochromic materials. The change in the transmittance of the electrochromic material may be accompanied by a change in the color of light and / or the reflective or mirror properties of certain characteristics of the electrochromic material, and thus by a change in the color and / or reflective or mirror properties of the electrochromic element.

[0165] Obviously, according to Fig.10 , Fig.11 In an embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the substrate element body 14 (on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed) is at least partially, in particular completely, arranged in the area of ​​the outer edge or lateral edge, with a circumferentially inclined or curved portion 14.1.2. The surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 (on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed) therefore has a first portion 14.1.1 (first surface portion) and a second portion 14.1.2 (second surface portion). The first portion 14.1.1 forms a base portion of the substrate element body 14. The second portion 14.1.2 forms an outer edge portion of the substrate element body 14 surrounding the base portion and is curved or inclined, in particular compared to the base portion. Therefore, in the form of the second portion 14.1.2, the substrate element body 14 has, for example, a concave or convex, curved or inclined edge portion. In contrast, in accordance with Fig.10 , Fig.11 The first portion 14 . 1 . 1 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is flat; the first portion 14 . 1 . 1 thus forms the aforementioned flat surface or flat surface portion of the substrate element body 14 .

[0166] exist Fig.10 , Fig.11In the illustrated embodiment, the substrate element body 14 therefore has two different cross-sectional structures when viewed in cross section, namely a first cross-sectional structure formed by the first portion 14.1.1, ie the base, and a second cross-sectional structure formed by the second portion 14.1.2, ie the curved or inclined edge portion.

[0167] The second part 14.1.2 generally has reduced dimensions, i.e. in particular a reduced height, compared to the first part 14.1.2, thereby providing a particularly space-saving electrical contacting option for the electrochromic device 1, since the electrical contact element formed by the contact layer 3 can be arranged or formed on the second part 14.1.2, i.e. in particular on the surface of the second part 14.1.2, without having to change the dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the electrochromic device 1. The dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the electrochromic device 1, which applies in particular to embodiments with a disc-shaped or disk-shaped substrate element body 14, but in principle also to all other embodiments, can therefore be (essentially) determined by the dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of one or more substrate element bodies 14 of the electrochromic device 1.

[0168] As shown, the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed on at least a first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14; however, it is conceivable that the electrochromic element is also arranged or formed on a second portion 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14; the electrochromic element may therefore extend (only) at least partially, possibly completely, on the first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14, or at least partially, if necessary completely, on the first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14, and at least partially, if necessary completely, on the second portion 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14.

[0169] In an embodiment, the electrochromic element is exemplarily arranged or formed on a conductive layer 4 or coating; therefore, a first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can be at least partially, in particular completely, provided with a conductive layer 4 or coating, on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Similarly, a second portion 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can be at least partially, possibly completely, provided with a conductive layer 4 or coating, on which the electrochromic element can be arranged or formed. The corresponding conductive layer 4 or coating can be, for example, a coating formed of a transparent conductive oxide or a coating comprising at least one such oxide; the transparent conductive oxide can be, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). The layer thickness of the conductive layer 4 or coating can be similar or identical to the layer thickness of the electrochromic material layer or coating mentioned below.

[0170] Since the second part 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 is generally provided with a conductive layer 4 or coating over its entire surface, a very uniform electrical contacting of the electrochromic element can take place, which in turn leads to a very uniform change of the optical properties during its operation. The arrangement or design of the conductive layer 4 or coating thus makes it possible to vary the brightness or contrast circumferentially from "outside to inside" to a large extent and excludes any undesirable phenomena, such as discoloration in the manner of a stage curtain.

[0171] The electrochromic element may also be a layer or coating, or include at least one such layer or coating. The layer or coating may be formed of an electrochromic material or include at least one such material. The thickness of the layer or coating may be, for example, in the range between 10nm and 1000nm, in particular in the range between 10nm and 850nm, further in particular in the range between 10 and 750nm, further in particular in the range between 10 and 650nm, further in particular in the range between 10 and 550nm, further in particular in the range between 10nm and 500nm, further in particular in the range between 10nm and 250nm. In a specific embodiment example, the electrochromic element 5 may be composed of tungsten or tungsten oxide, or a layer or coating based on tungsten or tungsten oxide. Then, the layer thickness is preferably in the range between 100nm and 750nm and 850nm, in particular around 800nm.

[0172] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment shown, the second portion 14.1.2 is inclined. The second portion 14.1.2 thus forms an inclined surface. The second portion 14.1.2 or the inclined surface can, for example, extend at an angle α of 91-179°, in particular 115-145°, further in particular 125-135° relative to the first portion 14.1.1, in particular the exposed surface of the first portion 14.1.1. Thus, by selecting the corresponding angle α or angle range, there are essentially design parameters for achieving the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic device 1; in particular, the angle α or the angle range can be selected with respect to the geometric configuration of the electrical contact element in order to achieve the maximum possible electrical contact of the conductive coating 4.

[0173] In accordance with Fig.11 In the embodiment of the invention, the second portion 14.1.2 is curved. The second portion 14.1.2 thus forms a convex or concave curved surface. The second portion 14.1.2 or the curved surface may for example have a radius in the range of 15-45°, in particular 20-40°, further in particular 25-35°. Fig.11As shown schematically, the curved second portion 14.2.2 may be located on a circle radius r in a range between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. The circle radius r may refer to an imaginary circle (see dashed line K), the center Z of which is located on an imaginary line extending axially through the center of the substrate element body 14. Therefore, the selection of a corresponding radius r or radius range also essentially provides a construction parameter for achieving the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic device 1; in particular, the radius r or the radius range may be selected with respect to the geometric construction configuration of the electrical contact element in order to achieve an electrical contact of the conductive coating 4 that is as flat as possible.

[0174] The same applies to Fig.12 An embodiment example is provided in which the entire curved upper side of the substrate element body 14 can lie on a corresponding circle radius.

[0175] Another design parameter important for achieving the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic device 1 may be the length L or radial extension (for rotationally symmetrical surfaces, e.g. Fig.10 , Fig.11 ); the length L of the second portion 14.1.2 is typically at least 1 mm. The radial dimension of the second portion 14.1.2 may be at least 1% of the (maximum) diameter D of the substrate element body 14; as mentioned above, this applies in particular to rotationally symmetrical substrate element bodies 14, i.e., for example, Fig.10 , Fig.11 The disc-shaped or disk-shaped substrate element body 14 is shown in FIG.

[0176] according to Fig.14 The embodiment of FIG. 1 shows a variation of an electrochromic device 1 having a plurality of substrate element bodies 14, which can be configured according to Fig.10 or Fig.11 The embodiment of any one of the configurations, and thus has a plurality of electrochromic elements. Fig.14 Indicated by way of example, substrate element bodies 14 may be configured identically.

[0177] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment shown, the substrate element 2 or substrate element body 14 and the corresponding electrochromic element 5 are arranged to be stacked on each other. A layer 6 or coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel electrolyte material, such as an electrolyte material based on a metal salt, is arranged or formed between the electrochromic elements. The layer thickness of at least one layer 6 or coating of an electrolyte material can be, for example, in the range between 100 and 500 μm.

[0178] Obviously, the substrate elements 2 or substrate element bodies 14 are arranged on top of each other in a stacked or stacked shape so that their respective second parts 14.1.2 face each other, thereby forming a wedge-shaped or wedge-shaped intermediate space 14.2 when viewed from a cross section. The intermediate space 14.2 also forms a spatial volume for making the respective substrate element 2 or the associated electrochromic element in close electrical contact with the electrical contact element 30. However, the contact layers of the respective substrate elements 2 or substrate element bodies 14 do not contact each other to avoid short circuits. As described above, an electrolyte layer made of an electrolyte material, such as an electrolyte material based on a metal salt, in particular a liquid or gel electrolyte layer, can be arranged or formed between the respective electrochromic elements.

[0179] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment, it is also only schematically shown that the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be at least partially embedded in or surrounded by an insulating material 28, in particular an electrically and / or thermally insulating casting compound based on plastic or plastic resin, for example. In this way, the electrochromic element and the corresponding contact layer can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical, thermal influences.

[0180] It should be noted that according to Fig.14 The entire electrochromic device 1 of the embodiment example of (the same applies to all other embodiments) can also be arranged in a schematically shown receiving or housing part 29. In particular, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be arranged in a receiving space of a corresponding receiving or housing part 29 and, for example, embedded in this receiving space in a corresponding insulating material 28 by casting. Thus, the corresponding receiving or housing part generally not only provides additional protection against corresponding external influences, but can also improve the operation of the electrochromic device 1, for example in the case of installation in a remote optical device 9.

[0181] Based on Fig.15 In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , it can be seen that at least one substrate element 2 can have a substrate element body 14 with an optically active outer surface—in the embodiment example, this outer surface is exemplarily the underside of the lower substrate element 2 .

[0182] In this embodiment example, for the lower substrate element 2 in which the electrochromic element is arranged on the outer surface forming the upper side of the substrate element body 14, the surface of the substrate element body 14 opposite to the outer surface is shown by way of example, that is, in this embodiment example, the outer surface forming the lower side of the substrate element body 14 can be formed with a convex curvature or a concave curvature, that is, it generally has an optically effective shaping. On the contrary, if the electrochromic element is arranged or formed on the outer surface forming the lower surface of the substrate element body 14, the surface of the substrate element body 14 opposite to the outer surface, that is, the outer surface forming the upper surface of the substrate element body 14, can be formed with a convex curvature or a concave curvature, that is, it generally has an optically effective shaping. This can also be applied to any other substrate element 2 of the electrochromic device 1.

[0183] Another conceivable curvature of the corresponding outer surface of the lower substrate element 2 is Fig.15 In the figure, the dashed lines are used as examples only.

[0184] For the sake of completeness, although not shown, it should be pointed out that a corresponding stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of the respective substrate element bodies 14 on top of each other is also conceivable if the mutually facing outer surfaces of the substrate element bodies 14 do not have a flat portion, but are, for example, curved. In this case, the curvature of the substrate element bodies 14 generally has a corresponding or opposite design, which enables a stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of the respective substrate element bodies 14 one above the other.

[0185] As can be seen from the figure, the electrochromic device 1 includes at least one electrical contact element (see contact layer 3) for making electrical contact between the corresponding electrochromic element (see layer 5) and the electrical energy source or power supply. In particular, the corresponding electrical contact element - which can be or include, for example, a wire 30, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc. - can be in contact with the corresponding conductive layer 3 or coating, which can also be referred to as an electrical contact layer. The electrical contact element can electrically contact an exposed portion of the conductive layer or coating, which is particularly arranged or formed in the region of the second portion 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the corresponding substrate element body 14.

[0186] For all embodiments, the second portion 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 may have a different roughness than the first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. In particular, the second portion 14.1.2 may have a lower roughness than the first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 14, so that a very constant application of the conductive layer 7 or coating, for example with regard to the layer thickness, can be ensured, which in turn can bring advantages with regard to the electrical contacting of the electrochromic element. In particular, the second portion 14.1.2 may have a surface specification of P1, P2, P3 or P4 according to DIN ISO 10110-8, in particular, a surface specification of P2, P3 or P4, especially P3 or P4 according to DIN ISO 10110-8 is conceivable. The surface specification of the first part 14.1.1 is correspondingly lower; for example, the surface specification of the first part 14.1.1 may be P3 according to DIN ISO 10110-8, and the surface specification of the second part 14.1.2 may be P2 according to DIN ISO 10110-8.

[0187] For all embodiments, the electrochromic device 1 may also have at least one spacer element (not shown) made of an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic), which, if desired, may be completely arranged or formed on at least a portion of the electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element may have a basic annular or ring-shaped shape. The outer dimensions of at least one spacer element having a corresponding annular or ring-shaped basic shape may correspond to the outer dimensions of the corresponding substrate element body 14, so that at least one spacer element rests flush on the substrate element body 14. The layer or coating of the aforementioned electrolyte material may be arranged or formed within an inner space defined by the annular or ring-shaped basic shape of the at least one spacer element. The at least one spacer element is particularly configured to separate or space the contact layers of the respective substrate elements 2 from each other so that they cannot make electrical contact.

[0188] Finally, it explains how Figure 10-15 A method for manufacturing an electrochromic device 1 for a remote optical device 9 is shown by way of example in:

[0189] The method comprises at least the following steps which may be performed more than once: a) providing at least one substrate element 2 having a substrate element body 14, wherein the substrate element body 14 has a surface 14.1 having a first portion 14.1.1 and an optionally curved or inclined second portion 14.1.2; and b) applying at least one electrochromic element on at least the first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14, the electrochromic element being formed by or comprising an electrochromic material.

[0190] In particular, the method comprises at least the following steps, which may be performed more than once: providing at least one substrate element 2 having a substrate element body 14, the substrate element body 14 having a surface 14.1, the surface having a first portion 14.1.1 and an optionally curved or inclined second portion 14.1.2; applying a conductive layer 7 or coating to the first and second portions 14.1.1, 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14; applying at least one electrochromic element formed of or comprising an electrochromic material on the conductive layer 4, or applying the coating at least in the region of the first portion 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. The conductive layer 4 or coating is usually applied to the respective surface or portion 14.1.1, 14.1.2 of the substrate element body 14 before the electrochromic element.

[0191] Within the framework of the method, substrate elements 2 configured as described above can be arranged one above the other, in particular such that respective second portions 14.1.2 of surfaces 14.1 of respective substrate element bodies 14 are arranged opposite each other, thereby forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped intermediate space 14.2.

[0192] The method may also include the step of making the respective conductive layer 4 or coating and the respective second part 14.1.2 electrically contact with an electrical energy source or power supply. To this end, the respective second part can be respectively contacted with the electrical energy source or power supply via at least one electrical contact element, such as a wire, cable, contact ring, litz wire, etc.

[0193] Individual, several or all features described in connection with one embodiment example may be combined with individual, several or all features described in connection with at least one other embodiment example.

Claims

1. A tele-optical device (1), in particular a monocular, a binocular, a night vision device, comprising at least one display area (21) for displaying optical information, characterized in that - at least two electrochromic devices (1) associated with the at least one display area (21), each of the at least two electrochromic devices being capable of being switched into one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast of the corresponding optical information, - a control device (23) associated with the at least two electrochromic devices (1), the control device being configured to generate control information for switching the at least two electrochromic devices (1) to one or more corresponding operating states.

2. The remote optical device of claim 1, wherein: The at least two electrochromic devices (1) are capable of switching to one or more corresponding operating states dependently or independently of each other.

3. A remote optical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least two electrochromic devices (1) are arranged or formed in an optical channel of the remote optical device (9).

4. The remote optical device of claim 3, wherein: A first electrochromic device (1) is associated with an objective (11), optionally integrated into said objective (11), and a second electrochromic device (1) is associated with an eyepiece (12) of said optical channel, optionally integrated into said eyepiece (12).

5. A remote optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one first electrochromic device (1) is arranged or formed in a first optical channel of the remote optical device (9), and at least one second electrochromic device (1) is arranged or formed in a second optical channel of the remote optical device (8).

6. A remote optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first electrochromic device (1) is associated with an optical channel of the remote optical device (9) for adjusting the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of optical information visible via the optical channel, and the second electrochromic device (1) is associated with an electronic display device (22) of the remote optical device for adjusting the brightness and / or color and / or contrast of optical information generated via the electronic display device (22).

7. The remote optical device of claim 6, wherein: The optical information generated by the electronic display device (22) can be coupled in via an optical coupling device (24), in particular for superposition with the optical information observable in the optical channel.

8. A remote optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first electrochromic device (1) is configured in one or more corresponding operating states for adjusting the limited brightness and / or limited contrast of the corresponding optical information in a first brightness and / or contrast range, and the second electrochromic device (1) is configured in one or more corresponding operating states for adjusting the limited brightness and / or limited contrast of the corresponding optical information in a second brightness and / or contrast range.

9. The remote optical device of claim 8, wherein: The second brightness and / or contrast range is equal to or different from the first brightness and / or contrast range.

10. A remote optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first electrochromic device (1) is configured in one or more corresponding operating states for adjusting the defined chromaticity of the corresponding optical information in a first wavelength range, and the second electrochromic device (1) is configured in one or more corresponding operating states for adjusting the defined chromaticity of the corresponding optical information in a second wavelength range.

11. The remote optical device of claim 10, wherein: The second chromaticity range is equal to or different from the first chromaticity range.

12. The remote optical device of claim 11, wherein: The second chromaticity range is not equal to the first chromaticity range, wherein the second chromaticity range is a chromaticity range complementary to the first chromaticity range.

13. The remote optical device according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a control device (23), which is configured to implement a blocking function of the remote optical device (9) by switching the at least two electrochromic devices (1) to corresponding operating states.

14. A remote optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least two electrochromic devices (1) are structurally arranged or formed together in a modular or modular-shaped assembly.

15. A remote optical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the at least two electrochromic devices (1) comprises at least one electrochromic element, which is formed by or comprises an electrochromic material arranged or formed between two conductive elements, which are in each case arranged or formed on a substrate element (2), wherein Two conductive elements are at least arranged or formed on at least one substrate element (2), in particular arranged or formed on different surfaces of the at least one substrate element (2), wherein a first conductive element arranged or formed on a first surface of the at least one substrate element (2) is associated with a first electrochromic device (1), and a second conductive element arranged or formed on a second surface of the at least one substrate element (2) is associated with a second electrochromic device (1).

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