Dimming panel and control method thereof, dimming structure and dimming device

Abstract

The invention discloses a dimming panel, a control method, a dimming structure and a dimming device. The dimming panel comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, a dye liquid crystal layer and a plurality of light absorption particles. The first substrate includes a first electrode. The second substrate and the first substrate are oppositely arranged, and the second substrate comprises a second electrode and a third electrode. The second electrode is electrically insulated from the third electrode, and the third electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes which are arranged at intervals. The dye liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. A plurality of light absorbing particles are located in the dye liquid crystal layer, the plurality of light absorbing particles being configured to absorb infrared light. The control method comprises the steps that direct current is applied to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode, so that an electric field perpendicular to the direction of the first substrate is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the light absorption particles are distributed on the surface, close to the dye liquid crystal layer, of the first substrate or the second substrate.

Description

Dimming panel and control method thereof, dimming structure and dimming device Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of dimming technology, and in particular to a dimming panel and a control method thereof, a dimming structure, and a dimming device. Background Art

[0002] With the development of dimming technology, dimming panels are increasingly being used in architecture and transportation. These panels include polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), electrochromic (EC), dye-based liquid crystal, and suspended particle device (SPD) dimming panels.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] On the one hand, a control method for a dimming panel is provided. The dimming panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a dye liquid crystal layer, and a plurality of light-absorbing particles. The first substrate includes a first electrode. The second substrate is arranged opposite to the first substrate, and the second substrate includes a second electrode and a third electrode. The second electrode is electrically insulated from the third electrode, and the third electrode includes a plurality of first sub-electrodes arranged at intervals. The dye liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate. The plurality of light-absorbing particles are located in the dye liquid crystal layer, and the plurality of light-absorbing particles are configured to absorb infrared light. The control method includes: applying a direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode, so that an electric field having a direction perpendicular to the first substrate is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the plurality of light-absorbing particles are distributed on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer.

[0005] In some embodiments, applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode includes: applying a first voltage to the first electrode, applying a second voltage to the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first voltage is greater than or less than the second voltage; so that the plurality of light absorbing particles are uniformly distributed on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer, and the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than a first threshold value, and the first threshold value is the minimum voltage difference for driving the light absorbing particles to move.

[0006] In some embodiments, a first electric field is generated between the second electrode and the third electrode and the first electrode, and the first electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate.

[0007] In some embodiments, the value of the first voltage is 0V, and the value of the second voltage is greater than the first threshold; or the value of the second voltage is 0V, and the value of the first voltage is greater than the first threshold.

[0008] In some embodiments, applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode includes: applying a third voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, applying a fourth voltage to the third electrode, and the third voltage is greater than or less than the fourth voltage; so that the multiple light absorbing particles are uniformly distributed on the surface of the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer, and are located in a region close to the third electrode, and the voltage difference between the third voltage and the fourth voltage is greater than a second threshold value, and the second threshold value is the minimum voltage difference for causing the light absorbing particles to move.

[0009] In some embodiments, a second electric field is generated between the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. The second electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes and partially located between the first electrode and the third electrode. The second electric field located between the two adjacent first sub-electrodes includes a portion parallel to the first substrate, and the second electric field located between the first electrode and the third electrode includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate.

[0010] In some embodiments, a value of the third voltage is 0V, and a value of the fourth voltage is greater than the second threshold.

[0011] In some embodiments, a density of the plurality of light-absorbing particles is equal to a density of the dye liquid crystal layer. After applying a direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode, the control method further comprises: removing the direct current applied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode, and the distribution positions of the light-absorbing particles remain unchanged.

[0012] In some embodiments, the dye liquid crystal layer of the dimming panel also includes a plurality of dye molecules and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules; the control method also includes: applying alternating current to at least one of the second electrode and the third electrode to form an electric field parallel to the direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules, wherein the long axis directions of at least two liquid crystal molecules have an angle.

[0013] In some embodiments, the size of the liquid crystal molecule along the long axis is d, the wavelength of the light incident on the liquid crystal molecule is λ, and the refractive index of the extraordinary light of the liquid crystal molecule is n. eThe refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules in normal light is n o , the phase difference between the abnormal light and the normal light is г; where d, λ, n e 、n o Satisfies: г=2π(n e -n o )d / λ.

[0014] In some embodiments, applying alternating current to at least one of the second electrode and the third electrode includes: applying a fifth voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode, applying a sixth voltage to the third electrode, and the fifth voltage is greater than or less than the sixth voltage; wherein the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage is greater than a third threshold value, and as the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules increases, and the third threshold value is the minimum voltage difference that causes the liquid crystal molecules to deflect.

[0015] In some embodiments, a third electric field is generated between the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. The third electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes and partially located between the first electrode and the third electrode. The third electric field includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate and a portion parallel to the first substrate.

[0016] In some embodiments, the value of the fifth voltage is 0V, and the value of the sixth voltage is greater than the third threshold; or the value of the sixth voltage is 0V, and the value of the fifth voltage is greater than the third threshold.

[0017] In some embodiments, the dye liquid crystal layer of the dimming panel further includes a plurality of dye molecules and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules.

[0018] The control method further includes applying a seventh voltage to the first electrode and an eighth voltage to the second and third electrodes, wherein the seventh voltage is greater than or less than the eighth voltage, so as to form an electric field perpendicular to the first substrate between the first and second substrates, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules, wherein the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules are substantially parallel. The voltage difference between the seventh and eighth voltages is greater than a fourth threshold value, and as the voltage difference between the seventh and eighth voltages increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules increases, and the fourth threshold value is a minimum voltage difference that causes the liquid crystal molecules to deflect.

[0019] In some embodiments, the value of the seventh voltage is 0V, and the absolute value of the eighth voltage is greater than the fourth threshold; or, the value of the eighth voltage is 0V, and the absolute value of the seventh voltage is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode to form an electric field perpendicular to the direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby adjusting the distribution position of the multiple light-absorbing particles; applying alternating current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode to form an electric field parallel to the direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0021] In another aspect, a dimming panel is provided. The dimming panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a dye liquid crystal layer, and a plurality of light-absorbing particles. The first substrate includes a first substrate and a first electrode disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed opposite the first substrate. The second substrate includes a second substrate, a second electrode, and a third electrode disposed on the second substrate, the second electrode being electrically insulated from the third electrode, and the third electrode including a plurality of first sub-electrodes spaced apart. The dye liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and second substrates. The plurality of light-absorbing particles are disposed in the dye liquid crystal layer and are configured to absorb infrared light. The plurality of light-absorbing particles are further configured to: uniformly distribute on a surface of the first or second substrate near the dye liquid crystal layer when the voltages of the second and third electrodes are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode; or uniformly distribute on a region of the second substrate near the third electrode when the voltages of the first and second electrodes are equal and both have a voltage difference with the third electrode.

[0022] In some embodiments, the density of the light absorbing particles is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer.

[0023] In some embodiments, the light absorbing particles are charged particles.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode are configured to receive a direct current to adjust the distribution positions of the plurality of light absorbing particles.

[0025] In some embodiments, the plurality of first sub-electrodes extend along a first direction and are spaced apart along a second direction; wherein the first direction intersects with the second direction.

[0026] In some embodiments, the interval between two adjacent first sub-electrodes is 2 μm to 5 μm, and the size of the first sub-electrode along the second direction is 2 μm to 5 μm.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second electrode is a continuous, integral layer, and the third electrode is located on a side of the second electrode away from the second substrate. The second substrate further includes a second alignment layer. The second alignment layer is located between the second electrode and the third electrode and is configured to electrically insulate the second electrode from the third electrode.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second electrode is a continuous, integral layer, and the third electrode is located on a side of the second electrode away from the second substrate. The second substrate further includes a first insulating layer and a second alignment layer. The first insulating layer is located between the second electrode and the third electrode. The second alignment layer is located on a side of the third electrode away from the second substrate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second substrate further includes a first planarization layer. The first planarization layer is located between the third electrode and the second alignment layer, wherein a surface of the first planarization layer away from the second substrate is parallel to a surface of the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer and directly contacts the second alignment layer.

[0030] In some embodiments, the second electrode includes a plurality of second sub-electrodes, the second sub-electrodes and the first sub-electrodes are arranged in the same layer, the second sub-electrodes and the first sub-electrodes both extend along the first direction and are alternately distributed along the second direction, wherein the first direction intersects with the second direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the second substrate further includes a second planarization layer and a third alignment layer. The second planarization layer is located on a side of the second electrode and the third electrode away from the second substrate, with the surface away from the second substrate being parallel to the surface of the second substrate near the dye liquid crystal layer. The third alignment layer is located on a side of the second planarization layer away from the second substrate and is in direct contact with the surface of the second planarization layer away from the second substrate.

[0032] In another aspect, a dimming structure is provided. The dimming structure includes two stacked dimming panels, wherein the dimming panels are the dimming panels described in any of the above embodiments. The extension directions of the first sub-electrodes in the two dimming panels form an angle.

[0033] In another aspect, a dimming device is provided, comprising a dimming panel as described in any of the above embodiments, or a dimming structure as described in any of the above embodiments. The dimming device is configured to be used in one of the following applications: a curtain wall, a skylight, an aircraft, a rail vehicle, and a passenger car. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the drawings described below are only drawings of some embodiments of the present disclosure, and those skilled in the art can also derive other drawings based on these drawings. Furthermore, the drawings described below are schematic diagrams and are not intended to limit the actual dimensions of the products, actual processes of the methods, actual timing of signals, and the like involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a display panel according to some embodiments;

[0036] FIG2 is a cross-sectional view along section line AA in FIG1 ;

[0037] FIG3 is a graph of absorbance of a dye assay according to some embodiments;

[0038] FIG4 is a structural diagram showing light absorbing particles distributed on the surface of a first substrate according to some embodiments;

[0039] FIG5 is a structural diagram showing light absorbing particles distributed in a region near a third electrode in a second substrate according to some embodiments;

[0040] FIG6 is a structural diagram showing light absorbing particles distributed on the surface of a second substrate according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG7 is a structural diagram showing a liquid crystal molecule with its long axis perpendicular to the first substrate according to some embodiments;

[0042] FIG8 is a structural diagram showing that light absorbing particles are uniformly distributed on the surface of the third electrode according to some embodiments;

[0043] FIG9 is a structural diagram showing an angle between the long axis directions of two liquid crystal molecules according to some embodiments;

[0044] FIG10 is a structural diagram of light absorbing particles including a shell and transparent nanoparticles according to some embodiments;

[0045] FIG11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line CC in FIG10 ;

[0046] FIG12 is a diagram showing imaging effects of a dimming panel according to some embodiments;

[0047] FIG13 is a cross-sectional view along section line BB in FIG6;

[0048] FIG14 is a structural diagram showing an angle between liquid crystal molecules and a third direction according to some embodiments;

[0049] FIG15 is a structural diagram of a display panel according to some embodiments;

[0050] FIG16 is a structural diagram showing a second electrode having a continuous whole-layer structure according to some embodiments;

[0051] FIG17 is a structural diagram showing a second electrode including a plurality of second sub-electrodes according to some embodiments;

[0052] FIG18 is a structural diagram showing the extending directions of the first sub-electrodes of two dimming panels being perpendicular to each other according to some embodiments;

[0053] FIG19 is a structural diagram showing the alignment directions of the first alignment layers of two dimming panels being perpendicular to each other according to some embodiments;

[0054] FIG20 is a structural diagram of a car according to some embodiments;

[0055] 21 to 25 are structural diagrams of control methods according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in some embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments provided by the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0057] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprise" and its other forms, such as the third person singular form "comprises" and the present participle form "comprising", are to be interpreted as open and inclusive, that is, "including, but not limited to". In the description of the specification, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "exemplary embodiments", "example", "specific example" or "some examples" are intended to indicate that the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics associated with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. The schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. In addition, the particular features, structures, materials or characteristics may be included in any one or more embodiments or examples in any appropriate manner.

[0058] In the following, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of the technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0059] When describing some embodiments, the word "connected" and its derivatives may be used. The term "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium.

[0060] “A and / or B” includes the following three combinations: A only, B only, and a combination of A and B.

[0061] The use of "configured to" herein is intended to be open and inclusive language that does not exclude devices adapted or configured to perform additional tasks or steps.

[0062] Additionally, the use of “based on” is meant to be open and inclusive, as a process, step, calculation, or other action “based on” one or more stated conditions or values ​​may, in practice, be based on additional conditions or values ​​beyond those stated.

[0063] As used herein, “approximately” includes the stated value and an average value that is within an acceptable range of deviation from the particular value, where the acceptable range of deviation is determined by one of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurements in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the particular quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system).

[0064] As used herein, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "equal" include the situations described and situations similar to the situations described, and the range of the similar situations is within an acceptable deviation range, wherein the acceptable deviation range is as determined by a person of ordinary skill in the art taking into account the measurement in question and the errors associated with the measurement of the specific quantity (i.e., the limitations of the measurement system). For example, "parallel" includes absolute parallelism and approximate parallelism, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate parallelism can be, for example, a deviation within 5°; "perpendicular" includes absolute perpendicularity and approximate perpendicularity, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate perpendicularity can also be, for example, a deviation within 5°. "Equal" includes absolute equality and approximate equality, wherein the acceptable deviation range of approximate equality can be, for example, that the difference between the two equals is less than or equal to 5% of either one.

[0065] It will be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as being on another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may be present therebetween.

[0066] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and / or plan views that are idealized exemplary drawings. In the drawings, the thickness of layers and the area of ​​regions are exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, variations in shape relative to the drawings due to, for example, manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances are contemplated. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limited to the shapes of the regions shown herein, but rather include deviations in shape due to, for example, manufacturing. For example, an etched region shown as a rectangle will typically have curved features. Therefore, the regions shown in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of regions of the device and are not intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0067] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dimming panel 100 . As shown in FIG1 , the dimming panel 100 includes a first substrate 10 , a second substrate 20 and a dye liquid crystal layer 30 .

[0068] As shown in FIG. 1 , the first substrate 10 includes a first underlay 11 , and a first electrode 12 and a first alignment layer 13 provided on the first underlay 11 . The first alignment layer 13 is farther away from the first underlay 11 than the first electrode layer 12 .

[0069] The material of the first substrate 11 may include a material with high light transmittance (for example, light transmittance greater than or equal to 85%). For example, the material of the first substrate 11 may include polyethersulfone (PES), polyarylate (PAR), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), polyphenylene sulfone resin (PPSU), cycloolefin polymer (Cyclo Olefin), cellulose acetate (TAC), cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), polyphenylene sulfone resin (PPSU), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethersulfone (PEI), polyethersulfone (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PPSU), polyimide (PI), polycarbonate (PPS ... Polymer (abbreviated as COP) and polymethyl methacrylate (English: Polymethyl Methacrylate, abbreviated as PMMA) or more. For example, the material of the first substrate 11 is polyimide.

[0070] As shown in FIG1 , the material of the first electrode 12 may include a conductive material with high light transmittance. For example, the material of the first electrode 12 includes indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0071] The thickness of the first electrode 12 can be For example, the thickness of the first electrode 12 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0072] The thickness of the first alignment layer 13 is The thickness of the first alignment layer 13 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0073] As shown in FIG1 , the second substrate 20 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 10 . The second substrate 20 includes a second substrate 21 , and a second electrode 22 and a second alignment layer 23 disposed on the second substrate 21 .

[0074] The material of the second substrate 21 can be the same as that of the first substrate 11. For example, both the second substrate 21 and the first substrate 11 can be made of polyimide. The material of the second electrode 22 can be the same as that of the first electrode 12. For example, both the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22 can be made of indium tin oxide. This improves the material uniformity of the dimming panel 100 and reduces the manufacturing cost of the dimming panel 100.

[0075] The thickness of the second electrode 22 is For example, the thickness of the second electrode 22 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0076] For example, the thickness of the second electrode 22 may be equal to the thickness of the first electrode 12. For example, the thickness of the second electrode 22 and the first electrode 12 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0077] For example, the thickness of the second electrode 22 may be different from the thickness of the first electrode 12. For example, the thickness of the second electrode 22 is The thickness of the first electrode 12 is Or the thickness of the second electrode 22 is The thickness of the first electrode 12 is The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0078] 1 , the alignment direction of the second alignment layer 23 is parallel to that of the first alignment layer 13. The material of the second alignment layer 23 can be the same as that of the first alignment layer 13. For example, the material of the second alignment layer 23 and the material of the first alignment layer 13 both include polyimide.

[0079] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 is For example, the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0080] For example, the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 may be equal to the thickness of the first alignment layer 13. For example, the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 and the first alignment layer 13 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0081] For example, the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 may be different from the thickness of the first alignment layer 13. For example, the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 is The thickness of the first alignment layer 13 is Or the thickness of the second alignment layer 23 is The thickness of the first alignment layer 13 is The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes a plurality of dye molecules 31 and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 32 (in FIG. 1 , black ellipses represent dye molecules 31 , and white ellipses represent liquid crystal molecules 32 ).

[0083] The liquid crystal molecules 32 include positive liquid crystal molecules 32 or negative liquid crystal molecules 32. The dielectric constant of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 along their long axes is greater than the dielectric constant along their short axes. When an external electric field is applied to the positive liquid crystal molecules 32, the long axes of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 deflect in a direction parallel to the electric field. The dielectric constant of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 along their long axes is less than the dielectric constant along their short axes. When an external electric field is applied to the negative liquid crystal molecules 32, the long axes of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 deflect in a direction perpendicular to the electric field.

[0084] The dye molecules 31 include positive dye molecules 31 or negative dye molecules 31. The absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31 in the long axis direction is greater than the absorbance in the short axis direction. That is, as shown in FIG3 , when the long axis direction of the positive dye molecules 31 is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31 is minimum. When the long axis direction of the positive dye molecules 31 is parallel to the first substrate 10, the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31 is maximum. The absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 in the long axis direction is less than the absorbance in the short axis direction. That is, when the long axis direction of the negative dye molecules 31 is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 is maximum. When the long axis direction of the negative dye molecules 31 is parallel to the first substrate 10, the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 is minimum.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the long axis directions of the multiple liquid crystal molecules 32 are roughly parallel and have an angle with the first substrate 10. By changing the voltage difference between the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the first substrate 10 can be changed, thereby changing the angle between the dye molecules 31 and the first substrate 10, changing the absorbance of the dye molecules 31, and thus changing the transmittance of the dimming panel 100.

[0086] It should be understood that, as shown in FIG1 , the dimming panel 100 further includes a plastic frame 40 . The plastic frame 40 is located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 and surrounds the dye liquid crystal layer 30 . The plastic frame 40 blocks the passage of moisture from the air, thereby preventing moisture from entering the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and reducing the risk of material degradation in the dye liquid crystal layer 30 .

[0087] The material of the plastic frame 40 includes polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), or ionic interlayer (Sentry Glas Plus, SGP), which are not listed one by one in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0088] In some embodiments, the dimming panel 100 further includes spacers located between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 to support the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. This spacer can reduce the risk of deformation of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 and the risk of uneven thickness of the dye liquid crystal layer 30. The spacers can be spherical spacers made of glass fiber or rod-shaped spacers made of resin.

[0089] In the related art, the radiation energy of visible light is about 45% of the radiation energy of natural light, and the radiation energy of infrared light is about 50% of the radiation energy of natural light. The above dimming panel cannot adjust the transmittance of infrared light passing through the dimming panel.

[0090] In order to solve the above technical problems, as shown in FIG1 , the second substrate 20 in the dimming panel 100 provided in some embodiments of the present disclosure further includes a third electrode 24 .

[0091] As shown in FIG. 1 , the third electrode 24 is provided on the second substrate 21 . The third electrode 24 is electrically insulated from the second electrode 22 . The third electrode 24 includes a plurality of first sub-electrodes 241 that are spaced apart.

[0092] The material of the third electrode 24 may be the same as that of the second electrode 22 . For example, the material of the third electrode 24 and the material of the second electrode 22 may both be indium tin oxide.

[0093] In some embodiments, the thickness of the third electrode 24 is For example, the thickness of the third electrode 24 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0094] For example, the thickness of the third electrode 24 may be equal to the thickness of the second electrode 22. For example, the thickness of the third electrode 24 and the second electrode 22 is or

[0095] For example, the thickness of the third electrode 24 may be different from the thickness of the second electrode 22. For example, the thickness of the third electrode 24 is The thickness of the second electrode 22 is Or the thickness of the third electrode 24 is The thickness of the second electrode 22 is The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0096] 1 , the dimming panel 100 further includes a plurality of light absorbing particles 50 . The plurality of light absorbing particles 50 are located in the dye liquid crystal 30 and are configured to absorb infrared light, thereby reducing the transmittance of infrared light in the dimming panel 100 .

[0097] Exemplarily, the light absorbing particles 50 are charged particles. For example, as shown in FIG1 , the light absorbing particles 50 are negatively charged particles.

[0098] In some embodiments, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 are further configured to receive direct current to adjust the distribution positions of the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50. That is, when adjusting the distribution positions of the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50, the voltages on the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 are all direct current voltages.

[0099] As shown in FIG1 and FIG4 , the light-absorbing particles 50 are further configured such that, when the voltages of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode 12, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 move toward the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, so as to be evenly distributed on the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. In this way, infrared light passing through the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 can be absorbed by the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50. In this case, the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is the first transmittance.

[0100] As shown in Figures 1 and 4 , a first voltage is applied to the first electrode 12, and a second voltage is applied to the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24, where the first voltage is either greater than or less than the second voltage. The voltage difference between the first and second voltages is greater than a first threshold value, which is the minimum voltage difference required to drive the light absorbing particles 50 to move. In this manner, the plurality of light absorbing particles 50 can move toward the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, thereby being evenly distributed on the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0101] For example, as shown in FIG4 , the first voltage is less than the second voltage. For example, the first voltage is 0V, and the second voltage is greater than a first threshold value (for example, the first threshold value is 10V, and the second voltage is 15V). At this point, a first electric field is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second and third electrodes 22, 24. The first electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, and the direction of the first electric field is from the first electrode 12 toward the second and third electrodes 22, 24. As shown in FIG1 , under the action of the first electric field, the light-absorbing particles 50 move toward the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, and the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 are evenly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0102] For example, as shown in FIG1 , the first voltage is greater than the second voltage. For example, the first voltage is greater than a first threshold value (e.g., 15 V), and the second voltage is 0 V. At this point, a first electric field is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second and third electrodes 22 and 24. The first electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, and the direction of the first electric field is from the second and third electrodes 22 and 24 toward the first electrode 12. As shown in FIG4 , under the action of the first electric field, the light-absorbing particles 50 move toward the surface of the first substrate 10 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, and the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 are evenly distributed on the surface of the first substrate 10 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0103] As shown in Figure 5, when the voltages of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the third electrode 24, the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 migrate toward the surface of the third electrode 24, becoming uniformly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, and located in the area near the third electrode 24. In other words, the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 are evenly distributed on the surface and side surfaces of the multiple first sub-electrodes 24 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. Part of the space between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 is devoid of light-absorbing particles 50. Infrared light passing through the surface of the first sub-electrodes 241 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and near the side surfaces of the first sub-electrodes 241 is absorbed by the multiple light-absorbing particles 50, while infrared light passing through the space between adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 without light-absorbing particles 50 is not absorbed. At this point, the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is the second transmittance, which is greater than the first transmittance. The infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 can be adjusted by controlling the voltage difference between the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24.

[0104] As shown in FIG5 , a third voltage is applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, and a fourth voltage is applied to the third electrode 24. The third voltage is either greater than or less than the fourth voltage, and the voltage difference between the third and fourth voltages is greater than a second threshold value, which is the minimum voltage difference required to move the light-absorbing particles 50. In this manner, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 move toward the surface near the third electrode 24, thereby being evenly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and in an area near the third electrode 24.

[0105] The second threshold requires the plurality of light absorbing particles 50 to move toward the surface of the second substrate 20 close to the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and also requires the plurality of light absorbing particles 50 to move toward the surface of the third electrode 24 . Therefore, the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0106] Exemplarily, the third voltage is less than the fourth voltage. For example, the third voltage is 0V, and the fourth voltage is greater than the second threshold (for example, the second threshold is 11V, and the fourth voltage is 15V). At this point, a second electric field is generated between the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24. The second electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 and partially located between the first electrode 12 and the third electrode 24.

[0107] The second electric field between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 includes a portion parallel to the first substrate 10. Under the influence of the portion of the second electric field parallel to the first substrate 10, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 approach the side surface of the third electrode 24 in a direction parallel to the first substrate 10, thereby distributing the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 along the side surface of the third electrode 24. The second electric field between the first electrode 12 and the third electrode 24 includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate 10. Under the influence of the portion of the second electric field perpendicular to the first substrate 10, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 approach the surface of the third electrode 24 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate 10, thereby distributing the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 along the surface of the third electrode 24 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. Consequently, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 in the dye liquid crystal layer 30 are uniformly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and located in an area near the third electrode 24.

[0108] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5, the density of the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer 30. Thus, the gravity and buoyancy of the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 are equal. Without being subjected to an electric field force, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 can remain suspended in the dye liquid crystal layer 30, thereby maintaining the distribution of the light-absorbing particles 50 and maintaining the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 at the first transmittance or the second transmittance.

[0109] When the density of the plurality of light absorbing particles 50 is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer 30, it is not necessary to continuously apply voltage to the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24, so that the transmittance of infrared light of the dimming panel 100 can remain unchanged, thereby saving electric energy.

[0110] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 4 to FIG. 8 , the light absorbing particle 50 includes a transparent shell 51 , for example, a shell having a light transmittance greater than or equal to 85%, and transparent nanoparticles 52 encapsulated by the transparent shell 51 .

[0111] The transparent nanoparticles 52 are configured to absorb infrared light. The material of the transparent nanoparticles 52 may include nano-indium tin oxide or nano-colored tungsten bronze, which are not listed one by one in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0112] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 8, the transparent shell 51 has an electric charge, and for example, the transparent shell 51 has a negative electric charge. For example, the transparent shell 51 can be charged by dispersion polymerization or grafting.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 are configured to receive an alternating current to adjust the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32. That is, the voltages applied to the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 are all AC voltages. The AC voltage applied to the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 has a relatively high frequency (e.g., a frequency of 60 Hz). The direction of the electric field generated by the AC voltage changes at a relatively high frequency, which prevents the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 from moving. Consequently, the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 remain in their original distribution positions, maintaining the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100.

[0114] In some embodiments, the size of the liquid crystal molecules 32 along the long axis is d, the wavelength of the light incident on the liquid crystal molecules is λ, and the refractive index of the extraordinary light of the liquid crystal molecules 32 is n. e The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule 32 under normal light is n o , the phase difference between the extraordinary light and the normal light is г; where d, λ, n e 、n o Satisfies: г=2π(n e -n o )d / λ. The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule in normal light, n o remains unchanged, the refractive index n of the liquid crystal molecule's extraordinary light e It is related to the angle formed by the propagation direction of the light incident on the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32. As the angle increases, the refractive index n of the extraordinary light in the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases. e Also increases.

[0115] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 is configured to adjust the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 when the voltages of the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the third electrode 24. The long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 are angled together. Thus, when natural light enters the dye liquid crystal layer 30 perpendicular to the first substrate 10, the long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 are angled together, which enables the refractive index n of the extraordinary light of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 to be adjusted. e Different, that is, the phase difference between the extraordinary light and the normal light of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 is different. The refractive index n of the extraordinary light of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 is different. eThe difference in the refraction angles of the extraordinary light in at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 can be different, and the propagation directions of the extraordinary light in at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 can be different, thereby making the propagation directions of the light in at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 different. In other words, the propagation direction of the light emitted from the dye liquid crystal layer 30 is oriented in at least two directions, which can increase the scattered light in the light emitted from the dye liquid crystal layer 30, thereby increasing the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and the haze of the dimming panel 100. In other words, as shown in c in Figure 12, the imaging accuracy of the dimming panel 100 is low, and the dimming panel 100 has a privacy effect.

[0116] A fifth voltage is applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, and a sixth voltage is applied to the third electrode 24, where the fifth voltage is either greater than or less than the sixth voltage. The voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages is greater than a third threshold value, which is the minimum voltage difference required to deflect the liquid crystal molecules. At this point, a third electric field is generated between the first and second electrodes 12, 22, and the third electrode 24. The third electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 and partially located between the first electrode 12 and the third electrode 24. The third electric field includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate 10 and a portion parallel to the first substrate 10. Under the action of the third electric field, the long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 form an angle, resulting in a higher haze in the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0117] Exemplarily, the fifth voltage is less than the sixth voltage. For example, the value of the fifth voltage is 0V, and the value of the sixth voltage is greater than the third threshold (for example, the third threshold is 6V, and the sixth voltage is 10V).

[0118] Exemplarily, the fifth voltage is greater than the sixth voltage. For example, the value of the fifth voltage is greater than the third threshold (for example, the fifth voltage is 10V), and the value of the sixth voltage is 0V.

[0119] In some embodiments, as the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, thereby changing the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z, thereby changing the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and the haze of the dimming panel 100. The third direction Z is perpendicular to the first substrate 10.

[0120] In some examples, as the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 becomes higher.

[0121] For example, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes negative liquid crystal molecules 32. When the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage is zero, the long axes of the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 32 are substantially parallel and parallel to the third direction Z. Thus, as the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, that is, the angle between the long axis of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z increases. When natural light is incident perpendicularly to the first substrate 10, the angle between the long axis of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z increases, and the refractive index n of the extraordinary light of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 increases. e As the value increases, the refraction angle of the extraordinary light increases, and the degree to which the propagation direction of the light exiting the dye liquid crystal layer 30 deviates from the propagation direction of the incident light increases, thereby making the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 higher.

[0122] In addition to the dye liquid crystal layer 30 including negative liquid crystal molecules 32, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 also includes positive dye molecules 31. As the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules increases. The negative liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the deflection angle of the positive dye molecules 31 to increase, increasing the angle between the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z. This increases the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31, thereby reducing the visible light transmittance of the dimming panel 100. When the dimming panel 100, including the positive dye molecules 31 and the negative liquid crystal molecules 32, is used in building windows, increasing the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages can increase the haze of the dimming panel 100 and reduce the visible light transmittance. This reduces the amount of light in the room, resulting in a darker room and improved privacy.

[0123] In addition to the dye liquid crystal layer 30 including negative liquid crystal molecules 32, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 also includes negative dye molecules 31. Thus, as the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the long-axis deflection angle of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 increases. The negative liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the deflection angle of the negative dye molecules 31 to increase, increasing the angle between the long axis of the negative dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z. This decreases the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31, thereby increasing the visible light transmittance of the dimming panel 100. When the dimming panel 100 including the negative dye molecules 31 and the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 is used in a building window, increasing the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages can increase the haze of the dimming panel 100 and the visible light transmittance. This allows for greater light to enter the room, resulting in a brighter interior and improved privacy.

[0124] In other examples, as the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 decreases.

[0125] For example, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes positive liquid crystal molecules 32. When the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage is 0, the major axes of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the third direction Z.

[0126] As the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the long axis of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the angle between the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z decreases. In this way, when natural light is incident perpendicularly to the first substrate 10 and passes through the dye liquid crystal layer 30, the degree to which the propagation direction of the light exiting the dye liquid crystal layer 30 deviates from the propagation direction of the incident light is reduced, thereby reducing the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0127] In addition to the dye liquid crystal layer 30 including positive liquid crystal molecules 32, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 also includes positive dye molecules 31. Thus, as the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages increases, the deflection angle of the long axis of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 increases. The positive liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the deflection angle of the positive dye molecules 31 to increase, thereby decreasing the angle between the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z. This decreases the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31, thereby increasing the visible light transmittance of the dimming panel 100. When the dimming panel 100, including the positive dye molecules 31 and the positive liquid crystal molecules 32, is used in building windows, increasing the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages can reduce the haze of the dimming panel 100 and increase its visible light transmittance.

[0128] In addition to the dye liquid crystal layer 30 including positive liquid crystal molecules 32, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 also includes negative dye molecules 31. Thus, as the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages increases, the deflection angle of the long axis of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 increases. The positive liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the positive dye molecules 31 to increase their deflection angle, reducing the angle between the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z. This increases the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31, thereby reducing the visible light transmittance of the dimming panel 100. When the dimming panel 100, including the negative dye molecules 31 and the positive liquid crystal molecules 32, is used in a building window, the voltage difference between the fifth and sixth voltages can be used to reduce the haze of the dimming panel 100 and reduce the visible light transmittance.

[0129] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 6 and 13 , the dye liquid crystal layer 30 is further configured to adjust the deflection angles of the liquid crystal molecules 32 when the voltages of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode 12, wherein the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are approximately parallel. Thus, when natural light passes through the dye liquid crystal layer 30, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are parallel, which can cause the long axes of the dye molecules 31 to be parallel. In other words, the absorbance of each dye molecule 31 is approximately the same, thereby ensuring that the brightness and darkness of each area of ​​the dimming panel 100 are approximately the same.

[0130] A seventh voltage is applied to the first electrode 12, and an eighth voltage is applied to the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24, where the seventh voltage is either greater than or less than the eighth voltage. The voltage difference between the seventh and eighth voltages is greater than a fourth threshold value, which is the minimum voltage difference required to deflect the liquid crystal molecules 32. At this point, a fourth electric field is generated between the second and third electrodes 22, 24, and the first electrode 12. The fourth electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, and under the action of the fourth electric field, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are aligned.

[0131] The fourth threshold requires that multiple liquid crystal molecules 32 with parallel long axes be deflected. The third threshold requires that the liquid crystal molecules 32 be rotated and that the long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 have an angle. Therefore, the third threshold is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0132] Exemplarily, the seventh voltage is less than the eighth voltage. For example, the seventh voltage is 0V, and the eighth voltage is greater than a fourth threshold (for example, the fourth threshold is 8V, and the eighth voltage is 10V).

[0133] Exemplarily, the seventh voltage is greater than the eighth voltage. For example, the value of the seventh voltage is greater than the fourth threshold (for example, the value of the seventh voltage is 10V), and the value of the eighth voltage is 0V.

[0134] In some embodiments, as the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, the angle between the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z increases, and the transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 changes.

[0135] In some examples, as the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the light transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 decreases.

[0136] Exemplarily, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes negative liquid crystal molecules 32 and positive dye molecules 31. When the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is zero, the long axes of the plurality of negative liquid crystal molecules 32 are substantially parallel and parallel to the third direction Z. That is, the long axes of the positive dye molecules 31 are parallel to the third direction Z, and the positive dye molecules 31 have minimal absorbance. At this point, as shown in a of FIG12 , the dimming panel 100 has a maximum transmittance, and the dimming panel 100 is in a bright state. In other words, the dimming panel 100 operates in a normally white mode.

[0137] As the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the long-axis deflection angle of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the angle between the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z increases. The negative liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the long-axis deflection angle of the positive dye molecules 31 to increase. That is, the angle between the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z increases, the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31 increases, and the visible light transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 decreases.

[0138] As shown in Figures 1 and 2 , when the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is sufficiently large, the long axis of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 is perpendicular to the third direction Z. That is, the long axis of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 is parallel to the first substrate 10, and the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 is parallel to the first substrate 10. At this point, as shown in Figure 12 (b), the positive dye molecules 31 have the highest absorbance. The light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is minimized, and the dimming panel 100 is in a dark state.

[0139] Exemplarily, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes positive liquid crystal molecules 32 and negative dye molecules 31. When the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is zero, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the third direction Z. In other words, the long axes of the negative dye molecules 31 are perpendicular to the third direction Z, and the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 is minimal. At this point, the light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is maximized, and the dimming panel 100 is in a bright state. This means that the dimming panel 100 operates in a normally white mode.

[0140] As the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the long axis of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the angle between the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z decreases, that is, the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the deflection angle of the long axis of the negative dye molecules 31 to increase, that is, the angle between the long axis direction of the negative dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z decreases, the absorbance of the negative dye molecules increases, and the transmittance of visible light of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 decreases.

[0141] As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 13, when the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is sufficiently large, the long axes of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 are parallel to the third direction, that is, the long axes of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 are perpendicular to the first substrate 10. The long axes of the negative dye molecules 31 are perpendicular to the first substrate 10, and the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 is maximized. At this point, the transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is minimized, and the dimming panel 100 is in a dark state.

[0142] In other examples, as the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the light transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 decreases.

[0143] Exemplarily, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes negative liquid crystal molecules 32 and negative dye molecules 31. When the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is zero, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are substantially parallel and parallel to the third direction Z. That is, the long axes of the negative dye molecules 31 are parallel to the third direction Z, and the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 is maximized. At this point, the transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is minimized, and the dimming panel 100 is in a dark state. In other words, the dimming panel 100 operates in a normally black mode.

[0144] As the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the long-axis deflection angle of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the angle between the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z increases. The negative liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the long-axis deflection angle of the negative dye molecules 31 to increase. That is, the angle between the long axis of the negative dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z increases, the absorbance of the negative dye molecules 31 decreases, and the visible light transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 increases.

[0145] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, when the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is sufficiently large, the long axis of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 is perpendicular to the third direction Z. That is, the long axis of the negative liquid crystal molecules 32 is parallel to the first substrate 10, and the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 is parallel to the first substrate 10, resulting in the positive dye molecules 31 having the lowest absorbance. At this point, the light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is maximized, and the dimming panel 100 is in a bright state.

[0146] Exemplarily, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 includes positive liquid crystal molecules 32 and positive dye molecules 31. When the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is zero, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are substantially parallel and perpendicular to the third direction Z. In other words, the long axes of the positive dye molecules 31 are perpendicular to the third direction Z, and the positive dye molecules 31 have the highest absorbance. At this point, the transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is minimal, and the dimming panel 100 is in a dark state. In other words, the dimming panel 100 operates in a normally black mode.

[0147] As the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the long axis of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, and the angle between the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z decreases. The positive liquid crystal molecules 32 drive the deflection angle of the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 to increase. That is, the angle between the long axis of the positive dye molecules 31 and the third direction Z decreases, the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31 decreases, and the visible light transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 30 increases.

[0148] As shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 13, when the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is sufficiently large, the long axes of the positive liquid crystal molecules 32 are perpendicular to the first substrate 11. That is, the long axes of the positive dye molecules 31 are perpendicular to the first substrate 11, and the absorbance of the positive dye molecules 31 is minimized. At this point, the light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is maximized, and the dimming panel 100 is in a bright state.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 are further configured as follows: a direct current is first applied to at least one of the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 to adjust the distribution position of the light absorbing particles 50, and then an alternating current is applied to at least one of the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 to adjust the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32.

[0150] In some examples, a direct current is first applied to at least one of the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 to adjust the distribution of the light-absorbing particles 50 and change the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100. Then, an alternating current is applied to the first electrode 12, while no alternating current is applied to the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24, to adjust the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and change the visible light transmittance of the dimming panel 100.

[0151] In other examples, a direct current is first applied to at least one of the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 to adjust the distribution of the light-absorbing particles 50 and change the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100. Then, an alternating current is not applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22, but is applied to the third electrode 24 to adjust the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and change the haze of the dimming panel 100.

[0152] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 to 13 , a plurality of first sub-electrodes 241 extend along a first direction X and are spaced apart along a second direction Y. In other words, the first sub-electrodes 241 are strip-shaped electrodes. The first direction X intersects the second direction Y, for example, the first direction X is perpendicular to the second direction Y.

[0153] Exemplarily, the size of the first sub-electrode 241 along the second direction Y is 2 μm to 5 μm. For example, the size of the first sub-electrode 241 along the second direction Y is 2 μm, 3.5 μm or 5 μm. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0154] Exemplarily, the interval between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 is 2 μm to 5 μm. For example, the size of the first sub-electrode 241 along the second direction Y is 2 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm or 5 μm. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0155] As shown in Figure 14, when the voltages of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode 12, the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z gradually changes along the second direction Y from the boundary of the first sub-electrode 241 to the centerline of the first sub-electrode 241. For example, the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z gradually changes from 90° to 0°. The centerline of the first sub-electrode 241 refers to the line connecting the midpoints of the boundary of the first sub-electrode 241 extending along the second direction Y.

[0156] As shown in FIG14 , the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 at the center line of the first sub-electrode 241 is parallel to the third direction Z because the liquid crystal molecules 32 at the center line of the first sub-electrode 241 are squeezed by the liquid crystal molecules 32 on both sides.

[0157] As shown in FIG14 , along the second direction Y, from the boundary of the first sub-electrodes 241 to the center of the interval between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241, the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z gradually changes. For example, the angle between the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 32 and the third direction Z gradually changes from 90° to 0°.

[0158] As shown in Figure 14, since the liquid crystal molecules 32 at the center of the gap between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 are squeezed by the liquid crystal molecules 32 on both sides, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32 at the center of the gap between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 is parallel to the third direction Z.

[0159] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 15 , the second electrode 22 is a continuous, integral layer structure, and the third electrode 24 is located on a side of the second electrode 22 away from the second substrate 21 .

[0160] For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 15 , the orthographic projection of the second electrode 22 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the second substrate 21 on the reference surface. Thus, during the fabrication of the second electrode 22, it is sufficient to simply cover the entire second substrate 21 with a conductive material, such as indium tin oxide. This makes the fabrication process for the second electrode 22 relatively simple and convenient.

[0161] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG1 , the second alignment layer 23 is located between the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 . The second alignment layer 23 is configured to electrically insulate the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 . The second alignment layer 23 can reduce the risk of electrical connection between the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 .

[0162] 15 , the second alignment layer 23 is located on the side of the third electrode 24 away from the second substrate 21 , and each part of the second alignment layer 23 is in direct contact with the dye liquid crystal layer 30 , which can enhance the anchoring force of the second alignment layer 23 on the plurality of liquid crystal molecules 32 .

[0163] On the basis that the second alignment layer 23 is located on the side of the third electrode 24 away from the second substrate 21, as shown in FIG15 , the second substrate 20 further includes a first insulating layer 25. The first insulating layer 25 is located between the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24. The first insulating layer 25 is configured to electrically insulate the second electrode 22 from the third electrode 24. The first insulating layer 25 can reduce the risk of electrical connection between the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24.

[0164] For example, the thickness of the first insulating layer 25 is For example, the thickness of the first insulating layer 25 is or The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0165] On the basis that the second substrate 20 further includes the first insulating layer 25 , as shown in FIG15 , the second substrate 20 further includes a first planarization layer 26 . The first planarization layer 26 is located between the third electrode 24 and the second alignment layer 23 .

[0166] The surface of the first planarization layer 26 away from the second substrate 21 is parallel to the surface of the second substrate 21 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. This means that the surface of the first planarization layer 26 away from the second substrate 21 is relatively flat, and the surface of the first planarization layer 26 away from the second substrate 21 is in direct contact with the second alignment layer 23. This ensures that the thickness of each portion of the second alignment layer 23 is equal, resulting in a highly uniform thickness of the second alignment layer 23. This ensures that during the formation of the second alignment layer 23, the thickness of each portion of the second alignment layer 23 is uniform, ensuring that the forces acting on the second alignment layer 23 are substantially equal, thereby improving the service life of the second alignment layer 23.

[0167] Exemplarily, the thickness of the first planarization layer 26 is 1 μm to 5 μm. For example, the thickness of the first planarization layer 26 is 1 μm, 2.8 μm, or 5 μm. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not listed one by one.

[0168] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG16 , the second electrode 22 includes a plurality of second sub-electrodes 221, which are disposed in the same layer as the first sub-electrode 241. This allows the second substrate 20 to be thinner, which is beneficial for making the dimming panel 100 lighter and thinner.

[0169] As shown in FIG16 , the second sub-electrodes 221 extend along the first direction X, i.e., the second sub-electrodes 221 are strip-shaped electrodes. Along the second direction Y, the second sub-electrodes 221 and the first sub-electrodes 241 are alternately distributed. In other words, there is a second sub-electrode 221 between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241, and / or there is a first sub-electrode 241 between two adjacent second sub-electrodes 221.

[0170] On the basis that the second substrate 20 includes the first sub-electrode 241 and the second sub-electrode 221, the thickness of the first sub-electrode 241 can be equal to the thickness of the second sub-electrode 221. The first sub-electrode 241 and the second sub-electrode 221 can be prepared using the following method: first, a conductive material is completely spread over the second substrate 21 to form a conductive layer. Then, the conductive layer is patterned to divide the conductive layer into a plurality of strip electrodes, with spaces between adjacent strip electrodes. Finally, the plurality of strip electrodes are divided into the first sub-electrodes 241 and the second sub-electrodes 221. In this way, the first sub-electrode 241 and the second sub-electrode 221 can be prepared at a time. The preparation process is simple and convenient.

[0171] On the basis that the second sub-electrode 221 and the first sub-electrode 241 are arranged in the same layer, as shown in FIG16 , the second substrate 20 further includes a second planarization layer 27 and a third alignment layer 28 .

[0172] As shown in Figure 16, the second planarization layer 27 is located on one side of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24. The surface of the second planarization layer 27 facing away from the second substrate 21 is parallel to the surface of the second substrate near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, meaning that the surface of the second planarization layer 27 facing away from the second substrate 21 is relatively flat. The third alignment layer 28 is located on the side of the second planarization layer 27 facing away from the second substrate 21 and is in direct contact with the surface of the second planarization layer 27 facing away from the second substrate 21. This ensures that the thickness of each portion of the third alignment layer 28 is uniform, resulting in a highly uniform thickness of the third alignment layer 28. During the formation of the third alignment layer 28, the uniform thickness of each portion of the third alignment layer 28 ensures that the forces acting on the third alignment layer 28 are approximately equal, thereby improving the service life of the third alignment layer 28.

[0173] On this basis, the material of the second planarization layer 27 is an insulating material. In this way, the second planarization layer 27 can electrically insulate the multiple second electrodes 22 and the third electrode 24 , reducing the risk of electrical connection between the multiple electrodes and the third electrode 24 .

[0174] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG17 , some embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a dimming structure 110. The dimming structure 110 includes two stacked dimming panels 100. The dimming structure 110 is the dimming panel 100 of any of the above embodiments.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 17 , one of the two dimming panels 100 is a first dimming panel 101 , and the other is a second dimming panel 102 .

[0176] As shown in Figure 18, the first sub-electrodes 241 in the first dimming panel 101 extend along the fourth direction M4, meaning that the third electrodes 24 in the first dimming panel 101 are strip-shaped electrodes. The third electrodes 24 in the first dimming panel 101 are spaced apart along the fifth direction M5. The fourth direction M4 intersects the fifth direction M5; for example, the fourth direction M4 is perpendicular to the fifth direction M5. Thus, when the voltages applied to the first and second electrodes 12 and 22 in the first dimming panel 101 are equal and have a voltage difference with the third electrode 24, the long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 form an angle along the fifth direction M5. Consequently, after polarized light with a polarization direction parallel to the fifth direction M5 passes through the dye liquid crystal layer 30, the propagation direction of the polarized light is directed in at least two directions. This means that the dye liquid crystal layer 30 can scatter polarized light with a polarization direction parallel to the fifth direction M5, thereby increasing the haze of the first dimming panel 101.

[0177] As shown in Figure 18, the first sub-electrodes 241 in the second dimming panel 102 extend along the sixth direction M6, that is, the first sub-electrodes 241 in the second dimming panel 102 are strip-shaped electrodes. The third electrodes 24 in the second dimming panel 102 are spaced apart along the seventh direction M7. The sixth direction M6 intersects the seventh direction M7; for example, the sixth direction M6 is perpendicular to the seventh direction M7. Thus, when the voltages applied to the first and second electrodes 12 and 22 in the second dimming panel 102 are equal and have a voltage difference with the third electrode 24, the long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 form an angle along the seventh direction M7. Consequently, after polarized light with a polarization direction parallel to the seventh direction M7 passes through the dye liquid crystal layer 30, the propagation direction of the polarized light is directed in at least two directions. In other words, the dye liquid crystal layer 30 can scatter polarized light with a polarization direction parallel to the seventh direction M7, thereby increasing the haze of the second dimming panel 102.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 18 , the fourth direction M4 is perpendicular to the sixth direction M6 , that is, the fifth direction M5 is perpendicular to the seventh direction M7 .

[0179] Because natural light is circularly polarized, it can be decomposed into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, with the polarization direction of the first polarized light perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second polarized light. When natural light passes through the dimming structure 110, the first dimming panel 101 scatters the first polarized light, while the second dimming panel 102 scatters the second polarized light. This improves the haze of the dimming structure 110, lowering the image quality of the dimming structure 110 and providing a better privacy effect.

[0180] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG19 , the orientation direction of the first alignment layer 13 in the first dimming panel 101 is the eighth direction M8. Thus, when the voltages of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 in the first dimming panel 101 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode 12, or when the voltages on the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 are equal, the long axes of the dye molecules 31 in the first dimming panel 101 are parallel, and the orthographic projection of the long axes of the dye molecules 31 on the plane of the first alignment layer 13 is parallel to or coincides with the eighth direction M8. At this point, the dye molecules 31 can absorb polarized light whose polarization direction is parallel to the eighth direction M8, thereby reducing the visible light transmittance of the first dimming panel 101.

[0181] As shown in Figure 19, the orientation direction of the first alignment layer 13 in the second dimming panel 102 is the ninth direction M9. Thus, when the voltages of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 in the second dimming panel 102 are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode 12, or when the voltages on the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 are equal, the long axes of the dye molecules 31 in the second dimming panel 102 are parallel, and the orthographic projection of the long axes of the dye molecules 31 on the plane of the first alignment layer 13 is parallel to or coincides with the ninth direction M9. At this point, the dye molecules 31 can absorb polarized light whose polarization direction is parallel to the ninth direction M9, thereby reducing the visible light transmittance of the second dimming panel 102.

[0182] As shown in Figure 19, the eighth direction M8 and the ninth direction M9 are perpendicular. Since natural light is circularly polarized, that is, it can be decomposed into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, with the polarization direction of the first polarized light being perpendicular to the polarization direction of the second polarized light, when natural light passes through the dimming structure 110, the first dimming panel 101 absorbs the first polarized light, while the second dimming panel 102 absorbs the second polarized light. This reduces the visible light transmittance of the dimming structure 110, thereby improving the dark state effect of the dimming structure 110.

[0183] In some embodiments, some embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a dimming device, which includes the dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 of any of the above embodiments, and the dimming device includes one of a skylight, a curtain wall, a rail transit vehicle, a car, a billboard, and an airplane.

[0184] The dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can be used in the construction field. For example, the dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can be used in a skylight or curtain wall. The dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can be used in the glass of a partition. Compared with the use of brick walls to separate rooms in the construction field, the dimming device of the embodiment of the present disclosure is thinner. In this way, the dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can save space. The company logo can also be displayed on the partition glass. In this way, the dimming device including the dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can be, for example, a skylight, a curtain wall, etc.

[0185] The dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can also be applied to the transportation field. For example, the dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can be applied to rail vehicles or automobiles. Rail vehicles can include subways, light rails, aerial rail trains, trams, and maglev trains, which are not listed one by one in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Automobiles can include passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, or buses, which are not listed one by one in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, the dimming device including the dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 can be, for example, a rail vehicle, automobile, etc.

[0186] The dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 may also be applied in the field of advertising. For example, the dimming panel 100 or the dimming device may be applied in billboards.

[0187] The dimming panel 100 or the dimming structure 110 may also be applied in the field of aviation. For example, the dimming panel 100 or the dimming device may be applied in an airplane.

[0188] The present disclosure uses a dimming device as an example of a car 1000. As shown in FIG20 , the car 1000 includes a body 1010 and a window glass 1020 mounted on the body 1010. The window glass 1020 can be one or more of the car's front window, sunroof, rear window, or side window. The window glass 1020 includes a dimming panel 100 or dimming structure 110 according to any of the above-described embodiments. The dimming panel 100 or dimming structure 110 can also be used on the central control touch screen in the car 1000.

[0189] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a control method for the dimming panel 100 as in any of the above embodiments. The dimming panel 100 has an infrared adjustment mode. In the infrared adjustment mode, the control method includes S100.

[0190] S100 : Apply a direct current to at least one of the first electrode 12 , the second electrode 22 , and the third electrode 24 .

[0191] An electric field perpendicular to the first substrate 10 is formed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 , and a plurality of light absorbing particles 50 are distributed on the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 close to the dye liquid crystal layer 30 .

[0192] In some embodiments, S100 (applying a direct current to at least one of the first electrode 12 , the second electrode 22 , and the third electrode 24 ) includes S10 .

[0193] As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 , at S10 , a first voltage V1 is applied to the first electrode 12 , and a second voltage V2 is applied to the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 .

[0194] The first voltage V1 is greater than or less than the second voltage V2. The voltage difference between the first voltage V1 and the second voltage V2 is greater than a first threshold value, which is the minimum voltage difference required to drive the light-absorbing particles 50 to move. In this manner, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 can move toward the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and be evenly distributed on the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. Infrared light passing through the surface of the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 can be absorbed by the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50. At this point, the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is the first transmittance.

[0195] For example, as shown in FIG21 , the first voltage V1 is less than the second voltage V2. For example, the value of the first voltage V1 is 0V, and the value of the second voltage V2 is greater than the first threshold. At this time, a first electric field is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second and third electrodes 22, 24. The first electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, and the direction of the first electric field is from the first electrode 12 to the second and third electrodes 22, 24. As shown in FIG21 , under the action of the first electric field, the light-absorbing particles 50 move toward the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, and then the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 are evenly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. At this time, infrared light passing through the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 can be absorbed by the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50. At this time, the transmittance of infrared light of the dimming panel 100 is the first transmittance.

[0196] For example, as shown in FIG22 , the first voltage V1 is greater than the second voltage V2. For example, the value of the first voltage V1 is greater than the first threshold value, and the value of the second voltage V2 is 0V. At this time, a first electric field is generated between the first electrode 12 and the second and third electrodes 22, 24. The first electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate 10, and the direction of the first electric field is from the first electrode 12 to the second and third electrodes 22, 24. Under the action of the first electric field, the light-absorbing particles 50 move toward the surface of the first substrate 10 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, and then the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 are evenly distributed on the surface of the first substrate 10 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. Infrared light passing through the surface of the first substrate 10 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 can be absorbed by the multiple light-absorbing particles 50. At this time, the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is the first transmittance.

[0197] In other embodiments, S100 (applying a direct current to at least one of the first electrode 12 , the second electrode 22 , and the third electrode 24 ) includes S20 .

[0198] As shown in FIG. 23 , at S20 , a third voltage V3 is applied to the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 22 , and a fourth voltage V4 is applied to the third electrode 24 .

[0199] The third voltage V3 is greater than or less than the fourth voltage V4. The voltage difference between the third voltage V3 and the fourth voltage V4 is greater than a second threshold, which is the minimum voltage difference required to cause the light-absorbing particles 50 to move. This causes the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 to move toward the surface of the third electrode 24, uniformly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and in an area near the third electrode 24. In other words, the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 are evenly distributed on the surfaces and side surfaces of the multiple first sub-electrodes 24 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30, while portions of the spaces between adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 are devoid of light-absorbing particles 50. Infrared light passing through the surfaces of the first sub-electrodes 241 and near the sides of the first sub-electrodes 241 is absorbed by the multiple light-absorbing particles 50, while infrared light passing through the spaces between adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 devoid of light-absorbing particles 50 is not absorbed. The second transmittance is greater than the first transmittance. In this way, the voltage difference between the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24 can be controlled to adjust the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100.

[0200] Exemplarily, the third voltage V3 is less than the fourth voltage V4. For example, the third voltage V3 is 0V, and the fourth voltage V4 is greater than the second threshold. At this point, a second electric field is generated between the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24. The second electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 and partially located between the first electrode 12 and the third electrode 24.

[0201] The second electric field between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 includes a portion parallel to the first substrate 10. Under the influence of the portion of the second electric field parallel to the first substrate 10, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 approach the side surface of the third electrode 24 in a direction parallel to the first substrate 10, thereby distributing the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 along the side surface of the third electrode 24. The second electric field between the first electrode 12 and the third electrode 24 includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate 10. Under the influence of the portion of the second electric field perpendicular to the first substrate 10, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 approach the surface of the third electrode 24 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 in a direction perpendicular to the first substrate 10, thereby distributing the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 along the surface of the third electrode 24 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30. Consequently, the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50 in the dye liquid crystal layer 30 are uniformly distributed on the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and located in an area near the third electrode 24.

[0202] At this time, infrared light passing through the surface of the second substrate 20 near the dye liquid crystal layer 30 and located near the third electrode 24 can be absorbed by the plurality of light-absorbing particles 50, while infrared light passing through the area between adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 where no light-absorbing particles 50 are present cannot be absorbed. At this time, the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 is the second transmittance.

[0203] In some embodiments, the density of the plurality of light absorbing particles 50 is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer 30. After S100 (applying a direct current to at least one of the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24), the control method further includes S200.

[0204] S200 , removing the direct current applied to the first electrode 12 , the second electrode 22 , and the third electrode 24 .

[0205] The density of the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer 30, which can make the gravity and buoyancy of the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 equal. When the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 are not subjected to the force of the electric field, the multiple light-absorbing particles 50 can be suspended in the dye liquid crystal layer 30. This can keep the distribution position of the light-absorbing particles 50 unchanged. That is, the infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 can be maintained at the first transmittance or the second transmittance. The infrared light transmittance of the dimming panel 100 can be kept unchanged without continuously applying voltage to the first electrode 12, the second electrode 22, and the third electrode 24, thereby saving energy.

[0206] In some embodiments, the dimming panel 100 further has a haze adjustment mode. In the haze adjustment mode, the control method further includes S300 .

[0207] S300 : Applying an alternating current to at least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 .

[0208] An electric field parallel to the first substrate 10 is formed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32. The long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 form an angle, which allows light emitted from the dye liquid crystal layer 30 to propagate in at least two directions, thereby increasing the haze of the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0209] Illustratively, S300 (applying alternating current to at least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 ) includes S301 .

[0210] As shown in Figure 24, in step S301, a fifth voltage V5 is applied to the first and second electrodes 12, 22, and a sixth voltage V6 is applied to the third electrode 24. The fifth voltage V5 is either greater than or less than the sixth voltage V6. The voltage difference between the fifth voltage V5 and the sixth voltage V6 is greater than a third threshold value, which is the minimum voltage difference required to deflect the liquid crystal molecules. At this point, a third electric field is generated between the first and second electrodes 12, 22, and the third electrode 24. The third electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes 241 and partially located between the first electrode 12 and the third electrode 24. The third electric field includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate 10 and a portion parallel to the first substrate 10. Under the action of the third electric field, the long axes of at least two liquid crystal molecules 32 form an angle, resulting in a higher haze in the dye liquid crystal layer 30.

[0211] Exemplarily, the fifth voltage V5 is less than the sixth voltage V6. For example, the value of the fifth voltage V5 is 0V, and the value of the sixth voltage V6 is greater than the third threshold.

[0212] Exemplarily, the fifth voltage V5 is greater than the sixth voltage V6. For example, the value of the fifth voltage V5 is greater than the third threshold, and the value of the sixth voltage V6 is 0V.

[0213] In some embodiments, the dimming panel 100 further has a brightness adjustment mode. In the brightness adjustment mode, the control method further includes S400.

[0214] S400 : Apply an alternating current to at least one of the second electrode 22 , the third electrode 24 , and the first electrode 12 .

[0215] An electric field perpendicular to the direction of the first substrate 10 is formed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32. The long axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are roughly parallel, which can make the long axis directions of the dye molecules 31 parallel, that is, the absorbance of each dye molecule 31 is roughly the same, thereby making the brightness of each area of ​​the dimming panel 100 roughly the same.

[0216] Illustratively, S400 (applying alternating current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode) includes S401.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 25 , in S401 , a seventh voltage V7 is applied to the first electrode 12 , and an eighth voltage V8 is applied to the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 .

[0218] The seventh voltage V7 is greater than or less than the eighth voltage V8. The voltage difference between the seventh voltage V7 and the eighth voltage V8 is greater than a fourth threshold. The fourth threshold is the minimum voltage difference required to deflect the liquid crystal molecules 32. At this point, a fourth electric field is generated between the second and third electrodes 22, 24, and the first electrode 12. The fourth electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate. Under the action of the fourth electric field, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 32 are aligned. As the voltage difference between the seventh and eighth voltages V7 and V8 increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32 increases, which in turn increases the deflection angle of the dye molecules 31. This changes the absorbance of the dye molecules 31, thereby altering the transmittance of the dimming panel 100.

[0219] Exemplarily, the seventh voltage V7 is less than the eighth voltage V8. For example, the value of the seventh voltage V7 is 0V, and the value of the eighth voltage V8 is greater than the fourth threshold.

[0220] Exemplarily, the seventh voltage V7 is greater than the eighth voltage V8. For example, the value of the seventh voltage V7 is greater than the fourth threshold, and the value of the eighth voltage V8 is 0V.

[0221] In some embodiments, the dimming panel 100 has an infrared haze adjustment mode. In the infrared haze adjustment mode, the control method further includes S500.

[0222] S500 includes S501 to S502.

[0223] S501 : Apply direct current to at least one of the first electrode 12 , the second electrode 22 , and the third electrode 24 .

[0224] An electric field perpendicular to the first substrate 10 is formed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 , thereby adjusting the distribution positions of the plurality of light absorbing particles 50 and adjusting the transmittance of infrared light of the dimming panel 100 .

[0225] S502 : Apply an alternating current to at least one of the second electrode 22 and the third electrode 24 .

[0226] An electric field parallel to the first substrate 10 is formed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules 32. The haze of the dimming panel 100 can be adjusted.

[0227] In the description of this specification, specific features, structures, materials or characteristics may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0228] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, but the scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that a person skilled in the art can conceive within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a dimming panel, The dimming panel comprises: A first substrate including a first electrode; a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate, comprising a second electrode and a third electrode, wherein the second electrode is electrically insulated from the third electrode, and the third electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes disposed at intervals; A dye liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of light absorbing particles disposed in the dye liquid crystal layer, the plurality of light absorbing particles being configured to absorb infrared light; The control method comprises: A direct current is applied to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode to form an electric field perpendicular to the direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, and to distribute the plurality of light absorbing particles on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode comprises: A first voltage is applied to the first electrode, and a second voltage is applied to the second electrode and the third electrode, and the first voltage is greater than or less than the second voltage; so that the plurality of light absorbing particles are evenly distributed on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer, and the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than a first threshold value, and the first threshold value is the minimum voltage difference for driving the light absorbing particles to move.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: A first electric field is generated between the second electrode and the third electrode and the first electrode, and the first electric field is perpendicular to the first substrate.

4. The control method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The value of the first voltage is 0V, and the value of the second voltage is greater than the first threshold; or, The value of the second voltage is 0V, and the value of the first voltage is greater than the first threshold.

5. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode comprises: A third voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a fourth voltage is applied to the third electrode, and the third voltage is greater than or less than the fourth voltage; so that the plurality of light absorbing particles are evenly distributed on the surface of the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer and are located in a region close to the third electrode, and the voltage difference between the third voltage and the fourth voltage is greater than a second threshold value, and the second threshold value is the minimum voltage difference for causing the light absorbing particles to move.

6. The control method according to claim 5, wherein: A second electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode. The second electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes and partially located between the first electrode and the third electrode. The second electric field located between the two adjacent first sub-electrodes includes a portion parallel to the first substrate, and the second electric field located between the first electrode and the third electrode includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate.

7. The control method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The value of the third voltage is 0V, and the value of the fourth voltage is greater than the second threshold.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The density of the plurality of light absorbing particles is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer; after applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode, the control method further comprises: When the direct current applied to the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode is removed, the distribution positions of the light absorbing particles remain unchanged.

9. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The dye liquid crystal layer of the dimming panel also includes a plurality of dye molecules and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules; The control method further comprises: An alternating current is applied to at least one of the second electrode and the third electrode to form an electric field parallel to the direction of the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules; wherein the long axis directions of at least two liquid crystal molecules have an angle.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein: The size of the liquid crystal molecule along the long axis is d, the wavelength of the light incident on the liquid crystal molecule is λ, and the refractive index of the extraordinary light of the liquid crystal molecule is n e The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule in normal light is n o , the phase difference between the abnormal light and the normal light is г; where d, λ, n e 、n o Satisfies: г=2π(n e -n o )d / λ.

11. The control method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The applying an alternating current to at least one of the second electrode and the third electrode comprises: A fifth voltage is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode, and a sixth voltage is applied to the third electrode, and the fifth voltage is greater than or less than the sixth voltage; wherein a voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage is greater than a third threshold value, and as the voltage difference between the fifth voltage and the sixth voltage increases, a deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules increases, and the third threshold value is a minimum voltage difference for deflecting the liquid crystal molecules.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein: A third electric field is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode and the third electrode. The third electric field is partially located between two adjacent first sub-electrodes and partially located between the first electrode and the third electrode. The third electric field includes a portion perpendicular to the first substrate and a portion parallel to the first substrate.

13. The control method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The value of the fifth voltage is 0V, and the value of the sixth voltage is greater than the third threshold; or, The value of the sixth voltage is 0V, and the value of the fifth voltage is greater than the third threshold.

14. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The dye liquid crystal layer of the dimming panel also includes a plurality of dye molecules and a plurality of liquid crystal molecules; The control method further comprises: Applying a seventh voltage to the first electrode, and applying an eighth voltage to the second electrode and the third electrode, wherein the seventh voltage is greater than or less than the eighth voltage, so that an electric field having a direction perpendicular to the first substrate is formed between the first substrate and the second substrate; thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules, wherein the long axis directions of the liquid crystal molecules are substantially parallel; Among them, the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage is greater than a fourth threshold value. As the voltage difference between the seventh voltage and the eighth voltage increases, the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules increases. The fourth threshold value is the minimum voltage difference that causes the liquid crystal molecules to deflect.

15. The control method according to claim 14, wherein: The value of the seventh voltage is 0V, and the absolute value of the eighth voltage is greater than the fourth threshold; or, A value of the eighth voltage is 0V, and an absolute value of the seventh voltage is greater than the fourth threshold.

16. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising: Applying direct current to at least one of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode to form an electric field perpendicular to the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby adjusting the distribution positions of the plurality of light absorbing particles; An alternating current is applied to at least one of the second electrode and the third electrode to form an electric field parallel to the first substrate between the first substrate and the second substrate, thereby adjusting the deflection angle of the liquid crystal molecules.

17. A dimming panel, comprising: A first substrate, comprising a first substrate and a first electrode disposed on the first substrate; A second substrate, arranged opposite to the first substrate; the second substrate comprises a second substrate, and a second electrode and a third electrode arranged on the second substrate, the second electrode is electrically insulated from the third electrode, and the third electrode comprises a plurality of first sub-electrodes arranged at intervals; A dye liquid crystal layer, located between the first substrate and the second substrate; a plurality of light absorbing particles disposed in the dye liquid crystal layer, the plurality of light absorbing particles being configured to absorb infrared light; The multiple light absorbing particles are also configured to: be uniformly distributed on the surface of the first substrate or the second substrate near the dye liquid crystal layer when the voltages of the second electrode and the third electrode are equal and both have a voltage difference with the first electrode; or be uniformly distributed in an area of ​​the second substrate near the third electrode when the voltages of the first electrode and the second electrode are equal and both have a voltage difference with the third electrode.

18. The dimming panel according to claim 17, wherein: The density of the light absorbing particles is equal to the density of the dye liquid crystal layer.

19. The dimming panel according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The light absorbing particles are charged particles.

20. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein: The plurality of first sub-electrodes extend along a first direction and are spaced apart along a second direction; wherein the first direction intersects with the second direction.

21. The dimming panel according to claim 20, wherein: The interval between two adjacent first sub-electrodes is 2 μm to 5 μm, and the size of the first sub-electrode along the second direction is 2 μm to 5 μm.

22. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein: The second electrode is a continuous whole-layer structure, and the third electrode is located on a side of the second electrode away from the second substrate; The second substrate further comprises: The second alignment layer is located between the second electrode and the third electrode and is configured to electrically insulate the second electrode from the third electrode.

23. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein: The second electrode is a continuous whole-layer structure, and the third electrode is located on a side of the second electrode away from the second substrate; The second substrate further comprises: a first insulating layer, located between the second electrode and the third electrode; The second alignment layer is located at a side of the third electrode away from the second substrate.

24. The dimming panel according to claim 23, wherein: The second substrate further comprises: The first planarization layer is located between the third electrode and the second alignment layer. The surface of the first planarization layer away from the second substrate is parallel to the surface of the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer, and the first planarization layer is in direct contact with the second alignment layer.

25. The dimming panel according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein: The second electrode includes a plurality of second sub-electrodes, the second sub-electrodes and the first sub-electrodes are arranged in the same layer, the second sub-electrodes and the first sub-electrodes both extend along a first direction and are alternately distributed along a second direction, wherein the first direction intersects with the second direction.

26. The dimming panel according to claim 25, wherein: The second substrate further comprises: A second planarization layer is located on a side of the second electrode and the third electrode away from the second substrate, and a surface away from the second substrate is parallel to a surface of the second substrate close to the dye liquid crystal layer; The third alignment layer is located on a side of the second planarization layer away from the second substrate and is in direct contact with a surface of the second planarization layer away from the second substrate.

27. A dimming structure, comprising: Two dimming panels in a stacked setting; The dimming panel is the dimming panel according to any one of claims 17 to 26, and the extension directions of the first sub-electrodes in the two dimming panels have an angle.

28. A dimming device, comprising the dimming panel according to any one of claims 17 to 26, or the dimming structure according to claim 27; the dimming device comprises one of a curtain wall, a skylight, an airplane, a rail transportation vehicle and a passenger car.

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