Liquid crystal dimming filter and dimming device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of liquid crystal, and discloses a liquid crystal dimming filter and a dimming device. The liquid crystal dimming filter comprises a first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and a second liquid crystal dimming functional layer, the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer comprises a first spacer layer, and the first spacer layer comprises a first spacer part; the light-transmitting part of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer and the light-transmitting part of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer are oppositely arranged, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming function layer; the second liquid crystal dimming function layer comprises a second isolation cushion layer, and the second isolation cushion layer comprises a second isolation cushion part. The liquid crystal dimming filter is wider in light transmittance adjusting range and can be used as a light reducing mirror or a starlight mirror, and the use range of the liquid crystal dimming filter is widened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of liquid crystal technology, and in particular to a liquid crystal dimming filter and a dimming device. Background Art

[0002] Liquid crystal dimming filters are devices that use the optical properties of liquid crystal materials to adjust light intensity. Liquid crystal is a crystalline substance with liquid flow properties, and its molecular arrangement is between crystal and liquid. Through the action of electric field, the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules can be changed, thereby changing its light transmittance and absorption. This characteristic makes liquid crystal materials widely used in dimming devices.

[0003] However, current liquid crystal dimming devices have a small adjustment range and a narrow application range.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to ordinary technicians in the field. Summary of the invention

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art and provide a liquid crystal dimming filter and a dimming device.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid crystal dimming filter is provided, comprising:

[0007] A first liquid crystal dimming functional layer includes a first spacer layer, wherein the first spacer layer includes a first spacer portion;

[0008] A second liquid crystal dimming functional layer, wherein the light-transmitting portion of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer is arranged opposite to the light-transmitting portion of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer, and the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer; the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer includes a second spacer layer, and the second spacer layer includes a second spacer portion.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer includes a first orientation film, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer includes a third orientation film; in a first state, the orientation direction of the first orientation film is parallel to the orientation direction of the third orientation film; in a second state, the orientation direction of the first orientation film intersects with the orientation direction of the third orientation film.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes a second alignment film, and an alignment direction of the second alignment film is parallel to an alignment direction of the first alignment film;

[0011] And / or, the second liquid crystal dimming function layer includes a fourth alignment film, and an alignment direction of the fourth alignment film is parallel to an alignment direction of the third alignment film.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in a first state, an extension direction of the first spacer portion intersects with an extension direction of the second spacer portion; in a second state, an extension direction of the first spacer portion is parallel to an extension direction of the second spacer portion.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in the second state, the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer has no overlap with the first spacer portion, or the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer at least partially overlaps with the first spacer portion.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first spacer portion is configured as a strip, or the first spacer portion includes at least two first sub-spacer portions that are spaced apart from each other;

[0015] And / or, the second spacer portion is configured to be in a strip shape, or the second spacer portion includes at least two second sub-spacer portions that are spaced apart from each other.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a distance between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions along a first direction is a first distance; a distance between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions along a second direction is a second distance, and a ratio of the first distance to the second distance is greater than or equal to 2, or a ratio of the first distance to the second distance is less than or equal to 0.5;

[0017] and / or, a spacing between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions along the first direction is a third spacing; a spacing between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions along the second direction is a fourth spacing, and a ratio of the third spacing to the fourth spacing is greater than or equal to 2, or a ratio of the third spacing to the fourth spacing is less than or equal to 0.5;

[0018] The first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the first liquid crystal dimming function layer, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first spacer layer further includes a third spacer portion, and an extension direction of the third spacer portion intersects with an orientation direction of the first orientation film and is not perpendicular to the orientation direction of the first orientation film;

[0020] And / or, the second spacer layer further includes a fourth spacer portion, and an extension direction of the fourth spacer portion intersects with an alignment direction of the third alignment film and is not perpendicular to the alignment direction of the third alignment film.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer further includes:

[0022] first basal layer;

[0023] A first transparent conductive layer is disposed on one side of the first substrate layer, the first transparent conductive layer comprises at least two first sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, and the first alignment film is disposed on a side of the first transparent conductive layer away from the first substrate layer;

[0024] A first dye liquid crystal layer and the first spacer layer are arranged on a side of the first alignment film away from the first substrate layer;

[0025] A second transparent conductive layer is provided on the first dye liquid crystal layer and the first spacer layer on a side away from the first substrate layer, the second transparent conductive layer comprises at least two second sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, and the orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode on the first substrate layer coincides with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode on the first substrate layer;

[0026] The second base layer is arranged on a side of the second transparent conductive layer away from the first base layer.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the second liquid crystal dimming function layer further includes:

[0028] third basal layer;

[0029] A third transparent conductive layer is disposed on one side of the third substrate layer, the third transparent conductive layer comprises at least two third sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, and the third alignment film is disposed on a side of the third transparent conductive layer away from the third substrate layer;

[0030] The second dye liquid crystal layer and the second spacer layer are arranged on a side of the third alignment film away from the third substrate layer;

[0031] a fourth transparent conductive layer, disposed on a side of the second dye liquid crystal layer and the second spacer layer away from the third substrate layer, the fourth transparent conductive layer comprising at least two fourth sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode on the third substrate layer coincides with the orthographic projection of the third sub-electrode on the third substrate layer;

[0032] The fourth base layer is disposed on a side of the fourth transparent conductive layer away from the third base layer.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode on the first substrate layer coincides with an orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode on the first substrate layer.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer further includes:

[0035] a first flexible circuit board, electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer;

[0036] a second flexible circuit board, electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer;

[0037] The second liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes:

[0038] a third flexible circuit board, electrically connected to the third transparent conductive layer;

[0039] The fourth flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the fourth transparent conductive layer.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal dimming filter further includes:

[0041] A controller is electrically connected to the first flexible circuit board, the second flexible circuit board, the third flexible circuit board and the fourth flexible circuit board, and the controller is used to control the voltage of the first transparent conductive layer, the second transparent conductive layer, the third transparent conductive layer and the fourth transparent conductive layer.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal dimming filter further includes:

[0043] A photosensor, wherein the output end of the photosensor is electrically connected to the input end of the controller.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal dimming filter further includes:

[0045] A first outer frame, arranged around the outer periphery of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer;

[0046] The second outer frame is arranged around the outer periphery of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer, and the second outer frame is rotatably connected to the first outer frame, so that the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming function layer.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first outer frame includes:

[0048] A first frame body is disposed around the outer periphery of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer;

[0049] A first magnetic attraction portion, disposed on the first frame;

[0050] The second outer frame includes:

[0051] A second frame body is disposed around the outer periphery of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer;

[0052] The second magnetic attraction portion is disposed on the second frame body, and the second magnetic attraction portion is attracted to the first magnetic attraction portion.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dimming device is provided, including: a liquid crystal dimming filter, which is any one of the liquid crystal dimming filters described above.

[0054] The liquid crystal dimming filter disclosed in the present invention, on the one hand, the transmittance of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer can be adjusted, and the transmittance of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer can also be adjusted, so that the transmittance of the liquid crystal dimming filter has a wider adjustment range, and can achieve stepless regulation; in addition, when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used in a camera or a video camera, no black shadow will appear when the lens is used at a specific focal length, so as to ensure the imaging quality. On the other hand, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer can rotate relative to the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer, so that the orientation direction of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer changes relative to the orientation direction of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter can be used as a neutral density filter or a starlight filter; and the relative position of the first spacer portion and the second spacer portion changes, causing different diffraction phenomena, achieving different starlight effects, thereby expanding the use range of the liquid crystal dimming filter.

[0055] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The accompanying drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and together with the specification are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without creative work.

[0057] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the liquid crystal dimming filter disclosed in the present invention.

[0058] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an exemplary implementation of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer.

[0059] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the first spacer layer in the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0060] Figure 4 It is a structural schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the second spacer layer in the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0061] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure in which the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is in the second state.

[0062] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the structure in which the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is in the first state.

[0063] Figure 7 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of another exemplary implementation of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer.

[0064] Figure 8 It is a schematic structural diagram of a second exemplary implementation of the first spacer layer in the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0065] Fig. 9 It is a schematic structural diagram of a second exemplary implementation of a second spacer layer in a second liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0066] Fig.10 It is a schematic structural diagram of a third exemplary implementation of the first spacer layer in the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0067] Fig.11 It is a schematic structural diagram of a third exemplary implementation of the second spacer layer in the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0068] Fig.12 for Fig.10 The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the structure in which the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is in the second state.

[0069] Fig.13 for Fig.10 The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and Fig.11 Schematic diagram of the structure in which the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is in a first state.

[0070] Fig.14 It is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth exemplary implementation of the second spacer layer in the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0071] Fig.15 for Fig.10 The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and Fig.14 Schematic diagram of the structure in which the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is in the second state.

[0072] Fig.16 for Fig.10 The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and Fig.14Schematic diagram of the structure in which the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is in a first state.

[0073] Fig.17 The figure is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary implementation of the first transparent conductive layer and the second transparent conductive layer in the liquid crystal dimming filter disclosed in the present invention.

[0074] Fig.18 It is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary implementation of the third transparent conductive layer and the fourth transparent conductive layer in the liquid crystal dimming filter disclosed in the present invention.

[0075] Fig.19 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the back side of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0076] Fig. 20 for Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a first outer frame of a first liquid crystal dimming functional layer and a second outer frame of a second liquid crystal dimming functional layer.

[0077] Description of reference numerals:

[0078] 1. first liquid crystal dimming functional layer; 11. first substrate layer; 12. first transparent conductive layer; 121. first sub-electrode; 13. first alignment film; 14. first dye liquid crystal layer; 15. first spacer layer; 151. first spacer portion; 1511. first sub-spacer portion; 152. third spacer portion; 16. second alignment film; 17. second transparent conductive layer; 171. second sub-electrode; 18. second substrate layer; 191. first binding pad; 192. second binding pad;

[0079] 2. second liquid crystal dimming functional layer; 21. third substrate layer; 22. third transparent conductive layer; 221. third sub-electrode; 23. third orientation film; 24. second dye liquid crystal layer; 25. second spacer layer; 251. second spacer portion; 2511. second sub-spacer portion; 252. fourth spacer portion; 26. fourth orientation film; 27. fourth transparent conductive layer; 271. fourth sub-electrode; 28. fourth substrate layer; 291. third binding pad; 292. fourth binding pad;

[0080] 31. A first flexible circuit board; 32. A second flexible circuit board; 33. A third flexible circuit board; 34. A fourth flexible circuit board;

[0081] 41, first outer frame; 411, first frame body; 412, first magnetic attraction portion; 42, second outer frame; 421, second frame body; 422, second magnetic attraction portion;

[0082] 5. Controller; 6. Photosensitive sensor;

[0083] 71. first plastic frame; 72. second plastic frame;

[0084] X, first direction; Y, second direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0085] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be comprehensive and complete and fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the figures represent the same or similar structures, and thus their detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the drawings are only schematic illustrations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0086] Although relative terms such as "upper" and "lower" are used in this specification to describe the relative relationship of one component of the illustration to another component, these terms are used in this specification only for convenience, such as according to the orientation of the examples described in the drawings. It is understood that if the device of the illustration is turned upside down, the component described as "upper" will become the component "lower". When a structure is "on" other structures, it may mean that the structure is formed integrally on the other structure, or that the structure is "directly" disposed on the other structure, or that the structure is "indirectly" disposed on the other structure through another structure.

[0087] The terms "a", "an", "the", "said" and "at least one" are used to indicate the presence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms "including" and "having" are used to express an open-ended inclusive meaning and mean that additional elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.; the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to limit the quantity of their objects.

[0088] In this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. "And / or" is just a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0089] The exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a liquid crystal dimming filter, referring to Figure 1-Figure 20 As shown, Figure 3-Figure 6 , Figure 10-Figure 16The direction of the middle arrow indicates the orientation direction; the liquid crystal dimming filter may include a first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and a second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2; the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 may include a first spacer layer 15, and the first spacer layer 15 includes a first spacer portion 151; the light-transmitting portion of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is arranged opposite to the light-transmitting portion of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1; the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 may include a second spacer layer 25, and the second spacer layer 25 includes a second spacer portion 251.

[0090] The liquid crystal dimming filter disclosed in the present invention, on the one hand, the transmittance of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 can be adjusted, and the transmittance of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can also be adjusted, so that the transmittance of the liquid crystal dimming filter has a wider adjustment range and can achieve stepless regulation; in addition, when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used in a camera or a camcorder, no black shadow will appear when used at a specific focal length of the lens to ensure the imaging quality; on the other hand, the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 and the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 can rotate relative to each other, so that the orientation direction of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 changes relative to the orientation direction of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter can be used as a neutral density filter or a starlight filter; and the relative position of the first spacer portion 151 and the second spacer portion 251 is changed, causing different diffraction phenomena and achieving different starlight effects, thereby expanding the use range of the liquid crystal dimming filter.

[0091] In this example embodiment, the light-transmitting portion of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 is arranged opposite to the light-transmitting portion of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, that is, the light-transmitting surface of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 is arranged opposite to the light-transmitting surface of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, so that the light passing through the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 can reach the light-transmitting portion of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, or the light passing through the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 can reach the light-transmitting portion of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2.

[0092] Specifically, the shape of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can be the same as the shape of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1. For example, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 is set to be circular, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is also set to be circular; the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 is set to be rectangular, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is also set to be rectangular; the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 is set to be elliptical, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is also set to be circular elliptical. The area size of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can also be the same as the area size of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1.

[0093] Of course, in some other example embodiments of the present disclosure, the shape of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 may be different from the shape of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1; the area of ​​the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 may be different from the area of ​​the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1; the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 may also be set to other shapes, which will not be repeated here.

[0094] The transmittance of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 can be adjusted, and the transmittance of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 can also be adjusted, so that the transmittance adjustment range of the liquid crystal dimming filter is wider and can achieve stepless regulation; in addition, when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used in a camera or a camcorder, no black shadow will appear when used at a specific focal length of the lens, so as to ensure the imaging quality.

[0095] The first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 may include a first spacer layer 15 , and the first spacer layer 15 may include a first spacer portion 151 . The first spacer portion 151 may support and form an accommodation space to accommodate the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 .

[0096] The second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 may include a second spacer layer 25 , and the second spacer layer 25 may include a second spacer portion 251 . The second spacer portion 251 may support and form an accommodation space to accommodate the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 .

[0097] The second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, that is, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 and the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 can rotate relative to each other, so that the orientation direction of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 changes relative to the orientation direction of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter can be used as a dimming filter or a starlight filter; and the relative positions of the first spacer portion 151 and the second spacer portion 251 are changed, causing different diffraction phenomena and achieving different starlight effects.

[0098] Reference Figure 2As shown, since the structure of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the structure of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can be the same, one figure is used to represent the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 may also include a first substrate layer 11, a first transparent conductive layer 12, a first orientation film 13, a first dye liquid crystal layer 14, a second transparent conductive layer 17 and a second substrate layer 18. The first transparent conductive layer 12 is disposed on one side of the first substrate layer 11, and the first orientation film 13 is disposed on the side of the first transparent conductive layer 12 away from the first substrate layer 11; the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 and the first spacer layer 15 are disposed on the side of the first orientation film 13 away from the first substrate layer 11; the second transparent conductive layer 17 is disposed on the side of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 and the first spacer layer 15 away from the first substrate layer 11; and the second substrate layer 18 is disposed on the side of the second transparent conductive layer 17 away from the first substrate layer 11.

[0099] The first substrate layer 11 may be rigid, and the material of the first substrate layer 11 may be glass, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc. The first substrate layer 11 may be flexible, that is, the first substrate layer 11 may be easily bent; the material of the first substrate layer 11 may be a flexible material, specifically, the material of the first substrate layer 11 may be an organic material, for example, the material of the first substrate layer 11 may be a resin material such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate. The first substrate layer 11 may be a single-layer structure formed by the above materials, or the first substrate layer 11 may be a stacked structure of two or more layers formed by the above materials.

[0100] The second substrate layer 18 may be rigid, and the material of the second substrate layer 18 may be glass, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc. The second substrate layer 18 may be flexible, that is, the second substrate layer 18 is easy to be bent; the material of the second substrate layer 18 may be a flexible material, specifically, the material of the second substrate layer 18 may be an organic material, for example, the material of the second substrate layer 18 may be a resin material such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate. The second substrate layer 18 may be a single-layer structure formed by the above materials, or the second substrate layer 18 may be a stacked structure of two or more layers formed by the above materials.

[0101] The material of the first transparent conductive layer 12 may be tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc. The material of the second transparent conductive layer 17 may also be tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc. These materials improve their conductive properties by doping and the like, while maintaining a high optical transmittance.

[0102] The first alignment film 13 is formed by coating a first alignment film material layer on the entire surface of the first transparent conductive layer 12 on the side away from the first substrate layer 11, and then performing rubbing orientation after high-temperature baking. The rubbing orientation direction is the orientation direction of the first alignment film 13. The orientation direction of the first alignment film 13 is the orientation direction of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1.

[0103] The material of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 can be dye liquid crystal, that is, the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 can include liquid crystal and dye, or it can be said that the dye liquid crystal is a special liquid crystal formed by adding a dichroic dye to the liquid crystal material. Under normal conditions, the dye liquid crystal can absorb light to make the material present a specific color or grayscale, that is, the dye molecules can be used to adjust the optical properties of the liquid crystal, especially in terms of light absorption, emission and response speed. The introduction of the dye can change the refractive index and optical symmetry of the liquid crystal. When the power is turned on, the voltage will control the deflection of the dye liquid crystal molecules. By adjusting the intensity of the electric field, the transmittance of the light can be changed, and the light modulation and control can be achieved, thereby achieving the adjustment of the display effect; that is, the dye liquid crystal is a functional material that can achieve different degrees of absorption of external light by regulating the size of the electric field. In addition, the dye liquid crystal is generally in a fluid state at room temperature, and it is very easy to flow when subjected to external tension or pressure. The color of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 can be selected as needed.

[0104] A first glue frame 71 is disposed between the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 18 . The first glue frame 71 and the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 18 can form a sealed space for the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 to accommodate the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 .

[0105] The first spacer layer 15 can support the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 18 to ensure that a fixed sealed space is formed between the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 18 for accommodating the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 .

[0106] The transmittance of the first spacer layer 15 is substantially consistent with the transmittance of other structures of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1. For example, in the non-powered state, the transmittance of the first spacer layer 15 is substantially consistent with the transmittance of the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 18 and the transmittance of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14, thereby avoiding bright spots due to excessive transmittance of the first spacer layer 15 and dark spots due to excessive transmittance of the first spacer layer 15.

[0107] The refractive index of the first spacer layer 15 is different from the refractive index of other structures of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1. For example, the refractive index of the first spacer layer 15 is different from the refractive index of the first substrate layer 11 and the second substrate layer 18 and the refractive index of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14, so that light can be refracted at the first spacer layer 15 to produce a starlight effect.

[0108] Reference Figure 2 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 may further include a third substrate layer 21, a third transparent conductive layer 22, a third orientation film 23, a second dye liquid crystal layer 24, a fourth transparent conductive layer 27, and a fourth substrate layer 28. The third transparent conductive layer 22 is disposed on one side of the third substrate layer 21, and the third orientation film 23 is disposed on the side of the third transparent conductive layer 22 away from the third substrate layer 21; the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 and the second spacer layer 25 are disposed on the side of the third orientation film 23 away from the third substrate layer 21; the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 is disposed on the side of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 and the second spacer layer 25 away from the third substrate layer 21; and the fourth substrate layer 28 is disposed on the side of the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 away from the third substrate layer 21.

[0109] The third substrate layer 21 may be rigid, and the material of the third substrate layer 21 may be glass, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc. The third substrate layer 21 may be flexible, that is, the third substrate layer 21 may be easily bent; the material of the third substrate layer 21 may be a flexible material, specifically, the material of the third substrate layer 21 may be an organic material, for example, the material of the third substrate layer 21 may be a resin material such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate. The third substrate layer 21 may be a single-layer structure formed by the above materials, or the third substrate layer 21 may be a stacked structure of two or more layers formed by the above materials.

[0110] The fourth substrate layer 28 may be rigid, and the material of the fourth substrate layer 28 may be glass, silicon nitride, silicon oxide, etc. The fourth substrate layer 28 may be flexible, that is, the fourth substrate layer 28 is easy to be bent; the material of the fourth substrate layer 28 may be a flexible material, specifically, the material of the fourth substrate layer 28 may be an organic material, for example, the material of the fourth substrate layer 28 may be a resin material such as polyimide, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyetherimide, polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene naphthalate. The fourth substrate layer 28 may be a single-layer structure formed by the above materials, or the fourth substrate layer 28 may be a stacked structure of two or more layers formed by the above materials.

[0111] The material of the third transparent conductive layer 22 may be tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc. The material of the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 may also be tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), zinc oxide (ZnO), etc. These materials improve their conductive properties by doping and the like, while maintaining a high optical transmittance.

[0112] The third alignment film 23 is formed by coating a third alignment film material layer on the entire surface of the third transparent conductive layer 22 on the side away from the third substrate layer 21, and then performing rubbing orientation after high-temperature baking. The rubbing orientation direction is the orientation direction of the third alignment film 23. The orientation direction of the third alignment film 23 is the orientation direction of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2.

[0113] The material of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 can be dye liquid crystal, that is, the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 can include liquid crystal and dye, which can also be said to be a special liquid crystal formed by adding a dichroic dye to a liquid crystal material. The characteristics of the dye liquid crystal have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here. The color of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 can be selected as needed.

[0114] A second glue frame 72 is disposed between the third substrate layer 21 and the fourth substrate layer 28 . The second glue frame 72 , the third substrate layer 21 and the fourth substrate layer 28 can form a sealed space in the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 for accommodating the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 .

[0115] The second spacer layer 25 can support the third substrate layer 21 and the fourth substrate layer 28 to ensure that a fixed sealed space is formed between the third substrate layer 21 and the fourth substrate layer 28 for accommodating the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 .

[0116] The transmittance of the second spacer layer 25 is basically consistent with the transmittance of other structures of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2. For example, in the unpowered state, the transmittance of the second spacer layer 25 is basically consistent with the transmittance of the third base layer 21 and the fourth base layer 28 and the transmittance of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24, thereby avoiding bright spots caused by excessive transmittance of the second spacer layer 25 and dark spots caused by excessive transmittance of the second spacer layer 25.

[0117] The refractive index of the second spacer layer 25 is different from the refractive index of other structures of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2. For example, the refractive index of the second spacer layer 25 is different from the refractive index of the third substrate layer 21 and the fourth substrate layer 28 and the refractive index of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24, so that light can be refracted at the second spacer layer 25 to produce a starlight effect.

[0118] Reference Figure 6As shown, in the first state, the orientation direction of the first orientation film 13 is parallel to the orientation direction of the third orientation film 23. At this time, the dimming range is very narrow, and the liquid crystal dimming filter is not used as a neutral density filter, but as a starlight filter in an unpowered state. Therefore, the first state is a starlight filter.

[0119] The second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 and the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 are rotated relative to each other. For example, the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can be rotated, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 can be rotated, or both the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can be rotated. Figure 5 As shown, the first orientation film 13 is rotated to the second state where the orientation direction intersects with the orientation direction of the third orientation film 23, for example, the orientation direction of the first orientation film 13 and the orientation direction of the third orientation film 23 can be perpendicular; thereby, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 intersects with the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24, for example, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 is perpendicular to the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24.

[0120] In the first dye liquid crystal layer 14, light in a specific direction is absorbed, while the remaining light passes through and enters the second dye liquid crystal layer 24. Since the orientation of the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 is orthogonal to the first dye liquid crystal layer 14, the light transmitted in the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 will be further absorbed in the second dye liquid crystal layer 24. This superposition effect makes the liquid crystal dimming filter absorb light more thoroughly, thereby enhancing the dimming effect. Moreover, the orthogonally oriented liquid crystal molecules can more effectively control the transmission and blocking of light, thereby producing a more obvious contrast between the bright state and the dark state, and the best contrast can be achieved at this time. At this time, the liquid crystal dimming filter is used as a dimming filter, and the dimming filter of different gears is switched by adjusting the transmittance; it is beneficial to improve the visual effect and user experience of the liquid crystal dimming filter. In addition, by changing the direction and intensity of the electric field, the orientation and arrangement of the two layers of liquid crystal molecules can be controlled, thereby realizing a two-way dimming function, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter can adapt to different light environments and user needs; therefore, the second state is a dimming filter.

[0121] To sum up, by relative rotation between the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 and the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1, adjustment of the starlight filter and the neutral density filter can be achieved, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter can be used as a neutral density filter or as a starlight filter, thereby expanding the use scope of the liquid crystal dimming filter; when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used in a camera or a camcorder, there is no need to frequently replace the lens.

[0122] Reference Figure 7As shown, since the structure of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the structure of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can be the same, one figure is used to represent the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 may further include a second alignment film 16, and the second alignment film 16 is disposed between the first dye liquid crystal layer 14 and the first spacer layer 15 and the second transparent conductive layer 17; the alignment direction of the second alignment film 16 is parallel to the alignment direction of the first alignment film 13.

[0123] In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 may further include a fourth orientation film 26, which is disposed between the second dye liquid crystal layer 24 and the second spacer layer 25 and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27; the orientation direction of the fourth orientation film 26 is parallel to the orientation direction of the third orientation film 23.

[0124] Of course. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 includes the second alignment film 16, the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 may not include the fourth alignment film 26; that is, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 adopts Figure 7 The structure in the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is Figure 1 In the case where the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 includes the fourth orientation film 26, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 may not include the second orientation film 16; that is, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 adopts Figure 1 The structure in the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is Figure 7 The structure in .

[0125] Reference Figure 3 As shown, in some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first spacer portion 151 may be provided in a strip shape, for example, the first spacer portion 151 may be provided in a straight strip shape, and the length direction of the first spacer portion 151 is the extension direction of the first spacer portion 151. The extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 may intersect with the orientation direction of the first orientation film 13, for example, the extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 may be perpendicular to the orientation direction of the first orientation film 13.

[0126] Reference Figure 4 As shown, the second spacer portion 251 can be configured as a strip, for example, the second spacer portion 251 can be configured as a straight strip, and the length direction of the second spacer portion 251 is the extension direction of the first spacer portion 151. The extension direction of the second spacer portion 251 can be parallel to the orientation direction of the second orientation film 16, and of course, the extension direction of the second spacer portion 251 can intersect with the orientation direction of the second orientation film 16.

[0127] Of course, in some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first spacer portion 151 can be configured as a curved strip, and the curve can include one or both of a fold line and an arc; the first spacer portion 151 also extends along its length direction. The second spacer portion 251 can be configured as a curved strip, and the curve can include one or both of a fold line and an arc. The second spacer portion 251 also substantially extends along its length direction.

[0128] The extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 and the extension direction of the second spacer portion 251 need to be designed in coordination to meet the requirements of the first state and the second state.

[0129] Reference Figure 6 As shown, in some example embodiments of the present disclosure, in a first state, an extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 intersects with an extension direction of the second spacer portion 251, that is, when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used as a starlight filter, an extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 intersects with an extension direction of the second spacer portion 251, for example, an extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 is perpendicular to an extension direction of the second spacer portion 251, and a better starlight effect can be achieved.

[0130] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in the second state, the extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 is parallel to the extension direction of the second spacer portion 251; that is, when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used as a neutral density filter, the extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 is parallel to the extension direction of the second spacer portion 251, which can achieve a better dimming effect.

[0131] Reference Figure 5 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in the second state, the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 does not overlap with the first spacer portion 151, so that the first spacer portion 151 and the second spacer portion 251 are mutually staggered. For example, the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 and the first spacer portion 151 can be evenly alternately arranged, that is, a first spacer portion 151 can be arranged between the orthographic projections of two adjacent second spacer portions 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, and an orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 can be arranged between two adjacent first spacer portions 151, and the spacing between the two adjacent first spacer portions 151 is the same.

[0132] Of course, in some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the orthographic projections of the second spacers 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 may be arranged alternately with the first spacers 151 .

[0133] Reference Fig.15As shown, in some example embodiments of the present disclosure, in the second state, the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 at least partially overlaps with the first spacer portion 151. For example, a portion of the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 may overlap with a portion of the first spacer portion 151, or the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 may be located within the first spacer portion 151, or the first spacer portion 151 may be located within the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1.

[0134] Reference Figure 8 As shown, in some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the first spacer portion 151 may include at least two first sub-spacer portions 1511 spaced apart, that is, a first gap is provided between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions 1511; for example, the first spacer portion 151 may include two first sub-spacer portions 1511 spaced apart, or the first spacer portion 151 may include three or more first sub-spacer portions 1511 spaced apart. The cross-sectional shape of the first sub-spacer portion 1511 may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, or other regular or irregular shapes. In this case, the extension direction of the first spacer portion 151 is the extension direction after at least two first sub-spacer portions 1511 spaced apart are connected to form a strip structure.

[0135] Reference Fig. 9 As shown, the second spacer portion 251 may also include at least two second sub-spacer portions 2511 spaced apart, that is, a second gap is provided between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions 2511; for example, the second spacer portion 251 may include two second sub-spacer portions 2511 spaced apart, or the second spacer portion 251 may include three or more second sub-spacer portions 2511 spaced apart. The cross-sectional shape of the second sub-spacer portion 2511 may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, or other regular or irregular shapes. In this case, the extension direction of the second spacer portion 251 is the extension direction after at least two second sub-spacer portions 2511 spaced apart are connected to form a strip structure.

[0136] Alternatively, refer to Figure 8 As shown, the spacing between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions 1511 along the first direction X is a first spacing H1, the spacing between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions 1511 along the second direction Y is a second spacing H2, and the ratio of the first spacing H1 to the second spacing H2 is less than or equal to 0.5, for example, the ratio of the first spacing H1 to the second spacing H2 can be 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, etc. In this way, at least two first sub-spacer portions 1511 form strips along the first direction X, which can cross the second spacer portion 251, and easily produce a starlight effect.

[0137] In addition, the ratio of the first spacing to the second spacing may be greater than or equal to 2, for example, the ratio of the first spacing to the second spacing may be 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 4, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5, etc. In this way, at least two first sub-spacer portions 1511 form strips along the second direction Y, which can cross the second spacer portion 251, and easily produce a starlight effect.

[0138] Alternatively, refer to Fig. 9 As shown, the spacing between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions 2511 along the first direction X is a third spacing H3, the spacing between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions 2511 along the second direction Y is a fourth spacing H4, and the ratio of the third spacing H3 to the fourth spacing H4 is less than or equal to 0.5, for example, the ratio of the third spacing H3 to the fourth spacing H4 can be 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, etc. In this way, at least two second sub-spacer portions 2511 form strips along the first direction X, which can cross the second spacer portion 251, and easily produce a starlight effect.

[0139] In addition, the ratio of the third spacing to the fourth spacing may be greater than or equal to 2, for example, the ratio of the third spacing to the fourth spacing may be 2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3, 3.3, 3.5, 3.8, 4, 4.2, 4.5, 4.7, 5, etc. In this way, at least two second sub-spacer portions 2511 form strips along the second direction Y, which can cross the second spacer portion 251, and easily produce a starlight effect.

[0140] It should be noted that the first direction X and the second direction Y are parallel to the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 , and the second direction Y intersects the first direction X. For example, the second direction Y and the first direction X may be perpendicular.

[0141] The first spacer portion 151 is provided Figure 8 The structure and the second spacer portion 251 are configured as Fig. 9 In the case of the structure in, the orthographic projections of the first sub-spacer portion 1511 and the second sub-spacer portion 2511 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 at least partially overlap, for example, the first sub-spacer portion 1511 may be located within the orthographic projection of the second sub-spacer portion 2511 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1, or the orthographic projection of the second sub-spacer portion 2511 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 may be located within the first sub-spacer portion 1511, or a part of the first sub-spacer portion 1511 may overlap a part of the orthographic projection of the second sub-spacer portion 2511 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1. This arrangement avoids the first sub-spacer portion 1511 and the second sub-spacer portion 2511 being too close to each other, which may cause diffraction when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used as a neutral density filter.

[0142] Of course, in some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first spacer portion 151 is configured as Figure 8 The structure and the second spacer portion 251 are configured as Fig. 9 In the case of the structure in, the orthographic projections of the first spacer portion 151 and the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 may not overlap, that is, the first spacer portion 151 and the second spacer portion 251 are staggered.

[0143] In addition, when the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 does not overlap with the first spacer portion 151, that is, when the second spacer portion 251 and the first spacer portion 151 are offset, the distance between the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion 251 on the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 and the first spacer portion 151 is greater than the maximum required size for diffraction of visible light, thereby avoiding diffraction when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used as a neutral density filter. Of course, the distance between two adjacent first spacer portions 151 is also greater than the maximum required size for diffraction of visible light, and the distance between two adjacent second spacer portions 251 is also greater than the maximum required size for diffraction of visible light. Refer to Fig.10 As shown, in some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first spacer layer 15 may further include a third spacer portion 152, and the third spacer portion 152 may be configured as a strip, for example, the third spacer portion 152 may be configured as a straight strip; the third spacer portion 152 may also be configured as a curved strip. The curve may include one or both of a broken line and an arc line. The extension direction of the third spacer portion 152 intersects with the orientation direction of the first orientation film 13 and is not perpendicular.

[0144] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.14 As shown, the second spacer layer 25 may further include a fourth spacer portion 252. The fourth spacer portion 252 may be configured as a strip, for example, the fourth spacer portion 252 may be configured as a straight strip; the fourth spacer portion 252 may also be configured as a curved strip. The curve may include one or both of a broken line and an arc. The extension direction of the fourth spacer portion 252 may intersect with the orientation direction of the second orientation film 16, and is not perpendicular.

[0145] The extension direction of the third spacer portion 152 and the extension direction of the fourth spacer portion 252 may intersect, or the extension direction of the third spacer portion 152 and the extension direction of the fourth spacer portion 252 may be parallel.

[0146] In addition, the third spacer portion 152 and the fourth spacer portion 252 can be selectively provided in one liquid crystal dimming filter.

[0147] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.16As shown, in the first state, the third spacer portion 152 and the fourth spacer portion 252 are also cross-arranged, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter forms a richer starlight effect.

[0148] Reference Fig.12 and 15 As shown in the figure, in the second state, the third spacer portion 152 and the fourth spacer portion 252 are also cross-arranged, so that when the liquid crystal dimming filter is used as a neutral density filter, it can also reflect the starlight effect.

[0149] Reference Fig.17 As shown, since the structure of the first transparent conductive layer 12 and the structure of the second transparent conductive layer 17 can be the same, one figure is used to represent the first transparent conductive layer 12 and the second transparent conductive layer 17. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first transparent conductive layer 12 may include at least two first sub-electrodes 121 arranged at intervals, and a gap is provided between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 121, and there is no connection; for example, the first transparent conductive layer 12 may include two first sub-electrodes 121 arranged at intervals, and the first transparent conductive layer 12 may also include three or more first sub-electrodes 121 arranged at intervals.

[0150] Reference Fig.17 As shown, the second transparent conductive layer 17 may include at least two second sub-electrodes 171 spaced apart from each other, with a gap provided between two adjacent second sub-electrodes 171 and no connection; for example, the second transparent conductive layer 17 may include two second sub-electrodes 171 spaced apart from each other, or the second transparent conductive layer 17 may include three or more second sub-electrodes 171 spaced apart from each other.

[0151] The orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode 171 on the first substrate layer 11 coincides with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode 121 on the first substrate layer 11, that is, the edge line of the orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode 171 on the first substrate layer 11 coincides with the edge line of the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode 121 on the first substrate layer 11.

[0152] Such an arrangement divides a first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 into at least two regions, and the electric field strength of a region can be controlled by a first sub-electrode 121 and a second sub-electrode 171, thereby controlling the transmittance of the region; so that each region of a first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 can have a different transmittance.

[0153] The zone control can be used as a gradient filter for shooting scenes such as sunset that require zone dimming light; that is, the LCD dimming filter is set up in this way to use it as a gradient filter, achieving the effect of a customized gradient filter. For example, when shooting specific scenes such as sea level, the amount of light entering the dimming filter in the upper half can be controlled, while the lower half remains unchanged to suppress the highlight part of the picture.

[0154] Reference Fig.18 As shown, since the structure of the third transparent conductive layer 22 and the structure of the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 can be the same, one figure is used to represent the third transparent conductive layer 22 and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27. In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the third transparent conductive layer 22 may include at least two third sub-electrodes 221 arranged at intervals, and a gap is provided between two adjacent third sub-electrodes 221, and there is no connection; for example, the third transparent conductive layer 22 may include two third sub-electrodes 221 arranged at intervals, and the third transparent conductive layer 22 may also include three or more third sub-electrodes 221 arranged at intervals.

[0155] Reference Fig.18 As shown, the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 may include at least two fourth sub-electrodes 271 spaced apart from each other, with a gap provided between two adjacent fourth sub-electrodes 271 and no connection; for example, the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 may include two fourth sub-electrodes 271 spaced apart from each other, or the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 may include three or more fourth sub-electrodes 271 spaced apart from each other.

[0156] The orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate layer 11 coincides with the orthographic projection of the third sub-electrode 221 on the first substrate layer 11, that is, the edge line of the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate layer 11 coincides with the edge line of the orthographic projection of the third sub-electrode 221 on the first substrate layer 11.

[0157] Such an arrangement divides a second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 into at least two regions, and the electric field strength of a region can be controlled by a third sub-electrode 221 and a fourth sub-electrode 271, thereby controlling the transmittance of the region; so that each region of a second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can have a different transmittance.

[0158] The zone control can be used as a gradient filter for shooting scenes such as sunset that require zone dimming light; that is, the LCD dimming filter is set up in this way to use it as a gradient filter, achieving the effect of a customized gradient filter. For example, when shooting specific scenes such as sea level, the amount of light entering the dimming filter in the upper half can be controlled, while the lower half remains unchanged to suppress the highlight part of the picture.

[0159] Optionally, the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate layer 11 coincides with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode 121 on the first substrate layer 11, that is, the edge line of the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate layer 11 coincides with the edge line of the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode 121 on the first substrate layer 11.

[0160] Since it has been defined above that the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate 11 coincides with the orthographic projection of the third sub-electrode 221 on the first substrate 11, and the orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode 171 on the first substrate 11 coincides with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode 121 on the first substrate 11; therefore, such an arrangement makes the orthographic projections of the first sub-electrode 121, the second sub-electrode 171, the third sub-electrode 221 and the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate 11 coincide. Thus, the partitions of the liquid crystal dimming filter, the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 are all the same.

[0161] Of course, in some other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode 271 on the first substrate 11 may not overlap with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode 121 on the first substrate 11, so that the liquid crystal dimming filter has more partitions. For example, the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 is provided with two partitions, the two partitions are the first partition and the second partition; the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 is also provided with two partitions, the two partitions are the third partition and the fourth partition; the orthographic projection of the third partition on the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 is located within the first partition, and the second partition is located within the orthographic projection of the fourth partition on the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1, so that the first partition overlaps with the third partition to form a first total partition, the first partition overlaps with the fourth partition to form a second total partition, and the second partition overlaps with the fourth partition to form a third total partition; it is more conducive to using the liquid crystal dimming filter as a gradient filter. The partition structure of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1, the partition structure of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2, and the overlapping mode of the partitions of the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 can also be other modes, which will not be described one by one here.

[0162] It should be noted that the above-mentioned overlap not only includes complete overlap, but may also have a certain error. The error range varies depending on the equipment and the preparation process. Therefore, within the error range of the equipment and the preparation process, it is considered to be overlap.

[0163] Reference Fig.19 As shown, since the structure of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 and the structure of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 can be the same, one figure is used to represent the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2. The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 can also include a first flexible circuit board 31 and a second flexible circuit board 32; the first flexible circuit board 31 is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer 12; specifically, the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 can also include a first binding pad 191, the first binding pad 191 is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer 12, and the first flexible circuit board 31 is bound to the first binding pad 191, so that the first flexible circuit board 31 is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer 12.

[0164] In the case where the first transparent conductive layer 12 is provided with two or more partitions, two or more wires can be led out from the first binding pad 191, and the two or more wires are connected to the two or more partitions in a one-to-one correspondence. Of course, two or more first binding pads 191 can also be provided, and the first binding pads 191 are connected to the partitions of the first transparent conductive layer 12 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0165] The second flexible circuit board 32 is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer 17; specifically, the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 may further include a second binding pad 192, the second binding pad 192 is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer 17, and the second flexible circuit board 32 is bound to the second binding pad 192, so that the second flexible circuit board 32 is electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer 17.

[0166] In the case where the second transparent conductive layer 17 is provided with two or more partitions, two or more wires can be led out from the second binding pad 192, and the two or more wires are connected to the two or more partitions in a one-to-one correspondence. Of course, two or more second binding pads 192 can also be provided, and the second binding pads 192 are connected to the partitions of the second transparent conductive layer 17 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0167] Reference Fig.19 As shown, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 may further include a third flexible circuit board 33 and a fourth flexible circuit board 34; the third flexible circuit board 33 is electrically connected to the third transparent conductive layer 22; specifically, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 may further include a third binding pad 291, the third binding pad 291 is electrically connected to the third transparent conductive layer 22, and the third flexible circuit board 33 is bound to the third binding pad 291, so that the third flexible circuit board 33 is electrically connected to the third transparent conductive layer 22.

[0168] In the case where the third transparent conductive layer 22 is configured to have two or more partitions, two or more wires may be drawn from the third binding pad 291, and the two or more wires are connected to the two or more partitions in a one-to-one correspondence. Of course, two or more third binding pads 291 may also be provided, and the third binding pads 291 are connected to the partitions of the third transparent conductive layer 22 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0169] The fourth flexible circuit board 34 is electrically connected to the fourth transparent conductive layer 27; specifically, the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 may further include a fourth binding pad 292, the fourth binding pad 292 is electrically connected to the fourth transparent conductive layer 27, and the fourth flexible circuit board 34 is bound to the fourth binding pad 292, so that the fourth flexible circuit board 34 is electrically connected to the fourth transparent conductive layer 27.

[0170] In the case where the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 is provided with two or more partitions, two or more wires may be led out from the fourth binding pad 292, and the two or more wires are connected to the two or more partitions in a one-to-one correspondence. Of course, two or more fourth binding pads 292 may also be provided, and the fourth binding pads 292 are connected to the partitions of the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0171] A flexible circuit board is used instead of a printed circuit board. The flexible circuit board can be deformed and is convenient to match with the outer frame.

[0172] Reference Fig.19 As shown, the liquid crystal dimming filter may further include a controller 5, which is electrically connected to the first flexible circuit board 31, the second flexible circuit board 32, the third flexible circuit board 33 and the fourth flexible circuit board 34, so that the controller 5 is electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer 12, the second transparent conductive layer 17, the third transparent conductive layer 22 and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27; the controller 5 is used to control the voltage of the first transparent conductive layer 12, the second transparent conductive layer 17, the third transparent conductive layer 22 and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27.

[0173] A human-machine interaction device such as a knob may be provided, and the knob is connected to a controller to manually control the voltages of the first transparent conductive layer 12 , the second transparent conductive layer 17 , the third transparent conductive layer 22 , and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 .

[0174] In some example embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid crystal dimming filter may further include a light sensor 6, the output end of the light sensor 6 is electrically connected to the input end of the controller 5, the light sensor 6 can detect the external light intensity, and transmit the light intensity signal to the controller 5, and the controller 5 can control the voltages of the first transparent conductive layer 12, the second transparent conductive layer 17, the third transparent conductive layer 22, and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 according to the received light intensity signal. For example, the stronger the external light intensity, the greater the light intensity signal detected by the light sensor 6, and the greater the voltages of the first transparent conductive layer 12, the second transparent conductive layer 17, the third transparent conductive layer 22, and the fourth transparent conductive layer 27 controlled by the controller 5.

[0175] Reference Fig. 20 As shown, since the structures of the first outer frame 41 and the second outer frame 42 can be the same, one figure is used to represent the first outer frame 41 and the second outer frame 42. The liquid crystal dimming filter can also include a first outer frame 41 and a second outer frame 42; the first outer frame 41 is arranged around the periphery of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1; the second outer frame 42 is arranged around the periphery of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2, and the second outer frame 42 is rotatably connected to the first outer frame 41, so that the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1.

[0176] Specifically, refer to Fig. 20 As shown, the first outer frame 41 may include a first frame body 411 and a first magnetic attraction portion 412; the first frame body 411 is disposed around the periphery of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1; the material of the first frame body 411 may be rubber. The first magnetic attraction portion 412 is disposed on the first frame body 411, and a plurality of first magnetic attraction portions 412 may be provided, and the plurality of first magnetic attraction portions 412 may be evenly arranged on the first frame body 411.

[0177] The second frame 421 is disposed around the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2; the material of the second frame 421 can be rubber. The second magnetic attraction portion 422 is disposed on the second frame 421, and the second magnetic attraction portion 422 can be provided in plurality, and the plurality of second magnetic attraction portions 422 can be evenly arranged on the second frame 421.

[0178] The first magnetic attraction part 412 and the second magnetic attraction part 422 can be attracted to each other to fix the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 together; when rotation is required, the first magnetic attraction part 412 and the second magnetic attraction part 422 are disengaged, and the first outer frame 41 and / or the second outer frame 42 are rotated. After rotating into place, the first magnetic attraction part 412 and the second magnetic attraction part 422 are attracted to each other again, thereby fixing the first liquid crystal dimming function layer 1 and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer 2 together again.

[0179] The first magnetic attraction part 412 and the second magnetic attraction part 422 can be electromagnets. When the power is on, the first magnetic attraction part 412 and the second magnetic attraction part 422 are magnetic and can be attracted together; when the power is off, the first magnetic attraction part 412 and the second magnetic attraction part 422 are not magnetic and cannot be attracted together, so as to facilitate rotation.

[0180] A micro motor may be provided to drive the first outer frame 41 and / or the second outer frame 42 to rotate; for example, a gear ring may be provided on the periphery of the first frame 411 and / or the second frame 421, a driving gear may be fixed at the output end of the micro motor, the driving gear may mesh with the gear ring, and the rotation of the micro motor may drive the mutually meshing driving gear and the gear ring to rotate, thereby driving the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer 1 and / or the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer 2 to rotate. Of course, the first outer frame 41 and / or the second outer frame 42 may also be rotated manually.

[0181] Based on the same inventive concept, an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dimming device, which may include a liquid crystal dimming filter. The liquid crystal dimming filter is any one of the liquid crystal dimming filters described above. The specific structure of the liquid crystal dimming filter has been described above, so it will not be repeated here.

[0182] The dimming device can be an external filter that can be connected to a camera, a camcorder, or a mobile terminal with photo and video functions such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer; the dimming device can also be a camera, a camcorder, etc. with photo and video functions.

[0183] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the dimming device provided in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are the same as the beneficial effects of the liquid crystal dimming filter provided in the above exemplary embodiment, and are not described in detail herein.

[0184] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any modification, use or adaptation of the present disclosure, which follows the general principles of the present disclosure and includes common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed in the present disclosure. The specification and examples are intended to be exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal dimming filter, characterized in that: include: A first liquid crystal dimming functional layer includes a first spacer layer, wherein the first spacer layer includes a first spacer portion; A second liquid crystal dimming functional layer, wherein the light-transmitting portion of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer is arranged opposite to the light-transmitting portion of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer, and the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer; the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer includes a second spacer layer, and the second spacer layer includes a second spacer portion.

2. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first liquid crystal dimming function layer includes a first orientation film, and the second liquid crystal dimming function layer includes a third orientation film; in a first state, the orientation direction of the first orientation film is parallel to the orientation direction of the third orientation film; in a second state, the orientation direction of the first orientation film intersects with the orientation direction of the third orientation film.

3. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes a second alignment film, and the alignment direction of the second alignment film is parallel to the alignment direction of the first alignment film; And / or, the second liquid crystal dimming function layer includes a fourth alignment film, and an alignment direction of the fourth alignment film is parallel to an alignment direction of the third alignment film.

4. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: In the first state, the extension direction of the first spacer portion intersects with the extension direction of the second spacer portion; in the second state, the extension direction of the first spacer portion is parallel to the extension direction of the second spacer portion.

5. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the second state, the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion on the first liquid crystal dimming function layer does not overlap with the first spacer portion, or the orthographic projection of the second spacer portion on the first liquid crystal dimming function layer at least partially overlaps with the first spacer portion.

6. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first spacer portion is arranged in a strip shape, or the first spacer portion includes at least two first sub-spacer portions arranged at intervals; And / or, the second spacer portion is configured to be in a strip shape, or the second spacer portion includes at least two second sub-spacer portions that are spaced apart from each other.

7. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The spacing between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions along the first direction is a first spacing; the spacing between two adjacent first sub-spacer portions along the second direction is a second spacing, and the ratio of the first spacing to the second spacing is greater than or equal to 2, or the ratio of the first spacing to the second spacing is less than or equal to 0.5; and / or, a spacing between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions along the first direction is a third spacing; a spacing between two adjacent second sub-spacer portions along the second direction is a fourth spacing, and a ratio of the third spacing to the fourth spacing is greater than or equal to 2, or a ratio of the third spacing to the fourth spacing is less than or equal to 0.5; The first direction and the second direction are both parallel to the first liquid crystal dimming function layer, and the second direction intersects with the first direction.

8. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: The first spacer layer further includes a third spacer portion, and an extension direction of the third spacer portion intersects with an orientation direction of the first orientation film and is not perpendicular to the orientation direction of the first orientation film; And / or, the second spacer layer further includes a fourth spacer portion, and an extension direction of the fourth spacer portion intersects with an alignment direction of the third alignment film and is not perpendicular to the alignment direction of the third alignment film.

9. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that: The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes: first basal layer; A first transparent conductive layer is disposed on one side of the first substrate layer, the first transparent conductive layer comprises at least two first sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, and the first alignment film is disposed on a side of the first transparent conductive layer away from the first substrate layer; A first dye liquid crystal layer and the first spacer layer are arranged on a side of the first alignment film away from the first substrate layer; A second transparent conductive layer is provided on the first dye liquid crystal layer and the first spacer layer on a side away from the first substrate layer, the second transparent conductive layer comprises at least two second sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, and the orthographic projection of the second sub-electrode on the first substrate layer coincides with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode on the first substrate layer; The second base layer is arranged on a side of the second transparent conductive layer away from the first base layer.

10. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes: third basal layer; A third transparent conductive layer is disposed on one side of the third substrate layer, the third transparent conductive layer comprises at least two third sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, and the third alignment film is disposed on a side of the third transparent conductive layer away from the third substrate layer; The second dye liquid crystal layer and the second spacer layer are arranged on a side of the third alignment film away from the third substrate layer; a fourth transparent conductive layer, disposed on a side of the second dye liquid crystal layer and the second spacer layer away from the third substrate layer, the fourth transparent conductive layer comprising at least two fourth sub-electrodes arranged at intervals, the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode on the third substrate layer coincides with the orthographic projection of the third sub-electrode on the third substrate layer; The fourth base layer is disposed on a side of the fourth transparent conductive layer away from the third base layer.

11. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The orthographic projection of the fourth sub-electrode on the first substrate layer coincides with the orthographic projection of the first sub-electrode on the first substrate layer.

12. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes: a first flexible circuit board, electrically connected to the first transparent conductive layer; a second flexible circuit board, electrically connected to the second transparent conductive layer; The second liquid crystal dimming functional layer further includes: a third flexible circuit board, electrically connected to the third transparent conductive layer; The fourth flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the fourth transparent conductive layer.

13. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 12, characterized in that: The liquid crystal dimming filter also includes: A controller is electrically connected to the first flexible circuit board, the second flexible circuit board, the third flexible circuit board and the fourth flexible circuit board, and the controller is used to control the voltage of the first transparent conductive layer, the second transparent conductive layer, the third transparent conductive layer and the fourth transparent conductive layer.

14. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 13, characterized in that: The liquid crystal dimming filter also includes: A photosensor, wherein the output end of the photosensor is electrically connected to the input end of the controller.

15. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The liquid crystal dimming filter also includes: A first outer frame, arranged around the outer periphery of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer; The second outer frame is arranged around the outer periphery of the second liquid crystal dimming function layer, and the second outer frame is rotatably connected to the first outer frame, so that the second liquid crystal dimming function layer is rotatably connected to the first liquid crystal dimming function layer.

16. The liquid crystal dimming filter according to claim 15, characterized in that: The first outer frame includes: A first frame body is arranged around the outer periphery of the first liquid crystal dimming functional layer; A first magnetic attraction portion, disposed on the first frame; The second outer frame includes: A second frame body is disposed around the outer periphery of the second liquid crystal dimming functional layer; The second magnetic attraction portion is disposed on the second frame body, and the second magnetic attraction portion is attracted to the first magnetic attraction portion.

17. A dimming device, characterized in that: include: The liquid crystal dimming filter is the liquid crystal dimming filter according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

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