Electrochromic device and display device

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrochromic device and a display device. The electrochromic device comprises at least two electrochromic screens and a hinge piece; the hinge piece is arranged between the two adjacent electrochromic screens and connected with the two adjacent electrochromic screens, one electrochromic screen is rotationally connected with the other electrochromic screen through the hinge piece, so that the two adjacent electrochromic screens are rotationally opened and closed; the method has the advantages that the electrochromic device can be bent, the internal structure of the electrochromic screen can be protected, damage to the internal structure of the electrochromic screen is avoided, and the service life of the electrochromic device is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of electrochromic devices, and in particular to electrochromic devices and display devices. Background Technology

[0002] Electrochromism refers to the phenomenon where, under the influence of an applied electric field, a color-changing material undergoes a chemical reaction and the directional movement of electrons and ions, causing changes in molecules. This, in turn, modulates incident light, resulting in changes in transmittance, reflectance, and absorptivity, and ultimately, a stable and reversible color change. Electrochromic technology is characterized by its fast color-changing speed, low voltage, low energy consumption, and long bistable time. It can alter the color of glass, thereby controlling the transmission of heat and light, and has broad application prospects in electronic displays, smart windows, automotive anti-glare rearview mirrors, and flexible wearable devices.

[0003] Electrochromic devices can be classified into liquid, gel, and solid electrochromic devices according to their material morphology. Liquid devices are prone to electrolyte leakage when bent due to their fabrication and encapsulation processes. Solid devices are formed by depositing electrochromic layers, ion transport layers, and ion storage layers step by step into a conductive layer through processes such as magnetron sputtering or electrochemical growth. When bent, each layer is subjected to stress, making it extremely easy to break down or even fall off. Gel devices use polymer resin materials as the framework structure of the functional film, add functional materials such as color-changing molecules and conductive ions, and form a film by spin coating or blade coating. Combined with a flexible conductive layer, it is currently the most widely used flexible electrochromic device.

[0004] However, this type of electrochromic device achieves bending through its internal structure. After prolonged bending, the internal structure of the electrochromic device will be damaged. Therefore, there is a need to provide an electrochromic device that can achieve bending while protecting the internal structure and preventing material damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device to solve the technical problem in the prior art that the internal structure is easily damaged by bending over a long period of time.

[0006] This invention provides an electrochromic device, comprising:

[0007] At least two electrochromic screens must be installed.

[0008] A hinge is disposed between two adjacent electrochromic screens and is connected to the two adjacent electrochromic screens respectively. One of the electrochromic screens is rotatably connected to the other electrochromic screen through the hinge, so that the two adjacent electrochromic screens can rotate to open and close.

[0009] Optionally, the electrochromic screen includes an upper encapsulation electrode and a lower encapsulation electrode, and a plurality of small-pixel electrochromic devices are disposed between the upper encapsulation electrode and the lower encapsulation electrode. The plurality of small-pixel electrochromic devices are arranged along the plane direction of the upper encapsulation electrode, and the small-pixel electrochromic devices are electrically connected to the upper encapsulation electrode and the lower encapsulation electrode respectively.

[0010] Optionally, the small-pixel electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially.

[0011] Optionally, the small-pixel electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer, an ion storage layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially.

[0012] Optionally, the hinge element includes:

[0013] The first fixing part is connected to one of the two adjacent electrochromic screens;

[0014] The second fixing part is connected to another of the electrochromic screens;

[0015] The first bushing is disposed on the side of the first fixing part facing the second fixing part;

[0016] The second bushing is disposed on the side of the second fixing part facing the first bushing;

[0017] The first bushing and the second bushing are arranged alternately, and a hinge shaft is provided between the first bushing and the second bushing. The hinge shaft passes through the first bushing and the second bushing in sequence, so that the first fixing part and the second fixing part are rotatably engaged.

[0018] Optionally, the hinge component is fixedly connected to the electrochromic screen by UV glue or solder.

[0019] Optionally, the hinge element is made by resin 3D printing.

[0020] Optionally, the hinge component is covered with an oxygen-insulating tape layer.

[0021] Optionally, a conductive element is provided between adjacent small-pixel electrochromic devices, and the small-pixel electrochromic devices are electrically connected to the upper encapsulation electrode through the conductive element, and the small-pixel electrochromic devices are electrically connected to the lower encapsulation electrode through the conductive element.

[0022] The present invention also provides a display device including the electrochromic device described above.

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0024] The electrochromic device provided by this invention features a hinge between two adjacent electrochromic screens. This hinge allows the two electrochromic screens to fold, rotate, and open. Bending can be achieved solely through the hinge without requiring bending through the internal structure of the electrochromic screen. This allows the electrochromic device to bend while protecting the internal structure of the electrochromic screen, preventing damage and thus improving the lifespan of the electrochromic device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the electrochromic device of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of section A;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the electrochromic screen in this invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the small-pixel electrochromic device in this invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the small-pixel electrochromic device in this invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 1. Electrochromic screen; 11. Upper encapsulation electrode; 12. Lower encapsulation electrode; 13. Small pixel electrochromic device; 131. First conductive layer; 132. Electrochromic layer; 133. Ion transport layer; 134. Ion storage layer; 135. Second conductive layer; 2. Hinge component; 21. First fixing part; 22. Second fixing part; 23. First bushing; 24. Second bushing; 25. Hinge shaft; 3. Conductive component. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the description of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of the invention is in use. They are only for the convenience of description and simplification, 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 the present invention.

[0036] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used merely to distinguish elements with similar properties, not to indicate or imply relative importance or a specific order.

[0037] The terms “include,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, which includes not only the elements listed but also other elements not expressly listed.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] Reference Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an electrochromic device, including an electrochromic screen 1 and a hinge 2. At least two electrochromic screens 1 are provided, but the number of electrochromic screens 1 is not limited to two; three, four, five, etc., can be provided according to actual needs. In this embodiment, two electrochromic screens 1 are used as an example. Both electrochromic screens 1 are horizontally arranged and, when not bent, are on the same plane. Interfaces for connecting to external driving power supplies are required on both electrochromic screens 1. The hinge 2 is disposed between two adjacent electrochromic screens 1 and is connected to each of the two adjacent electrochromic screens 1. One electrochromic screen 1 is rotatably connected to the other electrochromic screen 1 through the hinge 2, allowing the adjacent electrochromic screens 1 to rotate and open / close. The number of hinge 2 is not uniquely limited and can be one, two, three, etc., depending on the actual situation. In this embodiment, two hinge 2 are provided, and the two hinge 2 are evenly arranged between two adjacent electrochromic screens 1.

[0040] By providing a hinge 2 between two adjacent electrochromic screens 1, the hinge 2 enables the two electrochromic screens 1 to bend, rotate, open, and close. Bending can be achieved solely by using the hinge 2, without needing to bend through the internal structure of the electrochromic screen 1. This allows the electrochromic device to bend while protecting the internal structure of the electrochromic screen 1, preventing damage to the internal structure and thus improving the service life of the electrochromic device.

[0041] In one specific implementation, the electrochromic screen 1 includes an upper encapsulation electrode 11 and a lower encapsulation electrode 12. Both the upper and lower encapsulation electrodes 11 and 12 are horizontally arranged and layered. A plurality of small-pixel electrochromic devices 13 are disposed between the upper and lower encapsulation electrodes 11 and 12. These small-pixel electrochromic devices 13 are arranged along the plane of the upper encapsulation electrode 11, and further uniformly arranged according to the RGB space. The illumination of the small-pixel electrochromic devices 13 is controlled by a multi-channel driving power supply or a TFT. If each small-pixel electrochromic device 13 is... The device consists of three small-pixel electrochromic devices 13 in red, yellow and blue. Each small-pixel electrochromic device 13 is 1*1cm in size, with a 2cm gap between adjacent small-pixel electrochromic devices 13. The upper encapsulation electrode 11 and the lower encapsulation electrode 12 are generally made of PET or PI. Circuits and leads are made on them using drilling and etching techniques to fit the small-pixel electrochromic devices 13. The small-pixel electrochromic devices 13 can be bonded to the upper encapsulation electrode 11 and the lower encapsulation electrode 12 with double-sided conductive tape to achieve fixation with the upper encapsulation electrode 11 and the lower encapsulation electrode 12.

[0042] A conductive element 3 is also provided between adjacent small pixel electrochromic devices 13. The small pixel electrochromic device 13 is electrically connected to the upper encapsulation electrode 11 through the conductive element 3, and the small pixel electrochromic device 13 is electrically connected to the lower encapsulation electrode 12 through the conductive element 3. Specifically, the conductive element 3 can be set as conductive foam or conductive silver paste, and the conductive element 3 is adhered to the small pixel electrochromic device 13 and makes contact with the upper encapsulation electrode 11 and the lower encapsulation electrode 12 to achieve electrical connection.

[0043] As a specific implementation method, such as Figure 4 As shown, the small-pixel electrochromic device 13 includes a first conductive layer 131, an electrochromic layer 132, and a second conductive layer 135 stacked sequentially. The first conductive layer 131, the electrochromic layer 132, and the second conductive layer 135 are all horizontally arranged. As an alternative implementation, such as... Figure 5As shown, the small-pixel electrochromic device 13 includes a first conductive layer 131, an electrochromic layer 132, an ion transport layer 133, an ion storage layer 134, and a second conductive layer 135 stacked sequentially. The first conductive layer 131, the electrochromic layer 132, the ion transport layer 133, the ion storage layer 134, and the second conductive layer 135 are horizontally arranged. In this embodiment, the structure of the small-pixel electrochromic device 13 is set as a three-layer structure or a five-layer structure, but it is not limited to a three-layer structure or a five-layer structure, and can also be set as other electrochromic device structures.

[0044] As a specific implementation method, such as Figure 1-2 As shown, the hinge component 2 includes a first fixing part 21, a second fixing part 22, a first bushing 23, and a second bushing 24. The first fixing part 21 is connected to the side wall of one of two adjacent electrochromic screens 1. The second fixing part 22 is connected to the side wall of the other electrochromic screen 1 facing the first fixing part 21. The first bushing 23 is connected to the side of the first fixing part 21 facing the second fixing part 22. The second bushing 24 is connected to the side of the second fixing part 22 facing the first bushing 23. In this embodiment, two first bushings 23 and one second bushing 24 may be provided, with a gap between the two second bushings 24. The second bushing 24 is located within the gap between the two first bushings 23, so that the first bushings 23 and the second bushings 24 are arranged alternately. A hinge shaft 25 is also provided at 4 locations. The hinge shaft 25 is arranged along the arrangement direction of the first bushing 23 and the second bushing 24. The hinge shaft 25 is horizontal and perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two electrochromic screens 1. The hinge shaft 25 passes through the first bushing 23 and the second bushing 24 in sequence, and the two ends of the hinge shaft 25 are respectively set in the two first bushings 23. The hinge shaft 25 is restricted on the first bushings 23 and the second bushing 24 and rotates on the first bushings 23 and the second bushing 24. The first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 are rotated and engaged through the hinge shaft 25, so that the electrochromic screen 1 can swing up and down in the vertical direction and bend. In other embodiments, the number of the first bushings 23 and the second bushings 24 is not limited, as long as the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 can be rotated and engaged through the hinge shaft 25.

[0045] Regarding the connection method between the hinge component 2 and the electrochromic screen 1, in this embodiment, it can be fixedly connected to the electrochromic screen 1 by UV glue or solder. Specifically, the first fixing part 21 and the second fixing part 22 are directly fixedly connected to the corresponding electrochromic screen 1 by UV glue or solder to achieve fixation. In this embodiment, the first fixing part 21 is connected to the upper encapsulation electrode 11 of the corresponding electrochromic screen 1, and the second fixing part 22 is connected to the lower encapsulation electrode 12 of the corresponding electrochromic screen 1. In other embodiments, the first fixing part 21 is connected to the lower encapsulation electrode 12 of the corresponding electrochromic screen 1, and the second fixing part 22 is connected to the lower encapsulation electrode 12 of the corresponding electrochromic screen 1.

[0046] The lightweight resin hinge component 2 can be fabricated at the millimeter level using 3D printing technology. This hinge component 2 has a simple structure and is lightweight, and can be fabricated at the millimeter level to adapt to the electrochromic screen 1 in this embodiment.

[0047] Meanwhile, the surface of hinge component 2 is covered with an oxygen-insulating tape layer. This layer protects the hinge component 2, preventing it from coming into contact with external air and corroding it, thus extending its service life.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Reference Figures 1-5 As shown, this embodiment provides a display device, including the electrochromic device in Embodiment 1. The display device has a hinge 2 between two adjacent electrochromic screens 1. The hinge 2 enables the two electrochromic screens 1 to bend, rotate, open, and close. Bending can be achieved solely by using the hinge 2, without bending through the internal structure of the electrochromic screen 1. This allows the electrochromic device to bend while protecting the internal structure of the electrochromic screen 1, avoiding damage to the internal structure of the electrochromic screen 1, thereby improving the service life of the electrochromic device.

[0050] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0051] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electrochromic device, characterized in that, include: At least two electrochromic screens must be installed. A hinge is disposed between two adjacent electrochromic screens and is connected to the two adjacent electrochromic screens respectively. One of the electrochromic screens is rotatably connected to the other electrochromic screen through the hinge, so that the two adjacent electrochromic screens can rotate to open and close.

2. The electrochromic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic screen includes an upper encapsulation electrode and a lower encapsulation electrode. A plurality of small-pixel electrochromic devices are disposed between the upper encapsulation electrode and the lower encapsulation electrode. The plurality of small-pixel electrochromic devices are arranged along the plane direction of the upper encapsulation electrode, and the small-pixel electrochromic devices are electrically connected to the upper encapsulation electrode and the lower encapsulation electrode respectively.

3. The electrochromic device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The small-pixel electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially.

4. The electrochromic device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The small-pixel electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, an ion transport layer, an ion storage layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially.

5. The electrochromic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge component includes: The first fixing part is connected to one of the two adjacent electrochromic screens; The second fixing part is connected to another of the electrochromic screens; The first bushing is disposed on the side of the first fixing part facing the second fixing part; The second bushing is disposed on the side of the second fixing part facing the first bushing; The first bushing and the second bushing are arranged alternately, and a hinge shaft is provided between the first bushing and the second bushing. The hinge shaft passes through the first bushing and the second bushing in sequence, so that the first fixing part and the second fixing part are rotatably engaged.

6. The electrochromic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge component is fixedly connected to the electrochromic screen by UV glue or solder.

7. The electrochromic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge component is made by resin 3D printing.

8. The electrochromic device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hinge component is covered with an oxygen-insulating tape layer.

9. The electrochromic device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A conductive element is provided between adjacent small-pixel electrochromic devices. The small-pixel electrochromic devices are electrically connected to the upper encapsulation electrode through the conductive element, and the small-pixel electrochromic devices are electrically connected to the lower encapsulation electrode through the conductive element.

10. A display device, characterized in that, Including the electrochromic device as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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