US4193670A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrochromic devices having protective interlayers
Assignee: Wyeth Holdings LLC
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Filing: 1977-11-08
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Granted: 1980-03-18
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Expires: 1997-11-08
Abstract
Abstract The incorporation of one or more protective layers between the electrochromic material and the polymeric electrolyte in an electrochromic device produces longer lasting, more uniform devices. The further placing of a protective layer between the electrolyte and the counterelectrode yields still better devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert D. Giglia
- 👤 Richard H. Clasen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 07:41
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/15; G02F1/1514; G02F1/1523; G02F1/1525; G02F1/1524; G02F1/153; G02F1/1533; G02F2001/1536
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
In an electrochromic device which comprises an electrode and a counterelectrode and disposed therebetween a layer of persistent electrochromic material and an ion-conductive, electrically insulating layer of polymeric electrolyte material, said layers disposed in said device for reversible ionic conduction across the layers between said electrode and counterelectrode whereby said persistent electrochromic layer is changeable between colored and clear states, the improvement comprising a first electrically insulating film layer of an inorganic compound of thickness in the range from about 100 to 1500 Angstroms, thick enough for electronic insulation, but not so thick as to impair ionic conduction across the thickness of said film, contacting the surface of said layer of electrolyte material nearest said electrochromic layer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
117 words
In an electrochromic device which comprises an electrode and a counterelectrode and disposed therebetween a layer of persistent electrochromic material and an ion-conductive, electrically insulating layer of polymeric electrolyte material, said layers disposed in said device for reversible ionic conduction across the layers between said electrode and counterelectrode whereby said persistent electrochromic layer is changeable between colored and clear states, the improvement comprising a first electrically insulating film layer of an inorganic compound of thickness in the range from about 100 to 1500 Angstroms, thick enough for electronic insulation, but not so thick as to impair ionic conduction across the thickness of said film, contacting the surface of said layer of electrolyte material nearest said electrochromic layer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
An improved device defined by claim 1 wherein a second said insulating film layer is disposed in said device contacting the side of said electrolyte material opposite said first film layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the counterelectrode is gold and contacts said second insulating film layer on its side opposite the electrolyte layer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 3 except further containing a nucleating layer selected from palladium, platinum and rhodium between said second insulating film layer and said gold counterelectrode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the nucleating layer is palladium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 4 wherein each insulating film layer is of a compound selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, calcium fluoride and magnesium fluoride.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 4 wherein each insulating film layer is silicon oxide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the polymer contains acidic groups or salts thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
10 words
The device of claim 8 wherein the polymer is soluble.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 8 wherein the acidic groups are sulfonic acid groups.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the persistent electrochromic material is tungstic oxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
42 words
An improved device defined by claim 1 further comprising a non-electrochromic layer of material the same as said electrochromic material except in a higher oxidation state and hence non-electrochromic, disposed in said device contacting said electrochromic layer nearest said first film layer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
An improved device defined by claim 1 wherein said polymeric electrolyte material is polystyrene sulfonic acid polymer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the defined insulating film layer is a compound selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, calcium fluoride, and magnesium fluoride.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device of claim 14 wherein the selected compound is silicon oxide.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the polymeric electrolyte material is a polymer having acidic groups or salts thereof.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 16 wherein the acidic groups are sulfonic acid groups.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
10 words
The device of claim 16 wherein the polymer is soluble.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-03-18 | 1983-09-17 | 1984-03-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-03-18 | 1987-09-17 | 1988-03-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-03-18 | 1991-09-17 | 1992-03-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |