KR102476116B1 - Electrochromism element - Google Patents

Abstract

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode layer connected to a first terminal, a first color-changing material layer disposed on the first electrode layer and including a first color-changing material, and the first color-changing material layer. An electrolyte layer disposed on the electrolyte layer, a second color-changing material layer disposed on the electrolyte layer and including a second color-changing material, and a second color-changing material layer disposed on the second color-changing material layer and having a different polarity from the first terminal. and a second electrode layer connected to the terminal, wherein the first discoloration material includes an inorganic material, and the second discoloration material includes a transition metal and an organic material combined with the transition metal.

Description

Electrochromic element {ELECTROCHROMISM ELEMENT}

The present invention relates to an electrochromic device, and more particularly, to a color-changing material layer of an electrochromic device.

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which the color changes reversibly in the direction of an electric field when a voltage is applied. A material that can reversibly change the optical properties of a material by an electrochemical redox reaction with this characteristic is called an electrochromic material. . Such an electrochromic material is colorless when an external electrical signal is not applied, but becomes colored when an electrical signal is applied, or, conversely, when an external signal is not applied, it is colored and then becomes colored when an electrical signal is applied. It has the characteristic of dissipation of color.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a general electrochromic device.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the electrochromic device 10 is disposed on a first transparent substrate 11, a second transparent substrate 12, a first transparent substrate 11, and a second transparent substrate 12 disposed to face each other. The first color change disposed on any one of the first transparent electrode 13 and the second transparent electrode 14, the first transparent electrode 13 and the second transparent electrode 14 disposed opposite to each other. A second color-changing material layer 16 disposed on the other one of the material layer 15, the first transparent electrode 13 and the second transparent electrode 14, and the first color-changing material layer 15 and the second color-changing material and an electrolyte layer (17) disposed between the layers (16). The first transparent electrode 13 and the second transparent electrode 14 are connected to the first terminal unit 18 and the second terminal unit 19 having different polarities, respectively, and the first terminal unit 18 and the second terminal unit 19 receive power from Sealing units 20 may be further disposed on side surfaces of the first discoloration material layer 15 , the second discoloration material layer 16 , and the electrolyte layer 17 .

Electrochromic devices are used in displays that require discoloration of specific parts such as ESL (electro shelf label), digital signage, display devices such as large posters or information boards, smart windows, architectural windows, car mirrors, flexible displays, and vehicles. It is used for adjusting the light transmittance or reflectance of sunroofs and sports glasses. Recently, as it is known that there is not only color change in the visible light range but also infrared blocking effect, there is great interest in the possibility of application as an energy-saving product. is receiving

A technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a color changing material layer of an electrochromic device.

An electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode layer connected to a first terminal, a first color-changing material layer disposed on the first electrode layer and including a first color-changing material, and the first color-changing material layer. An electrolyte layer disposed on the electrolyte layer, a second color-changing material layer disposed on the electrolyte layer and including a second color-changing material, and a second color-changing material layer disposed on the second color-changing material layer and having a different polarity from the first terminal. and a second electrode layer connected to the terminal, wherein the first discoloration material includes an inorganic material, and the second discoloration material includes a transition metal and an organic material combined with the transition metal.

At least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is exposed to the outside by mixing one of the coloring color and the discoloration color of the first discoloration material layer and one of the coloring color and discoloration color of the second discoloration material layer. can

The first color-changing material layer is divided into a first color-changing area and a second color-changing area, the first color-changing material is disposed in the first color-changing area, and the second color-changing material has a color different from that of the first color-changing material. A third color changing material to be colored may be disposed.

The third color-changing material may have a light transmittance of 50% or more during decolorization.

The third color changing material may have a positive b* value according to the CIE Lab color system.

A thickness of the first discoloration material may be different from a thickness of the third discoloration material.

Areas of the first discoloration material layer and the second discoloration material layer may be the same.

Areas of the first discoloration material layer and the second discoloration material layer may be different.

The second discoloration material layer is divided into a first discoloration area and a second discoloration area spaced apart from each other,

An area of the second color-changing material layer in the second color-changing area may be the same as that of the first color-changing material layer.

The transition metal and the organic material may be bonded through π-conjugation.

The transition metal may be at least one selected from Fe, CO and Ru.

The first electrode layer may be disposed on a side exposed to sunlight.

An ultraviolet blocking film disposed on the lower surface of the first electrode layer may be further included.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an electrochromic device having a high discoloration rate and vivid colors of displayed letters, numbers, and pictures.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, yellowing of the transparent electrode can be prevented and power consumption can be reduced.

Also, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to simultaneously display two or more colors.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, electricity consumption can be reduced in an application in which the background area and the display area must be separated.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a general electrochromic device.
2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a bus electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a bus electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5 shows a cross section of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6 shows a cross section of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a plan view of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing a part of FIG. 7 in detail.
9 is a diagram explaining a method of forming an electrode spacer for an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a view showing an electrode separation portion formed by the method of FIG. 9 .
11 illustrates an example of a display area and a background area realized through an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display area and background area of FIG. 11 .
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12 .
14 shows an example in which two colors are displayed on one screen.
15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the electrochromic device of FIG. 14 .
17 shows an example in which three colors are displayed on one screen.
FIG. 18 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 17 .
19 shows a cross section of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
20 shows an electrochromic device including an electrochromic element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 is a view showing an electronic shelf label system to which an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

Since the present invention can make various changes and have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

Terms including ordinal numbers such as second, first, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. These terms are only used for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a second element may be termed a first element, and similarly, a first element may be termed a second element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The terms and/or include any combination of a plurality of related recited items or any of a plurality of related recited items.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may exist in the middle. It should be. On the other hand, when an element is referred to as “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, it should be understood that no other element exists in the middle.

In the description of the embodiments, each layer (film), region, pattern or structure is "on" or "under" the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad or pattern. The substrate formed on includes all those formed directly or through another layer. The criteria for upper/upper or lower/lower of each layer will be described based on drawings. In addition, since the thickness or size of each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure in the drawing may be modified for clarity and convenience of description, it does not entirely reflect the actual size.

Terms used in this application are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related art, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, they should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal meaning. don't

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the same or corresponding components regardless of reference numerals are given the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted.

2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the electrochromic device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first substrate 101, a first electrode layer 102 disposed on the first substrate 101, and a first electrode layer 102. and a first discoloration material layer 103 disposed thereon.

In addition, the electrochromic device 100 includes an electrolyte layer 104 disposed on the first color-changing material layer 103, a second color-changing material layer 105 disposed on the electrolyte layer 104, and a second color-changing material layer. A second electrode layer 106 disposed over 105 may be further included. Sealing units 108 may be further disposed on side surfaces of the first discoloration material layer 103 , the second discoloration material layer 105 , and the electrolyte layer 104 . In addition, a second substrate 107 may be further disposed on the second electrode layer 106 .

In addition, the first electrode layer 102 is connected to the first terminal, and the second electrode layer 106 is connected to a second terminal having a different polarity from the first terminal to receive power. To this end, a cavity (C) is formed in the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106, respectively, a pad electrode 109 is disposed in the cavity, and the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 may be connected to the pad electrode 109, respectively.

Alternatively, after removing a part of the first electrode layer 102 disposed on the first substrate 101, for example, a region where the pad electrode is disposed, the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the first substrate 101, The first electrode layer 102 and the pad electrode 109 may be connected. Alternatively, after removing a part of the first electrode layer 102 disposed on the first substrate 101, a part of the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the first electrode layer 102, and the remaining part of the pad electrode 109 may be disposed on the first substrate 101.

Similarly, after removing a part of the second electrode layer 106 disposed on the second substrate 107, for example, the region where the pad electrode is disposed, the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the second substrate 107, , the second electrode layer 106 and the pad electrode 109 may be connected. Alternatively, after removing a part of the second electrode layer 106 disposed on the second substrate 107, a part of the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the second electrode layer 106, and the remaining part of the pad electrode 109 may be disposed on the second substrate 107.

At least one of the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 107 may be a transparent substrate having transmittance (T%) of 98% or more, and may be glass, plastic, or a flexible polymer film. For example, soft polymer films include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), and polymethylmethacrylic acid. Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Polyethylene Naphthalate (PEN), Polyether Sulfone (PES), Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC), TAC (Triacetylcellulose) film, Polyvinyl Alcohol ( It may be made of any one of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polyimide (PI) film, and a polystyrene (PS) film, which is only an example and is not necessarily limited thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode layer 102 may include a transparent electrode 250 and a bus electrode 200 . The transparent electrode 250 may be disposed on the first substrate 101 , and the bus electrode 200 may be disposed on the transparent electrode 250 .

The transparent electrode may include a transparent conductive material through which electricity may flow without obstructing transmission of light. Transparent conductive materials include, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), FTO (Fluorine Tin Oxide), IZO (Indiun Zinc Oxide), copper oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, etc. of metal oxides. Alternatively, the transparent conductive material may include nanopowder composites such as nanowires, photosensitive nanowire films, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, or mixtures thereof. Here, it is possible to control the color and reflectance while securing the electrical conductivity through the control of the content of the nanopowder. Alternatively, the transparent conductive material is selected from among chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), gold (Au), titanium (Ti), and alloys thereof. It may contain at least one. Each of the transparent electrodes may be in the form of a film, and may have a light transmittance of 80% or more.

The bus electrode 200 may have a mesh shape or a plurality of lines spaced at predetermined intervals, and may have various pattern shapes. A bus electrode 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 3 .

In FIG. 3 , an example in which a plurality of parallel horizontal electrodes and a plurality of parallel vertical electrodes are arranged in an almost perpendicular shape is illustrated, but is not limited thereto. An angle θ between a plurality of parallel horizontal electrodes and a plurality of parallel vertical electrodes may be 45° to 135°. When the angle θ between the plurality of parallel horizontal electrodes and the plurality of parallel vertical electrodes is within this numerical range, moire can be prevented. Alternatively, the plurality of horizontal electrodes or the plurality of vertical electrodes may not be parallel to each other and may be randomly disposed.

In addition, regardless of the shape of the bus electrode 200 being a plurality of lines, a lattice, or an amorphous mesh, the bus electrode 200 per unit area may actually occupy 0.4% to 10% of the area. For example, the area actually occupied by the bus electrode 200 within 10×10 mm ² may be 0.4 to 10 mm ² . When the area actually occupied by the bus electrode 200 is less than 0.4%, the effect of improving the discoloration rate may be insignificant. In addition, if the area actually occupied by the bus electrode 200 exceeds 10%, visibility may deteriorate.

The bus electrode 200 may include mesh lines LA and openings OA between the mesh lines. The line width of the mesh line LA may be 0.1 μm to 10 μm, preferably 1 μm to 8 μm, and more preferably 1 μm to 5 μm. If the line width of the mesh line LA is less than 0.1 μm, there is difficulty in the manufacturing process or a short circuit of the mesh line is likely to occur. When the line width of the mesh line LA exceeds 10 μm, the mesh line LA is visible from the outside, and visibility may be deteriorated. In this specification, the mesh LA may be used interchangeably with the bus electrode. The mesh opening OA may be formed in various shapes. For example, the mesh opening OA may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrangle, diamond, pentagon, or hexagon, or a circular shape. Alternatively, the mesh opening OA may have a regular shape or a random shape. In the present specification, the mesh opening OA may be used interchangeably with the opening.

In this way, when the bus electrode 200 is disposed, the visibility of the electrochromic device can be improved and the discoloration speed can be increased.

Alternatively, the bus electrode 200 may be composed of a plurality of circular electrodes and linear electrodes connecting them, as shown in FIG. 4 .

In the case of a rectangle as shown in FIG. 3, the diameter of the rectangle may be 5 to 400 um, preferably 10 to 100 um, and more preferably 10 to 50 um.

In the case of the bus electrode 200 composed of a plurality of circular electrodes and linear electrodes connecting them as shown in FIG. 4, the diameter d1 of the circular electrodes may be 250 to 350 μm. In addition, a distance (d ₂ ) between any one intersection point of the circular electrode and the linear electrode and any one intersection point of the circular electrode and the linear electrode closest thereto may be 100 to 200 μm. When such a numerical range is satisfied, a bus electrode having a high discoloration rate and excellent visibility can be provided.

In addition, when a fine pattern is required, the diameter d1 of the circular electrode may be formed as small as 5 to 400 um, preferably 10 to 100 um, and more preferably 10 to 50 um.

The mesh opening OA may be formed in various shapes. For example, the mesh opening OA may have a polygonal shape such as a quadrangle, diamond, pentagon, or hexagon, or a circular shape. Alternatively, the mesh opening OA may have a regular shape or a random shape. In FIG. 4 , an area other than the area occupied by the circular electrode and the linear electrode may form an opening.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the first discoloration material layer 103 may be disposed in the opening OA and the electrode separation portion G between the mesh lines.

Also, referring back to FIG. 2 , a protective layer 202 may be further disposed on the bus electrode 200 . The protective layer 202 may be formed to surround a surface of the bus electrode 200 exposed to the first discoloration material layer 103 and/or the electrolyte layer 104 . The protective layer 202 may be a passivation layer, and may prevent oxidation of the bus electrode 200 due to direct contact with the first discoloration material layer 103 and/or the electrolyte layer 104 . The protective layer 202 may be a film obtained by pre-oxidizing copper, nickel, silver, aluminum, titanium, etc. included in the bus electrode 200, and may be formed by various methods such as plating and deposition.

Meanwhile, an electrode spacer (G) may be formed in the first electrode layer 102 . The electrode spacer (G) may be formed by removing at least a portion of the first electrode layer 102, and the two regions having the electrode spacer (G) therebetween may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the two regions having the electrode separation portion G interposed therebetween may be decolored or colored independently of each other.

The electrode spacing portion may be formed by various methods such as laser etching, etching, and mechanical etching. For example, the electrode spacing portion G is formed by laser etching the first electrode layer 102 in the area where the electrode spacing portion G is to be formed after disposing the first electrode layer 102 on the first substrate 101. It can be formed in a way to remove it by.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode spacer (G) is formed by disposing the transparent electrode 250 on the first substrate 101, disposing the bus electrode 200 on the transparent electrode 250, and then laser etching. It can be formed by a method in which the transparent electrode 250 and the bus electrode 200 are removed.

Meanwhile, a cavity (C) in which parts of the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 are removed may be disposed in one region of the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 . Also, the pad electrode 109 may be located in the cavity (C) and may come into contact with the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 . The pad electrode 109 may supply power to the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 .

Alternatively, after removing a part of the first electrode layer 102 disposed on the first substrate 101, for example, a region where the pad electrode is disposed, the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the first substrate 101, The first electrode layer 102 and the pad electrode 109 may be connected. Alternatively, after removing a part of the first electrode layer 102 disposed on the first substrate 101, a part of the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the first electrode layer 102, and the remaining part of the pad electrode 109 may be disposed on the first substrate 101.

Similarly, after removing a part of the second electrode layer 106 disposed on the second substrate 107, for example, the region where the pad electrode is disposed, the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the second substrate 107, , the second electrode layer 106 and the pad electrode 109 may be connected. Alternatively, after removing a part of the second electrode layer 106 disposed on the second substrate 107, a part of the pad electrode 109 is disposed on the second electrode layer 106, and the remaining part of the pad electrode 109 may be disposed on the second substrate 107.

In addition, the first discoloration material layer 103 may be disposed after forming the electrode separation portion G in the first electrode layer 102. Accordingly, the first discoloration material layer 103 may be disposed on the first electrode layer 102. It may be disposed not only above, but also within the electrode separation part (groove, G).

In addition, only a portion of the first discoloration material layer 103 may be disposed within the electrode separation portion.

The first color-changing material layer 103, the electrolyte layer 104, and the second color-changing material layer 105 change color reversibly or transmittance by applying an external voltage using an electrochromic principle in which color changes when voltage is applied. It contains a variable element.

The first color-changing material layer 103 and the second color-changing material layer 105 may include materials having excellent color-changing or extinguishing performance, excellent response speed, durability, and memory effect. For example, the first discoloration material layer 103 may be an oxidative discoloration layer that undergoes an oxidation reaction, and the second discoloration material layer 105 may be a reduction discoloration layer that undergoes a reduction reaction. Alternatively, the first discoloration material layer 103 may be a reduction discoloration layer that undergoes a reduction reaction, and the second discoloration material layer 105 may be an oxidative discoloration layer that undergoes an oxidation reaction.

The first color changing material layer 103 and the second color changing material layer 105 may include at least one of an organic color changing material and an inorganic color changing material. In the present specification, the discoloration material refers to a material having an electrochromic property in which light absorption is changed by an electrochemical oxidation or reduction reaction, and the electrochemical oxidation of the electrochromic material is reversible depending on whether or not voltage is applied and the strength of the voltage , a reduction phenomenon occurs, whereby the transparency and absorbance of the discoloration material can be reversibly changed.

Meanwhile, conventionally, the first discoloration material layer 103 and the second discoloration material layer 105 are not disposed oppositely, and the first discoloration material layer 103 or the second discoloration material layer 103 is placed on one side of the electrolyte layer 104. (105) was formed as a single layer, but it was difficult to implement a memory effect by complexing ions expressed in each counter discoloration layer, and it was difficult to expect color implementation by color mixing.

Accordingly, the above problem could be solved by disposing the first discoloration material layer 103 and the second discoloration material layer 105 on opposite sides of the electrolyte layer 104, but the first discoloration material layer 103 When the second discoloration material layer 105 is formed of an organic discoloration material, the discoloration reaction speed is increased, but problems such as low reliability against ultraviolet (UV) light and low memory effect may occur.

In addition, when the first color-changing material layer 103 and the second color-changing material layer 105 are composed of inorganic color-changing materials, reliability and memory effect for ultraviolet rays (UV) are increased, contrary to the above, but the layer structure is complicated. and may cause a problem that the discoloration reaction rate is slowed down.

Meanwhile, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first color-changing material layer 103 is composed of an inorganic color-changing material, and the second color-changing material layer 105 is composed of an organic-inorganic composite material in which a transition metal and an organic material are combined. , it is possible to obtain an electrochromic device capable of increasing color change reaction speed, reliability with respect to ultraviolet rays (UV), and memory effect.

For example, the inorganic color changing material may be selected from the group consisting of oxides of tungsten, iridium, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, cerium, and niobium. Alternatively, the discoloration material may be Prussian blue (PB) or Prussian blue analog (PB analog, PBA). Such PB may be a discoloration material included in the oxidative discoloration layer.

Also, for example, the transition metal may be selected from at least one of Fe, Co, and Ru, and the organic material may be metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (MEPE).

Meanwhile, the transition metal and the organic material may form a π-conjugated compound through a π-conjugation bond.

Here, Fe-MEPE combined with Fe and MEPE has a blue color, Co-MEPE combined with Co and MEPE has a yellow color, and Ru-MEPE combined with Ru and MEPE has a red color. stands out

That is, Fe-MEPE may have a positive b* value according to the CIE Lab colorimetric system, Co-MEPE may have a negative b* value according to the CIE Lab colorimetric system, and Ru-MEPE may have a negative value according to the CIE Lab colorimetric system. Accordingly, the value of a* can have a positive value.

Here, the color coordinates of the CIE Lab color system can be represented by L*, a*, and b*, where the L* value represents brightness, and a* and b* represent chromaticity representing hue and saturation. In particular, a* indicates which side of red or green is biased, and b* indicates which side of yellow or blue is biased. It may mean that the closer L* is to 0, the closer to black, and the closer to L* to 100, the closer to white. Further, when a* is a negative number, the color is close to green, and when a* is a positive number, the color is close to red. In addition, when b* is a negative number, the color is close to blue, and when b* is a positive number, the color is close to yellow.

In addition, it is possible to implement a mixed color required by a user according to an appropriate combination of transition metals (Fe, Co, and Ru).

For example, when Fe and Ru are mixed and combined with organic MEPE, it is possible to realize the required color among blue-based colors, red-based colors, and purple-based colors according to the mixing ratio of Fe and Ru.

In addition, when organic MEPE is mixed with Fe, Co, and Ru together, the required color between blue-based color, red-based color, yellow-based color, and black-based color is determined according to the mixing ratio of Fe, Co, and Ru. It is possible to implement color.

That is, it is possible to implement various colors according to the combination of blue-based colors, red-based colors, yellow-based colors, and three primary colors according to each of Fe, Co, and Ru or their mixture in MEPE.

In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is also possible to implement a desired color by mixing the colors exposed during coloring or discoloration in each of the first discoloration material layer 103 and the second discoloration material layer 105 .

For example, when the first discoloration material layer 103 includes Prussian blue and the second discoloration material layer 105 includes Ru-MEPE, Prussian blue is blue-based in a state in which power is not applied. may have a color, and Ru-MEPE may have a red-based color. Accordingly, by mixing the first color-changing material layer 103 and the second color-changing material layer 105, blue-based colors and red-based colors may be mixed and recognized outside the electrochromic device.

The total thickness of the first discoloration material layer 103, the electrolyte layer 104, and the second discoloration material layer 105 may be 10 to 500 μm, preferably 20 to 300 μm, and more preferably 40 to 100 μm. have. When the total thickness of the first discoloration material layer 103, the electrolyte layer 104, and the second discoloration material layer 105 is less than 10 μm, due to contact between the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 There is a possibility of a short circuit, and when the total thickness of the first discoloration material layer 103, the electrolyte layer 104, and the second discoloration material layer 105 exceeds 500 μm, the electrical conductivity decreases and the reaction rate becomes slow. can

The electrolyte layer 104 may include a gel, solid, or liquid electrolyte material having high ion conductivity, excellent temperature resistance, and excellent laminate adhesion. The electrolyte material may include, for example, a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin, a polycarbonate (PC) resin, or an acrylic resin. Alternatively, the electrolyte layer 104 may include an ionic liquid and a metal salt. Here, the cations included in the ionic liquid include ammonium, imidazolium, oxazolium, piperidinium, pyrazinium, pyrazolium, and pyridine. Pyridazinium, pyridinium, pyrimidinium, pyrrolidinium, pyrrolinium, pyrrolium, thiazolium, triazolium ), etc., and the anion may be a halogen group, BF ₄ ^- , PF ₆ ^- , sulfonate-based [(SO ₂ R) O] ^- , imide-based [(SO ₂ R) ₂ N] ^- , methide-based [(SO ₂ R) ₃ C] ^- and the like. Here, R may be a halogen group, CF ₃ , C ₂ F ₅ and other aryl or alkyl substituents capable of accepting electron pairs. And, the metal salt may be a lithium ion.

When the electrolyte layer 104 includes an ionic liquid and a metal salt, it is possible to obtain a fast discoloration rate due to the low vapor pressure, non-flammability, electrochemical stability, and high ionic conductivity of the ionic liquid at room temperature.

The electrolyte layer 104 may further include a polymer for providing a matrix, and the ionic liquid may be a reactive ionic liquid capable of reacting with the polymer. Here, the reactive ionic liquid may be an ionic liquid in which a cation has a carbon double bond or a carbon triple bond.

5 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Redundant descriptions of the same contents as those of FIGS. 2 to 4 are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the first electrode layer 102 includes a resin layer 210 disposed on the first substrate 101, a bus electrode 200 partially surrounded by the resin layer 210, and a resin layer ( 210) and a transparent electrode 250 disposed on the bus electrode 200.

A portion of the bus electrode 200 is surrounded by the resin layer 210, and one surface may contact one surface of the transparent electrode 250. At this time, the resin layer 210 may use a transparent resin having a transmittance of 95% or more. The resin layer 210 may include a polymer resin, and the polymer resin may be, for example, a silicone-based polymer resin.

At this time, a functional filler may be dispersed in the resin layer 210 . Functional fillers can be, for example, UV stabilizers. The UV stabilizer may include, for example, at least one of hydroxy benzophonone and hydroxyphenyl benzotriazole. These UV stabilizers can absorb ultraviolet rays or scavenge free radicals decomposed by ultraviolet rays. Accordingly, when the UV stabilizer is dispersed in the resin layer 210, it is possible to prevent the electrochromic device 100 from being deformed by ultraviolet rays. In particular, when the discoloration material layer 150 of the electrochromic device 100 includes a material vulnerable to UV, such as viologen, decomposition of viologen is prevented to improve durability of the electrochromic device 100. can make it

In the bus electrode 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the resin layer 210 is coated on the first substrate 101, an intaglio pattern is formed in the resin layer 210, and the intaglio pattern is filled. , InfraRed (IR) rays may be irradiated. The intaglio pattern may be a metal material including at least one of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), silver (Ag), aluminum (Al), and titanium (Ti).

Here, an electrode spacing portion (groove, G) may be formed in the first electrode layer 102 , and two regions having the electrode spacing portion (G) therebetween may be spaced apart from each other.

To this end, in a structure in which the resin layer 210, the bus electrode 200, and the transparent electrode 250 are sequentially disposed, the bus electrode 200 and the transparent electrode 250 are formed along the region where the electrode separation portion G is to be formed. ), or the resin layer 210, the bus electrode 200, and the transparent electrode 250 may be removed. Alternatively, the bus electrode 200 is not disposed in the region where the electrode separation portion G is to be formed, and only the resin layer 210 and the transparent electrode 250 are disposed, and the region where the electrode separation portion G is to be formed. In addition, only the transparent electrode 250 may be removed.

As described above, the electrode separation portion G may be formed by various methods such as laser etching, etching, and mechanical etching.

6 shows a cross section of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Redundant descriptions of the same contents as those of FIGS. 2 to 5 are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the first electrode layer 102 may include a bus electrode 200 disposed on the first substrate 101 and a transparent electrode 250 disposed on the bus electrode 200 . At this time, the transparent electrode 250 surrounds the bus electrode 200 and may be disposed on the first substrate 101 and the bus electrode 200 .

In addition, an electrode spacing portion (groove, G) may be formed in the first electrode layer 102 , and the two regions having the electrode spacing portion (G) therebetween may be spaced apart from each other. As described above, the electrode spacing portion may be formed by various methods such as laser etching, etching, and mechanical etching.

After disposing the bus electrode 200 and the transparent electrode 250, the bus electrode 200 and the transparent electrode 250 are removed along the area where the electrode separation portion G is to be formed, or the transparent electrode 250 is The bus electrode 200 is placed over the entire area except for the area where the electrode spacer (G) is to be formed, and then the transparent electrode 250 is removed along the area where the electrode spacer (G) is to be formed. can do.

As described above, the electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of regions electrically short-circuited from each other, and power may be independently applied to each region. Accordingly, the decolorization or coloring reaction may occur independently for each region, or the bleaching or coloring reaction may independently occur for some of the plurality of regions, and the bleaching or coloring reaction may not occur for other portions. It is possible to display various information using this.

7 is a plan view of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a plan view and cross-sectional view showing a part of FIG. 7 in detail.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8 , the electrochromic device 100 may be divided into an electrode area A1 and a dummy electrode area A2 by the electrode spacer G. The electrode area A1 may be an area displayed with letters, numbers, pictures, etc., and the dummy electrode area A2 may be an area displayed as a background. The electrode area A1 is an area for displaying information and may be used interchangeably with a conversion area and a display area, and the dummy electrode area A2 may be used interchangeably with a background area.

The electrode region A1 includes a plurality of divided regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n, and a plurality of divided regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n. n) are spaced from each other and can be driven independently. The electrode area A1 may expose various information according to the combination of decolorization and coloring of the plurality of divided areas A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n. To this end, the plurality of division areas A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n may be disposed around the dummy electrode area A2. That is, the dummy electrode area A2 is surrounded by a plurality of divided areas A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n or is surrounded by a plurality of divided areas A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n. ., A1-n) may be surrounded by the dummy electrode area A2. Accordingly, information displayed by the plurality of divided areas A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n can be clearly displayed by the background of the dummy electrode area A2.

At this time, each area may extend to a wiring area W narrower than each area, and may be connected to the pad electrode 109 through the wiring area W. That is, each of the plurality of divided regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n extends from each of the plurality of divided regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n. It may be connected to the pad electrode 109 through a wiring part. Accordingly, the plurality of divided regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n may be mixed with the plurality of electrode regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n. have.

For example, the width of the wiring area W extending from each divided area may be 1/3 to 1/8 of the width of each divided area. If the width of the wiring area W is less than 1/8 times the width of each divided area, the bus electrode in the wiring area may be cut off, and if it is greater than 1/3 times, the wiring area may be exposed when the divided area is colored. . In addition, the width of the wiring region w may be 0.2 times or more and 2 times or less, 0.4 times or more and 1.5 times or less, 0.5 times or more and 1.2 times or less of the mesh opening width of the bus electrode. If the width of the wiring area (w) is less than 0.2 times the mesh opening width of the bus electrode, the bus electrodes in the wiring area (W) are short-circuited to each other, so the bus electrodes cannot perform their role, and if it is more than 2 times, the division area When coloring, the wiring area may be exposed. A1 is an electrode part, and a wiring area connecting A1 and the pad electrode 109 may be referred to as a wiring part.

Accordingly, discoloration reactions may occur in each region independently of each other. For example, the discoloration reaction occurs only in the electrode area A1 and the discoloration reaction does not occur in the dummy electrode area A2, or the discoloration reaction occurs independently in the electrode area A1 and the dummy electrode area A2. Alternatively, the discoloration reaction of the plurality of divided regions A1-1, A1-2, ..., A1-n constituting the electrode region A1 may occur independently. In the case where discoloration reactions of the electrode area A1 and the dummy electrode area A2 occur independently, the dummy electrode area A2 may be an electrode area. Accordingly, the electrode spacing portion G may be formed between the plurality of electrode regions A1 and A2.

Meanwhile, the line width of the groove (G) may be implemented in various ways according to the width or pitch of the mesh opening of the bus electrode. The line width of the electrode separation portion (G) may be 0.1 times or more and 150 um or less, preferably 0.2 times or more and 120 um or less, more preferably 0.2 times or more and 90 um or less of the mesh opening width of the bus electrode. If the line width of the electrode spacer (G) is less than 0.1 times the width of the bus electrode mesh opening, the electrode area (A1) and the dummy electrode area (A2) may not be electrically shorted, and the line width of the electrode spacer (G) is 150 If it exceeds ㎛, it may be difficult to precisely process the electrode area A1. In addition, when forming the electrode separation portion (G) through laser processing, the line width of the electrode separation portion (G) may vary according to the laser processing capability.

In addition, a pad electrode 109 is disposed at one end of the first electrode layer 102 , and the pad electrode 109 may be disposed to contact the first electrode layer 102 .

FIG. 9 is a view explaining a method of forming an electrode spacer for an electrochromic element according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a view showing an electrode spacer formed by the method of FIG. 9 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the electrode layer may be patterned using a laser. That is, the gap between the electrode area A1 and the dummy electrode area A2 may be perforated by a laser, and thus the electrode separation portion G may be formed, and the electrode area A1 and the dummy electrode area A2 may be formed. may be electrically shorted. For convenience of description, it is expressed as an electrode area A1 and a dummy electrode area A2, but is not limited thereto, and when power is applied to the dummy electrode area A2 and decolorization and coloring reactions are performed independently, the dummy electrode Area A2 may also be referred to as an electrode area A2.

To this end, the spot of the laser may remove the electrode layer while moving along the area where the electrode spacing portion G is to be formed. At this time, the diameter of the hole h punched by the laser spot may vary depending on the processing capability of the laser. The diameter of the hole may be 0.5 to 3 times less than that of the laser spot. In the case of 0.5 times of the laser spot, processing may not be possible and the electrode layer may short-circuit. In general, the diameter of the hole may be 10 to 100 μm, preferably 30 to 90 μm, and more preferably 50 to 85 μm. If the diameter of the hole is less than 10um, the perforated diameter is small, and the electrode layer may be short-circuited. If the diameter exceeds 100um, the gap between the electrodes is wide, making it difficult to express a pattern for discoloring fine parts. When the spot of the laser moves along the area where the electrode separation part (G) is to be formed, a hole (h) in which a predetermined area of one hole (h) is adjacently punched so as not to generate an unperforated area. It should be perforated so that it overlaps with the predetermined area of the This can be controlled according to the frequency and speed of the laser spot.

On the other hand, if the area where the electrode separation portion G is formed is not straight, such as area B, for example, if it is a curve with a predetermined curvature or an angled shape, the direction in which the laser spot moves must be changed. At this time, when the direction in which the laser spot moves needs to be rapidly changed, the laser spot may not be sufficiently irradiated. An area where the laser spot is not irradiated cannot be electrically shorted, and thus product defects may occur.

In order to prevent this problem, an extension pattern may be formed in a portion where the direction in which the electrode separation portion G is formed is changed. For example, the extension pattern 300 may be further formed such that an extension line of the electrode spacing portion G formed in one direction and an extension line of the electrode spacing portion G formed in the other direction intersect. That is, the electrode spacing portion G formed in the first direction may be formed to extend further by a predetermined length past the intersection with the electrode spacing portion G formed in the second direction.

The extension patterns 300 may be formed in the dummy electrode area A2, and at least two extension patterns 300 may be formed at one intersection. Even if the extension pattern 300 is formed in the dummy electrode area A2, since the extension pattern 300 does not short-circuit the electrode area A1, the extension pattern 300 and the dummy pattern may be used interchangeably. At this time, the extension pattern 300 may be formed in various shapes such as a curve, a circle, an oval, a polygon as well as a straight line. The length of the extension pattern 300 should be formed at least greater than the diameter of the hole (h). That is, at least one laser spot needs to pass through the intersection.

For example, the length d4 of the extension pattern 300 may be 3 times or less than the width of the electrode spacer. If the length of the extension pattern 300 exceeds three times the width of the electrode spacer, the movement radius of the laser spot becomes longer, which may decrease productivity.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 10 , when forming the electrode spacing portion G by laser etching, only the transparent electrode 250 may be removed from a portion of the electrode spacing portion, and a portion of the bus electrode 200 may not be removed. Hereinafter, the remaining bus electrodes 203 that are not removed even after laser processing are referred to as residual bus electrodes 203 or residual bus electrode parts. The remaining bus electrodes 203 may extend from the bus electrodes 203 outside the electrode spacers G and partially remain inside the electrode spacers G. That is, the bus electrode 200 may further include a remaining bus electrode portion extending from the electrode separation portion G, and the remaining bus electrode portion may be a part of the bus electrode 200 . The remaining bus electrode 203 may be formed by a difference in reactivity between the laser and the transparent electrode 250 and between the laser and the bus electrode 200 . The remaining bus electrode 203 has a contraction force toward the outside of the electrode separation part, preventing the transparent electrode 250 from being re-bonded in the process of being re-solidified after being melted and removed by the laser, thereby preventing the electrode area A1 and the dummy electrode area. (A2) can be short-circuited reliably.

Here, the length d3 of the remaining bus electrodes 203 remaining in the electrode spacing portion may be 1 nm to 20 μm, preferably 1 nm to 15 μm, and more preferably 1 nm to 5 μm. If the length of the remaining bus electrode 203 is less than 1 nm, the first electrode may be rejoined so that the dummy electrode area A2 and the electrode area A1 may not be short-circuited. Area A2 and electrode area A1 may not be shorted.

In addition, the length d3 of the remaining bus electrode may be less than 1/2 of the width of the electrode spacer G.

Meanwhile, the electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be divided into a display area for displaying letters, numbers, symbols, pictures, etc., and a background area serving as a background of the display area. The display area and the background area are as described above. As described above, it can operate independently by the electrode separation part of the electrode layer.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a display area and a background area implemented using an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the display area and the background area of FIG. 11 .

Referring to FIG. 11 , the display area 1100 and the background area 1110 may be spaced apart from each other. The display area 1100 may correspond to the aforementioned electrode area A1, and the background area 1110 may correspond to the aforementioned dummy electrode area A2. In this case, the area of the background area 1110 may be larger than that of the display area 1100 . Also, the display area 1100 and the background area 1110 may be divided by the electrode spacers G formed in the electrode layer as described above. The display area 1100 includes a plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n, and includes a plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n. n) are electrically shorted to each other and can be decolored and colored independently. The plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n may be patterned by laser, as described above with reference to FIGS. 9 to 10 . Depending on the combination of discoloration and coloring of the plurality of divided areas 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n, the display area 1100 may expose various types of information.

The background area 1110 may continuously expose a predetermined color to more clearly reveal the colored display area 1100 .

Compared to the background area 1110, the display area 1100 may be decolored and colored more frequently, and thus may be referred to as a conversion area.

When the color changing material layer and the electrolyte layer are coated on the electrode layer patterned along the plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n, as shown in FIG. 11, the display area 1100 and the background area 1110 all represent a unique color of the color-changing material layer. For example, the first discoloration material layer 103 includes a discoloration material containing Fe ions, for example, Prussian blue, and the second discoloration material layer 105 includes Ru-MEPE in which Ru and MEPE are combined. When included, Prussian blue has a blue-based color when power is not applied, and when power is applied, it is discolored and becomes transparent, and Ru-MEPE, a combination of Ru and MEPE, is in a state where power is not applied has a red-based color, and when power is applied, it is colored and becomes transparent.

Accordingly, both the display area 1100 and the background area 1110 may exhibit a transparent color when power is applied, and power is not applied to the first electrode layer 102 side, and the second electrode layer 106 side When power is applied only to , the first color-changing material exhibits a blue-based color and the second color-changing material exhibits a transparent color, so that a blue color can be expressed. Then, when power is applied to the first electrode layer 102 side and reverse power is applied to the second electrode layer 106 side, the first discoloration material is transparently discolored and the second discoloration material is red-based. , can express red color. In addition, when power is not applied to both the first electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106, both the display area 1100 and the background area 1110 are colors in which red-based colors and blue-based colors are mixed. can express

In this case, in order to maintain the transparent color, power must be continuously applied to the second electrode layer 106 and the first electrode layer 102 side. Accordingly, there is a problem in that electricity consumption is increased due to high power consumption.

Meanwhile, in order to display information, some of the plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n are colored, and the plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ... , 1100-n), when the remaining part and the background area 1110 are decolored, predetermined letters, numbers, pictures, symbols, etc. may be displayed. For example, the first discoloration material layer 103 includes a discoloration material containing Fe ions, for example, Prussian blue, and the second discoloration material layer 105 includes Ru-MEPE in which Ru and MEPE are combined. In case of including, oxidation or reduction of the first discoloration material layer 103 and the second discoloration material layer 105 with respect to some of the plurality of divided regions 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n When appropriately combined, information to be displayed is displayed in a blue-based color, a red-based color, or a mixed color thereof, and the background may be displayed in a transparent or substrate color.

However, in general, the combination of discoloration and coloring of the plurality of divided areas 1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n may change frequently as information to be displayed changes, but the background area 1110 ) must continuously maintain the decolorization state, and for this purpose, a voltage of opposite polarity to the voltage applied to the part to be colored among the plurality of divided areas (1100-1, 1100-2, ..., 1100-n) It must be continuously authorized.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to maintain the background color without continuously applying a predetermined voltage to the background area 1110 . To this end, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which power is not applied to both the display area 1100, that is, the electrode area A1 and the background area 1110, that is, the dummy electrode area A2, the display area ( 1100), that is, the transparency of the electrode area A1 and the transparency of the background area 1110, that is, the dummy electrode area A2, may be different. Alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a state in which power is not applied to both the display area 1100, that is, the electrode area A1 and the background area 1110, that is, the dummy electrode area A2, the display area 1100 ), that is, the color coordinates of the electrode area A1 and the background area 1110, that is, the color coordinates of the dummy electrode area A2 may be different.

To this end, referring to FIG. 12 , the first color-changing material layer 103 on the display area 1100 is discolored, that is, discoloration and coloring occurs according to the application of power, and the first color-changing material layer on the background area 1110 ( 103) does not cause discoloration. That is, both when power is applied to the side of the first electrode layer 102 on the background area 1110 and when power is not applied, the first color changing material layer 103 on the background area 1110 shows a transparent color.

To this end, the first discoloration material layer 103 on the background area 1110 may be chemically bleached in advance. Chemical bleaching may be performed by laminating the first electrode layer 102 and the first discoloration material layer 103, masking the display area 1100, and exposing the background area 1110 to a bleaching solution. . For example, the bleaching solution may be an alkaline solution. For example, when the first discoloration material layer 103 includes Prussian blue, Fe ions included in Prussian blue become transparent when Fe ²⁺ state, and blue-based color when Fe ³⁺ state. discolor If Prussian blue is exposed to an alkaline solution, for example, a solution containing CO ₃ ⁻ , Fe ²⁺ cannot be converted into Fe ³⁺ and always remains transparent. Accordingly, the first color changing material layer 103 on the background area 1110 does not change color regardless of the application of power. In this way, in a state in which power is not applied to both the display area 1100, that is, the electrode area A1 and the background area 1110, that is, the dummy electrode area A2, the display area 1100, that is, the electrode area A1 ) may be different from the transmittance and/or color coordinates of the background area 1110, that is, the dummy electrode area A2. That is, when the first color-changing material layer 103-2 on the background area 1110 is chemically bleached in advance, the display area 1100 in a state in which power is not applied is the first color-changing material when power is not applied. Indicates the unique color of the first color-changing material layer 103 and the unique color of the second color-changing material layer 105 of the layer 103, and the background area 1110 is the second color-changing material layer 105 when power is not applied. ) represents a unique color. For example, the first color-changing material of the first color-changing material layer 103 may have a predetermined unique color and not be transparent in a state in which power is not applied, and the second color-changing material of the second color-changing material layer 105 may be non-transparent. When the color-changing material is transparent in a state in which power is not applied, the display area 1100 represents a unique color of the first color-changing material of the first color-changing material layer 103 in a state in which power is not applied, and the background area ( 1110) may be transparent. Accordingly, in a state in which power is not applied, the transmittance of the display area 1100, that is, the electrode area A1 may be 1 to 50%, preferably 10 to 40%, and more preferably 15 to 30%. , The transmittance of the background area 1100, that is, the dummy electrode area A2 may be 40 to 90%, preferably 50 to 80%, and more preferably 55 to 70%. In a state in which no power is applied, the color coordinate L* of the display area 1100, that is, the electrode area A1 may be 60 to 89, preferably 65 to 85, and more preferably 70 to 80. , the color coordinates of the background area 1100, that is, the dummy electrode area A2, may be 90 to 99, preferably 92 to 97, and more preferably 94 to 96.

On the other hand, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode layer 106 can also be divided into a display area 1100 and a background area 1110 electrically shorted from the display area 1100. color can be realized. The display area 1100 of the first electrode layer 102 and the display area 1100 of the second electrode layer 106 are disposed symmetrically to each other, and the background area 1110 of the first electrode layer 102 and the display area 1100 of the second electrode layer 106 The background regions 1110 of ) may be arranged to be symmetrical to each other.

In FIG. 12, FIG. 12(a) shows a first electrode layer 102 in which a transparent electrode 250 is disposed on a first substrate 101 and a bus electrode 200 is formed in an embossed shape on the transparent electrode 250. 12(b) shows the structure, the resin layer 210 is disposed on the first substrate 101, the bus electrode 200 is filled in the intaglio pattern formed on the resin layer 210, and the bus electrode ( 200) shows the structure of the first electrode layer 102 in which the transparent electrode 250 is disposed, and FIG. 12(c) shows the bus electrode 200 disposed in an embossed pattern on the first substrate 101, Reference numeral 200 and the structure of the first electrode layer 102 in which the transparent electrode 250 is disposed on the first substrate 101 are shown. 12 (a), (b) and (c) are all shown as having the second electrode layer 106 having the same structure as the first electrode layer 102, but is not limited thereto, and the first The electrode layer 102 and the second electrode layer 106 may have various combinations, and a structure in which no bus electrode is disposed on the second electrode layer 106 may also be implemented.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the background area 1110 does not change color regardless of power application, a wire for supplying power may not be connected to the background area 1110 .

Meanwhile, as described above, the first discoloration material layer 103 is also in the electrode separation portion G between the electrode area A1 and the dummy electrode area A2, that is, between the display area 1100 and the background area 1110. ) can be placed. Through this, a separate patterning process after forming the first discoloration material layer 103 on the entire surface of the first substrate 101 is eliminated, thereby improving process efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 13, the first discoloration material layer 103 disposed in the electrode separation portion G may also always be in a transparent state. The electrode spaced portion (G) is a region where electrodes are removed, and voltage is not always applied. Accordingly, if the first color-changing material layer 103 in the electrode spaced part (G) is not chemically bleached in advance, the first color-changing material layer 103 in the electrode spaced part (G) is the first color-changing material layer 103 ) will always have the unique color of the discoloration material included in For example, when the first color-changing material layer 103 includes Prussian blue, if the first color-changing material layer 103 in the electrode spaced part G is not chemically bleached in advance, the electrode spaced part G ) The first color-changing material layer 103 in ) always has a blue-based color. This may be noise and may be an obstacle to displaying information clearly.

Also, like the first color-changing material layer 103 disposed in the electrode spacer G, a part of the first color-changing material layer 103 on the display area 1100, for example, from the edge of the display area 1100 10% to 100% of the width of the electrode separation part (d) with respect to the width of the display area 1100 may be chemically bleached in advance. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a problem in which power is not applied near the edge of the display area 1100 and the display area 1100 always remains in a blue-based color.

Meanwhile, the electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may display two or more colors on one screen.

14 shows an example of displaying two colors on one screen, and FIGS. 15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the electrochromic device of FIG. 14 .

Referring to FIG. 14, the electrochromic device 100 is divided into a first color changing area 500 for displaying a first color and a second color changing area 600 for displaying a second color different from the first color. can For example, the first discolored area 500 may be colored in a blue-based, red-based, or purple-based color, and the second discolored area 600 may be colored in a red-based color.

To this end, the color-changing material disposed in the first color-changing area 500 and the color-changing material disposed in the second color-changing area 600 may be different from each other. Accordingly, it is possible to diversify the applied applications of the electrochromic device 100 .

Here, the first discoloration area 500 may be divided into a display area 510 for displaying information and a background area 520 for displaying a background, and the display area 510 and the background area 520 are electrically can be short-circuited or spaced apart. Similarly, the second discoloration area 600 is divided into a display area 610 for displaying information and a background area 620 for displaying a background, and the display area 610 and the background area 620 are electrically They can be shorted or spaced apart. The display area 510 and the background area 520 of the first discoloration area 500 and the display area 610 and the background area 620 of the second discoloration area 600 are the same as those described in FIGS. 11 to 13. can be applied

In this case, the frequency at which the first color in the first discoloration area 500 is colored or discolored may be different from the frequency at which the second color in the second discoloration area 600 is colored or discolored. For example, information displayed through the first discoloration area 500 may be information that is frequently changed compared to information displayed through the second discoloration area 600 .

To this end, the first discoloration area 500 and the second discoloration area 600 may be electrically shorted to each other or may be separated from each other by an electrode separation unit. For example, an electrode separation portion formed by the method described in FIGS. 9 to 10 may be disposed between the first discoloration area 500 and the second discoloration area 600 .

Alternatively, as described above, the display area 510 of the first discoloration area 500 and the background area 520 are electrically shorted or separated from each other, and the display area 610 of the second discoloration area 600 and the background area 520 are electrically disconnected from each other. The regions 620 are electrically shorted or separated from each other, but the background region 520 and the background region 620 may be integrally formed. Accordingly, in a state in which power is not applied, transparency and/or color coordinates of the background area 520 and the background area 620 may be different from transparency and/or color coordinates of the display area 510, and the display area 610 may be different from the transparency and/or color coordinates of

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 15 , in the first color-changing material layer 103 , the color-changing material may be disposed only in the first color-changing area 500 , and the color-changing material may not be disposed in the second color-changing area 600 .

In a state in which power is not applied, the unique color of the color-changing material disposed in the first color-changing area 500 and the unique color of the color-changing material disposed in the second color-changing area 600 may be different from each other. Accordingly, in a state in which power is not applied, transparency and/or color coordinates of the display area 510 and transparency and/or color coordinates of the display area 610 may be different from each other. As a result, a difference in transparency and/or color coordinates between the background areas 520 and 620 and the display area 510 in a state in which power is not applied is a difference in transparency and/or color coordinates between the background areas 520 and 620 and the display area 610. may differ from

Referring to FIG. 15 , the first discoloration material layer 103 having a predetermined area D5 is provided only within the first discoloration area 500 requiring information to be changed relatively frequently compared to the second discoloration area 600 . In the process of discoloring the second color-changing material layer 105 having a predetermined area D6 within the first color-changing area 500, the first color-changing material causes a memory effect, so that power does not need to be continuously applied. In the second color-changing area 600, which relatively does not require information change compared to the first color-changing area 500, the first color-changing material layer is not disposed, and color mixing of the second color-changing material and the first color-changing material is required. Without doing so, it is possible to be implemented to be affected only by the color of the second color changing material.

16, the second color-changing material layer 105 is divided into a 2-1st color-changing material layer 105a and a 2-2-th color-changing material layer 105b, and the second color-changing material layer 600 The first discoloration material layer 103 having a predetermined area D5 and the 2-2 discoloring material layer having a predetermined area D7 in the first discoloration area 500 requiring information to be changed relatively frequently compared to the first discoloration area 500 105b are arranged in pairs having the same area to form a circuit independent of patterns representing other information. In addition, in the process of discoloring the second color-changing material in the first color-changing area 500, the first color-changing material causes a memory effect, so that power does not need to be continuously applied. Meanwhile, in the second discoloration area 600, which generally does not require information change compared to the first discoloration area 500, the first discoloration material layer is not disposed, and color mixing of the second discoloration material and the first discoloration material is required. Without doing so, it is possible to be implemented to be affected only by the color of the 2-1 color changing material layer 105a.

Meanwhile, the electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may display three or more colors on one screen.

FIG. 17 shows an example of displaying three colors on one screen, and FIG. 18 is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of FIG. 17 .

Referring to FIG. 17, the electrochromic device 100 includes a first color changing area 500 for displaying a first color and a third color changing area 700 for displaying a second color and a third color different from the first color. ) can be distinguished.

Here, the first discoloration area 500 may be divided into a display area 510 for displaying information and a background area 520 for displaying a background, and the display area 510 and the background area 520 are electrically can be short-circuited or spaced apart.

Also, the third discoloration area 700 may be divided into a display area 710 for displaying information and a background area 720 for displaying a background. The display area 710 and the background area 720 are electrically can be short-circuited or spaced apart.

For example, the display area 510 of the first discoloration area 500 is colored in a blue-based color, the display area area 710 of the third discoloration area 700 is colored in a red-based color, and the background The region 720 may be colored in a yellow-based color.

Referring to FIG. 18, the first color-changing material layer 103-1 is disposed only in the first discoloration area 500 requiring information to be changed relatively frequently compared to the third discoloration area 700, In the process of discoloring the second color-changing material in the discoloration area 500, the first color-changing material causes a memory effect, so that power does not need to be continuously applied, and information change is relatively required compared to the first color-changing area 500. In the third discoloration area 700 where the first discoloration material layer is not disposed, the third discoloration material layer 103-2 colored in a color different from that of the first discoloration material layer 103-1 is disposed.

For example, the third discoloration material layer 103-2 may be composed of Ni-PBA.

Here, the thickness T1 of the first color-changing material layer 103-1 and the thickness T2 of the third color-changing material layer 103-2 may be the same, and are formed to have different thicknesses depending on the required transmittance. It can be.

In addition, b* values of the first discoloration material layer 103-1 and the third discoloration material layer 103-2 may be mutually reciprocal according to the CIE Lab color system. That is, the b* value of the first discoloration material layer 103-1 may have a negative value according to the CIE Lab color system, and the b* value of the third color change material layer 103-2 may have a positive value according to the CIE Lab color system. can have a value.

On the other hand, the first color-changing material layer 103-1 and the third color-changing material layer 103-2 may have different transmittance varying rates according to thickness changes.

For example, the variation rate of transmittance versus thickness change of the first color-changing material layer 103-1 may be 30% or more, and the variation rate of transmittance versus thickness change of the third color-changing material layer 103-2 is 10%. may be less than

In addition, the third color-changing material layer 103-2 may be set to have a light transmittance of 50% or more at a thickness of 500 nm or less, so that the first color-changing material layer in the third color-changing area 700 does not require information change. It is possible to be implemented so as to be affected only by the color of the second color changing material layer 105 by the third color changing material layer 103 - 2 having high light transmittance without disposing the color changing material layer 103 - 2 .

On the other hand, the third color-changing material layer 103-2 may contain less than 25 wt% of a filler having a predetermined color compared to 100 wt% of the total, so that various colors can be expressed in the background area and surrounding a specific display area. A background area may draw visual attention by exposing a specific color.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, the first discoloration material layer 103 and the first electrode layer 102 composed of inorganic discoloration materials are disposed on the side exposed to sunlight, thereby obtaining reliability against ultraviolet (UV) light.

For example, the inorganic color changing material may be selected from the group consisting of oxides of tungsten, iridium, nickel, vanadium, molybdenum, manganese, titanium, cerium, and niobium.

19 shows a cross section of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

As described above, the inorganic discoloration material has a feature of high reliability against ultraviolet (UV), so when implemented as products such as smart windows, architectural window glasses, vehicle sunroofs, and sports glasses with the electrochromic device according to the present invention, By disposing the first discoloration material layer 103 and the first electrode layer 102 on the side exposed to sunlight, even though the second discoloration material layer 105 disposed on the opposite side includes MEPE vulnerable to ultraviolet rays, inorganic Since the first discoloration material layer 103 of the series can perform a function of shielding ultraviolet rays, the electrochromic device of the present invention can increase reliability of ultraviolet rays (UV).

In addition, by forming an additional ultraviolet ray blocking film 110 on the side exposed to sunlight, it is possible to prevent ultraviolet (UV) input from the outside, thereby further increasing reliability of ultraviolet (UV).

20 shows an electrochromic device including an electrochromic element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20 , an electrochromic device 1500 includes a case 1510, a circuit board 1520 disposed within the case 1510, and an electrochromic device 100 connected to the circuit board 1520 through a connector 1530. can include The electrochromic device 100 is mounted in the case 1510 together with the circuit board 1520 as shown in FIG. 20 (a), or is electrochromic with the circuit board 1520 and the connector 1530 as shown in FIG. 20 (b) A partial area of the device 100 may be mounted within the case 1530 and the remaining area of the electrochromic device 100 may be exposed to the outside of the case 1510 .

The connector 1530 may be a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a flexible flat cable (FFC), but is not limited thereto.

The electrochromic device shown in FIG. 20 (a) may be attached to a shelf, and the electrochromic device shown in FIG. 20 (b) may be hung on a shelf or hung from a ceiling. As shown in FIG. 20 (b), when a flexible electrochromic element is used in an electrochromic device, an effect similar to that of paper can be realized, and a sense of familiarity can be evoked from consumers.

The electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic shelf label, and the electronic shelf label displays information such as price information, store symbol, promotional image, barcode, product name, product image, country of origin, etc. in a mart. It can be used in a variety of ways. Alternatively, it can be used in various ways as a means of displaying information such as product name and quantity in a distribution center.

21 is a view showing an electronic shelf label system to which an electrochromic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

The server 2100 is a place where product information is stored, and the server 2100 may form a communication channel with the electronic shelf label 1500 via the gateway 2200 and the transmitter 2300. The server 2100, the gateway 2200, and the transmitter 2300 may be connected through a wired network such as Ethernet or a wireless network such as Wi-Fi.

The transmitter 2300 and the electronic shelf label 1500 may be connected through a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or RF. The transmitter 2300 may receive product information from the server 2100, transmit the product information to the electronic shelf label 1500, and transmit power to the electronic shelf label 1500 according to an operation mode.

The electronic shelf label 1500 may include a control unit, a communication module, a storage unit, and a display unit. The electronic shelf label 1500 may include a battery therein. Alternatively, the electronic shelf label 1500 may be wirelessly charged by including a wireless power charging module. The control unit may control the communication module to perform communication, and display product information received by the communication module on the display unit. In addition, when power is transmitted from the transmitter 2300, the power may be received, the signal may be converted into a DC voltage, and the voltage may be supplied to the wireless power charging module. The storage unit stores data displayed on the display unit. The communication module may receive product information from the transmitter or receive power from the transmitter. The display unit displays product information transmitted from the controller. The display unit may be an electrochromic device.

In this specification, the first electrode layer 102 is described as including the bus electrode 200 and the transparent electrode 250, but in an embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode layer 102 includes the bus electrode 200. Otherwise, it can be applied even when only the transparent electrode 250 is included.

In addition, in this specification, for convenience of description, only the first electrode layer 102 is described as including the bus electrode 200 and the transparent electrode 250, but is not limited thereto, and the second electrode layer 106 also It may have the same structure as the first electrode layer 102 .

In addition, in this specification, for convenience of description, the first electrode layer 102 side is mainly described, but it is not limited thereto, and the same structure as the first electrode layer 102 side is applied to the second electrode layer 106 side. can

Although the above has been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, those skilled in the art will variously modify and change the present invention within the scope not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims below. You will understand that it can be done.

100: electrochromic device 101: first substrate
102: first electrode layer 103: first discoloration material layer
104: electrolyte layer 105: second discoloration material layer
106: second electrode layer 107: second substrate
108: sealing part 109: pad electrode
200: bus electrode 202: protective layer
203: remaining bus electrode 210: resin layer
250: transparent electrode 1500: electronic shelf label

Claims (13)

A first electrode layer connected to the first terminal;
A first discoloration material layer disposed on the first electrode layer and including a first discoloration material;
An electrolyte layer disposed on the first discoloration material layer;
A second discoloration material layer disposed on the electrolyte layer and including a second discoloration material; and
A second electrode layer disposed on the second discoloration material layer and connected to a second terminal having a different polarity from the first terminal,
The first discoloration material includes an inorganic material,
The second discoloration material includes a transition metal and an organic material,
The first electrode layer includes a plurality of regions to which power is applied independently of each other,
The first color-changing material layer on a portion of the plurality of regions does not change color regardless of power application.
According to claim 1,
One of the coloring and bleaching colors of the first color-changing material layer and one of the coloring and bleaching colors of the second color-changing material layer are mixed,
An electrochromic device exposed to the outside of at least one of the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
According to claim 2,
The first color-changing material layer is divided into a first color-changing area and a second color-changing area, the first color-changing material is disposed in the first color-changing area, and a color different from that of the first color-changing material is provided in the second color-changing area An electrochromic device in which a third color changing material to be colored is disposed.
According to claim 3,
The third discoloration material is an electrochromic device having a light transmittance of 50% or more during decolorization.
According to claim 3,
An electrochromic device wherein a thickness of the first color-changing material and a thickness of the third color-changing material are different.
According to claim 1,
An area of the first color-changing material layer and an area of the second color-changing material layer are the same.
According to claim 1,
The second discoloration material layer includes a first area and a second area excluding the first area,
An area of the first region and an area of the first color-changing material layer are the same.
According to claim 1,
The transition metal and the organic material are bonded by π-conjugation,
The transition metal is at least one selected from Fe, CO and Ru electrochromic device.
According to claim 1,
The first electrode layer is disposed on a side exposed to sunlight,
Electrochromic device further comprising a UV blocking film disposed on the lower surface of the first electrode layer.
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