An electrochromic device

Abstract

This utility model discloses an electrochromic device, which includes a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic film layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer stacked sequentially from top to bottom. A first bus electrode and a second bus electrode are disposed at the edge of the electrochromic device. The first bus electrode is stacked at the periphery of the bottom surface of the first conductive layer, and the second bus electrode is stacked at the periphery of the top surface of the second conductive layer. An insulating layer is disposed between the first and second bus electrodes. The first and second bus electrodes are respectively spaced apart around the electrochromic film layer. This electrochromic device adopts a unique all-electrode structure design, enabling the number of channels for electrons to enter and exit the device to be equal to the entire perimeter of the device, and ensuring that the path for electrons to conduct to the first and second conductive layers is minimized. This fundamentally overcomes the channel number limitation of traditional segmented electrodes, significantly improving the color-changing speed of large-size electrochromic devices, thereby meeting user needs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of electrochromic technology, and specifically relates to an electrochromic device. Background Technology

[0002] Intelligent dimming glass is increasingly being used in architectural glass and automotive roof glass. As users' demands for the dimming glass experience continue to rise, the color-changing speed of large-size dimming and color-changing devices is particularly critical, as it directly affects the user experience.

[0003] The color-changing speed of large-size electrochromic devices is determined by the speed at which electrons enter and exit the electrochromic device. Since the design of the conductive electrodes around the large-size device determines the electron entry and exit paths, the design of the electrode structure is crucial. Currently, a common solution is a segmented conductive electrode design, where the upper and lower conductive layers are arranged alternately. For example, CN216248708U discloses an electrochromic device that uses a segmented electrode design that allows electrons to enter and exit the device simultaneously from four directions, shortening the electron conduction path to the upper and lower conductive layers by half, thus improving the electrochromic speed to some extent. However, when the size of the electrochromic device exceeds one meter in length, the color-changing speed of the segmented electrodes is also limited because the actual number of effective electron channels provided by the segmented electrodes to the electrochromic layer (EC layer) and the ion storage layer (IS layer) is only equal to half the device perimeter. In other words, although the electron path is shortened, the number of electron channels does not increase. Therefore, under the existing electrode structure design, the color-changing speed of large-size electrochromic devices is still difficult to meet user needs, and developing faster electrode design solutions has become an urgent task to improve user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an electrochromic device that addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies. This electrochromic device adopts an all-electrode structure design, which enables the number of channels for electrons to enter and exit the electrochromic device to be equal to the entire circumference of the device, and ensures that the path for electrons to conduct to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer is minimized. This fundamentally overcomes the channel number limitation of traditional segmented electrodes, and significantly improves the color-changing speed of large-size electrochromic devices, thereby meeting user needs.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: an electrochromic device, which includes a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic film layer, a second conductive layer and a second substrate layer stacked from top to bottom. The edge of the electrochromic device is provided with a first bus electrode and a second bus electrode. The first bus electrode is stacked on the periphery of the bottom surface of the first conductive layer, and the second bus electrode is stacked on the periphery of the top surface of the second conductive layer. An insulating layer is provided between the first bus electrode and the second bus electrode. The first bus electrode and the second bus electrode are respectively spaced apart on the periphery of the electrochromic film layer.

[0006] Preferably, the insulating layer includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer, the first insulating layer is attached to the bottom surface of the first bus electrode, the second insulating layer is attached to the top surface of the second bus electrode, the width of the first insulating layer is not less than the width of the first bus electrode, and the width of the second insulating layer is not less than the width of the second bus electrode.

[0007] As a further preferred embodiment, both the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are insulating tape or insulating film.

[0008] As a further preferred embodiment, the insulating tape includes a substrate and an adhesive, wherein the substrate is polyvinyl chloride, rubber, polyester film, polytetrafluoroethylene, cloth-based material or polyimide, the adhesive is rubber, acrylic or silicone, and the insulating film is polyvinyl chloride, rubber, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, cloth-based material or polyimide.

[0009] As a further preferred embodiment, the outer edge of the first insulating layer extends outward to form a first extending edge, which is attached to the outer surface of the first bus electrode. Similarly, the outer edge of the second insulating layer extends outward to form a second extending edge, which is attached to the outer surface of the second bus electrode. The first and second extending edges provide protection, reducing the erosion of the first and second bus electrodes by moisture and oxygen, preventing short circuits, and extending the device's lifespan.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment, the electrochromic film layer comprises, from top to bottom, an electrochromic layer (i.e., EC layer), an electrolyte layer (i.e., EL layer), and an ion storage layer (i.e., IS layer). The inner edge of the first insulating layer extends inward to form a third extending edge, and the inner edge of the second insulating layer extends inward to form a fourth extending edge. The third extending edge extends to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer, and the fourth extending edge extends to the upper surface of the ion storage layer; alternatively, the third extending edge extends to the lower surface of the electrochromic layer, and the fourth extending edge extends to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer. The third and fourth extending edges provide further insulation and isolation, preventing short circuits and improving device reliability.

[0011] Preferably, the first bus electrode and the second bus electrode are selected from one of the following: silver foil, copper foil, gold foil, aluminum foil, silver foil tape, copper foil tape, gold foil tape, aluminum foil tape, FPC, silver paste, copper paste, gold paste and aluminum paste.

[0012] Preferably, the first bus electrode is welded to the first wire, and the second bus electrode is welded to the second wire. The first and second wires can be made of copper wire or nickel-plated copper wire.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: The electrochromic device of this invention has a first bus electrode stacked around the periphery of the bottom surface of the first conductive layer and a second bus electrode stacked around the periphery of the bottom surface of the second conductive layer, forming a unique all-electrode structure. This all-electrode structure design allows electrons to simultaneously, efficiently, and rapidly enter and exit the device from its entire periphery; that is, the number of channels for electrons to enter and exit the electrochromic device is equal to the entire perimeter of the device, ensuring that the path for electrons to conduct to the first and second conductive layers is minimized. This all-electrode structure design fundamentally overcomes the channel number limitation of traditional segmented electrodes, significantly improving the color-changing speed of large-size electrochromic devices, thereby meeting user needs. Compared to the traditional segmented electrode structure design, this all-electrode structure doubles the number of electron channels, greatly accelerating the speed at which electrons conduct to the first and second conductive layers, thus significantly increasing the color-changing speed of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view (perspective view) of the electrochromic device in Example 1. Figure 2 Enlarged Figure 1 Sectional view of AA; Figure 3 This is a top view of the electrochromic device in Comparative Example 1; Figure 4 Enlarged Figure 3 Middle BB section view; Figure 5 Enlarged Figure 3 C-section view; The specific reference numerals in the figure are as follows: 1-First base layer, 2-First conductive layer, 3-Electrochromic film layer, 31-Electrochromic layer, 32-Electrolyte layer, 33-Ion storage layer, 4-Second conductive layer, 5-Second base layer, 6-First bus electrode, 61-First wire, 62-First solder joint, 7-Second bus electrode, 71-Second wire, 72-Second solder joint, 81-First insulating layer, 82-Second insulating layer, 83-First extension edge, 84-Second extension edge, 85-Third extension edge, 86-Fourth extension edge, 91-First groove, 92-Second groove. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, and comparative examples. Equipment, components, processes, etc., not limited in this invention, all employ conventional techniques in the art.

[0016] The electrochromic device in Example 1 has dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a first base layer 1, a first conductive layer 2, an electrochromic film layer 3, a second conductive layer 4, and a second base layer 5 stacked sequentially from top to bottom. The electrochromic film layer 3 includes an electrochromic layer 31, an electrolyte layer 32, and an ion storage layer 33 stacked sequentially from top to bottom. The edge of the electrochromic device is provided with a first bus electrode 6 and a second bus electrode 7. The first bus electrode 6 is stacked on the periphery of the bottom surface of the first conductive layer 2, and the second bus electrode 7 is stacked on the periphery of the top surface of the second conductive layer 4. An insulating layer is provided between the first bus electrode 6 and the second bus electrode 7. The first bus electrode 6 and the second bus electrode 7 are respectively spaced apart on the periphery of the electrochromic film layer 3.

[0017] In Embodiment 1, the insulating layer includes a first insulating layer 81 and a second insulating layer 82. The first insulating layer 81 is attached to the bottom surface of the first bus electrode 6, and the second insulating layer 82 is attached to the top surface of the second bus electrode 7. The width of the first insulating layer 81 is greater than the width of the first bus electrode 6. The outer edge of the first insulating layer 81 extends outward to form a first extension edge 83, which is attached to the outer surface of the first bus electrode 6. The width of the second insulating layer 82 is greater than the width of the second bus electrode 7. The outer edge of the second insulating layer 82 extends outward to form a second extension edge 84, which is attached to the outer surface of the second bus electrode 7. The inner edge of the first insulating layer 81 extends inward to form a third extension edge 85, and the inner edge of the second insulating layer 82 extends inward to form a fourth extension edge 86. The third extension edge 85 extends to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer 32, and the fourth extension edge 86 extends to the upper surface of the ion storage layer 33.

[0018] In Example 1, the first conductive layer 2 and the second conductive layer 4 are both made of transparent ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), the first base layer 1 and the second base layer 5 are both made of transparent flexible PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), the first insulating layer 81 and the second insulating layer 82 can be made of insulating tape with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyimide (PI) as the base material, and the first bus electrode 6 and the second bus electrode 7 are both made of copper foil tape.

[0019] Comparative Example 1: The comparative example is a conventional electrochromic device employing a segmented electrode structure, whose size and the materials of its components are the same as those in Example 1. Figures 3-5 As shown, the electrochromic device of Comparative Example 1 includes a first base layer 1, a first conductive layer 2, an electrochromic film layer 3, a second conductive layer 4, and a second base layer 5 stacked sequentially from top to bottom. A first bus electrode 6 and a second bus electrode 7 are respectively disposed on the upper and lower sides of the edge of the electrochromic device. The first bus electrode 6 is electrically connected to the second conductive layer 4, and the second bus electrode 7 is electrically connected to the first conductive layer 2. Specifically, a portion of the first base layer 1, the first conductive layer 2, and the electrochromic film layer 3 is removed using an erasing process to form several first grooves 91. The second conductive layer 4 is exposed, and a portion of the second base layer 5, the second conductive layer 4, and the electrochromic film layer 3 is removed to form a plurality of second grooves 92 to expose the first conductive layer 2. A plurality of first grooves 91 are spaced apart along the upper edge of the second conductive layer 4, and a plurality of second grooves 92 are spaced apart along the lower edge of the first conductive layer 2. A portion of the first bus electrode 6 is embedded in at least one first groove 91 and electrically connected to the second conductive layer 4, and a portion of the second bus electrode 7 is embedded in at least one second groove 92 and electrically connected to the first conductive layer 2.

[0020] Compared to traditional electrochromic devices that use a segmented electrode structure design, the electrochromic device of this invention, which uses a full electrode structure design, has twice the number of electronic channels.

[0021] Under the same test conditions, the electrochromic devices of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1 were tested to achieve the same charge-discharge rates for bright-state and dark-state transmittance. The test conditions were: charging voltage of 1.2V and discharging voltage of -1.3V for both. Bright-state and dark-state transmittance data were collected using a transmittance meter.

[0022] Table 1 shows a comparison of the charge and discharge speeds of the electrochromic devices in Comparative Example 1 and Example 1.

[0023] Table 1

[0024] In Table 1, T90+ is the charging time when 90% bright state transmittance is reached during the charging process; T98- is the discharging time when 98% dark state transmittance is reached during the discharging process.

[0025] As can be seen from Table 1, the charging and discharging times of the device in Example 1 are significantly shorter than those in Comparative Example 1. This verifies that the all-electrode structure design adopted in this invention, by maximizing the number of electron channels to the entire perimeter of the device, significantly accelerates the speed at which electrons are conducted to the first and second conductive layers, thereby ultimately greatly improving the overall color-changing speed of the device.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, comprising, from top to bottom, a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, an electrochromic film layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer, wherein a first bus electrode and a second bus electrode are provided at the edge of the electrochromic device, characterized in that, The first bus electrode is stacked on the periphery of the bottom surface of the first conductive layer, and the second bus electrode is stacked on the periphery of the top surface of the second conductive layer. An insulating layer is provided between the first bus electrode and the second bus electrode. The first bus electrode and the second bus electrode are respectively disposed at intervals around the electrochromic film layer.

2. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating layer includes a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer. The first insulating layer is attached to the bottom surface of the first bus electrode, and the second insulating layer is attached to the top surface of the second bus electrode. The width of the first insulating layer is not less than the width of the first bus electrode, and the width of the second insulating layer is not less than the width of the second bus electrode.

3. The electrochromic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are insulating tape or insulating film.

4. The electrochromic device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The insulating tape includes a substrate and an adhesive. The substrate is polyvinyl chloride, rubber, polyester film, polytetrafluoroethylene, cloth material, or polyimide. The adhesive is rubber, acrylic, or silicone. The insulating film is polyvinyl chloride, rubber, polyester, polytetrafluoroethylene, cloth material, or polyimide.

5. The electrochromic device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer edge of the first insulating layer extends outward to form a first extension edge, which is attached to the outer surface of the first bus electrode. The outer edge of the second insulating layer extends outward to form a second extension edge, which is attached to the outer surface of the second bus electrode.

6. An electrochromic device according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The electrochromic film layer includes an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer stacked sequentially from top to bottom. The inner edge of the first insulating layer extends inward to form a third extending edge, and the inner edge of the second insulating layer extends inward to form a fourth extending edge. The third extending edge extends to the lower surface of the electrolyte layer and the fourth extending edge extends to the upper surface of the ion storage layer, or the third extending edge extends to the lower surface of the electrochromic layer and the fourth extending edge extends to the upper surface of the electrolyte layer.

7. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bus electrode and the second bus electrode are respectively selected from one of silver foil, copper foil, gold foil, aluminum foil, silver foil tape, copper foil tape, gold foil tape, aluminum foil tape, FPC, silver paste, copper paste, gold paste and aluminum paste.

8. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bus electrode is welded to the first wire, and the second bus electrode is welded to the second wire.

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