WO2021215123A1

WO2021215123A1 - Dimming element

Info

Publication number: WO2021215123A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/008305
Authority: WO
Inventors: 小川　正太郎; 小杉　直貴
Original assignee: パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社
Priority date: 2020-04-24
Filing date: 2021-03-03
Publication date: 2021-10-28

Abstract

A dimming element comprises: a first electrode having translucency; a second electrode arranged to face the first electrode and parallel thereto; an electrolytic solution arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode and including a metal; and a power supply that switches between a metal precipitation state and a metal non-precipitation state on the first electrode depending on whether a voltage is applied to the electrolytic solution, wherein the first electrode has a surface roughness of 0.1-4.0 µm on at least a region where the metal is precipitated, and the power supply switches to the precipitation state to display the region in white when the display device is not in use, and switches to the non-precipitation state to display the region as transparent when the display device is in use.

Description

Dimming element

This disclosure relates to a dimming element.

In Patent Document 1, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film is disposed on the display surface of the display means, and polarized light that transmits one polarized light between the display surface of the display means and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film and reflects another polarized light. A display device on which a film is arranged is disclosed. In Patent Document 1, the reflected light reflected by the polarizing film can be scattered by the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film to make the white turbid state of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film whiter.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-158955

The present disclosure is devised in view of the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and provides a dimming element capable of improving convenience by switching between a transparent display when the on-board device is used and a white display when the on-board device is not in use. With the goal.

The present disclosure is a dimming element mounted on a display device, the first electrode having translucency, the second electrode arranged in parallel facing the first electrode, and the first electrode. A power source that switches between a metal-containing electrolytic solution arranged between the second electrode and a metal-precipitated state and a non-precipitated state on the first electrode depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the electrolytic solution. The first electrode has a surface roughness of at least a region where the metal is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm, and the power supply is in the precipitated state when the display device is not in use. Provided is a dimming element that displays a region in white and makes the region transparently displayed in the non-precipitated state when the display device is used.

Further, the present disclosure discloses a dimming element mounted on a display device, the first electrode having translucency, the second electrode arranged in parallel facing the first electrode, and the first electrode. An electrolytic solution containing a metal, which is arranged between the electrode and the second electrode, is provided, and the first electrode has a surface roughness of at least a region where the metal is deposited at 0.1 to 4.0 μm. Provide a dimming element.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve convenience by switching between a transparent display when the on-board device is used and a white display when the on-board device is not in use.

The figure explaining the structural example of the EC element which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure explaining the structural example of the dimming apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the cross-sectional line of an EC element The figure explaining the structural example of the EC element which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure explaining the structural example of the EC element in the BB cross section. The figure explaining the manufacturing procedure example of the 1st substrate and the 1st electrode group which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure explaining the manufacturing procedure example of the 1st substrate and 1st electrode group which concerns on modification 1 of Embodiment 1. The figure explaining the manufacturing procedure example of the 1st substrate and the 1st electrode group which concerns on the modification 2 of Embodiment 1.

(Background to the contents of the first embodiment)
In recent years, there has been a demand for displaying white on an unused (that is, non-displaying) display device and enhancing harmony with a wall, door, interior, or the like in which the display device is installed, for example. However, the display device using the polymer dispersed liquid crystal film (PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) used in Patent Document 1 displays a cloudy color (opaque white) when not in use, so that the wall in the space, There was a problem that it lacked harmony with the door or interior. Further, in recent years, the size of the television receiver has been increasing, but the display portion of the television receiver when not in use is black, so that the space may be felt to be small. For this reason, the conventional display device does not take into consideration the proper use of the display depending on whether it is used or not, which may result in lack of convenience.

Therefore, in each of the following embodiments, an example of a dimming element (that is, an EC element) that can switch between a transparent display when the on-board device is used and a higher-quality white display when not in use to further improve convenience will be described. do.

Hereinafter, each embodiment in which the configuration and operation of the dimming element according to the present disclosure are specifically disclosed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters and duplicate explanations for substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy of the following description and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
The structure of the EC (electrochromic) element 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment. The arrow K shown in FIG. 1 indicates the direction of the line of sight of the user (for example, the user of the EC element). Further, the metal OB1 shown in FIG. 1 is in a precipitated state, and a metal thin film is formed on the surface of the first electrode group 110.

The EC element 100 according to the first embodiment is mounted on a video display surface of a display device (hereinafter, referred to as "mounted device") such as a television receiver or a display device. The EC element 100 is in a transparent state (that is, transparent display) when the mounted device is used (viewing), and is switched to a precipitation state (white display) when the mounted device is not used (not viewed).

As shown in FIG. 1, the EC element 100 includes a first electrode group 110, a first substrate 111, a first electrode connection portion 112, a second electrode group 210, a second substrate 211, and a second electrode connection. The unit 212, the electrolytic solution EL1, the spacer 300, and the EC element drive circuit 500 are included.

The first electrode group 110 is a conductive film having translucency, and is, for example, a transparent electrode such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The first electrode group 110 is not limited to ITO, and may be a transparent electrode (conductive film) made of, for example, zinc oxide or tin oxide. The first electrode group 110 is formed so that the contact surface with the first substrate 111 and the surface with which the metal OB1 is deposited in contact with the electrolytic solution EL1 have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. NS.

The first substrate 111 is formed by using an insulating material such as glass or resin. The first substrate 111 is, for example, a rectangular plate having translucency, and is provided on the first electrode group 110 so as to face the second substrate 211. The first substrate 111 is formed with a surface in contact with the first electrode group 110 having a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

The first electrode connection portion 112 connects between the first electrode group 110 and the EC element drive circuit 500. The first electrode connecting portion 112 does not come into contact with the electrolytic solution EL1 and is connected to an exposed portion between the spacer 300 and each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N (see FIG. 2). NS.

The second electrode group 210 is a conductive film having translucency, and is, for example, a transparent electrode such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide). The second electrode group 210 is not limited to ITO, and may be a transparent conductive film made of, for example, zinc oxide or tin oxide.

The second substrate 211 is formed by using an insulating material such as glass or resin. The second substrate 211 is, for example, a rectangular plate having translucency, and is provided on the second electrode group 210 so as to face the first substrate 111.

The second electrode connection portion 212 connects between the second electrode group 210 and the EC element drive circuit 500. The second electrode connecting portion 212 is connected to each of the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N that are not in contact with the electrolytic solution EL1 and are exposed to the outside between the spacer 300 (see FIG. 2). It is connected to the exposed part between.

The electrolytic solution EL1 is provided in the space formed by the first electrode group 110, the second electrode group 210, and the spacer 300. The electrolytic solution EL1 is a solution containing a metal OB1 in a metal ion state and having electrical conductivity. The electrolytic solution EL1 is, for example, a solution containing silver. The metal OB1 contained in the electrolytic solution EL1 is deposited on either the first electrode group 110 or the second electrode group 210 depending on the electric field generated by the voltage applied to the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210. do. The precipitated metal OB1 forms a metal thin film on the surface of either one of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210. The electrode on which the metal OB1 is deposited changes according to the polarity of the voltage applied by the EC element drive circuit 500 described later. In FIG. 1, the metal OB1 is deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110 to form a metal thin film having a surface roughness (that is, unevenness) corresponding to the surface roughness Rz of the first electrode group 110. ing.

The metal OB1 is not limited to the silver described above. The metal OB1 may be another metal containing a noble metal such as aluminum, platinum, chromium or gold. The metal OB1 is a metal having a predetermined reflectance with respect to light, and functions as a mirror (reflection state) at the time of precipitation.

Further, the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment described above assumes that the user sees the first substrate 111 from the arrow K shown in FIG. Therefore, the second electrode group 210 and the second substrate 211 may be opaque. For example, the second substrate 211 may be a silicon substrate or the like. Similarly, the second electrode group 210 may be a metal electrode such as copper. The EC element 100 according to the first embodiment assumes that the user sees the first substrate 111 from the direction of the arrow K shown in FIG. 1 as an example, but the user sees the first substrate 111 in the Z direction (second substrate 211). The second substrate 211 may be viewed from (direction toward the first substrate 111). In such a case, in the second electrode group 210, the contact surface with the second substrate 211 and the surface with which the metal OB1 is deposited in contact with the electrolytic solution EL1 have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. May be formed with. Similarly, the second substrate 211 may be formed with a surface in contact with the second electrode group 210 having a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

The spacer 300 is formed by applying a resin material such as a thermosetting resin in a ring shape and curing the spacer 300. The spacer 300 is provided in an annular shape along the peripheral edges of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210 arranged so as to face each other. The spacer 300 has an exposed portion in which one end of the first electrode group 110 can be connected to the first electrode connecting portion 112 and one end of the second electrode group 210 can be connected to the second electrode connecting portion 212. It is provided except.

The EC element drive circuit 500 is a power supply unit for applying a voltage to the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210. The EC element drive circuit 500 is connected to each of the first electrode connecting portion 112 and the second electrode connecting portion 212 via a lead wire, and applies a voltage to the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210, respectively. The EC element drive circuit 500 controls an electrode that deposits the metal OB1 according to the polarity of the voltage applied to each of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210.

Hereinafter, a method of operating the optical state of the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. The optical state of the EC element 100 includes a transparent state and a precipitation state (reflection state).

First, the operation method when the EC element 100 switches the optical state from the transparent state to the precipitation state (reflection state) by the precipitation and dissolution of the metal OB1 will be described. In the following description, an operation method in which the operation of depositing the metal OB1 on the first electrode group 110 side is set to a precipitation state (reflection state) will be described, but the electrode on which the metal OB1 is deposited is not limited.

The EC element drive circuit 500 applies a voltage to the EC element 100 so that the first electrode group 110 has a low potential and the second electrode group 210 has a high potential. At this time, the direction of the electric field generated by the applied voltage of the EC element drive circuit 500 is the direction from the second electrode group 210 to the first electrode group 110.

The metal OB1 contained in the electrolytic solution EL1 is, for example, silver ion in a dissolved state. When a voltage is applied to the EC element 100, the metal OB1 precipitates on the surface of the first electrode group 110 (the electrode on the low potential side) to obtain a surface roughness corresponding to the surface roughness Rz of the first electrode group 110. Form a metal thin film (for example, a silver thin film) to have. The deposited metal OB1 (for example, a silver thin film) has a predetermined reflectance and functions as a mirror (reflection state) or when viewed from the direction of arrow K, and receives incident light incident on the deposited metal OB1. Diffuse reflection. As a result, the EC element 100 looks white when viewed from the user (direction of arrow K). When the second electrode group 210 and the second substrate 211 are translucent and are not opaque, the EC element 100 also looks white when viewed from the Z direction.

The EC element 100 according to the first embodiment is incident on the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110 even when the user views the EC element 100 from the direction opposite to the arrow K direction. The light is diffusely reflected, and the region of the first electrode group 110 (that is, the region of the second electrode group 210) appears white.

The EC element drive circuit 500 is controlled by a control signal input from the EC element drive circuit control unit 400, which will be described later. The EC element drive circuit 500 switches the optical state of the EC element 100 from the transparent state to the precipitation state (reflection state) based on the input control signal. Further, the EC element drive circuit 500 continues to apply the voltage when the operation is maintained in the precipitation state (reflection state).

Next, an operation method when the EC element 100 switches the optical state from the precipitation state (reflection state) to the transparent state by precipitation and dissolution of the metal OB1 will be described.

The EC element drive circuit 500 stops applying a voltage in order to dissolve the deposited metal OB1 again. As a result, the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110 returns to the ionic state. When the EC element drive circuit 500 applies a voltage having the opposite polarity to the second electrode group 210 so that the metal OB1 is deposited in the state where the metal OB1 has returned to the ionic state, the EC element 100 has the first electrode group 110. Is switched to the transparent state, and a predetermined color based on the applied voltage can be displayed on the second electrode group 210.

When switching the EC element 100 to the transparent state in a shorter time, the EC element drive circuit 500 applies a voltage having the opposite polarity. Specifically, the EC element drive circuit 500 applies a voltage to the EC element 100 so that the first electrode group 110 has a high potential and the second electrode group 210 has a low potential. As a result, in the EC element drive circuit 500, the metal OB1 starts to precipitate on the second electrode group 210 side, and the metal OB1 deposited on the first electrode group 110 side can be dissolved in a shorter time.

Thereby, the EC element drive circuit 500 can maintain the formation speed of the metal thin film of the metal OB1 in the first electrode group 110 and switch the optical state of the EC element 100 between the transparent state and the precipitation state.

Next, a structural example of the dimmer 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the dimmer 1000 according to the first embodiment. The dimmer 1000 includes an EC element 100, an EC element drive circuit control unit 400, and an EC element drive circuit 500. In the EC element 100 shown in FIG. 2, the arrangement of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N and the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N can be seen. For the sake of simplicity, the first electrode connecting portion 112, the second electrode connecting portion 212, the electrolytic solution EL1 and the spacer 300 are not shown.

In addition, in FIG. 2, the first electrode group 110 composed of each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N and the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N, respectively. Although an example of the EC element 100 composed of the second electrode group 210 and the EC element 100 including the second electrode group 210 is shown, the number of the first electrode and the second electrode constituting the EC element 100 is not limited to a plurality of elements. The EC element 100 may be configured to include, for example, one first electrode and one second electrode.

The EC element 100 includes a first electrode group 110 composed of each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N, and a second electrode group 110 composed of each of the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N. It is composed of an electrode group 210, an electrolytic solution EL1, and a spacer 300. In the EC element 100, the metal OB1 is deposited in each of the plurality of intersecting regions of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210 according to the applied voltage to form a metal thin film.

Each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N and each of the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N are arranged orthogonally to each other. The plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N, and the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N are not limited to the above-mentioned orthogonal arrangements, and are not limited to the above-mentioned orthogonal arrangements, for example, 120 °. They may be arranged at an angle. In other words, the shape of the metal OB1 deposited in each of the plurality of intersecting regions of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210 is not limited to a square shape, and may be a quadrangle such as a rhombus.

The EC element drive circuit control unit 400 includes a processor (not shown) and a memory (not shown). The processor is configured by using, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

The processor (not shown) of the EC element drive circuit control unit 400 performs various processes and controls in cooperation with the memory. Specifically, the processor refers to the program and data stored in the memory and executes the program to realize the function of the EC element drive circuit control unit 400. For example, the processor has a first electrode group 110 and a second electrode group 210 included in the EC element 100 by the EC element drive circuit 500 based on a control signal indicating a used state or an unused state of the mounted device transmitted from the mounted device. A control signal for controlling the timing of changing the voltage applied to each of the above, the applied voltage value, and the like is output to the EC element drive circuit 500. The processor changes the polarity and current value of the current applied to each of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210 included in the EC element 100 by changing the applied voltage value, and changes the EC element 100 when the on-board device is used. The EC element 100 is switched to the transparent state (transparent display) and the EC element 100 is switched to the precipitation state (white display) when the mounted device is not in use.

The memory (not shown) of the EC element drive circuit control unit 400 operates, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a work memory used when processing the EC element drive circuit control unit 400 and the operation of the EC element drive circuit control unit 400. It has a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the specified program and data. Data or information generated or acquired by the processor is temporarily stored in the RAM. A program that defines the operation of the EC element drive circuit control unit 400 (for example, the method of driving the EC element 100 executed by the EC element drive circuit 500 according to the first embodiment) is written in the ROM.

The EC element drive circuit 500 is connected to each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N via the first electrode connection unit 112 based on the control signal output from the EC element drive circuit control unit 400. A voltage is applied, and a voltage is applied to each of the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N via the second electrode connecting portion 212.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional line of the EC element 100. The BB cross-sectional line is a cross-sectional view of the EC element 100 with the longitudinal direction as a cut end at the center position in the width direction of the first electrode 110a. The BB cross section shown by the BB cross section is equal to the cross-sectional view of the center position in the width direction of each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N constituting the first electrode group 110.

The width direction described above is the direction in which the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N are arranged in parallel, or the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N are arranged in parallel. Yes, it is the lateral direction of each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N and the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N formed in a rectangular shape.

Further, the X direction shown in FIG. 3 indicates the longitudinal direction in the first electrode group 110 of the EC element 100 or the width direction in the second electrode group 210. The Y direction shown in FIG. 3 indicates the width direction of the first electrode group 110 of the EC element 100 or the longitudinal direction of the second electrode group 210.

Next, a structural example of the EC element 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional perspective view of the EC element 100, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the EC element 100 in the BB cross section.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a structural example of the EC element 100 in the BB cross section. The Z direction shown in FIG. 4 indicates a direction in which the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210 face each other. In FIG. 4, a part of the three-dimensional perspective view of the EC element 100 will be used for easy explanation.

Each of the plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N constituting the first electrode group 110 has a predetermined gap and is arranged in parallel in the Y direction. The first electrode group 110 includes an exposed portion at an end portion in the −X direction. In the first electrode group 110, the first electrode connecting portion 112 is connected to the exposed portion, and a voltage is applied by the EC element drive circuit 500. In addition, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first electrode connection portion 112 is omitted.

The first substrate 111 is integrally provided on the surface of the first electrode group 110 in the direction opposite to the surface facing the second electrode group 210 (hereinafter, Z direction) so as to cover the first electrode group 110.

Each of the plurality of

second electrodes

210a, 210b, 210c, ..., 210N constituting the second electrode group 210 has a predetermined gap and is arranged in parallel in the X direction facing the first electrode group 110. .. The second electrode group 210 includes an exposed portion at an end portion in the Y direction. In the second electrode group 210, the second electrode connecting portion 212 is connected to the exposed portion, and a voltage is applied by the EC element drive circuit 500. In addition, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the second electrode connection portion 212 is omitted.

The second substrate 211 is integrally provided on the surface of the second electrode group 210 in the direction opposite to the direction facing the first electrode group 110 (hereinafter, -Z direction) so as to cover the second electrode group 210.

The spacer 300 is of the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210, except for the exposed portion provided at one end of the first electrode group 110 and the exposed portion provided at one end of the second electrode group 210. It is provided in an annular shape along the peripheral edge. Note that the spacer 300 is omitted in FIG.

The electrolytic solution EL1 is provided in the space formed by the first electrode group 110, the second electrode group 210, and the spacer 300.

With reference to FIG. 6, the structures of the first substrate 111 and the first electrode group 110 included in the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing procedure of the first substrate 111 and the first electrode group 110 according to the first embodiment. Although FIG. 6 shows an example of the first substrate 111 and the first electrode group 110, the second substrate 211 and the second electrode group 210 may have the same configuration, and the first substrate 111 and the second electrode group 210 may have the same configuration. The substrate 211 and the first electrode group 110 and the second electrode group 210 may have the same configuration.

The first substrate 111 according to the first embodiment is formed to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm of the surface on the side in contact with the first electrode group 110. Here, a method for manufacturing the first substrate 111 and the first electrode group 110 according to the first embodiment will be described.

Step St11 shows the manufacturing procedure of the first substrate 111. The first substrate 111 has a region in contact with the first electrode group 110 and a region in contact with the first electrode group 110 and the electrolytic solution EL1 (that is, by a known processing method (for example, sandblasting, chemical etching, etc.)). The region corresponding to the depositable range in which the metal OB1 is precipitated) is formed so as to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. The region having a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm is a region corresponding to at least a depositable range in which the metal OB1 is deposited, and a plurality of

first electrodes

110a, 110b, 110c, ..., 110N. It may be a region other than the contact portion (exposed portion) between each of the above and the first electrode connecting portion 112 and the contact portion with the spacer 300.

Step St12 shows the manufacturing procedure of the first electrode group 110. The first electrode group 110 is formed by being sputtered and laminated on the first substrate 111. As a result, in the first electrode group 110, the region corresponding to the region of the first substrate 111 having the surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm and the region where the metal OB1 is precipitated can be surfaced. It is formed in a rectangular shape so as to have a roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

Step St13 shows the state of the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110. When a voltage is applied by the EC element drive circuit 500, the metal OB1 dissolved in the electrolytic solution EL1 is deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110, and the metal has a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. Form a thin film. When the metal OB1 is deposited, the incident light incident on the surface of the first electrode group 110 is diffusely reflected (each of the plurality of reflected lights shown in the enlarged view of the main part M) on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1.

When the surface roughness is Rz <0.1 μm, the incident light incident on the surface of the first electrode group 110 is not diffusely reflected because the surface of the metal OB1 becomes smooth. That is, in such a case, the EC element 100 does not display white, and the precipitated metal OB1 (for example, silver, aluminum, platinum, chromium, gold, etc.) forms a thin film (mirror surface).

On the other hand, when the surface roughness is Rz> 4.0 μm, the incident light incident on the surface of the first electrode group 110 becomes stray light because it is not diffusely reflected in the K direction in which the user is present as the surface roughness is larger. That is, in such a case, the EC element 100 is displayed in gray due to color unevenness.

Further, the first substrate 111 manufactured by the above-mentioned manufacturing method is not transparent because the surface roughness is formed to Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, so that the first substrate 111 has an appearance like frosted glass, for example. .. However, in the EC element 100 provided with such a first substrate 111, the surface roughness Rz of the first substrate 111 is 0.1 to 0.1 due to the electrolytic solution EL1 sealed between the first substrate 111 and the second substrate 211. Since 4.0 μm is filled and the surface roughness functions as the first substrate 111 with Rz = 0, it becomes transparent in the K direction shown in FIG.

Further, in order to realize a predetermined surface roughness, in addition to the present embodiment, there is a method of imparting nanoparticles made of ITO, IZO, titanium oxide, NiO or the like on a transparent electrode, and the production is carried out by this method. In the transparent electrode, metal is deposited in the gap between the imparted particles, so that light from the outside enters the gap and becomes stray light, which makes it difficult to display white.

As described above, the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment can realize a transparent display in a transparent state (that is, a state in which the metal OB1 is not deposited) in the optical state of the EC element 100 when the mounted display device is used. .. Further, since the EC element 100 can diffuse and reflect the incident light incident on the deposited surface of the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110 having a surface roughness of Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm in a wider range. , A higher quality white display can be realized. As a result, the EC element 100 can realize a higher quality white display when not in use, so that the harmony with the wall, door, interior, etc. on which the mounting device is installed can be enhanced. Further, since the EC element 100 can realize a higher quality white display when not in use, it can be used for other purposes such as a space partition and a wall. When the second electrode group 210 and the second substrate 211 are translucent and are not opaque, the EC element 100 also looks white when viewed from the Z direction, so that a wall, a door, or a wall or a door in the space It has a structure that is more suitable not only for harmony with interiors, but also for other purposes such as space partitions and walls.

(Modification 1 of Embodiment 1)
The EC element 100 according to the first embodiment is formed by forming a part of the surfaces of the first substrate 111 and the first electrode group 110 with a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. The configuration in which the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the 1 electrode group 110 is deposited so as to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm has been described. In the EC element 100 according to the first modification of the first embodiment, a part of the surface of the first electrode group 110AA is formed with a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, whereby the first electrode group is formed. A configuration will be described in which the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the electrode group 110AA is deposited so as to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

With reference to FIG. 7, the structures of the first substrate 111AA and the first electrode group 110AA included in the EC element 100 according to the first modification of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing procedure of the first substrate 111AA and the first electrode group 110AA according to the first modification of the first embodiment. Although FIG. 7 shows an example of the first substrate 111AA and the first electrode group 110AA, the second substrate 211 (not shown) and the second electrode group 210 (not shown) may have the same configuration. , The first substrate 111AA and the second substrate 211, and the first electrode group 110AA and the second electrode group 210 may have the same configuration.

The first substrate 111AA according to the first modification of the first embodiment is formed so that the surface on the side in contact with the first electrode group 110AA is substantially flat.

Steps St21 to St22 show the manufacturing procedure of the first electrode group 110AA. The first electrode group 110AA is formed by being sputtered and laminated on the first substrate 111AA (St21). The first electrode group 110AA laminated on the first substrate 111AA has a surface roughness in a region in contact with the electrolytic solution EL1 (that is, a precipitateable range in which the metal OB1 is deposited) by, for example, a technique such as sandblasting or chemical etching. It is formed so as to have Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm (St22). The region having a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm is a region corresponding to at least a depositable range in which the metal OB1 is precipitated, and is a region of the first electrode group 110AA and the first electrode connecting portion 112. It may be an area other than the contact portion (exposed portion) and the contact portion with the spacer 300.

Step St23 shows the state of the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110AA. When a voltage is applied by the EC element drive circuit 500, the metal OB1 dissolved in the electrolytic solution EL1 is deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110AA, and the metal has a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. Form a thin film. When the metal OB1 is deposited, the incident light incident on the surface of the first electrode group 110AA is diffusely reflected on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1.

As described above, the EC element 100 according to the first modification of the first embodiment can diffuse and reflect the incident light incident on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1 in a wider range, so that a higher quality white display can be realized. As a result, the EC element 100 can realize a higher quality white display when not in use, so that the harmony with the wall, door, interior, etc. on which the mounting device is installed can be enhanced. Further, since the EC element 100 can realize a higher quality white display when not in use, it can be used for other purposes such as a space partition and a wall. When the second electrode group 210 and the second substrate 211 are translucent and are not opaque, the EC element 100 also looks white when viewed from the Z direction, so that a wall, a door, or a wall or a door in the space It has a structure that is more suitable not only for harmony with interiors, but also for other purposes such as space partitions and walls.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment 1)
The EC element 100 according to the first embodiment is formed by forming a part of the surfaces of the first substrate 111 and the first electrode group 110 with a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. The configuration in which the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the 1 electrode group 110 is deposited so as to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm has been described. In the EC element 100 according to the second modification of the first embodiment, a part of the surface of the first electrode group 110BB is formed with a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, whereby the first electrode group is formed. A configuration will be described in which the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the electrode group 110BB is deposited so as to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

With reference to FIG. 8, the structures of the first substrate 111BB and the first electrode group 110BB included in the EC element 100 according to the second modification of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing procedure of the first substrate 111BB and the first electrode group 110BB according to the second modification of the first embodiment. Although FIG. 8 shows an example of the first substrate 111BB and the first electrode group 110BB, the second substrate 211 (not shown) and the second electrode group 210 (not shown) may have the same configuration. , The first substrate 111BB and the second substrate 211, and the first electrode group 110BB and the second electrode group 210 may have the same configuration.

The first substrate 111BB according to the second modification of the first embodiment is formed so that the surface on the side in contact with the first electrode group 110BB is substantially flat.

Step St31 shows the manufacturing procedure of the first electrode group 110BB. The first electrode group 110BB is formed by being sputtered according to a predetermined film forming method and film forming conditions and laminated on the first substrate 111BB. The predetermined film forming method referred to here is, for example, a film forming method using a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method, and enables a transparent conductive film such as a _{SnO 2 film to be formed.}

The first electrode group 110BB is formed so that the region in contact with the electrolytic solution EL1 (that is, the precipitateable range in which the metal OB1 precipitates) has a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. The region having a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm is a region corresponding to at least a depositable range in which the metal OB1 is precipitated, and is a region of the first electrode group 110BB and the first electrode connecting portion 112. It may be an area other than the contact portion (exposed portion) and the contact portion with the spacer 300.

Step St32 shows the state of the metal OB1 deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110BB. When a voltage is applied by the EC element drive circuit 500, the metal OB1 dissolved in the electrolytic solution EL1 is deposited on the surface of the first electrode group 110BB, and the metal has a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm. Form a thin film. When the metal OB1 is deposited, the incident light incident on the surface of the first electrode group 110BB is diffusely reflected on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1.

As described above, the EC element 100 according to the second modification of the first embodiment can diffuse and reflect the incident light incident on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1 in a wider range, so that a higher quality white display can be realized. As a result, the EC element 100 can realize a higher quality white display when not in use, so that the harmony with the wall, door, interior, or the like in the space can be enhanced. Further, since the EC element 100 can realize a higher quality white display when not in use, it can be used for other purposes such as a space partition and a wall. When the second electrode group 210 and the second substrate 211 are translucent and not opaque, the EC element 100 also looks white when viewed from the Z direction, so that the wall on which the mounting device is installed is installed. It has a configuration that is more suitable not only for harmony with doors or interiors, but also for other uses such as space partitions, walls and the like.

As described above, the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment and the second modification of the first embodiment is mounted on a mounting device (an example of a display device, not shown). The EC element 100 includes a first electrode group 110, 110AA, 110BB having translucency, a second electrode group 210 arranged in parallel facing the first electrode group 110, 110AA, 110BB, and a first electrode group. To the first electrode group 110, 110AA, 110BB depending on the presence or absence of voltage application to the electrolytic solution EL1 containing metal and the electrolytic solution EL1 arranged between 110, 110AA, 110BB and the second electrode group 210. The EC element drive circuit 500 (an example of a power source) for switching between a deposited state and a non-precipitated state of the metal OB1 of the above is provided. In the first electrode groups 110, 110AA and 110BB, the surface roughness of at least the region where the metal OB1 is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm. Further, the EC element drive circuit 500 displays the region where the metal OB1 is deposited in a white state when the mounted device is not in use, and displays the region where the metal OB1 is deposited in a non-precipitated state when the mounted device is in use. .. The first electrode group 110, 110AA, 110BB described above is not limited to the example in which each of the plurality of first electrodes is included, and may be composed of, for example, one first electrode. .. Similarly, the second electrode group 210 may be composed of one second electrode.

As a result, the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment can switch between a transparent display when the mounted device is used and a white display when the mounted device is not in use, and can improve convenience. Further, the EC element 100 forms a region where the metal OB1 is deposited at a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, so that the EC element 100 is incident on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1 which is deposited when the mounting device is not in use. Light can be diffusely reflected over a wider range to achieve a higher quality white display. Therefore, since the EC element 100 is displayed in white when the mounting device is not in use, it is possible to improve the harmony with the wall, door, interior, or the like on which the mounting device is installed.

Further, as described above, the first electrode group 110 in the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment is arranged on the first electrode 110a, ... (An example of the first electrode layer) on which the metal OB1 is deposited and the first electrode 110a. The first substrate 111 is provided. As a result, in the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment, the region where the metal OB1 is deposited is formed to have a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, so that the metal OB1 deposited when the mounting device is not used. It is possible to realize a higher quality white display by diffusing and reflecting the incident light incident on the precipitation surface in a wider range. Therefore, the EC element 100 can switch between a transparent display when the mounted device is used and a white display when the mounted device is not in use, and can improve convenience.

Further, as described above, the surface roughness of at least the region where the metal OB1 is deposited on the surface of the first substrate 111 on the side in contact with the first electrodes 110a, ... Is 0.1 to 4.0 μm. As a result, in the first electrode group 110 according to the first embodiment, the first electrodes 110a, ... Are formed on the first substrate 111 formed so that the surface roughness of the region is 0.1 to 4.0 μm. As a result, it can be manufactured more easily.

Further, as described above, in the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment, the surface roughness of the first substrate 111 is formed to Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm by sandblasting. As a result, in the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment, the first electrode 110a is formed on the first substrate 111 in which the surface roughness of the region corresponding to the region where the metal OB1 is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm. By forming the film, the surface roughness of the region where the metal OB1 is deposited on the first electrodes 110a, ... Can be more easily formed at Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

Further, as described above, the surface roughness of the first substrate 111 according to the first embodiment is formed to Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm by the chemical etching process. As a result, in the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment, the first electrode 110a is formed on the first substrate 111 in which the surface roughness of the region corresponding to the region where the metal OB1 is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm. By forming the film, the surface roughness of the region where the metal OB1 is deposited on the first electrodes 110a, ... Can be more easily formed at Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm.

Further, as described above, the first electrode groups 110, 110AA, 110BB according to the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment, and the second modification of the first embodiment come into contact with the first substrates 111, 111AA, 111BB. The surface roughness of at least the region where the metal OB1 is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm on the surface opposite to the side facing the surface. As a result, the EC element 100 forms a region where the metal OB1 is deposited at a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, so that the EC element 100 is incident on the deposited surface of the metal OB1 deposited when the mounting device is not in use. It is possible to realize a higher quality white display by diffusely reflecting the incident light over a wider range. Therefore, since the EC element 100 is displayed in white when the mounting device is not in use, it is possible to improve the harmony with the wall, door, interior, or the like on which the mounting device is installed.

Further, as described above, the surface roughness of the first electrodes 110a, ... In the first electrode group 110AA according to the first modification of the first embodiment is formed to Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm by sandblasting. .. As a result, the first electrode group 110AA according to the first modification of the first embodiment is sandblasted after forming a flat region where the metal OB1 is deposited, and has a surface roughness of Rz = 0.1 to It is formed to 4.0 μm.

Further, as described above, the surface roughness of the first electrodes 110a, ... In the first electrode group 110AA according to the first modification of the first embodiment is formed to Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm by chemical etching processing. NS. As a result, the first electrode group 110AA according to the first modification of the first embodiment is subjected to chemical etching after forming a flat region where the metal OB1 is deposited, and has a surface roughness of Rz = 0.1. It is formed to ~ 4.0 μm.

Further, as described above, the surface roughness of the first electrodes 110a, ... In the first electrode group 110BB according to the second modification of the first embodiment is 0.1 in the region where at least the metal OB1 is deposited under predetermined film forming conditions. It is formed to be about 4.0 μm. As a result, the first electrode group 110BB according to the second modification of the first embodiment has a surface roughness of Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm based on predetermined film forming conditions.

Further, as described above, the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment, the first modification of the first embodiment and the second modification of the first embodiment includes the first electrode groups 110, 110AA, 110BB having translucency. A metal arranged between the second electrode group 210 arranged in parallel with the first electrode groups 110, 110AA, 110BB and the first electrode groups 110, 110AA, 110BB and the second electrode group 210. The electrolytic solution EL1 containing the mixture is provided. In the first electrode groups 110, 110AA and 110BB, the surface roughness of at least the region where the metal OB1 is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm. As a result, the EC element 100 according to the first embodiment can switch between a transparent display when the mounted device is used and a white display when the mounted device is not used, and can improve convenience. Further, the EC element 100 forms a region where the metal OB1 is deposited at a surface roughness Rz = 0.1 to 4.0 μm, so that the EC element 100 is incident on the precipitation surface of the metal OB1 which is deposited when the mounting device is not in use. Light can be diffusely reflected over a wider range to achieve a higher quality white display. Therefore, since the EC element 100 is displayed in white when the mounting device is not in use, it is possible to improve the harmony with the wall, door, interior, or the like on which the mounting device is installed.

Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modifications, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equality within the scope of the claims. It is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present disclosure. Further, each component in the various embodiments described above may be arbitrarily combined as long as the gist of the invention is not deviated.

Note that this application is based on a Japanese patent application filed on April 24, 2020 (Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-07775), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure is useful as a dimming element that can improve convenience by switching between a transparent display when the on-board device is used and a white display when the on-board device is not in use.

100 EC element 110, 110AA, 110BB 1st electrode group 111, 111AA, 111BB 1st substrate 210 2nd electrode group 211 2nd substrate 300 Spacer 400 EC element drive circuit control unit 500 EC element drive circuit EL1 Electrolyte OB1 Metal

Claims

A dimming element mounted on a display device.
The first electrode with translucency and
A second electrode arranged in parallel facing the first electrode and
An electrolytic solution containing a metal, which is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode,
A power source for switching between a deposited state and a non-precipitated state of the metal on the first electrode is provided according to the presence or absence of voltage application to the electrolytic solution.
The first electrode has a surface roughness of at least the region where the metal is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm.
When the display device is not in use, the power supply is in the precipitated state to display the region in white, and when the display device is in use, the region is displayed in the non-precipitated state in a transparent manner.
Dimming element.
The first electrode is
The first electrode layer on which the metal is deposited and
It has a first substrate arranged on the first electrode layer.
The dimming element according to claim 1.
The surface roughness of at least the region where the metal is deposited on the surface of the first substrate in contact with the first electrode layer is 0.1 to 4.0 μm.
The dimming element according to claim 2.
The surface roughness of the first substrate is formed to 0.1 to 4.0 μm by sandblasting.
The dimming element according to claim 3.
The surface roughness of the first substrate is formed to 0.1 to 4.0 μm by chemical etching processing.
The dimming element according to claim 3.
The surface roughness of at least the region where the metal is deposited on the surface opposite to the side in contact with the first substrate of the first electrode layer is 0.1 to 4.0 μm.
The dimming element according to claim 2.
The surface roughness of the first electrode layer is formed to 0.1 to 4.0 μm by sandblasting.
The dimming element according to claim 6.
The surface roughness of the first electrode layer is formed to 0.1 to 4.0 μm by chemical etching.
The dimming element according to claim 6.
The surface roughness of the first electrode layer is such that at least the region of the first electrode is formed to 0.1 to 4.0 μm under predetermined film forming conditions.
The dimming element according to claim 6.
A dimming element mounted on a display device.
The first electrode with translucency and
A second electrode arranged in parallel facing the first electrode and
An electrolytic solution containing a metal, which is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, is provided.
The first electrode has a surface roughness of at least the region where the metal is deposited is 0.1 to 4.0 μm.
Dimming element.