An electrochromic device and an electronic device

Abstract

The application discloses an electrochromic device and an electronic device. The electrochromic device comprises two parallel and opposite electrode layers, an electrochromic functional layer between the electrode layers, at least two main division gaps in the electrode layers, the main division gaps dividing the electrode layers into multiple independent electrode blocks, the main division gaps in the two electrode layers being mirror-symmetrical, multiple parallel secondary division gaps in the electrode blocks, the secondary division gaps dividing the electrode blocks into multiple sub-electrodes, one end of the secondary division gaps being cut off at a main division gap adjacent to the electrode block, the other end of the secondary division gaps being cut off at the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block, the direction perpendicular to the plane where the electrode layers are located being a first direction, and the secondary division gaps in the two electrode blocks being intersected in different planes for the two electrode blocks vertically opposite in the first direction, so that the electrochromic device is divided into multiple pixels. The application can realize real-time conversion dynamic display, improve the uniformity and response speed of electrochromism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrochromic technology, and more specifically, to an electrochromic device and an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromism (EC) refers to the phenomenon where the optical properties of a material (transmittance, reflectance, absorptivity, etc.) undergo stable and reversible changes under the stimulation of an applied voltage or current, manifesting as reversible changes in color and transparency. Displays made with electrochromic devices offer wide viewing angles and vivid, clear images, superior to LCDs. They also possess storage capabilities, retaining their display state even after power is off. Furthermore, electrochromic displays operate at low voltages, making them highly compatible with integrated circuits.

[0003] Existing electrochromic display devices have monotonous display areas and patterns, and cannot dynamically change the display in real time as needed, which greatly restricts the development of electrochromic technology in the display field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides an electrochromic device and an electronic device, the solution of which is as follows:

[0005] An electrochromic device, comprising:

[0006] Two parallel, opposite electrode layers;

[0007] An electrochromic functional layer located between the electrode layers;

[0008] The electrode layer has at least two main dividing gaps, which divide the electrode layer into multiple independent electrode blocks; the main dividing gaps in the two electrode layers are mirror-symmetrical.

[0009] The electrode block has multiple parallel sub-segmentation gaps, which divide the electrode block into multiple sub-electrodes; one end of the sub-segmentation gap ends at a main segmentation gap adjacent to the electrode block, and the other end ends at the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block;

[0010] The direction perpendicular to the plane where the electrode layer is located is the first direction; for two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the sub-segmentation gaps in the two electrode blocks intersect at different planes to divide the electrochromic device into multiple pixels.

[0011] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, for two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the electrode line connected to the sub-electrode is led out from the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block.

[0012] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, the electrode blocks are each connected to an independent control unit.

[0013] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, for two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the included angle between the intersecting surfaces of the sub-segment gaps in the two electrode blocks is any angle between 0° and 180°.

[0014] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, the width of the main dividing gap is 0.05μm-5000μm;

[0015] And / or, the width of the sub-segmentation gap is 0.05μm-5000μm.

[0016] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, the width of the main dividing gap is 20μm-200μm;

[0017] The width of the sub-segmentation gap is 20μm-200μm.

[0018] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, for two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the sub-electrode in one electrode block has the same width as the sub-electrode in the other electrode block.

[0019] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, the electrode layer is a regular N-gon; N is a positive integer greater than 2;

[0020] The electrode layer has N main dividing gaps, one end of which terminates at the center of a regular N-sided polygon, and the other end terminates at a vertex of the regular N-sided polygon.

[0021] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, the electrode layer is circular;

[0022] One end of the main dividing gap terminates at the center of the circle, and the other end terminates at the edge of the circle, forming a fan-shaped electrode block.

[0023] Preferably, in the above-mentioned electrochromic device, the fan-shaped electrode blocks have the same shape.

[0024] This application also provides an electronic device including any of the electrochromic devices described above.

[0025] As described above, in the electrochromic device and electronic device provided by this application, the electrode layer of the electrochromic device is divided into multiple independent electrode blocks based on the main dividing gap, and the electrode blocks are divided into multiple sub-electrodes based on the secondary dividing gap. Therefore, based on the sub-electrodes, the electrochromic state of each pixel can be controlled, thereby realizing real-time dynamic display. Secondly, based on the layout design of the secondary dividing gap within the electrode block, the electrode lines of two opposite electrode blocks in the first direction can be led out from the same side, greatly reducing the packaging difficulty of the device. In addition, since the electrode layer is first divided into multiple independent electrode blocks based on the main dividing gap, and then the electrode blocks are divided into multiple sub-electrodes based on the secondary dividing gap, the length of the sub-electrodes used to form pixels is reduced, thereby shortening the current path and improving the uniformity and response speed of electrochromic changes. Finally, multiple independent electrode blocks can be scanned and driven simultaneously by multiple control units to synchronously control electrochromic changes. Compared with using the same control unit for a single electrode block, the scanning efficiency can be greatly improved. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0027] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc., shown in the accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of assisting those skilled in the art in understanding and reading the content disclosed in the specification, and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this application. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in the proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and purposes that this application can produce, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this application.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the first electrode layer in a conventional electrochromic device.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the second electrode layer in a conventional electrochromic device.

[0030] Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows the principle of forming pixels by segmenting the electrode pattern.

[0031] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the principle of dividing the electrode layer into multiple independent electrode blocks in the electrochromic device shown.

[0033] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A top view of an electrode layer in the electrochromic device shown;

[0034] Figure 7 for Figure 4 Top view of another electrode layer in the electrochromic device shown;

[0035] Figure 8 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the principle of pixel formation by dividing the electrode patterns of the two electrode layers in the electrochromic device shown.

[0036] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of another electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of yet another electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of yet another electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 12 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the principle of connecting the sub-electrode to the electrode wire in the electrochromic device shown.

[0040] Figure 13 A control circuit diagram of an electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a triangular electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 15 A schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a regular pentagonal electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 16 A schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a regular hexagonal electrode layer provided in this application embodiment;

[0044] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a circular electrode layer provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of segmenting an electrode layer based on a curve-segmented gap, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The embodiments of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0047] Various modifications and variations can be made to this application without departing from its spirit or scope, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this application is intended to cover modifications and variations falling within the scope of the corresponding claims (the claimed technical solutions) and their equivalents. It should be noted that the implementation methods provided in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other without contradiction.

[0048] As described in the background section, existing electrochromic display devices have monotonous display areas and patterns, and cannot dynamically change displays in real time as needed. This greatly restricts the development of electrochromic technology in the display field. To solve the above problems, one implementation method can be as follows: Figures 1-3 As shown.

[0049] refer to Figures 1-3 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the first electrode layer in a conventional electrochromic device. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the electrode pattern of the second electrode layer in a conventional electrochromic device. Figure 3 for Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows the principle of how the electrode pattern is segmented to form pixels. Figures 1-3 In the illustrated configuration, the electrochromic device includes: a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer disposed opposite to each other, and an electrochromic layer located between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. The first electrode layer is divided into multiple first electrodes arranged horizontally in sequence, and the second electrode layer is divided into multiple second electrodes arranged vertically in sequence. The first and second electrodes intersect on opposite sides, dividing the electrochromic device into multiple pixels.

[0050] Figures 1-3The illustrated method takes an example where the first electrode layer has first electrodes A to J, and the second electrode layer has second electrodes 1 to 10. By controlling the operating voltage of the first and second electrodes, the electrochromic state of the pixels can be controlled, thereby achieving dynamic display with real-time changes. For example, the electrochromic state of pixel 17 can be controlled based on the control voltage of the first electrode D and the second electrode 2; the electrochromic state of pixel 18 can be controlled based on the control voltage of the first electrode E and the second electrode 4; and the electrochromic state of pixel 19 can be controlled based on the control voltage of the first electrode F and the second electrode 6.

[0051] Figures 1-3 While the illustrated method can control the electrochromic state of the corresponding pixel based on the operating voltage of the first and second electrodes, it still suffers from several problems. First, this method employs a structure similar to a passive-matrix organic light-emitting diode (PMOLED), requiring the electrode lines of the first and second electrodes to be led out from different sides of the electrode layer. For example, the first electrode needs to be connected from the vertical side, while the second electrode needs to be connected from the horizontal side, increasing the complexity of the wiring and packaging. Second, for large-size, high-resolution electrochromic devices, as the number of pixel segments increases, conventional PMOLED devices, which use a single control unit to control the electrochromic state of all pixels during multi-pixel dynamic display, exhibit delayed image retention, significantly impacting the refresh rate. Furthermore, as the device size increases, the electrode length becomes larger, resulting in a larger current path when supplying power to the electrodes, leading to a larger voltage drop across the electrodes. This results in significant display differences between areas near and far from the current input terminal, affecting the uniformity of the electrochromic effect and the response speed.

[0052] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide an electrochromic device and an electronic device, which divides the electrode layer based on a main dividing gap and a secondary dividing gap. First, the electrode layer is divided into multiple independent electrode blocks by a main dividing gap extending through the center of the electrode layer. Then, the electrode blocks are divided into multiple sub-electrodes by a secondary dividing gap extending through the center of the electrode layer, with the electrode lines located on the same side.

[0053] By designing the layout of the main and sub-segment gaps within the electrode layer, the electrode lines of the sub-electrodes in two opposing electrode blocks in the first direction can be located on the same side, facilitating device packaging. Furthermore, control units can be connected to different electrode blocks separately to improve refresh efficiency. The segmentation of multiple electrode blocks reduces the length of the sub-electrodes, thereby shortening the current path of the sub-electrodes and improving the uniformity and response speed of electrochromic effects. Each pixel can be individually controlled for coloring and fading, allowing for the display of any image according to display requirements, achieving dynamic display effects.

[0054] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0055] refer to Figures 4-8 As shown, Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 for Figure 4 The diagram shows the principle of the electrochromic device in which the electrode layer is divided into multiple independent electrode blocks. Figure 6 for Figure 4 The diagram shows a top view of an electrode layer in an electrochromic device. Figure 7 for Figure 4 The top view of another electrode layer in the electrochromic device shown. Figure 8 for Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the principle of pixel formation through the division of electrode patterns in two electrode layers within an electrochromic device. Figure 4 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the line containing the main dividing gap 23 shows that the electrochromic device includes:

[0056] Two parallel and opposite electrode layers 21;

[0057] Electrochromic functional layer 22 located between electrode layers 21;

[0058] The electrode layer 21 has at least two main dividing gaps 23, which divide the electrode layer 21 into multiple independent electrode blocks 24; the main dividing gaps 23 in the two electrode layers 21 are mirror-symmetrical.

[0059] The electrode block 24 has multiple parallel sub-division gaps 25, which divide the electrode block 24 into multiple sub-electrodes 241. One end of the sub-division gap 25 ends at a main division gap 23 adjacent to the electrode block 24, and the other end ends at the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block 24.

[0060] The direction perpendicular to the plane where the electrode layer 21 is located is the first direction; for two electrode blocks 24 that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the sub-segmentation gaps 25 in the two electrode blocks 24 intersect in opposite directions to divide the electrochromic device into multiple pixels 26.

[0061] Since the main dividing gaps 23 in the two electrode layers 21 are mirror symmetrical, in the first direction, the main dividing gaps 23 in the two electrode layers 21 are perpendicular to each other, so that the main dividing gaps 23 in the two electrode layers 21 completely overlap, and the electrode blocks 24 in one electrode layer 21 are arranged opposite to the electrode blocks 24 in the other electrode layer 21.

[0062] The electrode layer 21 of the electrochromic device is divided into multiple independent electrode blocks 24 by a main dividing gap 23. Each electrode block 24 is further divided into multiple sub-electrodes 241 by a secondary dividing gap 25. Therefore, the electrochromic state of each pixel 26 can be controlled based on the sub-electrodes 241, enabling real-time dynamic display. Furthermore, since the electrode layer 21 is first divided into multiple independent electrode blocks 24 by the main dividing gap 23, and then the electrode blocks 24 are further divided into multiple sub-electrodes 241 by the secondary dividing gap 25, the length of the sub-electrodes 241 used to form the pixels 26 is reduced, thereby shortening the current path and improving the uniformity and response speed of the electrochromic effect.

[0063] At least one electrode layer 21 is a light-transmitting electrode layer. The light-transmitting electrode layer can be an ITO electrode layer or a metal mesh electrode layer, or other light-transmitting structures.

[0064] In one embodiment, one electrode layer 21 can be configured as a transparent electrode layer, and the other electrode layer 21 can be configured as a non-transparent electrode layer. In this case, unilateral electrochromic display can be performed based on one side of the transparent electrode layer. When the electrode layer 21 is a non-transparent electrode layer, the non-transparent electrode layer can be an Ag electrode layer or a Cu electrode layer, or other non-transparent structures.

[0065] In another approach, both electrode layers 21 can be configured as light-transmitting electrode layers, enabling bidirectional electrochromic display based on the light-transmitting electrode layers on both sides.

[0066] refer to Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application. In this configuration, two electrode layers 21 are respectively disposed on corresponding substrates 20, with the electrode layers 21 on the substrates 20 facing the electrochromic functional layer 22. The substrates 20 can be rigid substrates, such as glass substrates, or flexible substrates, such as PI (polyimide) substrates.

[0067] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 9 As shown, the electrochromic function 22 can be a single, integral structure. In other embodiments, the electrochromic function 22 can also be divided into multiple independent blocks based on the main segmentation gap 23 and / or the sub-segmentation gap 25.

[0068] refer to Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of another electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the electrochromic function 22 has a dividing gap that is directly opposite to the main dividing gap 23 in the electrode layer 21, so as to divide the electrochromic function 22 into multiple independent blocks.

[0069] refer to Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view of another electrochromic device provided in an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the electrochromic function 22 has a segmentation gap that is directly opposite to the sub-segmentation gap 25 in the electrode layer 21, so as to divide the electrochromic function 22 into multiple independent pixels.

[0070] refer to Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 for Figure 4 The schematic diagram shown is a schematic of the principle of connecting the neutron electrode to the electrode wire in the electrochromic device. Figures 4-8 and Figure 12 As shown, for two electrode blocks 24 perpendicular to each other in the first direction, a connection end 27 is provided on the edge of the electrode layer included in the respective electrode block 24 for connecting electrode lines. In this way, for two electrode blocks 24 perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the electrode lines connected to the sub-electrodes 241 are led out from the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block 24, and the lead lines connected to the sub-electrodes 241 of each of the two electrode blocks 24 can be led out from the same side edge, reducing the difficulty of wiring and packaging.

[0071] refer to Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 A control circuit diagram of an electrochromic device provided in this application embodiment, combined with Figures 4-8 and Figure 13 As shown, in this configuration, electrode blocks 24 are each connected to an independent control unit 28. Sub-electrodes 241 are connected to electrode lines 29 via connection terminals 27, and electrode lines 29 are connected to control units 28. Control units 28 provide operating voltage to the connected sub-electrodes 241 to control the electrochromic state of pixels 26.

[0072] exist Figure 13 In the illustrated configuration, each electrode block 24 has an independent control unit 28. Two electrode blocks 24 perpendicular to each other in the first direction form a group. Each group can independently perform electrochromic control based on two control units 28 to control the coloring and fading of pixels 26 in each group. Each group of electrode blocks 24 can be scanned simultaneously to perform electrochromic control synchronously. Compared to using the same control unit 28 for all electrode blocks 24, the scanning efficiency can be greatly improved.

[0073] The control unit 28 can provide the connected sub-electrode 241 with a DC operating voltage of the required magnitude as the operating voltage, or it can provide an AC pulse voltage of the required frequency and magnitude as the operating voltage, for controlling the electrochromic state of the pixel 26. For example, with Figure 13 Taking a rectangular electrode layer 21 as an example, one electrode layer 21 is divided into four electrode blocks 24, and two electrode layers 21 correspond to four electrode block groups. To control... Figure 13For the target pixel (black-filled area), two electrode blocks 24 corresponding to the target pixel are respectively connected to control units 281 and 282. These two electrode blocks 24 form an electrode block group, located in different electrode layers 21. Two sub-electrodes 241, formed by their intersecting surfaces, are connected to connection terminals 271 and 272 respectively. Connection terminal 271 is connected to control unit 281, and connection terminal 272 is connected to control unit 282. Control units 281 and 282 can control the electrochromic state of the target pixel by providing operating voltage to the two sub-electrodes 241, thus achieving coloring or fading of the target pixel. By providing a preset voltage to the two sub-electrodes 241, the target pixel can be colored; disconnecting the preset voltage or providing a reverse voltage can achieve fading of the target pixel.

[0074] In some embodiments of this application, when the number of pixels 26 is small or high-frequency display driving is not required, all electrode blocks 24 can be set to use the same control unit 28. In this case, each group of electrode blocks 24 can be scanned and driven one by one.

[0075] Optionally, for two electrode blocks 24 perpendicularly opposite each other in the first direction, the included angle of the intersecting sub-division gaps 25 within the two electrode blocks 24 can be any angle between 0° and 180°. To achieve the intersecting angle, this included angle needs to be greater than 0° and less than 180°. This included angle can be set based on requirements, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0076] In some embodiments of this application, the width of the main dividing gap 23 is 0.05μm-5000μm; and / or, the width of the sub-dividing gap 25 is 0.05μm-5000μm. Further, the width of the main dividing gap 23 can be set to 20μm-200μm; the width of the sub-dividing gap 25 can be set to 20μm-200μm. Within the above value range, the widths of the main dividing gap 23 and the sub-dividing gap 25 are moderate, which can avoid insufficient isolation of the electrode layer 21 due to excessively small widths, and can also avoid affecting the display effect and panel size due to excessively large widths.

[0077] Optionally, in this application, for two electrode blocks 24 that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the width of the sub-electrode 241 in one electrode block 24 is set to be the same as that of the sub-electrode 241 in the other electrode block 24, so as to facilitate the driving control of each sub-electrode 241.

[0078] In this embodiment, the two opposing electrode layers 21 can be identical polygons. For example, the electrode layer 21 is a regular N-sided polygon, where N is a positive integer greater than 2. In this case, the electrode layer 21 can be configured to have N main dividing gaps 23, with one end of the main dividing gap 23 ending at the center of the regular N-sided polygon and the other end ending at a vertex of the regular N-sided polygon.

[0079] When electrode layer 21 is square, N=4, such as Figure 5 As shown, one end of the main dividing gap 23 is located at the center of the square, and the other end is located at a corresponding vertex of the square, thus dividing the electrode layer 21 into four triangular electrode blocks 24. Each electrode block 24 corresponds to one side of the square electrode layer 21. Therefore, when one end of the sub-dividing gap 25 terminates at an adjacent main dividing gap 23 of the electrode block 24, and the other end terminates at the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block 24, since the sub-dividing gaps 25 in two perpendicularly opposite electrode blocks 24 in the first direction intersect on opposite planes, thus... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the two electrode blocks 24, the sub-electrodes 241 can be connected to the electrode lines 29 from the same side of the electrode layer 21.

[0080] refer to Figure 14 As shown, Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a triangular electrode layer according to an embodiment of this application. In this method, the electrode layer 21 is an equilateral triangle with three main segmentation gaps 23. One end of each main segmentation gap 23 terminates at the center of the equilateral triangle, and the other end terminates at one of the three vertices, thereby dividing the electrode layer 21 into three electrode blocks 24. One end of each secondary segmentation gap 25 within the same electrode block 24 terminates at the same main segmentation gap 23, and the other end terminates at the same side of the equilateral triangle.

[0081] refer to Figure 15 As shown, Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a regular pentagonal electrode layer according to an embodiment of this application. In this method, the electrode layer 21 is a regular pentagon with five main segmentation gaps 23. One end of each main segmentation gap 23 terminates at the center of the regular pentagon, and the other end terminates at one of the five vertices, thereby dividing the electrode layer 21 into five electrode blocks 24. In the same electrode block 24, one end of each secondary segmentation gap 25 terminates at the same main segmentation gap 23, and the other end terminates at the same side of the regular pentagon.

[0082] refer to Figure 16 As shown, Figure 16This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a regular hexagonal electrode layer according to an embodiment of this application. In this method, the electrode layer 21 is a regular hexagon with six main segmentation gaps 23. One end of each main segmentation gap 23 terminates at the center of the regular hexagon, and the other end terminates at one of the six vertices, thereby dividing the electrode layer 21 into six electrode blocks 24. One end of each secondary segmentation gap 25 within the same electrode block 24 terminates at the same main segmentation gap 23, and the other end terminates at the same side of the regular hexagon.

[0083] When the electrode layer 21 is a regular polygon, it is not limited to Figure 8 , Figures 14-16 The method shown can also be other regular polygonal structures, and this application does not limit this embodiment.

[0084] The pattern structure of electrode layer 21 is not limited to regular polygons, but can also be, for example... Figure 17 The circle shown.

[0085] refer to Figure 17 As shown, Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the segmentation principle of a circular electrode layer according to an embodiment of this application. In this method, the electrode layer 21 is circular, one end of the main segmentation gap 23 terminates at the center of the circle, and the other end terminates at the edge of the circle. The electrode blocks 24 are all identical sector shapes. In this method, any number of radii can be used as main segmentation lines 23 to divide the circular electrode layer 21 into multiple identical sector-shaped electrode blocks 24. In the same electrode block 24, one end of each secondary segmentation gap 25 terminates at the same main segmentation gap 23, and the other end terminates at the same arc segment included in that electrode block 24.

[0086] The electrode layer 21 can be patterned by means of laser etching, chemical etching or physical cutting to form the main segmentation gap 23 and the sub-segmentation gap 25.

[0087] In the accompanying drawings of the above embodiments, the main dividing gap 23 and the sub-dividing gap 25 are both straight gaps as an example for illustration. Obviously, the main dividing gap 23 can be a straight gap or a curved gap, and the sub-dividing gap 25 can be a straight gap or a curved gap. One of the main dividing gap 23 and the sub-dividing gap 25 can be a straight gap and the other a curved gap, or both can be straight gaps, or both can be curved gaps.

[0088] refer to Figure 18 As shown, Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of dividing the electrode layer based on the curve dividing gap provided in an embodiment of this application. In this method, the main dividing gap 23 and the secondary dividing gap 25 in the electrode layer 21 are both curve gaps.

[0089] As can be seen from the above description, the electrochromic device provided in this application embodiment has at least the following advantages:

[0090] First, the electrode layer 21 can be divided into multiple independent electrode blocks 24 based on the main segmentation gap 23. Then, the electrode blocks 24 can be divided into multiple sub-electrodes 241 based on the secondary segmentation gap 25, such that the sub-electrodes 241 in two vertically opposite electrode blocks 24 intersect in opposite directions to form multiple pixels 26. By providing a working voltage to the sub-electrodes 241, the electrochromic state of the pixels 26 can be controlled, realizing dynamic control of the coloring and fading of the pixels 26. Any image can be displayed according to display requirements, and dynamic display can be achieved.

[0091] Secondly, due to the poor environmental stability of electrochromic materials, device encapsulation is required. As mentioned above, the segmentation method of electrode layer 21 in this application's technical solution enables the electrode lines 29 of sub-electrodes 241 in two vertically opposite electrode blocks 24 in the first direction to be led out from the same side. Compared to the method where the electrode lines 29 of the two sub-electrodes 241 corresponding to pixel 26 are led out from different sides, this greatly reduces the encapsulation difficulty.

[0092] Furthermore, based on the main segmentation gap 23, the electrode layer 21 can be divided into multiple independent electrode blocks 24, and then based on the secondary segmentation gap 25, the electrode blocks 24 can be divided into multiple sub-electrodes 241. This specific segmentation method of the electrode layer 21 can shorten the current path of the sub-electrodes 241. Taking a square electrode layer 21 as an example... Figure 3 In the method shown, the current path is the side length of a square, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the maximum current path in this application is half the diagonal of the square. Due to the presence of the 24-faceted resistance of the electrode layer, the shortening of the current path allows for a faster electrochromic response and a more uniform electrochromic state.

[0093] In addition, the unique electrode layer 21 segmentation method in this application embodiment enables each electrode block 24 to be connected to a control unit 28. Compared with a single control unit 28, multiple control units 28 can improve the scanning driving efficiency of the sub-electrodes 241, so as to be applicable to application scenarios with different display frequency requirements.

[0094] Based on the above embodiments, another embodiment of this application provides an electronic device, which includes the electrochromic device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0095] The electronic device can be a mobile phone, tablet computer, or wearable device, or other electronic device with a display function. Using the electrochromic device in the above embodiments, the electronic device can achieve dynamic arbitrary image display, is easy to package, has a fast electrochromic response speed, and produces a more uniform electrochromic state, making it suitable for application scenarios with different display frequencies.

[0096] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive, parallel, or combined manner. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the electronic devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the electrochromic devices disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple, and relevant parts can be referred to the relevant sections on electrochromic devices.

[0097] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the accompanying drawings and embodiments are illustrative rather than restrictive. The same reference numerals throughout the embodiments identify the same structures. Additionally, for ease of understanding and description, the thicknesses of some layers, films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated in the drawings. It is also understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, the element may be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements. Furthermore, "on" means positioning an element on or below another element, but does not inherently mean positioning it above another element according to the direction of gravity.

[0098] The terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. When a component is considered to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be a component positioned centrally in the middle.

[0099] It should also be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes the aforementioned element.

[0100] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, include: Two parallel, opposite electrode layers; An electrochromic functional layer located between the electrode layers; The electrode layer has at least two main dividing gaps, which divide the electrode layer into multiple independent electrode blocks; the main dividing gaps in the two electrode layers are mirror-symmetrical. The electrode block has multiple parallel sub-division gaps, which divide the electrode block into multiple sub-electrodes; one end of each sub-division gap terminates at an adjacent main division gap of the electrode block, and the other end terminates at the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block; Wherein, the direction perpendicular to the plane where the electrode layer is located is the first direction; for two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the sub-segmentation gaps in the two electrode blocks intersect at different planes to divide the electrochromic device into multiple pixels; The electrode layer is a regular N-gon; N is a positive integer greater than 2; The electrode layer has N main dividing gaps, one end of which terminates at the center of the regular N-sided polygon, and the other end terminates at a vertex of the regular N-sided polygon; or, the electrode layer is circular; one end of the main dividing gap terminates at the center of the circle, and the other end terminates at the edge of the circle, forming a fan-shaped electrode block.

2. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, For two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the electrode lines to which the sub-electrodes are connected are drawn from the edge of the electrode layer included in the electrode block.

3. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each electrode block is connected to an independent control unit.

4. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, For two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the angle between the intersecting sub-segment gaps in the two electrode blocks is any angle between 0° and 180°.

5. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the main dividing gap is 0.05μm-5000μm; And / or, the width of the sub-segment gap is 0.05μm-5000μm.

6. The electrochromic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The width of the main dividing gap is 20μm-200μm; The width of the sub-segment gap is 20μm-200μm.

7. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, For two electrode blocks that are perpendicular to each other in the first direction, the sub-electrode in one electrode block has the same width as the sub-electrode in the other electrode block.

8. The electrochromic device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan-shaped electrode blocks have the same shape.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, Including the electrochromic device as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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