Planar electrooptical layer for switching the transmission

Abstract

The invention relates to a planar electrooptical layer made of a transparent material which comprises a plurality of switching cells and / or in which a plurality of switching cells are integrated and / or in which a plurality of switching cells are embedded, with each of the plurality of switching cells comprising a boundary wall that forms an enclosed chamber, the enclosed chamber comprising a filling with charged nanoparticles or a suspension comprising charged nanoparticles, the switching cells comprising a first planar electrode, which is assigned a first boundary wall portion of the boundary wall, and at least one second planar electrode, which is assigned a second boundary wall portion of the boundary wall, wherein the first planar electrode and / or the second planar electrode are not aligned parallel to the light entrance surface and / or not aligned parallel to the light exit surface.

Description

[0001] Surface electro-i Layer for switching the transmission

[0002] The invention relates to a planar electro-optical layer made of a transparent material for angle-dependent switching of the transmission, in particular for intelligent windows.

[0003] Windows whose transmission can be controlled by full-surface electro-optical or electrochromic layers are known in the state of the art. Three technologies in particular have established themselves so far:

[0004] (a) Electrochromic glass: In this technology, ions migrate from an electrolyte layer into the electrochromic layer and change the transparency and color of the glass.

[0005] (b) Controlled nanoparticles, Suspended Particle Devices (SPD): Here, nanoparticles orient themselves in a liquid between two glass panes and change the transparency of the glass.

[0006] (c) Liquid crystals, Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC): By applying an electrical voltage, the alignment of liquid crystals changes and thus the transparency of the glass.

[0007] WO 2016 / 089957 A1 discloses a laminate with electrokinetic pixels, the laminate comprising a first transparent layer coated with a first planar electrode and a second layer coated with a second electrode. The laminate further comprises a third, perforated insulating layer between the first layer and the second layer.The laminate further comprises a third electrode having a grid structure and a cell gap between the perforated layer and the second planar electrode, wherein the cell gap contains a colloidal dispersion of first particles and second particles; wherein the first particles have a first charge and a first optical property, wherein the second particles have a second charge different from the first charge and a second optical property different from the first particle, and wherein the third electrode is separate from the first and second electrodes.

[0008] According to the current state of the art, only full-surface, homogeneous electro-optical coatings on the surfaces of switchable windows are known. Angle-dependent switching of the transmission of such a coating, for example, for targeted shading of direct sunlight and preferential transmission of daylight, has not yet been documented. Glare from sunlight can only be reduced by full-surface dimming.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the invention to enable a surface-scalable, electro-optical layer for angle-dependent switching of the transmission.

[0010] The above object is achieved by a planar electro-optical layer (made of a transparent material), in particular for intelligent windows, which layer has a multiplicity of switching cells and / or into which a multiplicity of switching cells is integrated and / or into which a multiplicity of switching cells is embedded, wherein a switching cell or each of the multiplicity of switching cells comprises a boundary wall which forms a closed chamber, wherein the closed chamber comprises a filling with charged nanoparticles or a suspension comprising charged nanoparticles (or is filled with such a suspension), wherein the switching cell comprises a first planar electrode, to which a first boundary wall section of the boundary wall can be or is assigned, and at least one second planar electrode, to which a second boundary wall section of the boundary wall can be or is assigned.and wherein the planar electro-optical layer comprises a surface intended as a light entry surface during intended operation and / or a surface intended as a light exit surface during intended operation, wherein the first planar electrode and / or the second planar electrode is not aligned parallel to the light entry surface and / or not parallel to the light exit surface.

[0011] An electro-optical layer within the meaning of this disclosure may also be referred to as an electro-optical element.

[0012] A smart window within the meaning of this disclosure is a window whose transparency can be adjusted non-mechanically. A window in this sense is not limited to a separation between inside and outside. Transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean, in particular, permeable to light with a wavelength in the visible range. Wavelengths in the visible range are the wavelengths that most people can perceive with the naked eye. Transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean, in particular, permeable to light with a wavelength in the infrared range. Transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean, in particular, permeable to light with a wavelength in the ultraviolet range.

[0013] Non-transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean, in particular, opaque to light in the visible range. Non-transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean, in particular, opaque to light with a wavelength in the infrared range. Non-transparent within the meaning of this disclosure can mean, in particular, opaque to light with a wavelength in the ultraviolet range.

[0014] "Non-transparent" within the meaning of this disclosure may, in particular, mean significantly less transparency than "transparent." "Non-transparent" within the meaning of this disclosure may, in particular, mean no more than 10% of the transparency of "transparent."

[0015] A planar electro-optical layer within the meaning of this disclosure may, in particular, be or comprise a plate, a curved plate, or a film. A planar electro-optical layer within the meaning of this disclosure is to be considered planar, for example, if its length and / or width is not less than fifty times, in particular one hundred times, the square root of its thickness. Planar or planar electro-optical layer within the meaning of this disclosure may, in particular, mean that an electro-optical layer configured as a plate or as a film has a thickness of more than 0.5 m 2 , especially more than 0.75 m 2 , especially more than 1 m 2 It may be provided that a corresponding plate or film is less than 20 m 2 includes.

[0016] For the purposes of this disclosure, an electrode is to be regarded as flat, for example, if its length and / or width is not less than fifty times, in particular one hundred times, the square root of its thickness.

[0017] An electrode within the meaning of this disclosure may be a planar electrode.

[0018] A chamber within the meaning of this disclosure is, in particular, a liquid chamber. A suspension comprising nanoparticles within the meaning of this disclosure is, in particular, transparent and clearly translucent, with the scattering behavior of the nanoparticles decreasing with the sixth power of the average diameter of the nanoparticles according to the Rayleigh formula.

[0019] The switching cells are designed, or the suspension is designed, such that when a voltage is applied across the electrodes (switching within the meaning of this disclosure), the (charged) nanoparticles move toward the electrode with the opposite potential due to the thus generated electric field (according to the principle of electrophoresis). For example, if the nanoparticles are negatively charged, they move toward the positively charged electrode.

[0020] When the nanoparticles move toward the electrode with opposite potential, they agglomerate at the boundary wall section corresponding to the electrode, forming a (thin) agglomeration layer. Due to the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, the scattering, transparency, absorption, and reflection behavior of the formed layer changes.

[0021] An electrode within the meaning of this disclosure may comprise an (associated) boundary wall section and / or be integrated into an (associated) boundary wall section. It may also be provided that an electrode within the meaning of this disclosure forms an (associated) boundary wall section. A boundary wall section associated with an electrode may be understood within the meaning of this disclosure as a boundary wall section on which the agglomeration layer forms.

[0022] As nanoparticles for the switching cells, for example, inorganic particles such as titanium oxide, silicon dioxide, silver halides, barium titanate, metals or metal oxides, or semiconductors or quantum dots or organic nanoparticles such as polystyrene or PMMA can be used.

[0023] For the suspension, aqueous solutions, oils, organic solvents, or liquid mixtures can be used, for example, (which ensure a stable dispersion and) in which the nanoparticles do not sediment or agglomerate (unintentionally or unswitched). They should not permanently attack the surrounding material and should have a low viscosity. In a further embodiment, the switching cell comprises at least a third flat electrode, to which a third boundary wall section of the boundary wall is assigned.

[0024] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the switching cell comprises at least one fourth planar electrode, to which a fourth boundary wall section of the boundary wall is assigned.

[0025] In a further embodiment, a first electrode is arranged at an angle relative to a second electrode. For the purposes of this disclosure, "angled" means that the first electrode and the second electrode are not arranged approximately parallel to one another.

[0026] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the nanoparticles have a maximum diameter and / or an average diameter of not more than 200 nm, in particular not more than 100 nm, in particular not more than 50 nm.

[0027] In one embodiment, the nanoparticles have a maximum diameter and / or an average diameter of not less than 10 nm.

[0028] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the switching cells extend at least in one dimension by no more than 1 mm, in particular by no more than 250 pm, in particular by no more than 100 pm.

[0029] However, it is specifically intended that the dimension shall extend by no less than 10pm.

[0030] In a further embodiment, it is provided that the suspension has a refractive index which deviates from a refractive index of the transparent material by no more than 0.1, in particular by no more than 0.05, in particular by no more than 0.02.

[0031] Smart panes can be implemented, for example, using an electro-optical device with an aforementioned planar electro-optical layer, wherein the electro-optical device comprises a controller for (implementing at least one switching state, at least two switching states, at least three switching states, at least four switching states, or more switching states by) generating a DC voltage across at least two electrodes of the planar electro-optical layer. According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that at least one switching state (of the switching cell) leads to a direction-dependent reduction in transmission.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that at least two agglomeration layer formations can be formed, wherein it is provided in particular that in one formation an agglomeration layer can be formed perpendicular to the light entry surface and in a second formation an agglomeration layer can be formed parallel to the light entry surface.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that at least three agglomeration layer formations can be formed, wherein it is provided in particular that in one formation an agglomeration layer can be formed perpendicular to the light entry surface, in a second formation an agglomeration layer can be formed parallel to the light entry surface and in a third formation an agglomeration layer can be formed inclined to the light entry surface.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that one or more agglomeration layers have a three-dimensional free form, for example a curvature.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the planar electro-optical layer can comprise at least a first cell array or cell layer and a second cell array or cell layer, wherein a first cell layer or a first cell array essentially controls the level or proportion of the transmission, and a second cell layer or a second cell array essentially controls the directionality of the transmission. The cell arrays or cell layers are aligned approximately parallel to one another.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the planar electro-optical layer is constructed on a plastic film or plastic plate or on a glass pane.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the transmission properties can be switched over the entire surface of the planar electro-optical layer, in individual segments, i.e., in a plurality of switching cells, or in individual switching cells, i.e., pixels. According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that individual switching cells or groups of switching cells, i.e., a plurality of switching cells, can be switched with a time delay, so that optically dynamic effects, changing images, image sequences, and videos can be implemented on the large-area electro-optical layers or elements.

[0038] In particular, it is provided that individual switching cells or pixels, a plurality of switching cells or switching cell groups, and / or the plurality of switching cells or the entire planar electro-optical layer are controlled in such a way that the control is carried out by means of a controller depending on data or other information. This data or other information can be based on light, temperature, people, location, direction, weather data, and / or artificial intelligence. For this purpose, the electro-optical layer and / or the controller provided for the electro-optical layer can be connected in a suitable manner to additional sensors and / or sensor signals and / or data lines.

[0039] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that electro-optical layers or elements on window and glass surfaces in buildings or means of transport are used to control the light transmission / transparency of sunlight and daylight.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the planar electro-optical layer is used on glass surfaces in interior spaces to control viewing angles and privacy.

[0041] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the planar electro-optical layer is used for displays for switchably restricting the viewing angle of the displayed information.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, it can be provided that the planar electro-optical layer is used in luminaires and light sources for electrically switching the light distribution curve.

[0043] According to a method for producing an aforementioned electro-optical layer, it can be provided that the chambers of the switching cells are produced by microstructuring in a roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet process. According to a method for producing an aforementioned electro-optical layer, it can be provided that vacuum coatings are produced in a roll-to-roll process or in an inline process.

[0044] According to a method for producing an aforementioned electro-optical layer, it can be provided that lateral electrode layers of the switching cells are produced by oblique coating.

[0045] According to a method for producing an aforementioned electro-optical layer, it can be provided that microstructures are bonded onto a flat carrier structure.

[0046] According to a method for producing an aforementioned electro-optical layer, it can be provided that microstructures are interlocked and connected to one another.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, a control and data monitoring system can be provided which can monitor and control both the height and the direction-dependent transmission by means of the aforementioned control.

[0048] According to a further embodiment, a system for control and data monitoring can be provided such that individual segments of the optical element are or can be switched sequentially by means of the aforementioned control, so that the impression of moving blinds is created.

[0049] According to a further embodiment, a system for control and data monitoring can be provided which, by means of the aforementioned control, uses measurement data from light sensors in the indoor and / or outdoor area, and / or temperature sensors in the indoor and / or outdoor area, and / or the presence of people in the room, and / or data on location, direction and / or weather data.

[0050] In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the control is operated wirelessly, for example by means of a smartphone.

[0051] It may be provided that the disclosed teaching can be combined with parts of the disclosure of WO 2016 / 089957 A1. For example, it may be provided that the suspension contains nanoparticles of the first type and nanoparticles of the second type, wherein the nanoparticles of the first type have a first charge and a first optical property, and wherein the nanoparticles of the second type have a second charge that differs from the first charge and a second optical property that differs from the first optical property.

[0052] Further advantages and details are revealed in the following description of exemplary embodiments. These show:

[0053] Fig. 1 an embodiment of an intelligent window system,

[0054] Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram to explain the transparency,

[0055] Fig. 2B is a schematic diagram to explain the transparency depending on the angle of incidence,

[0056] Fig. 3A shows an embodiment of a switch cell,

[0057] Fig. 3B the switching cell according to Fig. 3A in a switched state,

[0058] Fig. 4A shows an embodiment of an electro-optical layer,

[0059] Fig. 4B shows another embodiment of an electro-optical layer,

[0060] Fig. 4C shows another embodiment of an electro-optical layer,

[0061] Fig. 5A an embodiment of a switch cell,

[0062] Fig. 5B the switching cell according to Fig. 5A in a switched state,

[0063] Fig. 5C the switching cell according to Fig. 5A in a further switched state,

[0064] Fig. 5D the switching cell according to Fig. 5A in a further switched state,

[0065] Fig. 5E the switching cell according to Fig. 5A in a further switched state,

[0066] Fig. 6A an embodiment of a switch cell,

[0067] Fig. 6B the switching cell according to Fig. 6A in a switched state,

[0068] Fig. 6C the switching cell according to Fig. 6A in a further switched state,

[0069] Fig. 6D the switching cell according to Fig. 6A in a further switched state,

[0070] Fig. 6E the switching cell according to Fig. 6A in a further switched state,

[0071] Fig. 7A shows an embodiment of an electro-optical layer with switching cells, Fig. 7B shows the electro-optical layer according to Fig. 7A with switching cells in a switched state,

[0072] Fig. 7C the electro-optical layer according to Fig. 7A with switching cells in a further switched state,

[0073] Fig. 8A shows an embodiment of an electro-optical layer with switching cells, Fig. 8B shows the electro-optical layer according to Fig. 8A with switching cells in a switched state,

[0074] Fig. 8C the electro-optical layer according to Fig. 8A with switching cells in a further switched state,

[0075] Fig. 8D the electro-optical layer according to Fig. 8A with switching cells in a further switched state,

[0076] Fig. 9A shows an embodiment of a pixel-like design of switching cells,

[0077] Fig. 9B an embodiment for horizontally arranged long sound cells,

[0078] Fig. 9C an embodiment for vertically arranged long switching cells,

[0079] Fig. 10A exemplary applications as smart glass, for example for windows and glass surfaces, and

[0080] Fig. 10B further exemplary applications as smart glass with dynamic switching effects, for example for windows and glass surfaces.

[0081] Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a ship with an electro-optical device (10) comprising at least one planar electro-optical layer,

[0082] Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of a rail vehicle with an electro-optical device (10) comprising at least one planar electro-optical layer,

[0083] Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of an automobile with an electro-optical device (10) which comprises at least one planar electro-optical layer.

[0084] Fig. 1 shows an intelligent window system as an exemplary embodiment of an electro-optical device (10) according to the claims. The intelligent window system comprises one or more electro-optical layers 111, 112, 113, 114 (made of a transparent material), which are arranged, for example, on glass panes or plastic panes or themselves comprise corresponding carrier elements. A planar electro-optical layer 111, 112, 113, 114 (made of a transparent material) comprises a plurality of switching cells, wherein the plurality of switching cells can be integrated or embedded in transparent material. The intelligent window system comprises an adapter module ADAP for adjusting voltages across electrodes of the switching cells in response to desired transparency patterns, which are transmitted from a controller CTRL to the adaptation module ADAP. It can also be provided that the adaptation module ADAP is integrated into the controller CTRL.A suitable CTRL controller, for example, has an MMI control unit and / or corresponding INT, RMT, or BT interfaces that enable remote control of the CTRL controller. INT denotes an internet interface, such as WLAN or LAN, BT denotes a Bluetooth interface, and RMT denotes another wireless communication interface. Using the CTRL controller and / or the ADAP adaptation module, amplitude and / or angle switching of the switching cells of one or more of the planar electro-optical layers can be achieved.

[0085] To explain the transparency T of the electro-optical layers 111, 112, 113, 114, Fig. 2A shows the ratio of the luminous flux Io entering the electro-optical layer 121 to the luminous flux I exiting the electro-optical layer 121 or the luminous flux I exiting the electro-optical layer 121 as the product of the luminous flux Io entering the electro-optical layer 121 and the transparency T. The transparency T can - as Fig. 2B shows using the example of the electro-optical layer 122 - be dependent on the angle of incidence θ of the luminous flux Io entering the electro-optical layer 122.

[0086] Fig. 3A shows the basic structure of a switching cell 231, wherein the switching cell 231 comprises a boundary wall 35 forming a closed chamber 34, wherein the closed chamber 34 comprises a filling 31 with a suspension comprising electrically charged nanoparticles. The switching cell 231 comprises at least two electrodes 30 and 33. The switching cell 231 or the suspension is designed such that, when a voltage is applied across the electrodes 30 and 33, the charged nanoparticles move to the electrode 30 with opposite potential due to the electric field thus generated (according to the principle of electrophoresis). When the nanoparticles move to the electrode 30 with opposite potential, the nanoparticles agglomerate at the boundary wall section of the boundary wall 35 corresponding to the electrode, forming a (thin) agglomeration layer 32.Due to the agglomeration of the nanoparticles, the scattering, transparency, absorption and reflection behavior of the formed layer changes.

[0087] For applying a voltage across the electrodes 30, 33, supply lines 36 are provided, which are connected to a voltage source in a manner not shown in detail. At (0), no voltage is applied to the respective electrode; at (+) and (-), a correspondingly polarized voltage is applied across the electrodes 30, 33. Fig. 3A shows the switching cell 231 without a voltage applied across the electrodes 30, 33. Fig. 3B shows the switching cell 231 with a voltage applied across the electrodes 30, 33, so that an agglomeration layer 32 forms in the closed chamber.

[0088] Fig. 4A shows one embodiment of an electro-optical layer 141, Fig. 4B shows another embodiment of an electro-optical layer 142, and Fig. 4C shows another embodiment of an electro-optical layer 143. The same reference numerals in Figs. 4A, 4B, and 4C denote the same, identical, or similar elements or objects. The chambers of the switching cells 241, 242, 243, filled with suspension 42 comprising nanoparticles, can be constructed in different arrangements on a carrier material 40, e.g., parallel to the surface of the carrier material 40 and, in particular, also in an inclined or perpendicular arrangement to the surface of the carrier material 40. The surface of the carrier material 40 is an embodiment of a light entry surface and / or a light exit surface within the meaning of the claims. In Fig.4B and 4C show examples of possible arrangements of the switching cells on a carrier material 40 and the corresponding layer structure. Fig. 4A shows switching cells 241 parallel to the surface, with the layer sequence: carrier material 40, transparent, conductive layer 41 on the back, suspension 42, spacer 43, agglomeration layer 44, transparent, conductive layer 45 on the front, cover material 46. The cover material 46 is an exemplary embodiment for a light entry surface and / or for one light exit surface within the meaning of the claims. In Fig. 4A, a voltage is applied across the conductive layers 41, 45, so that the nanoparticles in the suspension form an agglomeration layer 44. In Figs. 4B and 4C, the switching cells 242, 243 are arranged perpendicular or inclined to the carrier material 40.In this embodiment, the switching cells are realized, for example, by connecting two microstructured layers (microstructures) on the cover material 46, 47 and on the carrier material 40, 50 in such a way that they interlock and create a connection. The microstructured layers (microstructures) can be designed such that the interlocking creates vertical or inclined chambers for the suspension. The electro-optical elements shown in Figs. 4A to 4C can each represent two switching states:

[0089] — Fig. 4A: full transparency and darkening,

[0090] — Fig. 4B: full transparency and symmetric angle-restricted transparency,

[0091] — Fig. 4C: full transparency and asymmetric angle-restricted transparency.

[0092] In these embodiments, a combination of amplitude and angle switching of transparency can only be achieved by combining two or more electro-optical layers. The carrier material can be made of glass or plastic (as a film or plate), for example. The transparent electrode layers or electrodes are made of indium tin oxide (ITO) or aluminum-doped zinc oxide ZnO:Al, for example.

[0093] Fig. 5A shows an embodiment of a switch cell 251 with four flat electrodes in the unswitched state, and Fig. 5B shows the switch cell 251 according to Fig. 5A in a switched state. Fig. 5C, Fig. 5D and Fig. 5E show the switch cell 251 according to Fig. 5A in further switched states. In the switch cell 251, electrode layers or electrodes 51, 52, 53, 54 are integrated into the side walls of the switch cell 251. Figs. 5B to 5E show some examples of possible circuits for this embodiment. Due to the number of electrodes, there are further possible circuits, not all of which are listed individually here. Fig. 5A shows the switch cell 251 in the voltage-free state, wherein reference numeral 55 designates a chamber filled with a suspension comprising nanoparticles. Fig. 5B shows the formation of an agglomeration layer 56 in the region of the (upper, horizontal positive pole) electrode 51, Fig.Fig. 5C shows the formation of an agglomeration layer 57 in the region of the (left, vertical positive pole) electrode 52, Fig. 5D shows the formation of an agglomeration layer 56 in the region of the (upper, horizontal positive pole) electrode, whereby in this case the electric field lines run to the two lateral, vertical negative pole electrodes. Fig. 5E shows the formation of an agglomeration layer 58 and an agglomeration layer 59 in the region of the two (positive pole) electrodes 51 and 53 above and below.

[0094] Fig. 6A shows an embodiment of a switch cell 261, and Fig. 6B shows the switch cell 261 according to Fig. 6A in a switched state. Fig. 6C, Fig. 6D and Fig. 6E show the switch cell 261 according to Fig. 6A in further switched states. In the switch cell 261, electrode layers or electrodes 61, 62, 63, 64 are integrated into the side walls of the switch cell 261. Figs. 6B to 6E show some examples of circuit possibilities for this embodiment. Due to the number of electrodes, there are further circuit possibilities, not all of which are listed individually here. Fig. 6A shows the switch cell 261 in the voltage-free state, wherein reference numeral 65 designates a chamber filled with a suspension. Fig. 6B shows the formation of an agglomeration layer 66 on the upper, inclined side, Fig. 6C the formation of an agglomeration layer 67 on the lower side, Fig. 6D the formation of an agglomeration layer 68 on the right and Fig.6E the formation of an agglomeration layer 69 on the left side.

[0095] Fig. 7A shows an embodiment of an electro-optical layer 171 with switching cells 271. Fig. 7B shows the electro-optical layer 171 according to Fig. 7A with switching cells 272 in a switched state. Fig. 7C shows the electro-optical layer 171 according to Fig. 7A with switching cells 271 in a further switched state. The cuboid-shaped switching cells 271 can be manufactured in different ways. Fig. 7A shows an example of a layer structure. The layer structure of the electro-optical layer 171 is composed of cover layer 70, transparent conductive layer 71, insulating microstructure layer 72, lateral conductive layer 73, suspension-filled chamber 74, insulating layer 75, transparent conductive layer 76, and carrier material 77. In this process, a microstructure layer is bonded to the insulating layer 75 of the carrier material 77 (see bonding material 78).The agglomeration layer forming in the switched switching cell 271 is designated by reference numeral 79 in Figs. 7B and 7C. In this embodiment, three switching states are possible with the electro-optical element without having to combine two or more electro-optical elements.

[0096] — Full transparency (tension-free see Fig.7A)

[0097] — Darkening (see Fig. 7B: agglomeration layers 79 parallel to the carrier material 77)

[0098] — Symmetrical angle restriction / shading (see Fig. 7C: agglomeration layers 79 perpendicular to the carrier material 77)

[0099] Fig. 8A shows another embodiment of an electro-optical layer 181 with switching cells 281 in a voltage-free state. Fig. 8B shows the electro-optical layer 181 according to Fig. 8A with switching cells 281 in a switched state. Fig. 8C shows the electro-optical layer 181 according to Fig. 8A with switching cells 281 in a further switched state. Fig. 8D shows the electro-optical layer 181 according to Fig. 8A with switching cells in a further switched state. The switching cells with an obliquely arranged side allow four switching states:

[0100] — Full transparency (stress-free see Fig. 8A)

[0101] — Darkening (see Fig. 8B: agglomeration layers 90 parallel to the carrier material 88)

[0102] — Symmetrical angle restriction / shading (see Fig. 8C: agglomeration layers 90 perpendicular to the carrier material 88)

[0103] — Asymmetric angle restriction / shading (see Fig. 8D)

[0104] The exemplary layer structure shown in Fig. 8A provides a cover layer 80, a transparent conductive layer 81, an insulating microstructure layer 82, suspension-filled chambers 83, lateral electrode layers 84, 85, an insulating layer 86, a further transparent conductive layer 87, and the carrier material 88. In this process, the microstructure layer is bonded to the insulating layer 86 of the carrier material 88 (see bonding material 89). The switching cells can be arranged next to one another on the carrier material in various ways. In Figs. 9A, 9B, and 9C, arrangements of the cells can be seen in cross-section parallel to the surface of the electro-optical layer. Fig. 9A shows, for example, a pixel arrangement. Another example is long switching cells that are arranged parallel to one another on the carrier material, as shown in Figs. 9B (horizontal) and 9C (vertical).The six-sided switch cells can be equipped with 2 to 6 electrode layers depending on the application.

[0105] The electrical wiring of the switching cells in an electro-optical layer can be done in different ways:

[0106] — Full-surface wiring: The entire active area of ​​the electro-optical element is switched simultaneously.

[0107] — Wiring of cell groups: Segments or partial areas of the electro-optical element can be switched independently of each other.

[0108] — Wiring of individual cells or pixels: Pixels of the electro-optical element can be switched independently of each other.

[0109] In an application as smart glass for intelligent windows and glass surfaces, many design options arise for dividing the surface into segments. For example, an electro-optical layer can be divided into horizontal stripes, similar to the slats of blinds. Vertical or diagonal stripes, and many other geometries are possible. The intelligent window can be set to opaque in certain areas, similar to pleated blinds (see Fig. 10A). A wide variety of graphics, such as logos, can be configured on a pixel-by-pixel basis (Fig. 10A). By staggering the switching of individual cells or groups of cells, visually appealing dynamic effects can be achieved, simulating, for example, the raising or lowering of blinds (see Fig. 10B). Here, too, countless design possibilities for dynamic effects open up.Switching individual switching cells also allows image reproductions and videos on the large-area electro-optical elements. Fig. 11 shows an embodiment of a ship 92 with an electro-optical device 10 comprising at least one planar electro-optical layer. Fig. 12 shows an embodiment of a rail vehicle 94 with an electro-optical device 10 comprising at least one planar electro-optical layer. Fig. 13 shows an embodiment of an automobile 96 with an electro-optical device comprising at least one planar electro-optical layer.

[0110] List of reference symbols

[0111] 10 electro-optical device

[0112] 30 electrodes

[0113] 31 Filling

[0114] 32 agglomeration layer

[0115] 33 Electrode

[0116] 34 closed chamber

[0117] 35 boundary wall

[0118] 36 Supply line

[0119] 40 Carrier material transparent, conductive layer on the back / electrode

[0120] 42 Suspension

[0121] 43 spacers

[0122] 44 Agglomeration layer

[0123] 45 transparent, conductive layer on the front / electrode

[0124] 46 Cover material

[0125] 51 , 52, 53, 54, 61 , 62,

[0126] 63, 64 Electrode layers or electrodes

[0127] 55, 65 chamber filled with suspension

[0128] 56, 57, 58, 59 agglomeration layer

[0129] 70 top layer

[0130] 71 transparent conductive layer / electrode

[0131] 72 insulating microstructure layer 73 lateral conductive layer / electrode

[0132] 74 chamber filled with suspension

[0133] 75 insulating layer

[0134] 76 second transparent conductive layer

[0135] 77 Carrier material

[0136] 78 Bonding material

[0137] 79 Agglomeration layer

[0138] 80 top layer

[0139] 81 transparent conductive layer / electrode

[0140] 82 insulating microstructure layer

[0141] 83 chamber filled with suspension

[0142] 84, 85 lateral electrode layer / electrode

[0143] 86 Insulating layer

[0144] 87 (further) transparent conductive layer / electrode

[0145] 88 carrier material

[0146] 89 Bonding material

[0147] 90 agglomeration layer

[0148] 92 Ship

[0149] 94 rail vehicles

[0150] 96 Automobil

[0151] 111 , 112, 113, 114,

[0152] 121 ,122, 141 , 142,

[0153] 143, 171 , 182 electro-optical layer

[0154] 231 , 251 , 261 , 271 ,

[0155] 281 Switch cell ADAP adapter module

[0156] BT Bluetooth interface

[0157] CTRL control

[0158] I outgoing luminous flux Io incoming luminous flux

[0159] INT Interface to the Internet, such as WLAN or

[0160] LAN

[0161] MMI control device

[0162] RMT additional wireless communication interface T Transparency

[0163] 0 entry angle

Claims

Patent claims 1. A planar electro-optical layer made of a transparent material, which has a plurality of switching cells and / or into which a plurality of switching cells are integrated and / or into which a plurality of switching cells are embedded, wherein each of the plurality of switching cells comprises a boundary wall forming a closed chamber, wherein the closed chamber comprises a filling with charged nanoparticles or a suspension comprising charged nanoparticles, wherein each of the switching cells comprises a first planar electrode, to which a first boundary wall section of the boundary wall is assigned, and at least one second planar electrode, to which a second boundary wall section of the boundary wall is assigned, and wherein the planar electro-optical layer comprises a surface intended as a light entry surface during normal operation and / or a surface intended as a light exit surface during normal operation,wherein the first planar electrode and / or the second planar electrode is not aligned parallel to the light entry surface and / or not parallel to the light exit surface., 2. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching cells comprise at least one third flat electrode, to which a third boundary wall section of the boundary wall is assigned.

3. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the switching cells comprise at least a fourth flat electrode, to which a fourth boundary wall section of the boundary wall is assigned.

4. Planar electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first electrode is arranged inclined relative to a second electrode.

5. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nanoparticles have a maximum diameter and / or an average diameter of not more than 200 nm, in particular not more than 100 nm, in particular not more than 50 nm.

6. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switching cells extend at least in one dimension by not more than 1 mm, in particular by not more than 250 pm, in particular by not more than 100 pm.

7. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the suspension has a refractive index which deviates from a refractive index of the transparent material by not more than 0.1, in particular by not more than 0.05, in particular by not more than 0.

02.

8. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by applying an electrical voltage, the charged nanoparticles can migrate to an electrode and agglomerate and can lead to a change in the scattering, transmission, reflection and absorption behavior of the layer.

9. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the flat electrodes are not arranged parallel to the light entry surface and / or light exit surface.

10. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electro-optical layer is designed such that the transmission is blocked above a critical angle.

11. Planar electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electro-optical layer has a first cell array and a second cell array, wherein the first cell array is arranged approximately parallel to the second cell array, wherein the first cell array has electrodes parallel to the light entry and / or light exit surface and the second cell array has electrodes perpendicular or inclined to the light entry and / or light exit surface.

12. Flat electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electro-optical layer is constructed on a plastic film, plastic plate or glass pane.

13. Electro-optical device (10) with a planar electro-optical layer (181) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electro-optical device comprises a controller for generating a DC voltage across at least two electrodes.

14. A method for operating a planar electro-optical layer (181) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in the electro- optical layer individual cells, a plurality of cells and / or the plurality of cells can be switched.

15. Method, in particular according to claim 14, for operating a planar electro-optical layer (181) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that in the planar electro-optical layer a first and a second switching cell and / or a first plurality of switching cells and a second plurality of switching cells are switched with a time offset.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15 for operating a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which a first switching cell and a second switching cell, a first plurality of switching cells and a second plurality of switching cells and / or the plurality of switching cells are controlled.

17. Method according to claim 14, 15 or 16 for operating a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which a first switching cell and a second switching cell, a first plurality of switching cells and a second plurality of switching cells and / or the plurality of switching cells are controlled in such a way that time-shifted, dynamic effects are generated.

18. Method according to claim 14, 15, 16 or 17 for operating a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12, in which a first switching cell and a second switching cell, a first plurality of switching cells and a second plurality of switching cells and / or the plurality of switching cells are controlled, wherein data, in particular from light and / or temperature sensors, persons, location, direction, weather data and / or artificial intelligence, are taken into account for the control.

19. Use of a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 on a window.

20. Use of a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 for a glass surface in an interior space. 21 . Use of a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 on a display.

22. Use of a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 on a luminaire.

23. A method for producing a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 by means of microstructuring by roll-to-roll or roll-to-plate processes.

24. A method according to claim 19 for producing a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 by coating by a roll-to-roll process or an inline process.

25. A method according to claim 19 or 20 for producing a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 by oblique coating.

26. A method according to claim 19, 20 or 21 for producing a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 by bonding microstructures onto a flat carrier structure.

27. Method according to claim 19, 20, 21 or 22 for producing a planar electro-optical layer according to one of claims 1 to 12 by interlocking microstructures.

28. A ship (92) having an electro-optical device according to claim 13.

29. A rail vehicle (94) having an electro-optical device according to claim 13.

30. An automobile (96) having an electro-optical device according to claim 13.

Images