Electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochromic arrangement (1) for a long-range optical device (2), comprising at least one substrate element (3) having a substrate element body (4), wherein on a first portion (4.1.1) of an area (4.1) of the substrate element body (4) an electrochromic element (5) formed by an electrochromic element or comprising same is arranged or formed, wherein the area (4.1) of the substrate element body (4) is designed extending in an inclined or curved manner, at least in some sections, preferably completely.

Description

[0001] Electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device

[0002] Electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device, comprising at least one substrate element with a substrate element body which has a surface with a first portion, wherein an electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material is arranged or formed on the first portion.

[0003] Corresponding electrochromic arrangements for long-range optical devices, such as binoculars, riflescopes, etc., are basically known from the state of the art.

[0004] In this case, corresponding electrochromic arrangements serve as an assembly integrated into an optical channel of a respective long-range optical device, for example, to specifically change the brightness and / or the contrast of the field of view of the respective long-range optical device or of information displayed in the field of view, e.g. via a secondary optical channel, so that a user can use the respective long-range optical device largely glare-free even in special or possibly changing lighting conditions, e.g. in very bright and / or high-contrast lighting conditions, and / or in the presence of unwanted reflections, such as when looking at a body of water.

[0005] The integration of corresponding electrochromic devices into long-range optical devices generally represents a challenge due to the typically limited available installation space. In particular, a practical and reliable electrical contacting of corresponding electrochromic arrangements, which in turn influences the efficiency of the brightness and / or contrast changes induced by the electrochromic material(s) of the electrochromic arrangement, represents a technical challenge.

[0006] The technical approaches available to date for the integration of corresponding electrochromic devices into long-range optical devices are therefore in need of improvement or further development.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing an improved electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device.

[0008] The object is achieved by an electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the electrochromic arrangement according to independent claim 1. A first aspect of the invention relates to an electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device, such as for binoculars (mono- or binocular), a telescopic sight, a night vision device, etc. The electrochromic arrangement therefore represents an assembly, ie in particular an electrochromic assembly, which can be structurally integrated into a corresponding long-range optical device. In particular, the electrochromic arrangement represents an assembly, iein particular, an electrochromic assembly, which can be structurally integrated into an optical channel of a long-range optical device, in particular into an optical channel extending within an optical tube of a long-range optical device between an objective lens and an eyepiece. As a component of a corresponding long-range optical device, the electrochromic arrangement is thus an assembly, ie, in particular, an electrochromic assembly, which is integrated into a corresponding optical channel of a long-range optical device.

[0009] The electrochromic arrangement 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 proper integration of the electrochromic arrangement.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] As will become apparent below, in embodiments that are typically expedient, particularly from a manufacturing perspective, the substrate element body can 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 or form a first side, in particular an upper side, of the substrate element body, whereas the other surface can be assigned to or form a second side, in particular an underside, of the substrate element body.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, 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 compactly configured with regard to 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.

[0014] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, 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 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 configured to be 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 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.

[0015] At least one electrochromic element formed from or comprising at least one electrochromic material is arranged or formed on a surface of the substrate element body - a corresponding surface can be, for example, an 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. This surface of the substrate element body can be the mentioned surface, i.e. in particular the mentioned planar surface, or the surface of the substrate element body can have the mentioned planar 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 underside of the substrate element body, with a convex or concave curvature, i.e., generally with an optically effective shape. Conversely, if the at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed on an outer surface of the substrate element body forming an underside 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 top side of the substrate element body, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e., generally with an optically effective shape.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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 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 curved or obliquely designed, 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 (MoOa), M n m+[Fe(II)Fe(II)(CN)e]3 15 H2O (Berlin Blue or Prussian Blue) or titanium oxide (TiCh), 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.

[0024] 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, e.g., in their color, their contrast, etc.differentiate. 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 (TiCh). Other configurations are conceivable. The at least one electrochromic element can be a layer or coating or at least comprise such a layer or coating. The layer or coating can be formed from the at least one electrochromic material or at least comprise such a layer. 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 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,furthermore, in particular, in a range between 1 and 200 nm, furthermore, in particular, in a range between 1 nm and 150 nm, furthermore, in particular, in a range between 1 nm and 100 nm, furthermore, 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 respective upper or lower limits of a layer thickness interval. The layer thickness can also be in the micrometer range, if necessary; thus, 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 the surface of the substrate element body or can comprise such. Consequently, 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 oralong the edge of the substrate element body, which, as mentioned, has a circular disk-like or circular basic shape. The contact layer can thus be designed 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 orContact 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.

[0027] 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 4S / 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.

[0028] If the electrochromic arrangement comprises a plurality of 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. The layer thickness of the at least one layer or coating made 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 made of the electrolyte material is in a range between 10 and 1000 μm, more particularly between 100 and 500 μm.

[0029] Returning to the geometric-constructive 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:

[0030] 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°,

[0031] 126°, 127°, 128°, 129°, 130°, 131 °, 132°, 133°, 134°, 135°, 136°, 137°, 138°, 139°, 140°, 141 °,

[0032] 142°, 143°, 144°, 145°, 146°, 147°, 148°, 149°, 150°, 151 °, 152°, 153°, 154°, 155°, 156°, 157°,

[0033] 158°, 159°, 160°, 161 °, 162°, 163°, 164°, 165°, 166°, 167°, 168°, 169°, 170°, 171 °, 172°, 173°,

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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°. 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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—which 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 portion of the electrically conductive layer or coating, in particular arranged or formed in the region of the second portion of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0042] Since the second section of the surface of the substrate element body is typically provided with the electrically conductive layer or coating over its entire surface, a very uniform electrical contact with the at least one 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 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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, viewed in cross-section, form a wedge-like or

[0045] -shaped gap, facing each other. The gap equally forms a spatial volume for compact electrical contacting of the respective substrate elements or the electrochromic elements associated with them with an electrical contact element. Any contact layers of the respective substrate elements or substrate element bodies, however, typically do not contact each other 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.

[0046] 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 each other, which enables a stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of respective substrate element bodies one above the other.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] For all embodiments, the electrochromic arrangement can additionally comprise 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.

[0050] A second aspect of the invention relates to a long-range optical device, in particular binoculars, a riflescope, a night vision device, etc., which comprises at least one electrochromic arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention, so that all statements in connection with the electrochromic arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the long-range optical device according to the second aspect of the invention (and vice versa).

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] A third 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 first aspect of the invention, so that all statements in connection with the electrochromic arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention apply analogously to the method according to the third aspect of the invention (and vice versa).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Within the scope of the method, it is possible to arrange substrate elements configured as described above one above the other, in particular in such a way that respective second sections of the surface of the respective substrate element bodies are arranged opposite one another to form a wedge-like or wedge-shaped intermediate space.

[0057] The method may further comprise a step of electrically contacting respective second sections with an electrical energy source or supply. For this purpose, the respective second sections may 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.

[0058] The invention is explained again below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0059] Fig. 1 - 6 each show a schematic diagram of an electrochromic arrangement according to an embodiment; and

[0060] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a long-range optical device comprising an electrochromic arrangement according to an embodiment.

[0061] Figs. 1 - 3 each show a schematic diagram of an electrochromic arrangement 1 according to an embodiment.

[0062] The electrochromic arrangement 1 represents an assembly, i.e. in particular an electrochromic assembly, which, as explained in connection with Fig. 7, can be structurally integrated into a long-range optical device 2. In particular, the electrochromic arrangement 1 represents an assembly, i.e. in particular an electrochromic assembly, which, as also explained in connection with Fig. 7, can be structurally integrated into an optical channel of a long-range optical device 2, in particular into an optical channel extending within an optical tube 11 of a long-range optical device 2 between an objective 12 and an eyepiece 13. As a component of a corresponding long-range optical device 2, 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 2.In all exemplary embodiments, the electrochromic arrangement 1 comprises a substrate element 3 with a substrate element body 4. The substrate element body 4 has a basic shape that can be integrated into an optical tube of a long-range optical device 2. Thus, shape-determining geometric-constructive parameters, such as the dimensions, shape, etc., of the substrate element body 4 are typically selected with regard to the installation space available in a long-range optical device 2 for the intended integration of the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0063] The substrate element 3 or the substrate element body 4 is typically formed from a transparent material. Specifically, the substrate element 3 or the substrate element body 4 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 3 or the substrate element body 4 from a transparent film material or a transparent film is also conceivable.

[0064] The substrate element body 4 has one or more surfaces 4.1 - 4.n. Based on the embodiments according to Figs. 1, 2, it is clear that at least one surface 4.1 can be flat. In these embodiments, the substrate element body 4 therefore has at least one flat base section formed by a flat surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4. Depending on the specific design of the substrate element body 4, 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 4. In the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 2, the flat base section forms, for example, part of the upper side of the substrate element body 4 and is therefore arranged parallel to a surface forming an underside of the substrate element body 4.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the substrate element body 4 has a circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped basic shape. The substrate element 3 or the substrate element body 4 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 3 or the substrate element body 4 is designed as a (circular) disk-like or circular disk-shaped component, a corresponding flat basic section can be formed, for example, by an upper side or in the region of an upper side of the substrate element body 4, as can be seen from Figs. 1 and 2.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the substrate element body 4, in contrast to the embodiments according to Figs. 1 and 2, 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 4 can therefore, for example, have a lens geometry. Analogously, an embodiment of the substrate element body 4 with an inclined upper side would also be conceivable.

[0067] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the substrate element body 4 has a polygonal basic shape. The substrate element 3 or the substrate element body 4 can therefore be a polygonal or multi-cornered component. In particular, the substrate element 3 or the substrate element body 4 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 3 or the substrate element body 4 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 4, as can be seen from Fig. 4.

[0068] As can be seen in the exemplary embodiments according to Figs. 1, 2, an electrochromic element 5 formed from at least one electrochromic material or at least comprising such a material is arranged or formed on surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 - surface 4.1 in the exemplary embodiment, as mentioned, is, for example, an outer surface of the substrate element body 4 forming the upper side of the substrate element body 4. This surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 is the aforementioned flat surface or has surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4. The same applies to the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 3.

[0069] 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 (MoOa) 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 5.

[0070] 1, 2, the surface of the substrate element body 4, on which the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed, is provided at least in sections, in particular completely, all the way around in the area of ​​the outer or lateral edge. The surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4, on which the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed, therefore has a first section 4.1.1 (first surface section) and a second section 4.1.2 (second surface section). The first section 4.1.1 forms the base section of the substrate element body 4. The second section 4.1.2 forms an outer edge section of the substrate element body 4 surrounding the base section and is curved or oblique, in particular in comparison to the base section. The substrate element body 4 has, in the form of the second section 4.1.2 thus has an edge section that is, for example, concave or convex, curved, or inclined. In contrast, the first section 4.1.1 in the embodiment according to Figs. 1, 2 is flat; the first section 4.1.1 therefore forms the aforementioned flat surface or flat surface section of the substrate element body 4.

[0071] In the embodiments according to Figs. 1, 2, the substrate element body 4 thus has, viewed in cross-section, two different cross-sectional configurations, namely a first cross-sectional configuration formed by the first section 4.1.1, ie the base section, and a second cross-sectional configuration formed by the second section 4.1.2, ie the curved or obliquely running edge section.

[0072] The second section 4.1.2 typically has reduced dimensions compared to the first section 4.1.2, 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 6 can be arranged or formed on the second section 4.1.2, i.e. in particular on a surface of the second section 4.1.2, 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 circular disk-shaped substrate element bodies 4, but in principle also to all other embodiments - can thus be determined (essentially) by the dimensions, i.e. in particular the height, of the substrate element body(s) 4 of the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0073] As shown, the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed at least on the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4; however, it is conceivable that the electrochromic element 5 is also arranged or formed on the second section 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4; the electrochromic element 5 can therefore extend (only) at least in sections, optionally completely, over the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 or extend both at least in sections, optionally completely, over the first section 4.1.1 and at least in sections, optionally completely, over the second section 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4.

[0074] In the exemplary embodiments, the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed, for example, on an electrically conductive layer 7 or coating; thus, the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 can be provided at least in sections, in particular completely, with an electrically conductive layer 7 or coating on which the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed. Likewise, the second section 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 can be provided at least in sections, optionally completely, with the electrically conductive layer 7 or coating on which the electrochromic element 5 can be arranged or formed. A corresponding electrically conductive layer 7 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 7 or coating can be similar to or identical to the layer thickness of the layer or coating of the electrochromic material mentioned below.

[0075] Since the second section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 is typically provided over its entire surface with the electrically conductive layer 7 or coating, a very uniform electrical contact with the electrochromic element 5 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 7 or coating therefore enables a change in brightness or contrast largely all the way around from "outside to inside" and possibly excludes undesirable phenomena, such as discoloration similar to a stage curtain. The electrochromic element 5 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,in a range between 10 nm and 1000 nm, in particular in a range between 10 nm and 850 nm, further in particular between 10 and 750 nm, further in particular between 10 and 650 nm, further in particular between 10 and 550 nm, further in particular in a range between 10 nm and 500 nm, further in particular 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.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 1, the second section 4.1.2 is designed to run obliquely. The second section 4.1.2 thus forms an inclined surface. The second section 4.1.2 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 4.1.1, in particular the exposed surface of the first section 4.1.1. 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 6 in order to implement the most flat electrical contacting of the electrically conductive coating 7.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 2, the second section 4.1.2 is curved. The second section 4.1.2 thus forms a convex or concave curved surface. The second section 4.1.2 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. 2, the curved second section 4.2.2 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 4. Therefore, by choosing an appropriate radius r orRadius 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 6 in order to realize the most extensive possible electrical contact of the electrically conductive coating 7.

[0078] The same applies to the embodiment according to Fig. 3, in which the overall curved upper side of the substrate element body 4 can lie on a corresponding circular radius.

[0079] A further design parameter important for realizing a desired electrical contact of the electrochromic arrangement 1 can be the length L or the radial extent (for rotationally symmetrical surfaces, for example in the circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped embodiment of the substrate element body 4 shown in Figs. 1, 2) of the second section 4.1.2; the length L of the second section 4.1.2 can generally be at least 1 mm. The radial dimensions of the second section 4.1.2 can be at least 1% of the (maximum) diameter D of the substrate element body 4; as mentioned, this applies in particular to rotationally symmetrical substrate element bodies 4, i.e., for example, to the circular disk-like or circular disk-shaped substrate element bodies 4 shown in Figs. 1, 2.

[0080] The embodiment according to Fig. 5 shows a variant of the electrochromic arrangement 1 with a plurality of substrate element bodies 4, which can be configured, for example, according to one of the embodiments according to Fig. 1 or Fig. 2, and thus a plurality of electrochromic elements 5. The substrate element bodies 4 can be designed identically, as Fig. 5 indicates by way of example.

[0081] The substrate elements 3 or the substrate element bodies 4, and thus the respective electrochromic elements 5, are arranged stacked one above the other in the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5. A layer 8 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 5. The layer thickness of the at least one layer 8 or coating made of the electrolyte material can, for example, be in a range between, in particular, 100 and 500 μm.

[0082] As can be seen, the substrate elements 3 or the substrate element bodies 4 are arranged one above the other in a stack-like or stack-shaped manner, so that their respective second sections 4.1.2 face one another, forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped gap 4.2 viewed in cross-section. The gap 4.2 equally forms a spatial volume for compact electrical contacting of the respective substrate elements 3 or the electrochromic elements 5 associated with them with an electrical contact element 9. However, the contact layers of the respective substrate elements 3 or substrate element bodies 4 do not contact one another to avoid short circuits. As mentioned, an electrolyte layer 8, 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 5.

[0083] Fig. 5 also shows, purely schematically, that the substrate elements 3 or the substrate element bodies 4 can be embedded, at least in sections, in or surrounded by an insulating material 9, 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 5, but also corresponding contact layers, can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical, and thermal influences.

[0084] It should be noted that the entire electrochromic arrangement 1 according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 (the same applies to all other embodiments) can also be arranged in a schematically indicated receiving or housing part 10. In particular, the substrate elements 3 or the substrate element bodies 4 can be arranged in a receiving space of a corresponding receiving or housing part 10 and embedded in this receiving space, e.g., by potting, in a corresponding insulating material 9. 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 2.

[0085] Based on the embodiment according to Fig. 6, it can be seen that at least one substrate element 3 can be formed as a substrate element body 4 with an optically effective outer surface - this outer surface is, for example, the underside of the lower substrate element 3 in the embodiment.

[0086] In the exemplary embodiment, it is shown by way of example for the lower substrate element 3, which is provided with the electrochromic element 5 on its outer surface forming the upper side of the substrate element body 4, that the surface of the substrate element body opposite this outer surface, i.e. in the exemplary embodiment the outer surface forming the underside of the substrate element body 4, can be designed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e. generally with an optically effective shape. Conversely, if the electrochromic element 5 is arranged or formed on an outer surface forming the underside of the substrate element body 4, the surface of the substrate element body 4 opposite this outer surface, i.e. the outer surface forming the upper side of the substrate element body 4, can be designed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e. generally with an optically effective shape.The same applies to any other substrate element 3 of the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0087] In Fig. 6, a dashed line indicates, purely by way of example, another conceivable curvature of the corresponding outer surface of the lower substrate element 3.

[0088] 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 4 one above the other is also conceivable if the mutually facing outer surfaces of the substrate element bodies 4 do not have flat sections, but are, for example, curved. In this case, the curvatures of the substrate element bodies 4 are typically designed to correspond or diametrically opposite each other, which enables a stack-like or stack-shaped arrangement of respective substrate element bodies 4 one above the other.

[0089] The figures show that the electrochromic arrangement 1 comprises at least one electrical contact element 6 for electrically contacting a respective electrochromic element 5 with an electrical energy source or supply. Specifically, each electrical contact element 6—which may 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 6 or coating, which can also be referred to as an electrical contact layer. The electrical contact element 6 can electrically contact an exposed section of the electrically conductive layer 7 or coating, which is arranged or formed in particular in the region of the second section 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the respective substrate element body 4.

[0090] For all embodiments, the second section 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 can have a different roughness than the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4. In particular, the second section 4.1.2 can have a lower roughness than the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4. 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 5. Specifically, the second section 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4 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 4.1.1 is accordingly lower; for example, the surface specification of the first section 4.1.1 can be P3 according to DIN ISO 10110-8 and the surface specification of the second section 4.1.2 can be P2 according to DIN ISO 10110-8.

[0091] For all exemplary embodiments, it further applies that the electrochromic arrangement 1 can also 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 partially, optionally completely, on the electrochromic element 5. 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 respective substrate element body 4, so that the at least one spacer element rests flush on the substrate element body 4. 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 3 from one another so that they cannot make electrical contact with one another.

[0092] Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a long-range optical device 2 according to an exemplary embodiment in a side view. Shown purely schematically is an optical tube 11, which comprises an objective 12 with at least one objective lens (not shown) and an eyepiece 13 with at least one eyepiece lens (not shown).

[0093] As can be seen, the electrochromic arrangement 1 is arranged in the optical channel or tube 11 of the long-range optical arrangement 2, which extends between the objective lens 12 and the eyepiece 13, and is thus structurally integrated into the long-range optical device. The optical axis of the optical channel or tube 11 is designated "A."

[0094] The long-range optical device 2 can comprise an optical output device 14, e.g., designed as a display, for outputting optical information. The optical information that can be output via the optical output device 14, i.e., e.g., alphanumeric symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., can be coupled into the optical channel of the long-range optical device 1 via a coupling device, e.g., formed by a prism arrangement comprising one or more prisms or via a film arrangement (neither shown) or comprising such a coupling device. The electrochromic arrangement 1 can be assigned directly or indirectly to the optical output device 14, so that, e.g., the brightness and / or contrast of the optical information that can be output via the optical output device 14 can be specifically changed via the electrochromic arrangement 1.

[0095] Reference numeral 15 in Fig. 7 also indicates an electrical power supply, e.g., in the form of a battery, integrated into the long-range optical device 2. Via the electrical power supply 15, voltages can be applied to the electrochromic arrangement 1 by the user via an associated hardware and / or software-implemented control device (not shown) or by an associated actuation device (not shown), which leads to a corresponding change in the color, transmission, contrast, etc.

[0096] Information, such as detection information from a detection device, such as a detection device for detecting optical conditions, such as brightness, can be supplied to a corresponding control device, e.g. by means of data transmission, which can form the basis for the operation of the electrochromic arrangement 1 to change the color, the transmission, the contrast, etc. Corresponding information can, for example, relate to the current or future optical conditions around the long-range optical device 2 or in an area viewed by means of the long-range optical device 2, so that this information can be taken into account as an input variable in controlling the operation of the electrochromic arrangement 1 to change the color, the transmission, the contrast, etc.

[0097] Finally, a method for producing an electrochromic arrangement 1 for a long-range optical device 2 as shown by way of example in the figures will be explained:

[0098] The method comprises at least the following steps, which may optionally be performed multiple times: a) providing at least one substrate element 3 with a substrate element body 4, wherein the substrate element body 4 has a surface 4.1 with a first section 4.1.1 and optionally a curved or oblique second section 4.1.2; and b) applying at least one electrochromic element 5 formed by or comprising an electrochromic material at least on the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4.

[0099] In particular, the method comprises at least the following steps, which can optionally be carried out multiple times: Providing at least one substrate element 3 with a substrate element body 4, wherein the substrate element body 4 has a surface 4.1 with a first section 4.1.1 and optionally a curved or oblique second section 4.1.2; Applying an electrically conductive layer 7 or coating to the first and second sections 4.1.1, 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4; Applying at least one electrochromic element 5 formed by or comprising an electrochromic material at least to the electrically conductive layer 7 or coating at least in the region of the first section 4.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 4. The electrically conductive layer 7 or coating is typically applied in front of the electrochromic element 5 to the respective sections 4.1.1, 4.1 ,2 of the respective substrate element body 4.

[0100] Within the scope of the method, it is possible to arrange substrate elements 3 configured as described above, one above the other, in particular such that respective second sections 4.1.2 of the surface 4.1 of the respective substrate element bodies 4 are arranged opposite one another to form a wedge-like or wedge-shaped intermediate space 4.2.

[0101] The method may further comprise a step of electrically contacting respective electrically conductive layers 7 or coatings, and thus respective second sections 4.1.2, 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 6, such as a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc.

[0102] 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

PATENTED SPEAKS 1. An electrochromic arrangement for a long-range optical device, comprising at least one substrate element with a substrate element body, wherein an electrochromic element formed by or comprising an electrochromic material is arranged or formed on a first section of a surface of the substrate element body, characterized in that the surface of the substrate element body is formed at least in sections, optionally completely, obliquely or curved.

2. Electrochromic arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the substrate element body in the region of the edge is provided at least in sections, in particular completely, circumferentially with an obliquely or curved second section.

3. Electrochromic device according to claim 1, wherein the first surface is flat.

4. Electrochromic device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the Substrate element body has a disc-like or disc-shaped basic shape.

5. Electrochromic device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the Substrate element body has a polygonal or polygonal basic shape, in particular a prism-like or prism-shaped basic shape.

6. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second section is an inclined surface which extends at an angle in a range between 91 and 179° with respect to a base surface of the substrate element body which is designed without an inclined surface, in particular a horizontal base surface.

7. Electrochromic device according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the second portion is a curved surface having a radius in a range between 0.5 and 30 mm.

8. An electrochromic device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the second portion has a length of at least 1 mm.

9. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an electrically conductive layer, in particular made of a transparent electrically conductive oxide, is arranged or formed between the at least one electrochromic element and the upper side of the at least one substrate element body.

10. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein the electrically conductive layer extends over the second portion of the at least one substrate element body.

11. The electrochromic device of claim 10, wherein the electrically conductive coating extends over both the second portion and the first portion of the at least one substrate element body.

12. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one electrical contact element for electrically contacting the at least one electrochromic element with an electrical energy source.

13. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the second portion has a different roughness than the first surface of the at least one substrate element body.

14. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 13, wherein at least the second section has a surface specification P1 - P4 according to DIN ISO 10110-8.

15. An electrochromic device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of corresponding substrate elements arranged one above the other.

16. Electrochromic arrangement according to claim 2 and 15, wherein at least two substrate elements are arranged stacked one above the other so that their respective second sections face one another, in particular forming a wedge-like or wedge-shaped gap when viewed in cross section.

17. Electrochromic arrangement according to claim 16, wherein an electrolyte layer is arranged or formed between the mutually facing electrochromic elements of the at least two substrate elements.

18. Electrochromic arrangement according to one of claims 15 - 17, wherein the at least two substrate elements are surrounded at least in sections by an insulating material, in particular an electrically insulating potting compound.

19. Long-range optical device, in particular binoculars or a telescopic sight, comprising at least one electrochromic arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

20. A method for producing an electrochromic arrangement (1) for a long-range optical device, comprising at least the steps: a) providing at least one substrate element with a substrate element body, wherein the substrate element body has a surface with a portion which is curved or oblique in at least some portions; 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 at least one substrate element body.

Images