Encapsulated electrochromic device and method for making same
First Claim
1. An electrochromic device which can be alternatively darkened or lightened comprising:
- a substrate layer;
an electrochromic stack deposited upon said substrate layer;
a water resistant, moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer overlying said electrochromic stack;
a moisture control layer comprising one of a water reservoir material and a water scavenger material, said water reservoir material being hydrophilic in nature such that if sufficiently hydrated said water reservoir material may provide a source of water for said electrochromic device, said water scavenger material providing means to collect and bind water within said electrochromic device, said moisture control layer overlying said intermediate layer; and
means for hermetically sealing said electrochromic device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The performance and operating characteristics of electrochromic devices may be improved by the incorporation of a moisture control layer comprised of either water reservoir material or water scavenger material in conjunction with a moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer within the device. The water reservoir material provides a source of water for those electrochromic stacks which require water for proper operation. For stacks which require protection from moisture, water scavenger material may be utilized. A moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer separates the moisture control layer from the electrochromic stack. The invention is also directed towards methods of incorporating such layers into electrochromic devices during their manufacture.
93 Citations
26 Claims
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1. An electrochromic device which can be alternatively darkened or lightened comprising:
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a substrate layer; an electrochromic stack deposited upon said substrate layer; a water resistant, moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer overlying said electrochromic stack; a moisture control layer comprising one of a water reservoir material and a water scavenger material, said water reservoir material being hydrophilic in nature such that if sufficiently hydrated said water reservoir material may provide a source of water for said electrochromic device, said water scavenger material providing means to collect and bind water within said electrochromic device, said moisture control layer overlying said intermediate layer; and means for hermetically sealing said electrochromic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of assembling an electrochromic device which can be alternatively darkened or lightened comprising:
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forming an electrochromic stack onto a substrate; depositing a water resistant, moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer onto said electrochromic stack whereby said intermediate layer is left uncured in its liquid or semisolid state, thereby forming a first half of said electrochromic device; depositing a moisture control layer comprising one of a water reservoir material and a water scavenger material, said water reservoir material being hydrophilic in nature such that if sufficiently hydrated said water reservoir material may provide a source of water for said electrochromic device, said water scavenger material providing means to collect and bind water within said electrochromic device, onto the surface of a backing plate; curing said moisture control layer deposited upon said backing plate to form a second half of said electrochromic device; mating said first half and second half of said electrochromic device by contacting the exposed surface of said uncured intermediate layer of said first half to the exposed surface of said cured moisture control layer of said second half; curing said intermediate layer; and hermetically sealing said electrochromic device by applying a seal material onto said backing plate to constitute a primary seal. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of assembling an electrochromic device which can be alternatively darkened or lightened comprising:
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forming an electrochromic stack onto a substrate; depositing a water resistant, moisture permeable intermediate barrier layer onto said electrochromic stack; applying a moisture control layer comprising one of a water reservoir material and a water scavenger material, said water reservoir material being hydrophilic in nature such that if sufficiently hydrated said water reservoir material may provide a source of water for said electrochromic device, said water scavenger material providing means to collect and bind water within said electrochromic device, onto said intermediate layer; and hermetically sealing said electrochromic device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification