An optoelectronic device assembly, a rearview mirror and a vehicle using the same

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of optoelectronic device assemblies, including guest-host liquid crystal module, display module and the reflective polarizer being clamped between guest-host liquid crystal module and display module, the guest-host liquid crystal module is configured as can change its liquid crystal molecule arrangement state under electric field drive, to adjust its absorption and reflectivity to incident light, the light transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer is parallel with the light-emitting polarization direction of the display module. The above-mentioned optoelectronic device adopts dye liquid crystal material system instead of the necessary external absorption polaroid in traditional scheme, saves the protective cover plate additionally provided outside traditional absorption polaroid, and reliability is improved;While retaining the reflective polarizer, solve the problem of brightness loss caused by absorption or light splitting in traditional scheme, ensure the contrast and visibility of display image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optoelectronic technology, and in particular to an optoelectronic device assembly, a rearview mirror, and a vehicle using the same. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional car rearview mirrors are not only limited in function but also severely restrict rear visibility. Therefore, dual-mode streaming rearview mirrors have gained increasing popularity in recent years. Simply put, dual-mode streaming rearview mirrors have a mirror mode and a display mode. In mirror mode, some high-end rearview mirrors also feature automatic anti-glare functionality. In display mode, the rearview mirror uses a rear-mounted camera to capture road conditions behind the vehicle and transmits this information in real-time to a screen inside the rearview mirror. Drivers and passengers can then view the display to understand the road conditions behind them. Compared to traditional rearview mirrors, streaming rearview mirrors offer a wider field of view and maintain better performance in rainy or foggy weather.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream solution in the industry is to integrate the display module onto a traditional lens structure, often using TN (Twisted Nematic) or VA (Vertical Alignment) type liquid crystal cells as the electronically controlled dimming layer. This solution has a significant drawback: to achieve the switching between the mirror and display states, an externally attached absorptive polarizer is required to modulate the polarized light. This fragile polarizer needs an additional rigid protective cover to prevent scratches and corrosion, resulting in a complex and thick module structure that fails to meet automotive-grade reliability and compact space requirements, while also increasing manufacturing costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an optoelectronic device assembly, including a host liquid crystal module, a display module, and a reflective polarizer sandwiched between the host liquid crystal module and the display module. The host liquid crystal module is configured to change the arrangement of its liquid crystal molecules under an electric field, thereby adjusting its absorption rate and reflectivity of incident light. The transmission axis of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the light polarization direction of the display module.

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the guest-host liquid crystal module can be controlled to orthogonally modulate the polarization direction.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the guest-host liquid crystal module has a dye liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal host and a dichroic dye guest.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid crystal host comprises a nematic liquid crystal compound.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the dichroic dye guest is selected from azo compounds, anthraquinones, methine compounds, methylimine compounds, anthocyanin compounds, naphthoquinones, tetrazines, naphthalene-benzene compounds, benzothiadiazoles, pyrrole-methylbenzene compounds, and diketopyrrole-pyrrole compounds.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the dye-based liquid crystal module uses an ECB mode liquid crystal cell, a VA mode liquid crystal cell, a TN mode liquid crystal cell, or an IPS mode liquid crystal cell.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, when the guest-host liquid crystal module uses an ECB mode liquid crystal cell, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer when no voltage is applied to the guest-host liquid crystal module.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the guest-host liquid crystal module is in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity when a voltage between a first voltage and no voltage is applied.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, when the guest-host liquid crystal module uses a VA mode liquid crystal cell, when a second voltage is applied to the guest-host liquid crystal module, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the light transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the guest-host liquid crystal module is in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity when there is no applied voltage and when a second voltage is applied.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, when the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts a TN mode liquid crystal cell, the guest-host liquid crystal module is in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity when a third voltage is applied and no voltage is applied.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, when the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts an IPS mode liquid crystal cell, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel or perpendicular to the light transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer when no voltage is applied to the guest-host liquid crystal module.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the guest-host liquid crystal module is configured to have the lowest or highest reflectivity when no voltage is applied, and to be in a state of reflectivity between the lowest and highest reflectivity when a fourth voltage is applied and a voltage is not applied.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the display module defines at least one display area, which is disposed below the reflective polarizer.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one display area is disposed beneath a portion of the reflective polarizer.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the display area is a liquid crystal display panel.

[0020] This application also provides a rearview mirror, including the aforementioned optoelectronic device assembly.

[0021] This application also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a vehicle rearview mirror mounted on the vehicle body, as described above.

[0022] The optoelectronic device provided in this application uses a dye liquid crystal material system to replace the external absorptive polarizer required in traditional solutions. This eliminates the need for the protective cover plate added to the outside of the traditional absorptive polarizer, reducing the thickness and weight of the entire module. This meets the stringent requirements of the automotive industry for space layout and lightweighting, and improves reliability. At the same time, it retains the reflective polarizer, which solves the brightness loss problem caused by absorption or spectral splitting in traditional solutions, ensuring the contrast and visibility of the displayed image.

[0023] It should be understood that the above general description of the present invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the optoelectronic device assembly of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 2 of this utility model; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 3 of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 3 of this utility model; Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 4 of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the optoelectronic device assembly in Embodiment 4 of this utility model; Figure 10 An exploded view of the rearview mirror provided in Embodiment 5 of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the display area distribution of a rearview mirror according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Now, reference will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0026] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, and quantities disclosed in the accompanying drawings, which are used to describe embodiments of the present invention, are merely examples, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the details illustrated. Similar reference numerals always denote similar elements. In the following description, detailed descriptions will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions of related known functions or constructions would unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the present invention.

[0027] Where the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used as described in this specification, additional parts may be added unless “only” is used. Singular terms may include plural forms unless otherwise stated.

[0028] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including a range of errors, although this is not explicitly described.

[0029] In the description of embodiments of the present invention, when a structure (e.g., an electrode, wire, wiring, layer, or contact) is described as being formed on top of or below an upper / lower portion of another structure or other structure, this description should be understood to include cases where these structures are in contact with each other, and further includes cases where a third structure is disposed therebetween.

[0030] In describing temporal relationships, for example, when time sequence is described as “after,” “following,” “next,” and “before,” discontinuous cases may be included unless “exactly” or “immediately following” is used.

[0031] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0032] The “X-axis direction,” “Y-axis direction,” and “Z-axis direction” should not be interpreted solely by their geometric relationship of being perpendicular to each other, but rather can have a wider range of directions within the functional scope of the components of this invention.

[0033] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third items" means a combination of all items proposed from the first, second, and third items, as well as two or more of the first, second, or third items.

[0034] The features of the various embodiments of this utility model may be connected or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may operate in various ways and be technology-driven, as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments of this utility model may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in an interdependent relationship.

[0035] definition The term "dye liquid crystal" refers to a composite material system formed by uniformly mixing a nematic liquid crystal host with a dichroic dye guest in a specific ratio. This composite system is also known as a host-guest system, where the anisotropic dye exhibits anisotropic light absorption characteristics depending on the alignment of the liquid crystals and the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction. Dichroic dyes can be classified into p-type (positive) dyes and n-type (negative) dyes based on the relationship between their molecular long axis direction and the light absorption vibration direction: p-type dyes have their molecular long axis direction as the direction of maximum light absorption, and they are usually aligned parallel to the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules, rotating synchronously with the liquid crystal molecules under the drive of an electric field, thus achieving selective absorption of light with a specific polarization direction; n-type dyes have their molecular short axis direction as the direction of maximum light absorption, and their optical behavior is opposite to that of p-type dyes. By changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules with an electric field, the orientation of the p-type or n-type dyes can be precisely controlled, thereby dynamically adjusting the overall absorption and reflectivity of the dye liquid crystal for incident light. In the following text, unless otherwise stated, anisotropic dyes are assumed to be p-type dyes.

[0036] The term "optical anisotropy axis of a dye liquid crystal layer" refers to a virtual, equivalent optical principal axis direction defined by the collective alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules within the layer. It can be dynamically controlled by an external electric field or a surface alignment layer. The principal axis direction is parallel to the average orientation direction (i.e., the director) of the liquid crystal molecules. Essentially, it is a macroscopic manifestation of the dielectric anisotropy (Δε) and refractive index anisotropy (Δn) of the liquid crystal material. The direction of this axis also determines the selective absorption direction of the dichroic dye on the incident light.

[0037] In this specification, to accurately describe the polarization state of light waves, the following definitions are made: the incident surface is a plane that is perpendicular to the light incident surface of the device and includes the propagation directions of the incident and reflected light waves; wherein, P-polarized light (abbreviated as P-light) refers to linearly polarized light in which the electric field vector vibration direction of the light wave is parallel to the incident surface, while S-polarized light (abbreviated as S-light) refers to linearly polarized light in which the electric field vector vibration direction of the light wave is perpendicular to the incident surface.

[0038] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an exemplary optoelectronic device assembly of the present invention is shown, including a host liquid crystal module 101, a display module 103, and a reflective polarizer 102 sandwiched between the host liquid crystal module 101 and the display module 103. The host liquid crystal module 101 is configured to change the arrangement state of its liquid crystal molecules under the drive of an electric field, thereby adjusting its absorptivity and reflectivity to incident light. The transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer 102 is parallel to the light-emitting polarization direction of the display module 103.

[0040] The host-guest liquid crystal module has a dye liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal host and a dichroic dye guest, wherein the liquid crystal host is generally a nematic liquid crystal compound. The dichroic dye guest is selected from azo compounds, anthraquinones, methine compounds, methylimine compounds, anthocyanin compounds, naphthoquinones, tetrazines, naphthalene-benzene compounds, benzothiadiazoles, pyrrole-methylbenzene compounds, and diketopyrrole-pyrrole compounds.

[0041] The guest and host liquid crystal modules can be controlled to orthogonally modulate the polarization direction. In practice, the types and alignment directions of the liquid crystal materials used in the guest and host liquid crystal modules are different, and the corresponding operating modes are also different. The following will explain the guest and host liquid crystal modules using ECB mode liquid crystal cells, VA mode liquid crystal cells, TN mode liquid crystal cells or IPS mode liquid crystal cells as examples.

[0042] Example 1 Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram illustrates two operating states of the optoelectronic device assembly provided in this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 2 and Figure 3The components listed include devices that have a major influence on the properties of incident light, as well as light sources. In this embodiment, the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts a nematic absorption type. Specifically, the guest-host liquid crystal module uses an ECB mode liquid crystal cell. The guest-host liquid crystal module 101 includes a first conductive layer 1011, a second conductive layer 1013, and a dye liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013. The dye liquid crystal layer specifically includes positive nematic liquid crystal and dichroic dye. In this embodiment, the dye liquid crystal layer used in the ECB mode liquid crystal cell is specifically designated as 1012LC.

[0043] In this configuration scheme, such as Figure 3 As shown, when no voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013 on both sides of the liquid crystal material 1012LC, the liquid crystal molecules of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012LC are aligned parallel to the conductive layers and the substrate (not shown in the figure), as... Figure 2 As shown, when a voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013 on both sides of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012LC, the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the dye liquid crystal layer 1012LC will deflect in a direction perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure). It is understood that the deflection state of the liquid crystal molecules is only a schematic diagram for ease of understanding and differs somewhat from the actual deflection state of the liquid crystal molecules, and is not intended to limit this utility model.

[0044] In this configuration, the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer is set to be parallel to the light polarization direction of the display module. When no voltage is applied across the dye liquid crystal layer (V = OFF), the horizontal alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer. Figure 3 As shown, the liquid crystal molecules in the dye-based liquid crystal layer 1012LC will deflect towards a direction parallel to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure). Simultaneously, the dichroic dye aligns with the liquid crystal molecules. When ambient light r21 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, denoted as P-ray and S-ray) is incident and passes through the dye-based liquid crystal layer, the dye molecules absorb light rays whose electric field vibration direction is parallel to the long axis of the dye molecules; that is, the P-ray is absorbed, and the emitted light ray r22, denoted as S-ray, is emitted. Since the polarization direction of light ray r22 is consistent with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, the reflective polarizer 102 transmits almost all of the light ray r22, forming transmitted light r23. Therefore, at this time, the guest and host liquid crystal modules superimposed with the reflective polarizer in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibit the lowest reflectivity to ambient light.

[0045] When the display module 103 displays the image light r24, for example, as S-ray, since the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the output polarization direction of the display module, the emitted light r25 through the reflective polarizer 102 is also S-ray, and the emitted light r26 after passing through the dye liquid crystal layer is still S-ray. Therefore, the reflective mirror module exhibits high transmittance for the display of the inner display module 103 at this time.

[0046] When a voltage is applied across the dye liquid crystal layer (V = ON), such as Figure 2 As shown, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged perpendicular to the substrate (not shown), and the dichroic dyes are also uniformly aligned. Let's assume for now that the voltage is sufficiently high, reaching the first voltage. At this point, the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules in the dye liquid crystal layer are completely perpendicular to the substrate (not shown). Since the p-type dye only absorbs light whose electric field vibration direction is parallel to the molecular long axis, when ambient light r11 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P-light and S-light) is incident and passes through the dye liquid crystal layer, the long axis of the dye molecules is aligned with the direction of light propagation. In other words, the long axis of the dye molecules is always perpendicular to the direction of electric field vibration in the light. Therefore, the dye molecules do not absorb the passing light, and the dye liquid crystal layer hardly changes the polarization direction of the incident light. Light ray r12 remains unpolarized. When light ray r12 enters the reflective polarizer 102, the portion of light ray r12 aligned with the reflection axis R of the reflective polarizer 102, i.e., light ray r14, is reflected (e.g., P-ray), while the portion of light ray r12 aligned with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, i.e., light ray r13, is transmitted (e.g., S-ray). After passing through the horizontally aligned dye liquid crystal layer 1012LC, light ray r14 does not change its polarization direction. The resulting outgoing light r15 has the same polarization direction as light ray r14 (e.g., P-ray). It is evident that, based on the synergistic effect of electrically controlled birefringence and the guest-host effect, the guest-host liquid crystal module superimposed with the reflective polarizer in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits the highest reflectivity to ambient light.

[0047] At this time, the display module does not need to actively emit light. The entire optoelectronic component acts as a highly efficient reflector, with its mirror imaging entirely provided by the reflected ambient light r11, eliminating the need for backlighting from the display module. In certain special cases, the display module can emit light simultaneously. For example, in bright daylight (strong ambient light), if the user requires both a clear mirror function and the display of important warning information (such as blind spot warnings), the display module can display information locally and with high brightness (such as a red exclamation mark). Because the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dyes are aligned perpendicular to the substrate (not shown), this portion of the display light (whose polarization direction is parallel to the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer) can penetrate the reflective polarizer and the host and guest liquid crystal modules, ultimately displaying on the mirror surface.

[0048] Therefore, in comparison Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two working states shown are in Figure 2 In the operating states shown, the optoelectronic device assembly is in its highest reflectivity state; Figure 3 In the operating state shown, the optoelectronic device component is in the lowest reflectivity state. It is not difficult to deduce that when a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage is applied, it is in a reflectivity state between the highest and lowest reflectivity, for example, it can be displayed in different grayscale and color states.

[0049] Example 2 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram illustrates two operating states of the optoelectronic device assembly provided in this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The components listed include devices that have a major influence on the properties of incident light, as well as light sources. Similar to Embodiment 1, in this configuration, the guest and host liquid crystal modules still adopt a nematic phase absorption type, and the guest and host liquid crystal modules have a dye liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal host and a dichroic dye guest. Unlike Embodiment 1, the guest and host liquid crystal modules adopt a VA mode liquid crystal cell. The guest and host liquid crystal module 101 includes a first conductive layer 1011, a second conductive layer 1013, and a dye liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013. In this embodiment, the dye liquid crystal layer used in the VA mode liquid crystal cell is specifically marked as 1012VA.

[0050] In this configuration scheme, such as Figure 4 As shown, when a voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013 on both sides of the liquid crystal material 1012VA, the liquid crystal molecules of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012VA are aligned parallel to the conductive layers and the substrate (not shown in the figure), as... Figure 5 As shown, when no voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013 on both sides of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012VA, the liquid crystal molecules of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012VA will deflect in a direction perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure).

[0051] In this configuration, the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer is set to be parallel to the light polarization direction of the display module. Thus, when no voltage is applied across the dye liquid crystal layer (V = OFF), as... Figure 5As shown, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is arranged perpendicular to the substrate (not shown), and the dichroic dyes are also uniformly arranged. Since the p-type dyes only absorb light whose electric field vibration direction is parallel to the long axis of the molecules, when ambient light r41 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P light and S light) is incident and passes through the dye liquid crystal layer, the long axis of the dye molecules is consistent with the direction of light propagation. That is, the long axis of the dye molecules is always perpendicular to the direction of electric field vibration in the light. Therefore, the dye molecules do not absorb the light that passes through, and the dye liquid crystal layer hardly changes the polarization direction of the incident light. The light r42 is still unpolarized light. The light r42 enters the reflective polarizer 102. The part of the light r42 that is consistent with the reflection axis R of the reflective polarizer 102, i.e., the light r44, is reflected, for example, referred to as P light. The part of the light r42 that is consistent with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, i.e., the light r43, is transmitted, for example, referred to as S light. After light ray r44 passes through the 1012VA dye liquid crystal layer with horizontally aligned molecules, its polarization direction remains unchanged. The polarization direction of the resulting outgoing light r45 is consistent with that of light ray r44, for example, it is a P-ray. It can be seen that, based on the synergistic effect of electrically controlled birefringence and guest-host effect, the guest-host liquid crystal module superimposed with the reflective polarizer in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits the highest reflectivity to external ambient light.

[0052] At this time, the display module does not need to actively emit light. The entire optoelectronic component acts as a highly efficient reflector, with its mirror imaging entirely provided by the reflected ambient light r41, eliminating the need for backlighting from the display module. In certain special cases, the display module can emit light simultaneously. For example, in bright daylight (strong ambient light), if the user requires both a clear mirror function and the display of important warning information (such as blind spot warnings), the display module can display information locally and with high brightness (such as a red exclamation mark). Because the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dyes are aligned perpendicular to the substrate (not shown), this portion of the display light (whose polarization direction is parallel to the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer) can penetrate the reflective polarizer and the host and guest liquid crystal modules, ultimately displaying on the mirror surface.

[0053] When a voltage is applied across the dye liquid crystal layer (V = ON), such as Figure 4 As shown, the liquid crystal molecules in the 1012VA dye liquid crystal layer will deflect towards a direction parallel to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure). Simultaneously, the dichroic dye follows the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules. Let's assume for now that the voltage is sufficiently high, reaching a second voltage, at which point the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules in the dye liquid crystal layer is completely parallel to the substrate. At the same time, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is defined as perpendicular to the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer. When ambient light r31 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P-light and S-light) is incident on the dye liquid crystal layer, the dye molecules absorb light rays whose electric field vibration direction is parallel to the long axis of the dye molecules, such as... Figure 4 The P-ray portion of r31 is absorbed, while the S-ray portion is transmitted, resulting in ray r32, denoted as S-ray. Since the polarization direction of ray r32 is aligned with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, the reflective polarizer 102 transmits almost all of ray r32, forming transmitted light r33. Therefore, at this point, the reflective polarizer pair superimposed on the host and guest liquid crystal modules in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits the lowest reflectivity.

[0054] When the display module 103 displays the image light r34, for example, as an S-ray, since the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the output polarization direction of the display module, the emitted light r35 through the reflective polarizer 102 is also an S-ray, and the emitted light r36 after passing through the dye liquid crystal layer is still an S-ray. It can be seen that at this time, the display module 103 on the inner side of the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits high transmittance due to the superimposed reflective polarizer on the host and guest liquid crystal modules.

[0055] Therefore, in comparison Figure 4 and Figure 5 The two working states shown are in Figure 4 In the operating state shown, the optoelectronic device assembly is in the state of lowest reflectivity; Figure 5 In the operating state shown, the optoelectronic device component is in the state of highest reflectivity. It is not difficult to deduce that when a voltage between the second voltage and no voltage is applied, it is in a reflectivity state between the lowest and highest reflectivity, for example, it can be displayed in different grayscale and color states.

[0056] Example 3 Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates two operating states of the optoelectronic device assembly provided in this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The components listed include devices that have a major influence on the properties of incident light and devices such as light sources. Unlike Embodiment 1, the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts a TN mode liquid crystal cell. The guest-host liquid crystal module has a dye liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal body and a dichroic dye guest. The guest-host liquid crystal module 101 includes a first conductive layer 1011, a second conductive layer 1013, and a dye liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013. In this embodiment, the dye liquid crystal layer used in the TN mode liquid crystal cell is specifically marked as 1012TN.

[0057] In this configuration scheme, such as Figure 6 As shown, when a voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013 on both sides of the liquid crystal material 1012TN, the liquid crystal molecules of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012TN are aligned perpendicular to the conductive layers and the substrate (not shown in the figure), as... Figure 7As shown, when no voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011 and the second conductive layer 1013 on both sides of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012TN, the liquid crystal molecules of the dye liquid crystal layer 1012TN are arranged in a twisted orientation.

[0058] In this configuration, the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer is set to be parallel to the light polarization direction emitted by the display module. Thus, when a voltage is applied across the dye-based liquid crystal layer (V = ON), and when the applied voltage is sufficiently large to reach a third voltage, the liquid crystal molecules can be aligned completely perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown), as... Figure 6 As shown, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules is arranged perpendicular to the substrate (not shown), and the dichroic dyes are also uniformly arranged. Since the p-type dyes only absorb light whose electric field vibration direction is parallel to the long axis of the molecules, when ambient light r51 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P light and S light) is incident and passes through the dye liquid crystal layer, the long axis of the dye molecules is consistent with the direction of light propagation. That is, the long axis of the dye molecules is always perpendicular to the direction of electric field vibration in the light. Therefore, the dye molecules have no absorption effect on the passing light, and the dye liquid crystal layer hardly changes the polarization direction of the incident light. The light r52 is still unpolarized light. When the light r52 enters the reflective polarizer 102, the part of the light r52 that is consistent with the reflection axis R of the reflective polarizer 102, i.e., the light r54, is reflected, for example, referred to as P light. The part of the light r52 that is consistent with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, i.e., the light r53, is transmitted, for example, referred to as S light. The dye-based liquid crystal layer hardly changes the polarization direction of light. Therefore, the polarization direction of the emitted light r55 after passing through the dye-based liquid crystal layer 1012TN is the same as that of the light r54, for example, it is P-light. It can be seen that at this time, the guest and host liquid crystal modules superimposed with a reflective polarizer in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibit the highest reflectivity to ambient light.

[0059] Similar to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the display module may not emit light actively, or it may be selected to display some important warning information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0060] When no voltage is applied across the dye liquid crystal layer (V = OFF), such as Figure 7As shown, the liquid crystal molecules in the dye liquid crystal layer 1012TN are arranged in a twisted pattern. The helical structure of the liquid crystal causes the polarization axis of the polarized light to rotate by a certain angle, such as 90°. When ambient light r61 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P light and S light) is incident on the dye liquid crystal layer, for example, the S light is gradually twisted by 90 degrees during the deflection process and is continuously absorbed, eventually being almost completely absorbed. Conversely, the P light is gradually twisted by 90 degrees during the deflection process and is not absorbed at all. Therefore, the emitted light r62 after passing through the dye liquid crystal layer 1012TN is S light. The direction of the optical anisotropy axis of the dye liquid crystal layer is at a preset angle with the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer. This depends on the orientation treatment performed on the surface of the alignment film to orient the initial direction of the liquid crystal molecules toward the desired direction. Under the above conditions, the polarization direction of light ray r62 is consistent with the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer 10229. Therefore, the reflective polarizer 102 transmits almost all of light ray r62, forming outgoing light ray r63, which is S-ray. It can be seen that at this time, the reflective polarizer superimposed on the host and guest liquid crystal modules in the optoelectronic device assembly has the lowest reflectivity to external ambient light.

[0061] When the display module 103 displays image light r64, for example, S-ray, since the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the output polarization direction of the display module, the outgoing light r65 through the reflective polarizer 102 is also S-ray. After passing through the dye liquid crystal layer, the outgoing light r66 is P-ray. Therefore, at this time, the display module 103 within the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits high transmittance due to the superimposed reflective polarizer on the host and guest liquid crystal modules.

[0062] Therefore, in comparison Figure 6 and Figure 7 The two working states shown are in Figure 6 In the operating states shown, the optoelectronic device assembly is in its highest reflectivity state; Figure 7 In the operating state shown, the optoelectronic device component is in the lowest reflectivity state. It is not difficult to deduce that when a voltage between the third voltage and no voltage is applied, it is in a reflectivity state between the highest and lowest reflectivity, for example, it can be displayed in different grayscale and color states.

[0063] Example 4 Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram illustrates two operating states of the optoelectronic device assembly provided in this embodiment. It should be noted that... Figure 8 and Figure 9The components listed include devices that have a major influence on the properties of incident light and devices such as light sources. Unlike Embodiment 1, the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts an IPS mode liquid crystal cell. The guest-host liquid crystal module has a dye liquid crystal layer containing a liquid crystal body and a dichroic dye guest. The guest-host liquid crystal module 101 includes a first conductive layer 1011i, a second conductive layer 1013i, and a dye liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first conductive layer 1011i and the second conductive layer 1013i. In this embodiment, the dye liquid crystal layer used in the IPS mode liquid crystal cell is specifically marked as 1012LC.

[0064] In this configuration, since the IPS mode liquid crystal cell uses a horizontal electric field, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules rotates horizontally. By designing the friction direction of the alignment layer, the initial horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules in the IPS liquid crystal cell when no voltage is applied (V=OFF) can be controlled to form a specific relative angle with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102. The first configuration is described in detail here. (Refer to...) Figure 8 When no voltage is applied to the first conductive layer 1011i and the second conductive layer 1013i on both sides of the liquid crystal material 1012LC (V = OFF), the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules are in a flat state, and their long axes are perpendicular to the paper surface. That is, the horizontal alignment of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer. When ambient light r71 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P light and S light) is incident and passes through the dye liquid crystal layer, the light rays whose vibration direction is parallel to the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules are absorbed, while the light rays whose vibration direction is perpendicular to the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules maintain their polarization direction and reach the reflective polarizer. Figure 8 As can be seen, after the ambient light r71 passes through the dye liquid crystal layer, the emitted light is r72, for example, P-light. Since the polarization direction of light r72 is consistent with the reflection axis R of the reflective polarizer 102, the reflective polarizer 102 reflects almost all of the light r72, forming reflected light r73, whose polarization direction is consistent with that of light r72, for example, P-light. Since the vibration direction of light r73 is perpendicular to the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules, almost all of light r73 passes through the dye liquid crystal layer 1012LC to form emitted light r74. It can be seen that at this time, the guest and host liquid crystal modules superimposed with the reflective polarizer in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibit the highest reflectivity for external ambient light.

[0065] Similar to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the display module may not emit light actively, or it may be selected to display some important warning information, which will not be elaborated here.

[0066] When a voltage is applied across the dye liquid crystal layer (V = ON), such as Figure 9As shown, driven by a transverse electric field, liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules rotate in-plane until their long axes are parallel to the paper plane. Light rays with vibration directions parallel to the long axes of the liquid crystal and dye molecules are absorbed, while light rays with vibration directions perpendicular to the long axes of the liquid crystal and dye molecules maintain their polarization direction and reach the reflective polarizer. Simultaneously, when a fourth voltage is applied (assuming the voltage is sufficiently large), the alignment of the liquid crystal and dye molecules in the dye liquid crystal layer is completely parallel to the substrate, and the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is defined as perpendicular to the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer. When ambient light r81 (usually natural light, i.e., unpolarized light, referred to here as P-light and S-light) is incident on the dye liquid crystal layer, the dye molecules absorb light rays with vibration directions parallel to the long axes of the dye molecules, such as... Figure 9 The P-ray portion of r81 is absorbed, while the S-ray portion is transmitted, resulting in ray r82, denoted as S-ray. Since the polarization direction of ray r82 is aligned with the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, the reflective polarizer 102 transmits almost all of ray r82, forming transmitted light r83. Therefore, at this point, the reflective polarizer pair superimposed on the host and guest liquid crystal modules in the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits the lowest reflectivity.

[0067] When the display module 103 displays image light r84, for example, S-ray, since the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the output polarization direction of the display module, the emitted light r85 through the reflective polarizer 102 is also S-ray. After passing through the dye liquid crystal layer, the emitted light r86 is P-ray. Therefore, at this time, the display module 103 within the optoelectronic device assembly exhibits high transmittance due to the superimposed reflective polarizer on the host and guest liquid crystal modules.

[0068] Therefore, in comparison Figure 8 and Figure 9 The two working states shown are in Figure 8 In the operating states shown, the optoelectronic device assembly is in its highest reflectivity state; Figure 9 In the operating state shown, the optoelectronic device component is in the lowest reflectivity state. It is not difficult to deduce that when a voltage between the fourth voltage and no voltage is applied, it is in a reflectivity state between the lowest and highest reflectivity, for example, it can be displayed in different grayscale and color states.

[0069] As an equivalent configuration, by rotating the alignment layer friction direction by 90°, the initial horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules and dye molecules when no voltage is applied (V=OFF) is perpendicular to the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102. In this configuration, the operating logic of the optoelectronic device assembly mirrors the above scheme: when no voltage is applied to either side of the dye liquid crystal layer (V=OFF), the optoelectronic device assembly is in its lowest reflectivity state; when a voltage is applied to either side of the dye liquid crystal layer (V=ON), reaching the fourth voltage, the liquid crystal molecules rotate until their long axis is parallel to the transmission axis T of the reflective polarizer 102, and the optoelectronic device assembly switches to its highest reflectivity state. This scheme provides design flexibility for achieving different default operating states. Example 5 Embodiment 5 of this application provides a solution for applying any of the optoelectronic device components described in the above embodiments to a rearview mirror scenario. Specifically, see... Figure 10 The exploded view shown in this embodiment illustrates a rearview mirror 10. The rearview mirror 10 includes a host-guest liquid crystal module 101 disposed between a first substrate 104 and a second substrate 105. A first conductive layer 1011 and a first alignment layer 1014 are provided on the side of the first substrate 104 facing the second substrate 105, wherein the first alignment layer 1014 is closer to the liquid crystal mass in the dye-liquid crystal layer; for example, the first alignment layer 10226 can directly contact the liquid crystal material. A second conductive layer 1013 and a second alignment layer 1015 are provided on the side of the second substrate 105 facing the first substrate 104, wherein the second alignment layer 1015 is closer to the liquid crystal mass in the dye-liquid crystal layer. A reflective polarizer 102 is provided on the side of the second substrate 105 facing away from the first substrate 104.

[0070] This embodiment also includes a display module 103 disposed on the side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the main and secondary liquid crystal modules, to realize the function of displaying image content within the visible area of ​​the rearview mirror. When the display module is displaying, the liquid crystal display panel is set to display mode, and the light emitted from its backlight is emitted linearly polarized to one side of the liquid crystal display panel. When the display module is not displaying, the liquid crystal display panel is set to non-display mode, so as not to consume useless power. In a preferred embodiment, the display module can define one or more display areas 108, which are disposed under the reflective polarizer or under a part of the reflective polarizer, to provide the display function of the rearview mirror. That is, the display area is designed to be smaller than the reflective polarizer, or designed to be substantially the same size as the reflective polarizer 102 and configured for full-screen display. Furthermore, when there are multiple display areas, the multiple display areas can be tiled on the rearview mirror. When the rearview mirror display function is activated, it is possible to choose to light up only one display area or to light up all display areas simultaneously.

[0071] Depending on the actual product requirements, the rearview mirror in this embodiment may preferably also include any one or any combination of a touch layer, a photosensor, a control unit, a camera module, an adapter cable, a housing, and a bracket. For example, Figure 10 As shown, a housing 106 and a bracket 107 can be installed.

[0072] This application also provides a vehicle including the aforementioned rearview mirror.

[0073] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0074] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this utility model can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this utility model, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A photoelectric device assembly, characterized in that, The device includes a host liquid crystal module, a display module, and a reflective polarizer sandwiched between the host liquid crystal module and the display module. The host liquid crystal module is configured to change the arrangement of its liquid crystal molecules under the drive of an electric field, thereby adjusting its absorption rate and reflectivity of incident light. The transmission axis of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the light polarization direction of the display module.

2. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guest and host liquid crystal modules can be controlled to orthogonally modulate the polarization direction.

3. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guest-host liquid crystal module has a dye liquid crystal layer comprising a liquid crystal host and a dichroic dye guest.

4. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The liquid crystal host comprises a nematic liquid crystal compound.

5. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The dichroic dye guests are selected from azo compounds, anthraquinones, methine compounds, methylimine compounds, anthocyanin compounds, naphthoquinones, tetrazines, naphthalene-benzene compounds, benzothiadiazoles, pyrrole-methylbenzene compounds, and diketopyrrole-pyrrole compounds.

6. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The dye-based liquid crystal module uses an ECB mode liquid crystal cell, a VA mode liquid crystal cell, a TN mode liquid crystal cell, or an IPS mode liquid crystal cell.

7. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts an ECB mode liquid crystal cell, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer when no voltage is applied to the guest-host liquid crystal module.

8. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage is applied, the guest and host liquid crystal modules are in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity.

9. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts a VA mode liquid crystal cell, when a second voltage is applied to the guest-host liquid crystal module, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the light transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer.

10. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The guest and host liquid crystal modules are in a state with reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity when there is no applied voltage and when the second voltage is applied.

11. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the guest-host liquid crystal module adopts a TN mode liquid crystal cell, the guest-host liquid crystal module is in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity when a third voltage is applied and no voltage is applied.

12. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the guest and host liquid crystal modules adopt an IPS mode liquid crystal cell, when no voltage is applied, the horizontal alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel or perpendicular to the light transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer.

13. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The guest and host liquid crystal modules are configured to have the lowest or highest reflectivity when no voltage is applied, and to be in a state of reflectivity between the lowest and highest reflectivity when a fourth voltage is applied and a voltage is not applied.

14. The optoelectronic device assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The display module defines at least one display area, which is disposed below the reflective polarizer.

15. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one display area is positioned below a portion of the reflective polarizer.

16. The optoelectronic device assembly as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The display area is a liquid crystal display panel.

17. A rearview mirror, characterized in that, Includes the optoelectronic device assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A vehicle, comprising a vehicle body and a rearview mirror mounted on the vehicle body, characterized in that, The vehicle rearview mirror is as described in any one of claims 17.

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