Dimming glass and glass module

Abstract

The present invention provides a dimming glass and a glass module, belonging to the technical field of display glass. The dimming glass of the present invention comprises a basic dimming structure and a reflective polarizer; wherein the basic dimming structure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a first liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first liquid crystal layer is used to flip under the control of the electric field generated between the first substrate and the second substrate to control the transmittance of light; the reflective polarizer is located on the side of the first substrate away from the liquid crystal layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of display glass, and in particular relates to a dimming glass and a glass module. Background Art

[0002] At present, the application of dimming glass in the fields of architecture and transportation is becoming more and more extensive. Customers such as automobiles, high-speed railways, and passenger aircraft are now interested in dye liquid crystal dimming glass. In the existing smart glass market, there are products such as PDLC smart glass and electrochromic smart glass. PDLC smart glass can only switch between transparency and haze, without light shielding or heat insulation; electrochromic smart glass has problems such as complex film layer process, slow response time (8-20s), and blue dark state color. Dye liquid crystal dimming glass uses the selective absorption of light by dichroic dye molecules in liquid crystal to achieve switching between bright and dark states. Compared with existing PDLC and electrochromic smart glass, it has greatly improved optical properties such as black state purity and response time. However, existing dye liquid crystal dimming glass can only adjust the black state, bright state and grayscale state, that is, it can only adjust the transmittance of glass to visible light. When dimming glass is used for car windows, conference room partitions, and architectural glass, there is a need for privacy protection while transmitting light; in the fields of car windows, art design, etc., the application prospects of full-face color dimming glass are huge. At present, dimming glass cannot meet the needs of these applications. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art and provides a dimming glass and a glass module.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a dimming glass, comprising a basic dimming structure and a reflective polarizer; wherein the basic dimming structure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a first liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first liquid crystal layer is used to flip under the control of an electric field generated between the first substrate and the second substrate to control the transmittance of light;

[0005] The reflective polarizer is located on a side of the first substrate away from the liquid crystal layer.

[0006] Optionally, the first liquid crystal layer includes: basic liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules.

[0007] Optionally, the first substrate includes a first substrate, and a first electrode is arranged on a side of the first substrate close to the first liquid crystal layer; the second substrate includes a second substrate, and a second electrode is arranged on a side of the second substrate close to the first liquid crystal layer; wherein,

[0008] The first electrode and the second electrode are both plate-shaped electrodes.

[0009] Optionally, the first substrate includes a first base and a first electrode disposed on one side of the first base close to the first liquid crystal layer; the second substrate includes a second base and a second electrode disposed on one side of the second base close to the first liquid crystal layer; wherein,

[0010] One of the first electrode and the second electrode is a plate-shaped electrode, and the other is a strip-shaped electrode.

[0011] Optionally, the reflective polarizer includes any one of APF, DBEF, and DLRP.

[0012] Optionally, the thickness of the reflective polarizer is less than or equal to 150 um.

[0013] Optionally, a first protective glass is disposed on a side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the first substrate; the first protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a first bonding layer.

[0014] Optionally, a first protective glass is disposed on a side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the first substrate; the first protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a first bonding layer;

[0015] A second protective glass is disposed on a first side of the second substrate facing away from the first liquid crystal layer; the second protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a second bonding layer.

[0016] Optionally, a first protective glass is disposed on a side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the first substrate; the first protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a first bonding layer;

[0017] A second protective glass is disposed on a first side of the second substrate facing away from the first liquid crystal layer, there is a certain distance between the second protective glass and the second substrate, and the second protective glass is sealed with the basic dimming structure through a sealing frame.

[0018] Optionally, a functional dimming structure is further disposed on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate disposed opposite to each other, and a second liquid crystal layer disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer is configured to flip under the control of an electric field between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, so that the functional dimming structure can be in a fog state.

[0019] Optionally, the second liquid crystal layer includes PNLC or PDLC.

[0020] Optionally, a functional dimming structure is further provided on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer includes a colored dye liquid crystal, which is used to flip under the action of an electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate to control the transmittance of light of the same color as the colored dye liquid crystal in the light irradiated onto the functional dimming structure.

[0021] Optionally, a functional dimming structure is further provided on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the third substrate includes a third substrate base, and a third electrode arranged on one side of the third substrate base close to the second liquid crystal layer; the fourth substrate includes a fourth substrate base, and a fourth electrode arranged on one side of the fourth substrate base close to the second liquid crystal layer; after a voltage is applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode, an electric field is formed to control the flipping of the second liquid crystal layer, so that the functional dimming structure displays an image.

[0022] Optionally, a functional dimming structure is further provided on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, which is used to flip under the action of an electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate to reflect light of a specific wavelength band.

[0023] Optionally, the second liquid crystal layer includes bistable liquid crystal molecules.

[0024] Optionally, the second substrate includes a second substrate base, and a second electrode arranged on one side of the second substrate base close to the first liquid crystal layer; the second substrate base is shared with the third substrate base.

[0025] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a glass module, which includes the above-mentioned dimming glass. Description of the Drawings

[0026] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a bright state of an exemplary dimming glass;

[0027] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a dark state of an exemplary dimming glass;

[0028] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a bright state of another exemplary dimming glass;

[0029] Figure 4Schematic diagram of another exemplary dark state of the dimming glass;

[0030] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the bright state of the dimming glass according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the dark state of the dimming glass according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 Comparison chart of the light and dark state transmittance of the dimming glass with two dye - liquid crystal cells and the dimming glass with a single dye - liquid crystal cell combined with reflective polarization;

[0033] Figure 8 An exemplary dimming glass according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 Another exemplary dimming glass according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 Another exemplary dimming glass according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 Is Figure 10 Top view of;

[0037] Figure 12 An exemplary dimming glass with a shutter structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 An exemplary dimming glass with a privacy function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 14 An exemplary dimming glass with a colorization function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 15 An exemplary dimming glass with a display function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 16 An exemplary dimming glass with an anti - infrared light function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation manners.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, technical terms or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meanings as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The "first", "second" and similar terms used in this disclosure do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "a", "an" or "the" do not denote a quantity limitation, but mean that there is at least one. Words such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the elements or objects appearing before this word cover the elements or objects listed after this word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0044] As Figure 1 and 2 shown, an exemplary dimming glass is provided, which includes a basic dimming structure 10 without a chiral agent, and the basic dimming structure 10 is a dye liquid crystal cell. Specifically, the dye liquid crystal cell includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed opposite to each other, and a dye liquid crystal layer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein, the first substrate includes a first base 11, a first electrode 13 and a first alignment layer 15 sequentially disposed on one side of the first base 11 close to the liquid crystal layer; the second substrate includes: a second base 12, a second electrode 14 and a second alignment layer 16 sequentially disposed on one side of the second base 12 close to the liquid crystal layer; the material of the liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules. According to the dichroic characteristics of the dichroic dye molecules, only the light parallel to the long axis of the dye molecules in the incident light can be absorbed.

[0045] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, taking the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 as plate-shaped electrodes as an example for illustration, at this time the dye liquid crystal cell is a VA-type liquid crystal cell, that is, the display mode is a normally white mode. When no voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the dye liquid crystal cell is in a bright state, as Figure 1 shown; when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the dye liquid crystal cell is in a dark state, as Figure 2As shown in the figure. Among them, the long axis direction of the dye molecules in the liquid crystal layer has only one direction, all parallel to the liquid crystal alignment direction. Therefore, at most 50% of the incident light is absorbed, that is, the dark state transmittance is greater than or equal to 50%. In practice, the long axes of the dye molecules are not completely parallel, the light absorption amount increases, and at the same time, due to the influence of the medium, Trans decreases, but generally the dark state transmittance is also greater than or equal to 30%. Due to the relatively high dark state transmittance, the CR of this type of dimming glass is relatively low, generally around 2; where CR represents the ratio of the bright state transmittance to the dark state transmittance.

[0046] As Figure 3 and 4 shown, an exemplary dimming glass is given. This dimming glass is composed of two basic dimming structures 10 without chiral agents; where Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the dimming glass in the bright state; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the dimming glass in the dark state. The structure of each dye liquid crystal cell can be the same as the above structure. In particular, the alignment directions of the two liquid crystal cells in this dimming glass are perpendicular to each other. In the dark state, the long axis directions of the dye molecules in the two dye liquid crystal cells are perpendicular to each other, and the light absorption directions of the dye molecules are perpendicular to each other. The two are equivalent to polarizers placed orthogonally, so the dark state transmittance is very low and the corresponding CR is relatively high. However, this type of dimming glass is composed of two dye liquid crystal cells and an adhesive layer 30 that bonds the two together, and the thickness is relatively thick, making it difficult to meet the requirements of passenger cars, buildings, etc. for the thinning of the functional layer. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present invention, the following dimming glass is provided. In the first aspect, as Figure 5 and 6 shown, the embodiments of the present invention provide a dimming glass, including a basic dimming glass and a reflective polarizer 40 arranged in a stacked manner; where the basic dimming structure 10 and the reflective polarizer 40 cooperate to control the light transmittance of the dimming glass.

[0047] It should be noted here that the basic dimming structure 10 in the embodiments of the present invention refers to a glass structure that can adjust the light dimming rate, such as: dye liquid crystal cell, PDLC smart glass, electrochromic smart glass. In order to more clearly understand the structure of the dimming glass in the embodiments of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention, the basic dimming structure 10 is taken as an example of a dye liquid crystal cell for description.

[0048] In the first aspect, as Figure 5 and 6As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a dimming glass, which includes a dye liquid crystal box and a reflective polarizer 40; wherein the dye liquid crystal box includes: a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a first liquid crystal layer 17 arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first substrate 11 includes: a first substrate 11, a first electrode 13 and a first orientation layer 15 arranged in sequence on the side of the first substrate 11 close to the first liquid crystal layer 17; the second substrate includes: a second substrate 12, a second electrode 14 and a second orientation layer 16 arranged in sequence on the side of the second substrate 12 close to the first liquid crystal layer 17; the reflective polarizer 40 is arranged on the side of the first substrate away from the first liquid crystal layer 17. wherein the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 can both be plate-shaped electrodes, in which case the dye liquid crystal box formed is a VA mode liquid crystal box; when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the dye liquid crystal box is in a bright state, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 When a voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the dye liquid crystal cell 1 is in a dark state, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown. That is, the dye liquid crystal cell is in a normally white mode. The orientation directions of the first orientation layer 15 and the second orientation layer 16 are parallel, that is, the direction of the rubbing orientation when forming the first orientation layer 15 is parallel to the direction of the rubbing orientation when forming the second orientation layer 16, but the rubbing directions are opposite. The light transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer 40 is parallel to the orientation of the first orientation layer 15.

[0049] The dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present invention, in the dark state, only polarized light with the same polarization direction as the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer 40 passes through and enters the dye liquid crystal box. Since the deflection direction of the first liquid crystal layer 17 in the dark state depends on the first orientation layer 15 and the second orientation layer 16, the long axis direction of the dye molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 17 is the same as the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer 40. Therefore, the light incident on the dye liquid crystal box through the reflective polarizer 40 is only polarized light parallel to the long axis direction of the dye molecules, and the positive dye molecules absorb polarized light with the polarization direction parallel to their long axis direction. Therefore, the polarized light incident on the dye liquid crystal box through the reflective polarizer 40 is absorbed by the dye molecules, resulting in very little outgoing light, thereby making the dark state transmittance of the dimming glass extremely low and the CR relatively high. In addition, the dimming glass with this structure is relatively light and thin.

[0050] It should be noted that the above description is based on the example of the dye liquid crystal box in the normally white mode. Of course, the dye liquid crystal box can also be in the normally black mode, that is, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the dye liquid crystal box is in a dark state; when no voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the dye liquid crystal box is in a bright state.

[0051] In some embodiments, the dye molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 17 include a base liquid crystal molecule and a dichroic dye molecule, that is, the dichroic dye molecule is doped in the liquid crystal molecule. Among them, the doped dichroic dye molecule can be a black dye molecule or a color dye molecule, such as red, orange, etc. Specifically, the dye liquid crystal used in the embodiments of the present invention does not contain a chiral agent, and the dye liquid crystal is a positive dye liquid crystal.

[0052] In some embodiments, the reflective polarizer 40 includes, but is not limited to, APF (Advanced Polarizer Film; multilayer film reflective polarizer 40), DBEF (Dual Brightness Enhancement Film; multilayer optical film), and DLRP (direct-attached high-efficiency reflective polarizer).

[0053] Among them, the reflective polarizer 40 is usually connected to the first substrate 11 by an adhesive layer 50. In some embodiments, the thickness of the reflective polarizer 40 includes, but is not limited to, less than or equal to 150 μm; further, the thickness of the reflective polarizer 40 is less than 50 μm. It can be understood that the smaller the thickness of the reflective polarizer 40, the thinner and lighter the overall dimming glass.

[0054] As Figure 7 shown, the relationship curves of the transmittance and cell gap of the dimming glass and the two dye liquid crystal cells in the embodiments of the present invention are given. Among them, the liquid crystal molecules used in the two dimming glasses are both MDA-18-2219, and the reflective polarizer 40 is APF (specifically, 3M V3 model, with a transmittance of 65%). From Figure 7 it can be seen that the dimming glass (curve B) composed of the reflective polarizer 40 and the dye liquid crystal cell is basically close to the dimming glass (curve A) composed of two dye liquid crystal cells in the dark state transmittance. When the cell gap is less than 18 μm, the bright state transmittance of the dimming glass composed of the reflective polarizer 40 and the dye liquid crystal cell is less than that of the dimming glass composed of two dye liquid crystal cells. When the cell gap is greater than or equal to 18 μm, the bright state transmittance of the dimming glass composed of the reflective polarizer 40 and the dye liquid crystal cell is greater than that of the dimming glass composed of two dye liquid crystal cells.

[0055] In some embodiments, both the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be glass substrates made of hard materials (such as quartz), or both can be flexible substrates made of flexible materials (such as polyimide PI). Of course, it is also possible that one of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is a glass substrate and the other is a flexible substrate.

[0056] In one example, as Figure 8As shown, the first substrate 11 is made of a glass substrate, and the second substrate 12 is made of a flexible substrate. At this time, the reflective polarizer 40 is disposed on the glass substrate. To prevent the reflective polarizer 40 from being scratched, a first protective glass 60 is disposed on the first side of the reflective polarizer 40 facing away from the first substrate 11, and the first protective glass 60 is bonded to the reflective polarizer 40 through a first adhesive layer 7030. Among them, the first protective glass 60 includes, but is not limited to, tempered glass, and the first adhesive layer 7030 includes, but is not limited to, a PVB (Poly Vinyl Butyral Film; polyvinyl butyral) adhesive layer. Of course, it is also feasible that the second substrate 12 is made of a glass substrate.

[0057] In one example, as Figure 9 shown, a first protective glass 60 is disposed on the side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the first substrate 11; the first protective glass 60 is bonded to the reflective polarizer 40 through a first adhesive layer 7030; a second protective glass 80 is disposed on the first side of the second substrate 12 facing away from the first liquid crystal layer 17; the second protective glass 80 is bonded to the reflective polarizer 40 through a second adhesive layer 9030. Among them, the first protective glass 60 and the second protective glass 80 include, but are not limited to, tempered glass, and the first adhesive layer 7030 and the second adhesive layer 9030 include, but are not limited to, a PVB (Poly Vinyl Butyral Film; polyvinyl butyral) adhesive layer.

[0058] In one example, as Figure 10 and 11 shown, a first protective glass 60 is disposed on the side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the first substrate; the first protective glass 60 is bonded to the reflective polarizer 40 through a first adhesive layer 7030; a second protective glass 80 is disposed on the first side of the second substrate 12 facing away from the first liquid crystal layer 17, there is a certain distance between the second protective glass 80 and the second substrate, and the second protective glass 80 is sealed to the basic dimming structure 10 through a sealing frame 100. Among them, the first protective glass 60 and the second protective glass 80 include, but are not limited to, tempered glass, the first adhesive layer 7030 includes, but is not limited to, a PVB (Poly Vinyl Butyral Film; polyvinyl butyral) adhesive layer; the sealing frame 100 includes, but is not limited to, an aluminum frame.

[0059] In one example, as Figure 12As shown, the dimming glass can achieve a shutter structure. In particular, one of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 in the dye liquid crystal cell is a strip electrode and the other is a plate electrode. Taking the second electrode 14 disposed on the second substrate 12 as an example of a strip electrode, at this time, each strip electrode is controlled by a separate driving circuit. In this way, a corresponding voltage signal can be applied to the corresponding strip electrode through each driving circuit, so that the transmittance of the dimming glass corresponding to different electrode block positions is different, that is, the transmittance of each area of the dimming glass along its up and down directions is different, that is, similar to the effect of a shutter. It should be noted here that the gray scale of each area of the dye liquid crystal cell corresponding to each strip electrode can be adjusted, that is, the transmittance can be adjusted.

[0060] In one example, as Figure 13 shown, the dimming glass can achieve the function of privacy protection. The dimming glass not only includes the above-mentioned basic dimming structure 10 and the reflective polarizer 40, but also includes a functional dimming structure 20, which is fixed to the side of the basic dimming structure facing away from the reflective polarizer 40 through an adhesive layer 3030; the functional dimming structure 20 includes a relatively arranged third substrate and a fourth substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer 27 disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer 27 is used to flip under the electric field control between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, so that the functional dimming structure 20 can be in a fog state, that is, the dimming glass has the function of privacy protection.

[0061] Specifically, the third substrate of the functional dimming structure 20 includes: a third substrate 21, a third electrode 23 and a third alignment layer 25 sequentially disposed on the third substrate 21; the fourth substrate includes: a fourth substrate 22, a fourth electrode 24 and a fourth alignment layer 26 sequentially disposed on the fourth substrate 22; the material of the second liquid crystal layer 27 includes but is not limited to PNLC (polymer network liquid crystal) or PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal). Among them, both the third electrode 2313 and the fourth electrode 2414 can adopt plate electrodes, that is, the functional dimming structure 20 is a VA-type liquid crystal cell structure. At this time, the first liquid crystal layer 17 is preferably a trans-PNLC.

[0062] When no voltage is applied to the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, the refractive index of the short axis of the liquid crystal molecules is equal without an electric field between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 (n p = n o ), and light can pass through the functional dimming structure 20, and the functional dimming structure 20 is in a bright state; when a voltage is applied to the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, and the applied voltage can generate an electric field between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, so that the liquid crystal molecules in the trans-PNLC are deflected, and the refractive index n of the polymer in the trans-PNLC pand the refractive index n of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules e When the difference is the largest, the functional dimming structure 20 is in a foggy state; and the voltage applied to the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 causes the liquid crystal molecules in the trans-PNLC to deflect, and the refractive index n of the polymer in the trans-PNLC p and the refractive index n of the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules e There is a difference, but when the difference is not the largest, the functional dimming structure 20 is in a grayscale state.

[0063] To make the above dimming glass clearer; taking the first liquid crystal layer 17 including dye liquid crystal as an example, that is, dichroic dye molecules are doped in the liquid crystal molecules. Among them, both the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 adopt plate-shaped electrodes, that is, the basic dimming structure 10 is a VA-type liquid crystal cell. The orientations of the first alignment layer 15 and the second alignment layer 16 are parallel. When no voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 17 are both perpendicular to the first substrate and the first substrate, and the incident light can pass through, and the basic dimming structure 10 is in a bright state; when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, and the electric field generated between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 controls the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules to be both parallel to the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the light incident along the long axis direction of the dichroic dye molecules is absorbed, so that the basic dimming structure 10 is in a dark state. Of course, when a voltage is applied to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, and the electric field generated between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 controls the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules to be both inclined with respect to the first substrate and the second substrate, at this time, part of the light can pass through the basic dimming structure 10, so that the basic dimming structure 10 is in a grayscale state.

[0064] Refer to Table 1 for the states of the corresponding dimming glass when the functional dimming structure 20 is in a bright state, a grayscale state, and a foggy state respectively; and when the basic dimming structure 10 is in a bright state, a dark state, and a grayscale state respectively.

[0065] Dimming glass Bright state Gray scale state Dark state 1 Dark state 2 Privacy protection state Basic dimming structure 10 Bright state Gray scale state Dark state Dark state Bright state Functional dimming structure 20 Bright state Gray scale state Bright state Fog state Fog state

[0066] Table 1

[0067] It should be noted here that both dark state 1 and dark state 2 in Table 1 represent that the dimming glass is in a dark state, but the reasons for the dimming glass to be in a dark state are different, that is, dark state 1 is that the basic dimming structure 10 is in a dark state and the functional dimming structure 20 is in a bright state; dark state 2 is that the basic dimming structure 10 is in a dark state and the functional dimming structure 20 is in a foggy state.

[0068] It can be seen that the dimming glass in this embodiment can not only control the transmittance of the dimming glass through the mutual cooperation of the basic dimming structure 10 and the functional dimming structure 20, but also make the dimming glass in a privacy protection state when the basic dimming glass is in a bright state and the functional dimming glass is in a fog state, so that structures such as vehicle windows, glass partitions, and building glass using the dimming glass can achieve the function of privacy protection, thereby improving the user experience.

[0069] Among them, when the above liquid crystal cell structure is adopted for the basic dimming structure 10 in this embodiment, its cell thickness is between 3.5 μm and 30 μm, and the specific cell thickness can be adjusted according to the transmittance of the dimming glass.

[0070] Among them, when the above liquid crystal cell structure is adopted for the functional dimming structure 20 in this embodiment, its cell thickness is between 5 μm and 15 μm, and the specific cell thickness can be adjusted according to the transmittance of the dimming glass.

[0071] Among them, the second substrate 12 in the basic dimming structure 10 shares the third substrate 21 of the functional dimming glass, which can reduce the thickness of the dimming glass.

[0072] In one example, as Figure 14 shown, the dimming glass can achieve color dimming function. The dimming glass not only includes the above basic dimming structure 10 and the reflective polarizer 40, but also includes a functional dimming structure 20, which is fixed to the side of the basic dimming structure facing away from the reflective polarizer 40 through the adhesive layer 3030. The functional dimming structure 20 includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged oppositely, and a second liquid crystal layer 27 arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer 27 is a color dye liquid crystal, which is used to deflect under the action of the electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, so that the functional dimming structure 20 can be in a pure color state; of course, through the action of different electric fields between the first substrate and the second substrate, the functional dimming structure 20 can also be in a bright state, a dark state or a gray scale state.

[0073] Specifically, the third substrate of the functional dimming structure 20 includes: a third substrate 21, a third electrode 23 and a third alignment layer 25 arranged in sequence on the third substrate 21; the fourth substrate includes: a fourth substrate 22, a fourth electrode 24 and a fourth alignment layer 26 arranged in sequence on the fourth substrate 22; the material of the second liquid crystal layer 27 includes but is not limited to color dye liquid crystal, that is, dichroic dye molecules are mixed in the liquid crystal molecules. Among them, both the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 can adopt plate-shaped electrodes, that is, the functional dimming structure 20 is a VA-type liquid crystal cell structure.

[0074] Specifically, when no power is applied to the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, both the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye molecules in the colored dye liquid crystal between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 are perpendicular to the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22. At this time, light can pass through the functional dimming structure 20, and the functional dimming structure 20 is in the bright state; when power is applied to the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, and the applied voltage can generate an electric field between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 to control the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye molecules in the colored dye liquid crystal, and they are parallel to being perpendicular to the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22, making the functional dimming structure 20 in the pure color state; and when power is applied to the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, and the applied voltage can generate an electric field between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 to control the deflection of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye molecules in the colored dye liquid crystal, and they are not parallel to being perpendicular to the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22, making the functional dimming structure 20 in the gray scale state.

[0075] The basic dimming structure 10 is the same as the above structure, so it will not be described here again.

[0076] Refer to Table 2 for the states of the dimming glass corresponding to when the functional dimming structure 20 is in the bright state, gray scale state, dark state, and pure color state respectively; and when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the bright state, dark state, and gray scale state respectively.

[0077] Dimming glass Bright state Gray scale state Dark state Solid color state Basic dimming structure 10 Bright state Gray scale state Dark state Dark state Functional dimming structure 20 Bright state Gray scale state Dark state Solid color state

[0078] Table 2

[0079] It can be seen from this that the dimming glass in this embodiment, through the mutual cooperation of the basic dimming structure 10 and the functional dimming structure 20, can not only control the different transmittances of the dimming glass, but also make the dimming glass appear in color when the basic dimming glass is in the bright state and the functional dimming glass is in the pure color state.

[0080] Among them, the second substrate 12 in the basic dimming structure 10 is shared with the third substrate 21 of the functional dimming glass, which can reduce the thickness of the dimming glass in this way.

[0081] In one example, such as Figure 15As shown, similar to the above example, this dimming glass has a display function. This dimming glass not only includes the above-mentioned basic dimming structure 10 and reflective polarizer 40, but also includes a functional dimming structure 20, which is fixed to the side of the basic dimming structure facing away from the reflective polarizer 40 through an adhesive layer 3030. The functional dimming structure 20 includes a relatively arranged third substrate and fourth substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer 27 disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer 27 is a color dye liquid crystal or a basic liquid crystal, and is used to deflect under the action of an electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, so that the functional dimming structure 20 can perform display.

[0082] Specifically, the third substrate of the functional dimming structure 20 includes: a third substrate 21, a third electrode 23 and a third alignment layer 25 sequentially disposed on the third substrate 21; the fourth substrate includes: a fourth substrate 22, a fourth electrode 24 and a fourth alignment layer 26 sequentially disposed on the fourth substrate 22; particularly, one of the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 is a pixel electrode, and the other is a common electrode, and the pixel electrode is correspondingly arranged with the pixel unit, so as to drive the liquid crystal of the second liquid crystal layer 27 to flip by applying voltages to the pixel electrode and the common electrode, so as to realize the display function.

[0083] Among them, the second substrate 12 in the basic dimming structure 10 is shared with the third substrate 21 of the dimming glass, so that the thickness of the dimming glass can be reduced.

[0084] In one example, as Figure 16 shown, the dimming glass can realize the function of infrared prevention. This dimming glass not only includes the above-mentioned basic dimming structure 10 and reflective polarizer 40, but also includes a functional dimming structure 20, which is fixed to the side of the basic dimming structure facing away from the reflective polarizer 40 through an adhesive layer 30. The functional dimming structure 20 includes a relatively arranged third substrate and fourth substrate, and a second liquid crystal layer 27 disposed between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, which is used to deflect under the action of an electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, so that the functional dimming structure 20 can reflect external infrared light.

[0085] Among them, the second liquid crystal layer 27 can adopt bistable liquid crystal that can reflect infrared light. Under the action of an electric field between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the bistable liquid crystal can be in the P state, H state, and FC state.

[0086] Specifically, the third substrate of the functional dimming structure 20 of the functional dimming structure 20 includes: a third substrate 21, a third electrode 23 and a third alignment layer 25 sequentially disposed on the third substrate 21; the fourth substrate includes: a fourth substrate 22, a fourth electrode 24 and a fourth alignment layer 26 sequentially disposed on the fourth substrate 22; wherein, the second liquid crystal layer 27 may specifically include bistable liquid crystal that reflects infrared light.

[0087] When the bistable liquid crystal is in the P state, visible light can normally pass through the functional dimming structure 20, while infrared light is reflected by the bistable liquid crystal; when the bistable liquid crystal is in the H state, both visible light and infrared light can pass through the functional dimming structure 20; when the bistable liquid crystal is in the FC state, visible light and infrared light are scattered.

[0088] The basic dimming structure 10 is the same as the above structure and will not be elaborated here.

[0089] In the first case, when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the bright state and the bistable liquid crystal in the functional dimming structure 20 is in the P state, visible light can normally pass through the dimming glass, while infrared light is reflected by the bistable liquid crystal, and the infrared-proof intelligent dimming glass is in the infrared-proof mode, thus achieving the infrared-proof effect. Such dimming glass can be applied to fields such as buildings and vehicle windows. When it is hot in summer, while turning on the light transmission, the infrared-proof mode can be turned on to prevent infrared light from entering the room or the vehicle window, reduce the indoor temperature, and reduce the energy consumption of the indoor or in-vehicle air conditioner, achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0090] In the second case, when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the bright state and the bistable liquid crystal in the functional dimming structure 20 is in the H state, both visible light and infrared light can pass through the dimming glass. When it is cold in winter, the dimming glass is in this state, and at this time, infrared rays irradiate into the room or the vehicle interior, raising the indoor temperature, which can reduce the energy consumption of the indoor air conditioner and achieve an energy-saving effect.

[0091] In the third case, when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the dark state and the bistable liquid crystal in the functional dimming structure 20 is in the H state, only infrared light can pass through the dimming glass.

[0092] In the fourth case, when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the dark state and the bistable liquid crystal in the functional dimming structure 20 is in the FC state, the dimming glass is in the scattered dark state, which is actually also in the dark state.

[0093] In the fifth case, similar to the first case above, when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the dark state and the bistable liquid crystal in the functional dimming structure 20 is in the P state, the dimming glass is in the dark state at this time and can also prevent infrared light.

[0094] In the sixth case, when the basic dimming structure 10 is in the gray scale state and the bistable liquid crystal in the functional dimming structure 20 is in the H state or the FC state, the dimming glass is in the gray scale state at this time.

[0095] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a glass module, which includes the above-mentioned dimming glass.

[0096] This glass module can be applied to transportation facilities such as automobiles, trains, and airplanes. It can also be applied to intelligent building windows. Since the intelligent window in the embodiment of the present invention includes the above-mentioned dimming glass, its dark state transmittance is low, the CR is high, and the intelligent window is relatively thin and light.

[0097] It can be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments adopted to illustrate the principles of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dimming glass, characterized in that, The invention comprises a basic dimming structure and a reflective polarizer; wherein the basic dimming structure comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other, and a first liquid crystal layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate; the first liquid crystal layer is used to flip under the control of the electric field generated between the first substrate and the second substrate to control the transmittance of light; The reflective polarizer is located on a side of the first substrate away from the liquid crystal layer; The first substrate comprises a first substrate, a first electrode and a first alignment layer sequentially arranged on a side of the first substrate close to the first liquid crystal layer; the second substrate comprises a second substrate, a second electrode and a second alignment layer sequentially arranged on a side of the second substrate close to the first liquid crystal layer; The transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizer is parallel to the orientation of the first alignment layer.

2. The dimming glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid crystal layer includes: basic liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules.

3. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein The first electrode and the second electrode are both plate-shaped electrodes.

4. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein, The first substrate includes a first substrate, and a first electrode is arranged on a side of the first substrate close to the first liquid crystal layer; the second substrate includes a second substrate, and a second electrode is arranged on a side of the second substrate close to the first liquid crystal layer; wherein, One of the first electrode and the second electrode is a plate-shaped electrode, and the other is a strip-shaped electrode.

5. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein The reflective polarizer includes any one of APF, DBEF, and DLRP.

6. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the reflective polarizer is less than or equal to 150 um.

7. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein A first protective glass is arranged on the side of the reflective polarizer facing away from the first substrate; the first protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a first bonding layer.

8. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein, A first protective glass is disposed on a side of the reflective polarizer away from the first substrate; the first protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a first bonding layer; A second protective glass is arranged on a first side of the second substrate away from the first liquid crystal layer; the second protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer via a second bonding layer.

9. The dimming glass according to claim 1, wherein A first protective glass is disposed on a side of the reflective polarizer away from the first substrate; the first protective glass is bonded to the reflective polarizer through a first bonding layer; A second protective glass is arranged on a first side of the second substrate away from the first liquid crystal layer. There is a certain distance between the second protective glass and the second substrate, and the second protective glass is sealed with the basic dimming structure through a sealing frame.

10. The dimming glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, A functional dimming structure is also provided on a layer of the second substrate away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged relatively to each other, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer is used to flip under the control of the electric field between the third substrate and the fourth substrate so that the functional dimming structure can be in a foggy state.

11. The dimming glass according to claim 10, wherein The second liquid crystal layer includes PNLC or PDLC.

12. The dimming glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, A functional dimming structure is further provided on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged oppositely, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the second liquid crystal layer includes a color dye liquid crystal, which is used to flip under the action of an electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate to control the transmittance of light of the same color as the color dye liquid crystal in the light irradiated onto the functional dimming structure.

13. The dimming glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, A functional dimming structure is further provided on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged oppositely, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the third substrate includes a third base, and a third electrode arranged on a side of the third base close to the second liquid crystal layer; the fourth substrate includes a fourth base, and a fourth electrode arranged on a side of the fourth base close to the second liquid crystal layer; after a voltage is applied to the third electrode and the fourth electrode, an electric field is formed to control the flipping of the second liquid crystal layer, so that the functional dimming structure performs a picture display.

14. The dimming glass according to claim 1, characterized in that, A functional dimming structure is further provided on a layer of the second substrate facing away from the liquid crystal layer; wherein, the functional dimming structure includes a third substrate and a fourth substrate arranged oppositely, and a second liquid crystal layer arranged between the third substrate and the fourth substrate is used to flip under the action of an electric field generated between the third substrate and the fourth substrate to reflect light of a specific wavelength band.

15. The dimming glass according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second liquid crystal layer includes bistable liquid crystal molecules.

16. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 13, characterized in that, The second substrate includes a second base, and a second electrode arranged on a side of the second base close to the first liquid crystal layer; the second base is shared with the third base.

17. A glass module, characterized in that, Including the dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-16.

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