Flexible starry sky electrochromic thin film with pneumatic deformation

Abstract

The invention discloses a flexible starry sky electrochromic thin film with pneumatic deformation. The flexible starry sky electrochromic thin film comprises a substrate and a base material which are arranged in a laminated mode. The transparent electrode and the flexible isolation layer between the electrodes are arranged between the substrates; at least two layers of independent chambers, wherein each chamber is provided with an independent air valve group; the starry sky light-emitting layer and the liquid crystal dye unit are integrated in the cavity and the transparent electrode. The system has the beneficial effects that multiple functions are integrated, electric control dimming and pneumatic optical interference are achieved at the same time, and the dynamic effect is rich; the TPU / PET base material supports bending and is suitable for a curved surface application scene; the gas driving power consumption is low, and the electric field dimming response is fast; the starry sky pattern, the chamber arrangement and the interference mode can be customized, and different decoration requirements can be met; electrode short circuit is prevented by a multi-layer isolation structure, and long-term stability is guaranteed by a sealing design of an air valve group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of flexible electrochromic films, and in particular to a flexible electrochromic film with pneumatic deformation and starry sky electrochromic function. Background Art

[0002] In the fields of smart home, decorative lighting, and wearable devices, electrochromic films are widely used due to their adjustable light transmittance and energy-saving characteristics. Traditional electrochromic films mainly regulate the light transmittance by controlling the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules through an electric field to achieve basic brightness changes. However, such films have the following limitations: 1. Single function: Relying solely on electric field regulation, lacking dynamic optical effects (such as starry sky twinkling, colorful interference fringes), it is difficult to meet the decorative and interactive requirements.

[0003] 2. Insufficient flexibility: Most use rigid substrates (such as glass) and cannot adapt to the deformation requirements of curved surfaces (such as car sunroofs, curved walls) or wearable devices.

[0004] 3. Complex implementation of dynamic effects: If dynamic pattern changes (such as periodic twinkling) need to be achieved, it usually relies on high-energy-consuming mechanical structures or external light sources, with high energy consumption and bulky structures.

[0005] 4. Limited customization: The adjustment of patterns and colors depends on fixed designs, and it is difficult for users to flexibly customize personalized layouts such as starry sky and garden according to the scene.

[0006] In recent years, pneumatic drive technology has been introduced into the optical field due to its low power consumption and fast response characteristics. For example, the shape of the chamber is changed by inflating and deflating to generate interference fringes. However, existing pneumatic electrochromic films still have the following problems: The pneumatic structure and the electrochromic unit are not effectively integrated and cannot work together; the chamber design is simple (such as a single-layer uniform structure), making it difficult to generate complex dynamic effects (such as asynchronous local deformation); lacking the support of a flexible substrate, the deformation range is limited.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a flexible electrochromic film with pneumatic deformation and starry sky electrochromic function that combines flexibility adaptability, dynamic optical effects, and low energy consumption. Through the collaborative innovation of pneumatic deformation and electrochromic technology, the problems of single function and limited application scenarios of traditional technologies are solved. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The main technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a flexible electrochromic film with pneumatic deformation and starry sky electrochromic function to solve one or more of the above-mentioned existing technical problems.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, one technical solution adopted by the present invention is: A flexible electrochromic film with pneumatic deformation and starry sky electrochromic function, the innovation of which lies in: including Substrate and base material with a laminated arrangement; A transparent electrode (2) disposed between the substrate (1) and the base material (7) and a flexible isolation layer (3) located between the two transparent electrodes (2); At least two layers of chambers independently disposed between the substrate (1) and the base material (7), with each chamber configured with an independent gas valve group; A starry sky light-emitting layer (14) and a liquid crystal dye unit integrated between the chamber and the transparent electrode (2).

[0010] In some embodiments, the substrate and the base material are made of flexible organic transparent materials, such as TPU or PET.

[0011] In some embodiments, the transparent electrode is a PEDOT, ITO, or zinc oxide conductive layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber; the gas valve group includes a bottom inlet valve and a bottom outlet valve disposed in the first chamber, a middle inlet valve and a middle outlet valve disposed in the second chamber, and an upper inlet valve and an upper outlet valve disposed in the third chamber.

[0013] In some embodiments, the chamber is in a semi-circular, triangular, or elliptical structure, and equal-thickness or equal-inclination interference fringes are generated during inflation and deflation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the chambers are arranged in an array or crosswise, supporting asynchronous inflation and deflation operations.

[0015] In some embodiments, the starry sky light-emitting layer is a star pattern, a garden layout, or a monochromatic display area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal dye unit includes: A liquid crystal layer disposed between the starry sky light-emitting layer and the transparent electrode; A support structure disposed within the liquid crystal layer for supporting and fixing the liquid crystal; Dye molecules doped in the liquid crystal layer.

[0017] In some embodiments, the base material has a uniform thickness or a gradient structure that is thicker in the middle and thinner at the edges.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: Multifunctional integration: realizing both electro-control dimming and pneumatic optical interference simultaneously, with rich dynamic effects; Flexible deformability: The TPU / PET base material supports bending and is suitable for curved application scenarios; High energy efficiency: Low power consumption driven by gas, and fast response for electric field dimming; High customization: The star pattern, chamber arrangement, and interference mode can be customized to adapt to different decoration requirements; Reliability and durability: The multi-layer isolation structure prevents electrode short circuits, and the sealed design of the gas valve group ensures long-term stability. Description of the Drawings

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings, where: Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film of the present invention. Specific embodiments

[0020] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] As Figure 1 shown, the embodiments of the present invention include: This flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film includes the following structures: Flexible organic transparent substrate 1 and organic transparent base material 7: The two are laminated, made of TPU or PET material, with flexibility and can be bent and deformed.

[0022] The base material 7 has a uniform thickness or a gradient structure with a thick middle and thin edges to enhance optical uniformity.

[0023] Transparent electrode 2 and flexible isolation layer 3: The transparent electrode 2 is disposed between the substrate 1 and the base material 7, and is made of a PEDOT, ITO or zinc oxide conductive layer for applying an electric field.

[0024] The flexible isolation layer 3 is located between the two transparent electrodes 2 to ensure the insulation of the electrodes.

[0025] Independent chamber structure: At least two layers of independent chambers (the first chamber 4, the second chamber 5, the third chamber 6), and each chamber is configured with an independent valve group: The bottom inlet valve 9 and the bottom outlet valve 8 control the gas flow in the first chamber 4; the middle inlet valve 11 and the middle outlet valve 10 control the second chamber 5; the upper inlet valve 13 and the upper outlet valve 12 control the third chamber 6.

[0026] The shape of the chamber is semicircular, triangular or elliptical, and equal-thickness or equal-inclination interference fringes are generated during inflation and deflation.

[0027] Starry sky light-emitting layer 14 and liquid crystal dye unit: The starry sky light-emitting layer 14 is integrated between the chamber and the transparent electrode 2, and the pattern can be stars, a garden layout or a monochromatic display area.

[0028] The liquid crystal dye unit includes: a liquid crystal layer 15, located between the starry sky light-emitting layer 14 and the transparent electrode 2; a support structure 17 for supporting and fixing the liquid crystal; and dye molecules 16 doped in the liquid crystal layer 15 to achieve color regulation.

[0029] The working principle of this technical solution is as follows: Pneumatic deformation dimming: Nitrogen or dry air is filled into the chamber through an independent valve group, causing the chamber to expand and deform; when air is pumped out, the chamber contracts.

[0030] The deformation of the chamber changes the local thickness of the thin film, generating equal-thickness / equal-inclination interference fringes, forming dynamic light and dark changes and colorful effects.

[0031] The chambers can be arranged in an array or crosswise, supporting asynchronous charging and discharging of gas (such as only the second chamber 5 is inflated), to achieve local pattern changes; the crosswise arrangement means that the center connection lines of adjacent chambers are in a cross shape, such as the center connection line between the first chamber and the second chamber intersects with the center connection line between the second chamber and the third chamber.

[0032] Electro-optic dimming: When an electric field is applied to the transparent electrode 2, the dye molecules 16 in the liquid crystal layer 15 are arranged in an orderly manner, adjusting the light transmittance (such as changing from transparent to opaque).

[0033] Synergy of starry sky effect: The starry sky light-emitting layer 14 emits light in the dark state, forming a starry pattern; combined with the periodic change of the chamber interference fringes (such as controlling the charging and discharging frequency), the dynamic effect of the starry sky twinkling is simulated.

[0034] The advantages of this technical solution are as follows: Multi-functional integration: It simultaneously realizes electro-controlled dimming (liquid crystal dye) and pneumatic optical interference, with rich dynamic effects.

[0035] Flexible and deformable: The TPU / PET substrate supports bending and is suitable for curved application scenarios (such as car sunroofs, curved walls).

[0036] High efficiency and energy saving: Low power consumption for gas drive, and fast response for electro-optic dimming (millisecond level).

[0037] High customization: The starry sky pattern, chamber arrangement, and interference mode can be customized to adapt to different decoration needs.

[0038] Reliability and durability: The multi-layer isolation structure prevents electrode short circuit, and the sealing design of the valve group ensures long-term stability.

[0039] Example operation Starry sky mode: Turn off the electric field, and the starry sky light-emitting layer 14 is lit; periodically control the charging and discharging of the middle valve groups 11 and 10, the second chamber 5 deforms to generate interference fringes, simulating the twinkling of starlight.

[0040] Dimming mode: Turn on the electric field, the liquid crystal layer 15 becomes transparent, and the starry sky effect is hidden; Adjust the expansion of the first chamber 4 through the air valve to form a gradient light-shielding area.

[0041] Summary: Through the synergistic effect of pneumatic deformation and electrochromic dimming, this application solves the problem of the single function of traditional dimming films, combines dynamic optical effects with flexible adaptability, and provides an innovative solution for intelligent decoration.

[0042] The above are only the embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention accordingly. Any equivalent structure or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification of the present invention, or directly or indirectly applied in other related technical fields, shall be equally included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic thin film, characterized in that: Comprising A substrate (1) and a base material (7) arranged in a stacked manner; A transparent electrode (2) disposed between the substrate (1) and the base material (7) and a flexible isolation layer (3) located between the two transparent electrodes (2); At least two chambers independently disposed between the substrate (1) and the base material (7), with each chamber configured with an independent gas valve group; A starry sky light-emitting layer (14) and a liquid crystal dye unit integrated between the chamber and the transparent electrode (2).

2. The flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, wherein: The substrate (1) and the base material (7) are made of flexible organic transparent materials, such as TPU or PET.

3. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent electrode (2) is a PEDOT, ITO, or zinc oxide conductive layer.

4. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chamber includes a first chamber (4), a second chamber (5), and a third chamber (6); the gas valve group includes a bottom inlet valve (9) and a bottom outlet valve (8) provided in the first chamber (4), a middle inlet valve (11) and a middle outlet valve (10) provided in the second chamber (5), and an upper inlet valve (13) and an upper outlet valve (12) provided in the third chamber (6).

5. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chamber has a semi-circular, triangular, or elliptical structure, and generates equal-thickness or equal-inclination interference fringes when charging and discharging gas.

6. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chambers are arranged in an array or crosswise, supporting asynchronous charging and discharging operations.

7. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The starry sky light-emitting layer (14) is a star pattern, a garden layout, or a monochromatic display area.

8. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid crystal dye unit includes: A liquid crystal layer (15) disposed between the starry sky light-emitting layer (14) and the transparent electrode (2); A support structure (17) disposed in the liquid crystal layer (15) for supporting and fixing the liquid crystal; Dye molecules (16) doped in the liquid crystal layer (15).

9. A flexible pneumatically deformable starry sky electrochromic film according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base material (7) has a uniform thickness or a gradient structure that is thick in the middle and thin at the edges.

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