A dimming glass and glass assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a dimming glass and a glass assembly, wherein the dimming glass is formed with at least two different areas, and the dimming glass includes: a first substrate; a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate; a dimming liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode located on a side of the first substrate facing the dimming liquid crystal layer; a second electrode located on a side of the second substrate facing the dimming liquid crystal layer; the second electrodes corresponding to the different types of areas are electrically connected; wherein, when the same voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the transmittance of the dimming liquid crystal layers corresponding to the different types of areas is different.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Smart glass, also known as atomized glass, electrically controlled glass, or intelligent dimming and color-changing glass, can change its light transmittance by adjusting the input voltage. Currently, smart glass is widely used in high-speed rail windows, automotive windows, and architectural curtain walls.

[0003] Among them, 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, greatly improving optical performance such as black state purity and response time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a dimming glass and a glass assembly, which are used to reduce the difficulty of adjusting the brightness of the intermediate states of the dimming glass and improve the overall display effect of the dimming glass.

[0005] Therefore, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a switchable glass, wherein the switchable glass is formed with at least two different areas, and the switchable glass includes:

[0006] a first substrate;

[0007] a second substrate, disposed opposite to the first substrate;

[0008] a dimming liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate and the second substrate;

[0009] a first electrode, located on a side of the first substrate facing the dimming liquid crystal layer;

[0010] The second electrode is located on the side of the second substrate facing the dimming liquid crystal layer; the second electrodes corresponding to the different types of regions are electrically connected; wherein,

[0011] When the same voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the light transmittance of the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to different types of regions is different.

[0012] Optionally, the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a voltage dividing layer, which is located between the second electrode corresponding to at least one of the regions and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and the voltage dividing layer is used to make the driving voltages of the dimming liquid crystal layers corresponding to different types of regions different.

[0013] Optionally, in the dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of each position in the dimming liquid crystal layer is the same.

[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of each of the same regions is multiple, and the different regions are arranged alternately.

[0015] Optionally, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the voltage dividing layer is not provided in one of the regions, and the surface of each voltage dividing layer away from the second substrate is flush with the surface of the second electrode corresponding to the region without the voltage dividing layer away from the second substrate.

[0016] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure dividing layer is provided in each of the regions, and the surface of each of the pressure dividing layers away from the second substrate is flush.

[0017] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the pressure dividing layer is provided in at least two different regions, and the at least two different regions meet at least one of the following conditions:

[0018] The dielectric constants of the pressure-dividing layers corresponding to the different types of regions are different;

[0019] The thickness of the pressure dividing layer corresponding to different types of regions is different.

[0020] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas and a plurality of second areas extending along a first direction and alternately arranged along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged to intersect;

[0021] The voltage-dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the first area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer. The thickness of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the first area and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second area are the same, and the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the first area and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second area are different.

[0022] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas and a plurality of second areas extending along a first direction and alternately arranged along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged to intersect;

[0023] The voltage-dividing layer is not provided in the first region, and the voltage-dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the second region and the dimming liquid crystal layer.

[0024] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas, a plurality of second areas, and a plurality of third areas extending along a first direction and alternately arranged along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged to intersect;

[0025] The voltage dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the first area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the third area and the dimming liquid crystal layer;

[0026] The thicknesses of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the first area, the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second area, and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third area are the same, and the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the first area, the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second area, and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third area are different.

[0027] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas, a plurality of second areas, and a plurality of third areas extending along a first direction and alternately arranged along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged to intersect;

[0028] The voltage-dividing layer is not provided in the first area, and the voltage-dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the third area and the dimming liquid crystal layer;

[0029] The voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region have the same dielectric constant, and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region has a thickness greater than that of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region.

[0030] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas, a plurality of second areas, and a plurality of third areas extending along a first direction and alternately arranged along a second direction, and the first direction and the second direction are arranged to intersect;

[0031] The voltage-dividing layer is not provided in the first area, and the voltage-dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the third area and the dimming liquid crystal layer;

[0032] The voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region have the same thickness, and the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region is different from the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region.

[0033] Optionally, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the second electrode corresponding to the area with a larger distance from the first electrode, the remaining areas also include a raising layer located between the corresponding second electrode and the second substrate, and the material of the raising layer is a transparent medium layer.

[0034] Optionally, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the material of the pressure dividing layer is a transparent medium layer.

[0035] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the thickness of the pressure dividing layer is 1 μm-5 μm.

[0036] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, along the second direction, the width of each of the regions is less than 100 μm.

[0037] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, along the second direction, the width of each of the regions is 10 μm-80 μm.

[0038] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrodes corresponding to the respective regions are electrically connected via a connecting portion, and an angle between the connecting portion and the second electrode is greater than or equal to 90°.

[0039] Optionally, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the side wall shape of the connecting portion away from the pressure dividing layer is flat or curved, and the side wall shape of the connecting portion in contact with the pressure dividing layer is flat or curved.

[0040] Optionally, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the dimming glass is in a normally white mode, and the dimming liquid crystal layer includes negative liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules.

[0041] Optionally, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the dimming glass is in a normally black mode, and the dimming liquid crystal layer includes positive liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules.

[0042] Optionally, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the dimming liquid crystal layer is liquid crystal molecules, and the dimming glass further includes: a first polarizer located on the side of the first substrate away from the dimming liquid crystal layer, and a second polarizer located on the side of the second substrate away from the dimming liquid crystal layer.

[0043] Correspondingly, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a glass assembly, comprising any of the above-mentioned switchable glasses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1A The figure is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing dimming glass in the measuring state;

[0045] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an existing dimming glass in a dark state;

[0046] Figure 2Schematic diagram of a VT curve of an existing dimming glass;

[0047] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of another type of switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of another type of switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of another type of switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of another type of switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of another type of switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0053] Figure 9 for Figure 3 and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the top view of the first and second areas;

[0054] Figure 10 for Figure 5-Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the top view of the first area, the second area and the third area;

[0055] Figure 11 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the corresponding adjusted VT curve;

[0056] Figure 12 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of VT curves obtained by using voltage divider layers of different thicknesses for the structure shown;

[0057] Figure 13 This is a schematic structural diagram of another type of switchable glass provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0059] The shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect the true proportions, and are only intended to illustrate the present disclosure.

[0060] The dimming glass can be divided into the normally black mode and the normally white mode. Taking the normally white mode as an example, the display principle of the existing dye liquid crystal dimming glass is as follows: Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, the dimming glass includes: a first base 1 and a second substrate 2 arranged opposite each other, a dimming liquid crystal layer 3 located between the first base 1 and the second substrate 2, a first electrode 4 located between the first substrate 1 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3, and a second electrode 5 located between the second substrate 2 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3; the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 both use a whole-surface ITO film layer as a conductive electrode, and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is composed of a mixture of negative liquid crystal 31 and dichroic dye molecules 32. The dichroic dye molecules 32 can rotate with the negative liquid crystal 31, and their light absorption gradually increases with the rotation angle. When the driving voltage is 0V, the negative liquid crystal 31 and the dichroic dye molecules 32 do not rotate, and the light absorption is the lowest, showing a bright state, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A When the driving voltage is 10V, the rotation angle of the negative liquid crystal 31 and the dichroic dye molecules 32 reaches a maximum value of 90 degrees, and the light absorption also reaches a maximum value, showing a dark state, as shown in FIG. Figure 1B shown.

[0061] The curve of the transmittance of existing dimming glass changing with the applied driving voltage (VT curve) is as follows: Figure 2 As shown in the figure, when the external driving voltage is 2-4V, the slope of the VT curve is large, and a slight increase in the external driving voltage can lead to a drastic change in transmittance. The dimming amount corresponding to this section accounts for about 80% of the total dimming amount, which brings great difficulties to the adjustment and control of the intermediate brightness of the dimming glass, and puts forward higher requirements on the output accuracy of the driving system and the uniformity of the dimming glass, which limits the development of dimming glass.

[0062] In order to solve the above problems existing in the prior art, the present disclosure provides a dimming glass, such as Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, the switchable glass is formed with at least two different areas, and the switchable glass includes:

[0063] a first substrate 1;

[0064] A second substrate 2 is arranged opposite to the first substrate 1;

[0065] The dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2;

[0066] The first electrode 4 is located on a side of the first substrate 1 facing the dimming liquid crystal layer 3;

[0067] The second electrode 5 is located on the side of the second substrate 2 facing the dimming liquid crystal layer 3; the second electrodes 5 corresponding to different areas are electrically connected, that is, the second electrode 5 is arranged on the entire surface; specifically, Figure 3 and Figure 4 Taking the example of the switchable glass being divided into two different areas (A1 and A2), Figures 5 to 7 Take the example of the switchable glass being divided into three different areas (A1, A2, A3);

[0068] When the same voltage is applied between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 , the light transmittance of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to different types of regions is different.

[0069] The aforementioned dimming glass provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is divided into at least two distinct regions. When the same voltage is applied between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the transmittance of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to each region is different. Consequently, the brightness of the glass corresponding to each region is different. The perceived brightness of the glass is the combined effect of the brightness corresponding to each region, thereby reducing the slope of the overall VT curve. This improvement facilitates the adjustment and control of the intermediate brightness of the dimming glass, enhancing the overall display effect of the dimming glass and broadening the product's application scenarios. Furthermore, this design has no effect on the transmittance of the dimming glass in its dark and bright states.

[0070] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, it also includes a voltage dividing layer 6, which is located between the second electrode 5 corresponding to at least one area and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3. The voltage dividing layer 6 is used to make the driving voltage of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to different areas different; specifically, Figure 3 For example, the voltage dividing layer 6 is provided between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the two regions (A1 and A2). Figure 4 For example, a voltage dividing layer 6 is provided between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the area A2. Figure 5 For example, the voltage dividing layer 6 is provided between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the three regions (A1, A2, A3). Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is taken as an example that the voltage dividing layer 6 is provided between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the two areas ( A2 , A3 ).

[0071] The voltage division of capacitors connected in series is shown in the following formula (1). The charge Q carried by each capacitor is equal. The larger the capacitance (e.g., C1), the lower the voltage V1 distributed by the capacitor. The first electrode 4, the dimming liquid crystal layer 3, and the second electrode 5 in the above-mentioned dimming glass structure constitute a liquid crystal capacitor. Utilizing the principle of capacitive voltage division, connecting a liquid crystal capacitor in series with a voltage-dividing capacitor can reduce the voltage actually loaded on the liquid crystal capacitor. To obtain the same transmittance as before, the external driving voltage must be increased, thereby shifting the VT curve to the right. The disclosed embodiment utilizes this principle to improve the slope of the VT curve of the dimming glass.

[0072]

[0073] The disclosed embodiment divides the dimming glass into at least two different regions, and provides a voltage-dividing layer between the second electrode corresponding to at least one region and the dimming liquid crystal layer. This voltage-dividing layer is connected in series with the liquid crystal capacitor formed by the first electrode, the dimming liquid crystal layer, and the second electrode. When an external driving voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, the voltage actually applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer is less than the external driving voltage. Therefore, the brightness of the glass corresponding to different regions is different, and the brightness of the glass perceived by the human eye is the combined effect of the brightness corresponding to different regions, achieving the effect of reducing the slope of the overall VT curve. This improvement helps to adjust and control the intermediate brightness of the dimming glass, enhance the overall display effect of the dimming glass, and broaden the application scenarios of the product. In addition, this design has no effect on the transmittance of the dimming glass in the dark and bright states.

[0074] In a specific implementation, in order to make the glass brightness corresponding to various different areas only related to the voltage loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, the thickness of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is the same at all locations. The thickness is the same at all locations, that is, the thickness of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is the same in different regions. The thickness mentioned here can have a ±10% error. For example, if the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in one region is 95% of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer in another region, the two regions are considered to have the same thickness.

[0075] Of course, in the specific implementation, Figure 9 As shown, the thickness of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to different types of regions may also be different. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3-Figure 7 The dimming liquid crystal layer 3 has the same thickness.

[0076] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of each identical region can be multiple, and different regions are arranged alternately; specifically, Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, Figure 9 for Figure 3 and Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the alternating arrangement of area A1 and area A2, Figure 10 for Figure 5-Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the alternating arrangement of regions A1, A2, and A3. This allows the voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to each region to be controlled, resulting in different regions having different brightnesses. The brightness of the glass perceived by the human eye is the combined effect of the brightness corresponding to the different regions, thus reducing the slope of the overall VT curve.

[0077] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, one region is not provided with a voltage dividing layer 6, and the surface of each voltage dividing layer 6 away from the second substrate 2 is flush with the surface of the second electrode 2 away from the second substrate 5 corresponding to the region without the voltage dividing layer 6, so that the thickness of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to each region can be ensured to be consistent. Specifically, as Figure 4 As shown, the surface of the voltage dividing layer 6 away from the second substrate 2 is flush with the surface of the second electrode 5 corresponding to the area A1; Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the surface of each voltage dividing layer 6 away from the second substrate 2 is flush with the surface of the second electrode 5 corresponding to the area A1.

[0078] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, a voltage dividing layer 6 is provided in each region, and the surface of each voltage dividing layer 6 away from the second substrate 2 is flush.

[0079] In a specific implementation, in the above-mentioned switchable glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, pressure dividing layers are provided in at least two different regions, and the at least two different regions meet at least one of the following conditions:

[0080] The dielectric constants of the pressure-dividing layers corresponding to different types of regions are different;

[0081] The thickness of the pressure-dividing layer corresponding to different types of regions is different.

[0082] Specifically, the thickness of the voltage-dividing layer can be fixed, and the voltage-dividing layer can be made of materials with different dielectric constants, so that the voltage division of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to different areas is different, thereby realizing different voltages actually loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to different areas; the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer can be fixed, and the same material can be used to make voltage-dividing layers with different thicknesses, so that the voltage division of the voltage-dividing layers corresponding to different areas is different, thereby realizing different voltages actually loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to different areas; materials with different dielectric constants can also be used to make voltage-dividing layers with different thicknesses, so that the voltage division of the voltage-dividing layers corresponding to different areas is different, thereby realizing different voltages actually loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to different areas.

[0083] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, the switchable glass can be in normally white mode, and the switchable liquid crystal layer 3 includes negative liquid crystal molecules 31 and dichroic dye molecules 32. The interaction between the dichroic dye molecules 32 and the negative liquid crystal molecules 31 causes the dichroic dye molecules 32 to rotate with the negative liquid crystal molecules 31 under the action of an electric field. This allows the switchable glass to have different transmittances depending on the different absorption effects of the dichroic dye molecules 32 on polarized light.

[0084] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas A1 and a plurality of second areas A2 extending along a first direction X and alternately arranged along a second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y are arranged to intersect;

[0085] A voltage-dividing layer 6 is provided between the second electrode 5 corresponding to the first region A1 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3, and between the second electrode 5 corresponding to the second region A2 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3. The voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the first region A1 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second region A2 have the same thickness, while the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the first region A12 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second region A2 have different dielectric constants. Thus, the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the first region A1 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second region A2 have different voltage-dividing capabilities. When an external driving voltage V is applied to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the first region A1 is different from the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the second region A2. Consequently, the brightness corresponding to the first region A1 and the second region A2 are different. For example, if the brightness corresponding to the first region A1 is L1 (dark state) and the brightness corresponding to the second region A2 is L2 (having a certain brightness), the actual brightness perceived by the human eye is the combined brightness of L1 and L2, L3 (a brightness between L1 and L2).

[0086] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 4 and Figure 9 As shown, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas A1 and a plurality of second areas A2 extending along a first direction X and alternately arranged along a second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y are arranged to intersect;

[0087] The first region A1 is not provided with a voltage-dividing layer 6, while the second region A2 corresponds to a voltage-dividing layer 6 between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3. Thus, the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second region A2 acts as a voltage divider. When an external driving voltage V is applied to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the second region A2 is lower than the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the first region A1. This causes the VT curve B1 in the second region A2 to shift rightward relative to the VT curve B2 in the first region A1, thereby reducing the slope of the overall VT curve. Figure 11 As shown, the first area A1 and the second area A2 have different brightness (different transmittance), and the VT curve corresponding to the brightness perceived by the human eye is B3. Figure 4 As shown, for example, if the first area A1 corresponds to a brightness of L1 (dark state) and the second area A2 corresponds to a brightness of L2 (a certain brightness), the actual brightness perceived by the human eye is the combined brightness of L1 and L2, L3 (a brightness between L1 and L2). Specifically, the VT curve B1 in the second area A2 is shifted to the right relative to the VT curve B2 in the first area A1. This improvement facilitates the adjustment and control of the intermediate brightness of the dimming glass, enhancing the overall display effect of the dimming glass and broadening the product's application scenarios. Furthermore, this design solution has no effect on the transmittance of the dimming glass in its dark and bright states.

[0088] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas A1, a plurality of second areas A2 and a plurality of third areas A3 extending along a first direction X and alternately arranged along a second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y are arranged to intersect;

[0089] There is a voltage dividing layer 6 between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the first area A1, between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the second area A2, and between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the third area A3;

[0090] The thicknesses of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the first area A1, the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are the same, and the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the first area A1, the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are different. In this way, the voltage dividing capabilities of the voltage dividing layers 6 corresponding to the first area A1, the second area A2 and the third area A3 are different. When the external driving voltage V is loaded on the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the actual voltage loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the first area A1, the actual voltage loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the second area A2, and the actual voltage loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the third area A3 are different, so that the brightness corresponding to the first area A1, the second area A2 and the third area A3 are different. For example, the brightness corresponding to the first area A1 is L1 (dark state), the brightness corresponding to the second area A2 is L2 (first brightness), and the brightness corresponding to the third area A3 is L3 (second brightness, the second brightness is greater than the first brightness). The actual brightness seen by the human eye is the combined brightness L4 of L1, L2 and L3.

[0091] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas A1, a plurality of second areas A2 and a plurality of third areas A3 extending along a first direction X and alternately arranged along a second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y are arranged to intersect;

[0092] The first area A1 does not have a voltage dividing layer 6 , but the second area A2 and the third area A3 have voltage dividing layers 6 between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 .

[0093] The dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are the same, and the thickness of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 is greater than the thickness of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2. In this way, the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 play a voltage-dividing role. When the external driving voltage V is applied to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the second area A2 and the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the third area A3 are both lower than the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the first area A1. Since the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are the same, and the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are greater than the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3. The thickness is greater than the thickness of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2. Therefore, the voltage-dividing capabilities of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are different, so that the brightness corresponding to the first area A1, the second area A2 and the third area A3 are different. For example, the brightness corresponding to the first area A1 is L1 (dark state), the brightness corresponding to the second area A2 is L2 (first brightness), and the brightness corresponding to the third area A3 is L3 (second brightness, the second brightness is greater than the first brightness). The actual brightness seen by the human eye is the combined brightness L4 of L1, L2 and L3.

[0094] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 7 and Figure 10 As shown, the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first areas A1, a plurality of second areas A2 and a plurality of third areas A3 extending along a first direction X and alternately arranged along a second direction Y, and the first direction X and the second direction Y are arranged to intersect;

[0095] The first area A1 does not have a voltage dividing layer 6 , but the second area A2 and the third area A3 have voltage dividing layers 6 between the second electrode 5 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 .

[0096] The voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 have the same thickness, and the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 is different from the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2. In this way, the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 play a voltage-dividing role. When the external driving voltage V is applied to the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the second area A2 and the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the third area A3 are both lower than the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the first area A1. Since the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 have the same thickness, and the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 is The dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 is different, so the voltage-dividing capabilities of the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the second area A2 and the voltage-dividing layer 6 corresponding to the third area A3 are different, so that the brightness corresponding to the first area A1, the second area A2 and the third area A3 are different. For example, the brightness corresponding to the first area A1 is L1 (dark state), the brightness corresponding to the second area A2 is L2 (first brightness), and the brightness corresponding to the third area A3 is L3 (second brightness, the second brightness is greater than the first brightness). The actual brightness seen by the human eye is the combined brightness L4 of L1, L2 and L3.

[0097] like Figure 5-Figure 7 As shown, the VT curves for the second and third areas A2 and A3 are both shifted to the right relative to the VT curve for the first area A1, but to varying degrees. This design achieves a combined display effect across three VT curves for the first, second, and third areas A1, further improving the slopes of the VT curves and optimizing the display quality of the switchable glass.

[0098] The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by taking two and three different voltage division effects as examples. Of course, more than three voltage division effects can be designed to continuously improve the slope of the VT curve of the dimming glass and to design according to actual needs.

[0099] It should be noted that the voltage division effect of each region provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure is achieved by adjusting the thickness and / or dielectric constant of the voltage division layer according to actual brightness requirements.

[0100] The voltage-dividing layer 6 provided in the disclosed embodiment can be fabricated using a photolithography process. The patterning of the voltage-dividing layer 6 can utilize a reference mask design, making it suitable for use in a variety of dimming glass sizes and significantly reducing costs. Furthermore, the disclosed embodiment's design allows the dimming liquid crystal layer in different regions to achieve different voltage driving effects under the same applied drive voltage, without increasing the driving or bonding process complexity.

[0101] In specific implementation, Figure 4、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, since some areas are provided with a voltage dividing layer 6 and some areas are not provided with a voltage dividing layer 6, in order to ensure that the surface of each voltage dividing layer 6 away from the second substrate 2 is flush with the surface of the second electrode 5 away from the second substrate 2 corresponding to the area without the voltage dividing layer 6, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in addition to the second electrode 5 corresponding to the area farther away from the first electrode 4 , the remaining area also includes a raised layer 7 located between the corresponding second electrode 5 and the second substrate 2 . The material of the raised layer 7 is a transparent medium layer.

[0102] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, the material of the pressure dividing layer 6 is a transparent medium layer.

[0103] Specifically, the transparent dielectric layer can be made of one or more materials such as SiNx, SiOx, and a transparent photoresist protection layer (OC layer).

[0104] The dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, for example Figure 4 As shown, by utilizing the principle of capacitive voltage division, a transparent dielectric layer (voltage division layer 6) is designed between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5 in the second area A2, that is, a voltage division capacitor is introduced in series with the liquid crystal capacitor, so that the voltage actually loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is less than the external driving voltage V. At the same time, a transparent dielectric layer (pad layer 7) of the same thickness is designed between the second electrode 5 in the first area A1 and the second substrate 2 to ensure that the thickness of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 in the first area A1 and the second area A2 is the same. The capacitive voltage division effect in the second area A2 is related to the thickness and relative dielectric constant of the transparent dielectric layer (voltage division layer 6). An increase in the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer (voltage division layer 6) and an increase in the relative dielectric constant will increase the voltage division effect of the transparent dielectric layer (voltage division layer 6), thereby reducing the voltage actually loaded on the dimming liquid crystal layer 3. The voltage division effects of transparent dielectric layers (voltage division layers 6) of different thicknesses are shown in FIG. Figure 12As shown, for example, the relative dielectric constant of the transparent dielectric layer (pressure-dividing layer 6) is 4, the relative dielectric constant of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is 8.6, and the thickness of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is 10 μm. Curve C1 is the VT curve when the transparent dielectric layer is not added, curve C2 is the VT curve when the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer is 1 μm, curve C3 is the VT curve when the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer is 2 μm, curve C4 is the VT curve when the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer is 3 μm, curve C5 is the VT curve when the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer is 4 μm, and curve C6 is the VT curve when the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer is 5 μm. It can be seen that the pressure-dividing effect of the transparent dielectric layer (pressure-dividing layer 6) increases with the increase of thickness, so that the VT curve at area A2 continuously moves to the right. When the thickness of the transparent dielectric layer (pressure-dividing layer 6) is greater than 2 μm, a significant pressure-dividing effect can be obtained, and the slope of the VT curve can be significantly improved. Therefore, in a specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as Figure 3-Figure 7 As shown, the thickness of the voltage dividing layer 6 is 1 μm-5 μm.

[0105] In specific implementation, in order to ensure that the human eye cannot distinguish the difference in transmittance between different areas, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3-Figure 10 As shown, along the second direction Y, the width of each region (e.g., A1, A2, and A3) is less than 100 μm. The smaller the width of each region, the more difficult it is to manufacture the voltage-dividing layer 6; however, as the width of each region increases, the difference in transmittance is more easily discerned by the human eye. Preferably, the width of each region is between 10 μm and 80 μm.

[0106] In a specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the second electrodes corresponding to each region are electrically connected via a connecting portion, and the angle between the connecting portion and the second electrode is greater than or equal to 90°. Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the second electrode 5 corresponding to the first area A1 is electrically connected to the second electrode 5 corresponding to the second area A2 via a connecting portion 8, and the angle between the connecting portion 8 and the second electrode 5 may be greater than or equal to 90°; Figure 6 As shown, the second electrode 5 corresponding to the first area A1 is electrically connected to the second electrode 5 corresponding to the second area A2 via the connecting portion 8, and the second electrode 5 corresponding to the second area A2 is electrically connected to the second electrode 5 corresponding to the third area A3 via the connecting portion 8. The angle between the connecting portion 8 and the second electrode 5 can be greater than or equal to 90°. Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 The example in which the angle between the connecting portion 8 and the second electrode 5 is 90° is used for illustration.

[0107] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the side wall shape of the connecting portion 8 away from the voltage dividing layer 6 is a plane or a curved surface, and the side wall shape of the connecting portion 8 in contact with the voltage dividing layer 6 is a plane or a curved surface; Figure 6 As shown, the side wall shape away from the voltage-dividing layer 6 in the connecting portion 8 between the first area A1 and the second area A2 is a plane or a curved surface, and the side wall shape in contact with the voltage-dividing layer 6 in the connecting portion 8 is a plane or a curved surface. The side wall shape away from the voltage-dividing layer 6 in the connecting portion 8 between the second area A2 and the third area A3 is a plane or a curved surface, and the side wall shape in contact with the voltage-dividing layer 6 in the connecting portion 8 is a plane or a curved surface.

[0108] Embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3-Figure 7 This example uses the normally white mode. Of course, in practice, the switchable glass provided by the disclosed embodiments can also operate in a normally black mode. The switchable liquid crystal layer includes positive liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules. The interaction between the dichroic dye molecules and the positive liquid crystal molecules causes the dichroic dye molecules to rotate in response to the rotation of the positive liquid crystal molecules under the influence of an electric field. This allows the switchable glass to achieve different transmittances based on the different polarized light absorption properties of the dichroic dye molecules.

[0109] Of course, in specific implementation, the dimming liquid crystal layer in the dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may also include only liquid crystal molecules, such as Figure 13 As shown, the dimming glass further includes: a first polarizer 9 located on the side of the first substrate 1 away from the dimming liquid crystal layer 3, and a second polarizer 10 located on the side of the second substrate 2 away from the dimming liquid crystal layer 3;

[0110] The transmission axis of the first polarizer 7 is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the second polarizer 8. In other words, the embodiment of the present disclosure can also adopt the method of adding liquid crystal molecules and polarizers. By adding the voltage-dividing layer provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure, the actual voltage applied to the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to different areas is adjusted to achieve different transmittances of the dimming glass.

[0111] It should be noted that Figure 13 The example is shown in the figure below. The dimming glass has two areas A1 and A2, and the first area A1 is not provided with a pressure dividing layer 6, and the second area A2 is provided with a pressure dividing layer 6. Of course, it can also be the same as Figure 3 、 Figure 5-Figure 7 The same voltage dividing layer 6 is set up, Figure 3 、 Figure 5-Figure 7 The difference lies in that the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 is different, and a first polarizer 11 and a second polarizer 12 are provided.

[0112] In specific implementation, in the above-mentioned dimming glass provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, if Figure 3-Figure 7 、 Figure 13As shown, the optical fiber further includes: a first alignment layer 11 located between the first electrode 4 and the dimming liquid crystal layer 3, and a second alignment layer 12 located on the side of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 facing the second electrode 5. The first alignment layer 11 and the second alignment layer 12 have the same functions as the alignment layers in the prior art and are not described in detail here.

[0113] Based on the same inventive concept, the present disclosure also provides a glass assembly, including the aforementioned switchable glass. Because the principles of this glass assembly are similar to those of the aforementioned switchable glass, the implementation of this glass assembly can be referenced to the aforementioned switchable glass, and any repetitions will not be repeated.

[0114] Other essential components of the glass assembly should be understood by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here, nor should they be construed as limitations of the present disclosure.

[0115] The glass module can be used in transportation facilities such as cars, trains, and airplanes. It can also be used in smart windows in buildings.

[0116] The dimming glass and glass assembly provided by the disclosed embodiments are divided into at least two distinct regions. When the same voltage is applied between the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 5, the transmittance of the dimming liquid crystal layer 3 corresponding to the different regions differs, resulting in different brightness levels for the glass. The perceived brightness of the glass is the combined effect of the brightness levels corresponding to the different regions, resulting in a reduced slope of the overall VT curve. This improvement facilitates the adjustment and control of the intermediate brightness of the dimming glass, enhancing the overall display quality of the dimming glass and broadening its application scenarios. Furthermore, this design has no effect on the transmittance of the dimming glass in its dark and bright states.

[0117] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A dimming glass, wherein: The switchable glass is formed with at least two different regions, wherein the switchable glass is formed with a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions extending along a first direction and alternately arranged along a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are arranged to intersect; the switchable glass includes: a first substrate; a second substrate, disposed opposite to the first substrate; a dimming liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a first electrode, located on a side of the first substrate facing the dimming liquid crystal layer; The second electrode is located on the side of the second substrate facing the dimming liquid crystal layer; the second electrodes corresponding to the different types of regions are electrically connected; wherein, When the same voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, the light transmittance of the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to the different types of regions is different; a raised layer, located between the second electrode corresponding to the first region and the second substrate; a voltage-dividing layer located between the first electrode and the second electrode corresponding to the second region; wherein a surface of the voltage-dividing layer away from the second substrate is flush with a surface of the second electrode corresponding to the first region away from the second substrate; a first alignment layer, located between the first electrode and the dimming liquid crystal layer; The second alignment layer is located on a side of the dimming liquid crystal layer facing the second electrode.

2. The switchable glass according to claim 1, wherein: The voltage division layer is used to make the driving voltages of the dimming liquid crystal layer corresponding to different types of areas different.

3. The switchable glass according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The thickness of each position in the dimming liquid crystal layer is the same.

4. The switchable glass according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: There are multiple identical regions, and the different regions are arranged alternately.

5. The switchable glass according to claim 2, wherein: The voltage dividing layer is not provided in one of the regions.

6. The switchable glass according to claim 2, wherein: The voltage dividing layer is provided in each of the regions, and the surface of each of the voltage dividing layers away from the second substrate is flush.

7. The switchable glass according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The voltage dividing layer is provided in at least two different regions, and the at least two different regions satisfy at least one of the following: The dielectric constants of the pressure-dividing layers corresponding to the different types of regions are different; The thickness of the pressure dividing layer corresponding to different types of regions is different.

8. The switchable glass according to claim 5, wherein: The voltage dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer.

9. The switchable glass according to claim 7, wherein: The switchable glass is formed with a plurality of third regions extending along the first direction and alternately arranged along the second direction; The voltage dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the first area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the third area and the dimming liquid crystal layer; The thicknesses of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the first area, the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second area, and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third area are the same, and the dielectric constants of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the first area, the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second area, and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third area are different.

10. The switchable glass according to claim 7, wherein: The switchable glass is formed with a plurality of third regions extending along the first direction and alternately arranged along the second direction; The voltage-dividing layer is not provided in the first area, and the voltage-dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the third area and the dimming liquid crystal layer; The voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region have the same dielectric constant, and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region has a thickness greater than that of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region.

11. The switchable glass according to claim 7, wherein: The switchable glass is formed with a plurality of third regions extending along the first direction and alternately arranged along the second direction; The voltage-dividing layer is not provided in the first area, and the voltage-dividing layer is provided between the second electrode corresponding to the second area and the dimming liquid crystal layer, and between the second electrode corresponding to the third area and the dimming liquid crystal layer; The voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region and the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region have the same thickness, and the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the third region is different from the dielectric constant of the voltage-dividing layer corresponding to the second region.

12. The switchable glass according to claim 1, wherein: The material of the cushioning layer is a transparent medium layer.

13. The switchable glass according to claim 2, wherein: The material of the pressure dividing layer is a transparent medium layer.

14. The switchable glass according to claim 2, wherein: The pressure-dividing layer has a thickness of 1 μm-5 μm.

15. The switchable glass according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: Along the second direction, the width of each of the regions is less than 100 μm.

16. The switchable glass according to claim 15, wherein: Along the second direction, the width of each of the regions is 10 μm-80 μm.

17. The switchable glass according to any one of claims 8, 10 and 11, wherein: The second electrodes corresponding to the respective regions are electrically connected via a connecting portion, and an angle between the connecting portion and the second electrode is greater than or equal to 90°.

18. The switchable glass according to claim 17, wherein: The sidewall of the connecting portion away from the voltage-dividing layer is in the shape of a plane or a curved surface, and the sidewall of the connecting portion in contact with the voltage-dividing layer is in the shape of a plane or a curved surface.

19. The switchable glass according to claim 1, wherein: The dimming glass is in a normally white mode, and the dimming liquid crystal layer includes negative liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules.

20. The switchable glass according to claim 1, wherein: The dimming glass is in a normally black mode, and the dimming liquid crystal layer includes positive liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye molecules.

21. The switchable glass according to claim 1, wherein: The dimming liquid crystal layer is liquid crystal molecules, and the dimming glass further includes: a first polarizer located on a side of the first substrate away from the dimming liquid crystal layer, and a second polarizer located on a side of the second substrate away from the dimming liquid crystal layer.

22. A glass assembly, wherein: The invention comprises the switchable glass according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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