Electrochromic element and spectacle lens

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide: an electrochromic element which is suppressed in decrease of responsivity by being provided with a lateral surface that is imparted with gas barrier properties; and an eyeglass lens. An electrochromic element (10) according to the present invention comprises a pair of electrode layers (5, 6) and an electrochromic layer (7) that is arranged between the electrode layers; and this electrochromic element is characterized by being provided with a barrier layer (11) that surrounds the electrochromic layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrochromic element capable of reversibly controlling electrochromism by electricity and a lens for glasses.

Background Art

[0002] An electrochromic element utilizing an electrochromism phenomenon in which a redox reaction occurs reversibly by applying a voltage and the color changes reversibly is used, for example, as a lens for glasses. Patent Document 1 discloses an electrochromic element having a pair of substrates, an electrode layer, and an electrochromic layer disposed between the substrates.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, an electrochromic element is an element that utilizes an electrochromism phenomenon in which a redox reaction occurs reversibly by applying a voltage between both electrodes and the color changes reversibly.

[0005] However, there has been a problem that the responsiveness decreases due to the intrusion of moisture or oxygen from the side of the electrochromic element.

[0006] The present invention is for solving the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an electrochromic element having gas barrier properties on the side surface of the electrochromic element and suppressing a decrease in responsiveness, and a lens for glasses.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The electrochromic element in the present invention is an electrochromic element having a pair of substrates, a pair of electrode layers provided on the inner surfaces of the substrates, and an electrochromic layer disposed between the electrode layers, 、 a barrier layer surrounding the periphery of the electrochromic layer is provided, a seal layer for sealing between the pair of substrates and the barrier layer are provided separately, the barrier layer has higher gas barrier properties than the seal layer, the seal layer has higher adhesiveness than the barrier layer, the seal layer is inside the electrochromic layer surrounding the electrochromic layer and in contact with the electrochromic layer, and the barrier layer is disposed outside the seal layer and both ends of the pair of substrates extend outside the side surface of the electrochromic layer, and the seal layer and the barrier layer are provided so as to be interposed between the pair of substrates that extend outside the side surface of the electrochromic layer. characterized in that.

[0008] In the present invention, it is preferable that the barrier layer has adhesiveness as well as gas barrier properties. In the present invention, an electrochromic layer is disposed between a pair of substrates provided with the electrode layers on their inner surfaces, and a seal layer for sealing between the pair of substrates and the barrier layer can be provided separately. In the present invention, it is preferable that the barrier layer is formed of a high-resistance material. In the present invention, it is preferable that the barrier layer is formed of a UV curable resin, a thermosetting resin, or a low melting point material.

[0009] The spectacle lens in the present invention is characterized by having the electrochromic element described above.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the electrochromic element of the present invention, a barrier layer is provided around the electrochromic layer, whereby the gas barrier properties can be improved and excellent responsiveness can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter simply referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail.

[0013] <Conventional Problems in Electrochromic Elements and Outline of the Present Embodiment> An electrochromic element is an element that utilizes the electrochromism phenomenon in which a redox reaction occurs reversibly by applying a voltage to both electrodes, and the color changes reversibly. For example, an electrochromic element can be used as a lens for glasses, functioning as sunglasses in bright places and clear lenses in dark places. It enables adjustment to the optimal brightness through switch operation or automatically. An electrochromic element has a structure including a pair of electrode layers and an electrochromic layer disposed between the electrode layers.

[0014] By the way, when moisture or oxygen enters the electrochromic layer from the side of the electrochromic element, there has been a problem that the responsiveness of the color change due to the electrochromism phenomenon decreases, such as a decrease in the reversibility of the redox reaction.

[0015] Therefore, as a result of intensive research by the present inventors, by disposing a barrier layer so as to surround the periphery of the electrochromic element, the penetration of moisture and oxygen from the side surface direction into the electrochromic layer is suppressed, leading to an improvement in responsiveness. Hereinafter, the layer configuration of the electrochromic element in the present embodiment will be specifically described.

[0016] <Electrochromic Element 10 in the First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochromic element 10 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The electrochromic element 10 includes a pair of first substrate 3 and second substrate 4, a pair of first electrode layers 5 and second electrode layers 6 provided on the inner surfaces of the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4, and an electrochromic layer 7 provided between the first electrode layer 5 and the second electrode layer 6. The electrochromic layer 7 is composed of a reduction layer 7a disposed on the first electrode layer 5 side, an oxidation layer 7b disposed on the second electrode layer 6 side, and an electrolyte layer 7c provided between the reduction layer 7a and the oxidation layer 7b. Thus, the electrochromic element 10 is laminated in the order of the second substrate 4 / the second electrode layer 6 / the oxidation layer 7b / the electrolyte layer 7c / the reduction layer 7a / the first electrode layer 5 / the first substrate 3 from the bottom in FIG. 1.

[0018] The electrochromic element 10 shown in FIG. 1 is in the form of a film. For example, a spectacle lens can be formed by adhering the electrochromic film of FIG. 1 to the surface of a lens substrate (not shown). Alternatively, using the first substrate 3 and the second substrate 4 as the lens substrate, a spectacle lens can also be formed with the electrochromic element 10 shown in FIG. 1.

[0019] [Substrate, Electrode Layer, and Electrochromic Layer] The substrates 3 and 4 constituting the electrochromic element 10 are, for example, in the form of a film or a sheet, and are required to be transparent and have a high transmittance. The substrates 3 and 4 are, for example, moldable resin substrates such as polycarbonate resin, acrylic resin, epoxy resin, and phenolic resin, or glass substrates. The substrates 3 and 4 are preferably formed of polycarbonate resin because they can provide transparency and high transmittance and are advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost.

[0020] The characteristics required for the electrode layers 5 and 6 constituting the electrochromic element 10 include being transparent, having a high transmittance, and being excellent in conductivity. In order to satisfy such characteristics, the electrode layers 5 and 6 are transparent electrode layers, and in particular, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) is preferably used.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, a part of the first electrode layer 5 and the second electrode layer 6 extends to a position overlapping with the barrier layer 11 described later, and at that position, the metal terminal portions 17 are formed by overlapping on the respective electrode layers 5 and 6. The metal terminal portion 17 is exposed to the outside, and a voltage can be applied between the pair of electrode layers 5 and 6 through the metal terminal portion 17. Existing materials can be used for the reduction layer 7a, the oxidation layer 7b, and the electrolyte layer 7c constituting the electrochromic layer 7.

[0022] The reduction layer 7a is a layer that develops color accompanying a reduction reaction. Existing reduction-type electrochromic compounds can be used for the reduction layer 7a. Regardless of whether they are organic or inorganic, although not limited, for example, azobenzene-based, anthraquinone-based, diarylethene-based, dihydropyran-based, dipyridine-based, styryl-based, styrylspiropyran-based, spirooxazine-based, spiropthiopyran-based, thioindigo-based, tetrathiafulvalene-based, terephthalic acid-based, triphenylmethane-based, triphenylamine-based, naphthopyran-based, viologen-based, pyrazoline-based, phenazine-based, phenylenediamine-based, phenoxazine-based, phenothiazine-based, phthalocyanine-based, fluoran-based, fulgide-based, benzopyran-based, metallocene-based, tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, iridium oxide, titanium oxide, etc. can be mentioned.

[0023] The oxidation layer 7b is a layer that develops color accompanying an oxidation reaction. Existing oxidation-type electrochromic compounds can be used for the oxidation layer 7b. Regardless of whether they are organic or inorganic, although not limited, for example, it can be selected from a composition containing a radical polymerizable compound having a triarylamine, a Prussian blue type complex, nickel oxide, iridium oxide, etc.

[0024] The electrolyte layer 7c has electronic insulation and ion conductivity, and is preferably transparent. The electrolyte layer 7c may be a solid electrolyte, a gel, a liquid, etc. It is preferably in a gel state in order to maintain high ion conductivity. Although not limited, for example, inorganic ion salts such as alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, and existing electrolyte materials such as quaternary ammonium salts and acids can be used.

[0025] [Barrier layer 11] The barrier layer 11 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, both ends of the pair of substrates 3 and 4 extend outside the side surfaces of the electrochromic layer 7, and a barrier layer 11 is provided between the pair of substrates 3 and 4 and around the electrochromic layer 7.

[0026] The barrier layer 11 preferably has gas barrier properties and adhesiveness. The gas barrier properties can be evaluated by the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR: Water Vapor Transmission Rate) and the O2 permeability. The gas barrier properties can be measured using the dry-wet sensor-(Lyssy) method, the MOCON method, the gas chromatography method, the API-MS method, the Ca corrosion method, and the differential pressure method. For example, the water vapor transmission rate and the O2 permeability are measured by the "MOCON method (JIS K 7129(B))". In the present embodiment, the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is 100 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, preferably 80 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, more preferably 60 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, still more preferably 50 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, still more preferably 25 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, even more preferably 10 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, even more preferably 7 (g / m 2 ·day) or less, and most preferably 5 (g / m 2·day) or less. Although the lower limit value of the water vapor permeability is not limited, for example, it can be set to about 10 -6 (g / m 2 ·day). The O2 permeability is preferably 70 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, more preferably 60 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, still more preferably 55 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, even more preferably 40 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, even more preferably 30 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, even more preferably 20 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, even more preferably 15 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm) or less, and most preferably 15 (cc / m

[0027] In this embodiment, among the water vapor permeability and the O2 permeability of the barrier layer 11, it is necessary to satisfy at least the water vapor permeability, and it is preferable to satisfy both.

[0028] The barrier layer 11 is preferably formed of a material capable of pattern film formation. For example, at least one of a UV curable resin, a thermosetting resin, a low melting point alloy, and a low melting point glass can be selected. If it is a UV curable resin, it can be cured without requiring high-temperature heat treatment, which is preferable. Specifically, an acrylic resin-based, an epoxy resin-based, a silicone rubber-based, etc. can be selected. Since all of these have excellent adhesiveness, in order for the gas barrier property to satisfy the above numerical range, two or more materials may be mixed, or as shown in FIG. 3, a large number of inorganic fine particles 32 may be mixed in the resin material 31. Thereby, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 3, the gas barrier property can be improved by extending the gas passage passing from the right side to the left side in the figure.

[0029] In addition, as an example, for the barrier layer 11, it is possible to use "Photo Resist E" manufactured by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. or an active barrier sealing material manufactured by SAES Getters S.p.A.

[0030] The thickness of the barrier layer 11 is formed at the interval between the pair of substrates 3 and 4. Specifically, it is about 0.1 μm to 200 μm, preferably about 1 μm to 100 μm, and more preferably about 1 μm to 50 μm.

[0031] The barrier layer 11 has adhesiveness in addition to gas barrier properties. That is, the barrier layer 11 also functions as a seal layer that adheres between the pair of substrates 3 and 4. The "adhesiveness" can be evaluated, for example, by the peel strength using a tensilon tensile tester.

[0032] When the barrier layer 11 does not have adhesiveness, the substrates 3 and 4 and the barrier layer 11 are joined via an adhesive layer (not shown), for example.

[0033] In addition, the barrier layer 11 is preferably formed of a high-resistance material. The barrier layer 11 has a higher electrical resistivity than the electrode layers 5 and 6. The electrical resistivity of the barrier layer 11 is preferably 500 Ω·cm or more, and more preferably 1 kΩ·cm or more. By increasing the electrical resistivity of the barrier layer 11 in this way, the leakage current between the electrode layers 5 and 6 through the barrier layer 11 can be prevented.

[0034] The wider the width T1 of the barrier layer 11, the higher the adhesiveness (seal strength) can be. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the position where the barrier layer 11 contacts the side surface of the electrochromic layer 7 or the gap between the electrochromic layer 7 and the barrier layer 11 is made as narrow as possible. Thus, widening the width T1 of the barrier layer 11 is suitable for improving adhesiveness. Although not limited, the width T1 of the barrier layer 11 is about 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0035] In addition, the barrier layer 11 preferably has transparency depending on the intended use and form. For example, in the case of use as spectacle lenses, when the position of the barrier layer 11 is exactly at the frame position, it is not essential for the barrier layer 11 to be transparent. However, depending on the portion where the barrier layer 11 does not cover the frame or other uses, it is preferable for the barrier layer 11 to be transparent. "Transparency" means being transparent in the visible range and can be defined by the visible range absorbance. For example, the visible range absorbance is preferably 0.1 Abs or less, more preferably 0.09 Abs or less, when measured at wavelengths of 400 to 750 mm using an ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared spectrophotometer UH4150 manufactured by Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation.

[0036] In addition, the "transparency" of the barrier layer 11 means that light is not scattered and can be defined by haze. Haze can generally be obtained by measuring the total light transmittance and diffuse transmittance of the barrier layer 11 using an integrating sphere type light transmittance measuring device and calculating according to the following formula. Haze value (%) = Diffuse transmittance (%) / Total light transmittance (%) × 100 Here, the diffuse transmittance is the value obtained by subtracting the parallel light transmittance from the total light transmittance.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the haze value is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 20% or less, still more preferably 10% or less, and even more preferably 1% or less. The transparency of the barrier layer 11 preferably satisfies both the visible absorbance and haze described above.

[0038] In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the barrier layer 11 is formed between a pair of substrates 3 and 4 so as to surround the electrochromic layer 7. Thereby, the intrusion of moisture and oxygen from the side surface of the electrochromic element 10 into the electrochromic layer 7 can be prevented, and good responsiveness can be obtained. In addition, since the barrier layer 11 has high adhesiveness, the pair of substrates 3 and 4 can be surely adhered to each other.

[0039] <Electrochromic element 20 in the second embodiment> Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the electrochromic element 20 in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Unlike in FIG. 1, in the electrochromic element 20 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a seal layer 21 for sealing between a pair of substrates 3 and 4 and a barrier layer 11 are separately arranged. The seal layer 21 has lower gas barrier properties than the barrier layer 11 but higher adhesiveness (seal strength). On the other hand, the barrier layer 11 has lower adhesiveness (seal strength) than the seal layer 21 but higher gas barrier properties. Alternatively, the barrier layer 11 may have the same adhesiveness as the seal layer 21.

[0041] In FIG. 2, the seal layer 21 is arranged inside surrounding the electrochromic layer 7, and the barrier layer 11 is arranged outside the seal layer 21, but they may be arranged conversely. Also in FIG. 2, the barrier layer 11 and the seal layer 21 are adjacent to each other, but there may be some space between the barrier layer 11 and the seal layer 21.

[0042] In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the optimal material can be selected for each layer so that the characteristics of the adhesiveness of the seal layer 21 and the gas barrier properties of the barrier layer 11 can be appropriately obtained in separate layers, and it is possible to effectively enhance both the gas barrier properties and the adhesiveness.

[0043] According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to prevent moisture and oxygen from entering the electrochromic layer 7 from the side surface of the electrochromic element 10, obtain good responsiveness, and appropriately adhere between the pair of substrates 3 and 4.

[0044] Examples of the adhesive applied to this embodiment include: i) urea resin type, ii) melamine resin type, iii) phenol resin type, iv) solvent type such as vinyl acetate type and rubber type, v) aqueous type such as vinyl acetate resin emulsion type, vinyl acetate copolymer resin emulsion type, acrylic resin emulsion type, aqueous polymer isocyanate type, and synthetic rubber latex type, vi) hot melt type, vii) reaction type such as epoxy resin type, cyanoacrylate type, polyurethane type, and acrylic resin type, viii) modified silicone resin type, ix) silylated urethane type, x) inorganic type such as flint glass and low melting point metal, etc.

[0045] The above adhesives are applicable not only as the seal layer 21 but also as the barrier layer 11. When used for the barrier layer 11, it is preferable to disperse inorganic fine particles such as zinc oxide, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, or fluorine-based powders such as acrylic resin powder, epoxy powder, polyester, and PTFE to enhance the barrier property. At this time, the average particle size of the dispersed particles is preferably 10 nm to 100 μm, more preferably 100 nm to 50 μm. Also, from the viewpoint of adhesive strength, it is preferable to use a reaction type adhesive, and from the viewpoint of barrier property, it is preferable to use a reaction type adhesive and an inorganic type adhesive.

[0046] <Use> Although not limiting the use of the electrochromic element of this embodiment, it can be preferably applied to dimming spectacle lenses. The electrochromic element of this embodiment may be applied to other than spectacle lenses. For example, an electrochromic dimming device, an anti-glare mirror, etc.

[0047] <Manufacturing method of the electrochromic element in this embodiment> FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the manufacturing method of the electrochromic element in this embodiment.

[0048] In Fig. 4(a), the periphery of the electrochromic layer 7 disposed between the pair of substrates 3 and 4 having the electrode layers 5 and 6 on the inner surfaces is surrounded by the barrier layer 11. For example, when bonding the pair of substrates 3 and 4, the barrier layer 11 is formed in advance around the electrochromic layer 7 formed on at least one substrate side, and the other substrate side is bonded. At this time, heat treatment, UV treatment, etc. are performed to cure the barrier layer 11, and the pair of substrates 3 and 4 are bonded through the barrier layer 11.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 2, even when the barrier layer 11 and the seal layer 21 are provided separately, the same method as described above can be used to interpose the barrier layer 11 and the seal layer 21 between the pair of substrates 3 and 4 and bond them. For example, it is also possible to bond the pair of substrates 3 and 4 with the barrier layer 11 formed on one substrate side and the seal layer 21 disposed on the other substrate side.

[0050] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the electrochromic element 10 can be formed in a curved shape. As described above, the electrochromic element 10 can be applied to a spectacle lens, and in this case, the electrochromic element 10 is formed on a three-dimensional curved surface. By placing the electrochromic element 10 in a mold (not shown) and molding a support body, which is a lens substrate, on one surface of the electrochromic element 10, a spectacle lens can be manufactured.

[0051] In the present embodiment, in the process of manufacturing the electrochromic element, in the process of bonding the pair of substrates 3 and 4, the barrier layer can be formed, and an electrochromic element with excellent gas barrier properties can be manufactured without complicating the manufacturing process.

Example

[0052] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described more specifically using examples and comparative examples. In the experiment, the following laminate was formed using an adhesive, and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and the O2 permeability were determined.

[0053] <Laminated body> An adhesive was applied to a 100 μm polycarbonate film, and then another 100 μm polycarbonate film was laminated to form a polycarbonate film / adhesive / polycarbonate film laminated body.

[0054] Using this laminated body, the water vapor transmission rate and the O2 permeability were determined. The water vapor transmission rate and the O2 permeability were measured by the Mocon method (JIS K 7129(B)). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) was measured in an atmosphere of 40 °C and 90% RH. The O2 permeability was measured in an atmosphere of 20 °C and 65% RH.

[0055] <Adhesive (1)> A laminated body was formed using an acrylic resin-based adhesive as Adhesive (1). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the laminated body using Adhesive (1) was about 50 (g / m 2 ·day), and the O2 permeability was about 55 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm).

[0056] <Adhesive (2)> A laminated body was formed using an epoxy resin-based adhesive as Adhesive (2). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the laminated body using Adhesive (2) was about 25 (g / m 2 ·day), and the O2 permeability was about 30 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm).

[0057] <Adhesive (3)> A laminated body was formed using an adhesive in which 35 wt% of PTFE powder with an average particle size of 2 μm was dispersed in an acrylic resin-based adhesive as Adhesive (3). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the laminated body using Adhesive (3) was about 5 (g / m 2 ·day), and the O2 permeability was about 15 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm).

[0058] <Adhesive (4)> As the adhesive (4), an epoxy resin-based adhesive in which 25 wt% of silica powder with an average particle size of 20 μm was dispersed was used to form a laminate. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the laminate using the adhesive (4) was about 5 (g / m 2 ·day), and the O2 permeability was about 10 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm).

[0059] <Adhesive (5)> A laminate was formed using a vinyl acetate-based adhesive as the adhesive (5). The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of the laminate using the adhesive (5) was about 155 (g / m 2 ·day), and the O2 permeability was about 80 (cc / m 2 ·day·atm).

[0060] <Experimental Example 1> An electrochromic element having the configuration of FIG. 1 was formed. As the adhesive between the substrates 3 and 4, the adhesive (1) was used.

[0061] <Experimental Example 2> An electrochromic element having the configuration of FIG. 1 was formed. As the adhesive between the substrates 3 and 4, the adhesive (2) was used.

[0062] <Experimental Example 3> An electrochromic element having the configuration of FIG. 1 was formed. As the adhesive between the substrates 3 and 4, the adhesive (3) was used.

[0063] <Experimental Example 4> An electrochromic element having the configuration of FIG. 2 was formed. As the adhesive between the substrates 3 and 4, an epoxy resin-based adhesive was used for the seal layer 21, and the adhesive (3) was used for the barrier layer 11.

[0064] <Experimental Example 5> An electrochromic element having the configuration of FIG. 2 was formed. As the adhesive between the substrates 3 and 4, a vinyl acetate-based adhesive was used for the seal layer 21, and the adhesive (4) was used for the barrier layer 11.

[0065] <Experimental Example 6> An electrochromic element having the configuration of FIG. 1 was formed. As the adhesive between the substrates 3 and 4, an adhesive (5) was used.

[0066] <Visual inspection> In Experimental Example 1, after being left in the thermo-hygrostat layer, slight uneven coloring occurred at the ends during energization, but it was at a level that was not a problem in practical use.

[0067] In Experimental Example 2, after being left in the thermo-hygrostat layer, slight uneven coloring occurred at the ends during energization, but it was better than in Example 1 and was at a level that was not a problem in practical use.

[0068] In Experimental Examples 3 to 5, no change was observed before and after being left in the thermo-hygrostat layer, and the whole was uniformly colored during energization, and good results were obtained.

[0069] In Experimental Example 6, the color at the ends during electrochromic coloring was light, and a strong gradation appeared, and it was judged that it could not withstand use. It is considered that changes such as moisture, oxygen, etc. entered from the ends and the electrochromic material deteriorated.

[0070] From these experimental results, Experimental Examples 1 to 5 were taken as examples, and Experimental Example 6 was taken as a comparative example. Also, among the examples, it was found that Examples 3 to 5 were more excellent.

Industrial applicability

[0071] Since the electrochromic element of the present invention has excellent gas barrier properties, when the electrochromic element is used as a lens for, for example, dimming glasses, it is possible to obtain a feeling of use with excellent responsiveness.

[0072] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-082861 filed on May 17, 2021. All of this content is incorporated herein.

Claims

1. An electrochromic element having a pair of substrates, a pair of electrode layers provided on the inner surfaces of the substrates, and an electrochromic layer disposed between the electrode layers, wherein a barrier layer surrounding the periphery of the electrochromic layer is provided, a seal layer for sealing between the pair of substrates and the barrier layer are provided separately, the barrier layer has higher gas barrier properties than the seal layer, the seal layer has higher adhesiveness than the barrier layer, the seal layer is on the inner side surrounding the electrochromic layer and in contact with the electrochromic layer, and the barrier layer is disposed outside the seal layer, both ends of the pair of substrates extend outside the side surfaces of the electrochromic layer, and the seal layer and the barrier layer are provided so as to be interposed between the pair of substrates that extend outside the side surfaces of the electrochromic layer. An electrochromic element characterized by this.

2. The electrochromic element according to claim 1, wherein the barrier layer is formed of a high-resistance material.

3. The electrochromic element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the barrier layer is formed of a UV curable resin, a thermosetting resin, or a low melting point material.

4. An eyeglass lens, characterized by having the electrochromic element according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Images