KR20230153987A - Electrochromic device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. It includes a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a critical time so that the transmittance of the first region corresponds to the transmittance of the second region, When a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element and the color changes to the first state, the critical time is the first critical time, and when a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element and the color changes to the second state, the critical time is It may be the second critical time.

Description

Electrochromic device}

The embodiment relates to an electrochromic device.

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which color changes based on a redox reaction triggered by an applied power source. The material capable of electrochromism may be defined as an electrochromic material.

Electrochromic devices containing the above electrochromic materials have been used for various purposes. The electrochromic device has been used to control light transmittance or reflectivity of architectural window glass or automobile glass. In particular, the electrochromic device has been used for rear view mirrors used in vehicles to prevent strong lights from rear vehicles reflected through the rear mirror of a vehicle during the day or night from interfering with the driver's vision.

In the case of the electrochromic device, since the color changes depending on the power source, there is a technical challenge of appropriately controlling the applied voltage to achieve the desired degree of color change.

In addition, since power is required for the color change process and maintenance process of the electrochromic device, there is a problem in that power consumption increases as the area increases.

The embodiment provides an electrochromic device that can implement a desired color change level.

The embodiment provides an electrochromic device that reduces power consumption.

The embodiment provides an electrochromic device that can reduce color discoloration deviation for each region.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. It includes a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a critical time so that the transmittance of the first region corresponds to the transmittance of the second region, When a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element and the color changes to the first state, the critical time is the first critical time, and when a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element and the color changes to the second state, the critical time is It may be the second critical time.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. and a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit lasts at least a critical time such that the transmittance of the first region corresponds to the transmittance of the second region. The voltage is applied during the application time, and the control unit may apply the voltage during the first application time when changing the color to the first state, and may apply the voltage during the second application time when changing the color to the second state.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance, and a second state having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. and a control unit that controls the change to a state or a third state having a value greater than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the transmittance of the first region and the second state. A voltage is applied for a critical time so that the transmittance of the area corresponds, and the critical time when the first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device to change the color of the electrochromic device in the first state to the third state is the first critical time. The critical time when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device and the electrochromic device in the second state changes color to the third state is a second critical time, and the first critical time and the second critical time are Times may be different.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance, and a second state having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. state or a control unit that controls the change to a third state having a value greater than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit controls the transmittance of the first region. A voltage is applied for an application time that is at least as long as the critical time so that the transmittance of the second region corresponds to the second region, and the control unit applies a voltage during the first application time to change the electrochromic element in the first state to the third state. And, the control unit may apply a voltage for a second application time to change the electrochromic element in the second state to the third state.

The electrochromic device according to the embodiment can implement a desired discoloration level by applying different applied voltages depending on the initial state.

The electrochromic device according to the embodiment can reduce discoloration deviation in each region by applying a driving voltage for a longer time than the critical time.

The electrochromic device according to the embodiment can reduce power consumption by controlling the driving voltage application time based on the critical time.

The electrochromic device according to the embodiment can reduce power consumption by controlling the application time of the maintenance voltage based on the critical time.

1 is a diagram showing an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a control module according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing a change in state during coloring of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing a change in state when the electrochromic device is decolorized according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the voltage applied to the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 7 is a diagram showing the internal potential before voltage is applied in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing the potential change in the initial stage of coloring in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing the change in potential at the coloring completion stage in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.
Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrochromic device and the transmittance of the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 11 is a diagram showing the potential when voltage application is released after color change is completed in the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 12 is a diagram showing the potential change in the initial stage of decolorization in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.
Figure 13 is a diagram showing a change in potential in a state of complete decolorization in an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrochromic device and the transmittance of the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between applied voltage and transmittance of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between potential and ions during the coloring process of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 17 is a diagram showing the relationship between potential and ions during the decolorization process of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between applied voltage and transmittance of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between potentials and ions during the decolorization and coloring processes of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 21 is a diagram showing the degree of electrochromic change over time of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
Figure 22 is a graph of critical time versus voltage according to an embodiment.
Figure 23 is a diagram showing the voltage applied to the electrochromic element in the control module according to an embodiment.
Figure 24 is a diagram showing the critical time according to the voltage difference of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.
Figure 25 is a diagram showing the critical time according to the duty cycle of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may add, change, or delete other components within the scope of the same spirit, or create other degenerative inventions or this invention. Other embodiments that are included within the scope of the invention can be easily proposed, but this will also be said to be included within the scope of the invention of the present application.

In addition, components having the same function within the scope of the same idea shown in the drawings of each embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to place at least a first state having a first transmittance, a second state having a second transmittance, and a third state having a third transmittance. or a control unit that controls the change to a fourth state having a fourth transmittance, wherein the second transmittance has a greater value than the first transmittance, and the third transmittance has a greater value than the second transmittance, , the fourth transmittance has a larger value than the third transmittance -, when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device in a state in which the electrochromic device is in a first state, the electrochromic device is in a second state. , and when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device while the electrochromic device is in the fourth state, the electrochromic device enters the third state.

The electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer may be discolored due to movement of the ions.

The electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer have a bonding force with the ions, and the bonding force between the electrochromic layer and the ions and the bonding force between the ion storage layer and the ions may be different from each other.

A first threshold voltage for releasing the bond between the electrochromic layer and the ion may be different from a second threshold voltage for releasing the bonding force between the ion storage layer and the ion.

The electrochromic layer has an internal potential, and the internal potential may be proportional to the number of ions located in the electrochromic layer.

The control unit may move ions by applying a voltage higher than the sum of the internal potential and the first threshold voltage.

The controller may move ions by applying a voltage lower than the difference between the internal potential and the first threshold voltage.

The first state, second state, third state, or fourth state may be determined by the number of ions included in the electrochromic layer.

The first state, second state, third state, or fourth state may be determined depending on the ratio of ions included in the electrochromic layer and ions included in the ion storage layer.

The bonding force between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer and the ions may be physical bonding force or chemical bonding force.

Since the physical structures of the materials constituting the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer are different from each other, the physical bonding force between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer and the ions may be different.

The ion may be hydrogen ion or lithium ion.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to place at least a first state having a first transmittance, a second state having a second transmittance, or a third state having a third transmittance. and a control unit that controls the change to - the second transmittance has a larger value than the first transmittance, and the third transmittance has a larger value than the second transmittance - and the control unit controls the electrochromic element. A first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device in a state in which the electrochromic device is in a first state to change the electrochromic device to a second state, and the control unit controls the electrochromic device in a state in which the electrochromic device is in a third state. A second voltage is applied to change the electrochromic element to a second state, and the first voltage and the second voltage may be different from each other.

The second voltage may be greater than the first voltage.

The control unit may selectively apply any one of the first voltage and the second voltage to change the electrochromic device to a second state based on whether the electrochromic device is in the first state or the third state. there is.

The control unit determines whether the process for changing the electrochromic element to the second state is a coloring process or a decolorization process based on whether the electrochromic element is in the first state or the third state, and sets one of the first voltage and the second voltage. Can be selectively authorized.

The control unit may determine the previous state through the voltage applied for the previous state change.

It may further include a storage unit in which the driving voltage in the coloring process and the driving voltage in the decolorization process are stored.

The storage unit may store a driving voltage for each target state in the coloring process and a driving voltage for each target level in the decolorization process.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; And a control unit that applies power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to color or decolorize at least the electrochromic device, wherein a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device to discolor it. When a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic device in the state, it is colored, but a third voltage that maintains the state of the electrochromic device may exist between the first voltage and the second voltage.

When the third voltage is applied, ions present in the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer may not move.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; And a control unit that applies power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to color or decolorize at least the electrochromic device, wherein the control unit applies a first voltage to the electrochromic device. In a decolorized state, a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to color it, and the second voltage may be greater than the first voltage by a constant voltage section.

The electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer have a bonding force with the ions, and the bonding force between the electrochromic layer and the ions and the bonding force between the ion storage layer and the ions may be different from each other.

The constant voltage section corresponds to the sum of the first threshold voltage and the second threshold voltage, the first threshold voltage is a voltage for releasing the bond between the electrochromic layer and the ion, and the second threshold voltage is the voltage for releasing the bond between the electrochromic layer and the ion. It may be a voltage to release the bond between the ion storage layer and the ions.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. It includes a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a critical time so that the transmittance of the first region corresponds to the transmittance of the second region, When a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element and the color changes to the first state, the critical time is the first critical time, and when a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element and the color changes to the second state, the critical time is It may be the second critical time.

When the electrochromic device changes color to the first state, the initial state may be the same as the third state when the electrochromic device changes color to the second state.

The first critical time can be changed depending on the third state.

When the difference in transmittance between the third state and the first state decreases, the first critical time can be decreased.

The critical time may change depending on temperature.

The electrochromic element includes a contact area electrically connected to the control unit, and the transmittance of the electrochromic element may be changed starting from an area adjacent to the contact area.

When a voltage is applied to the electrochromic device for a critical time, the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region may have a difference.

The difference between the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region may be proportional to the sheet resistance of any one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

The second voltage may be greater than the first voltage.

The second critical time may be longer than the first critical time.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. and a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit lasts at least a critical time such that the transmittance of the first region corresponds to the transmittance of the second region. The voltage is applied during the application time, and the control unit may apply the voltage during the first application time when changing the color to the first state, and may apply the voltage during the second application time when changing the color to the second state.

The second application time may be different from the first application time.

The second application time may be longer than the first application time.

The first application time and the second application time may be the same.

The first application time and the second application time may be set according to the area of the electrochromic element.

The control unit may apply a voltage during the second application time when the electrochromic element is changed to any changeable state when the second state is a state having the highest transmittance.

The control unit may determine an application time for color change based on the current state of the electrochromic device.

The control unit may determine the current state of the electrochromic device based on the voltage that was applied when the electrochromic device was changed to its current state.

It may include a storage unit that stores the voltage applied when the electrochromic device is changed to its current state.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance, and a second state having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. and a control unit that controls the change to a state or a third state having a value greater than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the transmittance of the first region and the second state. A voltage is applied for a critical time so that the transmittance of the area corresponds, and the critical time when the first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device to change the color of the electrochromic device in the first state to the third state is the first critical time. The critical time when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic device and the electrochromic device in the second state changes color to the third state is a second critical time, and the first critical time and the second critical time are Times may be different.

The first critical time may be longer than the second critical time.

The first critical time may be determined by a difference in transmittance between the first state and the third state, and the second critical time may be determined by a difference in transmittance between the first state and the second state.

The first critical time is determined by the difference between the voltage applied when the electrochromic device changes to the first state and the first voltage, and the second critical time is the time when the electrochromic device changes to the second state. It may be determined by the difference between the voltage applied at the time and the first voltage.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance, and a second state having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. state or a control unit that controls the change to a third state having a value greater than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit controls the transmittance of the first region. A voltage is applied for an application time that is at least as long as the critical time so that the transmittance of the second region corresponds to the second region, and the control unit applies a voltage during the first application time to change the electrochromic element in the first state to the third state. And, the control unit may apply a voltage for a second application time to change the electrochromic element in the second state to the third state.

The second application time may be shorter than the first application time.

The control unit may have the same voltage applied during the first application time and the voltage applied during the second application time.

When the first state has the lowest transmittance and the third state has the highest transmittance, all voltages output from the control unit may be output during the first application time.

The control unit determines a first application time based on the difference in transmittance between the first state and the second state, and the control unit determines the second application time based on the difference in transmittance between the first state and the third state. You can.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. It includes a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a critical time so that the transmittance of the first region corresponds to the transmittance of the second region, The control unit applies a maintenance voltage to maintain the state of the electrochromic device in the maintenance step, the critical time for maintaining the first state of the electrochromic device is the first critical time, and the second state of the electrochromic device is the first critical time. The critical time for maintaining may be the second critical time.

The second critical time may be longer than the first critical time.

The maintenance step includes an application time during which the maintenance voltage is applied and a non-applied time during which the maintenance voltage is not applied. In the maintenance step of the electrochromic device, if the non-applied time is a first non-applied time, the first non-applied time of the electrochromic device The critical time for maintaining the state may be the third critical time, and if the unapplied time is the second unapplied time, the critical time for maintaining the first state of the electrochromic device may be the fourth critical time.

When the first unauthorized time is longer than the second unauthorized time, the third critical time may be longer than the fourth critical time.

The maintenance voltage for maintaining the first state may be a first maintenance voltage, and the maintenance voltage for maintaining the second state may be a second maintenance voltage.

The first maintenance voltage may be smaller than the second maintenance voltage.

In the color change step of the electrochromic device, the initial state in which the color changes to the first state may be the third state, and the initial state in which the color changes to the second state may be the third state.

The first critical time can be changed depending on the third state.

When the difference in transmittance between the third state and the first state decreases, the first critical time can be decreased.

The critical time may change depending on temperature.

In the color change step of the electrochromic device, the critical time for applying the first voltage to the electrochromic device to change color to the first state is the fifth critical time, and in the color change step of the electrochromic device, the second voltage is applied to the electrochromic device. The critical time for this to be applied and change color to the second state is the sixth critical time, and the first critical time may be shorter than the fifth critical time.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. Electrochromic elements containing; and applying power to the electrochromic device to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic device to a first state having at least a first transmittance or a second transmittance having a greater value than the first transmittance. and a control unit that controls the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic device includes a first region and a second region, and the controller controls the transmittance and transmittance of the first region to maintain the state of the electrochromic device in a maintenance step. A maintenance voltage is applied for an application time that is at least as long as the critical time so that the transmittance of the second region corresponds, and the control unit applies a first maintenance voltage during the first application time to maintain the first state of the electrochromic element. , the control unit may apply a second maintenance voltage for a second application time to maintain the second state of the electrochromic device.

The second application time may be longer than the first application time.

The maintaining step further includes an unapplied time during which the maintenance voltage is not applied, and in the maintaining step of the electrochromic device, the control unit applies a third applied time to maintain the first state if the unapplied time is the first unapplied time. A first maintenance voltage is applied for a period of time, and if the non-application time is a second non-application time, the control unit may apply the first maintenance voltage for a fourth application time to maintain the first state.

When the first unauthorized time is longer than the second unauthorized time, the third unauthorized time may be longer than the fourth unauthorized time.

When the second state is a state having the highest transmittance, the control unit may change the electrochromic device to all changeable states and then apply a maintenance voltage for a second application time to maintain the changed state.

The control unit applies a first color change voltage to change the electrochromic device to the first state in the color change step, and the control unit applies a second color change voltage to change the electrochromic device to the second state in the color change step. It can be approved.

The first color change voltage may be the same as the first maintenance voltage.

The control unit applies a first color change voltage during the first color change voltage application time to change the electrochromic device to the first state in the color change step, and the control unit changes the electrochromic device to the second state in the color change step. To change the color change, a second color change voltage is applied during the second color change voltage application time, and the first color change voltage application time may be longer than or equal to the first application time.

The control unit may determine an application time for color change based on the current state of the electrochromic device.

A method of controlling an electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. A method of controlling an electrochromic device including a storage layer, comprising: a color change step of applying a first voltage to the electrochromic device so that the electrochromic device is in a first state having a first transmittance; and a maintaining step of applying a first voltage to the electrochromic device for an application time to maintain the first state of the electrochromic device, wherein the application time is determined by the transmittance of the first region of the electrochromic device and the second region. It may be the same as or longer than the critical time for the transmittance to correspond.

The maintaining step includes an application step of applying the first voltage for an application time; and a non-application step of not applying the first voltage during the non-application time, and the application time may be determined by the length of the non-application time.

The critical time may be proportional to the unauthorized time.

The critical time may be proportional to the magnitude of the first voltage.

The application time may be determined based on the magnitude of the first voltage.

In the discoloration step, the first voltage has a first rise time, and in the sustain step, the first voltage has a second rise time, and the first rise time may be shorter than the second rise time.

In the discoloration step, the first voltage has a first rising angle, and in the maintaining step, the first voltage has a second rising angle, and the first rising angle may be smaller than the second rising angle.

The first elevation angle may be determined based on the magnitude of the first voltage.

Hereinafter, an electrochromic device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Electrochromic device

1 is a diagram showing an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electrochromic device 1 according to an embodiment includes a control module 100 and an electrochromic element 200.

The electrochromic device (1) can receive power from an external power source (2).

The external power source 2 may supply power to the electrochromic device 1. The external power source 2 may supply power to the control module 100. The external power source 2 may supply voltage and/or current to the control module 100. The external power source 2 may supply direct current voltage or alternating current voltage to the control module 100.

The control module 100 can control the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may generate driving power based on power input from the external power source 2 and supply it to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 can drive the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 can change the state of the electrochromic device 200 through the driving power. The control module 100 can change the transmittance of the electrochromic element 200. The control module 100 can change the reflectance of the electrochromic element 200. The control module 100 can change color of the electrochromic element 200. The control module 100 can decolorize or color the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 can control the electrochromic element 200 to be discolored or colored.

The state of the electrochromic device 200 can be changed by the control module 100. The state of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed by the driving voltage. The electrochromic device 200 may change color depending on the driving voltage. The electrochromic device 200 may be discolored or colored by the driving voltage. The transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed depending on the driving voltage. The reflectance of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed depending on the driving voltage.

The electrochromic device 200 may be a mirror. The color change element 200 may be a window. When the electrochromic device 200 is a mirror, the reflectance can be changed by the driving voltage. When the electrochromic device 200 is a window, the transmittance may be changed by the driving voltage.

When the electrochromic device 200 is a mirror, if the electrochromic device is colored, the reflectance may decrease, and if the electrochromic device is discolored, the reflectance may increase.

When the electrochromic device 200 is a window, if the electrochromic device is colored, the transmittance may decrease, and if the electrochromic device is discolored, the transmittance may increase.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing a control module according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the control module 100 according to the embodiment may include a control unit 110, a power conversion unit 120, an output unit 130, and a storage unit 140.

The control unit 110 can control the power conversion unit 120, the output unit 130, and the storage unit 140.

The control unit 110 may generate a control signal that changes the state of the electrochromic element 200 and output it to the output unit 130 to control the voltage output by the output unit 130.

The control unit 110 may operate by the voltage output from the external power source 2 or the power conversion unit 120.

When the control unit 110 operates by the voltage output from the external power source 2, the control unit 110 may include a component capable of converting power. For example, when receiving AC voltage from the external power source 2, the control unit 110 can convert the AC voltage into DC voltage and use it for operation. Additionally, when receiving a direct current voltage from the external power source 2, the control unit 110 can lower the direct current voltage from the external power source 2 and use it for operation.

The power conversion unit 120 can receive power from the external power source 2. The power conversion unit 120 may receive current and/or voltage. The power conversion unit 120 can receive direct current voltage or alternating current voltage.

The power conversion unit 120 may generate internal power based on power supplied from the external power source 2. The power conversion unit 120 can generate internal power by converting the power supplied from the external power source 2. The power conversion unit 120 may supply the internal power to each component of the control module 100. The power conversion unit 120 can supply the internal power to the control unit 110, the output unit 130, and the storage unit 140. The internal power may be an operating power for each component of the control module 100 to operate. The control unit 110, output unit 130, and storage unit 140 can be operated by the internal power source. When the power conversion unit 120 supplies internal power to the control unit 110, the control unit 110 may not receive power from the external power source 2. In this case, a component capable of converting power may be omitted in the control unit 110.

The power conversion unit 120 can change the level of power supplied from the external power source 2 and can also change it to direct current power. Alternatively, the power conversion unit 120 may change the level after changing the power supplied from the external power source 2 to direct current power.

When the power conversion unit 120 receives alternating current voltage from the external power supply 2, the power conversion unit 120 can change the level of the changed direct current voltage after changing it to direct current voltage. In this case, the power conversion unit 120 may include a regulator. The power conversion unit 120 may include a linear regulator that directly adjusts the supplied power, generates a pulse based on the supplied power, and outputs an adjusted voltage by adjusting the amount of the pulse. It may include a switching regulator.

When the power conversion unit 120 receives DC voltage from the external power supply 2, the power conversion unit 120 can change the level of the supplied DC voltage.

The internal power output from the power conversion unit 120 may include multiple voltage levels. The power conversion unit 120 can generate internal power having multiple voltage levels required for each component of the control module 100 to operate.

The output unit 130 may generate a driving voltage. The output unit 130 may generate a driving voltage based on the internal power source. The output unit 130 may generate a driving voltage under the control of the control unit 110. The output unit 130 may apply the driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200. The output unit 130 may output driving voltages having different levels under the control of the control unit 110. That is, the output unit 130 can change the level of the driving voltage under the control of the control unit 110. The electrochromic element 200 may be discolored by the driving voltage output from the output unit 130. The electrochromic device 200 may be colored or decolorized by the driving voltage output from the output unit 130.

Coloration and decolorization of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined by the range of the driving voltage. For example, when the driving voltage is above a certain level, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored, and when the driving voltage is below a certain level, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored. Alternatively, when the driving voltage is above a certain level, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored, and when the driving voltage is below a certain level, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored. When the specific level is 0, the electrochromic device 200 may be changed to a colored or decolorized state depending on the polarity of the driving voltage.

The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined by the magnitude of the driving voltage. The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may correspond to the magnitude of the driving voltage. The degree of coloring or discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined by the magnitude of the driving voltage. For example, when a driving voltage of the first level is applied to the electrochromic device 200, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored to the first degree. When a driving voltage of a second level greater than the first level is applied to the electrochromic device 200, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored to a second degree greater than the first degree. That is, when a high level of voltage is supplied to the electrochromic device 200, the degree of coloring of the electrochromic device 200 may be greater. When the electrochromic device 200 is a mirror, if a larger voltage is supplied to the electrochromic device 200, the reflectance of the electrochromic device 200 may decrease. When the electrochromic device 200 is a window, if a larger voltage is supplied to the electrochromic device 200, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may decrease.

The storage unit 140 may store data related to the driving voltage. The storage unit 140 may store a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration. The storage unit 140 may store a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration in the form of a look-up table.

The control unit 110 can receive the degree of discoloration from the outside, load the corresponding driving voltage from the storage unit 140, and control the output unit 130 to generate the corresponding driving voltage.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the electrochromic device 200 according to the embodiment includes a first electrode 210, an electrochromic layer 220, an electrolyte layer 230, an ion storage layer 240, and a second electrode 250. may include.

The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may be positioned opposite each other. The electrochromic layer 220, electrolyte layer 230, and ion storage layer 240 may be located between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250.

The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may transmit incident light. One of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may reflect incident light, and the other may transmit incident light.

When the electrochromic device 200 is a window, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 can transmit incident light. When the electrochromic device 200 is a mirror, either the first electrode 210 or the second electrode 250 may reflect incident light.

If the electrochromic device 200 is a window, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may be formed as transparent electrodes. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may be formed of a transparent conductive material. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 are metal doped with at least one of indium, tin, zinc, and/or oxide. may include. For example, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

If the electrochromic device 200 is a mirror, one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may be a transparent electrode, and the other may be a reflective electrode. For example, the first electrode 210 may be a reflective electrode, and the second electrode 250 may be a transparent electrode. In this case, the first electrode 210 may be formed of a highly reflective metal material. The first electrode 210 is at least one of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and tungsten (W). may include. The second electrode 250 may be formed of a transparent conductive material.

The electrochromic layer 220 may be located between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The electrochromic layer 220 may be located on top of the first electrode 210.

The optical properties of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed by ion movement in the electrochromic layer 220. The electrochromic layer 220 may be discolored due to ion movement in the electrochromic layer 220.

Ions may be implanted into the electrochromic layer 220. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220, the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220, the electrochromic layer 220 may be discolored. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220, the electrochromic layer 220 may be colored or discolored. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220, the light transmittance and/or light absorption rate of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. The electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced by injecting ions into the electrochromic layer 220. By injecting ions into the electrochromic layer 220, the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced and discolored. By injecting ions into the electrochromic layer 220, the electrochromic layer 220 may be recolored. Alternatively, when ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220, the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced and decolorized.

Ions injected into the electrochromic layer 220 may escape. When ions from the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. When ions in the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be discolored. When ions in the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be colored or discolored. When ions from the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the light transmittance and/or light absorption rate of the electrochromic layer 220 may change. As ions from the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized. As ions from the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized and discolored. As ions from the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized and colored. Alternatively, when ions in the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized and discolored.

The electrochromic layer 220 may be formed of a material that changes color due to ion movement. The electrochromic layer 220 may include at least one of oxides such as TiO, V2O5, Nb2O5, Cr2O3, MnO2, FeO2, CoO2, NiO2, RhO2, Ta2O5, IrO2, and WO3. The electrochromic layer 220 may have a physical internal structure.

The electrolyte layer 230 may be located on the electrochromic layer 220. The electrolyte layer 230 may be located between the electrochromic layer 220 and the second electrode 250.

The ion storage layer 240 may be located on the electrolyte layer 230. The ion storage layer 240 may be located between the electrolyte layer 230 and the second electrode 250.

The ion storage layer 240 can store ions. The optical properties of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed by ion movement. The ion storage layer 240 may be discolored due to ion movement.

Ions may be injected into the ion storage layer 240. When ions are implanted into the ion storage layer 240, the optical properties of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed. When ions are injected into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored. When ions are injected into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 may be colored or discolored. When ions are injected into the ion storage layer 240, the light transmittance and/or light absorption rate of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed. By injecting ions into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 can be reduced. When ions are injected into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced and discolored. By injecting ions into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced and colored. Alternatively, when ions are injected into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced and decolorized.

Ions injected into the ion storage layer 240 may escape. When ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the optical properties of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed. When ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored. When ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be colored or discolored. When ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the light transmittance and/or light absorption rate of the ion storage layer 240 may change. As ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized. As ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized and discolored. As ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized and colored. Alternatively, when ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized and discolored.

The ion storage layer 240 may be formed of a material that changes color due to ion movement. The ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 may include at least one of oxides such as IrO2, NiO2, MnO2, CoO2, iridium-magnesium oxide, nickel-magnesium oxide, and titanium-vanadium oxide. The ion storage layer 240 may have a physical internal structure. The physical internal structure of the ion storage layer 240 may be different from the physical internal structure of the electrochromic layer 220.

The electrolyte layer 230 may be a passage for ions to move between the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may exchange ions through the electrolyte layer 230. The electrochromic layer 220 serves as a movement path for ions, but may act as a barrier for electrons. That is, ions can move through the electrochromic layer 220, but electrons cannot move. In other words, the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 can exchange ions through the electrolyte layer 230, but cannot exchange electrons.

The electrolyte layer 230 may include an insulating material. The electrolyte layer 230 may be solid. The electrolyte layer 230 is SiO2, Al2O3, Nb2O3, Ta2O5, LiTaO3, LiNbO3, SiO2, Al2O3, Nb2O3, Ta2O5, LiTaO3, LiNbO3, La2TiO7, La2TiO7, SrZrO3, ZrO2, Y2O3, Nb2O5, La2Ti2O7, LaTiO3, HfO 2 La2TiO7, It may include at least one of La2TiO7, SrZrO3, ZrO2, Y2O3, Nb2O5, La2Ti2O7, LaTiO3, and HfO2.

When ions from the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the released ions can be injected into the ion storage layer 240, and when ions from the ion storage layer 240 are released, the released ions are electrochromic. May be injected into layer 220. The ions may move through the electrolyte layer 230.

Chemical reactions occurring in the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be different reactions. Opposite chemical reactions may occur between the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. When the electrochromic layer 220 is oxidized, the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced. When the electrochromic layer 220 is reduced, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized.

Accordingly, the ion storage layer 240 may serve as a counter electrode to the electrochromic layer 220.

The states of the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be changed by the movement of ions.

Corresponding state changes may occur in the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. For example, when the electrochromic layer 220 is colored, the ion storage layer 240 may also be colored, and when the electrochromic layer 220 is discolored, the ion storage layer 240 may also be discolored. there is. When the electrochromic layer 220 is oxidized and colored, the ion storage layer 240 may be reductively colored, and when the electrochromic layer 220 is reductively colored, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized and colored. there is.

Different state changes may be caused in the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. For example, when the electrochromic layer 220 is colored, the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored, and when the electrochromic layer 220 is discolored, the ion storage layer 240 may be colored. there is. When the electrochromic layer 220 is oxidized and discolored, the ion storage layer 240 may be reductively discolored, and when the electrochromic layer 220 is oxidatively discolored, the ion storage layer 240 may be reductively discolored. there is. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may have different transmittances. Since the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 have different transmittances, the transmittance can be adjusted by changing the different states of the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. .

For example, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined by the transmittance of the colored layer, so that the transmittance when the electrochromic layer 220 is colored is the transmittance when the ion storage layer 240 is colored. In the case where the electrochromic layer 220 is colored, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be smaller than the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 when the ion storage layer 240 is colored. Therefore, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 can be controlled by changing the colored layer.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing a change in state during coloring of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Figure 4a is a diagram showing the electrochromic device in its initial state.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the electrochromic device 200 in the initial state of the embodiment is electrically connected to the control module 100.

The control module 100 is electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 and can supply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250.

A plurality of ions 260 may be located in the ion storage layer 240. The plurality of ions 260 may be injected during the formation of the ion storage layer 240. The ion 260 may be at least one of H+ and Li+.

Although the drawing shows a plurality of ions 260 located in the ion storage layer 240, the ions may be located in at least one of the electrochromic layer 220 and the electrolyte layer 230 in the initial state. That is, ions may also be injected during the formation of the electrochromic layer 220 and the electrolyte layer 230 of the electrochromic device 200.

Since a plurality of ions 260 are located in the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 may be in a state of reduction and decolorization. The ion storage layer 240 may be in a state capable of transmitting light.

Referring to Figure 4b, the control module 100 applies voltage to the electrochromic element 200.

The control module 100 may apply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The control module 100 may apply a low voltage to the first electrode 210 and a high voltage to the second electrode 250. Here, high voltage and low voltage are relative concepts, and the voltage applied to the second electrode 250 may be a voltage at a relatively higher level than the voltage applied to the first electrode 210. A potential difference is generated between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 by the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250.

By applying voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250, electrons may be injected into the first electrode 210. The electrons may move from the control module 100 toward the first electrode 210. Since the control module 100 and the first electrode 210 are connected at the contact area on one side of the first electrode 210, electrons moved to the contact area through the control module 100 are connected to the first electrode 210. It may move to the other side of the first electrode 210 along 210 . Electrons are disposed in the entire area of the first electrode 210 by moving electrons from one side of the first electrode 210 to the other side.

Since the electrons have different polarities from the plurality of ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240, the electrons and the ions 260 move in a direction closer to each other due to the attractive force between the electrons and the plurality of ions. You can. The electrons and ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220 due to the attractive force between the electrons and ions. The electrons may move toward the second electrode 250 due to attraction with the ions and be injected into the electrochromic layer 220. The ions 260 may move toward the first electrode 210 due to attraction with the electrons and be injected into the electrochromic layer 220. At this time, the electrolyte layer 230 is used as a movement path for the ions 260 and prevents the movement of the electrons, so the electrons and the ions 260 can stay in the electrochromic layer 220. .

When the ions 260 are injected into the electrochromic layer 220, the electrochromic layer 220 that has obtained the ions may be reduced and colored, and the ion storage layer 240 that has lost the ions may be oxidized and colored. That is, the electrochromic device 200 may change color due to the movement of the ions 260. More specifically, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored by the movement of the ions 260.

The horizontal movement of the electrons toward the first electrode 210 and the vertical movement toward the second electrode 250 may occur simultaneously. That is, the electrons may move in the horizontal direction of the first electrode 210 and move toward the second electrode 250 and be injected into the electrochromic layer 220. Due to this complex movement of electrons in the horizontal and vertical directions, the ions 260 located in the ion storage layer 240 may also move first in the area where the electrons are injected.

That is, ions in the area adjacent to the contact area where the first electrode 210 and the control module 100 are electrically connected first move to the electrochromic layer 220, and the first electrode 210 and the control module 100 move to the electrochromic layer 220 first. Ions in an area spaced apart from the contact area to which the module 100 is electrically connected may later move. Accordingly, the electrochromic element 200 may change color first in an area adjacent to the contact area and later in an area spaced apart from the contact area. For example, if the contact area is located in the outer region of the electrochromic device 200, the electrochromic device 200 may change color in the order from the outer region to the central region. That is, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored sequentially from the outer area to the central area.

The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic element 200 may be proportional to the number of electrons injected by the control module 100. The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be proportional to the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. The number of electrons injected by the control module 100 may be determined by the magnitude of the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220 by the control module 100. The number of electrons injected by the control module 100 may be determined by the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220. That is, the control module 100 can control the degree of color change of the electrochromic device 200 by adjusting the voltage level applied to the electrochromic device 200.

FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the positions of ions when color change in the electrochromic device 200 is completed.

Referring to FIG. 4C, when the injection of the electrons injected by the control module 100 and the ions 260 moved by the electrons into the electrochromic layer 220 is completed, the electrochromic element 200 is in a state. is maintained.

In other words, the color change state of the electrochromic device 200 is maintained, which can be referred to as a memory effect.

Even if voltage is not applied to the electrochromic element 200 by the control module 100, the ions present in the electrochromic layer 220 remain in the electrochromic layer 220, thereby causing the electrochromic layer 220. The discoloration state of the device 200 can be maintained.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing a change in state when the electrochromic device is decolorized according to an embodiment.

Figure 5a is a diagram showing the electrochromic device in its initial state.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the electrochromic device 200 in the initial state of the embodiment is electrically connected to the control module 100.

Since the electrochromic device 200 is in a colored state, a number of ions 260 may be located in the electrochromic layer 220.

A plurality of ions 260 are located in the electrochromic element 200, so that the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized and the ion storage layer 240 may be reductively colored.

Referring to Figure 5b, the control module 100 applies voltage to the electrochromic element 200.

The control module 100 may apply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The control module 100 may apply a high voltage to the first electrode 210 and a low voltage to the second electrode 250. Here, high voltage and low voltage are relative concepts, and the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 may be a voltage at a relatively higher level than the voltage applied to the second electrode 250. A potential difference is generated between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 by the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The potential difference in the decolorization process may be in the opposite direction to the potential difference in the coloring process in FIG. 4. That is, the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 during the coloring process is a voltage at a lower level than the voltage applied to the second electrode 250, and the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 during the decolorization process is lower than the voltage applied to the second electrode 250. It may be a voltage at a higher level than the voltage applied to (250).

By applying voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250, electrons may be injected into the second electrode 250. The electrons may move from the control module 100 toward the second electrode 250. Since the control module 100 and the second electrode 250 are connected at a contact area on one side of the second electrode 250, electrons moved to the contact area through the control module 100 are connected to the second electrode 250. It can move to the other side of the second electrode 250 along the electrode 250. Electrons are disposed in the entire area of the second electrode 250 by moving electrons from one side of the second electrode 250 to the other side.

Since the electrons have different polarities from the plurality of ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220, the electrons and the ions 260 move in a direction closer to each other due to the attractive force between the electrons and the plurality of ions. You can. The electrons and ions 260 may move to the ion storage layer 240 due to the attractive force between the electrons and ions 260. The electrons may move toward the first electrode 210 due to attraction with the ions 260 and be injected into the ion storage layer 240. The ions 260 may move toward the second electrode 250 and be injected into the ion storage layer 240 due to the attractive force with the electrons. At this time, the electrolyte layer 230 is used as a passage for the ions 260 and prevents the movement of the electrons, so the electrons and the ions 260 can stay in the ion storage layer 240. .

When the ions 260 are injected into the ion storage layer 240, the ion storage layer 240 that gains ions may be oxidized and decolorized, and the electrochromic layer 220 that has lost ions may be reductively decolorized. That is, the electrochromic device 200 may change color due to the movement of the ions 260. More specifically, the electrochromic device 200 may be decolorized by the movement of the ions 260.

Movement of the electrons in the horizontal direction toward the second electrode 250 and movement in the vertical direction toward the first electrode 210 may occur simultaneously. That is, the electrons may move in the horizontal direction of the second electrode 250 and move in the direction of the first electrode 210 and be injected into the ion storage layer 240. Due to this complex movement of electrons in the horizontal and vertical directions, the ions 260 located in the electrochromic layer 220 may also move first in the area where the electrons are injected.

That is, ions in the area adjacent to the contact area where the second electrode 25 and the control module 100 are electrically connected first move to the ion storage layer 240, and the second electrode 250 and the control module 100 move to the ion storage layer 240 first. Ions in an area spaced apart from the contact area to which the module 100 is electrically connected may later move. Accordingly, the electrochromic element 200 may change color first in an area adjacent to the contact area and later in an area spaced apart from the contact area. For example, if the contact area is located in the outer region of the electrochromic device 200, the electrochromic device 200 may change color in the order from the outer region to the central region. That is, the electrochromic element 200 may be decolorized sequentially from the outer area to the central area.

Figure 5c is a diagram showing the position of ions when color change in the electrochromic device 200 is completed.

Referring to FIG. 5C, when the electrons injected by the control module 100 and the ions 260 moved by the electrons are completely injected into the ion storage layer 240, the electrochromic element 200 is in a state. is maintained.

That is, the electrochromic device 200 can maintain a discolored state.

2. Voltage application of electrochromic device

Figure 6 is a diagram showing the voltage applied to the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment, the control module 100 may apply power to the electrochromic element 200.

The control module 100 may apply voltage to the electrochromic element 200. The voltage applied here may be a potential difference applied between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 220.

The control module 100 may apply voltage to the electrochromic device 200 during the application and maintenance stages.

The application step may be a step in which the electrochromic device 200 changes color by the control module 100. The application step may be a step in which the electrochromic element 200 changes color to a desired color change level by the control module 100. The approval step may include an initial discoloration step and a discoloration level change step.

The initial discoloration step may be defined as a step of applying a voltage that discolors the electrochromic device 200 in a state where no voltage is applied to the electrochromic device 200. The discoloration level change step may be defined as a step of changing the color of the electrochromic element 200 from a specific discoloration level to a different discoloration level.

The maintenance step refers to a step of applying a maintenance voltage to maintain the state of the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may maintain the state of the electrochromic device 200 by applying a sustain voltage in the form of a pulse in the sustain step. The control module 100 may maintain the state of the electrochromic element 200 by periodically applying a pulse-shaped maintenance voltage in the maintenance step.

That is, the control module 100 does not continuously apply voltage in the maintenance phase, but may apply a high-level voltage for a specific period and a low-level voltage for the remaining period. The control module 100 may periodically apply a high level voltage and apply a low level voltage during the remaining period. The control module 100 applies a maintenance voltage in the form of a pulse in the maintenance step, which has the effect of reducing power consumption for maintaining the state compared to a method of continuously applying the voltage.

In the electrochromic device 200, periods other than the application phase can be referred to as the maintenance phase, and the control module 100 may apply a pulse-shaped maintenance voltage at a constant cycle during the maintenance phase. The control module 100 can maintain the electrochromic element 200, which has naturally discolored to a level other than the target level over time, back to the target level by applying a maintenance voltage in the maintenance step.

Since the natural color change of the electrochromic element 200 is proportional to the time after the application step ends, the period of the pulse-shaped maintenance voltage applied in the maintenance step can be controlled depending on the end time of the application step. For example, when the time after the application stage of the electrochromic device 200 is terminated is long, the control module 100 relatively lengthens the time for which the maintenance voltage is applied at a high level and the electrochromic device 200 is applied at a high level. If the time after the application stage of the device 200 ends is relatively short, the control module 100 may relatively shorten the time for which the maintenance voltage is applied at a high level.

Additionally, the natural discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be proportional to the discoloration level of the electrochromic device changed in the application step.

That is, the electrochromic device 200, which has a large degree of discoloration in the application step, may have a relatively large degree of natural discoloration. In other words, in the case of the electrochromic device 200 that has a large degree of discoloration in the application step, the difference between the target level in the application step and the discoloration level after natural discoloration may be relatively large. In this case, the control module 100 can maintain a relatively long time for applying the maintenance voltage at a high level to the electrochromic element 200 with a large degree of discoloration in the application step.

In addition, the electrochromic device 200, which has a small degree of discoloration in the application step, may have a relatively small degree of natural discoloration. In other words, in the case of the electrochromic device 200 with a small degree of discoloration in the application step, the difference between the target level in the application step and the discoloration level after natural discoloration may be relatively small. In this case, the control module 100 can keep the time during which the maintenance voltage is applied at a high level to the electrochromic element 200 with a small degree of discoloration relatively short in the application step.

In the application step, the control module 100 can maintain the voltage at a certain level after the rising period. The rise time in the application phase may be different from the rise time in the maintenance phase. The rising period in the application step may be longer than the rising period in the sustaining step. After applying the voltage to θ1), the voltage can be maintained at a constant level. In the maintenance step, the control module 100 may apply the slope of the applied voltage at the rise time to the second angle θ2 and then maintain the voltage at a constant level. The first angle (θ1) may be different from the second angle (θ2). The first angle θ1 may be smaller than the second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 may be a right angle.

In the application step, the control module 100 relatively gradually increases the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 to prevent the interior of the electrochromic device 200 from being electrically damaged. That is, in the application step, the control module 100 applies the rising period for a relatively long time to prevent the interior of the electrochromic element 200 from being electrically damaged. In other words, in the application step, the control module 100 can prevent the interior of the electrochromic element 200 from being damaged by applying the applied voltage so that the first angle θ1 becomes an acute angle.

The first angle (θ1) can be changed based on the applied voltage at a certain level. Since damage inside the electrochromic device 200 is caused by the magnitude of the voltage of a certain level applied, when the magnitude of the voltage of the constant level is large, the first angle θ1 may be large, and the voltage of the constant level may be large. When the size of is small, the first angle θ1 may be small.

In the maintenance step, the electrochromic device 200 is in a state where an internal voltage exists due to discoloration, so even if the voltage suddenly increases, it may not be electrically damaged. Therefore, in the maintenance phase, the control module can apply a relatively short rise time to speed up recovery to the target level.

However, when the electrochromic element 200 returns to its initial state without discoloration due to natural discoloration, a voltage at which the second angle θ2 is an acute angle may be applied even in the maintenance step.

3. Coloring process of electrochromic device

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the internal potential before voltage is applied in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electrochromic device 200 may be connected to the control module 100. The electrochromic device 200 may include a first electrode 210, an electrochromic layer 220, an electrolyte layer 230, an ion storage layer 240, and a second electrode 250.

The electrochromic device 200 before the voltage is applied may be in a discolored state. A plurality of ions 260 may be located in the ion storage layer 240 of the electrochromic device 200.

Each layer of the electrochromic device 200 may have an internal potential. The internal potential may be a potential based on ground. The internal potential of the second electrode 250 is defined as the first internal potential (Va), the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 is defined as the second internal potential (Vb), and the electrochromic layer 220 ) may be defined as the third internal potential (Vc), and the internal potential of the first electrode 210 may be defined as the fourth internal potential (Vd).

When no voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 200, no voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250, so the first internal potential (Va) and the fourth internal potential ( Vd) may be 0.

The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may have an internal potential. The second internal potential (Vb) of the ion storage layer 240 and the third internal potential (Vc) of the electrochromic layer 220 may have different values.

The second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) may be built-in potentials. The second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) may vary depending on at least one of the material properties of each layer, the relationship with the material of the adjacent layer, and the ions included.

The second internal potential (Vb) may be determined by the energy level of the material constituting the ion storage layer 240.

Alternatively, the second internal potential (Vb) may be determined by the difference in energy levels between the ion storage layer 240 and the electrolyte layer 230. Alternatively, the second internal potential (Vb) may be determined by the difference in energy levels between the ion storage layer 240 and the second electrode 250. Even though the second internal potential (Vb) is determined by the difference in energy level with the adjacent layer, it can be expressed as the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 as shown.

The second internal potential (Vb) may be determined by the ions 260 included in the ion storage layer 240. The second internal power source Vb may be determined by the number of ions 260 included in the ion storage layer 240.

The second internal potential (Vb) may be determined by at least one of the energy level of the ion storage layer 240 itself, the energy level difference with the adjacent layer, and the included ions 260. Alternatively, the second internal potential (Vb) may be determined complexly by the energy level of the ion storage layer 240 itself, the energy level difference with the adjacent layer, and the included ions 260.

The third internal potential (Vc) may be determined by the energy level of the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220.

Alternatively, the third internal potential (Vc) may be determined by the difference in energy levels between the electrochromic layer 220 and the first electrode 210. Alternatively, the third internal potential (Vc) may be determined by the difference in energy levels between the electrochromic layer 240 and the electrolyte layer 230. Even though the third internal potential (Vc) is determined by the difference in energy level with the adjacent layer, it can be expressed as the internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 as shown.

The third internal potential (Vc) may be determined by ions included in the electrochromic layer 220. The third internal potential (Vc) may be determined by the number of ions included in the electrochromic layer 220.

The third internal potential (Vc) may be determined by at least one of the energy level of the electrochromic layer 220 itself, the energy level difference with the adjacent layer, and the included ions 260. Alternatively, the third internal potential (Vc) may be determined complexly by the energy level of the electrochromic layer 220 itself, the energy level difference with the adjacent layer, and the included ions 260.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the potential change in the initial stage of coloring in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electrochromic device 200 according to the embodiment may be electrically connected to the control module 100.

The control module 100 may supply voltage to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may supply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 of the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may apply a low voltage to the first electrode 210 and a high voltage to the second electrode 250.

As a high voltage is applied to the second electrode 250, the internal potential of the second electrode 250 may increase in response to the applied high voltage. The first internal potential (Va) of the second electrode 250 may rise to correspond to the voltage supplied through the control module 100.

Since the second electrode 250 and the ion storage layer 240 are electrically connected, as the internal potential of the second electrode 250 increases, the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 also increases. As the first internal potential (Va) increases, the second internal potential (Vb) also increases correspondingly. The first internal potential (Va) and the second internal potential (Vb) may be at the same level. Alternatively, the first internal potential (Va) and the second internal potential (Vb) may have different levels. The first internal potential (Va) may have a higher value than the second internal potential (Vb).

As the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 increases, a potential difference between the ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 may be generated. As the second internal potential (Vb) increases, a potential difference may be generated between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc).

Ions 260 present in the ion storage layer 240 may move due to the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc). The ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220 through the electrolyte layer 230 by the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc).

When the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) is above a certain range, the ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220 through the electrolyte layer 230. there is. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may change color due to the movement of the ions 260. As the ions 260 move from the ion storage layer 240 to the electrochromic layer 220, the ion storage layer 240 may lose the ions 260 and become oxidized and discolored, and the electrochromic layer 220 ) can be reduced and discolored by obtaining ions 260. The ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized and colored by losing ions 260, and the electrochromic layer 220 may be recolored by gaining ions 260. The electrochromic device 200 may be colored as the ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 are colored. As the ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 are colored, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be lowered.

The ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240 may exist in a state combined with the material constituting the ion storage layer 240. The ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240 may exist in a form physically inserted between particles of the material constituting the ion storage layer 240. Alternatively, the ions of the ion storage layer 240 may exist in a state chemically bonded to the material constituting the ion storage layer 240.

In order to release the bond between the ions 260 present in the ion storage layer 240 and the material constituting the ion storage layer 240, a potential difference above a certain range is required. The minimum voltage required to release the bond between the ions 260 and the material constituting the ion storage layer 240 may be defined as the first threshold voltage (Vth1). When the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) is greater than or equal to the first threshold voltage (Vth1), the ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220. .

As the ions 260 move to the electrochromic layer 220, the internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 may increase. As the ions 260 move to the electrochromic layer 220, the third potential Vc may increase.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the change in potential at the coloring completion stage in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the electrochromic device 200 according to the embodiment may be connected to the control module 100 and receive voltage.

In FIG. 8, the second internal potential (Vb) rises due to the high voltage applied to the second electrode 250, and the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) increases. Ions 260 existing in the ion storage layer 240 move.

Figure 9 shows a state in which the movement of the ions 260 has been completed. As the ions 260 move to the electrochromic layer 220, the internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 may increase. As the ions 260 move to the electrochromic layer 220, the third internal potential (Vc) may increase.

The internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 may rise to a certain level. The third internal potential (Vc) may rise to a certain level. The third internal potential (Vc) may rise until there is a certain level difference from the second internal potential (Vb). The third internal potential (Vc) may increase until there is a difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the first threshold voltage (Vth1). That is, in the coloring completion stage, the difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) may be equal to the size of the first threshold voltage (Vth1).

The ions 260 move according to the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc), and the third internal potential (Vc) increases due to the movement of the ions 260, If the difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) is smaller than the size of the first threshold voltage (Vth1), the ions 260 cannot move. Accordingly, the third internal potential (Vc) can only increase up to the value obtained by subtracting the first threshold voltage (Vth1) from the second internal potential (Vb). The third internal potential (Vc) can be maintained as long as there is no change in the second internal potential (Vb).

Figure 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrochromic device and the transmittance of the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

The voltage in FIG. 10 may mean a potential difference due to the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The electrochromic device 200 is in an initial state of discoloration as shown in FIG. 7 . The ion storage layer 240 of the electrochromic device 200 includes a plurality of ions 260.

Even if the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 increases, the transmittance does not change up to a certain level. The plurality of ions 260 present in the ion storage layer 240 are stored in the electrochromic layer 220 until the potential difference applied between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 reaches a certain level. ) does not move to Since the plurality of ions 260 present in the ion storage layer 240 move above the first threshold voltage (Vth1), the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is 1 It does not move when it is less than the threshold voltage (Vth1), and moves only when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is more than the first threshold voltage (Vth1).

Therefore, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the first threshold voltage (Vth1), the ions 260 do not move and the electrochromic element 200 does not change color. . When the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is greater than the first threshold voltage (Vth1), ions 260 move and the electrochromic element 200 changes color. Therefore, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the first threshold voltage (Vth1), there is no change in transmittance, and the first electrode 210 and the second electrode ( 250), when the potential difference between them is greater than the first threshold voltage (Vth1), the transmittance is changed.

When the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is greater than the first threshold voltage (Vth1), the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are colored and the electrochromic device 200 ) The transmittance gradually decreases. The transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be lowered to a certain transmittance.

The control module 100 can change the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 by applying a voltage higher than the first threshold voltage (Vth1) to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 can change the color of the electrochromic device 200 so that it has a first transmittance T1 by applying a first voltage (V1) to the electrochromic device (200). The control module 100 can change color of the electrochromic device 200 to have a second transmittance T2 by applying a second voltage (V2) to the electrochromic device 200. In this case, the first voltage (V1) may be less than the second voltage (V2), and the first transmittance (T1) may be greater than the second transmittance (T2).

Additionally, the control module 100 can change the transmittance regardless of the current state of the electrochromic device 200 by applying a voltage greater than the first threshold voltage (Vth1) to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 applies the second voltage (V2) while the electrochromic device 200 has a maximum transmittance (Ta), thereby causing the electrochromic device 200 to have a second transmittance (T2). It can be discolored. The control module 100 applies the second voltage (V2) while the electrochromic device 200 has a first transmittance (T1), thereby causing the electrochromic device 200 to have a second transmittance (T2). It can be discolored.

The control module 100 can change color of the electrochromic device 200 to a desired transmittance by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 regardless of the current state, thereby measuring the current state. There is an effect of being able to omit .

The control module 100 can control the electrochromic element 200 to change color to a desired transmittance based on the driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100. .

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the potential when voltage application is released after color change is completed in the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electrochromic device 200 according to the embodiment may be electrically connected to the control module 100.

The control module 100 may release the application of voltage to the electrochromic element 200 after color change is completed. The control module 100 and the first electrode 210 may be electrically insulated, and the control module 100 and the second electrode 250 may be electrically insulated. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may be floating.

As the voltage applied to the second electrode 250 is removed, the internal potential of the second electrode 250 may decrease. The first internal potential (Va) may decrease.

As the internal potential of the second electrode 250 decreases, the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 connected to the second electrode 250 may also decrease. As the first internal potential (Va) decreases, the second internal potential (Vb) may decrease.

Even if the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 decreases and a potential difference occurs with the internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220, the ions 260 can remain in the electrochromic layer 220.

Since the ions 260 exist in the electrochromic layer 220, the color change state of the electrochromic element 200 can be maintained even when the voltage applied from the control module 100 is released. This can be defined as a memory effect.

Due to the memory effect, the color change state can be maintained even if no voltage is applied to the electrochromic device 200, so the power consumption required to maintain the state of the electrochromic device 200 is reduced, which has the effect of reducing power consumption. .

Even if the electrochromic device 200 has a memory effect, the degree of discoloration may change as the ions 260 naturally move over time. This can be defined as a leakage effect. The leakage effect may be proportional to time. The electrochromic device 200 may naturally change color due to the leakage effect.

4. Decolorization process of electrochromic device

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an electrochromic device when voltage application is released after completion of color change according to an embodiment, and is also a diagram showing the internal potential of the electrochromic device before voltage is applied in a colored state.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electrochromic device 200 may be connected to the control module 100.

In the initial state, the control module 100 does not apply voltage to the electrochromic element 200. The control module 100 does not apply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250.

In the initial state, a number of ions 260 may be located in the electrochromic layer 260. As a plurality of ions 260 exist in the electrochromic layer 260, the electrochromic device 100 may be in a colored state.

The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may have an internal potential. The internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 and the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 may be different from each other. The internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 may be greater than the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240.

The second internal potential (Vb) may be different from the third internal potential (Vc). The second internal potential (Vb) may be lower than the third internal potential (Vc).

Figure 12 is a diagram showing the potential change in the initial stage of decolorization in the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electrochromic device 200 according to the embodiment may be electrically connected to the control module 100.

The control module 100 may supply voltage to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may supply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 of the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may apply a high voltage to the first electrode 210 and a low voltage to the second electrode 250.

As a high voltage is applied to the first electrode 210, the internal potential of the first electrode 210 may increase in response to the high voltage applied through the control module 100. The fourth internal potential (Vd) of the first electrode 210 may rise to correspond to the voltage supplied through the control module 100.

Since the first electrode 210 and the electrochromic layer 220 are electrically connected, as the fourth internal potential (Vd) of the first electrode 210 increases, the third voltage of the electrochromic layer 220 increases. The internal potential (Vc) also increases.

The third internal potential (Vc) and the fourth internal potential (Vd) may be at the same level. Alternatively, the third internal potential (Vc) and the fourth internal potential (Vd) may be at different levels. The fourth internal potential (Vd) may have a higher value than the third internal potential (Vc).

As the third internal potential (Vc) of the electrochromic layer 220 increases, a potential difference may be generated between the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240. As the third internal potential (Vc) increases, a potential difference may be generated between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb).

Ions 260 present in the electrochromic layer 220 may move due to the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb). The ions 260 may move to the ion storage layer 240 through the electrolyte layer 230 by the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb).

When the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) is above a certain range, the ions 260 can be moved to the ion storage layer 240 through the electrolyte layer 230. there is. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored due to the movement of the ions 260. The electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidatively discolored by losing the ions 260, and the ion storage layer 240 may be reductively discolored by gaining the ions 260. The electrochromic layer 220 may be decolorized by oxidation, and the ion storage layer 240 may be decolorized by reduction. When the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are discolored, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored. As the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are decolorized, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 can be increased.

The ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 may exist in a state combined with the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220. The ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 may exist in a form physically inserted between particles of the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220. Alternatively, the ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 may exist in a state chemically bonded to the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220.

A potential difference over a certain range is required to release the bond between the ions 260 present in the electrochromic layer 220 and the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220. The minimum voltage required to release the bond between the ions 260 and the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220 may be defined as a second threshold voltage (Vth2). When the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) is greater than or equal to the second threshold voltage (Vth2), the ions 260 may be moved to the ion storage layer 240. .

The strength of the physical and/or chemical bond between the electrochromic layer 220 and the ions 260 and the strength of the physical and/or chemical bond between the ion storage layer 240 and the ions 260 may be different from each other. there is. Since the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 have different internal physical structures, the strength of the physical bond with the ions 260 may be different. In addition, since the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 have different internal chemical structures, the strength of the physical bond between the ions 260 may be different.

Accordingly, the second threshold voltage (Vth2) of the electrochromic layer 220 may be different from the first threshold voltage (Vth1) of the ion storage layer 240.

As the ions 260 move to the ion storage layer 240, the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 may increase. As the ions 260 move to the ion storage layer 240, the second internal potential (Vb) may increase.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing a change in potential in a state of complete decolorization in an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 13, the electrochromic device 200 according to the embodiment may be connected to the control module 100 and receive voltage.

In FIG. 12, the third internal potential (Vc) rises due to the high voltage applied to the first electrode 210, and the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) increases. Ions 260 existing in the electrochromic layer 220 move to the ion storage layer 240.

Figure 13 shows a state in which the movement of the ions 260 has been completed. As the ions 260 move to the ion storage layer 240, the second internal potential (Vb) may increase.

The internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 may rise to a certain level. The second internal potential (Vb) may rise to a certain level. The second internal potential (Vb) may increase until there is a difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second threshold voltage (Vth2). That is, in the decolorization completion stage, the difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) may be equal to the size of the second threshold voltage (Vth2).

The ions 260 move according to the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb), and the movement of the ions 260 increases the second internal potential (Vb). , if the difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) is smaller than the magnitude of the second threshold voltage (Vth2), the ions 260 cannot move. Accordingly, the second internal potential (Vb) can only increase up to a value obtained by subtracting the second threshold voltage (Vth2) from the third internal potential (Vc). The second internal potential (Vb) can be maintained as long as there is no change in the third internal potential (Vc).

The electrochromic device 200 may return to the state shown in FIG. 7 when the voltage application from the control module 100 is released after the color change is completed.

Figure 14 is a graph showing the relationship between the voltage applied to the electrochromic device and the transmittance of the electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

The voltage in FIG. 14 may mean a potential difference due to the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The voltage may be a potential difference due to a voltage applied to the first electrode 210 with respect to the second electrode 250. The electrochromic device 200 is initially in a colored state as shown in FIG. 11. The electrochromic layer 220 of the electrochromic device 200 includes a plurality of ions 260.

Even if the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 increases, the transmittance does not change up to a certain level. A plurality of ions 260 present in the electrochromic layer 220 are formed in the ion storage layer 240 until the potential difference applied between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 reaches a certain level. ) does not move to Since the plurality of ions 260 present in the electrochromic layer 220 move above the second threshold voltage (Vth2), the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is 2 It does not move when it is less than the threshold voltage (Vth2), and moves only when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is more than the second threshold voltage (Vth2).

Therefore, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the second threshold voltage (Vth2), the ions 260 do not move and the electrochromic element 200 does not change color. . When the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is greater than the second threshold voltage (Vth2), ions 260 move and the electrochromic element 200 changes color. Therefore, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the second threshold voltage (Vth2), there is no change in transmittance, and the first electrode 210 and the second electrode ( 250), when the potential difference between them is greater than the second threshold voltage (Vth2), the transmittance is changed.

When the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is greater than the second threshold voltage (Vth2), the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are discolored and the electrochromic device 200 ) The transmittance gradually increases. The transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 can be increased up to a certain transmittance.

The control module 100 can change the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 by applying a voltage greater than the second threshold voltage (Vth2) to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 can change the color of the electrochromic device 200 to have a third transmittance T3 by applying a third voltage V3 to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 can change color of the electrochromic device 200 to have a fourth transmittance T4 by applying a fourth voltage (V4) to the electrochromic device 200. In this case, the third voltage (V3) may be less than the fourth voltage (V4), and the third transmittance (T3) may be less than the fourth transmittance (T4).

In addition, the control module 100 can change the transmittance regardless of the current state of the electrochromic device 200 by applying a voltage greater than the second threshold voltage (Vth2) to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 applies the fourth voltage (V4) in a state where the electrochromic device 200 has a minimum transmittance (Tb) so that the electrochromic device 200 has a fourth transmittance (T4). It can be discolored. The control module 100 applies the fourth voltage (V4) while the electrochromic device 200 has a third transmittance (T3), thereby causing the electrochromic device 200 to have a fourth transmittance (T4). It can be discolored.

The control module 100 can change color of the electrochromic device 200 to a desired transmittance by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 regardless of the current state, thereby measuring the current state. There is an effect of being able to omit .

The control module 100 can control the electrochromic element 200 to change color to a desired transmittance based on the driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100. .

5. Transmittance according to voltage application in coloring and decolorization

Figure 15 is a diagram showing the relationship between applied voltage and transmittance of the electrochromic device according to an embodiment, Figure 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between potential and ions during the coloring process of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment, and Figure 17 is a diagram showing the relationship between potential and ions during the decolorization process of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10 described above, the transmittance of the electrochromic device can be determined by the voltage applied during the coloring process. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the transmittance of the color change device can be determined by the voltage applied during the decolorization process.

In Figure 15, the change in transmittance due to the voltage applied during the coloring process is explained by comparing the change in transmittance due to the voltage applied during the decolorization process.

The first state (S1) in FIG. 15 refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a maximum transmittance, and the second state (S2) refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a lower transmittance than the first state (S1). , the third state (S3) refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a minimum transmittance, and the fourth state (S4) refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a minimum transmittance, and the fourth state (S4) refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a minimum transmittance. It means the state of having . In addition, voltage (V) refers to the potential difference due to the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. Here, the potential difference may be defined as the magnitude of the voltage of the second electrode 250 with respect to the first electrode 210.

Figure 16a is a diagram showing the electrochromic device in the first state (S1).

The control module 100 does not apply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 do not have an internal potential.

The ions 260 may be located in the ion storage layer 240. As the ions 260 are located in the ion storage layer 240, the electrochromic device 200 can be in the first state (S1).

Due to the ions 260, the ion storage layer 240 can have a relatively high internal potential. Due to the ions 260, the ion storage layer 240 may have a higher internal potential than the electrochromic layer 220. The second internal potential (Vb) of the ion storage layer 240 may have a larger value than the third internal potential (Vc) of the electrochromic layer 220.

Figure 16b shows the internal potential and the position of the ion 260 when the movement of the ion 260 is completed by the voltage applied to the control module 100.

Referring to FIG. 16b, the control module 100 may apply a fifth voltage (V5) to the electrochromic device 200. The electrochromic device 200 may apply a fifth voltage (V5) to the second electrode 250. The electrochromic device 200 may apply a voltage such that the difference between the voltages applied to the second electrode 250 and the first electrode 210 is a fifth voltage V5. The electrochromic device 200 may apply a voltage such that the potential difference between the second electrode 250 and the first electrode 210 becomes the fifth voltage V5.

The fifth voltage (V5) is applied by the control module 100, so that the first internal potential (Va) rises to the fifth voltage (V5). As the first internal potential (Va) increases, the second internal potential (Vb) also increases and has a level corresponding to the first internal potential (Va).

The ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220 by the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc). The electrochromic layer 220 may gain ions and become recolored, and the ion storage layer 240 may lose ions 260 and become oxidized. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be colored, thereby coloring the electrochromic device 200. At this time, the electrochromic device 200 may be in the second state (S2). The electrochromic device 200 may be changed to a second state (S2) having a lower transmittance than the first state (S1) by coloring.

The third internal potential (Vc) of the electrochromic layer 220 may increase by obtaining ions 260. The third internal potential (Vc) rises until there is a specific level difference from the second internal potential (Vb), and when the movement of the ions 260 is completed, the first threshold voltage (Vb) is higher than the second internal potential (Vb). It can be a level as low as Vth1). That is, the difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) may be the first threshold voltage (Vth1).

Here, the third internal potential (Vc) may be proportional to the number of ions 260 located in the electrochromic layer 220. The number of ions 260 located in the electrochromic layer 220 is related to the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic layer 220. That is, if the number of ions present in the electrochromic layer 220 is large, the degree of coloring of the electrochromic layer 220 is large, and if the number of ions present in the electrochromic layer 220 is small, the degree of coloring of the electrochromic layer 220 is large. The degree of coloring of the discoloration layer 220 is small. In addition, since the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic layer 220 is related to the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be proportional to the third internal potential (Vc). .

The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined according to the ratio of ions 260 located in the electrochromic layer 220 and ions located in the ion storage layer 240.

Figure 17a is a diagram showing the electrochromic device in the third state (S3).

The control module 100 does not apply voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 do not have an internal potential.

The ions 260 may be located in the electrochromic layer 220. As the ions 260 are located in the electrochromic layer 240, the electrochromic device 200 can be in the third state (S3).

Due to the ions 260, the electrochromic layer 220 may have a relatively high internal potential. Due to the ions 260, the electrochromic layer 220 may have a higher internal potential than the ion storage layer 240. The third internal potential (Vc) of the electrochromic layer 220 may have a larger value than the second internal potential (Vb) of the ion storage layer 240. Here, the third internal potential (Vc) is shown to be larger than the second internal potential (Vb) in FIG. 16, which is for ease of explanation and does not represent the actual potential value.

Figure 17b shows the internal potential and the position of the ion 260 when the movement of the ion 260 is completed by the voltage applied to the control module 100.

Referring to FIG. 17B, the control module 100 may apply a fifth voltage (V5) to the electrochromic device 200. The fifth voltage V5 is the same voltage as the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 in FIG. 16B. The electrochromic device 200 may apply a fifth voltage (V5) to the second electrode 250. The electrochromic device 200 may apply a voltage such that the difference between the voltages applied to the second electrode 250 and the first electrode 210 is a fifth voltage V5. The electrochromic device 200 may apply a voltage such that the potential difference between the second electrode 250 and the first electrode 210 becomes the fifth voltage V5.

The fifth voltage (V5) is applied by the control module 100, so that the first internal potential (Va) rises to the fifth voltage (V5). As the first internal potential (Va) increases, the second internal potential (Vb) also increases and has a level corresponding to the first internal potential (Va).

The ions 260 may move to the ion storage layer 240 by the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb). The electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized and discolored by losing ions, and the ion storage layer 240 may be decolorized by reduction by gaining ions 260. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 260 may be discolored, thereby discoloring the electrochromic device 200. At this time, the electrochromic device 200 may be in the fourth state (S4). The electrochromic device 200 may be brought into a fourth state (S4) having a higher transmittance than the third state (S3) by discoloration. The fourth state (S4) may have a higher transmittance than the third state (S3).

The third internal potential (Vc) of the electrochromic layer 220 may decrease due to the loss of ions 260. The third internal potential (Vc) falls until there is a specific level difference from the second internal potential (Vb), and when the movement of the ions 260 is completed, the second threshold voltage (Vb) is lower than the second internal potential (Vb). It can be as high as Vth2). That is, the difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) may be the second threshold voltage (Vth2).

Here, the third internal potential (Vc) may be proportional to the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200.

Comparing Figures 16 and 17, the initial states of Figures 16 and 17 are different and the applied voltage is the same. Figure 16 shows a state in which the fifth voltage (V5) is applied for coloring, and Figure 17 shows a state in which the fifth voltage (V5) is applied for decolorization. The initial state in FIG. 16 is a state with the maximum transmittance, and the initial state in FIG. 17 is a state with the lowest transmittance.

The size of the third internal potential (Vc) after the movement of the ions 260 in FIG. 16B is completed may be different from the size of the third internal potential (Vc) after the movement of the ions 260 in FIG. 17B is completed. there is. The size of the third internal potential (Vc) in FIG. 16B may be smaller than the size of the third internal potential (Vc) in FIG. 17B.

In FIG. 16B, the magnitude of the third internal potential (Vc) may be smaller than the fifth voltage (V5). The size of the third internal potential (Vc) may be as small as the first threshold voltage (Vth1) compared to the fifth voltage (V5).

In FIG. 17B, the magnitude of the third internal potential (Vc) may be greater than the fifth voltage (V5). The size of the third internal potential (Vc) may be as large as the second threshold voltage (Vth2) compared to the fifth voltage (V5).

Accordingly, the transmittance in the second state (S2), which is the optical state in FIG. 16B, may be higher than the transmittance in the fourth state (S4), which is the optical state in FIG. 17B. In other words, the optical state of the electrochromic device may change when a specific voltage is applied during the coloring process and a specific voltage is applied during the decolorization process. The electrochromic device may have different transmittance when applying a specific voltage during the coloring process and applying the same voltage as the specific voltage applied during the coloring process during the decolorizing process. In other words, the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied during the coloring process may be greater than the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied during the decolorization process.

However, in the drawing, it is explained as an example that the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied during the coloring process is greater than the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied during the decolorization process. However, on the contrary, the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied during the coloring process is higher than the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied during the decolorization process. It may be smaller than the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied in the process.

This phenomenon may be a result of the movement of ions and the threshold voltage described above, or it may be a result of the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 having different threshold voltages.

Additionally, the control module 100 may vary the driving voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 depending on whether the electrochromic device 200 is in a coloring or decolorizing process. The control module 100 can determine the color change process of the electrochromic element 200 and apply a driving voltage based on it.

In this case, the driving voltage for each discoloration process may be stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100. That is, the storage unit 140 may store a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration during the coloring process and a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration during the decolorization process.

Additionally, the control module 100 can determine the discoloration process based on the previously applied voltage. In this case, the control module 100 records the driving voltage output to the storage unit 140, and upon subsequent operation, retrieves the previous driving voltage stored in the storage unit 140 and compares it with the current driving voltage to change color. You can judge the process. The control module 100 calculates the previous state based on the previous driving voltage stored in the storage unit 140, determines the discoloration process by comparing the calculated previous state with the target state, and adjusts the driving power based on this. can be supplied.

For example, in order to implement the same state as the second state (S2) of FIG. 16B, which is the coloring process, the control module 100 may apply the sixth voltage (V6) during the decolorization process. The sixth voltage (V6) may be a voltage at a lower level than the fifth voltage (V5). In order to have the same internal potential as the third internal potential (Vc) in FIG. 16b, the third internal potential (Vc) in FIG. 17b must be lowered, so when a voltage lower than the fifth voltage (V5) is applied, the decolorization process occurs. The second state (S2) can be implemented.

Conversely, in order to implement the same state as the fourth state (S4) of FIG. 17B, which is the decolorization process, the control module 100 may apply a voltage greater than the fifth voltage (V5), although not shown, during the coloring process. . In order to have the same internal potential as the third internal potential (Vc) in FIG. 17b, the third internal potential (Vc) in FIG. 16b must be raised, so when a voltage higher than the fifth voltage (V5) is applied, the coloring process The fourth state (S4) can be implemented.

6. Invariant section during coloring and bleaching process

Figure 18 is a diagram showing the relationship between applied voltage and transmittance of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment, and Figure 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between potentials and ions during the decolorization process and coloring process of the electrochromic device according to an embodiment. .

The third state (S3) in FIG. 18 refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a minimum transmittance, and the fifth state (S5) refers to a state in which the electrochromic device 200 has a higher transmittance than the third state (S3). . In addition, voltage (V) refers to the potential difference due to the voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. Here, the potential difference may be defined as the magnitude of the voltage of the second electrode 250 with respect to the first electrode 210.

18 includes a first section (P1), a second section (P2), and a third section (P3). The first section (P1) may be a decolorization section, the second section (P2) may be a constant section, and the third section (P3) may be a coloring section.

The first section (P1) may be a section in which the electrochromic device 200 changes from the third state (S3) to the fifth state (S5), and the second section (P2) may be a section in which the electrochromic device 200 changes from the third state (S3) to the fifth state (S5). ) may be maintained, and may be a section that changes from the third section (P3) to the fifth state (S5).

FIG. 19A is a diagram showing the relationship between potentials and ions in the first section P1.

Referring to FIG. 19A along with FIG. 18, the electrochromic device 200 may change color from the third state (S3) to the fifth state (S5). The electrochromic device 200 may be decolorized from the third state (S3) to the fifth state (S5).

In the third state (S3), the ions 260 may be located in the electrochromic layer 220. At this time, when a voltage (V) whose level is gradually lowered is applied to the second electrode 250, the second internal potential (Vb) is lowered so that the ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 are It can move to the ion storage layer 240 through the electrolyte layer 230. In this process, the electrochromic layer 220 may lose ions 260 and be oxidized and discolored, and the ion storage layer 240 may gain ions 260 and be reductively decolorized. As the ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 move to the ion storage layer 240, the third internal potential (Vc) gradually decreases.

When the voltage applied to the second electrode 250 reaches the seventh voltage V7 and the voltage stops falling, the third internal potential Vc also falls to a certain level and then stops falling. At this time, the voltage difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the seventh voltage (V7) may be a second threshold voltage (Vth2). That is, the voltage drop stops when the third internal potential (Vc) has a voltage higher than the seventh voltage (V7) by the second threshold voltage (Vth2).

FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the relationship between potentials and ions in the second section P2.

Referring to FIG. 19B along with FIG. 18, the electrochromic device 200 may be maintained in the fifth state (S5). The second section P2 may be a section in which the transmittance is maintained even if the applied voltage increases.

In general, when the applied voltage is increased, the transmittance decreases due to coloring. However, if the previous section is a decolorization section, the transmittance does not change even if the voltage is increased for a certain range. The section in which the transmittance does not change due to changes in voltage can be defined as the constant section.

The constant section may appear when the voltage is raised for coloring when the previous section is a decolorization section, or when the voltage is lowered for decolorization when the previous section is a coloring section.

The voltage (V) applied to the electrochromic device 200, to which the seventh voltage (V7) was applied, may be gradually increased in the first section (P2). Even if the voltage (V) increases, the ions 260 do not move. Even if the voltage (V) increases in the constant voltage section (Vd), the ions 260 do not move.

The constant voltage section (Vd) may be a voltage section that has a deviation equal to the first threshold voltage (Vth1) and the second threshold voltage (Vth2) based on the third internal potential (Vc). The lower limit of the constant voltage section (Vd) may be lower than the third internal potential (Vc) by a second threshold voltage (Vth2), and the upper limit of the constant voltage section (Vd) may be lower than the third internal potential (Vc). It may be as large as the first threshold voltage (Vth1).

When a voltage in a constant voltage section lower than the third internal potential (Vc) is applied, the difference between the voltage (V) and the third internal potential (Vc) becomes smaller than the second threshold voltage (Vth2) and the ions ( 260) cannot be separated from the electrochromic layer 220. Accordingly, there is no movement of the ions 260, so there is no change in the third internal potential (Vc), and the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 do not discolor. As a result, the state of the electrochromic device 200 is maintained.

When a voltage in a constant voltage section higher than the third internal potential (Vc) is applied, the difference between the voltage (V) and the third internal potential (Vc) becomes smaller than the first threshold voltage (Vth1) and the ions ( 260) cannot be separated from the ion storage layer 240. Accordingly, there is no movement of the ions 260, so there is no change in the third internal potential (Vc), and the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 do not discolor. As a result, the state of the electrochromic device 200 is maintained.

The constant voltage section (Vd) may correspond to the sum of the magnitudes of the first threshold voltage (Vth1) and the second threshold voltage (Vth2). Therefore, when the binding force between the ions 260 and the electrochromic layer 220 or the ion storage layer 240 is large, the constant voltage section (Vd) increases, and the ions 260 and the electrochromic layer 220 or If the binding force of the ion storage layer 240 is small, the constant voltage section (Vd) may be small.

FIG. 19C is a diagram showing the relationship between potentials and ions in the third section P3.

Referring to FIG. 19C together with FIG. 18, the electrochromic device 200 may change color from the fifth state (S5) to the third state (S3). The electrochromic device 200 may be colored from the fifth state (S5) to the third state (S3).

In the third state (S3), some of the plurality of ions 260 may be located in the ion storage layer 240. At this time, when a voltage (V) higher than the eighth voltage (V8) is applied, the second internal potential (Vb) increases and the ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240 pass through the electrolyte layer 230. It can move to the electrochromic layer 220.

The eighth voltage V8 may be greater than the third internal voltage Vc of the second section P2 by the first threshold voltage Vth1. In the third section (P3), a voltage higher than the eighth voltage (V8) is applied to the second electrode 250, so that the difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) is 1 As the voltage becomes higher than the threshold voltage (Vth1), the ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240 can move to the electrochromic layer 220.

In this process, the electrochromic layer 220 may gain ions 260 and be recolored, and the ion storage layer 240 may lose ions 260 and become oxidized. As the ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240 move to the electrochromic layer 220, the third internal potential (Vc) gradually increases.

The control module 100 may generate driving power based on the constant section and apply it to the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may supply driving power based on the constant section when changing the coloring and discoloration of the electrochromic element 200.

The control module 100 can determine the previous process of the electrochromic device 200 and apply a different driving voltage. If the previous process is a decolorization process, the control module 100 may color the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage greater than the constant voltage section without applying the voltage in the constant section. If the previous process is a coloring process, the control module 100 may decolorize the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage smaller than the constant voltage section without applying the voltage in the constant section.

7. Critical voltage

Figure 20 is an equivalent circuit diagram of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, the electrochromic element 200 of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment may be connected to the control module 100.

The electrochromic device 200 may include multiple divided regions. The electrochromic device 200 may include first to nth divided regions 270a to 270n. Each partition can be connected to each other in parallel.

Each of the divided areas may be a partial area of the electrochromic element 200 connected to the control module 100.

Each divided area may be an electrical area rather than a physically partitionable area. The electrochromic device 200 includes a first electrode 210, an electrochromic layer 220, an electrolyte layer 230, an ion storage layer 240, and a second electrode 250. The electrochromic device ( Each layer constituting 200) may each be composed of a single layer. Accordingly, there is no area that is actually divided like the divided area, and the divided area may be a virtually divided area for electrical analysis of the electrochromic device 200.

The first to nth divided areas 270a to 270n can all be interpreted as the same equivalent circuit. Taking the n-th divided region 270n as an example, the n-th divided region 270n may include a first resistor (R1), a second resistor (R2), a connection resistor (Ra), and a capacitor (C). You can. The n-th divided region 270n may be interpreted as including a first resistor (R1), a second resistor (R2), a connection resistor (Ra), and a capacitor (C).

One end of the first resistor (R1) and one end of the second resistor (R2) are electrically connected to an adjacent partition, and the other end of the first resistor (R1) and the other end of the second resistor (R2) are electrically connected to each other. It may be electrically connected to the connection resistance (Ra) and capacitor (C). That is, both ends of the connection resistor (Ra) are electrically connected to the other end of the first resistor (R1) and the other end of the second resistor (R2), and both ends of the capacitor (C) are connected to the first resistor (R1). It may be electrically connected to the other end of and the other end of the second resistor (R2).

Here, the horizontal direction may be the x-direction or y-direction of FIG. 3. The horizontal direction may be a direction away from the contact area of the control module 100 and the electrochromic element 200 along the second electrode 250. The vertical direction may be the z-direction in FIG. 3. The vertical direction may be a direction from the first electrode 210 to the second electrode 250.

The first resistance R1 may be a resistance of a partial region of the second electrode 250 in the horizontal direction. The second resistance R2 may be a resistance of a partial region of the first electrode 210 in the horizontal direction.

The connection resistance Ra may be a resistance in the vertical direction of the electrochromic element 200. That is, the connection resistance Ra may be the resistance between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250. The connection resistance (Ra) is the vertical resistance of the first electrode 210, the electrochromic layer 220, the electrolyte layer 230, the ion storage layer 240, and the second electrode 250, and the first electrode 210. Contact resistance between the electrode 210 and the electrochromic layer 220, contact resistance between the electrochromic layer 220 and the electrolyte layer 230, and contact between the electrolyte layer 230 and the ion storage layer 240. It may be the sum of the resistance and the contact resistance between the ion storage layer 240 and the second electrode 250.

The capacitor C may be a capacitor generated by the first electrode 210, the second electrode 250, the electrochromic layer 220, the electrolyte layer 230, and the ion storage layer 240. . The sum of the capacitances of the capacitors C of the plurality of divided areas may be the capacity of the electrochromic device 200.

The voltage charged to the capacitor C may increase over time due to RC delay and reach a constant voltage. The constant voltage may be a resistance divided by the first resistor (R1), the second resistor (R2), and the connection resistance (Ra) connected in series. That is, the constant voltage may be a voltage Ra/(R1+R2+Ra) times the voltage applied to the nth division region 270n according to the voltage distribution law. The first resistance (R1) and the second resistance (R2) are the resistance of the conductor, and the connection resistance (Ra) is the resistance of the combination of the conductor and the insulator, so the connection resistance (Ra) is the first resistance (R1) And since it has an extremely larger value than the second resistor (R2), when the time due to the RC delay elapses, the voltage charged to the capacitor (C) may correspond to the voltage applied to the nth division region (270n). there is. That is, when the time due to the RC delay passes, the voltage charged to the capacitor C may become similar to the voltage applied to the nth division region 270n. In the extreme, when the time due to the RC delay passes, the voltage charged to the capacitor C may become the same as the voltage applied to the nth division region 270n.

The voltage charged to the capacitor C may be the same as the input voltage of an adjacent divided region. That is, the voltage charged to the capacitor C can be applied to adjacent divided regions. For example, the voltage charged to the capacitor C of the first division 270a may be applied to the second division 270b. The voltage charged to the capacitor C of the first divided region 270a may be applied to one end of the first resistor R1 and one end of the second resistor R2 of the second divided region 270b.

Since the voltage charged to the capacitor C of the divided regions is proportional to the input voltage, the voltage charged to the capacitors C of multiple divided regions can be sequentially charged by RC delay.

The voltage of the capacitors (C) in the multiple divisions may increase sequentially. Among the capacitors C of the plurality of divided regions, the divided region that is closer to the control module 100 may be charged first, and the divided region that is farther away from the control module 100 may be charged later. Among the capacitors (C) of the plurality of divided areas, the divided area adjacent to the contact area of the control module 100 and the electrochromic element 200 is charged first, and the divided area spaced apart from the contact area is charged later. You can.

Among the plurality of divided regions, the capacitor C of the first divided region 270a may be charged first, and the capacitor C of the nth divided region 270n may be sequentially charged.

Since the voltage charged to the capacitor C is the driving voltage applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250, the degree of discoloration may be determined by the voltage charged to the capacitor C.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing the degree of electrochromic change over time of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

When voltage is applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic device 200, in the initial stage, the area adjacent to the contact area between the control module 100 and the electrochromic device 200 changes color first, as shown in FIG. 21A. And the area adjacent to the contact area is not discolored. That is, the degree of discoloration of the area adjacent to the contact area and the area spaced apart from the contact area may be different. In other words, the transmittance of an area adjacent to the contact area may be different from that of an area spaced apart from the contact area. During the coloring process, the transmittance of an area adjacent to the contact area may be smaller than the transmittance of an area spaced apart from the contact area.

In the middle stage when voltage is continuously applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic element 200, the area adjacent to the contact area is completely discolored, and the area spaced apart from the contact area is discolored, as shown in FIG. 21b. It can start. Even in this case, the degree of discoloration of the area adjacent to the contact area and the area spaced apart from the contact area may be different. Even if the area adjacent to the contact area reaches the target degree of discoloration, the degree of discoloration of the area spaced apart from the contact area may not reach the target degree of discoloration. In other words, the transmittance of an area adjacent to the contact area may be different from that of an area spaced apart from the contact area. During the coloring process, the transmittance of an area adjacent to the contact area may be smaller than the transmittance of an area spaced apart from the contact area. In the middle stage, the area of the area that has reached the target discoloration degree gradually increases as time passes. As time passes, the area that has reached the target degree of discoloration may expand in area in a direction away from the contact area.

When the voltage is continuously applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic device 200 and reaches the completion stage, the color change of the entire area of the electrochromic device 200 is completed, as shown in FIG. 21C. The time from when voltage begins to be applied to the electrochromic device 200 to when color change in the entire area of the electrochromic device 200 is completed can be defined as the critical time.

When the critical time is reached, the color change state of the entire area of the electrochromic device 200 may be uniform. When the critical time is reached, the difference between the color change states of the first and second points of the electrochromic device 200 may be below a certain level. When the critical time is reached, the transmittance of the first point and the second point of the electrochromic device 200 may correspond. The maximum deviation in the color change state between the first and second points of the electrochromic device 200 may be below a certain level. When the critical time is reached, the difference in transmittance between the first and second points of the electrochromic device 200 may be 0% to 30%.

The critical time may be proportional to the area of the electrochromic device 200. That is, as the area of the electrochromic element 200 increases, the critical time may become longer. In other words, as the area of the electrochromic device 200 increases, the time for the electrochromic device 200 to uniformly change color may increase. The difference in color change state for each region of the electrochromic device 200 may also be proportional to the area of the electrochromic device 200. As the area of the electrochromic device 200 increases, the maximum deviation in the color change state for each region of the electrochromic device 200 may increase.

The critical time may be proportional to the voltage difference as shown in FIG. 22.

The voltage difference may be a difference between the voltage applied from the control module 100 and the voltage charged in the electrochromic element 200.

The voltage difference may be proportional to the difference between the current discoloration state and the target discoloration state. Since the voltage charged in the electrochromic device 200 corresponds to the current discoloration state of the electrochromic device 200, and the applied voltage corresponds to the target discoloration state, the voltage difference is the difference between the current discoloration state and the target discoloration state. It can be proportional to the difference value.

Figure 23 is a diagram showing the voltage applied to the electrochromic element in the control module according to an embodiment.

Figure 23 explains the voltage applied to the electrochromic element 200 from the control module 100 in the application step.

The control module 100 may supply a driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200. The time for which the driving voltage supplied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic element 200 is applied may be determined based on the threshold time. The time (tb) during which the driving voltage is applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic element 200 may be greater than the threshold time (ta).

The control module 100 may supply a driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200 by setting a fixed driving voltage application time (tb) according to the threshold time (ta). Alternatively, the control module 100 may change the driving voltage application time (tb) according to the threshold time (ta).

When the control module 100 applies a driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200 for a fixed driving voltage application time (tb), the control module 100 sets the maximum threshold time of the electrochromic device 200. By calculating this, the driving voltage can be applied for a longer time than the maximum critical time. The maximum critical time may be the critical time required to change color from a decolorized state to a maximum colored state. The control module 100 applies the driving voltage for a time longer than the maximum threshold time regardless of the state in which the electrochromic element 200 is changed, thereby omitting the calculation of the driving voltage application time, which has the effect of reducing the amount of calculation.

The critical time (tb) may be related to the area of the electrochromic element 200. The critical time (tb) may be proportional to the area of the electrochromic element 200. Since the maximum critical time is also related to the area of the electrochromic device 200, the control module 100 sets the driving voltage application time (tb) according to the area of the electrochromic device 200 to control the electrochromic device 200. A driving voltage can be applied to (200).

When the control module 100 changes the driving voltage application time (tb) according to the threshold time (ta), the control module 100 measures the current potential of the electrochromic device 200 and uses it based on this. The driving voltage can be applied to the electrochromic device 200 by changing the driving voltage application time (tb). In this case, although not shown, the control module 100 may further include a measuring unit capable of measuring the current potential of the electrochromic device 200.

Alternatively, the control module 100 may change the driving voltage application time (tb) based on pre-stored threshold time data. Critical time data is stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100, and the control module 100 determines the driving voltage application time (tb) based on the critical time data stored in the storage unit 140. can be changed. The critical time data may also be related to the area of the electrochromic device 200.

The critical time data may be data related to voltage difference and/or temperature. Since the critical time is determined by the voltage difference, the control module 100 calculates the voltage difference by comparing the previously applied voltage with the applied voltage and maintains the driving voltage for a time longer than the corresponding critical time (ta). It can be approved. Since the critical time is related to the movement of ions, the critical time data may be data related to the temperature. The control module 100 may measure temperature in real time and change the critical time data stored in the storage unit 140 in real time.

The critical time data may include data in the authorization phase and data in the maintenance phase.

Critical time data in the application step may be data related to the voltage difference and/or temperature. The critical time data in the maintenance phase may be data related to the voltage difference, temperature, and/or the time during which the voltage is not applied during the maintenance phase.

Figure 24 is a diagram showing the critical time according to the voltage difference of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Figure 24a is a diagram showing the critical time due to the voltage difference that varies depending on the target discoloration level in the discoloration state.

In Figure 24a, the first driving voltage (V21) is the driving voltage applied when changing from the decolorized state to the first colored state, and the second driving voltage (V22) is the driving voltage applied when changing from the decolorized state to the second colored state. Indicates voltage.

The first coloring state may mean a state in which the degree of coloring is greater than the second coloring state. The first colored state may mean a state in which transmittance is lower than the second colored state. The first driving voltage (t21) may be higher than the second driving voltage (t22).

In the decolorization state, no driving voltage is applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic element 200, so when changing from the decolorization state to the first coloring state, the voltage difference is equal to the first driving voltage (t21) , when changing from the decolorized state to the second colored state, the voltage difference may be equal to the second driving voltage (t22). Since the voltage difference when changing to the first coloring state is smaller than the voltage difference when changing to the second coloring state, the second threshold time (t22) when changing to the second coloring state is the first coloring state. It may be shorter than the first critical time (t21) when changed to . That is, the time required for the electrochromic device 200 to be uniformly colored in the second color state may be shorter than the time required for the electrochromic device 200 to be homogeneously colored in the first color state.

The storage unit 140 of the control module 100 stores a first threshold time (t21) when changing to the first coloring state and a second threshold time (t22) when changing to the second coloring state. The control module 100 determines the driving voltage application time based on the first threshold time (t21) and the second threshold time (t22) stored in the storage unit 140 to control the electrochromic element 200. ) can be applied to the driving voltage.

When changing from the discoloration state to the first coloring state, the control module 100 can color the electrochromic element 200 by applying a driving voltage for a time longer than the first threshold time (t21). In addition, the control module 100 can color the electrochromic element 200 by applying a driving voltage for a time longer than the second threshold time (t22) when changing from the discolored state to the second colored state.

Figure 24b is a diagram showing the critical time based on the voltage difference when changing from a colored state to another discoloration level.

In Figure 24b, the first driving voltage (V31) is a driving voltage applied when the electrochromic device 200 changes from the first color state to the third color state, and the second driving voltage (V32) is the electrochromic device 200. (200) represents the driving voltage applied when changing from the second coloring state to the third coloring state.

The first coloring state may mean a state in which the degree of coloring is greater than the second coloring state. The first colored state may mean a state in which transmittance is lower than the second colored state. The first driving voltage (V31) may be greater than the second driving voltage (V32), and the third driving voltage (V33) may be greater than the first driving voltage (V33).

When the initial state of the electrochromic device 200 is the first color state, the electrochromic device 200 is charged with a first driving voltage (V31). That is, when the initial state of the electrochromic device 200 is the first color state, it may be the same as when the first driving voltage (V31) is applied to the electrochromic device 200.

When the initial state of the electrochromic device 200 is the second color state, the electrochromic device 200 is charged with a second driving voltage (V32). That is, when the initial state of the electrochromic device 200 is the second color state, it may be the same as when the second driving voltage (V32) is applied to the electrochromic device 200.

When the electrochromic device 200 changes from the first color state to the third color state, the voltage difference may be a first voltage difference (Vd1). The driving voltage in the first colored state of the electrochromic device 200 is the first driving voltage (V31), the driving voltage in the third colored state is the third driving voltage (V33), and the third driving voltage The difference between (V33) and the first driving voltage (V31) may be a first voltage difference (Vd1).

When the electrochromic device 200 changes from the second color state to the third color state, the voltage difference may be a second voltage difference (Vd2). The driving voltage in the second color state of the electrochromic device 200 is the second driving voltage (V32), the driving voltage in the third coloring state is the third driving voltage (V33), and the third driving voltage The difference between (V33) and the second driving voltage (V32) may be a second voltage difference (Vd2).

Since the first voltage difference (Vd1) is smaller than the second voltage difference (Vd2), the first threshold time (t31) when changing from the first coloring state to the third coloring state is the second coloring state. It may be shorter than the second critical time (t32) when changing from to the third coloring state.

The previous state is stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100. That is, the storage unit 140 of the control module 100 stores the previously output driving voltage. The control module 100 may store the driving voltage in the storage unit 140 each time the driving voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 200. The first coloring state and the second coloring state are stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100.

A critical time according to the voltage difference is stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100. When changing from the first coloring state to the third coloring state, the control module 100 compares the third driving voltage (V33), which is the target applied voltage, with the stored first driving voltage (V31) to determine the first coloring state. The voltage difference (Vd1) can be calculated. The control module 100 may determine the driving voltage application time based on the first threshold time (t31) corresponding to the first voltage difference (Vd1) and apply the driving voltage to the electrochromic element 200. there is. The application time of the driving voltage applied here may be longer than the first threshold time (t31).

In addition, when changing from the second coloring state to the third coloring state, the control module 100 compares the third driving voltage (V33), which is the target applied voltage, with the stored second driving voltage (V32) to determine the second coloring state. The voltage difference (Vd2) can be calculated. The control module 100 may determine the driving voltage application time based on the second voltage difference (Vd2) and the corresponding second threshold time (t32) to apply the driving voltage to the electrochromic element 200. there is. The application time of the driving voltage applied here may be longer than the second critical time (t32).

In the drawing, the case where the electrochromic device 200 is changed from a low coloration state to a high coloration state is explained, but the same can be applied when the electrochromic device 200 is changed from a high coloration state to a low coloration state. In other words, the above description can be applied even during the decolorization process. Even in the process of decolorizing the electrochromic device 200, the critical time may vary depending on the voltage difference.

In addition, although FIG. 24 and the corresponding detailed description are described using the authorization step as an example, the corresponding features can also be applied to the maintenance step. In the maintenance stage, the previous state may be the voltage applied in the application stage, or may be the voltage applied in the maintenance stage before the current maintenance stage. A critical time may be determined based on the previous state and the current state.

8. Maintaining voltage

Figure 25 is a diagram showing the critical time according to the duty cycle of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment.

Figure 25 explains the critical time according to the duty cycle in the maintenance phase.

FIG. 25A is a diagram showing the critical time when the unapplied time is relatively short, and FIG. 25b is a diagram showing the critical time when the unapplied time is relatively long.

Referring to FIG. 25A, the control module 100 according to the embodiment may apply a driving voltage to the electrochromic element 200 in the application phase and maintenance phase.

The application step may be a step in which the electrochromic device 200 changes color by the control module 100. The application step may be a step in which the electrochromic element 200 changes color to a desired color change level by the control module 100. The approval step may include an initial discoloration step and a discoloration level change step.

The maintenance step refers to a step of applying a maintenance voltage to maintain the state of the electrochromic device 200. The control module 100 may maintain the state of the electrochromic device 200 by applying a sustain voltage in the form of a pulse in the sustain step.

In the application step, the control module 100 may apply the driving voltage until the first time point (t41). The control module 100 may apply a driving voltage that gradually increases over a certain period until the first time point (t41) and may apply a driving voltage at a certain level. The authorization step may be maintained for a first period (w1).

The maintenance phase may include an authorization period and a non-authorization period. The application period may be defined as a period during which the driving voltage is applied, and the non-application period may be defined as a period during which the driving voltage is not applied. In the maintenance step, the application period and the non-application period appear repeatedly, so that the control module 100 can apply a pulse-shaped voltage to the electrochromic element 200.

The period between the first time point (t41) when the authorization step ends and the second time point (t42) when the authorization period begins can be defined as the second period (w2). The second period (w2) may be an unauthorized period. The period between the second time point (t42) when the unauthorized period ends and the third time point (t43) when the authorization period ends may be defined as a third period (w3).

The application period may be determined by the magnitude of the driving voltage applied in the application step and the non-application period. The third period (w3) may be determined by the magnitude of the driving voltage and the second period (w2).

The third period (w3) may be shorter than the first period (w1).

Explaining the correlation between the size of the driving voltage in the application step and the application period, the larger the size of the driving voltage in the application step, the greater the state change in the non-application period can be. That is, the larger the driving voltage in the application step, the greater the degree of natural discoloration. As the magnitude of the driving voltage in the application step increases, the difference between the voltage charged to the electrochromic device 200 and the driving voltage increases, and thus the critical time in the sustain step may increase. Since the application period must be longer than the critical time, the larger the driving voltage, the longer the application period can be.

In the application step, when the electrochromic device 200 changes from a state with the lowest transmittance to a state with the highest transmittance, the critical time in the maintenance step at this time may be the maximum critical time. The control module 100 stores the maximum critical time in the storage unit 140, and applies a driving voltage for the maximum critical time regardless of the size of the driving voltage in the application step to generate the electrochromic element 200. status can be maintained. This has the effect of reducing the amount of calculation of the control unit 100.

If the correlation between the unauthorized period and the authorized period is explained through FIGS. 25A and 25B, the authorization step in FIG. 25B is the same as the authorization step in FIG. 25A.

The period between the first time point (t41) when the authorization step ends and the fourth time point (t44) when the authorization period begins can be defined as the fourth period (w4). The fourth period (w4) may be an unauthorized period. The period between the fourth time point (t44) when the unauthorized period ends and the fifth time point (t45) when the authorization period ends may be defined as the fifth period (w5).

The unauthorized period in FIG. 25A is shorter than the unauthorized period in FIG. 25B. That is, the second period (w2) is a shorter period than the fourth period (w4).

As the unapplied period becomes longer, the change in state of the electrochromic device 200 may increase. In other words, the longer the period of non-approval, the greater the degree of natural discoloration. As the unapplied period becomes longer, the difference between the voltage currently charged to the electrochromic device 200 and the driving voltage increases, so the critical time in the maintenance step may increase. Since the authorization period must be longer than the critical time, the longer the non-authorization period, the longer the authorization period can be.

That is, since the unapplied period in FIG. 25A is shorter than the unapplied period in FIG. 25b, power consumption can be reduced by setting the enabled period in FIG. 25a shorter than the enabled period in FIG. 25b, and the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic element 200 can be reduced. It has the effect of maintaining uniformity.

In other words, since the second period (w2) in FIG. 25A is shorter than the fourth period (w4) in FIG. 25B, consumption is consumed by setting the third period (w3) in FIG. 25A shorter than the fifth period (w5) in FIG. 25B. There is an effect of reducing power and maintaining the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 uniformly.

In the maintenance step, the duty cycle means the ratio of the sum of the authorization period and the unauthorized period and the authorization period, so the duty cycle can be maintained to correspond. However, as the driving voltage in the application stage increases, the duty cycle can also be increased to maintain the degree of discoloration uniformly.

The first period (w1) may be equal to the third time period (w3), or the first period (w1) may be longer than the third period (w3). If the second period (w2), which is the unauthorized period, becomes infinitely long, natural discoloration progresses, and the electrochromic device 100 returns to its initial state, the first period (w1) is the third period (w3) and may be the same. Otherwise, the first period (w1) may be longer than the third period (w3). In this case, power consumption can be reduced by setting the third period (w3) shorter than the first period (w1).

In the above, the configuration and features of the present invention have been described based on the embodiments according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes or modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore, it is stated that such changes or modifications fall within the scope of the appended patent claims.

100: Control module
110: control unit
120: Power conversion unit
130: output unit
140: storage unit
200: Electrochromic device
210: first electrode
220: Electrochromic layer
230: Electrolyte layer
240: Ion storage layer
250: second electrode

Claims (1)

An electrochromic device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrochromic portion disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and
It includes a control unit that applies power to the electrochromic device to control the optical characteristics of the electrochromic device to change,
The control unit:
Determine the target optical properties of the electrochromic device,
During a first period, controlling the first voltage of a first magnitude corresponding to the determined target optical properties to be applied to the electrochromic element at a first application slope,
After the first period, in order to maintain the target optical properties of the electrochromic device, a second voltage of a second magnitude is applied to the electrochromic device at a second application slope for each of a plurality of second periods that do not overlap each other. set to control,
Electrochromic device.

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