KR102435937B1 - Electrochromic device - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a threshold time so that the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region correspond, When a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change color to a first state, the threshold time is a first threshold time, and when a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change color to a second state, the threshold time is It may be the second threshold time.

Description

Electrochromic device

The embodiment relates to an electrochromic device.

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a color is changed based on a redox reaction induced by an applied power. The electrochromic material may be defined as an electrochromic material.

Electrochromic devices including the electrochromic material have been used for various purposes. The electrochromic device has been used to adjust the light transmittance or reflectivity of window glass for construction or automobile glass. In particular, the electrochromic device is used for a rear view mirror used in a vehicle, and has been used to prevent the strong light of the rear vehicle reflected through the rear view mirror of the vehicle from interfering with the driver's view during the day and night.

In the case of the electrochromic device, since the color is discolored by the power source, there is a technical problem in which the voltage applied to realize a desired degree of discoloration must be appropriately controlled.

In addition, since power is required in the discoloration process and maintenance process of the electrochromic device, power consumption increases as the area increases.

The embodiment provides an electrochromic device capable of realizing a desired color change level.

An embodiment provides an electrochromic device for reducing power consumption.

An embodiment provides an electrochromic device capable of reducing discoloration deviation for each area.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a threshold time so that the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region correspond, When a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change color to a first state, the threshold time is a first threshold time, and when a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change color to a second state, the threshold time is It may be the second threshold time.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling to change state, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit is configured to correspond to the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region for at least a critical time period. A voltage may be applied during a phosphorus application time, and the controller may apply a voltage during a first application time when changing to the first state, and apply a voltage during a second application time when changing to the second state.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, and a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. and a control unit controlling the state to be changed to a state or a third state having a greater value than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first area and a second area, and the transmittance of the first area and the second transmittance A voltage is applied for a threshold time so that the transmittance of the region corresponds, and when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change the color of the electrochromic element in the first state to the third state, the threshold time is the first threshold time and a threshold time when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change the color of the electrochromic element in the second state to the third state is a second threshold time, the first threshold time and the second threshold The times may be different from each other.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, and a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. and a control unit controlling the state to be changed to a state or a third state having a greater value than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit includes a transmittance of the first region. A voltage is applied for an application time equal to at least a threshold time so that the transmittance of the second region and the transmittance correspond to each other, and the control unit applies a voltage during the first application time to change the electrochromic element in the first state to the third state. and the controller may apply a voltage during a second application time to change the electrochromic element in the second state to the third state.

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

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

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

The electrochromic apparatus according to the embodiment may reduce power consumption by controlling the application time of the sustain voltage based on the threshold time.

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

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiment, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may add, change, delete, etc. other elements within the scope of the same spirit, through addition, change, deletion, etc. Other embodiments included within the scope of the invention may be easily suggested, but this will also be included within the scope of the invention.

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

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance, a second state having a second transmittance, and a third state having a third transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element or a control unit for controlling to change to a fourth state having a fourth transmittance - the second transmittance has a larger value than the first transmittance, and the third transmittance has a larger value than the second transmittance, , the fourth transmittance has a greater value than the third transmittance -, when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element in a state in which the electrochromic element has a first state, the electrochromic element is in a second state , and when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element in a state in which the electrochromic element has a fourth state, the electrochromic element enters a third state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first state, the second state, the third state, or the fourth state may be determined according to a ratio of ions included in the electrochromic layer to ions included in the ion storage layer.

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

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

The ion may be a hydrogen ion or a lithium ion.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance, a second state having a second transmittance, or a third state having a third transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element. and a control unit controlling to change to - the second transmittance has a larger value than the first transmittance, and the third transmittance has a larger value than the second transmittance -, the control unit is the electrochromic device A first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element in a state in which is in a first state to change the electrochromic element to a second state, and the controller is configured to apply a first voltage to the electrochromic element in a state in which the electrochromic element is in a third state. The electrochromic element is changed to a second state by applying a second voltage to , and the first voltage and the second voltage may be different from each other.

The second voltage may be greater than the first voltage.

The controller may selectively apply any one of the first voltage and the second voltage to change the electrochromic element to the second state based on whether the electrochromic element is in the first state or the third state. have.

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

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

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

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

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a controller for applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element to color or decolorize at least the electrochromic element, wherein a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to decolorize When a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element in the current state, a third voltage at which the state of the electrochromic element is maintained may exist between the first voltage and the second voltage.

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

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a controller for applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element to color or decolorize at least the electrochromic element, wherein the controller applies a first voltage to the electrochromic element. A second voltage may be applied to the electrochromic device to color the electrochromic device in a state in which the color has been applied, and the second voltage may be greater than the first voltage by an invariant voltage section.

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

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

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a threshold time so that the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region correspond, When a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change color to a first state, the threshold time is a first threshold time, and when a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change color to a second state, the threshold time is It may be the second threshold time.

An initial state when the electrochromic element is discolored to a first state and an initial state when the electrochromic element is discolored to a second state may be the same as a third state.

The first threshold time may be changed according to the third state.

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

The critical time may be changed by temperature.

The electrochromic element may include a contact region electrically connected to the controller, and transmittance of the electrochromic element may be changed from a region adjacent to the contact region.

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

A deviation between the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region may be proportional to a sheet resistance of one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

The second voltage may be greater than the first voltage.

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

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling to change state, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit is configured to correspond to the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region for at least a critical time period. A voltage may be applied during a phosphorus application time, and the controller may apply a voltage during a first application time when changing to the first state, and apply a voltage during a second application time when changing to the second state.

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

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

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

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

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

The controller may determine an application time for discoloration based on a current state of the electrochromic device.

The controller may determine the current state of the electrochromic element based on a voltage applied when the electrochromic element is changed to the current state.

It may include a storage unit for storing the voltage applied when the electrochromic element is changed to the current state.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, and a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. and a control unit controlling the state to be changed to a state or a third state having a greater value than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first area and a second area, and the transmittance of the first area and the second transmittance A voltage is applied for a threshold time so that the transmittance of the region corresponds, and when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change the color of the electrochromic element in the first state to the third state, the threshold time is the first threshold time and a threshold time when a first voltage is applied to the electrochromic element to change the color of the electrochromic element in the second state to the third state is a second threshold time, the first threshold time and the second threshold The times may be different from each other.

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

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

The first threshold time is determined by a difference between a voltage applied when the electrochromic element is changed to a first state and the first voltage, and the second threshold time is determined by a time when the electrochromic element is changed to a second state. It may be determined by a difference between the applied voltage and the first voltage.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, and a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. and a control unit controlling the state to be changed to a state or a third state having a greater value than the second transmittance, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit includes a transmittance of the first region. A voltage is applied for an application time equal to at least a threshold time so that the transmittance of the second region and the transmittance correspond to each other, and the control unit applies a voltage during the first application time to change the electrochromic element in the first state to the third state. and the controller may apply a voltage during a second application time to change the electrochromic element in the second state to the third state.

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

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

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

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

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling the state to be changed, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and a voltage is applied for a threshold time so that the transmittance of the first region and the transmittance of the second region correspond, The control unit applies a sustain voltage for maintaining the state of the electrochromic element in the sustain step, the threshold time for maintaining the first state of the electrochromic element is a first threshold time, and the second state of the electrochromic element The threshold time for maintaining ? may be a second threshold time.

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

The holding step includes an application time during which the sustain voltage is applied and a non-appliance time during which the sustain voltage is not applied. The threshold time for maintaining the state may be a third threshold time, and if the non-application time is the second non-application time, the threshold time for maintaining the first state of the electrochromic element may be a fourth threshold time.

When the first non-application time is longer than the second non-application time, the third threshold time may be longer than the fourth threshold time.

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

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

In the discoloration step of the electrochromic element, the initial state of discoloring to the first state may be a third state, and the initial state of discoloring to the second state may be a third state.

The first threshold time may be changed according to the third state.

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

The critical time may be changed by temperature.

In the discoloring step of the electrochromic device, a threshold time for discoloration to a first state by applying a first voltage to the electrochromic device is a fifth critical time, and in the discoloring step of the electrochromic device, a second voltage is applied to the electrochromic device The threshold time for discoloration to the second state after being applied is a sixth threshold time, and the first threshold time may be shorter than the fifth threshold time.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and an ion storage layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode. an electrochromic device comprising; and a first state having at least a first transmittance by applying power to the electrochromic element to move at least one ion inside the electrochromic element, or a second transmittance having a second transmittance greater than the first transmittance. a control unit for controlling to change to a state, wherein the electrochromic element includes a first region and a second region, and the control unit determines the transmittance of the first region to maintain the state of the electrochromic element in the holding step; A sustain voltage is applied for an application time equal to at least a threshold time for allowing the transmittance of the second region to correspond, and the control unit applies a first sustain voltage for a first application time to maintain the first state of the electrochromic element; , the controller may apply a second sustain voltage for a second application time to maintain the second state of the electrochromic element.

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

The maintaining step further includes a non-applying time during which a sustain voltage is not applied, and in the maintaining step of the electrochromic device, the controller applies a third application to maintain the first state when the non-applying time is the first non-applying time. The first sustain voltage may be applied for a period of time, and when the non-applied time is the second non-applied time, the controller may apply the first sustain voltage for a fourth applied time to maintain the first state.

When the first non-application time is longer than the second non-application time, the third application time may be longer than the fourth application time.

When the second state is a state having the highest transmittance, the control unit may apply a sustain voltage for a second application time in order to maintain the changed state after the electrochromic element is changed to all changeable states.

The controller applies a first color-changing voltage to change the electrochromic element to a first state in the discoloring step, and the controller applies a second color-changing voltage to change the electrochromic element to a second state in the discoloring step can be authorized

The first discoloration voltage may be the same as the first sustain voltage.

The control unit applies a first color-changing voltage during a first color-changing voltage application time to change the electrochromic element to a first state in the discoloring step, and the control unit sets the electrochromic element to a second state in the discoloring step. In order to change the color, a second discoloration voltage is applied during a second discoloration voltage application time, and the first discoloration voltage application time may be longer than or equal to the first application time.

The controller may determine an application time for discoloration based on a current state of the electrochromic device.

A method of controlling an electrochromic device according to an embodiment includes a first electrode, a second electrode, an electrochromic layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and ions disposed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode A method of controlling an electrochromic element including a storage layer, comprising: a discoloration step of applying a first voltage to the electrochromic element so that the electrochromic element is in a first state having a first transmittance; and a holding step of applying a first voltage to the electrochromic element for an application time so that the first state of the electrochromic element is maintained, wherein the application time is equal to the transmittance of the first region and the second region of the electrochromic element. It may be the same as or longer than the critical time for the transmittance of .

The holding step may include an application step of applying the first voltage for an application time; and a non-applying step of not applying the first voltage for a non-applying time, wherein the applied time may be determined by the length of the non-applying time.

The threshold time may be proportional to the non-application time.

The threshold time may be proportional to the level of the first voltage.

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

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

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

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

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

1. Electrochromic device

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

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

The electrochromic device 1 may receive power from an external power source 2 .

The external power source 2 may supply power to the electrochromic device 1 . The external power source 2 may supply power to the control module 100 . The external power source 2 may supply voltage and/or current to the control module 100 . The external power source 2 may supply a DC voltage or an AC voltage to the control module 100 .

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

The state of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed by the control module 100 . The state of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed by the driving voltage. The electrochromic device 200 may be discolored by the driving voltage. The electrochromic device 200 may be discolored or colored by the driving voltage. Transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed by the driving voltage. The reflectance of the electrochromic device 200 may be changed by the driving voltage.

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

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

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

2 is a diagram illustrating a control module according to an embodiment.

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

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

The control unit 110 may generate a control signal for changing the state of the electrochromic device 200 and output it to the output unit 130 to control the voltage output by the output unit 130 .

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

When the control unit 110 operates by the voltage output from the external power source 2 , the control unit 110 may include a configuration capable of converting power. For example, when receiving an AC voltage from the external power source 2 , the controller 110 may convert the AC voltage into a DC voltage and use it for operation. In addition, when receiving a DC voltage from the external power source 2 , the control unit 110 may drop the DC voltage from the external power source 2 and use it for operation.

The power conversion unit 120 may receive power from the external power source (2). The power conversion unit 120 may receive current and/or voltage. The power conversion unit 120 may receive a DC voltage or an AC voltage.

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

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

When the power conversion unit 120 receives an AC voltage from the external power source 2 , the power conversion unit 120 may change the DC voltage and then change the level of the changed DC voltage. In this case, the power conversion unit 120 may include a regulator. The power conversion unit 120 may include a linear regulator that directly adjusts the supplied power, generates a pulse based on the supplied power, and outputs the adjusted voltage by adjusting the amount of the pulse A switching regulator may be included.

When the power conversion unit 120 receives a DC voltage from the external power source 2 , the power conversion unit 120 may change the level of the supplied DC voltage.

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

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

Coloring and discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined by the range of the driving voltage. For example, when the driving voltage is above a specific level, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored, and when the driving voltage is below a specific level, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored. Alternatively, when the driving voltage is equal to or higher than a specific level, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored, and when the driving voltage is lower than a specific level, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored. When the specific level is 0, the electrochromic device 200 may be changed to a colored or discolored state by the polarity of the driving voltage.

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

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

The control unit 110 may receive a degree of discoloration from the outside, load a driving voltage corresponding thereto from the storage unit 140 , and generate a driving voltage corresponding thereto by controlling the output unit 130 .

3 is a diagram illustrating an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

When the electrochromic device 200 is a window, the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may transmit incident light. When the electrochromic device 200 is a mirror, any one of the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may reflect incident light.

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

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

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

The optical properties of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed by ion migration of the electrochromic layer 220 . The electrochromic layer 220 may be discolored by ion migration of the electrochromic layer 220 .

Ions may be implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 . When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 , optical properties of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 may be discolored. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 may be colored or discolored. When ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 , the light transmittance and/or light absorption of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. By implanting ions into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced. By implanting ions into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced in color. By implanting ions into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced in color. Alternatively, when ions are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced and decolorized.

The ions implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 may be released. When the ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. When ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be discolored. When ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be colored or discolored. When the ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the light transmittance and/or the light absorption of the electrochromic layer 220 may be changed. As ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized. As ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidatively discolored. As ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized. Alternatively, when ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidized and decolorized.

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

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

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

The ion storage layer 240 may store ions. The optical properties of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed by ion migration. The ion storage layer 240 may be discolored by ion migration.

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

The ions implanted into the ion storage layer 240 may be released. When the ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the optical properties of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed. When the ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored. When the ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be colored or discolored. When the ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the light transmittance and/or the light absorption rate of the ion storage layer 240 may be changed. As ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized. As ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidatively discolored. As ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized. Alternatively, when the ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized and discolored.

The ion storage layer 240 may be formed of a material that is discolored by ion migration. The ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 may include at least one of an oxide such as IrO2, NiO2, MnO2, CoO2, iridium-magnesium oxide, nickel-magnesium oxide, and titanium-vanadium oxide. The ion storage layer 240 may have a physical internal structure. The physical internal structure of the ion storage layer 240 may be different from the physical internal structure of the electrochromic layer 220 .

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

The electrolyte layer 230 may include an insulating material. The electrolyte layer 230 may be a solid. The electrolyte layer 230 is SiO2, Al2O3, Nb2O3, Ta2O5, LiTaO3, LiNbO3, SiO2, Al2O3, Nb2O3, Ta2O5, LiTaO3, LiNbO3, La2TiO7, La2TiO7, SrZrO3, La2O2Ti2O3, HO7, Y2O2TiO3, HO7, Y2O5, ZrO2, Y2O5, At least one of La2TiO7, SrZrO3, ZrO2, Y2O3, Nb2O5, La2Ti2O7, LaTiO3, and HfO2 may be included.

When the ions of the electrochromic layer 220 are released, the released ions may be implanted into the ion storage layer 240 , and when the ions of the ion storage layer 240 are released, the separated ions are the electrochromic Layer 220 may be implanted. The ions may move through the electrolyte layer 230 .

Chemical reactions occurring in the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be different reactions. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may have opposite chemical reactions. When the electrochromic layer 220 is oxidized, the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced. When the electrochromic layer 220 is reduced, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized.

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

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

State changes corresponding to each other may be induced in the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 . For example, when the electrochromic layer 220 is colored, the ion storage layer 240 may also be colored, and when the electrochromic layer 220 is discolored, the ion storage layer 240 may also be discolored. have. When the electrochromic layer 220 is oxidatively colored, the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced in color, and when the electrochromic layer 220 is reduced in color, the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidatively colored. have.

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

For example, since the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be determined by the transmittance of the colored layer, the transmittance when the electrochromic layer 220 is colored is the transmittance when the ion storage layer 240 is colored. If smaller, when the electrochromic layer 220 is colored, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be smaller than the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 when the ion storage layer 240 is colored. Accordingly, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 can be controlled by changing the colored layer.

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

4A is a view showing an electrochromic device in an initial state.

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

The control module 100 may be electrically connected to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 to supply a voltage to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 .

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

Although the drawing shows that a plurality of ions 260 are positioned in the ion storage layer 240 , in an initial state, the ions may be positioned in at least one of the electrochromic layer 220 and the electrolyte layer 230 . That is, ions may be implanted in the process of forming the electrochromic layer 220 and the electrolyte layer 230 of the electrochromic device 200 .

A plurality of ions 260 are positioned in the ion storage layer 240 so that the ion storage layer 240 may be in a reduced and decolorized state. The ion storage layer 240 may be in a state capable of transmitting light.

Referring to FIG. 4B , the control module 100 applies a voltage to the electrochromic device 200 .

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

When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 , electrons may be injected into the first electrode 210 . The electrons may move from the control module 100 toward the first electrode 210 . Since the control module 100 and the first electrode 210 are connected in a contact area on one side of the first electrode 210 , electrons moved to the contact area through the control module 100 are transferred to the first electrode. It may move to the other side of the first electrode 210 along the 210 . Electrons are disposed in the entire area of the first electrode 210 by electron movement from one side of the first electrode 210 to the other side.

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

When the ions 260 are implanted into the electrochromic layer 220 , the electrochromic layer 220 obtained with ions may be reduced in color, and the ion storage layer 240 that has lost ions may be oxidized. That is, the electrochromic element 200 may be discolored by the movement of the ions 260 . More specifically, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored by the movement of the ions 260 .

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

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

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

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

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

That is, the discoloration state of the electrochromic device 200 is maintained, which may be referred to as a memory effect.

Even if no voltage is applied to the electrochromic device 200 by the control module 100 , ions present in the electrochromic layer 220 remain in the electrochromic layer 220 , thereby causing the electrochromic layer 220 to remain in the electrochromic layer 220 . The discoloration state of the device 200 may be maintained.

5 is a diagram illustrating a state change when the electrochromic device according to the embodiment is discolored.

5A is a view showing an electrochromic device in an initial state.

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

Since the electrochromic element 200 is in a colored state, a plurality of ions 260 may be positioned in the electrochromic layer 220 .

A plurality of ions 260 are positioned in the electrochromic device 200 so that the electrochromic layer 220 may be in an oxidation-colored state, and the ion storage layer 240 may be in a reduced-colored state.

Referring to FIG. 5B , the control module 100 applies a voltage to the electrochromic device 200 .

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

When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 , electrons may be injected into the second electrode 250 . The electrons may move from the control module 100 toward the second electrode 250 . Since the control module 100 and the second electrode 250 are connected in a contact area on one side of the second electrode 250 , electrons moved to the contact area through the control module 100 are transferred to the second electrode 250 . It may move to the other side of the second electrode 250 along the electrode 250 . Electrons are disposed in the entire area of the second electrode 250 by electron movement from one side to the other side of the second electrode 250 .

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

When the ions 260 are implanted into the ion storage layer 240 , the ion storage layer 240 , which has obtained ions, may be oxidized and decolorized, and the electrochromic layer 220 , which has lost ions, may be reduced and decolorized. That is, the electrochromic element 200 may be discolored by the movement of the ions 260 . More specifically, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored by the movement of the ions 260 .

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

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

FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating positions of ions when color change is completed in the electrochromic device 200 .

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

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

2. Voltage application of electrochromic element

6 is a diagram illustrating a voltage applied to an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

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

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

The control module 100 may apply a voltage to the electrochromic device 200 in an application step and a maintenance step.

The applying step may be a step in which the electrochromic device 200 is discolored by the control module 100 . The applying step may be a step in which the electrochromic element 200 is discolored to a desired color change level by the control module 100 . The applying step may include an initial color change step and a color change level change step.

The initial discoloration step may be defined as a step of applying a voltage for discoloring the electrochromic device 200 in a state in which no voltage is applied to the electrochromic device 200 . The step of changing the discoloration level may be defined as a step of discoloring the electrochromic element 200 from a state in which the electrochromic element 200 is discolored to a specific discoloration level to another discoloration level.

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

That is, the control module 100 may apply a high level voltage for a specific period, and apply a low level voltage for the remaining period, rather than continuously applying the voltage in the sustaining step. The control module 100 may periodically apply a high-level voltage and apply a low-level voltage during the remaining period. When the control module 100 applies the sustain voltage in the form of a pulse in the sustain step, there is an effect that can reduce power consumption for maintaining the state compared to the method of continuously applying the voltage.

In the electrochromic device 200 , a period excluding the application step may be referred to as a maintenance step, and the control module 100 may apply a sustain voltage in the form of a pulse at a constant cycle during the maintenance step. The control module 100 may maintain the electrochromic device 200 naturally discolored to a level other than the target level at the target level over time by applying the sustain voltage in the sustain step.

Since the natural discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 is proportional to the time after the application step is completed, the period of the sustain voltage in the form of a pulse applied in the sustain step may be controlled according to the end time of the applying step. For example, when the time after the application step of the electrochromic device 200 is finished is long, the control module 100 may relatively lengthen the time for which the sustain voltage is applied at a high level, and the electrochromic device 200 may be applied. When the time after the application step of the device 200 is completed is relatively short, the control module 100 may relatively shorten the time during which the sustain voltage is applied at the high level.

In addition, the natural discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 may be proportional to the discoloration level of the electrochromic device discolored in the applying step.

That is, the electrochromic device 200 having a large degree of discoloration in the applying step may have a relatively large degree of natural discoloration. In other words, in the case of the electrochromic device 200 having a large degree of discoloration in the applying step, the difference between the target level in the applying step and the discoloration level after natural discoloration may be relatively large. In this case, the control module 100 may maintain a relatively long time for the sustain voltage to be applied at a high level to the electrochromic device 200 having a large degree of discoloration in the applying step.

In addition, the electrochromic device 200 having a small degree of discoloration in the applying step may have a relatively small degree of natural discoloration. In other words, in the case of the electrochromic device 200 having a small degree of discoloration in the applying step, the difference between the target level in the applying step and the discoloration level after natural discoloration may be relatively small. In this case, the control module 100 may maintain a relatively short period of time during which the sustain voltage is applied at a high level to the electrochromic device 200 having a small degree of discoloration in the applying step.

In the applying step, the control module 100 may maintain a voltage of a certain level after the rising period. The rising time in the applying step may be different from the rising time in the holding step. The rising period in the application step may be longer than the rising period in the sustain step. In the maintaining step, the control module 100 may maintain the voltage at a predetermined level after applying the voltage so that the slope of the applied voltage becomes the second angle θ2 at the rising time. The first angle θ1 may be different from the second angle θ2 . The first angle θ1 may be smaller than the second angle θ2 . The second angle θ2 may be a right angle.

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

The first angle θ1 may be changed based on an applied voltage of a predetermined level. Since the internal damage of the electrochromic device 200 is caused by the magnitude of the voltage of the predetermined level being applied, the first angle θ1 may be increased when the magnitude of the voltage of the predetermined level is large, and the voltage of the predetermined level may be increased. When the size of is small, the first angle θ1 may be small.

In the maintenance step, since the internal voltage is present due to discoloration, the electrochromic device 200 may not be electrically damaged even if the voltage is rapidly increased. Therefore, in the maintenance step, the control module can increase the speed of recovery to the target level by applying a relatively short rise time.

However, when the electrochromic device 200 is returned to an undiscolored initial state due to natural discoloration, a voltage having an acute second angle θ2 may be applied even in the maintaining step.

3. Coloring process of electrochromic device

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

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

Before the voltage is applied, the electrochromic device 200 may be in a discolored state. A plurality of ions 260 may be positioned in the ion storage layer 240 of the electrochromic device 200 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternatively, the third internal potential Vc may be determined by a difference in energy levels between the electrochromic layer 220 and the first electrode 210 . Alternatively, the third internal potential Vc may be determined by a difference in energy levels between the electrochromic layer 240 and the electrolyte layer 230 . Although the third internal potential Vc is determined by a difference in energy level with an adjacent layer, it may be expressed as an internal potential of the electrochromic layer 220 as illustrated.

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

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

8 is a diagram illustrating a potential change in an initial stage of coloring in an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc) exceeds a certain range, the ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220 through the electrolyte layer 230 . have. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored by the movement of the ions 260 . As the ions 260 move from the ion storage layer 240 to the electrochromic layer 220 , the ion storage layer 240 loses the ions 260 to be oxidatively discolored, and the electrochromic layer 220 . ) may be reduced and discolored by obtaining ions 260 . The ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized by losing ions 260 , and the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced in color by gaining ions 260 . As the ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 are colored, the electrochromic device 200 may be colored. As the ion storage layer 240 and the electrochromic layer 220 are colored, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be reduced.

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

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

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

9 is a diagram illustrating a potential change in a coloring completion stage in an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

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

In FIG. 8 , the second internal potential Vb is increased by the high voltage applied to the second electrode 250, and the potential difference between the second internal potential Vb and the third internal potential Vc The ions 260 existing in the ion storage layer 240 move.

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

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

The ion 260 is moved according to the potential difference between the second internal potential (Vb) and the third internal potential (Vc), and the third internal potential (Vc) is increased by the movement of the ion 260, When the difference between the second internal potential Vb and the third internal potential Vc is smaller than the first threshold voltage Vth1, the ions 260 cannot move. Accordingly, the third internal potential Vc may only increase by a value obtained by subtracting the first threshold voltage Vth1 from the second internal potential Vb. The third internal potential Vc may be maintained as long as there is no change in the second internal potential Vb.

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

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

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

Accordingly, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the first threshold voltage Vth1, there is no movement of the ions 260, so that the electrochromic device 200 is not discolored. . When the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is equal to or greater than the first threshold voltage Vth1 , the ions 260 move and the electrochromic device 200 is discolored. Therefore, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the first threshold voltage Vth1, there is no change in transmittance, and the first electrode 210 and the second electrode ( 250), the transmittance is changed when the potential difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold voltage Vth1.

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

The control module 100 may change the transmittance of the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage equal to or greater than the first threshold voltage Vth1 to the electrochromic element 200 . The control module 100 may apply a first voltage V1 to the electrochromic element 200 to change color so that the electrochromic element 200 has a first transmittance T1 . The control module 100 may change the color of the electrochromic element 200 to have a second transmittance T2 by applying a second voltage V2 to the electrochromic element 200 . In this case, the first voltage V1 may be less than the second voltage V2 , and the first transmittance T1 may be greater than the second transmittance T2 .

In addition, the control module 100 may change the transmittance regardless of the current state of the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage equal to or greater than the first threshold voltage Vth1 to the electrochromic element 200 . The control module 100 applies the second voltage V2 in a state in which the electrochromic element 200 has the maximum transmittance Ta, so that the electrochromic element 200 has a second transmittance T2. It can be discolored. The control module 100 applies the second voltage V2 in a state where the electrochromic device 200 has a first transmittance T1 so that the electrochromic device 200 achieves a second transmittance T2. It can be discolored to have it.

The control module 100 can change the color of the electrochromic element 200 to a desired transmittance by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrochromic element 200 regardless of the current state, thereby measuring the current state. can be omitted.

The control module 100 may control the electrochromic device 200 to discolor to a desired transmittance based on a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100 . .

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

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

The control module 100 may release the voltage application to the electrochromic device 200 after the discoloration is completed. The control module 100 and the first electrode 210 may be electrically insulated, and the control module 100 and the second electrode 250 may be electrically insulated. The first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 may float.

The voltage applied to the second electrode 250 may be removed so that the internal potential of the second electrode 250 may fall. The first internal potential Va may decrease.

The internal potential of the second electrode 250 may decrease, and thus the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 connected to the second electrode 250 may also decrease. The first internal potential Va may decrease and the second internal potential Vb may decrease.

Even if the internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 is lowered to generate a potential difference between the internal potential and the electrochromic layer 220 , the ions 260 may remain in the electrochromic layer 220 .

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

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

Even if the electrochromic device 200 has a memory effect, the ions 260 naturally move over time, and thus the degree of discoloration may be changed. This may be defined as a leakage effect. The leakage effect may be proportional to time. Due to the leakage effect, the electrochromic element 200 may be naturally discolored.

4. Discoloration process of electrochromic device

11 is a diagram illustrating an electrochromic device when voltage application is released after completion of discoloration according to an embodiment, and is a diagram illustrating an internal potential before voltage is applied while the electrochromic device is colored.

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

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

A plurality of ions 260 may be positioned in the electrochromic layer 260 in the initial state. Due to the presence of a plurality of ions 260 in the electrochromic layer 260 , the electrochromic device 100 may be in a colored state.

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

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

12 is a diagram illustrating a potential change in an initial stage of discoloration in an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the potential difference between the third internal potential (Vc) and the second internal potential (Vb) exceeds a certain range, the ions 260 may move to the ion storage layer 240 through the electrolyte layer 230 . have. The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be discolored by the movement of the ions 260 . The electrochromic layer 220 may lose the ions 260 to be oxidatively discolored, and the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced in color by gaining the ions 260 . The electrochromic layer 220 may be oxidatively decolorized, and the ion storage layer 240 may be reduced and decolorized. As the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are discolored, the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored. As the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are discolored, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be increased.

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

In order to release the ions 260 existing in the electrochromic layer 220 from bonding with the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220, a potential difference greater than or equal to a certain range is required. The minimum voltage required to release the coupling between the ions 260 and the material constituting the electrochromic layer 220 may be defined as a second threshold voltage Vth2. When the potential difference between the third internal potential Vc and the second internal potential Vb is equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage Vth2 , the ions 260 may move to the ion storage layer 240 . .

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

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

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

13 is a diagram illustrating a potential change in a state in which discoloration is completed in an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

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

In FIG. 12 , the third internal potential Vc is increased by the high voltage applied to the first electrode 210, and the potential difference between the third internal potential Vc and the second internal potential Vb causes the The ions 260 existing in the electrochromic layer 220 move to the ion storage layer 240 .

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

The internal potential of the ion storage layer 240 may rise to a predetermined level. The second internal potential Vb may rise to a predetermined level. The second internal potential Vb may increase until there is a difference between the third internal potential Vc and the second threshold voltage Vth2. That is, the difference between the third internal potential Vc and the second internal potential Vb in the discoloration completion step may be equal to the magnitude of the second threshold voltage Vth2.

The ion 260 moves according to the potential difference between the third internal potential Vc and the second internal potential Vb, and the second internal potential Vb is increased by the movement of the ion 260. , when the difference between the three internal potentials Vc and the second internal potential Vb is less than the second threshold voltage Vth2, the ions 260 cannot move. Accordingly, the second internal potential Vb may only increase by a value obtained by subtracting the second threshold voltage Vth2 from the third internal potential Vc. The second internal potential Vb may be maintained as long as the third internal potential Vc is not changed.

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

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

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

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

Accordingly, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the second threshold voltage Vth2, there is no movement of the ions 260 and the electrochromic device 200 is not discolored. . When the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage Vth2 , the ions 260 are moved and the electrochromic device 200 is discolored. Therefore, when the potential difference between the first electrode 210 and the second electrode 250 is less than the second threshold voltage (Vth2), there is no change in transmittance, and the first electrode 210 and the second electrode ( 250), the transmittance is changed when the potential difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage Vth2.

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

The control module 100 may change the transmittance of the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage Vth2 to the electrochromic element 200 . The control module 100 may apply a third voltage V3 to the electrochromic element 200 to change the color so that the electrochromic element 200 has a third transmittance T3. The control module 100 may change the color of the electrochromic element 200 to have a fourth transmittance T4 by applying a fourth voltage V4 to the electrochromic element 200 . In this case, the third voltage V3 may be smaller than the fourth voltage V4 , and the third transmittance T3 may be smaller than the fourth transmittance T4 .

In addition, the control module 100 may change the transmittance regardless of the current state of the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage equal to or greater than the second threshold voltage Vth2 to the electrochromic element 200 . The control module 100 applies the fourth voltage V4 in a state in which the electrochromic element 200 has a minimum transmittance Tb so that the electrochromic element 200 has a fourth transmittance T4. It can be discolored. The control module 100 applies the fourth voltage V4 in a state where the electrochromic device 200 has a third transmittance T3 so that the electrochromic element 200 achieves a fourth transmittance T4. It can be discolored to have it.

The control module 100 can change the color of the electrochromic element 200 to a desired transmittance by controlling the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrochromic element 200 regardless of the current state, thereby measuring the current state. can be omitted.

The control module 100 may control the electrochromic device 200 to discolor to a desired transmittance based on a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100 . .

5. Transmittance according to voltage application in coloring and decolorization

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

As shown in FIG. 10 described above, the transmittance of the electrochromic device may be determined by a voltage applied during a coloring process. Also, as shown in FIG. 14 , the transmittance of the discoloration device may be determined by a voltage applied during the discoloration process.

In FIG. 15 , a change in transmittance due to a voltage applied during a coloring process and a change in transmittance due to a voltage applied during a decolorization process are compared and described.

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

16A is a diagram illustrating an electrochromic device in a first state S1.

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

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

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

FIG. 16B shows the internal potential and the position of the ions 260 in a state in which the movement of the ions 260 is completed by the voltage applied to the control module 100 .

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

A fifth voltage V5 is applied by the control module 100 to increase the first internal potential Va to the fifth voltage V5. As the first internal potential Va increases, the second internal potential Vb also increases to have a level corresponding to the first internal potential Va.

The ions 260 may move to the electrochromic layer 220 due to a potential difference between the second internal potential Vb and the third internal potential Vc. The electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced in color by obtaining ions, and the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized by losing ions 260 . The electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 may be colored so that the electrochromic device 200 may be colored. At this time, the electrochromic device 200 may be in the second state S2. The electrochromic device 200 may be in a second state S2 having a lower transmittance than the first state S1 by coloring.

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

Here, the third internal potential Vc may be proportional to the number of ions 260 positioned in the electrochromic layer 220 . The number of ions 260 positioned in the electrochromic layer 220 is related to the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic layer 220 . That is, when the number of ions present in the electrochromic layer 220 is large, the degree of coloration of the electrochromic layer 220 is large, and when the number of ions present in the electrochromic layer 220 is small, the electrochromic layer 220 is The degree of coloring of the color-changing layer 220 is small. In addition, since the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic layer 220 is related to the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 200 may be proportional to the third internal potential Vc. .

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

17A is a diagram illustrating an electrochromic device in a third state (S3).

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

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

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

FIG. 17B shows the internal potential and the position of the ions 260 in a state in which the movement of the ions 260 is completed by the voltage applied to the control module 100 .

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

A fifth voltage V5 is applied by the control module 100 to increase the first internal potential Va to the fifth voltage V5. As the first internal potential Va increases, the second internal potential Vb also increases to have a level corresponding to the first internal potential Va.

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

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

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

16 and 17, the initial state of FIGS. 16 and 17 is different, and the applied voltage is the same. FIG. 16 shows a state in which a fifth voltage V5 is applied for coloring, and FIG. 17 shows a state in which a fifth voltage V5 is applied for discoloration. The initial state of FIG. 16 is a state having the maximum transmittance, and the initial state of FIG. 17 is a state having the lowest transmittance.

The magnitude of the third internal potential Vc after the movement of the ions 260 is completed in FIG. 16B and the magnitude of the third internal potential Vc after the movement of the ions 260 is completed in FIG. 17B may be different. have. The magnitude of the third internal potential Vc in FIG. 16B may be smaller than the magnitude of the third internal potential Vc in FIG. 17B .

In FIG. 16B , the third internal potential Vc may be smaller than the fifth voltage V5. The level of the third internal potential Vc may be smaller than the fifth voltage V5 by the first threshold voltage Vth1.

In FIG. 17B , the third internal potential Vc may be greater than the fifth voltage V5. The third internal potential Vc may be greater than the fifth voltage V5 by a second threshold voltage Vth2.

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

However, in the drawings, the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied in the coloring process is greater than the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied in the discoloration process as an example. It may be smaller than the transmittance when a specific voltage is applied in the process.

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

In addition, the control module 100 may vary the driving voltage to be applied according to whether the electrochromic device 200 is in a coloring process or a bleaching process. The control module 100 may determine a discoloration process of the electrochromic device 200 and apply a driving voltage based thereon.

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

Also, the control module 100 may determine a discoloration process based on a previously applied voltage. In this case, the control module 100 records the driving voltage output to the storage unit 140 , and then retrieves the previous driving voltage stored in the storage unit 140 when driving and compares it with the current driving voltage to change color. process can be assessed. The control module 100 calculates a previous state based on the previous driving voltage stored in the storage unit 140 , compares the calculated previous state with the target state to determine a discoloration process, and supplies driving power based on this. can supply

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

Conversely, although not shown, the control module 100 may apply a voltage greater than the fifth voltage V5 in the coloring process to implement the same state as the fourth state S4 of FIG. 17B , which is a discoloration process. . In order to have the same internal potential as the third internal potential Vc of FIG. 17B , the third internal potential Vc of FIG. 16B needs to be increased, so if a voltage higher than the fifth voltage V5 is applied, the coloring process may implement the fourth state ( S4 ).

6. Invariant section in the process of coloring and bleaching

18 is a diagram showing the relationship between the applied voltage and transmittance of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between potential and ions in the decolorization process and the coloring process of the electrochromic device according to the embodiment. .

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

18 includes a first section P1, a second section P2, and a third section P3. The first section P1 may be a discoloration section, the second section P2 may be an invariant section, and the third section P3 may be a coloring section.

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

19A is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a potential and an ion in the first section P1.

Referring to FIG. 19A together with FIG. 18 , the electrochromic device 200 may be discolored from a third state S3 to a fifth state S5 . The electrochromic element 200 may be discolored from the third state (S3) to the fifth state (S5).

In the third state S3 , the ions 260 may be located in the electrochromic layer 220 . At this time, when a voltage V, which gradually decreases in level, is applied to the second electrode 250, the second internal potential Vb is lowered, so that the ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 are It may move to the ion storage layer 240 through the electrolyte layer 230 . In this process, the electrochromic layer 220 loses ions 260 to be oxidatively decolorized, and the ion storage layer 240 may obtain ions 260 to be reduced and decolorized. As the ions 260 of the electrochromic layer 220 move to the ion storage layer 240 , the third internal potential Vc is gradually lowered.

When the voltage applied to the second electrode 250 is stopped while the voltage reaches the seventh voltage V7, the third internal potential Vc also drops to a specific level and then the drop is stopped. In this case, a voltage difference between the third internal potential Vc and the seventh voltage V7 may be a second threshold voltage Vth2. That is, the voltage drop is stopped while the third internal potential Vc has a voltage higher than the seventh voltage V7 by the second threshold voltage Vth2.

19B is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a potential and an ion in the second section P2.

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

In general, when the applied voltage is increased, the transmittance is decreased due to coloring. However, when the previous section is a discoloration section, the transmittance is not changed even if the voltage is increased for a certain range. A section in which transmittance is not changed by a change in voltage may be defined as an invariant section.

The invariant section may appear when the voltage is increased for coloring when the previous section is a discoloration section, or when the voltage is lowered for discoloration when the previous section is a coloring section.

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

The invariant voltage section Vd may be a voltage section having a deviation from the third internal potential Vc by the first threshold voltage Vth1 and the second threshold voltage Vth2. The lower limit of the invariant voltage section Vd may be lower than the third internal potential Vc by a second threshold voltage Vth2, and the upper limit of the invariant voltage section Vd is the third internal potential Vc. It may be greater than the first threshold voltage Vth1.

When a voltage in an invariant voltage section lower than the third internal potential (Vc) is applied, the voltage (V) has a difference from the third internal potential (Vc) smaller than the second threshold voltage (Vth2). 260 ) cannot be separated from the electrochromic layer 220 . Accordingly, there is no movement of the ions 260 , and thus the third internal potential Vc does not change, and the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are not discolored. Accordingly, the state of the electrochromic device 200 is maintained.

When a voltage in an invariant voltage section higher than the third internal potential Vc is applied, the voltage V has a difference from the third internal potential Vc smaller than the first threshold voltage Vth1, so that the ion (V) 260 ) cannot be separated from the ion storage layer 240 . Accordingly, there is no movement of the ions 260 , and thus the third internal potential Vc does not change, and the electrochromic layer 220 and the ion storage layer 240 are not discolored. Accordingly, the state of the electrochromic device 200 is maintained.

The invariant voltage section Vd may correspond to the sum of the magnitudes of the first threshold voltage Vth1 and the second threshold voltage Vth2. Accordingly, when the bonding force between the ions 260 and the electrochromic layer 220 or the ion storage layer 240 is high, the invariant voltage period Vd increases, and the ions 260 and the electrochromic layer 220 or When the binding force of the ion storage layer 240 is small, the invariant voltage section Vd may be decreased.

19C is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a potential and an ion in the third section P3.

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

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

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

In this process, the electrochromic layer 220 may be reduced in color by obtaining ions 260 , and the ion storage layer 240 may be oxidized by losing ions 260 . As the ions 260 of the ion storage layer 240 move to the electrochromic layer 220 , the third internal potential Vc gradually increases.

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

The control module 100 may apply a different driving voltage by determining the previous process of the electrochromic device 200 . When the previous process is a discoloration process, the control module 100 may apply a voltage greater than the invariant voltage period without applying the voltage in the invariant section to color the electrochromic device 200 . When the previous process is a coloring process, the control module 100 may decolorize the electrochromic element 200 by applying a voltage smaller than the invariant voltage period without applying the voltage in the invariant section.

7. Threshold voltage

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

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

The electrochromic device 200 may include a plurality of divided regions. The electrochromic device 200 may include first to n-th divided regions 270a to 270n. Each partition may be connected in parallel with each other.

Each of the divided regions may be a partial region of the electrochromic device 200 connected to the control module 100 .

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

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

One end of the first resistor R1 and one end of the second resistor R2 are electrically connected to adjacent divided regions, and the other end of the first resistor R1 and the other end of the second resistor R2 are It may be electrically connected to the connection resistor Ra and the capacitor C. That is, both ends of the connection resistor Ra are electrically connected to the other end of the first resistor R1 and the other end of the second resistor R2, and both ends of the capacitor C are connected to the first resistor R1. may be electrically connected to the other end of the , and the other end of the second resistor R2.

Here, the horizontal direction may be the x-direction or the y-direction of FIG. 3 . The horizontal direction may be a direction spaced apart from the contact region of the control module 100 and the electrochromic device 200 along the second electrode 250 . The vertical direction may be the z direction of FIG. 3 . The vertical direction may be a direction from the first electrode 210 toward the second electrode 250 .

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

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

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

The voltage charged to the capacitor C may increase over time due to the RC delay to reach a constant voltage. The constant voltage may be a resistor divided by the first resistor R1, the second resistor R2, and the connection resistor Ra connected in series. That is, the constant voltage may be a voltage Ra/(R1+R2+Ra) times the voltage applied to the n-th division region 270n according to the voltage division rule. The first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are the resistances of the conductor, and the connection resistance Ra is the resistance of the combination of the conductor and the insulator, so the connection resistance Ra is the first resistance R1 And, since it has an extremely larger value than the second resistor R2, when the time due to the RC delay elapses, the voltage charged to the capacitor C may correspond to the voltage applied to the n-th division region 270n. have. That is, when the time due to the RC delay elapses, the voltage charged to the capacitor C may be similar to the voltage applied to the n-th division region 270n. Extremely, when the time due to the RC delay elapses, the voltage charged to the capacitor C may be equal to the voltage applied to the n-th division region 270n.

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

Since the voltage charged to the capacitors C of the divided regions is proportional to the input voltage, the voltages charged to the capacitors C of the plurality of divided regions may be sequentially charged by the RC delay.

The voltages of the capacitors C of the plurality of divided regions may increase sequentially. Among the capacitors C of the plurality of divided regions, a divided region that is close to the control module 100 may be charged first, and a divided region that is far from the control module 100 may be charged later. Among the capacitors C of the plurality of divided regions, a divided region adjacent to the contact region of the control module 100 and the electrochromic device 200 is charged first, and a divided region spaced apart from the contact region is charged later. can

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

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

21 is a diagram illustrating an electrochromic degree of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment over time;

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

In the intermediate stage in which a voltage is continuously applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic device 200, as shown in FIG. 21B, the area adjacent to the contact area is discolored, and the area separated from the contact area is discolored. can be started Even in this case, the discoloration degree of the area adjacent to the contact area and the area spaced apart from the contact area may be different. Even if the area adjacent to the contact area reaches the target discoloration degree, the discoloration degree of the area spaced apart from the contact area may not reach the target discoloration degree. In other words, the transmittance of a region adjacent to the contact region and the transmittance of a region spaced apart from the contact region may be different. In the coloring process, transmittance of an area adjacent to the contact area may be smaller than transmittance of an area spaced apart from the contact area. In the intermediate stage, with the passage of time, the area of the region reaching the target degree of discoloration gradually increases. As time passes, the area in which the target degree of discoloration is reached may be enlarged in a direction away from the contact area.

When the voltage is continuously applied from the control module 100 to the electrochromic element 200 to reach the completion stage, the discoloration of the entire area of the electrochromic element 200 is completed as shown in FIG. 21C . A time from a point in time when a voltage is started to be applied to the electrochromic device 200 to a point in time when discoloration of the entire region of the electrochromic device 200 is completed may be defined as a critical time.

When the critical time is reached, the discoloration state of the entire region of the electrochromic device 200 may be uniform. When the critical time is reached, the deviation of the discoloration state between the first point and the second point of the electrochromic device 200 may be less than a predetermined level. When the critical time is reached, the transmittance of the first point and the second point of the electrochromic device 200 may correspond. The maximum deviation of the discoloration state between the first point and the second point of the electrochromic device 200 may be less than or equal to a certain level. When the critical time is reached, the deviation of the transmittance of the first point and the second point of the electrochromic device 200 may be 0% to 30%.

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

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

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

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

23 is a diagram illustrating a voltage applied to the electrochromic device in the control module according to the embodiment.

In FIG. 23 , the voltage applied to the electrochromic device 200 by the control module 100 in the application step will be described.

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

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

When the control module 100 applies a driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200 for a fixed driving voltage application time tb, the control module 100 determines the maximum threshold time of the electrochromic device 200 . By calculating, the driving voltage may be applied for a time longer than the maximum threshold time. The maximum critical time may be a critical time required for discoloration from a discolored state to a maximum colored state. The control module 100 applies a driving voltage for a time longer than the maximum threshold time regardless of the state of the electrochromic device 200 changed, so that calculation of the driving voltage application time can be omitted, thereby reducing the amount of calculation.

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

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

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

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

The threshold time data may include data in the application step and data in the maintenance step.

The threshold time data in the applying step may be data related to the voltage difference and/or temperature. The threshold time data in the sustain step may be data related to the voltage difference, temperature, and/or time during which no voltage is applied during the sustain step.

24 is a diagram illustrating a threshold time according to a voltage difference of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

24A is a diagram illustrating a threshold time due to a voltage difference that varies according to a target color fading level in a discoloration state.

In FIG. 24A , the first driving voltage V21 is a driving voltage applied when changing from the discolored state to the first colored state, and the second driving voltage V22 is a driving applied when changing from the discolored state to the second colored state. represents the voltage.

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

In the discoloration state, since a driving voltage is not applied to the electrochromic device 200 from the control module 100, the voltage difference is the same as the first driving voltage t21 when changing from the discoloration state to the first coloring state. , the voltage difference may be the same as the second driving voltage t22 when changing from the discolored state to the second colored state. Since the voltage difference when changing to the first colored state is smaller than the voltage difference when changing to the second colored state, the second threshold time t22 when changing to the second colored state is It may be shorter than the first threshold time t21 when it is changed to . That is, the time required when the electrochromic device 200 is uniformly colored in the second colored state may be shorter than the time taken when the electrochromic device 200 is uniformly colored in the first colored state.

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

The control module 100 may apply a driving voltage for a time longer than the first threshold time t21 to color the electrochromic device 200 when changing from the discolored state to the first colored state. In addition, the control module 100 may apply a driving voltage for a time longer than the second threshold time t22 to color the electrochromic device 200 when changing from the discolored state to the second colored state.

Fig. 24B is a diagram showing a threshold time due to a voltage difference when changing from a colored state to another color fading level.

In FIG. 24B , the first driving voltage V31 is a driving voltage applied when the electrochromic device 200 is changed from the first colored state to the third colored state, and the second driving voltage V32 is the electrochromic device 200 . Reference numeral 200 denotes a driving voltage applied when changing from the second colored state to the third colored state.

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

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

When the initial state of the electrochromic element 200 is the second colored state, a second driving voltage V32 is charged to the electrochromic element 200 . That is, when the initial state of the electrochromic element 200 is the second colored state, it may be the same as when the second driving voltage V32 is applied to the electrochromic element 200 .

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

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

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

The previous state is stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100 . That is, the storage unit 140 of the control module 100 stores the previously output driving voltage. The control module 100 may store the driving voltage in the storage unit 140 whenever a driving voltage is applied to the electrochromic device 200 . The storage unit 140 of the control module 100 stores a first color state and a second color state.

A threshold time according to the voltage difference is stored in the storage unit 140 of the control module 100 . When changing from the first colored state to the third colored state, the control module 100 compares the third driving voltage V33, which is a target applied voltage, with the stored first driving voltage V31, and The voltage difference Vd1 can be calculated. The control module 100 may apply the driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200 by determining the driving voltage application time based on a first threshold time t31 corresponding to the first voltage difference Vd1. have. Here, the application time of the applied driving voltage may be longer than the first threshold time t31.

In addition, when changing from the second colored state to the third colored state, the control module 100 compares the third driving voltage V33, which is the target applied voltage, with the stored second driving voltage V32 to obtain a second The voltage difference Vd2 can be calculated. The control module 100 may apply the driving voltage to the electrochromic device 200 by determining the driving voltage application time based on a second threshold time t32 corresponding to the second voltage difference Vd2. have. Here, the application time of the applied driving voltage may be longer than the second threshold time t32.

In the drawings, the case of changing the electrochromic element 200 from the low coloring state to the high coloring state has been described, but the same may be applied to the case of changing the electrochromic element 200 from the high coloring state to the low coloring state. That is, the above description may be applied even in the process of decolorization. Even in the process of discoloring the electrochromic device 200, the threshold time may vary depending on the voltage difference.

In addition, although FIG. 24 and the detailed description corresponding thereto have been described by taking the application step as an example, corresponding features may also be applied to the maintenance step. The previous state in the sustaining step may be the voltage applied in the applying step or the voltage applied in the previous sustaining step of the current sustaining step. A threshold time may be determined based on the previous state and the current state.

8. Holding voltage

25 is a diagram illustrating a critical time according to a duty cycle of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

25 illustrates the threshold time according to the duty cycle in the sustain phase.

25A is a diagram illustrating a critical time when a non-application time is relatively short, and FIG. 25B is a diagram illustrating a critical time when a non-application time is relatively long.

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

The applying step may be a step in which the electrochromic device 200 is discolored by the control module 100 . The applying step may be a step in which the electrochromic element 200 is discolored to a desired color change level by the control module 100 . The applying step may include an initial color change step and a color change level change step.

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

In the application step, the control module 100 may apply the driving voltage until the first time point t41. The control module 100 may apply a driving voltage that gradually increases for a predetermined period up to the first time point t41 and apply a driving voltage of a predetermined level. The applying step may be maintained for the first period w1.

The maintenance step may include an authorization period and a non-authorization period. The application period may be defined as a period in which the driving voltage is applied, and the non-applied period may be defined as a period in which the driving voltage is not applied. In the sustaining step, the application period and the non-application period are repeatedly displayed, so that the control module 100 can apply a voltage in the form of a pulse to the electrochromic element 200 .

A period between the first time point t41 at which the application step ends and the second time point t42 at which the application period starts may be defined as a second time period w2. The second period w2 may be a non-application period. A period between a second time point t42 at which the non-approval period ends and a third time point t43 at which the application period ends may be defined as a third time period w3.

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

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

When the correlation between the magnitude of the driving voltage in the applying step and the application period is described, the greater the magnitude of the driving voltage in the applying step, the greater the state change in the non-applying period. That is, as the magnitude of the driving voltage in the applying step increases, the degree of natural discoloration may increase. As the magnitude of the driving voltage in the applying step increases, the difference between the voltage charged in the electrochromic device 200 and the driving voltage increases, so that the threshold time in the sustaining step may increase. Since the application period should be longer than the threshold time, the greater the driving voltage is, the longer the application period may be.

When the electrochromic device 200 is changed from the state having the lowest transmittance to the state having the highest transmittance in the applying step, the critical time in the holding step at this time may be the maximum critical time. The control module 100 stores the maximum threshold time in the storage unit 140 and applies a driving voltage for the maximum threshold time regardless of the magnitude of the driving voltage in the applying step to the electrochromic device 200 . state can be maintained. Thereby, there is an effect that the amount of calculation of the control unit 100 can be reduced.

The correlation between the non-application period and the application period will be described with reference to FIGS. 25A and 25B . The applying step of FIG. 25B is the same as the applying step of FIG. 25A .

A period between the first time point t41 at which the application step ends and the fourth time point t44 at which the application period starts may be defined as a fourth time period w4. The fourth period w4 may be a non-application period. A period between a fourth time point t44 at which the non-approval period ends and a fifth time point t45 at which the application period ends may be defined as a fifth period w5.

The non-approval period of FIG. 25A is shorter than the non-approval period of FIG. 25B . That is, the second period w2 is shorter than the fourth period w4.

As the non-application period increases, the state change of the electrochromic device 200 may increase. That is, as the non-application period increases, the degree of natural discoloration may increase. As the non-applying period increases, the difference between the voltage currently charged in the electrochromic device 200 and the driving voltage increases, so that the critical time in the sustaining step may increase. Since the application period should be longer than the threshold time, the longer the non-application period, the longer the application period may be.

That is, since the non-application period of FIG. 25A is shorter than the non-application period of FIG. 25B, power consumption can be reduced by setting the application period of FIG. 25A shorter than the application period of FIG. 25B, and the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 is reduced. It has the effect of keeping it homogeneous.

In other words, since the second period w2 of FIG. 25A is shorter than the fourth period w4 of FIG. 25B, consumption by setting the third period w3 of FIG. 25A to be shorter than the fifth period w5 of FIG. 25B It is possible to reduce power, and there is an effect that the degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 200 can be uniformly maintained.

In the sustaining step, the duty cycle means the ratio between the sum of the application period and the non-application period and the application period, and thus the duty cycle may be maintained to correspond to each other. However, when the magnitude of the driving voltage in the applying step is increased, the duty cycle is also increased, so that the degree of discoloration can be uniformly maintained.

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

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

100: control module
110: control unit
120: power conversion unit
130: output unit
140: storage
200: electrochromic element
210: first electrode
220: electrochromic layer
230: electrolyte layer
240: ion storage layer
250: second electrode

Claims (5)

an electrochromic device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrochromic part disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and
and a control unit controlling to change the optical characteristics of the electrochromic element by applying power to the electrochromic element;
The electrochromic device includes a first region and a second region,
The control unit is:
determining a driving voltage for adjusting the optical characteristics of the electrochromic device;
set to apply the driving voltage so that the first optical characteristic of the first region and the second optical characteristic of the second region correspond to a threshold time corresponding to the determined magnitude of the driving voltage among a plurality of threshold times;
An internal voltage of the electrochromic element increases from a first voltage to a second voltage while the driving voltage is applied to the electrochromic element.
The method of claim 1,
The control unit is set to apply a sustain voltage for maintaining the state of the electrochromic element in the holding step.
3. The method of claim 2,
while the driving voltage is applied to the electrochromic element, the internal voltage of the electrochromic element gradually increases.
4. The method of claim 3,
while the driving voltage is applied to the electrochromic element, the internal voltage of the electrochromic element gradually increases and converges to the second voltage.
The method of claim 1,
The electrochromic part includes an ion storage layer, an electrochromic layer and an electrolyte layer,
The electrolyte layer is disposed between the ion storage layer and the electrochromic layer.

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