EP1049958A1 - Electrochrome cell - Google Patents

Electrochrome cell

Info

Publication number
EP1049958A1
EP1049958A1 EP99907360A EP99907360A EP1049958A1 EP 1049958 A1 EP1049958 A1 EP 1049958A1 EP 99907360 A EP99907360 A EP 99907360A EP 99907360 A EP99907360 A EP 99907360A EP 1049958 A1 EP1049958 A1 EP 1049958A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cell
laminate
edge
disks
cell according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99907360A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Jörg HURTZ
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bayer AG
Original Assignee
Bayer AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bayer AG filed Critical Bayer AG
Publication of EP1049958A1 publication Critical patent/EP1049958A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
    • G02F1/153—Constructional details
    • G02F1/155—Electrodes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on an electrochromic effect
    • G02F1/153—Constructional details
    • G02F1/161—Gaskets; Spacers; Sealing of cells; Filling or closing of cells

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electrochromic cell consisting of two transparent disks arranged at a distance from one another,
  • the respective inclined side are provided with an electrically conductive electrode layer which extends over the entire pane surface and which are each connected to an external electrical connection,
  • electrochromic cells also abbreviated to EC cells, take advantage of the reversible change in color and / or optical density in an electrochromic medium, which is obtained by an electrochemical redox reaction in this electrochromic medium, in which the oxidized state and the reduced state have different colors and / or optical densities.
  • electrochromic materials change their optical properties due to the action of an electric field; they can be brought into their initial state by creating an opposite pole field.
  • the EC cells typically consist of two panes, which preferably consist of glass, ie a front glass and a rear glass, which are spaced apart and connected to one another along their circumference in a manner sealed off from the environment.
  • the electrochromic, ie optically active medium, in particular a liquid with viologens, is located between the two disks. Every disc is - 2 -
  • each provided on the side facing the EC medium with an electrically conductive electrode layer covering the entire pane surface, each of which is connected to an external electrical connection. If a voltage is applied to the electrical connections of the two surface electrodes, the absorption depth of the EC medium arranged in front of the rear glass changes, i.e. the cell loses transparency.
  • Such electrochromic cells are preferably used in the automotive industry, in particular as automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors in motor vehicles.
  • a mirror layer on the back glass of the cell which is then referred to as a mirror cell, which can also be formed by the associated electrode layer.
  • the dimmable mirror systems have photoelectric sensors for detecting the glare, which are aligned on the vehicle in the direction from which the
  • Glare strikes are attached. These sensors detect the risk of glare at lightning speed and defuse it in a few seconds by reducing the mirror reflection to 10%. When the risk of glare is over, the specular reflection immediately increases back to the initial value. This automatic interplay of darkening and brightening of the EC mirror repeats itself at every risk of glare and without fatigue during the entire life of the vehicle.
  • EC cells can also be used as sun / privacy screens on motor vehicles and buildings. In such an application, both are electrical - 3 -
  • conductive electrode layers are transparent and no mirror layer is provided.
  • the distance between the two panes which is in the range of approx. 0.1 to 0.2 mm, is of crucial importance for the performance of the EC cell.
  • Another problem with such a typical cell is the mutually insulated contact between the outer connections and the associated surface electrode, since the surface electrodes are congruent and only separated by a very narrow gap of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
  • edge offset in this known EC cell increases its size, which is not desirable, especially not when used as an EC mirror for motor vehicles.
  • the requirements of the automotive industry are aimed at EC mirrors, which practically do not differ in size from conventional mirrors.
  • the spring or clamp contacting is very complex and cumbersome to install, and soldering processes are necessary which complicate the manufacturing process and imply manufacturing costs that should not be underestimated.
  • contact with the surface electrode is only made in the relatively narrow area. This adversely affects the
  • Disks including the end face of an additional conductive contact layer is applied to the surface electrode, to which the connecting wire is then soldered on the end face.
  • Such an EC mirror is once very complex to manufacture and, on the other hand, the front contact zone for attaching the connecting wire is very narrow, so that it can easily tear off and, on the other hand, only allows a narrow contact area, which also has a negative effect on the Affects the speed with which the absorption depth of the EC medium changes. Furthermore, complex and expensive soldering processes are necessary.
  • the invention is based on the object, starting from the above
  • This laminate which can be produced with a constant thickness, thus serves in a simple manner as a spacer, which ensures a uniform, predetermined cell spacing.
  • the metal layers of the laminate also serve to contact the electrode layers of the cells and offer the possibilities of a solderless connection technology.
  • the laminate according to the invention is therefore a multifunctional laminate.
  • the laminate according to the invention therefore makes it possible to dispense with the addition of glass beads into the adhesive, as a result of which a commercially available adhesive and no longer an expensive special adhesive can be used with glass beads that are difficult to produce.
  • the laminate also offers the easy way through simple
  • Varying the thickness of the metal layers which are preferably realized by metal foils or that of the solid non-conductor, to vary the distance between the disks of the cells in a wide range.
  • the surrounding laminate with the surrounding metal layers specifies the maximum possible contact length to the electrode layers and thus for the application of a voltage, a high speed is achieved when changing the absorption depth of the EC medium.
  • the laminate is in a predetermined
  • Section formed as a contact tab over the edge of the disks of the cells.
  • the contact tab with its two outer flat metal layers can be connected in a simple manner without soldering to an external connection, for example in an EC car exterior mirror which has a heating foil - 6 -
  • the process of soldering is therefore omitted, which significantly simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the manufacturing costs.
  • no additional parts such as contact clips and wires are required.
  • the solid non-conductor of the middle layer is formed by a plastic.
  • a plastic material By a suitable choice of the plastic material it can be achieved that the laminate is flexible and yet not deformable in terms of its thickness.
  • the laminate and the adhesive bead have a closable passage at at least one point
  • Fig. 1 is a plan view of a laminate for the EC cell designed according to the invention with a strip-like shape adapted to the mirror contour, and
  • FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a fully assembled EC cell according to the invention provided with the laminate according to FIG. 1, with a section through the laminate according to line II-II in FIG. 1. - 7 -
  • the EC cell consists of two, the mirror configuration - here that of a car exterior mirror - correspondingly shaped transparent flat panes, which in the exemplary embodiment consist of glass preferably made of float glass, namely the front glass 1, which is assigned to the direction of light incidence, and the rear glass 2.
  • the thickness of the disks is typically in the range of 1 to 2 mm.
  • aspherical or spherical discs can also be used.
  • the panes from a transparent plastic material.
  • the front glass 1 is provided on the side facing away from the incidence of light with an electrically conductive surface electrode 3 which extends over the entire surface of the front glass 1.
  • the rear glass 2 is provided on the side facing the light with an electrically conductive surface electrode 4, which likewise extends over the entire surface of the rear glass 2.
  • the thickness of the electrode layers is typically in the range of 1000 angstroms (1/10 ⁇ m).
  • the electrically conductive surface electrode 3 is formed by an ITO (indium tin oxide) layer, which is transparent, whereas the surface electrode 4 is formed by a chrome / rhodium layer, which specifies a reflective surface.
  • the surface electrode 4 is likewise formed by an ITO layer, in which case then on the back of the rear glass
  • the electrochromic medium 5 is located between the two disks 1 and 2 with their associated surface electrodes 3 and 4, preferably in the form of an electrochromic solution of the type mentioned at the beginning.
  • the two are
  • the corresponding composite adhesive which must consist of an electrically insulating adhesive so that there is no internal short circuit of the two surface electrodes, forms an adhesive bead 6.
  • This adhesive bead 6 forms an electrically conductive edge strip 7a in the surface electrode assigned to the front glass 1 and an electrically conductive edge strip 7b in the surface electrode 4 which is assigned to the rear glass 2.
  • the width of these edge strips is of the order of 0.8 mm.
  • Laminate 8 with an inner core layer 8a made of a solid non-conductor, in particular a flexible plastic, and two outer metal layers 8b and 8c, which are preferably each formed by a film, are arranged.
  • the laminate therefore has a strip-shaped configuration as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the thickness of the laminate 8 is in the range of 0.2 mm and the thickness of the inner solid plastic layer 8a is approximately 0.1 mm.
  • the metal foils have a thickness of approx. 0.05 mm.
  • the metal foils used are preferably aluminum, copper, silver, gold, the latter two being more corrosion-resistant.
  • polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferably used as the inner core of the laminate.
  • a certain section of the laminate 8 is designed as a contact tab 11 beyond the edge of the disks 1, 2 of the cell.
  • This contact tab 11, in which the two outer metal layers 8b, 8c are flat, can e.g. by gluing with flat
  • Connection lines or so-called contact clips are solderless to provide a connection to a DC voltage source.
  • the laminate 8 and the adhesive bead 6 preferably have closable through openings 9a, 9b at two opposite points for filling the cell with the liquid EC medium.
  • Capillaries 10a, 10b with a thickness in the range of 170 ⁇ m are embedded in these through openings, as can be seen in particular from the enlarged section A of FIG. 1. These capillaries 10a, 10b are used for filling using vacuum technology or for filling and venting devices (not shown). This makes the handling of the cells much easier, regardless of whether under vacuum or ambient conditions.
  • the cells are glued in one pass, after which the capillaries are the only connection between the celline space and the environment. After filling with the EC solution, the capillaries are broken off flush with the edge of the cell and closed with the same adhesive with which the cell was glued. Due to the shrinking process during gluing, the laminate arranged in the space between the two disks 1, 2 is slightly compressed, so that there is sufficient contact pressure between the surface electrodes 3 and 4 and the associated metal layers 8b, 8c. - 10 -
  • the metal layers 8b and 8c of the laminate are preferably realized by means of corresponding metal foils, which can today be produced with a very constant thickness, and thus ensure a constant thickness of the laminate and thus the necessary constant distance between the panes of the cells.
  • the overall process of manufacturing the EC cell according to the invention is reduced by reducing the number and simplifying the process steps, e.g. through a complete assembly in the frame, much cheaper.
  • the degree of complexity of the EC system is greatly reduced by reducing the number of components and manufacturing techniques used.

Abstract

An electrochrome cell generally consists of two transparent interspaced plates (1,2) which are respectively provided with a surface electrode (3,4) on the mutually inclined faces thereof, whereby said electrodes are respectively linked to an external connection. The plates (1, 2) are sealingly connected to each other by means of an adhesive bead (6) extending in the edge area thereof, leaving open a narrow edge strip (7a,7b,) whereby the electrochrome medium is disposed in between said plates. A laminate (8) made of metal/solid nonconductor/metal layers is circumferentially arranged in the area between both edge strips (7a,7b). The laminate ensures that there is a given space between the two plates that form the walls of the cell and is also used to ensure contact between the surface electrodes (3,4).

Description

Elektrochrome ZelleElectrochromic cell
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine elektrochrome Zelle, bestehend aus zwei transpa- renten, und beabstandet zueinander angeordneten Scheiben,The invention relates to an electrochromic cell consisting of two transparent disks arranged at a distance from one another,
- die jeweils auf der einander zugeneigten Seite mit einer sich über die gesamte Scheibenfläche erstreckenden, und elektrisch leitenden Elektrodenschicht versehen sind, welche jeweils mit einem äußeren elektrischen Anschluß verbunden sind,the respective inclined side are provided with an electrically conductive electrode layer which extends over the entire pane surface and which are each connected to an external electrical connection,
- die mittels einer im Randbereich der Scheiben umlaufenden, jeweils einen schmalen Randstreifen freilassenden Kleber-Raupe dichtend miteinander verbunden sind, und- which are sealingly connected to one another by means of an adhesive bead running around the edge area of the panes, each leaving a narrow edge strip, and
- zwischen denen ein elektrochromes Medium angeordnet ist.- Between which an electrochromic medium is arranged.
Sogenannte elektrochrome Zellen, auch abgekürzt EC -Zellen genannt, nutzen die umkehrbare Veränderung der Farbe und/oder der optischen Dichte in einem elektro- chromen Medium aus, die durch eine elektrochemische Redox-Reaktion in diesem elektrochromen Medium erhalten wird, bei dem der oxidierte Zustand und der reduzierte Zustand unterschiedliche Farben und/oder optische Dichten aufweisen. Derartige elektrochrome Materialien ändern ihre optischen Eigenschaften aufgrund der Wirkung eines elektrischen Feldes; sie können in ihren Ausgangszustand durch An- legen eines gegenpoligen Feldes gebracht werden.So-called electrochromic cells, also abbreviated to EC cells, take advantage of the reversible change in color and / or optical density in an electrochromic medium, which is obtained by an electrochemical redox reaction in this electrochromic medium, in which the oxidized state and the reduced state have different colors and / or optical densities. Such electrochromic materials change their optical properties due to the action of an electric field; they can be brought into their initial state by creating an opposite pole field.
Die EC-Zellen bestehen typischerweise aus zwei Scheiben, die vorzugsweise aus Glas bestehen, d.h. einem Frontglas und einem Rückglas, die beabstandet und entlang ihres Umfanges gegenüber der Umgebung abgedichtet miteinander verbunden sind. Zwischen den beiden Scheiben befindet sich das elektrochrome, d.h. optisch wirksame Medium, insbesondere eine Flüssigkeit mit Viologenen. Jede Scheibe ist - 2 -The EC cells typically consist of two panes, which preferably consist of glass, ie a front glass and a rear glass, which are spaced apart and connected to one another along their circumference in a manner sealed off from the environment. The electrochromic, ie optically active medium, in particular a liquid with viologens, is located between the two disks. Every disc is - 2 -
jeweils auf der dem EC-Medium zugewandten Seite mit einer die gesamte Scheibefläche überdeckenden, elektrisch leitfähigen Eletrodenschicht versehen, die jeweils mit einem äußeren elektrischen Anschluß verbunden sind. Wird an die elektrischen Anschlüsse der beiden Flächenelektroden eine Spannung angelegt, dann ändert sich die Absorptionstiefe des vor dem Rückglas angeordneten EC-Mediums, d.h. die Zelle verliert an Transparenz.each provided on the side facing the EC medium with an electrically conductive electrode layer covering the entire pane surface, each of which is connected to an external electrical connection. If a voltage is applied to the electrical connections of the two surface electrodes, the absorption depth of the EC medium arranged in front of the rear glass changes, i.e. the cell loses transparency.
Diese Zusammenhänge sind Stand der Technik und durch zahlreiche Schriften bekanntgeworden, z.B. durch die US-A-4.917.477.These relationships are state of the art and have become known through numerous publications, e.g. by US-A-4,917,477.
Derartige elektrochrome Zellen finden vorzugsweise Anwendung in der Automobil- industrie, insbesondere als automatisch abblendende Innen- sowie Außenspiegel bei Kraftfahrzeugen. Bei einer derartigen Anwendung befindet sich auf dem Rückglas der Zelle, die dann als Spiegelzelle bezeichnet wird, eine Spiegelschicht, die auch durch die zugehörige Elektrodenschicht gebildet werden kann.Such electrochromic cells are preferably used in the automotive industry, in particular as automatically dimming interior and exterior mirrors in motor vehicles. In such an application, there is a mirror layer on the back glass of the cell, which is then referred to as a mirror cell, which can also be formed by the associated electrode layer.
Derartige automatisch abblendende Spiegel erhöhen auf augenschonende Weise die Verkehrssicherheit bei Nachtfahrten und helfen Unfälle zu vermeiden. Zu diesem Zweck weisen die abblendbaren Spiegelsysteme fotoelektrische Sensoren zur Erfas- sung des Blendlichtes auf, die am Fahrzeug, ausgerichtet in die Richtung, aus der dasSuch auto-dimming mirrors increase traffic safety when driving at night and help to prevent accidents. For this purpose, the dimmable mirror systems have photoelectric sensors for detecting the glare, which are aligned on the vehicle in the direction from which the
Blendlicht auftrifft, angebracht sind. Diese Sensoren erkennen die Blendgefahr blitzschnell und entschärfen sie durch eine gleitende Verringerung der Spiegelreflexion auf 10 % innerhalb weniger Sekunden augenfreundlich. Ist die Blendgefahr vorüber, dann erhöht sich die Spiegelreflexion sofort wieder auf den Ausgangswert. Dieses selbsttätige Wechselspiel von Verdunkelung und Aufhellung des EC-Spiegels wiederholt sich bei jedem Blendrisiko erneut und ermüdungsfrei während der gesamten Lebensdauer des Fahrzeuges.Glare strikes, are attached. These sensors detect the risk of glare at lightning speed and defuse it in a few seconds by reducing the mirror reflection to 10%. When the risk of glare is over, the specular reflection immediately increases back to the initial value. This automatic interplay of darkening and brightening of the EC mirror repeats itself at every risk of glare and without fatigue during the entire life of the vehicle.
EC-Zellen können auch als Sonnen-/Sichtschutzscheiben an Kraftfahrzeugen und Gebäuden Anwendung finden. Bei einer derartigen Anwendung sind beide elektrisch - 3 -EC cells can also be used as sun / privacy screens on motor vehicles and buildings. In such an application, both are electrical - 3 -
leitenden Elektrodenschichten transparent ausgebildet und es ist keine Spiegelschicht vorgesehen.conductive electrode layers are transparent and no mirror layer is provided.
Von entscheidender Bedeutung für die Leistungsfähigkeit der EC-Zelle ist der Ab- stand der beiden Scheiben zueinander, der im Bereich von ca. 0, 1 bis 0,2 mm liegt.The distance between the two panes, which is in the range of approx. 0.1 to 0.2 mm, is of crucial importance for the performance of the EC cell.
Dieser geringe Abstand impliziert auch Probleme bei der Verbindung der innenliegenden elektrisch leitenden Elektrodenschichten.This small distance also implies problems when connecting the inner electrically conductive electrode layers.
Es ist bekannt, den Abstand zwischen den Glasplatten durch Glaskugeln mit entspre- chendem Durchmesser als Abstandshalter vorzugeben, die dem Kleber für die umlaufende Kleber-Dichtraupe beigemischt sind. Dieser Kleber muß speziell hergestellt werden und ist damit stark verteuert. Außerdem müßten für unterschiedliche Abstände Glaskugeln mit unterschiedlichen Durchmessern als Abstandshalter zur Verfügung gestellt werden, was ebenfalls zu einer starken Teuerung beiträgt. Ferner muß beim Herstellungsprozeß der Zelle gewährleistet werden, daß nur die Glaskügelchen den Abstand bestimmen, d.h. sich kein Klebstoff zwischen Glaskugeloberfläche und Scheibe befindet, sowie daß sich keine undichten Kriechwege zwischen nebeneinanderliegenden Glaskugeln ausbilden.It is known to specify the distance between the glass plates by means of glass balls with a corresponding diameter as spacers, which are added to the adhesive for the circumferential adhesive sealing bead. This adhesive has to be specially manufactured and is therefore very expensive. In addition, glass balls with different diameters would have to be provided as spacers for different distances, which also contributes to a high price increase. Furthermore, it must be ensured in the cell manufacturing process that only the glass spheres determine the distance, i.e. there is no adhesive between the surface of the glass sphere and the pane, and there are no leakage paths between adjacent glass spheres.
Ein weiteres Problem bei einer derartigen typischen Zelle ist die voneinander isolierte Kontaktgebung zwischen den äußeren Anschlüssen und der zugehörigen Flächenelektrode, da die Flächenelektroden deckungsgleich, und nur durch einen sehr schmalen Spalt von ca. 0,1 bis 0,2 mm getrennt, aufeinanderliegen.Another problem with such a typical cell is the mutually insulated contact between the outer connections and the associated surface electrode, since the surface electrodes are congruent and only separated by a very narrow gap of approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
Es ist durch die US-A 5 151 824 bekanntgeworden, das Problem in der Weise zu lösen, daß Front- und Rückglas um einen vorgegebenen Betrag gegeneinander versetzt angeordnet sind, so daß an jedem Glas eine freiliegende Zone der Flächenelektrode entsteht, die für Kontaktierungen nutzbar ist. Auf diesen Randzonen ist jeweils eine langestreckte Kontaktklammer mit federnd nachgebenden, das Glas mit den frei- stehenden Randzonen der Flächenelektroden umfassenden Kontaktzungen angebracht, an denen der Anschlußdraht jeweils angelötet ist. - 4 -It has become known from US-A 5 151 824 to solve the problem in such a way that the front and rear glass are arranged offset from one another by a predetermined amount, so that an exposed zone of the surface electrode is formed on each glass, which zone can be used for contacting is. On each of these edge zones there is an elongated contact clip with resiliently yielding contact tongues encompassing the glass with the exposed edge zones of the surface electrodes, to which the connecting wire is soldered. - 4 -
Durch den Kantenversatz bei dieser bekannten EC-Zelle vergrößert sich deren Abmessung, was nicht gewünscht ist, insbesondere nicht bei der Anwendung als EC- Spiegel für Kraftfahrzeuge. Die Forderungen der Automobilindustrie zielen auf EC- Spiegel ab, die sich in den Abmessungen von den konventionellen Spiegeln praktisch nicht unterscheiden. Hinzu kommt, daß die Feder- bzw. Klammerkontaktierung sehr aufwendig sowie umständlich anzubringen ist, und Lötvorgänge notwendig sind, die den Herstellungsprozeß verkomplizieren und nicht zu unterschätzende Herstellungskosten implizieren. Ferner wird auch nur im verhältnismäßig schmalen Bereich der Kontakt zur Flächenelektrode hergestellt. Dies wirkt sich nachteilig auf dieThe edge offset in this known EC cell increases its size, which is not desirable, especially not when used as an EC mirror for motor vehicles. The requirements of the automotive industry are aimed at EC mirrors, which practically do not differ in size from conventional mirrors. In addition, the spring or clamp contacting is very complex and cumbersome to install, and soldering processes are necessary which complicate the manufacturing process and imply manufacturing costs that should not be underestimated. Furthermore, contact with the surface electrode is only made in the relatively narrow area. This adversely affects the
Schnelligkeit aus, mit der sich die Absorptionstiefe des EC-Mediums verändert.Rapidity with which the absorption depth of the EC medium changes.
Aus der EP 0 434 453 Bl (= US-A 5 066 112) ist ein EC-Spiegel bekannt geworden, der keinen Versatz der Scheiben der optischen wirksamen Zellen und keine Feder- kontakte in Form von Klammern aufweist, bei dem vielmehr in den Randzonen derAn EC mirror has become known from EP 0 434 453 B1 (= US Pat. No. 5,066,112) which has no offset of the panes of the optically active cells and no spring contacts in the form of clips, but rather in the edge zones the
Scheiben einschließlich deren Stirnseite eine zusätzliche leitfähige Kontaktschicht auf die Flächenelektrode aufgebracht ist, an der stirnseitig dann der Anschlußdraht angelötet wird. Ein derartiger EC-Spiegel ist einmal sehr aufwendig in der Herstellung und zum anderen ist die stirnseitige Kontaktzone zum Anbringen des Anschluß- drahtes sehr schmal, so daß dieser leicht abreißen kann und zum anderen auch nur eine schmale Kontaktfläche erlaubt, was sich ebenfalls negativ auf die Schnelligkeit auswirkt, mit der sich die Absorptionstiefe des EC-Mediums verändert. Ferner sind aufwendige und teure Lötvorgänge notwendig.Disks including the end face of an additional conductive contact layer is applied to the surface electrode, to which the connecting wire is then soldered on the end face. Such an EC mirror is once very complex to manufacture and, on the other hand, the front contact zone for attaching the connecting wire is very narrow, so that it can easily tear off and, on the other hand, only allows a narrow contact area, which also has a negative effect on the Affects the speed with which the absorption depth of the EC medium changes. Furthermore, complex and expensive soldering processes are necessary.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ausgehend von der eingangs bezeichnetenThe invention is based on the object, starting from the above
EC-Zelle dieses so auszubilden, daß auf einfache Weise der Abstand zwischen beiden Zellenscheiben vorgebbar ist und eine lötfreie Verbindung der Elektrodenschichten mit äußeren Anschlüssen möglich ist. Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe gelingt gemäß der Erfindung dadurch, daß in dem Raum zwischen beiden Randstreifen umlaufend ein Laminat aus Metall/festen Nichtleiter/Metall-Schichten angeordnet ist.To design the EC cell so that the distance between the two cell disks can be predetermined in a simple manner and a solderless connection of the electrode layers to external connections is possible. This object is achieved according to the invention in that a laminate of metal / solid non-conductor / metal layers is arranged all around in the space between the two edge strips.
Dieses Laminat, welches mit einer gleichbleibenden Dicke (Stärke) hergestellt werden kann, dient somit auf einfache Weise als Abstandhalter, der einen gleichmäßigen vorgegebenen Zellenabstand gewährleistet. Die Metallschichten des Laminates dienen dabei zusätzlich zur Kontaktierung der Elektrodenschichten der Zellen und bieten die Möglichkeiten einer lötfreien Anschlußtechnik. Das erfmdungsge- mäße Laminat ist daher ein Multifunktionslaminat.This laminate, which can be produced with a constant thickness, thus serves in a simple manner as a spacer, which ensures a uniform, predetermined cell spacing. The metal layers of the laminate also serve to contact the electrode layers of the cells and offer the possibilities of a solderless connection technology. The laminate according to the invention is therefore a multifunctional laminate.
Durch das erfindungsgemäße Laminat kann daher die Beimischung von Glaskügel- chen in den Kleber entfallen, wodurch ein handelsüblicher Kleber und nicht mehr ein teurer Spezialkleber mit aufwendig herzustellenden Glaskügelchen verwendet werden kann. Das Laminat bietet auch die einfache Möglichkeit, durch einfacheThe laminate according to the invention therefore makes it possible to dispense with the addition of glass beads into the adhesive, as a result of which a commercially available adhesive and no longer an expensive special adhesive can be used with glass beads that are difficult to produce. The laminate also offers the easy way through simple
Variation der Dicke der Metallschichten, die durch Metallfolien vorzugsweise realisiert werden oder der des festen Nichtleiters, in einem weiten Bereich den Abstand der Scheiben der Zellen zu variieren.Varying the thickness of the metal layers, which are preferably realized by metal foils or that of the solid non-conductor, to vary the distance between the disks of the cells in a wide range.
Da das umlaufende Laminat mit den umlaufenden Metallschichten die maximal mögliche Kontaktlänge zu den Elektrodenschichten und damit für das Anlegen einer Spannung vorgibt, wird eine hohe Schnelligkeit bei der Änderung der Absorptionstiefe des EC-Mediums erreicht.Since the surrounding laminate with the surrounding metal layers specifies the maximum possible contact length to the electrode layers and thus for the application of a voltage, a high speed is achieved when changing the absorption depth of the EC medium.
Gemäß einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist das Laminat in einem vorgegebenenAccording to a development of the invention, the laminate is in a predetermined
Abschnitt als Kontaktlasche über den Rand der Scheiben der Zellen hinaus ausgebildet.Section formed as a contact tab over the edge of the disks of the cells.
Bei einer derartigen Weiterbildung kann die Kontaktlasche mit ihren beiden äußeren flächigen Metallschichten auf einfache Weise lötfrei mit einem äußeren Anschluß verbunden werden, z.B. in einem EC-PKW-Außenspiegel, der eine Heizfolie, die - 6 -In such a further development, the contact tab with its two outer flat metal layers can be connected in a simple manner without soldering to an external connection, for example in an EC car exterior mirror which has a heating foil - 6 -
über eine Stecker mit dem PKW-Bordnetz verbunden ist, aufweist, durch Verkleben mit der Heizfläche nach Umbiegen der Kontaktlasche um die Kante der Zelle.is connected via a plug to the vehicle electrical system, by gluing to the heating surface after bending the contact tab around the edge of the cell.
Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Laminat entfällt damit der Vorgang des Lötens, was den Herstellungsprozeß deutlich vereinfacht und die Herstellkosten reduziert. Außerdem werden keine zusätzliche Teile, wie Kontaktklammern und Drähte, benötigt.In the laminate according to the invention, the process of soldering is therefore omitted, which significantly simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the manufacturing costs. In addition, no additional parts such as contact clips and wires are required.
Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung wird der feste Nichtleiter der Mittelschicht durch einen Kunststoff gebildet. Durch eine geeignete Wahl des Kunst- Stoffmaterials kann erreicht werden, daß das Laminat flexibel ist und dennoch hinsichtlich seiner Dicke nicht verformbar ist.According to a further embodiment of the invention, the solid non-conductor of the middle layer is formed by a plastic. By a suitable choice of the plastic material it can be achieved that the laminate is flexible and yet not deformable in terms of its thickness.
Liegt ein flüssiges EC-Medium vor, das erst nach der Montage in die Zelle eingefüllt wird, dann weisen gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung das Laminat und die Kleber-Raupe an mindestens einer Stelle einen verschließbaren Durchtritt zurIf there is a liquid EC medium which is only filled into the cell after assembly, then according to a further embodiment of the invention, the laminate and the adhesive bead have a closable passage at at least one point
Befüllung der Zelle mit dem elektrochromen Medium auf.Filling the cell with the electrochromic medium.
Weitere ausgestaltende Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich anhand der Beschreibung eines in den Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsbeispieles in Form eines PKW- Außenspiegels.Further design features and advantages of the invention result from the description of an embodiment shown in the drawings in the form of a car exterior mirror.
Es zeigen:Show it:
Fig. 1 eine Draufsicht auf ein Laminat für die erfindungsgemäße ausgebildete EC- Zelle mit einer streifenförmigen, der Spiegelkontur angepaßten Formgebung, undFig. 1 is a plan view of a laminate for the EC cell designed according to the invention with a strip-like shape adapted to the mirror contour, and
Fig. 2 eine Querschnittsansicht einer mit dem Laminat nach Fig. 1 versehenen fertig montierten erfindungsgemäßen EC-Zelle, mit einem Schnittverlauf durch das Laminat gemäß der Linie II-II in Fig. 1. - 7 -FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a fully assembled EC cell according to the invention provided with the laminate according to FIG. 1, with a section through the laminate according to line II-II in FIG. 1. - 7 -
Die EC-Zelle besteht aus zwei, der Spiegelkonfiguration - hier der eines PKW- Außenspiegels - entsprechend geformten transparenten flachen Scheiben, die im Ausführungsbeispiel aus Glas vorzugsweise aus Floatglas bestehen, nämlich dem Frontglas 1, das der Lichteinfallrichtung zugeordenet ist, und dem Rückglas 2. Die Dicke der Scheiben liegt typischerweise im Bereich von 1 bis 2 mm.The EC cell consists of two, the mirror configuration - here that of a car exterior mirror - correspondingly shaped transparent flat panes, which in the exemplary embodiment consist of glass preferably made of float glass, namely the front glass 1, which is assigned to the direction of light incidence, and the rear glass 2. The thickness of the disks is typically in the range of 1 to 2 mm.
Anstelle von flachen (ebenen) Scheiben können auch asphärisch oder sphärisch ausgebildete Scheiben Verwendung finden.Instead of flat (flat) discs, aspherical or spherical discs can also be used.
Grundsätzlich ist es auch möglich, die Scheiben aus einem transparenten Kunststoffmaterial herzustellen.In principle, it is also possible to manufacture the panes from a transparent plastic material.
Das Frontglas 1 ist auf der dem Lichteinfall abgewandten Seite mit einer elektrisch leitfahigen Flächenelektrode 3 versehen, die sich über die gesamte Fläche des Front- glases 1 erstreckt. Ebenso ist das Rückglas 2 auf der dem Licht zugewandten Seite mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Flächenelektrode 4 versehen, die sich ebenfalls über die gesamte Fläche des Rückglases 2 erstreckt. Die Stärke der Elektrodenschichten liegt typischerweise im Bereich von 1000 Angström (1/10 μm). Im vorliegenden Beispiel wird die elektrisch leitende Flächenelektrode 3 durch eine ITO-Schicht (Indium-Tin-Oxide) gebildet, die transparent ist, wogegen die Flächenelektrode 4 durch eine Chrom-/Rhodiumschicht gebildet wird, die eine spiegelnde Fläche vorgibt.The front glass 1 is provided on the side facing away from the incidence of light with an electrically conductive surface electrode 3 which extends over the entire surface of the front glass 1. Likewise, the rear glass 2 is provided on the side facing the light with an electrically conductive surface electrode 4, which likewise extends over the entire surface of the rear glass 2. The thickness of the electrode layers is typically in the range of 1000 angstroms (1/10 μm). In the present example, the electrically conductive surface electrode 3 is formed by an ITO (indium tin oxide) layer, which is transparent, whereas the surface electrode 4 is formed by a chrome / rhodium layer, which specifies a reflective surface.
Es ist auch eine Ausführungsform möglich, bei der die Flächenelektrode 4 ebenfalls durch eine ITO-Schicht gebildet wird, wobei dann auf der Rückseite des RückglasesAn embodiment is also possible in which the surface electrode 4 is likewise formed by an ITO layer, in which case then on the back of the rear glass
2 eine zusätzliche Spiegelschicht aufzubringen wäre.2 an additional mirror layer would have to be applied.
Zwischen den beiden Scheiben 1 bzw. 2 mit ihren zugehörigen Flächenelektroden 3 bzw. 4 befindet sich das elektrochrome Medium 5, vorzugsweise in Form einer elek- trochromen Lösung der eingangs bezeichneten Art. Zu diesem Zweck sind die beidenThe electrochromic medium 5 is located between the two disks 1 and 2 with their associated surface electrodes 3 and 4, preferably in the form of an electrochromic solution of the type mentioned at the beginning. For this purpose, the two are
Scheiben 1, 2 mit den Seiten, auf denen sich die Flächenelektroden 3, 4 befinden, am - 8 -Discs 1, 2 with the sides on which the surface electrodes 3, 4 are located on - 8th -
Rand umlaufend miteinander verklebt, um so eine abgeschlossene Zelle zu bilden, in die Flüssigkeit eingefüllt werden kann. Der entsprechende Verbundkleber, der aus einem elektrisch isolierenden Klebstoff bestehen muß, damit kein innerer Kurzschluß der beiden Flächenelektroden entsteht, bildet eine Kleber-Raupe 6 aus. Durch diese Kleber-Raupe 6 wird bei der dem Frontglas 1 zugeordneten Flächenelektrode ein elektrisch leitfähiger Randstreifen 7a sowie bei der Flächenelektrode 4, die dem Rückglas 2 zugeordnet ist, ein elektrisch leitfähiger Randstreifen 7b gebildet. Die Breite dieser Randstreifen liegt in der Größenordnung von 0,8 mm.Glued all around the edge to form a closed cell into which liquid can be filled. The corresponding composite adhesive, which must consist of an electrically insulating adhesive so that there is no internal short circuit of the two surface electrodes, forms an adhesive bead 6. This adhesive bead 6 forms an electrically conductive edge strip 7a in the surface electrode assigned to the front glass 1 and an electrically conductive edge strip 7b in the surface electrode 4 which is assigned to the rear glass 2. The width of these edge strips is of the order of 0.8 mm.
In dem Raum zwischen den Randstreifen 7a und 7b ist umlaufend ein dreischichtigesIn the space between the edge strips 7a and 7b there is a three-layer all around
Laminat 8, mit einer inneren Kernschicht 8a aus einem festen Nichtleiter, insbesondere ein biegsamer Kunststoff, und zwei äußeren Metallschichten 8b und 8c, die vorzugsweise jeweils durch eine Folie gebildet werden, angeordnet. Das Laminat hat daher eine streifenförmige Konfiguration entsprechend der Darstellung in der Fig. 1.Laminate 8, with an inner core layer 8a made of a solid non-conductor, in particular a flexible plastic, and two outer metal layers 8b and 8c, which are preferably each formed by a film, are arranged. The laminate therefore has a strip-shaped configuration as shown in FIG. 1.
Die Dicke des Laminats 8 liegt im Bereich von 0,2 mm und die Dicke der inneren festen Kunststoffschicht 8a bei ca. 0,1 mm. Die Metallfolien haben eine Stärke von ca. 0,05 mm. Als Metallfolien finden vorzugsweise Anwendung solche aus Aluminium, Kupfer, Silber, Gold, wobei die beiden letztgenannten korrosionsfester sind.The thickness of the laminate 8 is in the range of 0.2 mm and the thickness of the inner solid plastic layer 8a is approximately 0.1 mm. The metal foils have a thickness of approx. 0.05 mm. The metal foils used are preferably aluminum, copper, silver, gold, the latter two being more corrosion-resistant.
Als innerer Kern des Laminats finden vorzugsweise Anwendung die Werkstoffe Polyester, Polypropylen und Polyethylen.The materials polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene are preferably used as the inner core of the laminate.
Die angegebenen Dicken 0,1 mm (Kunststoffschicht) und 2 x 0,05 mm (Metall) sind sinnvolle Werte mittlerer Größe. Möglich sind Metallschichten von wenigstens 15 μm, die zusammen mit einer Kunststoffschicht von maximal 170 μm die angegebene Laminatdicke von ca. 0,2 mm (= üblicher Zellabstand) ergeben. Maximal möglich sind Metallschichten bis jeweils ca. 90 μm mit einer entsprechend dünnen Kunstoffschicht. - 9 -The specified thicknesses of 0.1 mm (plastic layer) and 2 x 0.05 mm (metal) are reasonable values of medium size. Metal layers of at least 15 μm are possible, which, together with a plastic layer of a maximum of 170 μm, result in the specified laminate thickness of approximately 0.2 mm (= usual cell spacing). Metal layers up to approx. 90 μm each with a correspondingly thin plastic layer are possible. - 9 -
Um die beiden Elektrodenschichten 3, 4 auf einfache Weise lötfrei nach außen mit entsprechenden elektrischen Anschlüssen zu verbinden, ist ein bestimmter Abschnitt des Laminates 8 als Kontaktlasche 11 über den Rand der Scheiben 1, 2 der Zelle hinaus ausgebildet. Diese Kontaktlasche 11, bei der die beiden äußeren Metall- schichten 8b, 8c flächig vorliegen, kann z.B. durch Verkleben mit flächigenIn order to easily connect the two electrode layers 3, 4 to the outside with corresponding electrical connections without soldering, a certain section of the laminate 8 is designed as a contact tab 11 beyond the edge of the disks 1, 2 of the cell. This contact tab 11, in which the two outer metal layers 8b, 8c are flat, can e.g. by gluing with flat
Anschlußleitungen oder durch sogenannte Kontaktclipse lötfrei verbunden werden, um einen Anschluß an eine Gleichspannungsquelle vorzusehen.Connection lines or so-called contact clips are solderless to provide a connection to a DC voltage source.
Wenn typischerweise ein flüssiges EC-Medium verwendet wird, kann dieses erst nach der Montage der Zelle, d.h. nach dem Verkleben der Scheiben mit den Flächenelektroden und dem angebrachten Laminat, erfolgen. Zu diesem Zweck weisen das Laminat 8 und die Kleber-Raupe 6 vorzugsweise an zwei gegenüberliegenden Stellen verschließbare Durchtrittsöffnungen 9a, 9b zur Befüllung der Zelle mit dem flüssigen EC-Medium auf. In diesen Durchtrittsöffnungen sind Kappilaren 10a, 10b mit einer Dicke im Bereich von 170 μm eingebettet, wie man insbesondere aus der Ausschnittsvergrößerung A zur Fig. 1 erkennt. Durch diese Kapillaren 10a, 10b erfolgt die Befüllung unter Ausnutzung der Vakuumtechnik oder durch Befüll- und nicht dargestellte Entlüftungskappilaren. Dadurch wird das Handling der Zellen, egal ob unter Vakuum oder Umgebungsbedingungen deutlich einfacher.If a liquid EC medium is typically used, this can only be done after assembly of the cell, i.e. after the disks have been glued to the surface electrodes and the attached laminate. For this purpose, the laminate 8 and the adhesive bead 6 preferably have closable through openings 9a, 9b at two opposite points for filling the cell with the liquid EC medium. Capillaries 10a, 10b with a thickness in the range of 170 μm are embedded in these through openings, as can be seen in particular from the enlarged section A of FIG. 1. These capillaries 10a, 10b are used for filling using vacuum technology or for filling and venting devices (not shown). This makes the handling of the cells much easier, regardless of whether under vacuum or ambient conditions.
Die Verklebung der Zellen erfolgt in einem Gang, wonach die Kapillaren die einzige Verbindung zwischen Zellinenraum und Umgebung darstellen. Nach der Befüllung mit der EC-Lösung werden die Kapillaren bündig mit dem Rand der Zelle abgebrochen und mit dem gleichen Kleber verschlossen, mit dem die Zelle verklebt wurde. Durch den Schrumpfungsprozeß beim Kleben wird das in den Zwischenraum zwischen beiden Scheiben 1, 2 angeordnete Laminat leicht verpreßt, so daß ein genügender Kontaktdruck zwischen den Flächenelektroden 3 und 4 und den zugehörigen Metallschichten 8b, 8c gegeben ist. - 10 -The cells are glued in one pass, after which the capillaries are the only connection between the celline space and the environment. After filling with the EC solution, the capillaries are broken off flush with the edge of the cell and closed with the same adhesive with which the cell was glued. Due to the shrinking process during gluing, the laminate arranged in the space between the two disks 1, 2 is slightly compressed, so that there is sufficient contact pressure between the surface electrodes 3 and 4 and the associated metal layers 8b, 8c. - 10 -
Neben der Befüllung des Innenraumes der Zelle mit der EC-Lösung 5 mittels der Kapillaren 10a und 10b ist auch eine Befüllung der Zelle über anders ausgebildete Öffnungen möglich, die dann auf übliche Weise verschlossen werden.In addition to filling the interior of the cell with the EC solution 5 by means of the capillaries 10a and 10b, it is also possible to fill the cell via openings of a different design, which are then closed in the usual way.
Vorzugsweise werden die Metallschichten 8b und 8c des Laminates durch entsprechende Metallfolien realisiert, die heute mit einer sehr konstanten Dicke herstellbar sind, und damit eine konstante Dicke des Laminates und damit den notwendigen konstanten Abstand der Scheiben der Zellen gewährleisten.The metal layers 8b and 8c of the laminate are preferably realized by means of corresponding metal foils, which can today be produced with a very constant thickness, and thus ensure a constant thickness of the laminate and thus the necessary constant distance between the panes of the cells.
Es ist jedoch auch denkbar, die Metallschichten auf andere Art und Weise aufzubringen, z.B. durch Beschichten eines Kunststoffes mit Metall nach dem CVD- Verfahren.However, it is also conceivable to apply the metal layers in a different way, e.g. by coating a plastic with metal using the CVD process.
Der Gesamtprozeß der Herstellung der erfindungsgemäßen EC-Zelle wird durch eine Reduzierung der Anzahl, sowie Vereinfachung der Prozeßschritte, wie z.B. durch eine Komplettmontage im Rahmen, sehr viel kostengünstiger. Der Komplexheitsgrad des EC-Systems wird durch die Verringerung der Anzahl der verwendeten Bauteile und Fertigungstechniken stark verringert. The overall process of manufacturing the EC cell according to the invention is reduced by reducing the number and simplifying the process steps, e.g. through a complete assembly in the frame, much cheaper. The degree of complexity of the EC system is greatly reduced by reducing the number of components and manufacturing techniques used.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Elektrochrome Zelle, bestehend aus zwei transparenten, und beabstandet zueinander angeordneten Scheiben (1, 2),1. electrochromic cell, consisting of two transparent disks (1, 2) arranged at a distance from one another,
- die jeweils auf der einander zugeneigten Seite mit einer sich über die gesamte Scheibenfläche erstreckenden, und elektrisch leitenden Elektrodenschicht (3, 4) versehen sind, welche jeweils mit einem äußeren elektrischen Anschluß verbunden sind,the respective inclined sides are provided with an electrically conductive electrode layer (3, 4) which extends over the entire pane surface and which are each connected to an external electrical connection,
- die mittels einer im Randbereich der Scheiben (1, 2) umlaufenden, jeweils einen schmalen Randstreifen (7a, 7b) freilassenden Kleber-Raupe (6) dichtend miteinander verbunden sind, und- The adhesive beads (6) which are circumferential in the edge region of the disks (1, 2) and each leave a narrow edge strip (7a, 7b) are connected to one another in a sealing manner, and
- zwischen denen ein elektrochromes Medium (5) angeordnet ist,- Between which an electrochromic medium (5) is arranged,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in dem Raum zwischen beiden Randstreifen (7a, 7b) umlaufend ein Laminat (8) aus Metall/festem Nichtleiter/Metall- Schichten angeordnet ist.characterized in that a laminate (8) made of metal / solid non-conductor / metal layers is arranged all around in the space between the two edge strips (7a, 7b).
2. Zelle nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Laminat (8) in einem vorgegebenen Abschnitt als Kontaktlasche (11) über den Rand der Scheiben (1, 2) der Zelle hinaus ausgebildet ist.2. Cell according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminate (8) is formed in a predetermined section as a contact tab (11) over the edge of the disks (1, 2) of the cell.
3. Zelle nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der feste Nichtleiter durch einen Kunststoff gebildet ist.3. Cell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the solid non-conductor is formed by a plastic.
4. Zelle nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3 mit einem flüssigen elektrochromen4. Cell according to one of claims 1 to 3 with a liquid electrochromic
Medium (5), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Laminat (8) und die Kleber- Raupe (6) an mindestens einer Stelle einen verschließbaren Durchtritt (9a, 9b) zur Befüllung der Zelle mit dem elektrochromen Medium (5) aufweisen. - 12 -Medium (5), characterized in that the laminate (8) and the adhesive bead (6) have a closable passage (9a, 9b) at least at one point for filling the cell with the electrochromic medium (5). - 12 -
5. Zelle nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Metallschichten (8b, 8c) durch eine Metallfolie gebildet sind.5. Cell according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the metal layers (8b, 8c) are formed by a metal foil.
6. Zelle nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeiclinet, daß die Scheiben (1, 2) aus Floatglas bestehen. 6. Cell according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized gekennzeiclinet that the discs (1, 2) consist of float glass.
EP99907360A 1998-01-23 1999-01-09 Electrochrome cell Withdrawn EP1049958A1 (en)

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DE19802339A DE19802339A1 (en) 1998-01-23 1998-01-23 Electrochromic cell with two transparent, spaced panes
PCT/EP1999/000094 WO1999038049A1 (en) 1998-01-23 1999-01-09 Electrochrome cell

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