	US 12,360,427 B2
	Seal for electrochromic device
James W. McCamy, Export, PA (US); Ashtosh P. Ganjoo, Allison Park, PA (US); and Roxana Shabani, San Diego, CA (US)
Assigned to Vitro Flat Glass LLC, Cheswick, PA (US)
Filed by Vitro Flat Glass LLC, Cheswick, PA (US)
Filed on Dec. 19, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/544,599.
Application 18/544,599 is a division of application No. 17/500,995, filed on Oct. 14, 2021, granted, now 11,852,945.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/091,683, filed on Oct. 14, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0152018 A1, May 9, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. G02F 1/161 (2006.01); C03C 4/02 (2006.01); G02F 1/1523 (2019.01)

CPC G02F 1/161 (2013.01) [G02F 1/1523 (2013.01); C03C 4/02 (2013.01)]

6 Claims

1. A method of preparing an electrochromic article, the method comprising:

providing a first substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface;

positioning a first electrode over at least a portion of the second surface of the first substrate;

applying a sealant material in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode;

applying an electrochromic composition in direct contact with at least a portion of the first electrode and in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material;

providing a second substrate having a third surface and an opposite fourth surface;

positioning a second electrode over at least a portion of the third surface of the second substrate;

contacting the first substrate comprising the first electrode, the sealant material, and the electrochromic composition with the second substrate comprising the second electrode such that the second electrode is in direct contact with at least a portion of the sealant material and at least a portion of the electrochromic material;

providing a vacuum to evacuate the system or displace any oxygen or moisture with an inert gas; and

heating to form the electrochromic article,

wherein the sealant is formed from an organic polymer material having an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of less than or equal to 2 cubic centimeters per square meter day atmosphere (cc/m²·day·atm),

wherein said method further comprises providing an interlayer material in direct contact with, a portion of the opposite second surface of the first substrate, a portion of a second surface of the first electrode, at least a portion of the sealant material, a portion of a first surface of the second electrode, and a portion of the third surface of the second substrate, wherein the second surface of the first electrode and the first surface of the second electrode are in facing separated opposition to each other, and

wherein the sealant material overlaps the electrochromic composition in a step orientation, wherein a portion of the sealant material is interposed between a portion of the second surface of the first electrode and a portion of the electrochromic composition, and a portion of the sealant material extends over a portion of the first surface of the second electrode.