WO2018067030A1 - Variable transparency element and variable transparency coating - Google Patents

Abstract

The technical solutions relate to optical technology and are intended for the manufacture of light-transparent structures having variable transparency. The invention provides a simplified structure and allows a reversible change in transparency in response to a change in temperature. Large surfaces can be coated. During application of the coating, the former coating need not be removed, but may be used as a bearing structure. A variable transparency element comprises a base made from an optically transmissive material, which contains a sealed cavity filled with a working substance in the form of a liquid or a gel. The material of the base is chemically resistant to the working substance. The working substance is capable of reversibly changing transparency in response to a change in the temperature thereof. A variable transparency coating comprises the above-mentioned variable transparency elements configured in the form of sheets. The elements are arranged side by side.

Description

 Title of invention.

 Element with variable transparency and coating with variable transparency.

 The field of technology.

 The claimed technical solutions relate to optical technology and are intended for the manufacture of translucent structures.

 The prior art.

 A known group of tinted products (patent for invention RU2538205, IPC B32B 33/00 (2006.01), G02F 1/00 (2006.01), POPs 17/00 (2006.01), 2015, patent for invention RU2569517, B29C 65/54 (2006.01), B32B 27/18 (2006.01), B32B 17/10 (2006.01), 2015), each of which contains transparent polymer sheets sealed along the contour. Working fluid is introduced into the space between the sheets. At the same time, to change the light transmission of the product, the painted working fluid is introduced and removed through the valve using a pump. Between the sheets to maintain the distance between them are sections (points) of the elastic polymer.

 The disadvantage of these analogues is the need to change the amount of fluid between the sheets to regulate light transmission. This leads to a design complication associated with the need to use a pump to pump out the working fluid.

 Disclosure of the claimed technical solutions.

 The technical problem, the solution of which is claimed by the claimed technical solutions, is to eliminate the need for pumping a working fluid.

 The technical result provided by the claimed element and coating with varying transparency is to simplify the design while providing a restored change in transparency with changing temperature.

 An additional technical result provided by the claimed coating with variable transparency is the ability to cover large surfaces.

Another additional technical result provided by the claimed coating with variable transparency, is the absence the need to dismantle the existing transparent coating when it is converted into a coating with variable transparency. That is, when installing the inventive coating with varying transparency, the old coating is not dismantled.

 The essence of the claimed element with varying transparency is that it contains a base made of optically transmissive material, in which a sealed cavity filled with a working substance is made. The working substance is made in the form of a liquid or gel. It differs in that the base material is chemically resistant to the working substance. The working substance is made with the possibility of a reversible change in transparency with a change in its temperature.

 The above essence is a combination of essential features of the claimed element, ensuring the achievement of the claimed technical result.

 In special cases, it is permissible to perform an element with varying transparency as follows.

 Preferably, the working substance has a viscosity of at least 5 MPa * s. The base can be made in the form of a sheet with many sealed cavities filled with a working substance.

 The base can be performed in the form of a gel in which the sealed cavities are evenly distributed. In this case, it is advisable to place the base between two rigid reinforcing sheets of optically transmissive material.

 The base may be a capsule filled with a working substance. Many of these capsules can be placed in a binder made of optically transmissive material. The binder, the base and the working substance are made of a material with close values of the refractive index.

The base is preferably two superimposed sheets, at least part of the space between which is sealed and forms an airtight cavity. In the space between the sheets, supports that are chemically resistant to the working substance can be arranged in an orderly and uniform manner. On the surface of one of the sheets, it is advisable to perform the sides in the form of a lattice, the upper parts of which are connected to another sheet. The lattice cells form a sealed cavity that is filled with a working substance. The flanges made on one sheet can enter grooves made on the surface of another sheet, while the height of the flanges is greater than the depth of the grooves.

 The sheets can be pressed against each other and curved recesses are made on the surface of one of them. The set of recesses is a sealed cavity. The material of the sheet with recesses and the working substance have close values of the refractive index.

 The recesses can be placed close to each other or at a certain distance, in the area of which the sheet with recesses is hermetically connected to the adjacent sheet. In the latter case, additional recesses are made on the opposite side of the recessed sheet, which are offset from the recesses on the other side. Additional recesses are filled with a working substance, and the surface of the sheet with additional recesses is pressed against a third sheet made of optically transmissive material chemically resistant to the working substance.

 If the base is made in the form of polymer sheets, and the working substance is in the form of a liquid, then surfactants can be added to the composition of the liquid.

 Sheets can be made in the form of hard strips.

 One of the sheets may be mounted on a flexible substrate of optically transmissive material. The substrate may be connected to a decorative strip located parallel to the long side of the sheets of the element. If the sheets are equipped with heaters, then the control system of these heaters is preferably placed in a decorative strip.

 Sheets can be connected to a decorative level from a short end. In this case, the bar is equipped with a fastener that allows you to fix the element vertically with the possibility of rotation around an axis parallel to the long side of the sheets.

 On the outside, one of the sheets may be provided with an optically transmissive adhesive layer or coated with an anti-abrasive composition.

The barrier sealing the space between the sheets can be painted. The working substance and / or can be painted the basis. The working substance may contain additives with high absorption in the near infrared range. A colored film can be glued onto the substrate from the outside.

 A nichrome heating wire may extend on the surface or in the bulk of the substrate. Optically transparent heat-conducting conductors of indium tin oxide can be deposited on the surface of the sealed cavity, or a film with such conductors can be glued on the surface of the sealed cavity.

изопропилакриламида), или

The working substance is expediently performed on the basis of

isopropyl acrylamide), or

methyl acrylamide), or poly (G \ 1-pyrrolidinacrylamide), or hydrogel from methyl cellulose, or poloxamer 407, or poloxamer 188, or carbopol

940, or chitosan, or polyethylene glycol.

 The essence of the claimed coating with variable transparency is that it contains elements made in the form of sheets with variable transparency. Each element contains a base made of optically transmissive material, in which a sealed cavity is filled with a working substance made in the form of a liquid or gel.

Elements are located next to each other. The base material is chemically resistant to the working substance. The working substance is made with the possibility of a reversible change in transparency with a change in its temperature.

 The above essence is a combination of essential features of the claimed coverage, ensuring the achievement of the claimed technical results.

 In particular cases, it is permissible to coat with varying transparency as follows.

Preferably, the working substance has a viscosity of at least 5 MPa * s. The base is preferably two superimposed sheets, at least part of the space between which is sealed and forms an airtight cavity. In the space between the sheets, supports that are chemically resistant to the working substance can be arranged in an orderly and uniform manner. On the surface of one of the sheets, it is advisable to perform the sides in the form of a lattice, the upper parts of which are connected to another sheet. The lattice cells form a sealed cavity that is filled with a working substance.

 Elements can be in the form of rectangles from 200x200 mm in size to 5 350x350 mm or in rectangular strips from 50 to 250 mm wide. In this case, the elements are placed end-to-end. On the one hand, along the perimeter or part of it, the elements are provided with an adhesive strip, and on the other hand, the joints of the elements are closed with a decor made in the form of a self-adhesive film. The adhesive strip and self-adhesive film can be made in dark color.

 10 Elements can be hexagonal and end-to-end. On the one hand, along the perimeter or part of it, the elements are connected by double-sided adhesive tape, and on the other hand, the joints of the elements are closed by a decor made in the form of a painted self-adhesive tape. Double-sided adhesive tape and self-adhesive tape can be made in black.

 15 Elements can have a rectangular shape and be placed in the cells of the supporting grid of the I-beam profile. On the one hand, the I-beam profile along the entire length or in part can be provided with double-sided adhesive tape. The profile may be metallic.

 The barrier sealing the space between the sheets can be made

20 painted. The working substance and / or base may be painted. The working substance may contain additives with high absorption in the near infrared range.

 Optically transparent heat-conducting conductors of indium tin oxide can be deposited on the surface of the sealed cavity or on

25 the surface of the sealed cavity can be glued film with such conductors.

The working substance is expediently performed on the basis of poly (1CH-isopropylacrylamide), or

methyl acrylamide), or poly (1M-pyrrolidinacrylamide), or hydrogel from methyl cellulose, or poloxamer 407, or poloxamer 188, or carbopol 940, or chitosan, or polyethylene glycol. The author of the claimed technical solutions made prototypes of these solutions, the tests of which confirmed the achievement of all these technical results.

 A brief description of the drawings.

 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an element with varying transparency; FIG. 2 is a diagram of an element according to example 1, in FIG. 3 is a diagram of an element according to example 2, in FIG. 4 is a diagram of an element according to example 3, in FIG. 5 is a diagram of the element of example 4, in FIG. 6, 7 is a diagram of the element of example 5, in FIG. 8, 9 is a diagram of the element of example 6, in FIG. 10 is a diagram of an element according to example 7, in FIG. 11 is a diagram of the element of example 8, in FIG. 12 is a diagram of the element of example 9, in FIG. 13 is a diagram of the element of example 10; FIG. 14, 15 is a diagram of the element of example 11, in FIG. 16, 17 - diagram of the element according to example 12; in FIG. 18 is a diagram of an element according to example 13; in FIG. 19 is a diagram of the element of example 16, in FIG. 20 - appearance of the coating with varying transparency, in FIG. 21 is a coverage diagram of Example 1; FIG. 22 is a diagram of a coating according to example 2, in FIG. 23 - coating scheme of example 3, in FIG. 24 is a coverage diagram for example 4.

 Implementation of technical solutions.

 Implementation of an element with varying transparency.

 Element with varying transparency contains the base (1) (Fig. 1). On the path (2) of the passage of optical radiation through the base, a sealed cavity (3) is filled in it, filled with a working substance (4) with temperature-controlled transparency. In the aforementioned path (2), the base (1) is made of a material that is optically transmissive at least in part of the spectrum, for example:

- transparent in the region of visible ¹ radiation and opaque in the field of ultraviolet radiation;

 - transparent in the red part of the visible radiation (filter);

 - translucent in the field of infrared radiation.

 The working substance (4) is a liquid or gel. The working substance (4) is configured to reversibly change transparency when its temperature changes.

The working substance (4) can be performed on the basis of the following polymers having a reversible phase transition:

 - poly (M, Ν'-diethylacrylamide);

 - poly (g \ 1-ethyl, \ 1-methylacrylamide);

 - poly (M-pyrrolidinacrylamide);

 - hydrogel from methyl cellulose;

 - poloxamer 407;

 - poloxamer 188;

 - carbopol 940;

 - chitosan;

 - polyethylene glycol.

 As a working fluid (4), a solution of alpha-cyclodextrin and 4-methylpyridine in water in molar ratios of 1: 30-100: 6 can be used. Other combinations of cyclodextrins and pyridines are possible. For example, a solution of beta-cyclodextrin and pyridine in water in molar ratios of 1: 8: 3. As a working fluid, it is possible to use a solution of iodine and starch in water.

 The working substance (4) may be a mixture of diphenylamine with beta-cyclodextrin and lithium chloride in Ν, Ν-dimethylformamide. Depending on the concentration of diphenylamine and beta-cyclodextrin, this substance is a liquid or gel.

 The working gel (4) may be a heat-sensitive hydrogel in the form of a mixture of beta-cyclodextrin, Ν-isopropylacrylamide and Ν, Ν-dimethylacrylamide.

 The working gel (4) can be a supramolecularly structured hydrogel in the form of a mixture in the aqueous medium of two components:

 - grafted copolymer of dextrin and polyethylene glycol;

 - alpha cyclodextrin.

At low viscosity of the working substance (4), uneven heating or cooling of the element with varying transparency is accompanied by convection of the working substance (4) (liquid or gel). With a small thickness of the layer of the working substance (4) in the element, this leads to visual effects, when during transient processes with a vertical orientation of the layer of the working substance in the gravitational field, sections with different transparency move, forming flows and vortices. When an element with varying transparency has a decorative purpose, this can be claimed. But in the case of applying the element where it should not distract the attention of the observer, this is undesirable.

 To significantly slow down convection, it was experimentally established that the working substance should have a viscosity of at least 5 MPa * s. In this case, the practical elimination of undesirable consequences associated with the distraction of the observer by the transition process of changing the transparency of the claimed element occurs. Preferably, the viscosity of the working substance is not less than 25 MPa * s. The required viscosity is ensured by adding a thickener to the working fluid or working gel. As a thickener, for example, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carbopol, hydroethyl cellulose can be used.

 The base (1) is made of a material chemically resistant to the working substance (4). The base (1) can be made of rigid or elastic material. The base (1) can be made of glass, polypropylene, polyamide or low density polyethylene.

 If the interface surfaces of the media "base - working substance" are not parallel to each other, then the base and the working substance should be performed with close values of the refractive index.

 Examples of specific performance of an element with varying transparency. Example 1. The base (1) is made in the form of a sheet, two faces of which (the sides of the sheet) have a large area, and the remaining faces have a much smaller area (the ends of the sheet) (Fig. 2). In this case, the preferred path for the propagation of optical radiation lies between the sides of the sheet.

 In the thickness of the sheet there are many sealed cavities (3) filled with a working substance (4) so that these cavities block any stream of optical radiation passing from one side of the sheet to its other side. Preferably, the cavities (3) are positioned evenly within a certain layer of the base (1). Preferably, the cavities (3) are made not communicating with each other.

Example 2. The base (1) is made in the form of a sheet (Fig. 3) and is a gel. In the thickness of the sheet a lot of uniformly distributed sealed cavities (3) filled with a working substance (4). The base (1) is placed on a rigid transparent reinforcing sheet or between two rigid transparent reinforcing sheets (16).

 Example 3. The base (1) is a thin-walled capsule in which the working fluid or working gel (4) is placed. These capsules are evenly distributed in the volume of the sheet filled with a binder (5) (Fig. 4). The binder (5), the base (1) and the working substance (4) are made of a material with close values of the refractive index. However, with this embodiment of the element with varying transparency, the binder (5) may not be chemically resistant to the working substance (4).

 Example 4. The base consists of two sheets superimposed on each other (6), at least part of the space between which is sealed and forms a sealed cavity (3) (Fig. 5). This sealed cavity has a barrier (7) laid between the sheets (6) to form a contour. In the sealed cavity (3) the working substance (4) is placed. If the sheets (6) are sealed around the perimeter, then the working substance (4) occupies the entire volume of space between the sheets. The tight contour may not coincide with the perimeter of the sheets and can be made in the form of inscriptions or drawings. Then the working substance is located within these sealed circuits.

 For the purpose of removing excess working substance, made in the form of a liquid, in the manufacture of the element, the following is performed. Previously, in one of the sheets in the area of the sealed cavity, one or more technological holes are made. On another sheet, a barrier (7) is formed and the resulting container is filled with working fluid. Then impose a sheet with technological holes on this container over the barrier. By pressing the sheets together, excess fluid is removed through the process holes. Then these openings are sealed. It is advisable to perform technological holes near the barriers.

Example 5. Similar to example 4. In order to maintain a structurally predetermined distance between the sheets (6) in the space between them, supports (8) are arranged in an orderly and even manner (Fig. 6, 7). Supports (8) can be made of rigid or elastic material. Supports (8) must be chemically resistant to the working substance (4). The use of supports makes it possible to use sheets of smaller thickness.

 Supports can be made integral with one of the sheets. In this case, another sheet may be provided with holes for inserting supports of the first sheet into these holes.

 Example 6. The composition of the working fluid may include toxic substances, substances with a pungent odor, for example, pyridine. In order to increase the safety of the product according to example 4, in the space between the sheets (6) there is a protective grill (9) made of hard or elastic material connected to the surface of both sheets (6), for example, by a joint (Fig. 8, 9). The working fluid (4) is placed inside the sealed cells formed by the sheets (6) and the lattice (9). The material of the lattice (9) as well as the material of the sheets (6), transparent and chemically resistant to the working fluid (4). The lattice bands (9) are made thin to reduce the residual transparency of the entire product. The thickness of the lattice strips is much less than the linear size of the lattice cell.

 Lattice (9) may be opaque. In this case, the transparency of the element is initially reduced. However, since the strips or rods of the grating are made thin, such a decrease in transparency is negligible.

 With partial destruction of the element as a result of, for example, mechanical action, only that working fluid that was in the destroyed cells is lost. The rest remains in the cells remaining intact.

 Additionally, this embodiment of the inventive element allows cutting of the element without the use of equipment to fill the space between the sheets with a working fluid and its sealing.

 Also, the implementation of the element with the above-mentioned lattice (9) allows you to maintain a structurally predetermined distance between the sheets, which makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the sheets.

 Example 7. Similar to example 6. In order to improve manufacturability, the lattice (9) is made integral with one of the sheets (6) (Fig. 10) and represents the sides on the surface of the sheet (6) in the form of a lattice. The extreme sides serve as barriers (7).

Example 8. As in example 7, the lattice (9) is made integral with the first sheet (6). To constructively set the thickness of the working fluid layer (4) between sheets (6) without changing the thickness of the lattice on the second sheet made grooves (10) corresponding to the lattice (9) of the first sheet (Fig. 11). In this case, the depth of the grooves (10) is less than the thickness of the grating (9) by the thickness of the layer of the working fluid (4).

 Example 9. Similar to example 4. The sheets (6) are pressed against each other. Recesses (11) are made on the surface of one of the sheets (Fig. 12). In this case, the recesses (11) are made so that their length and width are of the same order as their depth. The working substance (4) occupies only the volume of the recesses (11). To reduce the residual transparency of the recesses (11) it is advisable to place close to each other on the surface of the sheet (6). Due to the fact that the recesses are made curved, the material of the sheets with recesses should have a refractive index close to the value of the refractive index of the working substance.

 Example 10. Similar to example 9. In order to increase the security of the recess (11) on the sheet (6), it is made so that the sheet (6) leaves intact smooth areas (12) in the form of a lattice (Fig. 13). In these areas (12), the sheet (6) with recesses is connected to the surface of another sheet, for example, by a weld. The lattice strips are made thin to reduce the residual transparency of the entire product.

 With a partial destruction of the element as a result of, for example, mechanical action, only that working substance is lost that was in the destroyed cells formed by the lattice bands. In the cells remaining intact, the working substance remains operational.

 Additionally, this embodiment of the inventive element allows cutting of the element without the use of equipment to fill the space between the sheets with a working substance and its sealing.

Example 11. To further improve the safety of using the product according to example 10, the recesses (11) have a cylindrical shape or the shape of spherical segments and are located at a certain distance from each other on the sheet (6) (Fig. 14). The surface of the sheet (6) between the recesses (11) performs the function of the lattice of the product according to example 10. Thus, each recess (11) is isolated from the others. The increased distance between the recesses (11) increases the residual transparency of the entire claimed element, which is eliminated as follows.

 On the other side of the sheet (6) with recesses (11), similar additional recesses (13) are made, but they are made with an offset (Fig. 15). The center of the additional recesses (13) is located opposite the center of the surface area between the recesses (11) on the other side of the sheet (6). Thus, additional recesses (13) overlap areas without recesses on the other side of this sheet (6).

 The surface of the sheet (6) with additional recesses (13) is pressed against the third sheet (14), the additional recesses are filled with a working substance (4), and surface sections outside the additional recesses (13) are connected to the surface of the third sheet (14) by a joint.

 Example 12. The sheets (6) of the element according to example 4 are made in the form of rigid strips 2 cm wide. Having fixed such elements in a row on a flexible transparent substrate (15), it is possible to manufacture a flexible product with variable transparency (Fig. 16). The substrate (15) may be a sheet in size of the entire flexible product, and may be made in the form of several strips, for example, a transparent adhesive tape (Fig. 17).

 The substrate (15) is connected to a decorative strip (17) located parallel to the elements, made in the form of a bar. The strap (17) contains fasteners and is intended for fastening a flexible product with varying transparency on something, for example, on window glass.

 If the sheets are equipped with electric heaters to control the temperature of the working substance, then a heater control system can be placed inside the strip (17).

 To increase the ability of heat absorption by the element, the barriers (7) are painted (Fig. 16).

 Example 13. As in example 12, the sheets of the element are made in the form of rigid strips with a width of 2 cm. Such elements are paired in a chain to form a flexible product with variable transparency (Fig. 18).

Example 14. As in example 12, the sheets of the element are made in the form of rigid strips 2 cm wide. On the outside, one of the sheets is provided with a transparent adhesive layer, covered with a transport protective film. This embodiment of the element allows you to stick the finished product on any surface at the request of the user. The transport protective film preserves the adhesive layer during transportation, storage and sale in the store.

 Example 15. As in example 12, the sheets of the element are made in the form of rigid strips 2 cm wide. In order to increase the wear resistance, the outer side of one of the sheets is coated with an anti-abrasive compound.

 Example 16. As in example 12, the sheets (6) of the element are made in the form of rigid strips with a width of 2 cm (Fig. 19). From the short end side, the sheets (6) are connected to a decorative strip (17) equipped with a fastener that allows several elements to be fixed vertically in a row with the possibility of their simultaneous rotation around an axis parallel to the long side of the sheets. Thus, it is possible to manufacture vertical blinds from elements with varying transparency.

 Example 17. To increase the ability to absorb heat by the element, the working substance (4) and / or the base (1) is made colored.

 Example 17.1. To increase the absorption capacity of the working substance in the near infrared range, additives, for example, graphene oxides, water-soluble organic substances containing hydroxyl (OH-) groups or imino groups (NH-), were introduced into its composition.

 Example 18. In order to increase the ability of heat absorption by an element, a colored film (not shown) is glued on the outside of the base (1).

 Example 19. In order to reduce the freezing point, the working substance (4) additionally contains ethyl alcohol.

 Example 20. Similar to example 4. The base is made in the form of polymer sheets. In order to increase the wettability of these sheets with a working fluid, surfactants have been added to the latter.

Example 21. To regulate the temperature of the working fluid of the inventive element is equipped with an electric heater. For this, a nichrome heating wire (not shown) passes on the surface or in the bulk of the base (1). The wire can pass through the cavity with the working substance (4). The conductors of the heater can be made so that they form a protective grill (9) described in example 6 (Fig. 8, 9).

 Example 22. To regulate the temperature of the working substance on the outer surface of the base (1) or on the surface of the sealed cavity (3) deposited optically transparent conductors of indium tin oxide (not shown). Passing electric current through the conductors allows you to change the temperature of the working substance (4) and, therefore, change the transparency of the element regardless of external conditions.

 Example 23. Similar to example 22, but instead of directly applying heat-conducting conductors to the surface of the substrate or the sealed cavity, a transparent film with such conductors is glued to the substrate (1) or to the surface of the sealed cavity (3).

 Example 24. Similar to example 22 or 23. In this case, the control circuit for heating the working substance with indium-tin oxide conductors provides for periodic operation.

 At low ambient temperatures, the working substance is transparent, and with it the entire element is transparent.

 To translate the element into an opaque state, the working substance must be heated above a certain temperature Ti, the exact value of which depends on the specific choice of the working substance. For such heating, the control circuit passes electric current through said conductors. Upon reaching a predetermined temperature greater than Ti, heating stops.

 Under the influence of the environment, the element, and with it the working substance, is cooled. When a certain temperature Td is reached, the working substance becomes sufficiently transparent.

 Again, the control circuit includes heating to a temperature greater than Ti. And so the process repeats.

изопропилакриламидом) (при концентрации полимера 10%). Для указанных целей возможны и другие реализации рабочего вещества привитых сополимеров хитозана. To increase the response period of the control system and save energy to maintain the element in an opaque state, polymer hydrogels with a complex polymer molecule are used as a working substance. An example of such a working substance can be a polymer hydrogel of grafted copolymers of hyaluronic acid with chitosan and

isopropylacrylamide) (at a polymer concentration of 10%). For the specified purposes other implementations of the working substance of grafted chitosan copolymers are possible.

 An increase in the complexity of the copolymer molecules and an increase in their concentration increase the dilution time during cooling of the working substance, as a result of which 5 the working substance becomes transparent. This is due to the fact that during gelation (during heating), more complex molecules become more tangled physically. Subsequently, more time is required for their dilution — the rearrangement and rearrangement of intermolecular and intramolecular bonds. For example, under the same concentration and other conditions, bleaching of the hydrogel of poly (M-isopropylacrylamide) occurs in 3 minutes, and bleaching of the hydrogel of the grafted copolymers of hyaluronic acid with chitosan and poly (1H-isopropylacrylamide) in 9 minutes.

 The implementation of the proposed technical solution is not limited to 15 examples above.

 Description of the operation of the element with varying transparency.

 At a certain known temperature and known pressure (for example, atmospheric), an element with a changing transparency is transparent in the interesting part of the spectrum. Depending on the composition of the working substance (4) 20, transparency is provided for different temperatures, for example:

 - for the working fluid in the form of a solution of alpha-cyclodextrin and 4-methylpyridine in water, transparency is ensured at room temperature;

 - for the working fluid in the form of a solution of iodine and starch in water, transparency is ensured at a temperature of 90 degrees Celsius;

 25 - for a working gel in the form of a mixture of beta-cyclodextrin, N-isopropylacrylamide and Ν, Ν-dimethylacrylamide, transparency is ensured at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.

 When the temperature changes, the working substance (4), and with it the whole element, become opaque. Moreover, depending on the composition of the working substance 30, the opacity appears with a decrease or increase in temperature.

The working fluid in the form of a solution of alpha-cyclodextrin and 4-methylpyridine in water becomes milky white when heated to 45-75 degrees Celsius. The exact transition temperature depends on the proportions of the components, in particular on alpha cyclodextrin content. The transition temperature decreases as the concentration of alpha-cyclodextrin increases. At the same time, the working fluid becomes sol-gel. If you continue heating to 95 degrees or cool the element below 45 degrees, the mixture becomes transparent again.

 For the working fluid in the form of a solution of iodine and starch in water, coloring occurs when the temperature drops to room temperature.

 A working gel in the form of a mixture of beta-cyclodextrin, Ν-isopropylacrylamide and Ν, Ν-dimethylacrylamide becomes dull at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.

 The change in the temperature of the working substance occurs under the influence of external conditions or under the control of a control system that supplies power to the heating elements mounted in the element. Due to the fact that both the working fluid and the working gel have a high heat capacity, a change in transparency occurs gradually. In such conditions, it is advisable to supply power to the heating elements in a pulsed manner.

 Implementation of coverage with varying transparency.

 The manufacture of elements with variable transparency in the form of sheets of large sizes and without defects is problematic. This is due to the difficulty of filling the space between the sheets with a working substance without air bubbles, as well as the inability to remove these bubbles after this filling.

 In this regard, the claimed coating with varying transparency is made up of the above-described elements (100) with varying transparency, made in the form of sheets (Fig. 20). Elements (100) are placed next to each other, covering a certain surface with a mosaic in one layer. Between the elements (100), gaps can be made. Joints of elements are closed by decor (101). The surface may be imaginary, or it may be a flat or curved sheet of transparent material, for example, window or display glass, an interior partition, a dome and walls of a greenhouse.

 Examples of specific performance coatings with varying transparency.

Example 1. A coating with a changing transparency is a few placed butt joints (100) with a changing transparency in the shape of rectangles ranging in size from 200x200 mm to 350x350 mm (Fig. 21) or horizontal stripes with a width of 50 to 250 mm.

 On the one hand, along the entire perimeter or in its part, each element (100) is equipped with an adhesive strip (102), with which it is fixed on a bearing surface (103), for example, on a double-glazed window.

 On the other hand, the joints of the elements (100) are closed by the decor (101), made in the form of a painted self-adhesive film.

 To increase the ability to absorb incident light, glue and a self-adhesive film of a dark (black) color are used,

 Example 2. A coating with a changing transparency is a few hexagonal elements (100) placed by a mosaic with a changing transparency with a side of 220 mm (Fig. 22).

 On the one hand, along the entire perimeter or on its part, each element (100) is fixed on the supporting surface (103) using double-sided adhesive tape (102).

 On the other hand, the joints of the elements (100) are closed by the decor (101), made in the form of a painted self-adhesive tape.

 To increase the ability to absorb incident light, an adhesive tape and a black self-adhesive tape are used.

 Example 3. A coating with a changing transparency is a few placed butt-end rectangular elements (100) with a changing transparency of 200x300 mm in size (Fig. 23).

 Elements (100) are placed in the cells of the supporting grid from the I-beam profile, which is also a decor (101).

 To increase the ability to absorb incident light, a profile of a material with a high absorption coefficient and high thermal conductivity (for example, metal) is used.

 Example 4. Similar to example 3. In order to fix on an existing coating, the profile (101) is fixed on one side along the entire length or on its part on the supporting surface (103) using double-sided adhesive tape (102) (Fig. 24).

The implementation of the proposed technical solution is not limited to the above examples. Description of the use of coatings with variable transparency.

If there is already any transparent coating at the place of installation of the coating with varying transparency (for example, a double-glazed window on a window), then it can not be dismantled, but used as a supporting structure for mounting coating elements with varying transparency.

 If there is nothing at the place of installation of the coating with varying transparency, it is necessary to equip the supporting structure for mounting the elements of this coating. This design can be performed as described above in example 3 of the coating, and can be made in the form of a frame in any known manner.

 Elements with varying transparency are mounted on the prepared supporting structure. In this case, the elements are either inserted into the supporting structure, or fastened to it with glue or adhesive tape.

 After installation, the joints of elements with changing transparency, if necessary, are closed with decor.

 After that, the coating is ready to use. When the temperature of the elements changes, they change the transparency. In this case, heating and cooling of the elements occurs due to:

 - absorption of solar and other radiation incident on elements;

 - contact with the environment, including decorative elements and the supporting structure;

 - actions of heaters or coolers built into the elements.

 Industrial applicability.

 The claimed technical solutions are implemented using industrially produced devices and materials, can be manufactured at an industrial enterprise and will be widely used in the field of translucent structures.

 Element and coating with variable transparency can be used for the manufacture of display windows and partitions, transforming into multimedia screens.

The implementation of the rear wall of the window showing the street from the claimed element or coating allows you to either focus the attention of passers-by on the samples in the window (for example, clothing, cars), or show the interior of the trading room. For this purpose, the claimed element or coating can also be fixed at several points on the rear wall of the display case.

 The element or coating can be used for internal and external privacy control installations (e.g. meeting rooms, intensive care medical rooms, bathrooms, showers).

 The element or coating can be used as a temporary projection screen.

 An element or coating can be used as a replacement for electrochromic glass in architecture:

 - to control the amount of light and heat passing through the windows;

 - for the manufacture of translucent structures (windows, partitions, doors, etc.), for the organization of confidential spaces - like ordinary glass;

 - as a replacement for curtains and blinds;

 - for office partitions, conference rooms and meeting, interior solutions of restaurants and cafes;

 - in pools (not afraid of humidity), winter gardens, greenhouses.

Claims

Claim  Variable transparency element and variable transparency coating  Paragraph 1. Element with variable transparency, containing a base made of optically transmissive material, in which a sealed cavity is filled with a working substance made in the form of a liquid or gel, characterized in that the base material is chemically resistant to the working substance, and the working substance is made with the possibility of reversible changes in transparency when changing its temperature,  Paragraph 2. The element according to p. 1, characterized in that the working substance has a viscosity of at least 5 MPa * s.  Clause 3. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that the base is made in the form of a sheet and in this sheet there are many sealed cavities filled with a working substance.  Paragraph 4. The element according to claim 3, characterized in that the base is made in the form of a gel, said sealed cavities are evenly distributed in the base, while the base is placed between two rigid reinforcing sheets of optically transmissive material.  Paragraph 5. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that the base is a capsule filled with a working substance, and many of these capsules are placed in a binder made of optically transmissive material, while the binder, the base and the working substance are made of material with close values of the refractive index.  Paragraph 6. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that the base consists of two sheets superimposed on each other, at least part of the space between which is sealed and forms the aforementioned airtight cavity.  Paragraph 7. The element according to claim 6, characterized in that in the space between the sheets, supports are arranged in an orderly and uniform manner that are chemically resistant to the working substance. Paragraph 8. The element according to claim 6, characterized in that on the surface of one of the sheets there are lattice-shaped bumpers, the upper parts of the bumpers are connected to another sheet, while the lattice cells form airtight cavities that are filled with a working substance. Clause 9. An element according to claim 8, characterized in that the flanges made on one sheet enter grooves made on the surface of another sheet, while the height of the flanges is greater than the depth of the grooves.  Paragraph 10. The element according to claim 6, characterized in that the sheets are pressed against each other and curved recesses are made on the surface of one of the sheets, the set of which is the aforementioned airtight cavity, while the recesses are located adjacent to each other, and the sheet material with recesses and the working substance have close values of the refractive index.  Clause 11. The element according to claim 6, characterized in that the sheets are pressed against each other and recesses are made on the surface of one of the sheets, the set of which is the aforementioned airtight cavity, there is a distance between the recesses in the area of which the sheet with recesses is hermetically connected to the adjacent with it with a sheet, while on the opposite side of the sheet with recesses, additional recesses are made, which are offset from the recesses on the other side, additional recesses are filled with a working substance ohm, and the sheet surface is pressed with additional recesses to the third sheet made of optically transmissive material chemically resistant to the working substance.  Paragraph 12. The element according to claim 6, characterized in that the base is made in the form of polymer sheets, and the working substance is made in the form of a liquid, in the composition of which surfactants are added.  Paragraph 13. An element according to any one of paragraphs 6-12, characterized in that the sheets are made in the form of rigid strips.  Clause 14. An element according to claim 13, characterized in that one of the sheets is fixed to a flexible substrate of optically transmissive material, and the substrate is connected to a decorative strip located parallel to the long side of the sheets of the element.  Clause 15. An element according to claim 14, characterized in that the sheets are equipped with heaters, and the control system of these heaters is placed in a decorative strip. Paragraph 16. An element according to claim 13, characterized in that from a short end the sheets are connected to a decorative strip provided with a fastener that allows the element to be fixed vertically with the possibility of rotation around an axis, parallel to the long side of the sheets.  Clause 17. The element according to claim 13, characterized in that on the outer side one of the sheets is provided with an optically translucent adhesive layer.  Clause 18. An item according to claim 13, characterized in that on the outside one of the sheets is coated with an anti-abrasive compound.  Paragraph 19. An element according to claim 13, characterized in that the barrier sealing the space between the sheets is painted.  Clause 20. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that the working substance and / or the base is made painted.  Paragraph 21. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that the working substance contains additives with high absorption in the near infrared range.  Clause 22. An element according to claim 1, characterized in that a colored film is glued on the outside from the base.  Paragraph 23. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that a nichrome heating wire passes on the surface or in the bulk of the substrate.  Paragraph 24. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that optically transparent indium tin oxide conductors are deposited on the surface of the sealed cavity.  Paragraph 25. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that a film with optically transparent indium tin oxide heat-conducting conductors deposited on it is glued to the surface of the sealed cavity. Paragraph 26. The element according to claim 1, characterized in that the working substance is made on the basis of poly (M-isopropyl acrylamide), or

diethylacrylamide), or poly (1 \ 1-ethyl, g \ 1-methylacrylamide), or poly ( ^[ C-pyrrolidinacrylamide), or hydrogel from methyl cellulose, or poloxamer 407, or poloxamer 188, or carbopol 940, or chitosan, or polyethylene glycol . Paragraph 27. A coating with variable transparency, containing elements made in the form of sheets with varying transparency, each of which contains a base made of optically transmissive material, in which a sealed cavity is filled with a working substance made in the form of a liquid or gel, characterized in what elements located next to each other, while the base material is chemically resistant to the working substance, and the working substance is made with the possibility of reversible changes in transparency with changing its temperature.  Item 28. The coating according to p. 27, characterized in that the working substance has a 5 viscosity of at least 5 MPa * s.  Paragraph 29. A coating according to any one of paragraphs 27 or 28, characterized in that the base is two sheets superimposed on each other, at least part of the space between which is sealed and forms the aforementioned airtight cavity. 10 Clause 30. The coating according to Claim 29, characterized in that in the space between the base sheets, supports are chemically and uniformly installed that are chemically resistant to the working substance.  Clause 31. The coating according to claim 29, characterized in that on the surface of one of the sheets there are bars in the form of a lattice, the upper parts of the sides are connected 15 to another sheet, while the lattice cells form airtight cavities that are filled with a working substance.  Clause 32. The coating according to claim 29, characterized in that the elements are in the form of rectangles from 200x200 mm to 350x350 mm in size or rectangular strips from 50 to 250 mm wide, placed end-to-end, while on the one hand along the 20 perimeter or part of it the elements are provided an adhesive strip, and on the other hand, the joints of the elements are closed with a decor made in the form of a self-adhesive film.  Clause 33. The coating of Claim 32, wherein the adhesive strip and self-adhesive film are made of dark color.  25 Clause 34. The coating according to Claim 29, characterized in that the elements are hexagonal and butt-mounted, while on the one hand along the perimeter or part of it the elements are connected by double-sided adhesive tape, and on the other hand, the joints of the elements are closed with a decor made in the form painted self-adhesive tape. s o Item 35. The coating according to p. 34, characterized in that the double-sided adhesive tape and self-adhesive tape are made in black. Clause 36. The coating according to claim 29, characterized in that the elements are rectangular in shape and are placed in cells of the supporting grid of the I-beam.  Clause 37. The coating according to claim 36, characterized in that on one side the I-beam profile along the entire length or in part is provided with double-sided adhesive tape.  Clause 38. The coating of claim 36, wherein the profile is made of metal.  Clause 39. The coating according to claim 29, characterized in that the barrier sealing the space between the base sheets is painted.  Item 40. The coating according to p. 29, characterized in that the working substance and / or the base is painted.  Clause 41. The coating according to claim 29, wherein the working substance contains additives with high absorption in the near infrared range.  Item 42. The coating according to claim 29, characterized in that optically transparent indium tin oxide conductors are deposited on the surface of the sealed cavity.  Item 43. The coating according to claim 29, characterized in that a film with optically transparent indium tin oxide heat-conducting conductors deposited on it is glued to the surface of the sealed cavity. Clause 44. The coating according to claim 29, wherein the working substance is based on poly (g \ 1-isopropyl acrylamide), or

diethyl acrylamide), or gender and (M-ethyl, M-methyl acryl amide), or poly (Y-pyrrolidine acrylamide), or hydrogel from methyl cellulose, or poloxamer 407, or poloxamer 188, or carbopol 940, or chitosan, or polyethylene glycol.