Electrochromic layer system in particular for motorcar mirrors

• US 6,074,066 A
• Filed: 04/02/1999
• Issued: 06/13/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 04/02/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Magna Reflex Holding GmbH
• Original Assignee: Magna Reflex Holding GmbH
• Inventors: Macher, David, Zorn, Heinz
• Primary Examiner(s): Spyrou, Cassandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): SIKDER, MOHAMMAD YUNUS
• Application Number:
  US09/285,925
• Time in Patent Office: 438 Days
• Field of Search: 359/601, 359/602, 359/603, 359/604, 359/608, 359/270, 359/272, 359/273, 359/267, 359/265, 359/268
• US Class Current: 359/601
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1524 Transition metal compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/157 Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. reflectors or illuminating devices
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/1555 Counter electrode

Abstract

An electrochromic layer system, in particular for motorcar mirrors, comprising one first transparent, electrically conductive layer deposited on a glass carrier and serving as an electrode, one electrochromic layer, one second electrically conductive layer serving as a backplate electrode, and one reflecting layer. The electrochromic layer includes at least one oxidation-reduction layer as a metal oxide layer or a polymer layer having a conjugate double bond system, which is deposited upon the electrode. Hence, preferably a storage layer for ions is also provided.

Claims

1. An electrochromic layer system, in particular for motorcar mirrors, comprising a first transparent, electrically conductive layer serving as an electrode, which is deposited upon a glass carrier, a electrochromic layer, a second electrically conductive layer serving as a backplate electrode and a reflecting layer, said electrochromic layer comprising an oxidation-reduction layer formed as a metal oxide and deposited on said electrode, a storage layer for storing electrons, and a catalyst layer arranged between said oxidation reduction layer and said storage layer.

2. An electrochromic layer system according to claim 1 further characterized by said catalyst layer being formed as a layer containing metals.

3. An electrochromic layer system according to claim 2 further characterized by said metal oxide layer being a tungsten oxide layer.

4. An electrochromic layer system according to claim 3 further characterized by said storage layer being one of a microporous and nanoporous layer of polymer such as polypropylene and a PMMA.

5. An electrochromic layer system according to claim 4 further characterized by said backplate electrode being simultaneously formed as a reflecting layer.

6. An electrochromic layer system according to claim 5 further characterized by said backplate electrode being sputtered upon a glass carrier.

7. An electrochromic layer system according to claim 6 further characterized by said layer structure being at least partially covered with a protective layer.