Dimming device

The dimming device with PSLC and alignment structures addresses the energy inefficiency of PDLC films by enabling voltage-free switching between transparent and foggy states, enhancing energy efficiency in optoelectronic applications.

CN113050320BActive Publication Date: 2024-12-10IND TECH RES INST
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202010325687.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-12-26
Filing Date
2020-04-23
Publication Date
2024-12-10
Estimated Expiration
2040-04-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

PDLC films require continuous voltage to maintain transparency, leading to high energy consumption in applications where transparency is needed most of the time.

Method used

A dimming device with a dimming layer comprising polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs) and alignment structures between conductive layers, allowing the device to switch between transparent and foggy states without continuous voltage.

Benefits of technology

The device achieves energy-efficient switching between transparent and foggy states, reducing energy consumption and facilitating optoelectronic components that need to be transparent most of the time.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention discloses a dimming device, comprising: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer, arranged opposite to the first conductive layer; a sealant layer, arranged between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the sealant layer form a closed space; and a dimming layer, arranged in the closed space, wherein the dimming layer comprises a plurality of alignment structures and polymer-stabilized liquid crystals, the alignment structures are arranged on the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer, and the polymer-stabilized liquid crystals are distributed between the alignment structures, wherein the height of the alignment structures is less than the height of the sealant layer and is greater than or equal to 5% of the height of the sealant layer.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dimming device, and in particular to a dimming device comprising polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC). Background Art

[0002] In the composition of liquid crystal / polymer dispersion, when the liquid crystal content is relatively small, it is called polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), and the liquid crystal is evenly dispersed in the polymer host of the continuous phase in the form of micropackaging; when the liquid crystal content is relatively large, the liquid crystal is the continuous phase, and the network polymer chains are dispersed in the liquid crystal, which is called polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC).

[0003] For the PDLC structure, when there is no external voltage, the effective refractive index of the liquid crystal does not match the refractive index of the polymer, the incident light is severely scattered, and the film forms a scattering state (opaque state, Off State); once the voltage is applied, the liquid crystal will be arranged perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Because the refractive index of the liquid crystal is the same as that of the polymer, the vertically incident light passes through without interface interference, and the film forms a transparent state (On State). For the PSLC structure, under an external voltage, the liquid crystal molecules will be parallel to the conductive layer and appear opaque; when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules are perpendicular to the conductive layer and appear transparent.

[0004] For PDLC film, it is transparent only when external voltage is applied. In other words, if you want to maintain its transparent state, you need to continuously supply voltage. In practical applications, in many occasions, it is necessary to be in a light-transmitting state most of the time and only in a light-blocking state a few times. Therefore, using PDLC film in most occasions will inevitably cause energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention provides a dimming device, comprising: a first conductive layer; a second conductive layer, arranged opposite to the first conductive layer; a sealant layer, arranged between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the sealant layer form a closed space; and a dimming layer, arranged in the closed space, wherein the dimming layer comprises a plurality of alignment structures and polymer-stabilized liquid crystals (PSLCs), the alignment structures are arranged on the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer, and the polymer-stabilized liquid crystals are distributed between the alignment structures, wherein the height of the alignment structures is less than the height of the sealant layer and is greater than or equal to 5% of the height of the sealant layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1An embodiment of the present invention is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dimming device, including an arrangement pattern of polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) when no external voltage is applied; and

[0007] Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a dimming device, including an arrangement pattern of polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) when an external voltage is applied.

[0008] Explanation of symbols

[0009] 10: Dimming device

[0010] 12: First substrate

[0011] 14: First conductive layer

[0012] 16: Frame glue layer

[0013] 18: Dimming layer

[0014] 20: Second conductive layer

[0015] 22: Second substrate

[0016] 24: Enclosed Space

[0017] 26: Orientation structure

[0018] 28:Polymer-stabilized liquid crystal

[0019] 28a:Polymer

[0020] 28b: Liquid crystal molecules

[0021] H: Height of the frame glue layer

[0022] S: Spacing of the alignment structure DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] See also Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a dimming device 10 is provided. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the dimming device 10 .

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, the dimming device 10 includes a first substrate 12, a first conductive layer 14, a sealant layer 16, a dimming layer 18, a second conductive layer 20, and a second substrate 22. The first conductive layer 14 is disposed on the first substrate 12. The second conductive layer 20 is disposed on the second substrate 22. The second conductive layer 20 is disposed opposite to the first conductive layer 14. The sealant layer 16 is disposed between the first conductive layer 14 and the second conductive layer 20, and the first conductive layer 14, the second conductive layer 20 and the sealant layer 16 form a closed space 24. The dimming layer 18 is disposed in the closed space 24. The dimming layer 18 includes a plurality of alignment structures 26 and polymer stabilized liquid crystals (PSLC) 28. The alignment structure 26 is disposed on the first conductive layer 14, and the polymer stabilized liquid crystals 28 are distributed between the alignment structures 26. It is worth noting that the height h of the alignment structure 26 is less than the height H of the sealant layer 16 and is greater than or equal to 5% of the height H of the sealant layer 16.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 22 may include, for example, glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0026] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 14 and the second conductive layer 20 may include, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0027] In some embodiments, the height H of the frame glue layer 16 is approximately between 5 μm and 100 μm. In some embodiments, the material of the alignment structure 26 may include, for example, epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the material of the alignment structure 26 may include, for example, bisphenol A epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol A epoxy resin, bisphenol F epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol F epoxy resin, aliphatic epoxy resin, alicyclic epoxy resin, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the material of the alignment structure 26 may include, for example, polyurethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, polyacrylic acid, epoxy acrylate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the alignment structure 26 may include, for example, a cylinder, a cuboid, an oblate spheroid, a square cylinder, a rhombus, or an irregular body. In some embodiments, when the alignment structure 26 is a cylinder or an oblate spheroid, its diameter is approximately between 50 μm and 800 μm. In some embodiments, when the alignment structure 26 is a rectangular parallelepiped or square column, its side length is approximately between 200 μm and 500 μm. In some embodiments, when the alignment structure 26 is a rhombus or an irregular body, its diagonal length is approximately between 0.8 mm and 5 mm. In some embodiments, the height h of the alignment structure 26 is approximately between 5 μm and 100 μm. In some embodiments, the spacing S of the alignment structure 26 is approximately between 500 μm and 15 mm. In some embodiments, relative to the total area of ​​the dimming device 10, the sum of the bottom areas of the alignment structures 26 is approximately between 3% and 65%, for example, at 1 mm 2 The total bottom area of ​​the alignment structure 26 is approximately between 0.03 mm 2 Up to 0.65mm 2 .

[0028] In some embodiments, the content of the polymer 28a in the polymer-stabilized liquid crystal 28 is approximately between 2.5 wt% and 4.5 wt%. In some embodiments, the content of the liquid crystal molecules 28b in the polymer-stabilized liquid crystal 28 is approximately between 95 wt% and 97 wt%.

[0029] In this embodiment, no external voltage is applied. At this time, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 28b in the polymer-stabilized liquid crystal 28 is substantially parallel to the direction in which the alignment structure 26 is set. Figure 1 As shown, the dimming layer 18 is made transparent.

[0030] In some embodiments, when the external voltage 30 is applied, the arrangement direction of the liquid crystal molecules 28b in the polymer-stabilized liquid crystal 28 is changed to be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the alignment structure 26 is arranged. Figure 2As shown, at this time, due to the light shielding state, the dimming layer 18 appears in a foggy state.

[0031] The present invention utilizes an alignment structure disposed on a conductive layer and in contact with a polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC), so that the dimming layer in the device is transparent when no external voltage is applied, and is foggy when an external voltage is applied, thereby switching from the transparent state to the foggy state to achieve the purpose of dimming. The present invention has a simple structural design, is easy to realize productization, and is more energy-saving and convenient for optoelectronic components that need to be transparent most of the time.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Preparation of dimming device (1)

[0034] First, the dot glue composition (including 60 parts by weight of Bisphenol A type Epoxy Resin (ChangChun Group, code BE501), 36 parts by weight of Bisphenol F type Epoxy Resin (DIC, code 830S), and 4 parts by weight of cationic photoinitiator (including Diphenyl (4-phenylthio) phenylsulfonium hexafloroatimonate, (Thiodi-4,1-phenylene) bis (diphenylsulfonium) dihexafluoroatimonate) (code 1176)) was screen-printed on a 10 cm × 10 cm ITO / glass substrate to form oblate spheroid matrix dots with a diameter of about 200 μm, a height of about 8 to 10 μm, and a spacing of about 700 to 800 μm. After that, pre-exposure to UV (energy 500 mJ / cm 2 ). Next, use the same dot glue composition to apply it on another ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form a 25μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. After that, it is bonded to the above-mentioned ITO / glass substrate with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0035] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of lauryl methacrylate (TCI, code LMA), 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 1 below.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Preparation of dimming layer (2)

[0038] First, a dot glue composition (including 40 parts by weight of Urethane Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 25,000cps@25℃) (Satormer, code name CN997), 45 parts by weight of Acrylic Oligomer (Viscosity 20,000-32,000cps@25℃) (code name DOUBLEMER 3710), 10 parts by weight of Polyester Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 52,000cps@25℃) (code name CN2200), and 5 parts by weight of a free radical photoinitiator (Bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code name 819)) was screen printed on a 10 cm×10 cm The ITO / glass substrate is printed with square column matrix dots with a side length of about 500μm, a height of about 30-35μm, and a spacing of about 700-800μm. After that, it is pre-exposed to UV (energy 500mJ / cm 2). Next, the same dot glue composition was applied to another ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form a 100μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. After that, it was bonded to the above-mentioned ITO / glass substrate with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0039] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of lauryl methacrylate (TCI, code LMA), 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 1 below.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] Preparation of dimming layer (3)

[0042] First, a dot glue composition (including 35 parts by weight of Urethane Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 25,000 cps @ 25°C) (Satormer, code name CN997), 40 parts by weight of Acrylic Oligomer (Viscosity 20,000-32,000 cps @ 25°C) (code name DOUBLEMER 3710), 20 parts by weight of Polyester Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 52,000 cps @ 25°C) (code name CN2200), and 5 parts by weight of a free radical photoinitiator (Bis (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) -phenylphosphineoxide) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code name 819)) was screen printed on a 10 cm × 10 cm The ITO / glass substrate is printed with oblate spheroid matrix dots with a diameter of about 800μm, a height of about 30-35μm, and a spacing of about 700-800μm. After that, it is pre-exposed to UV (energy 500mJ / cm 2 ). Next, the same dot glue composition was applied to another ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form a 50μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. After that, it was bonded to the above-mentioned ITO / glass substrate with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0043] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Satormer, code SR601), and 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 1 below.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] Preparation of dimming layer (4)

[0046] First, a dot glue composition (including 55 parts by weight of Bisphenol A type Epoxy Resin (ChangChun Group, code BE501), 41 parts by weight of Accelerated Epoxidized Hydrogenated Bisphenol A (CVC Thermoset Specialties, code EPA5001), and 4 parts by weight of a cationic photoinitiator (including Diphenyl (4-phenylthio) phenylsulfonium hexafloroatimonate, (Thiodi-4,1-phenylene) bis (diphenylsulfonium) dihexafluoroatimonate) (code 1176)) was screen-printed on a 10 cm × 10 cm ITO / PET substrate to form a rectangular matrix dot with a short side width of about 200 to 500 μm, a height of about 70 to 80 μm, and a spacing of about 1.6 to 2.0 mm. Then, pre-exposed to UV (energy 500 mJ / cm 2 ). Next, the same dot glue composition was applied to another ITO / PET substrate with a scraper to form a 100μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. After that, it was bonded to the above-mentioned ITO / PET substrate with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0047] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Satormer, code SR601), and 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 1 below.

[0048] Example 5

[0049] Preparation of dimming layer (5)

[0050] First, the dot glue composition (including 60 parts by weight of Bisphenol A type Epoxy Resin (ChangChun Group, code BE501), 36 parts by weight of Bisphenol F type Epoxy Resin (DIC, code 830S), and 4 parts by weight of cationic photoinitiator (including Diphenyl (4-phenylthio) phenylsulfonium hexafloroatimonate, (Thiodi-4,1-phenylene) bis (diphenylsulfonium) dihexafluoroatimonate) (code 1176)) was randomly dotted on a 5cm×5cm ITO / glass substrate using a metal stirring rod to form irregular matrix dots with a diagonal length of about 0.8 to 5mm, a height of about 70 to 80μm, and a spacing of about 10 to 15mm. Then, pre-exposure to UV (energy 500mJ / cm 2). Next, the same dot glue composition was applied to another ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form a 100μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. After that, it was bonded to the above-mentioned ITO / glass substrate with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0051] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Satormer, code SR601), and 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 1 below.

[0052] Example 6

[0053] Preparation of dimming layer (6)

[0054] First, a dot glue composition (including 50 parts by weight of Bisphenol A type Epoxy Resin (ChangChun Group, code BE501), 20 parts by weight of Bisphenol F type Epoxy Resin (DIC, code 830S), 3 parts by weight of a cationic photoinitiator (including Diphenyl (4-phenylthio) phenylsulfonium hexafloroatimonate, (Thiodi-4,1-phenylene) bis (diphenylsulfonium) dihexafluoroatimonate) (code 1176), 10 parts by weight of Urethane Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 25,000cps@25°C) (Satormer, code CN997), 15 parts by weight of Acrylic Oligomer (Viscosity 20,000-32,000cps@25°C) (code DOUBLEMER) 3710), 2 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (Bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 819)) were screen printed on a 10cm×10cm ITO / PET substrate to form oblate spheroid matrix dots with a diameter of about 800μm, a height of about 30-35μm, and a spacing of about 700-800μm. Afterwards, UV (energy 500mJ / cm 2 ). Next, the same dot glue composition with a height of 75μm was applied to another ITO / PET substrate with a scraper to form a peripheral sealant layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. After that, it was bonded to the above-mentioned ITO / PET substrate with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0055] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of lauryl methacrylate (TCI, code LMA), 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0056] Example 7

[0057] Preparation of dimming layer (7)

[0058] First, prepare Oligomer (I). Add 142.83 g of solvent propylene glycolmonomethyl ether acetate, 188.5 g of liquid Bisphenol A Epoxy resin (Changchun Company, BE188L) and 75.66 g of acrylic acid (Acrylate Acid) into a four-necked reaction flask. Then, place it in an oil bath at 110°C, add 1.00 g of N,N-dimethylaminopyridine and react for 10 hours. Then, add 152.14 g of tetrahydrophthalicanhydride and continue the reaction for 8 hours to obtain Oligomer (I) with acrylic functional groups.

[0059] Then, a dot glue composition (including 5 parts by weight of Urethane Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 25,000cps@25℃) (Satormer, code name CN997), 20 parts by weight of Acrylic Oligomer (Viscosity 20,000-32,000cps@25℃) (code name DOUBLEMER 3710), 10 parts by weight of Polyester Acrylate Oligomer (Viscosity 52,000cps@25℃) (code name CN2200), 60 parts by weight of Oligomer (I), 5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (Bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide) (DOUBLEBOND CHEMICAL, code name 819)) was coated on a 10 cm×10 cm ITO / glass substrate using a wire bar. Then, the substrate was placed in an oven at 80℃ for 30 minutes to remove the solvent. Then, the film was irradiated with UV light (energy 500 mJ / cm 2 ). After exposure, development is performed with 1% Na2CO3 (aq) at 28-30°C to produce oblate spheroidal matrix dots with a diameter of about 100μm, a height of about 20-25μm, and a spacing of about 700-800μm. Next, the dot glue composition of Example 1 is applied with a scraper on another ITO / glass substrate to form an outer frame glue layer 25μm high, leaving only the capillaries for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. Afterwards, it is bonded to the ITO / glass substrate with dots made by exposure and development as mentioned above, and fixed with an English clamp. Under UV irradiation (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0060] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Satormer, code SR601), and 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0061] Example 8

[0062] Preparation of dimming layer (8)

[0063] First, a solvent-based dot glue composition is prepared. 142.83 grams of solvent propyleneglycol monomethyl ether acetate, 20 parts by weight of Bisphenol A type Epoxy Resin (ChangChun Group, code BE501), 50 parts by weight of Bisphenol F type Epoxy Resin (DIC, code 830S) and 25 parts by weight of Bisphenol A / F (50 / 50) type Epoxy Resin (Mitsumishi Chemical, code 4250) are added to a four-necked reaction bottle, and placed in an oil bath at 130°C, and stirred continuously until the resin powder is completely dissolved. Then 5 parts by weight of a cationic photoinitiator (including Diphenyl (4-phenylthio) phenylsulfonium hexafloroatimonate, (Thiodi-4,1-phenylene) bis (diphenylsulfonium) dihexafluoroatimonate) (code 1176) are added to complete the preparation of the solvent-based dot glue composition.

[0064] Next, the solvent-based dot glue composition was coated on a 10 cm×10 cm ITO / glass substrate using a wire rod. Afterwards, it was placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes to remove the solvent. Next, a PET photomask (100 μm opening) was used to irradiate with UV (energy 6 J / cm 2) and soft bake in an oven at 120°C for 30 minutes. After exposure, develop with γ-Butyrolactone at 30-40°C to produce oblate spheroidal matrix dots with a diameter of approximately 100μm, a height of approximately 20-25μm, and a spacing of approximately 700-800μm. Next, use the dot glue composition of Example 1 to apply it on another ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form an outer frame glue layer 25μm high, leaving only the capillaries for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. Afterwards, bond it to the ITO / glass substrate with dots made by exposure and development as mentioned above, and fix it with an English clamp. Irradiate with UV (energy 6J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0065] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of lauryl methacrylate (TCI, code LMA), 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0066] Comparative Example 1

[0067] Preparation of dimming layer

[0068] First, the screen-dot glue composition of Example 1 was applied to a 10 cm × 10 cm ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form a 25 μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. Afterwards, it was laminated to another ITO / glass substrate that was not screen-printed with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6 J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0069] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (Satormer, code SR601), and 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2 ), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0070] Comparative Example 2

[0071] Preparation of dimming layer

[0072] First, the screen-dot glue composition of Example 2 was applied to a 10 cm × 10 cm ITO / glass substrate with a scraper to form a 100 μm high outer frame glue layer, leaving only the capillary pores for subsequent filling of liquid crystal. Afterwards, it was bonded to another ITO / glass substrate that was not screen-printed with dots and fixed with an English clip. After irradiation with UV (energy 6 J / cm 2 ), the production of the liquid crystal box is completed.

[0073] Next, the polymer stabilized liquid crystal mixture prepared in advance (including 95 parts by weight of negative nematic liquid crystal (ne=1.6567, Δn=0.1647atλ=589nm; Δε=-5.7at f=1kHz) (Merck, code ZLI-4788), 4.5 parts by weight of lauryl methacrylate (TCI, code LMA), 0.5 parts by weight of free radical photoinitiator (1-hydroxy-cyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone) (DOUBLE BOND CHEMICAL, code 184) was filled into the liquid crystal cell by capillary phenomenon, and then sealed with the above-mentioned dot glue composition. After irradiation with UV (energy 1J / cm 2), and then placed in an 80°C oven for 30 minutes of post-curing to complete the manufacture of the dimming device of this embodiment. Afterwards, the haze change of the dimming layer in the dimming device was measured with a haze meter (Nippon Denshoku, NDH-7000) when no external voltage (0V) was applied and when an external voltage (20V) was applied. The relevant preparation conditions and measurement results are listed in Table 2 below.

[0074] Table 1

[0075]

[0076]

[0077] Table 2

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] From the results of the embodiments and comparative examples in Tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that the liquid crystal box with an alignment structure (dots) on the conductive layer can be smoothly transparent when the voltage is 0V; and it is foggy when the voltage is 20V; however, the liquid crystal box without an alignment structure (dots) on the conductive layer is transparent (i.e., there is no dimming effect) regardless of whether the voltage is 0V or 20V. The present invention arranges the alignment structure (dots) between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and fills the negative liquid crystal composition between the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the alignment structure (dots) to produce a polymer stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC) dimming device.

[0081] The features of the above embodiments are helpful for those with ordinary knowledge in the art to understand the present invention. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art should understand that the present invention can be used as a basis to design and change other manufacturing processes and structures to achieve the same purpose and / or the same advantages of the above embodiments. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art should also understand that these equivalent substitutions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and can be changed, replaced, or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dimming device, characterized in that: include: a first conductive layer; A second conductive layer is disposed opposite to the first conductive layer; A sealant layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the sealant layer form a closed space; as well as A dimming layer is arranged in the closed space, wherein the dimming layer includes a plurality of alignment structures and polymer-stabilized liquid crystal (PSLC), the plurality of alignment structures are arranged on one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and extend toward the other of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, and the polymer-stabilized liquid crystal is distributed between the plurality of alignment structures and contacts the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the height of the plurality of alignment structures is less than the height of the sealant layer and greater than or equal to 5% of the height of the sealant layer, and when a voltage is applied, the arrangement direction of the polymer-stabilized liquid crystal is changed to be perpendicular to the direction in which the plurality of alignment structures are arranged. 2 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprise indium tin oxide (ITO). 3 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a height of the sealant layer is between 5 μm and 100 μm. 4 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a material of the plurality of alignment structures comprises one or more of epoxy resin and acrylic resin.

5. The dimming device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the material of the plurality of alignment structures comprises one or more of bisphenol A epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol A epoxy resin, bisphenol F epoxy resin, hydrogenated bisphenol F epoxy resin, aliphatic epoxy resin and alicyclic epoxy resin. 6 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 4 , wherein a material of the plurality of alignment structures comprises one or more of polyurethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, polyacrylic acid and epoxy acrylate. 7 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the plurality of alignment structures include one of a cylinder, a cuboid, an oblate spheroid, a square column, a rhombus, and an irregular body. 8 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 7 , wherein when the plurality of alignment structures are cylinders or oblate spheroids, their diameters are between 50 μm and 800 μm. 9 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 7 , wherein when the plurality of alignment structures are rectangular parallelepiped or square columns, the side length thereof is between 200 μm and 500 μm. 10 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 7 , wherein when the plurality of alignment structures are rhombus-shaped or irregular-shaped, a diagonal length thereof is between 0.8 mm and 5 mm. 11 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein a pitch between the plurality of alignment structures is between 500 μm and 15 mm. 12 . The dimming device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the sum of the bottom areas of the plurality of alignment structures is between 3% and 65% relative to the total area of ​​the dimming device.

Citation Information

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