Dimming film capable of being controlled by regions and preparation method of dimming film

Abstract

The invention discloses a dimmable film capable of being controlled in different areas and a preparation method thereof, the dimmable film comprises a first conducting film, a first PDLC film, a subarea conducting film, a second PDLC film and a second conducting film which are sequentially overlapped, the subarea conducting film comprises a first conducting layer, a reflectivity adjusting layer and a first base material layer which are sequentially overlapped, the first conductive layer is divided into a plurality of conductive regions through a plurality of etching lines, and the reflectivity adjusting layer is used for improving the overall refractive index of the partitioned conductive film and reducing the refractive index difference between the conductive regions and the etching lines, so that the boundaries of the conductive regions and the etching lines are difficult to observe by naked eyes. In addition, the partition conducting film is prepared firstly, then the first conducting film and the second conducting film are overlapped on the upper surface and the lower surface of the partition conducting film respectively, and then PDLC materials are injected between the first conducting film and the partition conducting film and between the second conducting film and the partition conducting film, so that the problem that the first PDLC film is etched due to the fact that laser penetrates through the first conducting film and the first PDLC film is solved; and the reject ratio of the dimming film is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dimming film materials, and in particular to a dimming film capable of being controlled in different regions and a preparation method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Polymer dispersed liquid crystal dimming film (PDLC dimming film) is mainly composed of two layers of conductive film and a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer located between the two layers of conductive film. The transparent conductive film includes a transparent substrate and an ITO layer. The regional control dimming film refers to the PDLC dimming film that is divided into regions according to patterns. Each region is used as an electrode. Different regions are energized separately to achieve a variety of transformation combinations such as the pattern area becomes transparent and the non-pattern area becomes foggy, the pattern area becomes foggy and the non-pattern area becomes transparent, the entire film becomes transparent or becomes foggy, etc., which can meet customers' higher demands for pattern display and customized pattern display of PDLC dimming film.

[0003] In the prior art, an inner engraving process is usually used to prepare a dimming film with regional control. For the inner engraving process, reference can be made to the Chinese patent with publication number CN117102702A, which discloses a method for preparing a PDLC film. The inner engraving process refers to first coating PDLC between two layers of conductive films, curing, then passing the laser through a transparent substrate, and then etching the ITO layer, so that the ITO layer is divided into separate conductive areas. The above preparation method has the following problems: 1. In the process of laser passing through a transparent substrate, since the transparent substrate has a certain scattering effect on the laser, the process has extremely high requirements on the uniformity of the substrate thickness and the flatness of the platform, which increases the difficulty of processing. When a part of the PDLC and the substrate is etched away, this type of etching line is obvious to the naked eye, and it is difficult for customers to accept it. 2. Due to the refractive index difference between the laser etching line and the conductive area, the etching line is obvious. In view of this, the present invention proposes a dimming film that can be controlled in different regions and a preparation method thereof. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the above-mentioned technology, the present invention provides a dimming film that can be controlled in different areas, which can produce etching lines that are difficult to be observed by the naked eye, improve the aesthetics of the dimming film, and achieve the dimming effect of three layers of conductive film controlling two layers of PDLC.

[0005] A dimming film that can be controlled in different areas includes a first conductive film, a first PDLC film, a partitioned conductive film, a second PDLC film, and a second conductive film stacked in sequence. The partitioned conductive film includes a first conductive layer, a reflectivity adjustment layer, and a first substrate layer stacked in sequence. The first conductive layer is divided into multiple conductive areas by multiple etching lines.

[0006] Preferably, the reflectivity adjusting layer is formed by stacking one reflective coating layer or at least two reflective coating layers.

[0007] Preferably, the reflective coating is at least one of a SiO2 coating, a TiO2 coating, a MgF2 coating, a Nb2O5 coating, and a ZrO2 coating.

[0008] Preferably, the thickness of the reflective coating is 50-250 nm. The width of the etching line is 10-20 microns.

[0009] Preferably, the first conductive film comprises a second substrate layer, the second substrate layer is provided with a second conductive layer, and the second conductive layer is stacked on the first PDLC film.

[0010] Preferably, the second conductive film comprises a third substrate layer, the third substrate layer is provided with a third conductive layer, and the third conductive layer is stacked on the lower surface of the second PDLC film.

[0011] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the above-mentioned technology, the present invention also provides a method for preparing a dimming film that can be controlled in different areas.

[0012] A method for preparing a dimming film that can be controlled in different areas, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0013] Step 1: sputtering a reflectivity adjustment layer on the first substrate layer; and then sputtering a first conductive layer on the reflectivity adjustment layer;

[0014] Step 2: forming a plurality of etching lines on the first conductive layer by means of a laser, wherein the etching lines cut the first conductive layer into a plurality of conductive regions to obtain a partitioned conductive film;

[0015] Step 3: sputtering a second conductive layer on the second substrate layer, and sputtering a third conductive layer on the third substrate layer;

[0016] Step 4: coating the first micro-diffusion layer on the first conductive layer, coating the second micro-diffusion layer on the second conductive layer, and then stacking the first micro-diffusion layer on the second micro-diffusion layer, dropping the PDLC material between the first micro-diffusion layer and the second micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with ultraviolet light to obtain a first PDLC film; coating the third micro-diffusion layer on the third conductive layer, coating the fourth micro-diffusion layer on the first substrate layer, and then stacking the third micro-diffusion layer on the fourth micro-diffusion layer, dropping the PDLC material between the third micro-diffusion layer and the fourth micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with ultraviolet light to obtain a second PDLC film.

[0017] Preferably, in step 2, the wavelength of the laser is 320nm-1200nm; the power is 0.05-50W; and the etching speed is 30-300mm / s.

[0018] Preferably, the first substrate layer, the second substrate layer and the third substrate layer are all roll-shaped film materials; in step one, the reflectivity adjusting layer and the first conductive layer are sputtered on the entire roll.

[0019] Preferably, in step 2, the laser moves above the first conductive layer and continuously etches the first conductive layer, and the etching line is parallel to the length direction of the rolled film material.

[0020] Preferably, in step three, the second conductive layer is sputtered onto the entire rolled second substrate layer to obtain the rolled first conductive film, and the third conductive layer is sputtered onto the entire rolled third substrate layer to obtain the rolled second conductive film.

[0021] Preferably, in step 4, the partitioned conductive film is roll-to-roll stacked with the first conductive film and the second conductive film respectively;

[0022] Preferably, the method for preparing the dimming film further comprises step five: cutting the roll-shaped dimming film prepared in step four into dimming film sheets of corresponding sizes.

[0023] Preferably, the preparation method of the dimming film also includes step six: cutting off the first conductive film and the first PDLC film on one side of the dimming film along a direction perpendicular to the etching line to expose one side of the conductive area, and setting a segmented electrode on the exposed conductive area; cutting off the second conductive film, the second PDLC film, the partitioned conductive film, and the first PDLC film on one side of the dimming film along a direction parallel to the etching line, so that part of the second conductive layer on one side of the dimming film is exposed, and setting a first electrode on the exposed second conductive layer; cutting off the first conductive film, the first PDLC film, the partitioned conductive film, and the second PDLC film on one side of the dimming film along a direction parallel to the etching line, so that part of the third conductive layer on the other side of the dimming film is exposed, and setting a second electrode on the exposed third conductive layer.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0025] 1. The present invention sets a reflectivity adjustment layer between the first substrate layer and the first conductive layer, and the refractive index of the reflectivity adjustment layer is between the first substrate layer and the partition conductive film. The effects are as follows: First, the reflectivity adjustment layer can reduce the refractive index difference between the first substrate layer and the partition conductive film, reduce the reflectivity, and make it difficult for the naked eye to see the etching line through reflection. Second, it can reduce the refractive index difference between the conductive area and the etching line, making it difficult for the naked eye to observe the boundary between the conductive area and the etching line.

[0026] 2. The dimming film of the present invention comprises a first conductive film, a first PDLC film, a partitioned conductive film, a second PDLC film, and a second conductive film in sequence. When power is connected between the first conductive film and the partitioned conductive film, the first PDLC film can be partially or completely controlled to be atomized or transparent. When power is connected between the second conductive film and the partitioned conductive film, the second PDLC film can be partially or completely controlled to be atomized or transparent, thereby realizing a variety of transformation combinations such as transparency or fog of the dimming film, and more flexible dimming.

[0027] 3. Compared with the prior art that uses an inner engraving process to prepare a zone-controlled dimming film, the present invention first prepares a zone-controlled conductive film, then overlaps the first conductive film and the second conductive film on the upper and lower surfaces of the zone-controlled conductive film, and then injects PDLC material between the first conductive film and the combined zone-controlled conductive film, and between the second conductive film and the combined zone-controlled conductive film, thereby avoiding the problem of the first PDLC film being etched due to the laser passing through the first conductive film and the first PDLC film, and reducing the defective rate of the dimming film. It is particularly suitable for preparing the dimming film of the present invention with a multi-layer conductive film and a PDLC film.

[0028] 4. The present invention adopts roll-shaped film materials for continuous production, and then cuts the dimming film roll into sheet-shaped dimming film, which greatly improves the production efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 It is a top view of a dimming film that can be controlled in different areas according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at AA;

[0031] Figure 3 It is a side view of a dimming film that can be controlled in different areas according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the superposition of the first conductive film, the partitioned conductive film, and the second conductive film;

[0033] The implementation, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further described in conjunction with embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The features of the present invention and other related features are further described in detail below through embodiments to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art:

[0035] A dimming film that can be controlled in different regions, comprising a first conductive film, a first PDLC film, a partitioned conductive film, a second PDLC film, and a second conductive film stacked in sequence, wherein the partitioned conductive film comprises a first conductive layer, a reflectivity adjustment layer, and a first substrate layer stacked in sequence, wherein the first conductive layer is divided into a plurality of independently controlled conductive regions by a plurality of etching lines, and the width of the etching lines is 10 to 20 microns. The reflectivity adjustment layer is used to improve the refractive index matching of the partitioned conductive film as a whole, reduce the reflectivity, and make it difficult for the naked eye to see the etching lines; and also reduce the refractive index difference between the conductive region and the etching line, making it difficult for the naked eye to observe the boundary between the conductive region and the etching line.

[0036] In some embodiments, the reflectivity adjustment layer is composed of a reflective coating, and the reflective coating is at least one of a SiO2 coating, a TiO2 coating, a MgF2 coating, a Nb2O5 coating, and a ZrO2 coating.

[0037] In some embodiments, the reflectivity adjustment layer is formed by stacking at least two reflective coatings to form a reflective coating, and the reflective coating is at least one of SiO2 coating, TiO2 coating, MgF2 coating, Nb2O5 coating, and ZrO2 coating. Compared with one reflective coating, multiple reflective coatings refract light, which can reduce the optical path difference between the incident light in the conductive area and the incident light at the etching line.

[0038] In some embodiments, the thickness of the reflective coating is 50-250 nm.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first conductive film includes a second substrate layer, the second substrate layer is provided with a second conductive layer, and the second conductive layer is stacked on the first PDLC film.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second conductive film includes a third substrate layer, the third substrate layer is provided with a third conductive layer, and the third conductive layer is stacked on the lower surface of the second PDLC film.

[0041] In some embodiments, the first substrate layer, the second substrate layer, and the third substrate layer are one of optical grade PET, PC, and CPI, and the first substrate layer, the second substrate layer, and the third substrate layer are smaller than 50 microns.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the third conductive layer are ITO layers or IZO layers.

[0043] A method for preparing a dimming film that can be controlled in different areas, characterized by comprising the following steps:

[0044] Step 1: sputtering a reflectivity adjustment layer on the first substrate layer; and then sputtering a first conductive layer on the reflectivity adjustment layer;

[0045] Step 2: forming a plurality of etching lines on the first conductive layer by means of a laser, wherein the etching lines cut the first conductive layer into a plurality of conductive regions to obtain a partitioned conductive film;

[0046] Step 3: sputtering a second conductive layer on the second substrate layer, and sputtering a third conductive layer on the third substrate layer;

[0047] Step 4: coating the first micro-diffusion layer on the first conductive layer, coating the second micro-diffusion layer on the second conductive layer, and then stacking the first micro-diffusion layer on the second micro-diffusion layer, dropping the PDLC material between the first micro-diffusion layer and the second micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with ultraviolet light to obtain a first PDLC film; coating the third micro-diffusion layer on the third conductive layer, coating the fourth micro-diffusion layer on the first substrate layer, and then stacking the third micro-diffusion layer on the fourth micro-diffusion layer, dropping the PDLC material between the third micro-diffusion layer and the fourth micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with ultraviolet light to obtain a second PDLC film.

[0048] In some embodiments, in step 2, the wavelength of the laser is 320nm-1200nm; the power is 0.05-50W; and the etching speed is 30-300mm / s.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first substrate layer, the second substrate layer, and the third substrate layer are all roll-shaped film materials; in step one, the reflectivity adjustment layer and the first conductive layer are sputtered on the entire roll. In step two, the laser moves above the first conductive layer and continuously etches the first conductive layer, and the etching line is parallel to the length direction of the roll-shaped film material. In step three, the second conductive layer is sputtered on the entire roll-shaped second substrate layer to obtain a roll-shaped first conductive film, and the third conductive layer is sputtered on the entire roll-shaped third substrate layer to obtain a roll-shaped second conductive film; in step four, the partitioned conductive films are respectively roll-to-roll stacked with the first conductive film and the second conductive film; the method for preparing the dimming film also includes step five: cutting the roll-shaped dimming film obtained in step four into dimming film sheets of corresponding sizes. The present invention uses roll-shaped film materials for continuous coating and continuous stacking, which greatly improves production efficiency.

[0050] In some embodiments, the method for preparing the dimming film also includes step six: cutting off the first conductive film and the first PDLC film on one side of the dimming film along a direction perpendicular to the etching line to expose one side of the conductive area, and setting a segmented electrode on the exposed conductive area; cutting off the second conductive film, the second PDLC film, the partitioned conductive film, and the first PDLC film on one side of the dimming film along a direction parallel to the etching line to expose part of the second conductive layer on one side of the dimming film, and setting a first electrode on the exposed second conductive layer; cutting off the first conductive film, the first PDLC film, the partitioned conductive film, and the second PDLC film on one side of the dimming film along a direction parallel to the etching line to expose part of the third conductive layer on the other side of the dimming film, and setting a second electrode on the exposed third conductive layer.

[0051] Reference Figure 1-4 , an embodiment of a dimming film that can be controlled in different regions of the present invention is proposed, and its preparation method includes the following steps:

[0052] Step 1: The first substrate layer 11 is a PET film roll with a thickness of 25 microns. On the first substrate layer 11, 100nm SiO2, 80nm TiO2 coating, and 100nm SiO2 coating are sequentially sputtered by adjusting magnetron sputtering to obtain a reflectivity adjustment layer 12. Then, ITO is sputtered on the 100nm SiO2 coating to obtain a first conductive layer 13. The resistance of the first conductive layer 13 is 100Ω / □.

[0053] Step 2: Etch the first conductive layer 13 with a femtosecond laser etcher, with a laser wavelength of 355nm, a power of 30W, a speed of 140mm / s, and adjust the focal length of the laser to the ITO surface; the spot diameter is 20 microns, and a partitioned conductive film roll is obtained. In addition, during the laser etching process, the first conductive layer 13 is targeted and positioned to facilitate the subsequent cutting of the dimming film roll.

[0054] Step 3: Sputter ITO on the second substrate layer 21 to form a second conductive layer 22, thereby obtaining a first conductive film 2. Sputter ITO on the third substrate layer 31 to form a third conductive layer 32, thereby obtaining a second conductive film 3.

[0055] Step 4: coating the first micro-diffusion layer on the first conductive layer 13, coating the second micro-diffusion layer on the second conductive layer 22, and then laminating the first micro-diffusion layer on the second micro-diffusion layer, dropping the PDLC material between the first micro-diffusion layer and the second micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with UV light to obtain the first PDLC film 4; coating the third micro-diffusion layer on the third conductive layer 32, coating the fourth micro-diffusion layer on the first substrate layer 11, and then laminating the third micro-diffusion layer on the fourth micro-diffusion layer, dropping the PDLC material between the third micro-diffusion layer and the fourth micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with UV light to obtain the second PDLC film 5.

[0056] Step 5: Use a CO2 laser cutting machine with a visual target capture function to cut the roll-shaped dimming film into sheets.

[0057] Step 6: Cut off the first conductive film 2 and the first PDLC film 4 on one side of the dimming film in a direction perpendicular to the etching line 14, so that one side of the conductive area is exposed, and the width of the exposed conductive area is 7 mm. Set the segmented electrode 15 on the exposed conductive area. Cut off the second conductive film, the second PDLC film 5, the partitioned conductive film 1, and the first PDLC film 4 on one side of the dimming film in a direction parallel to the etching line 14, so that part of the second conductive layer 22 on one side of the dimming film is exposed, and set the first electrode 23 on the exposed second conductive layer 22; cut off the first conductive film 2, the first PDLC film 4, the partitioned conductive film 1, and the second PDLC film 5 on one side of the dimming film in a direction parallel to the etching line 14, so that part of the third conductive layer 32 on the other side of the dimming film is exposed, and set the second electrode 33 on the exposed third conductive layer 32.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, there are three etching lines 14 on the first conductive layer 13, which divide the first conductive film into four conductive areas, and each conductive area corresponds to a segmented electrode 15. When no power is applied, the dimming film is in a full fog state. When one of the electrodes of the power supply is connected to the segmented electrode 15, and the other electrode of the power supply is connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, the dimming film corresponding to the conductive area is in a transparent state. When one of the electrodes of the power supply is connected to the segmented electrode 15, and the other electrode of the power supply is connected to the first electrode or the second electrode, the dimming film corresponding to the conductive area is in a semi-fog state.

[0059] The etching lines 14 of the dimming film are not visible to the naked eye under natural light, strong light, or when the film is powered on.

[0060] In other embodiments, different colors and patterns may be set for the first PDLC film and the second PDLC film, and different areas of the dimming film may display different colors and patterns by adjusting the voltage by different zones.

[0061] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformation made by using the contents of the present invention description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dimming film that can be controlled in different areas, characterized in that , comprising a first conductive film (2), a first PDLC film (4), a partitioned conductive film (1), a second PDLC film (5), and a second conductive film (3) stacked in sequence, wherein the partitioned conductive film (1) comprises a first conductive layer (13), a reflectivity adjustment layer (12), and a first substrate layer (11) stacked in sequence, and the first conductive layer (13) is divided into a plurality of independently controlled conductive areas by a plurality of etching lines (14).

2. The dimming film capable of being controlled in different areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflectivity adjustment layer (12) is formed by stacking one reflective coating layer or at least two reflective coating layers.

3. The dimming film capable of being controlled in different areas according to claim 2, characterized in that: The reflective coating is at least one of a SiO2 coating, a TiO2 coating, a MgF2 coating, a Nb2O5 coating, and a ZrO2 coating.

4. The dimming film capable of being controlled in different areas according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thickness of the reflective coating is 50-250 nm, and the width of the etching line is 10-20 microns.

5. The dimming film capable of being controlled in different areas according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first conductive film (2) comprises a second substrate layer (21), the second substrate layer (21) is provided with a second conductive layer (22), and the second conductive layer (22) is superimposed on the first PDLC film (4).

6. The dimming film capable of being controlled in different regions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second conductive film (3) comprises a third substrate layer (31), the third substrate layer (31) is provided with a third conductive layer (32), and the third conductive layer (32) is superimposed on the lower surface of the second PDLC film (5).

7. A method for preparing a zone-controllable dimming film according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: sputtering a reflectivity adjustment layer (12) on the first substrate layer (11); and then sputtering a first conductive layer (13) on the reflectivity adjustment layer (12); Step 2: forming a plurality of etching lines on the first conductive layer (13) by means of a laser, wherein the etching lines (14) cut the first conductive layer (13) into a plurality of conductive areas; Step 3: sputtering a second conductive layer (22) on the second substrate layer (21), and sputtering a third conductive layer (32) on the third substrate layer (31); Step 4: coating a first micro-diffusion layer on the first conductive layer (13), coating a second micro-diffusion layer on the second conductive layer (22), and then laminating the first micro-diffusion layer on the second micro-diffusion layer, dropping a PDLC material between the first micro-diffusion layer and the second micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with ultraviolet light to obtain a first PDLC film (4); coating a third micro-diffusion layer on the third conductive layer (32), coating a fourth micro-diffusion layer on the first substrate layer (11), and then laminating the third micro-diffusion layer on the fourth micro-diffusion layer, dropping a PDLC material between the third micro-diffusion layer and the fourth micro-diffusion layer, rolling the whole, and curing with ultraviolet light to obtain a second PDLC film (5).

8. The method for preparing a dimming film capable of being controlled in different regions according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step 2, the wavelength of the laser is 320nm-1200nm; the power is 0.05-50W; and the etching speed is 30-300mm / s.

9. The method for preparing a dimming film capable of being controlled in different regions according to claim 7, characterized in that: The first substrate layer (11), the second substrate layer (21), and the third substrate layer (31) are all rolled film materials; Step 1: sputtering the reflectivity adjustment layer (12) and the first conductive layer (13) on the entire roll; In step 2, the laser moves above the first conductive layer (13) and continuously etches the first conductive layer (13), and the etching line (14) is parallel to the length direction of the rolled film material; In step three, the second conductive layer (22) is sputtered onto the entire rolled second substrate layer (21) to obtain a rolled first conductive film (2), and the third conductive layer (32) is sputtered onto the entire rolled third substrate layer (31) to obtain a rolled second conductive film (3); In step 4, the partitioned conductive film (1) is roll-to-roll stacked with the first conductive film (2) and the second conductive film (3); The method for preparing the dimming film further includes step five: cutting the roll dimming film prepared in step four into dimming film sheets of corresponding sizes.

10. The method for preparing a dimming film capable of being controlled in different regions according to claim 9, characterized in that: The preparation method of the dimming film also includes step six: cutting off the first conductive film (2) and the first PDLC film (4) on one side of the dimming film along a direction perpendicular to the etching line (14) so ​​that one side of the conductive area is exposed, and arranging a segmented electrode (15) on the exposed conductive area; respectively cutting off part of the second conductive film (3), the second PDLC film (5), the segmented conductive film (1), and the first PDLC film (4) on one side of the dimming film along a direction parallel to the etching line (14) so ​​that part of the second conductive layer (22) on one side of the dimming film is exposed, and arranging a first electrode (23) on the exposed second conductive layer (22); The first conductive film (2), the first PDLC film (4), the partition conductive film (1), and the second PDLC film (5) on one side of the dimming film are respectively cut away in a direction parallel to the etching line (14), so that a portion of the third conductive layer (32) on the other side of the dimming film is exposed, and a second electrode (33) is arranged on the exposed third conductive layer (32).

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