Writable device
By introducing a vertically oriented alignment layer into the writeable device, the problem of long writing and clearing operation time in the prior art is solved, the effect of fast switching is achieved, and the efficiency and user experience of the device are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202311011826.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-18
AI Technical Summary
The existing writeable devices have a longer time during writing or clearing operations, which affects the efficiency and user experience of the device.
A writeable device including a vertically oriented alignment layer is designed, by providing a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, and vertically oriented first alignment layer and second alignment are respectively provided on both sides of the liquid crystal layer. layer, thereby switching between initial state, write state and clear state.
It realizes the writing and clearing operations in a short time, improves the efficiency and user experience of the device, and in the initial state, the liquid crystal layer is in a penetrating state, suitable for various transparent components.
Smart Images

Figure CN119472118A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a writable device, and more particularly to a writable device including a vertically aligned alignment layer. Background Art
[0002] Due to the rapid development of technology, the use of electronic devices is becoming more and more popular nowadays, and writable devices have gradually become popular among consumers. How to reduce the operation time of writing or clearing writable devices is one of the projects that need to be worked on. Summary of the invention
[0003] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a writable device, comprising: a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a first alignment layer, and a second alignment layer. The second substrate is opposite to the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first alignment layer is disposed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The second alignment layer is disposed between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are vertically aligned. In an initial state, the liquid crystal layer is in a penetrating state. In a writing state, the liquid crystal layer corresponding to a pressing writing area is in a scattering state. In a clearing state, the liquid crystal layer corresponding to at least a portion of the pressing writing area is in a penetrating state.
[0004] In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present disclosure more obvious and understandable, some embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The various aspects of the present disclosure may be fully understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard practice in the industry, various features are not drawn to scale and are for illustration purposes only. In fact, the size of the components may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced to clearly illustrate the features of the present disclosure.
[0006] Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view showing an initial state of a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0007] Figure 1B A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writing state of a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] Figure 1C A schematic cross-sectional view showing an erased state of a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0009] Figure 2A A partially enlarged schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0010] Figure 2B A partially enlarged schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0011] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0016] Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a writable device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0017]
Explanation of symbols
[0018] 100,200,300,400,500,600,700,800:Writable device
[0019] 101: first substrate
[0020] 102: Second substrate
[0021] 111: first conductive layer
[0022] 111A,111B:Partial
[0023] 112: second conductive layer
[0024] 112A,112B:Partial
[0025] 121: first alignment layer
[0026] 122: Second alignment layer
[0027] 130: Liquid crystal layer
[0028] 131,132: Liquid crystal molecules
[0029] 140: Frame glue
[0030] 150: Spacer
[0031] 160: Attachment
[0032] 165: Adhesive layer
[0033] 170: Transparent components
[0034] 180: Display
[0035] 190:Reflection component
[0036] A: Long axis
[0037] d: Spacing
[0038] L: Incident light
[0039] L1: Light
[0040] L': scattered light
[0041] S: Power supply
[0042] T1: Thickness
[0043] θ: pretilt angle
[0044] W: Press
[0045] WA: Press to write area DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] The present disclosure can be understood by referring to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in order to make it easy for readers to understand and the drawings are concise, the multiple drawings in the present disclosure only depict a portion of the light-emitting unit, and the specific components in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual scale. In addition, the number and size of each component in the figure are only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, similar and / or corresponding reference numerals may be used in different embodiments, which is only for the purpose of simply and clearly describing some embodiments, and does not represent any correlation between the different embodiments and / or structures discussed.
[0047] Certain words are used throughout the specification and the claims that follow to refer to specific components. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that electronic equipment manufacturers may refer to the same components by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that have the same function but different names. In the following specification and claims, words such as "include", "contain", "have" are open-ended words, and therefore should be interpreted as "including but not limited to..." Therefore, when the terms "include", "contain" and / or "have" are used in the description of the present disclosure, they specify the existence of corresponding features, areas, steps, operations and / or components, but do not exclude the existence of one or more corresponding features, areas, steps, operations and / or components.
[0048] In addition, relative terms such as "below" or "bottom" and "above" or "top" may be used in the embodiments to describe the relative relationship of one component to another component in the drawings. It is understood that if the device in the drawings is turned upside down, the component described on the "below" side will become the component on the "above" side.
[0049] When a corresponding component (such as a film layer or region) is referred to as being "on another component", it can be directly on the other component, or other components can exist between the two. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly on another component", there is no component between the two. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "on another component", the two have a top-down relationship in the top view direction, and the component can be above or below the other component, and this top-down relationship depends on the orientation of the device.
[0050] It is understood that although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used herein to describe various components, layers and / or parts, these components, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish different components, layers and / or parts. Therefore, a first component, layer and / or part discussed below may be referred to as a second component, layer and / or part without departing from the teachings of some embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the terms "first", "second", etc. may not be used in the specification to distinguish different components. Without violating the scope defined by the appended claims, the first component and / or second component recorded in the claims may be interpreted as any component that conforms to the description in the specification.
[0051] In the present disclosure, the length, width and / or thickness can be measured by an optical microscope, or by a cross-sectional image in an electron microscope, but the above measurement methods are only examples and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In addition, there may be a certain error between any two values or directions used for comparison. The terms "approximately", "equal", "equal" or "same", "substantially" or "substantially" are generally interpreted as within 20% of a given value, or as within a range of 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0.5% of a given value. In addition, the term "electrically connected" may be used below. It should be understood that if the present disclosure states that "the first component is electrically connected to the second component", it can be interpreted as the first component and the second component are electrically connected to each other and can be synchronously controlled by a single operation, which may include the situation that "there may be other components between the first component and the second component to electrically connect the two", or include the situation that "there are no other components between the first component and the second component and they are directly electrically connected". If the text refers to the first component being "directly electrically connected" to the second component, it refers to the situation that "there are no other components between the first component and the second component and they are directly electrically connected". In addition, the term "electrically isolated" may be used below. It should be understood that if the present disclosure states that "the first component is electrically isolated from the second component", it can be interpreted as the first component and the second component are electrically separated and not connected to each other, nor are they synchronously controlled by a single operation.
[0052] It should be noted that the technical solutions provided in the following different embodiments can be replaced, combined or mixed with each other to form another embodiment without violating the spirit of the present disclosure.
[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. It is understood that these terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the background or context of the relevant technology and the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal manner unless specifically defined herein.
[0054] Figure 1AA cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the initial state of the writable device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The writable device 100 may be, for example, disposed on the following components, such as a display device, a backlight device, an antenna device, a light-emitting device, a sensing device, a touch device or a splicing device, but is not limited thereto. The writable device 100 may be a bendable or flexible electronic device. The display device may be a non-self-luminous display device or a self-luminous display device. The antenna device may be a liquid crystal type antenna device or a non-liquid crystal type antenna device, and the sensing device may be a sensing device for sensing capacitance, light, heat or ultrasound, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the writable device 100 includes a flexible panel, and the flexible panel includes electronic components, and the electronic components may include passive components and active components, such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, diodes, transistors, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic device may include, for example, a diode, a liquid crystal, a light emitting diode (LED), a quantum dot (QD), fluorescence, phosphorescence, other suitable display media, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the diode may include a light emitting diode or a photodiode. The light emitting diode may include, for example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a sub-millimeter light emitting diode (mini LED), a micro LED, or a quantum dot light emitting diode (quantum dot LED), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The splicing device may be, for example, a display splicing device or an antenna splicing device, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be noted that the writable device 100 may be any arrangement or combination of the foregoing, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the shape of the writable device 100 may be a rectangle, a circle, a polygon, a shape with curved edges, or other suitable shapes. The writable device 100 may have peripheral systems such as a drive system, a control system, a light source system, etc. to support a display device, an antenna device, a wearable device (for example, including augmented reality or virtual reality), a vehicle-mounted device (for example, including a car windshield), or a splicing device.
[0055] The following paragraphs will explain the contents of the present disclosure with respect to the local structure of the writable device 100 (such as the press writing area WA). Those skilled in the art should understand that the writable device 100 may also include other structures or be provided with suitable electronic components to perform the intended functions.
[0056] like Figure 1AAs shown, the writable device 100 may include a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In some embodiments, the second substrate 102 may be opposite to the first substrate 101. For example, the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 may include glass, polymer materials (such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyimide (PI), etc.), ceramics or other suitable light-transmitting materials, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 0.8 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 located on the pressing side of the writable device 100 may be greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm or 0.8 mm to improve the sensitivity of the writable device 100 to accept the pressing, but is not limited thereto. By setting the thickness of the first substrate 101 or the second substrate 102 located on the pressing side of the writable device 100 within the above range, the pressing sensitivity of the writable device 100 can be improved. In some embodiments, the thicknesses of the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 may be the same or different from each other.
[0057] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer 130 is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102. The first alignment layer 121 is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the liquid crystal layer 130, and the second alignment layer 122 is disposed between the second substrate 102 and the liquid crystal layer 130. In some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer 130 includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 131. For example, the liquid crystal layer 130 may include cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (PSCT) or other dispersed liquid crystals, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the liquid crystal layer 130 includes cholesteric positive liquid crystals, and the first alignment layer 121 and / or the second alignment layer 122 are, for example, vertically aligned. In the above case, the liquid crystal layer 130 may be in a transmissive state in the initial state and / or the clear state. In some embodiments, at least one dye is added to the liquid crystal layer 130, so that the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to the pressed writing area WA may present the color of the dye, such as black, red, yellow, green, blue or any suitable color. In some embodiments, a plurality of dyes of different colors are added to the liquid crystal layer 130. This embodiment can make the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to the pressed writing area WA present close to white or other suitable colors, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the birefringence (Δn=ne-no) of the liquid crystal layer 130 can be greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.4, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the birefringence (Δn=ne-no) of the liquid crystal layer 130 can be greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.35. In some embodiments, the birefringence (Δn=ne-no) of the liquid crystal layer 130 can be greater than or equal to 0.15 and less than or equal to 0.3.
[0058] In this embodiment, the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 may be vertically aligned, so that the liquid crystal molecules 131 of the liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 may be arranged substantially along the angle of the alignment direction. Figure 2A The definition of the alignment directions and angles of the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 is further described. In some embodiments, a sealant 140 may be disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102. The sealant 140 surrounds the liquid crystal layer 130, and the liquid crystal layer 130 is sealed in the space formed by the first substrate 101, the second substrate 102 and the sealant 140.
[0059] In some embodiments, the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 are spaced apart by a spacing d in the normal direction (Z-axis direction) of the first substrate 101, and the liquid crystal molecules 131 may have a pitch, and the ratio of the spacing d to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 20, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the ratio of the spacing d to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 18. In some embodiments, the ratio of the spacing d to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 8 and less than or equal to 17. In some embodiments, the ratio of the spacing d to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 10 and less than or equal to 15. In some embodiments, the spacing d between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 can be obtained by, for example, measuring the distance between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 at any three locations in the normal direction (Z-axis) and taking the average value.
[0060] In some embodiments, the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 can be obtained, for example, by the following method, but not limited thereto. For example, a reference liquid crystal with a known pitch and a liquid crystal molecule 131 to be measured can be dropped into a wedge cell respectively. By comparing the image interval between the reference liquid crystal and the liquid crystal molecule 131 under a microscope, the pitch of the liquid crystal molecule 131 can be calculated in proportion to the pitch of the reference liquid crystal. The above measurement method is only an example, and any method that can obtain the pitch of the liquid crystal molecule 131 and the obtained value are all included in the scope of the present disclosure. By configuring the above spacing d and the pitch of the liquid crystal molecule 131, the color of the writable device 100 during writing can be made darker, and the recognizability of the written information can be improved. The written color can be modulated according to the color of the dye added to the liquid crystal layer 130, for example. If the values of the spacing d and the pitch of the liquid crystal molecule 131 are too large and exceed the above range, the liquid crystal molecule 131 may not be easily restored by the electric field, making it more difficult for the writable device 100 to restore to the initial state.
[0061] In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 111 is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the first alignment layer 121, and the second conductive layer 112 is disposed between the second substrate 102 and the second alignment layer 122. In other words, the first alignment layer 121 is disposed between the first conductive layer 111 and the liquid crystal layer 130. For example, the first conductive layer 111 and the first conductive layer 112 may include metal or other suitable conductive materials (such as indium tin oxide (ITO), chromium (Cr), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc.), but not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 may be selectively electrically connected or not electrically connected to the power source S. When the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are electrically connected to the power source S, the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are electrically connected to the power source S. The first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are electrically connected to the power source S, which means that there may be, for example, a potential difference between the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 to form a vertical electric field, and the magnitude of the vertical electric field varies according to the magnitude of the potential difference between the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112, thereby controlling the arrangement of the liquid crystal layer 130. The first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are not electrically connected to the power source S, which means that there may be, for example, no potential difference between the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 to form a vertical electric field.
[0062] like Figure 1A As shown, in the initial state, the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are not electrically connected to the power source S (i.e., the first conductive layer 111, the second conductive layer 112 and the power source S are disconnected). In the initial state, the liquid crystal layer 130 is in a penetrating state. Specifically, in the initial state, the liquid crystal molecules 131 of the liquid crystal layer 130 are arranged substantially along the alignment direction, and at this time, most of the incident light L passing through the second substrate 102 can pass through the liquid crystal layer 130 to the first substrate 101, and most of the incident light L can penetrate the first substrate 101, so the liquid crystal layer 130 of the writable device 100 in the initial state can be in a penetrating state.
[0063] Figure 1B A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a write state of a writable device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1BAs shown, in a writing state, the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to a pressed writing area is in a scattering state. Specifically, in the writing state, the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are not electrically connected to the power source S (i.e., the first conductive layer 111, the second conductive layer 112 and the power source S are disconnected). At this time, a part of the liquid crystal layer 130 affected by the pressing W is arranged to be in a scattering state, i.e., the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to the pressed writing area WA is in a scattering state. Specifically, the pressing W of the user may affect the arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules 131 in the liquid crystal layer 130, such as causing the liquid crystal molecules 131 to be arranged in a scattered or irregular manner and to be in a scattering state, so that the incident light L passing through the pressed writing area WA is scattered. By means of the above design, the pressed writing area WA can be made to be in a foggy state, rather than the liquid crystal molecules 131 in the pressed writing area WA being in a penetrating state, thereby achieving a writing effect. In some embodiments, when at least one dye is added to the liquid crystal layer 130, since the long axis of the dye may be modulated along the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 131, the incident light L corresponding to the pressed writing area WA is mostly absorbed due to the influence of the dye arranged in a scattered or irregular manner, and only the light of the corresponding dye color is not absorbed and penetrates out. At this time, the corresponding pressed writing area WA presents the color of the dye, rather than the pressed writing area WA presenting a penetrating state, thereby achieving a writing effect, but is not limited to this.
[0064] Figure 1C A cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the cleared state of the writable device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1C As shown, in the clear state, the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112 are electrically connected to the power source S (i.e., there is a path between the first conductive layer 111, the second conductive layer 112 and the power source S to generate an electric field (e.g., a vertical electric field)). At this time, because the liquid crystal layer 130 is affected by the vertical electric field, the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to at least a portion of the pressed writing area WA is roughly arranged perpendicular to the first substrate 101, so that the liquid crystal layer 130 is restored to a penetrating state. In this way, the writable device 100 can return to a penetrating state in which no information is written, thereby achieving a clearing effect. In other words, in the clear state, by applying a cross voltage (a vertical electric field is generated due to the potential difference between the first conductive layer 111 and the second conductive layer 112) to at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to the pressed writing area WA, the liquid crystal layer 130 is in a penetrating state. By using the positive cholesteric liquid crystal in combination with the vertically aligned first alignment layer 121 (or the second alignment layer 122 ), the time required to restore to the initial state (ie, clear the written information) can be reduced, thereby improving the usability of the writable device 100 .
[0065] Figure 2AA partially enlarged schematic diagram of a writable device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be noted that for the purpose of detailed description, the liquid crystal molecules 131 in the liquid crystal layer 130 are enlarged and illustrated, and are not intended to represent the actual size of the liquid crystal molecules 131. Figure 2A As shown, the liquid crystal molecules 131 may have a long axis A. The pretilt angle θ of the liquid crystal layer 130 may be defined, for example, as the angle between the long axis A and the surface of the first alignment layer 121 (or the second alignment layer 122). In some embodiments, the liquid crystal molecules 131 of the liquid crystal layer 130 adjacent to the first alignment layer 121 (or the second alignment layer 122) may have, for example, a pretilt angle θ, which may be greater than 70° and less than 90°, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the pretilt angle θ may be greater than 80° and less than 90°. In some embodiments, the pretilt angle θ may be greater than 75° and less than 85°. In some embodiments, the pretilt angle θ may be greater than 77° and less than 83°. In other words, the liquid crystal molecules 131 may be substantially perpendicular to the surface of the first alignment layer 121 (or the surface of the second alignment layer 122), thereby defining the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 as being vertically aligned. In some embodiments, the pre-tilt angle θ of the liquid crystal layer 130 adjacent to the first alignment layer 121 may be the same as or different from the pre-tilt angle θ of the liquid crystal layer 130 adjacent to the second alignment layer 122 .
[0066] Figure 2B A partially enlarged schematic diagram of a writable device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 200 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The same or similar components of the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail below. Figure 2B As shown, the writable device 100 may include a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In this embodiment, the writable device 100 may further include a spacer 150, which is disposed between the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 or between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In some embodiments, the spacer 150 may contact the first alignment layer 121 and / or the second alignment layer 122, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the spacer 150 may contact the frame glue 140, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the spacer 150 is used to separate the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122 by a distance in the Z-axis direction (for example Figure 1A The spacing d) is shown.
[0067] In some embodiments, in the arrangement direction of the first substrate 101 and the second substrate 102 (e.g., substantially parallel to the Z-axis), the spacer 150 may have a thickness T1, and the thickness T1 is, for example, defined as the maximum thickness of the spacer 150 measured in the Z-axis direction. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness T1 to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 20, but is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness T1 to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 7 and less than or equal to 18. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness T1 to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 9 and less than or equal to 16. In some embodiments, the ratio of the thickness T1 to the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 is greater than or equal to 10 and less than or equal to 15. By configuring the thickness T1 of the spacer 150 and the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 as described above, the color of the writable device 100 during writing can be made darker, thereby improving the recognizability of the written information, and the written color can be modulated according to the color of the dye added to the liquid crystal layer 130, for example. If the distance d and the pitch of the liquid crystal molecules 131 are too large and exceed the above range, the liquid crystal molecules 131 may not be easily restored by the electric field, making it more difficult for the writable device 100 to restore to the initial state.
[0068] Figure 3 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a writable device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 300 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The same or similar components of the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail below. Figure 3 As shown, the writable device 300 may include a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In the present embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 130 may include liquid crystal molecules 132, such as polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal texture (PSCT), but not limited thereto. By adding a polymer to the liquid crystal layer 130, the liquid crystal molecules 131 may be arranged more vertically to the surface of the first substrate 101 in the initial state, thereby making the liquid crystal layer 130 more transparent in the initial state, improving the transmittance, or further improving the difference between the initial state and the written state of the writable device 300, thereby improving the recognizability of the written information.
[0069] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a writable device 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 400 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The same or similar components of the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail below. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the writable device 400 may include a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In this embodiment, the first conductive layer 111 may be divided into a plurality of electrically independent portions (e.g., portions 111A and 111B, but not limited thereto). Similarly, the second conductive layer 112 may be divided into a plurality of electrically independent portions (e.g., portions 112A and 112B, but not limited thereto), and portions of the second conductive layer 112 (e.g., portions 112A and 112B) may correspond to portions of the first conductive layer 111 (e.g., portions 111A and 111B), for example, respectively. The portions of the second conductive layer 112 (e.g., portions 112A and 112B) respectively correspond to portions of the first conductive layer 111 (e.g., portions 111A and 111B), which means that the second conductive layer 112 may at least partially overlap the first conductive layer 111 in the Z-axis direction. With the above configuration, the pressed writing area WA may be divided into a plurality of portions, and these portions may be independently controlled.
[0070] In detail, Figure 4A In a written state, the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to the pressed writing area WA is in a scattering state. Specifically, in the written state, the first conductive layer 111 (e.g., portions 111A and 111B) and the second conductive layer 112 (e.g., portions 112A and 112B) are not electrically connected to the corresponding power source S (i.e., the circuit is disconnected from the power source S). At this time, the portion of the liquid crystal layer 130 affected by the pressing W may be in a scattering state, i.e., the liquid crystal layer 130 corresponding to the pressed writing area WA may be in a scattering state. Therefore, the incident light L passing through the pressed writing area WA is, for example, scattered by the liquid crystal layer 130 and the traveling direction of the incident light L is changed, so that the liquid crystal layer 130 in the pressed writing area WA is in a foggy state, rather than the liquid crystal layer 130 in the pressed writing area WA being in a penetrating state. If at least one dye is added to the liquid crystal layer 130, since the long axis of the dye may be modulated along the arrangement of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 131, the incident light L corresponding to the pressed writing area WA is mostly absorbed by the dye, and only the light of the corresponding dye color is not absorbed and penetrates out. At this time, the pressed writing area WA presents the color of the dye instead of the pressed writing area WA presenting a transparent state, thereby achieving a writing effect.
[0071] Figure 4BIn a clear state, for example, a portion 111A of the first conductive layer 111 and a portion 112A of the second conductive layer 112 are electrically connected to the power source S (i.e., a path is formed between the portion 111A, the portion 112A and the power source S to generate an electric field (e.g., a vertical electric field)), so that the liquid crystal molecules 131 located between the portion 111A and the portion 112A are affected by the vertical electric field and are roughly arranged perpendicular to the surface of the first substrate 101, so that the liquid crystal molecules 131 in this area are, for example, in a penetrating state and restored to the original initial state. In addition, a portion 111B of the first conductive layer 111 and a portion 112B of the second conductive layer 112 are, for example, not electrically connected to the power source S (i.e., a path is not formed between the portion 111B, the portion 112B and the power source S), so that the liquid crystal molecules 131 in this area still maintain the original scattered arrangement and maintain the written state, but not limited to this, thereby achieving a local clearing effect, but not limited to this. In other embodiments (not shown), portion 111B and portion 112B are electrically connected to a power source S, for example, so that the liquid crystal molecules 131 between portion 111B and portion 112B are affected by the vertical electric field and arranged substantially perpendicularly to the surface of the first substrate 101 and are in a penetrating state.
[0072] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a writable device 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 500 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The components that are the same or similar to the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar numbers and will not be described in detail below. In the present embodiment, the writable device 500 may further include an attachment 160, which is attached to a transparent component 170 (or a component that can modulate the color or cannot modulate the color, which is not numbered but can replace the transparent component 170). The transparent component 170 includes, for example, a window, an optical lens, a transparent partition, other suitable transparent components or a combination of the above, but is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the attachment 160 can be used to join (or attach) the second substrate 102 (or the first substrate 101) and the transparent component 170 (such as a window), for example. The window can be suitable for windows in buildings, vehicles (cars, ships, or other) or other situations, but is not limited to this. In this way, the writable device 500 can be used as a general transparent component 170 (such as a window) in the initial state, and in the writing state (such as Figure 5B The information written (input) by the user can be recorded. The writing method can refer to the above description.
[0073] It should be noted that although the incident light L in the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure is mainly incident light L emitted from the second substrate 102 to the liquid crystal layer 130 , it is not limited thereto, and other incident light (not shown) may also be emitted from the first substrate 101 to the liquid crystal layer 130 .
[0074] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a writable device 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 600 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The same or similar components of the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail below. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the writable device 600 may include a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In this embodiment, the writable device 600 may further include an attachment 160 attached to the display 180. In some embodiments, the attachment 160 can be used to bond the second substrate 102 (or the first substrate 101) and the display 180, but is not limited thereto. For example, the display 180 can be a display suitable for various electronic devices, such as a transparent display, a reflective display, a non-self-luminous display, or a self-luminous display, but is not limited thereto. In this way, the writable device 600 can be in an initial state (such as Fig. 6A As shown) it is used as a general display, and in the writing state (as shown) Figure 6B In other embodiments (not shown), the display 180 can be replaced by other electronic devices (such as touch devices, detection devices, and light-emitting devices, but not limited thereto).
[0075] It should be noted that, although the incident light L of the embodiment of the present disclosure is mainly the incident light L emitted from the second substrate 102 to the liquid crystal layer 130, it is not limited to this, and other incident light (not shown) may also be emitted from the first substrate 101 to the liquid crystal layer 130. It should be noted that the direction of the incident light may vary depending on the type of display. For example, if it is a transparent display, the direction of the incident light may include the incident light L emitted from the second substrate 102 to the liquid crystal layer 130 and the incident light (not shown) emitted from the first substrate 101 to the liquid crystal layer 130, but it is not limited to this. For example, if it is a reflective display or a non-self-luminous display, the direction of the incident light may include the incident light (not shown) emitted from the first substrate 101 to the liquid crystal layer 130, but it is not limited to this.
[0076] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a writable device 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 700 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The same or similar components of the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail below. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the writable device 700 may include a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In this embodiment, the writable device 700 may further include an attachment 160, which is attached to a reflective component 190 (such as a mirror, but not limited thereto). In some embodiments, the attachment 160 can be used to join the second substrate 102 (or the first substrate 101) and the reflective component 190, but not limited thereto. For example, the reflective component 190 can be used as a reflective layer or a reflective plate that reflects light (such as incident light L), and the light L1 reflected by the reflective component 190 can be viewed by a user, for example. In this way, the writable device 700 can be in an initial state (such as Fig. 7A As shown) it is used as a normal mirror, and in the written state (as shown) Figure 7B The information written (entered) by the user can be further recorded.
[0077] Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a writable device 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. It should be understood that the writable device 800 shown in this embodiment may include Figures 1A to 1C The same or similar components of the writable device 100 shown in the figure will be represented by the same or similar reference numerals and will not be described in detail below. Figure 8 As shown, the writable device 800 may include a plurality of writable devices (see Figures 1A to 1C Each writing device includes a first substrate 101, a second substrate 102, a first conductive layer 111, a second conductive layer 112, a first alignment layer 121, a second alignment layer 122, and a liquid crystal layer 130 disposed between the first alignment layer 121 and the second alignment layer 122. In this embodiment, an adhesive layer 165 can be used to bond two Figures 1A to 1C The writable device shown. In this way, the writing function can be realized on opposite sides of the writable device 800. In some embodiments, the same or different color dyes can be added to the liquid crystal layers 130 of the two writable devices respectively. In some embodiments, at least one of the liquid crystal layers 130 of the two writable devices can be selected to add a dye. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 165 may include a transparent or opaque adhesive layer. When the adhesive layer 165 is transparent, the written information of the writable devices on both sides can be merged. When the adhesive layer 165 is opaque, the risk of mutual interference between the written information recorded on both sides can be reduced, but it is not limited to this. In some embodiments, the information recorded on both sides of the writable device 800 can be cleared independently, but it is not limited to this.
[0078] It should be understood that although the above embodiments only show a partial configuration of a writable device, those skilled in the art should be able to set other optical layers and / or optical components in the structure described in the present disclosure according to the teachings of the present disclosure and for the purpose of enhancing the display and / or touch effects. These configurations derived from the present disclosure are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure also provides several different writable devices, and those skilled in the art should be able to arbitrarily combine / arrange these writable devices without violating the teachings of the present disclosure, and these arrangements and combinations are all included in the scope of the present disclosure.
[0079] In summary, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a writable device including a vertically aligned alignment layer. Specifically, by setting a vertically aligned alignment layer, the liquid crystal layer of the writable device can be in a penetrating state in the initial state, thereby increasing the applicable scope of the writable device, for example, it can be bonded to any component. In addition, in the writing state, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer will be arranged in a scattered state (i.e., the display is in a foggy state). If a dye is added to the liquid crystal, the pressed writing area will present the color of the dye to achieve the writing effect. In addition, in the clearing state, the liquid crystal layer corresponding to at least a part of the pressed writing area is in a penetrating state by connecting to the power supply (so that the liquid crystal layer is affected by the electric field) to clear the written information. In this way, the writable device can be reset in a short time to restore its initial state, thereby improving the convenience of use of the writable device. Due to the characteristic of the writable device of the present disclosure being in a penetrating state in the initial state, it can be applied to any transparent component, color-modulatable or non-color-modulatable component, display or reflective component, and can meet various different needs of users.
[0080] Although the embodiments and advantages of the present disclosure have been disclosed as above, it should be understood that any person skilled in the art can make changes, substitutions and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to the processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, devices, methods and steps in the specific embodiments described in the specification. Any person skilled in the art can understand the current or future developed processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, devices, methods and steps from the disclosure of the present disclosure. As long as they can implement substantially the same functions or obtain substantially the same results in the embodiments described herein, they can all be used according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure includes the above-mentioned processes, machines, manufacturing, material compositions, devices, methods and steps, and the features between the embodiments can be arbitrarily mixed and matched as long as they do not violate the spirit of the invention or conflict with each other. In addition, each claim constitutes an individual embodiment, and the scope of protection of the present disclosure also includes the combination of each claim and embodiment.
Claims
1. A writable device, characterized in that: include: a first substrate; a second substrate, opposite to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first alignment layer disposed between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer; and a second alignment layer, disposed between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer; The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are vertically aligned. In an initial state, the liquid crystal layer is in a transmissive state. In a writing state, the liquid crystal layer corresponding to a pressed writing area is in a scattering state. In a clear state, at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the pressed writing area is in the transmission state.
2. The writable device according to claim 1, wherein: In the clear state, a cross pressure is applied to the at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer corresponding to the pressed writing area to present the transmission state.
3. The writable device according to claim 2, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes cholesteric positive liquid crystal.
4. The writable device according to claim 3, characterized in that At least one dye is added into the liquid crystal layer.
5. The writable device according to claim 3, wherein: The first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are spaced apart by a distance, the cholesteric positive liquid crystal has a pitch, and the ratio of the distance to the pitch is greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 20.
6. The writable device according to claim 3, characterized in that A spacer is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. In the arrangement direction of the first substrate and the second substrate, the spacer has a thickness. The cholesterol positive liquid crystal has a pitch, and the ratio of the thickness to the pitch is greater than or equal to 5 and less than or equal to 20.
7. The writable device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal layer adjacent to the first alignment layer has a pre-tilt angle, and the pre-tilt angle is greater than 70° and less than 90°.
8. The writable device according to claim 1, wherein: The writing device is attached to a transparent component, a display or a reflective component through an attachment piece.
9. The writable device according to claim 1, wherein: The first substrate has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm.
10. The writable device according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid crystal layer includes polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal.