JP2017211632A - Element control device and element control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an element control device that can accurately suppress the amount of electric charge captured and discharged by an electrochromic element, and can suppress deterioration of the electrochromic element and the device.SOLUTION: There is provided an element control device comprising: an electrochromic element; a power supply part that is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element; a variable resistance that is electrically connected in parallel to the electrochromic element; current measuring means that is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and measures the value of the current; and a control part that causes the power supply part to adjust the supply of current to the electrochromic element on the basis of the value of the current measured by the current measuring means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an element control device and an element control method.

  Unlike light control elements that use photochromic phenomenon, where the light transmittance is controlled by the irradiation of light such as ultraviolet rays, the user can freely adjust the light transmittance. It has the merit that it can be controlled.

  Among the electrochromic elements, the electrochromic element is highly transparent in a neutral state and can exhibit a high optical density, so that not only a high contrast ratio can be obtained, but also the color density depending on the applied voltage value. Various developments have been made so far, since gradation expression is possible by controlling.

  As an apparatus for controlling the electrochromic element, an electromotive force generating element for generating electromotive force, the electrochromic element driven by the electromotive force, and the electrochromic for the purpose of improving responsiveness and realizing low power consumption There has been proposed an optical device that has at least one resistor connected in parallel with an element and adjusts the amount of current flowing through the resistor in accordance with the energization state of the optical device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  An object of the present invention is to provide an element control device that can accurately control the amount of charge captured and released by an electrochromic device and can suppress deterioration of the electrochromic device and the device.

  The element control device of the present invention as a means for solving the problems includes an electrochromic element, and a power supply unit that is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element. A variable resistor electrically connected in parallel to the electrochromic element; a current measuring means electrically connected to the electrochromic element for measuring the current value; and a current value measured by the current measuring means. And a control unit that adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power source unit.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to control the quantity which an electrochromic element capture | acquires and discharge | releases an electric charge accurately, the element control apparatus which can suppress deterioration of an electrochromic element and an apparatus can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the element control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another example of the element control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an electrochromic element. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another example of an electrochromic element. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing another example of an electrochromic element. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another example of an electrochromic element. FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a control method for bringing an electrochromic element into a colored state using the element control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a control method for bringing an electrochromic element into a colored state using the element control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a control method for putting an electrochromic element into a decolored state using the element control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining a control method for putting an electrochromic element into a decolored state using the element control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining a control method for putting an electrochromic element in a decolored state using the element control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining a control method for bringing an electrochromic element into a colored holding state using the element control apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control for making an electrochromic element into a colored state using the element control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow in which the electrochromic element is gradually erased using the element control device of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of control for setting an electrochromic element to a decolored state using the element control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing another example of the flow of control for making an electrochromic element decolored using the element control device of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a control flow for setting an electrochromic element in a colored holding state using the element control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of a control flow for setting an electrochromic element in a colored holding state using the element control apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an element control device of Comparative Example 1. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an element control device of Comparative Examples 2 and 3.

(Element control device)
[First Embodiment]
1st Embodiment of the element control apparatus of this invention is the electrochromic element, the power supply part electrically connected to the said electrochromic element, and adjusting supply of the electric current to the said electrochromic element, The said electrochromic element A variable resistor electrically connected in parallel to the electrochromic element, current measuring means electrically connected to the electrochromic element, and based on the current value measured by the current measuring means, A control unit that adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element by a power supply unit, and a switch unit that can electrically isolate the power supply unit from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit. Preferably, it has other means as needed.

In the optical device described in Patent Document 1, the element control device of the present invention (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “control device”) is in a state in which charges are captured in the electrochromic element, that is, in a color-holding state. At the same time, if a constant voltage is continuously applied to the electrochromic element and current is continuously supplied, power consumption increases, and the electrochromic element may deteriorate and yellow. is there.
In addition, when discharging a charge from the electrochromic element, that is, when changing from a colored state to a decolored state, a voltage that captures the charge and a voltage that is opposite in polarity to each other are applied between both electrodes of the electrochromic element. This is based on the knowledge that charge non-equilibrium occurs and the electrochromic element may deteriorate and yellow.
Further, when the electrochromic element is connected to a circuit such as the power supply unit of the element control device, the charge discharged from the electrochromic element flows as a discharge current to the element control device and causes damage. Therefore, this is based on the knowledge that the life of the element control device may be shortened.
Note that the element control performed by the control unit in the element control apparatus of the present invention is synonymous with the execution of the element control method of the present invention. Details are also clarified.

<Electrochromic device>
The electrochromic device (hereinafter also referred to as “EC device”) is not particularly limited as long as the color density can be changed by trapping and releasing charges, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. From the viewpoint of responsiveness and power consumption, it is preferable to have a memory property that can maintain a colored state and a decolored state.
The electrochromic element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrolyte, and an electrochromic layer, and further includes other layers as necessary.
In the electrochromic element, a voltage is applied between both the first electrode and the second electrode, and when an electric current is supplied, the electrochromic element captures charges and enters a colored state. The electrochromic element is in a decolored state by discharging a charge by applying a voltage that is opposite in polarity to the voltage for short-circuiting the two electrodes or making it colored. Further, the color density of the electrochromic element changes according to the amount of charge trapped in the electrochromic element, and the voltage and resistance value between the electrodes also change.
A voltage applied to bring the electrochromic element into a colored state is sometimes referred to as a “coloring voltage”, and a voltage applied to bring the electrochromic state into a decolored state may be referred to as a “decoloring voltage”.
The electrochromic device may be a device that captures and releases charges.

<< first electrode and second electrode >>
The first electrode and the second electrode are not particularly limited as long as they are arranged to face each other, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The material of the first electrode and the second electrode is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Among these, a transparent conductive material excellent in transparency and conductivity is preferable because it is necessary to ensure light transmission in order to further improve the visibility of the color developed by the electrochromic layer.
The transparent conductive material is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. For example, inorganic materials such as tin-doped indium oxide, fluorine-doped tin oxide, and antimony-doped tin oxide. Etc.

<< Electrolyte >>
The electrolyte is not particularly limited as long as it is filled between the first electrode and the second electrode, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, a supporting salt is dissolved in a solvent. An electrolytic solution is preferred. When the electrolyte is the electrolytic solution, ionic conductivity can be increased.
Examples of the supporting salt include inorganic ion salts such as alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts, acids, and supporting salts of alkalis.

<< Electrochromic layer >>
The electrochromic layer is disposed so as to be in contact with at least one of the surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode facing each other.
The electrochromic layer preferably includes at least one of the electrochromic compound and the electrochromic composition. Instead of the electrochromic layer, the electrochromic composition may be disposed so as to be in contact with at least one of the surfaces where the first electrode and the second electrode face each other.

-Electrochromic compounds-
The electrochromic compound is not particularly limited as long as it is a material that causes a color change by an oxidation reaction or a reduction reaction, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, a polymer system, a pigment system, a metal complex, a metal Well-known electrochromic compounds, such as an oxide, are mentioned.

The electrochromic compound is preferably the electrochromic composition adsorbed on a conductive or semiconducting nanostructure.
The nanostructure means a structure having nanoscale irregularities such as a nanoparticle and a nanoporous structure.
The material of the nanostructure is preferably a metal oxide from the viewpoint of transparency and conductivity.

  The electrochromic compound preferably has at least one of a phosphonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, and a carboxyl group. When the electrochromic compound has at least one of a phosphonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, and a carboxyl group, an electrochromic composition that is easily combined with the nanostructure and excellent in color retention can be obtained.

The electrochromic compound preferably has at least one of a silyl group and a silanol group. When the electrochromic compound has at least one of a silyl group and a silanol group, it is bonded to the nanostructure through a siloxane bond, so that the bond becomes strong and the electrochromic composition has excellent stability. Can be obtained.
The siloxane bond is a chemical bond through a silicon atom and an oxygen atom.

-Electrochromic composition-
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said electrochromic composition, Although it can select suitably according to the objective, It is preferable that it has the structure which the said electrochromic compound and the said nanostructure couple | bonded through the siloxane bond.

There is no restriction | limiting in particular as a layer structure of the said electrochromic element, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, a layer structure as shown in FIGS. 3-6 etc. are mentioned.
In the case of the configuration of the electrochromic element shown in FIG. 6, the first electrode is an oxidation electrode, and the second electrode is a reduction electrode. In this case, when the first electrode is set to a positive potential and the second electrode is set to a reference potential (GND), a charge is trapped in the electrochromic element to be colored. In addition, when the second electrode is set to a positive potential and the first electrode is set to the reference potential, the charge captured during coloring is released from the electrochromic element and is in a decolored state.

<Variable resistance>
The variable resistor is not particularly limited as long as it is connected in parallel to the electrochromic element, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Among these, the minimum value of the resistance value is preferably as small as possible, and those having good resolution and controllability in the vicinity of the resistance value of the electrochromic element are more preferable. When the minimum value of the resistance value is as small as possible, it is advantageous in that the charge in the electrochromic device can be easily released when the electrochromic device is decolored. The infinitely small value varies depending on the member and configuration, but is preferably 50Ω or less, and more preferably 10Ω or less, for example.
The variable resistor is preferably set to have a resistance value by, for example, a resistance value control signal input from the control unit.
Examples of the variable resistor include an electronic volume.
Further, the variable resistor may switch a fixed resistor by a switch or the like.

A circuit that connects the variable resistor to the electrochromic element in parallel may be referred to as a “short circuit”.
As the short circuit, the current measuring means is preferably connected in series with the variable resistor.

<Current measuring means>
The current measuring means is not particularly limited as long as it is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and can measure the value of the current, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The current value may be an instantaneous value or an integrated value. The format of the data of the measured current value is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Even if it is an analog value, it is converted from analog to digital by an operational amplifier, an A / D converter, etc. Any format may be used as long as it can be compared with a threshold value of a correlation data table described later.
In order to perform the analog-digital conversion, an A / D converter built in a microcontroller or the like used in the control unit may be used, or an A / D converter externally attached to the control unit may be used. Good.
Preferably, the current measuring unit is controlled to measure a value of a current flowing through the short circuit by a current measurement control signal input from the control unit.

<Power supply unit>
The power supply unit is not particularly limited as long as it is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and can adjust the supply of current to the electrochromic element, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Depending on the configuration of the electrochromic element as the electrochromic element, it is necessary to apply not only a positive voltage but also a negative voltage to the electrochromic element. Therefore, a power supply that can apply both positive and negative voltages to the electrochromic element. Is preferred.
The power supply unit is preferably adjusted to supply current to the electrochromic element by a current supply control signal input from the control unit.
The power supply unit may be a single power supply or a plurality of power supplies. When the power supply unit has two power supplies, a combination of positive / positive, negative / positive, positive / negative, and negative / negative power supplies including a negative power supply may be used.

<Control unit>
The control unit includes a current control signal, a first switch control signal, a second switch control signal, a third switch control signal, and a fourth switch, which will be described later, based on the current value measured by the current measuring unit. If the switch control signal, the resistance value control signal, and the current measurement control signal are output to control each part, and the supply of current to the electrochromic element can be adjusted by the power supply part, in particular There is no restriction | limiting, According to the objective, it can select suitably.
The control unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls each operation of the element control device, and executes various processes based on a control program for controlling the operation of the entire element control device.

It is preferable that the control unit includes a storage unit that stores the correlation data table.
Examples of the storage means include a hard disk and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The correlation data table is data such as measured values such as the color density of the electrochromic element and the resistance value between both electrodes of the electrochromic element with respect to the current supplied to the electrochromic element, and is stored in the storage means or the like. It is preferable that Since the characteristic value of the electrochromic element is likely to change depending on conditions such as the use environment temperature, the current that can achieve a desired color density when the correlation data table is created and stored in the storage means or the like. Can be easily determined. Further, even when the electrochromic element is deteriorated, it is possible to accurately determine the state of deterioration by comparing the value of the correlation data table with the value of the voltage measured by the current measuring unit. It is also possible to adjust the current supplied according to the deteriorated state.

<Switch part>
The switch unit is not particularly limited as long as the power unit can be electrically separated from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. It is preferable to have a first switch and a second switch. The switch may be connected in series to the short circuit.
The first switch is connected in series between one terminal of the power supply unit and one electrode of the electrochromic element, and is energized by a first switch control signal input from the control unit. Preferably it can be switched on and off.
The second switch is connected in series between the other terminal of the power supply unit and the other electrode of the electrochromic element, and is energized by a second switch control signal input from the control unit. Preferably it can be switched on and off.
Examples of the switch include a mechanical switch such as a relay, an analog switch using a semiconductor, and a field effect transistor such as a MOSFET.

<Other means>
There is no restriction | limiting in particular as said other means, According to the objective, it can select suitably, For example, the system power supply for driving the said control part, the said power supply part, etc. are mentioned.

  Next, with reference to the first embodiment of the element control apparatus of the present invention, the electrochromic element is controlled to be in a colored state, a erasing state (gradation), a erasing state, and a coloring holding state in stages. explain.

-Control of electrochromic elements to be colored-
As the control for making the electrochromic element into a colored state, the control unit causes the power supply unit to supply current to the electrochromic element, and the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit reaches a threshold value. When the determination is made, it is preferable to adjust so that the supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit is stopped.
The value of the current measured by the current measuring means reaches a threshold value when the current measuring means is connected in series to the electrochromic element, and the current measuring means is less than the threshold value. Is connected to the electrochromic element in parallel, the threshold value is exceeded.
The threshold value in this control is preferably a lower limit value of the voltage range of the electrochromic element that is determined based on the correlation data table and that corresponds to a desired coloring state. Moreover, it is preferable that the value of the current supplied to the electrochromic element in this control is a value of the current of the electrochromic element that is determined based on the correlation data table and that corresponds to a desired coloring state.

Thus, in this control, when the control unit supplies current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit, the resistance value of the electrochromic element increases as the electrochromic element is colored. Then, since the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit changes, based on the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit, by adjusting the supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit, The coloring state of the electrochromic element can be accurately controlled.
In addition, when the control unit determines that the current value measured by the current measuring unit has reached a threshold value, the control unit adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power source unit to be stopped. As a result, it is less likely that an excessive load is applied due to the current being continuously supplied to the electrochromic element, so that the deterioration of the electrochromic element can be suppressed.
Further, since the variable resistor is connected in parallel to the electrochromic element, an overcurrent or a high voltage is applied from the power supply unit or the like after reaching the threshold value. However, since a current also flows through the variable resistor, deterioration of the electrochromic element can be suppressed.
The supply of current to the electrochromic element may be stopped by turning off the supply of current from the power supply unit, and the switch unit supplies the current between the power supply unit and the electrochromic element. This may be done by turning the state off.

When the control unit causes the power supply unit to supply current to the electrochromic element, the control unit has a configuration of the short circuit in which the variable resistor and the current measuring unit are connected in series, and the control unit is configured in parallel with the electrochromic element. It is preferable to connect a short circuit. In this case, a current unnecessary for coloring the electrochromic element flows through the short circuit, and control is performed based on the measured current value. Therefore, a high voltage is temporarily applied between both electrodes of the electrochromic element. Even if it is done, it becomes possible to suppress the deterioration of the electrochromic element.
Further, when the short circuit is connected in parallel to the electrochromic element, the resistance value of the variable resistor when the electrochromic element is colored is a resistance value of the electrochromic element in the desired colored state The above is preferable. When the resistance value of the variable resistor is in the preferred range, the current flowing through the short circuit is reduced, and the power consumption for making the electrochromic element in a colored state can be reduced.

-Control of erasing the electrochromic device in stages-
For controlling the electrochromic element to be in a color-erased state step by step, the element control device can switch the power supply unit electrically from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit. And the control unit electrically separates the power supply unit by the switch unit, and then changes the resistance value of the variable resistor to discharge electric charges from the electrochromic element, and the current measuring unit When it is determined that the measured current value is less than or equal to the threshold value, it is preferable to set the resistance value for suppressing discharge of electric charge from the electrochromic element to the variable resistance.

As described above, in this control, after the power supply unit is electrically separated from the electrochromic element in a colored state and the short circuit, the electrochromic element has a desired color density from a dark color to a light color. Furthermore, by controlling the discharge value of the electrochromic element by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor and measuring the discharge current, it is possible to accurately control the electrochromic element. The gradation of the electrochromic element can be controlled by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor stepwise. Note that the electrochromic element in a gradation state that is colored can be shifted to a colored holding state or can be shifted to a decoloring state.
Further, by electrically separating the power supply unit from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring means, the element control device having the power supply unit and the like can be separated from the discharge current from the electrochromic element. Can be protected.
Further, the threshold value of this control is determined based on the correlation data table, and the electric value is discharged from the electrochromic element by changing the resistance value of the variable resistor, and the electrochromic element Is preferably a value at which the color density is considered to have changed to a desired color density and the discharge current accompanying the change has flowed completely. Then, when it is determined that the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit is equal to or less than the threshold value, the resistance value that suppresses the discharge of electric charge from the electrochromic element is set to the variable resistance. A desired coloring state can be maintained for a long time.

-Control to turn the electrochromic element into a decolored state-
For controlling the electrochromic element to be in a decolored state, the element control device further includes a switch unit capable of electrically separating the power supply unit from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit. Preferably, after the control unit electrically separates the power supply unit by the switch unit, an infinitely small value is set for the variable resistor. The infinitely small value varies depending on the member and configuration, but is preferably 50Ω or less, and more preferably 10Ω or less, for example.

Thus, in this control, after the control unit electrically isolates the power source unit by the switch unit, the infinitely small value is set in the variable resistor, thereby the device such as the power source unit. Is protected from the discharge current of the electrochromic element, a discharge current flows from the electrochromic element to the variable resistor, and the electrochromic element can be controlled to be in a decolored state.
In addition, by setting the infinitely small value in the variable resistor, the potential difference between both electrodes of the electrochromic element is almost eliminated, and the electrochromic element is efficiently discharged, and both electrodes are in an equilibrium state. it can. For this reason, the decoloring state can be achieved while suppressing the deterioration of the electrochromic element without applying the decoloring voltage to the electrochromic element. Furthermore, since no decoloring voltage is applied to the electrochromic element, power consumption can be reduced.

  When the short circuit is connected in parallel to the electrochromic element, the resistance value of the variable resistor before the power supply unit is electrically separated by the switch unit is the color of the electrochromic element in a colored state. It is preferable to set a value larger than the resistance value.

Instead of setting the infinitely small value for the variable resistor, another short circuit not connected to the variable resistor may be connected in parallel.
Further, by comparing the value of the current flowing through the short circuit with the correlation data table, it is possible to determine whether or not the electrochromic element has a color residue (disappearance remaining). You may make it eliminate a coloring residue by applying a voltage.

-Control of the electrochromic element to be in a color retention state-
For controlling the electrochromic element to be in a colored holding state, the element control device further includes a switch unit capable of electrically separating the power supply unit from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit. Then, after the control unit electrically isolates the power supply unit by the switch unit, the current due to the electric charge discharged from the electrochromic element becomes a low current value measurable by the current measuring means. When the resistance value is set to the variable resistance and the current value measured by the current measuring means is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold value, the switch unit releases the electrical separation of the power source unit. Preferably, the power supply unit adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element.

  Thus, in this control, the power supply unit is electrically separated from the electrochromic element and the short circuit, the discharge current from the electrochromic element in a colored state is measured by the current measuring unit, and the discharge current Is large, since the coloring voltage is applied again, it can be controlled to maintain the coloring concentration of the electrochromic element for a long time with low power consumption, and deterioration of the electrochromic element can be suppressed.

Moreover, it is preferable that the voltage (additional coloring voltage) for adjusting supply of the electric current to the electrochromic element in this control is near the coloring voltage determined based on the correlation data table.
The application time of the additional coloring voltage is preferably not more than the application time of the coloring voltage.

When the additional coloring voltage is applied, the short circuit may be connected.
After applying the additional coloring voltage, the switch unit electrically isolates the element control device such as the power supply unit from the electrochromic element and the short circuit, and monitors the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit. May be continued. This monitoring can be terminated at an arbitrary timing. For example, the process may be terminated when it is determined that the retention time T is equal to or longer than a preset time.

[Second Embodiment]
According to a second embodiment of the element control device of the present invention, in the configuration of the first embodiment, the switch unit can connect the electrochromic element to a reference potential.
The switch part that is different from the first embodiment will be described.

<Switch part>
The switch part is not particularly limited as long as any electrode of the electrochromic element can be connected to a reference potential, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. In addition to the first switch and the second switch listed as the preferred aspects of the first embodiment, it is preferable to have a third switch, a fourth switch, and a fifth switch.
The third switch is not particularly limited as long as it is connected in series between one electrode of the electrochromic element and a reference potential, and the energization state can be switched on and off according to the input third switch control signal. And can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
The fourth switch is not particularly limited as long as it is connected in series between the other electrode of the electrochromic element and the reference potential, and the energization state can be switched on and off according to the input fourth switch control signal. It can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose.
The fifth switch is not particularly limited as long as it is connected in series between one electrode of the variable resistor and a reference potential, and the energization state can be switched on and off according to the input fifth switch control signal. It can be appropriately selected according to the purpose.
Examples of the switch unit include a mechanical switch such as a relay, an analog switch using a semiconductor, a field effect transistor such as a MOSFET, and the like, like the first switch and the second switch.

In the case of such a switch unit, the power source unit has a first power source and a second power source, and the switch unit uses at least one of the first power source and the second power source as the above-described switch unit. The electrode may be electrically connectable to one electrode of the electrochromic element, and the other electrode of the electrochromic element may be connectable to a reference potential.
The first power source is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, the first power source is connected in series to the first switch, generates a voltage according to the current control signal, and generates the electro It is preferable that the supply of current to the chromic element can be adjusted.
The second power source is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. However, the second power source is connected in series to the second switch, generates a voltage according to the current control signal, and generates the electro It is preferable that the supply of current to the chromic element can be adjusted.
A voltage may be applied to the electrochromic element using either the first power source or the second power source, and the voltage generated from each of the first power source and the second power source may be A voltage may be applied to the electrochromic element due to the difference.

  Next, with reference to a second embodiment of the element control apparatus of the present invention, a control for bringing the electrochromic element into a colored state, a erasing state (gradation), a erasing state, and a coloring holding state in stages. explain.

-Control of electrochromic elements to be colored-
As control for coloring the electrochromic element, the control unit switches on the energization state of the first switch and the fourth switch, and the energization state of the second switch and the third switch. Is turned off, the current is supplied to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit, and when it is determined that the value of the current measured by the current measuring means has reached a threshold value, the electrochromic device is turned on by the power supply unit. It is preferable to adjust so that supply of current to the element is stopped.

-Control of erasing the electrochromic device in stages-
As the control to turn off the electrochromic element step by step, the control unit switches off the energization state from the first switch to the fourth switch to electrically isolate the power supply unit. After that, when the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed to release the charge from the electrochromic element, and when it is determined that the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit is equal to or less than a threshold value, the electrochromic element It is preferable to set the resistance value for suppressing the discharge of electric charges to the variable resistance.

  As another control for putting the electrochromic element into a decoloring state, the control unit switches off the energization state of the first switch and the fourth switch, and the second switch and the third switch. After the switch is turned on, it is preferable that the supply of current to the electrochromic element is adjusted by the power supply unit so that charges are discharged from the electrochromic element.

  As another control for putting the electrochromic element into a decoloring state, the control unit switches off the energization state from the first switch to the fourth switch to electrically isolate the power supply unit. After that, it is preferable to set an infinitely small value for the variable resistor.

-Control of the electrochromic element to be in a color retention state-
As a control for bringing the electrochromic element into the colored holding state, the control unit switches off the energization state from the first switch to the fourth switch and electrically isolates the power supply unit. The resistance value is set to the variable resistance so that the current due to the electric charge discharged from the electrochromic element becomes a low current value measurable by the current measuring means, and the current value measured by the current measuring means Is determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold value, it is preferable to switch on the energization state of the first switch and the fourth switch and adjust the supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit. .

Here, the operation of putting the electrochromic element in the discolored state using the element control apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In addition, in each drawing, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component and the overlapping description may be abbreviate | omitted. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the following constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and can be set to a preferable number, position, shape, and the like in practicing the present invention.

  First, a control method for making an electrochromic element in a colored state performed by the element control apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with a step represented by S in the flowchart of FIG. At the start stage of this process, the EC element 110 is in a decolored state.

S101: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value corresponding to the resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121.
The resistance value in this step is preferably a resistance value R1 higher than the resistance value of the EC element 110 in a desired colored state. When the resistance value is the resistance value R1, the current flowing through the short circuit 120 can be reduced, so that power consumption can be suppressed.
S102: The control unit 140 outputs a current measurement control signal 143 to the current measurement unit 122 to start measurement of the value of the current flowing through the short circuit 120 (hereinafter also referred to as “current value I _D ”). The signal of the obtained current value _ID is output.
S <b> 103: The control unit 140 outputs a current control signal 141 to the power supply unit 151 to start applying a coloring voltage to the EC element 110.
The coloring voltage is preferably a voltage determined based on the correlation data table.
S104: If control unit 140 determines that current value _ID is greater than or equal to the threshold value, control unit 140 proceeds to S105, and determines that current value _ID is not greater than or equal to the threshold value and continues to monitor current value _ID. .
S105: The control unit 140 outputs a current control signal 141 to the power supply unit 151, stops the application of the coloring voltage to the EC element 110, and ends this process.

  Next, the control performed by the element control apparatus of the present invention for gradually erasing the electrochromic element will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with the step represented by S in the flowchart of FIG. At the start stage of this process, the EC element 110 is colored by an arbitrary method.

S201: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value R1 corresponding to the resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121.
S202: The control unit 140 outputs a switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, switches the energization state of the first switch 131 and the second switch 132 to OFF, and the EC element 110. The power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the short circuit 120.
By electrically separating the power supply unit 151 from the short circuit 120, the element control device 10 such as the power supply unit 151 can be protected from the discharge current of the colored EC element 110.
S203: The control unit 140 outputs a current measurement control signal 143 to the current measuring unit 122, starts measurement of the current value _ID flowing in the short circuit 120, and outputs a signal of the obtained current value _ID .
S204: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121, and sets the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to a resistance value R2 that is lower than the resistance value of the EC element 110 in the colored state (current state).
By setting the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to the resistance value R2, it is possible to discharge electric charge from the EC element 110 to the variable resistor 121 and reduce the coloring density of the EC element 110.
S205: When determining that current value _ID is equal to or greater than the threshold value, control unit 140 proceeds to S206, and when it is determined that current value _ID is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, monitoring of current value _ID is continued. .
S206: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121, sets the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to a resistance value R3 higher than the resistance value of the EC element 110 in the colored state (current state), This process ends.

  Next, the control performed by the element control apparatus of the present invention to bring the electrochromic element into a decolored state will be described with reference to FIG. 1 according to the step represented by S in the flowchart of FIG. In the initial stage S301 of this process, the EC element 110 is colored by an arbitrary method.

S <b> 302: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value R <b> 1 corresponding to the resistance value control signal 142 in the variable resistor 121.
S303: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, so that the first switch 131 and the second switch 132 are output. The energization state of 132 is switched off, and the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120.
S304: The control unit 140 outputs the resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, thereby reducing the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 as much as possible, thereby causing the EC element 110 to release the trapped charge. To erase the color and end this process.

  Next, the control performed by the element control apparatus of the present invention to turn off the electrochromic element will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with the step represented by S in the flowchart of FIG. In the start stage S401 of this process, the EC element 110 is colored by an arbitrary method.

S402: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value R1 corresponding to the resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121.
S403: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energization state of 132 is switched off, and the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120.
S404: The control unit 140 outputs a current measurement control signal 143 to the current measurement unit 122, starts measurement of the current value _ID flowing in the short circuit 120, and outputs a signal of the obtained current value _ID .
S405: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, thereby reducing the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 as much as possible, thereby causing the EC element 110 to release the trapped charge. Transition to the decolored state.
S406: The controller 140, the current value I _D has finished determining the present process to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, the current value I _D is shifting to S407 the processing is determined that not more than the threshold value.
Judging by the control unit 140 at this step, the current value I _D obtained, against the said correlation data table previously acquired EC element 110, resulting current value I is the current of the correlation data table towards the _D If the value is larger than the value, it is determined that the charge not discharged from the EC element 110 remains and there is a coloring residue (disappearance), and the process proceeds to S407 to apply a decoloring voltage to the EC element 110 to perform coloring. I try to eliminate the rest.
S407: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energization state 132 is turned on, and the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120 are connected to the power supply unit 151.
S <b> 408: The control unit 140 outputs a current control signal 141 to the power supply unit 151 to apply a decoloring voltage to the EC element 110.
S409: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energization state of 132 is switched off, the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120, and the process proceeds to S405.

  Next, the control for setting the electrochromic element in the colored holding state performed by the element control apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with the step represented by S in the flowchart of FIG. At the start stage of this process, the EC element 110 is colored by an arbitrary method.

S501: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value R1 corresponding to the resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121.
S502: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energization state of 132 is switched off, and the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120.
S503: The control unit 140 outputs a current measurement control signal 143 to the current measurement unit 122, starts measurement of the current value _ID flowing in the short circuit 120, and outputs a signal of the obtained current value _ID .
If the current value _ID is an integrated value and the process has shifted from S509, the current value _ID is reset in this step. If the current value I _D is the instantaneous value, continue the measurement of the current value I _D is performed.
S504: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to a resistance value R4 that is lower than the resistance value R1 of S501.
The resistance value R4 may be a value that can measure the value of the current flowing through the short circuit 120, preferably smaller than the resistance value R1, and not much lower than the resistance value of the colored EC element 110. Is more preferable. When the resistance value R4 is much lower than the resistance value of the colored EC element 110, a current flows rapidly through the short circuit 120, and the EC element 110 is colored before the colored state is monitored by the current value. It will change greatly.
S505: If control unit 140 determines that current value _ID is greater than or equal to the threshold value, control unit 140 causes the process to proceed to S506, and determines that current value _ID is not equal to or greater than the threshold value and continues to monitor current value _ID. .
When the current value _ID is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is determined that the charge is discharged from the EC element 110 and the colored state cannot be maintained, and the process proceeds to S506 and the colored voltage is applied again. Yes.
Note that the current value _ID is an integrated value of current when the coloring state transitions from a dark color to a light color, and is the amount of charge released from the EC element 110. Further, it may be an instantaneous value, not an integrated value. When the current value _ID is an instantaneous value, if the control unit 140 determines that the current value _ID is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 140 causes the process to proceed to S506, and if the current value _ID is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, Continue monitoring _ID .
S506: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energization state 132 is switched on, and the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120 are connected to the power supply unit 151.
S507: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to the resistance value R1.
S508: The control unit 140 outputs the current control signal 141 to the power supply unit 151 to apply a coloring voltage to the EC element 110.
S509: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energized state of 132 is switched off, the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120, and the process proceeds to S503.

  Next, the control for setting the electrochromic element in the color retention state performed by the element control apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 in accordance with the step represented by S in the flowchart of FIG. At the start stage of this process, the EC element 110 is colored by an arbitrary method. Also, in this process, unlike the control for setting the electrochromic element in the colored holding state shown in FIG. 17, when the preset holding time has elapsed, the monitoring of the current value is stopped and the process is terminated.

S601: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value R1 corresponding to the resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121.
S602: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch 132 are output. Is switched off, and the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120.
S603: The control unit 140 starts measuring the holding time T based on an internal clock or the like.
S604: The control unit 140 outputs the current measurement control signal 143 to the current measurement unit 122, starts measurement of the current value _ID flowing in the short circuit 120, and outputs the obtained signal of current value _ID .
If the current value _ID is an integrated value and the process has shifted from S612, the current value _ID is reset in this step. If the current value I _D is the instantaneous value, continue the measurement of the current value I _D is performed.
S605: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to the resistance value R2 lower than the resistance value R1.
S606: When determining that holding time T is greater than or equal to the threshold value, control unit 140 ends the process, and when determining that holding time T is not equal to or greater than the threshold value, control unit 140 causes the process to proceed to S607.
S607: The controller 140, the current value _{I D1} is to shift to S608 processing and judged to be greater than or equal to the threshold value, the current value _{I D1} is to shift to S606 the processing is determined that not more than the threshold value.
Note that the current value I _D1 is an integrated value of a current when the coloring state transitions from a dark color to a light color, and is an amount of charge released from the EC element 110. Further, it may be an instantaneous value, not an integrated value. When the current value I _D1 is an instantaneous value, if the control unit 140 determines that the current value I _D1 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the control unit 140 proceeds to S608 and determines that the current value I _D1 is not equal to or less than the threshold value. The process proceeds to S606.
S608: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energization state 132 is turned on, and the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120 are connected to the power supply unit 151.
S609: The control unit 140 outputs a resistance value control signal 142 to the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120, and sets the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 to the resistance value R1.
S610: The control unit 140 outputs a current control signal 141 to the power supply unit 151 to apply a coloring voltage to the EC element 110.
S611: If control unit 140 determines that current value I _D2 is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to S612. If control unit 140 determines that current value I _D2 is not equal to or greater than the threshold, monitoring of current value I _D2 is continued. .
The current value _ID2 is an instantaneous value of current per certain time when the coloring state transitions from a light color to a dark color, and represents a change in the coloring state of the EC element 110 as a resistance value change. .
S612: The control unit 140 outputs the first switch control signal and the second switch control signal 144 to the first switch 131 and the second switch 132, and the first switch 131 and the second switch The energized state of 132 is switched off, the power supply unit 151 is electrically separated from the EC element 110 and the short circuit 120, and the process proceeds to S604.

  Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Example 1
<Evaluation of variation rate of color density by voltage (decoloration->coloration)>
Using the element control apparatus 10 (first embodiment) shown in FIG. 1, the resistance value R1 of the variable resistor 121 is 8 kΩ, the current value threshold is 10 μA / cm ² per 100 milliseconds as an instantaneous value, The coloring voltage was set to -3.0 V, -3.2 V, and -3.4 V, respectively, and the EC element 110 was brought into a colored state according to the control flowchart for setting the colored state shown in FIG.
The transmittance of the absorption maximum wavelength λmax in the visible region (400 nm or more and 800 nm or less) in the center of the display region of the colored EC element 110 is measured using a fiber multichannel spectrometer (USB 4000, manufactured by Ocean Optics), and EC. The variation rate of the color density of the EC element 110 with respect to the color density determined based on the correlation data table (hereinafter also referred to as “color density A”) indicating the deterioration of the element 110 is obtained by the following formula 1, and the following: Evaluation based on the criteria. The results are shown in Table 1.
Rate of change(%)
= (Coloring density A-Coloring density of EC element) × 100 / (Coloring density A) .. Formula 1
[Evaluation criteria]
A: The variation rate of the coloring density of the EC element with respect to the coloring density A is less than 1%. A: The variation rate of the coloring density of the EC element with respect to the coloring density A is 1% or more and less than 5%. Fluctuation rate of 5% or more

<Evaluation of yellowing (decoloration->coloring)>
Using the element control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, after the EC element 110 in the colored state is decolored according to the control flowchart for decoloring the state shown in FIG. 15, the colored state shown in FIG. 13 is obtained. The cycle for returning the EC element 110 to the colored state according to the control flow chart is 10,000 cycles, and the yellow index (YI) value is used as an index of the degree of yellowing of the EC element 110 in the decolored state. Similar to the measurement of the color density, measurement is performed using a fiber multichannel spectrometer (USB 4000, manufactured by Ocean Optics), and a difference (ΔYI) from the initial value measured in advance is obtained. The yellowing state showing was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.
[Evaluation criteria]
◎: ΔYI is less than 5 ○: ΔYI is 5 or more and less than 10 ×: ΔYI is 10 or more

(Example 2)
In the first embodiment, when the element control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with the element control device 20 shown in FIG. 2 to be colored, the circuit state shown in the block diagram shown in FIG. The evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the circuit state shown in the block diagram of FIG. 9 was used. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 1)
In Example 1, the element control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with the element control apparatus 30 in which the variable resistance does not exist in the short circuit shown in FIG. 19, except that both electrodes of the EC element 110 are short-circuited. The same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed. The results are shown in Table 1.

(Comparative Example 2)
In Example 1, evaluation was made in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the element control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 was replaced with the element control device 40 having no short circuit shown in FIG. The results are shown in Table 1.

From Table 1, in Example 1 and 2, it has confirmed that it was set as the desired coloring density | concentration, without deteriorating the said electrochromic element.
In Comparative Example 1, it was confirmed that the current was more likely to flow through the short circuit than the electrochromic element, and the electrochromic element was not in a colored state. In Comparative Example 2, it was confirmed that when a high voltage was applied as the coloring voltage, not only the desired coloring density was not achieved but also the electrochromic device was deteriorated.

(Example 3)
1, the coloring voltage is −3.0 V, the threshold value of the current value flowing through the short circuit 120 is 10 μA / cm ² per 100 milliseconds, and the variable resistor 121 of the short circuit 120 is The resistance value R1 and the resistance value R3 are set to 20 kΩ, the resistance value R2 is set in the order of 5 kΩ, 3 kΩ, and 1 kΩ, respectively, and the EC element 110 is set in accordance with the control flow chart shown in FIG. The transmittance of the EC element 110 when gradually shifting from the dark color state to the light color state was measured in the same manner as in Example 1 and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 2.

Example 4
In the third embodiment, the element control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with the element control apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2, and the circuit state of the block diagram shown in FIG. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 3 except that the element 110 was gradually erased. The results are shown in Table 2.

  From Table 2, in Examples 3 and 4, the resistance value of the variable resistor is decreased stepwise, and the charge of the electrochromic device is discharged stepwise, so that the electrochromic device has a desired color density. It was confirmed that the control could be adjusted.

(Example 5)
<Evaluation of remaining coloring>
Using the element control device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the resistance value R1 of the variable resistor 121 is 20 kΩ, the decoloring voltage is 1.0 V, and the threshold value of the current value of the short circuit 120 is 10 mC / cm ² as an integrated value. , The transmittance of the EC element 110 when the colored EC element 110 is in a decolored state is measured in the same manner as in Example 1 according to the flowchart of the control to make the decolored state shown in FIG. The same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed for the coloring residue.

<Evaluation of yellowing>
Using the element control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, after the EC element 110 in the colored state is erased in accordance with the flowchart of the control for making the erased state shown in FIG. 16, the colored state shown in FIG. The cycle for returning the EC element 110 to the colored state in accordance with the control flow chart is 10,000 cycles, and the yellow index (YI) value of the EC element 110 in the decolored state is the same as in the first embodiment. Measurement was performed and the same evaluation as in Example 1 was performed as the coloring residue. The results are shown in Table 3.

(Example 6)
In the fifth embodiment, the element control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is replaced with the device control device 20 shown in FIG. 2 except that the circuit state of the block diagram shown in FIG. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 5. The results are shown in Table 3.

(Comparative Example 3)
In Example 5, the evaluation was made in the same manner as in Example 5 except that the element control apparatus shown in FIG. 20 was used. The results are shown in Table 3.

  From the results shown in Table 3, it was confirmed that in Examples 5 and 6, it was possible to put the electrochromic device into a decolored state without deteriorating by using the control to make the decolored state.

(Example 7)
<Evaluation of change in color density in the color retention state>
Using the element control device 10 shown in FIG. 1, the current value threshold I _D1 is 10 mC / cm ² in terms of integrated value, and the current value threshold I _D2 is 10 μA / cm ² per 100 milliseconds in terms of instantaneous value. The resistance value R1 of the variable resistor 121 is set to 20 kΩ, R2 is set to 15 kΩ, the coloring voltage is changed to −2.6V, −2.8V, and −3.0V, and the coloring holding state shown in FIG. According to the flowchart, the electrochromic element was colored. The color density after 20 hours from the coloring state was measured and judged according to the following criteria.
[Evaluation criteria]
A: Color density change after 20 hours with respect to the initial color density is less than 1% B: Color density change after 20 hours with respect to the initial color density is 1% or more and less than 5% ×: Initial Change in color density after 20 hours with respect to color density is 5% or more

<Evaluation of yellowing>
Using the element control apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1, after the EC element 110 in the colored state is erased in accordance with the flowchart of the control for making the erased state shown in FIG. 16, the colored state shown in FIG. The cycle for returning the EC element 110 to the colored state according to the control flowchart is 10,000 cycles, and the yellow index (YI) value of the decolored EC element 110 is measured in the same manner as in Example 1. Evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 4.
[Evaluation criteria]
A: Change from initial value (ΔYI) is less than 5 ○: Change from initial value (ΔYI) is 5 or more and less than 10 ×: Change from initial value (ΔYI) is 10 or more

(Example 8)
In Example 7, evaluation was made in the same manner as in Example 7 except that the element control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 was replaced with the element control device 20 shown in FIG. The results are shown in Table 4.

(Comparative Example 4)
In Example 7, it evaluated similarly to Example 7 except having continued applying the coloring voltage for color maintenance. The results are shown in Table 4.

From Table 4, it was confirmed that in Examples 7 and 8, the coloring density could be maintained for 20 hours, and yellowing, which was one of the deteriorations of the electrochromic device, could be suppressed.
In Comparative Example 4, it was confirmed that yellowing appeared greatly, the electrochromic element was deteriorated, and coloring could not be retained.

Example 9
<Evaluation of power consumption>
As the power supply unit 151 to the element control device 20, two button batteries (trade name: SR621W, manufactured by Sony Corporation) are connected in series, and the element control device 20 shown in FIG. In this state, −3.0 V was applied as a coloring voltage between both electrodes of the EC element 110 to bring the EC element 110 into a colored state. At this time, the transmittance of the absorption maximum wavelength λmax in the visible region (400 nm or more and 800 nm or less) in the center of the display region of the colored EC element 110 is measured by the fiber multichannel spectrometer, and the light transmission of the EC element 110 is performed. It was confirmed that the rate changed from 75% to 20%.
Then, in accordance with the flowchart of control of the decolored state shown in FIG. 16, the resistance value R1 of the variable resistor 121 20 k [Omega, and 10 mC / cm ² in the integrated value of the threshold current value _{I D} flowing in the short circuit 11, after connecting the short circuit 120 to the EC element 110 in the circuit state shown in FIG. 11, the power supply unit 151 is separated from the EC element 110, the short circuit 120, and the current measuring unit 122, and the resistance value of the variable resistor 121 is changed. Set to 10Ω.
Measurement of the current value of the short circuit was started, and when it was determined that the current value was equal to or greater than the threshold value, a decoloring voltage of 1.0 V was applied.
When it is determined that the current value is less than or equal to the threshold value, the EC element 110 repeats color development and decoloration for the power consumption, assuming that the cycle for changing from the colored state to the decolored state is completed once. It was evaluated whether it was possible. The same procedure was repeated 5 times, and the average number of repetitions was determined. The results are shown in Table 5.

(Comparative Example 5)
In Example 9, the evaluation was performed in the same manner as in Example 9 except that the short circuit 120 was not used and the circuit state was set to the decoloring state shown in FIG. The results are shown in Table 5.

  From the results of Example 9 in Table 5, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during the color erasing drive by releasing the charge of the electrochromic element with a short circuit, and to improve the number of repetitions of color development and color erasure. I understood. In Comparative Example 5, when the charge of the electrochromic element is released without using the short circuit, the number of repetitions of the coloring and decoloring is reduced to about ½ that when the short circuit is used, It turns out that power consumption is large.

As an aspect of this invention, it is as follows, for example.
<1> An electrochromic element, a power supply unit that is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and adjusts supply of current to the electrochromic element, and a variable resistor that is electrically connected in parallel to the electrochromic element Current measuring means electrically connected to the electrochromic element and measuring the value of the current, and based on the current value measured by the current measuring means, the current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit And a control unit that adjusts supply.
<2> When the control unit causes the power supply unit to supply current to the electrochromic element and determines that the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit has reached a threshold value, the electrolysis by the power supply unit is performed. The element control device according to <1>, wherein adjustment is performed to stop supply of current to the chromic element.
<3> A switch unit capable of electrically separating the power supply unit from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit is further included, and the control unit electrically connects the power supply unit with the switch unit. When the current value measured by the current measuring means is less than or equal to a threshold value when the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed to release the charge from the electrochromic element, The element control device according to any one of <1> to <2>, wherein the resistance value for suppressing discharge of electric charge from the electrochromic element is set to the variable resistance.
<4> The switch unit is connected in series between the power source unit and one electrode of the electrochromic element, the first switch that can be turned on and off, the second power source and the A second switch connected in series between the other electrode of the electrochromic element and capable of switching on and off the energized state; and connected in series between one electrode of the electrochromic element and a reference potential; A third switch capable of switching the energized state on and off; and a fourth switch connected in series between the other electrode of the electrochromic element and the reference potential and capable of switching the energized state on and off. It is an element control apparatus as described in said <3>.
<5> After the control unit switches on the energization state of the first switch and the fourth switch and switches off the energization state of the second switch and the third switch, the power supply The current is supplied to the electrochromic element by the unit, and when it is determined that the value of the current measured by the current measuring means has reached a threshold value, the supply of the current to the electrochromic element is adjusted to stop. It is an element control apparatus as described in said <4>.
<6> The control unit switches off the energization state from the first switch to the fourth switch, electrically isolates the power supply unit, and then changes the resistance value of the variable resistor. When the electric value is discharged from the electrochromic element and it is determined that the current value measured by the current measuring means is equal to or less than a threshold value, the resistance value for suppressing the discharge of the electric charge from the electrochromic element is set to the variable resistor. It is an element control apparatus as described in said <4> set to.
<7> After the control unit switches off the energization states of the first switch and the fourth switch and switches on the energization states of the second switch and the third switch, the power supply The element control device according to <4>, wherein the supply of current to the electrochromic element is adjusted by the unit so that electric charge is discharged from the electrochromic element.
<8> After the control unit switches off the energization state from the first switch to the fourth switch and electrically separates the first power source and the second power source, The element control device according to <4>, wherein a small value is set in the variable resistor.
<9> After the control unit switches off the energization state from the first switch to the fourth switch and electrically isolates the power supply unit, the control unit uses the charge discharged from the electrochromic element. When the resistance value is set to the variable resistance so that the current becomes a low current value measurable by the current measuring means, and the current value measured by the current measuring means is determined to be greater than or equal to a threshold value The element control device according to <4>, wherein the energization state of the first switch and the fourth switch is turned on, and the supply of current to the electrochromic element is adjusted by the power supply unit.
<10> The power supply unit includes a first power supply and a second power supply, and the switch unit uses at least one of the first power supply and the second power supply as one electrode of the electrochromic element. The device control device according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the second electrode of the electrochromic device can be connected to a reference potential.
<11> A switch unit capable of electrically separating the power supply unit from the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring unit,
The control unit is
After electrically separating the power supply unit by the switch unit, the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed as small as possible to discharge electric charges from the electrochromic element. It is an element control apparatus of description.
<12> In an element control device having an electrochromic element, a power supply unit, a variable resistor, a current measuring unit, and a control unit, a current is supplied to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit and adjusted by the variable resistor The measured current value is measured using the current measuring unit, and the current supplied from the power source unit by the control unit based on the current value measured by the current measuring unit is measured using the power source unit. It is the element control method characterized by including adjusting.

  The element control device according to any one of <1> to <11> and the element control method according to <12> can solve the conventional problems and achieve the object of the invention. it can.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 20 Element control apparatus 110 Electrochromic element 112 1st electrode 115 2nd electrode 120 Short circuit 121 Variable resistance 122 Current measuring means 131 1st switch 132 2nd switch 133 3rd switch 134 4th switch 135 fifth switch 140 control unit 141 current control signal 142 resistance value control signal 143 current measurement control signal 144 switch control signal 151 power source unit 152 first power source 153 second power source 154 system power source

JP 2006-153925 A

Claims (6)

An electrochromic device;
A power supply unit that is electrically connected to the electrochromic element and adjusts the supply of current to the electrochromic element;
A variable resistor electrically connected in parallel to the electrochromic element;
Current measuring means electrically connected to the electrochromic element and measuring the value of the current;
An element control apparatus comprising: a control unit that adjusts supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit based on a current value measured by the current measuring unit. The control unit is
The electric power is supplied to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit,
2. The element control according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit has reached a threshold value, adjustment is made so that supply of current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit is stopped. apparatus. From the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring means, further comprising a switch unit that can electrically separate the power supply unit,
The control unit is
After electrically separating the power supply unit by the switch unit, the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed to release electric charges from the electrochromic element,
3. The variable resistance according to claim 1, wherein when the current value measured by the current measuring means is determined to be less than or equal to a threshold value, the resistance value for suppressing discharge of electric charge from the electrochromic element is set to the variable resistance. The element control apparatus of crab. The power supply unit includes a first power supply and a second power supply;
The switch unit can electrically connect at least one of the first power source and the second power source to one electrode of the electrochromic element, and connects the other electrode of the electrochromic element to a reference potential. The device control apparatus according to claim 3, which is possible. From the electrochromic element, the variable resistor, and the current measuring means, further comprising a switch unit that can electrically separate the power supply unit,
The control unit is
5. The element control device according to claim 4, wherein after the power supply unit is electrically separated by the switch unit, the resistance value of the variable resistor is changed to an infinitely small value to discharge charges from the electrochromic device. In an element control device having an electrochromic element, a power supply unit, a variable resistor, a current measuring unit, and a control unit,
Supply current to the electrochromic element by the power supply unit,
A current value adjusted by the variable resistor is measured using the current measuring means;
An element control method comprising adjusting the current supplied from the power supply unit by the control unit using the power supply unit based on the value of the current measured by the current measuring unit.

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