Flat body with an electrochromic layer system

Abstract

The invention relates to a flat body (1) with an electrochromic layer system (10), the electrochromic layer system (10) having two electrically conductive layers (11), between which an electrochromic layer (12), an electrolyte layer (13), and an ion storage layer (14) are provided. The layer system (10) has two outer cover layers (15), and the layer system (10) has an edge region (16) at least in some areas, the edge region being adhered to an adhesive compound (17) as a permeation barrier such that at least the electrolyte layer (13) is surrounded by the adhesive compound (17) along the edges of the electrolyte layer, and the layer system (10) is enclosed by a plastic body (18) at least in the edge region (16), the plastic body also at least largely enclosing the adhesive compound (17). The invention also relates to a method for producing such a flat body (1).

Description

[0001] PLANAR BODY WITH A

[0002] ELECTROCHROMEN LAYERSYSTEM

[0003] The invention relates to a planar body with an electrochromic layer system, wherein the layer system comprises two electrically conductive layers, between which an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer and an ion storage layer are arranged, and wherein the layer system comprises two outer cover layers.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] From EP 0 942 061 B1, for example, a planar body with an electrochromic layer system is known, wherein the layer system has two electrically conductive layers, between which an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer and an ion storage layer are arranged, and wherein the layer system has two outer cover layers.

[0006] The cover layers serve to protect and stabilize the electrochromic layers, and, most importantly, they act as substrates for building the layer system on top of the cover layers. The cover layers can, for example, consist of polycarbonate. The electrically conductive layers are only a few hundred nanometers thick and are made, for example, of indium tin oxide (ITO). Alternatives include organically conductive polymers, such as PEDOT:PSS layers. When an electrical voltage is applied between the two ITO layers, a redox reaction takes place. Cations from the ion storage layer are transferred through the ion-conducting electrolyte into the electrochromic layer. To balance the charge, electrons flow from the ion storage layer (oxidation) into the electrochromic layer (reduction) via the external circuit. This process alters the transmission and / or reflection properties of the electrochromic layer.When the voltage polarity is reversed, the opposite reaction occurs, and the optical properties return to their initial state. The process is reversible. Electrochromic materials exist that switch anodically and cathodically. The ion storage layer can also exhibit electrochromic properties and, in the case of complementary switching active layers, enhance the optical change. Chromagen systems are characterized by the fact that their optical properties—absorption, transmission, or reflection—can be reversibly altered by external influences, making them interesting for applications where incident light or infrared radiation needs to be regulated. Potential applications include eye protection such as glasses, visors, or vehicle windshields, and such systems can also be used in architecture.A classification can be made based on the type of influence: Known stimuli include light, temperature, gases, or an electrical voltage; the latter form so-called electrochromic systems. Electrochromic systems (ECDs, Electrochromic Devices) have the advantage of allowing active control of optical properties, while thermochromic or photochromic systems react passively to environmental influences, for example, self-darkening sunglasses. Gas chromatic systems are no longer considered relevant for industrial applications due to the required gas supply and, at best, offer solutions for isolated technical or scientific applications.

[0007] Related systems are based on particles or liquid crystals in a matrix, for example, polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) systems. These systems are translucent, or milky, in the unloaded state. When a voltage is applied, they become transparent as the particles or liquid crystals align in the electric field. Without an electric field, the particles or liquid crystals revert to their disordered state and scatter most of the incident light. These systems are used, for example, in partitions in offices, restroom doors, or driver and passenger compartments in trains. If required, they can also provide privacy, as the milky, translucent surface is usually not transparent.A disadvantage compared to electrochromic solutions is that high electrical voltages must be applied, resulting in a comparatively high energy demand to maintain a switching state, and they can essentially only switch between a milky and a transparent state of the substrate. ECD systems, on the other hand, can absorb in specific wavelength ranges, depending on the materials used. For example, they can absorb in the infrared range for heat regulation and / or in the visible range for dimming as glare protection. However, they can remain transparent and require significantly less energy to change their switching states. Once a switching state is reached, they no longer require any voltage to maintain it. A classic example of this is the auto-dimming rearview mirror in a car.

[0008] The actual structure of the layered system is very thin compared to eyeglass lenses, visors, or windshields for vehicles, approximately 0.25 mm to a maximum of 1 mm. The outer cover layers, acting as carrier substrates, form the thickest layer at approximately 100–250 pm, while the sum of all other layers, including the electrolyte layer, can be, for example, 50–100 pm. Therefore, it is advantageous to injection-mold a plastic body onto the layered system, or to overmold the layered system with a plastic compound, in order to ultimately create a usable, dimensionally stable flat body from the thin layered system suitable for technical applications, such as an eyeglass lens, a helmet visor, or a windshield.Unfortunately, the layers of an electrochromic coating system age under the influence of environmental factors; in particular, the electrolyte is sensitive to moisture, and organic coating materials can oxidize, possibly accelerated by the electrochemical reaction. Furthermore, the complex sealing of electrochromic coating systems precludes the cost-effective production of simple sheet-like structures, for example, for eye protection.

[0009] Further information on the technical field to which the present invention relates can be found in US 2021 / 165296 A1, US 2022 / 035218 A1, EP 0 942 061 B1 and EP 3 212 725 B1.

[0010] REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The object of the invention is to further improve a flat body with an electrochromic coating system that can be manufactured easily and offers a long service life for the coating system. In particular, the flat body should be as dimensionally stable as possible and be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner, while simultaneously achieving the most effective possible sealing of the coating system layers. Furthermore, a method should be provided to bring the flat body into its final three-dimensional shape during injection molding.

[0012] This problem is solved, starting from a planar body according to the preamble of claims 1 and 2 with the characterizing features, by a method according to claims 17 and 18. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] The invention includes the technical teaching that the layer system has at least a section-wise edge region which is bonded with an adhesive to produce a permeation barrier, such that at least the electrolyte layer, preferably the electrolyte, electrochromic and ion storage layer, is enclosed by the adhesive at the edge, and wherein the layer system is enclosed at least in the edge region with a plastic body which also encloses the adhesive at least predominantly.

[0014] The core of the invention is an efficient sealing of the layer system, and in particular the electrolyte layer. The sealing is achieved through two sealing effects: firstly, by means of an adhesive compound that can be applied to the edge and seals at least the electrolyte layer, preferably the electrolyte, electrochromic, and ion storage layers, at least predominantly and preferably completely, so that neither moisture nor oxygen can reach the layers. Secondly, the plastic body, which provides the actual mechanical stability to the sheet, is also used to seal in addition to the adhesive compound by at least predominantly and preferably completely enclosing the adhesive compound.This allows the plastic body to fulfill two functions: firstly, the surface area can be stabilized by means of the plastic body with a corresponding thickness, for example, 0.5 mm to 5 mm; and secondly, the plastic material serves to additionally seal at least the inner layers of the layer system. Additionally, functional elements and 3D geometries can be directly integrated into the molded part, such as rib structures, bulges, fastening elements like snap hooks, or surface textures.

[0015] Above all, this also allows the electrochromic layer, the electrolyte layer, and the ion storage layer to be encapsulated. This is important because the best seal is expected to occur between the conductive layer and the adhesive, and lateral permeation through the electrochromic and ion storage layers can be prevented or significantly reduced because they can also be encapsulated by the adhesive.

[0016] According to the invention, the first cover layer with the first electrically conductive layer and / or with the electrochromic layer forms a first half-cell, and the second cover layer with the second electrically conductive layer and / or with the ion storage layer forms a second half-cell. These two half-cells can be produced separately by using the cover layers as substrates and coating them with the correspondingly thin electrically conductive and electrochromic layers or with the ion storage layer. The electrolyte can then be introduced between these two half-cells, and when the two half-cells are brought together, the electrolyte is located between them, forming the complete layer system.

[0017] It is advantageous that the two half-cells have different contours, particularly for forming the surface body, so that one half-cell locally or section by section overhangs the other half-cell in its plane of extension, especially with an overhanging section of the respective half-cell. Further components, especially an electrical contact element, can be arranged in the overhanging section. This design significantly reduces the risk of a short circuit within the electrochemical cell due to unintentional electrically conductive connections between the electrode layers, and thus the risk of functional impairment or even complete failure.The superior sections thus enable a short-circuit-proof design of the system in such a way that the electrical contact medium can be applied over almost the entire width of the half-cells, which, compared to point contacting, results in a more homogeneous electric field in the layer system and therefore a significantly more homogeneous and higher dyeing and decolorizing rate across the surface system.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment of the aforementioned surface body, the first cover layer forms a first half-cell with a first electrically conductive layer and / or with the electrochromic layer, and the second cover layer forms a second half-cell with a second electrically conductive layer and / or with the ion storage layer. A first electrical contact element is connected to the first electrically conductive layer, and a second electrical contact element is connected to the second electrically conductive layer.

[0019] In this configuration of the surface body, the electrical contact elements can not only cover half the circumference of the half-cells, but enclose the entire circumference. This improves switching speed and switching homogeneity because the electric field between the electrically conductive layers is more homogeneous.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the first electrical contact means comprises at least a first electrically insulating layer onto which a first electrical conductor is applied, and the second electrical contact means comprises at least a second electrically insulating layer onto which a second electrical conductor is applied, wherein the first and second electrically insulating layers are in contact with each other. This allows the two half-cells to be connected without a short circuit. In addition to conducting current, the first and second electrical contact means can also function as spacers. This spacer can help to ensure a constant electrolyte thickness, and thus optical and switching homogeneity, when the upper and lower half-cells are joined using the liquid electrolyte.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the first electrical contact means forms a first connecting section protruding from the adhesive mass and the second electrical contact means forms a second connecting section protruding from the adhesive mass, wherein a control unit is connected to the surface body at the first connecting section and at the second connecting section.

[0022] The first connection section and the second connection section can be adapted to the control unit, so that connecting the surface body to the control unit can be carried out quickly and easily.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, a standardized interface, or a portion thereof, can be arranged on both the first and second connection sections to provide the connection to the control unit. This allows the connection to the control unit to be implemented with a simple plug connector, without the need for additional electronic components. The first and second electrical contact elements can be designed as flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs), which can be adapted to the specific application of the flat body.

[0024] The plastic body is preferably injection-molded onto the layered system, for example, by first inserting the layered system into an injection mold. This allows the plastic body to at least partially enclose the edge region and seal it against the outer cover layers. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the plastic body completely encloses the edge region and at least one or both cover layers on the outside of the edge region, seamlessly transitioning from the edge region. In the latter case, the result is a flat body that forms a continuous outer skin made of the plastic body, except for at least two electrical conductors for contacting the two electrically conductive layers that pass through the plastic body. If a control unit is used, it is advantageous to connect it to the flat body before the plastic body is injection-molded onto or overmolded around the layered system.The plastic housing can enclose the control unit. Advantageously, the adhesive extends between the electrically conductive layers. This ensures that the adhesive completely encloses the electrolyte layer, electrochromic layer, and ion storage layer, sealing against the conductive layer on the inside. For example, it is conceivable that the electrochromic layer and / or the ion storage layer were removed from the outer layers (or were not applied at all) in the edge region, so that the adhesive is applied in this edge region and seals against the conductive layers.

[0025] This section, which projects laterally beyond the surface layer, is therefore suitable for attaching an electrical contact element that is ultimately contacted with the electrical conductor. The electrical contact element can be enclosed within the plastic body, and the plastic body can be penetrated by an electrical conductor that is electrically connected to the contact element.

[0026] The electrical contact medium is applied to the surface of the electrically conductive layer, allowing it to be supplied with a corresponding voltage to establish a potential between the two electrically conductive layers. The electrical contact medium can be thicker than the electrolyte layer, as its overhanging sections can extend beyond the thickness of the adjacent half-cell. If the plastic body is then applied to the layer system, at least at its edges, it can also encapsulate the electrical contact medium, leaving only the electrical conductor protruding from the plastic body.The electrical contact medium can be a copper, gold or silver layer applied to the electrically conductive layer, and in particular, at least partially or completely enclosing the surface body to achieve a uniform voltage and current input into the electrically conductive layer.

[0027] If a control unit is used, the electrical conductor can be connected to the control unit. The adhesive compound can be formed using an acrylate adhesive, and the adhesive can, in particular, contain a so-called getter that enables moisture absorption, so that the additivated getter in the adhesive, especially in the acrylate adhesive, provides an even better barrier against moisture for the electrolyte layer.

[0028] The plastic body can be made of polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, or polymethyl methacrylate. Advantageously, the outer layers and the plastic body are made of the same material, resulting in particularly good adhesion when the plastic body is injection-molded onto the layers.

[0029] In particular, the flat body can form eye protection. The eye protection can be designed, for example, as goggles, a visor, or a windscreen on a watercraft, land vehicle, or aircraft. The invention further relates to eye protection comprising a flat body as described above. The eye protection includes, in particular, a voltage or current source, preferably as part of or incorporated into a control unit. Applications in machines or vehicles are also conceivable, such as viewing windows for observing a machining process.

[0030] The invention further relates to a method for producing a sheet-like body with an electrochromic layer system, wherein the layer system comprises two electrically conductive layers, between which an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and an ion storage layer are arranged, and wherein the layer system has two outer cover layers, and wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: bonding at least a portion of an edge region of the layer system with an adhesive, wherein the bonding is carried out such that at least the electrolyte layer is enclosed by the adhesive at its edge, and enclosing the layer system, at least in its edge region, with a plastic body, which also encloses the adhesive at least predominantly. According to the invention, the plastic body is injection-molded onto or around the layer system.An alternative method for producing a planar body whose layer system comprises two electrically conductive layers, between which an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer and an ion storage layer are arranged, wherein the layer system has two outer cover layers and the first cover layer forms a first half-cell with a first electrically conductive layer and / or with the electrochromic layer and the second cover layer forms a second half-cell with a second electrically conductive layer and / or with the ion storage layer, comprises the following steps:

[0031] Connecting a first electrical contact means to the first electrically conductive layer and connecting the second electrically conductive contact means to the second electrically conductive layer, wherein o the first electrical contact means has an excess compared to the first electrically conductive layer and o the second electrical contact means has an excess compared to the second electrically conductive layer,

[0032] Connecting the first half-cell and the second half-cell in such a way that the first electrical contact means and the second electrical contact means are in contact with each other,

[0033] Cutting the layer system into the desired geometry with a cutting tool such that the first contact medium is provided with a first connecting section and the second contact medium with a second connecting section, and

[0034] - at least section by section bonding an edge area of ​​the layer system with an adhesive such that the first joining section and the second joining section protrude from the adhesive or are not covered by the adhesive.

[0035] In addition to the advantages already mentioned for the correspondingly designed surface body, this method makes it possible to design the two half-cells identically, thus enabling the process to be carried out efficiently. Due to the surplus, the final contour of the surface body can be freely determined within certain limits, thereby increasing manufacturing flexibility, for example, for custom-made products, which can thus be produced cost-effectively.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the method includes the step of connecting a control unit to the layered system using the first connection section and the second connection section. The two connection sections can be designed in such a way that the connection can be carried out quickly and reliably.

[0037] Furthermore, the process can include the step of enclosing the layer system, at least in its edge region, with a plastic body that also encloses at least the majority of the adhesive compound. The plastic body is injection-molded onto or around the layer system. The plastic body gives the layered body a stable shape adapted to the specific application. If a control unit is used, it can first be connected to the layer system and, in particular, to the electrical conductor, before the plastic body is injection-molded around the layer system and the connected control unit. The plastic body is injection-molded onto or around the layer system in such a way that the control unit is also at least partially enclosed by the plastic body.

[0038] The injection molding process of the plastic body is simultaneously used to bring the layered system into the desired three-dimensional shape. As mentioned, the surface component can, for example, form eye protection, in which case the surface component must have a certain curvature to effectively protect the eye. This curvature can be imprinted on the initially flat or nearly flat surface component during the injection molding process. The curing plastic component then retains the curvature created in this way. This step is similar to the "In-Mould Labeling Process (IML)" and the "In-Mould Decoration Process (IMD)," which are special injection molding processes for back-molding substrates. These processes allow for the design and tactile enhancement of the surface of injection-molded parts, as well as their combination with functional substrates.An additional step, such as thermoforming, becomes unnecessary, allowing the manufacturing process to be carried out in a cost- and time-saving manner.

[0039] PREFERRED EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION

[0040] Further measures improving the invention are described in more detail below, together with a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0041] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the structure of the layer system for forming the surface body.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the layer system according to Figure 1, wherein layers are shown grouped into a first half-cell and a second half-cell.

[0043] Figure 3 shows the surface body with the layer system and an injection-molded plastic body,

[0044] Figure 4 shows the surface body with the layer system, wherein the plastic body completely encloses the layer system.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example of eye protection, designed as ski goggles.

[0046] Figure 6 shows an example of eye protection, designed as a visor for a motorcycle or ski helmet.

[0047] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the surface body with a plastic body completely enclosing the layer system, and

[0048] Figures 8A1 to 8H show schematic representations of the steps for producing a flat body as depicted in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 each show an electrochromic layer system 10 with two outer cover layers 15, for example made of polycarbonate. Electrically conductive layers 11, for example ITO layers, which are less than one micrometer thick, are located on the inside of the cover layers 15, whereas the cover layers 15 have a thickness of, for example, 125 pm or 250 pm. On the inside of the electrically conductive layer 11, there is an electrochromic layer 12 on the upper side and an ion storage layer 14 on the lower side. Between the electrochromic layer 12 and the ion storage layer 14 is an electrolyte layer 13. The electrically conductive layers 11, the electrochromic layer 12, the electrolyte layer 13 and the ion storage layer 14 can have a total thickness of, for example, 30 pm to 100 pm.

[0049] For example, a PEDOT:PSS material can be used as the electrochromic layer 12, which can itself be conductive, so that an electrically conductive layer 11 can also be formed from it. The ion storage layer 14, for example, can be made of Prussian blue, whereby the underlying electrically conductive layer 11 can also form a highly conductive PEDOT:PSS. However, titanium oxide (TiCh) can also be used as the ion storage layer. Finally, it is conceivable that the electrolyte layer 13 is polymer-based and exists in a solid but flexible form.

[0050] The half-cells H1 and H2 are produced by first providing the top layer 15 as a substrate, then applying the electrically conductive layer 11, for example as an ITO coating, and finally, on this, the electrochromic layer 12 is applied to the first half-cell H1 and the ion storage layer 14 to the second half-cell H2. These two layer systems are then brought together with the electrolyte 13, which, for example, can be polymer-based and exert an adhesive effect to connect the two half-cells H1 and H2.

[0051] This creates a layer system 10 of the "battery type," which can be operated, for example, with a voltage of up to approximately + / - 2.5 volts between the two electrically conductive layers 11. Depending on the voltage and its duration, various switching states can be established, allowing the transmittance through the layer system 10 to be varied and a light and dark state to be utilized accordingly. The transmittance depends on the applied voltage and remains constant even when no voltage is applied. A redox reaction takes place within the layer system 10, which modifies or maintains the chromatic state of the electrochromic layer 12 and thereby achieves the optical properties.

[0052] The layer system 10 is subsequently represented only with the two half-cells H1 and H2 and the intermediate electrolyte layer 13.

[0053] Figures 3 and 4 show various embodiments of the planar body 1 with the layer system comprising the first half-cell H1, the second half-cell H2, and the electrolyte layer 13. The edge regions 16 of the two half-cells H1 and H2 are designed such that one of the two half-cells H1, H2 projects beyond the other half-cell H1, H2. The resulting projecting section 19 in the edge region 16 on the right side is created by extending the first half-cell H1 further than the second half-cell H2, thus generating the projecting section 19. An electrical contact medium 20, for example a copper layer or a silver layer, can be applied to this projecting section 19. This layer is in contact with an electrical conductor 21.

[0054] On the left side, the second half-cell H2 projects beyond the first half-cell H1, forming the projecting section 19, so that the second electrically conductive layer of the second half-cell H2 can also be contacted by an electrical contact element 20, from which an electrical conductor 21 is ultimately brought out. In a manner not shown in detail, the electrical contact elements 20 can contact the electrically conductive layers applied to the cover layers 15, which are part of the respective half-cells H1 and H2. In the projecting sections 19, the electrochromic layer or the ion storage layer 14 has been removed to allow direct contact with the electrically conductive layer 11, e.g., the ITO layer. The projection of the respective sections of the cover layers 15 can be formed, for example, by the first cover layer 15 on a first half-circumference and, for example, by the second cover layer 15 on a second half-circumference.

[0055] The adhesive 17 is located between the two half-cells H1 and H2, such that it at least partially and, in particular, completely encloses the electrolyte layer 13 or electrolyte- 13, electrochromic 12 and ion storage layer 14, thus forming a very effective seal. The adhesive 17 therefore extends vertically from the top layer to the top layer of the first and second half-cells H1 and H2.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the plastic body 18 is only injection-molded over the second, lower half-cell H2 and encloses the projecting sections 19 with the electrical contact elements 20, finally terminating at the edge with the first half-cell H1. This example shows that the layer system 10 can only be injection-molded with a plastic body on one side, so that the layer system 10 itself, together with the top layer, forms an outer skin of the surface body 1.

[0057] According to Figure 4, the plastic body 18 is injection molded in such a way that it completely encloses the layer system 10, so that the entire outer skin of the surface body 1 consists of the plastic body 18, and only the electrical conductors 21 are brought out of the plastic body 18.

[0058] Figure 5 shows an embodiment of eye protection 100 in the form of ski goggles, such that the glazing of the ski goggles is formed by the surface body 1. A voltage or current source 22 can serve as the power supply, and a control system can be provided (not shown in detail) to adjust the supply voltage for the surface body 1.

[0059] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of an eye protection device 100 in the form of a visor for a motorcycle helmet. Here, too, a voltage or current source 22 is located on the visor to supply power to the surface body 1, so that the transmittance of the visor can be varied by the voltage applied to the layer system. Figure 7 shows another embodiment of a surface body 1, the following description of which is limited to the essential differences compared to the previously described embodiments of the surface bodies 1. One essential difference is that the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 have an identical structure and consequently the same contour, which will be discussed in more detail later.Furthermore, a first electrical contact means 201 is arranged adjacent to the upper electrically conductive layer 11 (as shown in Figure 7), and a second electrical contact means 202 is arranged adjacent to the lower electrically conductive layer 11. The first electrical contact means 201 is formed by a first electrically insulating layer 241, on which at least one first electrical conductor 261 is applied. Similarly, the second electrical contact means 202 is formed by a second electrically insulating layer 242, on which at least one second electrical conductor 262 is applied. The first electrical conductor.

[0060] 261 is electrically connected to the upper electrically conductive layer 11 of the layer system 10. The second electrical conductor is connected accordingly.

[0061] 262 is electrically connected to the lower electrically conductive layer 11 of the layer system 10. Furthermore, the first electrical contact means 201 and the second electrical contact means 202 are arranged such that they come into contact with each other with the first electrically insulating layer 241 and the second electrically insulating layer 242 without creating a risk of a short circuit.

[0062] Furthermore, the first electrical contact means 201 forms a first connection section 281 and the second electrical contact means 202 forms a second connection section 282. As in the first and second embodiments, the layer system 10 is encased with an adhesive 17; however, the first connection section 281 and the second connection section 282 protrude from or are excluded from the adhesive 17. Standardized interfaces 30 are arranged on the first connection section 281 and on the second connection section 282, by means of which the surface body 1 is connected to a control unit 32. In this embodiment as well, a plastic body 18 is used, which encloses the surface body 1 and the control unit 32 and, in particular, gives the surface body 1 structural stability.

[0063] Figures 8A1 to 8H show various steps for producing the surface body 1 according to the embodiment shown in Figure 7, using schematic representations that are not to scale or complete. Figure 8A2 is at least an approximate sectional view along the section plane AA defined in Figure 8A1. The same applies to Figures 8B1 to 8F2, although the section planes, which run analogously to the section plane AA, are not shown in Figures 8B1, 8C1, 8D1, 8E1, and 8F1 for illustrative reasons. Also for illustrative reasons, not all reference numerals from Figures 8A1 and 8A1 are included in Figures 8B1 to 8F2.

[0064] Figures 8A1 and 8A2 show the first electrical contact means 201 and the second electrical contact means 202, on which the first electrical conductor 261 and the second electrical conductor 262 are located. It is assumed that the first electrical contact means 201 is flush with the upper cover layer 15 and the second electrical contact means 202 is flush with the lower cover layer 15. The first electrical contact means 201 and the cover layer 15 connected to it are part of a first half-cell H1, and the second electrical contact means 202 and the cover layer 15 connected to it are part of a second half-cell H2, which are not shown in their entirety for illustrative purposes. Reference is made in particular to Figure 2.It should be noted, however, that the first electrical contact element 201 and the second electrical contact element 202 are designed such that the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 are U-shaped. Furthermore, at least the first electrical contact element 201 and the second electrical contact element 202 have a lateral, outwardly directed excess, which will be discussed later.

[0065] As can be seen particularly in Figure 8A2, the structure of the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 is identical. Referring to Figures 8B1 and 8B2, the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 are now connected such that the first electrically insulating layer 241 and the second electrically insulating layer 242 are in contact with each other. When the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 are connected, the electrolyte layer 13 is introduced into the space enclosed by the first electrical contact element 201 and the second electrical contact element 202. Due to the aforementioned i-shaped design of the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2, the first electrical contact element 201 and the second electrical contact element 202 act as spacers to give the enclosed space a defined shape and size, thereby giving the electrolyte layer 13 the desired volume and shape.

[0066] Subsequently, as can be seen from a comparison of Figures 8B1 and 8C1, the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 are cut to the desired geometry using a cutting tool (not shown). Specifically, the first electrical contact means 201 and the second electrical contact means 202 are cut within their specified interference. The interference is limited inwards by the first electrical conductor 261 and the second electrical conductor 262, which must not be damaged during cutting. The cutting can be carried out using a punching or cutting process. The geometry of the cut can be freely selected within the specified interference limits.

[0067] The components are cut such that the first electrical contact element 201 forms a first connection section 281 and the second electrical contact element 202 forms a second connection section 282 (see, for example, Figure 8C2). A control unit 32 is connected to the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 using the first connection section 281 and the second connection section 282. A standardized interface 30 can be provided on the first connection section 281 and / or the second connection section 282 for this purpose.

[0068] Furthermore, the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2 are bonded together with an adhesive 17 (Figure 8D1). This bonding can be carried out before the control unit 32 is connected to the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2. It should be noted that the first connecting section 281 and the second connecting section 282 protrude at least partially from the adhesive 17 or are completely excluded from the adhesive 17.

[0069] It may be advantageous to connect the control unit 32 separately to the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2, for which the same adhesive 17 can be used, as shown in Figures 8E1 and 8E2. However, an adhesive 17 with a different chemical composition, for example, can also be used. If the same adhesive 17 is used, it can be applied continuously to the control unit 32 (not shown).

[0070] Referring to Figures 8F1 and 8F2, a plastic body 18 is now injection-molded around the first half-cell H1 and the second half-cell H2, as well as around the control unit 32. It may be advantageous to provide access to the control unit 32 (not shown), for example, to allow for a detachable plug connection. This can be beneficial for setting up and modifying the control unit 32. The plastic body 18 gives the now completed surface body 1 dimensional stability.

[0071] Figures 8G and 8H show that the inherently flat or planar body 1 (Figure 8G) can be transformed into a three-dimensional shape (Figure 8H) during the injection molding of the plastic body 18. Depending on the application of the flat body 1, it can, for example, be provided with a corresponding curvature.

[0072] The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiment described above. Rather, a number of variants are conceivable, which utilize the solution presented even in fundamentally different designs. All features and / or advantages arising from the claims, the description, or the drawings, including design details or spatial arrangements, can be essential to the invention, both individually and in various combinations.

[0073] Reference symbol list:

[0074] 1 Surface body

[0075] 10-shift system

[0076] 11 electrically conductive layer

[0077] 12 electrochromic layers

[0078] 13 Electrolyte layer

[0079] 14 ion storage layer

[0080] 15 Top layer

[0081] 16 Edge area

[0082] 17 Adhesive compound

[0083] 18 plastic bodies

[0084] 19 outstanding section

[0085] 20 electrical contact medium

[0086] 201 first electrical contact device

[0087] 202 second electrical contact means

[0088] 21 electrical conductor

[0089] 22 Voltage or current source

[0090] 241 first electrically insulating layer

[0091] 242 second electrically insulating layer

[0092] 261 first electrical conductor

[0093] 262 second electrical conductor

[0094] 281 first connecting section

[0095] 282 second connecting section

[0096] 30 interface

[0097] 32 Control unit

[0098] 100 Eye protection

[0099] H1 first half-cell

[0100] H2 second half-cell

Claims

Patent claims 1. Planar body (1) with an electrochromic layer system (10), wherein the layer system (10) comprises two electrically conductive layers (11) between which an electrochromic layer (12), an electrolyte layer (13) and an ion storage layer (14) are arranged, and wherein the layer system (10) comprises two outer cover layers (15), wherein the layer system (10) has at least a section of an edge region (16) which is bonded with an adhesive (17) as a permeation barrier, such that at least the electrolyte layer (13) is enclosed at the edge by the adhesive (17), and wherein the layer system (10) is enclosed at least in the edge region (16) with a plastic body (18) which also at least predominantly encloses the adhesive (17), characterized bythat the first cover layer (15) forms a first half-cell (H1) with a first electrically conductive layer (11) and / or with the electrochromic layer (12), and the second cover layer (15) forms a second half-cell (H2) with a second electrically conductive layer (11) and / or with the ion storage layer (14), wherein the two half-cells (H1, H2) have a different contour (K) such that one half-cell (H1) locally or sectionally overrides the other half-cell (H2) in its plane of extension.

2. Planar body (1) with an electrochromic layer system (10), wherein the layer system (10) comprises two electrically conductive layers (11) between which an electrochromic layer (12), an electrolyte layer (13) and an ion storage layer (14) are arranged, and wherein the layer system (10) comprises two outer cover layers (15), wherein the layer system (10) has at least a section-wise edge region (16) which is bonded with an adhesive (17) as a permeation barrier, such that at least the electrolyte layer (13) is bordered by the adhesive (17) at its edge, and wherein the layer system (10) is enclosed at least in the edge region (16) with a plastic body (18) which also encloses at least predominantly the adhesive mass (17), characterized in that the first cover layer (15) forms a first half-cell (H1) with a first electrically conductive layer (11) and / or with the electrochromic layer (12) and the second cover layer (15) forms a second half-cell (H2) with a second electrically conductive layer (11) and / or with the ion storage layer (14), wherein a first electrical contact means (201) is connected to the first electrically conductive layer (11) and a second electrical contact means (202) is connected to the second electrically conductive layer (11).

3. Planar body (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first electrical contact means (201) comprises at least a first electrically insulating layer (241) on which a first electrical conductor (261) is applied, and the second electrical contact means (202) comprises at least a second electrically insulating layer (242) on which a second electrical conductor (262) is applied, wherein the first electrically insulating layer (241) and the second electrically insulating layer are in contact with each other (242).

4. Surface body (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the first electrical contact means (201) forms a first connecting section (282) projecting from the adhesive mass (17) and the second electrical contact means (202) forms a second connecting section (202) projecting from the adhesive mass (17), wherein a control unit (32) is connected to the surface body (1) at the first connecting section (281) and / or at the second connecting section (282).

5. Surface body (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that a standardized interface (30) or a part thereof is arranged on the first connection section (201) and the second connection section (202) for providing the connection with the control unit (32).

6. Flat body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic body (18) is injection molded onto the layer system (10).

7. Flat body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic body (18) at least partially encloses the edge region (16) and seals against the outer cover layers (15).

8. Flat body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic body (18) encloses the edge region (16) and a cover layer (15) or both cover layers (15) on the outside of the edge region (16) without interruption.

9. Planar body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive mass (17) extends between the electrically conductive layers (11) and / or the electrochromic and ion storage layer and / or that the adhesive mass (17) fully encloses the electrolyte layer (13).

10. Surface body (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that an electrical contact means (20) is provided in the projecting section (19) of the respective half-cell (H1 , H2).

11. Flat body (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrical contact means (20) is enclosed by the plastic body (18) and the plastic body (18) is is pierced by an electrical conductor (21) that is electrically connected to the contact medium (20).

12. Planar body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive mass (17) additionally comprises a getter for moisture absorption and / or is formed by means of an acrylate adhesive.

13. Flat body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic body (18) comprises a polycarbonate, a polyethylene terephthalate or a polymethyl methacrylate plastic.

14. Surface body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the surface body (1) forms an eye guard.

15. Eye protection (100), comprising a surface body (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a voltage or current source (22).

16. Eye protection (100) according to claim 15 characterized in that the eye protection (100) is designed as spectacles, as a visor or as a window of a water, land or air vehicle.

17. Method for producing a planar body (1) with an electrochromic layer system (10), wherein the layer system (10) comprises two electrically conductive layers (11) between which an electrochromic layer (12), an electrolyte layer (13) and an ion storage layer (14) are arranged, and wherein the layer system (10) comprises two outer cover layers (15), and wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: at least sectionally bonding an edge region (16) of the layer system (10) with an adhesive (17), wherein the bonding is carried out such that at least the The electrolyte layer (13) is bordered at the edges by the adhesive compound (17), and Enclosing the layer system (10) at least in the edge area (16) with a plastic body (18) which also encloses the adhesive compound (17) at least predominantly, wherein the plastic body (18) is injected onto or around the layer system (10) by means of injection molding.

18. Method for producing a planar body (1) with an electrochromic layer system (10), wherein the layer system (10) comprises two electrically conductive layers (11) between which an electrochromic layer (12), an electrolyte layer (13) and an ion storage layer (14) are arranged, and wherein the layer system (10) comprises two outer cover layers (15) and the first cover layer (15) forms a first half-cell (H1) with a first electrically conductive layer (11) and / or with the electrochromic layer (12) and the second cover layer (15) forms a second half-cell (H2) with a second electrically conductive layer (11) and / or with the ion storage layer (14),and wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: connecting a first electrical contact means (201) to the first electrically conductive layer (11) and connecting the second electrically conductive contact means (202) to the second electrically conductive layer (11), wherein o the first electrical contact means (201) has an excess and o the second electrical contact means (201) has an excess, connecting the first half-cell (H1) and the second half-cell (H2) such that the first electrical contact means (201) and the second electrical contact means (202) are in contact with each other, Cutting the layer system (10) into the desired geometry with a cutting tool such that the first contact means (201) is provided with a first connecting section (281) and the second contact means (202) is provided with a second connecting section (282), and - at least section by section bonding an edge area (16) of the layer system (10) with an adhesive (17) such that the first joining section (281) and the second joining section (282) protrude from the adhesive (17) or are not covered by the adhesive (17).

19. The method of claim 18, comprising the following step: - Connecting a control unit (32) to the layer system (10) using the first connection section (281) and / or the second connection section (282).

20. The method of claim 19, comprising the following step: Enclosing the layer system (10) at least in the edge area (16) with a plastic body (18) which also encloses the adhesive compound (17) at least predominantly, wherein the plastic body (18) is injected onto or around the layer system (10) by means of injection molding.

21. Method according to claim 19, wherein the plastic body (18) is injected onto or around the layer system (10) such that the control unit (32) is at least partially enclosed by the plastic body.

22. Method according to claim 17 or according to claim 20, characterized in that in the step of injection molding the plastic body (18) the layer system (10) is brought into a three-dimensional shape.

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