A novel double-conductive layer electrode and electrochromic device

Abstract

This invention discloses a novel double-conductive layer electrode and electrochromic device, comprising: a transparent conductive layer disposed on the upper and lower sides of the electrochromic device; a charge storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic layer sandwiched between the two transparent conductive layers, arranged sequentially from top to bottom; and a novel double-conductive layer electrode disposed at the periphery of the electrochromic device and connected to the transparent conductive layer, comprising: an insulating layer; and a metal conductive layer. This invention solves the problem that the relatively large distance between the metal electrodes of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers (except at the corners of the electrochromic device) increases their resistance, thus affecting the current input and causing significant differences in electrochromic speed at different locations. This significantly improves the response speed of electrochromism and reduces its non-uniformity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrochromism, and in particular to a novel double-conductive layer electrode and an electrochromic device. Background Technology

[0002] The transparent conductive layer of electrochromic devices is typically composed of conductive metal oxides, such as ITO and IZO, with a surface resistivity ranging from 1 Ω / □ to 500 Ω / □. As the size of electrochromic devices increases, the resistance of the transparent conductive layer affects current conduction, leading to problems such as slow color change and uneven color distribution. To address this current conduction issue, high-conductivity metal electrodes, such as metal wires or metal strips (copper foil, aluminum foil), need to be placed at the device's edges. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a traditional metal electrode structure, which is simple and consists of a single conductive layer. To allow it to be fixed to the transparent conductive layer of an electrochromic device, conductive adhesive is applied to one or both sides of the single conductive layer. Electrodes with a single conductive layer are collectively referred to as single-conductive-layer electrodes.

[0003] Due to the significant difference in conductivity between the single conductive layer metal electrodes at the edge of the transparent conductive layer in an electrochromic device and the transparent conductive layer itself, the commonly used L-shaped or crisscross-shaped wiring method for single conductive layer electrodes has many problems. For example, the single conductive layer metal electrodes located at the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are connected through the upper and lower transparent conductive layers, which have higher resistance, to form the electrochromic device circuit. Because the relative positions of the metal electrodes of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are relatively far apart (except at the corners of the electrochromic device), the resistance between them is increased, which affects the current input. This results in significant differences in the electrochromic speed at different locations, and these problems are particularly prominent for larger-area electrochromic devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to propose a novel double-conductive layer electrode and an electrochromic device, which overcomes the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes the following technical solution:

[0006] An electrochromic device, comprising:

[0007] A transparent conductive layer is disposed on the top and bottom sides of the electrochromic device;

[0008] The charge storage layer, electrolyte layer, and electrochromic layer are sandwiched between two transparent conductive layers and arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

[0009] A novel double-conductive layer electrode is disposed at the periphery of the electrochromic device and connected to the transparent conductive layer;

[0010] The novel double-conductive layer electrode includes an insulating layer and a metal conductive layer. The insulating layer is located in the middle of the novel double-conductive layer electrode and plays an insulating role. The metal conductive layer covers the upper and lower sides of the insulating layer.

[0011] Furthermore, the sides of the two metal conductive layers that are far apart from each other are covered with metal conductive adhesive.

[0012] Furthermore, the conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer on the upper side of the electrochromic device faces downward, while the conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer on the lower side of the electrochromic device faces upward.

[0013] Furthermore, the portion of the transparent conductive layer that contacts the novel double conductive layer electrode at at least one edge is serrated and makes intermittent contact with the novel double conductive layer electrode.

[0014] Furthermore, the serrations on the same side of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are arranged in an alternating pattern.

[0015] Furthermore, the same side serrations of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are arranged to overlap each other.

[0016] Furthermore, the serrated portions on the same side of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are overlapped.

[0017] Furthermore, the materials of the transparent conductive layer include, but are not limited to, indium tin oxide and indium zinc oxide.

[0018] The present invention provides a novel double-conductive layer electrode and electrochromic device, which solves the problem that the metal electrodes of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are far apart (except at the corners of the electrochromic device), which increases the resistance between them and affects the current input, resulting in different electrochromic speeds at different locations. This invention greatly improves the response speed of electrochromic devices and reduces the non-uniformity of electrochromic devices. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0020] In the attached diagram:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic device according to the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram shows a top view of a novel double-conductive layer electrode and electrochromic device according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the novel double-conductive layer electrode and the upper and lower transparent electrodes of the electrochromic device is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the segmented edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers is shown.

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure is shown, showing that the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers do not overlap at all.

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure is shown, showing the interlaced but non-overlapping edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers.

[0027] Figure 7 The distribution of the novel double-conductive-layer electrode is shown when the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are staggered and do not overlap.

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a structure is shown, showing that the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are completely overlapping and have no segmented edges.

[0029] Figure 9 The distribution of the novel double-conductive-layer electrode is shown when the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are completely overlapped and there are no segmented edges.

[0030] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure is shown, showing the complete overlap of the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers.

[0031] Figure 11 The distribution of the novel double-conductive layer electrodes is shown when the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers completely overlap.

[0032] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the overlapping edge segments of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 The distribution of the novel double-conductive layer electrodes is shown when the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers overlap.

[0034] The above figures include the following reference numerals:

[0035] 1. Transparent conductive layer; 2. Charge storage layer; 3. Electrolyte layer; 4. Electrochromic layer; 5. Novel double conductive layer electrode; 51. Insulating layer; 52. Metal conductive layer; 53. Metal conductive adhesive. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0039] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 13 The present invention will be further described as follows:

[0040] A novel double-conductive layer electrode, comprising:

[0041] An insulating layer 51 is disposed at the middle position of the novel double conductive layer electrode 5 and serves as an insulating layer.

[0042] A metallic conductive layer 52 covers the upper and lower sides of the insulating layer 51.

[0043] The two metal conductive layers 52, one on each side away from each other, are covered with metal conductive adhesive 53.

[0044] An electrochromic device, comprising:

[0045] A transparent conductive layer 1 is disposed on the upper and lower sides of the electrochromic device;

[0046] The charge storage layer 2, the electrolyte layer 3, and the electrochromic layer 4 are sandwiched between the two transparent conductive layers 1 and arranged sequentially from top to bottom.

[0047] The novel double conductive layer electrode 5 is disposed at the periphery of the electrochromic device and is connected to the transparent conductive layer 1.

[0048] The novel double-conductive-layer electrode 5 has two metal conductive layers 52, separated by an insulating layer 51 to prevent short circuits. To fix the novel double-conductive-layer electrode 5 onto the transparent conductive layer 1 of the electrochromic device, conductive adhesive is applied to one or both sides of the electrode. Electrodes with two conductive layers are collectively referred to as the novel double-conductive-layer electrode 5.

[0049] The conductive surface of the upper transparent conductive layer 1 of the electrochromic device faces downward, and the conductive surface of the lower transparent conductive layer 1 of the electrochromic device faces upward.

[0050] The novel double-conductive-layer electrode 5 can simultaneously contact the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 of the electrochromic device without disconnection. Compared with the existing single-conductive-layer electrode, this greatly reduces wiring difficulty, saves wiring time, and improves production efficiency.

[0051] In the electrochromic device, a novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is used. Taking one side of the electrochromic device as an example, the wiring method involves direct contact between the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 and the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers, forming the positive and negative electrodes (upper and lower transparent conductive layers) of the device, respectively. The upper metal conductive layer 52 of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is in contact with the edge of the upper transparent conductive layer 1 of the electrochromic device, and the lower metal conductive layer 52 of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is in contact with the edge of the lower transparent conductive layer 1 of the electrochromic device.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, based on the special characteristics of the electrochromic device and the operability of the fabrication process, the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 can be cut into interlaced serrated shapes, making intermittent contact with the edges of the novel double conductive layer electrode 5. At least one edge of the transparent conductive layer 1 has a serrated portion in contact with the novel double conductive layer electrode 5, resulting in intermittent contact. That is, one or more segments of the novel double conductive layer electrode 5 do not contact the edges of the transparent conductive layer 1 of the device.

[0053] There are several ways to ensure that the edge of the transparent conductive layer of the electrochromic device does not come into contact with the novel double conductive layer electrode 5.

[0054] The portion of the transparent conductive layer 1 that contacts the novel double conductive layer electrode 5 at at least one edge is intermittently covered by an insulating layer, thereby achieving intermittent contact between the transparent conductive layer 1 and the novel double conductive layer electrode 5.

[0055] In one embodiment, the edge of the conductive layer is covered by an insulating layer 51, so that the novel double conductive layer electrode 5 passing through this section does not contact the transparent conductive layer. Alternatively, in areas where conductivity is not required, the edge of the transparent conductive layer 1 can be directly cut off to create a segmented edge conductive layer. In particular, with segmented edge conductive layers, two adjacent upper and lower edge conductive layers do not require additional isolation areas to prevent leakage or short circuits at the edges of the upper and lower conductive layers. In this embodiment, the insulating layers on the same side of the two upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 can be staggered, overlapped, or partially overlapped, depending on different situations and requirements.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment, the side lengths of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 of the electrochromic device are L and L, respectively. A and L B The protruding parts with staggered serrated edges on the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 are L respectively. AC and L BC These constitute the conductive segments of the segmented edge conductive layer, which are in contact with the upper and lower metal conductive layers 52 of the novel double conductive layer electrode 5. Figure 4 The interlaced serrated recesses at the edges of the transparent conductive layer 1, L AE and L BE These constitute the non-conductive segments of the segmented edge conductive layer. Figure 4 X and Y in the figure are used to adjust the starting position of the segmented edge conductive layer of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1. Therefore, it can be seen that factors such as whether the segmented edge of the upper transparent conductive layer 1 is aligned with the segmented edge of the lower transparent conductive layer, and the length of the overlap, are all determined by X, Y, and L. AC ,L AE ,L BC , and L BE The dimensions are determined by the size.

[0057] For a specific transparent segmented edge conductive layer, the number of segments at the edge of the upper transparent conductive layer 1 is m, which can be expressed as: L AC1 L AE1 L AC2 L AE2 , ..., L ACi L AEi , ..., L ACm L AEm L ACi L represents the i-th conductive segment at the edge of the upper conductive layer; AEi This represents the i-th non-conductive segment at the edge of the upper conductive layer. Similarly, the lower transparent conductive layer 1 has n segments at its edge, which can be represented as: LBC1 L BE1 ,L BC2 L BE2 , ..., L BCi L BEi , ..., L BCn L BEn L BCi L represents the i-th conductive segment at the edge of the lower conductive layer; BEi This represents the i-th non-conductive segment of the upper conductive layer edge of the k-th edge. The starting position structure of each transparent conductive layer 1 edge is defined by X, Y, L. AC1 ,L AE1 ,L BC1 , and L BE1 The dimensions are determined by the size. The end position structure of each transparent conductive layer 1 edge is determined by L. ACm ,L AEm ,L BCn , and L BEn The number of segments at the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 can be equal (m=n) or unequal (m≠n). The lengths of the conductive segments at any two segment edges (i,j) of the upper segmented conductive layer can be equal (L... ACi =L ACj ), or they may not be equal (L) ACi ≠L ACj The lengths of the non-conductive segments can be equal (L). AEi =L AEj ), or they may not be equal (L) AEi ≠L AEj Similarly, the lengths of the conductive segments at any two segment edges (i,j) of the lower segmented conductive layer can be equal (L). BCi =L BCj ), or they may not be equal (L) BCi ≠L BCj The lengths of the non-conductive segments can be equal (L). BEi =L BEj ), or they may not be equal (L) BEi ≠L BEj ).

[0058] Based on the specific requirements of electrochromic devices, the structure of electrochromic devices is described below:

[0059] The same side serrations of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 are arranged alternately.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the segmented edge conductive layers on the top and bottom sides do not overlap at all. Figure 5 The figures show the conditions when Y = 0 and X > L. BC L BCi <LAEi , and L ACi <L BEi The structure of time, and X=0, Y>L AC L BCi <L AEi , and L ACi <L BEi The structure of time.

[0061] The segmented edge conductive layers on the top and bottom sides are staggered and do not overlap. The novel double conductive layer electrode 5 can be easily inserted into the segmented edge conductive layers on the top and bottom sides to provide current to the electrochromic device.

[0062] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the segmented edge conductive layers are staggered and do not overlap, and Figure 7 The distribution of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 in this configuration is shown. The novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 surrounds the entire device, with the upper metal conductive layer 52 in contact with the upper segmented edge conductive layer of the electrochromic device, and the lower metal conductive layer 52 in contact with the lower segmented edge conductive layer of the electrochromic device. Each of the upper and lower metal conductive layers 52 of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is connected to the power controller via a wire.

[0063] For the segmented edge conductive layer, for any segment i, L satisfies BCi <L AEi , and L ACi <L BEi .

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 completely overlap without segmented edges, at which point X = Y = 0, L AC =L A ,L BC =L B L AE =L BE =0, the novel double-conductive layer electrode surrounds the device and is sandwiched between the transparent conductive layers 1 on the upper and lower edges. At this time, the distribution of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is as follows: Figure 9 As shown.

[0065] The same side serrations of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 are arranged to overlap each other.

[0066] like Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment, the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 have segmented edges and completely overlap, in which case X = Y, L ACi =L BCi ,L AEi =L BEiThe novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 surrounds the device, sandwiched between the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1. The distribution of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is as follows: Figure 11 As shown.

[0067] The serrated portions of the same side of the two transparent conductive layers 1 are overlapped.

[0068] like Figure 12 As shown, in one embodiment, the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 have segmented edges that partially overlap. A novel double-conductive layer electrode surrounds the device, sandwiched between the upper and lower transparent conductive layers. The distribution of the novel double-conductive layer electrode 5 is as follows: Figure 13 shown

[0069] Figure 12 This illustration only shows a segmented conductive layer where the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 partially overlap. The length of the overlap between the segmented edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 is determined by X, Y, and L. AC ,L AE ,L BC , and L BE The dimensions are determined by the specific requirements of the device. The design of the overlapping and interleaving of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers 1 is determined by X, Y, and L. ACi ,L AEi ,L BCi L BEi The dimensions are determined by the size of the segments, and their lengths can be equal or unequal, where i is any segment. Moreover, depending on the device requirements, the segment edges in some regions can be completely non-overlapping, the segment edges in some regions can be completely overlapping, and the segment edges in some regions can partially overlap. The design of the conductive layer at the segment edges can be any combination of the above four forms.

[0070] Depending on the characteristics and functional requirements of the device, any change in the distribution of the edge structure of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers does not affect the assembly of the "double conductive layer electrode" of the present invention with the device.

[0071] In this invention, the material of the transparent conductive layer 1 includes, but is not limited to, indium tin oxide and indium zinc oxide, and can be flexibly selected according to actual needs and the characteristics of different materials.

[0072] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0073] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0075] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, include: A transparent conductive layer (1) is disposed on the upper and lower sides of the electrochromic device; The charge storage layer (2), the electrolyte layer (3) and the electrochromic layer (4) are sandwiched between the two transparent conductive layers (1) and arranged sequentially from top to bottom; A novel double-conductive layer electrode (5) is disposed at the periphery of the electrochromic device and connected to the transparent conductive layer (1); The novel double conductive layer electrode (5) includes an insulating layer (51) and a metal conductive layer (52). The insulating layer (51) is located at the middle position of the novel double conductive layer electrode (5) and serves as an insulating layer. The metal conductive layer (52) covers the upper and lower sides of the insulating layer (51). The portion of the transparent conductive layer (1) that contacts the novel double conductive layer electrode (5) at at least one edge is intermittently covered by an insulating layer. The edge of the transparent conductive layer (1) is formed with a segmented edge conductive layer that is spaced apart. The segmented edge conductive layer includes a region formed by an insulating layer (51) that is spaced apart and covers the edge region of the transparent conductive layer (1), and / or a cavity region that is spaced apart and cut into the edge region of the transparent conductive layer (1). The transparent conductive layer (1) has a serrated edge at at least one side where it contacts the novel double conductive layer electrode (5), and it makes intermittent contact with the novel double conductive layer electrode (5). The transparent conductive layers (1) are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the metal conductive layer (52). The projection of the multiple transparent conductive layers (1) on the upper side of the metal conductive layer (52) on the lower side of the metal conductive layer (52) is the first projection. The first projection coincides with the multiple transparent conductive layers (1) on the lower side of the metal conductive layer (52).

2. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two metal conductive layers (52) are covered with metal conductive adhesive (53) on the side that is far apart from each other.

3. The electrochromic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer (1) on the upper side of the electrochromic device faces downward, and the conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer (1) on the lower side of the electrochromic device faces upward.

4. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The same side serrations of the two transparent conductive layers (1) are arranged alternately.

5. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The same side serrations of the two transparent conductive layers (1) overlap.

6. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent conductive layer (1) is made of materials including, but not limited to, indium tin oxide and indium zinc oxide.

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