An electrochromic device

Abstract

This application relates to the field of electrochromic technology and discloses an electrochromic device. The electrochromic device includes a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer stacked sequentially. At least a portion of the outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device retains the complete stacked structure. The inner side of the edge region of the electrochromic device has alternating first and second grooves. The first groove is located on the side of the second conductive layer opposite to the second substrate layer and penetrates the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, and the electrochromic layer. The second groove is located on the side of the first conductive layer opposite to the first substrate layer and penetrates the second substrate layer, the second conductive layer, and the electrochromic layer. The outermost ring of the device retains a portion of the complete stacked structure, moving the exposed transparent conductive substrate from the outermost edge of the device to the interior, resulting in better overall device integrity and reducing the likelihood of film separation under stress during processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrochromic technology, and more specifically, to an electrochromic device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromic technology works by using an applied voltage to cause ions in the electrolyte layer to enter or leave the electrochromic material, resulting in oxidation or reduction reactions and causing the smart glass to switch between a transparent and dark state. Electrochromic devices typically consist of a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer, stacked sequentially. The electrochromic layer is composed of three layers with interfaces between them, spatially arranged as a charge storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic material layer.

[0003] In practical applications, electrochromic devices typically have one or more exposed transparent conductive substrate portions along their edges. Conductive adhesive strips are used to connect to an external circuit, allowing different voltage inputs to adjust color or transmittance. In this structure, the device's edges are mostly composed of a single layer of transparent substrate and a transparent conductive layer. When subjected to external forces, delamination can easily occur, leading to device failure or affecting its long-term lifespan. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to improve the overall integrity of electrochromic devices, effectively avoid the delamination of the substrate material when exposed to external forces, and extend the service life of electrochromic devices.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution: This application provides an electrochromic device, comprising a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer stacked sequentially. At least a portion of the outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device retains a complete stacked structure, and the inner side of the edge region of the electrochromic device is alternately provided with a first groove and a second groove. The first groove is disposed on the side of the second conductive layer opposite to the second substrate layer, and penetrates the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer and the electrochromic layer; The second groove is disposed on the side of the first conductive layer away from the first substrate layer and extends through the second substrate layer, the second conductive layer and the electrochromic layer.

[0006] Furthermore, a first connecting groove and a second connecting groove are alternately formed on the outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device, the first connecting groove communicating with the first groove, and the second connecting groove communicating with the second groove; The first connecting groove is disposed on the side of the second conductive layer opposite to the second substrate layer, and penetrates the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer and the electrochromic layer; The second connecting groove is disposed on the side of the first conductive layer away from the first substrate layer, and extends through the second substrate layer, the second conductive layer and the electrochromic layer.

[0007] Furthermore, the width of the first connecting groove is smaller than the width of the first recess; the width of the second connecting groove is smaller than the width of the second recess.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner sidewalls of both the first groove and the second groove are provided with insulating members. The insulating member in the first groove at least covers the area of ​​the first conductive layer exposed in the first groove, and the insulating member in the second groove at least covers the area of ​​the second conductive layer exposed in the second groove.

[0009] Furthermore, a hollow groove is formed on the inner side of the edge region of the electrochromic device. The hollow groove is formed between the adjacent first groove and second groove, and is connected to the first groove and the second groove respectively. The perforated groove penetrates the first base layer, the first conductive layer, the electrochromic layer, the second conductive layer, and the second base layer.

[0010] Furthermore, insulating components covering the hollow groove are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the hollow groove. One end of the insulating component on the upper side overlaps the first base layer, and the other end extends into the first groove and overlaps the second conductive layer. One end of the insulating component on the lower side overlaps the second base layer, and the other end extends into the second groove and overlaps the first conductive layer.

[0011] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects: The electrode structure of this application retains a portion of a complete stacked structure at the outermost edge of the electrochromic device, namely a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer. The exposed transparent conductive substrate portion is moved from the outermost edge of the electrochromic film to the interior of the electrochromic film. This configuration offers the advantage of better overall integrity of the electrochromic device, making it less prone to film separation under stress during manufacturing. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 : A schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 1 of this application; Figure 2 : Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line A in the middle; Figure 3 : Figure 1Cross-sectional view along line B in the middle; Figure 4 : Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line C; Figure 5 : Figure 1 Cross-sectional view along line D; Figure 6 : A schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 2 of this application; Figure 7 : Figure 6 Cross-sectional view along line A in the middle; Figure 8 : A schematic diagram of the electrochromic device in Embodiment 3 of this application; Figure 9 : Figure 8 Cross-sectional view along line A.

[0013] Reference numerals: 1. First substrate layer; 2. First conductive layer; 3. Electrochromic layer; 4. Second conductive layer; 5. Second substrate layer; 6. First groove; 7. Second groove; 8. First connecting groove; 9. Second connecting groove; 10. Hollowed-out groove; 11. Insulating component. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The technical solutions and effects of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the invention, not the entire structure.

[0015] It is worth noting that, in the following embodiments, the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer are both PET layers, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are both ITO layers, and the electrochromic layer includes a charge storage layer, an electrolyte layer and an electrochromic material layer stacked sequentially.

[0016] Example 1 This embodiment discloses an electrochromic device, referring to... Figures 1-5 The electrochromic device comprises a first substrate layer 1, a first conductive layer 2, an electrochromic layer 3, a second conductive layer 4, and a second substrate layer 5, which are sequentially stacked. At least a portion of the outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device retains a complete stacked structure. This complete stacked structure is composed of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the electrochromic layer, the second conductive layer, and the second substrate layer, which enhances the stability of the device's edge.

[0017] On the inner side of the edge region of the electrochromic device, a first groove 6 and a second groove 7 are alternately formed.

[0018] The first groove 6 is formed on the side of the second conductive layer 4 away from the second base layer 5, and penetrates the first base layer 1, the first conductive layer 2, and the electrochromic layer 3. At this time, on the orthographic projection of the plane where the electrochromic layer 3 is located, the area of ​​the second conductive layer 4 facing the first groove 6 is exposed through the first groove 6 and forms an electrical connection with the external power source.

[0019] The second groove 7 is formed on the side of the first conductive layer 2 facing away from the first substrate layer 1, and also penetrates the second substrate layer 5, the second conductive layer 4, and the electrochromic layer 3. Similarly, on the orthographic projection of the plane where the electrochromic layer 3 is located, the area of ​​the first conductive layer 2 facing the second groove 7 is exposed through the second groove 7 and forms an electrical connection with the external power source.

[0020] Through the above design, the electrochromic device retains a partially intact stacked structure in the edge region to enhance overall stability. Furthermore, the design of the first groove 6 and the second groove 7 allows the first conductive layer 2 and the second conductive layer 4 to form reliable electrical connections with the external power source. This not only avoids the problem of easy delamination of the single-layer substrate material at the edges in traditional structures but also improves the stability and reliability of the electrochromic device during use. Simultaneously, the alternating placement of the first groove 6 and the second groove 7 allows ions to enter and exit the electrochromic layer more uniformly during the electrochromic process, thereby improving the uniformity and consistency of the electrochromic effect.

[0021] Reference Figures 1-5 On the outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device, a first connecting groove 8 and a second connecting groove 9, communicating with the first groove 6, are alternately formed. The first connecting groove 8 communicates with the first groove 6, and the second connecting groove 9 communicates with the second groove 7. The first connecting groove 8 is located on the side of the second conductive layer 4 away from the second substrate layer 5 and penetrates the first substrate layer 1, the first conductive layer 2, and the electrochromic layer 3; the second connecting groove 9 is located on the side of the first conductive layer 2 away from the first substrate layer 1 and penetrates the second substrate layer 5, the second conductive layer 4, and the electrochromic layer 3. Further, the width of the first connecting groove 8 is smaller than the width of the first groove 6; the width of the second connecting groove 9 is smaller than the width of the second groove 7. The "width" refers to the orthographic projection of the connecting groove or groove onto the plane where the electrochromic layer 3 is located. Figure 1 The width of ).

[0022] In practical applications, the first connecting groove 8 and the first groove 6 are grooved at the same time, and the second connecting groove 9 and the second groove 7 are grooved at the same time, so that the etching residue generated by the grooving in the first groove 6 and the second groove 7 can be removed through the first connecting groove 8 and the second connecting groove 9.

[0023] Example 2 This embodiment discloses an electrochromic device, referring to... Figure 6 and Figure 7The difference from Embodiment 1 is that a perforated groove 10 is formed between adjacent first grooves 6 and second grooves 7. The perforated groove 10 penetrates the first substrate layer 1, the first conductive layer 2, the electrochromic layer 3, the second conductive layer 4, and the second substrate layer 5, and communicates with adjacent first grooves 6 and second grooves 7 respectively. The perforated groove 10 further ensures a reliable connection to the external power supply, avoids short circuits caused by contact between the external power supply and other conductive components, and further improves the safety and reliability of the device.

[0024] Example 3 This embodiment discloses an electrochromic device, referring to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The difference from Embodiment 2 is that insulating members 11 covering the hollow groove 10 are respectively provided on the upper and lower sides of the hollow groove 10. One end of the insulating member 11 on the upper side is attached to the first base layer 1, and the other end extends into the first groove 6 and is attached to the second conductive layer 4. One end of the insulating member 11 on the lower side is attached to the second base layer 5, and the other end extends into the second groove 7 and is attached to the first conductive layer 2.

[0025] This design prevents short circuits caused by the busbars on opposite sides coming into contact within the slot 10 during subsequent lamination processes, thus improving the safety and reliability of the device. The insulating component 11 can be made of commonly used insulating materials in the art, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ionic polymer interlayer (SentryGlasPlus, i.e., SGP), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and flexible acrylic materials (such as acrylic PMMA).

[0026] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: when using the electrochromic device of this application, most of the perimeter of the edge of the electrochromic device retains a complete stacked structure. When encountering external force, this structure is more robust and less prone to defects such as edge breakage.

[0027] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of this application and is not intended to limit it. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they fall within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, comprising a first substrate layer (1), a first conductive layer (2), an electrochromic layer (3), a second conductive layer (4), and a second substrate layer (5) stacked sequentially, characterized in that: At least a portion of the outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device retains a complete stacked structure, and the inner side of the edge region of the electrochromic device is alternately provided with a first groove (6) and a second groove (7). The first groove (6) is disposed on the side of the second conductive layer (4) away from the second base layer (5) and penetrates the first base layer (1), the first conductive layer (2) and the electrochromic layer (3). The second groove (7) is disposed on the side of the first conductive layer (2) away from the first base layer (1) and penetrates the second base layer (5), the second conductive layer (4) and the electrochromic layer (3).

2. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the edge region of the electrochromic device is alternately provided with a first connecting groove (8) and a second connecting groove (9), the first connecting groove (8) is connected to the first groove (6), and the second connecting groove (9) is connected to the second groove (7); The first connecting groove (8) is disposed on the side of the second conductive layer (4) away from the second base layer (5) and penetrates the first base layer (1), the first conductive layer (2) and the electrochromic layer (3). The second connecting groove (9) is disposed on the side of the first conductive layer (2) away from the first base layer (1) and penetrates the second base layer (5), the second conductive layer (4) and the electrochromic layer (3).

3. The electrochromic device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The width of the first connecting groove (8) is less than the width of the first groove (6); the width of the second connecting groove (9) is less than the width of the second groove (7).

4. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner walls of the first groove (6) and the second groove (7) are provided with insulating members (11). The insulating member (11) in the first groove (6) at least covers the area of ​​the first conductive layer (2) exposed in the first groove (6), and the insulating member (11) in the second groove (7) at least covers the area of ​​the second conductive layer (4) exposed in the second groove (7).

5. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A hollow groove (10) is provided on the inner side of the edge area of ​​the electrochromic device. The hollow groove (10) is provided between the adjacent first groove (6) and second groove (7) and is connected to the first groove (6) and the second groove (7) respectively. The hollowed-out groove (10) penetrates the first base layer (1), the first conductive layer (2), the electrochromic layer (3), the second conductive layer (4), and the second base layer (5).

6. The electrochromic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The upper and lower sides of the hollow groove (10) are respectively provided with insulating members (11) covering the hollow groove (10). One end of the insulating member (11) on the upper side is attached to the first base layer (1), and the other end extends into the first groove (6) and then attaches to the second conductive layer (4). One end of the insulating member (11) on the lower side is attached to the second base layer (5), and the other end extends into the second groove (7) and then attaches to the first conductive layer (2).

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