Dimming device and method for manufacturing the same, vehicle

Abstract

A light adjusting device, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer and a light adjusting module; the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the light adjusting module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are sequentially stacked; the light adjusting module comprises a third substrate, a first sealant, a plurality of spacers and a fourth substrate, the third substrate and the fourth substrate are folded to form a folding gap, and the folding gap is filled with liquid crystal; the plurality of spacers are located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate and within a region surrounded by the first sealant; the first sealant is located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate and surrounds the four peripheral edges of the third substrate and the fourth substrate; the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer cover at least an effective light adjusting area of the light adjusting module; the effective light adjusting area is a region surrounded by the first sealant; the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are both solid glue; or at least one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is liquid glue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the field of display technology, specifically relating to a dimming device and its preparation method, as well as a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible dye-liquid crystal dimming devices have advantages such as being thin, flexible, and privacy-protecting, which can better meet the needs of passenger car sunroofs and side windows for double-curved and lightweight designs. Moreover, the simple gray-black color makes them look more high-end and brings users a more intelligent and comfortable driving experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a dimming device, which includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, and a dimming module;

[0004] The first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are stacked sequentially.

[0005] The dimming module includes a third substrate, a first sealing adhesive, multiple spacers and a fourth substrate. The third substrate and the fourth substrate are mated to form a mating gap, which is filled with liquid crystal.

[0006] The plurality of spacers are located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and within the area enclosed by the first sealing adhesive;

[0007] The first sealing adhesive is located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and surrounds the periphery of the third substrate and the fourth substrate to bond and encapsulate the periphery of the third substrate and the fourth substrate.

[0008] The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer at least cover the effective dimming area of ​​the dimming module;

[0009] The effective dimming area is the area surrounded by the first sealing adhesive;

[0010] Both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive; or, at least one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid adhesive.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first side edge of the dimming module does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer onto the plane of the first substrate;

[0012] The first sealing adhesive extends to the first side edge to form at least one opening, the end of the opening being flush with the first side edge of the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the end of the opening being sealed with sealing adhesive, and the opening being used to fill the mating gap with liquid crystal.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer further extend to other side edge end faces beyond the first side edge covering the dimming module.

[0014] In some embodiments, 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.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first sealing adhesive forms a closed ring;

[0016] The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer also extend to cover the four peripheral edge end faces of the dimming module;

[0017] The periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the first substrate surrounds the periphery of the first sealing adhesive as projected onto the first substrate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide;

[0019] The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide;

[0020] The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the plane of the first substrate.

[0021] In some embodiments, a second sealing adhesive is further included, located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and surrounding the periphery of the first substrate and the second substrate, and contacting and connecting with the first substrate and the second substrate;

[0022] The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located outside the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

[0023] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first substrate, the dimming module, and the other side edges of the second substrate besides the first side edge overlap on the plane where the first substrate is located.

[0024] The 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;

[0025] The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate onto the plane containing the first substrate coincide;

[0026] The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide;

[0027] The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the plane of the first substrate.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first sealing adhesive forms a closed ring;

[0029] The orthographic projections of the four edges of the first substrate, the dimming module, and the second substrate onto the plane where the first substrate is located overlap.

[0030] The four 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 of the first substrate;

[0031] The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate onto the plane containing the first substrate coincide;

[0032] The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide;

[0033] The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the plane of the first substrate.

[0034] In some embodiments, a second sealing adhesive is further included, located between the first substrate and the dimming module, and surrounding the periphery of the first substrate and the dimming module, and contacting and connecting with the first substrate and the dimming module;

[0035] The second sealing adhesive is also located between the second substrate and the dimming module, and surrounds the two substrates and the dimming module around their perimeter, and contacts and connects with the second substrate and the dimming module.

[0036] The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located outside the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

[0037] In some embodiments, both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are solid adhesives; or, one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is a liquid adhesive.

[0038] The solid adhesive includes polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0039] In some embodiments, both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are liquid adhesives that achieve bonding after curing.

[0040] The liquid adhesive includes acrylic resin-based optical adhesives or silicone-based optical adhesives.

[0041] In some embodiments, the width of the second sealing adhesive ranges from 2 to 6 mm.

[0042] In some embodiments, an edge sealing adhesive is also included, located at the first side edge of the dimming module and on the side of the sealing adhesive opposite to the opening;

[0043] The edge-sealing adhesive extends to cover the first side edge.

[0044] In some embodiments, the width of the edge sealing adhesive ranges from 1 to 2 cm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the third substrate includes a first flexible substrate, a first electrode layer, and a first alignment film;

[0046] The first electrode layer and the first alignment film are sequentially stacked on the first flexible substrate;

[0047] The fourth substrate includes a second flexible substrate, a second electrode layer, and a second alignment film;

[0048] The second electrode layer and the second alignment film are sequentially stacked on the second flexible substrate;

[0049] The plurality of spacers are evenly distributed on the first electrode layer;

[0050] At least a portion of the top of the spacer is in contact with the second orientation film.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer further extends beyond the first sealant and forms a first bonding electrode;

[0052] The second electrode layer also extends beyond the first sealant and forms a second bonding electrode;

[0053] The first bonding electrode and the second bonding electrode are located on the same side edge of the dimming module, and the orthographic projections of the first bonding electrode and the second bonding electrode on the first flexible substrate do not overlap;

[0054] The dimming device also includes a first flexible circuit board and a second flexible circuit board.

[0055] The first bonding electrode is bonded to the first flexible circuit board;

[0056] The second bonding electrode is bonded to the second flexible circuit board.

[0057] In some embodiments, the shape of the spacer includes any one of cylindrical, frustum-shaped, or truncated pyramidal shapes.

[0058] In some embodiments, the diameter of the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped spacer ranges from 25 to 30 μm; the diameter of the top surface ranges from 15 to 20 μm; and the height ranges from 8 to 12 μm.

[0059] In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacent spacers ranges from 70 to 170 μm;

[0060] The distance between the spacer closest to the first sealing adhesive and the first sealing adhesive ranges from 100 to 1000 μm.

[0061] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a vehicle, which includes the above-described dimming device, the dimming device serving as a window of the vehicle.

[0062] Thirdly, this disclosure also provides a method for preparing a dimming device, comprising: preparing a dimming module in which liquid crystal is not filled in the mating gap;

[0063] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are solid adhesives, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module whose gap is not filled with liquid crystal, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and laminated in an autoclave.

[0064] Liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through a liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature;

[0065] The liquid crystal filling opening is sealed with sealing adhesive;

[0066] When the first adhesive layer uses solid adhesive and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module whose gap is not filled with liquid crystal are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave.

[0067] Liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through a liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature;

[0068] The liquid crystal injection opening is sealed with sealing adhesive to form a semi-finished product;

[0069] The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured.

[0070] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive, the first substrate and the dimming module that is not filled with liquid crystal in the mating gap are bonded together to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. The raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured to form a semi-finished product.

[0071] The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured.

[0072] Liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through a liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature;

[0073] The liquid crystal injection opening is sealed with sealing adhesive.

[0074] Fourthly, this disclosure also provides a method for preparing a dimming device, comprising: preparing a dimming module; filling the mating gap of the dimming module with liquid crystal; and preparing the spacers in the dimming module using a patterning process or a screen printing process.

[0075] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and laminated in an autoclave.

[0076] When the first adhesive layer uses solid adhesive and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive, 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.

[0077] The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured.

[0078] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive, the first substrate and the dimming module are bonded together to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. The raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured to form a semi-finished product.

[0079] The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. The raw material of the second adhesive layer is then injected into the cavity and cured.

[0080] In some embodiments, the solid adhesive that achieves bonding after melting is in a molten state at a temperature of 120-150 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 12-14 bar, and solidifies after cooling;

[0081] The liquid adhesive that achieves bonding after curing is kept at a temperature of 60-80 degrees for 15-30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and then cured at a temperature of 40-60 degrees for 30-50 minutes after degassing. Attached Figure Description

[0082] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. The above and other features and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0083] Figure 1a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of a dimming device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 1b For dimming device along Figure 1a A structural cross-sectional view of the AA section line.

[0085] Figure 1c for Figure 1a A magnified view of a portion of the opening used for liquid crystal injection in the dimming module.

[0086] Figure 1d This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0087] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking of various film layers in the dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0088] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the dimming module in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0089] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spacer in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0090] Figure 5a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0091] Figure 5b For dimming device along Figure 5a A structural cross-sectional view of the BB section line.

[0092] Figure 6a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0093] Figure 6b For dimming device along Figure 6a A structural cross-sectional view of the CC section line.

[0094] Figure 7a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0095] Figure 7b For dimming device along Figure 7aA structural cross-sectional view of the DD section line.

[0096] Figure 8a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0097] Figure 8b For dimming device along Figure 8a A structural cross-sectional view of the EE section line.

[0098] Figure 9a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0099] Figure 9b For dimming device along Figure 9a A structural cross-sectional view of the FF section line.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0101] Figure 11 This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0102] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the following describes in further detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, a dimming device and its preparation method, and a vehicle provided by the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0103] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the embodiments shown may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth in this disclosure. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of this disclosure.

[0104] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, but includes modifications to the configuration based on the manufacturing process. Therefore, the areas illustrated in the drawings are schematic, and the shapes of the areas shown illustrate specific shapes of the areas, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0105] In related technologies, passenger car windows need to be double-curved, lightweight and thin to facilitate energy saving, and safe and not easily broken.

[0106] Rigid dye-liquid crystal dimming glass is composed of two tempered glass sheets and a rigid dimming functional layer. The rigid dimming functional layer consists of two glass substrates aligned together, with dye-liquid crystals filling the space. Although rigid dye-liquid crystal dimming glass meets the requirements of transportation applications in terms of color, response time, and haze, the glass substrate of the rigid dimming functional layer is fragile. Due to safety concerns, it is difficult to meet the passenger vehicle fragmentation standards, thus limiting its widespread application. In addition, there are significant challenges in achieving a hyperbolic spherical surface for rigid dye-liquid crystal dimming glass.

[0107] Flexible dye-based liquid crystal dimming glass is formed by laminating two pieces of tempered glass and a flexible dimming functional layer. The flexible dimming functional layer consists of two flexible substrates fitted together, with dye-based liquid crystals filling the cells. During the lamination process of flexible dye-based liquid crystal dimming glass using solid adhesives (such as PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer)) with high temperature and pressure, severe lamination mura occurs. This is because when the liquid crystal is subjected to uneven pressure or the adhesive layer is uneven to the micron level or higher during the lamination process, lamination mura will occur in the flexible dimming functional layer.

[0108] To address the aforementioned problems in the related technologies, in a first aspect, this invention provides a dimming device, referring to... Figure 1a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of a dimming device in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 1b For dimming device along Figure 1a Schematic diagram of the structure along the AA section line; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the stacking of each film layer in the dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the dimming module in an embodiment of the present disclosure; 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 sequentially; the dimming module 5 includes a third substrate 51, a first sealing adhesive 52, multiple spacers 53, and a fourth substrate 54, the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 are mated to form a mating gap, and liquid crystal 50 is filled in the mating gap; the multiple spacers 53 are located between the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54. The first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are located between the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54, and are disposed around the periphery of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 to bond and encapsulate the periphery of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54; the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive 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 adhesive layer 52; both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are solid adhesives; or, at least one of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 is a liquid adhesive.

[0109] In some embodiments, the solid adhesive includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA). The liquid adhesive includes acrylic resin-based optical adhesives or silicone-based optical adhesives, such as vinyl polysiloxane-hydrogen-containing polysiloxane (OCR).

[0110] In some embodiments, solid adhesives such as PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) and liquid adhesives such as OCR (vinyl polysiloxane—hydrogen-containing polysiloxane, such as model US108) are used. Solid adhesives are adhesives that can bond after melting; liquid adhesives are adhesives that can bond after curing. The thickness of PVB adhesive ranges from 0.38 to 0.76 mm, the flow start temperature is >90°C, the bonding temperature is >120°C, Tr% (transmittance) is ≥85%, Hz% (haze) is >0.6%, ΔYI (yellowing index or yellowing rate or yellowing index) is ≤10, and the 400nm UV light cutoff rate is ≥99%. PVB adhesive can filter out UV light below 400nm, thereby protecting the dye in the dye liquid crystal from damage and preventing insufficient blackness of the dye. EVA adhesive has a thickness range of 0.38–0.76 mm, a flow start temperature >80℃, an adhesion temperature >100℃, a transmittance (Tr%) >85%, a haze (Hz%) >0.6%, and a 380nm UV cutoff rate ≥98%. EVA adhesive filters out UV light below 400nm, protecting the dyes in the dye-based liquid crystal from damage and ensuring sufficient blackness. OCR adhesive has a thickness range of 0.2–5 mm, curing conditions: 60-80℃ for 15-30 min, a transmittance (Tr%) >99%, a haze (Hz%) <0.2, a yellowing index (ΔYI) <0.2, a Tg (temperature at which the OCR adhesive transitions from a glassy to a viscous state) of -38.9℃, and a shrinkage rate <0.1%. After curing, it is a colorless, transparent solid with no UV cutoff function.

[0111] In some embodiments, when both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are solid adhesives, liquid crystal 50 can be injected into the dimming module 5 after the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the dimming module 5 without liquid crystal filling, the second adhesive layer 4 and the second substrate 2 are laminated; thereby avoiding lamination malfunction caused by uneven pressure on the liquid crystal 50 during the lamination process.

[0112] In some embodiments, when one of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 is a liquid adhesive, the other of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 can be cured and bonded after the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are laminated with the upper and lower film layers they are bonded to; or, when both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are liquid adhesives, the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 can be cured and bonded sequentially after the first substrate 1, the dimming module 5 and the second substrate 2 are assembled, thereby avoiding lamination malfunctions caused by unevenness of the adhesive layer reaching the micron level or above.

[0113] 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.

[0114] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the septum in an embodiment of this disclosure; the septum 53 is a columnar septum 53, which is prepared by a patterning process or a screen printing process. In some embodiments, the septum 53 is made of a flexible material; the elastic recovery rate of the septum 53 under a pressure of 5 to 30 mN is 80% to 90%.

[0115] In some embodiments, a plurality of spacers 53 are evenly spaced; the spacing between adjacent spacers 53 ranges from 70 to 170 μm; and the distance between the spacer 53 closest to the first sealing adhesive 52 and the first sealing adhesive 52 ranges from 100 to 1000 μm.

[0116] In this embodiment, compared to the spherical spacers sprayed onto one side of the substrate by spraying in the disclosed technology, the columnar spacers 53 prepared by patterning or screen printing processes have good uniformity of distribution. On the other hand, the spacers 53 and the substrate are in surface contact, so the contact and adhesion between the spacers 53 and the substrate are relatively strong, which can meet the requirements of good support during the lamination process of the dimming device and avoid lamination malfunction in the dimming device.

[0117] In some embodiments, the spacer 53 is made of photoresist, hard resin, or glass. In some embodiments, opaque materials such as ink may be added to the light-transmitting material of the spacer 53 to reduce the light transmittance of the spacer 53, thereby reducing the dark transmittance of the dimming device, improving the contrast of the dimming device, and enhancing the user's visual experience.

[0118] In some embodiments, the shape of the spacer 53 includes any one of cylindrical, frustum-shaped, and truncated pyramidal shapes. In some embodiments, the diameter d2 of the base of the frustum-shaped spacer 53 ranges from 25 to 30 μm; the diameter d1 of the top surface of the spacer 53 ranges from 15 to 20 μm; and the height h1 of the spacer 53 ranges from 4 to 30 μm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the base of the spacer 53 is 27 μm; the diameter of the top surface of the spacer 53 is 19 μm; and the height of the spacer 53 ranges from 8 to 12 μm.

[0119] In some embodiments, the third substrate 51 includes a first flexible substrate 510 and a first electrode layer 511 and a first alignment film 512 sequentially disposed thereon; the fourth substrate 54 includes a second flexible substrate 540 and a second electrode layer 541 and a second alignment film 542 sequentially disposed thereon. A first sealing adhesive 52 is located between the first alignment film 512 and the second alignment film 542 and at their edge regions. A plurality of columnar spacers 53 are uniformly distributed on the first electrode layer 511, and at least some of the top ends of the spacers 53 are in contact with the second alignment film 542.

[0120] In some embodiments, the third substrate 51 further includes a first water-oxygen barrier film 513 disposed on the outer or inner side of the first flexible substrate 510; the fourth substrate 54 further includes a second water-oxygen barrier film 543 disposed on the outer or inner side of the second flexible substrate 540. The materials of the first water-oxygen barrier film 513 and the second water-oxygen barrier film 543 are mainly a mixture of silicon nitride and silicon oxide, and their main function is to protect the dimming module 5 from long-term moisture permeation.

[0121] In some embodiments, the first flexible substrate 510 and the second flexible substrate 540 are made of any one of the following materials: PET (polyethylene terephthalate, chemical formula (C10H8O4)n), PC (linear polyester carbonate), TAC (cellulose triacetate), and COP (cyclic olefin polymer). The first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are made of indium tin oxide (ITO). The thickness of the ITO film can be made ultra-thin, which is beneficial for achieving the flexibility of the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54. ITO is also light-transmitting, which is beneficial for achieving the light transmittance 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 by a coating and curing process, with a curing temperature of approximately 100–150 degrees Celsius.

[0122] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first flexible substrate 510 and the second flexible substrate 540 ranges from 60 to 188 μm; 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 nm to 150 nm. The thickness of the first alignment film 512 and the second alignment film 542 ranges from 65 to 100 nm. The thickness of the dimming module 5 ranges from 0.21 to 0.4 mm.

[0123] In some embodiments, dye molecules are added to the liquid crystal 50, that is, the liquid crystal 50 is a dye liquid crystal. When the dimming device is in normal use, when the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are not energized, the dye liquid crystal cannot allow light to pass through, and the dimming device is in an opaque state; when the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are energized, the dye liquid crystal can allow light to pass through, and the dimming device is in a transparent state.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first sealing adhesive 52 can be a light-blocking adhesive or a light-transmitting adhesive. The adhesive width of the first sealing adhesive 52 is 4 to 7 mm. The first sealing adhesive 52 contains a circular silicon ball with a diameter of about 8.3 to 12.3 μm. The height of the silicon ball is 0.3 μm higher than the height of the spacer 53.

[0125] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1d This is a top view schematic diagram of another dimming device in this embodiment of the present disclosure; the first electrode layer 511 extends beyond the first sealing adhesive 52 and forms a first bonding electrode; the second electrode layer 541 extends beyond the first sealing adhesive 52 and forms a second bonding electrode; the first bonding electrode and the second bonding electrode are located on the same side edge of the dimming module 5, and the orthographic projections of the first bonding electrode and the second bonding electrode on the first flexible substrate 510 do not overlap; the dimming device also includes a first flexible circuit board 8 and a second flexible circuit board 9; the first bonding electrode is bonded to the first flexible circuit board 8; the second bonding electrode is bonded to the second flexible circuit board 9. The first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 are respectively connected to the peripheral driving circuit so that the driving circuit provides driving signals to the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first electrode layer 511 and the second electrode layer 541 are planar electrodes, respectively.

[0127] 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 extension directions of the first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 are the same.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are both tempered glass plates, the thickness of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 is in the range of 1.6 to 2.1 mm, and the curvature range of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 in their respective plane coordinate system is 12-39 mm / m in the x direction and 19-26 mm / m in the y direction.

[0129] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b The first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5 does not overlap with the orthographic projection 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, 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 mating gap.

[0130] 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 first flexible circuit board 8 and the second flexible circuit board 9 do not overlap with the orthographic projection of the openings 501 on the first flexible substrate 510.

[0131] In some embodiments, the width of the opening 501 for filling 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 cut.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the second adhesive layer 4, and the second substrate 2 have their orthographic projections on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located coincide, and the distance between the other side edges of the dimming module 5 other than the first side edge 500 and the corresponding side edge of the first adhesive layer 3 is in the range of 5 to 15 mm.

[0133] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1c ,for Figure 1a A magnified view of the opening used for liquid crystal injection in the mid-dimming module; wherein, the sealing adhesive 502 is cured and sealed by irradiation with 200-400nm UV light for 5-10s; the coefficient of thermal expansion of the sealing adhesive 502 is 5.7×10⁻⁶. -5 / ℃, adhesive hardness 70~120, shrinkage rate 0-20%. The height h of the portion overflowing from the opening 501 after the sealing adhesive 502 is applied ranges from 1 to 2 mm, and the width m of the portion overflowing from the opening 501 after the sealing adhesive 502 is applied ranges from 1 to 1.5 cm.

[0134] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b Both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are made of solid adhesive. The first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 also extend to other side edge end faces beyond the first side edge 500 covering the dimming module 5.

[0135] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b The first substrate 1, the second substrate 2, the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 have their orthogonal projections on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located.

[0136] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1a and Figure 1b Both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are made of solid adhesive, such as PVB or EVA adhesive.

[0137] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the present disclosure; Figure 5b For dimming device along Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of the structure of the BB cutting line; the first sealing adhesive 52 forms a closed ring; the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 also extend to cover the four edges of the dimming module 5; the four edges of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 projected onto the first substrate 1 surround the periphery of the first sealing adhesive 52 projected onto the first substrate 1.

[0138] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 5a and Figure 5b Both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are made of solid adhesive, such as PVB or EVA adhesive. In this embodiment, no liquid crystal infusion opening is formed on the dimming module 5. Specifically, the liquid crystal 50 in the dimming module 5 is dripped onto the mating surface of one of the substrates before the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 are aligned, and then sealed with the first sealing adhesive 52 after alignment. Because multiple columnar spacers 53 are formed between the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54, these spacers provide good and uniform support to the third substrate 51 and the fourth substrate 54 during the lamination process of the first substrate 1, the first adhesive layer 3, the dimming module 5 with dripped liquid crystal, the second adhesive layer 4, and the second substrate 2. This improves or prevents lamination malfunction caused by uneven pressure on the liquid crystal 50 during lamination.

[0139] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 6a and Figure 6b as well as Figure 7a and Figure 7b , Figure 6a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 6b For dimming device along Figure 6a Schematic diagram of the structure along the CC section line; Figure 7a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 7b For dimming device along Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of the structure along the DD section line; one of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 is made of solid adhesive, and the other is made of liquid adhesive. The orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane where the first substrate 1 is located coincide; 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 coincide; the four 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 surround 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.

[0140] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 6a and Figure 6b as well as Figure 7a and Figure 7b The dimming device also includes a second sealing adhesive 6, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and surrounds 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 sealing adhesive 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.

[0141] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 8a and Figure 8b , Figure 8a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 8b For dimming device along Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of the structure along the EE section line; wherein, both the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are made of liquid adhesive. The orthographic projections of the side edges of the first substrate 1, the dimming module 5, and the second substrate 2 other than the first side edge 500 on the plane of the first substrate 1 overlap; the 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 of the first substrate 1; the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane of the first substrate 1 coincide; the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane of the first substrate 1 coincide; the four edges of the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane of the first substrate 1 surround the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane of the first substrate 1.

[0142] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 8a and Figure 8b The dimming device also includes a second sealing adhesive 6, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and surrounds the four edges of the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and contacts and connects with the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5; the second sealing adhesive 6 is also located between the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and surrounds the four edges of the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and contacts and connects with the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5; the orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive 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.

[0143] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 8a The first sealing adhesive 52 and the second sealing adhesive 6 on the first substrate 1 overlap, except for the first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5.

[0144] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b , Figure 9a This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in the embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 9b For dimming device along Figure 9a A cross-sectional view of the structure along the FF section line; wherein, the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 are both made of liquid adhesive. The first sealing adhesive 52 forms a closed ring; the four edges of the first substrate 1, the dimming module 5 and the second substrate 2 overlap in their orthographic projections on the plane of the first substrate 1; the four edges of the dimming module 5 do 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 orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane of the first substrate 1 coincide; the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane of the first substrate 1 coincide; the four edges of the orthographic projections of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on the plane of the first substrate 1 surround the periphery of the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 on the plane of the first substrate 1.

[0145] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b The dimming device also includes a second sealing adhesive 6, which is located between the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and surrounds the four edges of the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5, and contacts and connects with the first substrate 1 and the dimming module 5; the second sealing adhesive 6 is also located between the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and surrounds the four edges of the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5, and contacts and connects with the second substrate 2 and the dimming module 5; the orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive 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.

[0146] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b The first sealing adhesive 52 and the second sealing adhesive 6 overlap on the orthographic projection of the first substrate 1.

[0147] In some embodiments, the width of the second sealing adhesive 6 ranges from 2 to 6 mm.

[0148] In some embodiments, the second sealing adhesive 6 is DM608. The curing conditions of the second sealing adhesive 6 are: 25℃±2℃; ambient humidity (RH)>60%±10%; after curing, it is a black paste with a Shore hardness of 35±7A and an adhesion strength ≥0.8Mpa; the second sealing adhesive 6 is black and opaque, with a Tg (temperature at which it transitions from the glassy state to the viscous state) of -40.1℃, and has no UV light blocking function.

[0149] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 10 This is a top view schematic diagram of another dimming device in this embodiment of the present disclosure; the dimming device also includes an edge sealing adhesive 7, located at the first side edge 500 of the dimming module 5, and located on the side of the sealing adhesive 502 opposite to the opening 501; the edge sealing adhesive 7 extends to cover the first side edge 500. The edge sealing adhesive 7 can prevent the sealing adhesive 502 of the opening 501 used for liquid crystal filling from being susceptible to moisture, and prevent moisture from entering the mating gap of the dimming module 5.

[0150] In some embodiments, the width of the edge sealing adhesive 7 ranges from 1 to 2 cm. The width of the edge sealing adhesive 7 is its thickness in the direction away from the sealing adhesive 502.

[0151] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 11 This is a top view schematic diagram of the structure of another dimming device in this embodiment; when the first adhesive layer 3 and the second adhesive layer 4 of the dimming device are both made of liquid adhesive, the edge sealing adhesive 7 can also cover the outer periphery of the second sealing frame adhesive 6 of the dimming device to effectively prevent moisture penetration of the dimming device and water vapor intrusion during reliable high-temperature boiling.

[0152] In some embodiments, the dimming device further includes a frame shielding layer, located at least on the side of one of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 away from the dimming module 5, and the orthographic projection of the frame shielding layer on the plane of the first substrate 1 covers the area outside the effective dimming area surrounded by the first sealing adhesive 52.

[0153] In some embodiments, the width of the frame shielding layer that blocks either side of the dimming device ranges from 8mm to 23mm. In some embodiments, the frame shielding layer is made of a black light-blocking material, such as ink.

[0154] This disclosure also provides a method for preparing a dimming device, comprising: step S100: preparing a dimming module in which liquid crystal is not filled in the mating gap.

[0155] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are solid adhesives, the method for preparing the dimming device includes: step S101: stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module with no liquid crystal filling in the mating gap, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate in sequence and bonding them together in an autoclave.

[0156] Step S102: At room temperature, liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through the liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber.

[0157] Step S103: Seal the liquid crystal filling opening with sealing adhesive.

[0158] When the first adhesive layer is made of solid adhesive and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid adhesive, the method for preparing the dimming device includes: step S201: stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module with no liquid crystal filling in the mating gap in sequence and bonding them together in an autoclave.

[0159] Step S202: At room temperature, liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through the liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber.

[0160] Step S203: Seal the liquid crystal filling opening with sealing adhesive to form a semi-finished product.

[0161] Step S204: 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.

[0162] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive, the method for preparing the dimming device includes: step S301: bonding the first substrate and the dimming module with unfilled liquid crystal in the mating gap to form a cavity and leaving an injection port on the bonding adhesive, injecting the raw material of the first adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it to form a semi-finished product.

[0163] Step S302: 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.

[0164] Step S303: At room temperature, liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through the liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber.

[0165] Step S304: Seal the liquid crystal filling opening with sealing adhesive.

[0166] In this embodiment, the dimming device is prepared by a dimming module with a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0167] In some embodiments, Figure 1a The dimming device shown is prepared using the preparation methods in steps S100, S101 to S103. Figure 1a The specific fabrication method of the dimming device shown is as follows: a first substrate, a first adhesive layer, a dimming module with unfilled liquid crystal in the mating gap, a second adhesive layer, and a second substrate are stacked sequentially; the stacked structure is placed in an autoclave and laminated at 120-145°C and 1-12 bar to form a hollow assembly; the hollow assembly is placed in a vacuum crystal filling device (such as a vacuum liquid crystal bath) for liquid crystal filling; and the liquid crystal filling opening is sealed to form the dimming device. In some embodiments, the fabrication method of the dimming device may further include: applying an edge-sealing adhesive to the side of the sealing adhesive opposite to the liquid crystal filling opening, wherein the edge-sealing adhesive at least seals 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 from the sealing adhesive.

[0168] In some embodiments, Figure 6a The dimming device shown is prepared using the preparation methods in steps S100, S201 to S204. Figure 6a The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown is as follows: A first substrate, a first adhesive layer, and a dimming module without liquid crystal filling in the mating gap are stacked sequentially. The stacked structure is placed in an autoclave and laminated at 120–145°C and 1–12 bar to form a hollow assembly. The hollow assembly is then placed in a vacuum crystal filling device (such as a vacuum liquid crystal bath) for liquid crystal filling. The liquid crystal filling opening is sealed to form a semi-finished dimming device. The semi-finished dimming device is bonded to the periphery of the second substrate using a second sealing adhesive to form a cavity, with an injection port pre-reserved on the adhesive. Liquid OCR adhesive (such as US108) is then injected into the cavity through a needle and the pre-reserved injection port. The OCR adhesive is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40–60°C for 30–50 minutes. Finally, the pre-reserved injection port is sealed to form the dimming device.

[0169] In some embodiments, Figure 8a The dimming device shown is prepared using the preparation methods in steps S100, S301 to S304. Figure 8aThe specific preparation method of the dimming device shown is as follows: A cavity is formed by bonding the first substrate and the edges of the dimming module (without liquid crystal filling in the mating gap) together with a second sealing adhesive, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. Liquid OCR adhesive (such as US108) is injected into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port. The OCR adhesive is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and then degassed at 40–60°C for 30–50 minutes. Finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a semi-finished product. The unfilled liquid crystal in the mating gap of the semi-finished product is then... The dimming module and the second substrate are bonded together with a second sealing adhesive to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. Liquid OCR adhesive (such as US108) is injected into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port. The OCR adhesive is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes. Finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a hollow assembly with OCR adhesive sandwiched on both sides. The assembly is then placed in a vacuum crystal filling device (such as a vacuum liquid crystal bath) for liquid crystal filling. The liquid crystal filling opening is sealed to form a dimming device.

[0170] In some embodiments, the liquid crystal filling opening is sealed by applying 3052 sealing adhesive to the filling opening and curing the sealing adhesive by irradiation with 200-400nm UV light for 5-10 seconds.

[0171] In some embodiments, step S100: preparing a dimming module without liquid crystal filling in the mating gap includes: forming a first electrode layer on a first flexible substrate and 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 surfaces of the first and second flexible substrates after the above preparation steps, thermally curing at 90-150°C, and then performing rubbing alignment or photo-alignment on 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 sealant around the perimeter of the third substrate or the fourth substrate, mating the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and thermally curing the first sealant at 100-150°C to form a dimming module and a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0172] In some embodiments, the preparation of the spacer specifically includes: coating a photoresist film on the side of the first electrode layer opposite to the first flexible substrate; such as 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.

[0173] A photoresist film is exposed to ultraviolet light (UV light, typically in the 300–436 nm band) using a photomask with a transparent pattern, causing polymerization of the photoresist film in the corresponding areas of the transparent pattern. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is then sprayed onto the exposed photoresist film to remove the unpolymerized photoresist film outside the transparent pattern, forming a spacer pattern. Alternatively, a 0.04 wt% potassium hydroxide solution can be sprayed to wash away the unpolymerized photoresist film. The spacer pattern is then cured at 110°C for 50–60 minutes to form the spacer material.

[0174] This disclosure also provides a method for preparing a dimming device, comprising: step S100': preparing a dimming module; filling the mating gap of the dimming module with liquid crystal.

[0175] In this step, the columnar spacers in the dimming module are prepared using the same patterning or screen printing process as in the above embodiments. The preparation methods for the third and fourth substrates in the dimming module are the same as in the above embodiments. After the third and fourth substrates are prepared, liquid crystal is dropped onto the mating surface of the third or fourth substrate. Then, a first sealant is applied to the periphery of the third or fourth substrate, and the third and fourth substrates are mated together to form a dimming module with liquid crystal filling the mating gap. This dimming module does not require a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0176] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive, the method for preparing 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 bonding them together in an autoclave.

[0177] When the first adhesive layer is made of solid adhesive and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid adhesive, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: S201': stacking the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module in sequence and bonding them together in an autoclave to form a semi-finished product.

[0178] S202': The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured.

[0179] When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive, the preparation method of the dimming device includes: S301': bonding the first substrate and the dimming module to form a cavity and leaving an injection port on the bonding adhesive, injecting the raw material of the first adhesive layer into the cavity and curing it to form a semi-finished product.

[0180] S302': 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.

[0181] In the preparation method of the dimming device described in this embodiment, the dimming module in the dimming device does not have a liquid crystal injection opening.

[0182] In some embodiments, Figure 5a The dimming device shown is prepared using the preparation method in steps S100' to S101'. Figure 5a The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown is as follows: the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence; the stacked structure is vacuum-sealed, and after a 90°C lamination process, it is placed in an autoclave and laminated at 110-145°C and 1-12 bar for 1 hour to form the dimming device.

[0183] In some embodiments, Figure 5a The method for preparing the dimming device shown may further include: applying an edge-sealing adhesive to the four edges of the dimming device, which can further seal the four edges of the dimming device to prevent moisture from entering the dimming device.

[0184] In some embodiments, Figure 7a The dimming device shown is prepared using the preparation methods in steps S100', S201' to S202'. Figure 7a The specific preparation method of the dimming device shown is as follows: the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module are stacked in sequence, the stacked structure is vacuum-sealed and after a 90°C lamination process, it is placed in an autoclave and laminated at 110-145°C and 1-12 bar for 1 hour to form a semi-finished dimming device; the semi-finished dimming device is bonded to the four edges of the second substrate with a second sealing adhesive to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive; liquid OCR adhesive (such as US108) is injected into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port; the OCR adhesive is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, allowed to stand and 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.

[0185] In some embodiments, Figure 9a The dimming device shown is prepared using the preparation methods in steps S100', S301' to S302'. Figure 9aThe specific preparation method of the dimming device shown is as follows: A cavity is formed by bonding the first substrate and the dimming module around their perimeter with a second sealing adhesive, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. Liquid OCR adhesive (such as US108) is injected into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port. The OCR adhesive is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and then 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 with the second sealing adhesive to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. Liquid OCR adhesive (such as US108) is injected into the cavity through a needle and the reserved injection port. The OCR adhesive is cured at 60°C for 30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and then degassed at 40-60°C for 30-50 minutes. Finally, the reserved injection port is sealed to form a dimming device with OCR adhesive sandwiched on both sides.

[0186] In the dimming device provided in this embodiment, when both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are solid adhesives, liquid crystal can be injected into the dimming module after the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module without liquid crystal filling, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are laminated. This avoids lamination murras caused by uneven pressure on the liquid crystal during the lamination process. When one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is a liquid adhesive, liquid adhesive can be injected after one of the first adhesive layer and the upper and lower film layers to which it is bonded is laminated, thereby achieving curing and bonding of the other of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. Alternatively, when both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are liquid adhesives, liquid adhesive can be injected after the first substrate, the dimming module, and the second substrate are aligned, thereby achieving sequential curing and bonding of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer. This avoids lamination murras caused by unevenness in the adhesive layer reaching the micrometer level or higher. In addition, by providing columnar spacers in the dimming module, good support for the upper and lower substrates can be ensured during the lamination process of the dimming device, preventing lamination murras in the dimming device.

[0187] The dimming device in this embodiment can be used as various vehicle windows and interior windows.

[0188] This disclosure also provides a vehicle including the dimming device of any of the above embodiments, the dimming device serving as a window of the vehicle.

[0189] By employing the dimming device described in the above embodiments, the dimming effect of the vehicle windows is improved, thereby enhancing the quality of the vehicle.

[0190] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A dimming device, wherein, It includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, and a dimming module; The first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are stacked sequentially. The dimming module includes a third substrate, a first sealing adhesive, multiple spacers and a fourth substrate. The third substrate and the fourth substrate are mated to form a mating gap, which is filled with liquid crystal. The plurality of spacers are located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and within the area enclosed by the first sealing adhesive; The first sealing adhesive is located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and surrounds the periphery of the third substrate and the fourth substrate to bond and encapsulate the periphery 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 adhesive; Both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive; or, at least one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid adhesive. The first side edge of the dimming module does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer onto the plane of the first substrate; The first sealing adhesive extends to the first side edge to form at least one opening, the end of the opening being flush with the first side edge of the third substrate and the fourth substrate, the end of the opening being sealed with sealing adhesive, and the opening being used to fill the mating gap with liquid crystal.

2. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein, The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer also extend to other side edge end faces beyond the first side edge covering the dimming module.

3. The dimming device according to claim 2, 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.

4. A dimming device, wherein, It includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer, and a dimming module; The first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer, and the second substrate are stacked sequentially. The dimming module includes a third substrate, a first sealing adhesive, multiple spacers and a fourth substrate. The third substrate and the fourth substrate are mated to form a mating gap, which is filled with liquid crystal. The plurality of spacers are located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and within the area enclosed by the first sealing adhesive; The first sealing adhesive is located between the third substrate and the fourth substrate, and surrounds the periphery of the third substrate and the fourth substrate to bond and encapsulate the periphery 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 adhesive; Both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive; or, at least one of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer is made of liquid adhesive. The first sealing adhesive forms a closed ring; The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer also extend to cover the four peripheral edge end faces of the dimming module; The periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the first substrate surrounds the periphery of the first sealing adhesive as projected onto the first substrate. The dimming device further includes a second sealing adhesive, which is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, surrounds the four edges of the first substrate and the second substrate, and contacts and connects with the first substrate and the second substrate; The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located outside the orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the first substrate.

5. The dimming device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein, The orthographic projections of the first substrate and the second substrate onto the plane containing the first substrate coincide; The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide; The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the plane of the first substrate.

6. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projections of the first substrate, the dimming module, and the other side edges of the second substrate, other than the first side edge, onto the plane where the first substrate is located overlap. The 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 onto the plane containing the first substrate coincide; The orthographic projections of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer on the plane where the first substrate is located coincide; The first substrate and the second substrate are arranged around the periphery of the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer as projected onto the plane of the first substrate.

7. The dimming device according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes a second sealing adhesive, located between the first substrate and the dimming module, and surrounding the periphery of the first substrate and the dimming module, and contacting and connecting with the first substrate and the dimming module; The second sealing adhesive is also located between the second substrate and the dimming module, and surrounds the two substrates and the dimming module around their perimeter, and contacts and connects with the second substrate and the dimming module. The orthographic projection of the second sealing adhesive on the first substrate is located outside 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 or 4, wherein, 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. The solid adhesive includes polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

9. The dimming device according to claim 6, wherein, Both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive that achieves bonding after curing; The liquid adhesive includes acrylic resin-based optical adhesives or silicone-based optical adhesives.

10. The dimming device according to claim 7, wherein, The width of the second sealing adhesive ranges from 2 to 6 mm.

11. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes edge sealing adhesive, located at the first side edge of the dimming module, and on the side of the sealing adhesive opposite to the opening; The edge-sealing adhesive extends to cover the first side edge.

12. The dimming device according to claim 11, wherein, The width of the edge sealing adhesive ranges from 1 to 2 cm.

13. 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 of the spacer is in contact with the second orientation film.

14. The dimming device according to claim 13, wherein, The first electrode layer also extends beyond the first sealant and forms a first bonding electrode; The second electrode layer also extends beyond the first sealant and forms a second bonding electrode; The first bonding electrode and the second bonding electrode are located on the same side edge of the dimming module, and the orthographic projections of the first bonding electrode and the second bonding electrode on the first flexible substrate do not overlap; The dimming device also includes a first flexible circuit board and a second flexible circuit board. The first bonding electrode is bonded to the first flexible circuit board; The second bonding electrode is bonded to the second flexible circuit board.

15. The dimming device according to claim 13, wherein, The shape of the spacer includes any one of cylindrical, frustum-shaped, or truncated pyramidal shapes.

16. The dimming device according to claim 15, wherein, The diameter of the bottom surface of the truncated cone-shaped spacer ranges from 25 to 30 µm; the diameter of the top surface ranges from 15 to 20 µm; and the height ranges from 8 to 12 µm.

17. The dimming device according to claim 13, wherein, The spacing between adjacent spacers ranges from 70 to 170 µm; The distance between the spacer closest to the first sealing adhesive and the first sealing adhesive ranges from 100 to 1000 µm.

18. A vehicle, wherein, The device includes the dimming device according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the dimming device is used as a window of the vehicle.

19. A method for preparing a dimming device as described in any one of claims 1-3, 5-17, wherein, include: Fabrication of a dimming module in which liquid crystal is not filled in the mating gap; When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are solid adhesives, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module whose gap is not filled with liquid crystal, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and laminated in an autoclave. Liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through a liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature; The liquid crystal filling opening is sealed with sealing adhesive; When the first adhesive layer uses solid adhesive and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer and the dimming module whose gap is not filled with liquid crystal are stacked in sequence and assembled in an autoclave. Liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through a liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature; The liquid crystal injection opening is sealed with sealing adhesive 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. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured. When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive, the first substrate and the dimming module that is not filled with liquid crystal in the mating gap are bonded together to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. The raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured 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. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured. Liquid crystal is injected into the mating gap through a liquid crystal injection opening in a vacuum chamber at room temperature; The liquid crystal injection opening is sealed with sealing adhesive.

20. A method for preparing a dimming device as described in claim 4, 5, or 8, wherein, include: Fabrication of dimming modules; The gap between the dimming modules is filled with liquid crystal. The spacers in the dimming module are prepared using a patterning process or a screen printing process. When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of solid adhesive, the first substrate, the first adhesive layer, the dimming module, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate are stacked in sequence and laminated in an autoclave. When the first adhesive layer uses solid adhesive and the second adhesive layer uses liquid adhesive, 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. The semi-finished product is bonded to the second substrate to form a cavity, and an injection port is reserved on the bonding adhesive. Then, the raw material of the second adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured. When both the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are made of liquid adhesive, the first substrate and the dimming module are bonded together to form a cavity and an injection port is reserved on the adhesive. The raw material of the first adhesive layer is injected into the cavity and cured 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 adhesive. The raw material of the second adhesive layer is then injected into the cavity and cured.

21. The method for preparing the dimming device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The solid adhesive that achieves bonding after melting is in a molten state at a temperature of 120-150 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 12-14 bar, and solidifies after cooling. The liquid adhesive that achieves bonding after curing is kept at a temperature of 60-80 degrees for 15-30 minutes, allowed to stand and level for 10 minutes, and then cured at a temperature of 40-60 degrees for 30-50 minutes after degassing.

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