Long-distance optical device

Abstract

A long-distance optical device (1), in particular a monocular, binocular, or night vision device, comprising at least one display area (21) for displaying optical information, - at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) assigned to at least one display area (21), each of which is capable of transitioning to one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the respective optical information, and, - a control device (23) assigned to the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1), configured to generate control information for transitioning the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) to their respective one or more operating states.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a long-distance optical device, in particular a monocular, binocular, or night vision device, comprising at least one display area for displaying optical information.

[0002] Corresponding long-distance optical devices are basically known in various different designs from the prior art and comprise a display area for displaying or visualizing optical information.

[0003] Similarly, in order to be able to change or adjust the brightness (luminance) and / or contrast of a corresponding display area (which may be, for example, the field of view area or the field of view of an optical channel of a long-distance optical device), an electrochromic arrangement comprising an electrochromic element arranged or formed between two conductive elements and formed of or consisting of an electrochromic material is basically known to be provided in a long-distance optical device.

[0004] A properly equipped long-distance optical device basically provides a satisfactory way to change or adjust the optical properties of a corresponding display area, namely in particular the brightness and / or contrast, but there is a need for a further developed long-distance optical device that opens up further degrees of freedom in relation to the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area, namely in particular the brightness and / or contrast.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved long-distance optical device.

[0006] This object is achieved by a long-distance optical device according to independent claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the long-distance optical device.

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a long-distance optical device such as, for example, binoculars (monoculars or binoculars), telescopic sights, night vision devices, or thermal observation optical systems and aiming optical systems. The long-distance optical device includes at least one display area for displaying or visually recognizing optical information.

[0008] At least one display area can be formed, for example, by the field of view area or the field of view of the optical channel of the long-distance optical device. Therefore, the corresponding field of view area or the corresponding field of view can be formed, for example, by the optical channel of the long-distance optical device. The corresponding optical channel can extend between an objective lens formed by at least one objective lens and an eyepiece lens formed by at least one eyepiece lens. Therefore, the corresponding optical information can be, in some cases, an optically enlarged real image of an object area, an object, etc. observed by the long-distance optical device.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, at least one display area can be formed by an electrical display device or an electronic display device such as a display device. Therefore, the corresponding optical information may be, for example, electrically or electronically generated optical information of an object area, an object, etc. observed by the long-distance optical device. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding optical information may be alphanumeric and / or graphic information such as symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc. generated by a control device of a hardware and / or software implementation related to the corresponding electrical display device or electronic display device.

[0010] In all cases, the optical information output by the corresponding electrical display device or electronic display device can be coupled to the optical channel of the long-distance optical device via a coupling device for superimposed display with the real image in some cases. The corresponding coupling device can be formed, for example, by a prism arrangement consisting of one or more prisms, or via a foil arrangement, or in such a manner as to consist of such an arrangement.

[0011] The long-distance optical device comprises at least two electrochromic assemblies associated with at least one display area. Each of the at least two electrochromic assemblies includes at least one electrochromic element disposed or formed between two conductive elements disposed or formed on respective substrate elements. The corresponding electrochromic element may, for example, be formed of or composed of an electrochromic material. The corresponding conductive elements may, for example, be formed of or composed of a contact layer of a conductive material, in particular a conductive metal such as copper. It is conceivable that the corresponding contact layer is at least partially applied on at least one side to a conductive layer or coating disposed or formed on the substrate element body of the respective substrate element. The corresponding conductive layer or coating may, for example, be formed of or composed of a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0012] Each of the at least two electrochromic assemblies can transition (transform) to one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or contrast of the respective optical information. In this way, each of the at least two electrochromic assemblies is configured to adjust or change the respective optical properties, namely, in particular, the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the respective optical information. The change in the optical properties of the respective optical information is effected by transitioning the respective electrochromic assembly to the respective operating state of the respective electrochromic assembly, so that the different operating states of the respective electrochromic assembly can be correlated with different optical properties of the respective optical information.

[0013] Thus, the long-distance optical device is characterized by at least two electrochromic assemblies associated with at least one display area, and these assemblies can each transition to one or more operating states in order to change their respective optical properties, namely, in particular, the brightness and / or chromaticity (saturation, colorfulness) and / or contrast of their respective optical information. This provides an additional degree of freedom with respect to the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area. This results, in particular, from the fact that in each case, specific optical properties of the respective optical information can be obtained by transitioning at least two electrochromic assemblies to specific operating states, whereby each of the at least two electrochromic assemblies has a specific transmittance (light transmittance) for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and in relation thereto, has a specific brightness, chromaticity, contrast, etc., so that, as a result, a transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and in relation thereto, the brightness, chromaticity, contrast, etc. of the at least two electrochromic assemblies can be realized.

[0014] As can be seen from the following, at least two electrochromic arrays or at least two electrochromic arrays of a long-distance optical device can be arranged or formed in a series circuit, whereby the at least two electrochromic arrays are arranged directly or indirectly, i.e., with at least one other optical element interposed therebetween, one behind the other in the optical path of the long-distance optical device, i.e., particularly in the optical channel. Alternatively or additionally, at least two electrochromic arrays or at least two electrochromic arrays of a long-distance optical device can be arranged or formed in a parallel circuit, whereby the at least two electrochromic arrays are arranged or formed adjacent to each other in the optical path of the long-distance optical device, i.e., particularly in the optical channel, or are arranged or formed in the optical path, i.e., particularly in the optical channel, respectively. As a result, in the case of a long-distance optical device having a plurality of optical paths or optical channels, at least one electrochromic array can be arranged or formed in each optical path or each optical channel.

[0015] To transition at least two electrochromic arrays to their respective operating states, the long-distance optical device comprises at least one control device that is associated (assigned) with the at least two electrochromic arrays and is configured to generate control information for transitioning the at least two electrochromic arrays to one or more operating states, implemented in hardware and / or software. The at least one control device can be configured to generate control information for transitioning at least two electrochromic arrays to their respective operating states. The corresponding control information is based on, for example, information or signals generated by user-side input and / or information or signals generated by a detection device or sensor device for detecting, for example, the optical characteristics of the environment surrounding the long-distance optical device, or can be generated based on these.

[0016] At least one control device can be arranged or formed on or within the housing part of the long-distance optical device. Alternatively or additionally, or the control device can be arranged or formed on at least one other long-distance optical device such as a target optical device, a target rangefinder, etc. that communicates with the long-distance optical device via a mobile end device such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, smart glasses, a tablet, etc., or a wired or wireless data connection. The wireless data connection can be implemented via a standard specification for wireless data transmission such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0017] The transition of each of at least two electrochromic assemblies to its respective operating state can be performed, for example, by applying a voltage or current to each electrochromic assembly. By applying different levels of voltage or current to each electrochromic assembly, it is possible to realize different operating states of each electrochromic assembly, and this operating state is accompanied by different changes in the optical properties of the respective optical information, that is, particularly different significant changes. The level of the electrical voltage or current that can be applied or is applied to each electrochromic assembly may change over time and can be controlled or adjusted via at least one control device as part of the transition of each electrochromic assembly to its respective operating state.

[0018] In order to be able to apply an electrical voltage or current to each electrochromic assembly, the long-distance optical device can have at least one electrical energy supply device in the form of, for example, an electrical energy storage device such as a wired or wireless rechargeable battery. The corresponding electrical energy supply device can be structurally arranged or formed on or within the housing part of the long-distance optical device and can be connected or connected via one or more interfaces to an external energy supply such as a power grid or an external energy storage device.

[0019] When the long-distance optical device is composed of a plurality of display areas, for example, in the case of a configuration having a first display area formed by an optical channel for a real image and a second display area formed by an electric display device or an electronic display device for an electrically or electronically generated image, at least one electrochromic array can be associated (assigned) with each display area. Alternatively, at least two electrochromic arrays can also be associated (assigned) with only one (single) display area.

[0020] Therefore, one or more electrochromic arrays can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed within the optical channel of the long-distance optical device, particularly within the optical channel that extends within the optical tube of the long-distance optical device between the objective lens and the eyepiece. Alternatively or additionally, one or more electrochromic arrays can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed outside the optical channel of the long-distance optical device, particularly outside the optical channel that extends within the optical tube of the long-distance optical device between the objective lens and the eyepiece.

[0021] Exemplary embodiments of the long-distance optical device will be described below, and these can be combined with each other as desired in principle:

[0022] In one embodiment, at least two electrochromic assemblies can transition (transform) into their respective one or more operating states either dependently on each other or independently of each other. Thus, at least two electrochromic assemblies can transition into their respective operating states either dependently on each other or independently of each other. In this way, at least two electrochromic assemblies can be activated and / or operated either dependently on each other or independently of each other. Causing at least two electrochromic assemblies to transition into their respective operating states interdependently means, for example, that when the first electrochromic assembly is transitioned into or operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, the second electrochromic assembly is switched on or off in response to the change in the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic assembly, and thus, correspondingly, is transitioned into or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by a specific value or another specific value. Causing at least two electrochromic assemblies to transition into their respective operating states independently of each other means, for example, that when the first electrochromic assembly is transitioned into or operated in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, however, the second electrochromic assembly does not respond to the change in the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range of the first electrochromic assembly and, independently thereof, is transitioned into or operates in an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by a specific value or another specific value.

[0023] In a further embodiment, by shifting at least two electrochromic assemblies to their respective operating states, a targeted adjustment of the optical properties of at least one display area can be achieved for a specific application area, which is characterized, for example, by a special environment in which a long-distance optical device is used to observe a target area, a target object, etc. For example, for the use of a long-distance optical device in a high-brightness area such as a snowy country, a desert, etc., and / or in a specific-color area such as a forest, on water, etc., a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area can be made, which can be automated or automatically controlled via at least one control device. In this way, for example, a high ambient brightness can be reduced and / or a low ambient contrast can be increased. In a similar manner, a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area, which can be automated or automatically controlled via at least one control device, can be made alternatively or additionally for the use of a long-distance optical device at a specific time of day, month or year.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the blocking function of the long-distance optical device can be implemented by shifting at least two electrochromic assemblies to their respective operating states. The corresponding blocking function can include temporarily shifting the electrochromic assemblies to their respective operating states, as a result of which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range becomes very low, so that optical information cannot be displayed or visually recognized, or cannot be displayed or visually recognized to the desired degree or in the desired manner. This can be achieved, for example, by selectively darkening, coloring, etc. at least one display area or optical information. Thus, the corresponding blocking functionality can include the implementation of a blocking mode in which the resulting transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is so low that optical information cannot be displayed or visually recognized, or cannot be displayed or visually recognized within the desired range or in the desired manner. The release of the blocking mode can be achieved, for example, by authentication or identification of a specific user by a password input, user recognition, etc., by at least one control device. Similarly, it is also possible to alternatively or additionally release the blocking mode in an external terminal device such as a laptop, smartphone, smart glasses, tablet, etc., or in at least one other long-distance optical device such as a target optical device, target rangefinder, etc.

[0025] In a further embodiment, as already described, at least two electrochromic assemblies can be arranged or formed within the optical channel of a long-distance optical device. The corresponding optical channel can, as also described above, extend between the objective lens and the eyepiece of the long-distance optical device. The at least two electrochromic assemblies can be associated with another optical assembly consisting of one or more optical elements arranged or formed within the optical channel, such as, for example, the objective lens, the eyepiece, or a divider cube assembly (if present). In this way, the transmittance of the objective lens, the eyepiece, or the corresponding optical assembly for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range can be changed or adjusted. The at least two electrochromic assemblies can be directly incorporated into the objective lens and / or the eyepiece of the long-distance optical device. Thus, in particular, the substrate elements of the at least two electrochromic assemblies can be configured and / or function as lens elements of the objective lens and / or the eyepiece of the long-distance optical device, thereby providing a highly integrated optical arrangement.

[0026] In a further embodiment where the long-distance optical device has at least two optical channels, for example, in the configuration of a long-distance optical device as binoculars, at least one first electrochromic assembly can be arranged or formed within the first optical channel of the long-distance optical device, and at least one second electrochromic assembly can be arranged or formed within the second optical channel of the long-distance optical device. Thus, the optical properties of the at least two optical channels, in particular the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be changed or adjusted depending on each other or independently of each other by moving the electrochromic assemblies arranged or formed therein.

[0027] In a further embodiment, at least one first electrochromic array can be associated (assigned) with the optical channel of a long-distance optical device in order to change the optical information visible through the optical channel, i.e., for example, the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of a real image, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a certain wavelength or a certain wavelength range. Also, at least one second electrochromic array can be associated (assigned) with an electronic display device, such as the display device of a long-distance optical device, in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the optical information generated via the electronic display device, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. As described above, the optical information generated by the electrical display device or the electronic display device can be, or can be, coupled via an optical coupling device, in particular, to overlap with the optical information visible in the optical channel.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the first electrochromic array can be set to respective one or more operating states to adjust the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast of the respective optical information in a first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, and the second electrochromic array can be set to respective one or more operating states to adjust the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast of the respective optical information in a second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range. The second brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range may be the same as or different from the first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range (and vice versa). Since the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array used for the adjustment options of the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be made the same, different electrochromic arrays can achieve the same brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range by, for example, electrochromic elements configured in the same manner with respect to chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, a specific range of brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array used for the adjustment options of the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be made different, whereby different electrochromic arrays can achieve different brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast ranges by, for example, electrochromic elements configured differently with respect to chemical and / or physical properties.

[0029] In a further embodiment, the first electrochromic array can thus be set to one or more respective operating states in order to adjust the defined chromaticity of each optical information in the first wavelength range, and the second electrochromic array can be set to one or more respective operating states in order to adjust the defined chromaticity of each optical information in the second wavelength range. The second chromaticity range or the second color associated therewith may be the same as or different from the first chromaticity range or the first color associated therewith (and vice versa). In the case of different chromaticity ranges or colors, these can be, for example, complementary (complementary colors). Here too, since the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array, which generally cause the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be made the same, different electrochromic arrays can realize the same chromaticity range or color range or color, for example, by electrochromic elements configured in the same way with respect to chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, a specific chromaticity range or color range or color can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array, which generally bear the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be made different, whereby different electrochromic arrays can realize different chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors, for example, by electrochromic elements configured differently with respect to chemical and / or physical properties. As described above, the second chromaticity range or color range can be different from the first chromaticity range or color range, whereby the second chromaticity range or color range can be a chromaticity range (complementary chromaticity range) or color range complementary to the first chromaticity range or color range. This is useful for hunting applications, for example, because animals can be better distinguished from plants.

[0030] In one embodiment, at least two electrochromic assemblies can be structurally arranged or formed together, or integrated, within a modular or modular-shaped assembly. The corresponding assembly can be formed or constituted, for example, by a modular or modular-shaped housing device having a receiving space in which at least two electrochromic assemblies can be arranged or formed. The corresponding housing device can comprise one or more fastening (fixing) interfaces by which the housing device can be fixed in a defined direction and / or position on or within the long-distance optical device. The corresponding fastening interface can be, for example, a mechanical fastening interface that enables a form-fit and / or force-fit fastening of the corresponding housing device to or within the long-distance optical device, that is, in particular, to the housing part of the long-distance optical device or within the long-distance optical device. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course also conceivable to attach the housing device to or within the long-distance optical device by material bonding, for example by means of an adhesive or welding.

[0031] As described above, each of at least two electrochromic assemblies typically includes at least one electrochromic element formed of or consisting of an electrochromic material, and this electrochromic element is disposed or formed between two conductive elements disposed or formed on a substrate element in each case. Regarding the compact arrangement or integratability of the electrochromic assemblies, further embodiments provide that the two conductive elements are disposed or formed on at least one substrate element, in particular on different surfaces of at least one substrate element, such as the upper and lower sides, such that the conductive elements disposed or formed on the first surface of at least one substrate element, such as the upper and lower sides, are disposed or formed between the two conductive elements. The first conductive element disposed or formed on the first surface of at least one substrate element, such as the upper surface, is assigned to the first electrochromic assembly, and the second conductive element disposed or formed on the second surface of at least one substrate element, such as the lower surface, is assigned to the second electrochromic assembly.

[0032] Specific embodiments of a specific configuration of the electrochromic assemblies of a long-distance optical device will be described below. The following embodiments apply to at least one, typically all, of the electrochromic assemblies of a long-distance optical device:

[0033] As described above, each electrochromic assembly generally consists of an electrochromic element disposed or formed between two conductive elements - which may form the electrodes of the electrochromic assembly - and this electrochromic element is formed of at least one electrochromic material or consists of at least one electrochromic material.

[0034] The corresponding conductive element can be formed by a conductive layer or coating, i.e., in particular a transparent conductive layer or coating, or can be composed of a conductive layer or coating. In particular, the corresponding conductive element can be formed as a transparent conductive layer or coating on a transparent substrate element made of, for example, glass or (transparent) plastic, or can be composed of such a layer or coating. As a result, the corresponding conductive element can be applied as a conductive layer or coating at least partially, or in some cases completely, on the substrate element or the substrate element body of the substrate element.

[0035] The corresponding conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a coating formed from or consisting of at least one transparent conductive oxide. Specifically, the corresponding conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a layer or coating formed from indium tin oxide (ITO), an example of a transparent conductive oxide, or a layer or coating consisting of ITO, i.e., an ITO layer or coating. Transparent conductive oxides such as ITO typically have a relatively high conductivity (typically 10 4 S / cm) and high light transmittance (over 90% for a layer thickness of 100 nm) in the visible wavelength range and are thus particularly suitable for forming the corresponding conductive coating of the electrochromic assembly described herein.

[0036] The corresponding electrochromic element can be formed from, for example, at least one electrochromic material, or can be at least one layer or coating made of or consisting of at least one electrochromic material, or can consist of these. The electrochromic material can, for example, undergo a change in its transmittance upon application of an electric voltage or current, by an increase or decrease in its color or color intensity. Thus, the corresponding electrochromic material can be regarded as, for example, an electrochromic material that can be electrically switched. Specifically, the electrochromic material can be, for example, a redox-active material, i.e., in particular a redox-active compound, or can consist of at least one such material that undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (and vice versa). The corresponding redox-active material can be, for example, a metal complex compound based on tungsten oxide (WO3), or can consist of such a metal complex compound, and undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (and vice versa). Also, metal supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE) etc. can be considered as electrochromic materials. In any case, each electrochromic material can be embedded in an embedding material.

[0037] When the electrochromic assembly consists of a plurality of corresponding electrochromic elements, at least one layer or coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, for example an electrolyte material based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between these electrochromic elements.

[0038] In order to be in electrical contact with at least one electrochromic element, i.e., in particular to apply a voltage or current to at least one electrochromic element, the corresponding electrochromic assembly can comprise at least one contact layer made of a conductive material. The specific configuration of the corresponding contact layer will be described in detail below:

[0039] As described above, the electrochromic array is composed of at least one substrate element made of, for example, glass such as silicate glass, especially borosilicate glass, sapphire glass, or (transparent) plastic, especially polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. In this context, a transparent film material or a design made of a transparent film is also conceivable. The specific configuration of at least one contact layer of the electrochromic array used for electrical contact will be described below, especially in relation to the substrate element, but the following description is similarly applicable to each substrate element and each contact layer of each electrochromic array. This is because each electrochromic array is generally composed of at least two substrate elements and corresponding two contact layers, and these contact layers usually have at least a similar, especially the same configuration.

[0040] Each substrate element is usually composed of a substrate element body. The substrate element body has a basic shape that can be incorporated into the lens barrel of a long-distance optical device. As a result, the geometric configuration parameters such as the dimensions of the substrate element body are typically selected with respect to the installation space available within the long-distance optical device for proper integration.

[0041] Since at least two electrochromic arrays can typically be arranged or are to be arranged within the optical tube of a long-distance optical device, the geometric-structural parameters of each substrate element body are typically selected with respect to the installation space available within the optical tube. In this regard, a substrate element body having a disc-shaped or circular basic shape is particularly suitable. Thus, each substrate element body is typically configured in the shape of a disc. However, other configurations are also conceivable, such as a disc (disk)-type or disc-shaped substrate element body having a basic shape that is polygonal, i.e., triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, nonagonal, decagonal, hendecagonal, or dodecagonal.

[0042] Each substrate element body can be configured in a disk shape or disk-like, and thus has an upper side and a lower side, which, individually or jointly, define the main extension plane of the respective substrate element body. In addition to the conductive layer or coating described above, a contact layer, also made of a conductive material such as a metal, particularly a noble metal such as gold or a semi-noble metal such as copper, is disposed or formed on the upper side and / or lower side of each substrate element body. Alternatively, the contact layer is typically applied to the upper surface and / or lower surface of the respective substrate element body of at least one substrate element by a chemical and / or physical coating process, particularly a chemical and / or physical deposition process, more particularly a chemical and / or physical vapor deposition process. Coating by spin coating can also be considered as an example of the corresponding coating process.

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

[0044] The contact layer can be applied (coated) directly or indirectly on the upper side and / or the lower side of each substrate element body. In a first alternative, a corresponding transparent and conductive layer or coating is also arranged or formed on the upper side and / or the lower side of the substrate element body. The transparent and conductive layer or coating can in particular be arranged or formed in regions on the upper side and / or the lower side of the substrate element body where the contact layer does not extend. In a second alternative, a corresponding transparent conductive layer or coating is arranged or formed on the upper side and / or the lower side of the substrate element body, in particular over the entire surface, and the contact layer is at least partially arranged or formed on the transparent conductive layer or coating.

[0045] As described above, each contact layer can extend at least partially in a ring-shaped or annular manner, i.e., in particular in a ring segment-shaped or annular manner, around or along the edge of each substrate element body having, for example, a disc-shaped or circular basic shape. Thus, each contact layer can be configured as a conductive layer that extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body, at least partially if necessary and completely if desired. Thereby, each contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer, and as a result, each contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer that extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body.

[0046] Therefore, instead of each substrate element body having a contact layer over the entire upper and / or lower surface thereof, each has a contact layer only on a portion of the upper or lower surface surrounding the edge. As a result, not only are there advantages regarding reliable electrical contact between each electrochromic array and a power supply source such as a battery built into the long-distance optical device, but also regarding the application of an electrical voltage to at least one electrochromic element that occurs at least temporarily during operation of each electrochromic array, there are advantages when the latter is contacted in a ring-type or ring-shaped manner. - This causes the optical properties of the electrochromic array, in particular the transmittance, to change in a surprising way, in particular quickly and uniformly, as opposed to the case of contact only at points. Also, the described arrangement or formation of the conductive layer enables a large change in brightness or contrast in the circumferential direction "from the outside to the inside", eliminating phenomena known from the prior art, such as coloring like that of a stage curtain. Furthermore, for example, there are manufacturing-related advantages in that at least one substrate element does not need to have a contact layer over the entire surface in the upper or lower region of the substrate element body, but only in the edge region (periphery).

[0047] As described above, the corresponding contact layer extends at least partially in a ring-shaped or annular manner, in particular in a ring segment-shaped or annular manner, i.e., in a ring-shaped or annular or ring segment-shaped or annular basic shape, around or along the edge of each substrate element body typically having a disk-shaped or circular basic shape as described above. The contact layer can extend around or along the edge of the substrate element body by at least 25% of the perimeter, in particular at least 30% of the perimeter, in particular at least 35% of the perimeter, in particular at least 40% of the perimeter, in particular at least 45% of the perimeter, in particular at least 50% of the perimeter, in particular at least 55% of the perimeter, in particular at least 60% of the perimeter, in particular at least 65% of the perimeter, in particular at least 70% of the perimeter, in particular at least 75% of the perimeter, in particular at least 80% of the perimeter, in particular at least 85% of the perimeter, in particular at least 90% of the perimeter, in particular at least 95% of the perimeter, and in some cases up to 100% of the perimeter (the above values can also be regarded as the upper or lower limits of the interval) along the edge of the substrate element body. The more completely the contact layer extends around or along the edge of each substrate element body, the faster or more uniformly the optical properties of the electrochromic assembly, i.e., in particular the change in transmittance, can be brought about. From this point of view, the contact layer usually extends at least 50% around or along the edge of each substrate element body.

[0048] In this regard, example values that can be considered for the width of the contact layer formed in the form of a ring (segment) or segment are also shown; thus, the width of the contact layer can be, for example, 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 the upper or lower limits of the interval).

[0049] Between the contact layer and the edge of each substrate element body, there can exist a defined free space where the contact layer does not extend, at least partially. As a result, the contact layer does not necessarily need to extend completely to the edge of each substrate element body, at least partially, with respect to its radial extension (with respect to the symmetry axis or central axis of the substrate element body). However, as described above, in particular, a defined distance can be provided between the outer periphery of the contact layer, which is configured in the form of a ring (segment) or segments, and the actual edge on the upper or lower side of each substrate element body. Thus, the contact layer has a defined distance to the edge on the upper or lower side of each substrate element body of at least, for example, 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 the upper or lower limit of the interval). In this way, for example, the amount of material used to form the contact layer, and thus the time required to apply the contact layer to the upper or lower side of each substrate element body, can be reduced.

[0050] As described above, the contact layer is used, in particular, to bring each electrochromic assembly into electrical contact with a power supply. Thus, the contact layer can form the contact part of the electrochromic assembly that can be contacted by electrical contact elements such as electric wires, stranded wires, cables, spring contacts, pin contacts, etc., and this contact part can be connected or connectable to a power supply source.

[0051] The corresponding contact part can, for example, have dimensions different from those of other regions of the contact layer in order to ensure reliable contact with the corresponding electrical contact element, in particular with respect to its radial extension in the direction of the upper or lower edge of each substrate element body. Thus, the contact part can be formed by or represent a radial extension of the contact layer (compared to other regions of the contact layer), which extension extends circumferentially around a region of the edge of the substrate element body, i.e., for example, at least 5%, in particular at least 10%, more particularly at least 15%, more particularly at least 20%, more particularly at least 25%, more particularly at least 30%, more particularly at least 35%, more particularly at least 40%, more particularly at least 45%, more particularly at least 50% circumferentially around or along the edge of each substrate element body. Usually, there is no corresponding conductive layer or coating in the region of the corresponding contact part. As a result, the contact part can be applied directly to the upper or lower side of each substrate element body.

[0052] With regard to the simple and stable structural integration of each electrochromic assembly into a long-distance optical device, i.e., in particular into the corresponding optical tube of a long-distance optical device, the edge of each substrate element body can have at least one flat part. The corresponding flat part can be defined, in particular, by a line or a straight line that forms the outer circumference of each substrate element body passing through at least two points on the edge of each substrate element body. Even more particularly, the corresponding flat part can be defined by a secant that forms the outer circumference of each substrate element body passing through at least two points on the edge of each substrate element body. Thus, since the edge of each substrate element body can have at least one corresponding flat part, the shape of each substrate element body does not have to be a complete disc. The corresponding flat part of each substrate element body can, for example, be used to realize anti-rotation locking of the electrochromic assembly in the lens barrel of a long-distance optical device, and thus, similarly, can simplify the structural integration of the electrochromic assembly into a long-distance optical arrangement.

[0053] Similarly, the corresponding flat portions can form the functionalized interfaces of the respective electrochromic assemblies, and as shown below, special electrical contact options between the respective electrochromic assemblies and the power supply can be achieved in this way. This applies in particular when the contact portions are arranged or formed opposite the flat portions of the respective substrate element bodies. Thus, the contact portions and the flat portions can be arranged or formed (essentially) 180° offset in the circumferential direction with respect to the particularly disc-shaped or circular basic shape of the respective substrate element body, as described above. In the corresponding top view of the upper or lower surface of the respective substrate element body, the contact portions can thus be arranged or formed, for example, at the top, and the flat portions can be arranged or formed opposite at the bottom.

[0054] Since it is particularly compact, in an arrangement that is advantageous with respect to the contact between each electrochromic array and a power supply source, each electrochromic array is composed of two substrate elements having a substrate element body each having a corresponding flat portion and an electrical contact portion arranged or formed facing the flat portion. The substrate element bodies of the first substrate element and the second substrate element can be arranged on top of each other (one on top of the other) with their contact layers facing each other, but the contact layers cannot be in electrical contact with each other to avoid short circuits. Each contact layer can be overlapped on top of each other so as to complement each other to form a closed ring, and as a result, the contact layer arranged or formed on the substrate element body of the first substrate element can extend in the circumferential direction in a region where the contact layer does not extend on the substrate element body of the second substrate element. Typically, the overlapping arrangement of the substrate elements is also selected such that each contact portion is at least partially exposed, whereby the electrochromic array can contact the power supply source both via the contact portion of the first substrate element and via the contact portion of the second substrate element. The first electrical contact element can connect the contact portion of the contact layer of the first substrate element to the power supply source, and the second electrical contact element can connect the contact portion of the contact layer of the second substrate element to the power supply source.

[0055] At least one electrochromic element of each electrochromic array can be a layer or coating of an electrochromic material as described above, and thereby can also be arranged or formed on each substrate element body, and thereby at least partially, particularly completely cover the contact layer and the layer or coating of conductive material that can also be arranged or formed on the upper or lower side of each substrate element body.

[0056] Each electrochromic array body can also include at least one spacer element made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic, which is disposed or formed, at least partially and optionally completely, on at least one electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element can have a ring-shaped or annular basic shape. The outer dimensions of the spacer element having the corresponding ring-shaped or annular basic shape correspond to the outer dimensions of the respective substrate element body, such that the spacer element can be flush with the respective substrate element body. The aforementioned layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be disposed or formed within the internal space defined by the ring-shaped or annular basic shape of the at least one spacer element. In particular, each spacer element is configured to be spaced apart or separated from each other such that the respective contact layers do not come into electrical contact with each other.

[0057] A further embodiment of the electrochromic array body will be described below:

[0058] The electrochromic array body is composed of at least one substrate element having a substrate element body. The substrate element body typically has a basic shape that can be incorporated into the barrel of a long-distance optical device. As a result, the shape-defining geometric configuration parameters such as the dimensions and shape of the substrate element body are typically selected with respect to the installation space available within the long-distance optical device for the intended integration of the electrochromic array body.

[0059] The substrate element or the substrate element body is typically formed from a transparent material. Specifically, the substrate element or the substrate element body can thus be made of glass, especially sapphire glass, silicate glass, more particularly borosilicate glass, etc., or (transparent) plastic, especially polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. In this context, a design made of a transparent film material or a transparent film is also conceivable.

[0060] The substrate element body typically has one or more surfaces. At least one surface is formed to be at least partially inclined or curved, either completely or as required. As will be described later, the surface that is at least partially inclined or curved is typically assigned to the upper side of the substrate element body or forms the upper side of the substrate element body.

[0061] As can be seen from the following, the substrate element body can typically have at least one surface that is at least partially planar, especially from the perspective of manufacturing. Thus, the substrate element body can have at least one planar base portion formed by the plane or planar surface portion of the substrate element body. Depending on the specific design of the substrate element body, the planar base portion can be arranged or formed, for example, parallel or obliquely to at least one other surface of the substrate element body. Thus, the planar base portion can be assigned to or formed on, for example, the first side surface, especially the upper side surface of the substrate element body, while the other surface can be assigned to or formed on the second side surface, especially the lower side surface of the substrate element body.

[0062] The substrate element body can have, for example, a disk-shaped or disc-like basic shape, especially a circular disk-shaped or circular basic shape. Thus, the substrate element or the substrate element body can be a disk-shaped or disc-like component, especially a circular disk-shaped or circular-shaped component. This is an embodiment that is relatively compact in terms of spatial volume. When the substrate element or the substrate element body is configured as a (circular) disk-shaped or disc-like component, the corresponding planar base portion can be formed, for example, by the upper side or the upper region of the substrate element body.

[0063] Alternatively, the substrate element body can have, for example, a polygonal basic shape. Accordingly, the substrate element or the substrate element body can be polygonal or 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 a highly integrated embodiment with respect to the integration of various optical functions. When the substrate element or the substrate element body is configured as a polygonal or polygonal component, the corresponding planar base portion can be formed, for example, by the outer surface or a region of the outer surface of the substrate element body.

[0064] At least one electrochromic element formed from or consisting of at least one electrochromic material is disposed or formed on the surface of the substrate element body - the corresponding surface can be, for example, the outer surface of the substrate element body, in particular the outer surface forming the upper or lower side of the substrate element body. This surface of the substrate element body can be the aforementioned surface, i.e., in particular the aforementioned plane, or the surface of the substrate element body can have the aforementioned planar base portion. When at least one electrochromic element is disposed or formed on the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the upper surface of the substrate element body, the surface of the substrate element body facing this outer surface, i.e., the outer surface forming the lower surface of the substrate element body, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e., generally an optically effective shape. Conversely, when at least one electrochromic element is disposed or formed on the outer surface of the substrate element body forming the lower surface of the substrate element body, the surface of the substrate element body facing this outer surface, i.e., the outer surface forming the upper surface of the substrate element body, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, i.e., generally an optically effective shape.

[0065] In this context, it is stated again in general terms that each substrate element can also form a component of an optically effective device such as a prism, a split cube, etc.

[0066] When the electrochromic array has a plurality of substrate elements, each substrate element can be provided with electrochromic elements having at least one chemical parameter such as chemical composition and / or physical parameters such as layer thickness different. In particular, electrochromic elements disposed or formed on different substrate elements may have different electrochromic characteristics, i.e., for example, chromaticity, contrast, etc.

[0067] The surface of the substrate element body on which at least one electrochromic element is disposed or formed can be provided with a circumferentially inclined or curved portion, at least partially, in particular completely, in the region of the (outer or lateral) edge. Thus, the surface of the substrate element body on which at least one electrochromic element is disposed or formed can have a first section (first surface section) and a second section (second surface section). The first section forms the base section of the substrate element body. The second section forms the (outer) edge section (edge) of the substrate element body that at least partially, in particular completely, surrounds the base section, and is in particular curved or inclined with respect to the base section. Thus, in the form of the second section, the substrate element body can have, for example, a concave or convex, curved or inclined edge. On the other hand, the first section is typically planar, and thus the first section typically forms the aforementioned planar surface (flat surface) or planar surface section (flat surface section) of the substrate element body.

[0068] Thus, when viewed in cross-section, the substrate element body can have two different cross-sectional configurations, i.e., a first cross-sectional configuration formed by the first section, i.e., the base portion, and a second cross-sectional configuration formed by the second section, i.e., the curved edge or the inclined edge.

[0069] Therefore, the electrical contact element can be arranged or formed on the second section, in particular on the surface of the second section, without changing the dimensions of the electrochromic array, especially the height. Thus, the dimensions of the electrochromic array, especially the height, are particularly applicable to a design with a (circular) disk-shaped or disk-like substrate element body, but in principle are also applicable to all other designs and can be (essentially) determined by the substrate element body or the dimensions of the body of the electrochromic array, especially the height.

[0070] As described above, at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed on at least the first section of the surface of the substrate element body, but it is conceivable that at least one electrochromic element is also arranged or formed on the second section of the surface of the substrate element body; thus, at least one electrochromic element can extend (only) at least partially, optionally completely, on the first section of the surface of the substrate element body, or at least partially, optionally completely, extend on the first section and at least partially, optionally completely, extend on the second section of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0071] At least one electrochromic element can be arranged or formed on a conductive layer or coating. As a result, the first section of the surface of the substrate element body can be at least partially, especially completely, provided with a conductive layer or coating on which at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Similarly, the second section of the surface of the substrate element body can be at least partially, optionally completely, provided with a conductive layer or coating on which at least one electrochromic element can be arranged or formed. The corresponding conductive layer or coating can be formed, for example, from at least one transparent conductive oxide or be a coating consisting of at least one such oxide, and the following description regarding the transparent conductive oxide also applies equally.

[0072] An electrochromic material can change its transmittance, for example, by increasing or decreasing its color or color intensity when a voltage or current is applied. Therefore, an electrochromic material can be regarded as, for example, an electrically switchable electrochromic material. Specifically, an electrochromic material can consist of, for example, a redox-active material, i.e., a material that is particularly a redox-active compound or at least one such material that undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (and vice versa). The corresponding redox-active material can be a metal complex compound, such as tungsten oxide (WO3), nickel oxide (NiO), molybdenum oxide (MoO3), M n m+ [Fe(III)Fe(II)(CN)6]315 H2O (Berlin blue or Prussian blue) or based on titanium oxide. Prussian blue or titanium oxide (TiO2) undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process, such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (and vice versa). Also, conjugated polymer molecules such as PEDOT, amine derivatives such as triphenylamine derivatives, polyimide, metal-supramolecular polyelectrolytes ((FE-)MEPE), etc. can also be regarded as electrochromic materials. A change in the transmittance of an electrochromic material may be accompanied by a change in the color and / or the reflection or mirroring properties of the electrochromic material and thus at least one electrochromic element with respect to light.

[0073] As described above, in the case of an embodiment of the electrochromic array, the substrate element can include electrochromic elements having at least one chemical parameter such as chemical composition and / or physical parameters such as layer thickness that are different. In particular, electrochromic elements disposed or formed on different substrate elements may have different electrochromic properties, that is, for example, different chromaticity, contrast, and the like. Specifically, the first electrochromic element applied to the first substrate element can be based on, for example, tungsten oxide (WO3), and the second electrochromic element applied to the second substrate element can be based on, for example, titanium oxide (TiO2). Other configurations are also conceivable.

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

[0075] Since the layer thickness can also be in micrometers as needed, all of the aforementioned layer thicknesses or layer thickness ranges can also be in micrometers. The corresponding high layer thickness can be realized, for example, by a plurality of coating processes.

[0076] At least one electrochromic element can form the electrodes of the electrochromic array and be disposed or formed between two conductive elements.

[0077] The corresponding conductive element can be formed by, or consist of, a conductive layer or coating, in particular a transparent conductive layer or coating. In particular, the corresponding conductive element can be formed as a transparent conductive layer or coating on the surface of the substrate element body, or can consist of such a layer or coating. As a result, the corresponding conductive element can be applied, at least partially or, if necessary, completely, as a conductive layer or coating, to the surface of the substrate element body. The corresponding conductive layer or coating can also be referred to as a contact layer. The corresponding contact layer typically extends, at least partially, in a ring-shaped or annular manner around or along the edge of the substrate element body, which, as described above, has, for example, a disc-shaped or circular basic shape. Thus, the contact layer can be configured as a conductive layer or coating that extends, at least partially and in some cases completely, around or along the edge of the substrate element body. The corresponding contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer, and as a result, the corresponding contact layer can be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer that extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body. The layer thickness of the corresponding conductive layer or coating or contact layer can be made similar to the layer thickness of at least one of the electrochromic material layers or coatings listed above as an example.

[0078] Specifically, the corresponding conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a coating formed from, or consisting of, at least one transparent conductive oxide. For example, the corresponding conductive layer or coating can be, for example, a coating formed from indium tin oxide (ITO), an example of a transparent conductive oxide, or a coating consisting of ITO, i.e., an ITO coating. Transparent conductive oxides such as ITO typically have a relatively high conductivity (typically 10 4(S / cm) and high light transmittance (90% or more at a layer thickness of 100 nm), and is thus particularly suitable for forming the corresponding conductive coating of the electrochromic assembly described herein.

[0079] When the electrochromic assembly consists of a plurality of electrochromic elements, at least one layer or coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel-like electrolyte material, such as an electrolyte material based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between these electrochromic elements. The layer thickness of at least one layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be in the range of 1 to 2000 μm, in particular, the layer thickness of at least one layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be in the range of 10 to 1000 μm, and more particularly in the range of 100 to 500 μm.

[0080] Returning to the geometric structure design of the surface of the substrate element body in an embodiment having a corresponding first section and a corresponding second section, the latter being curved or inclined, the following may also apply:

[0081] When the second section is formed to be inclined, i.e., forms an inclined surface or is composed of an inclined surface, the second section or the inclined surface can extend at an angle in the range of 91 to 179° with respect to the first section, particularly, as described above, typically the exposed surface of the planar first section. Specifically, the angle of the inclined surface can have the following values: 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°, 126°, 127°, 128°, 129°, 130°, 131°, 132°, 133°, 134°, 135°, 136°, 137°, 138°, 139°, 140°, 141°, 142°, 143°, 144°, 145°, 146°, 147°, 148°, 149°, 150°, 151°, 152°, 153°, 154°, 155°, 156°, 157°, 158°, 159°, 160°, 161°, 162°, 163°, 164°, 165°, 166°, 167°, 168°, 169°, 170°, 171°, 172°, 173°, 174°, 175°, 176°, 177°, 178°, 179° with respect to the first section, particularly, as described above, typically the exposed surface of the planar first section. At least two of the aforementioned values can also form the limit values of the angle range. As a result, the second section or the inclined surface extends at an angle in the range of, for example, 95 to 150°, particularly 105 to 145°, and more particularly 125 to 140° with respect to the first section, particularly, as described above, typically the exposed surface of the planar first section. Thus, by selecting the corresponding angle or angle range, there are basically design parameters for realizing the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic assembly. In particular, the angle or angle range can be selected with respect to the geometric-structural configuration of the electrical contact element to achieve a planar electrical contact as much as possible.

[0082] When the second section is curved, i.e., forms or has a convex or concave curved surface, the second section or the curved surface can have a radius of 5° to 45°. Specifically, the radius of the curved surface can have values 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°. Since at least two of the aforementioned values can also form the limit values of the radius range, the second section or the curved surface can have a radius in the range of, for example, 15 to 45°, particularly 20 to 40°, and more particularly 25 to 35°. As a result, by selecting the corresponding radius or radius range, there are basically design parameters for realizing the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic assembly. In particular, the radius or radius range can be selected with respect to the geometric structural configuration of the electrical contact element in order to achieve as flat an electrical contact as possible. In principle, all of the aforementioned values can be used alone or as the respective upper or lower limit values of the angular intervals.

[0083] Alternatively or additionally, the curved second section can be located on a circular radius with a radius in the range of, for example, 0.5 mm to 30 mm, depending on the radial dimension of the substrate element body - this applies in particular to a substrate element body having a rotationally symmetric basic shape. The circular radius can refer to a virtual circle centered on a virtual line extending axially through the center of the substrate element body. Thus, the radius can be, for example, as follows: 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 10.5 mm, 11 mm, 11.5 mm, 12 mm, 12.5 mm, 13 mm, 13.5 mm, 14 mm, 14.5 mm, 15 mm, 15.5 mm, 16 mm, 16.5 mm, 17 mm, 17.5 mm, 18 mm, 18.5 mm, 19 mm, 19.5 mm, 20 mm, 20.5 mm, 21 mm, 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 aforementioned values can also be used individually or as the respective upper or lower limit values of the radius intervals.

[0084] A further design parameter that is important for achieving the desired electrical contact of at least one electrochromic element can be the length or the radial extension of the second section (in the case of rotational symmetry, for example, in the case of a disc-shaped or disc-like design of the substrate element body); the length of the second section can be a further parameter that is important for achieving the desired electrical contact of at least one electrochromic element; the length of the second section can generally be at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, more particularly at least 3 mm, more particularly at least 4 mm, more particularly at least 5 mm, more particularly at least 6 mm, more particularly at least 7 mm, more particularly at least 8 mm, more particularly at least 9 mm, more particularly at least 10 mm, more particularly at least 11 mm, more particularly at least 12 mm, more particularly at least 13 mm, more particularly at least 14 mm, more particularly at least 15 mm, more particularly at least 16 mm, more particularly at least 17 mm, more particularly at least 18 mm, more particularly at least 19 mm, more particularly at least 20 mm. In principle, all of the aforementioned values can be used as such, or as the respective upper or lower limit values of the intervals.

[0085] The radial dimension of the second section can be at least 1%, particularly at least 2%, more particularly at least 3%, more particularly at least 4%, more particularly at least 5%, more particularly at least 6%, more particularly at least 7%, more particularly at least 8%, more particularly at least 9%, more particularly at least 10%, more particularly at least 11%, particularly at least 12%, more particularly at least 13%, more particularly at least 14%, more particularly at least 15%, more particularly at least 16%, more particularly at least 17%, more particularly at least 18%, more particularly at least 19%, more particularly at least 20% of the diameter of the substrate element body; as described above, this applies particularly to a rotationally symmetric substrate element body. As described above, this applies particularly to a rotationally symmetric substrate element body, i.e., for example, a (circular) disk-shaped or disk-like substrate element body. In principle, all of the above values can be used individually or as the respective upper or lower limit values of the interval.

[0086] As described above, the first section can comprise, at least partially, and in particular completely, a conductive layer or coating on which at least one electrochromic element is arranged or formed. In this way, a conductive coating can be arranged or formed between at least one electrochromic element and the surface of the substrate element body, and this conductive coating can extend completely over the corresponding surface of the substrate element body. In principle, various techniques can be considered for applying the conductive layer or coating, and can be used to influence or control the extension of the conductive layer or coating on the surface of the substrate element body. The spin coating process, spraying process, dipping process, etc. are merely examples in this context, and in principle, chemical and / or physical deposition processes such as vapor deposition (evaporation) processes, or printing processes such as pad printing processes are also possible. Thus, the conductive layer can be applied (coated) to the surface of the substrate element body, for example, by a spin coating process, spraying process, dipping process, or chemical and / or physical deposition process. The version of at least one electrochromic element as a layer or coating can be applied (coated) in a similar manner.

[0087] However, it can be noted that the outermost edge of the surface of the substrate element body is not provided with the corresponding conductive layer or coating, which is because the outermost edge is at least partially covered by one or more holding elements during the coating process, thereby locally preventing the application of the conductive layer or coating. Nevertheless, it is conceivable that the conductive layer or coating is also applied to these regions in another coating step.

[0088] The electrochromic array can include at least one electrical contact element for electrically contacting at least one electrochromic element with an electrical energy source or a power supply source. Specifically, at least one electrical contact element (which can be, for example, a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc., or can be composed of these) can be brought into contact with the corresponding conductive layer or coating, which can also be called an electrical contact layer. The electrical contact element can be electrically contacted with the exposed portion of the conductive layer or coating, and this conductive layer or coating is disposed or formed particularly in the region of the second section of the surface of the substrate element body.

[0089] Since the second section of the surface of the substrate element body is usually provided with a conductive layer or coating over the entire surface, very uniform electrical contact can be made with at least one electrochromic element, and as a result, the optical properties change very uniformly during operation. Therefore, the described arrangement or design of the conductive layer or coating makes it possible to greatly change the brightness or contrast circumferentially from "outside to inside" and eliminates the undesirable phenomenon of color change like a stage curtain.

[0090] The second section of the surface of the substrate element body may have a different roughness from 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 uniform application of the conductive layer or coating can be ensured, for example with regard to layer thickness, which can bring advantages in connection with the electrical contact of at least one electrochromic element. Specifically, the second section of the surface of the substrate element body can have a surface finish of P1, P2, P3 or P4 in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8. In particular, surface finishes of P2, P3 or P4, in particular P3 or P4, in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8 can be considered. The surface finish of the first section is accordingly lower, for example, the surface finish of the first section can be P3 in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8, and the surface finish of the second section can be P2 in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8.

[0091] An electrochromic arrangement typically consists of a plurality of substrate elements or substrate element bodies, each of which has a surface with corresponding first and second sections. The substrate elements or substrate element bodies are typically arranged on top of each other in a stack or stack-like shape such that the respective surfaces with the corresponding first and second sections face each other. In particular, the substrate elements or substrate element bodies are arranged on top of each other in a stack or stacked manner such that the respective second sections face each other, forming a wedge-shaped or wedge-shaped intermediate space when viewed in cross-section. The intermediate space also forms a spatial volume for electrically contacting each substrate element or the associated electrochromic element compactly with an electrical contact element. However, the contact layers of each substrate element or substrate element body usually do not contact each other in order to avoid short circuits. Between each electrochromic element, at least one electrolyte layer, in particular a liquid electrolyte layer or a gel electrolyte layer, consisting of an electrolyte material based on a metal salt, for example, can be arranged or formed.

[0092] Even when the outer surfaces of the substrate element bodies facing each other do not have flat portions, for example, when they are curved, it is conceivable to stack and arrange the respective substrate element bodies in corresponding stack-like or stacked shapes. In this case, the curvature of the substrate element bodies is typically configured to correspond or face each other, whereby it becomes possible to stack and arrange the respective substrate element bodies on top of each other in a stack-like or stacked shape.

[0093] At least two substrate elements can be at least partially embedded in, or surround, an insulating material, in particular an electrically and / or thermally insulating potting (molding) compound based on, for example, plastic or plastic resin. In this way, the electrochromic element and the corresponding contact layer can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical or thermal influences.

[0094] The entire electrochromic array can be arranged in a receiving part or a housing part. In particular, at least two substrate elements are arranged in a receiving space of the corresponding receiving part or housing part, and in this receiving space, they can be embedded in the corresponding insulating material, for example, by encapsulation (molding). In this way, the corresponding receiving part or housing part typically not only provides additional protection against corresponding external influences, but can also improve the handling of the electrochromic array, for example, during assembly in a long-distance optical device.

[0095] The electrochromic array can have at least one spacer element made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic, which is disposed or formed, at least partially and optionally completely, on at least one electrochromic element. The at least one spacer element can have a ring-shaped or annular basic shape. The outer dimensions of the at least one spacer element having the corresponding ring-shaped or annular basic shape can correspond to the outer dimensions of the substrate element body such that the at least one spacer element lies flush on the substrate element body. The aforementioned layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be disposed or formed within the internal space defined by the ring-shaped or annular basic shape of the at least one spacer element. The at least one spacer element is configured in particular to be spaced apart or separated from each other such that the contact layers of the respective substrate elements do not come into electrical contact with each other.

[0096] The electrochromic array can typically be structurally integrated (incorporated) into the optical channel or optical tube of a long-distance optical arrangement that extends between the eyepiece and the objective lens of a long-distance optical device, such that the electrochromic array can be disposed or formed within the optical channel or optical tube of the long-distance optical device. In particular, the electrochromic array can be disposed or formed in a portion of the optical channel or optical tube that extends between the objective lens and the eyepiece.

[0097] The long-distance optical device can be provided with an optical output device, for example in the form of a display, for outputting optical information. The optical information that can be output via the optical output device, that is, for example, alphanumeric symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc., can be formed or configured by a prism arrangement consisting of, for example, one or more prisms, or can be coupled to the optical channel of the long-distance optical device via a coupling device via a foil arrangement. The electrochromic assembly can be directly or indirectly associated with the optical output device such that, for example, the electrochromic assembly can specifically change the brightness and / or contrast of the optical information that can be output via the optical output device.

[0098] A further aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrochromic assembly for a long-distance optical device, in particular a method for manufacturing an electrochromic assembly according to the above-described embodiments, whereby all explanations related to the electrochromic assembly according to the above-described embodiments are analogously applicable to this method (and vice versa).

[0099] The method at least includes: a) a step of providing at least one substrate element consisting of a substrate element body, the substrate element body having a surface with a first section and an optionally curved or inclined second section; and b) a step of applying at least one electrochromic element formed of or consisting of an electrochromic material onto at least the first section of the surface of the substrate element body, and may be executed multiple times.

[0100] In particular, the method includes at least the following steps, which can be carried out several times: providing a substrate element body to at least one substrate element, wherein the substrate element body has a surface with a first section and an optionally curved or inclined second section; applying a conductive layer or coating to the first and second sections of the surface of the substrate element body; applying at least one electrochromic element formed by or consisting of an electrochromic material to at least the region of the first section of the surface of the substrate element body, at least to the conductive layer or coating.

[0101] As part of this method, as described above, it is possible to arrange the configured substrate elements on top of each other, in particular such that the respective second sections of the surfaces of the respective substrate element bodies are arranged opposite each other, forming a wedge-shaped or wedge-like intermediate space.

[0102] The method may further include the step of electrically contacting each second section with an electrical energy source or power supply. For this purpose, each second section can be contacted with an electrical energy source or power supply via at least one electrical contact element such as a wire, cable, contact ring, stranded wire, etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0103] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described again with reference to the embodiments shown in the figures. The figures show the following:

[0104] Figures 1 to 3 are each a schematic diagram of a long-distance optical device according to an example embodiment;

[0105] Figures 4 to 7 are each a schematic diagram of an electrochromic array according to an example embodiment;

[0106] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a substrate element of an electrochromic array according to an example embodiment;

[0107] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electrochromic array according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0108] FIGS. 10 to 15 are each schematic diagrams of electrochromic arrays according to further exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0109] FIGS. 1 to 3 are each schematic diagrams of a long-distance optical device 9 according to an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 1 to 3 show that the long-distance optical device 9 can be configured as, for example, a monocular, a telescopic sight, a night vision device, or a thermal observation or aiming optical system (see FIGS. 1 and 3) or binoculars (see FIG. 2).

[0110] Therefore, in all exemplary embodiments, the long-distance optical device 9 includes at least one lens barrel 10 defined by a housing portion (not shown) of the long-distance optical device 9. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the lens barrel 10 extends between an objective lens 11 composed of one or more objective lenses (not shown) and an eyepiece lens 12 composed of one or more eyepiece lenses (not shown). The optical path extending between the objective lens 11 and the eyepiece lens 12 also defines the optical path of the long-distance optical device 9 indicated by respective dotted lines. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 3, the long-distance optical device 9 is composed of one lens barrel 10, and thus one optical path. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the long-distance optical device 9 is composed of two lens barrels 10, and thus two optical paths. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 2, the lens barrels 10 are connected to each other via a connecting device 20.

[0111] In all embodiments, the long-distance 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 the field of view area or the field of view of the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9. Accordingly, the corresponding field of view area or the corresponding field of view can be formed, for example, by the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9 that extends between the objective lens 11 formed by at least one objective lens and the eyepiece lens 12 formed by at least one eyepiece lens, as described above. Accordingly, the corresponding optical information can be, in some cases, an optically enlarged real image of the target area, target object, etc. observed by the long-distance optical device.

[0112] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one display area 21 can be formed by an electrical display device or an electronic display device 22 such as a display device. Accordingly, the corresponding optical information can be, for example, electrically or electronically generated optical information such as the target area, target object, etc. observed by the long-distance optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, the corresponding optical information can be alphanumeric and / or graphic information such as symbols, graphics, images, videos, etc. generated by a control device 23 of a hardware and / or software implementation related to the corresponding electrical display device or electronic display device 22.

[0113] The optical information output by the corresponding electrical display device or electronic display device 21 can be coupled, as shown in the figure as an example, to the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9 via a coupling device 24 if necessary for superimposed display with the real image. The corresponding coupling device 24 can be formed or constituted, for example, by a prism arrangement consisting of one or more prisms, or can pass through a foil arrangement.

[0114] As can be seen from the figure, each of the long-distance optical devices 9 is composed of at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 associated with (assigned to) at least one display area 21.

[0115] As can be seen from FIGS. 4 to 7, each electrochromic array body 1 includes at least one electrochromic element 5, 6 disposed or formed between two conductive elements disposed or formed on each substrate element 2 in the form of a contact layer 3 made of a metal such as copper. The corresponding electrochromic elements are formed of, for example, an electrochromic material or composed of an electrochromic material. Each electrochromic element in the figure is composed of a first layer 5 made of an electrochromic material, a second layer 6 made of an electrochromic material that functions as an ion storage layer (which can also be called a counter electrode), and a layer 7 disposed or formed between layers 5 and 6 and made of an ion-permeable electrolyte material (e.g., gel-like). A transparent conductive layer 4 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO is also provided on the substrate element 2 at least on the surface facing each electrochromic element (see layers 5 to 7). A spacer element made of an electrical insulating material such as plastic is indicated by reference numeral 8.

[0116] Each of at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 can transition to one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or contrast of the respective optical information. In this way, each of at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 is configured to adjust or change the optical properties, namely, in particular, the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the respective optical information. The change in the optical properties of the respective optical information is performed by transitioning each electrochromic array body 1 to the operating state of each electrochromic array body 1. As a result, the different operating states of each electrochromic array body 1 can be correlated with different optical properties of the respective optical information.

[0117] Accordingly, the long-distance optical device 9 shown in the figure is characterized by at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 assigned to at least one display area 21, and each electrochromic assembly 1 can be shifted to one or more operating states in order to change their respective optical properties, namely, in particular, brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast. This provides an additional degree of freedom with respect to the possibility of changing or adjusting the optical properties of at least one display area 21. This results in particular from the fact that each of the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 has a specific transmittance (light transmittance) for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and accordingly has specific brightness, chromaticity, contrast, etc., and can be obtained by specifically shifting the specific optical properties of the respective optical information to a specific operating state in each case. Thereby, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and the associated brightness, chromaticity, contrast, etc. of the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be realized.

[0118] As can be seen from the embodiment examples according to FIGS. 1 and 2, at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 or at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 can be arranged or formed in series connection, whereby at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 are directly or indirectly, that is, with at least one other optical element interposed therebetween, arranged or formed behind other optical elements in the optical path of each long-distance optical device 1, that is, particularly in the optical channel. Alternatively or additionally, at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 or at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 can be arranged or formed in a parallel circuit, whereby at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 are arranged or formed adjacent to each other in the optical path of each long-distance optical device 1, that is, particularly in the optical channel, or in the optical path in each case, that is, particularly in the optical channel. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, in the case of a long-distance optical device 1 having a plurality of optical paths or optical channels, at least one electrochromic array body 1 can be arranged or formed in each optical path or optical channel.

[0119] In order to shift at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 to their respective operating states, the long-distance optical device 9 includes a control device 23 that is assigned to at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 and is configured to be implemented in hardware and / or software to generate control information for shifting at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 to one or more operating states. The control device 23 can be configured to generate control information for shifting at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 to their respective operating states. The corresponding control information can be generated, for example, based on information or signals generated by user-side input and / or information or signals generated by a detection device or sensor device (not shown) for detecting, for example, the optical characteristics of the environment around the long-distance optical device 9.

[0120] Figures 1 and 2 show that the control device 23 can be arranged or formed on or within the housing part of the long-distance optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 23 can be arranged or formed on a portable terminal 25 such as a notebook computer, a smartphone, smart glasses, a tablet, etc., or on at least one other long-distance optical device such as a target optical system or a target rangefinder that communicates with the long-distance optical device 9 via a wired or wireless data connection. The wireless data connection can be implemented via a standard specification for wireless data transmission such as Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0121] The transition of each of at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 to its respective operating state can be performed, for example, by applying a voltage or current to each electrochromic assembly 1. By applying different levels of voltage or current that change over time to each electrochromic assembly 1, it is possible to realize different operating states of each electrochromic assembly 1, and this operating state is accompanied by different, i.e., particularly different, significant changes in the optical properties of the respective optical information. The level of the electrical voltage or current that can be applied to or is applied to each electrochromic assembly 1 may change over time in some cases and can be controlled or adjusted via the control device 23 as part of shifting each electrochromic assembly 1 to its respective operating state.

[0122] In order to enable the application of an electrical voltage or an electrical current to each electrochromic assembly 1, the long-distance optical device 9 can have at least one electrical energy supply device 19 in the form of an electrical energy storage device such as a wired or wirelessly rechargeable battery. The corresponding electrical energy supply device 19 can be structurally arranged or formed on the housing part of the long-distance optical device 9.

[0123] When the long-distance optical device 9 is configured to include a plurality of display areas 21, such as a configuration having a first display area formed by an optical channel for a real image and a second display area formed by an electric display device or an electronic display device 22 for an electrically or electronically generated image, at least one electrochromic array body 1 can be associated (assigned) with each display area 21. Alternatively, at least two electrochromic array bodies 1 can also be associated (assigned) with only one (single) display area 21.

[0124] In FIGS. 1 to 6, as shown by the frame 26 surrounding each electrochromic array body 1, one or more electrochromic array bodies 1 can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed within the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, one or more electrochromic array bodies 1 can form an assembly that is structurally arranged or formed outside of each optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9.

[0125] The corresponding frame 26 can represent a modular or module-shaped assembly, which can be formed, for example, by a modular or module-shaped housing device or can be composed of such a housing device, and this housing device has a receiving space in which at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be arranged or formed. The 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 within the long-distance optical device 9. The corresponding fastening interface can be, for example, a mechanical fastening interface that enables a form-fit and / or force-fit fastening of the corresponding housing device to or within the long-distance optical device 9, that is, in particular, to the housing part of the long-distance optical device 9 or within the long-distance optical device 9. Alternatively or additionally, it is of course also conceivable to attach the housing device to or within the long-distance optical device 9 by material bonding, for example by means of an adhesive or welding.

[0126] At least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be shifted to their respective one or more operating states either dependently on each other or independently of each other, and thus can be shifted to their respective operating states either dependently on each other or independently of each other. In this way, at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be put into an operating state and / or operated either dependently on each other or independently of each other. The mutually dependent shift of at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 to their respective operating states means, for example, that when the first electrochromic assembly 1 is shifted to an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, or is operated in that operating state, the second electrochromic assembly 1 is operated in response to a change in the transmittance of the first electrochromic assembly 1 for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, and thus, accordingly, is shifted to an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by a specific value or another specific value, or is operated in that operating state. The fact that at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 shift to their respective operating states independently of each other means, for example, that even when the first electrochromic assembly 1 is shifted to an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range increases or decreases by a specific value, or is operated in that operating state, the second electrochromic assembly 1 is not shifted to an operating state or operated in an operating state in response to a change in the transmittance of the first electrochromic assembly 1 for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. Instead of the transmittance of the first electrochromic assembly 1 for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range changing in response to a change in the transmittance of the first electrochromic assembly 1 for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, it shifts to an operating state in which the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range also increases or decreases by a specific value or another specific value, or is operated in that operating state, independently thereof.

[0127] The transition of each of at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 to its respective operating state can be achieved by a targeted adjustment of the optical properties of at least one display area 21 for a specific application area, and these optical properties can be characterized, for example, by a special environment in which a long-distance optical device 9 is used for observing a target area, a target object, etc. For example, for the use of the long-distance optical device 9 in areas with high brightness such as snowy areas, deserts, and / or in specific colorful areas such as forests, on water, etc., a special setting of the optical properties of at least one display area 21 can be carried out in each case, and this can be automated or automatically controlled via the control device 23. In this way, for example, a high ambient brightness can be reduced and / or a low ambient contrast can be increased. In a similar way, alternatively or additionally, for the application of the long-distance optical device 9 at a specific time of day, month or year, a specific setting of the optical properties of at least one display area 21 can be carried out, and this can be controlled in an automated or automated way via the control device 23.

[0128] By shifting at least two electrochromic arrays 1 to their respective operating states, the blocking function of the long-distance optical device 9 can be realized, which includes temporarily shifting the electrochromic arrays 1 to their respective operating states. As a result, the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range becomes extremely low, so that optical information cannot be displayed or visually recognized, or cannot be displayed or visually recognized in a desired range or in a desired manner. This can be achieved, for example, by selectively darkening, coloring, etc. at least one display area 21 or optical information. Therefore, the corresponding blocking function can include the implementation of a blocking mode in which the transmittance resulting from light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range is so low that optical information cannot be displayed or visually recognized, or cannot be displayed or visually recognized to a desired degree or in a desired manner. The release of the blocking mode can be realized, for example, by the control device 23 through the authentication or identification of a specific user, such as password input, user identification, etc. Similarly, the release of the blocking mode can alternatively or additionally be implemented by at least one other long-distance optical device such as an external terminal device like a laptop, smartphone, smart glasses, tablet, etc., or a target optical system, a target rangefinder, etc.

[0129] As already described and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be arranged or formed within the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9, which, as also already described and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, extends between the objective lens 11 and the eyepiece 12 of the long-distance optical device 9. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be associated (assigned) with another optical assembly (not shown) consisting of one or more optical elements arranged or formed within the optical channel, such as, for example, the objective lens 11, the eyepiece 12, or a beam splitter cube assembly (if present). In this way, the transmittance of the objective lens, the eyepiece, or the 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, in particular, it is shown that the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be directly incorporated into the objective lens 11 and / or the eyepiece 12 of the long-distance optical device 9. As a result, in particular, the substrate elements 2 of the at least two electrochromic assemblies 1 can be configured and / or function as lens elements of the objective lens 11 and / or the eyepiece 12 of the long-distance optical device 9. One or more corresponding lens elements, and thus one or more corresponding substrate elements 2, may be curved or dome-shaped.

[0130] In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 where the long-distance optical device 9 has two optical channels, at least one first electrochromic array 1 can be arranged or formed in the first optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9, and at least one second electrochromic array 1 can be arranged or formed in the second optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9. Therefore, the optical characteristics of at least two optical channels, that is, the transmittance particularly for light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be changed or adjusted by moving the electrochromic arrays 1 arranged or formed in these channels either depending on each other or independently of each other. As described above and as shown by way of example in FIG. 2, at least two electrochromic arrays 1 can also be arranged or formed in each optical channel.

[0131] Specific exemplary arrangements and configuration options of at least two electrochromic arrays 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0132] The embodiment according to FIG. 4 shows an example configuration provided with two electrochromic arrays 1.

[0133] In an example of an embodiment, each electrochromic array body 1 is composed of a first substrate element 2 made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic from top to bottom. Next, a contact layer 3 made of a conductive metal such as copper, which serves to bring the electrochromic material described later into contact with an external voltage supply, and a transparent conductive layer 4 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO are arranged or formed. Subsequently, a first layer 5 made of an electrochromic material that can be called a working electrode, a layer 6 made of an ion-permeable electrolyte material such as a gel, and a second layer 7 made of an electrochromic material that functions as an ion storage layer that can be called a counter electrode are formed. This layer structure is repeated when, following the second layer 7 made of an electrochromic material, a contact layer 3 made of a conductive metal such as copper, which serves to bring the aforementioned electrochromic material into contact with an external voltage supply, a transparent conductive layer 4 made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, and a second substrate element 2 follow. A spacer element made of an electrical insulating material such as plastic is indicated by reference numeral 8.

[0134] In the example of the embodiment according to FIG. 4, since a gap 27, and thus for example an air gap, is formed between two electrochromic array bodies 1, an antireflection coating can be applied to the surface of the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic array body 1 facing the first or upper electrochromic array body 1. Alternatively or additionally, an antireflection coating can be applied to the surface of the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic array body 1 facing the second or lower electrochromic array body 1.

[0135] The example of the embodiment according to FIG. 5 differs from the example of the embodiment according to FIG. 4 in that, here, three electrochromic array bodies 1 are arranged or formed in series instead of two electrochromic array bodies 1. All the explanations related to the example of the embodiment according to FIG. 4 apply equally. The same is true for embodiments having three or more electrochromic array bodies 1 connected in series.

[0136] The embodiment example according to FIG. 6 is basically based on the embodiment example according to FIG. 4, but the second or lower substrate element 2 of the first or upper electrochromic array body is formed equal to the first or upper substrate element 2 of the second or lower electrochromic array body 1, so there is no gap space 27 between the two electrochromic array bodies 1, and thus there is no void, which is different from that. As a result, this substrate element assigned to both electrochromic array bodies 1 has two contact layers 3 and two conductive layers 4, and the contact layer 3 and the conductive layer 4 arranged or formed on the first surface of the substrate element 2 are assigned to the first or upper electrochromic array body 1, and the contact layer 3 and the conductive layer 4 arranged or formed on the second surface opposite to the substrate element 2 are assigned to the second or lower electrochromic array body 1.

[0137] The embodiment example according to FIG. 7 is different from the embodiment example according to FIG. 6 in that here, instead of two electrochromic array bodies 1, three electrochromic array bodies 1 are arranged or formed in series. All the explanations related to the embodiment example according to FIG. 6 are equally applicable. The same is true for embodiments having three or more electrochromic array bodies 1 connected in series.

[0138] Based on the embodiment examples according to FIGS. 6 and 7, it can be seen that two conductive elements can be arranged or formed on at least one substrate element 2, particularly on different surfaces of the substrate element 2, that is, for example, the upper surface and the lower surface. The first conductive element arranged or formed on the first surface, that is, for example, the upper surface, is assigned to the first electrochromic array body 1, and the second conductive element is assigned to the second electrochromic array body 1. The first conductive element arranged or formed on the first surface, for example, the upper surface, of the substrate element 2 is assigned to the first electrochromic array body 1, and the second conductive element arranged or formed on the second surface, for example, the lower surface, of the substrate element is assigned to the second electrochromic array body 1.

[0139] In all exemplary embodiments, the first electrochromic array 1 can be associated with (assigned to) the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9 in order to change or adjust the optical information visible through the optical channel, i.e., for example, the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of a real image, i.e., generally the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. For example, at least one second electrochromic array 1 of the electronic display device 22 (if present) of the real image can be associated with (assigned to) the long-distance optical device 9 in order to change or adjust the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the optical information generated through the electronic display device 22, i.e., generally the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range. As described above, the optical information generated by the electrical display device or the electronic display device 22 may be coupled or combined via the optical coupling device 24, in particular in order to superimpose it with the optical information visible in the optical channel.

[0140] For all embodiments, the first electrochromic array 1 can be set to respective one or more operating states to adjust the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast of the respective optical information in a first brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, and the second electrochromic array 1 can be set to respective one or more operating states to adjust the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast of the 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). Since the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array 1 for the adjustment options of the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or specific wavelength range, can be made the same, different electrochromic arrays 1 can achieve the same brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast range, for example, by electrochromic elements configured identically with respect to chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, a specific range of brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array 1 used for the adjustment options of the defined brightness and / or defined chromaticity and / or defined contrast, i.e., generally the transmittance for light of a specific wavelength or specific wavelength range, can be varied, whereby different electrochromic arrays 1 can achieve different brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast ranges, for example, by electrochromic elements configured differently with respect to chemical and / or physical properties.

[0141] Thus, in all embodiments, the first electrochromic array 1 can be set to respective one or more operating states in order to adjust the defined chromaticity of each optical information in the first wavelength range, and the second electrochromic array 1 can be set to respective one or more operating states in order to adjust the defined chromaticity of each optical information in the second wavelength range. The second chromaticity range or the second color related thereto may be the same as or different from the first chromaticity range or the first color related thereto (and vice versa). In the case of different chromaticity ranges or colors, these can be complementary, for example. Here too, since it is possible for the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array 1, which are generally responsible for the transmittance of light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, to be the same for the adjustability of the defined chromaticity or color, different electrochromic arrays 1 can achieve the same chromaticity range or color range or color, for example, by electrochromic elements configured identically with respect to chemical and / or physical properties. In this way, a specific chromaticity range or color range or color can be enhanced. Alternatively, the chemical and / or physical properties of the electrochromic elements of each electrochromic array 1, which are generally responsible for the transmittance to light of a specific wavelength or a specific wavelength range, can be made different, whereby different electrochromic arrays 1 can achieve different chromaticity ranges or color ranges or colors, for example, by electrochromic elements configured differently with respect to chemical and / or physical properties. As described above, the second chromaticity range or color range can be different from the first chromaticity range or color range, whereby 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 is useful for hunting applications, for example, as animals can be better distinguished from plants.

[0142] As already explained, each electrochromic array 1 comprises a corresponding contact layer 3 made of a conductive material for making electrical contact with an electrochromic element or elements typically present as layers or coatings 5, 7 made of an electrochromic material, i.e. in particular for applying an electrical voltage or current. Embodiment examples of a specific configuration of the contact layer 3 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9:

[0143] FIG. 8 is an exemplary top view of the upper or lower side of the substrate element 2 of the electrochromic array 1 according to an embodiment example, whereby the following description related to the embodiment example shown in FIG. 8 can be analogously applied to all substrate elements 2 of each electrochromic array 1.

[0144] The substrate element 2 is composed of a substrate element body 14 which, in the embodiment example, has an exemplary disc-shaped or circular basic shape. In principle, the substrate element body 14 has a basic shape that can be integrated into the optical tube 10 of the long-distance optical device 9, so that the shape-determining geometric configuration parameters such as the dimensions of the substrate element body 14 are selected to be integrated as intended with respect to the installation space available in the long-distance optical device 9, i.e. in particular in the optical tube 10.

[0145] As described above, the contact layer 3 formed from a 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 on the upper or lower surface of the substrate element body 14 that forms the main extension surface of the substrate element 2. The contact layer 3 is typically applied to the upper or lower surface of the substrate element body 14 by a chemical and / or physical coating process, in particular a chemical and / or physical deposition process, and more particularly a chemical and / or physical vapor deposition process. The layer thickness of the contact layer 3 can be, for example, in the range between 10 nm and 500 nm, in particular in the range between 10 nm and 450 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 400 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 350 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 300 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 250 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 200 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 150 nm, more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 100 nm, and more particularly in the range between 10 nm and 50 nm.

[0146] It is clear that the contact layer 3 extends in a ring shape or ring form, that is, in particular in a ring segment shape or ring shape, around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14 having a disk-shaped or circular basic shape. In this way, the contact layer 3 is configured as a conductive layer that at least partially extends around 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, but in principle, a quasi-continuous or discontinuous contact layer 3 is also conceivable, and as a result, the contact layer 3 can generally be a continuous, quasi-continuous or discontinuous conductive layer that extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14.

[0147] Therefore, the substrate element body 14 does not have the contact layer 3 on the entire upper or lower region, but only has the contact layer 3 on the portion that goes around the upper or lower edge. As a result, not only is there an advantage in ensuring electrical contact between a power supply source such as a battery built into the long-distance optical device and the electrochromic array 1, but also an advantage regarding the application of an electrical voltage to the electrochromic element that occurs at least intermittently during the operation of the electrochromic array 1 when these are in a ring-shaped or ring-shaped contact. - Thereby, the optical characteristics of the electrochromic array 1, particularly the transmittance, change surprisingly quickly and uniformly, especially in contrast to the case of contact only at points. The described arrangement or design of the conductive layer also makes it possible to greatly change the brightness or contrast in the circumferential direction "from the outside to the inside", eliminating phenomena known from the prior art, such as coloring like a stage curtain. Furthermore, for example, the substrate element 2 does not need to have the contact layer 3 on the entire upper or lower surface region of the substrate element body, and can have the contact layer 3 only around the edge, which is also advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology.

[0148] As described above, the contact layer 3 extends at least partially in a ring-shaped or ring-shaped manner, that is, particularly in a ring segment-shaped or ring-shaped manner, that is, in a ring-shaped or ring-shaped or ring segment-shaped or ring-shaped basic shape, around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the contact layer 3 extends around at least 50% of the circumference in the circumferential direction of the edge around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. The more completely the contact layer 3 extends around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14, the faster or more uniformly the optical characteristics of the electrochromic array 1, that is, particularly the change in transmittance, can be brought about.

[0149] FIG. 8 also shows that there can be a defined free space 15 where the contact layer 3 does not extend, at least partially, between the contact layer 3 and the edge of the substrate element body 14. As a result, the contact layer 3 does not have to extend completely to the edge of the substrate element body 14 with respect to its radial extension (with respect to the axis of symmetry or central axis A1 of the substrate element body 14), but a defined distance, for example 0.5 mm, can be provided between the outer circumference of the contact layer 3 and the actual edge on the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14.

[0150] FIG. 8 also shows that the contact layer 3 can form a contact portion 16 that can be contacted by electrical contact elements such as wires, stranded wires, cables, spring contacts, pin contacts, etc. that can be connected or connected to an electrical voltage or power supply.

[0151] FIG. 8 also shows that the contact portion 16, for example to ensure reliable contact with the corresponding electrical contact element, has different dimensions with respect to its radial extension in the direction of the upper or lower edge of the substrate element body 14 compared to other regions of the contact layer 3. Thus, the contact portion 16 can be formed by or represent the radial extension of the contact layer 3 (compared to other regions of the contact layer 3), and this extension extends circumferentially around a region of the edge of the substrate element body, i.e., for example, by at least 10%, around or along the edge of the substrate element body 14. The contact portion 16 can be applied directly to the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14, and thus, in the region of the contact portion 16, there is no need for a corresponding transparent conductive layer or coating.

[0152] FIG. 8 further shows that the edge of the substrate element body 14 can have a flat portion 17. In particular, the flat portion 17 can be defined by a straight line L or a corresponding secant (secant, tangent) S that forms the outer perimeter of the substrate element body 14 passing through two points P1, P2 on the edge of the substrate element body 14. Thus, since the edge of the substrate element body 14 can have a corresponding flat portion 17, the shape of the substrate element body 14 does not have to be a perfect disk. The flat portion 17 can be used, for example, to realize the anti-rotation lock of the electrochromic assembly 1 within the lens barrel 10 of the long-distance optical device 9, and thus, the structural integration of the electrochromic assembly into the long-distance optical device 9 can be simplified.

[0153] Similarly, as can be further seen in relation to the embodiment according to FIG. 9, the flat portion 17 can form a functionalized interface of the electrochromic assembly 1 when a special electrical contact option with the power supply of the electrochromic assembly 1 can be implemented in this way. This is particularly the case when the contact portion 16 is arranged or formed opposite to the flat portion 17, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the contact portion 16 and the flat portion 17 can be arranged or formed (substantially) 180° offset in the circumferential direction with respect to the disk-shaped or circular basic shape of the substrate element body 14. In the top view of the upper or lower side of the substrate element body 14 shown in FIG. 8, the contact portion 16 is thus arranged or formed on the upper side, and the flat portion 17 is arranged or formed opposite on the lower side.

[0154] Based on the example embodiment according to FIG. 9, the electrochromic array 1 has two substrate elements 2 configured to correspond to each other, and it can be seen that each substrate element 2 has a substrate element body 14 having a corresponding flat portion 17 and a contact portion 16 disposed or formed facing the flat portion 17. The substrate element bodies 14 of the first substrate element 2 and the second substrate element 2 are arranged one on top of the other (one on the other) such that the contact layers 3 of each other face each other, but the contact layers 3 cannot be in electrical contact with each other to avoid short - circuit. Each contact layer 3 can lie on top of the other so as to complement each other to form a closed ring. As a result, the contact layer 3 disposed or formed on the substrate element body 14 of the first substrate element 2 (for example, the upper substrate element in FIG. 9) can extend circumferentially in a region where the contact layer 3 of the second substrate element 2 (for example, the lower substrate element in FIG. 9) does not extend on the substrate element body 14. Also, the overlapping arrangement of the substrate elements 2 is selected such that the respective contact portions 16 are at least partially exposed. Thereby, the electrochromic array 1 can be in contact with the power supply source both through the contact portion 16 of the first substrate element 2 and through the contact portion 16 of the second substrate element 2. The first electrical contact element can connect the contact portion 16 of the contact layer 3 of the first substrate element 2 (for example, the upper substrate element 2 in FIG. 9) to the power supply source, and the second electrical contact element can connect the contact portion 16 of the contact layer 3 of the second substrate element 2 (for example, the lower substrate element in FIG. 9) to the power supply source.

[0155] FIGS. 10 - 15 are schematic views of the electrochromic array 1 according to further example embodiments, respectively. This electrochromic array 1 can also form a component of the long - distance optical device 9.

[0156] The electrochromic array 1 is an assembly that can be structurally incorporated into the long-distance optical device 9, specifically an electrochromic assembly. In particular, the electrochromic array 1 is an assembly that can be structurally incorporated into the optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9 between the objective lens 11 and the eyepiece 12, specifically the optical channel extending within the barrel 10 of the long-distance optical device 9, that is, specifically an electrochromic assembly. Thus, as a component of the corresponding long-distance optical device 9, the electrochromic array 1 is an assembly incorporated into the corresponding optical channel of the long-distance optical device 9, that is, specifically an electrochromic assembly.

[0157] The electrochromic array 1 includes at least one substrate element 2 having a substrate element body 14. The substrate element body 14 has a basic shape that can be incorporated into the barrel of the long-distance optical device 9. As a result, the geometric configuration parameters such as the dimensions and shape of the substrate element body 14 are usually selected with respect to the installation space available in the long-distance optical device 9 for the intended integration of the electrochromic array 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, particularly sapphire glass, silicate glass, more particularly borosilicate glass, or (transparent) plastic, particularly polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate. In this context, it is also conceivable that the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is made of a transparent film material or a transparent film.

[0159] In an example of an embodiment, the substrate element body 14 has one or more surfaces 14.1 to 14.n. Based on the example of the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, it can be seen that at least one surface 14.1 can be planar. In these embodiments, the substrate element body 14 thus has at least one planar base portion formed by the planar surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. Depending on a specific embodiment of the substrate element body 14, the planar base portion can be arranged or formed, for example, parallel or obliquely with respect to at least one other surface of the substrate element body 14. In the example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the planar base portion illustratively forms a part of the upper surface of the substrate element body 14 and is thus arranged parallel to the surface forming the lower surface of the substrate element body 14.

[0160] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the substrate element body 14 has a disc-shaped or circular basic shape. Accordingly, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a disc-shaped or disc-like component. This is an embodiment that is relatively compact in terms of its space volume. When the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is configured as a (circular) disc-type or disc-shaped component, as can be seen from FIGS. 10 and 11, for example, the corresponding planar base portion can be formed by the upper side or the upper region of the substrate element body 14.

[0161] In the example of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, in contrast to the example of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the substrate element body 14 does not have a flat base portion in its upper region and is (completely) curved in its upper region. Accordingly, the substrate element body 14 can have, for example, a lens shape. Similarly, embodiments of the substrate element body 14 with an inclined upper side are also conceivable.

[0162] In the embodiment example shown in FIG. 13, the substrate element body 14 has a polygonal basic shape. Therefore, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a polygon or a polygonal component. In particular, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be a prism, particularly a prism forming a component of an optical beam splitter such as a beam splitter cube. This is a highly integrated embodiment configured for the integration of various optical functions. When the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 is configured as a polygon or a polygonal component, the corresponding planar base portion can be formed by, for example, the outer surface or the region of the outer surface of the substrate element body 14 as shown in FIG. 13.

[0163] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, an electrochromic element formed of or consisting of at least one electrochromic material can be formed, for example, by layer 5 and is disposed or formed on the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 - the surface 14.1 is, as described above, an outer surface of the substrate element body 14 forming the upper side of the substrate element body 14 as an example. This surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 is the aforementioned plane or the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 has the aforementioned planar bottom portion. The same applies to the embodiment example according to FIG. 12.

[0164] An electrochromic material can change its transmittance, for example, by increasing or decreasing its color or color intensity when a voltage or current is applied. Thus, an electrochromic material can be regarded as, for example, an electrically switchable electrochromic material. Specifically, an electrochromic material can consist of, for example, a redox-active material, that is, a material that is particularly a redox-active compound or at least one such material that undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (and vice versa). The corresponding redox-active material can be or consist of, for example, a metal complex compound based on tungsten oxide (WO3), nickel oxide (NiO), molybdenum oxide (MoO3) or titanium oxide (TiO2), and undergoes a change in its transmittance during a redox process such as a transition from an oxidized state to a reduced state (and vice versa). Also, conjugated polymer molecules such as PEDOT, amine derivatives such as triphenylamine derivatives, polyimide, metal-supramolecular polymer electrolytes ((FE-)MEPE), etc. can also be regarded as electrochromic materials. A change in the transmittance of an electrochromic material may be accompanied by a change in the color and / or the reflection or specular characteristics of the electrochromic material, and thus of the electrochromic device, with respect to light.

[0165] In the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11, the surface of the substrate element body 14 on which the electrochromic element is disposed or formed has, at least partially, particularly completely, a portion 14.1.2 that is inclined or curved in the circumferential direction in the region of the outer edge or side edge. Thus, the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 on which the electrochromic element is disposed or formed 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 the outer edge portion of the substrate element body 14 surrounding the base section, and is particularly curved or inclined compared to the base section. Thus, in the form of the second section 14.1.2, the substrate element body 14 has, for example, a concave or convex, curved or inclined edge section (edge portion). In contrast, the first section 14.1.1 in the embodiment according to FIGS. 10 and 11 is planar, and the first section 14.1.1 thus forms the aforementioned planar surface (flat surface) or planar surface section (flat surface section) of the substrate element body 14.

[0166] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the substrate element body 14 thus has, when viewed in cross-section, two different cross-sectional configurations, namely, a first cross-sectional configuration formed by the first section 14.1.1, that is, the base portion, and a second cross-sectional configuration formed by the second section 14.1.2, that is, the curved edge or inclined edge.

[0167] The second section 14.1.2 typically has reduced dimensions, in particular a reduced height, compared to the first section 14.1.2, thereby providing a particularly space-saving electrical contact option for the electrochromic arrangement 1. This is because the electrical contact elements formed by the contact layer 3 can be arranged or formed on the second section 14.1.2, in particular on the surface of the second section 14.1.2, without changing the dimensions of the electrochromic arrangement 1, in particular its height. Thus, the dimensions of the electrochromic arrangement 1, in particular its height, apply in particular to embodiments having a disk-shaped or disk-like substrate element body 14, but in principle also to all other embodiments and can be (essentially) determined by the dimensions of the substrate element body or body 14 of the electrochromic arrangement 1, in particular its height.

[0168] As shown in the figure, 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; 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; thus, the electrochromic element can extend at least partially, possibly completely, only on the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 or extend at least partially, if necessary completely, on the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 and at least partially, if necessary completely, on the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14.

[0169] In an embodiment, the electrochromic element is, by way of example, arranged or formed on the conductive layer 4 or the coating. As a result, the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can be provided, at least in part, in particular completely, by the conductive layer 4 or the coating on which the electrochromic element is arranged or formed. Similarly, the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 can be provided, at least in part, and in some cases completely, by the conductive layer 4 or the coating on which the electrochromic element can be arranged or formed. The corresponding conductive layer 4 or coating can be formed, for example, from a transparent conductive oxide or be a coating consisting of at least one such oxide, and the transparent conductive oxide can be, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO). The layer thickness of the conductive layer 4 or the coating can be the same or identical to the layer thickness of the electrochromic material layer or coating described below.

[0170] Since the second section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 is usually provided with the conductive layer 4 or the coating over the entire surface, a very uniform electrical contact of the electrochromic element can be achieved, and as a result, a very uniform change in the optical properties is brought about during its operation. Thus, the described arrangement or design of the conductive layer 4 or the coating makes it possible to vary the brightness and contrast significantly in the circumferential direction "from the outside to the inside" and eliminates the undesirable phenomenon of discoloration like that of a stage curtain.

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

[0172] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the second section 14.1.2 is inclined. Thus, the second section 14.1.2 forms an inclined surface. The second section 14.1.2 or the inclined surface can be inclined at an angle α in the range of 91 to 179°, particularly 115 to 145°, more particularly 125 to 135° with respect to, for example, the exposed surface of the first section 14.1.1, particularly the first section 14.1.1. In this way, by selecting the corresponding angle α or angle range, there are basically design parameters for realizing the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic array 1. In particular, the angle α or angle range can be selected with respect to the geometric structural configuration of the electrical contact element in order to achieve the maximum possible electrical contact of the conductive coating 4.

[0173] In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 11, the second section 14.1.2 is curved. Accordingly, the second section 14.1.2 forms a convex or concave curved surface. The second section 14.1.2 or the curved surface can have a radius in the range of, for example, 15 to 45°, particularly 20 to 40°, and even more particularly 25 to 35°. As schematically shown in FIG. 11, the curved second section 14.2.2 can be on a circular radius r in the range from 0.5 mm to 30 mm. The circular radius r can refer to a virtual circle (see dotted line K), the center Z of which is on a virtual line extending axially through the center of the substrate element body 14. As a result, the selection of the corresponding radius r or radius range also basically provides the configurational parameters for realizing the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic assembly 1. In particular, the radius r or radius range can be selected with respect to the geometric-configurational configuration of the electrical contact element in order to realize the electrical contact of the conductive coating 4 that is as planar as possible.

[0174] The same also applies to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 12, in which case the overall curved upper side of the substrate element body 14 can be located on a corresponding circular radius.

[0175] A further design parameter important for realizing the desired electrical contact of the electrochromic assembly 1 can be the length L or the radial extension of the second section 14.1.2 (in the case of rotational symmetry, for example, in the case of the disc-shaped or disc-like design of the substrate element body 14 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11); the length L of the second section 14.1.2 can generally be at least 1 mm. The radial dimension of the second section 14.1.2 can be at least 1% of the (maximum) diameter D of the substrate element body 14, which, as mentioned above, particularly applies to a rotationally symmetric substrate element body 14, i.e., for example, the disc-shaped or disc-like substrate element body 14 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0176] The exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 14 shows a modification of the electrochromic array body 1 having a plurality of substrate element bodies 14, and thus a plurality of electrochromic elements, which can be configured according to any one of the exemplary embodiments according to FIG. 10 or FIG. 11, for example. The substrate element bodies 14 can be identically configured as shown in FIG. 14 by way of example.

[0177] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14, and thus the respective electrochromic elements 5, are arranged overlapping each other. Between the electrochromic elements, a layer 8 or a coating of an electrolyte material, in particular a liquid or gel electrolyte material based on a metal salt, is arranged or formed. The layer thickness of at least one layer 8 or coating of the electrolyte material can be in the range of, for example, 100 to 500 μm.

[0178] It is clear that the substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14 are arranged on top of each other in a stacked or - shape such that the respective second sections 14.1.2 face each other, forming a wedge - shaped or - shaped intermediate space 14.2 when viewed in cross - section. The intermediate space 14.2 also forms a space volume for electrically contacting the respective substrate elements 2 or the associated electrochromic elements compactly with the electrical contact elements 30. However, the contact layers of the respective substrate elements 2 or the substrate element bodies 14 do not contact each other to avoid short - circuits. As described above, an electrolyte layer, in particular a liquid or gel electrolyte layer, made of an electrolyte material, for example an electrolyte material based on a metal salt, can be arranged or formed between the respective electrochromic elements.

[0179] In FIG. 14, it is also schematically shown that the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be at least partially embedded in or surrounded by an insulating material 28, in particular an electrically and / or thermally insulating casting compound based on, for example, plastic or plastic resin. In this way, the electrochromic element and the corresponding contact layer can be protected from external influences, such as electrical, climatic, mechanical, thermal influences.

[0180] It should be noted that the entire electrochromic arrangement 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 14 (the same applies to all other exemplary embodiments) can also be arranged in a schematically shown receiving or housing part 29. In particular, the substrate element 2 or the substrate element body 14 can be arranged in the receiving space of the corresponding receiving or housing part 29 and can be embedded in the corresponding insulating material 28, for example by molding, within this receiving space. In this way, the corresponding receiving or housing part typically not only provides additional protection against corresponding external influences, but can also improve the handling of the electrochromic arrangement 1, for example, in the context of attachment to a long-distance optical device 9.

[0181] Based on the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 15, at least one substrate element 2 can have a substrate element body 14 with an optically effective outer surface, which in the exemplary embodiment is, for example, the lower surface of the lower substrate element 2 as can be seen.

[0182] In the exemplary embodiment, for the lower substrate element 2 provided with an electrochromic element on the outer surface forming the upper surface of the substrate element body 14, the surface of the substrate element body 14 facing this outer surface, that is, the outer surface forming the lower surface of the substrate element body 14 in the exemplary embodiment, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, that is, generally an optically effective shape. Conversely, when the electrochromic element is disposed or formed on the outer surface forming the lower surface of the substrate element body 14, the surface of the substrate element body 14 facing this outer surface, that is, the outer surface forming the upper surface of the substrate element body 14, can be formed with a convex or concave curvature, that is, generally an optically effective shape. The same applies to the other substrate elements 2 of the electrochromic assembly 1.

[0183] Another conceivable curvature of the corresponding outer surface of the lower substrate element 2 is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 15 purely as an example.

[0184] Although not shown, for the sake of completeness, it is mentioned that if the opposing outer surfaces of the substrate element body 14 do not have flat portions and are, for example, curved, a corresponding stacked or stack-shaped arrangement of the respective substrate element bodies 14 on top of each other is also conceivable. In this case, the curvature of the substrate element body 14 is typically a corresponding or opposing design, which enables the respective substrate element bodies 14 to be arranged in a stacked or stack-shaped manner on top of each other.

[0185] As can be seen from the figure, the electrochromic array 1 comprises at least one electrical contact element including a contact layer 3 for electrically contacting each electrochromic element including layer 5 with an electrical energy source or a power supply source. Specifically, each electrical contact element (e.g., wire 30, cable, contact ring, stranded wire, etc.) can be brought into contact with a corresponding electrical contact element. - It can be brought into contact with a corresponding conductive layer 3 or coating, which can also be referred to as an electrical contact layer. The electrical contact element can be electrically contacted with an exposed portion of the conductive layer or coating, and this conductive layer or coating is particularly disposed or formed in the region of the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of each substrate element body 14.

[0186] For all embodiments, the second section 14.1.2 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14 may have a roughness different from that of the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. In particular, the second section 14.1.2 may have a lower roughness than the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 4.1 of the substrate element body 14. In this way, a very uniform application of the conductive layer 7 or coating can be ensured, for example, with respect to the layer thickness, which can bring advantages in relation to the electrical contact of the electrochromic element. Specifically, the second section 14.1.2 can have a surface finish of P1, P2, P3 or P4 in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8. In particular, surface finishes of P2, P3 or P4, especially P3 or P4, in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8 are conceivable. The surface finish of the first section 14.1.1 will accordingly be lower. For example, the surface finish of the first section 14.1.1 can be P3 in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8, and the surface finish of the second section 14.1.2 can be P2 in accordance with DIN ISO 10110-8.

[0187] In all embodiments, the electrochromic array 1 can also have at least one spacer element (not shown) made of an electrically insulating material such as plastic, and this spacer element can be arranged or formed completely or at least partially on the electrochromic element as required. The at least one spacer element can have a ring-shaped or ring-like basic shape. The outer dimensions of the at least one spacer element having the corresponding ring-shaped or ring-like basic shape can correspond to the outer dimensions of the respective substrate element body 14 such that the at least one spacer element lies flush on the substrate element body 14. The aforementioned layer or coating of the electrolyte material can be arranged or formed within the internal space defined by the ring-shaped or ring-like basic shape of the at least one spacer element. The at least one spacer element is configured in particular to be spaced apart or separated from each other so that the contact layers of the respective substrate elements 2 do not come into electrical contact with each other.

[0188] Finally, a method for manufacturing the electrochromic array 1 for the long-distance optical element 9, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 10 to 15, will be described:

[0189] The method comprises at least: a) a step of providing at least one substrate element 2 having a substrate element body 14, wherein the substrate element body 14 has a surface 14.1 having a first section 14.1.1 and optionally a curved or inclined second section 14.1.2; and b) a step of applying at least one electrochromic element formed of or made of an electrochromic material onto at least the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14, and can be carried out multiple times.

[0190] In particular, the method consists of at least the following steps, which may be carried out multiple times: providing a substrate element body 14 on at least one substrate element 2, the substrate element body 14 having a surface 14.1 with a first section 14.1.1 and an optionally curved or inclined second section 14.1.2; applying a conductive layer 7 or a coating to the first and second sections 14.1.1, 14.1.2 of the substrate element body 14; applying at least one electrochromic element formed by or consisting of an electrochromic material on at least the conductive layer 4 or coating in the region of at least the first section 14.1.1 of the surface 14.1 of the substrate element body 14. The conductive layer 4 or coating is usually applied on the respective surface or section 14.1.1, 14.1.2 of the substrate element body 14 before the electrochromic element.

[0191] Within the framework of the method, the substrate elements 2 configured as described above can be laid one on top of the other (arranged on top of each other), in particular such that the respective second sections 14.1.2 of the surfaces 14.1 of the respective substrate element bodies 14 are arranged opposite each other, forming a wedge-shaped or wedge-shaped intermediate space 14.2.

[0192] The method may further include the step of electrically contacting each conductive layer 4 or coating, and thus each second section 14.1.2, with an electrical energy source or a power supply source. For this purpose, each second section can be contacted with the electrical energy source or the power supply source via at least one electrical contact element such as a wire, a cable, a contact ring, a stranded wire, etc.

[0193] The individual, some, or all features described in connection with one embodiment example can be combined with the individual, some, or all features described in connection with at least one other embodiment example.

Claims

1. A long-distance optical device (9), in particular a monocular, binocular, or night vision device, comprising at least one display area (21) for displaying optical information, - at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) assigned to the at least one display area (21), each of which is capable of transitioning to one or more operating states in order to change the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the respective optical information, and - a control device (23) assigned to the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1), configured to generate control information for transitioning the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) to their respective one or more operating states, characterized by a long-distance optical device (9).

2. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 1, wherein the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) are capable of transitioning to their respective one or more operating states either dependently on each other or independently of each other.

3. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) are arranged or formed within the optical channel of the long-distance optical device (9).

4. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 3, wherein a first electrochromic assembly (1) is assigned to and optionally incorporated into the objective lens (11), and a second electrochromic assembly (1) is assigned to and optionally incorporated into the eyepiece lens (12) of the optical channel.

5. The long-distance optical device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one first electrochromic assembly (1) is arranged or formed within a first optical channel of the long-distance optical device (9), and at least one second electrochromic assembly (1) is arranged or formed within a second optical channel of the long-distance optical device (9).

6. The first electrochromic array (1) is assigned to the optical channel of the long-distance optical device (9) in order to adjust the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the optical information visible through the optical channel, and the second electrochromic array (1) is assigned to the electronic display device (22) of the long-distance optical device (9) in order to adjust the brightness and / or chromaticity and / or contrast of the optical information generated through the electronic display device (22). The long-distance optical device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The optical information generated through the electronic display device (22) can be coupled through an optical coupling device (24), in particular in order to superimpose the optical information visible through the optical channel. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 6.

8. The first electrochromic array (1) is set to one or more respective operating states in order to adjust the defined brightness and / or defined contrast of the respective optical information in a first brightness and / or contrast range, and the second electrochromic array (1) is set to one or more respective operating states in order to adjust the defined brightness and / or defined contrast of the respective optical information in a second brightness and / or contrast range. The long-distance optical device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The second brightness and / or contrast range is equal to or different from the first brightness and / or contrast range. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 8.

10. The first electrochromic array (1) is set to one or more respective operating states in order to adjust the defined chromaticity of the respective optical information in a first wavelength range, and the second electrochromic array (1) is set to one or more respective operating states in order to adjust the defined chromaticity of the respective optical information in a second wavelength range. The long-distance optical device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The second chromaticity range is equal to or different from the first chromaticity range. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 10.

12. The long-distance optical device (9) according to claim 11, wherein the second chromaticity range is different from the first chromaticity range, and the second chromaticity range is a chromaticity range complementary to the first chromaticity range.

13. The long-distance optical device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a control device (23) configured to implement a blocking function of the long-distance optical device (9) by shifting the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) to their respective operating states.

14. The long-distance optical device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) are structurally arranged or formed together in a modular or modular-shaped assembly.

15. The at least two electrochromic assemblies (1) are each arranged or formed between two conductive elements arranged or formed on a substrate element (2), and include at least one electrochromic element formed of or comprising an electrochromic material. The two conductive elements are arranged or formed at least on at least one of the substrate elements (2), particularly on different surfaces of at least one of the substrate elements (2). A first conductive element arranged or formed on a first surface of at least one of the substrate elements (2) is assigned to a first electrochromic assembly (1), and a second conductive element arranged or formed on a second surface of at least one of the substrate elements (2) is assigned to a second electrochromic assembly (1). The long-distance optical device (9) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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