Electrochromic device and electrochromic system

Abstract

An electrochromic device and an electrochromic system. The electrochromic device comprises a first conductive layer (10) and an electrochromic layer (20) which are stacked. The first conductive layer (10) comprises a signal transmission region (11), the signal transmission region (11) comprises a plurality of conductive blocks (110) arranged at intervals, and the length to width ratio of each conductive block (110) is 1:1 to 10:1. The gaps formed by the plurality of conductive blocks (110) arranged at intervals in the signal transmission region (11) facilitate signal transmission, reduce interference and shielding of signals by the electrochromic device, and facilitate transmission and interaction of signals between the inner and outer sides of the electrochromic device, thereby improving user experience. Moreover, by defining the length to width ratio of each conductive block (110), when a signal passes through the gap between two adjacent conductive blocks (110), the signal transmittance in the signal transmission region (11) can be enhanced, or the attenuation of the signal during transmission can be reduced.

Description

Electrochromic devices and electrochromic systems

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024233228198, filed on December 31, 2024, entitled “Electrochromic Device and Electrochromic System”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of electrochromic devices, and more particularly to an electrochromic device and an electrochromic system. Background Technology

[0004] With technological advancements, the demand for light and heat regulation is increasing, leading to greater attention being paid to electrochromic technology. Specifically, electrochromic technology refers to the technique where the optical properties of electrochromic materials change under the influence of an applied electric field, external light intensity, and other external factors. Typically, this results in electrochromic devices containing the material exhibiting reversible changes in color and transparency. In recent years, electrochromic devices have been widely used in energy-saving windows, automotive rearview mirrors, display devices, and mobile terminals, demonstrating promising market prospects.

[0005] However, since the conductive layer of electrochromic devices usually contains metal, it can interfere with or even shield the signal, affecting signal interaction and reducing user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an electrochromic device and an electrochromic system.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides an electrochromic device, comprising a first conductive layer and an electrochromic layer stacked together. The first conductive layer includes a signal transmission region, which includes a plurality of spaced-apart conductive blocks, each with an aspect ratio of 1:1 to 10:1. The aspect ratio of the conductive block refers to the ratio of its length to its width. When the aspect ratio is 1, the conductive block can be square or circular. When the aspect ratio is greater than 1, the conductive block can be rectangular, triangular, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0008] In this embodiment, by setting a signal transmission area in the first conductive layer, signals can be transmitted through the gaps between the conductive blocks. For example, a signal can travel from the side of the first conductive layer away from the electrochromic layer, through the gaps between the conductive blocks, and through the electrochromic layer to the side of the electrochromic layer away from the first conductive layer; or a signal can travel from the side of the electrochromic layer away from the first conductive layer, through the electrochromic layer, and through the gaps between the conductive blocks to the side of the first conductive layer away from the electrochromic layer. In this application, by setting a signal transmission area in the first conductive layer, the gaps formed by the spaced arrangement of multiple conductive blocks in the signal transmission area facilitate signal transmission, reduce interference and shielding of the signal by the electrochromic device, and facilitate signal transmission and interaction between the inside and outside of the electrochromic device, thus improving the user experience.

[0009] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the conductive block is limited to a range of (1-10):1. When a signal passes through the gap between two adjacent conductive blocks, conductive blocks with the above aspect ratio are beneficial for enhancing the signal transmittance in the signal transmission area or reducing signal attenuation during transmission. Under the condition of achieving the same signal transmittance, it is beneficial to reduce the area of ​​the signal transmission area and improve the color uniformity and color rate of the electrochromic layer.

[0010] Furthermore, in this application, multiple conductive blocks are provided in the signal transmission area. These multiple conductive blocks can increase the conductivity rate of the signal transmission area, improve the color change rate of the electrochromic layer covered by the signal transmission area, and reduce the transmittance difference between the electrochromic layer covered by the signal transmission area and the electrochromic layer not covered by the signal transmission area, thereby improving the color change uniformity of the electrochromic layer.

[0011] Optionally, the first conductive layer includes one or more signal transmission areas. The number of signal transmission areas is set according to specific needs. For example, the first conductive layer includes two signal transmission areas arranged diagonally. Alternatively, the first conductive layer includes four signal transmission areas, which are respectively located at the four corners of the first conductive layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the gap between two adjacent conductive blocks is used for signal transmission, and the maximum size of the signal transmission region is greater than half the wavelength of the signal. Half the wavelength is half the wavelength of the signal. The maximum size of the signal transmission region refers to the maximum distance between any two points on the outer periphery of the signal transmission region. For example, if the signal transmission region needs to pass through a 2GHz signal, and the wavelength of a 2GHz signal is 150mm, then the maximum size of the signal transmission region is greater than 75mm.

[0013] In this embodiment of the application, the maximum size of the signal transmission area is greater than half the wavelength of the signal, which is beneficial for signal penetration and thus facilitates the transmission and interaction of the signal on both the inside and outside of the electrochromic device, improving the user experience.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive blocks include multiple columns, the multiple columns of conductive blocks are spaced apart along a first direction, each column of conductive blocks includes at least two conductive blocks, and the at least two conductive blocks in each column are spaced apart along a second direction.

[0015] The first and second directions are both parallel to the plane containing the electrochromic layer. The first and second directions intersect. Optionally, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0016] Each column of conductive blocks consists of two or more conductive blocks. The number of conductive blocks in multiple columns can be the same or different.

[0017] In this embodiment, the gaps between adjacent conductive blocks in each column can be used for signal transmission, as can the gaps between adjacent columns of conductive blocks. This reduces interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal, facilitating signal transmission and interaction between the inside and outside of the electrochromic device and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the orderly arrangement of multiple conductive blocks in the signal transmission area helps reduce the fabrication difficulty of the signal transmission area.

[0018] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area includes a plurality of trenches, each trench penetrating the signal transmission area along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer, and the plurality of trenches are arranged alternately to divide the signal transmission area into a plurality of conductive blocks.

[0019] The groove can be a straight groove or a curved groove.

[0020] For example, the signal transmission area includes at least one first trench and at least one second trench. The first trench extends along a second direction, and when there are two or more first trenches, the two or more first trenches are spaced apart along the first direction. The second trench extends along the first direction, and when there are two or more second trenches, the two or more second trenches are spaced apart along the second direction. The included angle between the first trench and the second trench can be 10°, 15°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, or 90°.

[0021] In this embodiment, each trench penetrates both surfaces of the first conductive layer along its thickness direction, reducing interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer, which is beneficial for signal transmission along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer. Furthermore, the trenches can be formed by etching, reducing the fabrication difficulty of the signal transmission area.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least two conductive blocks are connected by a connecting line, the width of which is less than the width and length of the conductive blocks. Exemplarily, optionally, two of the plurality of conductive blocks are electrically connected by a single connecting line. Optionally, three of the plurality of conductive blocks are electrically connected to each other by two connecting lines.

[0023] In this embodiment, at least two conductive blocks are connected by a connecting line, which increases the electrical transmission rate between the at least two conductive blocks, thereby increasing the overall electrical conductivity of the signal transmission area. This is beneficial to increasing the color change rate of the electrochromic layer covered by the signal transmission area and reducing the transmittance difference between the electrochromic layer covered by the signal transmission area and the electrochromic layer not covered by the signal transmission area, thereby improving the color change uniformity of the electrochromic layer.

[0024] Since the overall conductivity of the signal transmission area is increased, setting the signal transmission area in the first conductive layer has little impact on the conductivity of the entire first conductive layer, that is, it has little impact on the overall color-changing rate of the electrochromic layer. Therefore, the color-changing speed of the electrochromic device can be increased by increasing the size of the signal transmission area.

[0025] In addition, since the width of the connecting line is smaller than the width and length of the conductive block, the impact of the connecting line on signal transmission is reduced.

[0026] In some embodiments, any two adjacent conductive blocks are connected by a connecting line. Each conductive block is connected to at least one connecting line and is electrically connected to at least one other conductive block via the connecting line. In this embodiment, multiple conductive blocks in the signal transmission area are interconnected through multiple connecting lines, which improves the overall conductivity of the signal transmission area and is beneficial for increasing the color-changing rate of the electrochromic layer covering the signal transmission area.

[0027] In some embodiments, the connecting line is curved. In this embodiment, setting the connecting line connecting the conductive block to a curved shape is beneficial to enhancing the signal transmittance of the signal transmission area.

[0028] In some embodiments, the connecting line comprises a plurality of arc segments connected end to end, wherein the curvature of each arc segment is 100m. -1 -10000m -1 This is beneficial for enhancing the signal transmittance in the signal transmission area.

[0029] In some embodiments, the conductive block includes a first conductive material, and the region outside the signal transmission area in the first conductive layer includes a second conductive material, wherein the conductivity of the first conductive material is greater than or equal to the conductivity of the second conductive material. In this embodiment, if the first conductive material and the second conductive material have the same conductivity, for example, the first conductive material and the second conductive material can be the same material, which helps to simplify the fabrication process of the first conductive layer.

[0030] If the first conductive material has a higher conductivity, it will help improve the signal penetration rate in the signal transmission area.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks to the area of ​​the signal transmission region is 1:100 to 1:2. The area of ​​the signal transmission region refers to its projected area onto the electrochromic layer. The area of ​​the conductive blocks refers to their projected area onto the electrochromic layer, which is beneficial for enhancing the signal transmittance of the signal transmission region.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer includes a visible area and a non-visible area, with the signal transmission area located within the visible area. The non-visible area may surround or partially surround the outer periphery of the visible area. In this embodiment, the signal transmission area is located within the visible area, which can reduce the size of the non-visible area and increase the size of the visible area, achieving a superior visual effect. Simultaneously, placing the signal transmission area within a larger visible area can improve signal transmittance by increasing the size of the signal transmission area.

[0033] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area is located within the visible area, and the first conductive material of the conductive block is a transparent material. In this embodiment, the first conductive material is a transparent material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Transparent materials have high transmittance, and the area ratio of the signal transmission area will not affect the transmittance of the electrochromic device or will have a low impact on the transmittance of the electrochromic device.

[0034] In some embodiments, when the signal transmission area is located within the visible area and the first conductive material of the conductive blocks is a non-transparent material, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks to the area of ​​the signal transmission area is less than 1:20. In this embodiment, since the first conductive material is non-transparent, if the proportion of the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks is too large, it will affect the transmittance of the electrochromic device. In this embodiment, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks to the area of ​​the signal transmission area is less than 1:20, which can reduce the impact of the conductive blocks on the transmittance of the electrochromic device.

[0035] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area is located within the non-visual area. In this embodiment, because the signal transmission area is located within the non-visual area, there are more options for the first conductive material in the signal transmission area, and there are also more options for the area of ​​the conductive blocks and the sum of the areas of multiple conductive blocks.

[0036] In some embodiments, the area of ​​each conductive block is 0.01 μm. 2 -100μm 2 This is beneficial for improving the conductivity and signal transmittance of the signal transmission area.

[0037] In some embodiments, the length of each conductive block is 0.1 μm-10 μm, which is beneficial to improving the conductivity and signal transmittance of the signal transmission area.

[0038] In some embodiments, the width of each conductive block is 0.1 μm-10 μm, which is beneficial to improving the conductivity and signal transmittance of the signal transmission area.

[0039] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area includes multiple sub-transmission areas, each sub-transmission area including multiple spaced conductive blocks. The conductive blocks in adjacent sub-transmission areas have different sizes and / or different spacing between adjacent conductive blocks. The size of the conductive block includes its length and width.

[0040] For example, the signal transmission area includes an adjacent first sub-transmission area and a second sub-transmission area, wherein the first sub-transmission area and the second sub-transmission area satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the length of the conductive block in the first sub-transmission area is different from the length of the conductive block in the second sub-transmission area; the width of the conductive block in the first sub-transmission area is different from the width of the conductive block in the second sub-transmission area; and the spacing between adjacent conductive blocks in the first sub-transmission area is different from the spacing between adjacent conductive blocks in the second sub-transmission area.

[0041] Optionally, the areas of different sub-transmission regions are different. Optionally, the number of conductive blocks contained in different sub-transmission regions is different.

[0042] In this embodiment, the signal transmission area is divided into two or more different sub-transmission areas. Because these sub-transmission areas have different structures, such as different conductive block sizes and / or different spacing between adjacent conductive blocks, different sub-transmission areas can transmit signals of different wavelengths. In this embodiment, the combination of multiple sub-transmission areas improves the adaptability of the electrochromic device to various signals.

[0043] In some embodiments, the electrochromic device further includes a second conductive layer located on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the first conductive layer, wherein the orthographic projection of the signal transmission area of ​​the second conductive layer onto the electrochromic layer at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the signal transmission area of ​​the first conductive layer onto the electrochromic layer.

[0044] The structure, area, and other characteristics of the signal transmission region in the second conductive layer can be referred to the description of the structure and area of ​​the signal transmission region in the first conductive layer, and will not be repeated here.

[0045] In this embodiment, the projections of the signal transmission areas in the two conductive layers at least partially overlap, allowing the signal to be transmitted sequentially through the signal transmission area of ​​the first conductive layer, the electrochromic layer, and the signal transmission area of ​​the second conductive layer. This reduces the interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal and improves the user experience.

[0046] Secondly, this application provides an electrochromic system, which includes a terminal platform, a control device, and the electrochromic device provided in this application. The control device is used to interact with the terminal platform to control the electrochromic device.

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0048] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0049] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 2 is a top view of a first conductive layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another signal transmission area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another signal transmission area provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another signal transmission area provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0055] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0056] 10-First conductive layer; 11-Signal transmission area; 12-Conductive area; 20-Electrochromic layer; 30-Second conductive layer; 110-Conductive block; 111-Trench; 112-Connecting line; 11a-First sub-transmission area; 11b-Second sub-transmission area; 11c-Third sub-transmission area. Embodiments of the present invention

[0057] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0058] It should be noted that when an element is said to be "fixed" to another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is said to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" on another element, there is no intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0059] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the template description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0062] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 2 is a top view schematic diagram of a first conductive layer provided in an embodiment of this application. An electrochromic device provided in this application includes a first conductive layer 10 and an electrochromic layer 20 stacked together. The first conductive layer 10 includes a signal transmission region 11, which includes a plurality of spaced conductive blocks 110, each with an aspect ratio of 1:1 to 10:1.

[0063] The aspect ratio of a conductive block refers to the ratio of its length to its width. When the aspect ratio is 1, the conductive block can be a square or a circle. When the aspect ratio is greater than 1, the conductive block can be a rectangle, a triangle, an ellipse, or other shapes.

[0064] The conductive block 110 includes a first conductive material, which may be an indium-tin oxide (ITO), an aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), a silver nanowire, a graphene, a carbon nanotube, a metal mesh, or a silver nanoparticle, etc.

[0065] Optionally, the signal transmission area 11 covers the entire first conductive layer 10, that is, the first conductive layer 10 is entirely composed of the signal transmission area.

[0066] Optionally, as shown in Figure 1, the first conductive layer 10 further includes a conductive region 12, which is the area in the first conductive layer 10 other than the signal transmission region. The conductive region 12 includes a second conductive material, which may be indium-tin oxide (ITO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), silver nanowires, graphene, carbon nanotubes, metal meshes, or silver nanoparticles, etc.

[0067] The first conductive material and the second conductive material can be the same type of conductive material or different types of conductive materials.

[0068] The electrochromic layer 20 includes an electrochromic material. The optical properties (reflectivity, transmittance, absorptivity, etc.) of the electrochromic material undergo stable and reversible color changes under the action of an external electric field, which manifests as reversible changes in color and transparency in appearance.

[0069] Optionally, the electrochromic layer 20 generally includes an electrochromic material layer (EC), an electrolyte layer (Ely), and an ion storage layer (IS) stacked sequentially. The electrochromic material layer includes an electrochromic material, and the ion storage material in the ion storage layer is mainly used to store ions. When an electric current is applied, ions from the ion storage material transfer to the electrochromic layer, and the electrochromic layer absorbs these ions and changes color. The electrolyte layer, also known as the ion transfer layer, is the ion transfer channel.

[0070] The first conductive layer 10 is electrically contacted with an external terminal (not shown) via a first busbar (not shown). The electrochromic device also includes a second conductive layer 30, which is electrically contacted with another external terminal (not shown) via a second busbar. This allows a voltage to be applied between the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30 by connecting a power source to both external terminals, thereby altering the transmittance of the electrochromic device. The voltage causes ions to move between the electrochromic material layer and the ion storage layer, and to intercalate / extract or deintercalate between them, thereby changing the optical state of the electrochromic material in the electrochromic layer 20, and thus adjusting the transmittance of the electrochromic device between colored states, intermediate states, and transparent states.

[0071] In this embodiment, by providing a signal transmission region 11 in the first conductive layer 10, signals can be transmitted through the gaps between the conductive blocks 110. For example, a signal can travel from the side of the first conductive layer 10 away from the electrochromic layer 20, through the gaps between the conductive blocks 110, and through the electrochromic layer 20 to the side of the electrochromic layer 20 away from the first conductive layer 10; or a signal can travel from the side of the electrochromic layer 20 away from the first conductive layer 10, through the electrochromic layer 20, and through the gaps between the conductive blocks 110 to the side of the first conductive layer 10 away from the electrochromic layer 20. In this application, by providing a signal transmission region 11 in the first conductive layer 10, the gaps formed by the spaced arrangement of multiple conductive blocks 110 in the signal transmission region 11 facilitate signal transmission, reduce interference and shielding of the signal by the electrochromic device, and facilitate signal transmission and interaction between the inside and outside of the electrochromic device, thus improving the user experience.

[0072] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the conductive block 110 is limited to a range of 1:1 to 10:1. When a signal passes through the gap between two adjacent conductive blocks 110, conductive blocks with the above aspect ratio are beneficial for enhancing the signal transmittance in the signal transmission area or reducing signal attenuation during transmission. Under the condition of achieving the same signal transmittance, it is beneficial to reduce the area of ​​the signal transmission area 11 and improve the color uniformity and color rate of the electrochromic layer 20.

[0073] On the other hand, in this application, multiple conductive blocks 110 are provided in the signal transmission area 11. The multiple conductive blocks 110 can increase the conductivity rate of the signal transmission area 11, improve the color change rate of the electrochromic layer 20 covered by the signal transmission area 11, and reduce the transmittance difference between the electrochromic layer 20 covered by the signal transmission area 11 and the electrochromic layer 20 not covered by the signal transmission area 11, thereby helping to improve the color change uniformity of the electrochromic layer 20.

[0074] Optionally, the first conductive layer 10 includes one or more signal transmission areas 11. The number of signal transmission areas 11 is set according to specific needs. For example, the first conductive layer 10 includes two signal transmission areas 11, which are arranged diagonally. Alternatively, the first conductive layer 10 includes four signal transmission areas 11, which are respectively disposed at the four corners of the first conductive layer 10.

[0075] Optionally, the conductive region 12 is a continuous region formed of indium tin oxide. Multiple conductive blocks 110 in the signal transmission region 11 are formed of indium tin oxide. Optionally, when preparing the first conductive layer 10, a continuous indium tin oxide layer is first prepared, and the indium tin oxide layer is locally etched to form the signal transmission region 11. The region outside the signal transmission region 11 is the conductive region 12.

[0076] Optionally, the conductive region 12 includes multiple first conductive lines, which are interlaced to form a conductive grid. Optionally, the first conductive layer 10 also includes a conductive substrate, which is an insulating substrate. The conductive substrate includes multiple etched lines and multiple grooves. A second conductive material is filled in the multiple etched lines to form multiple interlaced first conductive lines, and the first conductive material is filled in the multiple grooves to form multiple conductive blocks 110.

[0077] In some embodiments, the gap between two adjacent conductive blocks 110 is used for signal transmission, and the maximum size of the signal transmission area 11 is greater than half the wavelength of the signal. Half the wavelength is half the wavelength of the signal. The maximum size of the signal transmission area 11 refers to the maximum distance between any two points on the edge of the signal transmission area. For example, when the signal transmission area 11 is a square or rectangle, the maximum size of the signal transmission area 11 refers to the diagonal of the square or rectangle. When the signal transmission area 11 is circular, the maximum size of the signal transmission area 11 refers to the diameter of the circle. When the signal transmission area 11 is elliptical, the maximum size of the signal transmission area 11 refers to the length of the major axis of the ellipse.

[0078] For example, if the signal transmission area needs to pass through a 2GHz signal with a wavelength of 150mm, then the maximum size of the signal transmission area is greater than 75mm.

[0079] In this embodiment of the application, the maximum size of the signal transmission area 11 is greater than half the wavelength of the signal, which is conducive to signal penetration and thus facilitates the transmission and interaction of the signal on both the inside and outside of the electrochromic device, improving the user experience.

[0080] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a signal transmission area provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the plurality of conductive blocks 110 include multiple columns, the multiple columns of conductive blocks 110 are arranged at intervals along a first direction, each column of conductive blocks 110 includes at least two conductive blocks 110, and the at least two conductive blocks 110 in each column of conductive blocks 110 are arranged at intervals along a second direction.

[0081] The first and second directions are both parallel to the plane containing the electrochromic layer 20. The first and second directions intersect. Optionally, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

[0082] Each column of conductive blocks 110 includes two or more conductive blocks 110. The number of conductive blocks 110 contained in multiple columns of conductive blocks 110 can be the same or different.

[0083] In this embodiment, the gaps between adjacent conductive blocks 110 in each column of conductive blocks 110 can be used for signal transmission, as can the gaps between adjacent columns of conductive blocks 110. This reduces interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal, facilitating signal transmission and interaction between the inside and outside of the electrochromic device and improving the user experience. Furthermore, the regular arrangement of multiple conductive blocks 110 in the signal transmission area 11 helps reduce the fabrication difficulty of the signal transmission area 11.

[0084] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another signal transmission region provided in an embodiment of this application, and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another signal transmission region provided in an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, the signal transmission region 11 includes a plurality of trenches 111, each trench 111 penetrating the signal transmission region 11 along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer 10, and the plurality of trenches 111 are arranged alternately to divide the signal transmission region 11 into a plurality of conductive blocks 110.

[0085] The groove 111 can be a straight groove 111 (as shown in Figure 4) or a curved groove 111 (as shown in Figure 5).

[0086] For example, the signal transmission area 11 includes at least one first trench and at least one second trench. The first trench extends along a second direction, and when there are two or more first trenches, the two or more first trenches are spaced apart along the first direction. The second trench extends along the first direction, and when there are two or more second trenches, the two or more second trenches are spaced apart along the second direction. The included angle between the first trench and the second trench can be 10°, 15°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, or 90°.

[0087] In this embodiment, each trench 111 penetrates both surfaces of the first conductive layer 10 along its thickness direction, reducing interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer 10, which is beneficial for signal transmission along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer 10. Furthermore, the trench 111 can be formed by etching, reducing the fabrication difficulty of the signal transmission region 11.

[0088] In some embodiments, at least two conductive blocks 110 are connected by a connecting line 112, the width of which is smaller than the width and length of the conductive blocks 110. Exemplarily, optionally, two of the plurality of conductive blocks 110 are electrically connected by a single connecting line 112. Optionally, three of the plurality of conductive blocks 110 are electrically connected to each other by two connecting lines 112.

[0089] In this embodiment, at least two conductive blocks 110 are connected by connecting line 112, which increases the electrical transmission rate between the at least two conductive blocks 110, thereby increasing the overall electrical conductivity of the signal transmission area 11. This is beneficial to increasing the color change rate of the electrochromic layer 20 covered by the signal transmission area 11, reducing the transmittance difference between the electrochromic layer 20 covered by the signal transmission area 11 and the electrochromic layer 20 not covered by the signal transmission area 11, and thus improving the color change uniformity of the electrochromic layer 20.

[0090] Since the overall conductivity of the signal transmission region 11 is increased, the signal transmission region 11 is set in the first conductive layer 10, which has little impact on the conductivity of the entire first conductive layer 10, that is, little impact on the overall color change rate of the electrochromic layer 20. Therefore, the color change rate of the electrochromic device can be increased by increasing the size of the signal transmission region 11.

[0091] In addition, since the width of the connecting line 112 is smaller than the width of the conductive block 110 and the length of the conductive block 110, the impact of the connecting line 112 on signal transmission is reduced.

[0092] In some embodiments, any two adjacent conductive blocks 110 are connected by a connecting line 112. Each conductive block 110 is connected to at least one connecting line 112 and is electrically connected to at least one other conductive block 110 via the connecting line 112. In this embodiment, multiple conductive blocks 110 in the signal transmission area 11 are interconnected through multiple connecting lines 112, improving the overall conductivity of the signal transmission area 11 and thus increasing the color-changing rate of the electrochromic layer 20 covering the signal transmission area 11.

[0093] In some embodiments, the connecting line 112 is curved. In this embodiment, setting the connecting line 112 connecting the conductive block 110 as curved is beneficial to enhancing the signal transmittance of the signal transmission area 11.

[0094] In some embodiments, the connecting line comprises a plurality of arc segments connected end to end, wherein the curvature of each arc segment is 100m. -1 -10000m -1 This is beneficial for enhancing the signal transmittance of the signal transmission area 11.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 10 further includes a conductive region 12, which is spaced apart from the conductive block 110 in the signal transmission region 11.

[0096] In some embodiments, the conductive region 12 and the conductive block 110 in the signal transmission region 11 are also connected by a conductive line. The width of the connecting line 112 connecting the conductive block 110 and the conductive region 12 is smaller than the width and length of the conductive block 110. Specifically, the width of the conductive block 110 is W2 in Figure 3, and the length of the conductive block 110 is L2 in Figure 3. Optionally, the connecting line 112 connecting the conductive block 110 and the conductive region 12 can be a curve, comprising multiple arc segments connected end-to-end, wherein the curvature of each arc segment is 100m. -1 -10000m -1 .

[0097] In some embodiments, the conductive block 110 includes a first conductive material, and the region outside the signal transmission area 11 in the first conductive layer 10 includes a second conductive material. The conductivity of the first conductive material is greater than or equal to the conductivity of the second conductive material. In this embodiment, if the first conductive material and the second conductive material have the same conductivity, for example, the first conductive material and the second conductive material can be the same material, which helps to simplify the fabrication process of the first conductive layer 10.

[0098] If the first conductive material has a higher conductivity, it will help improve the signal penetration rate in the signal transmission region 11.

[0099] In some embodiments, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks 110 to the area of ​​the signal transmission region 11 is 1:(2-100). The area of ​​the signal transmission region 11 includes the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks 110 and the area of ​​the trench 111. This is beneficial for enhancing the signal transmittance of the signal transmission region 11.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 10 includes a visible area and a non-visible area, with the signal transmission area 11 located within the visible area. The non-visible area may surround or partially surround the outer periphery of the visible area. In this embodiment, the signal transmission area 11 is located within the visible area, which can reduce the size of the non-visible area and increase the size of the visible area, achieving a superior visual effect. Simultaneously, by placing the signal transmission area 11 within a larger visible area, the signal transmittance can be improved by increasing the size of the signal transmission area 11.

[0101] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area 11 is located within the visible area and the first conductive material of the conductive block 110 is a transparent material. In this embodiment, the first conductive material is a transparent material, such as indium-tin oxide (ITO). Transparent materials have high transparency, and the area ratio of the signal transmission area 11 will not affect the transmittance of the electrochromic device or will have a low impact on the transmittance of the electrochromic device.

[0102] In some embodiments, when the signal transmission area 11 is located within the visible area and the first conductive material of the conductive block 110 is a non-transparent material, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the multiple conductive blocks 110 to the area of ​​the signal transmission area 11 is less than 1:20. In this embodiment, since the first conductive material is non-transparent, if the proportion of the sum of the areas of the multiple conductive blocks 110 is too large, it will affect the transmittance of the electrochromic device. In this embodiment, the ratio of the sum of the areas of the multiple conductive blocks 110 to the area of ​​the signal transmission area 11 is less than 1:20, which can reduce the impact of the conductive blocks 110 on the transmittance of the electrochromic device.

[0103] In some embodiments, the signal transmission area 11 is located in a non-visible area. Exemplarily, the first conductive material of the conductive block 110 in the signal transmission area 11 can be ITO, copper, or silver; that is, the signal transmission area 11 corresponds to a single-layer metal mesh film such as an ITO film, copper mesh, or silver mesh, which simplifies the fabrication process. In this embodiment, since the signal transmission area 11 is located in a non-visible area, there are more options for the first conductive material in the signal transmission area 11, and the area of ​​the conductive block 110 and the sum of the areas of multiple conductive blocks 110 can also be more varied.

[0104] Optionally, the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30 protrude from the electrochromic layer 20, such that the electrochromic layer 20 is not included between the first conductive layer 10 and the second conductive layer 30 in the non-visible area.

[0105] In some embodiments, the area of ​​each conductive block 110 is 0.01 μm. 2 -100μm 2 This is beneficial for improving the conductivity and signal transmittance of the signal transmission area 11.

[0106] In some embodiments, the length of each conductive block 110 is 0.1 μm to 10 μm. This is beneficial for improving the conductivity and signal transmittance of the signal transmission region 11.

[0107] In some embodiments, the width of each conductive block 110 is 0.1 μm-10 μm. This is beneficial for improving the conductivity and signal transmittance of the signal transmission area 11.

[0108] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of another signal transmission area provided in an embodiment of this application. Referring to Figure 6, in some embodiments, the signal transmission area 11 includes multiple sub-transmission areas, and each sub-transmission area includes multiple conductive blocks 110 arranged at intervals. The conductive blocks 110 in two adjacent sub-transmission areas have different sizes and / or the spacing between two adjacent conductive blocks 110 is different. The size of the conductive block 110 includes length and width.

[0109] For example, the signal transmission area 11 includes an adjacent first sub-transmission area 11a and a second sub-transmission area 11b, wherein the first sub-transmission area 11a and the second sub-transmission area 11b satisfy at least one of the following conditions: the length of the conductive block 110 in the first sub-transmission area 11a is different from the length of the conductive block 110 in the second sub-transmission area 11b; the width of the conductive block 110 in the first sub-transmission area 11a is different from the width of the conductive block 110 in the second sub-transmission area 11b; and the spacing between adjacent conductive blocks in the first sub-transmission area 11a is different from the spacing between adjacent conductive blocks in the second sub-transmission area 11b.

[0110] Optionally, the signal transmission area 11 may further include a third sub-transmission area 11c. The first sub-transmission area 11a, the second sub-transmission area 11b, and the third sub-transmission area 11c are arranged sequentially adjacent to each other. The size of the conductive blocks 110 in the third sub-transmission area 11c and / or the spacing between two adjacent conductive blocks 110 are different from those in the second sub-transmission area 11b. The size of the conductive blocks 110 in the third sub-transmission area 11c and / or the spacing between two adjacent conductive blocks 110 may be the same as or different from the size of the conductive blocks 110 in the first sub-transmission area 11a and / or the spacing between two adjacent conductive blocks 110.

[0111] In other embodiments, the signal transmission area 11 may also include a greater number of sub-transmission areas, and the multiple sub-transmission areas may also have other arrangements and combinations.

[0112] Optionally, the areas of different sub-transmission regions are different. Optionally, the number of conductive blocks 110 contained in different sub-transmission regions is different.

[0113] In this embodiment of the application, the signal transmission area 11 is divided into two or more different sub-transmission areas. Since the different sub-transmission areas have different structures, such as different sizes of conductive blocks 110 and / or different spacing between adjacent conductive blocks 110, the different sub-transmission areas can transmit signals of different wavelengths.

[0114] For example, commonly used frequency bands currently cover low frequencies of 600-1000MHz, mid frequencies of 2000-000MHz, and high frequencies of 4000-5000MHz. The structure of the required sub-transmission zones will differ depending on the gain requirements of different frequency bands.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the combination of multiple sub-transmission zones can meet the needs of multiple frequency bands and improve the adaptability of electrochromic devices to various signals.

[0116] In some embodiments, the electrochromic device further includes a second conductive layer 30, which is located on the side of the electrochromic layer 20 away from the first conductive layer 10. The orthographic projection of the signal transmission area 11 of the second conductive layer 30 onto the electrochromic layer 20 at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the signal transmission area 11 of the first conductive layer 10 onto the electrochromic layer 20.

[0117] The structure, area, and other features of the signal transmission region 11 in the second conductive layer 30 can be referred to the description of the structure and area of ​​the signal transmission region 11 in the first conductive layer 10, and will not be repeated here.

[0118] In this embodiment, the projections of the signal transmission areas 11 in the two conductive layers at least partially overlap, so that the signal can be transmitted sequentially through the signal transmission area 11 of the first conductive layer 10, the electrochromic layer 20, and the signal transmission area 11 of the second conductive layer 30, thereby reducing the interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal and improving the user experience.

[0119] Secondly, this application provides an electrochromic system, which includes a terminal platform, a control device, and the electrochromic device provided in this application. The control device is used to interact with the terminal platform to control the electrochromic device.

[0120] In all examples shown and described herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations; therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0121] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0122] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application. Industrial applicability

[0123] The above scheme, with the gaps formed by the spaced arrangement of multiple conductive blocks in the signal transmission area, facilitates signal transmission, reduces interference and shielding of the electrochromic device on the signal, and enables the transmission and interaction of the signal on both the inside and outside of the electrochromic device, thus improving the user experience. At the same time, this application limits the aspect ratio of each conductive block, which helps to enhance the signal penetration rate in the signal transmission area or reduce the signal attenuation during transmission when the signal passes through the gap between two adjacent conductive blocks.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, The electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer and an electrochromic layer stacked together. The first conductive layer includes a signal transmission region, which includes a plurality of spaced conductive blocks, each of which has an aspect ratio of 1:1 to 10:

1.

2. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gap between two adjacent conductive blocks is used for signal transmission, and the maximum size of the signal transmission area is greater than half the wavelength of the signal.

3. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of conductive blocks include multiple columns, the multiple columns of conductive blocks are spaced apart along a first direction, each column of conductive blocks includes at least two conductive blocks, and at least two conductive blocks in each column are spaced apart along a second direction.

4. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmission area includes multiple trenches, each trench penetrating the signal transmission area along the thickness direction of the first conductive layer, and the multiple trenches are arranged in an alternating manner to divide the signal transmission area into multiple conductive blocks.

5. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two conductive blocks are connected by a connecting line, the width of which is less than the width and length of the conductive blocks.

6. The electrochromic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting line is curved.

7. The electrochromic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting line comprises multiple arc segments connected end to end, wherein the curvature of each arc segment is 100m. -1 -10000m -1 .

8. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive block includes a first conductive material, and the area outside the signal transmission region in the first conductive layer includes a second conductive material. The conductivity of the first conductive material is greater than or equal to the conductivity of the second conductive material.

9. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the sum of the areas of the plurality of conductive blocks to the area of ​​the signal transmission region is 1:100 to 1:2; and / or The area of ​​each conductive block is 0.01 μm. 2 -100μm 2 ; and / or The length of each conductive block is 0.1 μm-10 μm; and / or The width of each conductive block is 0.1 μm-10 μm.

10. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal transmission area includes multiple sub-transmission areas, each sub-transmission area including multiple spaced conductive blocks, wherein the conductive blocks in adjacent sub-transmission areas have different sizes and / or different spacing between adjacent conductive blocks.

11. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic device further includes a second conductive layer, which is located on the side of the electrochromic layer opposite to the first conductive layer. The orthographic projection of the signal transmission area of ​​the second conductive layer onto the electrochromic layer at least partially overlaps with the orthographic projection of the signal transmission area of ​​the first conductive layer onto the electrochromic layer.

12. An electrochromic system, characterized in that, The electrochromic system includes a terminal platform, a control device, and an electrochromic device as described in any one of claims 1-11. The control device is used to interact with the terminal platform to control the electrochromic device.

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