Electrochromic lens element
By using electrochromic lenses with no encapsulation frame or an external encapsulation frame design, combined with low-cost processes and misaligned electrode tabs, the high cost, complex processes, and limited color of existing electrochromic lens technologies have been solved, achieving efficient and diverse electrochromic effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 珠海凯为新材料技术有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing electrochromic lens technology suffers from high production equipment costs, complex processes, slow response speed, high material costs, and limited color options, making it difficult to meet design and user needs.
Employing a frameless or externally encapsulated design, electrochromic lenses are fabricated using a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, and a functional material layer through low-cost processes such as screen printing. By incorporating misaligned electrode tabs and flexible circuit boards, the production process is simplified, and the design space and color diversity are increased.
It reduced production costs, simplified the production process, improved response speed, expanded color options, and met the diverse needs of designers and users.
Smart Images
Figure CN224303994U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to an electrochromic lens element, which specifically manifests as: an electrochromic eyeglass lens, an electrochromic optical dimming element with an area of less than 20cm x 20cm, specifically referring to an electrochromic lens element without an encapsulation frame or with an external encapsulation frame, consisting of a first transparent substrate, a first transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate, an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, a second functional material layer, a second transparent substrate, a second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate, a pair or more pairs of electrode tabs, and one or more electrode lead terminals. Background Technology
[0002] Electrochromism refers to the phenomenon where the optical properties of a material, such as color, transmittance, and reflectance, undergo stable and reversible changes under the influence of an applied voltage. Materials exhibiting electrochromic properties are called electrochromic materials, and devices that use electrochromic materials as functional materials are called electrochromic devices.
[0003] Electrochromic materials and devices are increasingly being used in fields such as electrochromic color-changing films, electrochromic car rearview mirrors, electrochromic car sunroofs, electrochromic eye protection products, electrochromic displays, electrochromic smart tags, and electrochromic mobile phone cases.
[0004] With the development of AI glasses technology, eyeglass lenses with electrochromic color-changing function have also been introduced into AI glasses, making electrochromic lens technology a research hotspot in the field of electrochromism. In addition, the demand for electrochromic lenses in the field of optical dimming is also increasing, such as small optical dimming mirrors for instruments and equipment, and camera lens shielding.
[0005] Currently, publicly available electrochromic lens technologies primarily employ magnetron sputtering to fabricate all-solid-state inorganic electrochromic lenses, layer by layer, consisting of a transparent conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, an ion storage layer, and a second transparent conductive layer. Alternatively, traditional LCD panel manufacturing processes are used to fabricate gel-electrolyte type electrochromic devices with built-in encapsulation frames. These electrochromic lens manufacturing processes suffer from drawbacks such as high equipment costs, complex processes, stringent environmental requirements, and high demands on the expertise of production personnel. To address the slow response speed of electrochromic lenses, some researchers in the field have adopted a method of printing highly conductive silver paste electrodes on both sides of the lens to improve its response speed. However, the processes of building an internal encapsulation frame and printing highly conductive silver paste electrodes on both sides of the lens consume the already limited space of these small-area electrochromic lenses, making it impossible to implement designs from some eyewear designers and instrument designers.
[0006] In addition, although scientists have synthesized many different types of electrochromic materials, especially organic polymer electrochromic materials, the complex material structure and high synthesis cost have limited the practical application of most of the synthesized electrochromic materials. This has resulted in limitations on the color diversity of electrochromic devices in practical applications, especially in the application of fashionable electrochromic glasses, where the color range of existing applicable electrochromic materials is difficult to meet the requirements of eyewear designers and users.
[0007] Researching and developing low-cost manufacturing processes for electrochromic lens elements, designing novel electrochromic lens element structures, improving the response speed of electrochromic lens elements, and designing electrochromic lens elements with diverse colors are urgent problems to be solved in expanding the application of electrochromic technology in electrochromic dimming glasses and electrochromic optical dimming elements. Summary of the Invention
[0008] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems existing in the aforementioned electrochromic application fields by proposing an electrochromic lens element. Specifically, this electrochromic lens element takes the form of an electrochromic eyeglass lens or an electrochromic optical dimming element with an area less than 20cm x 20cm. This electrochromic lens element is either an electrochromic eyeglass lens without a casing frame or an electrochromic optical dimming element with an external casing frame.
[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: an electrochromic lens element, the specific manifestation of which is: an electrochromic eyeglass lens, an electrochromic optical dimming element with an area of less than 20cm x 20cm.
[0010] The electrochromic lens element comprises a first transparent substrate, a first transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate, an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, a second functional material layer, a second transparent substrate, a second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate, one or more pairs of electrode tabs, and one or more electrode lead terminals. It is an electrochromic eyeglass lens or an electrochromic optical dimming element with or without an external encapsulation frame. The external encapsulation frame may be an encapsulation material such as epoxy resin coated around the perimeter of the electrochromic lens element.
[0011] The electrochromic lens element is one of the following: a rigid planar electrochromic eyeglass lens, a rigid planar electrochromic optical dimming element, a flexible film-type electrochromic eyeglass lens, or a flexible film-type electrochromic optical dimming element. Each electrochromic lens element has one or more pairs of electrode tabs, each pair of electrode tabs consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, with the conductive surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes offset from each other. This offset design of the conductive surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes simplifies the manufacturing process of the electrochromic lens element and reduces the process of fabricating two electrodes onto the same substrate by adding electrode etching and conductive adhesive, as is done in the production of liquid crystal panels.
[0012] The electrode lead terminals of the electrochromic lens element are flexible circuit boards with positive and negative circuits on both sides respectively. The positive and negative circuits on both sides of the electrode lead terminals are connected to the positive and negative electrodes in the electrode ears through vertical conductive adhesive, conductive silver paste or conductive copper paste respectively. The connection between the flexible circuit board and the electrode ears is fixed with adhesive.
[0013] The first and second transparent substrates of this electrochromic lens element are respectively one of the following: colorless transparent glass, colored transparent glass, colorless transparent plastic sheet, colored transparent plastic sheet, colorless transparent plastic film, colored transparent plastic film, colorless transparent nylon sheet, colored transparent nylon sheet, colorless transparent nylon film, or colored transparent nylon film. Different color-changing effects are obtained by superimposing the color of the first or second transparent substrate with the colors of the electrochromic material layer before and after color change. Examples include colorless transparent or transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets, colorless transparent or transparent polycarbonate (PC) sheets, and colorless transparent or transparent polyamide sheets. The color of the first or second transparent substrate itself and the colors of the electrochromic material in the electrochromic lens before and after color change are superimposed to form a new color, allowing electrochromic lens elements with different colors and color-changing effects to be made using a single electrochromic material.
[0014] The electrochromic material layer of this electrochromic lens element is a solid film layer with electrochromic properties formed using cathodic or anodic electrochromic materials through screen printing, magnetron sputtering, slot coating, doctor blade coating, spin coating, inkjet printing, or chemical vapor deposition. The preferred material for preparing the electrochromic material layer is an aqueous polymer-based electrochromic ink. Screen printing or doctor blade coating processes are preferred due to their cost advantages, while slot coating can be used for mass production.
[0015] The electrolyte layer of the electrochromic lens element is a UV-curable electrolyte or thermo-curable electrolyte that disperses one, two or more of lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions, ammonium ions, or ionic liquid electrolyte materials. After UV curing or thermo-curing, it forms a solid, self-encapsulating film layer or a semi-solid, self-encapsulating film layer that does not leak organic solvents.
[0016] The second functional material layer of this electrochromic lens element is a solid film layer formed using anodic electrochromic materials, cathodic electrochromic materials, or materials with redox properties, through methods such as screen printing, magnetron sputtering, slot coating, doctor blade coating, spin coating, inkjet printing, or chemical vapor deposition. The preferred materials for preparing the second functional material layer are water-based polymer-based electrochromic inks and water-based inks with redox properties. Screen printing or doctor blade coating processes are preferred due to their cost advantages, while slot coating can be used for mass production.
[0017] The first transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate and the second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate of the electrochromic lens element are, respectively, transparent conductive film layers composed of a single transparent conductive material attached to the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, or multilayer composite transparent conductive film layers composed of multiple transparent conductive materials attached to the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, respectively. The transparent conductive film layers can be indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film layers, fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive film layers, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) conductive film layers, silver nanowire conductive film layers, ultrathin metal conductive film layers, metal mesh conductive film layers, composite conductive film layers composed of indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive film layers and graphene conductive film layers, or composite conductive film layers composed of ultrathin metal conductive film layers and graphene conductive film layers, etc.
[0018] The specific manufacturing steps of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model are as follows:
[0019] Step 1: Select a first transparent substrate and a second transparent substrate with specific colors, prepare a first transparent conductive layer on the first transparent substrate, prepare a second transparent conductive layer on the second transparent substrate, and perform surface treatment on the conductive surface.
[0020] In actual production, the areas of the first and second transparent substrates are several times larger than the area of the electrochromic lens element to be prepared. Pre-produced materials such as ITO conductive glass, FTO conductive glass, AZO conductive glass, ultra-thin metal conductive film, and ITO conductive plastic sheet can be used. The surfaces of the first and second transparent conductive layers attached to the first and second transparent substrates are treated using ultraviolet light irradiation, plasma surface treatment equipment, and flame treatment to increase the surface tension of the first and second transparent conductive layers, thereby improving the adhesion of the film layers to be prepared in the next step.
[0021] Step 2: On the first transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate, an electrochromic material layer is prepared by using a cathode electrochromic material or an anode electrochromic material through screen printing, magnetron sputtering, slot coating, scraping, spin coating, inkjet printing or vapor phase chemical deposition to obtain an electrochromic layer plate or film.
[0022] Step 3: On the second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate, a second functional material layer is prepared by using an anodic electrochromic material, a cathodic electrochromic material, or a material with redox properties through methods such as screen printing, magnetron sputtering, slot coating, blade coating, spin coating, inkjet printing, or vapor phase chemical deposition, to obtain a second functional material layer plate or film.
[0023] Step 4: Use laser cutting to cut the electrochromic layer board or film obtained in step 2 and the second functional material layer board or film obtained in step 3 into the shape of the designed electrochromic lens element, leaving one or more pairs of electrode tabs.
[0024] The design and cutting of the electrochromic layer substrate or film obtained in the second step and the second functional material layer substrate or film obtained in the third step should pay attention to the following: each electrode tab portion reserved on the electrochromic layer substrate or film obtained in the second step should be close to each electrode tab portion reserved on the second functional material layer substrate or film, and the conductive surfaces should be offset to facilitate the installation of electrode lead terminals in subsequent steps. Each electrode tab portion reserved on the electrochromic layer substrate or film obtained in the second step and the electrode tab portion reserved on the second functional material layer substrate or film form a pair of electrode tabs, namely the positive and negative electrodes of the prepared electrochromic lens element.
[0025] Step 5: Place the electrochromic layer sheet or film material cut in Step 4 into a mold with specific grooves and capable of vacuuming. Add UV-curing electrolyte or thermosetting electrolyte to the electrochromic material layer. Cover with the second functional material layer sheet or film material cut in Step 4, so that the electrochromic layer and the second functional material layer are in relative contact. Vacuum the layer to remove air bubbles from the electrolyte, and press it together with a certain pressure. Then, cure the electrolyte by UV light or heating.
[0026] Alternatively, the second functional material layer plate or film material cut in step four can be placed into a mold with specific grooves and capable of vacuuming. UV-curing electrolyte or thermosetting electrolyte is dropped onto the second functional material layer, and the electrochromic layer plate or film material cut in step four is placed on top, so that the electrochromic layer and the second functional material layer are in relative contact. Vacuum is drawn to remove air bubbles in the electrolyte, and the mixture is pressed together with a certain pressure. UV light or heating is then used to cure the electrolyte.
[0027] Step 6: Take out the sample prepared in step 5, remove the excess residual electrolyte, scrape off the electrochromic material layer or the second functional material layer and the excess residual electrolyte layer on the electrode tabs, so that the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer on the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode tabs are exposed.
[0028] Depending on the properties of the UV-curable or thermosetting electrolyte used, encapsulation materials such as epoxy resin can be applied to the surrounding end faces of the sample to form an external encapsulation frame. Alternatively, no treatment can be performed, resulting in a frameless encapsulation.
[0029] Step 7: Apply conductive adhesive, such as vertical conductive adhesive, conductive silver paste, or conductive copper paste, to the first and second transparent conductive layers on the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode ear. Install the electrode lead terminals and fix the electrode lead terminals with adhesive, such as epoxy resin, to obtain the electrochromic lens element of this utility model.
[0030] The electrode lead terminals are flexible circuit boards with positive and negative circuits on both sides respectively. The positive and negative circuits on both sides of the electrode lead terminals are connected to the positive and negative terminals in the electrode ears through vertical conductive glue, conductive silver glue or conductive copper glue respectively. The connection between the flexible circuit board and the electrode ears is fixed with adhesive.
[0031] In actual production and application, a protective film can be applied to the surface of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model, or an anti-reflective film or a hardening film can be added without affecting the protection scope of this utility model.
[0032] This utility model discloses an electrochromic lens element with the following characteristics:
[0033] 1) The electrochromic lens element of this utility model adopts a design with no encapsulation frame or an external encapsulation frame, which increases the design space for this utility model as an electrochromic eyeglass lens or an electrochromic optical dimming element.
[0034] 2) The design of the positive and negative conductive surfaces of the electrode tabs being misaligned can simplify the production process of electrochromic lens elements and reduce the process of fabricating two electrodes on the same substrate by adding electrode etching and conductive adhesive in the production of similar liquid crystal panels.
[0035] 3) The first or second transparent substrate of this utility model can be colorless or transparent or transparent substrates with different colors. The color of the first or second transparent substrate itself and the color of the electrochromic material before and after color change in the electrochromic lens are superimposed to form a new color. This allows electrochromic lens elements with different colors and different color-changing effects to be prepared using one electrochromic material, increasing the color diversity of the electrochromic lens elements of this utility model.
[0036] 4) The electrochromic lens element of this utility model can be provided with one or more pairs of electrode ears at different positions. Multiple pairs of electrode ears can be powered at the same time, which can effectively improve the response speed of the element.
[0037] 5) This utility model proposes an electrochromic lens element that preferentially uses low-cost processes such as screen printing, scraping, and slot coating to prepare the electrochromic material layer and the second functional material layer. The preparation process is simple and does not require complex processing equipment, which helps to further reduce the production cost of the finished product. Attached Figure Description
[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0039] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an electrochromic lens element according to this utility model.
[0040] Figure 2 , Figure 3 This is a front view of an electrochromic lens element of this utility model—an electrochromic eyeglass lens with a pair of electrode tabs.
[0041] Figure 4 This is a front view of an electrochromic lens element of this utility model—an electrochromic eyeglass lens with two pairs of electrode tabs.
[0042] Figure 5 This is a front view of a specific manifestation of an electrochromic lens element of this utility model—an electrochromic optical dimming element with three pairs of electrode tabs.
[0043] Figure 6 The present invention relates to a specific manifestation of an electrochromic lens element—a front view of an electrochromic eyeglass lens portion having a pair of electrode tabs but without electrode lead terminals installed.
[0044] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Structural view in the EE direction.
[0045] Figure 8 , Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode lead terminal structure used in an electrochromic lens element of this utility model.
[0046] Figure 10 This is a production flow diagram of an electrochromic lens element according to this utility model.
[0047] In order to clearly illustrate the structure of the device, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Figure 9 , Figure 10 In the diagram, the same numerical designation indicates the same structure: 1. First transparent substrate, 2. First transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate, 3. Electrochromic material layer, 4. Electrolyte layer, 5. Second functional material layer, 6. Second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate, 7. Second transparent substrate, 8. Electrode lead terminal substrate, 9. Circuit on the electrode lead terminal, 10. Circuit on the electrode lead terminal, 11. Conductive adhesive, 12. Conductive adhesive, 13, 14. Positive and negative electrodes of the electrode ears, 15. Encapsulation frame, 16. Lens part of the electrochromic lens element, 17, 18, 19, 20. Electrodes on the electrode lead terminals, 21. Electrode lead terminal. Detailed Implementation
[0048] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following embodiments.
[0049] This utility model discloses an electrochromic lens element comprising a first transparent substrate 1, a first transparent conductive layer 2 attached to the first transparent substrate 1, an electrochromic material layer 3, an electrolyte layer 4, a second functional material layer 5, a second transparent substrate 7, a second transparent conductive layer 6 attached to the second transparent substrate 7, one or more pairs of electrode tabs, and one or more electrode lead terminals 21. Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown. In actual production and application, a protective film can be applied to the surface of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model, or an anti-reflective film, a hardening film, etc. can be added, without affecting the protection scope of this utility model.
[0050] This utility model discloses an electrochromic lens element, which can specifically take the form of an electrochromic eyeglass lens or an electrochromic optical dimming element with an area of less than 20cm x 20cm. The appearance of this utility model can be any shape that can be designed and cut, including a pre-drilled mounting hole and a hollowed-out structural design. The pre-drilled mounting hole and hollowed-out structural design, while preventing short circuits between the negative and positive terminals of the element, do not affect the implementation effect of this utility model during application.
[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the positive and negative electrodes 13 and 14 of the electrode ear form a pair of electrode ears. Figure 1 and Figure 6 Structural view in the EE direction (i.e.) Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the portions of the first transparent conductive layer 2 attached to the first transparent substrate 1 and the portions of the second transparent conductive layer 6 attached to the second transparent substrate 7 on the positive and negative electrodes 13 and 14 of the electrode tabs are misaligned. 13 can be either the positive or negative electrode of the electrode tab, and correspondingly, 14 can be either the negative or positive electrode of the electrode tab. The electrode tabs can be disposed at any of the available electrode tab positions in the electrochromic lens element of this invention, and each electrochromic lens element of this invention can have one or more pairs of electrode tabs, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown. The design of multiple pairs of electrode tabs helps to improve the charge conductivity of this invention, effectively improving its response speed.
[0052] The electrode tabs of this electrochromic lens element are led out to terminals via electrode lead terminals 21. The electrode lead terminals 21 used can be... Figure 8 Any of the appearances and structures of A, B, and C (D is a side view of A, B, and C). Figure 8 Taking electrode lead terminal B as an example, combined with Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the front and back structures of electrode lead terminal B in the diagram. Figure 9 The electrode lead terminals used in this utility model are further described below: Figure 9 The left and right parts are respectively Figure 8The electrode structures on the front and back sides of electrode lead terminal B are shown (the dashed lines indicate the front or back electrode structures). Circuits 9 and 10 on the electrode lead terminal are located on opposite sides of the electrode lead terminal substrate 8. Electrode 18 in circuit 10 is soldered to electrode 17 on its back side through a central hole; electrode 20 in circuit 9 is soldered to electrode 19 on its back side through a central hole, forming a structure that allows wiring on both sides. Figure 8 The structure and principle of A and C are the same as those of B. The non-perforated portion of circuit 9 on the electrode lead terminal and the non-perforated portion of circuit 10 on the electrode lead terminal are connected to the positive and negative electrodes 13 and 14 of the electrode lugs via conductive adhesive 12 and conductive adhesive 11, respectively. Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 As shown. The electrode lead terminal 21 is fixed to the electrode lug with an adhesive, such as epoxy resin, to prevent it from falling off.
[0053] This utility model discloses an electrochromic lens element that can be an electrochromic eyeglass lens without an encapsulation frame or with an external encapsulation frame, or an electrochromic optical dimming element. The encapsulation frame 15 is an optional structure of this utility model, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, depending on the performance of the electrolyte layer 4 and the application environment of this invention, it is optional to add an encapsulation frame 15. The encapsulation frame 15 is an external design. Specifically, it can be implemented by brushing epoxy resin or other encapsulation materials around the periphery of the electrochromic lens element of this invention to seal the first transparent substrate 1 and the second transparent substrate 7, thus achieving the encapsulation effect. The structure without the encapsulation frame 15 is the present invention without an encapsulation frame. The design without an encapsulation frame or with an external encapsulation frame expands the design space of the electrochromic lens element of this invention in practical applications.
[0054] This invention can be achieved by selecting a material for the electrochromic material layer 3 that has a specific color change, such as... Figure 1 As shown, by matching materials of the second functional material layer 5 with different colors, electrochromic eyeglass lenses or electrochromic optical dimming elements with different color-changing effects can be prepared. Alternatively, by selecting a first transparent substrate 1 or a second transparent substrate 7 with different colors and matching them with materials of the electrochromic material layer 3 having specific color changes, electrochromic eyeglass lenses or electrochromic optical dimming elements with different color-changing effects can be prepared, thus achieving the color diversity of this invention.
[0055] Example 1
[0056] This invention relates to an electrochromic lens element, specifically an electrochromic eyeglass lens, which is fabricated using a second functional material layer with different colors and an electrochromic material layer with specific color changes. The production process is as follows: Figure 10 As shown.
[0057] Step 1: The electrochromic eyeglass lens of this embodiment is prepared using a commercially available colorless transparent polycarbonate conductive plate with a substrate thickness of 0.7mm, a conductive surface consisting of a composite transparent conductive layer composed of an ultrathin metal film layer and a graphene conductive layer, and a sheet resistance of 7-8 ohms / sq. Specifically, the colorless transparent polycarbonate plate serves as the first transparent substrate 1 and the second transparent substrate 7. Both the first transparent conductive layer 2 attached to the first transparent substrate 1 and the second transparent conductive layer 6 attached to the second transparent substrate 7 are composite transparent conductive layers composed of an ultrathin metal film layer and a graphene conductive layer. The area of the transparent polycarbonate conductive plate is 30cm x 40cm. The composite transparent conductive layer of the transparent polycarbonate conductive plate is subjected to plasma treatment using a plasma treatment machine to increase the surface tension of the composite transparent conductive layer. Figure 10 The steps from F to G and from K to L are shown.
[0058] Step 2: On the composite transparent conductive layer corresponding to the colorless transparent polycarbonate conductive plate of the first transparent substrate 1, our self-developed water-based PEDOT:PSS electrochromic ink is applied to the substrate using an automatic coating machine with a 30-micron wire rod, forming a film. The film is then heated to 95 degrees Celsius and dried to cure. This yields electrochromic material layer 3, corresponding to steps G to H in step 10. The resulting electrochromic layer board is then obtained.
[0059] Step 3: On the composite transparent conductive layer corresponding to the colorless transparent polycarbonate conductive plate of the second transparent substrate 7, a 10-micron wire is used to apply our self-developed water-based ion storage layer ink, based on Prussian blue and its analogues with adjustable color, into a film using an automatic coating machine. The film is then heated to 95 degrees Celsius and dried to cure. This yields the second functional material layer 5, corresponding to steps L to M shown in step 10. The second functional material layer board is then obtained.
[0060] The color-adjustable aqueous ion storage layer inks used are Prussian blue and similar compounds, which are obtained by mixing Prussian blue aqueous ion storage layer inks, cobalt-based Prussian blue aqueous ion storage layer inks, and nickel-based Prussian blue aqueous ion storage layer inks in a certain proportion to obtain different colored aqueous ion storage layer inks. Different colored secondary functional material layer boards can be obtained by applying different colored aqueous ion storage layer inks using the third step.
[0061] Step 4: Using laser cutting, the electrochromic layer substrate obtained in Step 2 and the second functional material layer substrate obtained in Step 3 are cut into the shape of the designed electrochromic lens element, leaving a pair of electrode tabs for corresponding... Figure 10 The H to I and M to N steps are shown. This yields a cut-shaped electrochromic layer sheet and a second functional material layer sheet.
[0062] Step 5: Multiple sheets of the second functional material layer with different colors, cut in Step 4, are simultaneously placed into a mold with specific grooves and capable of vacuuming. A UV-curable electrolyte is dropped onto the second functional material layer 5. The electrochromic layer sheet cut in Step 4 is then placed on top, causing the electrochromic layer 3 and the second functional material layer 5 to adhere to each other. A vacuum is drawn to remove air bubbles from the electrolyte, and the layers are pressed together under pressure. UV light with a wavelength of 365nm is used to cure the electrolyte, forming a solid, self-encapsulated electrolyte layer 4 between the electrochromic layer 3 and the second functional material layer 5. This yields one specific manifestation of the electrochromic lens element of this invention—the lens portion with electrode ears of an electrochromic eyeglass lens, corresponding to… Figure 10 The J+O to P step is shown.
[0063] The mold used in this step, with specific slots and capable of vacuuming, is a mold that can simultaneously produce multiple electrochromic lens elements of this invention. The mold has multiple holes that match the appearance of this embodiment. In the fourth step, the cut electrochromic layer sheet and the second functional material layer sheet are placed into the holes of the mold, aligning their edges. The mold has both vacuuming and pressure-applying functions. Using the mold can improve the actual production efficiency of this invention.
[0064] The UV-curable electrolyte used in this step is a flexible photocurable electrolyte for electrochromic devices that we have independently developed. After curing, the UV-curable electrolyte can form a self-encapsulated electrolyte solid film layer.
[0065] Step 6: Remove the sample prepared in Step 5, remove excess residual electrolyte, and scrape off the electrochromic material layer or second functional material layer and excess residual electrolyte layer on the positive and negative electrodes 13 and 14 of the electrode tabs, exposing the first and second transparent conductive layers on the positive and negative electrodes, obtaining the sample as shown in the image. Figure 10 One specific manifestation of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model with the structure shown in P is the lens portion with electrode ears of an electrochromic eyeglass lens.
[0066] Step 7: Apply conductive silver paste to the first and second transparent conductive layers of the positive and negative electrodes 13 and 14 of the electrode ear, and install them as follows: Figure 8The electrode lead terminal 21 of the structure shown in Figure C is fixed with epoxy resin, thus obtaining one of the specific manifestations of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model—electrochromic eyeglasses lens, as shown in Figure C. Figure 10 As shown in Q.
[0067] In this embodiment, the electrode ear 13 corresponding to electrode lead terminal 21 of the electrochromic eyeglass lens is connected to the negative terminal of the driving power supply, and the electrode ear 14 corresponding to electrode lead terminal 21 is connected to the positive terminal of the driving power supply. Applying a voltage of +1.8V deepens the color of the device; applying a voltage of -1.1V lightens the color. By selecting different colored second functional material layers and the reversible change between light blue and dark blue of the PEDOT:PSS electrochromic material layer, color superposition is achieved, resulting in various different blue color-changing effects. In other words, electrochromic eyeglass lenses with different colors and color-changing effects can be prepared using the same electrochromic material.
[0068] Example 2
[0069] An electrochromic optical dimming element is one specific manifestation of the electrochromic lens element of this invention, which is made from a second transparent substrate with different colors and an electrochromic material layer with specific color changes.
[0070] The production process is the same as the steps in Example 1.
[0071] Step 1: The electrochromic optical dimming element of this embodiment is prepared by using commercially available polymethyl methacrylate (acrylic) sheets with a thickness of 1 mm as the substrate, indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive layers as the conductive surfaces, colorless transparent acrylic conductive sheets with a sheet resistance of 8-10 ohm / sq and transparent acrylic conductive sheets with different colors. Specifically, colorless transparent acrylic sheets are used as the first transparent substrate 1, and transparent acrylic sheets with different colors are used as the second transparent substrate 7. The first transparent conductive layer 2 attached to the first transparent substrate 1 and the second transparent conductive layer 6 attached to the second transparent substrate 7 are both indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive layers.
[0072] The transparent acrylic conductive plate has an area of 30cm x 40cm. The ITO transparent conductive layer on the first transparent substrate 1 and the second transparent substrate 7 is subjected to plasma treatment using a plasma treatment machine to increase the surface tension of the ITO transparent conductive layer.
[0073] Step 2: On the ITO transparent conductive layer of the colorless transparent acrylic conductive plate corresponding to the first transparent substrate 1, we use an automatic coating machine to apply our self-developed water-based polyaniline electrochromic ink to form a film by scraping with a 30-micron wire. The film is then heated to 95 degrees Celsius, dried and cured to obtain a yellow-green electrochromic material layer 3, thus obtaining the electrochromic layer board.
[0074] Step 3: On the ITO transparent conductive layer of the transparent acrylic conductive plate with different colors corresponding to the second transparent substrate 7, our self-developed polypyrrole water-based ion storage layer ink is applied to the substrate using an automatic coating machine with a 10-micron wire rod by scraping. The ink is then heated to 95 degrees Celsius and dried to cure the film. This yields the second functional material layer 5, resulting in the second functional material layer board.
[0075] The polypyrrole used in the aqueous ion storage layer ink is a high-molecular-weight polypyrrole, and its appearance color does not change significantly during oxidation-reduction. After film formation and curing, it is a light gray transparent second functional material layer 5.
[0076] Step 4: The electrochromic layer sheet obtained in Step 2 and the second functional material layer sheet obtained in Step 3 are cut into the shape of the designed electrochromic optical dimming element using laser cutting, leaving three pairs of electrode tabs, to obtain the cut electrochromic layer sheet and the second functional material layer sheet.
[0077] Step 5: Multiple sheets of the second functional material layer with different colors, cut in Step 4, are simultaneously placed into a mold with specific grooves and capable of vacuuming. A UV-curable electrolyte is dropped onto the second functional material layer 5, and the electrochromic layer sheet cut in Step 4 is placed on top, allowing the electrochromic layer 3 and the second functional material layer 5 to adhere to each other. A vacuum is drawn to remove air bubbles from the electrolyte, and the layers are pressed together under pressure. UV light with a wavelength of 365nm is applied to cure the electrolyte, forming a solid, self-encapsulated electrolyte layer 4 between the electrochromic layer 3 and the second functional material layer 5. This yields one specific manifestation of the electrochromic lens element of this invention—the lens portion of an electrochromic optical dimming element with three pairs of electrode tabs. The peripheral end faces of the lens portion are coated with epoxy resin, which, after curing, forms an external encapsulation frame, improving the weather resistance of the prepared electrochromic optical dimming element.
[0078] The UV-curable electrolyte used in this step is a flexible photocurable electrolyte for electrochromic devices that we have independently developed. After curing, the UV-curable electrolyte can form a self-encapsulated electrolyte solid film layer.
[0079] Step 6: Take out the sample prepared in step 5, remove the excess residual electrolyte, and scrape off the electrochromic material layer or second functional material layer and excess residual electrolyte layer on the positive and negative electrodes 13 and 14 of the electrode ears, so that the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer on the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode ears are exposed, thus obtaining the lens part with three pairs of electrode ears of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model, which is a specific manifestation of the electrochromic lens element.
[0080] Step 7: Apply conductive silver paste to the first and second transparent conductive layers of the positive and negative electrodes of the three pairs of electrode ears respectively, and install them as follows: Figure 8 By fixing the electrode lead terminals as shown in Figure C with epoxy resin, one specific manifestation of the electrochromic lens element of this utility model—an electrochromic optical dimming element—can be obtained, such as... Figure 5 As shown.
[0081] In this embodiment, the electrode ears 13 corresponding to the three electrode lead terminals 21 of the electrochromic optical dimming element are connected to the positive terminal of the driving power supply, and the electrode ears 14 corresponding to the electrode lead terminals 21 are connected to the negative terminal of the driving power supply. When the second transparent substrate 7 is a light gray transparent acrylic sheet, the electrochromic optical dimming element is grayish-yellow in the unpowered state. When a voltage of +1.1V is applied, the color of the device changes to grayish-green; when a voltage of +1.5V is applied, the color of the device gradually changes to dark green; when a voltage of -1.1V is applied, the color of the device becomes lighter, gradually changing from dark green back to grayish-green and yellowish-gray.
[0082] By taking advantage of the ease with which acrylic sheets can be dyed, acrylic sheets with different colors of transparency are selected as the second transparent substrate. The color of the second transparent substrate is superimposed with the electrochromic color change of polyaniline in the electrochromic material layer to obtain different color-changing effects, thus preparing electrochromic optical dimming elements with different colors and color-changing effects.
Claims
1. An electrochromic lens element, specifically manifested as: an electrochromic eyeglass lens and an electrochromic optical dimming element with an area less than 20cm x 20cm, characterized in that: The electrochromic lens element is an electrochromic eyeglass lens or electrochromic optical dimming element consisting of a first transparent substrate, a first transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate, an electrochromic material layer, an electrolyte layer, a second functional material layer, a second transparent substrate, a second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate, one or more pairs of electrode ears, and one or more electrode lead terminals, without an encapsulation frame or with an external encapsulation frame.
2. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrochromic lens element is one of the following: rigid flat electrochromic eyeglass lens, rigid flat electrochromic optical dimming element, flexible film electrochromic eyeglass lens, and flexible film electrochromic optical dimming element. Each electrochromic lens element is provided with one or more pairs of electrode ears, each pair of electrode ears consisting of two electrodes, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, with the conductive surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode ears being misaligned and opposite to each other.
3. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode lead terminal is a flexible circuit board with a positive circuit and a negative circuit on each side. The positive circuit and the negative circuit on each side of the electrode lead terminal are connected to the positive and negative electrodes in the electrode ear through conductive adhesive, respectively. The connection between the flexible circuit board and the electrode ear is fixed with adhesive.
4. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate are respectively one of colorless transparent glass, colored transparent glass, colorless transparent plastic sheet, colored transparent plastic sheet, colorless transparent plastic film, colored transparent plastic film, colorless transparent nylon sheet, colored transparent nylon sheet, colorless transparent nylon film, or colored transparent nylon film. Different color-changing effects are obtained by superimposing the color of the first transparent substrate or the second transparent substrate with the color before and after the electrochromic material layer changes color.
5. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrochromic material layer is a solid film layer with electrochromic properties formed by one or more of the following methods: screen printing, magnetron sputtering, slot coating, blade coating, spin coating, inkjet printing, and vapor phase chemical deposition, using cathode electrochromic materials or anodic electrochromic materials.
6. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrolyte layer is a UV-curable electrolyte or thermo-curable electrolyte containing one, two or more of lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions, ammonium ions, or ionic liquid electrolyte materials. It is a solid, self-encapsulating film layer or a semi-solid, self-encapsulating film layer that does not leak organic solvents after UV curing or thermo-curing.
7. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second functional material layer is a solid film layer formed by one or more of the following methods: screen printing, magnetron sputtering, slot coating, blade coating, spin coating, inkjet printing, and vapor phase chemical deposition, using anodic electrochromic materials, cathodic electrochromic materials, or materials with redox properties.
8. The electrochromic lens element according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transparent conductive layer attached to the first transparent substrate and the second transparent conductive layer attached to the second transparent substrate are respectively transparent conductive film layers composed of a single transparent conductive material attached to the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, or respectively multilayer composite transparent conductive film layers composed of multiple transparent conductive materials attached to the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate.