Dimming device, preparation method thereof and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a dimming device, a preparation method thereof and a vehicle. The dimming device comprises a first substrate (1), a second substrate (2), a first bonding layer (3), a second bonding layer (4) and a dimming module (5), the first substrate (1), the first bonding layer (3), the dimming module (5), the second bonding layer (4) and the second substrate (2) are stacked in sequence; the dimming module (5) comprises a third substrate (51), first frame sealing glue (52), a plurality of spacers (53) and a fourth substrate (54), the third substrate (51) and the fourth substrate (54) are oppositely combined to form an oppositely combined gap, and the oppositely combined gap is filled with liquid crystals (50); a plurality of spacers (53) located between the third substrate (51) and the fourth substrate (54) and located in an area enclosed by the first frame sealing glue (52); the first frame sealing glue (52) is located between the third substrate (51) and the fourth substrate (54) and surrounds the peripheral edges of the third substrate (51) and the fourth substrate (54); the first bonding layer (3) and the second bonding layer (4) at least cover an effective dimming area of the dimming module (5); the effective dimming area is an area surrounded by the first frame sealing glue (5); the first bonding layer (3) and the second bonding layer (4) are made of solid glue; or at least one of the first bonding layer (3) and the second bonding layer (4) adopts liquid glue; the dimming device can improve the dimming effect.

Description

Dimming device and manufacturing method thereof, and vehicle Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure belong to the field of display technology, and specifically relate to a dimming device, a preparation method thereof, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Flexible dye liquid crystal dimming devices have the advantages of being light, flexible, and privacy-resistant. They can better meet the needs of passenger car sunroofs and side windows that are hyperbolic and lightweight. Moreover, their simple gray-black color makes them look more high-end, giving users a more intelligent and comfortable driving experience.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dimming device, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, and a dimming module;

[0005] The first substrate, the first bonding layer, the dimming module, the second bonding layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence;

[0006] The dimming module includes a third substrate, a first sealing glue, a plurality of spacers and a fourth substrate, the third substrate and the fourth substrate are aligned to form an alignment gap, and the alignment gap is filled with liquid crystal;

[0007] The plurality of spacers are located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate and within the area surrounded by the first frame sealant;

[0008] The first frame sealant is located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate and is disposed around the edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate to bond and encapsulate the edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate;

[0009] The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer at least cover the effective dimming area of ​​the dimming module;

[0010] The effective dimming area is the area surrounded by the first sealing glue;

[0011] The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer both use solid adhesive; or at least one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first side edge of the dimming module does not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located;

[0013] The first frame-sealing glue extends from the first side edge to form at least one opening, ends of the opening are flush with the first side edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the ends of the opening are sealed by a sealing glue, and the opening is used to inject liquid crystal into the mating gap.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer further extend to cover other side edge end surfaces of the dimming module other than the first side edge.

[0015] In some embodiments, orthographic projections of the first substrate, the second substrate, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first frame sealant forms a closed ring;

[0017] The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer further extend to cover the edge end surfaces of the dimming module;

[0018] The edges of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate are arranged around the periphery of the orthographic projection of the first frame sealing glue on the first substrate.

[0019] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other;

[0020] The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other;

[0021] The edges of the first substrate and the second substrate projected on the plane where the first substrate is located are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer projected on the plane where the first substrate is located.

[0022] In some embodiments, a second frame sealant is further included, which is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, surrounds the edges of the first substrate and the second substrate, and contacts and connects the first substrate and the second substrate;

[0023] The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located at the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

[0024] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first substrate, the dimming module, and other side edges of the second substrate other than the first side edge on the plane where the first substrate is located overlap;

[0025] Other side edges of the dimming module other than the first side edge do not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located;

[0026] The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other;

[0027] The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other;

[0028] The edges of the first substrate and the second substrate projected on the plane where the first substrate is located are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer projected on the plane where the first substrate is located.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first frame sealant forms a closed ring;

[0030] The orthographic projections of the four edges of the first substrate, the dimming module and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located overlap;

[0031] The edges of the dimming module do not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located;

[0032] The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other;

[0033] The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other;

[0034] The edges of the first substrate and the second substrate projected on the plane where the first substrate is located are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer projected on the plane where the first substrate is located.

[0035] In some embodiments, a second frame sealant is further included, which is located between the first substrate and the dimming module, surrounds the edges of the first substrate and the dimming module, and contacts and connects to the first substrate and the dimming module;

[0036] The second frame sealant is also located between the second substrate and the dimming module, and is arranged around the edges of the second substrate and the dimming module, and is in contact with and connected to the second substrate and the dimming module;

[0037] The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located at the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

[0038] In some embodiments, both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive; or, one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid adhesive;

[0039] The solid glue includes polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are both made of liquid glue that is bonded after curing;

[0041] The liquid adhesive includes acrylic resin optical adhesive or silicone optical adhesive.

[0042] In some embodiments, the width of the second frame sealant ranges from 2 mm to 6 mm.

[0043] In some embodiments, the device further includes an edge sealing adhesive located at the first side edge of the dimming module and at a side of the sealing adhesive facing away from the opening;

[0044] The edge sealing adhesive extends to cover the first side edge.

[0045] In some embodiments, the edge sealing adhesive has a width ranging from 1 to 2 cm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the third substrate includes a first flexible substrate, a first electrode layer, and a first alignment film;

[0047] The first electrode layer and the first alignment film are sequentially stacked on the first flexible substrate;

[0048] The fourth substrate includes a second flexible substrate, a second electrode layer and a second alignment film;

[0049] The second electrode layer and the second alignment film are sequentially stacked on the second flexible substrate;

[0050] The plurality of spacers are evenly distributed on the first electrode layer;

[0051] At least a portion of the top end of the spacer contacts the second alignment film.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer further extends beyond the first sealant to form a first binding electrode;

[0053] The second electrode layer further extends beyond the first sealant to form a second binding electrode;

[0054] The first binding electrode and the second binding electrode are located at the same side edge of the dimming module, and the orthographic projections of the first binding electrode and the second binding electrode on the first flexible substrate do not overlap;

[0055] The dimming device further includes a first flexible circuit board and a second flexible circuit board;

[0056] The first binding electrode is bound and connected to the first flexible circuit board;

[0057] The second binding electrode is bound and connected to the second flexible circuit board.

[0058] In some embodiments, the spacer has a shape including any one of a cylinder, a truncated cone, and a truncated pyramid.

[0059] In some embodiments, the bottom diameter of the truncated cone-shaped spacer ranges from 25 to 30 μm, the top diameter ranges from 15 to 20 μm, and the height ranges from 8 to 12 μm.

[0060] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent spacers ranges from 70 to 170 μm;

[0061] The distance between the spacer closest to the first frame-sealing adhesive and the first frame-sealing adhesive is in the range of 100 to 1000 μm.

[0062] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a vehicle, which includes the above-mentioned dimming device, and the dimming device is used as a window of the vehicle.

[0063] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for preparing a dimming device, which includes: preparing a dimming module in which the gap is not filled with liquid crystal;

[0064] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module with no liquid crystal in the gap, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave;

[0065] pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through a liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature;

[0066] Sealing the liquid crystal injection opening with sealing glue;

[0067] When the first adhesive layer is made of solid glue and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module with no liquid crystal in the gap are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave;

[0068] pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through a liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature;

[0069] Sealing the liquid crystal injection opening with a sealing adhesive to form a semi-finished product;

[0070] Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it;

[0071] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid glue, the first substrate and the dimming module with no liquid crystal in the gap are laminated to form a cavity, an injection port is reserved on the laminating glue, and the raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured to form a semi-finished product;

[0072] Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it;

[0073] pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through a liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature;

[0074] The liquid crystal injection opening is sealed with sealing glue.

[0075] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a method for preparing a dimming device, which includes: preparing a dimming module; filling liquid crystal in the mating gap of the dimming module; preparing spacers in the dimming module by a patterning process or a screen printing process;

[0076] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave;

[0077] When the first adhesive layer adopts solid glue and the second adhesive layer adopts liquid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave to form a semi-finished product;

[0078] Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it;

[0079] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid glue, the first substrate and the dimming module are bonded together to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding glue. The raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and solidified to form a semi-finished product.

[0080] The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. The raw material of the second adhesive layer is then injected into the cavity and cured.

[0081] In some embodiments, the solid glue that is melted to achieve bonding is in a molten state at a temperature of 120-150 degrees and a pressure of 12-14 bar, and solidifies after cooling;

[0082] The liquid adhesive for bonding after curing is kept at a temperature of 60-80 degrees for 15-30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and then cured at a temperature of 40-60 degrees after degassing for 30-50 minutes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present disclosure, they are used to explain the present disclosure and do not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. The above and other features and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by describing detailed example embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] FIG1a is a schematic top view of the structure of a dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG1 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming device along the AA section line in FIG1 a .

[0086] FIG. 1 c is a partial enlarged view of the opening for pouring liquid crystal in the dimming module in FIG. 1 a .

[0087] FIG1 d is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the stacking of film layers in the dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] FIG3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming module in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of a spacer in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG5 a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG5 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming device along the BB section line in FIG5 a .

[0093] FIG6 a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG6 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming device along the CC section line in FIG6 a .

[0095] FIG7 a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] FIG7 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming device along the DD section line in FIG7 a .

[0097] FIG8 a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] FIG8 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device along the EE section line in FIG8 a .

[0099] FIG9 a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG9 b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the dimming device along the FF section line in FIG9 a .

[0101] FIG10 is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] FIG11 is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a dimming device, a preparation method thereof, and a vehicle provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0104] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the illustrated embodiments may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully enable those skilled in the art to understand the scope of this disclosure.

[0105] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but include modifications of the configurations formed based on the manufacturing process. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions shown in the drawings illustrate specific shapes of the regions, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0106] In related technologies, passenger car windows need to be double-curved, lightweight and thin to save energy, and safe and not easy to break.

[0107] Rigid dye-liquid crystal dimming glass consists of two pieces of tempered glass laminated with a rigid dimming functional layer. The rigid dimming functional layer is formed by two glass substrates joined together, and the cell is filled with dye liquid crystals. While the color, response time, and haze of rigid dye-liquid crystal dimming glass meet the requirements of transportation applications, the glass substrate of the rigid dimming functional layer is fragile. Due to personal safety concerns, it is difficult to meet the fragmentation standards of passenger vehicles, making it difficult to effectively apply in the passenger vehicle market. In addition, rigid dye-liquid crystal dimming glass also faces significant difficulties in achieving hyperbolic spherical surface.

[0108] Flexible dye liquid crystal dimming glass is formed by laminating two pieces of tempered glass and a flexible dimming functional layer; the flexible dimming functional layer is composed of two flexible substrates in a box, and the box is filled with dye liquid crystal. Flexible dye liquid crystal dimming glass is laminated with solid glue (such as PVB (polyvinyl butyral) and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer)) at high temperature and high pressure on both sides of the glass, and severe mura will occur in the process. The reason is that the liquid crystal is subjected to uneven pressure during the lamination process or the unevenness of the glue layer reaches the micron level or above, and the flexible dimming functional layer will have lamination mura.

[0109] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the related art, on the first aspect, the present embodiment provides a dimming device, referring to Figure 1a, which is a schematic top view of the structure of a dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device along the AA section line in Figure 1a; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the stacking of each film layer in the dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming module in the embodiment of the present disclosure; wherein, it includes a first substrate 1, a second substrate 2, a first adhesive layer 3, a second adhesive layer 4 and a dimming module 5; the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the dimming module 5, the second adhesive layer 4 and the second substrate 2 are stacked in sequence; the dimming module 5 includes a third substrate 51, a first sealing glue 52, a plurality of spacers 53 and a fourth substrate 5 4, the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 are aligned to form an alignment gap, and the alignment gap is filled with liquid crystal 50; a plurality of spacers 53 are located between the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54, and are located in the area surrounded by the first frame sealant 52; the first frame sealant 52 is located between the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54, and is surrounded by the four edges of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 to bond and encapsulate the four edges of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54; the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 at least cover the effective dimming area of ​​the dimming module 5; the effective dimming area is the area surrounded by the first frame sealant 52; the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 both use solid glue; or, at least one of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 uses liquid glue.

[0110] In some embodiments, the solid adhesive includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and the liquid adhesive includes acrylic resin optical adhesive or silicone optical adhesive, such as vinyl polysiloxane-hydrogen polysiloxane (OCR).

[0111] In some embodiments, the solid glue is such as PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), and the liquid glue is such as OCR (vinyl polysiloxane-hydrogen polysiloxane, such as model US108). Solid glue is a glue that can achieve bonding after melting; liquid glue is a glue that can achieve bonding after curing. The thickness range of PVB glue is 0.38~0.76mm, the flow start temperature is greater than 90℃, the bonding temperature is greater than 120℃, Tr% (transmittance) ≥85%, Hz% (haze) >0.6%, ΔYI (yellowing index or yellowing rate or yellowing index) ≤10, and the 400nm UV light cutoff rate is ≥99%; PVB glue can filter out UV light below 400nm, thereby protecting the dye in the dye liquid crystal from damage, so as to avoid insufficient blackness of the dye. EVA adhesive has a thickness range of 0.38-0.76mm, a flow start temperature greater than 80°C, a bonding temperature greater than 100°C, a Tr% (transmittance) greater than 85%, a Hz% (haze) greater than 0.6%, and a 380nm UV cutoff rate ≥98%. EVA adhesive filters out UV light below 400nm, thereby protecting the dye in the dye liquid crystal from damage and preventing insufficient blackness. OCR adhesive has a thickness range of 0.2-5mm, and curing conditions are 60-80°C for 15-30 minutes. Tr% (transmittance) greater than 99%, Hz% (haze) less than 0.2, a ΔYI (yellowing index or yellowing rate or yellowing index) less than 0.2, a Tg (the temperature at which the OCR adhesive transitions from a glassy state to a viscous state) of -38.9°C, and a shrinkage rate less than 0.1%. After curing, it becomes a colorless, transparent solid with no UV cutoff.

[0112] In some embodiments, when both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 use solid glue, the liquid crystal 50 can be poured into the dimming module 5 after the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the dimming module 5 that has not been filled with liquid crystal, the second adhesive layer 4 and the second substrate 2 are assembled; thereby avoiding the lamination mura caused by uneven pressure on the liquid crystal 50 during the lamination process.

[0113] In some embodiments, when one of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 is made of liquid glue, after one of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 is bonded to the upper and lower film layers thereof, liquid glue is poured to achieve solidification bonding of the other of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4; or, when both the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 are made of liquid glue, after the first substrate 1, the dimming module 5 and the second substrate 2 are aligned, liquid glue is poured to achieve sequential solidification bonding of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4, thereby avoiding bonding mura caused by unevenness of the glue layer reaching the micron level or above.

[0114] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 ranges from 0.38 mm to 0.76 mm.

[0115] In some embodiments, referring to FIG4 , which illustrates the structure of a spacer in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the spacer 53 is a columnar spacer 53 , which is fabricated by patterning or screen printing. In some embodiments, the spacer 53 is made of a flexible material and has an elastic recovery rate of 80% to 90% under a pressure of 5 to 30 mN.

[0116] In some embodiments, the spacers 53 are evenly spaced; the spacing between adjacent spacers 53 is 70-170 μm; and the distance between the spacer 53 closest to the first sealant 52 and the first sealant 52 is 100-1000 μm.

[0117] In this embodiment, compared with the spherical spacers sprayed on one side of the substrate by spraying in the disclosed technology, on the one hand, the columnar spacers 53 prepared by the composition process or the screen printing process have good distribution uniformity. On the other hand, there is surface contact between the spacers 53 and the substrate, so the contact and adhesion between the spacers 53 and the substrate are relatively firm, which can meet the good support requirements during the assembly process of the dimming device and avoid the occurrence of assembly mura in the dimming device.

[0118] In some embodiments, the spacer 53 is made of a photoresist material, a hard resin material, or a glass material. In some embodiments, an opaque material such as ink can be added to the light-transmitting material of the spacer 53 to reduce the light transmittance of the spacer 53, thereby reducing the dark state transmittance of the dimming device, improving the contrast of the dimming device, and enhancing the user's visual experience.

[0119] In some embodiments, the spacer 53 may be shaped like a cylinder, a truncated cone, or a truncated pyramid. In some embodiments, the bottom diameter d2 of the truncated cone-shaped spacer 53 ranges from 25 to 30 μm; the top diameter d1 ranges from 15 to 20 μm; and the height h1 of the spacer 53 ranges from 4 to 30 μm. In some embodiments, the bottom diameter of the spacer 53 is 27 μm; the top diameter of the spacer 53 is 19 μm; and the height of the spacer 53 ranges from 8 to 12 μm.

[0120] In some embodiments, the third substrate 51 includes a first flexible substrate 510, a first electrode layer 511, and a first orientation film 512 disposed thereon in sequence. The fourth substrate 54 includes a second flexible substrate 540, a second electrode layer 541 and a second orientation film 542 disposed thereon in sequence. The first sealant 52 is positioned between the first and second orientation films 512, 542, and at their edges. A plurality of columnar spacers 53 are evenly distributed on the first electrode layer 511, with at least some of the spacers 53 having their tops in contact with the second orientation film 542.

[0121] In some embodiments, the third substrate 51 further includes a first water-oxygen barrier film 513 disposed on the outside or inside of the first flexible substrate 510. The fourth substrate 54 further includes a second water-oxygen barrier film 543 disposed on the outside or inside of the second flexible substrate 540. The first water-oxygen barrier film 513 and the second water-oxygen barrier film 543 are primarily made of a mixture of silicon nitride and silicon oxide, and their primary function is to protect the dimming module 5 from long-term moisture permeation.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first flexible substrate 510 and the second flexible substrate 540 are made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate, chemical formula (C10H8O4) n ), PC (linear polyester carbonate), TAC (triacetyl cellulose), or COP (cycloolefin polymer). The first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are made of indium tin oxide. The thickness of the film formed by indium tin oxide can be ultra-thin, which facilitates the flexibility of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54. The indium tin oxide material is light-transmissive, which facilitates the light-transmitting performance of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54. The first alignment film 512 and the second alignment film 542 are made of polyimide. The first alignment film 512 and the second alignment film 542 are prepared using a coating and curing process with a curing temperature of approximately 100 to 150 degrees Celsius.

[0123] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first flexible substrate 510 and the second flexible substrate 540 ranges from 60 to 188 μm, and the transmittance is greater than 85%. The thickness of the first water-oxygen barrier film 513 and the second water-oxygen barrier film 543 ranges from 100 to 200 nm. The thickness of the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 ranges from 100 to 150 nm. The thickness of the first orientation film 512 and the second orientation film 542 ranges from 65 to 100 nm. The thickness of the dimming module 5 ranges from 0.21 to 0.4 mm.

[0124] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal 50 is filled with dye molecules, that is, the liquid crystal 50 uses dye liquid crystal. During normal operation of the dimming device, when the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are not powered, the dye liquid crystal cannot allow light to pass through, and the dimming device is in a light-opaque state. When the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are powered, the dye liquid crystal allows light to pass through, and the dimming device is in a light-transmitting state.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first frame sealant 52 can be a light-shielding sealant or a light-transmitting sealant. The width of the first frame sealant 52 is 4 to 7 mm. The first frame sealant 52 contains round silicon balls with a diameter of about 8.3 to 12.3 μm. The height of the silicon balls is 0.3 μm higher than the height of the spacers 53.

[0126] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1D , there is shown a top view of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The first electrode layer 511 further extends beyond the first sealant 52 to form a first binding electrode. The second electrode layer 541 further extends beyond the first sealant 52 to form a second binding electrode. The first and second binding electrodes are located on the same side edge of the dimming module 5, and their orthographic projections on the first flexible substrate 510 do not overlap. The dimming device further includes a first flexible circuit board 8 and a second flexible circuit board 9. The first binding electrode is bonded to the first flexible circuit board 8, and the second binding electrode is bonded to the second flexible circuit board 9. The first and second flexible circuit boards 8 and 9 are respectively connected to a peripheral driving circuit so that the driving circuit provides driving signals to the first and second electrode layers 511 and 541.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are planar electrodes respectively.

[0128] In some embodiments, the extension length of the first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 ranges from 4 cm to 20 cm. The first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 extend in the same direction.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are both tempered glass plates, the thickness range of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are both 1.6 to 2.1 mm, and the curvature range of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 in the x direction in the plane coordinate system is 12-39 mm / m and in the y direction is 19-26 mm / m.

[0130] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1a and 1b, the first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5 does not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane of the first substrate 1; the first sealing glue 52 extends from the first side edge 500 to form at least one opening 501, and the end of the opening 501 is flush with the first side edge 500 of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54. The end of the opening 501 is sealed by the sealing glue 502, and the opening 501 is used to inject liquid crystal 50 into the matching gap.

[0131] In some embodiments, two openings 501 are provided, and the two openings 501 are spaced apart. The first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 are disposed on the first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5, and the orthographic projections of the first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 and the openings 501 on the first flexible substrate 510 do not overlap.

[0132] In some embodiments, the width of the opening 501 for pouring liquid crystal parallel to the first side edge 500 ranges from 5 to 12 mm, the length of the opening 501 perpendicular to the first side edge 500 ranges from 2 to 3 cm, and the length of the portion of the first side edge 500 exposed outside the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 is 1 cm. In some embodiments, the portion of the first side edge 500 exposed outside the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 can be trimmed.

[0133] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the second adhesive layer 4, and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located coincide, and the spacing between the side edges other than the first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5 and the corresponding side edges of the first adhesive layer 3 is in the range of 5 to 15 mm.

[0134] In some embodiments, referring to FIG1c, a partial enlarged view of the opening for pouring liquid crystal in the dimming module in FIG1a is shown; wherein the sealing glue 502 is cured by 200-400nm UV light for 5-10s; the thermal expansion coefficient of the sealing glue 502 is 5.7×10 -5 / ℃, glue hardness 70-120, expansion rate 0-20%. The height h of the portion of the sealing glue 502 overflowing the opening 501 after coating is in the range of 1-2mm, and the width m of the portion of the sealing glue 502 overflowing the opening 501 after coating is in the range of 1-1.5cm.

[0135] 1a and 1b , both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are made of solid glue and extend to cover other side edge surfaces of the dimming module 5 other than the first side edge 500 .

[0136] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b , the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 , the second substrate 2 , the first adhesive layer 3 , and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located coincide with each other.

[0137] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 1 a and FIG. 1 b , the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are both made of solid adhesive, such as PVB or EVA adhesive.

[0138] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 5a, there is shown a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 5b is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the structure of the dimming device along the BB section line in Figure 5a; the first frame sealing glue 52 forms a closed ring; the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 also extend to the four edge end faces covering the dimming module 5; the four edges of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the first substrate 1 are arranged around the periphery of the first frame sealing glue 52 on the first substrate 1.

[0139] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 5a and 5b, the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are both made of solid glue, such as PVB or EVA glue. No liquid crystal injection opening is formed on the dimming module 5. That is, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal 50 in the dimming module 5 is dripped onto one of the mating surfaces of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 before the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 are aligned. After alignment, the first frame sealant 52 is used to seal the dimming module 5. Because multiple columnar spacers 53 are formed between the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54, the columnar spacers 53 can provide good and uniform support for the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 when the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the dimming module 5 with the liquid crystal dripped in, the second adhesive layer 4, and the second substrate 2 are assembled. This can improve or avoid the mura caused by uneven pressure on the liquid crystal 50 during the assembly process.

[0140] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6a and 6b and Figures 7a and 7b, Figure 6a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device along the CC section line in Figure 6a; Figure 7a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 7b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device along the DD section line in Figure 7a; one of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 uses solid glue and the other uses liquid glue. The orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located coincide with each other; the orthographic projections of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located coincide with each other; the edges of the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located are arranged around the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first bonding layer 3 and the second bonding layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located.

[0141] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6a and 6b and Figures 7a and 7b, the dimming device also includes a second frame-sealing glue 6, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and is arranged around the four edges of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and is in contact with and connected to the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2; the orthographic projection of the second frame-sealing glue 6 on the first substrate 1 is located outside the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the first substrate 1.

[0142] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8a and 8b, Figure 8a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 8b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device along the EE section line in Figure 8a; wherein, the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are both made of liquid glue. The orthographic projections of the first substrate 1, the dimming module 5, and the other side edges of the second substrate 2 other than the first side edge 500 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located overlap; the other side edges of the dimming module 5 other than the first side edge 500 do not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located; the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located coincide with each other; the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located coincide with each other; the edges of the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located are arranged around the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located.

[0143] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 8a and 8b, the dimming device also includes a second frame-sealing glue 6, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and is surrounded by the four edges of the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and is in contact with and connected to the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5; the second frame-sealing glue 6 is also located between the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and is surrounded by the four edges of the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and is in contact with and connected to the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5; the orthographic projection of the second frame-sealing glue 6 on the first substrate 1 is located outside the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the first substrate 1.

[0144] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 8 a , the first sealing adhesive 52 on the side edges other than the first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive 6 on the first substrate 1 .

[0145] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9a and 9b, Figure 9a is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 9b is a schematic cross-sectional view of the structure of the dimming device along the FF section line in Figure 9a; wherein, the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are both made of liquid glue. The first frame sealant 52 forms a closed ring; the orthographic projections of the edges of the first substrate 1, the dimming module 5, and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located overlap; the orthographic projections of the dimming module 5 and the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located do not overlap; the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located coincide with each other; the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located coincide with each other; the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located are arranged around the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane where the first substrate 1 are located.

[0146] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 9a and 9b, the dimming device also includes a second frame-sealing glue 6, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and is surrounded by the four edges of the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and is in contact with and connected to the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5; the second frame-sealing glue 6 is also located between the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and is surrounded by the four edges of the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and is in contact with and connected to the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5; the orthographic projection of the second frame-sealing glue 6 on the first substrate 1 is located outside the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the first substrate 1.

[0147] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 9 a and FIG. 9 b , the orthographic projections of the first sealing adhesive 52 and the second sealing adhesive 6 on the first substrate 1 overlap.

[0148] In some embodiments, the width of the second sealant 6 is in the range of 2 to 6 mm.

[0149] In some embodiments, the second sealant 6 uses DM608. The curing conditions for the second sealant 6 are: 25°C ± 2°C; humidity (RH) > 60% ± 10%. After curing, the sealant 6 becomes a black paste with a Shore hardness of 35 ± 7A and a bond strength of ≥ 0.8 MPa. The second sealant 6 is opaque black with a Tg (temperature at which it transitions from a glassy state to a viscous state) of -40.1°C and lacks UV light blocking capability.

[0150] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 10 , which is a schematic top view of another dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the dimming device further includes edge sealing adhesive 7 located at a first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5 and on a side of the sealing adhesive 502 facing away from the opening 501. The edge sealing adhesive 7 extends over the first side edge 500. The edge sealing adhesive 7 prevents the sealing adhesive 502 of the opening 501 for liquid crystal injection from being moisture-resistant and prevents moisture from entering the gap between the dimming module 5 and the opening 501.

[0151] In some embodiments, the width of the edge sealant 7 is in the range of 1 to 2 cm. The width of the edge sealant 7 is its thickness in the direction away from the sealing glue 502 .

[0152] In some embodiments, referring to FIG11 , which is a schematic top view of the structure of another dimming device in the disclosed embodiment; when the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 of the dimming device are both made of liquid glue, the edge sealing glue 7 can also be coated on the periphery of the second frame sealing glue 6 of the dimming device to effectively prevent moisture permeability of the dimming device and water vapor intrusion when the dimming device is boiled in high-temperature water.

[0153] In some embodiments, the dimming device also includes a frame shielding layer, which is located on at least one side of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 away from the dimming module 5, and the frame shielding layer's orthographic projection on the plane of the first substrate 1 covers the area outside the effective dimming area surrounded by the first sealing glue 52.

[0154] In some embodiments, the width of the frame shielding layer that shields any side of the dimming device is in the range of 8 mm to 23 mm. In some embodiments, the frame shielding layer is made of black light-shielding material, such as ink.

[0155] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for preparing a dimming device, which includes: Step S100: preparing a dimming module in which the aligned gap is not filled with liquid crystal.

[0156] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid glue, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: step S101: stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module with no liquid crystal filled in the matching gap, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate in sequence and combining them in an autoclave.

[0157] Step S102: pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through the liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature.

[0158] Step S103: using sealing glue to seal the liquid crystal injection opening.

[0159] When the first adhesive layer is made of solid glue and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid glue, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: step S201: stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module with no liquid crystal filled in the matching gap in sequence and combining them in an autoclave.

[0160] Step S202: pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through the liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature.

[0161] Step S203: using sealing glue to seal the liquid crystal injection opening to form a semi-finished product.

[0162] Step S204: Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it.

[0163] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid glue, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: step S301: bonding the first substrate and the dimming module without liquid crystal in the mating gap to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the bonding glue, injecting the raw material of the first adhesive layer into the cavity, and solidifying it to form a semi-finished product.

[0164] Step S302: Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and solidifying it.

[0165] Step S303: pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through the liquid crystal pouring opening in the vacuum chamber at room temperature.

[0166] Step S304: using sealing glue to seal the liquid crystal injection opening.

[0167] In the manufacturing method of the dimming device in this embodiment, the dimming module in the dimming device is provided with a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0168] In some embodiments, the dimming device shown in FIG1a is prepared using the preparation method in step S100 and steps S101 to S103. The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown in FIG1a is as follows: stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module with no liquid crystal filled in the mating gap, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate in sequence; placing the stacked structure in an autoclave and combining them at 120-145°C and a pressure of 1-12 bar to form an empty assembly; placing the empty assembly in a vacuum crystal filling device (such as a vacuum liquid crystal tank) for liquid crystal filling; and sealing the liquid crystal filling opening to form a dimming device. In some embodiments, the preparation method of the dimming device may further include: applying an edge sealant on the side of the sealing glue facing away from the liquid crystal filling opening, the edge sealant sealing at least the side edge (i.e., the first side edge) where the liquid crystal filling opening of the dimming device is located, thereby preventing moisture from entering the dimming module through the sealing glue.

[0169] In some embodiments, the dimming device shown in FIG. 6 a is prepared using the preparation method in steps S100 and S201 to S204 . The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown in Figure 6a is as follows: the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module with no liquid crystal filled in the mating gap are stacked in sequence, the stacked structure is placed in an autoclave, and the sheets are assembled at 120-145°C and a pressure of 1-12 bar to form an empty assembly; the empty assembly is placed in a vacuum crystal filling device (such as a vacuum liquid crystal tank) for liquid crystal filling; the liquid crystal filling opening is sealed to form a semi-finished dimming device; the dimming device semi-finished product is bonded to the four edges of the second substrate through a second sealing glue to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the bonding glue, and then liquid OCR glue (such as US108) is poured into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR glue is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes; finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a dimming device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the dimming device shown in FIG8a is prepared using the preparation method in step S100 and step S301 to step S304. The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown in FIG8a is as follows: the edges of the dimming module in the first substrate and the mating gap that is not filled with liquid crystal are bonded together through a second sealing glue to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the bonding glue; liquid OCR glue (such as US108) is poured into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR glue is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes; finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a semi-finished product; the dimming module in the mating gap in the semi-finished product that is not filled with liquid crystal is then bonded to the second substrate. The boards are bonded together with a second sealing adhesive to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive; liquid OCR glue (such as US108) is poured into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR glue is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes; finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form an empty assembly with OCR glue sandwiched on both sides; then, the assembly is placed in a vacuum crystal filling device (such as a vacuum liquid crystal tank) for liquid crystal filling; and the liquid crystal filling opening is sealed to form a dimming device.

[0171] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal injection opening is sealed by coating 3052 sealing glue on the injection opening and curing the sealing glue by irradiating with 200-400nm UV light for 5-10s.

[0172] In some embodiments, step S100: preparing a dimming module in which no liquid crystal is filled in the aligned gap includes: forming a first electrode layer on a first flexible substrate and forming a second electrode layer on a second flexible substrate using a patterning process (including film formation, exposure, development, etching, etc.); forming a plurality of columnar spacers on the first electrode layer using a patterning process (including film formation, exposure, development, etc.) or a screen printing process; coating an alignment film material (such as polyimide) on the surface of the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate after completing the above preparation steps, thermally curing at 90-150° C., and then rubbing or light-orienting the alignment film to form a first alignment film and a second alignment film; thereby completing the preparation of the third substrate and the fourth substrate; coating a first frame sealant on the edges of the third substrate or the fourth substrate, aligning the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and thermally curing the first frame sealant at 100-150° C. to form a dimming module and a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0173] In some embodiments, the preparation of the spacer specifically includes: coating a photoresist film on a side of the first electrode layer facing away from the first flexible substrate; for example, coating a negative photoresist film; drying the photoresist film at 90° C. for 120 seconds to remove small molecule solvents in the photoresist film and reduce the fluidity of the photoresist;

[0174] Using a mask with a light-transmitting pattern, the photoresist film is exposed to ultraviolet light (i.e., UV light, typically in the 300-436 nm wavelength range), causing polymerization in the areas corresponding to the light-transmitting pattern. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is sprayed on the exposed photoresist film to remove any unpolymerized areas outside the light-transmitting pattern, thereby forming a spacer pattern. For example, a 0.04 wt% potassium hydroxide solution is sprayed to clean away any unpolymerized photoresist. The spacer pattern is then cured at 110°C for 50-60 minutes to form the spacer.

[0175] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a method for preparing a dimming device, which includes: step S100 ′: preparing a dimming module; filling liquid crystal in the mating gap of the dimming module.

[0176] In this step, the columnar spacers in the dimming module are prepared using the same patterning or screen printing process as in the above-mentioned embodiment. The third and fourth substrates in the dimming module are prepared in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment. After the third and fourth substrates are prepared, liquid crystal is dripped onto the mating surface of the third or fourth substrate. A first sealant is then applied to the edges of the third or fourth substrate. The third and fourth substrates are then aligned to form a dimming module with the gap filled with liquid crystal. This dimming module does not require a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0177] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid glue, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: S101': stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate in sequence and combining them in an autoclave.

[0178] When the first adhesive layer is made of solid glue and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid glue, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: S201': stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module in sequence and combining them in an autoclave to form a semi-finished product.

[0179] S202': Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and solidifying it.

[0180] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid glue, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: S301': bonding the first substrate and the dimming module to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the bonding glue, injecting the raw material of the first adhesive layer into the cavity, and solidifying it to form a semi-finished product.

[0181] S302': Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and solidifying it.

[0182] In the manufacturing method of the dimming device in this embodiment, the dimming module in the dimming device is not provided with a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0183] In some embodiments, the dimming device shown in FIG5a is prepared using the preparation method described in steps S100' to S101'. The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown in FIG5a is as follows: a first substrate, a first adhesive layer, a dimming module, a second adhesive layer, and a second substrate are stacked in this order; the stacked structure is bagged and vacuumed, and after lamination at 90°C, the stacked structure is placed in an autoclave and combined at 110-145°C and a pressure of 1-12 bar for 1 hour to form the dimming device.

[0184] In some embodiments, the preparation method of the dimming device shown in Figure 5a may further include: applying edge sealing glue on the four edge end surfaces of the dimming device, and the edge sealing glue can further seal the four edge end surfaces of the dimming device to prevent water vapor from entering the dimming device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the dimming device shown in FIG7a is prepared using the preparation method in step S100', step S201' to step S202'. The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown in FIG7a is as follows: the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module are stacked in sequence, the stacked structure is bagged and vacuumed, and after a 90°C lamination process, it is placed in an autoclave and laminated at 110-145°C and a pressure of 1-12 bar for 1 hour to form a semi-finished dimming device; the dimming device semi-finished product is bonded to the edges of the second substrate using a second sealing adhesive to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive, and then liquid OCR glue (such as US108) is poured into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR glue is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes; finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form the dimming device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the dimming device shown in FIG. 9 a is prepared using the preparation method in step S100 ′ and step S301 ′ to step S302 ′. The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown in Figure 9a is as follows: the edges of the first substrate and the dimming module are bonded together by the second sealing glue to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the bonding glue; liquid OCR glue (such as US108) is poured into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR glue is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes; finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a semi-finished product; the dimming module in the semi-finished product is then bonded to the second substrate by the second sealing glue to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the bonding glue; liquid OCR glue (such as US108) is poured into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR glue is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes; finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a dimming device with double-sided OCR glue.

[0187] In the dimming device provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, when both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer utilize solid glue, liquid crystal can be injected into the dimming module after the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module without liquid crystal injection, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are assembled; thereby avoiding assembly mura caused by uneven pressure on the liquid crystal during the assembly process. When one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer utilizes liquid glue, the liquid glue can be injected after the first adhesive layer and the upper and lower film layers to which it is bonded are assembled, thereby curing and bonding the other of the first and second adhesive layers. Alternatively, when both the first and second adhesive layers utilize liquid glue, the liquid glue can be injected after the first substrate, the dimming module, and the second substrate are aligned, thereby avoiding assembly mura caused by unevenness of the adhesive layers reaching the micron level or above. In addition, by providing columnar spacers in the dimming module, good support can be provided for the upper and lower substrates during the assembly of the dimming device, thereby avoiding assembly mura in the dimming device.

[0188] The dimming device in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be used for various vehicle windows and indoor windows.

[0189] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a vehicle, comprising the dimming device according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the dimming device is used as a window of the vehicle.

[0190] By adopting the dimming device in the above embodiment, the dimming effect of the vehicle window is improved, thereby improving the quality of the vehicle.

[0191] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of the present disclosure, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dimming device, wherein: It includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first bonding layer, a second bonding layer and a dimming module; The first substrate, the first bonding layer, the dimming module, the second bonding layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence; The dimming module includes a third substrate, a first sealing glue, a plurality of spacers and a fourth substrate, the third substrate and the fourth substrate are aligned to form an alignment gap, and the alignment gap is filled with liquid crystal; The plurality of spacers are located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate and within the area surrounded by the first frame sealant; The first frame sealant is located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate and is disposed around the edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate to bond and encapsulate the edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate; The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer at least cover the effective dimming area of ​​the dimming module; The effective dimming area is the area surrounded by the first sealing glue; The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer both use solid adhesive; or at least one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive.

2. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein: The first side edge of the dimming module does not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located; The first frame-sealing glue extends from the first side edge to form at least one opening, ends of the opening are flush with the first side edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the ends of the opening are sealed by a sealing glue, and the opening is used to inject liquid crystal into the mating gap.

3. The dimming device according to claim 2, wherein: The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer further extend to cover other side edge end surfaces of the dimming module except the first side edge. The dimming device according to claim 3 , wherein: The orthographic projections of the first substrate, the second substrate, the first adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other. The dimming device according to claim 1 , wherein: The first frame sealing adhesive forms a closed ring; The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer further extend to cover the edge end surfaces of the dimming module; The edges of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate are arranged around the periphery of the orthographic projection of the first frame sealing glue on the first substrate.

6. The dimming device according to claim 3 or 5, wherein: The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other; The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other; The edges of the first substrate and the second substrate projected on the plane where the first substrate is located are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer projected on the plane where the first substrate is located.

7. The dimming device according to claim 6, wherein: Also included is a second frame sealant, located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and surrounding the edges of the first substrate and the second substrate, and contacting and connecting the first substrate and the second substrate; The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located at the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

8. The dimming device according to claim 2, wherein: The orthographic projections of the first substrate, the dimming module, and the side edges of the second substrate other than the first side edge on the plane where the first substrate is located overlap; Other side edges of the dimming module other than the first side edge do not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located; The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other; The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other; The edges of the first substrate and the second substrate projected on the plane where the first substrate is located are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer projected on the plane where the first substrate is located.

9. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein: The first frame sealing adhesive forms a closed ring; The orthographic projections of the four edges of the first substrate, the dimming module and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located overlap; The edges of the dimming module do not overlap with the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located; The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other; The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide with each other; The edges of the first substrate and the second substrate projected on the plane where the first substrate is located are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer projected on the plane where the first substrate is located.

10. The dimming device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The second frame sealant is located between the first substrate and the dimming module, and is arranged around the edges of the first substrate and the dimming module, and is in contact with and connected to the first substrate and the dimming module; The second frame sealant is also located between the second substrate and the dimming module, and is arranged around the edges of the second substrate and the dimming module, and is in contact with and connected to the second substrate and the dimming module; The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located at the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

11. The dimming device according to claim 3, 5 or 7, wherein: The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer both use solid adhesive; or one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive; The solid glue includes polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

12. The dimming device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are both made of liquid glue that is bonded after curing; The liquid adhesive includes acrylic resin optical adhesive or silicone optical adhesive.

13. The dimming device according to claim 10, wherein: The width of the second sealant is in the range of 2 to 6 mm.

14. The dimming device according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes edge sealing glue, which is located at the first side edge of the dimming module and at the side of the sealing glue away from the opening; The edge sealing adhesive extends to cover the first side edge.

15. The dimming device according to claim 14, wherein: The width of the edge sealing glue ranges from 1 to 2 cm.

16. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein: The third substrate includes a first flexible substrate, a first electrode layer and a first alignment film; The first electrode layer and the first alignment film are sequentially stacked on the first flexible substrate; The fourth substrate includes a second flexible substrate, a second electrode layer and a second alignment film; The second electrode layer and the second alignment film are sequentially stacked on the second flexible substrate; The plurality of spacers are evenly distributed on the first electrode layer; At least a portion of the top end of the spacer contacts the second alignment film.

17. The dimming device according to claim 16, wherein: The first electrode layer further extends beyond the first sealant to form a first binding electrode; The second electrode layer further extends beyond the first sealant to form a second binding electrode; The first binding electrode and the second binding electrode are located at the same side edge of the dimming module, and the orthographic projections of the first binding electrode and the second binding electrode on the first flexible substrate do not overlap; The dimming device further includes a first flexible circuit board and a second flexible circuit board; The first binding electrode is bound and connected to the first flexible circuit board; The second binding electrode is bound and connected to the second flexible circuit board.

18. The dimming device according to claim 16, wherein: The spacer may have a shape of any one of a cylinder, a truncated cone, and a truncated pyramid.

19. The dimming device according to claim 18, wherein: The bottom diameter of the truncated cone-shaped spacer is in the range of 25 to 30 μm, the top diameter is in the range of 15 to 20 μm, and the height is in the range of 8 to 12 μm.

20. The dimming device according to claim 16, wherein: The spacing between adjacent spacers ranges from 70 to 170 μm; The distance between the spacer closest to the first frame-sealing adhesive and the first frame-sealing adhesive is in the range of 100 to 1000 μm.

21. A vehicle, wherein The dimming device comprises the dimming device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the dimming device is used as a window of the vehicle.

22. A method for preparing a dimming device, wherein: include: preparing a dimming module in which the gap is not filled with liquid crystal; When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module with no liquid crystal in the gap, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave; pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through a liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature; Sealing the liquid crystal injection opening with sealing glue; When the first adhesive layer is made of solid glue and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module with no liquid crystal in the gap are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave; pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through a liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature; Sealing the liquid crystal injection opening with a sealing adhesive to form a semi-finished product; Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it; When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid glue, the first substrate and the dimming module with no liquid crystal in the gap are laminated to form a cavity, an injection port is reserved on the laminating glue, and the raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured to form a semi-finished product; Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it; pouring liquid crystal into the alignment gap through a liquid crystal pouring opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature; The liquid crystal injection opening is sealed with sealing glue.

23. A method for preparing a dimming device, wherein: include: preparing a dimming module; Liquid crystal is filled in the mating gap of the dimming module; The spacers in the dimming module are prepared by patterning or screen printing; When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave; When the first adhesive layer adopts solid glue and the second adhesive layer adopts liquid glue, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave to form a semi-finished product; Laminating the semi-finished product to the second substrate to form a cavity and reserving an injection port on the laminating adhesive, then injecting the raw material of the second adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it; When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid glue, the first substrate and the dimming module are bonded together to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding glue. The raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and solidified to form a semi-finished product. The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. The raw material of the second adhesive layer is then injected into the cavity and cured.

24. The method for preparing a dimming device according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: The solid glue that is bonded after melting is in a molten state at a temperature of 120-150 degrees and a pressure of 12-14 bar, and solidifies after cooling; The liquid adhesive for bonding after curing is kept at a temperature of 60-80 degrees for 15-30 minutes, left to level for 10 minutes, and then cured at a temperature of 40-60 degrees after degassing for 30-50 minutes.

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