Electrochromic lens manufacturing method and electrochromic lens

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochromic lens manufacturing method and an electrochromic lens, and aims to solve the problem of complex manufacturing process of an electrochromic AR spectacle lens and improve the service life and durability of the electrochromic AR spectacle lens. The manufacturing method comprises the steps that dense penetrating cutting holes are formed in a base material in a cutting mode, then the base material is tempered, etching and thinning can be conducted before tempering, then a functional layer is plated on the surface of the whole base material through evaporation coating or sputter coating, and the functional layer comprises a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion conduction layer, an ion storage layer, a second conductive layer and the like. And then splitting at the position of the cutting hole to form small mirror surface pieces, and finally performing electrode connection and assembling to form the lens. The functional layers can be formed into different types, so that flexible matching during assembly is facilitated. The invention also provides the electrochromic lens obtained by the method. The manufacturing process is simplified, the production efficiency is improved, and the cost is reduced; the lens strength and impact resistance are enhanced, and the weight is reduced; and the functional layer is flexible in design, so that the photochromic performance and the reliability of the lens are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of AR glasses technology, and in particular to a method for manufacturing an electrochromic lens and an electrochromic lens. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of smart wearable device technology, smart AR glasses have shown enormous application potential in numerous fields. Electrochromic technology, as a cutting-edge technology that enables stable and reversible color changes in the optical properties of materials under the influence of an applied electric field, provides new ideas and solutions for optimizing the performance of smart AR glasses. Applying electrochromic technology to smart AR glasses has many significant advantages. On the one hand, by dynamically adjusting solar radiation, it can effectively reduce the intake of strong light, making the image clearer and the colors richer, thus improving the user's visual experience under different lighting conditions. On the other hand, this technology can also reduce the brightness specifications of the display chip, thereby reducing power consumption and cost, while optimizing the optical efficiency specifications of the waveguide, achieving overall cost optimization. Among the many performance optimization directions for smart AR glasses, reducing manufacturing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency have always been key research topics.

[0003] Electrochromic devices, as novel energy-saving equipment, have broad application prospects in various fields such as smart windows, high-contrast displays, AR glasses, and automotive rearview mirrors due to their ability to be fabricated on rigid or flexible substrates. In the AR glasses field, electrochromic materials are mainly used in two ways: one is by coating a glass substrate, a pre-installed method that requires intervention during the AR glasses design phase, resulting in integrated electrochromic AR glasses; the other is by using a flexible film, which is then externally attached to existing AR glasses products, resulting in split-type electrochromic AR glasses. Currently, most electrochromic AR glasses on the market are split-type.

[0004] According to IDC data, global AR glasses shipments reached approximately 486,000 units in 2023, with the Chinese AR market shipping 261,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 154.4%. Of these, 230,000 were split-type AR glasses and 31,000 were all-in-one AR glasses. In 2024, global AR glasses shipments increased by 47% year-on-year, while the Chinese AR / VR market is projected to ship 535,000 units, a year-on-year decrease of 26.3%. IDC predicts that the Chinese AR / VR market will experience a long-awaited recovery in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 143.9%. All-in-one AR / VR product shipments are expected to increase by 93.9%. With the improvement of smart living standards, the market size of electrochromic AR glasses will rapidly expand.

[0005] The production of electrochromic AR glasses mainly consists of two parts: 1. the manufacturing of electrochromic lenses; and 2. the integration and assembly of lenses with eyeglass frames. The core and most challenging aspect lies in the first part. The manufacturing process of electrochromic AR lenses faces a series of pressing problems. Lens formation typically involves steps such as coating and cutting. Currently, individual lenses also require precision contouring, which undoubtedly increases the complexity of the electrochromic device manufacturing process. Furthermore, technical challenges such as substrate treatment, preventing electrolyte deposition and electrode passivation, and achieving uniform color change severely restrict the performance and quality of electrochromic AR glasses. This not only affects the production efficiency and cost control of electrochromic AR glasses but also adversely impacts key performance indicators such as lifespan, response time, and durability. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a method for manufacturing electrochromic lenses and an electrochromic lens itself, which can solve the problem of complex manufacturing processes for electrochromic AR glasses lenses, while improving the lifespan and durability of electrochromic AR glasses. This objective is achieved through the following technical solution: the method for manufacturing electrochromic lenses of this application includes: Substrate cutting: According to the shape of the lens, a portion of the material is removed in the thickness direction of the substrate to form dense through-cut holes with the shape of the lens; Tempering: The substrate is tempered to increase the strength of the glass; Forming a functional layer: A functional layer is deposited on the entire surface of the substrate layer; Splitting: The substrate after plating is split at the cutting hole position to form a mirror-like piece including a functional layer; Assembly: Electrode connections are made on the small mirror pieces, and the small mirror pieces are assembled into an electrochromic lens.

[0007] In one embodiment, the plated functional layer includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, an ion-storing layer, and a second conductive layer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the assembly step specifically includes connecting the two end electrodes to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer on the mirror piece, respectively.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of forming a functional layer includes forming a first type of functional layer and a second type of functional layer, wherein the first type of functional layer includes a first conductive layer and an electrochromic layer, and the second type of functional layer includes a second conductive layer and an ion storage layer.

[0010] In one embodiment, the assembly step specifically includes placing a gel dielectric film between a mirror piece including a first type of functional layer and a mirror piece including a second type of functional layer, performing adhesive bonding, and connecting the electrodes of the circulating power supply.

[0011] In one embodiment, an etching step is included before the tempering step to thin the substrate from both sides.

[0012] In one embodiment, a slicing step is included before cutting the substrate; The substrate is cut by laser cutting from the front side, and the side of the substrate has dense through holes. The functional layer is coated on the front side of the substrate.

[0013] Furthermore, this application provides an electrochromic lens, obtained by the aforementioned electrochromic lens manufacturing method, comprising: It includes at least one mirror piece, and a functional layer is included on or between the mirror pieces; The functional layer includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion conduction layer, an ion storage layer, and a second conductive layer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the ion-conducting layer is a solid electrolyte.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ion-conducting layer is a gel electrolyte, which is composed of two layers of mirror-like small pieces stacked together.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, this application has the following beneficial effects: This application adopts a manufacturing process that first cuts dense holes in the substrate, then applies a functional layer coating, and finally splits the film to form small mirror pieces. By coating the entire film first and then splitting the film to obtain small mirror pieces, the process of processing each lens individually is avoided, which simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces process steps, improves production efficiency, increases product yield, reduces production costs, effectively responds to rapidly expanding market demand, and reduces losses.

[0017] Pre-cutting the substrate during the manufacturing process and adjusting the cutting parameters to form dense cutting holes can improve the cracking effect, avoid defects such as chipping and breakage, significantly improve the edge integrity of the product, increase the product yield, and at the same time reduce the damage to the integrity of the functional layer during the cracking process, thus avoiding the impact on the subsequent color-changing effect.

[0018] The substrate is tempered during manufacturing, and prior to tempering, an etching process is performed to thin the substrate from both sides, enhancing the lens's strength and impact resistance, thus improving its safety. This etching process, while ensuring sufficient strength, further reduces the lens's weight and effectively eliminates or mitigates microcracks on the lens surface, facilitating subsequent processing, assembly, and use. The functional layers include a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, an ion-storage layer, and a second conductive layer, which can be formed into different types of lens pieces. This allows for flexible combination and optimization during assembly, improving lens performance and reliability.

[0019] During the coating process, the functional layer is optimized by controlling parameters such as coating temperature, rate, evaporation source energy, or sputtering power to deposit a functional layer that combines crystalline and amorphous states. This improves ion transport speed, expands the modulation amplitude range, and ensures the structural stability of the product, significantly enhancing the color-changing effect and lifespan of the photochromic components. The transmittance before color change is greater than 85%, and after color change, it is less than 8%. Even after hundreds of thousands of cycles, the color-changing transmittance remains greater than 50%, significantly improving the lifespan and user experience of AR glasses. Furthermore, this process offers high coating precision and excellent overall uniformity, ensuring consistent color depth across large-area lenses during color change, without streaks or spots.

[0020] The electrolyte layer in the functional layer can be deposited simultaneously with other functional layers, or it can be deposited in batches with other functional layers and added later, allowing for flexible selection based on actual process requirements. Currently, the mainstream process in the market involves adding the electrolyte solution later, which can easily lead to the failure and scrapping of the entire device if the product encapsulation fails. The integrated deposition process in this invention allows the functional layer to be formed as a single piece, reducing the pressure on subsequent product encapsulation, extending product lifespan, and further reducing product thickness to meet the market demand for thinner and lighter AR glasses. Simultaneously, this invention provides a combination of functional layer deposition and a polymer gel-state electrolyte layer, which can significantly reduce the driving voltage of the photochromic device and reduce energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrochromic lens in one embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a cutting diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrochromic lens in one embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the substrate after cutting in the electrochromic lens manufacturing method of one embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic lens in one embodiment of this application; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic lens in another embodiment of this application.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, substrate; 110, cut hole; 200, functional layer; 210, first conductive layer; 220, electrochromic layer; 230, ion conducting layer; 240, ion storage layer; 250, second conductive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the accompanying drawings, not the entire structure. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the steps or units listed, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0025] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0026] As a smart wearable device, smart AR glasses have shown great application potential in many fields. One technological approach utilizes electrochromic technology, which refers to the phenomenon that the optical properties of materials, such as reflectivity and transmittance, can undergo stable and reversible color changes under the influence of an external electric field. Applying this technology to smart AR glasses can achieve dynamic adjustment of solar radiation, effectively reducing strong light intake, thereby reducing power consumption and lowering costs. Electrochromic technology has shown promising applications in areas such as smart windows, high-contrast displays, AR glasses, and automotive rearview mirrors. In the AR glasses field, electrochromic materials are mainly used in two ways: glass substrate coating and flexible film application. Currently, there are many challenges in the manufacturing process. For example, the need for precise contouring of independent lenses leads to complex manufacturing processes, and issues such as substrate treatment, electrolyte deposition, and electrode passivation also affect the lifespan, response time, and durability of electrochromic AR glasses. To solve the above problems, this application proposes a method for manufacturing electrochromic lenses and a corresponding electrochromic lens, which has advantages in simplifying the manufacturing process and improving lens performance. The following sections will describe the method for manufacturing electrochromic lenses and the electrochromic lens in detail. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the method for manufacturing the electrochromic lens of this application includes: Substrate cutting: According to the shape of the lens, a portion of the material is cut off in the thickness direction of the substrate 100 to form a cutting hole 110 with a lens shape; Tempering: The base material 100 is subjected to tempering treatment; Forming functional layer 200: Functional layer 200 is deposited on the entire surface of substrate 100; Splitting: The substrate 100 after plating is split at the cutting hole 110 to form a mirror-like piece including the functional layer 200. Assembly: Electrode connections are made on the small mirror pieces, and the small mirror pieces are assembled into an electrochromic lens.

[0027] In the manufacturing process of electrochromic lenses, substrate cutting is a crucial step. First, based on the specific shape requirements of the AR glasses lenses, a portion of the material is precisely removed along the thickness direction of the substrate 100, forming a cutting hole 110 with the lens outline. Considering the different design requirements of the left and right lenses of the AR glasses and the unique shape of the overall product, laser cutting technology is used. Using specialized laser cutting equipment, the substrate is cut into the required size and shape according to a preset program. During the entire cutting process, the substrate 100 is not completely severed, but rather kept in a single, integral state. This facilitates subsequent uniform processing and ensures the stability of the substrate 100 in subsequent processes.

[0028] The parameter settings for laser cutting affect cutting efficiency. The laser energy range is controlled between 20% and 100%, and can be flexibly adjusted according to the material and thickness of the substrate 100. The laser frequency is set between 10kHz and 90kHz to ensure the stability and precision of the cutting process. The laser cutting speed is between 10mm / s and 5000mm / s, maximizing cutting efficiency while ensuring cutting quality. The drilling spacing is between 0.001mm and 0.01mm; a fine drilling spacing helps achieve more precise cutting results. Substrate 100 that can be used in this process includes glass, crystal, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PI (polyimide), or PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) substrates, etc. Different substrate materials 100 have their own unique performance characteristics, and can be selected according to the specific needs of the product.

[0029] After the substrate cutting is completed, the tempering process begins. Tempering is crucial for improving the performance of electrochromic lenses, enhancing their strength, impact resistance, and thermal stability to better meet the requirements of real-world applications. Based on product design specifications and specific usage requirements, substrate 100 undergoes targeted tempering. During tempering, controlling the raw material ratio and appropriately setting tempering time and temperature achieves ideal tempering results. The tempering time is set between 50 and 500 minutes, and the tempering temperature is controlled between 200°C and 600°C. In practice, tempering parameters can be optimized and adjusted according to the material and thickness of substrate 100, as well as product performance requirements, to ensure optimal tempering results.

[0030] The formation of the functional layer 200 is a core step in realizing the function of the electrochromic lens. Electrode positions are pre-reserved on the entire surface of the substrate 100 according to process requirements. Then, using a coating technique, the first conductive layer 210, electrochromic layer 220, ion-conducting layer 230, ion-storage layer 240, and second conductive layer 250 are sequentially deposited on the substrate, working together to achieve the electrochromic effect. The first conductive layer 210 and the second conductive layer 250 provide a stable current path for the electrochromic process; the electrochromic layer 220 changes color under the influence of an electric field, achieving adjustment of optical properties; the ion-conducting layer 230 is responsible for efficient ion transport, ensuring the smooth progress of the electrochromic process; and the ion-storage layer 240 stores and releases ions, maintaining the balance of the electrochromic system.

[0031] Furthermore, depending on different process requirements and product characteristics, functional layers 200, such as conductive layers, electrochromic layers 220, and ion storage layers 240, can also be integrally deposited on the substrate. The coating equipment can be vacuum sputtering coating equipment, vacuum evaporation coating equipment, or continuous coating equipment, etc. Each has different working principles and advantages, and can be rationally selected based on the material, thickness, and production efficiency requirements of the functional layer 200 to ensure optimal quality and performance.

[0032] After the functional layer 200 is deposited, the dicing process begins. The deposited substrate 100 is diced at the cutting holes 110 according to the previously laser-cut shape, forming a small mirror-like piece including the functional layer 200. The dicing method can be selected based on the specific situation. Manual dicing is suitable for small-batch production or scenarios where high precision is not required; alternatively, specialized dicing equipment can be used for stamping dicing, which improves accuracy and efficiency, and is particularly suitable for large-scale production. During manual dicing, careful control of the force and angle is crucial to ensure the integrity of the mirror-like piece and the functional layer 200.

[0033] The assembly stage involves combining the individual lens elements into a complete electrochromic lens. First, electrodes are accurately connected to the pre-installed electrodes at both ends of the product, ensuring smooth current flow through each functional layer 200 to achieve the electrochromic effect. In some processes, adhesive bonding is also required to further improve lens performance and stability. After electrode connection and adhesive bonding, the final assembly produces an electrochromic smart eyeglass lens.

[0034] In the fabrication of electrochromic lenses, the deposition of the functional layer 200 is a core step, determining the lens's electrochromic performance. The functional layer 200 mainly consists of a first conductive layer 210, an electrochromic layer 220, an ion-conducting layer 230, an ion-storage layer 240, and a second conductive layer 250. In one specific embodiment, the electrochromic lens can be formed using all-solid-state materials, with the vapor-deposited functional layer 200 including the first conductive layer 210, the electrochromic layer 220, the ion-conducting layer 230, the ion-storage layer 240, and the second conductive layer 250. The first conductive layer 210, as a key channel for current transmission, can be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), silver nanowires, and conductive silver paste. These materials all possess excellent conductivity, meeting the current transmission requirements during the electrochromic process. Structurally, the first conductive layer 210 needs to cover the entire electrochromic region, and at least one edge should be larger than the electrochromic region to ensure that the current can be evenly distributed throughout the electrochromic region, facilitating subsequent assembly with smart AR glasses and serving as an electrode to connect with the electrochromic structure. In terms of performance, the thickness of the first conductive layer 210 is typically controlled between 50-1000 nm, the sheet resistance is 5-100 Ω / □, and the transmittance is greater than 80%. Reasonable thickness and sheet resistance ensure effective current transmission, while high transmittance ensures that the lens maintains good optical performance during the photochromic process. The material of the second conductive layer 250 can be the same as that of the first conductive layer 210, or other suitable conductive materials can be selected according to actual needs.

[0035] The electrochromic layer 220 is the core component that enables the lens to change color. It includes common electrochromic materials such as tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, manganese oxide, niobium pentoxide, and titanium dioxide. These materials can undergo reversible color changes under an applied electric field, thereby adjusting the optical properties of the lens. The thickness of the electrochromic layer 220 is typically 0.2-2 μm, and the coating temperature is 30-400℃. Appropriate film thickness and coating temperature ensure uniform deposition of the electrochromic material on the substrate, forming a stable and efficient functional layer 200. Simultaneously, the transmittance of the electrochromic layer 220 is greater than 85%, ensuring that the lens maintains good light transmission during the color-changing process.

[0036] The ion-conducting layer 230 transports ions during the electrochromic process. Its material selection includes, but is not limited to, lithium tantalate, lithium titanate, and lithium salt-containing PEO gel film, which have good ion conduction performance and can ensure that ions are transported quickly and stably between the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240.

[0037] The ion-conducting layer 230 has a thickness ranging from 0.1 to 200 μm and can be prepared by vacuum deposition or lamination. Vacuum deposition allows for precise control of the thickness and uniformity of the ion-conducting layer 230, while lamination offers advantages such as ease of operation and lower cost. In actual production, the appropriate preparation method can be selected based on specific requirements. The ion storage layer 240 serves to store and release ions, maintaining the balance of the electrochromic system. It can be made of nickel oxide, vanadium pentoxide, indium-doped cerium oxide-titanium oxide thin films, titanium oxide, manganese oxide, iridium oxide, etc., exhibiting high ion storage capacity and good stability. The ion storage layer 240 has a film thickness of 0.1-200 μm, a deposition temperature of 30-400℃, and a transmittance greater than 85%. Appropriate film thickness and deposition temperature ensure good bonding between the ion storage layer 240 and adjacent functional layers 200, while high transmittance helps improve the overall optical performance of the lens.

[0038] When the relevant materials are used as evaporation materials, ion source-assisted or electron gun evaporation coating methods are employed, with argon as the working gas and oxygen as the reactant gas. The ion source energy is 800~1400V, 800~1600mA, the coating temperature is 200-400℃, and the coating vacuum degree is ≤2E. -3 Pa. When the above material is used as a sputtering target, magnetron sputtering or continuous deposition is employed, with argon as the working gas and oxygen as the reactant gas. The argon to oxygen flow ratio is 200~600:50~300; the cycle time is 120~200s; and the base vacuum is 2E. -3 Pa, the target power is 8-18KW. The assembly steps specifically include connecting the two end electrodes to the first conductive layer 210 and the second conductive layer 250 on the mirror piece, respectively. This scheme is an electrochromic lens formed of all solid-state materials.

[0039] In another technical solution, an electrochromic lens is formed by stacking two small lens pieces. This step can be further divided into forming a first type of functional layer 200 and a second type of functional layer 200. The first type of functional layer 200 mainly consists of a first conductive layer 210 and an electrochromic layer 220. The first conductive layer 210 is the starting channel for current transmission, providing the necessary current basis for the electrochromic process. The electrochromic layer 220 is the core part that realizes the color change of the lens. Under the action of an external electric field, the material in the electrochromic layer 220 will undergo a reversible color change, thereby adjusting the optical properties of the lens, such as light transmittance. The second type of functional layer 200 includes a second conductive layer 250 and an ion storage layer 240. It can be prepared by various methods such as vacuum deposition and screen printing. Vacuum deposition can precisely control the thickness and uniformity of the second conductive layer 250 to ensure that it has good conductivity. Screen printing has the advantages of simple operation, low cost, and suitability for large-scale production, and can be flexibly selected according to actual production needs. In terms of structural layout, the second conductive layer 250 covers the entire electrochromic region and serves as a second electrode, assembling with the electrochromic structure and smart AR glasses. The ion storage layer 240 stores and releases ions, working in conjunction with the electrochromic layer 220 and ion-conducting layer 230 during the electrochromic process to maintain the ion balance of the electrochromic system. When the electrochromic layer 220 changes color, the ion storage layer 240 can promptly provide or receive ions, ensuring the smooth progress of the electrochromic reaction and extending the lens's lifespan and stability.

[0040] For the technical solution of forming an electrochromic lens from two layers of mirror pieces, firstly, two pre-prepared mirror pieces are selected, one containing a first type of functional layer 200 (comprising a first conductive layer 210 and an electrochromic layer 220) and the other containing a second type of functional layer 200 (comprising a second conductive layer 250 and an ion storage layer 240). These two types of mirror pieces are precisely aligned, and a gel dielectric film is placed between them. The gel dielectric film acts as an ion transport channel, assisting ion migration during the electrochromic process and ensuring the smooth progress of the electrochromic reaction. Next, a lamination bonding operation is performed. Using lamination equipment and processes, the two types of mirror pieces with the gel dielectric film placed are tightly bonded together. The lamination bonding process requires strict control of parameters such as vacuum degree, temperature, pressure, and time to ensure that the adhesive can uniformly fill the gaps between the mirror pieces, forming a strong and stable bond. Through lamination bonding, the overall mechanical strength of the lens is enhanced, improving its impact resistance and durability. Finally, the electrodes of the circulating power supply are connected. According to design requirements, the first conductive layer 210 and the second conductive layer 250 are accurately connected to the positive and negative terminals of the circulating power supply, respectively. During the connection process, good electrode contact is ensured to avoid unstable current transmission caused by poor contact. A stable current is provided to the electrochromic lens through the power supply, enabling the lens to achieve reversible color changes under different voltages, thereby meeting the optical adjustment needs of smart AR glasses under different ambient light and usage scenarios.

[0041] In the manufacturing process of electrochromic lenses, an etching step can be added before the tempering step. This step mainly involves etching and thinning the substrate 100 from both sides to eliminate or reduce micro-cracks on the surface of the substrate 100, control the thickness of the substrate 100 to meet the design requirements of AR glasses products, and create favorable conditions for subsequent lens thinning. The concentration of the etching solution is one of the key factors affecting the etching effect, and its concentration range is controlled between 3% and 10%. In actual operation, the concentration of the etching solution needs to be adjusted according to the material of the substrate 100, the original material thickness, and the target thinning thickness. Lower concentrations of etching solution result in a relatively slower etching rate, but the etched surface is more uniform, which is suitable for situations where high surface quality requirements are required and the thinning amount is small; while higher concentrations of etching solution result in a faster etching rate, which can significantly shorten the etching time, but may require more precise control of the etching process to avoid over-etching or uneven etching. The etching rate is closely related to factors such as etching solution concentration and etching temperature. By reasonably adjusting the etching solution concentration and combining it with subsequent etching temperature and time control, the etching rate can be regulated. The etching temperature is set between 15℃ and 35℃. Within this temperature range, the etching reaction can proceed relatively stably. In actual production, a suitable etching temperature must be selected based on specific circumstances, and temperature stability must be ensured. The etching time is determined based on the original thickness of the substrate 100, the target thinning thickness, and the etching rate, ranging from 5 to 100 minutes. During the etching process, the thickness of the substrate 100 needs to be measured periodically to adjust the etching time in a timely manner, ensuring that the required thinning thickness is achieved. By controlling the above etching parameters, the original thickness of the substrate 100 is etched to the required thickness. The thinned substrate 100 is easier to handle in subsequent dicing processes, reducing dicing difficulty, improving dicing quality and yield, and ensuring high-quality production of electrochromic lenses.

[0042] Before formally cutting the substrate 100, a scribing operation can be performed first. Using specialized scribing equipment, and considering the material characteristics of the substrate 100, key parameters such as cutting speed and pressure should be set appropriately. Generally, the cutting pressure should be controlled between 0.5% and 1.5% of the substrate 100's tolerance range. Too low a pressure may result in incomplete scribing, affecting subsequent cutting accuracy; while too high a pressure may damage the substrate 100, or even cause it to crack. The cutting speed should be set within the range of 2000-50000 mm / min, with the specific value adjusted based on factors such as the hardness and thickness of the substrate 100. Furthermore, the blade angle is important, typically set between 100° and 150°. A suitable blade angle ensures sufficient contact between the blade and the substrate 100 surface during scribing, reducing scribing resistance and improving scribing quality. Through the above scribing operation, the raw material is scribing into suitable medium-sized pieces.

[0043] After scribing, the cutting process begins. Laser cutting is performed from the front of the substrate 100, ensuring dense, through-hole cuts on the sides while maintaining a complete surface. Evaporation is carried out on the front. Because the holes are pre-cut from the front, the flaking points are on the sides, preventing material from covering the edges during coating. This ensures the integrity of the structure during flaking, preventing defects and improving lifespan and durability. During the transfer of the substrate 100, the ultrasonic cleaning step is crucial for surface cleanliness. Ultrasonic cleaning equipment thoroughly cleans the substrate 100; the cavitation effect of the ultrasound effectively removes oil, dust, and other impurities. After cleaning, the substrate 100 is dried to prevent residual moisture from adversely affecting subsequent processes. To ensure quality at each stage, the substrate 100 is cleaned before each transfer step. Through these optimizations of the scribing, cutting, and ultrasonic cleaning steps, the substrate 100 maintains good quality and performance throughout the processing.

[0044] Additionally, please see Figures 4 to 5 This application further provides an electrochromic lens, obtained by the aforementioned electrochromic lens manufacturing method, comprising: It includes at least one mirror piece, and a functional layer 200 is included on or between the mirror pieces; The functional layer 200 includes a first conductive layer 210, an electrochromic layer 220, an ion conduction layer 230, an ion storage layer 240, and a second conductive layer 250.

[0045] In one technical solution, the ion-conducting layer 230 is a solid electrolyte. When forming the functional layer 200, a first conductive layer 210, an electrochromic layer 220, an ion-conducting layer 230, an ion storage layer 240, and a second conductive layer 250 are sequentially formed on a substrate 100 layer. All layers are formed using a vapor deposition method, resulting in a completely solid structure. For details, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 4 .

[0046] In another technical solution, the ion-conducting layer 230 is a gel electrolyte, composed of two stacked mirror pieces. An electrochromic lens is formed by stacking two mirror pieces. This step can be further subdivided into forming a first type of functional layer 200 and a second type of functional layer 200. The first type of functional layer 200 mainly consists of a first conductive layer 210 and an electrochromic layer 220. Using a lamination device and process, the two types of mirror pieces with the gel dielectric film placed are tightly bonded together. For the specific structure, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 5 . Specific Implementation The following will further introduce some specific implementation methods to provide a more detailed explanation of the technical solution of this application.

[0048] Example 1 S1: Scoring. Prepare a 0.8mm thick GG3 glass raw material. Use a dedicated scoring device, set the blade wheel angle to 120°, the cutting pressure to 0.8%~1.2%, and the cutting speed to 42000mm / min. Program the corresponding scoring program to score the raw material into a suitable medium-sized sheet. S2: Ultrasonic cleaning, using ultrasonic cleaning to vibrate, clean and dry the substrate. Cleaning is required before each step. S3: Laser cutting. Based on the shape of the AR glasses and the left and right lenses, the product is cut into the required size and shape using laser cutting equipment. After the coating is completed, the product is then uniformly split into pieces. S4: Etching. According to the AR glasses product design, adjust the concentration and etching rate of the etching solution to reduce the thickness of the original material to the required thickness and facilitate the subsequent splitting process. S5: Tempering. The base material is tempered according to the product design specifications and usage scenario requirements to improve the product's performance. Tempering requirements: CS≥650MPa, DOL≥30μm, CT≤130MPa; tempering temperature 425±10℃, time 300±10min.

[0049] S6: Evaporation coating. The first conductive layer (ITO), the electrochromic layer (WO3), the ion-conducting layer (LiTaO3), the ion-storage layer (NiO), and the second conductive layer (ITO) are sequentially deposited on a vacuum evaporation coating equipment. The coating vacuum level is 2.0E-3, the coating temperature is 300℃, the ITO coating rate is approximately 1 Å / s, and the oxygen filling rate using APC is 3.0E. -2 The WO3 coating rate is approximately 3 Å / s, and the APC oxygenation rate is 3.0E. -2 The LiTaO3 coating rate is approximately 2 Å / s, and the APC oxygenation is 3.0E. -2 The NiO coating rate is approximately 1.5 Å / s, and the APC oxygen filling rate is 2.0E. -2 The overall film thickness is approximately 800 nm.

[0050] S7: Splitting, which involves splitting the coated substrate into small pieces according to the shape cut by laser cutting.

[0051] S8: Device assembly, connect the electrodes of the circulating power supply to the two reserved electrodes on the product, assemble and perform cyclic color change performance test.

[0052] Example 2 S1: Scoring. Prepare a sheet of GG5 glass with a thickness of 0.55mm. Use a dedicated scoring device, set the blade wheel angle to 120°, the cutting pressure to 0.8%~1.2%, and the cutting speed to 40000-50000mm / min. Create a corresponding scoring program and set the appropriate cutting speed and pressure according to the characteristics of the substrate material to scoring the raw material into suitable medium-sized sheets. S2: Ultrasonic cleaning, using ultrasonic cleaning to vibrate, clean and dry the substrate. Cleaning is required before each step. S3: Laser cutting. Based on the shape of the AR glasses and the left and right lenses, the product is cut into the required size and shape using laser cutting equipment. After the coating is completed, the product is then uniformly split into pieces. S4: Etching. According to the AR glasses product design, adjust the concentration and etching rate of the etching solution to reduce the thickness of the original material to the required thickness and facilitate the subsequent splitting process. S5: Tempering. According to the product design specifications and usage scenario requirements, the base material is tempered to improve the product's performance. Tempering requirements: CS≥660MPa, CSK≥65MPa, DOL≥7.4μm, CT≤100MPa; tempering temperature 380±10℃, time 160±10min.

[0053] S6: Sputtering deposition. The first conductive layer, electrochromic layer, ion storage layer, and second conductive layer are sequentially deposited in batches using a vacuum magnetron sputtering deposition equipment. First, the first conductive layer, ITO, is deposited across the entire surface of a glass substrate. The argon to oxygen flow rate ratio is 300:80, the target power is 10 kW, and the deposition vacuum degree is 2.0E. -3 The production cycle time is 150 seconds, and the film thickness is 150 nm. Next, using specialized tooling, an electrochromic layer of MoO3 is deposited on the ITO glass with the first conductive layer already deposited. Mo (99.99%) is used as the target material, the argon to oxygen flow ratio is 300:120, the target power is 13 kW, and the deposition vacuum degree is 2.0 E. -3 Pa, production cycle time is 400s. Then, using specialized tooling, an ion storage layer NiO is deposited on the ITO glass with the first conductive layer already deposited, using Ni (99.99%) as the target material, an argon to oxygen flow ratio of 300:100, a target power of 17kW, and a deposition vacuum degree of 2.0E. -3 Pa, with a production cycle of 350s.

[0054] S7: Splitting, which involves splitting the coated substrate into small pieces according to the shape cut by laser cutting.

[0055] S8: Device assembly. The ITO-MoO3 and ITO-NiO glass in S6 are laminated using a lithium-containing PEO gel electrolyte membrane. Then, the electrodes of the cycling power supply are connected to the two reserved electrodes on the product. The assembly is then carried out and the cycling color change performance test is performed.

[0056] Example 3 S1: Scoring. Prepare a 0.6mm thick CG21 glass raw material. Use a dedicated scoring device, set the blade wheel angle to 120°, the cutting pressure to 0.5%~1.5%, and the cutting speed to 42000mm / min. Create a corresponding scoring program and set the appropriate cutting speed and pressure according to the characteristics of the substrate material to cut the raw material into suitable medium-sized pieces. S2: Ultrasonic cleaning, using ultrasonic cleaning to vibrate, clean and dry the substrate. Cleaning is required before each step. S3: Laser cutting. Based on the shape of the AR glasses and the left and right lenses, the product is cut into the required size and shape using laser cutting equipment. After the coating is completed, the product is then uniformly split into pieces. S4: Etching. According to the AR glasses product design, adjust the concentration and etching rate of the etching solution to reduce the thickness of the original material to the required thickness and facilitate the subsequent splitting process. S5: Tempering. The base material is tempered according to the product design specifications and usage scenario requirements to improve the product's performance. Typical parameters: CS≥700MPa, CSK≥90MPa, DOL≥5μm, CT≤130MPa; tempering temperature 380±10℃, time 180±10min, 50±10min.

[0057] S6: Evaporation coating, where a conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, and an ion storage layer are deposited sequentially in batches on a vacuum evaporation coating equipment. First, a conductive ITO layer is deposited across the entire surface of the glass substrate, with a coating vacuum degree of 2.0E. -3 The coating temperature was 350℃, the ITO coating rate was approximately 1 Å / s, and the APC oxygen filling rate was 3.0E. -2 Then, conductive silver paste was prepared on the entire surface of a PET substrate using Ag nanowire metal mesh technology at a printing speed of 1 m / s and a line width of 2 μm. Using a specialized fixture, an electrochromic layer of WO3 was deposited on glass with an ITO conductive layer, at a deposition vacuum degree of 2.0E. -3 The coating temperature was 300℃, the coating rate was approximately 3 Å / s, and the APC oxygen filling was 3.0E-2. Using specialized tooling, ion storage layers of NiO and Ta₂O₅ were deposited on PET with a pre-prepared conductive layer. The coating vacuum degree was 2.0E. -3 The coating temperature is 300℃, the NiO coating rate is about 2 Å / s, and the Ta2O5 coating rate is about 3 Å / s, etc.

[0058] S7: Splitting, which involves splitting the coated substrate into small pieces according to the shape cut by laser cutting.

[0059] S8: Device assembly. ITO-WO3 and PET-NiO-Ta2O5 in S6 are laminated using a lithium-containing PEO gel electrolyte membrane. Then, the electrodes of the circulating power supply are connected to the two reserved electrodes on the product. The assembly is then carried out and the cyclic color change performance test is performed.

[0060] As described above, this application provides an electrochromic lens and its manufacturing method. The manufacturing method includes cutting a substrate, removing a portion of the material in the thickness direction of the substrate to form a cutting hole, tempering the substrate, controlling the tempering time and temperature, and sequentially depositing a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, an ion-storage layer, and a second conductive layer using a coating technology. The functional layer structure can also be adjusted according to requirements. The lens is laser-cut to a shape, split at the cutting hole location, and then electrodes are connected to the electrodes reserved at both ends of the lens piece. Some processes involve adhesive bonding, and finally, the lens is assembled into an electrochromic smart glasses lens. This method can solve the problem of complex manufacturing process of electrochromic AR glasses lenses and improve the lifespan and durability of electrochromic AR glasses.

[0061] The above is only one specific implementation of this application, and any other improvements made based on the concept of this application shall be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method of making an electrochromic lens, the method comprising: The method comprises: substrate cutting: cutting part of the material in the thickness direction of the substrate according to the shape of the lens to form dense through cutting holes with the shape of the lens; tempering: tempering the substrate to increase the strength of the glass; forming a functional layer: plating a functional layer on the surface of the entire substrate layer; cracking: cracking the substrate after plating at the cutting hole position to form a mirror piece including a functional layer; assembly: connecting electrodes on the mirror piece and assembling the mirror piece into an electrochromic lens.

2. The electrochromic lens making method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plating of the functional layer includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, an ion storage layer, and a second conductive layer.

3. The electrochromic lens making method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The assembly step specifically includes connecting the two end electrodes to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer on the mirror piece, respectively.

4. The electrochromic lens making method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forming of the functional layer step includes forming a first type of functional layer and a second type of functional layer, respectively, the first type of functional layer including a first conductive layer and an electrochromic layer, and the second type of functional layer including a second conductive layer and an ion storage layer.

5. The electrochromic lens making method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The assembly step specifically includes placing a gel dielectric film between the mirror piece including the first type of functional layer and the mirror piece including the second type of functional layer, and performing laminating, electrode connection of the circulating power supply.

6. The electrochromic lens making method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes an etching step before the tempering step, which etches and thins the entire substrate.

7. The electrochromic lens making method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes a scribe cutting step before cutting the substrate. The cutting of the substrate is laser cutting from the front surface of the substrate, the substrate side is a dense through hole, and the functional layer is plated on the front surface of the substrate.

8. An electrochromic mirror obtained by the electrochromic mirror production method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, The method comprises: including at least one mirror piece, the mirror piece or between the mirror pieces including a functional layer; The functional layer includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, an ion storage layer, and a second conductive layer.

9. The electrochromic lens of claim 8, wherein, The ion-conducting layer is a solid-state electrolyte or a gel electrolyte.

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