Electrochromic diaphragm, device and end product

Abstract

The application provides an electrochromic film, an electrochromic device and a terminal product. The electrochromic film comprises a first lead electrode and a second lead electrode. The first lead electrode and the second lead electrode are arranged at the middle part of any first electrode and any second electrode respectively. Alternatively, the first lead electrode is arranged at the middle part of any first electrode or any second electrode, and the second lead electrode is arranged on the surface of the substrate layer corresponding to the first lead electrode and is electrically connected to the bus bar corresponding to the surface of the substrate layer. The electrochromic film, the electrochromic device and the terminal product provided by the application have the following advantages. The lead electrode is arranged at the middle part of the electrode, so that the connection part of the lead electrode and the electrode is farthest from each side wall of the groove. Even if the electrolyte solution on the side wall of the groove overflows, the electrolyte cannot reach the connection part of the lead electrode and the bus bar due to the long distance, so that the open circuit of the device caused by the oil leakage phenomenon is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrochromic technology, and particularly relates to an electrochromic film, device and end product. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible electrochromic films are smart materials that alter their optical properties by applying a low-voltage direct current, reversibly adjusting their color state (from transparent to tinted) and brightness. Current flexible electrochromic films typically consist of a flexible first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, an electrolyte layer, a second conductive layer, and a flexible second substrate layer, all stacked together. The electrolyte layer usually contains organic solvents and solid particles.

[0003] Electrochromic films form electrodes by creating grooves and exposing a conductive layer. These grooves penetrate the electrolyte layer. Under high temperatures, solvent from the electrolyte layer overflows from these grooves, slowly flowing across the grooved area and migrating and accumulating at the edges of the electrochromic film, resulting in an oily substance, commonly referred to as "oil seepage." Over time, the electrolyte solvent eventually comes into contact with the busbars and lead-out electrodes, causing a break in the circuit between the lead-out electrodes and the busbars, ultimately leading to the failure of the entire electrochromic film. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an electrochromic film, device, and end product to solve the technical problem that existing electrochromic films fail due to "oil seepage".

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an electrochromic film, comprising a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, a functional layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer stacked sequentially, wherein the functional layer includes an electrolyte layer;

[0006] The edge region of the electrochromic film is provided with a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves. Each first groove penetrates the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer and the functional layer and exposes the second conductive layer to form a plurality of first electrodes. Each second groove penetrates the second substrate layer, the second conductive layer and the functional layer and exposes the first conductive layer to form a plurality of second electrodes.

[0007] The edge region of the electrochromic film is further provided with a first bus bar and a second bus bar, the first bus bar being connected to and conducting multiple first electrodes, and the second bus bar being connected to and conducting multiple second electrodes;

[0008] The electrochromic film further includes a first lead-out electrode and a second lead-out electrode, wherein the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are respectively disposed in the middle of any first electrode and any second electrode; or, the first lead-out electrode is disposed in the middle of any first electrode or any second electrode, and the second lead-out electrode is disposed on the substrate surface corresponding to the first lead-out electrode and is electrically connected to the busbar corresponding to the substrate surface.

[0009] Because the grooves penetrate the electrolyte layer, electrolyte solution will flow out from the sidewalls (including the cross-section of the electrolyte layer) of the first and second grooves. If the electrolyte solution flows to the connection between the leads and electrodes, it will cause an open circuit between the leads and electrodes, resulting in the device malfunctioning. This application addresses this by placing the leads in the middle of the electrode, ensuring that the connection between the leads and electrodes is furthest from each sidewall of the groove. Even if electrolyte solution overflows from the sidewalls of the groove, the distance is sufficient to prevent the electrolyte from reaching the connection between the leads and the busbar, thus avoiding an open circuit due to oil leakage. Alternatively, one lead can be placed on the electrode, and the other lead can be placed on the back side of the electrode (the corresponding substrate surface), ensuring that the other lead is completely away from the oil leakage point and will not be corroded by the electrolyte solution. Furthermore, the electrolyte solution will only flow into the groove under the influence of gravity. However, since the lead located in the groove is far away, it will not be corroded by the electrolyte solution, thus effectively protecting the connection between the leads and the busbar from damage.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the second lead-out electrode is located on the surface of the substrate layer, the projections of the second lead-out electrode and the first lead-out electrode in the thickness direction of the electrochromic film at least partially overlap. That is, the first lead-out electrode is disposed at the center of an electrode, and the second lead-out electrode is disposed on the surface of the substrate layer corresponding to that electrode. Specifically, the first lead-out electrode is disposed at the center of a first electrode, and the second lead-out electrode is located on the surface of a second substrate layer on the back side of the first electrode; or the first lead-out electrode is disposed at the center of a second electrode, and the second lead-out electrode is located on the surface of a first substrate layer on the back side of the second electrode. By distributing the first and second lead-out electrodes on opposite sides of an electrode, it facilitates connection and conduction with external components.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first lead-out electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first connection portion. The first connection portion is located on the first electrode, and the first electrode portion is located on the side of the first connection portion away from the first electrode. The first busbar covers the first electrode portion. The second lead-out electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second connection portion. The second connection portion is located on the side of the second substrate layer away from the first electrode, and the second electrode portion is disposed on the side of the second connection portion away from the second substrate layer. The second busbar covers the second electrode portion. In other embodiments, the first lead-out electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first connection portion. The first connection portion is located on the side of the first substrate layer away from the second electrode, and the first electrode portion is disposed on the side of the first connection portion away from the first substrate layer. The first busbar covers the first electrode portion. The second lead-out electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second connection portion. The second connection portion is located on the second electrode, and the second electrode portion is located on the side of the second connection portion away from the second electrode. The second busbar covers the second electrode portion. In a specific embodiment, the first electrode portion is the connection terminal of the FBC, and the first connection portion is a copper foil. Connecting the first electrode and the FPC through the copper foil helps to improve the connection reliability between the FPC and the electrode.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first lead electrode and the second lead electrode are respectively disposed in the middle of an adjacent first electrode and the middle of an adjacent second electrode. Disposing the two lead electrodes on adjacent electrodes (i.e., within adjacent grooves) helps to reduce the overall thickness of the membrane.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first lead-out electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first connection portion. The first connection portion is located on the first electrode, and the first electrode portion is located on the side of the first connection portion away from the first electrode. The first busbar covers the first electrode portion. The second lead-out electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second connection portion. The second connection portion is located on the second electrode, and the second electrode portion is located on the side of the second connection portion away from the second electrode. The second busbar covers the second electrode portion. In a specific embodiment, the first electrode portion is the connection terminal of the FBC, and the first connection portion is a copper foil. Connecting the first electrode and the FPC through the copper foil helps to improve the connection reliability between the FPC and the electrode.

[0014] In some embodiments, the distance A from the connection point between the first lead electrode and the first electrode to the sidewall of the first groove satisfies the following relationship:

[0015] 30mm≤A≤80mm.

[0016] In some embodiments, the distance B from the connection point between the second lead electrode and the second electrode to the sidewall of the second groove satisfies the following relationship:

[0017] 30mm≤B≤80mm.

[0018] Positioning the connection between the FPC and the busbar at least 30 mm away from the electrode notch (i.e., the sidewall of the groove) can effectively prevent electrolyte solution seeping from the cut in the electrolyte layer on the sidewall of the groove from flowing to the FPC, thereby avoiding the connection between the FPC and the busbar from breaking.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electrochromic film further includes a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer, wherein the first barrier layer is sequentially fixed to the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer and the second conductive layer, and the first barrier layer prevents the first busbar from being connected to the first conductive layer.

[0020] The second barrier layer is fixed sequentially to the second base layer, the second conductive layer, the functional layer and the first conductive layer, and the second barrier layer prevents the second busbar from connecting to the second conductive layer.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first busbar is further covered with a first adhesive layer, the side of the first adhesive layer near the middle of the electrochromic film is connected to the first base layer, and the side of the first adhesive layer near the edge region of the electrochromic film is connected to the second conductive layer.

[0022] The second busbar is also covered with a second adhesive layer. The side of the second adhesive layer near the center 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. 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. 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 subsequent lamination processes 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.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first busbar is further covered with a first adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer being connected to the first substrate layer on the side near the center of the electrochromic film. The second busbar is further covered with a second adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer being connected to the second substrate layer on the side near the center of the electrochromic film. Both the first and second adhesive layers extend outward to cover the edge area of ​​the electrochromic film. Thus, the first and second adhesive layers 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.

[0024] In some embodiments, the functional layer includes an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer stacked sequentially. In other embodiments, the functional layer includes an ion storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic layer stacked sequentially.

[0025] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an electrochromic device, including two substrates and the electrochromic film described in the first aspect, wherein the electrochromic film is disposed between the two substrates. Due to the inclusion of the electrochromic film from the first aspect, the service life of the electrochromic device provided in this application is effectively improved.

[0026] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a terminal product, including the electrochromic film described in the first aspect or the electrochromic device 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, housing of electronic products, glasses, vehicle, and display panel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] 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.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the distance relationship between the lead-out electrode and the groove provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the distance relationship between the lead-out electrode and the groove provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of one arrangement of the busbar and adhesive layer in the electrochromic film provided in this application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the busbars and adhesive layer in the electrochromic film provided in this application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second arrangement of the busbar and adhesive layer in the electrochromic film provided in the application embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the second arrangement of the busbar and adhesive layer in the electrochromic film provided in the application embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electrochromic film provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0039] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0040] The attached icon numbers are as follows:

[0041] 10. Electrochromic film; 11. First substrate layer; 12. First conductive layer; 13. Functional layer; 131. Electrolyte layer; 132. Electrolyte layer; 133. Ion storage layer; 14. Second conductive layer; 15. Second substrate layer; 100. First groove; 1000. First electrode; 101. Second groove; 1010. Second electrode;

[0042] 20. First busbar; 21. Second busbar;

[0043] 30. First lead-out electrode; 301. First electrode portion; 302. First connecting portion; 303. First lead-out portion; 31. Second lead-out electrode; 311. Second electrode portion; 312. Second connecting portion; 313. Second lead-out portion;

[0044] 40. First barrier layer; 41. Second barrier layer;

[0045] 50. First adhesive layer; 51. Second adhesive layer;

[0046] 60. Substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] It should be noted that the Chinese meanings of the English abbreviations appearing in this article are as follows:

[0054] FPC is the guide electrode; ITO is the conductive layer (indium tin oxide); ACF is the anisotropic conductive film; PVB is polyvinyl butyral.

[0055] It should be noted that the following two paragraphs are only for the purpose of helping to understand the background of the technical solution proposed in this application and the technical problem to be solved in this application, and are not necessarily prior art.

[0056] The fabrication of an electrochromic device typically includes the following steps: (1) forming multiple grooves penetrating the second substrate layer, the second conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer from the surface of the second substrate layer toward the interior of the electrochromic film in the edge region of the film, with each groove exposing the corresponding first conductive layer; similarly, forming multiple grooves penetrating the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, and the electrolyte layer from the surface of the first substrate layer toward the interior of the film, with each groove exposing the corresponding second conductive layer; (2) attaching copper foil (busbar) to the edge region of the film, so that the copper foil is connected in series with multiple electrodes on its surface; (3) applying conductive adhesive to each layer of copper foil. Each of the two FPCs is bonded to one FPC, so that one FPC is electrically connected to the positive conductive layer and the other FPC is electrically connected to the negative conductive layer. Thus, an external controller can be used to connect the two FPCs to energize the electrochromic device, thereby controlling the device to change color; (4) Waterproof tape is attached to part of the surface of the substrate and the side wall of the groove and covered with copper foil to form a water vapor barrier layer to prevent water vapor from entering the electrochromic film and causing the electrochromic film to fail; (5) PVB adhesive layer is used to cover the entire electrochromic film between the two pieces of glass and high temperature hot pressing is performed to melt the PVB adhesive layer and form an electrochromic device.

[0057] During the formation of the grooves, the electrolyte layer in the functional layer is cut off. Since the electrolyte layer contains an electrolyte solution, the electrolyte solvent in the electrochromic membrane overflows under high temperatures and slowly flows into the grooves, migrating and accumulating at the membrane edges, resulting in an oily substance, known as "oil seepage." Over time, the electrolyte solvent eventually comes into contact with the busbar and the lead-out electrodes. Upon contact with the lead-out electrodes, the electrolyte solvent wets the anisotropic conductive adhesive film, reducing its adhesion. The conductive adhesive bonded to the lead-out electrodes also experiences reduced adhesion due to the electrolyte solvent, leading to failure. This causes the lead-out electrodes to disconnect from the busbar, ultimately resulting in an open circuit failure.

[0058] Based on the aforementioned technical problems, the first aspect of this application provides an electrochromic film. By setting the position of the lead-out electrode in the middle of the electrode (groove), the distance between the lead-out electrode and the oil outlet (the cut in the electrolyte layer on the side wall of the groove) is outside a preset distance range. Even if oil overflows, it cannot reach the lead-out electrode, thereby effectively avoiding the connection reliability between the lead-out electrodes and the busbar, and thus solving the problem of the electrochromic film failing due to oil leakage.

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present application provides an electrochromic film 10 comprising a first base layer 11, a first conductive layer 12, a functional layer 13, a second conductive layer 14, and a second base layer 15 stacked sequentially, wherein the functional layer 13 includes an electrolyte layer 132.

[0060] The edge region of the electrochromic film 10 has a plurality of first grooves 100 and a plurality of second grooves 101. Each first groove 100 penetrates the first substrate layer 11, the first conductive layer 12 and the functional layer 13 and exposes the second conductive layer 14 to form a plurality of first electrodes 1000. Each second groove 101 penetrates the second substrate layer 15, the second conductive layer 14 and the functional layer 13 and exposes the first conductive layer 12 to form a second electrode 1010.

[0061] The edge region of the electrochromic film 10 is also provided with a first bus bar 20 and a second bus bar 21. The first bus bar 20 is connected to conduct multiple first electrodes 1000, and the second bus bar 21 is connected to conduct multiple second electrodes 1010.

[0062] The electrochromic film 10 also includes a first lead-out electrode 30 and a second lead-out electrode 31, which are respectively disposed in the middle of any first electrode 1000 and any second electrode 1010. It is understood that in this configuration, each lead-out electrode is electrically connected to its corresponding electrode. In another embodiment, the first lead-out electrode 30 is disposed in the middle of any first electrode 1000 or any second electrode 1010, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is fixedly connected to the substrate surface corresponding to the first lead-out electrode 30 via a conductive element (e.g., a busbar with a length less than that of a single electrode). A busbar extending along the edge region of the electrochromic film 10 is disposed on the surface of the second lead-out electrode 31 and is electrically connected to it.

[0063] The specific positions of the first lead-out electrode 30 and the second lead-out electrode 31 can be configured in the following ways: the first lead-out electrode 30 is positioned in the middle of the first electrode 1000, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is positioned in the middle of the second electrode 1010; or the first lead-out electrode 30 is positioned in the middle of the second electrode 1010, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is positioned in the middle of the first electrode 1000; or the first lead-out electrode 30 is positioned in the middle of the first electrode 1000, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is positioned on the surface of the second substrate layer 15 on the back side of the first electrode 1000; or the first lead-out electrode 30 is positioned in the middle of the second electrode 1010, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is positioned on the surface of the first substrate layer 11 on the back side of the second electrode 1010. The positions of the first lead-out electrode 30 and the second lead-out electrode 31 can be interchanged.

[0064] This application places the lead-out electrode in the middle of the electrode, ensuring that the connection point between the lead-out electrode and the electrode is furthest from the sidewall of each groove. Even if electrolyte solution overflows from the sidewall of the groove, the electrolyte cannot reach the connection point between the lead-out electrode and the busbar due to the sufficient distance, thus preventing the device from being open-circuited due to oil leakage. Alternatively, one lead-out electrode can be placed on the electrode, and another lead-out electrode can be placed on the back side of the electrode (corresponding to the substrate surface). This ensures that the other lead-out electrode is completely away from the oil leakage point and will not be corroded by the electrolyte solution. Furthermore, the electrolyte solution will only flow towards the groove under the influence of gravity. However, since the lead-out electrode located in the groove is far away, it will not be corroded by the electrolyte solution, thus effectively protecting the connection between the lead-out electrode and the busbar from damage. It should be noted that placing the lead-out electrode on the electrode (inside the groove) can effectively reduce the overall thickness of the membrane.

[0065] Furthermore, to facilitate the connection between the external controller and the lead-out electrodes, the two lead-out electrodes are disposed on two adjacent electrodes. For example, the first lead-out electrode 30 can be disposed in the middle of the first electrode 1000, and the second lead-out electrode 31 can be disposed on either the first electrode 1000 or the second electrode 1010 disposed adjacent to the first electrode 1000. Preferably, the first lead-out electrode 30 is disposed in the middle of the first electrode 1000, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is disposed on the surface of the second substrate layer 15 on the back side of the first electrode 1000.

[0066] In applications, such as Figure 3 As shown, the first lead-out electrode 30 can also be disposed on the surface of the second base layer 15 on the back side of the first electrode 1000, and the second lead-out electrode 31 can be disposed on the surface of the first base layer 11 on the back side of the second electrode 1010. Alternatively, the first lead-out electrode 30 can be disposed on the surface of the first base layer 11 on the back side of the second electrode 1010, and the second lead-out electrode 31 can be disposed on the surface of the second base layer 15 on the back side of the first electrode 1000.

[0067] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second lead-out electrode 31 is disposed on the substrate surface corresponding to the first lead-out electrode 30 and is electrically connected to the busbar corresponding to that substrate surface. The corresponding substrate surface refers to the substrate layer on the back side of the electrode where the first lead-out electrode 30 is located. For example, when the first lead-out electrode 30 is disposed on the first electrode 1000, the second lead-out electrode 31 is located on the surface of the second substrate layer 15 on the back side of the first electrode 1000. The back side (back side) refers to the side where the first lead-out electrode 30 is located being the front side (front side) of the electrochromic film 10, and the side where the second lead-out electrode 31 is located being the back side (back side) of the electrochromic film 10. The above description is only for the convenience of understanding this solution and should not be construed as a limitation on the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0068] It should be noted that the plurality of first electrodes 1000 and the plurality of second electrodes 1010 mentioned above are electrode layers formed by the second conductive layer 14 and the first conductive layer 12, respectively. The plurality of first electrodes 1000 can be connected in series with each other through busbars to form a positive electrode, and the plurality of second electrodes 1010 can be connected in series with each other through busbars to form a negative electrode; conversely, the plurality of first electrodes 1000 can also be connected in series with each other through busbars to form a negative electrode, and the plurality of second electrodes 1010 can also be connected in series with each other through busbars to form a positive electrode.

[0069] In application, the middle part of the first electrode 1000 or the second electrode 1010 includes the following situations: the lead-out electrode is located in the middle of the entire first electrode 1000 (i.e., the center of the bottom wall of the first groove 100), or in the middle of the edge of the first electrode 1000. This can maximize the distance between the lead-out electrode and the tangential surface of the groove, and effectively prevent the electrolyte solution from wetting the electrode.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the second lead-out electrode 31 is located on the surface of the substrate layer, the projections of the second lead-out electrode 31 and the first lead-out electrode 30 in the thickness direction of the electrochromic film 10 at least partially overlap. That is, the first lead-out electrode 30 is located in the middle of an electrode, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is located on the surface of the substrate layer corresponding to that electrode. Specifically, the first lead-out electrode 30 is located in the middle of the first electrode 1000, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is located on the surface of the second substrate layer 15 on the back side of the first electrode 1000; or the first lead-out electrode 30 is located in the middle of a second electrode 1010, and the second lead-out electrode 31 is located on the surface of the first substrate layer 11 on the back side of the second electrode 1010. By placing the first lead-out electrode 30 and the second lead-out electrode 31 on opposite sides of an electrode, it facilitates connection and conduction with an external controller, and also ensures that the lead-out electrode on the substrate layer surface is as far away as possible from the oil outlet point, avoiding disconnection due to oil seepage.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4As shown, the first lead-out electrode 30 includes a first electrode portion 301 and a first connecting portion 302. The first connecting portion 302 is located on the first electrode 1000, and the first electrode portion 301 is located on the side of the first connecting portion 302 away from the first electrode 1000. The first busbar 20 covers the first electrode portion 301. The second lead-out electrode 31 includes a second electrode portion 311 and a second connecting portion 312. The second connecting portion 312 is located on the side of the second substrate layer 15 away from the first electrode 1000, and the second electrode portion 311 is disposed on the side of the second connecting portion 312 away from the second substrate layer 15. The second busbar 21 covers the second electrode portion 311. In other embodiments, the first lead-out electrode 30 includes a first electrode portion 301 and a first connecting portion 302. The first connecting portion 302 is located on the side of the first substrate layer 11 away from the second electrode 1010, and the first electrode portion 301 is disposed on the side of the first connecting portion 302 away from the first substrate layer 11. The first busbar 20 covers the first electrode portion 301. The second lead-out electrode 31 includes a second electrode portion 311 and a second connecting portion 312. The second connecting portion 312 is located on the second electrode 1010, and the second electrode portion 311 is located on the side of the second connecting portion 312 away from the second electrode 1010. The second busbar 21 covers the second electrode portion 311. In a specific embodiment, the first electrode portion 301 is the connection end of the lead-out electrode, and the first connecting portion 302 is a copper foil. Connecting the first electrode 1000 and the FPC serving as the lead-out electrode through the copper foil helps to improve the connection reliability between the FPC and the electrode.

[0072] In applications, directly bonding the lead-out electrode to the conductive layer presents the following difficulties: While the conductive layer (ITO, indium tin oxide) is a good transparent conductor, its surface is relatively hard and brittle, and its bonding strength with the conductive particles in the ACF is not as reliable as that of metals (such as copper). Directly using ACF to bond the FPC to the ITO electrode may pose the following risks: unstable contact resistance, insufficient bonding strength, and low bonding process yield. Busbars, such as copper foil, possess excellent conductivity, ductility, and solderability (equivalent to "bondability" for ACF bonding). ACF bonding technology is very mature and reliably used to connect FPCs and copper foil. The copper foil, as the connection part, can provide a low-resistance, large-area, stable electrical connection. The connection point formed by ACF on the copper foil has low and stable resistance. After this small section of copper foil is attached to the electrode, it is equivalent to introducing a low-resistance metal busbar at the edge of the electrode. It can effectively diffuse the current introduced by the FPC laterally across the entire electrode surface, reducing the voltage drop from the electrode edge to the center, making the voltage across the entire electrochromic region more uniform, thus ensuring more uniform color change, faster response speed, and more consistent performance. This is especially important for large-area EC devices.

[0073] In applications, the FPC itself possesses a degree of flexibility, while the copper foil, acting as a relatively rigid transition layer, can better absorb and disperse stress generated between the FPC and the EC substrate 60 due to differences in thermal expansion coefficients or slight bending deformation. This prevents stress from directly acting on the fragile interface between the FPC and the electrode layer or the electrode layer itself, thereby improving the mechanical reliability and long-term stability of the connection. The ACF bonding points between the FPC and the copper foil, and the bonding points between the copper foil and the ITO (typically using conductive tape, conductive silver paste, or high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesive attached to the conductive layer), are each completed at more reliable material interfaces (metal to metal or metal to polymer), offering greater resistance to mechanical and thermal stress than direct FPC-ITO bonding. The high-precision ACF bonding process (requiring precise alignment, temperature, and pressure control) is confined to the FPC and a small piece of copper foil. This step can be performed in a more controlled environment (such as at the FPC supplier or on specialized bonding equipment), resulting in higher yields. The shape (strip, L-shape, etc.) and bonding position (edge, corner, etc.) of the copper foil can be flexibly designed according to electrode design requirements to optimize current distribution. FPCs can be bonded to copper foil first, and then connected to electrodes through the copper foil. This provides greater design freedom for the routing of FPCs and the final connector lead-out direction.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the distance A from the connection point of the first lead-out electrode 30 and the first electrode 1000 to the sidewall of the first groove 100 satisfies the following relationship: 30mm ≤ A ≤ 80mm. In some embodiments, the distance B from the connection point of the second lead-out electrode 31 and the second electrode 1010 to the sidewall of the second groove 101 satisfies the following relationship: 30mm ≤ B ≤ 80mm. In specific embodiments, A and B can be any values ​​within the range of 30mm to 80mm, such as 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, and 80mm. Positioning the connection point between the FPC and the busbar at least 30mm away from the electrode notch (i.e., the sidewall of the groove) effectively prevents electrolyte solution seeping from the cut of the electrolyte layer 132 on the sidewall of the groove from flowing to the FPC, thereby preventing the connection between the FPC and the busbar from breaking. It should be noted that the above distances are straight-line distances.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electrochromic film 10 also includes a first barrier layer 40 and a second barrier layer 41. The first barrier layer 40 is fixed to the first base layer 11, the first conductive layer 12, the functional layer 13 and the second conductive layer 14 in sequence. The first barrier layer 40 prevents the first busbar 20 from being connected to the first conductive layer 12.

[0076] The second barrier layer 41 is sequentially fixed to the second base layer 15, the second conductive layer 14, the functional layer 13, and the first conductive layer 12. The second barrier layer 41 prevents the second busbar 21 from connecting to the second conductive layer 14. In a specific embodiment, the first barrier layer 40 and the second barrier layer 41 are spacer tapes, whose main function is to prevent the busbar located on one side of the electrochromic film 10 from being simultaneously connected to the first conductive layer 12 and the second conductive layer 14, thus preventing a short circuit.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first busbar 20 is also covered with a first adhesive layer 50. The side of the first adhesive layer 50 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first base layer 11, and the side of the first adhesive layer 50 near the edge of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second conductive layer 14.

[0078] The second busbar 21 is also covered with a second adhesive layer 51. The side of the second adhesive layer 51 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second base layer 15, and the side of the second adhesive layer 51 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 (PVB) from entering the electrochromic film 10 through the groove in the subsequent lamination process and reacting with the electrochromic material layer. 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.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the first busbar 20 is also covered with a first adhesive layer 50. The side of the first adhesive layer 50 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the first base layer 11. The second busbar 21 is also covered with a second adhesive layer 51. The side of the second adhesive layer 51 near the middle of the electrochromic film 10 is connected to the second base layer 15. Both the first adhesive layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 extend outward to cover the edge of the electrochromic film 10. In this way, the first adhesive layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 extend outward to the edge of the electrochromic film 10 and are 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. In application, the first adhesive layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 are waterproof tapes.

[0080] In application, functional layer 13 includes an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer 132, and an ion storage layer 133 stacked sequentially; the positions of the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer 133 can be interchanged. That is, functional layer 13 may also include an ion storage layer 133, an electrolyte layer 132, and an electrochromic layer stacked sequentially.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 any transparent conductive material well known to those skilled in the art, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), silver nanowires, graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal meshes, or silver nanoparticles.

[0083] The electrochromic layer 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) material layers. For the electrochromic (EC) material layer, it may include a color-changing material layer, an electrolyte layer 132, and an ion storage layer 133 stacked sequentially. The materials of the color-changing material layer, electrolyte layer 132, and ion storage layer 133 can be materials available in the prior art, and this application does not impose any special limitations on them.

[0084] The electrochromic film 10 has busbars on both sides in the thickness direction. Exemplarily, the busbars can be other conductive materials, including but not limited to conductive copper foil, conductive adhesive, and conductive resin. This allows a multi-electrode structure to be formed at the edge of the dimming film, accelerating the color-changing speed of the dimming film. The first busbar 20 and the second busbar 21 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 adhesive film.

[0085] FPCs are typically mounted on busbars to enable conduction between the busbar and external power circuitry. They can be flexible circuit boards, rolled copper / aluminum foil, electrolytic copper / aluminum foil, etc., and the material 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. FPCs can also be directly formed as power supplies with control modules to directly conduct electricity to the EC layer. FPCs can be directly soldered to busbars or connected to them using conductive adhesives (such as ACF).

[0086] The first adhesive layer 50 and the second adhesive layer 51 can also be waterproof tape or insulating tape. Their main function is to cover and seal the edge of the diaphragm, thereby preventing moisture, impurities and other contaminants from entering the interior of the diaphragm through the first groove 100 or the second groove 101, thus achieving sealing protection for the dimming diaphragm.

[0087] In applications, such as Figure 11 As shown, the first lead-out electrode 30 further includes a first lead-out portion 303, and the second lead-out electrode 31 further includes a second lead-out portion 313. Each lead-out portion extends outward from the groove to provide a connection position for an external controller, facilitating connection. The connection portion of the lead-out electrode is made of copper foil. By bonding the lead-out electrode to the copper foil and then placing it on the electrode, it is beneficial to increase the conductive area between the lead-out electrodes and the electrode, and also to enhance the connection reliability between the lead-out electrodes and the electrode.

[0088] A second aspect of this application provides an electrochromic device, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the device includes two substrates 60 and the electrochromic film 10 described in the first aspect, wherein the electrochromic film 10 is fixed between the two substrates 60. Due to the inclusion of the electrochromic film 10 from the first aspect, the service life of the electrochromic device provided in this application is effectively improved.

[0089] A third aspect of this application provides a terminal product, including the electrochromic film described in the first aspect or the electrochromic device described in the second aspect, wherein the terminal product includes any one of a rearview mirror, a curtain wall, a car sunroof, a car side window, a car windshield, a housing of an electronic product, glasses, a vehicle, and a display panel.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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, It includes a first base layer, a first conductive layer, a functional layer, a second conductive layer, and a second base layer stacked sequentially, wherein the functional layer includes an electrolyte layer; The edge region of the electrochromic film is provided with a plurality of first grooves and a plurality of second grooves. Each first groove penetrates the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer and the functional layer and exposes the second conductive layer to form a plurality of first electrodes. Each second groove penetrates the second substrate layer, the second conductive layer and the functional layer and exposes the first conductive layer to form a plurality of second electrodes. The edge region of the electrochromic film is further provided with a first bus bar and a second bus bar, the first bus bar being connected to and conducting multiple first electrodes, and the second bus bar being connected to and conducting multiple second electrodes; The electrochromic film further includes a first lead-out electrode and a second lead-out electrode, wherein the first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are respectively disposed in the middle of any first electrode and any second electrode; or, the first lead-out electrode is disposed in the middle of any first electrode or any second electrode, and the second lead-out electrode is disposed on the substrate surface corresponding to the first lead-out electrode and is electrically connected to the busbar corresponding to the substrate surface.

2. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the second lead electrode is located on the surface of the substrate layer, the projection of the second lead electrode and the first lead electrode in the thickness direction of the electrochromic film at least partially overlap.

3. The electrochromic film as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first lead-out electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first connection portion. The first connection portion is located on the first electrode, and the first electrode portion is located on the side of the first connection portion away from the first electrode. The first busbar covers the first electrode portion. The second lead-out electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second connection portion. The second connection portion is located on the side of the second substrate layer away from the first electrode, and the second electrode portion is disposed on the side of the second connection portion away from the second substrate layer. The second busbar covers the second electrode portion. Alternatively, the first lead-out electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first connection portion, the first connection portion is located on the side of the first substrate layer away from the second electrode, the first electrode portion is disposed on the side of the first connection portion away from the first substrate layer, the first busbar covers the first electrode portion, the second lead-out electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second connection portion, the second connection portion is located on the second electrode, the second electrode portion is located on the side of the second connection portion away from the second electrode, and the second busbar covers the second electrode portion.

4. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first lead-out electrode and the second lead-out electrode are respectively located in the middle of an adjacent first electrode and the middle of an adjacent second electrode.

5. The electrochromic film as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first lead-out electrode includes a first electrode portion and a first connection portion. The first connection portion is located on the first electrode, and the first electrode portion is located on the side of the first connection portion away from the first electrode. The first busbar covers the first electrode portion. The second lead-out electrode includes a second electrode portion and a second connection portion. The second connection portion is located on the second electrode, and the second electrode portion is located on the side of the second connection portion away from the second electrode. The second busbar covers the second electrode portion.

6. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distance A from the connection point between the first lead electrode and the first electrode to the sidewall of the first groove satisfies the following relationship: 30mm≤A≤80mm; And / or, the distance B from the connection point between the second lead electrode and the second electrode to the sidewall of the second groove satisfies the following relationship: 30mm≤B≤80mm.

7. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic film further includes a first barrier layer and a second barrier layer. The first barrier layer is fixed sequentially to the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer and the second conductive layer. The first barrier layer prevents the first busbar from connecting to the first conductive layer. The second barrier layer is fixed sequentially to the second base layer, the second conductive layer, the functional layer and the first conductive layer, and the second barrier layer prevents the second busbar from connecting to the second conductive layer.

8. The electrochromic film as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first busbar is also covered with a first adhesive layer, the side of the first adhesive layer near the middle of the electrochromic film is connected to the first base layer, and the side of the first adhesive layer near the edge area of ​​the electrochromic film is connected to the second conductive layer. 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. Alternatively, the first busbar is further covered with a first adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer being connected to the first base layer on the side near the middle of the electrochromic film, and the second busbar is further covered with a second adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer being connected to the second base layer on the side near the middle of the electrochromic film, and both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer extending outward to cover the edge area of ​​the electrochromic film.

9. The electrochromic film according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The functional layer includes an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer stacked sequentially. Alternatively, the functional layers may consist of an ion storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic layer stacked sequentially.

10. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, It includes two substrates and an electrochromic film as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrochromic film is disposed between the two substrates.

11. A terminal product, characterized in that, Includes the electrochromic film as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 or the electrochromic device as described in claim 10, wherein the end product is selected from any one of rearview mirrors, curtain walls, car sunroofs, car side windows, car windshields, housings of electronic products, eyeglasses, vehicles, and display panels.

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