Intelligent glass adopting double-electrochromic dimming technology

Abstract

The invention relates to dimming glass, in particular to intelligent glass adopting a double-electrochromic dimming technology, which comprises at least two layers of transparent base materials, and an integrated dimming film is embedded in an interlayer of the two layers of transparent base materials; the integrated dimming thin film is a combination of a PDLC thin film and an EC thin film or a combination of an SPD thin film and an EC thin film. According to the invention, two dimming technologies are integrated together, the respective advantages of the two dimming technologies are integrated, and the requirements of automobile users are better met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a dimming glass, in particular to a smart glass using a dual electro-luminescence dimming technology. Background Art

[0002] Electroluminescent film changes the optical state of the film, such as transmittance, color, reflectivity, etc., by controlling the external electric field. Smart glass based on electroluminescent film technology is widely used in building doors and windows, interior partitions, automotive glass, automotive rearview mirrors, Boeing aircraft windows, consumer electronics and other fields. The mainstream electroluminescent technologies are PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), SPD (suspended particles) and EC (electrochromic).

[0003] PDLC technology relies on an external voltage to adjust the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal dimming film. When the power is turned off, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a disordered manner, scattering the incident light, and appearing to be transparent but not transparent. When the power is turned on, the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in an orderly manner under the action of the external electric field, so that the incident light can penetrate and appear transparent. The working principle of PDLC is as follows Figure 1 shown.

[0004] PDLC is a voltage-controlled device. The liquid crystal molecules rotate in the direction of the external electric field, and the rotation time is short. The advantage is that the dimming speed is fast, the state changes in milliseconds, and it is easy to perform spatial zone dimming. From the dimming effect, PDLC has only two states: transparent and opaque. The transmittance cannot be continuously adjusted, and the voltage needs to be continuously applied to maintain the transparent state, which consumes a lot of power. The opaque state has a white mist effect, which has good privacy, but the color of the white mist is not ideal. The dimming principle of PDLC is optical scattering, which only changes the optical path of the incident light and does not block the light from entering, so there is no heat insulation effect.

[0005] The principle of SPD (suspended particle) technology is similar to PDLC. There are suspended rod-shaped nanoparticles in the dimming film. When no external voltage is applied, the suspended particles are randomly distributed, scattering and blocking light. When voltage is applied, the suspended particles are oriented in the direction of the external electric field, allowing light to pass through. The working principle of SPD is as follows: Figure 2 As shown. SPD is also a voltage-controlled device. The suspended particles rotate in the direction of the external electric field, and the rotation time is short. The advantage is that the dimming speed is fast, the state changes in seconds, and it is easy to dim the area in space. From the dimming effect, SPD relies on scattering to block light, and the heat insulation effect is not good. It appears blue in the opaque state, and the color is not ideal. Similar to PDLC, SPD needs to continuously apply voltage to maintain the transparent state, which consumes a lot of power.

[0006] EC electrochromic technology is an electrochemical reaction of electrochromic materials under the action of an external electric field or current to regulate light and change the absorption, transmission, scattering, or color of light. The electrochromic device is composed of three layers of materials sandwiched between two layers of transparent electrodes. There are interfaces between the three layers of materials, and in space they are a charge storage layer, an electrolyte layer, and an electrochromic layer. During operation, by applying a DC bias to the two electrodes, ions move in a directed manner under the electric field, from the charge storage layer through the electrolyte layer to the electrochromic layer. The electrochromic material undergoes an electrochemical doping reaction with the ions, which changes the material's energy band structure, shifts the absorption spectrum, and changes the material's transmittance to light. Its device structure and working principle are as follows: Figure 3 shown.

[0007] EC electrochromic is a current-controlled device. Ions need to move under the drive of an external electric field. The color change time is longer than that of voltage-controlled devices PDLC and SPD, which is in the order of minutes. Electrochromic is a multi-stable device. After the power is turned off, the ions stop moving and the transmission state remains stable. Therefore, the electrochromic device can be continuously adjusted from the dark state to the bright state, and does not require voltage maintenance, and the energy consumption is lower than that of PDLC and SPD. In terms of dimming effect, EC electrochromic adjusts the transmittance of the dimming film by absorbing the incident light, with low haze and clear transparency. If the electrochromic material uses organic materials, due to the diversity of organic molecules, various color dimming films can be prepared, among which neutral colors (black, gray) are more accepted by the market than the foggy white of PDLC and the blue of SPD.

[0008] The three dimming technologies are now being applied in the automotive industry. Each technology has its own advantages. PDLC can provide better privacy and shielding performance; SPD and EC are more suitable for stepless dimming; the voltage control of PDLC and SPD makes it easier to dim the space partition; EC's heat insulation effect has an absolute advantage in meeting the energy-saving requirements of automobiles; EC has neutral color and low haze. But at the same time, the three dimming technologies also have their own disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0009] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology, which integrates the two dimming technologies, combines the respective advantages of the two dimming technologies, and better meets the needs of automobile users.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, according to one solution of the present invention, a smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology is provided, comprising a transparent substrate, wherein the transparent substrate comprises at least two layers, and an integrated dimming film is embedded in the interlayer of the two layers of the transparent substrate;

[0011] The integrated dimming film is a combination of a PDLC film and an EC film or a combination of an SPD film and an EC film.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the transparent substrate installed on one side of the incident light is the outer transparent substrate, and the transparent substrate installed on the other side of the incident light is the inner transparent substrate.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the integrated dimming film is a combination of a PDLC dimming film and an EC dimming film, the PDLC dimming film is installed on a side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the EC dimming film is installed on a side close to the inner transparent substrate.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the integrated dimming film is a combination of a PDLC dimming film and an EC dimming film, the EC dimming film is installed on the side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the PDLC dimming film is installed on the side close to the inner transparent substrate.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the integrated dimming film is a combination of an SPD dimming film and an EC dimming film, the SPD dimming film is installed on a side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the EC dimming film is installed on a side close to the inner transparent substrate.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the integrated dimming film is a combination of an SPD dimming film and an EC dimming film, the EC dimming film is installed on the side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the SPD dimming film is installed on the side close to the inner transparent substrate.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the transparent substrate is glass.

[0018] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the transparent substrate and the integrated dimming film are separated by a first film.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the two dimming films of the integrated dimming film are separated by a second film.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, the first film and the second film can both be made of PVB, EVA, TPU, SentryGlas, OCA glue or a combination of several of them.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] In the smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology,

[0023] 1. By integrating PDLC dimming film and EC dimming film. PDLC dimming film changes color quickly, is light-transmitting and opaque, and plays the role of shielding and providing privacy. Moreover, PDLC can realize space partitioning and perform visual shielding in different areas according to user needs. EC dimming film has neutral color and can be continuously adjusted from dark to bright state. Combined with the heat insulation performance of EC dimming film, it greatly improves user comfort. Moreover, the heat insulation effect of EC dimming film has a huge effect on energy saving of automobiles, especially new energy vehicles.

[0024] 2. By integrating SPD dimming film and EC dimming film. SPD dimming film has a fast color change speed, which can realize space partitioning and perform visual shielding in different areas according to user needs. EC dimming film has neutral color and provides better visual effects. Both SPD dimming film and EC dimming film can be continuously adjusted from dark state to bright state. The combination of the two provides more transparent state options. Combined with the heat insulation performance of EC dimming film, it greatly improves user comfort. Moreover, the heat insulation effect of EC dimming film has a huge effect on energy saving of automobiles, especially new energy vehicles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of PDLC liquid crystal dimming film;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working principle of the SPD suspended particle dimming film;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the electrochromic device and its working principle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of smart glass according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of smart glass according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of smart glass according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of smart glass according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the process of changing from dark state to bright state in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 9 This is a diagram comparing the bright state to dark state process in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Illustration: 1. Outer glass; 2. Inner glass; 3. Second film; 4. First film; 5. PDLC dimming film; 6. EC dimming film; 7. SPD dimming film. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to further explain the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the predetermined invention purpose, the specific implementation mode, structure, characteristics and effects of the present invention are described in detail below in combination with the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0036] Example 1: Please refer to Figure 4 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology, including an outer glass 1 and an inner glass 2, wherein the outer glass 1 is located on the side of the incident light, and the integrated dimming film between the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 is composed of a PDLC dimming film 5 and an EC dimming film 6, wherein the PDLC dimming film 5 and the EC dimming film 6 are separated by a second film 3, and the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 are separated from the integrated dimming film by a first film 4. The first film 4 and the second film 3 are glass interlayer films, and PVB glue is used in this embodiment.

[0037] In this embodiment, the PDLC dimming film 5 on the light incident side can be controlled as a whole area, or can be divided into several areas, each of which is independently controlled.

[0038] Example 2: Please refer to Figure 5 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology, including an outer glass 1 and an inner glass 2, wherein the outer glass 1 is located on the side of the incident light, and the integrated dimming film between the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 is composed of a PDLC dimming film 5 and an EC dimming film 6, wherein the PDLC dimming film 5 and the EC dimming film 6 are separated by a second film 3, and the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 are separated from the integrated dimming film by a first film 4. The first film 4 and the second film 3 are glass interlayer films, and PVB glue is used in this embodiment.

[0039] The difference from Example 1 is that the EC dimming film 6 is outside (light incident side), the PDLC dimming film 5 is inside, and the light is incident from the EC side. The PDLC dimming film 5 is inside the smart glass, which can be controlled as a whole area or divided into several areas, each of which is independently controlled.

[0040] Example 3: Please refer to Figure 6The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology, including an outer glass 1 and an inner glass 2, wherein the outer glass 1 is located on the side of the incident light, and the integrated dimming film between the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 is composed of an SPD dimming film 7 and an EC dimming film 6, wherein the SPD dimming film 7 and the EC dimming film 6 are separated by a second film 3, and the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 are separated from the integrated dimming film by a first film 4. The first film 4 and the second film 3 are glass interlayer films, and PVB glue is used in this embodiment.

[0041] In this embodiment, the SPD dimming film 7 on the light incident side can be controlled as a whole area, or divided into several areas, each of which is independently controlled.

[0042] Example 3: Please refer to Figure 7 The purpose of this embodiment is to provide a smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology, including an outer glass 1 and an inner glass 2, wherein the outer glass 1 is located on the side of the incident light, and the integrated dimming film between the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 is composed of an SPD dimming film 7 and an EC dimming film 6, wherein the SPD dimming film 7 and the EC dimming film 6 are separated by a second film 3, and the outer glass 1 and the inner glass 2 are separated from the integrated dimming film by a first film 4. The first film 4 and the second film 3 are glass interlayer films, and PVB glue is used in this embodiment.

[0043] The difference from Example 3 is that the EC dimming film 6 is outside (light incident side), the SPD dimming film 7 is inside, and the light is incident from the EC side. The SPD dimming film 7 is inside the smart glass, which can be controlled as a whole area or divided into several areas, each of which is independently controlled.

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention is compared with the traditional solution. Table 1 is a parameter comparison of the optical performance test of a single PDLC electroluminescent film, a single EC electroluminescent film, and an EC+PDLC dual electroluminescent film. This EC film is represented by EC1, which refers to a dimming film with a dimming transmittance range of 10% to 45%. It can be seen from the measurement results that for PDLC, the total solar transmittance coefficient (TTS) is as high as 95%, with 95% solar energy transmission, and basically no heat insulation effect. The total solar transmittance coefficient of EC1 is only 28%, and the heat insulation effect is better. In terms of visible light transmittance, the effect of PDLC is worse than that of EC1. After the two are combined, the total solar transmittance coefficient drops below 28%, and the lowest visible light transmittance is also lower than that of EC1. After the two are combined, their performance is improved compared to their respective performances.

[0045] Table 1 Comparison of optical performance parameters of single EC1 electroluminescent film, single PDLC electroluminescent film, and EC1+PDLC dual electroluminescent film

[0046]

[0047]

[0048] Table 2 is a parameter comparison of the optical performance test of a single PDLC electroluminescent film, a single EC electroluminescent film, and an EC+PDLC dual electroluminescent film. This EC film is represented by EC2, which refers to a dimming film with a dimming transmittance range of 0.5% to 18%. From the measurement results, it can be seen that compared with the 95% total solar transmittance coefficient of PDLC, the total solar transmittance coefficient of EC2 is only 26%. In terms of visible light transmittance, the lowest transmittance of EC2 reaches 0.5%. After the two are combined, the total solar transmittance coefficient drops below 25%, and the lowest visible light transmittance reaches 0.3%. After the two are combined, their performance is improved compared to their respective performances.

[0049] Table 2 Comparison of optical performance parameters of single EC2 electroluminescent film, single PDLC electroluminescent film, EC2+PDLC dual electroluminescent film

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] The transmittance curves of EC2+PDLC tested under different PDLC conditions are as follows Figure 8 , 9 shown.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technical personnel in this field can make some changes or modify the technical contents disclosed above into equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any brief modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology, comprising a transparent substrate, characterized in that: The transparent substrate comprises at least two layers, and an integrated dimming film is embedded in the interlayer of the two layers of the transparent substrate; The integrated dimming film is a combination of a PDLC dimming film and an EC dimming film, or a combination of an SPD dimming film and an EC dimming film.

2. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent substrate installed on the side of the incident light is the outer transparent substrate, and the transparent substrate installed on the other side of the incident light is the inner transparent substrate.

3. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 2, characterized in that: The integrated dimming film is a combination of a PDLC dimming film and an EC dimming film. The PDLC dimming film is installed on a side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the EC dimming film is installed on a side close to the inner transparent substrate.

4. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 2, characterized in that: The integrated dimming film is a combination of a PDLC dimming film and an EC dimming film, wherein the EC dimming film is installed on a side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the PDLC dimming film is installed on a side close to the inner transparent substrate.

5. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 2, characterized in that: The integrated dimming film is a combination of an SPD dimming film and an EC dimming film, wherein the SPD dimming film is installed on a side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the EC dimming film is installed on a side close to the inner transparent substrate.

6. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 2, characterized in that: The integrated dimming film is a combination of an SPD dimming film and an EC dimming film, wherein the EC dimming film is installed on a side close to the outer transparent substrate, and the SPD dimming film is installed on a side close to the inner transparent substrate.

7. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent substrate is glass.

8. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transparent substrate and the integrated dimming film are separated by a first film.

9. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 8, characterized in that: The two types of dimming films of the integrated dimming film are separated by a second film.

10. The smart glass with dual electroluminescent dimming technology according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first film and the second film can both be made of PVB, EVA, TPU, SentryGlas, OCA glue or a combination of several of them.

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