Color-changing device, color-changing film and electronic device

Abstract

The present application provides a color-changing device, comprising: a substrate; a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer disposed on one side of the substrate; and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer disposed on one side of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer; wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is configured to generate a deformation in response to a stimulus to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, thereby presenting a predetermined color on the surface of the color-changing device. A color-changing film and an electronic device are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electronic technologies, and particularly to a color-changing device, a color-changing film, and an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of communication technologies, electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablet computers have become indispensable tools for people. When facing a dazzling array of electronic device products, consumers not only need to consider whether the functions of the products meet their own needs, but also the appearance of the products is one of the important factors that influence consumers' purchase decisions. However, with the iteration of electronic devices, the shapes of electronic devices of various brands have gradually become homogenized, with poor appearance recognition. Moreover, after the electronic device leaves the factory, its color is usually fixed, and it is easy to cause aesthetic fatigue over a long time. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an electronic device shell that can change color to improve the product expressiveness of the electronic device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, this application provides a color-changing device, a color-changing film, and an electronic device, which can respond to stimuli and change colors, and have good product expressiveness.

[0004] This application provides a color-changing device, including: a substrate; a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer disposed on one side of the substrate; and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer disposed on the side of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer away from the substrate; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is configured to respond to a stimulus to generate a deformation to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and thus present a predetermined color on the surface of the substrate.

[0005] This application also provides a color-changing film, including: a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer; a stimulus-responsive deformation layer disposed on one side of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer; and a packaging layer, wherein the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer are both encapsulated in the packaging layer, and the packaging layer is configured to limit the movement of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is configured to respond to a stimulus to generate a deformation to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color.

[0006] This application also provides an electronic device, which includes the color-changing device or the color-changing film as described above.

[0007] In the color-changing device, color-changing film, and electronic device according to the embodiments of this application, a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer are included. The stimulus-responsive deformation layer can respond to a stimulus to generate a deformation to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and thus can change the appearance color pattern of the color-changing device, improving the product appearance expressiveness; in addition, the structure stacking of the embodiments of this application is relatively simple, the thickness can be made relatively thin, meeting the lightweight design requirements of mobile terminals, and the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer is a film layer structure, capable of obtaining a relatively fine color-changing pattern. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0009] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a color-changing device provided by the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is not deformed in the natural state.

[0010] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a color-changing device provided by the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is deformed.

[0011] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of another color-changing device provided by the first embodiment of the present application, wherein the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer has a preset shape.

[0012] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic top view structure diagram of a color-changing device before color change provided by the first embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic top view structure diagram of a color-changing device after color change provided by the first embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a color-changing device provided by another embodiment of the present application, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is not deformed in the natural state.

[0015] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a color-changing device provided by another embodiment of the present application, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is deformed.

[0016] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of the hard film layer of a color-changing device provided by another embodiment of the present application, wherein the protrusion of the hard film layer is conical or quasi-conical.

[0017] Figure 9 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a color-changing device provided by another embodiment of the present application, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is not deformed in the natural state.

[0018] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram of a color-changing device provided by another embodiment of the present application, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is deformed.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a top view structural schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by another embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0020] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0021] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification and claims of the present application and the above accompanying drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally further includes steps or units not listed, or optionally further includes other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0022] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] It should be noted that for the convenience of description, in the embodiments of the present application, the same reference numerals represent the same components, and for the sake of brevity, in different embodiments, the detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0024] The first embodiment of the present application provides a color-changing device, and the color-changing device includes a substrate; a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer provided on one side of the substrate; and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer provided on the side of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer away from the substrate; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is used to generate deformation in response to a stimulus to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and then present a predetermined color on the surface of the substrate.

[0025] The color-changing device in the embodiment of the present application includes a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer. The stimulus-responsive deformation layer can generate deformation in response to a stimulus to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and then can change the appearance color pattern of the color-changing device, improving the appearance expressiveness of the product.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 , which is a color-changing device 100 provided by the first embodiment of the present application. The color-changing device 100 includes a substrate 11, a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13.

[0027] Among them, the substrate 11 can be a material with certain light-transmitting properties, capable of presenting the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer, preferably being transparent or semi-transparent in texture; the material of the substrate 11 can be ceramics, resins, glass, etc.

[0028] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be made of a material containing a force-sensitive element with piezochromic properties; among them, the force-sensitive element refers to a chemical bond or group sensitive to stress, which usually has relatively weak chemical bonds. When these force-sensitive elements are covalently bonded to a polymer, under the action of mechanical external force, the stress will be conducted along the polymer chain segments to the weak chemical bonds of the force-sensitive elements, resulting in the cracking of the chemical bonds, causing changes in the physical properties of the polymer material, and thus generating a macroscopic color change. After the external force is removed, the broken chemical bonds will reconnect, and the color of the polymer material will return to normal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the force-sensitive element can be one or several of spirooxazine-based force-sensitive elements, 1,2-dioxetane-based force-sensitive elements, diaryl dibenzofuranone-based force-sensitive elements, rhodamine-based force-sensitive elements, etc. Among them, spirooxazine-based force-sensitive elements can gradually change from colorless to purple, 1,2-dioxetane-based force-sensitive elements can change from colorless to blue, diaryl dibenzofuranone-based force-sensitive elements can change from colorless to blue, and rhodamine-based force-sensitive elements can change from colorless to red.

[0030] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be made of a material containing a polymer modified with the above force-sensitive elements; specifically, for example: the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be made of a material containing spirooxazine-modified polyurethane, tetraphenylethylene-modified polyurethane, imidazole-modified polyurethane, etc.; among them, modified groups such as spirooxazine have piezochromic properties, so spirooxazine-modified polyurethane also has piezochromic properties, and polyurethane has good film-forming properties. Therefore, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 containing the above modified polyurethane can better form a film structure, and modified groups such as spirooxazine can be grafted onto the polyurethane molecular chain.

[0031] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 described above can be made of a slurry containing the polymer modified by the force-sensitive element; specifically, the slurry can include the polymer modified by the force-sensitive element, a pressure-sensitive color-changing modifier, a leveling agent, and a thickening agent. The pressure-sensitive color-changing modifier can further improve the pressure-sensitive color-changing effect of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer, making the color change more obvious. The leveling agent and the thickening agent can improve the film-forming performance of the slurry, so that a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer that is easier to level can be obtained; specifically, 80 parts by weight of the polymer modified by the force-sensitive element, 0.5 to 1.0 part by weight of the pressure-sensitive color-changing modifier, 0.1 to 1 part by weight of the leveling agent, and 0.5 to 1 part by weight of the thickening agent can be added to a mixing container and stirred for 30 to 60 minutes to obtain the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer slurry. After the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer slurry is coated and formed into a film, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be obtained. Of course, it is not limited to this formula, and those skilled in the art can adjust and select according to the actual situation.

[0032] In some embodiments, the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 before color change can be white. Of course, it is not limited to white.

[0033] Among them, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be as Figures 3 to 5 shown to have a specific shape so that when it changes color, a certain color and pattern can be simultaneously presented on the surface of the color-changing device 100, or it can be tiled on the color-changing device 100 without a specific shape and is only used to present a certain color on the surface of the color-changing device 100 when it changes color; the specific shape can be, for example, a physical pattern, an abstract pattern, a symbol logo, etc.

[0034] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 has a uniform thickness; in other embodiments, the thickness of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 in at least two regions can also be different. Thus, when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes color, the pressure conditions corresponding to the at least two regions are different, and the colors are also different, so that the color-changing device 100 can have a more colorful appearance when changing color.

[0035] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 has a uniform material; in other embodiments, the materials of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 in at least two regions can also be different. The colors of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 made of different materials change under pressure. Thus, when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes color, the colors corresponding to the at least two regions are also different.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, for example, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 has a uniform material, but the thickness of at least two adjacent regions of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes gradually. When the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes color, the colors corresponding to the at least two adjacent regions are of the same color system but different in shade, that is, they change gradually, so that the color-changing device 100 presents a gradient color effect of the same color system corresponding to the at least two adjacent regions when changing color; for example, artistic characters with a shadow effect or patterns with light and dark effects can be formed, and so on.

[0037] In another specific embodiment, for example, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 has a uniform thickness, but the materials of at least two regions of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 are different, and different materials have different colors when changing color, so that the color-changing device 100 presents at least two colors corresponding to the at least two regions when changing color, which is more aesthetically pleasing; for example, the pattern is a flower, the materials at the corresponding positions of the petals and the stamens are different, and the colors presented are also different, the petals are red and the stamens are yellow.

[0038] In some embodiments, the thickness range of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is 1 micron to 100 microns. More preferably, the thickness range of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 15 is 50 microns to 100 microns; this thickness value range can make the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 15 have a more obvious color-changing effect. Among them, if the thickness is too small, the color-changing effect is not obvious, and if the thickness is too large, the thickness of the color-changing device 100 will become larger, which is not conducive to the thinning of the color-changing device 100.

[0039] In the embodiments of the present application, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is a film layer structure, and a more delicate color-changing pattern can be obtained.

[0040] The stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be a material that can deform under stimuli such as pH, electricity, temperature, example concentration, light, etc. For example, it can be a stimulus-responsive gel or a stimulus-deforming alloy, and so on.

[0041] In some embodiments, the color-changing device 100 further includes a packaging layer 14. The pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 are both encapsulated in the packaging layer 14. The packaging layer 14 is used to limit the movement of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, so that the deformation force generated by the deformation of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be better applied to the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, and further make the color-changing effect of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 better.

[0042] The material of the encapsulation layer 14 can be various common resin materials, such as polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.; the encapsulation layer 14 can be a sealed structure or a non-sealed structure, such as a mesh structure or an "I"-shaped structure, etc., as long as the movement of each layer in the encapsulation layer 14 is restricted in the deformation direction.

[0043] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer 14 can be a PET film encapsulation layer to have good mechanical properties, chemical stability and low cost; the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 of the embodiment of the present application are both encapsulated in the encapsulation layer 14, and the thickness can be made thinner, which meets the lightweight design requirements of mobile terminals.

[0044] In some embodiments, the packaging layer 14 may be bagged to accommodate the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 .

[0045] Preferably, the thickness of the PET film ranges from 1 micron to 100 microns, wherein, if the thickness of the PET film is too small, the mechanical strength of the formed encapsulation layer 14 is poor, and if the thickness of the PET film is too large, the formed encapsulation layer 14 is too thick and occupies a large volume, which is not conducive to the lightweight and thinning of the color-changing device 100.

[0046] In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer 14 is disposed on one side surface of the color-changing device 100, and the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is disposed on the side of the encapsulation layer 14 close to the color-changing device 100, so that the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can better pass through the substrate 11 and be presented on the surface of the color-changing device 100; wherein, it can be understood that at least the portion of the encapsulation layer 14 close to the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is transparent, so that the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be transmitted, and of course, the encapsulation layer 14 can also be set to be transparent as a whole.

[0047] In some embodiments, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 may be a gel material that can be deformed under stimulation of pH, electricity, temperature, example concentration, light, etc.; a gel absorbent liquid 131 may also be provided in the encapsulation layer 14, wherein the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 absorbs the gel absorbent liquid 131 in response to stimulation, thereby swelling, and discharges the gel absorbent liquid 131 when the stimulation disappears, thereby restoring its shape; it can be understood that in this embodiment, the encapsulation layer 14 is also used to accommodate the gel absorbent liquid 131, so the encapsulation layer 14 is a sealing structure in this embodiment.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, see Figures 1 to 3, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be a gel material that can deform under the stimulation of an electric field; a conductive circuit is provided in the encapsulation layer 14, and the conductive circuit is used to provide an electric field to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13; wherein, as Figure 2 and Figure 5 shown, after being energized, when the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 responds to the electric field stimulation, it absorbs the gel absorbent and thus swells. After the gel swells, it squeezes the soft gel layer 15 to deform, thereby inducing the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color, and then presenting a predetermined color and pattern on the color-changing device 100. When the electric field stimulation disappears, as Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 discharges the gel absorbent and thus returns to its original shape, no longer squeezing the soft gel layer 15, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 returns to its initial state, and the predetermined color and pattern presented on the color-changing device 100 both disappear. The color-changing device 100 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for being used as the housing of an electronic device. Since it is relatively convenient and easy to obtain an electric field in an electronic device, it is relatively easy to implement. Moreover, by setting or programming in the electronic device, intelligent control of the color and pattern on the color-changing device 100 can be achieved.

[0049] In some specific embodiments, it can be set that when the electronic device receives an incoming call or information, etc., the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is controlled to access the electric field and then deform and squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color, thereby making the appearance of the color-changing device 100 present a predetermined color and pattern; it can also be set that when the electronic device needs to be charged or when the charging is completed, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is controlled to access the electric field and then deform and squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color, thereby making the appearance of the color-changing device 100 present a predetermined color and pattern; and so on.

[0050] Among them, different regions of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can also be set to access different electric fields, so that different regions of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be controlled to deform, and then different regions of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be made to change color, realizing the presentation of different colors and patterns in different scenarios.

[0051] In some embodiments, when the material of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is a gel, the thickness range of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is 1 micron to 1000 microns; more preferably, the thickness range of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is 50 microns to 100 microns; wherein, if the thickness is too small, the swelling force is limited, and it is impossible or difficult to trigger the color change of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, and thus the color change of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 will not be obvious enough. If the thickness is too large, it is not conducive to the thinning of the color-changing device 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the color-changing device 100 further includes a soft glue layer 15 disposed between the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13. Among them, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 adheres to the surface of the soft glue layer 15 so that the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be better stressed.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be attached to the surface of the soft glue layer 15 by processes such as screen printing, printing, or evaporation coating.

[0054] Among them, in some embodiments, the material of the soft glue layer 15 can be materials with soft elastic properties such as silica gel, silicone rubber, and gel; the color of the soft glue layer 15 is preferably white to better set off the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes color; of course, in other embodiments, the color of the soft glue layer 15 can also be set to other colors according to needs.

[0055] In some embodiments, the thickness range of the soft glue layer 15 is from 1 micron to 100 microns; more preferably, the thickness range of the soft glue layer 15 is from 50 microns to 100 microns; among them, if the thickness is too small, the mechanical strength itself is low and the effect on the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is limited. If the thickness is too large, it is not conducive to the thinning of the color-changing device 100; of course, it can be understood that if the thinning is not considered, the thickness of the soft glue layer 15 may not be limited to the above values.

[0056] In some embodiments, the soft glue layer 15 can be fixed to the inner surface of one side of the encapsulation layer 14 by an optical adhesive (OSA).

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one decorative layer is further formed on the outer surface of the encapsulation layer 14 close to the substrate 11 to further decorate the appearance of the color-changing device 100; specifically, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the at least one decorative layer can include, for example, a UV texture layer 16 and an optical coating layer 17; among them, the UV texture layer 16 can be attached to the surface of the substrate 11 by an optical adhesive, and the UV texture layer 16 and the optical coating layer 17 can be directly attached to the surface of the encapsulation layer 14, or can be attached to the surface of a thin film layer, and then the thin film layer is attached to the surface of the encapsulation layer 14 by an optical adhesive.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 6 to 8 , a color-changing device 100a provided in another embodiment of the present application. The color-changing device 100a in this embodiment is similar to the color-changing device 100 in the first embodiment, and the difference is that: the color-changing device 100a of the present application further includes a hard film layer 18. For specific details, please refer to the following content.

[0059] In this embodiment, the color-changing device 100a includes a substrate 11, a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, a stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, a soft glue layer 15, and a hard film layer 18.

[0060] In this embodiment, the hard film layer 18 is disposed between the soft glue layer 15 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13. Among them, the hardness of the hard film layer 18 is greater than that of the soft glue layer 15. A protrusion 181 is formed on the surface of the hard film layer 18 facing the soft glue layer 15, and the protrusion 181 forms a preset pattern on the hard film layer 18.

[0061] Among them, different from the embodiment in which only the soft glue layer 15 is formed without forming the hard film layer 18, in the embodiment in which only the soft glue layer 15 is formed without forming the hard film layer 18, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is stimulated to deform and squeeze the entire surface of the soft glue layer 15 to contract, thereby driving the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 attached to the soft glue layer 15 to be stressed and change color, and finally realizing the change of the color and pattern on the surface of the color-changing device 100; while in this embodiment, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, by stimulating the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 to deform and squeeze, the hard film layer 18 with a protrusion pattern is pushed to move, and then the protrusion 181 on the hard film layer 18 squeezes the soft glue layer 15 to drive the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 attached to the soft glue layer 15 to be stressed and change color. Since it is local tip extrusion and there is stress concentration at the tip, stimulating the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 only needs to provide a relatively small force to realize the stress and color change of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12. Therefore, the requirement for the deformation performance of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is relatively low, and it is easier to achieve.

[0062] Preferably, as Figure 8 shown, the protrusion 181 extends away from the hard film layer 18 in a conical or quasi-conical shape to be able to provide a more concentrated and effective deformation force.

[0063] In this embodiment, since the protrusion 181 is patterned, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be laid flat on the surface of the soft glue layer 15, which can also save the process and processing costs; of course, the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the protrusion 181 can also be patterned at the same time, so as to form a more complex superimposed pattern and increase the interest of the display of the color-changing device 100.

[0064] In some embodiments, the material of the hard film layer 18 can be various common resin materials, such as polycarbonate, polyester, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and so on.

[0065] In some embodiments, the thickness of the hard film layer 18 ranges from 1 micron to 50 microns. Here, if it is too thin, it cannot play the role of supporting and pushing the soft glue layer 15, and if it is too thick, it is not conducive to the thinning of the color-changing device 100.

[0066] In some embodiments, the protruding height of the protrusion 181 of the hard film layer 18 can be from 1 micron to 50 microns, and the protruding height of the protrusion 181 of the hard film layer 18 is less than the thickness of the soft glue layer 15, so that the protrusion 181 pierces the soft glue layer 15.

[0067] In some embodiments, the protruding heights of at least two regions of the protrusion 181 are different. Thus, when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes color, the pressures received by the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 corresponding to the at least two regions are also different, and further the colors after color change are different. Therefore, the color-changing device 100 can have a more colorful appearance when changing color.

[0068] In some specific embodiments, the thicknesses of the protrusion 181 in at least two adjacent regions can change gradually. When the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 changes color, the shades of the colors corresponding to the at least two adjacent regions are different and also change gradually. Thus, when the color-changing device 100 changes color, a gradient color effect is presented corresponding to the at least two adjacent regions.

[0069] Similar to the previous embodiment, the color-changing device 100 may further include a packaging layer 14. The pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, the soft glue layer 15, the hard film layer 18, and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 are all encapsulated in the packaging layer 14. The packaging layer 14 is used to limit the movement of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, the soft glue layer 15, the hard film layer 18, and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, so that the deformation force generated by the deformation of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be better applied to the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, and further the color-changing effect of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is better. In this embodiment, the hard film layer 18 is movably disposed in the packaging layer 14, and the hard film layer 18 and the soft glue layer 15 can be spaced apart; when the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 deforms, the hard film layer 18 can be pushed to be in close contact with the soft glue layer 15 by extrusion.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 9 to 10 , a color-changing device 100b provided in another embodiment of the present application. The color-changing device 100b in this embodiment is similar to the color-changing device 100 in the first embodiment. The difference is that the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 of the color-changing device 100b in the present application is a shape memory alloy. For specific details, please refer to the following content.

[0071] In this embodiment, the color-changing device 100a includes a substrate 11, a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, a stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, and a soft glue layer 15.

[0072] In this embodiment, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is a stimulus-deformable alloy; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 bends and bulges towards the pressure-sensitive deformation layer 12 when responding to a stimulus, and restores its shape when the stimulus disappears.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be a shape memory alloy shrapnel that can deform under the stimulation of an electric field, and the shrapnel slightly bulges towards the pressure-sensitive deformation layer 12; a conductive circuit is arranged in the encapsulation layer 14, and the conductive circuit is used to provide an electric field to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13; wherein, after being powered on, as Figure 10 shown, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 deforms and continues to arch towards the pressure-sensitive deformation layer 12 when responding to the electric field stimulation, and then squeezes the protrusion 181 of the hard film layer 18 to push the local deformation of the soft glue layer 15, thereby inducing the local discoloration of the pressure-sensitive discoloration layer 12, and then presenting a predetermined color and pattern on the color-changing device 100. When the electric field stimulation disappears, as Figure 9 shown, the shape of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is restored, and it no longer pushes the hard film layer 18 to squeeze the soft glue layer 15. The pressure-sensitive discoloration layer 12 returns to its original state, and the predetermined color and pattern on the color-changing device 100 disappear. The color-changing device 100 of this embodiment is particularly suitable for being used as the housing of an electronic device. Since it is relatively convenient and easy to obtain an electric field in an electronic device, it is relatively easy to implement. Moreover, by setting or programming in the electronic device, intelligent control of the color and pattern on the color-changing device 100 can be achieved.

[0074] In some specific embodiments, it can be set that when the electronic device receives a call or information, etc., the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is controlled to access the electric field and then deform and squeeze the pressure-sensitive discoloration layer 12 to change color, so that the appearance of the color-changing device 100 presents a predetermined color and pattern; it can also be set that when the electronic device needs to be charged or when the charging is completed, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is controlled to access the electric field and then deform and squeeze the pressure-sensitive discoloration layer 12 to change color, so that the appearance of the color-changing device 100 presents a predetermined color and pattern; and so on.

[0075] Among them, different regions of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can also be set to access different electric fields, so as to control the deformation of different regions of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, and then make the pressure-sensitive discoloration layer 12 in different regions change color, realizing the presentation of different colors and patterns in different scenarios.

[0076] Among them, the number of the shrapnels can be one or more, depending on the size and pattern of the area to be discolored on the color-changing device 100, etc.

[0077] The soft glue layer 15 is disposed between the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, so that the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 can be better stressed, and the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 adheres to the surface of the soft glue layer 15.

[0078] In some embodiments, the color-changing device 100b of the present application further includes a hard film layer 18. The hard film layer 18 is disposed between the soft glue layer 15 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13. Wherein, the hardness of the hard film layer 18 is greater than that of the soft glue layer 15. A protrusion 181 is formed on the surface of the hard film layer 18 facing the soft glue layer 15, and the protrusion 181 forms a preset pattern on the hard film layer 18. In this embodiment, by stimulating the deformation and extrusion of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, the hard film layer 18 with a protrusion pattern is pushed to move. Then, the protrusion 181 on the hard film layer 18 extrudes the soft glue layer 15, thereby driving the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 attached to the soft glue layer 15 to be stressed and change color. Since it is local tip extrusion and there is stress concentration at the tip, stimulating the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 only requires providing a relatively small force to achieve the stress and color change of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12. Therefore, the requirement for the deformation performance of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is relatively low, and it is easier to achieve.

[0079] In some preferably embodiments, the setting position of the elastic piece can correspond to the setting position of the protrusion 181, so that the deformation force of the elastic piece can be more accurately applied to the protrusion 181, and then the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 corresponding to the protrusion 181 is pressed to change color.

[0080] In some embodiments, a plurality of elastic members 182 may be provided at the edge of the hard film layer 18. The plurality of elastic members 182 can play a role in fixing the hard film layer 18 and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13. When the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is not deformed, the hard film layer 18 is spaced apart from the soft rubber layer 15, and the plurality of elastic members 182 are in a first compression state. The hard film layer 18 and the soft rubber layer 15 do not move due to the elastic pressing of the plurality of elastic members 182. When the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is deformed, the hard film layer 18 and the soft rubber layer 15 are pressed against each other, and the plurality of elastic members 182 are in a second compression state. The compression value of the plurality of elastic members 182 in the second compression state is greater than the compression value of the plurality of elastic members 182 in the first compression state. In some embodiments, the size of the hard film layer 18 may be set to be larger than the size of the soft rubber layer 15 to provide a plurality of the elastic members 182 at the edge of the hard film layer 18. In some embodiments, the plurality of elastic members 132 may be springs; preferably, shape memory alloy springs, so that they can deform and recover more stably. When the color-changing device 100 is used in an electronic device, the elastic member 132 being a shape memory alloy spring can achieve intelligent control of the elastic member 132, and thus intelligent control of the color change of the color-changing device 100 can be realized.

[0081] In some embodiments, the color-changing device 100 further includes a packaging layer 14. The pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, the soft rubber layer 15, the hard film layer 18, the elastic members 182, and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 are all encapsulated within the packaging layer 14. The packaging layer 14 is used to restrict the movement of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, the soft rubber layer 15, the hard film layer 18, the elastic members 182, and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13, so that the deformation force generated by the deformation of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be better applied to the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12, and thus the color-changing effect of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 is better.

[0082] In this embodiment, the hard film layer 18 is movably disposed within the packaging layer 14, and the hard film layer 18 and the soft rubber layer 15 may be spaced apart. When the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 is deformed, it can push the hard film layer 18 and the soft rubber layer 15 to be pressed against each other.

[0083] In addition, in the foregoing various embodiments, refer to the corresponding drawings of each embodiment ( Figures 1 to 3 、 Figures 6 to 7 and Figures 9 to 10) It is possible to define that the encapsulation layer 14 together with the film layer encapsulated within the encapsulation layer 14 forms a color-changing film sheet 20. It can be understood that the color-changing film sheet 20 can be used together with other components of the color-changing device 100 (100a, 100b) on a terminal, or can be applied alone to various devices, instruments, terminals, devices, etc. Thus, the color-changing film sheet 20 alone is also within the protection scope of this application.

[0084] In some embodiments, the color-changing film sheet 20 is an electrochromic film sheet. A conductive circuit is provided within the encapsulation layer 14, and the conductive circuit is used to control the provision of an electric field to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13. Among them, when the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 12 responds to an electric field stimulus, it deforms to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color. When the electric field stimulus disappears, the shape recovers, and the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 also recovers. This electrochromic film sheet is particularly suitable for use on electronic devices, can enrich the interaction form between users and electronic devices, and improve the user experience.

[0085] As Figure 11 shown, another embodiment of this application further provides an electronic device 200, and the electronic device 200 includes a color-changing device 100 (100a, 100b) as described in the first, second, or third embodiment of this application.

[0086] In some embodiments, the color-changing device 100 can be, for example, the battery back cover of the electronic device 200.

[0087] In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 includes a controller 201, and the controller 201 is used to control the provision of a stimulus source to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13. Among them, when the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 responds to the stimulus of the controller, it deforms to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color. When the stimulus of the controller disappears, the shape recovers, and the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 also recovers.

[0088] In some embodiments, the controller 201 can intelligently control the deformation of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 in different user scenarios. It can be understood that different regions of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 can be connected to different electric fields, so as to stimulate different regions of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer 13 to deform, and further cause the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 in different regions to change color, realizing the presentation of different patterns in different scenarios. Among them, if the color-changing colors of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 in different regions are different, different colors can also be presented in different scenarios.

[0089] In a specific embodiment, when the electronic device 200 receives an incoming call message, a photographing instruction, a data transmission instruction, etc., for example, it can generate a corresponding signal to the controller 201. The controller 201 can generate a control signal according to the corresponding signal to control the provision of a stimulation source, such as an electric field, to the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13. When the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13 responds to the stimulation of the controller, it deforms to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color, thereby causing the housing of the electronic device 200 to change color to give a reminder to the user. Among them, depending on the different matters corresponding to the corresponding signal, it can also control the provision of a stimulation source to the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13 at different positions, thereby causing the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 at different positions to change color, so as to provide reminders of different colors or patterns to the user for different matters, thus having a better user experience.

[0090] In another specific embodiment, when the electronic device 200 is performing data transmission, when the transmission rate of the data transmission is greater than or less than a certain threshold value, for example, it can generate a corresponding signal to the controller 201. The controller 201 can generate a control signal according to the corresponding signal to control the provision of a stimulation source, such as an electric field, to the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13. When the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13 responds to the stimulation of the controller, it deforms to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 to change color, thereby causing the housing of the electronic device 200 to change color to give a reminder to the user. Among them, a stepped threshold value can also be defined and the transmission rate during data transmission can be divided according to the stepped threshold value. Different signals can be generated for the data transmission rates corresponding to different numerical intervals to the controller 201. Furthermore, the controller 201 can control the provision of a stimulation source to the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13 at different positions according to the different signals, thereby causing the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer 12 at different positions to change color, so as to provide reminders of different colors or patterns to the user for different transmission rate intervals, thus having a better user experience.

[0091] In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 can include a user operation interface for the user to customize the control of the stimulation-responsive deformation layer 13 in different scenarios, improving the user experience.

[0092] In some embodiments, the electronic device 200 is, for example, a portable and mobile computing device such as a smart phone, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a gaming device, etc., or a wearable device.

[0093] References to "embodiments" or "implementation manners" in this text mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of such phrases at various positions in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor are they independent or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the above implementation manners are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application and not to limit them. Although the technical solutions of this application have been described in detail with reference to the above preferred implementation manners, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent replacements of the technical solutions of this application should not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of this application.

Claims

1. A color-changing device, characterized in that, Comprising: a substrate; a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer disposed on one side of the substrate; and a stimulus-responsive deformation layer disposed on the side of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer away from the substrate; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is configured to generate a deformation in response to a stimulus to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and thereby present a predetermined color on the surface of the substrate; The color-changing device further includes a soft glue layer and a hard film layer. The soft glue layer is disposed between the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer. The hard film layer is disposed between the soft glue layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer. A protrusion is formed on the surface of the hard film layer facing the soft glue layer.

2. The color-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a packaging layer. The pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer are both encapsulated in the packaging layer. The packaging layer is configured to limit the movement of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer.

3. The color-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure-sensitive color-changing layer adheres to the surface of the soft glue layer.

4. The color-changing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hardness of the hard film layer is greater than that of the soft glue layer. The protrusion forms a preset pattern on the hard film layer.

5. The color-changing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protruding heights of at least two regions of the protrusion are different. Thus, when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer changes color, the colors of the pressure-sensitive color layers corresponding to the at least two regions are also different.

6. The color-changing device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulus-responsive deformation layer is a stimulus-responsive hydrogel; a gel absorbent liquid is further disposed in the packaging layer. Wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer absorbs the gel absorbent liquid and swells when responding to a stimulus, and discharges the gel absorbent liquid and restores its shape when the stimulus disappears.

7. The color-changing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stimulus-responsive deformation layer is an electric-field-responsive hydrogel; a conductive circuit is disposed in the packaging layer. The conductive circuit is configured to provide an electric field to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer. Wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer absorbs the gel absorbent liquid and swells when responding to an electric-field stimulus, and discharges the gel absorbent liquid and restores its shape when the electric-field stimulus disappears.

8. The color-changing device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The thickness range of the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is from 1 micron to 1000 microns.

9. The color-changing device according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulus-responsive deformation layer is an electro-deformable shape memory alloy; a conductive circuit is disposed in the packaging layer. The conductive circuit is configured to provide an electric field to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer. Wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer bends and bulges towards the pressure-sensitive deformation layer when responding to an electric-field stimulus, and restores its shape when the electric-field stimulus disappears.

10. The color-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The packaging layer is a PET film packaging layer. The thickness range of the PET film is from 1 micron to 100 microns.

11. The color-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A UV texture layer and an optical coating layer are further formed on the surface of the packaging layer. The UV texture layer is adhered to the surface of the substrate through an optical adhesive. Wherein, the UV texture layer and the optical coating layer are directly adhered to the surface of the packaging layer, or, the UV texture layer and the optical coating layer are adhered to the surface of a thin film layer, and the thin film layer is adhered to the surface of the packaging layer through an optical adhesive.

12. The color-changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The pressure-sensitive color-changing layer has a preset shape; the thicknesses of at least two regions of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer are different. Thus, when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer changes color, the colors corresponding to the at least two regions are also different, and / or, the materials of at least two regions of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer are different, and the colors corresponding to the at least two regions are also different when the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer changes color.

13. A color-changing film, characterized in that, Comprising: a pressure-sensitive color-changing layer; A stimulus-responsive deformation layer disposed on one side of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer is configured to generate a deformation in response to a stimulus to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color; and An encapsulation layer, both the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer are encapsulated within the encapsulation layer, and the encapsulation layer is configured to restrict the movement of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer; The color-changing device further includes a soft glue layer and a hard film layer. The soft glue layer is disposed between the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer, and the hard film layer is disposed between the soft glue layer and the stimulus-responsive deformation layer. Protrusions are formed on the surface of the hard film layer facing the soft glue layer.

14. The color-changing film according to claim 13, characterized in that, The color-changing film is an electrochromic film; a conductive circuit is disposed within the encapsulation layer, and the conductive circuit is configured to control the provision of an electric field to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer deforms in response to an electric field stimulus to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and when the electric field stimulus disappears, the shape returns, and the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer also returns.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes the color-changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; or, includes the color-changing film according to any one of claims 13 to 14.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a controller, and the controller is configured to control the provision of a stimulus source to the stimulus-responsive deformation layer; wherein, the stimulus-responsive deformation layer deforms in response to the stimulus of the controller to squeeze the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer to change color, and when the stimulus of the controller disappears, the shape returns, and the color of the pressure-sensitive color-changing layer also returns.

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