Electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films, and processes for making such solid films and devices

• US 6,855,431 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2002
• Issued: 02/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Agrawal, Anoop, Dornan, Craig Allen, Allemand, Pierr-Marc, Varaprasad, Desaraju V., Zhao, Mingtang, Lynam, Niall R.
• Primary Examiner(s): NAKARANI, DHIRAJLAL S
• Application Number:
  US10/197,679
• Publication Number:
  US 20030087107A1
• Time in Patent Office: 945 Days
• Field of Search: 359/273, 359/275, 428/432, 428/442
• US Class Current: 428/432
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/06 comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10036 comprising two outer glass sheets
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10697 being cross-linked
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2900/40 Several lamps activated in sequence, e.g. sweep effect, progressive activation
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1007 Non-condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1011 Condensed systems
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1014 bridged by heteroatoms, e.g. N, P, Si or B
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1029 containing one nitrogen atom as the heteroatom
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1033 with oxygen
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 2211/1037 with sulfur
• CPC Class Codes: C09K 9/02 Organic tenebrescent materials
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1503 caused by oxidation-reduction reactions in organic liquid solutions, e.g. viologen solutions
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1516 comprising organic material
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/15165 Polymers
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/155 Electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/1502 complementary cell
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/15145 the electrochromic layer comprises a mixture of anodic and cathodic compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2001/1518 : Ferrocene compounds
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2201/58 : Arrangements comprising a monitoring photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 2202/022 : polymeric
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/24785 : including layer embodying mechanically interengaged strands, strand portions or strand-like strips [e.g., weave, knit, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/26 : Web or sheet containing structurally defined element or component, the element or component having a specified physical dimension
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31551 : Of polyamidoester [polyurethane, polyisocyanate, polycarbamate, etc.]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31649 : Ester, halide or nitrile of addition polymer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31678 : Of metal
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 428/31935 : Ester, halide or nitrile of addition polymer
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 83/0419 : By distorting within elastic limit

Abstract

The present invention relates to electrochromic polymeric solid films, manufacturing electrochromic devices using such solid films and processes for making such solid films and devices. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention exhibit beneficial properties and characteristics, especially when compared to known electrochromic media. The electrochromic polymeric solid films are transformed in situ from a low viscosity electrochromic monomer composition by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, and in so doing minimum shrinkage occurs. The electrochromic polymeric solid films of the present invention also perform well under prolonged coloration, outdoor weathering and all-climate exposure, and provide an inherent safety aspect not known to electrochromic media heretofore.

Claims

1. An electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter that may be used as an integral part of a device or that may be affixed to an already constructed device, said electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter comprising:

a first glass substrate having a first transparent conductor coated surface;

a second glass substrate having a second transparent conductor coated surface, said second substrate positioned in a spaced-apart relationship with said first substrate and with said first and second conductor coated surfaces facing each other; and

an electrochromic medium disposed between said first and second substrates whereby the transmission of light through said electrochromic medium is changed when an electrical potential is applied thereto and wherein said electrochromic medium comprises a plasticized, cross-linked polymeric solid film formed by curing an electrochromic monomer composition comprising at least one anodic electrochromic compound and at least one cathodic electrochromic compound.

2. The electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter of claim 1, further comprising an anti-reflective means on the front surface of the outermost substrate as viewed by the observer.

3. The electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter of claim 1, further comprising an anti-static means, said anti-static means comprising a conductive coating.

4. The electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter of claim 1, further comprising an optical refractive index matching means to reduce internal and interfacial reflections.

5. The electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter of claim 1, further comprising light absorbing means to augment contrast enhancement.

6. The electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic optically attenuating contrast enhancement filter dims through a substantially neutral colored partial transmission state to a substantially neutral colored full transmission state.