Electrode arrangement and insulation structure of electrochromic dimming film
By employing a comb-shaped edge design and insulating tape protection in the electrochromic device, the problems of increased resistance and short-circuit risk were solved, achieving uniform current distribution and rapid, uniform color-changing effect, thus improving the stability and reliability of the device.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520458565.8
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-14
AI Technical Summary
In traditional electrochromic devices, the relatively far relative positions of the metal electrodes in the upper and lower transparent conductive layers lead to problems such as increased resistance, uneven current input, and inconsistent electrochromic speeds, and there is also a risk of short circuit.
The comb-like edge design allows the extensions of the transparent conductive layer to be staggered on the same horizontal plane, and insulating tape is added between the comb teeth to ensure that the metal electrodes are isolated from the sides of the comb teeth, thereby reducing resistance and preventing short circuits.
This achieves uniform current distribution, improves the color-changing speed and uniformity of electrochromic devices, enhances the mechanical stability and reliability of the devices, reduces the risk of short circuits, and improves overall performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN223870935U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrochromic technology, and in particular to an electrode arrangement and insulation structure of an electrochromic color-changing thin film. Background Technology
[0002] Electrochromic color-changing films, a next-generation smart glass technology, have become a new strategic growth point for next-generation new energy vehicles, smart homes, energy-saving technologies, and consumer electronics. Smart glass based on electrochromic technology can repeatedly and controllably adjust its heat insulation and light transmission properties according to the application scenario and temperature environment. It can selectively absorb or reflect external heat radiation and internal heat diffusion, reducing the large amounts of energy consumed by vehicles, public buildings, and residential buildings to keep cool in summer and warm in winter. Simultaneously, it improves natural light levels, protects privacy, and regulates the comfort of indoor spaces.
[0003] Electrochromic technology works by using an applied voltage to cause ions in the electrolyte layer to enter or leave the electrochromic material, resulting in oxidation or reduction reactions that cause the smart glass to switch between a transparent and a dark state. The structure of an electrochromic device is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it consists of three layers of material sandwiched between two transparent electrodes. The three layers have interfaces between them and are arranged in sequence as a charge storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic layer.
[0004] 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 the metal electrode structure. To ensure it can be fixed to the transparent conductive layer of the electrochromic device, conductive adhesive is applied to one or both sides of the single conductive layer, such as... Figure 2 As shown. Traditional wiring methods for electrochromic devices using single-conductive-layer electrodes include "L"-shaped and "grid"-shaped wiring, such as... Figure 4-5 As shown.
[0005] Due to the significant difference in conductivity between the single-conductive metal electrode at the edge of the transparent conductive layer of an electrochromic device and the transparent conductive layer itself, the commonly used "L"-shaped or "grid"-shaped wiring method for single-conductive electrode has many problems. For example, the single-conductive metal electrodes located at the edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers are connected through the higher-resistance upper and lower transparent conductive layers 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 increases, thus affecting 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. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrode arrangement and insulation structure for an electrochromic color-changing thin film, solving the problems of increased resistance, uneven current input, and inconsistent electrochromic speed caused by the relatively far relative positions of the metal electrodes in the upper and lower transparent conductive layers in traditional electrochromic devices. Simultaneously, addressing the short-circuit risk area inherent in traditional comb-shaped electrode arrangements, insulating tape is added between the comb-shaped edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers to ensure complete isolation between the metal electrodes and the sides of the comb teeth, effectively reducing the short-circuit risk, improving the performance and reliability of the electrochromic device, ensuring stable operation, and achieving a rapid and uniform color-changing effect.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electrode arrangement and insulation structure for an electrochromic color-changing thin film, comprising, from bottom to top, a first transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, a charge storage layer, and a second transparent conductive layer. Both the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer have extensions protruding outward on the same side. The projections of all the extensions on the same horizontal plane are staggered. The metal electrodes of the extensions connected to the same transparent conductive layer are far from the conductive surfaces of the extensions of the other transparent conductive layer.
[0008] Preferably, an insulating tape is connected between the upper surface edge of the extension of the first transparent conductive layer and the upper surface edge of the extension of the second transparent conductive layer, and the insulating tape is connected between the lower surface edge of the extension of the second transparent conductive layer and the lower surface edge of the extension of the first transparent conductive layer.
[0009] Preferably, the extensions of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer are staggered in their projections in a direction perpendicular to the film plane.
[0010] Preferably, both the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer are provided with a PET base layer, and are located on the surfaces opposite to each other.
[0011] Preferably, the metal electrode is composed of a tightly bonded metal conductive adhesive and a metal conductive layer, wherein the metal conductive adhesive is distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal conductive layer, or is located only on the upper or lower surface of the metal conductive layer.
[0012] Preferably, the metal conductive layer is made of copper foil or aluminum foil to ensure that the current can be evenly distributed on the transparent conductive layer.
[0013] Preferably, the conductive metal adhesive is made of silver or copper to ensure that current can be smoothly introduced from the conductive metal layer into the transparent conductive layer.
[0014] Preferably, the charge storage layer stores charge during the electrochromic process, providing a charge source for the redox reaction of the electrochromic material; the electrolyte layer conducts ions during the electrochromic process, providing an ion source for the redox reaction of the electrochromic material; under the drive of an applied voltage, the electrochromic layer undergoes a redox reaction through the entry or exit of ions in the electrolyte layer, realizing the conversion between the transparent and dark states.
[0015] Preferably, the charge storage layer is made of metal oxide or polymer; the electrolyte layer is made of solid electrolyte or gel electrolyte; and the electrochromic layer is made of metal oxide or polymer.
[0016] In summary, this utility model has the following beneficial technical effects:
[0017] The comb-like edge design brings the metal electrodes of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers closer together in space, significantly reducing the resistance between them. This design helps the current to be distributed more evenly across the transparent conductive layer, improving the current conduction efficiency and ensuring that the electrochromic device can change color quickly and uniformly.
[0018] Traditional electrode arrangements present multiple short-circuit risk areas, especially on the sides of the comb teeth. This invention addresses this by adding insulating tape between the metal electrodes and the sides of the comb teeth, completely isolating them and effectively preventing short circuits. This not only improves the device's safety but also enhances its overall performance and reliability.
[0019] The comb-like edge design optimizes the electric field distribution, making the electric field more uniform and thus improving the redox reaction efficiency of the electrochromic material. This helps to achieve a faster and more uniform color-changing effect, improving the overall performance of the electrochromic device.
[0020] The staggered design of the comb-like edges strengthens the connection between the upper and lower transparent conductive layers, enhancing the device's mechanical stability. This design helps the device maintain good performance during long-term use, extending its lifespan.
[0021] By solving the technical problems of traditional electrochromic devices, this invention improves the overall performance and reliability of electrochromic devices, making their application more widespread and effective in fields such as new energy vehicles, smart homes, energy-saving technologies, and consumer electronics. Attached Figure Description
[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the electrochromic device structure;
[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a single conductive layer electrode structure;
[0024] Figure 3 A simplified cross-sectional diagram of an electrochromic device;
[0025] Figure 4 Top view of the wiring for the "#" electrode;
[0026] Figure 5 Top view of the wiring for the "L" electrode;
[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the comb-like edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers in an electrochromic device, and the connection method between the metal electrodes and the layers.
[0028] Figure 7 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the edge comb-shaped electrode and the metal electrode.
[0029] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the connection method between the edge of the comb-shaped transparent conductive layer and the metal electrode, as well as the insulation protection between the comb teeth.
[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the isolation between the upper metal electrode and the upper transparent conductive layer after adding insulating tape.
[0031] Reference numerals: 1. Transparent conductive layer one; 2. Transparent conductive layer two; 3. Extension; 4. Charge storage layer; 5. Electrolyte layer; 6. Electrochromic layer; 7. Lower metal electrode; 8. Upper metal electrode; 9. Metal conductive adhesive; 10. Metal conductive layer; 11. Insulating tape; 12. Single conductive layer electrode; 13. PET base layer; 14. ITO transparent conductive layer; 15. Metal electrode; 16. Electrochromic material layer. Detailed Implementation
[0032] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0033] Example 1:
[0034] This invention discloses an electrode arrangement and insulation structure for an electrochromic color-changing thin film, which brings the metal electrodes 15 of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers closer together, reducing their resistance and facilitating current input. This results in a more uniform electrochromic rate, making it particularly suitable for large-size electrochromic devices. The invention includes, from bottom to top, a transparent conductive layer 1, an electrochromic layer 6, an electrolyte layer 5, a charge storage layer 4, and a second transparent conductive layer 2. The edges of the first and second transparent conductive layers on the same side are both comb-shaped, and the comb-shaped edges of the first and second transparent conductive layers are staggered, thus bringing the metal electrodes 15 connecting the first and second transparent conductive layers closer together in space.
[0035] The transparent conductive layer is a key component of the electrochromic color-changing film, consisting of a transparent PET (polyethylene terephthalate) base layer and an ITO (indium tin oxide) conductive layer. Its uniform thickness and smooth surface ensure good transparency and conductivity. Transparent conductive layer 2 and transparent conductive layer 1 are located on the upper and lower sides of the electrochromic color-changing film, forming a symmetrical structure. The conductive surface of transparent conductive layer 2 faces downwards, and the conductive surface of transparent conductive layer 1 faces upwards. They are separated by a charge storage layer 4, an electrolyte layer 5, and an electrochromic layer 6. The main function of the transparent conductive layer is to provide a transparent conductive channel for the electrochromic device, ensuring that the current can be uniformly distributed on the electrochromic material, achieving a rapid and uniform color-changing effect. Simultaneously, the high transparency of the transparent conductive layer ensures the high transmittance of the electrochromic color-changing film in the transparent state, without affecting light transmission.
[0036] The PET substrate 13 is located on the back of the transparent conductive layer and is tightly bonded to the non-conductive side of the transparent conductive layer. Its material is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which has good mechanical strength and transparency, and provides support for the transparent conductive layer, ensuring that the transparent conductive layer remains flat and stable during use. At the same time, the high transparency of the PET substrate 13 ensures the high transmittance of the electrochromic color-changing film in the transparent state, without affecting light transmission.
[0037] In this embodiment, both transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2, based on the original cuboid sheet shape, have one or more extensions 3 protruding outward from the edge on the same side. In the same horizontal plane, the projections of the extensions 3 of transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2 on the horizontal plane are arranged alternately.
[0038] Metal electrodes 15 are located at the edges of the extensions 3 of transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2. Their material is typically a highly conductive metal, such as copper or aluminum foil. Metal electrodes 15 consist of a lower metal electrode 7 for connecting the extension 3 of transparent conductive layer 1 and an upper metal electrode 8 for connecting the extension 3 of transparent conductive layer 2. They are in direct contact and tightly bonded to the conductive surfaces of the extensions 3 of transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2, respectively. The main function of metal electrodes 15 is to provide highly conductive current inlet and outlet channels for the electrochromic device, ensuring that the current is evenly distributed across transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2. The high conductivity of metal electrodes 15 helps reduce resistance and improve current inlet and outlet efficiency, thereby improving the performance of the electrochromic device, such as color-changing speed and uniformity. Simultaneously, the connection method between metal electrodes 15 and transparent conductive layers 1 and 2 is rationally designed to effectively prevent short circuits and improve device reliability.
[0039] Specifically, after the same metal electrode 15 is connected to the upper surface of the extension 3 of the first transparent conductive layer 1, it passes above the extension 3 of the second transparent conductive layer 2 and then connects to the upper surface of another adjacent extension 3 of the second transparent conductive layer 2. Since the conductive surface of the first transparent conductive layer 1 faces upward and the conductive surface of the second transparent conductive layer 2 faces downward, the metal electrode 15 is only connected to the first transparent conductive layer 1. Conversely, after the other metal electrode 15 is connected to the lower surface of the extension 3 of the second transparent conductive layer 2, it passes below the extension 3 of the first transparent conductive layer 1 and then connects to the lower surface of another adjacent extension 3 of the second transparent conductive layer 2. The metal electrode 15 is only connected to the second transparent conductive layer 2.
[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper transparent conductive layer (PET / ITO) has its conductive surface facing down, which is assumed to be the positive electrode; the lower transparent conductive layer (PET / ITO) has its conductive surface facing up, which is assumed to be the negative electrode. The lower metal electrode 7 is connected to the upper transparent conductive layer with its conductive surface facing down, and is the positive electrode; the lower metal electrode 7 is connected to the lower transparent conductive layer with its conductive surface facing up, and is the negative electrode.
[0041] In this embodiment, the metal electrode 15 is composed of a tightly bonded metal conductive adhesive 9 and a metal conductive layer 10. The metal conductive adhesive 9 may be distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal conductive layer 10, or may be located only on the upper or lower surface of the metal conductive layer 10. The metal conductive layer 10 is typically made of a highly conductive metal, such as copper foil or aluminum foil. Its main function is to provide a highly conductive current conduction channel for the electrochromic device, ensuring that the current can be uniformly distributed on the transparent conductive layer. The high conductivity of the metal conductive layer 10 helps to reduce resistance and improve the current conduction efficiency, thereby improving the performance of the electrochromic device, such as the color-changing speed and uniformity. The metal conductive adhesive 9 is typically made of a highly conductive metal paste, such as silver paste or copper paste. Its main function is to connect the metal conductive layer 10 to the transparent conductive layer, ensuring that the current can be smoothly conducted from the metal conductive layer 10 into the transparent conductive layer. The high conductivity of the metal conductive adhesive 9 helps to reduce contact resistance and improve the current conduction efficiency.
[0042] The charge storage layer 4 is located below the second transparent conductive layer 2 and is tightly bonded to it. The material is typically a medium capable of storing charge, such as certain metal oxides or polymers. The sheet-like charge storage layer 4 is situated between the second transparent conductive layer 2 and the electrolyte layer 5, in direct contact with the conductive surface of the second transparent conductive layer 2. Its main function is to store charge during the electrochromic process, providing a charge source for the redox reaction of the electrochromic material. This helps improve the efficiency and stability of the electrochromic process, ensuring a rapid and uniform color change.
[0043] The electrolyte layer 5 is located below the charge storage layer 4 and is in close contact with it. The material is typically an electrolyte capable of conducting ions, such as a solid electrolyte or a gel electrolyte. The sheet-like electrolyte layer 5 lies between the charge storage layer 4 and the electrochromic layer 6, in direct contact with both. Its main function is to conduct ions during the electrochromic process, providing an ion source for the redox reaction of the electrochromic material. The ion conductivity of the electrolyte layer 5 directly affects the speed and uniformity of electrochromism; therefore, its material selection and thickness design are crucial.
[0044] The electrochromic layer 6 is located below the electrolyte layer 5 and is tightly bonded to it. The material is typically capable of undergoing an electrochromic reaction, such as certain metal oxides or polymers. The thin, sheet-like electrochromic layer 6 lies between the electrolyte layer 5 and the transparent conductive layer 1, in direct contact with the conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer 1. Its main function is to allow ions in the electrolyte layer 5 to enter or leave under an applied voltage, triggering a redox reaction that alters its optical properties, thus achieving the transition between a transparent and dark state. The choice of material and the thickness design of the electrochromic layer 6 directly affect the electrochromic performance, such as the color-changing speed, color depth, and stability.
[0045] Example 2:
[0046] This embodiment is an improvement based on Embodiment 1.
[0047] In Embodiment 1, the connection method between the metal electrode 15 and the comb-shaped extensions 3 at the edges of the first transparent conductive layer 1 and the second transparent conductive layer 2 may cause a short circuit on the side of the extension 3. Figure 7 The enlarged view of extension 3 is shown, with the base layer and conductive layer of transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2 drawn separately. The metal electrode 15 is in contact with both the non-conductive surface of transparent conductive layer 2 and the conductive surface of transparent conductive layer 1. The metal electrode 15 is mostly separated from the conductive surface of transparent conductive layer 2 by the non-conductive base, but at the edges, it may come into contact with the side of the conductive surface, causing a short circuit.
[0048] Specifically, Figure 7 The electrochromic material layer 16 includes a charge storage layer 4, an electrolyte layer 5, and an electrochromic layer 6. The metal electrode 15 is connected to the transparent conductive layer 1. The conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer 1 faces upward and is the negative electrode. The conductive surface of the transparent conductive layer 2 faces downward and is the positive electrode. Point A in the figure is the location where the metal electrode 15 and the transparent conductive layer 2 are prone to short circuit.
[0049] To prevent short circuits between the metal electrode 15 and the side of the extension 3 of the transparent conductive layer, this embodiment adds insulation protection to the gap between the extension 3. The wiring method is illustrated using one side of the device as a structural example for fabricating the device electrode. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the extensions 3 of transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2 form an interlaced comb-like structure, constituting the positive and negative electrodes of the device, respectively. The gaps between the extensions 3 are filled with insulating tape 11, and then the metal electrodes 15 are attached to transparent conductive layer 1 and transparent conductive layer 2. The projections of the extensions 3 of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers in the direction perpendicular to the film plane do not overlap, while the projections of the metal electrodes 15 arranged on both sides in the direction perpendicular to the film plane may or may not overlap. Figure 8 To facilitate viewing of spatial relationships, the width of the metal electrode 15 was reduced, and its projections in the direction perpendicular to the film were made non-overlapping.
[0050] This design effectively reduces the risk of short circuits between the edge of the transparent conductive layer and the metal electrode 15, improving the performance and reliability of the electrochromic device. Insulating tape 11 is used to protect the comb-like edges of the upper and lower transparent conductive layers. The insulating tape 11 fills the gaps between the comb teeth, ensuring complete isolation between the metal electrode 15 and the sides of the comb teeth, preventing short circuits. This insulation protection method not only improves the safety of the electrochromic device but also enhances its overall performance and reliability. By adding insulating tape 11 to the gaps between the comb teeth, the risk of short circuits between the metal electrode 15 and the transparent conductive layer is greatly reduced, thereby ensuring stable operation of the electrochromic device and achieving a rapid and uniform color-changing effect.
[0051] The protection method proposed in this embodiment greatly reduces the risk of short circuit between the comb-shaped transparent electrode and the metal electrode 15. The edge of the transparent conductive layer is made into a comb shape, staggered vertically, and the metal electrode 15 is connected to the comb-shaped edge. The gaps between the comb teeth are protected with insulating tape 11, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit between the metal electrode 15 and the transparent conductive layer. Figure 9 The drawing shows the situation where the metal electrode 15 is completely isolated from the conductive surface of the upper transparent electrode after the addition of insulating tape 11.
[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An electrode arrangement and insulating structure for an electrochromic color-changing thin film, characterized in that, The structure includes, from bottom to top, a transparent conductive layer (1), an electrochromic layer (6), an electrolyte layer (5), a charge storage layer (4), and a transparent conductive layer (2). Both the transparent conductive layer (1) and the transparent conductive layer (2) have extensions (3) protruding outward from the same side. The projections of all the extensions (3) on the same horizontal plane are staggered. The metal electrode (15) of the extension (3) connected to the same transparent conductive layer is away from the conductive surface of the extension (3) of the other transparent conductive layer.
2. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of the electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 1, characterized in that, An insulating tape (11) is connected between the upper surface edge of the extension (3) of the first transparent conductive layer (1) and the upper surface edge of the extension (3) of the second transparent conductive layer (2), and the insulating tape (11) is connected between the lower surface edge of the extension (3) of the second transparent conductive layer (2) and the lower surface edge of the extension (3) of the first transparent conductive layer (1).
3. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of an electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The projections of the first transparent conductive layer (1) and the second transparent conductive layer (2) (3) are staggered in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the film.
4. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of an electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Both the first transparent conductive layer (1) and the second transparent conductive layer (2) are provided with a PET base layer (13) and are located on the surfaces opposite to each other.
5. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of an electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The metal electrode (15) is composed of a tightly bonded metal conductive adhesive (9) and a metal conductive layer (10). The metal conductive adhesive (9) is distributed on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal conductive layer (10), or is located only on the upper or lower surface of the metal conductive layer (10).
6. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of the electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 5, characterized in that, The metal conductive layer (10) is made of copper foil or aluminum foil to ensure that the current can be evenly distributed on the transparent conductive layer.
7. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of the electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 6, characterized in that, The metal conductive adhesive (9) is made of silver or copper to ensure that current can be smoothly introduced from the metal conductive layer (10) into the transparent conductive layer.
8. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of an electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The charge storage layer (4) stores charge during the electrochromic process, providing a charge source for the redox reaction of the electrochromic material; the electrolyte layer (5) conducts ions during the electrochromic process, providing an ion source for the redox reaction of the electrochromic material; the electrochromic layer (6) under the drive of an applied voltage allows ions in the electrolyte layer (5) to enter or leave, resulting in a redox reaction and achieving the conversion between the transparent and dark states.
9. The electrode arrangement and insulation structure of the electrochromic color-changing thin film according to claim 8, characterized in that, The charge storage layer (4) is made of metal oxide or polymer; the electrolyte layer (5) is made of solid electrolyte or gel electrolyte; and the electrochromic layer (6) is made of metal oxide or polymer.