Electrochromic diaphragm and variable color device

Abstract

The application provides an electrochromic film and a color-changing device, wherein the electrochromic film comprises two long edges arranged oppositely and two short edges arranged oppositely, the length of the long edge is L1, the distance between the two long edges is L2, L1 and L2 satisfy the following relationship simultaneously: L1 > L2, L2 < 1.4 m, and L1 / L2 >= 2; and a plurality of first electrodes with the same polarity and a plurality of second electrodes with the same polarity are formed on the edge of the long edge. The electrochromic film and the color-changing device provided by the application have the advantages that electrodes are arranged only on the long edges, no electrode is arranged on the short edges, the corners formed by the long edges and the short edges do not have the phenomenon of electric field superposition, and the problem that the corners of the film are prone to failure does not occur.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrochromic technology, and particularly relates to an electrochromic film and a color-changing device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromism is a technology that causes electrochromic materials to undergo reversible and stable coloring or fading under the influence of an external voltage. Typically, by setting a busbar on the electrochromic device, the electrochromic device is electrically connected to an external power source through the busbar, thereby creating a voltage across the electrochromic material. This causes the electrochromic material to change color in response to changes in the voltage across its terminals.

[0003] To ensure that all areas of the electrochromic device can achieve complete color change, the device is continuously charged and discharged. However, in existing electrochromic devices, the corner areas are prone to damage and failure after long-term repeated charging and discharging. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an electrochromic film and a color-changing device to solve the technical problem that the corner areas of existing electrochromic devices are easily damaged and fail after long-term repeated charging / discharging.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electrochromic film, the electrochromic film comprising two oppositely arranged long sides and two oppositely arranged short sides, the length of the long sides being L1, and the distance between the two long sides being L2, wherein L1 and L2 simultaneously satisfy the following relationship:

[0006] L1>L2, L2<1.4m, L1 / L2≥2;

[0007] The edge of the long side is formed with a plurality of first electrodes of the same polarity and a plurality of second electrodes of the same polarity.

[0008] Since the length of the long side L1 is much greater than that of the short side (because L1 / L2≥2), and the electrochromic film is elongated, when electrodes are placed on the two long sides, the charge diffuses from the two long sides towards the center of the film. This achieves color change from the two long sides of the electrochromic film towards the center. Furthermore, since no electrodes are placed on the short side, the electric field superposition phenomenon does not occur at the corner formed by the long and short sides, thus avoiding the problem of film corner failure.

[0009] In applications, L2 is the shortest distance between the two long sides, which is the width of the membrane (assuming the membrane is rectangular), while L1 is the length of the long side. L1 / L2 ≥ 2 means the aspect ratio of the membrane is at least 2:1, i.e., the membrane is a long strip structure. This design is suitable for applications requiring large area coverage but with limited width, such as long windows in buildings or side windows in vehicles. Limiting L2 to no more than 1.4 meters ensures that the electric field is strong and uniform enough under a given driving voltage, allowing the entire membrane to effectively change color. The response time and driving voltage of the electrochromic material are related to the size of the membrane. A larger L2 may result in the membrane's color-changing effect not meeting expectations, with the central area failing to change color, thus affecting the overall visual effect. Furthermore, structures with L1 much larger than L2 (L1 / L2 ≥ 2) are more suitable for applications requiring long strip coverage, such as strip displays and long windows, while optimizing the electric field distribution through the design of the long side electrodes.

[0010] Optionally, the electrochromic film further includes a first lead-out component and a second lead-out component disposed on the long side. Two sets of the first lead-out component and the second lead-out component are provided on each long side.

[0011] The first lead-out component includes a first busbar and a first lead-out electrode disposed on the first busbar, wherein the first busbar is connected to a plurality of the first electrodes on the long side;

[0012] The second lead-out component includes a second busbar and a second lead-out electrode disposed on the second busbar, wherein the second busbar is connected to a plurality of second electrodes on the long side.

[0013] The first and second busbars on each long side are connected to multiple electrodes of the same polarity (such as the first and second electrodes). Utilizing the low resistance of the busbars, the current is evenly distributed to all electrodes, avoiding localized current overload or voltage drop differences. This ensures a uniform electric field distribution across the entire membrane, reducing color-changing response differences between the edges and the center. Lead-out components (each side containing a first and second busbar) are installed on both long sides, forming a symmetrical power supply mode. Simultaneous voltage or current driving from both sides shortens the current path (especially when L1 is long along the long side), further reducing resistance loss and improving color-changing speed and consistency.

[0014] Optionally, the edge of the electrochromic film is further provided with a first lead-out component and a second lead-out component;

[0015] The first lead-out component includes a first busbar and a first lead-out electrode disposed on the first busbar, wherein the first busbar connects a plurality of the first electrodes on the two long sides;

[0016] The second lead-out component includes a second busbar and second lead-out electrodes disposed on the second busbar. The second busbar connects multiple second electrodes on the two long sides. This configuration, connecting electrodes of the same polarity on the two long sides via the busbar, means that only one pair of lead-out electrodes is needed, which simplifies circuit design and reduces the complexity of external circuitry.

[0017] Optionally, the short side includes a first short side and a second short side, and the long side includes a first long side and a second long side. The first busbar is attached to the edge of one side of the electrochromic film and passes through the first long side, the first short side and the second long side in sequence.

[0018] The second busbar is attached to the edge of the other side of the electrochromic film and passes sequentially through the first long side, the second short side, and the second long side.

[0019] In the above scheme, the short side serves only as the path for the busbar arrangement and does not contain electrodes. The busbars are continuously attached along the edge of the film, forming a "U-shaped" or "C-shaped" conductive frame. This reduces the tortuosity of the current path. The reason for the continuous arrangement of the busbars along the edge is that the electrochromic film needs to be transparent, and the central area of ​​the film is the transparent area. If the busbars are placed in the central area, they will block the light transmission performance of the central part of the film, affecting its use. Two busbars are located on both sides of the film to ensure that the current is injected evenly from both long sides, making the electric field distribution more uniform. In a narrow and long film, the busbars extend along the long side, thus connecting all the electrodes. Traditional solutions may require multiple segmented busbars and jumpers for connection, while this application reduces the complexity of the process by setting busbars at the edge of the film and connecting all the electrodes on the long side through the busbars (such as laser welding or conductive adhesive bonding). The busbars are completely attached to the edge, eliminating the need for additional wires on the film surface and reducing the impact on optical performance.

[0020] Optionally, the electrochromic film includes a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer stacked sequentially.

[0021] The electrochromic film has a first groove on one edge, exposing a portion of the second conductive layer to form the first electrode. The electrochromic film also has a second groove on the other edge, exposing a portion of the first conductive layer to form the second electrode. The first and second grooves are staggered and located on the long side. By placing the electrode only on the long side of the electrochromic film, the film changes color from the two long sides towards the center, effectively avoiding electric field superposition in the corner areas of the electrochromic film, thus ensuring the optical uniformity of the entire electrochromic film. Furthermore, even after multiple charge-discharge cycles, the corner areas of the film will not experience overcharging or over-discharging, effectively avoiding the problem of corner failure and thus improving the lifespan of the electrochromic device.

[0022] Optionally, the first busbar is further covered with a first adhesive layer, the side of the first adhesive layer near the center of the electrochromic film being connected to the first substrate layer, and the side of the first adhesive layer near the edge of the electrochromic film being connected to the second conductive layer. Optionally, the second busbar is further covered with a second adhesive layer, the side of the second adhesive layer near the center of the electrochromic film being connected to the second substrate layer, and the side of the second adhesive layer near the edge of the electrochromic film being connected to the first conductive layer.

[0023] By covering the busbar with an adhesive layer, and having the side of the adhesive layer near the center of the electrochromic film connected to the first substrate layer (attached to the first substrate), and the side of the first adhesive layer near the edge of the electrochromic film connected to the second conductive layer, the adhesive layer can effectively limit and fix the busbar at the groove, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the busbar and the conductive layer in the groove. In other words, the adhesive layer can further improve the stability of the busbar at the edge of the electrochromic film. Moreover, the adhesive layer forms an insulating barrier layer on the surface of the busbar, which can prevent polyvinyl butyral (PVB) from entering the electrochromic film through the groove during the subsequent lamination process and reacting with the electrochromic material layer. It can also prevent external moisture, dust or other conductive substances from entering the interior of the electrochromic film through the groove.

[0024] Optionally, the first busbar is further covered with a first adhesive layer, the side of which near the center of the electrochromic film is connected to the first substrate layer. The second busbar is further covered with a second adhesive layer, the side of which near the center of the electrochromic film is connected to the second substrate layer. Both the first and second adhesive layers extend outward to cover the edge of the electrochromic film. Thus, neither the first nor the second adhesive layer is adhered to the conductive layer; instead, they extend outward to the edge of the electrochromic film and bond together. This design better prevents moisture and dust from entering the interior of the electrochromic film, thereby protecting the edge of the film.

[0025] Optionally, a first notch is formed at the edge of the short side, exposing the second conductive layer to form a first step. A third adhesive layer is disposed at the first step, and the third adhesive layer is sequentially disposed on the first base layer and the second conductive layer. Optionally, a second notch is formed at the edge of the other short side, exposing the first conductive layer to form a second step. A fourth adhesive layer is disposed at the second step, and the fourth adhesive layer is sequentially disposed on the second base layer and the first conductive layer. By forming a notch and a step on the short side without electrodes, space is provided for the thermal expansion of PVB during the subsequent lamination of the electrochromic film and glass. The adhesive layer at the step can prevent demolding and also form a slope that guides the thermal expansion of PVB. Furthermore, the presence of the adhesive layer can prevent PVB from directly squeezing the edge of the film, thus protecting the edge of the film. Furthermore, by making half-cuts on both sides of the diaphragm to form steps, it is convenient for the busbars to connect with the electrodes on the first and second long sides through the two short sides, and it also helps to make the thickness of the entire diaphragm uniform, avoiding one of the short sides being too thick.

[0026] Optionally, two of the first lead-out electrode and two of the second lead-out electrode are provided, wherein one of the first lead-out electrode and one of the second lead-out electrode are paired together as a group;

[0027] There is at least one first electrode spaced between the two first lead electrodes, and at least one second electrode spaced between the two second lead electrodes. Normally, an electrochromic membrane only needs one pair of lead electrodes for connection to an external power supply circuit. However, sometimes machine or operator errors may occur, potentially damaging the lead electrodes; therefore, an additional pair of lead electrodes is provided, one pair as a backup. When one pair of lead electrodes is damaged, the other pair can be connected to the external power supply circuit to ensure the normal operation of the membrane.

[0028] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a color-changing device, including the electrochromic film described in the first aspect. Because it possesses the electrochromic film described in the first aspect, it exhibits all the beneficial effects described in the first aspect.

[0029] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal product, including an electrochromic film as described in the first aspect or a color-changing device as described in the second aspect, wherein the terminal product includes any one of a rearview mirror, curtain wall, car sunroof, car side window, car windshield, electronic product casing, eyeglasses, vehicle, and display panel. Because it possesses the electrochromic film described in the first aspect, it has all the beneficial effects of the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of an electrochromic film provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the lead-out components of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the lead-out component of the electrochromic film provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the long side of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement method one of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode arrangement method 2 of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic film provided in this application embodiment, in which an adhesive layer is disposed on one of the long sides of the film on the busbar;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in this application embodiment, where an adhesive layer is disposed on the busbar along the other long side;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic film with an adhesive layer disposed on one of its long sides on a busbar, according to another embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic film with an adhesive layer disposed on the busbar on the other long side, according to another embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electrochromic film with an adhesive layer disposed at the half-cut section of one short side provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiment of this application, showing the application of an adhesive layer disposed at the half-cut of the other short side;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the lead-out electrode structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0046] The attached icon numbers are as follows:

[0047] 10. Electrochromic film; 11. First substrate layer; 110. First notch; 111. Third adhesive layer; 12. First conductive layer; 13. Electrochromic layer; 14. Second conductive layer; 15. Second substrate layer; 150. Second notch; 151. Fourth adhesive layer; 100. First long side; 101. Second long side; 102. First short side; 103. Second short side; 104. First groove; 105. Second groove; 106. First electrode; 107. Second electrode;

[0048] 20. First lead-out assembly; 21. First busbar; 22. First lead-out electrode; 200. First adhesive layer;

[0049] 30. Second lead-out assembly; 31. Second busbar; 32. Second lead-out electrode; 300. Second adhesive layer. Detailed Implementation

[0050] In the following description, specific details such as particular system architectures and techniques are set forth for illustrative purposes and not for limitation, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of this application can also be implemented in other embodiments without these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known systems, apparatuses, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the embodiments of this application with unnecessary detail.

[0051] It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used in the specification of embodiments of this application and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0052] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0053] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this application.

[0054] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments and the appended claims of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only for distinguishing descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0055] In the description of embodiments in this application, references to "some embodiments" or "some embodiments" mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in some embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. "A plurality" refers to two or more.

[0056] The first aspect of this application provides an electrochromic film 10, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the electrochromic film 10 includes two oppositely arranged long sides and two oppositely arranged short sides. The length of the long sides is L1, and the distance between the two long sides is L2. L1 and L2 simultaneously satisfy the following relationship:

[0057] L1>L2, L2<1.4m, L1 / L2≥2;

[0058] The long side has multiple first electrodes 106 and multiple second electrodes 107 of the same polarity formed on its edge.

[0059] It should be noted that the edge of the long side refers to the edge of the long side of the electrochromic film 10. Specifically, the electrochromic film 10 includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other, and the edge of the long side refers to the edge of the first surface or the second surface corresponding to the long side. The two long sides and the two short sides are connected end to end, that is, the electrochromic film is elongated.

[0060] Since the length of the long side L1 is much greater than the shortest distance L2 between the two long sides (because L1 / L2≥2), it can be deduced that the electrochromic film 10 is elongated. Therefore, when the electrodes are arranged on the long sides, by setting the electrodes only on the long sides of the electrochromic film, the film changes color from the two long sides towards the middle, effectively avoiding the phenomenon of electric field superposition in the corner areas of the electrochromic film, thus ensuring the optical uniformity of the entire electrochromic film. In addition, even after multiple charge-discharge cycles, the corner areas of the film will not be overcharged or over-discharged, effectively avoiding the problem of easy failure at the corners of the film, thereby improving the service life of the electrochromic device. Moreover, since no electrodes are set on the short sides, the phenomenon of electric field superposition will not occur at the corners formed by the long and short sides, thus avoiding the problem of easy failure at the corners of the film.

[0061] In applications, L2 is the shortest distance between the two long sides, which is the width of the diaphragm (assuming the diaphragm is rectangular), while L1 is the length of the long side. L1 / L2 ≥ 2 means the aspect ratio of the diaphragm is at least 2:1, i.e., the diaphragm is a long, narrow structure. This design is suitable for applications requiring large area coverage but with limited width, such as long windows in buildings or side windows in vehicles. Limiting L2 to no more than 1.4 meters ensures that the electric field is strong and uniform enough for the entire diaphragm to effectively change color under a given driving voltage. The response time and driving voltage of electrochromic materials are related to the size of the diaphragm. A larger L2 requires a higher voltage, while exceeding a certain size may lead to performance degradation or manufacturing difficulties. Furthermore, structures with L1 much larger than L2 (L1 / L2 ≥ 2) are more suitable for applications requiring long, narrow coverage, such as strip displays and long windows, while optimizing the electric field distribution through the design of the long-side electrodes. In addition, placing electrodes only on the long side can reduce the number and complexity of electrodes. Especially when the long side of the membrane is very long, it may be easier to arrange continuous electrodes or multiple discrete electrode points on the long side. However, the short side is shorter, which may limit the space for arranging electrodes or require more connection points, increasing manufacturing difficulty and cost.

[0062] In applications, limiting L2 to less than 1.4 meters is based on the following considerations: When the electrochromic film changes color from its two long edges towards the center, a larger L2 results in slower charge transfer from the long edges to the center, leading to a slower color change in the central region. Limiting L2 to no more than 1.4 meters ensures that the electrochromic film can change color more quickly from the edges towards the center at a given driving voltage, allowing the entire film to change color effectively. The response time and driving voltage of the electrochromic material may be related to the film's size. A larger L2 requires a higher voltage, while exceeding a certain size may lead to performance degradation or manufacturing difficulties. Furthermore, structures with L1 much larger than L2 (L1 / L2≥2) are more suitable for applications requiring long, strip-shaped coverage, such as strip displays and long windows, while the electric field distribution can be optimized through the design of the long-edge electrodes.

[0063] In application, the electrochromic film 10 includes two oppositely arranged long sides and two oppositely arranged short sides, with the two long sides and two short sides connected end to end. The two long sides are parallel to each other, and the two short sides are also parallel to each other, with a right angle between the short sides and the long sides; that is, the electrochromic film 10 is rectangular (e.g., ...). Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the figure, L2 is the shortest distance between the two long sides, i.e., the length of the short side, while L1 is the length of the long side. L1 / L2≥2 means that the aspect ratio of the membrane is at least 2:1. In other embodiments, the two long sides are parallel to each other, the two short sides are parallel to each other, and the angle between the short side and the long side is an obtuse angle or an acute angle, i.e., the electrochromic membrane 10 can also be a parallelogram (e.g., ...). Figure 3As shown in the diagram, the two long sides can also be set at a small angle, meaning the diaphragm can be an irregular quadrilateral or other elongated structure. In this case, L2 is the distance between the perpendicular segments of the two long sides. This design is used in situations requiring large area coverage but with limited width, such as long windows in buildings or side windows in vehicles.

[0064] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the electrochromic film 10 also includes a first lead-out component 20 and a second lead-out component 30 disposed on the long side. Two sets of the first lead-out component 20 and the second lead-out component 30 are provided on each long side.

[0065] The first lead-out component 20 includes a first busbar 21 and a first lead-out electrode 22 disposed on the first busbar 21. The first busbar 21 is connected to a plurality of first electrodes 106 on the long side.

[0066] The second lead-out component 30 includes a second busbar 31 and a second lead-out electrode 32 disposed on the second busbar 31. The second busbar 31 is connected to a plurality of second electrodes 107 on the long side.

[0067] The first busbar 21 and the second busbar 31 on each long side are connected to multiple electrodes of the same polarity (such as the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 107). Utilizing the low resistance of the busbars, the current is evenly distributed to all electrodes, avoiding localized current overload or voltage drop differences. Lead-out components (with the first busbar 21 and the second busbar 31 on each long side) are provided on both long sides, forming a symmetrical power supply mode. Simultaneous voltage or current driving from both sides shortens the current path (especially when L1 is long along the long side), further reducing resistance loss and improving color-changing speed and consistency.

[0068] Optionally, such as Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the edge of the electrochromic film 10 is also provided with a first lead-out component 20 and a second lead-out component 30;

[0069] The first lead-out component 20 includes a first busbar 21 and a first lead-out electrode 22 disposed on the first busbar 21. The first busbar 21 connects a plurality of first electrodes 106 on two long sides.

[0070] The second lead-out component 30 includes a second busbar 31 and a second lead-out electrode 32 disposed on the second busbar 31. The second busbar 31 connects a plurality of second electrodes 107 on two long sides. This configuration, by connecting electrodes of the same polarity on the two long sides through the busbar, means that only one pair of lead-out electrodes is needed, which helps to simplify circuit design and reduce the complexity of external connections.

[0071] In applications, since electrodes are placed on the long sides, if busbars are set on each of the two long sides, and each busbar has a lead-out electrode, at least two pairs of lead-out electrodes are required (one end connected to the busbar, and the other end connected to the external power supply circuit). Specifically, the positive electrode on each of the two long sides of the diaphragm corresponds to two lead-out electrodes, and the negative electrode on each of the two long sides of the diaphragm corresponds to two lead-out electrodes, meaning at least four lead-out electrodes are required. This makes the external circuitry and wiring of the diaphragm more complicated, as the external circuitry needs to control the voltage of both long sides simultaneously, increasing design complexity. However, the configuration of this embodiment, by setting two busbars connected to multiple first electrodes 106 and multiple second electrodes 107 respectively, and then setting two lead-out electrodes on each of the two busbars to connect the positive and negative electrodes respectively, effectively reduces the number of lead-out electrodes, lowers design complexity, saves space for external circuitry and electrical components, and facilitates simultaneous control of the electrodes on both long sides.

[0072] In applications, the lead-out electrodes can be flexible circuit boards, rolled copper / aluminum foil, electrolytic copper / aluminum foil, etc., and the materials can be aluminum, copper, silver, tin, or other conductive elemental metals, non-metallic semiconductor conductive materials, their platings, or other conductive metal oxides or combinations thereof. The lead-out electrodes can also be directly formed into a power supply with a control module to directly achieve conductivity of the electrochromic layer.

[0073] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, the short side includes the first short side 102 and the second short side 103, and the long side includes the first long side 100 and the second long side 101. The first busbar 21 is attached to the edge of one side of the electrochromic film 10 and passes through the first long side 100, the first short side 102 and the second long side 101 in sequence.

[0074] The second busbar 31 is attached to the edge of the other side of the electrochromic film 10 and passes through the first long side 100, the second short side 103 and the second long side 101 in sequence.

[0075] In the above scheme, the short side serves only as the path for the busbar arrangement and does not contain electrodes. The busbars are continuously attached along the edge of the film, forming a "U-shaped" or "C-shaped" conductive frame. This reduces the tortuosity of the current path. The continuous arrangement of the busbars along the edge is important because the electrochromic film needs to be transparent, and the central area of ​​the film is the visible area. If the busbars were placed in the central area, they would block the light transmission of the central part of the film, affecting the appearance. Two busbars are located on both sides of the film, ensuring that the current is injected evenly from both long sides, making the electric field distribution more uniform. In a narrow and elongated film, the extension of the busbars along the long side can connect electrodes of the same polarity on the long side. Traditional solutions may require multiple segmented busbars and jumpers for connection, while this application reduces the complexity of the process by setting busbars at the edge of the film to connect and conduct all electrodes on the long side (such as laser welding or conductive adhesive bonding). The busbars are completely attached to the edge, eliminating the need for additional wires on the film surface and reducing the impact on optical performance.

[0076] In this application, the busbar is a copper foil with conductive adhesive applied to it. The busbar is attached to the edge of the electrochromic film 10 using the conductive adhesive. In other embodiments, the busbar can also be a conductive metal layer, connected to the electrodes on the long sides. Specifically, the first busbar 21 passes sequentially through the positive electrode of the first long side 100, the positive electrodes of the first short side 102 and the second long side 101; the second busbar 31 passes sequentially through the negative electrode of the first long side 100, the negative electrodes of the second short side 103 and the second long side 101. The polarities of the electrodes corresponding to the first busbar 21 and the second busbar 31 can be interchanged. The busbar can be made of conductive copper foil, conductive adhesive, conductive resin, or other conductive materials, thereby forming a multi-electrode structure at the edge of the film and accelerating the color-changing speed of the film. The first busbar 21 and the second busbar 31 can be made of conductive materials well known to those skilled in the art, such as at least one of conductive silver paste, conductive copper paste, conductive carbon paste, nano silver conductive ink, copper foil, copper wire and conductive film.

[0077] Optionally, such as Figure 6 As shown, the electrochromic film 10 includes a first base layer 11, a first conductive layer 12, an electrochromic layer 13, a second conductive layer 14, and a second base layer 15, which are stacked sequentially.

[0078] A first groove 104 is formed on one edge of the electrochromic film 10, exposing a portion of the second conductive layer 14 to form a first electrode 106. A second groove 105 is formed on the other edge of the electrochromic film 10, exposing a portion of the first conductive layer 12 to form a second electrode 107. The first groove 104 and the second groove 105 are staggered and located on the long side. Since the electrode is only located on the long side, and the grooves are staggered to expose the upper and lower conductive layers, a multi-electrode structure is formed. On the one hand, the multi-electrode structure can reduce the thickness of the edge of the electrochromic film 10; on the other hand, the color-changing speed and color-changing uniformity can be improved by connecting the busbar to the multi-electrode structure.

[0079] The staggered arrangement of the grooves ensures that both the long sides of the front and back of the electrochromic film 10 are connected to the power supply, thereby improving the uniformity of color change (the two long sides of the film change color towards the center simultaneously) and increasing the color change speed. Specifically, the busbar has low resistance, and by connecting it to multiple electrodes, voltage can be quickly applied to multiple electrodes; the staggered arrangement of the electrodes also helps to form a more uniform electric field between the two conductive layers of the film, improving driving efficiency.

[0080] Optionally, the first electrode 106 and the second electrode 107 may also be formed in the following ways:

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the electrochromic film 10 includes a first base layer 11, a first conductive layer 12, an electrochromic layer 13, a second conductive layer 14, and a second base layer 15 stacked sequentially. A notch is made at the edge of the first base layer 11 to expose the first conductive layer 12 and form a first electrode 106. A notch is made at the edge of the second base layer 15 to expose the second conductive layer 14 and form a second electrode 107. Then, a first busbar 21 is provided on the exposed first conductive layer 12, and a second busbar 31 is provided on the exposed second conductive layer 14.

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, the electrochromic film 10 includes a first base layer 11, a first conductive layer 12, an electrochromic layer 13, a second conductive layer 14, and a second base layer 15 stacked sequentially. A gap is formed between the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 14. Specifically, the edge of the electrochromic layer 13 can be cut, or the width of the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 14 can be set to be wider than that of the electrochromic layer 13, so that the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 14 form gaps on both sides of the electrochromic layer 13. Then, a first busbar 21 is provided on the surface of the first conductive layer 12 near the second conductive layer 14, and a second busbar 31 is provided on the surface of the second conductive layer 14 near the first conductive layer 12.

[0083] Optionally, such as Figure 9As shown, the first busbar 21 is also covered with a first adhesive layer 200. The side of the first adhesive layer 200 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first substrate layer 11, and the side of the first adhesive layer 200 near the edge of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second conductive layer 14. Optionally, as shown... Figure 10 As shown, the second busbar 31 is also covered with a second adhesive layer 300. The side of the second adhesive layer 300 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second base layer 15, and the side of the second adhesive layer 300 near the edge of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first conductive layer 12.

[0084] A first adhesive layer 200 is covered on the first busbar 21, and the side of the first adhesive layer 200 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first base layer 11 (attached to the first base layer 11), and the side of the first adhesive layer 200 near the edge of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second conductive layer 14; a second adhesive layer 300 is covered on the second busbar 31, and the side of the second adhesive layer 300 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second base layer 15 (attached to the second base layer 15), and the side of the second adhesive layer 300 near the edge of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first conductive layer 12. In this way, the adhesive layer can limit and fix the busbar corresponding to the groove, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the busbar and the conductive layer in the groove. That is, the adhesive layer can further improve the stability of the busbar at the edge of the electrochromic film 10. Moreover, the adhesive layer forms an insulating barrier layer on the surface of the busbar, which can prevent polyvinyl butyral from entering the electrochromic film 10 through the groove and reacting with the electrochromic material layer in the subsequent lamination process. At the same time, it can also prevent external moisture, dust or other conductive substances from entering the interior of the electrochromic film 10 through the groove.

[0085] In applications, both the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 15 are transparent substrates. The "transparent substrate" is an optically grade transparent material, specifically a flexible substrate material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), cyclic olefin copolymers, or cellulose triacetate. The first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 15 can also be glass substrates.

[0086] Both the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 14 are transparent conductive layers. The material of the "transparent conductive layer" can be indium-tin oxide (ITO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), silver nanowires, graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal meshes, or silver nanoparticles, etc.

[0087] The electrochromic layer 13 is a sheet composed of one or more layers of gel-state or solid materials, such as polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layers, suspended particle devices (SPD) layers, and electrochromic (EC) layers. For electrochromic (EC) type electrochromic layers 13, they may include sequentially stacked color-changing material layers, electrolyte layers, and ion storage layers. The materials of the color-changing material layers, electrolyte layers, and ion storage layers can be those found in the prior art, and this application does not impose any special limitations on them.

[0088] Optionally, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the first busbar 21 is also covered with a first adhesive layer 200. The side of the first adhesive layer 200 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first substrate layer 11. The second busbar 31 is also covered with a second adhesive layer 300. The side of the second adhesive layer 300 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second substrate layer 15. Both the first adhesive layer 200 and the second adhesive layer 300 extend outward to cover the edge of the electrochromic film 10. In this way, neither the first adhesive layer 200 nor the second adhesive layer 300 is attached to the conductive layer, but rather extends outward to the edge of the electrochromic film 10 and is bonded together. This design can better prevent moisture and dust from entering the interior of the electrochromic film 10, thereby protecting the edge of the film.

[0089] Optionally, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, a first notch 110 is formed at the edge of the short side, exposing the second conductive layer 14 to form a first step. A third adhesive layer 111 is disposed at the first step, and the third adhesive layer 111 is sequentially disposed on the first base layer 11 and the second conductive layer 14. Optionally, a second notch 150 is formed at the edge of the other short side, exposing the first conductive layer 12 to form a second step. A fourth adhesive layer 151 is disposed at the second step, and the fourth adhesive layer 151 is sequentially disposed on the second base layer 15 and the first conductive layer 12. By forming a notch and a step on the short side where no electrodes are disposed, space is provided for the thermal expansion of PVB during the subsequent lamination of the electrochromic film 10 with the glass. The adhesive layer at the step can prevent demolding and also form a slope at the step. The slope guides the thermal expansion of PVB, and the presence of the adhesive layer can prevent PVB from directly squeezing the edge of the film, thus protecting the edge of the film. Furthermore, by making half-cuts on both sides of the membrane to form steps, when the busbar passes through the short side of the membrane edge, the overall thickness of the electrochromic membrane will not be too thick due to the step formed by the half-cutting of the short side; and one busbar passes through the first short side while the other busbar passes through the second short side, which will not cause the membrane edge area to be too thick.

[0090] In a specific embodiment, the electrochromic film 10 includes a first surface and a second surface disposed opposite to each other. The third adhesive layer 111 at the half-cut (step) of the first surface overlaps with the first adhesive layer 200 to form a contoured structure of the edge of the electrochromic film 10. The fourth adhesive layer 151 at the half-cut of the second surface overlaps with the second adhesive layer 300 to form a contoured structure of the edge of the electrochromic film 10.

[0091] Specifically, the adhesive layer is a high-temperature adhesive (insulating tape), which wraps around the edge of the electrochromic film 10 in a square shape; alternatively, multiple strips of tape can be applied, such as one long strip of tape on each of the four sides, forming a square shape. In other words, a high-temperature adhesive is applied around the edge of the first surface of the electrochromic film 10, and a high-temperature adhesive is applied around the edge of the second surface of the electrochromic film 10.

[0092] It should be noted that the edge of the short side refers to the edge of the electrochromic film 10 corresponding to the short side. Specifically, the electrochromic film 10 has a first surface and a second surface arranged opposite to each other. The first notch 110 opened at the edge of one short side is located at the edge of the first surface corresponding to the short side, and the second notch 150 opened at the edge of the other short side is located at the edge of the second surface corresponding to the short side.

[0093] Optionally, such as Figure 15 As shown, there are two first lead-out electrodes 22 and two second lead-out electrodes 32 respectively, and one first lead-out electrode 22 and one second lead-out electrode 32 are paired together as a group;

[0094] There is at least one first electrode 106 between the two first lead electrodes 22, and at least one second electrode 107 between the two second lead electrodes 32. Normally, an electrochromic membrane 10 only needs one pair of lead electrodes for connection to an external power supply circuit. However, sometimes machine or operator errors may occur, potentially damaging the lead electrodes; therefore, an additional pair of lead electrodes is provided, with one pair serving as a backup. When one pair of lead electrodes is damaged, the other pair can be connected to the external power supply circuit to ensure the normal operation of the membrane.

[0095] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a color-changing device, including the electrochromic film described in the first aspect. Because it possesses the electrochromic film described in the first aspect, it exhibits all the beneficial effects described in the first aspect.

[0096] Optionally, when the photochromic device is photochromic glass, the photochromic glass includes a first glass, an electrochromic film, and a second glass arranged sequentially. By changing the voltage applied to the electrochromic glass, its light transmittance can be dynamically adjusted, offering the following advantages: 1. Energy-saving and environmentally friendly, reducing air conditioning and lighting energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions; 2. Rapid response (seconds) and a wide range of light transmittance adjustment; 3. No mechanical structure, long lifespan, and low maintenance costs; 4. Supports intelligent control and is compatible with integrated building design; 5. Anti-glare, heat insulation, and sound insulation, improving spatial comfort. It is widely used in building curtain walls, automotive sunroofs, and other fields, representing a highly efficient solution in the field of intelligent dimming.

[0097] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal product, including an electrochromic film as described in the first aspect or a color-changing device as described in the second aspect, wherein the terminal product includes any one of a rearview mirror, curtain wall, car sunroof, car side window, car windshield, electronic product casing, eyeglasses, vehicle, and display panel. Because it possesses the electrochromic film described in the first aspect, it has all the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0099] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although the embodiments of this application have been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An electrochromic film, characterized in that, The electrochromic film includes two oppositely arranged long sides and two oppositely arranged short sides. The length of the long sides is L1, and the distance between the two long sides is L2. L1 and L2 simultaneously satisfy the following relationship: L1>L2, L2<1.4m, L1 / L2≥2; The edge of the long side is formed with a plurality of first electrodes of the same polarity and a plurality of second electrodes of the same polarity.

2. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic film also includes a first lead-out component and a second lead-out component disposed on the long side. Two sets of the first lead-out component and the second lead-out component are provided on each long side. The first lead-out component includes a first busbar and a first lead-out electrode disposed on the first busbar, wherein the first busbar is connected to a plurality of the first electrodes on the long side; The second lead-out component includes a second busbar and a second lead-out electrode disposed on the second busbar, wherein the second busbar is connected to a plurality of second electrodes on the long side.

3. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The edge of the electrochromic film is also provided with a first lead-out component and a second lead-out component; The first lead-out component includes a first busbar and a first lead-out electrode disposed on the first busbar, wherein the first busbar connects a plurality of the first electrodes on the two long sides; The second lead-out component includes a second busbar and a second lead-out electrode disposed on the second busbar, the second busbar connecting a plurality of the second electrodes on the two long sides.

4. The electrochromic film as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The short side includes a first short side and a second short side, and the long side includes a first long side and a second long side. The first busbar is attached to the edge of one side of the electrochromic film and passes through the first long side, the first short side and the second long side in sequence. The second busbar is attached to the edge of the other side of the electrochromic film and passes sequentially through the first long side, the second short side, and the second long side.

5. The electrochromic film as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The electrochromic film includes a first base layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and a second base layer, which are stacked sequentially. The electrochromic film has a first groove on one side edge, exposing a portion of the second conductive layer to form the first electrode, and a second groove on the other side edge, exposing a portion of the first conductive layer to form the second electrode. The first groove and the second groove are staggered and located on the long side.

6. The electrochromic film as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first busbar is further covered with a first adhesive layer, the side of the first adhesive layer near the center of the electrochromic film being connected to the first substrate layer, and the side of the first adhesive layer near the edge of the electrochromic film being connected to the second conductive layer; and / or, The second busbar is also covered with a second adhesive layer. The side of the second adhesive layer near the middle of the electrochromic film is connected to the second base layer, and the side of the second adhesive layer near the edge of the electrochromic film is connected to the first conductive layer.

7. The electrochromic film as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The first busbar is also covered with a first adhesive layer, which is connected to the first base layer on the side near the middle of the electrochromic film. The second busbar is also covered with a second adhesive layer, which is connected to the second base layer on the side near the middle of the electrochromic film. Both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer extend outward to cover the edge of the electrochromic film.

8. The electrochromic film as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A first notch is formed at the edge of the short side, exposing the second conductive layer to form a first step. A third adhesive layer is disposed at the first step, and the third adhesive layer is sequentially disposed on the first base layer and the second conductive layer; and / or A second notch is provided at the edge of the other short side, exposing the first conductive layer to form a second step. A fourth adhesive layer is provided at the second step, and the fourth adhesive layer is sequentially disposed on the second base layer and the first conductive layer.

9. The electrochromic film according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, Two of each of the first lead-out electrodes and the second lead-out electrodes are provided, and one of the first lead-out electrodes and one of the second lead-out electrodes are paired together as a group; There is at least one first electrode spaced between the two first leads, and at least one second electrode spaced between the two second leads.

10. A color-changing device, characterized in that, Including the electrochromic film as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images