Long-range optical device

Abstract

The invention relates to a long-range optical device (1), in particular a monocular, binoculars, night-vision device, comprising at least one display region (21) for displaying optical information, characterised by: at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) associated with the at least one display region (21), which can each be transferred into one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or colourfulness and / or contrast of respective optical information; and a control unit (23) associated with the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1), which are designed for generating control information for transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) into one or more operating states.

Description

[0001] Long-range optical device

[0002] The invention relates to a long-range optical device, in particular a monocular, binocular, or night vision device, comprising at least one display area for displaying optical information.

[0003] Corresponding long-range optical devices are known from the state of the art in a variety of different designs and comprise a display area for displaying or viewing optical information.

[0004] Likewise, in order to be able to change or adjust the brightness and / or contrast of a corresponding display area - this can be, for example, a viewing area or a field of view of an optical channel of the long-range optical device - it is known in principle to equip long-range optical devices with an electrochromic arrangement which comprises an electrochromic element arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements and formed by or comprising an electrochromic material.

[0005] Although appropriately equipped long-range optical devices offer, in principle, satisfactory options for changing or adjusting the optical properties, ie in particular the brightness and / or the contrast, of a corresponding display area, there is a need for further developed long-range optical devices which offer additional freedom in connection with the options for changing or adjusting the optical properties, ie in particular the brightness and / or the contrast of at least one display area.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved long-range optical device.

[0007] The object is achieved by a long-range optical device according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the long-range optical device.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a long-range optical device, which may be, for example, binoculars (mono- or binoculars), a telescopic sight, a night vision device, or a thermal observation or targeting optic, etc. The long-range optical device comprises at least one display area for displaying or viewing optical information.

[0009] The at least one display area can be formed, for example, by a viewing area or a field of view of an optical channel of the long-range optical device. A corresponding viewing area or a corresponding field of view can thus be formed, for example, by an optical channel of the long-range optical device. A corresponding optical channel can extend between an objective lens formed by at least one objective lens and an eyepiece formed by at least one eyepiece lens. The corresponding optical information can thus be real images, possibly optically magnified, of a target area, target object, etc. observed by means of the long-range optical device.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one display area can be formed by an electrical or electronic display device, such as a display device. Corresponding optical information can thus be electrically or electronically generated optical information, e.g., of a target area, target object, etc., observed by means of the long-range optical device. Alternatively or additionally, corresponding optical information can be alphanumeric and / or graphic information, such as symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., which were generated, e.g., by a control device implemented in hardware and / or software and assigned to a corresponding electrical or electronic display device.

[0011] The optical information output by a corresponding electrical or electronic display device can in all cases be coupled into the optical channel(s) of the long-range optical device via a coupling device, optionally for superimposed display with a real image. A corresponding coupling device can be formed, for example, by a prism arrangement comprising one or more prisms or by a film(s) or can comprise such a film.

[0012] The long-range optical device comprises at least two electrochromic arrangements assigned to the at least one display region. Each of the at least two electrochromic arrangements comprises at least one electrochromic element arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements arranged or formed on respective substrate elements. A corresponding electrochromic element can, for example, be formed by or comprise an electrochromic material. A corresponding electrically conductive element can, for example, be formed by or comprise a contact layer made of a conductive material, in particular a conductive metal, such as copper. It is conceivable that a corresponding contact layer is applied at least on one side, at least in sections, to an electrically conductive layer or coating arranged or formed on a substrate element body of a respective substrate element.A corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating can, for example, be formed from or comprise a transparent conductive oxide, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0013] Each of the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be converted into one or more operating states to change the brightness and / or contrast of respective optical information. Each of the at least two electrochromic arrangements is thus configured to adjust or change the optical properties, i.e., in particular, the brightness and / or color and / or contrast, of respective optical information. Changes to the optical properties of respective optical information occur by converting the respective electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states of the respective electrochromic arrangements; thus, different operating states of the respective electrochromic arrangements can be correlated with different optical properties of respective optical information.

[0014] The long-range optical device is therefore characterized by at least two electrochromic arrangements assigned to the at least one display area, which can each be converted into one or more operating states in order to change the optical properties, i.e. in particular the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast, of respective optical information. In this way, additional freedom is opened up in connection with the possibilities for changing or adjusting the optical properties of the at least one display area. This results in particular from the fact that certain optical properties of respective optical information can be obtained by the at least two electrochromic arrangements each being specifically converted into certain operating states, as a result of which the at least two electrochromic arrangements each have a certain permeability (optical transmission) for light of a certain wavelength ora specific wavelength range and, associated therewith, a specific brightness, color, contrast, etc., whereby in turn a resulting permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range and, associated therewith, a resulting brightness, color, contrast, etc. of the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be realized.

[0015] As will become apparent below, the at least two electrochromic arrangements or at least two electrochromic arrangements of the long-range optical device can be arranged or formed in a series circuit, so that the at least two electrochromic arrangements are arranged or formed one after the other directly or indirectly, ie with the interposition of at least one other optical element, in an optical path, ie in particular an optical channel, of the long-range optical device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two electrochromic arrangements or at least two electrochromic arrangements of the long-range optical device can be arranged or formed in a parallel circuit, so that the at least two electrochromic arrangements are arranged next to one another in an optical path, ie in particular an optical channel, or in each case in an optical path, iein particular, an optical channel of the long-range optical device. Thus, in the case of a long-range optical device with multiple optical paths or channels, at least one electrochromic arrangement can be arranged or formed in each optical channel or path.

[0016] To transfer the at least two electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states, the long-range optical device comprises at least one control device implemented in hardware and / or software, which is assigned to the at least two electrochromic arrangements and is configured to generate control information for transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements into one or more operating states. The at least one control device can be configured to generate control information for transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states. Corresponding control information can be generated, for example, on the basis of information or signals generated by user inputs and / or information or signals generated by detection or sensor devices, for example, for detecting the optical properties of an environment around the long-range optical device.

[0017] The at least one control device can be arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the long-range optical device. Alternatively or additionally, the or a control device can be arranged or formed in a mobile terminal device communicating with the long-range optical device via a wired or wireless data connection, such as a laptop, smartphone, smartglass, tablet, etc., or at least one other long-range optical device, such as a sighting optic, a target range finder, etc. Wireless data connections can be implemented using standards for wireless data transmission, such as Bluetooth®.

[0018] The at least two electrochromic arrangements can be converted into respective operating states, for example, by applying an electrical voltage or an electrical current to the respective electrochromic arrangement. It is possible that, by applying electrical voltages or currents of different levels, which may vary over time, to a respective electrochromic arrangement, different operating states of the respective electrochromic arrangement can be realized, which are accompanied by different, i.e. in particular differently pronounced, changes in the optical properties of the respective optical information. The level of the electrical voltages or currents that can be applied or are applied to the respective electrochromic arrangements, which may vary over time.Electrical currents can be controlled or regulated via the at least one control device as part of transferring the respective electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states.

[0019] In order to be able to apply electrical voltages or electrical currents to the respective electrochromic arrangements, the long-range optical device can have at least one electrical energy supply device, e.g. in the form of an electrical energy store, such as a wired or wirelessly chargeable battery. A corresponding electrical energy supply device can be structurally arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the long-range optical device and can be or be connected via one or more interfaces to an external energy supply, such as a power grid or an external energy store. If the long-range optical device has a plurality of display areas, e.g. in a configuration with a first display area formed by an optical channel for a real image and a second display area formed by an electrical or electronic display device for an electrically orelectronically generated image, at least one electrochromic arrangement can be assigned to each display area. Alternatively, the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be assigned to only one (single) display area.

[0020] Accordingly, one or more electrochromic arrangements can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed within an optical channel of the long-range optical device, in particular within an optical channel extending in an optical tube of the long-range optical device between an objective lens and an eyepiece. Alternatively or additionally, one or more electrochromic arrangements can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed outside an optical channel of the long-range optical device, in particular outside an optical channel extending in an optical tube of the long-range optical device between an objective lens and an eyepiece.

[0021] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the long-range optical device are explained, which can basically be combined with each other as desired:

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be converted into one or more respective operating states, either dependently or independently of one another. The at least two electrochromic arrangements can therefore be converted into respective operating states, either dependently or independently of one another. The at least two electrochromic arrangements can therefore be put into operation and / or operated, either dependently or independently of one another. Converting the at least two electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states, either dependently or independently of one another, can mean, for example, that in a case in which a first electrochromic arrangement is converted into an operating state or is operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength ora specific wavelength range is increased or decreased by a specific value, a second electrochromic arrangement is converted into an operating state or operated in an operating state in response to the change in the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic arrangement and thus dependent thereon, in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is also increased or decreased by the or another specific value. An independent conversion of the at least two electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states can, for example, mean that in a case in which a first electrochromic arrangement is converted into an operating state or is operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength ora specific wavelength range is increased or decreased by a specific value, but a second electrochromic arrangement is not converted into an operating state or operated in an operating state in response to the change in the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic arrangement, but independently thereof, in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is also increased or decreased by the or another specific value.

[0023] In a further embodiment, by transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states, a targeted adjustment of the optical properties of the at least one display area can be realized for specific application areas, which can be characterized, for example, by a particular environment in which the long-range optical device is used, for example, to observe a target area, target object, etc. For example, for an application of the long-range optical device in an area of ​​high brightness, such as a snowy area, a desert, etc., and / or in an area of ​​a certain color, such as in a forest, on the water, etc., a particular adjustment of the optical properties of the at least one display area can be carried out, which can optionally be automated or automatically controlled via the at least one control device. In this way, for example,high ambient brightness can be reduced and / or low ambient contrast can be increased. Similarly, alternatively or additionally, for an application of the long-range optical device at a particular time of day, month, or year, a special adjustment of the optical properties of at least one display area can be carried out, optionally automated or controlled by the at least one control device.

[0024] In a further embodiment, a blocking functionality of the long-range optical device can be implemented by transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements into respective operating states. A corresponding blocking functionality can include a temporary transfer of the electrochromic arrangements into a respective operating state in which the resulting permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is so low that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or cannot be displayed to the desired extent or in the desired manner. This can be realized, for example, by targeted darkening, coloring, etc. of the at least one display area or the optical information. A corresponding blocking functionality can therefore include the implementation of a blocking mode in which the resulting permeability for light of a specific wavelength orof a specific wavelength range is so low that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or not to the desired extent or not in the desired manner. The cancellation of a lock mode can be realized, e.g. implemented by the at least one control device, by authentication or identification of a specific user, e.g. by password entry, user recognition, etc. In an analogous manner, the cancellation of a lock mode can alternatively or additionally be carried out on an external terminal device, such as a laptop, smartphone, smartglass, tablet, etc., or at least one other long-range optical device, such as a sighting optics, a target range finder, etc.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the at least two electrochromic arrangements can, as already mentioned, be arranged or formed in an optical channel of the long-range optical device. A corresponding optical channel can, as also already mentioned, extend between an objective lens and an eyepiece of the long-range optical device. The at least two electrochromic arrangements can, for example, be assigned to the objective lens, the eyepiece, or another optical assembly arranged or formed within the optical channel and comprising one or more optical elements, such as a splitter cube assembly (if present). In this way, the transmittance of the objective lens, the eyepiece, or a corresponding optical assembly for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range can be changed or adjusted.The at least two electrochromic arrangements can be integrated directly into a lens and / or eyepiece of the long-range optical device. Thus, in particular, the substrate elements of the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be designed and / or serve as lens elements of the lens and / or eyepiece of the long-range optical device, thereby resulting in a highly integrated optical arrangement.

[0026] In a further embodiment in which the long-range optical device has at least two optical channels, such as, for example, when the long-range optical device is configured as binoculars, at least one first electrochromic arrangement can be arranged or formed in a first optical channel of the long-range optical device and at least one second electrochromic arrangement can be arranged or formed in a second optical channel of the long-range optical device. The optical properties of the at least two optical channels, ie in particular the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can thus be changed or adjusted dependently or independently of one another by transferring the electrochromic arrangements arranged or formed in them.

[0027] In a further embodiment, at least one first electrochromic arrangement can be assigned to an optical channel of the long-range optical device in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast, i.e. in general the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, of the optical information viewable via the optical channel, i.e. e.g. a real image, and at least one second electrochromic arrangement of an electronic display device, such as e.g. a display device, is assigned to the long-range optical device in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast, i.e. in general the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, of the optical information generated via the electronic display device. As mentioned, the electrical orThe optical information generated by the electronic display device can be coupled or coupled in via an optical coupling device, in particular for superimposing it with the optical information viewable in the optical channel.

[0028] In a further embodiment, a first electrochromic arrangement can be configured in one or more operating states to set a defined brightness and / or a defined chromaticity and / or a defined contrast of respective optical information in a first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, and a second electrochromic arrangement can be configured in one or more operating states to set a defined brightness and / or a defined chromaticity and / or a defined contrast of respective optical information in a second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range. The second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range can be the same as or different from the first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range (and vice versa).The chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements which are used for setting a defined brightness and / or a defined color and / or a defined contrast, i.e. in general the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be the same, so that different electrochromic arrangements can, for example, realize the same brightness and / or color and / or contrast ranges due to electrochromic elements which are configured in the same way with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, certain brightness and / or color and / or contrast ranges can be intensified. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements which are used for setting a defined brightness and / or a defined color and / or a defined contrast, i.e.In general, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements can be different, so that different electrochromic arrangements can realize, for example, different brightness and / or color and / or contrast ranges due to electrochromic elements that are differently configured with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties.

[0029] In a further embodiment, a first electrochromic arrangement can be configured in one or more operating states to set a defined color of respective optical information in a first wavelength range, and a second electrochromic arrangement can be configured in one or more operating states to set a defined color of respective optical information in a second wavelength range. The second color range or the associated second color can be the same or different from the first color range or the associated first color (and vice versa). In the case of different color ranges or colors, these can be complementary, for example. Here, too, the chemical and / or physical properties of the elements responsible for setting a defined color, i.e.in general, the transmittance for light of a certain wavelength or a certain wavelength range, of the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements can be the same, so that different electrochromic arrangements can, for example, realize the same color ranges or color ranges or colors due to electrochromic elements that are configured the same with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, certain color ranges or color ranges or colors can be intensified. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the elements responsible for the setting options for a defined color or color, i.e. in general, the transmittance for light of a certain wavelength ora specific wavelength range, the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements can be different, so that different electrochromic arrangements can realize, for example, different chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors due to electrochromic elements that are differently configured with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties. As mentioned, the second chromaticity range or color range can be different from the first chromaticity range or color range, wherein the second chromaticity range or color range can be a complementary chromaticity range or color range to the first chromaticity range or color range. This can be useful, for example, for hunting applications, e.g. because animals can be better distinguished from plants.

[0030] In one embodiment, the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be structurally arranged or formed jointly or integrated in a modular or shaped assembly. A corresponding assembly can, for example, be formed by a modular or shaped housing device or comprise such a device which has a receiving space within which the at least two electrochromic arrangements can be arranged or formed. A corresponding housing device can comprise one or more fastening interfaces via which the housing device can be fastened in a defined orientation and / or position on or in the long-range optical device. Corresponding fastening interfaces can, for example, be mechanical fastening interfaces which enable a positive and / or non-positive fastening of a corresponding housing device on or in the long-range optical device, iein particular on or in a housing part of the long-range optical device. Of course, an alternative or additional option is a material-to-material attachment, e.g., an adhesive or welded attachment, of the housing device to or in the long-range optical device.

[0031] As mentioned, each of the at least two electrochromic arrangements typically comprises at least one electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material, which is arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements each arranged or formed on a substrate element. With regard to a compact arrangement or integration option for the electrochromic arrangements, a further embodiment provides that two electrically conductive elements are arranged or formed on at least one substrate element, in particular on different surfaces, e.g. a top and a bottom, of the at least one substrate element, wherein one on a first surface, e.g.a top side, of the at least one substrate element is assigned to a first electrochromic arrangement, and a second electrically conductive element arranged or formed on a second surface, e.g. a bottom side, of the at least one substrate element is assigned to a second electrochromic arrangement.

[0032] Specific embodiments of a specific configuration of the electrochromic arrangements of the long-range optical device are described below; the following statements apply to at least one, typically all, electrochromic arrangements of the long-range optical device:

[0033] As mentioned, a respective electrochromic arrangement generally comprises at least one electrochromic element arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements - this can form an electrode of the electrochromic arrangement - which is formed by an electrochromic material or at least comprises such an electrochromic material.

[0034] Corresponding electrically conductive elements can be formed by or comprise electrically conductive layers or coatings, i.e., in particular, transparent, electrically conductive layers or coatings. In particular, corresponding electrically conductive elements can be formed as transparent, electrically conductive layers or coatings on transparent substrate elements, e.g., made of glass or (transparent) plastic, or can comprise such layers or coatings. Thus, corresponding electrically conductive elements can be applied as an at least partially, optionally completely, electrically conductive layer or coating on a substrate element or a substrate element body of a substrate element.

[0035] A corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating can, for example, be a coating formed from or comprising at least one transparent conductive oxide. Specifically, a corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating can, for example, be a layer or coating formed from indium tin oxide (ITO)—as an example of a transparent conductive oxide—or comprising ITO, in short, an ITO layer or coating. Transparent conductive oxides, such as ITO, are typically characterized by a comparatively high electrical conductivity (typically 10 4 S / cm) and a high optical transmission (> 90% at a layer thickness of 100 nm) in the visible wavelength range and are therefore particularly suitable for the formation of corresponding electrically conductive coatings of the electrochromic arrangement described herein.

[0036] A corresponding electrochromic element can, for example, be or at least comprise a layer or coating which is formed from or comprises at least one electrochromic material. An electrochromic material can, for example, undergo a change in its transmission when an electrical voltage or an electrical current is applied, e.g. through an increase or decrease in its color or color intensity. A corresponding electrochromic material can therefore, for example, be regarded as an electrically switchable electrochromic material. Specifically, an electrochromic material can, for example, be a redox-active material, i.e. in particular a redox-active compound, or at least comprise one such material which undergoes a change in its transmission during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized to a reduced state (and vice versa).A corresponding redox-active material can be a metal complex compound, e.g., based on tungsten oxide (WO3), or comprise one that undergoes a change in its transmission during a redox process, such as a transition from the oxidized to the reduced state (and vice versa). Alternatively or additionally, metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE), for example, can be considered as electrochromic materials. In all cases, the respective electrochromic material can be embedded in an embedding material.

[0037] If an electrochromic arrangement comprises a plurality of corresponding electrochromic elements, at least one layer or coating made of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, e.g. based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between these electrochromic elements.

[0038] For electrically contacting the at least one electrochromic element, i.e., in particular, for applying an electrical voltage or an electrical current to the at least one electrochromic element, a corresponding electrochromic arrangement can comprise at least one contact layer made of an electrically conductive material. A particular configuration of a corresponding contact layer is explained in more detail below:

[0039] As mentioned, the electrochromic arrangement comprises at least one substrate element formed, for example, from glass, such as silicate glass, in particular borosilicate glass, or sapphire glass, or a (transparent) plastic, in particular polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. A design made of a transparent film material or a transparent film is also conceivable in this context. Although the particular configuration of the at least one contact layer of the electrochromic arrangement used for electrical contacting is described below, particularly in connection with a substrate element, the following explanations apply analogously to each substrate element and each contact layer of each electrochromic arrangement. Each electrochromic arrangement generally comprises at least two substrate elements and two corresponding contact layers, which typically have at least a similar, in particular an identical, configuration.

[0040] Each substrate element typically consists of a substrate element body. The substrate element body has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical tube of a long-range optical device. Therefore, shape-determining geometric and structural parameters of the substrate element body, such as dimensions, are typically selected with regard to the installation space available for proper integration in a long-range optical device.

[0041] Since the at least two electrochromic arrangements can typically be arranged or are to be arranged within an optical tube of a long-range optical device, the geometric design parameters of the respective substrate element bodies are typically selected with regard to the installation space available in an optical tube. In this respect, substrate element bodies with a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape are particularly suitable. Each substrate element body is therefore typically configured in a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped manner. However, other configurations are also conceivable, such as disk-like or circular disk-shaped substrate element bodies with a polygonal, i.e., a triangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, eleven-sided, or dodecagonal basic shape.

[0042] Each substrate element body can be configured in a disk-like or disk-shaped manner and therefore have a top and a bottom side, which individually or jointly define a main extension plane of the respective substrate element body. In addition to the above-mentioned electrically conductive layer or coating, the contact layer made of an electrically conductive material, such as a metal, in particular a precious metal such as gold, or a semi-precious metal such as copper, is arranged or formed on the top and / or bottom side of a respective substrate element body.A contact layer is typically applied to the top and / or bottom side of the respective substrate element body of the at least one substrate element by a chemical and / or physical application method, in particular a chemical and / or physical deposition method, further in particular a chemical and / or physical vapor deposition method. Application by spin coating is also conceivable as an example of a corresponding application method.

[0043] The layer thickness of the contact layer can be in a range between 1 nm and 1000 nm, in particular in a range between 1 nm and 950 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 900 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 900 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 850 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 800 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 750 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 700 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 650 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 600 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 550 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 500 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 450 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 400 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 350 nm,further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 300 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 250 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 and 200 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 150 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 100 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 50 nm. Instead of 1 nm, 2 nm, 3 nm, 4 nm, 5 nm, 6 nm, 7 nm, 8 nm, 9 nm, or 10 nm could also be used as the respective lower limit. In principle, all of the aforementioned values ​​can also be used individually or as the respective upper or lower limits of a layer thickness interval.

[0044] The contact layer can be applied directly or indirectly to the top and / or bottom of the respective substrate element body. In the first alternative, a corresponding transparent, electrically conductive layer or coating is also arranged or formed on the top and / or bottom of the substrate element body; the transparent, electrically conductive layer or coating can be arranged or formed in particular in regions on the top and / or bottom of the substrate element body in which the contact layer does not extend. In the second alternative, a corresponding transparent, electrically conductive layer or coating is arranged or formed on the top and / or bottom of the substrate element body, in particular over the entire area, and the contact layer is arranged or formed at least in sections on the transparent, electrically conductive layer or coating.

[0045] A respective contact layer can extend in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner, i.e. in particular in a ring-segment-like or ring-segment-like manner, at least in sections around the edge or along the edge of the respective substrate element body, which, as mentioned, has, for example, a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape. A respective contact layer can thus be formed as an electrically conductive layer that extends at least in sections, optionally completely, around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body. A respective contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous electrically conductive layer; thus, a respective contact layer can be an electrically conductive layer that extends continuously, quasi-continuously, or discontinuously around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body.

[0046] A respective substrate element body is therefore not provided with a contact layer over its entire surface in the region of its upper and / or lower side, but only in a partial section of the upper or lower side surrounding the edge. This not only results in advantages with regard to reliable electrical contacting of the respective electrochromic arrangement with an electrical energy supply, such as a battery integrated into the long-range optical device, but also with regard to the at least temporary application of an electrical voltage to the at least one electrochromic element during operation of the respective electrochromic arrangement, as this can be contacted in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner all around, which - in particular in contrast to only point-like contacting - surprisingly leads to a particularly rapid and uniform change in the optical properties, i.e.in particular the transmission of the electrochromic arrangement. The described arrangement or design of the electrically conductive layer also enables a change in brightness or contrast largely circumferentially from "outside to inside" and excludes phenomena known from the prior art, such as coloration similar to a stage curtain. Furthermore, there are manufacturing advantages, for example, in that at least one substrate element in the region of the top or bottom side of the substrate element body does not have to be provided with a contact layer over its entire surface, but only in the region of the edge.

[0047] As mentioned, a corresponding contact layer extends in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner, in particular in a ring-segment-like or ring-shaped manner, i.e. with a ring-like or ring-shaped or a ring-segment-like or ring-shaped basic shape, at least in sections around the edge or along the edge of a respective substrate element body, which, as mentioned, typically has a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape. The contact layer can extend by at least 25%, in particular by at least 30%, further in particular by at least

[0048] 35%, more particularly by at least 40%, more particularly by at least 45%, more particularly by at least 50%, more particularly by at least 55%, more particularly by at least 60%, more particularly by at least 65%, more particularly by at least 70%, more particularly by at least 75%, more particularly by at least 80%, more particularly by at least 85%, more particularly by at least 90%, more particularly by at least 95%, optionally even by 100% of the edge, circumferentially around or along the edge of the substrate element body (the above-mentioned values ​​can also be regarded as upper or lower limits of intervals). The more completely the contact layer extends around the edge or along the edge of a respective substrate element body, the faster and more uniformly a change in the optical properties, ie in particular the transmission, of the electrochromic arrangement can be brought about.In this respect, the contact layer typically extends at least 50% around the edge or along the edge of the respective substrate element body.

[0049] At this point, conceivable values ​​for the width of a correspondingly ring-(segment)-like or -(segment)-shaped contact layer are also given as examples; the width of the contact layer can therefore, for example, B. 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm (the above values ​​can also be regarded as upper or lower limits of intervals).

[0050] Between the contact layer and the edge of a respective substrate element body, a defined free space can be present, at least in sections, in which the contact layer does not extend. Thus, the contact layer, with regard to its radial extent (with regard to a symmetry or central axis of the substrate element body), does not have to extend completely to the edge of the respective substrate element body, at least in sections, but there can be a defined distance between the outer circumference of the contact layer, which, as mentioned, is particularly ring-(segment)-like or -(segment)-shaped, and the actual edge of the upper or lower side of the respective substrate element body. The contact layer can therefore be arranged at least in sections with a defined distance, e.g.of 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.1 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.5 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.8 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.0 mm (the above values ​​can also be regarded as upper or lower limits of intervals), to the edge of the top or bottom of the respective substrate element body. For example, the material used to form the contact layer and the associated time for applying the contact layer to the top or bottom of the respective substrate element body can be reduced.

[0051] As mentioned, the contact layer serves in particular for contacting a respective electrochromic arrangement with an electrical power supply. The contact layer can therefore comprise a contact section of the electrochromic arrangement that can be contacted by an electrical contact element that can be connected to or is connected to the electrical power supply, such as a wire, a stranded wire, a cable, a spring contact, a pin contact, etc.

[0052] A corresponding contact section can, for example, in order to ensure reliable contact with a corresponding electrical contact element, have different dimensions than the other regions of the contact layer, particularly with regard to its radial extension toward the edge of the top or bottom side of the respective substrate element body. The contact section can thus be formed by a radial extension of the contact layer (compared to the other regions of the contact layer) or can represent one that extends in the circumferential direction around a specific region of the edge of the substrate element body, i.e., for example,by at least 5%, in particular by at least 10%, further in particular by at least 15%, further in particular by at least 20%, further in particular by at least 25%, further in particular by at least 30%, further in particular by at least 35%, further in particular by at least 40%, further in particular by at least 45%, further in particular by at least 50%, extending circumferentially around or along the edge of the respective substrate element body. In the region of a corresponding contact section, there is typically no corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating; thus, the contact section can be applied directly to the top or bottom side of the respective substrate element body.

[0053] With a view to a simple and stable structural integration of a respective electrochromic arrangement into the long-range optical device, i.e. in particular into a corresponding optical tube of the long-range optical device, the edge of the respective substrate element body can have at least one flattened portion. A corresponding flattened portion can be defined in particular by a line or straight line running through at least two points on the edge of the respective substrate element body forming the outer circumference of the respective substrate element body. Further in particular, a corresponding flattened portion can be defined by a secant running through at least two points on the edge of the respective substrate element body forming the outer circumference of the respective substrate element body.The shape of the respective substrate element body therefore does not have to represent a completely circular disk, since the edge of the respective substrate element body can at least have a corresponding flattened portion. A corresponding flattening of the respective substrate element body can also simplify the structural integration of the electrochromic arrangement into the long-range optical arrangement, for example, by providing a rotation lock for the electrochromic arrangement in an optical tube of the long-range optical device.

[0054] Likewise, a corresponding flattened portion can form a functionalized interface of a respective electrochromic arrangement, so that, as will become apparent below, a special electrical contacting option between the respective electrochromic arrangement and an electrical power supply can be realized in this way. This applies in particular if the contact section is arranged or formed opposite the flattened portion of the respective substrate element body. The contact section and the flattened portion can thus be arranged or formed offset (essentially) by 180° in the circumferential direction with respect to the, as mentioned, in particular circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape of the respective substrate element body. In a plan view of the corresponding top or bottom side of the respective substrate element body, the contact section can thus be arranged or formed, for example, at the top and the flattened portion opposite at the bottom.

[0055] In a particularly compact arrangement, which is suitable for contacting a respective electrochromic arrangement with an electrical power supply, a respective electrochromic arrangement comprises two substrate elements, each of which has a substrate element body with a corresponding flattened portion and an electrical contact section arranged or formed opposite the flattened portion. The substrate element bodies of the first substrate element and the second substrate element can be arranged one above the other, with their contact layers facing each other but unable to make electrical contact with each other to avoid short circuits.The respective contact layers can be arranged one above the other in such a way that they complement each other to form a closed ring; thus, the contact layer arranged or formed on the substrate element body of a first substrate element can extend in the circumferential direction (also) in a region in which no contact layer extends on the substrate element body of a second substrate element. Typically, the superimposed arrangement of the substrate elements is also selected such that their respective contact sections are exposed at least in sections, so that the electrochromic arrangement can be contacted with the electrical power supply via both the contact section of the first substrate element and the contact section of the second substrate element.In this case, a first electrical contact element can connect the contact section of the contact layer of a first substrate element to the electrical energy supply and a second electrical contact element can connect the contact section of the contact layer of a second substrate element to the electrical energy supply.

[0056] The at least one electrochromic element of a respective electrochromic arrangement, which, as mentioned above, can be a layer or coating made of an electrochromic material, can also be arranged or formed on the respective substrate element body, wherein it covers the contact layer and the layer or coating made of the electrically conductive material, which may also be arranged or formed on the respective top or bottom side of the respective substrate element body, at least in sections, in particular completely.

[0057] A respective electrochromic arrangement can also have at least one spacer element made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic, arranged or formed at least partially, optionally completely, on the at least one electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element can have a ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape. The outer dimensions of a spacer element having a corresponding ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape can correspond to the outer dimensions of the respective substrate element body, so that the spacer element rests flush on the respective substrate element body. The also mentioned layer or coating made of an electrolyte material can be arranged or formed within the interior space defined by the ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape of the at least one spacer element.Respective spacer elements are particularly designed to space or separate the respective contact layers from one another so that they cannot make electrical contact with one another.

[0058] Another embodiment of an electrochromic device is described below:

[0059] The electrochromic arrangement, in turn, comprises at least one substrate element with a substrate element body. The substrate element body typically has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical tube of a long-range optical device. Thus, shape-determining geometric and structural parameters of the substrate element body, such as the dimensions, shape, etc., are typically selected with regard to the installation space available in a long-range optical device for the intended integration of the electrochromic arrangement.

[0060] The substrate element or substrate element body is typically formed from a transparent material. Specifically, the substrate element or substrate element body can thus be formed, for example, from glass, in particular sapphire glass, silicate glass, furthermore in particular borosilicate glass, etc., or from a (transparent) plastic, in particular polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. A design made from a transparent film material or a transparent film is also conceivable in this context.

[0061] The substrate element body typically has one or more surfaces. At least one surface is designed to be at least partially, optionally completely, inclined or curved. The surface designed to be at least partially inclined or curved is, as will become apparent below, typically assigned to or forms an upper side of the substrate element body.

[0062] As will become apparent below, the substrate element body can typically, particularly from a manufacturing perspective, expediently have at least one surface that is at least partially flat. The substrate element body can thus have at least one flat base section formed by a flat surface or a flat surface section of the substrate element body. Depending on the specific design of the substrate element body, the flat base section can be arranged or formed, for example, parallel or at an angle to at least one other surface of the substrate element body. The flat base section can thus, for example, be assigned to a first side, in particular an upper side, of the substrate element body or form this, whereas the other surface can be assigned to a second side, in particular an underside, of the substrate element body or form this.

[0063] The substrate element body can, for example, have a disk-like or -shaped basic shape, in particular a circular disk-like or -shaped basic shape. The substrate element or the substrate element body can therefore be a disk-like or -shaped component, in particular a circular disk-like or -shaped component. This is an embodiment that is comparatively compact in terms of its spatial volume. If the substrate element or the substrate element body is designed as a (circular) disk-like or -shaped component, a corresponding flat base section can be formed, for example, by an upper side or in the region of an upper side of the substrate element body.

[0064] Alternatively, the substrate element body can, for example, have a polygonal basic shape. The substrate element or the substrate element body can therefore be a polygonal or multi-cornered component. In particular, the substrate element or the substrate element body can be a prism, in particular a prism forming a component of an optical beam splitter, such as a beam splitter cube. This is an embodiment that is highly integrated with regard to the integration of various optical functions. If the substrate element or the substrate element body is designed as a polygonal or multi-cornered component, a corresponding flat base section can be formed, for example, by an outer surface or in the region of an outer surface of the substrate element body. On a surface of the substrate element body - a corresponding surface can, for example, bean outer surface of the substrate element body, in particular an outer surface of the substrate element body forming a top or bottom side of the substrate element body - at least one electrochromic element formed from at least one electrochromic material or at least comprising such a material is arranged or formed. This surface of the substrate element body can be the aforementioned surface, i.e. in particular the aforementioned flat surface, or the surface of the substrate element body can have the aforementioned flat base section. If the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed on an outer surface of the substrate element body forming a top side of the substrate element body, the surface of the substrate element body opposite this outer surface, i.e. an outer surface of the substrate element body forming the bottom side of the substrate element body, can be provided with a convex or concave curvature, i.e.h. Generally, if the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed on an outer surface of the substrate element body forming a bottom side of the substrate element body, the surface of the substrate element body opposite this outer surface, ie, an outer surface of the substrate element body forming the top side of the substrate element body, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, ie, generally with an optically effective shape.

[0065] In this context, it should be mentioned again in general that a respective substrate element can also form a component of an optically effective device, such as a prism, splitter cube, etc.

[0066] If the electrochromic arrangement comprises multiple substrate elements, the respective substrate elements can be provided with electrochromic elements that differ in at least one chemical parameter, such as the chemical composition, and / or physical parameter, such as the layer thickness. In particular, the electrochromic elements arranged or formed on different substrate elements can differ in their electrochromic properties, i.e., for example, in their color, their contrast, etc.

[0067] The surface of the substrate element body on which the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed can be provided in the region of the (outer or lateral) edge, at least in sections, in particular completely, all the way around with an obliquely running or curved section. The surface of the substrate element body on which the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed can thus have a first section (first surface section) and a second section (second surface section). The first section forms the or a base section of the substrate element body. The second section forms an (outer) edge section of the substrate element body which surrounds the base section at least in sections, in particular completely, and is formed so as to be curved or obliquely running, in particular with respect to the base section. The substrate element body can thus, in the form of the second section, have a, e.g.have a concave or convex, curved, or obliquely formed edge portion. The first portion, on the other hand, is typically flat; the first portion therefore typically forms the aforementioned flat surface or flat surface portion of the substrate element body.

[0068] The substrate element body can thus have two different cross-sectional configurations when viewed cross-sectionally, namely a first cross-sectional configuration formed by the first section, ie the base section, and a second cross-sectional configuration formed by the second section, ie the curved or obliquely extending edge section.

[0069] Compared to the first section, the second section typically has reduced dimensions, i.e. in particular a reduced height, which provides a particularly space-saving option for making electrical contact with the electrochromic arrangement, since an electrical contact element can be arranged or formed on the second section, i.e. in particular on a surface of the second section, without having to change the dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the electrochromic arrangement. The dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the electrochromic arrangement - this applies in particular to designs with (circular) disk-like or disk-shaped substrate element bodies, but in principle also to all other designs - can therefore be (essentially) determined by the dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the substrate element body(s) of the electrochromic arrangement.

[0070] As mentioned, the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed at least on the first section of the surface of the substrate element body; however, it is conceivable that the at least one electrochromic element is also arranged or formed on the second section of the surface of the substrate element body; the at least one electrochromic element can therefore extend (only) at least in sections, optionally completely, over the first section of the surface of the substrate element body or extend both at least in sections, optionally completely, over the first section and at least in sections, optionally completely, over the second section of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0071] The at least one electrochromic element can be arranged or formed on an electrically conductive layer or coating; thus, the first section of the surface of the substrate element body can be provided at least in sections, in particular completely, with an electrically conductive layer or coating on which the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Likewise, the second section of the surface of the substrate element body can be provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with an electrically conductive layer or coating on which the at least one electrochromic element can be arranged or formed. A corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating can, for example,a coating formed from or comprising at least one transparent conductive oxide; the following explanations regarding transparent conductive oxides apply analogously.

[0072] The electrochromic material can, for example, undergo a change in its transmission when an electrical voltage or an electrical current is applied, e.g., through an increase or decrease in its color or color intensity. The electrochromic material can therefore, for example, be considered an electrically switchable electrochromic material. Specifically, the electrochromic material can, for example, be a redox-active material, i.e., in particular a redox-active compound, or at least comprise one such material which undergoes a change in its transmission during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized to a reduced state (and vice versa). A corresponding redox-active material can be a metal complex compound, e.g., based on tungsten oxide (WO3), nickel oxide (NiO), molybdenum oxide (MoOs), M n m+[Fe(II)Fe(II)(CN)e]3 15 H2O (Berlin Blue or Prussian Blue) or titanium oxide (TiO2), or comprise one which undergoes a change in its transmission during a redox process, such as a transition from the oxidized to the reduced state (and vice versa). Alternatively or additionally, conjugated polymer molecules such as PEDOT, amine derivatives such as triphenylamine derivatives, polyimides, metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE) can be considered as electrochromic materials. A change in the transmission of the electrochromic material can be accompanied by a change in the color and / or the reflection or mirroring properties for light of certain properties of the electrochromic material and thus of the at least one electrochromic element.

[0073] As mentioned, in the case of embodiments of the electrochromic arrangement, substrate elements can be provided with electrochromic elements that differ in at least one chemical parameter, such as the chemical composition, and / or physical parameter, such as the layer thickness. In particular, the electrochromic elements arranged or formed on different substrate elements can differ in their electrochromic properties, i.e., for example, in their color, their contrast, etc. Specifically, a first electrochromic element applied to a first substrate element can be based, for example, on tungsten oxide (WO3), and a second electrochromic element applied to a second substrate element can be based, for example, on titanium oxide (TiO2). Other configurations are conceivable.

[0074] The at least one electrochromic element can be a layer or coating or at least comprise one such. The layer or coating can be formed from the at least one electrochromic material or at least comprise one such. The layer thickness of the layer or coating can be in a range between 1 nm and 2000 nm, in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1950 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1900 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1850 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1800 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1750 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1700 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1650 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1600 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1550 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1500 nm,further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1450 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1400 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1350 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1300 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1250 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 and 1200 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1150 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1100 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1050 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 1000 nm, in particular in a range between 1 nm and 950 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 900 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 850 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 800 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm 10 and 750 nm,further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 700 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 650 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 600 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 550 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 500 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 450 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 400 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 350 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 300 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 250 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 and 200 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 150 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 100 nm, further in particular in a range between 1 nm and 50 nm. The respective lower limit could be, for example, instead of 1 nm. B. also 2 nm, 3 nm, 4 nm, 5 nm, 6 nm, 7 nm, 8 nm,9 nm or 10 nm. In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used individually or as the respective upper or lower limits of a layer thickness interval.

[0075] The layer thickness can also be in the micrometer range, so all of the aforementioned layer thicknesses or layer thickness ranges can also be expressed in micrometers. Correspondingly high layer thicknesses can be achieved, for example, through multiple coating processes.

[0076] The at least one electrochromic element can form an electrode of the electrochromic arrangement and can be arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements.

[0077] Corresponding electrically conductive elements can be created by electrically conductive layers or

[0078] Coatings, i.e. in particular transparent, electrically conductive layers or coatings, can be formed or comprise such. In particular, corresponding electrically conductive elements can be formed as transparent, electrically conductive layers or coatings on the surface of the substrate element body or can comprise such. Accordingly, corresponding electrically conductive elements can each be applied as an at least partially, optionally completely, electrically conductive layer or coating to the surface of the substrate element body. Corresponding electrically conductive layers or coatings can also be referred to as contact layers. A corresponding contact layer typically extends in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner, at least in sections, around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body, which, as mentioned, has, for example, a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape.The contact layer can thus be formed as an electrically conductive layer or coating that extends at least partially, optionally completely, around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body. A corresponding contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous, or discontinuous electrically conductive layer; thus, a corresponding contact layer can be an electrically conductive layer that extends continuously, quasi-continuously, or discontinuously around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body. The layer thicknesses of corresponding electrically conductive layers or coatings or contact layers can be analogous to the layer thicknesses of the layer or coating made of the at least one electrochromic material listed above as examples.

[0079] A corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating can specifically be, for example, a coating formed from at least one transparent conductive oxide or at least comprising such a coating. For example, a corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a coating formed from indium tin oxide (ITO)—as an example of a transparent conductive oxide—or comprising ITO, in short, an ITO coating. Transparent conductive oxides, such as ITO, are typically characterized by a comparatively high electrical conductivity (typically 10 4 S / cm) and a high optical transmission (> 90% at a layer thickness of 100 nm) in the visible wavelength range and are therefore particularly suitable for the formation of corresponding electrically conductive coatings of the electrochromic arrangement described herein.

[0080] If the electrochromic arrangement comprises a plurality of electrochromic elements, at least one layer or coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, e.g., based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between these electrochromic elements. The layer thickness of the at least one layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be in a range between 1 and 2000 μm; in particular, the layer thickness of the at least one layer or coating of the electrolyte material is in a range between 10 and 1000 μm, more particularly between 100 and 500 μm. Returning to the geometric-structural design of the surface of the substrate element body in an embodiment with a corresponding first section and a corresponding second section, the latter being curved or inclined, the following may also apply:

[0081] If the second section is designed to run obliquely, i.e. forms or has an inclined surface, the second section or the inclined surface can run at an angle from a range between 91 and 179° with respect to the first section, in particular the exposed surface of the, as mentioned, typically flat first section. Specifically, the angle of the inclined surface can have a value of: 91°, 92°, 93°, 94°, 95°, 96°, 97°, 98°, 99°, 100°, 111°, 112°, 113°, 114°, 115°, 116°, 117°, 118°, 119°, 120°, 121°, 122°, 123°, 124°, 125°,

[0082] 126°, 127°, 128°, 129°, 130°, 131 °, 132°, 133°, 134°, 135°, 136°, 137°, 138°, 139°, 140°, 141 °,

[0083] 142°, 143°, 144°, 145°, 146°, 147°, 148°, 149°, 150°, 151°, 152°, 153°, 154°, 155°, 156°, 157°,

[0084] 158°, 159°, 160°, 161 °, 162°, 163°, 164°, 165°, 166°, 167°, 168°, 169°, 170°, 171 °, 172°, 173°,

[0085] 174°, 175°, 176°, 177°, 178°, 179° with respect to the first section, in particular the exposed surface of the, as mentioned, typically planar first section. At least two of the aforementioned values ​​can also form limit values ​​of angular ranges, so that the second section or the inclined surface runs, for example, at an angle from a range of 95-150°, in particular 105-145°, further in particular 125-140°, with respect to the first section, in particular the exposed surface of the, as mentioned, typically planar first section. Thus, by selecting a corresponding angle or angular range, there is fundamentally a design parameter for realizing a desired electrical contact of the electrochromic arrangement; in particular, the angle or angular range can be selected with regard to the geometric-structural configuration of an electrical contact element.in order to achieve the largest possible electrical contact area.

[0086] If the second section is curved, ie forms or has a convex or concave curved surface, the second section or the curved surface can have a radius in a range between 5 and 45°. Specifically, the radius of the curved surface can have a value of 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, 15°, 16°, 17°, 18°, 19°, 20°, 21°, 22°, 23°, 24°, 25°, 26°, 27°, 28°, 29°, 30°, 31°, 32°, 33°, 34°, 35°, 36°, 37°, 38°, 39°, 40°, 41°, 42°, 43°, 44°, 45° to 90°. At least two of the aforementioned values ​​can also form limit values ​​of radius ranges, so that the second section or the curved surface can, for example, have a radius within a range of 15-45°, in particular 20-40°, and more particularly 25-35°. Thus, the choice of an appropriate radius orThe radius range is fundamentally a design parameter for achieving the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic arrangement; in particular, the radius or radius range can be selected with regard to the geometric-structural configuration of an electrical contact element in order to achieve the most extensive electrical contact possible. In principle, all of the aforementioned values ​​can also be used individually or as the respective upper or lower limits of an angular interval.

[0087] Alternatively or additionally, the curved second section can be located on a circular radius, depending on the radial dimensions of the substrate element body - this applies in particular to substrate element bodies with a rotationally symmetrical basic shape - on a radius, for example, from a range between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. The circular radius can refer to an imaginary circle whose center lies on an imaginary line extending axially through the center of the substrate element body. The radius can therefore, for example,be: 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm, 7.5mm, 8mm, 8.5mm, 9mm, 9.5mm, 10mm, 10.5mm, 11mm, 11.5mm, 12mm, 12.5mm, 13mm, 13.5mm, 14mm, 14.5mm, 15mm, 15.5mm, 16mm, 16.5mm, 17mm, 17.5mm, 18mm, 18.5mm, 19mm, 19.5mm, 20mm, 20.5mm, 21mm, 21.5 mm, 22 mm, 22.5 mm, 23 mm, 23.5 mm, 24 mm, 24.5 mm, 25 mm, 25.5 mm, 26 mm, 26.5 mm, 27 mm, 27.5 mm, 28 mm, 28.5 mm, 29 mm, 29.5 mm, 30 mm. In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used individually or as the respective upper or lower limits of a radius interval.

[0088] A further design parameter that is important for the realization of a desired electrical contacting of the at least one electrochromic element can be the length or the radial extent (for rotationally symmetrical surfaces, for example in the case of a circular disk-like or-shaped embodiment of the substrate element body) of the second section; the length of the second section can generally be at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, further in particular at least 3 mm, further in particular at least 4 mm, further in particular at least 5 mm, further in particular at least 6 mm, further in particular at least 7 mm, further in particular at least 8 mm, further in particular at least 9 mm, further in particular at least 10 mm, further in particular at least 11 mm, further in particular at least 12 mm, further in particular at least 13 mm, further in particular at least 14 mm, further in particular at least 15 mm, further in particular at least 16 mm, further in particular at least 17 mm, further in particular at least 18 mm, further in particular at least 19 mm, further in particular at least 20 mm.In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used individually or as upper or lower limits of an interval.

[0089] The radial dimensions of the second section can be at least 1%, in particular at least 2%, further in particular at least 3%, further in particular at least 4%, further in particular at least 5%, further in particular at least 6%, further in particular at least 7%, further in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 9%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 11%, in particular at least 12%, further in particular at least 13%, further in particular at least 14%, further in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 16%, further in particular at least 17%, further in particular at least 18%, further in particular at least 19%, further in particular at least 20%, of the diameter of the substrate element body; this applies, as mentioned, in particular to rotationally symmetrical substrate element bodies, e.g. to (circular) disk-like or disk-shaped substrate element bodies.In principle, all of the above values ​​can also be used individually or as upper or lower limits of an interval.

[0090] As mentioned, the first section can be provided at least partially, in particular completely, with an electrically conductive layer or coating on which the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed. An electrically conductive coating can thus be arranged or formed between the at least one electrochromic element and the surface of the substrate element body, which can optionally extend completely over the corresponding surface of the substrate element body. For applying an electrically conductive layer or coating, various techniques are generally possible, by means of which the extent of the electrically conductive layer or coating over the surface of the substrate element body can be influenced or controlled. In this context, rotational coating processes, spraying processes, dipping processes, etc. are mentioned merely as examples.Chemical and / or physical deposition processes, such as vapor deposition processes, or printing processes, such as pad printing processes, are also generally considered. Accordingly, corresponding electrically conductive layers can be applied to the surface of the substrate element body, e.g., by spin-coating processes, spraying processes, dipping processes, or chemical and / or physical deposition processes. Embodiments of the at least one electrochromic element as a layer or coating can be applied in an analogous manner.

[0091] It may be noteworthy, however, that the outermost edge of the surface of the substrate element body is not provided with a corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating because, during the application process, the outermost edge is at least partially covered by one or more support elements, which may locally prevent the application of an electrically conductive layer or coating. It is nevertheless conceivable that these areas could also be provided with an electrically conductive layer or coating in a separate application process.

[0092] The electrochromic arrangement can comprise at least one electrical contact element for electrically contacting the at least one electrochromic element with an electrical energy source or supply. Specifically, the at least one electrical contact element - this can be or comprise, for example, a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc. - can be contacted with a corresponding electrically conductive layer or coating, which, as mentioned, can also be referred to as an electrical contact layer. The electrical contact element can electrically contact an exposed section of the electrically conductive layer or coating, which is arranged or formed in particular in the region of the second section of the surface of the substrate element body. Since the second section of the surface of the substrate element body is typically fully covered by the electrically conductive layer or coating,If the electrochromic element is provided with a coating, a very uniform electrical contact can be established with the at least one electrochromic element, which in turn leads to a very uniform change in its optical properties during operation. The described arrangement or design of the electrically conductive layer or coating therefore enables a change in brightness or contrast largely circumferentially from "outside to inside" and potentially eliminates undesirable phenomena, such as discoloration similar to a stage curtain.

[0093] The second section of the surface of the substrate element body can have a different roughness than the first section of the surface of the substrate element body. In particular, the second section can have a lower roughness than the first section of the surface of the substrate element body. In this way, a very constant application of the electrically conductive layer or coating can be ensured, e.g. with regard to the layer thickness, which in turn can bring advantages in connection with the electrical contacting of the at least one electrochromic element. Specifically, the second section of the surface of the substrate element body can have a surface specification of P1, P2, P3 or P4 according to DIN ISO 10110-8. In particular, a surface specification of P2, P3 or P4, more particularly of P3 or P4, according to DIN ISO 10110-8 comes into consideration.The surface specification of the first section is correspondingly lower; for example, the surface specification of the first section can be P3 according to DIN ISO 10110-8 and the surface specification of the second section can be P2 according to DIN ISO 10110-8.

[0094] The electrochromic arrangement typically comprises a plurality of substrate elements or substrate element bodies, each having a surface with a corresponding first and second section. The substrate elements or substrate element bodies are typically arranged one above the other in a stack-like or stack-shaped manner, such that the respective surfaces with a corresponding first and second section lie opposite one another. In particular, the substrate elements or substrate element bodies are arranged one above the other in a stack-like or stack-shaped manner, such that their respective second sections face one another, forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped intermediate space when viewed in cross-section. The intermediate space equally forms a spatial volume for compact electrical contacting of the respective substrate elements or the electrochromic elements associated therewith with an electrical contact element. Any contact layers of the respective substrate elements orSubstrate element bodies, however, typically do not contact one another to avoid short circuits. At least one electrolyte layer, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte layer, made of an electrolyte material, e.g., based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between the respective electrochromic elements. A corresponding stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of respective substrate element bodies one above the other is also conceivable if the mutually facing outer surfaces of the substrate element bodies do not have flat sections, but are, for example, curved. In this case, the curvatures of the substrate element bodies are typically designed to correspond or diametrically opposite one another, which enables a stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of respective substrate element bodies one above the other.

[0095] The at least two substrate elements can be embedded, at least in sections, in or surrounded by an insulating material, in particular an electrically and / or thermally insulating potting compound based on a plastic or plastic resin. In this way, the electrochromic elements, as well as corresponding contact layers, can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical, and thermal influences.

[0096] The entire electrochromic arrangement can be arranged in a receiving or housing part. In particular, the at least two substrate elements can be arranged in a receiving space of a corresponding receiving or housing part and embedded in this receiving space, e.g., by encapsulation, in a suitable insulating material. A corresponding receiving or housing part thus typically not only provides additional protection against corresponding external influences but can also improve the handling of the electrochromic arrangement, for example, during assembly in a long-range optical device.

[0097] The electrochromic arrangement can have at least one spacer element made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic, arranged or formed at least partially, optionally completely, on the at least one electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element can have a ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape. The outer dimensions of the at least one spacer element having a corresponding ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape can correspond to the outer dimensions of the substrate element body, so that the at least one spacer element rests flush on the substrate element body. The aforementioned layer or coating made of an electrolyte material can be arranged or formed within the interior space defined by the ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape of the at least one spacer element.The at least one spacer element is in particular designed to space or separate the contact layers of respective substrate elements from one another so that they cannot make electrical contact with one another.

[0098] The electrochromic arrangement can be structurally integrated into an optical channel or tube of the long-range optical arrangement, which typically extends between an eyepiece and an objective of the long-range optical device. Thus, the electrochromic arrangement can be arranged or formed in the optical channel or tube of the long-range optical device. In particular, the electrochromic arrangement can be arranged or formed in a section of the optical channel or tube extending between an objective and an eyepiece.

[0099] The long-range optical device can comprise an optical output device, e.g. designed as a display, for outputting optical information. The optical information that can be output via the optical output device, i.e. e.g. alphanumeric symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., can be coupled or input into the optical channel of the long-range optical device via a coupling device, e.g. formed by a prism arrangement comprising one or more prisms or by a film(s) or comprising such a coupling device. The electrochromic arrangement can be assigned to the optical output device directly or indirectly, so that, e.g. the brightness and / or contrast of the optical information output via the optical output device can be specifically changed by means of the electrochromic arrangement.

[0100] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing an electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device, in particular for producing an electrochromic arrangement according to the embodiment described above, so that all statements in connection with the electrochromic arrangement according to the embodiment described above apply analogously to the method (and vice versa).

[0101] The method comprises at least the following steps, which may optionally be performed multiple times: a) providing at least one substrate element with a substrate element body, wherein the substrate element body has a surface with a first portion and optionally a curved or oblique second portion; and b) applying at least one electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material at least to the first portion of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0102] In particular, the method comprises at least the following steps, which can optionally be carried out multiple times: Providing at least one substrate element with a substrate element body, wherein the substrate element body has a surface with a first portion and optionally a curved or obliquely extending second portion; Applying an electrically conductive layer or coating to the first and second portions of the surface of the substrate element body; Applying at least one electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material at least on the electrically conductive layer or coating at least in the region of the first portion of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0103] Within the scope of the method, it is possible to arrange substrate elements configured as described above one above the other, in particular such that respective second sections of the surface of the respective substrate element bodies are arranged opposite one another, forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped gap. The method can further comprise a step of electrically contacting respective second sections with an electrical energy source or supply. For this purpose, the respective second sections can each be contacted with the electrical energy source or supply via at least one electrical contact element, such as a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc.

[0104] The invention is explained again below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0105] Fig. 1 - 3 each show a schematic diagram of a long-range optical device according to an embodiment;

[0106] Fig. 4 - 7 each show a schematic diagram of an electrochromic arrangement according to an embodiment;

[0107] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram of a substrate element of an electrochromic arrangement according to an embodiment;

[0108] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic arrangement according to an embodiment; and

[0109] Fig. 10 - 15 each show a schematic diagram of an electrochromic arrangement according to a further embodiment.

[0110] Figs. 1-3 each show a schematic diagram of a long-range optical device 9 according to an exemplary embodiment. From Figs. 1-3, it is clear that the long-range optical device 9 can be designed, for example, as a monocular, telescopic sight, night vision device, or thermal observation or targeting optics (see Figs. 1, 3) or as a pair of binoculars (see Fig. 2).

[0111] The long-range optical device 9 therefore comprises, in all exemplary embodiments, at least one optical tube 10 defined by a housing part of the long-range optical device 9 (not designated). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the optical tube 10 extends between an objective lens 11 comprising one or more objective lenses (not shown) and an eyepiece 12 comprising one or more eyepiece lenses (not shown). The optical path extending between the objective lens 11 and the eyepiece 12 likewise defines an optical channel of the long-range optical device 9, indicated by the respective dashed line. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 1, 3, the long-range optical device 9 comprises one optical tube 10 and thus one optical channel; in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2, the long-range optical device 9 comprises two optical tubes 10 and thus two optical channels. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig.2, the optical tubes 10 are connected to each other via a connecting device 20.

[0112] In all exemplary embodiments, the long-range optical device 9 comprises at least one display area 21 for displaying or viewing optical information. The at least one display area 21 can be formed, for example, by a viewing area or a field of view of an optical channel of the long-range optical device 9. A corresponding viewing area or a corresponding field of view can thus be formed, for example, by an optical channel of the long-range optical device 9, which, as mentioned, extends between the objective lens 11 formed by at least one objective lens and the eyepiece 12 formed by at least one eyepiece lens. The corresponding optical information can thus be real images, possibly optically magnified, of a target area, target object, etc. observed by means of the long-range optical device.

[0113] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one display area 21 can be formed by an electrical or electronic display device 22, such as a display device. Corresponding optical information can thus be electrically or electronically generated optical information, e.g., of a target area, target object, etc., observed by means of the long-range optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, corresponding optical information can be alphanumeric and / or graphic information, such as symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., which were generated, e.g., by a control device 23 implemented in hardware and / or software and assigned to a corresponding electrical or electronic display device 22.

[0114] The optical information output by a corresponding electrical or electronic display device 21 can, as shown by way of example in the figures, be coupled or coupled into the or an optical channel of the long-range optical device 9 via a coupling device 24, optionally for superimposed display with a real image. A corresponding coupling device 24 can, for example, be formed by or comprise a prism arrangement comprising one or more prisms or a film(s).

[0115] From the figure it can be seen that the long-range optical devices 9 each comprise at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 assigned to the at least one display area 21.

[0116] As can be seen from Figs. 4-7, each of the electrochromic arrangements 1 comprises at least one electrochromic element 5, 6 arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements in the form of contact layers 3, e.g. made of a metal such as copper, arranged or formed on respective substrate elements 2. A corresponding electrochromic element can, for example, be formed by or comprise an electrochromic material. As can be seen, each electrochromic element in the figures is formed by a first layer 5 made of an electrochromic material, a second layer 6 made of an electrochromic material serving as an ion storage layer, which can be referred to as a counter electrode, and a layer 7 made of an ion-permeable electrolyte material, e.g. in gel form, arranged or formed between the layers 5, 6.Furthermore, a transparent, electrically conductive layer 4 made of a transparent, electrically conductive material, such as ITO, is located on the substrate elements 2, at least on the surfaces facing the respective electrochromic elements (cf. layers 5-7). Reference numeral 8 represents spacer elements made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic.

[0117] Each of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be converted into one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or contrast of respective optical information. Each of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 is thus configured to adjust or change the optical properties, i.e. in particular the brightness and / or color and / or contrast, of respective optical information. Changes to the optical properties of respective optical information occur by converting the respective electrochromic arrangements 1 into respective operating states of the respective electrochromic arrangements 1; thus, different operating states of the respective electrochromic arrangements 1 can be correlated with different optical properties of respective optical information.

[0118] The long-range optical devices 9 shown in the figures are thus characterized by at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 assigned to the at least one display area 21, which can each be converted into one or more operating states to change the optical properties, i.e., in particular, the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast, of respective optical information. This opens up additional freedom in connection with the possibilities for changing or adjusting the optical properties of the at least one display area 21.This results in particular from the fact that certain optical properties of respective optical information can be obtained by the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 each being specifically transferred into certain operating states, whereby the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 each have a certain permeability (optical transmission) for light of a certain wavelength or a certain wavelength range and, associated therewith, a certain brightness, color, contrast, etc., whereby in turn a resulting permeability for light of a certain wavelength or a certain wavelength range and, associated therewith, a resulting brightness, color, contrast, etc. of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be realized.

[0119] As can be seen from the exemplary embodiments according to Fig. 1, 2, the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 or at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged or formed in a series circuit, so that the at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged or formed one behind the other directly or indirectly, ie with the interposition of at least one other optical element, in an optical path, ie in particular an optical channel, of the respective long-range optical device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two electrochromic devices 1 or at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged or formed in a parallel circuit, so that the at least two electrochromic devices 1 can be arranged next to one another in an optical path, ie in particular an optical channel, or in each case in an optical path, iein particular an optical channel, of the respective long-range optical device 1. Thus, in the case of a long-range optical device 1 with multiple optical paths or channels, as shown in Fig. 2, at least one electrochromic arrangement 1 can be arranged or formed in each optical channel or path.

[0120] To transfer the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 into respective operating states, the long-range optical device 9 comprises a control device 23 implemented in hardware and / or software, which is assigned to the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 and is configured to generate control information for transferring the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 into one or more operating states. The control device 23 can be configured to generate control information for transferring the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 into respective operating states. Corresponding control information can be generated, for example, based on information or signals generated by user inputs and / or information or signals generated by detection or sensor devices (not shown), for example, for detecting the optical properties of an environment around the long-range optical device 9.

[0121] 1 and 2 that the control device 23 can be arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the long-range optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, the or a control device 23 can be arranged or formed in a mobile terminal 25 communicating with the long-range optical device 9 via a wired or wireless data connection, such as a laptop, smartphone, smart glass, tablet, etc., or at least one other long-range optical device, such as a sighting optic, a target range finder, etc. Wireless data connections can be implemented using standards for wireless data transmission, such as Bluetooth®.

[0122] The at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be converted into respective operating states, for example, by applying an electrical voltage or an electrical current to the respective electrochromic arrangement 1. In this case, it is possible that by applying electrical voltages or currents of different levels, which may vary over time, to a respective electrochromic arrangement 1, different operating states of the respective electrochromic arrangement 1 can be realized, which are accompanied by different, i.e. in particular differently pronounced, changes in the optical properties of the respective optical information. The level of the electrical voltages or currents that can be applied or are applied to the respective electrochromic arrangements 1, which may vary over time.Electrical currents can be controlled or regulated via the control device 23 as part of transferring the respective electrochromic arrangements 1 into respective operating states.

[0123] In order to be able to apply electrical voltages or electrical currents to the respective electrochromic arrangements 1, the long-range optical device 9 can have at least one electrical energy supply device 19, e.g., in the form of an electrical energy storage device, such as a wired or wirelessly chargeable battery. A corresponding electrical energy supply device 19 can be structurally arranged or formed on or in a housing part of the long-range optical device 9.

[0124] If the long-range optical device 9 comprises a plurality of display areas 21, such as, for example, in a configuration with a first display area formed by an optical channel for a real image and a second display area formed by an electrical or electronic display device 22 for an electrically or electronically generated image, at least one electrochromic arrangement 1 can be assigned to each display area 21. Alternatively, the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be assigned to only one (single) display area 21.

[0125] As indicated in Figs. 1-6 by the frame 26 surrounding the respective electrochromic arrangements 1, one or more electrochromic arrangements 1 can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed within an optical channel of the long-range optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, one or more electrochromic arrangements 1 can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed outside the respective optical channel of the long-range optical device 9.

[0126] A corresponding frame 26 can represent a modular or shaped assembly, which in turn can be formed, for example, by a modular or shaped housing device or can comprise one which has a receiving space within which the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be arranged or formed. A corresponding housing device can comprise one or more fastening interfaces (not shown) via which the housing device can be fastened in a defined orientation and / or position on or in the long-range optical device 9. Corresponding fastening interfaces can, for example, be mechanical fastening interfaces which enable a positive and / or non-positive fastening of a corresponding housing device on or in the long-range optical device 9, i.e. in particular on or in a housing part of the long-range optical device 9.Of course, alternatively or additionally, a material-to-material fastening, e.g. an adhesive or welded fastening, of the housing device on or in the long-range optical device 9 is conceivable.

[0127] The at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be converted into one or more respective operating states, either dependently or independently of one another, and can thus be converted into respective operating states, either dependently or independently of one another. The at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can thus be put into operation and / or operated either dependently or independently of one another. A mutually dependent conversion of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 into respective operating states can, for example, mean that, in a case in which a first electrochromic arrangement 1 is converted into an operating state or is operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a particular wavelength or a particular wavelength range is increased or decreased by a particular value, a second electrochromic arrangement 1 can, in response to the change in the transmittance for light of a particular wavelength ora specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic arrangement 1 and thus, depending thereon, is transferred into an operating state or operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is also increased or reduced by the or another specific value. Transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 into respective operating states independently of one another can mean, for example, that in a case in which a first electrochromic arrangement 1 is transferred into an operating state or operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is increased or reduced by a specific value, a second electrochromic arrangement 1, however, does not react to the change in the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength ora specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic arrangement 1, but is independently converted into an operating state or operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is also increased or decreased by the or another specific value.

[0128] The transfer of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 into respective operating states can be achieved by a targeted adjustment of the optical properties of the at least one display area 21 for specific application areas, which can be characterized, for example, by a particular environment in which the long-range optical device 9 is used, for example, to observe a target area, target object, etc. For example, for an application of the long-range optical device 9 in an area of ​​high brightness, such as a snowy area, a desert, etc., and / or in an area of ​​a certain color, such as in a forest, on the water, etc., a particular adjustment of the optical properties of the at least one display area 21 can be carried out, which adjustment can optionally be automated or controlled automatically via the control device 23. In this way, for example,a high ambient brightness is reduced and / or a low ambient contrast is increased. In an analogous manner, alternatively or additionally, for an application of the long-range optical device 9 at a particular time of day, month, or year, a special setting of the optical properties of the at least one display area 21 can be carried out, which can optionally be automated or automatically controlled via the control device 23. By transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 into respective operating states, a blocking functionality of the long-range optical device 9 can be implemented, which includes a temporary transfer of the electrochromic arrangements 1 into a respective operating state in which the resulting permeability for light of a particular wavelength ora specific wavelength range is so low that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or not to the desired extent or not in the desired manner. This can be achieved, for example, by targeted darkening, coloring, etc. of the at least one display area 21 or the optical information. A corresponding blocking functionality can therefore include the implementation of a blocking mode in which the resulting permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is so low that the optical information cannot be displayed or viewed, or not to the desired extent or not in the desired manner. The cancellation of a blocking mode can be achieved, for example, by the control device 23, by authentication or identification of a specific user, e.g. by entering a password, user recognition, etc.In an analogous manner, the cancellation of a lock mode can be carried out alternatively or additionally on an external terminal device, such as a laptop, smartphone, smartglass, tablet, etc., or at least one other long-range optical device, such as a sighting optic, a target range finder, etc.

[0129] The at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can, as already mentioned and shown in Figs. 1, 2, be arranged or formed in an optical channel of a long-range optical device 9, which, as also already mentioned and shown in Figs. 1, 2, extends between an objective 11 and an eyepiece 12 of the long-range optical device 9. As can be seen from Fig. 3, the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can, for example, be assigned to the objective 11, the eyepiece 12 or another optical assembly (not shown) arranged or formed within the optical channel and comprising one or more optical elements, such as, for example, a splitter cube assembly (if present). In this way, the transmittance of the objective, the eyepiece or a corresponding optical assembly for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range can be changed or adjusted.In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3, it is particularly shown that the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be integrated directly into an objective lens 11 and / or eyepiece 12 of the long-range optical device 9. Thus, in particular, the substrate elements 2 of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can be designed and / or serve as lens elements of the objective lens 11 and / or the eyepiece 12 of the long-range optical device 9. One or more corresponding lens elements and thus one or more corresponding support elements 2 can optionally be curved or arched.

[0130] For the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, in which the long-range optical device 9 has two optical channels, at least one first electrochromic arrangement 1 can be arranged or formed in a first optical channel of the long-range optical device 9 and at least one second electrochromic arrangement 1 can be arranged or formed in a second optical channel of the long-range optical device 9. The optical properties of the at least two optical channels, ie in particular the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can thus be changed or adjusted dependently or independently of one another by transferring the electrochromic arrangements 1 arranged or formed in these. As mentioned and shown by way of example in Fig. 2, at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 can also be arranged or formed in each optical channel.

[0131] Concrete exemplary arrangement and configuration options of the at least two electrochromic arrangements 1 are explained below with reference to Figs. 4 - 7.

[0132] The embodiment according to Fig. 4 shows an example of a configuration with two electrochromic arrangements 1.

[0133] In the exemplary embodiment, each electrochromic arrangement 1 comprises, from top to bottom, a first substrate element 2 made of a transparent material, such as glass or plastic, on which a contact layer 3 made of an electrically conductive metal, such as copper, is arranged or formed, serving to contact the electrochromic materials mentioned below with an external voltage supply, as well as a transparent, electrically conductive layer 4 made of a transparent, electrically conductive material, such as ITO. This is followed by a first layer 5 made of an electrochromic material, which can be referred to as the working electrode, a layer 6 made of an ion-permeable electrolyte material, e.g., in gel form, and a second layer 7 made of an electrochromic material, which serves as an ion storage layer and can be referred to as the counter electrode.The layer structure is subsequently repeated, as the second layer 7 of an electrochromic material is followed by a contact layer 3 of an electrically conductive metal, such as copper, which serves to connect the aforementioned electrochromic materials to an external voltage supply, as well as a transparent, electrically conductive layer 4 of a transparent, electrically conductive material, such as ITO, and a second substrate element 2. Reference numeral 8 represents spacer elements made of an electrically insulating material, such as plastic.

[0134] As can be seen in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4, a gap 27 and thus, for example, an air space is formed between the two electrochromic arrangements 1, so that an anti-reflective coating can be applied to the surface of the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic arrangement 1 facing the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic arrangement 1. Alternatively or additionally, an anti-reflective coating can be applied to the surface of the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic arrangement 1 facing the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0135] The embodiment according to Fig. 5 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 4 in that, instead of two electrochromic arrangements 1, three electrochromic arrangements 1 are arranged or formed in series. All explanations in connection with the embodiment according to Fig. 4 apply analogously. The same applies to embodiments with more than three electrochromic arrangements 1 connected in series.

[0136] The embodiment according to Fig. 6 is basically based on the embodiment according to Fig. 4, but differs from the latter in that there is no gap 27 and thus no air gap between the two electrochromic arrangements 1, because the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic arrangement equally forms the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic arrangement 1. This substrate element assigned to both electrochromic arrangements 1 therefore has two contact layers 3 and two electrically conductive layers 4, wherein the contact layer 3 arranged or formed on a first surface of the substrate element 2 and the electrically conductive layer 4 of the first or upper electrochromic arrangement 1upper electrochromic arrangement 1, and the contact layer 3 arranged or formed on the opposite second surface of the substrate element 2 and the electrically conductive layer 4 are assigned to the second or lower electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0137] The embodiment according to Fig. 7 differs from the embodiment according to Fig. 6 in that, instead of two electrochromic arrangements 1, three electrochromic arrangements 1 are arranged or formed in series. All explanations in connection with the embodiment according to Fig. 6 apply analogously. The same applies to embodiments with more than three electrochromic arrangements 1 connected in series.

[0138] 6 and 7 that two electrically conductive elements can be arranged or formed on at least one substrate element 2, in particular on different surfaces, i.e., for example, an upper side and a lower side, of the substrate element 2, wherein a first electrically conductive element arranged or formed on a first surface, i.e., for example, an upper side, of the substrate element 2 is assigned to a first electrochromic arrangement 1, and a second electrically conductive element arranged or formed on a second surface, i.e., for example, an underside, of the substrate element is assigned to a second electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0139] For all embodiments, a first electrochromic arrangement 1 can be assigned to an optical channel of the long-range optical device 9 in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast, i.e. in general the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, of the optical information viewable via the optical channel, i.e. e.g. a real image, and at least a second electrochromic arrangement 1 can be assigned to an electronic display device 22 (if present), such as e.g. a display device, of the long-range optical device 9 in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast, i.e. in general the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, of the optical information generated via the electronic display device 22.As mentioned, the optical information generated by the electrical or electronic display device 22 can be coupled or coupled in via an optical coupling device 24, in particular for superimposing it with the optical information viewable in the optical channel.

[0140] For all exemplary embodiments, it further applies that a first electrochromic arrangement 1 can be configured in one or more respective operating states to set a defined brightness and / or a defined chromaticity and / or a defined contrast of respective optical information in a first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, and a second electrochromic arrangement 1 can be configured in one or more respective operating states to set a defined brightness and / or a defined chromaticity and / or a defined contrast of respective optical information in a second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range. The second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range can be the same as or different from the first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range (and vice versa).The chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements 1 which are used for setting a defined brightness and / or a defined color and / or a defined contrast, i.e. in general the permeability for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be the same, so that different electrochromic arrangements 1 can, for example, realize the same brightness and / or color and / or contrast ranges due to electrochromic elements which are configured the same with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, certain brightness and / or color and / or contrast ranges can be intensified. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements which are used for setting a defined brightness and / or a defined color and / or a defined contrast, i.e.in general, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, of the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements 1 may be different, so that different electrochromic arrangements 1 can realize, for example, different brightness and / or color and / or contrast ranges due to electrochromic elements that are differently configured with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties.

[0141] Accordingly, for all embodiments, a first electrochromic arrangement 1 can be configured in one or more operating states to set a defined color of respective optical information in a first wavelength range, and a second electrochromic arrangement 1 can be configured in one or more operating states to set a defined color of respective optical information in a second wavelength range. The second color range or the associated second color can be the same or different from the first color range or the associated first color (and vice versa). In the case of different color ranges or colors, these can be complementary, for example. Here, too, the chemical and / or physical properties of the elements responsible for the setting options for a defined color, i.e.in general, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements 1 can be the same, so that different electrochromic arrangements 1 can, for example, realize the same color ranges or color ranges or colors due to electrochromic elements that are configured the same with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, certain color ranges or color ranges or colors can be intensified. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the elements responsible for the setting options for a defined color or color, ie in general, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength ora specific wavelength range, the electrochromic elements of respective electrochromic arrangements 1 may be different, so that different electrochromic arrangements 1 can realize, for example, different chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors due to electrochromic elements that are differently configured with regard to their chemical and / or physical properties. As mentioned, the second chromaticity range or color range may be different from the first chromaticity range or color range, wherein the second chromaticity range or color range may be a complementary chromaticity range or color range to the first chromaticity range or color range. This may be useful, for example, for hunting applications, e.g. because animals can be better distinguished from plants.

[0142] As already explained, each electrochromic arrangement 1 comprises corresponding contact layers 3 made of an electrically conductive material for electrically contacting the electrochromic element(s), typically present as a layer or coating 5, 7 made of an electrochromic material, i.e., in particular, for applying an electrical voltage or an electrical current. An exemplary embodiment of a particular configuration of the contact layers 3 is explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 8 and 9:

[0143] Fig. 8 shows, by way of example, a plan view of the top or bottom side of a substrate element 2 of an electrochromic arrangement 1 according to an embodiment, wherein the following explanations in connection with the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 can apply analogously to all substrate elements 2 of each electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0144] The substrate element 2 consists of a substrate element body 14, which in the exemplary embodiment has a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape. In principle, the substrate element body 14 has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical tube 10 of a long-range optical device 9; thus, shape-determining geometric-constructive parameters, such as dimensions, of the substrate element body 14 are selected with regard to the installation space available in a long-range optical device 9, i.e., in particular, in the optical tube 10, for proper integration.

[0145] On the top or bottom side of the substrate element body 14 forming the main extension plane of the substrate element 2, the contact layer 3, which, as mentioned, is formed from an electrically conductive material, such as a metal, in particular a noble metal such as gold, or a semi-noble metal such as copper, is arranged or formed. The contact layer 3 is typically applied to the top or bottom side of the substrate element body 14 by a chemical and / or physical application method, in particular a chemical and / or physical deposition method, further in particular a chemical and / or physical vapor deposition method. The layer thickness of the contact layer 3 can, for example,in a range between 10 nm and 500 nm, in particular in a range between 10 nm and 450 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 and 400 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 nm and 350 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 nm and 300 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 nm and 250 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 nm and 200 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 and 150 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 and 100 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 and 50 nm.

[0146] The contact layer 3 can be seen to extend in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner, i.e. in particular in a ring-segment-like or ring-segment-like manner, around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body 14, which has a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape. The contact layer 3 is thus designed as an electrically conductive layer that extends at least partially around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 8, the contact layer 3 is shown as a continuous layer; quasi-continuous or discontinuous contact layers 3 are also conceivable in principle; thus, the contact layer 3 can generally be an electrically conductive layer that extends continuously, quasi-continuously, or discontinuously around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body 14.

[0147] The substrate element body 14 is therefore not provided with the contact layer 3 over its entire surface in the region of its top or bottom side, but only in a partial section of the top or bottom side running around the edge. This not only results in advantages with regard to reliable electrical contacting of the electrochromic arrangement 1 with an electrical voltage supply, such as a battery integrated into a long-range optical device, but also with regard to the at least temporary application of an electrical voltage to the electrochromic elements during operation of the electrochromic arrangement 1, as these can be contacted in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner, which - particularly in contrast to only point-like contact - surprisingly leads to a particularly rapid and uniform change in the optical properties, i.e. in particular the transmission, of the electrochromic arrangement 1.The described arrangement or design of the electrically conductive layer also enables a change in brightness or contrast largely circumferentially from "outside to inside" and eliminates phenomena known from the prior art, such as coloration similar to a stage curtain. Furthermore, manufacturing advantages are provided, for example, in that the substrate element 2 does not have to be provided with a contact layer 3 over its entire surface in the area of ​​the top or bottom of the substrate element body, but only in the area of ​​the edge.

[0148] As mentioned, the contact layer 3 extends in a ring-like or ring-shaped manner, i.e. in particular in a ring-segment-like or ring-shaped manner, i.e. with a ring-like or ring-shaped or a ring-segment-like or ring-shaped basic shape, at least in sections around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the contact layer 3 extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14 by at least 50% of the edge. The more completely the contact layer 3 extends around the edge or along the edge of the substrate element body 14, the faster and more uniformly a change in the optical properties, i.e. in particular the transmission, of the electrochromic arrangement 1 can be brought about.

[0149] From Fig. 8, it is further apparent that, at least in sections, a defined free space 15 can be present between the contact layer 3 and the edge of the substrate element body 14, in which the contact layer 3 does not extend. Therefore, the contact layer 3, with respect to its radial extent (relative to a symmetry or central axis A1 of the substrate element body 14), does not have to extend completely to the edge of the substrate element body 14, at least in sections, but rather a defined distance, e.g., of 0.5 mm, can be present between the outer circumference of the contact layer 3 and the actual edge of the top or bottom side of the substrate element body 14.

[0150] From Fig. 8 it is further apparent that the contact layer 3 can comprise a contact section 16 which can be contacted by an electrical contact element which can be connected to or is connected to the electrical voltage or energy supply, such as a wire, a stranded wire, a cable, a spring contact, a pin contact, etc.

[0151] Fig. 8 also shows that the contact section 16, for example in order to ensure reliable contact with a corresponding electrical contact element, has different dimensions than the other regions of the contact layer 3 with regard to its radial extension in the direction of the edge of the top or bottom side of the substrate element body 14. The contact section 16 can therefore be formed by a radial extension of the contact layer 3 (in comparison to the other regions of the contact layer 3) or can represent such an extension which extends in the circumferential direction around a certain region of the edge of the substrate element body, e.g. by at least 10%, circumferentially around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. The contact section 16 can be applied directly to the top or bottom side of the substrate element body 14; accordingly, there does not have to be a corresponding transparent, electrically conductive layer orcoating.

[0152] Fig. 8 further shows that the edge of the substrate element body 14 can have a flattened portion 17. The flattened portion 17 can be defined in particular by a straight line L running through two points P1, P2 on the edge of the substrate element body 14 forming the outer circumference of the substrate element body 14 or a corresponding secant S. The shape of the substrate element body 14 therefore does not have to represent a complete circular disk, since the edge of the substrate element body 14 can have a corresponding flattened portion 17. The flattened portion 17 can equally simplify the structural integration of the electrochromic arrangement into a long-range optical device 9, for example as the flattened portion 17 can be used to secure the electrochromic arrangement 1 against rotation in an optical tube 10 of the long-range optical device 9.

[0153] Likewise, the flattened portion 17 can form a functionalized interface of the electrochromic arrangement 1, as will become apparent below in connection with the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 9, a special electrical contacting option between the electrochromic arrangement 1 and an electrical voltage supply can be realized in this way. This applies in particular if, as shown in Fig. 8, the contact section 16 is arranged or formed opposite the flattened portion 17. The contact section 16 and the flattened portion 17 can thus be arranged or formed offset (essentially) by 180° in the circumferential direction with respect to the circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape of the substrate element body 14. In the plan view of the top or bottom of the substrate element body 14 shown in Fig. 8, the contact section 16 is thus arranged or formed at the top and the flattened portion 17 is arranged or formed opposite it at the bottom.

[0154] Based on the embodiment according to Fig. 9, it can be seen that the electrochromic arrangement 1 has two correspondingly configured substrate elements 2, each having a substrate element body 14 with a corresponding flattened area 17 and a contact section 16 arranged or formed opposite the flattened area 17. The substrate element bodies 14 of the first substrate element 2 and the second substrate element 2 are arranged one above the other, with their contact layers 3 facing one another, but cannot make electrical contact with one another to avoid short circuits. The respective contact layers 3 can lie one above the other in such a way that they can complement one another to form a closed ring; thus, the contact layer 16 arranged on the substrate element body 14 of a first substrate element 2 (e.g., the contact layer 16 shown in Fig.9 upper substrate element) may (also) extend in the circumferential direction in an area in which no contact layer 3 extends on the substrate element body 14 of a second substrate element 2 (e.g. the lower substrate element in Fig. 9). It can be seen that the superimposed arrangement of the substrate elements 2 is also selected such that their respective contact sections 16 are exposed at least in sections, so that the electrochromic arrangement 1 can be contacted with the electrical voltage supply both via the contact section 16 of the first substrate element 2 and via the contact section 16 of the second substrate element 2. A first electrical contact element may contact the contact section 16 of the contact layer 3 of a first substrate element 2 (e.g. the lower substrate element in Fig.9 upper substrate element 2) to the electrical voltage supply and a second electrical contact element connects the contact section 16 of the contact layer 3 of a second substrate element 2 (e.g. the lower substrate element in Fig. 9) to the electrical voltage supply.

[0155] Figures 10-15 each show a schematic diagram of an electrochromic arrangement 1 according to a further embodiment. This electrochromic arrangement 1 can also form a component of the long-range optical device 9.

[0156] The electrochromic arrangement 1 represents an assembly, i.e. in particular an electrochromic assembly, which can be structurally integrated into a long-range optical device 9. In particular, the electrochromic arrangement 1 represents an assembly, i.e. in particular an electrochromic assembly, which can be structurally integrated into an optical channel of a long-range optical device 9, in particular into an optical channel extending within an optical tube 10 of the long-range optical device 9 between an objective lens 11 and an eyepiece 12. As a component of a corresponding long-range optical device 9, the electrochromic arrangement 1 is therefore an assembly, i.e. in particular an electrochromic assembly, which is integrated into a corresponding optical channel of the long-range optical device 9.

[0157] The electrochromic arrangement 1 comprises at least one substrate element 2 with a substrate element body 14. The substrate element body 14 has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical tube of a long-range optical device 9. Thus, shape-determining geometric-constructive parameters, such as the dimensions, shape, etc., of the substrate element body 14 are typically selected with regard to the installation space available in a long-range optical device 9 for the intended integration of the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0158] The substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is typically formed from a transparent material. Specifically, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can thus be formed, for example, from glass, in particular sapphire glass, silicate glass, furthermore in particular borosilicate glass, or from a (transparent) plastic, in particular polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. In this context, a design of the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 from a transparent film material or a transparent film is also conceivable.

[0159] In the exemplary embodiment, the substrate element body 14 has one or more surfaces 14.1

[0160] - 14. n. Based on the exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 10, 11, it can be seen that at least one surface 14.1 can be flat. In these exemplary embodiments, the substrate element body 14 therefore has at least one flat base section formed by a flat surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. Depending on the specific design of the substrate element body 14, the flat base section can be arranged or formed, for example, parallel or at an angle to at least one other surface of the substrate element body 14. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figs. 10, 11, the flat base section forms, for example, part of the upper side of the substrate element body 14 and is therefore arranged parallel to a surface forming an underside of the substrate element body 14.

[0161] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figs. 10, 11, the substrate element body 14 has a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape. The substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can therefore be a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped component. This is an embodiment that is comparatively compact in terms of its spatial volume. When the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is designed as a (circular) disk-like or circular disk-shaped component, a corresponding flat base section can be formed, for example, by an upper side or in the region of an upper side of the substrate element body 14, as can be seen from Figs. 10, 11.

[0162] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 12, the substrate element body 14, in contrast to the embodiments according to Figs. 10 and 11, does not have a flat base section in the region of its upper side, but is (fully) curved in the region of its upper side. The substrate element body 14 can therefore, for example, have a lens geometry. Analogously, an embodiment of the substrate element body 14 with an inclined upper side would also be conceivable.

[0163] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the substrate element body 14 has a polygonal basic shape. The substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can therefore be a polygonal or multi-cornered component. In particular, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a prism, in particular a prism forming a component of an optical beam splitter, such as a beam splitter cube. This is an embodiment configured to be highly integrated with regard to the integration of various optical functions. When the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is designed as a polygonal or multi-cornered component, a corresponding flat base section can be formed, for example, by an outer surface or in the region of an outer surface of the substrate element body 14, as can be seen from Fig. 13.

[0164] As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 10, 11, an electrochromic element formed from at least one electrochromic material or comprising at least one such material is arranged or formed on surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14—surface 14.1 being, as mentioned, an outer surface of the substrate element body 14 forming the upper side of the substrate element body 14—which electrochromic element can be formed, for example, by layer 5. This surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 is the aforementioned planar surface, or the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 has the aforementioned planar base section. The same applies to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 12.

[0165] The electrochromic material can, for example, undergo a change in its transmission when an electrical voltage or an electrical current is applied, e.g. through an increase or decrease in its color or color intensity. The electrochromic material can therefore, for example, be regarded as an electrically switchable electrochromic material. Specifically, the electrochromic material can, for example, be a redox-active material, i.e. in particular a redox-active compound, or at least comprise one which undergoes a change in its transmission during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized to a reduced state (and vice versa). A corresponding redox-active material can be a metal complex compound, e.g. based on tungsten oxide (WO3), nickel oxide (NiO), molybdenum oxide (MoOs) or titanium oxide (TiO2), or comprise one which undergoes a redox process, such asa transition from the oxidized to the reduced state (and vice versa), a change in its transmission occurs. Alternatively or additionally, conjugated polymer molecules, such as PEDOT, amine derivatives, such as triphenylamine derivatives, polyimides, and metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE) can be considered as electrochromic materials. A change in the transmission of the electrochromic material can be accompanied by a change in the color and / or the reflection or mirroring properties for light of certain properties of the electrochromic material and thus of the electrochromic element.

[0166] As can be seen, the surface of the substrate element body 14 on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed is provided in the region of the outer or lateral edge in the embodiments according to Figs. 10, 11 at least in sections, in particular completely, circumferentially with an obliquely or curved section 14.1.2. The surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed thus has a first section 14.1.1 (first surface section) and a second section 14.1.2 (second surface section). The first section 14.1.1 forms the base section of the substrate element body 14. The second section 14.1.2 forms an outer edge section of the substrate element body 14 surrounding the base section and is curved or obliquely formed, in particular compared to the base section. The substrate element body 14 has in the form of the second section 14.1.2 thus has an edge section which is, for example, concave or convex, curved or oblique. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 10, 11, in contrast, the first section 14.1.1 is flat; the first section 14.1.1 accordingly forms the aforementioned flat surface or the flat surface section of the substrate element body 14. Thus, in the exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 10, 11, the substrate element body 14, viewed in cross-section, has two different cross-sectional configurations, namely a first cross-sectional configuration formed by the first section 14.1.1, i.e. the base section, and a second cross-sectional configuration formed by the second section 14.1.2, i.e. the curved or oblique edge section.

[0167] The second section 14.1.2 typically has reduced dimensions compared to the first section 14.1.2, i.e. in particular a reduced height, which provides a particularly space-saving electrical contacting option for the electrochromic arrangement 1, since an electrical contact element formed by a contact layer 3 can be arranged or formed on the second section 14.1.2, i.e. in particular on a surface of the second section 14.1.2, without having to change the dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the electrochromic arrangement 1. The dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the electrochromic arrangement 1 - this applies in particular to embodiments with circular disk-like or -shaped substrate element bodies 14, but in principle also to all other embodiments - can thus be (essentially) determined by the dimensions, i.e.in particular the height of the substrate element body(s) 14 of the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0168] As shown, the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed at least on the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14; however, it is conceivable that the electrochromic element is also arranged or formed on the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14; the electrochromic element can therefore extend (only) at least in sections, optionally completely, over the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 or extend both at least in sections, optionally completely, over the first section 14.1.1 and at least in sections, optionally completely, over the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14.

[0169] In the exemplary embodiments, the electrochromic element is arranged or formed, for example, on an electrically conductive layer 4 or coating; thus, the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can be provided at least in sections, in particular completely, with an electrically conductive layer 4 or coating on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Likewise, the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can be provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with the electrically conductive layer 4 or coating on which the electrochromic element can be arranged or formed. A corresponding electrically conductive layer 4 or coating can, for example,a coating formed from or at least comprising a transparent conductive oxide; the transparent conductive oxide can be, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). The layer thickness of the electrically conductive layer 4 or coating can be similar to or identical to the layer thickness of the layer or coating of the electrochromic material mentioned below.

[0170] Since the second section 14.1.1 of surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 is typically provided with the electrically conductive layer 4 or coating over its entire surface, a very uniform electrical contact with the electrochromic element can be achieved, which in turn leads to a very uniform change in the optical properties during its operation. The described arrangement or design of the electrically conductive layer 4 or coating therefore enables a change in brightness or contrast largely circumferentially from "outside to inside" and potentially eliminates undesirable phenomena, such as discoloration similar to a stage curtain.

[0171] The electrochromic element can also be a layer or coating or at least comprise one such. The layer or coating can be formed from the electrochromic material or at least comprise one such. The layer thickness of the layer or coating can, for example, be in a range between 10 nm and 1000 nm, in particular in a range between 10 nm and 850 nm, more particularly between 10 and 750 nm, more particularly between 10 and 650 nm, more particularly between 10 and 550 nm, more particularly in a range between 10 nm and 500 nm, more particularly in a range between 10 nm and 250 nm. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the electrochromic element 5 can consist of a layer or coating made of tungsten or tungsten oxide or based on tungsten or tungsten oxide. The layer thickness is then preferably in a range between 100 nm and 750 and 850 nm, in particular approximately 800 nm.

[0172] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 10, the second section 14.1.2 is designed to run obliquely. The second section 14.1.2 thus forms an inclined surface. The second section 14.1.2 or the inclined surface can, for example, run at an angle α from a range of 91–179°, in particular 115–145°, further in particular 125–135°, with respect to the first section 14.1.1, in particular the exposed surface of the first section 14.1.1. Thus, by selecting an appropriate angle α or angular range, there is fundamentally a design parameter for implementing a desired electrical contacting of the electrochromic arrangement 1; in particular, the angle α or angular range can be selected with regard to the geometric-structural configuration of the electrical contact element in order to implement the most flat electrical contacting of the electrically conductive coating 4 possible.

[0173] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 11, the second section 14.1.2 is curved. The second section 14.1.2 thus forms a convex or concave curved surface. The second section 14.1.2 or the curved surface can, for example, have a radius from a range of 15 - 45°, in particular 20 - 40°, more particularly 25 - 35°. As schematically indicated in Fig. 11, the curved second section 14.2.2 can lie on a circular radius r from a range between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. The circular radius r can refer to an imaginary circle (cf. the dashed line K), the center Z of which lies on an imaginary line extending axially through the center of the substrate element body 14. Therefore, by choosing an appropriate radius r orThe radius range is fundamentally a constructive parameter for realizing a desired electrical contact of the electrochromic arrangement 1; in particular, the radius r or radius range can be selected with regard to the geometric-constructive configuration of an electrical contact element in order to realize the most extensive possible electrical contact of the electrically conductive coating 4.

[0174] The same applies to the embodiment according to Fig. 12, in which the overall curved upper side of the substrate element body 14 can lie on a corresponding circular radius.

[0175] A further design parameter important for the realization of a desired electrical contact of the electrochromic arrangement 1 can be the length L or the radial extent (for rotationally symmetrical surfaces, such as in the circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped embodiment of the substrate element body 14 shown in Figs. 10, 11) of the second section 14.1.2; the length L of the second section 14.1.2 can generally be at least 1 mm. The radial dimensions of the second section

[0176] 14.1.2 may be at least 1% of the (maximum) diameter D of the substrate element body 14; this applies, as mentioned, in particular to rotationally symmetrical substrate element bodies 14, i.e., for example, to the circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped substrate element bodies 14 shown in Figs. 10, 11.

[0177] The embodiment according to Fig. 14 shows a variant of the electrochromic arrangement 1 with a plurality of substrate element bodies 14, which can be configured, for example, according to one of the embodiments according to Fig. 10 or Fig. 11, and thus a plurality of electrochromic elements. The substrate element bodies 14 can be designed identically, as Fig. 14 indicates by way of example.

[0178] The substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14, and thus the respective electrochromic elements 5, are arranged stacked one above the other in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 14. A layer 6 or coating made of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, e.g., based on a metal salt, is arranged or formed between the electrochromic elements. The layer thickness of the at least one layer 6 or coating made of the electrolyte material can, for example, be in a range between, in particular, 100 and 500 μm.

[0179] As can be seen, the substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14 are arranged one above the other in a stack-like or stack-like manner, so that their respective second sections 14.1.2 face one another, forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped gap 14.2 viewed in cross-section. The gap 14.2 equally forms a spatial volume for compact electrical contacting of the respective substrate elements 2 or the electrochromic elements associated therewith with an electrical contact element 30. However, the contact layers of the respective substrate elements 2 or substrate element bodies 14 do not contact one another to avoid short circuits. As mentioned, an electrolyte layer, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte layer made of an electrolyte material, e.g., based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between the respective electrochromic elements.

[0180] Fig. 14 also shows, purely schematically, that the substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14 can be embedded, at least in sections, in or surrounded by an insulating material 28, in particular an electrically and / or thermally insulating potting compound based, for example, on a plastic or plastic resin. In this way, the electrochromic elements, but also corresponding contact layers, can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical, and thermal influences.

[0181] It should be noted that the entire electrochromic arrangement 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 14 (the same applies to all other embodiments) can also be arranged in a schematically indicated receiving or housing part 29. In particular, the substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14 can be arranged in a receiving space of a corresponding receiving or housing part 29 and embedded in this receiving space, e.g., by potting, in a corresponding insulating material 28. A corresponding receiving or housing part thus typically not only represents additional protection against corresponding external influences, but can also improve the handling of the electrochromic arrangement 1, for example during assembly in a long-range optical device 9.

[0182] Based on the embodiment according to Fig. 15, it can be seen that at least one substrate element 2 can be formed with a substrate element body 14 having an optically effective outer surface - this outer surface is, for example, the underside of the lower substrate element 2 in the embodiment.

[0183] In the exemplary embodiment, it is shown by way of example for the lower substrate element 2, which is provided with the electrochromic element on its outer surface forming the upper side of the substrate element body 14, that the surface of the substrate element body 14 opposite this outer surface, i.e. in the exemplary embodiment the outer surface forming the underside of the substrate element body 14, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e. generally with an optically effective shape. Conversely, if the electrochromic element is arranged or formed on an outer surface forming the underside of the substrate element body 14, the surface of the substrate element body 14 opposite this outer surface, i.e. the outer surface forming the upper side of the substrate element body 14, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e. generally with an optically effective shape.The same applies to any other substrate element 2 of the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0184] In Fig. 15, a dashed line indicates, purely as an example, another conceivable curvature of the corresponding outer surface of the lower substrate element 2.

[0185] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned, although not shown, that a corresponding stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of respective substrate element bodies 14 one above the other is also conceivable if the mutually facing outer surfaces of the substrate element bodies 14 do not have flat sections, but are, for example, curved. In this case, the curvatures of the substrate element bodies 14 are typically designed to correspond or diametrically opposite each other, which enables a stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of respective substrate element bodies 14 one above the other.

[0186] The figures show that the electrochromic arrangement 1 comprises at least one electrical contact element, cf. contact layer 3, for electrically contacting a respective electrochromic element, cf. layer 5, with an electrical energy source or supply. Specifically, a respective electrical contact element—this can be or comprise, for example, a wire 30, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc.—can be in contact with a corresponding electrically conductive layer 3 or coating, which can also be referred to as an electrical contact layer. The electrical contact element can electrically contact an exposed portion of the electrically conductive layer or coating, arranged or formed in particular in the region of the second portion 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the respective substrate element body 14.

[0187] For all embodiments, the second section 14.1.2 of surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can have a different roughness than the first section 14.1.1 of surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. In particular, the second section 14.1.2 can have a lower roughness than the first section 14.1.1 of surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. In this way, a very consistent application of the electrically conductive layer 7 or coating can be ensured, e.g., with regard to the layer thickness, which in turn can bring advantages in connection with the electrical contacting of the electrochromic element. Specifically, the second section 14.1.2 can have a surface specification of P1, P2, P3, or P4 according to DIN ISO 10110-8. In particular, a surface specification of P2, P3 or P4, more particularly P3 or P4, according to DIN ISO 10110-8 comes into consideration.The surface specification of the first section 14.1.1 is correspondingly lower; for example, the surface specification of the first section 14.1.1 can be P3 according to DIN ISO 10110-8 and the surface specification of the second section 14.1.2 can be P2 according to DIN ISO 10110-8. For all exemplary embodiments, it further applies that the electrochromic arrangement 1 can additionally have at least one spacer element (not shown) made of an electrically insulating material, such as a plastic, which is arranged or formed at least in sections, optionally completely, on the electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element can have a ring-like or ring-shaped basic shape. The external dimensions of the at least one corresponding ring-like orThe outer dimensions of the spacer element having a ring-shaped basic shape can correspond to the outer dimensions of the respective substrate element body 14, so that the at least one spacer element rests flush on the substrate element body 14. The aforementioned layer or coating made of an electrolyte material can be arranged or formed within the interior space defined by the ring-shaped or ring-shaped basic shape of the at least one spacer element. The at least one spacer element is particularly designed to space or separate the contact layers of respective substrate elements 2 from one another, so that they cannot make electrical contact with one another.

[0188] Finally, a method for producing an electrochromic arrangement 1 for a long-range optical device 9 as shown by way of example in Figures 10 - 15 will be explained:

[0189] The method comprises at least the following steps, which may optionally be performed multiple times: a) providing at least one substrate element 2 with a substrate element body 14, wherein the substrate element body 14 has a surface 14.1 with a first section 14.1.1 and optionally a curved or oblique second section 14.1.2; and b) applying at least one electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material at least to the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14.

[0190] In particular, the method comprises at least the following steps, which can optionally be carried out multiple times: Providing at least one substrate element 2 with a substrate element body 14, wherein the substrate element body 14 has a surface 14.1 with a first section 14.1.1 and optionally a curved or oblique second section 14.1.2; Applying an electrically conductive layer 7 or coating to the first and second sections 14.1.1, 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14; Applying at least one electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material at least to the electrically conductive layer 4 or coating at least in the region of the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. The electrically conductive layer 4 or coating is typically applied to the respective surfaces or sections 14 before the electrochromic element.1.1, 14.1.2 of the substrate element body 14. Within the scope of the method, it is possible to arrange substrate elements 2 configured as described above, one above the other, in particular such that respective second sections 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the respective substrate element body 14 are arranged opposite one another, forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped intermediate space 14.2.

[0191] The method may further comprise a step of electrically contacting respective electrically conductive layers 4 or coatings, and thus respective second sections 14.1.2, with an electrical energy source or supply. For this purpose, the respective second sections can each be contacted with the electrical energy source or supply via at least one electrical contact element, such as a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc.

[0192] Individual, multiple or all features described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with individual, multiple or all features described in connection with at least one other embodiment.

Claims

Godparents' Sayings 1. Remote optical device (1), in particular monocular, binocular, night vision device, comprising at least one display area (21) for displaying optical information, characterized by - at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) assigned to the at least one display area (21), which can each be switched to one or more operating states to change the brightness and / or the colour and / or the contrast of the respective optical information, - a control device (23) associated with the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1), which is configured to generate control information for transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) into one or more respective operating states.

2. Tele-optical device according to claim 1, wherein the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) can be converted into one or more operating states dependently or independently of each other.

3. A remote optical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) are arranged or formed in an optical channel of the remote optical device (9).

4. Tele-optical device according to claim 3, wherein a first electrochromic arrangement (1) is associated with an objective (11), optionally integrated into the object (11), and a second electrochromic arrangement (1) is associated with an eyepiece (12) of the optical channel, optionally integrated into the eyepiece (12).

5. Tele-optical device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one first electrochromic arrangement (1) is arranged or formed in a first optical channel of the tele-optical device (9) and at least one second electrochromic arrangement (1) is arranged or formed in a second optical channel of the tele-optical device (8).

6. A remote optical device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first electrochromic arrangement (1) is associated with an optical channel of the remote optical device (9) to adjust the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast of the optical information viewable via the optical channel, and a second electrochromic arrangement (1) is associated with an electronic display device (22) of the remote optical device to adjust the brightness and / or the color and / or the contrast of the optical information generated via the electronic display device (22).

7. Tele-optical device according to claim 6, wherein the optical information generated by the electronic display device (22) is transmitted via an optical Coupling device (24), in particular for superimposing with the optical information viewable in the optical channel, can be coupled in.

8. Tele-optical device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first electrochromic arrangement (1) is configured in one or more operating states to adjust a defined brightness and / or a defined contrast of respective optical information in a first brightness and / or contrast range, and a second electrochromic arrangement (1) is configured in one or more operating states to adjust a defined brightness and / or a defined contrast of respective optical information in a second brightness and / or contrast range.

9. Tele-optical device according to claim 8, wherein the second brightness and / or contrast range is equal to or different from the first brightness and / or contrast range.

10. Tele-optical device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first electrochromic arrangement (1) is configured in one or more operating states to adjust a defined color of respective optical information in a first wavelength range, and a second electrochromic arrangement (1) is configured in one or more operating states to adjust a defined color of respective optical information in a second wavelength range.

11. Tele-optical device according to claim 10, wherein the second color range is equal to or different from the first color range.

12. Tele-optical device according to claim 11, wherein the second color range is different from the first color range, wherein the second color range is a complementary color range to the first color range.

13. Tele-optical device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a control device (23) which is configured to implement a blocking functionality of the tele-optical device (9) by transferring the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) into respective operating states.

14. Tele-optical device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) are structurally arranged or formed together in a modular or -shaped assembly.

15. Tele-optical device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two electrochromic arrangements (1) each comprise at least one electrochromic element arranged or formed between two electrically conductive elements arranged or formed on a substrate element (2), and formed by or comprising an electrochromic material, wherein at least on at least one substrate element (2), in particular on different surfaces of the at least one substrate element (2), two electrically conductive elements are arranged or formed, wherein a first electrically conductive element arranged or formed on a first surface of the at least one substrate element (2) is assigned to a first electrochromic arrangement (1), and a second electrically conductive element arranged or formed on a second surface of the at least one substrate element (2) is assigned to a second electrochromic arrangement (1).

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