Electro-optical element including metallic films and methods for applying the same

US7864398B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GENTEX CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Gary J. Dozeman · Zeeland, US
• Henry A. Luten · Holland, US
• George A. Neuman · Holland, US
• William L. Tonar · Holland, US
• Thomas F. Guarr · Holland, US
• Leroy J. Kloeppner · Jenison, US
• David L. Eaton · Holland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 5, 2007
• Grant date: Jan 4, 2011
• Expiry date: Jun 16, 2028

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S359/90
• WIPO field: Micro-structural and nano-technology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an electrochromic element comprises providing a first substrate having first and second surfaces opposite one another and a first edge surface, providing a second substrate having third and fourth surfaces opposite one another and a second edge surface, wherein the third surfaces faces the second surface, and providing an electrochromic medium located between the first and second substrates, wherein the electrochromic medium has a light transmittance that is variable upon the application of electric field thereto. The method further complies applying a conductive layer on at least a portion of at least a select one of a first, second, third, and fourth surfaces and the first and second edge surfaces, wherein applying the conductive layer is accomplished at substantially atmospheric pressure and including applying at least a select one of metallic particles, an organometallic, a metallo-organic, and combinations thereof, and wherein the conductive layer has a bulk resistivity of less than or equal to 150 μΩ·cm. Other aspects of this invention comprise applying the conductive layer via ink jetting, ultrasonic spraying, auger pumping and jet pumping.