Multi-material lamination

Abstract

Element with variable transmission, comprising: a first substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the first and second substrates are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to define a space between them, with the second and third surfaces facing each other; a seal formed from a sealing material extending along a circumference of the first and second substrates; a first lamination layer comprising a first lamination material that is different from the sealing material and is coupled to the second surface; a second lamination layer comprising a second lamination material that is different from the sealing material and is bonded to the second substrate; and an electro-optical device arranged between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer.

Description

AREA OF REVELATION

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to an element with variable transmission and in particular to a window or mirror with variable transmission having a multi-material lamination. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a variable transmission element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are spaced apart such that they, together with the opposing second and third surfaces, define a space between them. A seal is formed from a sealing material and extends along a circumference of the first and second substrates. A first laminating layer comprises a first laminating material that is distinct from the sealing material, and the first laminating layer is coupled to the second surface. A second laminating layer comprises a second laminating material that is distinct from the sealing material, and the second laminating layer is coupled to the second substrate.An electro-optical device is arranged between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a variable-transmission element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are spaced apart such that they, together with the opposing second and third surfaces, define a space between them. A first lamination layer comprises a first lamination material and is coupled to the second surface. A second lamination layer comprises a second lamination material that differs from the first lamination material and is coupled to the second substrate. An electro-optical device is arranged between the first and second lamination layers.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a variable transmission element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are spaced apart such that, together with the opposing second and third surfaces, they define a space between them. An electro-optical device is arranged between the first and second substrates. A seal, formed from a sealing material that does not contain thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyvinyl butyral (“PVB”), or ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), extends along a circumference of the first and second substrates.A first lamination layer comprises a first lamination material selected from a group including TPU, PVB, and EVA, which is positioned between the second surface and the electro-optical device. A second lamination layer comprises a different second lamination material selected from a group including TPU, PVB, and EVA, which is positioned between the third surface and the electro-optical device.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and purposes of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the field with reference to the following description, the claims and the accompanying drawings, and will thus become more understandable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0006] The following applies to the drawings: Fig. 1A is a variable transmission element of a first structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 1B is a variable transmission element of a second structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 1C is a seal of an element with variable transmission according to one aspect of the present disclosure; Fig. 2A is a top view of a vehicle in which a variable transmission element according to the present disclosure is integrated; Fig. 2B is a perspective top view of an aircraft in which a variable transmission element according to the present disclosure is integrated; Fig. 2C is a front view of a building in which a variable transmission element according to the present disclosure is integrated; and Fig. 2D is a perspective top view of a glasses arrangement in which an element with variable transmission according to the present disclosure is integrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present illustrative embodiments are essentially combinations of process steps and device components associated with a variable transmission element featuring a multi-material lamination. The device components and process steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, which show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to the average person skilled in the art who benefits from this description. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the description and in the drawings represent identical elements.

[0008] For descriptive purposes, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "back", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and derivatives thereof shall here refer to the revelation as it appears in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 1B is oriented. Unless otherwise specified, the term "front" refers to a surface of the device closest to an intended observer, and the term "rear" refers to a surface of the device furthest from the intended observer. However, it is understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. It is also understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical properties associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

[0009] The terms “include”, “include”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, cover non-exclusive inclusion insofar as a process, method, article, or device comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or device. An element preceded by “comprising a…” does not, without further limitations, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0010] With reference to the Fig. Reference numeral 12A, 1A and 2A-2D, generally denotes a variable-transmission element of a first structure. The variable-transmission element 12A has a first substrate 14 defining a first surface 16 oriented towards the front of the variable-transmission element 12A, a second surface 18 opposite the first surface 16, and a first perimeter 20 defining an outer boundary of the first surface 16 and the second surface 18. The first substrate 14 may be essentially transparent. The variable-transmission element 12A also has a second substrate 22 defining a third surface 24 oriented towards the front of the variable-transmission element 12A, a fourth surface 26 opposite the third surface 24, and a second perimeter 28 defining an outer boundary of the third surface 24 and the fourth surface 26. The second substrate 22 may be essentially transparent.The first and second substrates 14, 22 are spaced apart from each other, defining a space between them. A seal 30 is formed from a sealing material and extends along the circumferences 20, 28 of the first and second substrates 14, 22. A first lamination layer 32 comprises a first lamination material that is different from the sealing material and is coupled to the first substrate 14. A second lamination layer 34 comprises a second lamination material that is different from the sealing material and is coupled to the second substrate 22. An electro-optical device 36 (e.g., an electro-optical medium 40) is arranged between the first lamination layer 32 and the second lamination layer 34 and can generally extend together with the first and second lamination layers 32 and 34.

[0011] Specifically referring to Fig. In embodiment 1A, the variable transmission element 12A may have a third lamination layer 38 comprising a third lamination material that may differ from the first and / or second lamination material and is arranged between the second substrate 22 and the electro-optic device 36. The first lamination layer 32 may be coupled to the second surface 18 (e.g., directly connected to and / or applied to it) and may extend to the first circumference 20. The second lamination layer 34 may be arranged between the second substrate 22 and the electro-optic device 36. In some embodiments, the third lamination layer 38 may be coupled to the third surface 24 (e.g., directly connected to and / or applied to it) and extend to the second circumference 28.Therefore, in some embodiments, the second lamination layer 34 can be arranged between the third lamination layer 38 and the electro-optical device 36.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first laminating material can differ from the second laminating material. In some embodiments, the third laminating material can, for example, be the same as the first laminating material and differ from the second laminating material. In other embodiments, the third laminating material can differ from the first laminating material and be the same as the second laminating material. In still other embodiments, the third laminating material can differ from both the first and second laminating materials. In further embodiments, the first and second laminating materials can be the same and differ from the third laminating material. In each of the above-described arrangements of laminating materials, the third laminating material can also differ from the sealing material.

[0013] Continued with reference to Fig. 1A The sealing material may comprise an adhesive, a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting or vulcanized material, epoxy resin (e.g., a two-part epoxy resin), a liquid form, and / or at least two different materials. It should be noted, however, that the sealing material could have other compositions, for example, compositions that do not contain thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyvinyl butyral (“PVB”), ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), and / or other thermoplastics. The first to third laminating materials, on the other hand, may comprise one, two, or more components of TPU, PVB, and EVA. In some embodiments, the EVA material contains a peroxide. For example, the peroxide may be present in a small percentage of the overall composition, so that only a portion of the EVA is cured.In some embodiments, less than 80% of the EVA is cured by the peroxide content, for example, less than 60%, less than 40%, or less than 20%. In some embodiments, the EVA contains no peroxide (or other catalyst), and a catalyst, such as peroxide, is applied to discrete areas of the second surface 18, the third surface 24, the perimeters 20, 28 of the substrates 14, 22, the outer areas of the laminates 32, 34, 38, the electro-optical device 36, or other components of the variable transmission element 12A, so that only selected sections of the EVA are cured (i.e., cross-linked).

[0014] With further reference to Fig. Figure 1A shows that the electro-optic device 36 has an electro-optic medium 40. As shown, the electro-optic device 36 can be configured as a solid-state device, such that the electro-optic medium 40 comprises an electrolyte film. The electrolyte film can comprise cathodic materials, anodic materials, and electrolyte materials. However, it should be noted that the electro-optic device 36 can also be configured as a solution-phase device, such that the electro-optic medium 40 is a liquid or a gel containing at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and at least one cathodic material. The electro-optic medium 40 is switchable between a transmissive state (e.g., more than 40%, 50%, and 60% transmission in a visible spectrum) and a substantially darkened state.In other embodiments, a reflective or transreflective layer (not shown) is arranged between the electro-optic medium 40 and the fourth surface 26, so that an increase in the transmissive state increases the amount of reflected light.

[0015] Continued with reference to Fig. In 1A, the electro-optic device 36 comprises a first electrode layer 42 and a second electrode layer 44, wherein the electro-optic medium 40 can be arranged sandwich-like between them. The electro-optic device 36 can further comprise a first charge storage layer 45 (i.e., a first device substrate) and a second charge storage layer 46 (i.e., a second device substrate). The first electrode layer 42 can be arranged on the first charge storage layer 45, and the second electrode layer 44 can be arranged on the second charge storage layer 46. The first charge storage layer 45 and the second charge storage layer 46 can be formed from polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”), one or more plastics, or stacks of several plastics.The first electrode layer 42 and the second electrode layer 44 can be formed from electrically conductive transparent materials, including, but not limited to, a transparent conductive film (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), F:SnO2, ZnO, IZO), insulator-metal-insulator (“IMI”) structures, carbon (graphene and / or graphite), and / or a conductive metal mesh (e.g., nanowires). An electrical bus 48 can extend at least partially along a circumferential edge of the electro-optical medium 40. For example, the electrical bus 48 can comprise one or more conductive adhesives, a metal strip, a metal tape, and / or the like, which may have a higher electrical conductivity than either the first electrode layer 42 and the second electrode layer 44, or both.In some embodiments, the electrical bus 48 may comprise the metal strip or band with the conductive adhesive, which is electrically connected between the electrical bus 48 and the first and second electrode layers 42, 44. The electrical bus 48 may be located on an inner surface (e.g., a surface facing the electro-optic medium 40) of the first electrode layer 42 and / or the second electrode layer 44, or the electrical bus 48 may be located on an outer surface (e.g., a surface facing away from the electro-optic medium 40) of the first electrode layer 42 and / or the second electrode layer 44. In some cases, the electrical bus 48 may traverse the entire circumference of the electro-optic medium 40 or be arranged at one or more discrete positions.

[0016] Continued with reference to Fig. 1A The seal 30 can substantially cover the electrical bus 48. In some embodiments, one or more conductive intermediate devices 50 are connected to the electrical bus 48 and extend through the seal 30 to connect a power source and a control system (not shown). The conductive intermediate device 50 can comprise a clip, conductive paste, conductive adhesive, conductive ink, wire, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the seal 30 can extend around and contact the circumferences 20, 28 of the first and second substrates 14, 22 and an outer circumference of the intermediate components (e.g., the electro-optical device 36 and the lamination layers 32, 34, and 38). In such embodiments, the seal 30 may not be in direct contact with the second or third surface 18, 24.In some embodiments, a solar control layer 52 is arranged between the second substrate 22 and the electro-optical device 36, for example, between the second and third layers 34, 38. The solar control layer 52 can be configured to reflect light within a visible or invisible spectrum. For example, the solar control layer 52 can be configured to reflect light in the infrared spectrum while transmitting light in the visible spectrum.

[0017] Now, referring to Fig. 1B is an element with variable transmission 12B with a second structure illustrated. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the element with variable transmission 12B of the second structure can have all the same components, functionalities, materials, and configurations as the element with variable transmission 12A of the first structure. However, the seal 30 in the element with variable transmission 12B of the second structure is arranged between the first and second substrates 14, 22, so that it is in direct contact with the second and third surfaces 18, 24 and is sandwiched between them.

[0018] Now, referring to Fig. 1C can have the seal 30, which is contained in the first and second assemblies of the variable transmission element 12A, 12B, comprising layers of sealing material. The sealing material layers can have two or more layers of different types of sealing material. Each layer can extend between the second and third surfaces 18, 24 (i.e., in the variable transmission element 12A) or at least partially over and in contact with the circumferences 20, 28 of the first and second substrates 14, 22 (e.g., the variable transmission element 12B). The layers can have a first layer 54, a second layer 56, and a third layer 58. The second layer 56 can be arranged between the first and third layers 54, 58. In some embodiments, each of the layers 54, 56, and 58 is formed from a different sealing material.In other embodiments, two of the layers 54, 56, and 58 are formed from a different sealing material, and two of the layers 54, 56, and 58 are formed from the same sealing material. The second layer 56, for example, can be formed from a different material than the first and third layers 54 and 58, and the first and third layers 54 and 58 can be formed from the same sealing material. The sealing materials can be selected from a group comprising an adhesive, a thermoplastic material, a thermoset or vulcanized material, an epoxy (e.g., a two-component epoxy resin), a liquid form, or at least two different materials, and a catalyst (e.g., a thermoset catalyst). In some embodiments, the third layer 58 is arranged within the first and second layers 54 and 56 and contains the catalyst.Therefore, it is provided that less than 80% of the second layer 56 is hardened by the catalyst, for example, less than 60%, less than 40%, or less than 20%. In this way, in some embodiments, the third layer 58 can be a hardened sealing material, and an outer layer (e.g., the second layer 56) can be the same sealing material, unhardened. In other embodiments, an outer layer (e.g., the first or second layer 54, 56) can be a hardened sealing material, and an inner layer (e.g., the second or third layer 56, 58) can be the same sealing material, unhardened. In some embodiments, the seal 30 (e.g., one or more layers 54, 56, 58) can be hardened with an electron beam to selectively crosslink the sealing material.The sealing material in one or more layers 54, 56, 58 can be selected as a liquid barrier and / or gas barrier due to its properties.

[0019] Now, referring to the Fig. In embodiments 1A-1C, one or more of the laminating layers 32, 34, and 38 can be 15 mm or less, 3 mm or less, 1.5 mm or less, or 15 µm or less thick to reduce optical distortions that may occur during assembly. One or more of the laminating materials can be, for example, TPU, EVA, or PVB with a high molecular weight such that the laminating materials exhibit less than 3,000,000 °centipoise at 200 °C. In some embodiments, at least one of the laminating materials is PVB and exhibits less than 2,500,000 °centipoise or approximately 2,123,000 °centipoise at 200 °C, resulting in a high degree of optical uniformity. The laminating materials can comprise different combinations of TPU, PVB, and / or EVA. Each laminating material can be homogeneous. In some embodiments, at least one laminating material comprises EVA with the peroxide content.

[0020] Since it refers to both the first and second structures, in some embodiments the first laminating material is made of TPU, the second laminating material is made of PVB or EVA, and the third laminating material is made of PVB or EVA (e.g., different from the second laminating material). In some embodiments the first laminating material is made of PVB, the second laminating material is made of TPU or EVA, and the third laminating material is made of TPU or EVA (e.g., different from the second laminating material). In further embodiments the first laminating material is made of EVA, the second laminating material is made of PVB or TPU, and the third laminating material is made of PVB or TPU (e.g., different from the second laminating material).In some embodiments, the second laminating material is made of PVB, the first laminating material is made of TPU or EVA, and the third laminating material is made of TPU or EVA (e.g., different from the first laminating material). In further embodiments, the second laminating material is made of EVA, the first laminating material is made of PVB or TPU, and the third laminating material is made of PVB or TPU (e.g., different from the first laminating material). In some embodiments, the third laminating material is made of PVB, the first laminating material is made of TPU or EVA, and the second laminating material is made of TPU or EVA (e.g., different from the first laminating material).In further embodiments, the third laminating material is made of EVA, the first laminating material is made of PVB or TPU, and the second laminating material is made of PVB or TPU (e.g., different from the first laminating material).

[0021] Now, referring to the Fig. In 2A-2D, the variable transmission element 12A, 12B can be integrated into one or more structures 60A-60C. For example, illustrated Fig. 2A is a motor vehicle 60A in which the variable transmission element 12A, 12B is used, for example, with an interior rearview mirror, a sunroof, a windshield, a side window, a head-up display, and / or other locations in the vehicle interior that display one or more aspects of the variable transmission element 12A, 12B. The motor vehicle 60A may be a commercial vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a motorhome, or the like. Fig. Illustrates an aircraft 60B in which the variable transmission element 12A, 12B is used (e.g. a windscreen, a side window and / or a heads-up display). Fig. Figure 2C illustrates a building 60C in which the variable transmission element 12A, 12B (e.g., a window) is used. The building 60C can be a residential building, a commercial building, and / or the like. Generally speaking, the variable transmission element 12A, 12B can be integrated into any environment where it is advantageous to change the state of a window, a mirror, and / or a display. Fig.Figure 2D illustrates a pair of glasses 60D that uses a variable transmission element 12A, 12B. For example, the glasses 60D can be configured as glasses with a darkening function, augmented reality, or semi-augmented reality. The variable transmission element 12A, 12B can be integrated into other structures, where switching between transmission and / or reflection states (e.g., an electro-optical configuration in structures 60A-60D) can be advantageous.

[0022] The present revelation is further summarized in the following sections and is characterized in more detail by combinations of any of the various aspects described therein.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a variable transmission element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are spaced apart such that they, together with the opposing second and third surfaces, define a space between them. A seal is formed from a sealing material and extends along a circumference of the first and second substrates. A first laminating layer comprises a first laminating material that is distinct from the sealing material, and the first laminating layer is coupled to the second surface. A second laminating layer comprises a second laminating material that is distinct from the sealing material, and the second laminating layer is coupled to the second substrate.An electro-optical device is arranged between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer.

[0024] According to another aspect, the first laminating material differs from the second laminating material.

[0025] According to another aspect, a third lamination layer comprises a third lamination material that differs from the first lamination material and / or the second lamination material and is arranged between the second substrate and the electro-optical device.

[0026] According to yet another aspect, the third laminating material differs from the first laminating material.

[0027] According to another aspect, the sealing material contains an adhesive.

[0028] According to another aspect, the sealing material includes a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting or vulcanized material, epoxy resin, a liquid form, or at least two different materials.

[0029] According to yet another aspect, the sealing material between the second and third surfaces extends essentially within the perimeter of the first and second substrates.

[0030] According to another aspect, the sealing material extends essentially outside the perimeter of the first and second substrates.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a variable-transmission element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are spaced apart such that they, together with the opposing second and third surfaces, define a space between them. A first lamination layer comprises a first lamination material and is coupled to the second surface. A second lamination layer comprises a second lamination material that differs from the first lamination material and is coupled to the second substrate. An electro-optical device is arranged between the first and second lamination layers.

[0032] According to another aspect, a seal comprises a sealing material that extends between the second and third surfaces along a perimeter of the first and second substrates.

[0033] According to another aspect, a third lamination layer comprises a third lamination material that differs from the first lamination material and / or the second lamination material and is arranged between the second substrate and the electro-optical device.

[0034] According to yet another aspect, the third laminating material differs from the first laminating material.

[0035] According to another aspect, the third laminating material differs from the second laminating material.

[0036] According to yet another aspect, at least one of the laminating materials comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate with a peroxide.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the sealing material differs from the first and second laminating materials.

[0038] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a variable-transmission element comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are spaced apart such that, together with the opposing second and third surfaces, they define a space between them. An electro-optical device is arranged between the first and second substrates. A seal, formed from a sealing material that does not contain thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyvinyl butyral (“PVB”), or ethylene-vinyl acetate (“EVA”), extends along a circumference of the first and second substrates.A first lamination layer comprises a first lamination material selected from a group including TPU, PVB, and EVA, which is positioned between the second surface and the electro-optical device. A second lamination layer comprises a different second lamination material selected from a group including TPU, PVB, and EVA, which is positioned between the third surface and the electro-optical device.

[0039] According to another aspect, a variable transmission element has a third lamination layer comprising a third lamination material selected from a group including TPU, PVB and EVA, positioned between a third surface and a second lamination material.

[0040] According to another aspect, the third laminating material differs from a first laminating material and / or a second laminating material.

[0041] According to another aspect, a solar control layer is arranged between a second lamination layer and a third lamination layer.

[0042] According to another aspect, an electro-optic device has an electro-optic medium arranged between a first storage layer and a second storage layer, wherein the first storage layer is arranged between a first lamination layer and the electro-optic medium and the second storage layer is arranged between a second lamination material and the electro-optic medium.

[0043] A person skilled in the art understands that the structure of the described disclosure, as well as other components, is not limited to a specific material. Other embodiments of the disclosure presented herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0044] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the connection of two components to one another (electrically or mechanically), directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be stationary or movable. Such a connection may be achieved with the two components (electrically or mechanical) and any additional intermediate elements formed integrally as a single, unified body with each other or with the two components. Such a connection may be permanent, removable, or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

[0045] The term "approximately," as used here, means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and properties are not exact and need not be, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, taking into account tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and the like, as well as other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "approximately" is used in the description of a value or endpoint of a range, the disclosure shall be understood to include the specific value or endpoint to which reference is made. Regardless of whether a numerical value or endpoint of a range is specified with "approximately" in the description or not, the numerical value or endpoint of a range shall comprise two embodiments: one modified with "approximately" and one not modified with "approximately."It is further understood that the endpoints of each of the areas are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint.

[0046] The terms "essentially," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to indicate that a described feature is equal to or nearly equal to a value or description. For example, an "essentially flat" surface is intended to denote a surface that is flat or nearly flat. Furthermore, "essentially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal to or nearly equal to each other. In some embodiments, "essentially" may denote values ​​within approximately 10% of each other, such as approximately 5% of each other or within approximately 2% of each other.

[0047] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. Although only some embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail, those skilled in the field studying this disclosure will readily understand that numerous modifications (e.g., in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, parameter values, assembly arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) are possible without significantly departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed.For example, elements shown to be formed in one piece may be constructed from multiple parts, or elements shown to be formed in multiple parts may be constructed in one piece; the function of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied; the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied; the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are to be included within the scope of the present inventions.Further additions, modifications, changes and omissions to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments may be made without deviating from the meaning of the present inventions.

[0048] It is understood that all described processes or steps within the described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein serve illustrative purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

Claims

[1] Variable transmission element comprising: a first substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the first and second substrates are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to define a space between them, with the second and third surfaces facing each other; a seal formed from a sealing material extending along a circumference of the first and second substrates; a first lamination layer comprising a first lamination material that is different from the sealing material and is coupled to the second surface; a second lamination layer comprising a second lamination material that is different from the sealing material and is bonded to the second substrate; and an electro-optical device arranged between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer. [2] Element with variable transmission according to claim 1, wherein the first laminating material differs from the second laminating material. [3] Variable transmission element according to claim 1, further comprising a third lamination layer comprising a third lamination material which is different from the first lamination material and / or the second lamination material and is arranged between the second substrate and the electro-optical device. [4] Element with variable transmission according to claim 3, wherein the third laminating material differs from the first laminating material. [5] Element with variable transmission according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing material comprises an adhesive. [6] Variable transmission element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing material comprises a thermoplastic material, a thermosetting or vulcanized material, epoxy resin, a liquid form or at least two different materials. [7] Element with variable transmission according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing material between the second and the third surface extends substantially within the perimeter of the first and the second substrate. [8] Element with variable transmission according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing material extends substantially outside the perimeter of the first and the second substrate. [9] Variable transmission element comprising: a first substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the first and second substrates are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to define a space between them, with the second and third surfaces facing each other; a first lamination layer comprising a first lamination material coupled to the second surface; a second laminating layer comprising a second laminating material that differs from the first laminating material and is coupled to the second substrate; and an electro-optical device arranged between the first lamination layer and the second lamination layer. [10] Element with variable transmission according to claim 9, further comprising a seal comprising a sealing material extending between the second and the third surface along a circumference of the first and the second substrate. [11] Variable transmission element according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a third lamination layer comprising a third lamination material which is different from the first lamination material and / or the second lamination material and is arranged between the second substrate and the electro-optical device. [12] Element with variable transmission according to claim 11, wherein the third laminating material differs from the first laminating material. [13] Element with variable transmission according to claim 11, wherein the third laminating material differs from the second laminating material. [14] Variable transmission element according to claim 12 or 13, wherein at least one of the lamination materials comprises ethylene vinyl acetate with a peroxide. [15] Element with variable transmission according to claim 10, wherein the sealing material differs from the first and second lamination material. [16] Variable transmission element comprising: a first substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, wherein the first and second substrates are spaced apart from each other in such a way as to define a space between them, with the second and third surfaces facing each other; an electro-optical device arranged between the first and second substrates; a seal formed from a sealing material that does not contain thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”), polyvinyl butyral (“PVB”), or ethylene vinyl acetate (“EVA”), and extends along a circumference of the first and second substrates; a first laminating layer comprising a first laminating material selected from a group including TPU, PVB and EVA, which is arranged between the second surface and the electro-optical device; and a second lamination layer comprising a different second lamination material selected from a group including TPU, PVB and EVA, positioned between the third surface and the electro-optical device. [17] Variable transmission element according to claim 16, further comprising a third lamination layer comprising a third lamination material selected from the group comprising TPU, PVB and EVA, arranged between the third surface and the second lamination material. [18] Element with variable transmission according to claim 17, wherein the third laminating material differs from the first laminating material and / or the second laminating material. [19] Variable transmission element according to claim 17, wherein a solar control layer is arranged between the second lamination layer and the third lamination layer. [20] Variable transmission element according to one of claims 16-19, wherein the electro-optic device has an electro-optic medium arranged between a first storage layer and a second storage layer, wherein the first storage layer is arranged between the first lamination layer and the electro-optic medium and the second storage layer is arranged between the second lamination material and the electro-optic medium.

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