Light control film, light control glass and preparation method and application thereof

Abstract

The application provides a dimming film, dimming glass and a preparation method and application thereof. The dimming film comprises a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, a functional layer, a second conductive layer and a second substrate layer which are stacked in sequence; the area of the second substrate layer is larger than the area of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer and the second conductive layer respectively; the second conductive layer is provided with an etching line, and the etching line divides the second conductive layer into a first region and a second region which are insulated from each other; at least one side of the first region is located at the edge of the second conductive layer; the functional layer is composed of a dimming area and a conductive area; the conductive area is located in the projection area of the first region in the functional layer, and at least one side of the conductive area is located at the edge of the functional layer; the first conductive layer and the first region are communicated through the conductive area in the functional layer; and the first region and the second region are respectively used for electrical connection. The application further provides dimming glass comprising the dimming film and application of the dimming glass as vehicle glass.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of dimming glass technology, and in particular to a dimming film, dimming glass, its preparation method and application. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, PDLC technology is beginning to be used on a large scale in automobiles as a new technology. However, PDLC still faces some technical problems that need to be solved or improved in its application. For example, the sides of the PDLC film are not sealed when it leaves the factory. When the PDLC film is encapsulated in glass using PVB film, small molecules of PVB film can penetrate into the middle functional layer through the gaps in the film, causing the dimming function of the functional layer in the penetrated area to decrease or fail.

[0003] Existing technologies generally offer the following two approaches to optimizing the above problems:

[0004] 1. Replacing PVB with EVA has a less toxic effect on PDLC films compared to PVB. However, EVA generally performs worse than PVB films in terms of mechanical properties and weather resistance. Therefore, glass made entirely of EVA has inferior weather resistance and mechanical properties compared to glass made entirely of PVB.

[0005] 2. The current approach to designing the membrane for impermeability involves sealing the edges and seams of the membrane with a specific protective adhesive, blocking the channels for small molecules to diffuse into the membrane. This method does not require replacing the adhesive film used during glass encapsulation and does not affect its weather resistance and mechanical properties. However, the thickness of existing PDLC membranes is generally <0.4mm. To ensure effective adhesion of the adhesive on such a small bonding surface, some deep processing is necessary to increase the bonding area. Furthermore, since existing PDLC membranes typically use… Figure 1 The method shown, where the front and back substrates are staggered in half before the electrodes are connected, results in openings on both sides of the membrane. Currently, the protective adhesive used is a thermosetting adhesive, which has a long curing cycle and requires a certain amount of high-temperature treatment. This design, with openings on both sides, also increases the difficulty of the edge-sealing process.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a packaging method that is simple in process and effectively avoids the failure of the dimming film. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a dimming film, dimming glass, its preparation method, and its applications. Compared to existing dimming glass, the dimming glass provided by this invention is less prone to failure and possesses better mechanical properties and aging resistance.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a dimming film comprising a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, a functional layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate layer stacked sequentially; the orthographic projections of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer, and the second conductive layer onto the second substrate layer (orthographic projection refers to the projection along the thickness direction of the dimming film) are located within the surface of the second substrate layer; the second conductive layer has etching lines that divide the second conductive layer into a first region and a second region that are mutually insulated, and at least one edge of the first region is located at the edge of the second conductive layer; the functional layer consists of a dimming area and a conductive area, the conductive area being located within the orthographic projection area of ​​the first region of the second conductive layer within the functional layer; the first conductive layer and the first region of the second conductive layer are connected through the conductive area of ​​the functional layer; the first region and the second region of the second conductive layer are respectively used for electrical connection.

[0009] In the aforementioned dimming film, the orthographic projections of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer, and the second conductive layer onto the second substrate layer are respectively located within the surface of the second substrate layer and do not cover the four edges of the second substrate layer. That is, the four edges of the second substrate layer protrude outward relative to the four edges of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer, and the second conductive layer. Therefore, the area of ​​the second substrate layer is larger than the areas of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer, and the second conductive layer, respectively. The side of the dimming film presents a stepped structure.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing dimming film. (Example:) Figure 1 As shown, the existing dimming film consists of a first substrate layer 61, a first conductive layer 63, a functional layer 65, a second conductive layer 64, and a second substrate layer 62 stacked sequentially. The first substrate layer 61 and the second substrate layer 62 are staggered by half-cut on the same side. The first FPC electrode 66 and the second FPC electrode 67 are connected to the dimming film on the side of the first substrate layer 61 and the second substrate layer 62 that are cut. The first FPC electrode 66 is connected to the first conductive layer 63, and their connection point corresponds to the area of ​​the first substrate layer 61 that is not cut. The first FPC electrode 66 does not contact the second conductive layer 64. The second FPC electrode 67 is connected to the second conductive layer 64, and their connection point corresponds to the area of ​​the second substrate layer 62 that is not cut. The second FPC electrode 67 is not electrically connected to the first conductive layer 63.

[0011] Compared to existing dimming films where the upper and lower substrates are the same size or Figure 1The design shown, with the front and rear substrates staggered in half, incorporates a stepped structure on the side of the dimming film. Electrodes are positioned on one side of the film, allowing the second substrate layer to vertically divide the dimming film into two spaces. The side opening between the first and second substrate layers is projected onto the surface of the second substrate layer. When encapsulating the dimming film in glass with an adhesive film, different types of adhesive films are used on the upper and lower surfaces of the second substrate layer. An adhesive film with less toxicity to the functional layer is used to wrap the side opening formed by the functional layer and the first and second substrate layers. This structural arrangement reduces the penetration of harmful contents from the adhesive film into the functional layer from this side, lowering the failure rate of the functional layer or preventing its failure altogether.

[0012] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the minimum horizontal distance between the edge of the second substrate layer and the edge of the first substrate layer is 5-30 mm. That is, taking the edge located on the same side of the dimming film as the reference, the horizontal distance from the center of the dimming film to the edge of the second substrate layer is d1, and the horizontal distance from the center of the dimming film to the edge of the first substrate layer is d2, where d1-d2≥5-30 mm (d1-d2 is...). Figure 3c d3) in .

[0013] In the aforementioned dimming film, the orthographic projection of the first conductive layer onto the first substrate layer can be located on the surface of the first substrate layer. Similarly, the orthographic projection of the functional layer onto the first substrate layer can be located on the surface of the first substrate layer. Specifically, the area of ​​the first substrate layer can be larger than both the area of ​​the first conductive layer and the area of ​​the functional layer, in which case the orthographic projections of the first conductive layer onto the first substrate layer and the functional layer onto the first substrate layer are located within the surface of the first substrate layer; alternatively, the area of ​​the first substrate layer can be equal to both the area of ​​the first conductive layer and the area of ​​the functional layer, in which case the orthographic projections of the first conductive layer onto the first substrate layer and the functional layer onto the first substrate layer coincide with the surface of the first substrate layer.

[0014] In the above dimming film, if the orthogonal projection of the first conductive layer onto the second conductive layer can be located within the surface of the second conductive layer, then the area of ​​the first conductive layer is smaller than the area of ​​the second conductive layer; if the orthogonal projection of the functional layer onto the second conductive layer can be located within the surface of the second conductive layer, then the area of ​​the functional layer is smaller than the area of ​​the second conductive layer.

[0015] In the aforementioned dimming film, the orthographic projection of the functional layer onto the first conductive layer can be located on the surface of the first conductive layer, thus the area of ​​the functional layer can be less than or equal to the area of ​​the first conductive layer. Further, the area of ​​the functional layer can be the same as the area of ​​the first conductive layer; even further, the orthographic projections of the functional layer and the first conductive layer onto the second substrate layer can completely overlap, in which case the edges of the functional layer and the first conductive layer are flush. Still further, the projections of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, and the functional layer onto the second substrate layer can completely overlap, in which case the edges of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, and the functional layer are flush.

[0016] In the above-mentioned dimming film, the first region and the second region of the second conductive layer are respectively used for electrical connection, which may include: the first region and the second region being respectively used as electrodes or respectively connected to electrodes.

[0017] In the dimming film described above, the fact that at least one edge of the first region is located at the edge of the second conductive layer means that the first region is not completely surrounded by the second region, and at least part of the edge of the first region is located at the edge of the second conductive layer, so that the first region can be connected to an electrode or an external device. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the arrangement of etching lines in some specific implementation schemes (the etching lines actually have a certain width). Figure 2 To emphasize the location of the etching line, the width of the etching line is omitted. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, taking a rectangular second conductive layer as an example, at least one side of the first region located at the edge of the second conductive layer includes at least the following cases: only one side of the first region is located at the edge of the second conductive layer, in which case the second conductive layer can have three etching lines (e.g., Figure 2 (as shown in a); the first region has two edges located at the edge of the second conductive layer, and the first region occupies one vertex of the second conductive layer. At this time, the second conductive layer can have two etching lines (as shown in a diagram). Figure 2 (as shown in b); the first region has three edges located at the edge of the second conductive layer, and the first region occupies two or three vertices of the second conductive layer. In this case, the second conductive layer may have an etching line (such as...). Figure 2 As shown in c), it can have two etching lines (such as...). Figure 2 As shown in d), it can also have three etching lines (such as...). Figure 2 e and Figure 2 (as shown in f); in the first region, four edges are located at the edge of the second conductive layer, one of which is on the same side as the edge of the second region. At this time, the first region and Figure 2 The second region 342 of a in the example is set in a similar way. The second conductive layer has three etching lines and the first region occupies the four vertices of the second conductive layer.

[0018] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first region may occupy at least one vertex of the second conductive layer, specifically one, two, three, or four vertices.

[0019] In the above-mentioned dimming film, the first conductive layer can be an ITO (indium tin oxide) layer or an FTO (fluorine-doped SnO2 transparent conductive glass) layer.

[0020] In the above dimming film, the second conductive layer can be an ITO layer or an FTO layer.

[0021] In the aforementioned dimming film, the first region can serve as an electrode capable of transmitting current, or it can be connected to an electrode. Similarly, the second region can serve as an electrode capable of transmitting current, or it can be connected to an electrode. The first region and the second region are neither directly connected nor indirectly connected (indirect connection means connection through electrodes) to avoid short circuits.

[0022] In the aforementioned dimming film, the first region and the second region each have a region protruding outward relative to the functional layer, which can be used to place or connect electrodes. In some specific embodiments, the electrodes can be fixed to the protruding regions by means of welding or other methods.

[0023] In the above-mentioned dimming film, the first region has a region that protrudes outward relative to the functional layer, referred to as the first protrusion region, and the second region has a region that protrudes outward relative to the functional layer, referred to as the second protrusion region. The first protrusion region and the second protrusion region are used as electrodes or for placing electrodes.

[0024] Specifically, the first region consists of a region overlapping with the functional layer and a region not overlapping with the functional layer (the overlap refers to the orthographic projection overlap of the second substrate layer), and the first protruding area is included in the region of the first region that does not overlap with the functional layer. The second region consists of a region overlapping with the functional layer and a region not overlapping with the functional layer, wherein the second protruding area is included in the region of the second region that does not overlap with the functional layer. The overall area of ​​the second conductive layer is larger than the area of ​​the functional layer, and the area of ​​the region of the second conductive layer excluding the first and second protruding areas may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the functional layer. In some specific embodiments, the overall area of ​​the second conductive layer is larger than the area of ​​the first conductive layer, and further, the area of ​​the region of the second conductive layer excluding the first and second protruding areas may be greater than or equal to the area of ​​the first conductive layer.

[0025] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the first protruding area and the second protruding area may be located on the same side of the second conductive layer. Alternatively, the first protruding area and the second protruding area may form a ring around the second conductive layer. Taking the second conductive layer as a rectangle as an example, the first protruding area may be provided along two adjacent sides of the second conductive layer, and the second protruding area may be provided along two sides of the second conductive layer opposite to the first protruding area.

[0026] In the dimming film described above, the electrode may specifically include a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is connected to a first region of the second conductive layer, and the second electrode is connected to a second region of the second conductive layer. The lead-out ends of the first electrode and the second electrode are located on the same side of the second conductive layer.

[0027] In the electrodes of the aforementioned dimming film, since both the first and second electrodes are fixed to the surface of the second conductive layer and located on the same side of the second conductive layer, gaps can be avoided on both sides of the dimming film. When subsequently encapsulating the dimming film onto the dimming glass using an adhesive film, two different adhesive films can be used to laminate from the top and bottom sides of the second substrate, simplifying the process. During lamination, the adhesive film located on the upper side of the second substrate layer melts and bonds the side gaps of the dimming film (including but not limited to the side gaps of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer, and the second conductive layer), achieving a seal for the dimming film. In some specific embodiments, the first and second electrodes can be strip-shaped electrodes that can be disposed along the edge of the second conductive layer.

[0028] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown in a and b, for smaller dimming films, the first and second electrodes can be located on the same side of the second conductive layer. For larger dimming films, since the sheet resistance of FTO and ITO used in the first and second conductive layers of the dimming film can typically reach 100 ohms per square (ohms / □) to 300 ohms per square (ohms / □), the current needs to travel a long path through the conductive layer, resulting in a large voltage drop. To reduce the voltage drop in large-size dimming films, the electrode arrangement in this invention can be as follows: when the width of the second conductive layer is ≥500mm, the first and second electrodes are arranged around the second conductive layer; the first and second electrodes can be strip-shaped, and correspondingly, the first and second protruding areas can also be strip-shaped and arranged around the second conductive layer. Taking the second conductive layer as a rectangle as an example, when the vertical distance between two opposite sides of the second conductive layer is ≥500mm, the first and / or second electrodes are arranged along at least two sides of the second conductive layer; furthermore, the first and second protruding areas each surround at least two sides of the second conductive layer. For example: Figure 2 c, d, e, f and Figure 5aAs shown, both the first electrode and the strip-shaped second electrode are strip-shaped and are respectively arranged around two sides of the second conductive layer. This arrangement allows each electrode to connect to two adjacent sides in the second conductive layer, effectively reducing the current transmission path in the second conductive layer. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the position of the etching line in the second conductive layer (i.e., the boundary position between the first region and the second region in the second conductive layer) can be adjusted according to the positions of the first electrode and the second electrode, as long as the first electrode is kept along the edge of the first region in the second conductive layer so that the first electrode can be directly electrically connected to an electrode or an external device.

[0029] According to specific implementation schemes, the first electrode may be located on the surface of the first protruding area, such as the surface of the first protruding area facing the functional layer, and the second electrode may be located on the surface of the second protruding area, such as the surface of the second protruding area facing the functional layer. In some specific implementation schemes, the electrodes may be fixed to the first and second protruding areas by means of welding or other methods.

[0030] In the dimming film described above, the conductive area in the functional layer can be located within the projection (orthographic projection) area of ​​the first region of the second conductive layer onto the functional layer. That is, the area of ​​the conductive area in the functional layer can be smaller than the area of ​​the first region in the second conductive layer. Thus, the conductive area of ​​the functional layer can achieve electrical connection with the first region through physical contact.

[0031] In the aforementioned dimming film, the etching line typically penetrates the thickness direction of the second conductive layer to completely insulate the first and second regions within the second conductive layer. Furthermore, the etching line, serving as the boundary between the first and second regions in the second conductive layer, has a certain width, typically greater than or equal to 1 μm. See also... Figure 4a This width ensures that the shortest horizontal distance between the edge of the conductive region of the functional layer and the edge of the second region of the second conductive layer is greater than 1 μm, thus avoiding the problem of short circuits caused by the conductive region of the functional layer simultaneously making electrical contact with both the first and second regions. In some specific embodiments, the shortest horizontal distance between the edge of the conductive region and the edge of the etching line (this shortest distance is...) Figure 4a The d5 shown in the diagram is the distance between two adjacent sides of the conductive area and the etching line. It can be controlled to be less than or equal to 1 mm, and further controlled to be 0-100 μm.

[0032] In the above-mentioned dimming film, in the functional layer, the material of the dimming area is usually a dimming film, including but not limited to one or more combinations of PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) film, SPD (suspended particles), EC (electrochromic), GHLC dimming film, electroluminescent element, PNLC functional element (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), OLED (organic light-emitting diode), LC film (liquid crystal film), PSLC (polymer stabilized liquid crystal), PILC (pixel isolated liquid crystal).

[0033] In the dimming film described above, the conductive area of ​​the functional layer is typically made of a conductive material, including but not limited to conductive adhesive.

[0034] The present invention also provides a dimming glass, which includes a first glass plate, a first adhesive layer, the dimming film, a second adhesive layer, and a second glass plate; the dimming film is located between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, the first adhesive layer is filled between the first glass plate and the second substrate layer of the dimming film, and the second adhesive layer is filled between the second substrate layer of the dimming film and the second glass plate.

[0035] In the aforementioned dimming glass, the first adhesive layer filling the space between the first glass plate and the second substrate layer of the dimming film means that the first adhesive layer not only bonds the first glass plate to the first substrate layer of the dimming film, but also completely fills at least the side openings formed between the first and second substrate layers (including the side gaps of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer, and the second conductive layer); further, the first adhesive layer may also fill the side of the second substrate layer. The second adhesive layer filling the space between the dimming film and the second glass plate means that the second adhesive layer at least bonds the side of the second substrate layer of the dimming film facing away from the first substrate layer to the second glass plate; further, the second adhesive layer may also fill the side of the second substrate layer.

[0036] In the aforementioned dimming glass, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are connected and jointly bond and fix the dimming film. The connection point between the two can be located between the upper surface and the lower surface of the second substrate layer (including the upper surface and the lower surface). Here, the upper surface refers to the surface of the second substrate layer that is in contact with the second conductive layer, and the lower surface refers to the surface of the second substrate layer that is opposite to the upper surface.

[0037] In the aforementioned dimming glass, the first adhesive layer is generally an EVA layer, and the second adhesive layer is generally a PVB layer. The dimming glass provided by this invention uses EVA, which has less toxicity to the dimming film, to encapsulate the dimming film from the first substrate layer side. PVB, with better mechanical properties and weather resistance, is used to bond the dimming film from the second substrate layer side. Since the edges of the second substrate layer protrude outwards relative to the edges of other layers such as the functional layer in the dimming film, it can effectively prevent PVB from penetrating into the functional layer and avoid physical contact between PVB and the openings in the dimming film. This maintains the high mechanical properties of the dimming glass while preventing performance degradation or failure of the dimming film.

[0038] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned dimming glass has high mechanical strength and aging resistance, and the dimming film edge in the glass is also present under high temperature conditions.

[0039] The present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned dimming glass. The method includes: stacking a first glass plate, a raw material film of a first adhesive layer, a dimming film, a raw material film of a second adhesive layer, and a second glass plate in sequence, heating and molding, and assembling the sheets to obtain dimming glass, wherein the dimming film is the dimming film provided by the present invention.

[0040] In the above preparation method, the heating and molding stage melts the raw material film of the first adhesive layer and the raw material film of the second adhesive layer. This stage is usually carried out under high temperature and high pressure conditions. After the melted raw material film of the first adhesive layer adheres to the first glass plate and the first substrate layer, it continues to flow to the second substrate layer and seals the side opening between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer. The melted second adhesive layer adheres to the second substrate layer and the second glass plate, and continues to flow upward along the second substrate layer until it comes into contact with the raw material film of the first adhesive layer.

[0041] The present invention also provides the application of the above-mentioned dimming glass as vehicle glass.

[0042] The beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following:

[0043] The dimming glass provided by this invention can effectively prevent the dimming film from being penetrated by toxic adhesives during use, especially under high temperature conditions, which helps maintain the dimming function of the film. At the same time, the dimming glass has high bonding strength between its layers, high mechanical properties and impact resistance, good aging resistance, and a simple manufacturing process. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing dimming film. a is the front view, b is the side view, and c is the top view.

[0045] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the etching lines in the second conductive layer of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 3a This is a front view of the dimming film in Example 1. Figure 3b This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second conductive layer in the dimming film of Example 1. Figure 3c for Figure 3a AA section diagram, Figure 3d for Figure 3a BB cross-sectional view.

[0047] Figures 4a to 4b This is a schematic diagram showing the location of the etching lines in the dimming film of Example 1. Figure 4a This is a front view. Figure 4b for Figure 4a AA section diagram, Figure 4b The diagram of the electrodes has been omitted.

[0048] Figure 5a This is a front view of the dimming film structure in Example 2. Figure 5b for Figure 5a AA section diagram, Figure 5c This is a schematic diagram showing the position of the electrodes in the dimming film of Example 2.

[0049] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the dimming glass in Example 3. Figure 6 The schematic diagrams of the first conductive layer, functional layer, second conductive layer, and electrodes in the dimming film are omitted.

[0050] Figure 7 In the image, 'a' is a photograph of the smart glass before the aging resistance test and the corrosion resistance test. Figure 7 In the image, b is a photograph of the switchable glass after an aging resistance test or a corrosion resistance test.

[0051] Symbol Explanation

[0052] First glass plate 1, first adhesive layer 2, dimming film 3, second adhesive layer 4, second glass plate 5.

[0053] First substrate layer 31, first conductive layer 32, functional layer 33, second conductive layer 34, second substrate layer 35, electrode 36.

[0054] The dimming area 331, the conductive area 332, the first region 341, the second region 342, the first protruding region 3411, the second protruding region 3421, the etching line 343, the first electrode 361, the second electrode 362, the first current 371, and the second current 372.

[0055] First substrate layer 61, second substrate layer 62, first conductive layer 63, second conductive layer 64, functional layer 65, first FPC electrode 66, second FPC electrode 67. Detailed Implementation

[0056] In order to provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives and beneficial effects of the present invention, the technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail below, but it should not be construed as limiting the scope of implementation of the present invention.

[0057] In this invention, it is understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0058] In this invention, the orthographic projection of A onto the surface of B means that the orthographic projection of A does not exceed the surface range of B. The orthographic projection of A can be completely located inside the surface of B. In this case, the edges of the orthographic projection of A do not coincide with the edges of B, or at least some edges of the orthographic projection of A coincide with some edges of B.

[0059] In this invention, the orthographic projection of A onto B is located within the surface of B, meaning that the orthographic projection of A is completely located inside the surface of B, and the edges of the orthographic projection of A do not coincide with the edges of B.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] This embodiment provides a dimming film, such as Figures 3a to 3d As shown, the dimming film includes an electrode 36 and a first substrate layer 31, a first conductive layer 32, a functional layer 33, a second conductive layer 34, and a second substrate layer 35 stacked sequentially.

[0062] Among them, such as Figure 3c As shown, the sides of the first substrate layer 31, the first conductive layer 32, and the functional layer 33 are flush, and their planar dimensions (length and width) are exactly the same. The orthographic projections of all three onto the second conductive layer 34 are all within the surface of the second conductive layer 34. At least one edge of the second conductive layer 34 protrudes outward relative to the edge of the functional layer 33 (e.g., ...). Figure 3d(As shown). The orthographic projection of the second conductive layer 34 onto the second substrate layer 35 lies within the surface of the second substrate layer 35. The minimum horizontal distance d3 between the edge of the second substrate layer 35 and the edge of the first substrate layer 31 is 5-30 mm (i.e., each edge of the second substrate layer 35 protrudes outward by 5-30 mm relative to the edge of the first substrate layer 31 on the same side). The area of ​​the first substrate layer 31 = the area of ​​the first conductive layer 32 = the area of ​​the functional layer 33 < the area of ​​the second conductive layer 34 < the area of ​​the second substrate layer 35.

[0063] The first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34 can be made of FTO or ITO.

[0064] like Figure 3b As shown, the second conductive layer 34 has two etching lines 343 that penetrate the thickness direction of the second conductive layer 34. These two etching lines 343 divide the second conductive layer 34 into a rectangular first region 341 and an L-shaped second region 342. Since the etching lines 343 are non-conductive, the first region 341 and the second region 342 are insulated from each other. The two sides of the first region 341 are located at the edges of the second conductive layer 34. Figure 4a , Figure 4b As shown, the width d4 of each etching line 343 is greater than or equal to 1 μm.

[0065] like Figure 3a , Figure 3d As shown, the first region 341 has a region protruding outward relative to the functional layer 33, referred to as the first protrusion region 3411; the second region 342 has a region protruding outward relative to the functional layer 33, referred to as the second protrusion region 3421. The regions in the second conductive layer 34 other than the first protrusion region 3411 and the second protrusion region 3421 have areas equal to those of the first substrate layer 31, the first conductive layer 32, and the functional layer 33, and their edges are flush.

[0066] In this invention, the first protruding area 3411 and the second protruding area 3421 can be located on the same side of the second conductive layer 34, or they can be respectively arranged along two sides of the second conductive layer 34. In this embodiment, the length of each side of the second conductive layer 34 is less than 500mm, and the first protruding area 3411 and the second protruding area 3421 are located on the same side of the second conductive layer 34.

[0067] like Figure 3c , Figure 3dAs shown, the functional layer 33 consists of a dimming area 331 and a conductive area 332 arranged side-by-side in a horizontal direction. The dimming area 331 is made of a PDLC film, and the conductive area 332 is made of conductive adhesive. The conductive area 332 is used to bridge the first conductive layer 32 and the first region 341. The conductive area 332 is located inside the orthographic projection area of ​​the first region 341 onto the functional layer 33, and at least one edge of the conductive area 332 is located at the edge of the functional layer 33. Figure 4b As shown, the shortest horizontal distance d5 between the edge of the conductive region 332 and the edge of the etching line 343 is less than or equal to 1 mm, preferably 0-100 μm.

[0068] like Figure 2 , Figure 3a , Figure 4a As shown, electrode 36 includes a first electrode 361 and a second electrode 362. The first electrode 361 is fixed to the first protrusion area 3411 by electric welding, and the second electrode 362 is fixed to the second protrusion area 3421 by electric welding. The lead-out ends of the first electrode 361 and the second electrode 362 are located on the same side of the second conductive layer 34.

[0069] See Figure 3d In this embodiment, there is a first current 371 and a second current 372 in the dimming film. The first current 371 flows in the first conductive layer 32, the conductive region 332 and the first region 341 and flows out from the lead-out end of the first electrode 361. The second current 372 flows through the second region 342 in the second conductive layer 34 and flows out from the lead-out end of the second electrode 362.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] This embodiment provides a dimming film, such as Figures 5a to 5c As shown, the structure of this dimming film is similar to that of the dimming film in Example 1, with the only difference being the structure of the second conductive layer 34 and the positions of the first electrode 361 and the second electrode 362.

[0072] In this embodiment, the second conductive layer 34 has one side with a length ≥ 500 mm.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second conductive layer 34 has two etching lines 343 that penetrate the thickness direction of the second conductive layer 34. These two etching lines 343 divide the second conductive layer 34 into an L-shaped first region 341 and a rectangular second region 342. The first region 341 and the second region 342 are insulated from each other. The first region 341 has a region that protrudes outward relative to the functional layer 33, called the first protrusion region 3411; the second region 342 has a region that protrudes outward relative to the functional layer 33, called the second protrusion region 3421. The regions of the second conductive layer 34 other than the first protrusion region 3411 and the second protrusion region 3421 have the same area as the first substrate layer 31, the first conductive layer 32, and the functional layer 33, and their edges are flush.

[0074] In this embodiment, the first protruding area 3411 is disposed along two adjacent sides of the second conductive layer 34, and the second protruding area 3421 is disposed along two other adjacent sides of the second conductive layer 34.

[0075] Electrode 36 includes a first electrode 361 and a second electrode 362. The first electrode 361 is disposed along the first protruding region 3411, and the second electrode 362 is disposed along the second protruding region 3412. The lead-out ends of the first electrode 361 and the second electrode 362 are located on the same side of the second conductive layer 34. This electrode arrangement allows the first electrode 361 and the second electrode 362 to cover all sides of the second conductive layer 34, thus avoiding excessively long current transmission distances.

[0076] In this embodiment, the dimming film contains a first current 371 and a second current 372. The first current 371 flows in the first conductive layer 32, the conductive region 332 and the first region 341, and flows out from the lead-out end of the first electrode 361; the second current 372 flows through the second conductive layer 34 and flows out from the lead-out end of the second electrode 362.

[0077] Example 3

[0078] This embodiment provides a dimming glass, which includes a first glass plate 1, a first adhesive layer 2, a dimming film 3, a second adhesive layer 4, and a second glass plate 5.

[0079] like Figure 6As shown, the dimming film 3 is located between the first glass plate 1 and the second glass plate 5. A first adhesive layer 2 fills the space between the first glass plate 1 and the second substrate layer 35 in the dimming film 3, and a second adhesive layer 4 fills the space between the second substrate layer 35 and the second glass plate 5 in the dimming film 3. The first adhesive layer 2 and the second adhesive layer 4 are in contact, and the contact point is located between the upper and lower surfaces (including the upper and lower surfaces) of the second substrate layer 35. The upper surface of the second substrate layer 35 refers to the surface in the second substrate layer 35 that is in contact with the second conductive layer 34, and the lower surface of the second substrate layer 35 refers to the surface opposite to the upper surface. In this embodiment, the contact point between the first adhesive layer 2 and the second adhesive layer 4 is located on the upper surface of the second substrate layer 35.

[0080] The dimming film 3 is the dimming film of Example 1 or Example 2.

[0081] The first adhesive layer 2 is an EVA layer, and the second adhesive layer 4 is a PVB layer.

[0082] The method for preparing the dimming glass is as follows: First glass plate 1, raw material film of first adhesive layer 2, dimming film 3, raw material film of second adhesive layer 4, and second glass plate 5 are stacked sequentially. The mixture is heated, and the raw material film of first adhesive layer 2 and raw material film of second adhesive layer 4 are melted in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment. The melted raw material film of first adhesive layer 2 adheres to first glass plate 1 and first substrate layer 31, and then continues to flow towards second substrate layer 35, sealing the side opening between first substrate layer 31 and second substrate layer 35. The melted raw material film of second adhesive layer 4 adheres to second substrate layer 35 and second glass plate 5, and continues to flow forward along second substrate layer 35 until it contacts the raw material film of first adhesive layer 2. The glass is then formed, assembled, and the dimming glass is obtained.

[0083] Test Example 1

[0084] This test example provides a performance test of the dimming glass of Example 3.

[0085] The structure of the dimming film used in the dimming glass of Example 3 is the same as that of the dimming film in Example 1.

[0086] Meanwhile, dimming glass with both the first and second adhesive layers being EVA layers and glass with both the first and second adhesive layers being PVB layers were provided as Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, and the test results of Comparative Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 were used as references.

[0087] For dimming glass using EVA and PVB as adhesive films, (Example 3) the raw material thicknesses of the first glass plate, the first adhesive layer (EVA layer), the dimming film, the second adhesive layer (PVB layer), and the second glass plate are respectively: glass (2.1mm) + EVA (0.38mm) + dimming film (0.38mm) + PVB (0.38mm) + glass (2.1mm).

[0088] For the dimming glass using PVB as the encapsulant (Comparative Example 1), the thicknesses of the raw materials are as follows: glass (2.1 mm) + PVB (0.38 mm) + dimming film (0.38 mm) + PVB (0.38 mm) + glass (2.1 mm).

[0089] For the dimming glass using EVA as the encapsulant (Comparative Example 2), the thicknesses of the raw materials are as follows: glass (2.1 mm) + EVA (0.38 mm) + dimming film (0.38 mm) + EVA (0.38 mm) + glass (2.1 mm).

[0090] The dimensions of the glass are 300mm × 300mm.

[0091] Impact resistance tests were conducted on the above three types of smart glass. The test method was carried out in accordance with Section 5 of GB / T 5173.1-2000 "Test Methods for Automotive Safety Glass". The judgment results were made in accordance with Section 5.33 of GB9656-2021 "Technical Specifications for Safety of Motor Vehicle Glass". The test results are summarized in Table 1.

[0092] Table 1

[0093] Sample structure Test Results Comparative Example 1 Glass + PVB + dimming film + PVB + glass Passes impact resistance test Example 3 Glass + EVA + dimming film + PVB + glass Passes impact resistance test Comparative Example 2 Glass + EVA + dimming film + EVA + glass Failed

[0094] As can be seen from Table 1, compared with dimming glass that uses EVA film to encapsulate the dimming film on both sides, the dimming glass provided by the present invention has better impact resistance, and its impact resistance is comparable to that of dimming glass that uses PVB film on both sides.

[0095] The dimming glass was subjected to a carbon arc lamp experiment to test its aging resistance. The experimental conditions were 78.5 W / m²@(300-400 nm) and the experimental time was 3000 h. For the sample of Example 3, the test direction was as follows: the second adhesive layer made of PVB faced the carbon arc lamp, and the first adhesive layer made of EVA was farther away from the carbon arc lamp compared to the second adhesive layer.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown in Figure a, before the experiment, in the unpowered state, the edge of the dimming film in the dimming glass was milky white with a clear boundary. Figure 7 As shown in b, after the experiment, in the unpowered state, the edge of the dimming film in the dimming glass changed from milky white to transparent or translucent. The width d6 of the transparent or translucent edge in the dimming film is recorded as the deteriorated edge.

[0097] Judgment criteria: If the deterioration edge is ≤15mm and the changes in Tl and haze compared to before the experiment are ≤5%, the carbon arc lamp test is considered passed; otherwise, it is considered failed. The experimental results are summarized in Table 2.

[0098] Table 2

[0099] Sample structure Test Results Comparative Example 1 Glass + PVB + dimming film + PVB + glass Experiments can be conducted using a carbon arc lamp. Example 3 Glass + EVA + dimming film + PVB + glass Experiments can be conducted using a carbon arc lamp. Comparative Example 2 Glass + EVA + dimming film + EVA + glass Failed

[0100] As can be seen from Table 2, compared with the dimming glass that uses EVA film to encapsulate the dimming film on both sides, the dimming glass provided by the present invention has better aging resistance, and its aging resistance is comparable to that of the dimming glass that uses PVB film on both sides.

[0101] The test aimed to assess the resistance of the dimming glass to corrosion of the edge of the interlayer film under high-temperature conditions. The experimental method involved placing the test piece in a 90°C high-temperature chamber for 1000 hours, then removing it and allowing it to return to room temperature. The failure distance at the edge was then measured using a ruler.

[0102] like Figure 7 As shown in Figure a, before the experiment, in the unpowered state, the edge of the dimming film in the dimming glass was milky white with a clear boundary. Figure 7 As shown in b, after the experiment, in the unpowered state, the edge of the dimming film in the dimming glass changed from milky white to transparent or semi-transparent. The width d6 of the transparent or semi-transparent edge in the dimming film is recorded as the edge failure distance.

[0103] The results of the corrosion resistance test are summarized in Table 3.

[0104] Table 3

[0105] Sample structure Test Results Comparative Example 1 Glass + PVB + dimming film + PVB + glass Edge failure distance ≥25mm Example 3 Glass + EVA + dimming film + PVB + glass The edge failure distance is approximately 7mm. Comparative Example 2 Glass + EVA + dimming film + EVA + glass The edge failure distance is approximately 7mm.

[0106] As shown in Table 3, compared to dimming films encapsulated with PVB films on both sides, the dimming film provided by this invention exhibits lower edge erosion, and its erosion resistance is comparable to that of dimming films encapsulated with EVA films on both sides. These test results demonstrate that by improving the dimming film structure, this invention effectively prevents harmful contents from penetrating the side openings of the dimming film, thus avoiding the problem of functional layer failure in the dimming film.

[0107] The test results above demonstrate that by improving the structure of the dimming film, this invention can effectively prevent the dimming film from failing due to corrosion by harmful substances, and at the same time enable the dimming glass containing the dimming film to have better aging resistance and higher mechanical impact resistance.

Claims

1. A light control film, wherein, The light-adjusting film comprises a first substrate layer, a first conductive layer, a functional layer, a second conductive layer and a second substrate layer which are stacked in sequence; The orthographic projections of the first substrate layer, the first conductive layer, the functional layer and the second conductive layer onto the second substrate layer are located in the surface of the second substrate layer respectively; The second conductive layer is provided with an etching line which divides the second conductive layer into a first region and a second region which are insulated from each other; at least one side of the first region is located at the edge of the second conductive layer; The functional layer is composed of a light-adjusting region and a conductive region; the conductive region is located in the orthographic projection region of the first region of the second conductive layer in the functional layer, and at least one side of the conductive region is located at the edge of the functional layer; The first conductive layer is electrically connected with the first region of the second conductive layer through the conductive region of the functional layer; The first region and the second region of the second conductive layer are respectively used for electrical connection.

2. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, The minimum distance between the edge of the second substrate layer and the edge of the first substrate layer in the horizontal direction is 5-30 mm.

3. The light control film of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The orthographic projections of the first conductive layer onto the first substrate layer and the orthographic projections of the functional layer onto the first substrate layer are located in the surface of the first substrate layer respectively.

4. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projections of the first conductive layer onto the second conductive layer and the orthographic projections of the functional layer onto the second conductive layer are located in the surface of the second conductive layer respectively.

5. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projection of the functional layer onto the first conductive layer is located in the surface of the first conductive layer.

6. The light control film of claim 5, wherein, The area of the functional layer is the same as the area of the first conductive layer.

7. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, The first region of the second conductive layer has a region which protrudes outward relative to the functional layer, referred to as a first protruding region; the second region of the second conductive layer has a region which protrudes outward relative to the functional layer, referred to as a second protruding region; the first protruding region and the second protruding region are used as electrodes or for placing electrodes.

8. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, The first region and the second region of the second conductive layer are respectively connected with electrodes, the electrodes comprise a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode is connected with the first region of the second conductive layer, and the second electrode is connected with the second region of the second conductive layer; the leading end of the first electrode and the leading end of the second electrode are located at the same side of the second conductive layer.

9. The light control film of claim 8, wherein, When the vertical distance between the opposite edges of the second conductive layer is ≥500 mm, the first electrode and / or the second electrode are arranged along at least two edges in the second conductive layer.

10. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, The width of the etching line is ≥1 μm.

11. The light control film of claim 1 or 10, wherein, The shortest distance between the edge of the conductive region of the functional layer and the edge of the etching line in the horizontal direction is ≤1 mm.

12. The light control film of claim 11, wherein, The shortest distance between the edge of the conductive region of the functional layer and the edge of the etching line in the horizontal direction is 0-100 μm.

13. The light control film of claim 1, wherein, In the functional layer, the material of the light-adjusting region is one or a combination of two or more of PDLC film, SPD, EC, GHLC light-adjusting sheet, electroluminescent element, PNLC functional element, OLED, LC film, PSLC and PILC; the material of the conductive region of the functional layer comprises conductive glue.

14. A switchable glass, wherein, The light-adjusting glass comprises a first glass plate, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, a second glass plate and the light-adjusting film according to any one of claims 1-13. The light-adjusting film is located between the first glass plate and the second glass plate, the first adhesive layer is filled between the first glass plate and the second base layer of the light-adjusting film, and the second adhesive layer is filled between the second base layer of the light-adjusting film and the second glass plate.

15. The switchable glass of claim 14, wherein, The first adhesive layer is an EVA layer, and the second adhesive layer is a PVB layer.

16. The method of producing a dimming glass according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The preparation method comprises the following steps: sequentially stacking a first glass plate, a raw material film of a first adhesive layer, a light-adjusting film, a raw material film of a second adhesive layer, and a second glass plate, and performing temperature forming and sheet combining to obtain the light-adjusting glass.

17. Use of the light-adjusting glass according to claim 14 or 15 as vehicle glass.

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