WO2016121330A1 - Charge storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

A charge storage device (1) has a plurality of active area sections (20), each of which has translucent first electrode (21) and second electrode (22), and optical characteristics that change corresponding to charges stored between the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22), and one or more connecting sections (30), each of which electrically connects two active area sections (20) among the active area sections (20), and a resistance value R2 of one active area section (20) among the active area sections (20) is smaller than a resistance value R1 of a connecting section (30) connected to the one active area section (20), said connecting section being among the one or more connecting sections (30).

Description

Charge storage device

The present invention relates to a charge storage type device.

Conventionally, development of devices that can change optical characteristics by applying a voltage has been underway. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an optoelectronic device including a first electrode layer having a plurality of segments, a functional layer on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer on the functional layer. It is disclosed. In the optoelectronic element, the functional layer emits light according to a voltage applied between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

Special table 2011-513925 gazette

However, the conventional device has a problem that it is difficult to vary the response timing for each region. For example, in the conventional optoelectronic device, in order to individually operate a plurality of segments, a complicated driving circuit for applying a voltage at different timings between electrode layers is required.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a charge storage type device that can vary the response timing for each region with a simple drive circuit.

In order to achieve the above object, a charge storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode and a second electrode each having a light-transmitting property, and the gap is between the first electrode and the second electrode. A plurality of active area portions whose optical characteristics change according to the stored charge, one or more connection portions each electrically connecting two active area portions of the plurality of active area portions, and the plurality of the plurality of active area portions The resistance value of one active area part among the active area parts is smaller than the resistance value of the connection part connected to the one active area part among the one or more connection parts.

According to the present invention, the response timing can be varied for each region by a simple drive circuit.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a charge storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a connection portion and a part of the first electrode of the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an electric circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a method for forming a connection portion of the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is in a dimming state. FIG. 8 is an electric circuit diagram showing an operation when the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is in a dimming state. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is set to the transmissive state. FIG. 10 is an electric circuit diagram showing an operation when the charge storage device according to the embodiment of the present invention is set in a transmissive state. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the first electrode of the charge storage device according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of a charge storage device according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the charge storage device according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention is in a dimming state.

Hereinafter, a charge storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below shows a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangements, connection forms, and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements that are not described in the independent claims showing the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional constituent elements.

Each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily shown strictly. Moreover, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the same structural member.

(Embodiment)
[Outline of charge storage device]
First, a charge storage device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment, and specifically shows a cross-section taken along the line II-II in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment, and specifically shows a cross section taken along line III-III of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment is a flat, substantially rectangular parallelepiped. As shown in FIG. 1, the shape of the charge storage device 1 in plan view is a substantially rectangular shape. The plan view is a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the charge storage device 1 (specifically, the surface having the largest area), that is, the thickness direction of the charge storage device 1 (Z-axis direction). Means the case.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the direction along one side of the main surface of the charge storage device 1 is the X-axis direction, the direction along the other side orthogonal to the one side is the Y-axis direction, and the main surface The direction orthogonal to is the Z-axis direction.

The charge storage device 1 changes its optical characteristics for each region when DC power is supplied. In the present embodiment, the charge storage device 1 realizes a light transmission state (light transmission mode) and a light control state (light control mode) for each region.

The light transmission state (light transmission mode) is a state (mode) in which light incident on the charge storage device 1 (for example, visible light) is transmitted. The light transmittance at this time is sufficiently high, for example, and the charge storage device 1 realizes a transparent state. Note that the charge storage device 1 may have light reflectivity and light scattering properties even in a light transmission state. That is, the light transmission state is a state where light transmission is dominant compared to light reflection and scattering.

The light control state (light control mode) is a state (mode) in which light (for example, visible light) incident on the charge storage device 1 is scattered, reflected, or wavelength-converted (specifically, discolored). . In the present embodiment, the charge storage type device 1 changes the color of incident light in the dimming state. For example, the charge storage device 1 appears colored when in the dimming state.

Note that the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment can be used for a window of a building or a vehicle, for example. Specifically, the charge storage type device 1 is sealed in the internal space of the multilayer glass. At this time, not only the charge storage device 1 but also a light emitting element such as an organic EL element may be sealed in the multilayer glass. Thereby, a multilayer glass can be utilized as what is called a smart window which can be utilized for uses, such as illumination, a mirror, and an information display, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the charge storage device 1 includes a first substrate 10, a second substrate 11, a plurality of active area portions 20, one or more connection portions 30, and a first power receiving portion 40. And a second power receiving unit 50 and a sealing material 60.

Hereinafter, each component of the charge storage device 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[substrate]
The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are translucent and transmit at least part of visible light. Specifically, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are transparent (light transmittance is sufficiently high) flat plates.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are provided so as to face each other with a plurality of active area portions 20 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are arranged so that the distance between them is substantially constant, that is, in parallel.

The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size. Specifically, the planar view shapes of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are substantially rectangular. Alternatively, the planar shape of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 may be other polygons such as a square, or any shape such as a circle or an ellipse. The thickness of each of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 is, for example, 1 mm. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 may have different shapes and different sizes.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a connection portion 30 and a first power receiving portion 40 are provided at the end of the first substrate 10. The end portion of the first substrate 10 is an outer portion of the first substrate 10 that is not surrounded by the sealing material 60. A second power receiving unit 50 is provided at the end of the second substrate 11. An end portion of the second substrate 11 is an outer portion of the second substrate 11 that is not surrounded by the sealing material 60.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are arranged so as to be shifted in the X-axis direction. Specifically, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are arranged such that the end portion of the first substrate 10 does not overlap the second substrate 11 in plan view, and the end portion of the second substrate 11 is first. It arrange | positions so that it may not overlap with the board | substrate 10. FIG.

The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are made of the same material, for example. Examples of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 include glass substrates such as soda glass, alkali-free glass, and high refractive index glass, or polyimide (PI), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The resin substrate can be used. The glass substrate has the advantage of being excellent in transparency and moisture resistance. The resin substrate has an advantage of less scattering at the time of destruction. Further, as the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11, flexible flexible substrates may be used. The flexible substrate is formed from, for example, a resin substrate or a thin film glass. In addition, the 1st board | substrate 10 and the 2nd board | substrate 11 may be formed from a mutually different material.

[Active area part]
Each of the plurality of active area portions 20 includes a first electrode 21, a second electrode 22, and a functional layer 23 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Each of the plurality of active area portions 20 changes in optical characteristics according to the electric charge accumulated between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. In the present embodiment, each of the plurality of active area portions 20 is an electrochromic element including an electrolyte between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. The electrolyte is included in the functional layer 23.

The plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in plan view. In the present embodiment, the plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged side by side along the first direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged side by side along the Y-axis direction. The active area portion 20 is a portion where the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 overlap in plan view. In the present embodiment, the planar view shape of the active area portion 20 corresponds to the planar view shape of the first electrode 21.

In the present embodiment, the resistance value of one active area portion 20 among the plurality of active area portions 20 is the resistance value of the connection portion 30 connected to the one active area portion 20 among the one or more connection portions 30. Smaller than. Specifically, each of the plurality of active area portions 20 has a resistance value smaller than the resistance value of the connection portion 30 connected to the active area portion 20 among the one or more connection portions 30. Details will be described later with reference to FIG.

The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are translucent and transmit at least part of visible light. Specifically, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are transparent flat conductive films. When a predetermined voltage is applied between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, the optical characteristics of the functional layer 23 change.

The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are disposed to face each other as shown in FIGS. Specifically, the first electrode 21 is formed on the first substrate 10, and the second electrode 22 is formed on the second substrate 11. For example, each of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is formed by forming a conductive film on the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 by sputtering, vapor deposition, or the like, and patterning the formed conductive film. The At this time, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may be respectively formed on the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 through a light-transmitting undercoat layer.

The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are made of the same material, for example. As the 1st electrode 21 and the 2nd electrode 22, transparent metal oxides, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), aluminum dope zinc oxide (AZO), fluorine dope tin oxide (FTO), are mentioned, for example. Can be used.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first electrode 21 extends to the outside of the sealing material 60 and is electrically and physically connected to the connection portion 30. For example, the first electrode 21 and the connection portion 30 are integrally formed of the same material. More specifically, the first electrode 21, the connection unit 30, and the first power reception unit 40 are formed by patterning a conductive film formed on the first substrate 10.

In the present embodiment, the planar view shape of the first electrode 21 is a substantially rectangular shape in which the first direction is the short direction, as shown in FIG. The first direction is a direction in which a plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged. Specifically, the short direction (that is, the first direction) of the first electrode 21 is the Y-axis direction, and the longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction. The planar view shapes and sizes of the plurality of first electrodes 21 are substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 3, a gap (groove) is formed between the adjacent first electrodes 21. Thereby, the plurality of first electrodes 21 are physically separated from each other. Specifically, the plurality of first electrodes 21 are physically and electrically connected via only one or more connection portions 30.

In addition, when the width | variety of the said clearance gap is short, since the some 1st electrode 21 seems to be continuous, the aesthetics of a device can be improved. For example, the width of the gap is 30 μm.

As shown in FIG. 2, the second electrode 22 extends to the outside of the sealing material 60 and is electrically and physically connected to the second power receiving unit 50. The second electrode 22 and the second power receiving unit 50 are integrally formed of the same material.

In the present embodiment, the plurality of second electrodes 22 are integrally formed. That is, each of the plurality of second electrodes 22 is a part of a conductive film formed on the second substrate 11 with substantially the same shape and size as the second substrate 11, for example.

The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are made of a material having a refractive index difference between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 in a visible light band smaller than a predetermined value, respectively. For example, the difference in refractive index between the first electrode 21 and the first substrate 10 is 0.2 or less, and preferably 0.1 or less. Thereby, reflection and refraction of light at the interface between the first electrode 21 and the first substrate 10 can be suppressed, and light can be transmitted effectively. The same applies to the second electrode 22 and the second substrate 11. In addition, the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may be formed of different materials, and in this case, a material whose refractive index difference between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is smaller than a predetermined value is used. It is preferable. The thickness of each of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is, for example, 200 nm.

Note that at least one of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 may have an uneven structure on the surface. Thereby, light can be scattered or distributed.

The functional layer 23 is a layer that changes the optical characteristics of the active area 20. The functional layer 23 contains an electrolyte. In the present embodiment, the functional layer 23 includes an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer (ion conductive layer), and a counter electrode layer stacked between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22.

Specifically, the electrochromic layer is provided so as to cover one of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. The electrochromic layer is formed from an electrochromic material whose optical properties change when ions are occluded or released. The electrochromic material is, for example, a metal oxide such as tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ) or molybdenum oxide (MoO ₃ ), or a mixture thereof. Note that the metal oxide may be doped with a metal such as lithium or sodium or a metal compound as a dopant. For example, tungsten oxide is colored when hydrogen ions or lithium ions are occluded, and becomes transparent when hydrogen ions or lithium ions are released.

The electrolyte layer is a layer that is provided between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer, and is capable of moving ions between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The electrolyte layer is made of, for example, silicate, silicon oxide, tungsten oxide, tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, or the like.

The counter electrode layer is a layer for storing ions for changing the optical characteristics of the electrochromic layer. As the counter electrode layer, for example, a metal oxide such as nickel oxide or tungsten oxide can be used.

The thickness of the functional layer 23 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 1 mm or less, preferably 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less. Thereby, suppression of the fall of the transmittance | permeability and reduction of material cost are realizable.

[Connection]
Each of the one or more connection units 30 electrically connects two active area units among the plurality of active area units 20. For example, when the charge storage device 1 includes N active area units 20, the charge storage device 1 includes N−1 connection units 30. N is a natural number of 2 or more.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the connection part 30 and the first electrode 21 of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, a part of the plan view shape of the sealing material 60 is indicated by a broken line.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, one or more connection portions 30 are provided outside the sealing material 60. Further, the one or more connection portions 30 are formed on the first substrate 10. Specifically, the one or more connection parts 30 are integrally formed of the same material as the plurality of first electrodes 21 and the first power reception part 40.

Note that the one or more connection units 30 are electrically connected to the first power reception unit 40. The one or more connection units 30 supply the power supplied to the first power receiving unit 40 to the plurality of active area units 20 in a predetermined order. Specifically, the one or more connection units 30 supply power to the plurality of active area units 20 in the order of short paths through the one or more connection units 30 to the first power reception unit 40.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the one or more connection portions 30 includes a shaft portion 31 and a branch portion 32.

The shaft portion 31 is long in the direction in which the plurality of first electrodes 21 are arranged (that is, the first direction). Specifically, the planar view shape of the shaft portion 31 is a rectangle elongated in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. More specifically, the length L1 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the shaft portion 31 is longer than the length W1 in the short-side direction (X-axis direction).

In the present embodiment, the shape and size of the shaft portion 31 of each of the one or more connection portions 30 are substantially the same as each other. Further, the shaft portions 31 of the one or more connection portions 30 are connected to each other so as to be aligned along the first direction. That is, the one or more shaft portions 31 are formed on one straight line extending in the first direction.

The length W1 in the short direction of the shaft portion 31 is shorter than the length W3 in the short direction of the first electrode 21 to which the branch portion 32 extending from the shaft portion 31 is connected. That is, since the shaft portion 31 is formed thinner than the first electrode 21, the resistance value of the shaft portion 31 is larger than the resistance value of the first electrode 21.

The branch portion 32 extends from the shaft portion 31 along the second direction intersecting the first direction, and electrically connects the first electrode 21 and the shaft portion 31. In the present embodiment, the second direction is a direction orthogonal to the first direction, specifically, the X-axis direction.

In the present embodiment, the planar view shape and size of each branch portion 32 of the one or more connection portions 30 are substantially the same. The shape of the branch portion 32 in plan view is, for example, a substantially rectangular shape with each of the first direction and the second direction as one side.

The length W2 in the first direction of the branch portion 32 is shorter than the length W3 in the first direction of the first electrode 21 to which the branch portion 32 is connected. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, a conductive film removal region 70 is provided between one branch 32 and another branch 32 adjacent to the one branch 32. The removal area 70 is, for example, a substantially rectangular area having one side in each of the first direction and the second direction.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the shaft portion 31 of the connecting portion 30 and the active area portion 20 are physically and electrically connected by the branch portion 32 that is thinner than the active area portion 20. That is, the planar view shape of the connection portion 30 and the active area portion 20 is a so-called “necked shape” in which the branch portion 32 is narrowed.

Further, a plurality of active area portions 20 arranged in the first direction (Y-axis direction) are connected by one or more connection portions 30 arranged in a straight line. In other words, a plurality of active area portions 20 are connected in a comb shape by one or more connection portions 30.

In the present embodiment, all of the plurality of active area portions 20 are connected on one side in the longitudinal direction (X-axis negative side), but some of the plurality of active area portions 20 are long. It may be connected on the other side (X-axis positive side) in the scale direction. That is, a plurality of active area portions 20 and a plurality of connection portions 30 may be provided so that two combs are arranged in a nested manner.

[Power receiving unit]
The first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50 each receive DC power. For example, a DC power source is connected between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first power receiving unit 40 is connected to the end connection unit 30 in the first direction among the one or more connection units 30. Further, the first power receiving unit 40 is provided outside the sealing material 60. Further, the first power receiving unit 40 is provided on the first substrate 10. The first power receiving unit 40 is integrally formed of the same material as the one or more connection units 30 and the plurality of first electrodes 21.

The 2nd power receiving part 50 is provided in the outer side of the sealing material 60, as shown in FIG. The second power receiving unit 50 is provided on the second substrate 11. The second power receiving unit 50 is integrally formed of the same material as the second electrode 22.

For example, the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, the one or more connection portions 30, the first power reception unit 40, and the second power reception unit 50 are each formed from ITO, but are not limited thereto. Each of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, the one or more connection portions 30, the first power reception unit 40, and the second power reception unit 50 may be formed of different materials.

Moreover, each of the one or more connection parts 30, the 1st power receiving part 40, and the 2nd power receiving part 50 does not need to have translucency. Each of the one or more connection units 30, the first power receiving unit 40, and the second power receiving unit 50 may have a light shielding property, and may be formed of a metal material such as copper or aluminum, for example.

[Encapsulant]
The sealing material 60 seals the plurality of active area portions 20 by connecting the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 so as to surround the plurality of active area portions 20. The sealing material 60 is formed in a predetermined shape along the periphery of the plurality of active area portions 20. Specifically, the sealing material 60 is formed in a frame shape along the shape of the overlapping portion between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 in plan view. In the present embodiment, since the planar view shape of the overlapping portion between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 is substantially rectangular, the sealing material 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape.

As the sealing material 60, for example, a photo-curing, thermosetting, or two-component curable adhesive resin such as an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, or a silicone resin can be used. Alternatively, as the sealing material 60, a thermoplastic adhesive resin made of an acid-modified product such as polyethylene or polypropylene may be used.

The sealing material 60 may include a granular spacer for ensuring the thickness of the plurality of active area portions 20 (distance between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11). As the granular spacer, for example, glass beads, resin beads, silica particles and the like can be used.

[Equivalent circuit]
Next, an equivalent circuit of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an electric circuit diagram showing an equivalent circuit of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, each of the plurality of active area portions 20 is connected via one or more connection portions 30.

In the present embodiment, since the one or more connecting portions 30 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size, each equivalent circuit of the one or more connecting portions 30 can be represented by a resistance value R1. The resistance value R1 corresponds to the sum of the resistance value of the shaft portion 31 and the resistance value of the branch portion 32. Note that, for example, when the width (W1) of the shaft portion 31 is sufficiently smaller than the width (W2) of the branch portion 32, the resistance value R1 corresponds to the resistance value of the shaft portion 31.

Since the plurality of active area portions 20 have substantially the same shape and substantially the same size, each equivalent circuit of the plurality of active area portions 20 can be represented by a series connection of a resistance value R2 and a capacitor C2. The capacitor C <b> 2 corresponds to a capacitor formed between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. The resistance value R <b> 2 corresponds to the sum of the resistance value of the first electrode 21 and the resistance value of the second electrode 22.

In this embodiment, the resistance value R1 of the connection part 30 is larger than the resistance value R2 of the active area part 20. For example, the resistance value R1 is 100 times or more the resistance value R2. That is, it can be expressed by the following (Formula 1).

Here, L1 and W1 are the length and width of the shaft part 31, respectively, as shown in FIG. L3 and W3 are the length and width of the active area part 20 (first electrode 21), respectively.

Ρ1 is the resistivity of the shaft portion 31, and ρ2 is the resistivity of the first electrode 21 (and the second electrode 22). In the present embodiment, since the shaft portion 31 and the first electrode 21 (and the second electrode 22) are formed with the same material and the same thickness, ρ1 and ρ2 are equal. Therefore, (Formula 1) can be transformed into the following (Formula 2).

Here, a device having an overall size of 60 cm × 75 cm is assumed. Specifically, it is assumed that the length L3 of the active area part 20 is 75 cm and the distance between the adjacent active area parts 20 is 30 μm.

If the connecting portion 30 does not include the branch portion 32, that is, if the shaft portion 31 directly connects the adjacent first electrodes 21, the length L1 of the shaft portion 31 is between the adjacent first electrodes 21. This corresponds to a distance, ie 30 μm. At this time, when the width W3 of the first electrode 21 is 100 mm, the width W1 of the shaft portion 31 is 0.03 / 750 × 100 ÷ 100 = 0.004 mm (40 nm).

Thus, when the connection part 30 does not include the branch part 32, the width W1 of the shaft part 31 is only 40 nm, and it is difficult to form the shaft part 31 by processing the conductive film.

On the other hand, when the connection part 30 includes the branch part 32 as in the present embodiment, that is, when the connection part between the connection part 30 and the first electrode 21 is constricted, the length of the shaft part 31 is obtained. L1 can be 50 mm, for example. Therefore, the width W1 of the shaft portion 31 is 50/750 × 100 ÷ 100 = 0.67 mm.

Thereby, processing of the conductive film is facilitated, and the shaft portion 31 can be easily formed by, for example, laser processing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a method of forming the connection portion 30 of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the connection portion 30 is formed by laser processing. That is, the shaft part 31 and the branch part 32 are formed by laser processing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, a conductive film in which a plurality of first electrodes 21 are separated from each other is formed on the first substrate 10. The separation of the first electrode 21 can be performed, for example, by patterning such as etching after forming a conductive film.

By irradiating the irradiation region 71 with laser light, the conductive film in the irradiation region 71 is removed, thereby forming a removal region 70 from which the conductive film has been removed, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the axial part 31 and the branch part 32 are formed. Note that the wavelength, energy, and the like of the irradiated laser light are appropriately set to preferable values according to the material and thickness of the conductive film.

Note that the irradiation region 71 is outside the sealing material 60. Therefore, for example, laser processing can be performed as an additional process after the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are connected by the sealing material 60. Thereby, the shape of the removal region 70 can be easily changed according to the resistance value required for the connection portion 30. Therefore, it is advantageous for inventory management, for example.

In addition, since the laser processing trace remains in the connection part 30 formed by the laser processing, it can be distinguished from the etching processing.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the charge storage type device 1 according to the present embodiment, the optical characteristics can be changed in order from the active area part 20 having a short time constant by using the transient phenomenon of the RC circuit. For example, the response timing of the charge storage device 1 can be made different for each region only by applying a DC voltage between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50.

<Light transmission state → Light control state>
First, an operation when the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment is changed from the light transmission state to the dimming state will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams each showing an operation when the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment is in a dimming state. In FIG. 7, the shaded active area portion 20 is in a dimming state (specifically, a colored state), and the non-shaded active area portion 20 is in a light transmission state (specifically, Means a transparent state).

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, by connecting a DC power supply 90 between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50, the plurality of active area units 20 of the charge storage device 1 can be It changes from a transparent state to a colored state in order. Specifically, the plurality of active area portions 20 are in a transparent state when no charge is accumulated between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, and the charge is between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22. When is accumulated, it becomes colored.

The predetermined order is an order in which electric charges are accumulated between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, and in the present embodiment, the first power receiving unit 40 on the current path along one or more connection units 30. The order from the shortest distance. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the first power reception unit 40 is connected to the tip of one or more connection units 30 in the negative Y-axis direction. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C, the plurality of active area portions 20 change from the transparent state to the colored state in the positive direction of the Y axis.

As shown in FIG. 8A, when a DC power supply 90 is connected between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50, a predetermined DC voltage is applied to each of the plurality of active area units 20. Is done. At this time, since the resistance value R1 is sufficiently larger than the resistance value R2, a current easily flows to the active area 20a closest to the first power receiving unit 40 (thick solid line arrow in FIG. 8A), and other active Almost no current flows through the area 20b and the like (thin broken arrow in the figure).

As a result, charges are accumulated in the capacitance of the active area 20a (that is, between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22), and almost no charge is accumulated in the capacitance of the other active area 20b. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7A, only the active area 20a is colored, and the other active areas 20b and the like remain transparent.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the charge is sufficiently accumulated in the capacity of the active area 20a, the current starts to flow in the capacity of the next active area 20b. Thereby, the active area part 20b changes to a colored state.

Thereafter, charges are accumulated in the capacity of the active area unit 20 in the order close to the first power receiving unit 40. Thereby, as shown to (b) and (c) of FIG. 7, the some active area part 20 changes from a transparent state to a coloring state in the order near the 1st power receiving part 40. FIG.

As described above, the plurality of active area units 20 are colored from the transparent state in the order close to the first power receiving unit 40 only by applying a DC voltage between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50. Can be changed.

In addition, when the application of the DC voltage is stopped before all of the plurality of active area portions 20 are colored, a charge flows from the charged active area portion 20 to the uncharged active area portion 20. Accordingly, substantially uniform charges are accumulated in the capacitors of the plurality of active area portions 20. In this case, each of the plurality of active area portions 20 has optical characteristics corresponding to the accumulated charges.

<Dimming state → Light transmission state>
Next, an operation when the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment is changed from the light control state to the light transmission state will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams each showing an operation when the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment is brought into a light transmission state. In FIG. 10, the shaded active area 20 is in a dimming state (specifically, a colored state), and the active area 20 not shaded is in a light transmitting state (specifically, Means a transparent state).

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50 are short-circuited so that the plurality of active area units 20 of the charge storage device 1 are transparent from the colored state in a predetermined order. Change to state.

The predetermined order is the order in which the electric charge between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 is discharged, and in the present embodiment, the order from the first power receiving unit 40 is short. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C, the plurality of active area portions 20 change from a colored state to a transparent state in the positive Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50 are short-circuited, the charges accumulated in each of the plurality of active area units 20 are discharged. At this time, since the resistance value R1 is sufficiently larger than the resistance value R2, the charge from the active area portion 20a closest to the first power receiving portion 40 is easily discharged (thick solid line arrow in FIG. 10A). The charges in the active area 20b and the like are hardly discharged (thin broken arrow in the figure). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, only the active area 20a is in a transparent state, and the other active area 20b and the like remain in a colored state.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the charge of the capacitor of the active area 20a is sufficiently discharged, the charge of the capacitor of the next active area 20b is discharged. Thereby, the active area part 20b changes to a transparent state.

Thereafter, the charge of the capacity of the active area unit 20 is discharged in the order close to the first power receiving unit 40. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, the plurality of active area units 20 change from the colored state to the transparent state in the order close to the first power receiving unit 40.

As described above, by simply short-circuiting the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50, the plurality of active area units 20 can be changed from the colored state to the transparent state in the order close to the first power receiving unit 40. it can.

If the application of the DC voltage is stopped before all of the plurality of active area portions 20 are colored (for example, in the state of (b) in FIG. 7), the charged active area portion 20 is charged. Charge flows in the active area 20 that is not. Accordingly, substantially uniform charges are accumulated in the capacitors of the plurality of active area portions 20. In this case, each of the plurality of active area portions 20 has optical characteristics corresponding to the accumulated charges.

[Effects, etc.]
As described above, the charge storage device 1 according to the present embodiment has the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 each having translucency, and the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are interposed. A plurality of active area portions 20 whose optical characteristics change according to the accumulated charge, and one or more connection portions 30 each electrically connecting two active area portions 20 of the plurality of active area portions 20; The resistance value R2 of one active area part 20 among the plurality of active area parts 20 is smaller than the resistance value R1 of the connection part 30 connected to the one active area part 20 among the one or more connection parts 30.

Thereby, since the connection part 30 whose resistance value is larger than the active area part 20 is provided between one active area part 20 and another active area part 20, the capacity of one active area part 20 ( Until the electric charge is accumulated between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, almost no current flows in the other active area portions 20. Therefore, the timing at which the optical characteristics change (that is, the response timing) can be varied for each active area unit 20 simply by connecting a DC power source. Thus, the response timing can be varied for each region by a simple drive circuit.

In addition, for example, each of the one or more connection portions 30 extends from the shaft portion 31 along the second direction that intersects the first direction and the shaft portion 31 that is long in the first direction. 21 and the shaft portion 31 are electrically connected to each other, and the shaft portions 31 of the one or more connection portions 30 are connected to each other so as to be aligned in the first direction.

Thereby, since the branch part 32 is extended from the axial part 31 arranged along a 1st direction, the several active area part 20 can be connected in a comb shape. Therefore, for example, the optical characteristics of the plurality of active area portions 20 can be sequentially changed along the first direction. That is, the optical characteristics can be sequentially changed in one predetermined direction. Therefore, for example, when the charge storage device 1 is used for a window, the optical characteristics can be changed in order (less strange), such as from bottom to top or vice versa.

Further, for example, the plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged side by side along the first direction, and the first electrode 21 of each of the plurality of active area portions 20 has a short shape in the plan view and the size in the first direction. It is a substantially rectangular shape in the hand direction.

Thereby, the optical characteristics of the substantially rectangular region can be sequentially changed along the first direction. Therefore, for example, when the charge storage device 1 is used for a window, it is possible to change the optical characteristics in order more naturally (less uncomfortable).

For example, the length of the branch part 32 in the first direction is shorter than the length of the first electrode 21 to which the branch part 32 is connected in the first direction.

Thereby, by making the width (W2) of the branch part 32 shorter than the width (W3) of the first electrode 21, the distance between one branch part 32 and the adjacent branch part 32, that is, the shaft part 31 The length (L1) can be increased. By increasing the length of the shaft portion 31, the resistance value R1 of the shaft portion 31 is sufficiently larger than the resistance value R2 of the active area portion 20 without reducing the width (W1) of the shaft portion 31 more than necessary. can do. Therefore, the processing of the shaft portion 31 is facilitated, and the reliability of the device can be improved.

For example, the length of the shaft portion 31 in the short direction is shorter than the length of the first electrode 21 to which the branch portion 32 extending from the shaft portion 31 is connected.

Thereby, for example, even when the shaft portion 31 and the first electrode 21 are formed of the same material, by making the width (W1) of the shaft portion 31 shorter than the width (W3) of the first electrode 21, The resistance value of the shaft portion 31 can be made larger than the resistance value of the first electrode 21. Therefore, the shaft portion 31 and the first electrode 21 can be formed in the same process, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. In addition, since an increase in unnecessary processes can be suppressed, the reliability of the device can be improved.

Also, for example, the charge storage device 1 further includes a first power receiving unit 40 that receives DC power, which is connected to an end connecting unit 30 in the first direction among the one or more connecting units 30.

Thereby, the optical characteristics of the plurality of active area portions 20 can be changed sequentially from the end in the first direction. That is, the optical characteristics can be sequentially changed in one predetermined direction.

For example, the shaft part 31 and the branch part 32 are formed by laser processing.

Thereby, the shapes of the shaft part 31 and the branch part 32 can be easily changed according to the resistance value required for the connection part 30. For example, when the connection part 30 is provided outside the sealing material 60, laser processing can be performed after sealing the plurality of active area parts 20. Therefore, it is advantageous for inventory management of the charge storage device 1.

Further, for example, the planar view shapes of the first electrodes 21 of each of the plurality of active area portions 20 are substantially the same.

Thereby, since the resistance values of the plurality of active area portions 20 can be made substantially the same, the optical characteristics of the plurality of active area portions 20 can be changed at substantially equal intervals.

In addition, for example, the charge storage device 1 further surrounds the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 that are provided to face each other with the plurality of active area portions 20 interposed therebetween, and the plurality of active area portions 20. In this way, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11 are connected to each other so that the plurality of active area portions 20 are sealed, and the one or more connection portions 30 are outside the sealing material 60. Is provided.

Thereby, for example, the connection part 30 can be formed by performing laser processing after sealing the plurality of active area parts 20, which is advantageous for inventory management.

Further, for example, each of the plurality of active area portions 20 is an electrochromic element including an electrolyte between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22.

Thereby, by applying a voltage between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22, ions contained in the electrolyte can be moved to perform dimming.

(Modification 1)
Hereinafter, Modification Example 1 of the charge storage device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the first electrode 21 of the charge storage device according to the present modification.

As shown in FIG. 11, the charge storage device according to this modification further includes an auxiliary electrode 80 stacked on the first electrode 21. In this modification, the auxiliary electrode 80 is laminated for each first electrode 21.

In this modification, the auxiliary electrode 80 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the first electrode 21. For example, the auxiliary electrode 80 is formed along a straight line that passes through the center of the first electrode 21 in the lateral direction and extends in the longitudinal direction. The auxiliary electrode 80 may also be provided on the branch part 32 of the connection part 30 as shown in FIG.

The auxiliary electrode 80 is made of a material having a lower resistivity than the first electrode 21. Considering the case where the active area part 20 is in a light transmission state, the auxiliary electrode 80 preferably has light transmission, for example. For example, the auxiliary electrode 80 is formed of a thin metal film such as silver or copper, a transparent conductive film, or the like that can transmit light.

As described above, the charge storage device according to this modification further includes the auxiliary electrode 80 stacked on the first electrode 21.

Thereby, the resistance value of the active area 20 can be further reduced.

The auxiliary electrode 80 may be laminated on the second electrode 22.

(Modification 2)
Next, a second modification of the charge storage device 1 according to the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the charge storage device 2 according to this modification. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation when the charge storage device 2 according to the present modification is brought into a dimming state.

As shown in FIG. 12, the charge storage device 2 according to this modification further includes a first power receiving unit 41. The first power reception unit 41 is connected to the connection unit 30 at the end opposite to the first power reception unit 40 in the first direction.

As shown in FIG. 13, a DC power supply 91 is connected between the first power receiving unit 41 and the second power receiving unit 50. The DC power supply 91 supplies the same voltage as the DC power supply 90 connected between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50. That is, the first power receiving unit 40 and the first power receiving unit 41 are set to the same potential.

Therefore, when the DC power supply 90 and the DC power supply 91 are connected, as shown in FIG. 13A, not only the active area portion 20 close to the first power receiving portion 40 but also the active area portion close to the first power receiving portion 41. 20 also changes from a transparent state to a colored state. That is, as shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, the optical characteristics can be changed from both the upper side and the lower side of the charge storage device 1.

Thus, by providing a plurality of power receiving units, the order of changing the optical characteristics of the active area unit 20 can be changed.

In addition, you may use the 1st power receiving part 40 and the 1st power receiving part 41 properly by a use. For example, the first power receiving unit 40 is used when the charge storage device 2 is changed from the transparent state to the colored state, and the first power receiving unit 41 is used when the charge storage device 2 is changed from the colored state to the transparent state. May be.

Specifically, when changing from a transparent state to a colored state, a DC power supply 90 is connected between the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50, as shown in FIG. The optical characteristics can be changed in the positive direction. At this time, the first power receiving unit 41 and the second power receiving unit 50 are open.

Further, when changing from the colored state to the transparent state, the optical characteristics can be changed in the negative Y-axis direction by short-circuiting the first power receiving unit 41 and the second power receiving unit 50. Specifically, the optical characteristics of the charge storage device 2 change in the order of (c) → (b) → (a) in FIG. At this time, the first power receiving unit 40 and the second power receiving unit 50 are open.

In addition, the charge storage device 2 according to the present modification may include three or more first power receiving units. For example, when the charge storage device 2 includes 2M or 2M + 1 active area units 20, the charge storage device 2 may include M first power receiving units. M is a natural number. For example, the M first power receiving units may be equally arranged in the first direction.

(Other)
As described above, the charge storage device according to the present invention has been described based on the above-described embodiment and its modifications. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged so as not to overlap in a plan view, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality of active area portions 20 may be stacked between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 11. For example, when each of the plurality of active area portions 20 can change the light transmittance, the transmittance of the charge storage device 1 can be changed stepwise.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged in the first direction has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of active area portions 20 may be arranged in a ring. In other words, the first direction, which is the direction in which the plurality of active area portions 20 are arranged, may be the circumferential direction. For example, the plurality of active area portions 20 may be arranged two-dimensionally and connected by a plurality of connection portions in an arbitrary order.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the planar view shape of the plurality of active area portions 20 is substantially rectangular has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the plurality of active area portions 20 in plan view may be any other shape such as a square, trapezoid, or other polygon, circle, ellipse, or fan shape. For example, a circular charge storage device can be formed as a whole by arranging the fan-shaped active area portions 20 side by side in a ring shape.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the plurality of active area portions 20 have substantially the same planar view shape and size has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the resistance values of the plurality of active area portions 20 can be made different by changing the sizes of the plurality of active area portions 20 (specifically, the first electrodes 21). Thereby, the timing which the optical characteristic of the some active area part 20 changes can be varied.

For example, the active area unit 20 may be smaller as the distance from the first power receiving unit 40 increases. As a result, the resistance value of the active area unit 20 increases as the distance from the first power receiving unit 40 increases. Accordingly, the change in optical characteristics can be delayed as the active area 20 is farther from the first power receiving unit 40.

Further, for example, one or more connecting portions 30 may have different shapes and sizes in plan view.

That is, in the above embodiment, the case where the resistance values R1 of all the connection portions 30 are substantially the same and the resistance values R2 of all the active area portions 20 are substantially the same has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The resistance values R1 of the plurality of connection portions 30 may be different from each other, and the resistance values R2 of the plurality of active area portions 20 may be different from each other.

Further, for example, the one or more connecting portions 30 may not include the branch portion 32 and the shaft portion 31 may directly connect the two active area portions 20. The shape, size, and arrangement of the one or more connection portions 30 are not limited to the above-described example, and two of the plurality of active area portions 20 may be connected.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, each of the plurality of second electrodes 22 is shown as an example of a part of the conductive film that is integrally formed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality of second electrodes 22 may have the same shape as the plurality of first electrodes 21. In this case, for example, not only the second power receiving unit 50 but also one or more connection units that connect each of the plurality of second electrodes 22 are provided on the second substrate 11.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which one or more connection portions 30 are provided outside the sealing material 60 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one or more connection portions 30 may be provided inside the sealing material 60.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the functional layer 23 of the active area portion 20 has a laminated structure of an electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and a counter electrode layer is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The functional layer 23 may be a gel containing metal ions, for example. Specifically, the functional layer 23 may be formed of a polymer material in which an electrolyte containing metal ions is dissolved.

As the metal ions, for example, silver ions or copper ions can be used. As an electrolyte containing metal ions, for example, silver nitrate, silver acetate, copper chloride, or the like can be used. As the polymer material, for example, polyvinyl alcohol, polybutyl alcohol or the like can be used. In order to dissolve the electrolyte, a solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) can be used.

Thereby, when the metal element is present in the functional layer 23 as ions, the functional layer 23 has light transmittance. That is, the active area 20 is in a light transmission state. Further, when the metal element is deposited on the first electrode 21 or the second electrode 22 as a metal film, the functional layer 23 performs dimming of incident light. That is, the active area unit 20 enters a dimming state. In the present embodiment, for example, the deposited metal film has wavelength conversion properties. Thereby, the light incident on the metal film is transmitted or scattered after the color is converted.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the plurality of active area portions 20 are electrochromic elements has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the plurality of active area portions 20 may be electrophoretic elements.

In addition, the embodiment can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions in each embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention, or a form obtained by subjecting each embodiment to various modifications conceived by those skilled in the art. Forms are also included in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Charge storage device 10 1st board | substrate 11 2nd board | substrate 20, 20a, 20b Active area part 21 1st electrode 22 2nd electrode 23 Functional layer 30 Connection part 31 Shaft part 32 Branch part 40, 41 1st power receiving part 50 Second power receiving unit 60 Sealing material 80 Auxiliary electrode

Claims (11)

1. A plurality of active area portions each having a translucent first electrode and a second electrode, the optical characteristics of which change according to the electric charge accumulated between the first electrode and the second electrode;
   One or more connecting portions each electrically connecting two active area portions of the plurality of active area portions;
   A charge storage type device in which a resistance value of one active area part among the plurality of active area parts is smaller than a resistance value of a connection part connected to the one active area part among the one or more connection parts.
2. Each of the one or more connections is
   A shaft portion elongated in the first direction;
   A branch portion extending from the shaft portion along a second direction intersecting the first direction and electrically connecting the first electrode and the shaft portion;
   The charge storage device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft portions of the one or more connection portions are connected to each other so as to be arranged along the first direction.
3. The plurality of active area portions are arranged side by side along the first direction,
   3. The charge storage device according to claim 2, wherein a shape and a size of the first electrode in each of the plurality of active area portions are substantially rectangular in which the first direction is a short direction.
4. The charge storage device according to claim 3, wherein a length of the branch portion in the first direction is shorter than a length of the first electrode to which the branch portion is connected in the first direction.
5. 5. The charge storage device according to claim 3, wherein a length in a short direction of the shaft portion is shorter than a length in a short direction of the first electrode to which the branch portion extending from the shaft portion is connected. 6. .
6. The charge storage device further includes:
   The charge storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising a power receiving unit that receives direct-current power, connected to an end connecting unit in the first direction among the one or more connecting units.
7. 7. The charge storage device according to claim 2, wherein the shaft portion and the branch portion are formed by laser processing.
8. The charge storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first electrodes of the plurality of active area portions have substantially the same shape in plan view.
9. The charge storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the charge storage device further includes an auxiliary electrode laminated on the first electrode.
10. The charge storage device further includes:
    A first substrate and a second substrate provided to face each other with the plurality of active area portions interposed therebetween;
    A sealing material that seals the plurality of active area portions by connecting the first substrate and the second substrate so as to surround the plurality of active area portions;
    The charge storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the one or more connection portions are provided outside the sealing material.
11. The charge storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the plurality of active area portions is an electrochromic element including an electrolyte between the first electrode and the second electrode.

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