A flexible dimming curtain system with quick bendability and response and a control method thereof

Abstract

The present application discloses a flexible dimming curtain system and control method that can be bent and respond quickly. The system includes a flexible dimming curtain, a response control module, a bending curvature voltage regulation module, and a control module. The flexible dimming curtain is composed of a dimming film and a polyurethane film on the inner and outer surfaces. The response control module is used to control the period in which the voltage of the dimming film rises from an initial value to a target value. The bending curvature voltage regulation module detects the bending state of the curtain in real time and outputs a corresponding voltage signal. The control module has a built-in reference table to determine the target voltage based on the bending curvature, and intelligently controls the voltage to reach the target value within 5-7 cycles to ensure a rapid response. The present application can autonomously adjust the dimming film state according to real-time weather conditions, simulating natural effects, effectively solving the problem of prolonged response time due to the obstruction of liquid crystal molecule rotation when the flexible dimming curtain is bent, while avoiding the abnormal electric field strength caused by the uneven thickness of the dimming film due to bending.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of PDLC dimming films, and in particular to a flexible dimming curtain system with rapid bendability and response and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of smart home technology, traditional curtains are gradually being upgraded towards intelligent technologies. However, existing technologies still have many shortcomings. For one thing, smart curtains primarily made of fabric suffer from slow response speeds and low retraction and deployment efficiency. Due to the material's characteristics, they are easily stained by dust and stains, resulting in high cleaning and maintenance costs. Furthermore, existing smart curtain control systems generally lack autonomous adjustment capabilities, making it difficult to proactively adjust the curtain's state based on environmental changes (such as light intensity and temperature). For example, during winter daytime, the curtains cannot automatically open to let in natural light, significantly reducing the user experience. Furthermore, existing dimming films are primarily applied to the interior of laminated glass, where their curvature is fixed after assembly. This makes them unable to meet the flexibility and durability required for dynamic use, such as wind swaying, frequent opening and closing, and human contact. Existing electronic curtains often use hard materials such as glass or hard plastic, which maintains their shape stability but lacks the soft visual and comfortable feel characteristic of fabric curtains, further hindering the widespread adoption of dimmable curtains. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to solve the problem that when the dimming film is applied to the curtains that are repeatedly bent, the bending stress generated by the bending of the curtains may hinder the free rotation of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby causing the response time of the dimming film to be prolonged during the power-on and power-off processes. In addition, bending may also cause the thickness of the dimming film to change, resulting in unstable electric field strength, which manifests as excessive or insufficient electric field strength. If the electric field strength is insufficient, the haze of the dimming film will increase; if the electric field strength is too high, the risk of surge current breaking through the dimming film will increase. In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solutions provided by this application are as follows:

[0004] In one aspect, the present application provides a flexible dimming curtain system that is bendable and responsive, comprising:

[0005] Flexible dimming curtain, comprising:

[0006] Switchable film, which changes light transmittance when voltage is applied;

[0007] A polyurethane film, comprising a first polyurethane film disposed on the outer surface of the dimming film and a second polyurethane film disposed on the inner surface;

[0008] A response control module, when activated, is used to control the rise period required for the dimming film to rise from an initial voltage value to a target voltage value; wherein the rise period is 5-7 cycles, and the target voltage value refers to the driving voltage value required for the dimming film to achieve a preset transmittance;

[0009] A curvature voltage regulating module, configured to detect the curvature of the flexible dimming curtain and output a corresponding voltage signal;

[0010] The control module is electrically connected to the response control module and the bending curvature voltage regulation module respectively, and has a built-in bending curvature-dimming film thickness-voltage comparison table, which is used to determine the corresponding target voltage value according to the detected bending curvature, and control the voltage to be adjusted to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises:

[0012] A light strip is provided on the top of the flexible dimming curtain and transmits light through the polyurethane film;

[0013] The counterweight block is arranged at the bottom of the flexible dimming curtain and is used to offset the elastic rebound tendency of the flexible dimming curtain through the action of gravity to maintain its flatness in the unfolded state.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the light transmittance of the first polyurethane film and the second polyurethane film are respectively higher than the light transmittance of the switchable film in a through-state by 1-5%.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, a ratio of a thickness of the first polyurethane film or the second polyurethane film to a thickness of the switchable film is (1-1.8):1.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the dimming film is 0.1-0.3 mm;

[0017] The thickness of the first polyurethane film is 0.1-0.5 mm.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the first polyurethane film and the second polyurethane film are bonded together using an optically transparent adhesive, and the thickness of the optically transparent adhesive is less than or equal to 50 μm.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the bending curvature voltage regulating module includes a flexible strain resistor sensor for monitoring the bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain and converting the bending curvature information into a voltage signal to be transmitted to the control module.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the first polyurethane film is coated with an anti-fingerprint / anti-glare coating.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a support rod, a connecting rod, and a motor;

[0022] One end of the connecting rod is slidably connected to the supporting rod, and the other end is connected to the flexible dimming curtain;

[0023] The motor is electrically connected to the connecting rod and is used to drive the connecting rod to move and retract the flexible dimming curtain.

[0024] On the other hand, the present application also provides a method for controlling a flexible dimming curtain that is bendable and responsive, comprising:

[0025] Voltage rising cycle setting: Set the rising cycle of the dimming film driving voltage to 5-7 cycles;

[0026] Initial voltage setting: In the first cycle, the voltage of the dimming film is set to an initial voltage value, which should be less than or equal to 12V;

[0027] Boost control: starting from the second cycle, controlling the initial voltage value of the dimming film to rise to the target voltage value, wherein the target voltage value refers to the driving voltage value required for the dimming film to achieve a preset transmittance;

[0028] Bending state detection: obtain the current bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain;

[0029] Curvature-voltage mapping: determining the compensation voltage corresponding to the current curvature based on a preset curvature-film thickness-voltage comparison table;

[0030] Bending condition before starting: when the dimming film is started in a bent state, the compensation voltage is increased to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles based on the compensation voltage;

[0031] Post-startup bending condition: when the dimming film is started and bends, the dimming film voltage is directly adjusted to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles.

[0032] By adopting the above technical solution, the present application provides a flexible dimming curtain system with rapid response and a control method, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0033] 1. This application solves the problem of prolonged response time caused by the obstruction of liquid crystal molecular rotation during repeated bending of flexible dimming curtains. At the same time, an intelligent compensation mechanism is used to avoid uneven thickness caused by bending, ensuring stable electric field strength and overcoming the risks of haze fluctuations and surge breakdown caused by abnormal field strength.

[0034] 2. Through intelligent scene simulation, this application enables the flexible dimming curtain system to match weather and lighting conditions in real time, autonomously adjusting the state of the dimming film (e.g., simulating the dynamic effects of raindrops, natural wind fluctuations, and gradual sunlight penetration). By linking optical effects with the ambient atmosphere, it provides users with an immersive living experience, significantly enhancing the comfort and artistic aesthetic value of the home environment.

[0035] 3. This application adopts a foldable PDLC dimming film group design. When unfolded, it is parallel to the glass plane to ensure uniform light control. When folded, it folds perpendicular to the glass to avoid damage to the PDLC dimming film, thereby improving the flatness and durability of the curtain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible dimming curtain provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the specific structure of the flexible dimming curtain provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 1 ;

[0039] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the specific structure of the flexible dimming curtain provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 2 ;

[0040] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the control circuit of the flexible dimming curtain provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0041] The following is a supplementary description of the accompanying drawings:

[0042] 1-flexible dimming curtain; 11-dimming film; 12-first polyurethane film; 13-second polyurethane film; 2-light strip; 3-counterweight; 4-support rod; 5-connecting rod; 6-motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] References to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" herein refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics that may be included in at least one implementation of the present application. Throughout the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplification. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation, and are therefore not to be construed as limiting the present application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features indicated. Thus, a feature designated "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential sequence. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0045] When a numerical range is disclosed herein, the above range is considered to be continuous and includes the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range, as well as every value between such minimum and maximum values. Further, when a range refers to an integer, every integer between the minimum and maximum values ​​of the range is included. In addition, when multiple ranges are provided to describe a feature or characteristic, the ranges can be merged. In other words, unless otherwise indicated, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include any and all subranges included therein. For example, a specified range from "1 to 10" should be considered to include any and all subranges between a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10. Exemplary subranges of the range 1 to 10 include, but are not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, 5.5 to 10, etc.

[0046] See also Figure 1 The embodiment of the present application provides a flexible dimming curtain system that is bendable and responsive, including:

[0047] Flexible dimming curtain 1, comprising:

[0048] A dimming film 11, used to change light transmittance when a voltage is applied;

[0049] The polyurethane film includes a first polyurethane film 12 provided on the outer surface of the dimming film 11 and a second polyurethane film 13 provided on the inner surface;

[0050] The response control module, when activated, is used to control the ramp-up period required for the dimming film 11 to increase from an initial voltage value to a target voltage value. The ramp-up period is 5-7 cycles, and the target voltage value refers to the driving voltage value required for the dimming film 11 to achieve a preset transmittance. The cycle refers to the periodic variation of the alternating current, specifically the reciprocating sinusoidal (or cosine) variation of its voltage and current over time, from a positive maximum value through zero to a negative maximum value, then back to zero and back to a positive maximum value. The time required to complete this entire process is called a period (symbol T), measured in seconds (s). The standard operating frequency of my country's power system is 50 Hz, and its period T = 1 / f = 1 / 50 = 0.02 seconds (i.e., 20 milliseconds), indicating that the current direction alternates 50 times per second, and each complete alternating process takes 0.02 seconds.

[0051] The bending curvature voltage regulating module is used to detect the bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain 1 and output a corresponding voltage signal;

[0052] The control module is electrically connected to the response control module and the bending curvature voltage regulation module respectively, and has a built-in bending curvature-dimming film thickness-voltage comparison table, which is used to determine the corresponding target voltage value according to the detected bending curvature, and control the voltage to adjust to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles.

[0053] Specifically, the flexible dimming curtain 1 of this application utilizes a three-layer sheet-like structure. Its main structure, from outer to inner, consists of a first thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film 12, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) dimming film 11, and a second polyurethane film 13. The first TPU film boasts high transparency (light transmittance >90%), resistance to repeated bending, and tearing. Its flexible structure effectively protects the inner dimming film 11 from physical damage. Its diffuse reflective properties soften light and eliminate glare, giving the curtain a soft, visually appealing feel, avoiding the harsh, metallic or glass-like appearance. The central dimming film 11 can be switched between a foggy state (low transmittance) and a transparent state (high transmittance) via voltage regulation, flexibly adjusting light intensity. The dimming films 11 can be connected by flexible wires, ensuring more uniform tension when the curtain is unfolded, making folding and unfolding easier. Furthermore, by applying TPU film layers on the inner and outer surfaces of the switchable film 11, encapsulating the rigid layer of the film, a flexible-rigid-flexible structure is formed. This mechanical buffering suppresses warping or local collapse caused by uneven stress, enhancing bending and compression resistance and improving flexural rigidity. Furthermore, its high light transmittance and thermal insulation properties reduce residual microstructure interference fringes after powering the switchable film 11 and localized dark areas when power is not applied. It also improves overall thermal stability (low thermal expansion coefficient, minimal dimensional change), preventing the risk of interlayer delamination caused by thermal stress. In addition, the high ductility of the TPU material can effectively absorb and disperse external stress, preventing cracks in the dimming film 11 due to concentrated stress and significantly enhancing its impact resistance. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonds and microphase separation structure between the TPU molecular chains, as well as the reversible deformation properties of the TPU molecular chains, allow it to return to its original shape after repeated bending, reducing microstructural damage to the dimming film 11 caused by mechanical fatigue and improving its resistance to accidental scratch damage. This avoids serious failures such as the inability to power on caused by structural damage to the dimming film 11. Based on the above-mentioned material properties, the flexible dimming curtain 1 not only presents a tactile and visual affinity similar to traditional cloth curtains, but also meets the aesthetic needs of modern home decoration. It is also adaptable to high-frequency bending scenarios and scratch-prone environments, and has a long service life, making it promising for application and promotion.

[0054] The intelligent control system of the flexible dimming curtain 1 of the present application also includes three core modules, among which the response control module is responsible for the voltage regulation timing control of the dimming film 11. At startup, the voltage of the dimming film 11 is gradually increased from the initial value to the target voltage value according to the preset 5-7 cycles. The target voltage value is calculated by the control module based on the signal provided by the bending curvature voltage regulation module to ensure that the dimming process is stable and flicker-free; the bending curvature voltage regulation module monitors the bending state of the flexible dimming curtain 1 in real time through the built-in flexible strain resistance sensor, and converts the detected bending curvature into a corresponding voltage regulation signal output; the control As the core decision-making unit of the system, the module has a built-in bending curvature-smart film thickness-voltage comparison table. It can calculate the driving voltage value required for the smart film 11 to achieve the preset transmittance in the current state based on the bending curvature data provided by the bending curvature voltage regulation module, and coordinate the response control module to complete the voltage adjustment process within 5-7 cycles. At the same time, the comparison table also takes into account the impact of the change in the thickness of the smart film caused by bending on the electric field strength, ensuring that the smart film 11 can work stably in different bending states, avoiding problems such as breakdown due to excessively strong electric field or response delay due to too weak electric field, thereby achieving precise dimming control.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the system also includes a Bluetooth module that can receive signals from the outside to achieve a variety of control functions. On the one hand, it can conveniently control the opening and closing of curtains and the opening and closing of the dimming film 11. It also has the ability to light up some of the dimming film 11, thereby creating a rich and diverse lighting effect to meet the personalized needs of different scenarios. On the other hand, the system can connect to the server to obtain local weather conditions in real time. Based on changes in weather conditions such as cloudy, rainy, and snowy, it can independently make intelligent adjustments, such as enhancing the shading effect on sunny days and optimizing lighting on cloudy days, thereby providing users with capabilities.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the system further comprises:

[0057] The light strip 2 is arranged on the top of the flexible dimming curtain 1 and transmits light through the polyurethane film;

[0058] The counterweight 3 is arranged at the bottom of the flexible dimming curtain 1 and is used to offset the elastic rebound tendency of the flexible dimming curtain 1 through the action of gravity to maintain its flatness in the unfolded state.

[0059] Specifically, a light strip 2 is positioned above the flexible dimming curtain 1, transmitting light through the highly transmittance polyurethane film, creating a uniform and soft fill-in lighting effect. Furthermore, a counterweight 3 is positioned at the bottom of the flexible dimming curtain 1, leveraging gravity to effectively offset the elastic rebound tendency of the polyurethane film. This ensures that the curtain remains flat when extended, preventing wrinkles or sagging caused by the material's elasticity, thereby maintaining stable light transmission uniformity and visual aesthetics.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the light transmittance of the first polyurethane film 12 and the second polyurethane film 13 are respectively higher than the light transmittance of the switchable film 11 in a through state by 1-5%.

[0061] Specifically, the high light transmittance of the polyurethane film enhances the optical performance of the flexible dimming curtain 1. Its transmittance is 1-5% higher than that of the dimming film 11 in its transparent state, making the polyurethane film a key compensating factor in the overall optical system. When the dimming film 11 is powered off, the disordered arrangement of the liquid crystal molecules creates localized microstructured interference fringes, resulting in uneven light transmission and the appearance of dark areas. The high light transmittance of the polyurethane film (>90%) effectively masks and mitigates the effects of these interference fringes, reducing light scattering and absorption losses through its uniform light transmission. Furthermore, when the dimming film 11 is powered on, its high light transmittance further optimizes overall light transmittance, avoiding light energy loss due to interfacial reflection or absorption. This not only improves the visual consistency of the dimming curtain in the off state and eliminates localized dark areas, but also enhances the overall system's light transmission efficiency, ensuring that the dimming film 11 maintains excellent optical performance across all operating conditions.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the thickness of the first polyurethane film 12 or the second polyurethane film 13 to the thickness of the dimming film 11 is (1-1.8):1.

[0063] Specifically, the ratio of the thickness of the first polyurethane film 12 or the second polyurethane film 13 to the thickness of the dimming film 11 is (1-1.8):1. By making the polyurethane film thicker than the dimming film 11, firstly, the thicker polyurethane film can effectively absorb external impact stress, reduce the risk of damage to the dimming film 11 under mechanical effects such as bending and friction, and improve the impact resistance and service life of the overall structure; secondly, the high transmittance (>90%) and uniform optical properties of the polyurethane film can reduce the scattering and absorption of light at the interface. In particular, when the dimming film 11 is powered off, its microstructure interference fringes will be weakened or even eliminated due to the thickness compensation effect of the polyurethane film. At the same time, the high transmittance of the polyurethane film when it is not powered on can avoid local light intensity attenuation, solving the problem of local dark areas commonly found in traditional structures.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the dimming film 11 is 0.1-0.3 mm;

[0065] The thickness of the first polyurethane film 12 is 0.1-0.5 mm.

[0066] Specifically, the middle layer of the dimming film has a thickness of 0.1-0.3mm and can be switched between foggy and transparent states through voltage control, thereby adjusting light intensity. Furthermore, the first polyurethane film 12, disposed on the outer surface of the dimming film 11, has a thickness of 0.1-0.5mm and offers high transparency (light transmittance >90%), resistance to repeated bending, and tearing. This effectively protects the internal dimming film 11 from physical damage, maintaining overall flexibility. The thickness of the second polyurethane film 13 can be the same or different from that of the first polyurethane film 12. Furthermore, the polyurethane film exhibits soft, glare-free diffuse reflection properties, significantly enhancing the visual softness of the curtains and effectively avoiding the visual harshness that can occur when curtains are made of materials such as metal or glass.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the first polyurethane film 12 and the second polyurethane film 13 are bonded together using an optically transparent adhesive, and the thickness of the optically transparent adhesive is less than or equal to 50 μm.

[0068] Specifically, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) is used as the adhesive layer between the first polyurethane film 12 and the second polyurethane film 13. OCA is bubble-free, highly transparent, and resistant to bending. The adhesive layer is uniform and has a thickness of ≤50 μm, which prevents light scattering from affecting the dimming effect.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the bending curvature voltage regulating module includes a flexible strain resistor sensor for monitoring the bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain 1 and converting the bending curvature information into a voltage signal to be transmitted to the control module.

[0070] Specifically, the bending curvature voltage regulating module integrates a flexible strain resistor sensor, which can be made of nano-silver conductive fiber and elastomer composite material, and can monitor the bending curvature changes of the flexible dimming curtain 1 in different directions in real time; the flexible strain resistor sensor converts mechanical deformation into resistance change through a built-in Wheatstone bridge circuit, and outputs a voltage signal that is linearly related to the bending curvature after processing by an analog-to-digital conversion circuit; the signal is filtered, amplified and temperature compensated by a signal conditioning circuit, and then transmitted to the control module through an I²C or SPI communication interface; the built-in microprocessor of the control module decodes and analyzes the received voltage signal, and combines it with a preset bending curvature-voltage comparison table to accurately calculate the target voltage value required for the current bending state.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the first polyurethane film 12 is coated with an anti-fingerprint / anti-glare coating.

[0072] Specifically, the outer surface of the first polyurethane film 12 is coated with an anti-fingerprint / anti-glare coating to improve the touch and anti-fouling properties and to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the system also includes pre-treatment of the polyurethane film and the switchable film 11. Specifically, this includes cleaning the surface of the first polyurethane film 12 and applying plasma treatment to enhance adhesion. The switchable film 11 is cut to the target size, leaving space for the electrode lead interface. Subsequently, the switchable film 11 is sandwiched between two layers of polyurethane film using a lamination process using vacuum hot pressing (temperature range 80-120°C) to ensure the removal of air bubbles. The electrode leads are printed with flexible conductive silver paste. The ends are embedded in ultra-thin copper foil less than 0.05mm thick. The leads are extended from the edges and wrapped with silicone sealant to prevent breakage and ensure the flexible electrodes are flex-resistant. The edges are sealed with TPU hot-pressing to prevent delamination and moisture intrusion. This process ensures the flex resistance of the electrodes and switchable film 11, effectively preventing excessive bending of the switchable film 11 while ensuring easy cleaning.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the system further comprises a support rod 4, a connecting rod 5 and a motor 6;

[0075] One end of the connecting rod 5 is slidably connected to the supporting rod 4, and the other end is connected to the flexible dimming curtain 1;

[0076] The motor 6 is electrically connected to the connecting rod 5 and is used to drive the connecting rod 5 to move and retract the flexible dimming curtain 1.

[0077] Specifically, the support rod 4 is installed vertically on the top of the window frame as a fixed base, and can be made of high-strength aluminum alloy to ensure structural stability; one end of the connecting rod 5 can be connected to the support rod 4 through a linear bearing to form a sliding pair, achieving frictionless and smooth movement, and the other end can be firmly connected to the top edge of the dimming curtain through a flexible snap-on structure to ensure that the curtain is flat and wrinkle-free when unfolded; the motor 6 can be an ordinary DC motor, and a built-in Hall sensor can be built in to achieve precise position feedback control. Its output shaft is connected to the connecting rod 5 through a synchronous belt transmission mechanism, driving the connecting rod 5 to move axially along the support rod 4, thereby driving the dimming curtain to achieve automatic retraction function. In addition, the connecting rod 5 can adopt a hollow tubular structure with a built-in signal cable, which not only reduces weight but also protects electrical connections. The TPU-coated guide rail reduces movement noise, making the curtain retraction and unfolding process smooth and quiet.

[0078] See also Figure 4 The present application also provides a method for controlling a flexible dimming curtain with a bendable and quick response, including:

[0079] Voltage rising cycle setting: set the rising cycle of the driving voltage of the dimming film 11 to 5-7 cycles;

[0080] Initial voltage setting: In the first cycle, the voltage of the dimming film 11 is set to the initial voltage value, which should be less than or equal to 12V;

[0081] Boost control: Starting from the second cycle, the initial voltage value of the dimming film 11 is controlled to rise to the target voltage value. The target voltage value refers to the driving voltage value required for the dimming film 11 to achieve a preset transmittance.

[0082] Bending state detection: obtaining the current bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain 1;

[0083] Curvature-voltage mapping: Based on the preset bending curvature-film thickness-voltage comparison table, the compensation voltage corresponding to the current bending curvature is determined;

[0084] Bending condition before starting: When the switchable film 11 is started in the bent state, the compensation voltage is increased to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles;

[0085] Post-startup bending condition: When the switchable film 11 is bent after being started, the voltage of the switchable film 11 is directly adjusted to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles.

[0086] Specifically, because the flexible dimming curtain 1 bends more frequently than traditional electronic curtains, its dimming film 11 faces a greater risk of electrical damage during use. Furthermore, bending stress significantly hinders the free rotation of liquid crystal molecules, resulting in a prolonged power-on / off response time and impacting dimming performance. To address this issue, the voltage rise rate must be accelerated to shorten the response time. However, the dimming film 11 is equivalent to a circuit with a capacitor, and rapid charging can easily induce surge currents that can damage the film 11. Furthermore, bending can lead to uneven film thickness, resulting in abnormal local electric field strength (excessive or insufficient), further impacting dimming uniformity. Furthermore, bending the dimming film 11 increases the side viewing angle haze, resulting in a significant difference in the viewing effect between front and side views, making it easily noticeable to the human eye. This has long limited the application of the dimming film 11 in flexible dimming curtains 1.

[0087] To address the response time issue of the dimming film 11, first, the rising cycle of the driving voltage of the dimming film 11 is set to 5-7 cycles. Through the power output soft start experiment, it was found that if the voltage rise time is less than 3 cycles, the rapid charging of the internal capacitor of the dimming film 11 will cause the surge current to soar to 4-5 times the rated current, which may damage the dimming film 11; and when the rise time exceeds 10 cycles, although the surge current can be suppressed, the side view haze of the dimming film 11 is higher than the front view when it is bent, and the human eye can easily perceive the hysteresis and the difference in haze change. After repeated verification, it was determined that the voltage rise cycle of the dimming film 11 is set to 5-7 cycles. At this time, the surge current can be controlled within 1.5 times the rated current, ensuring the safety of the dimming film 11. At the same time, the human eye will not perceive obvious hysteresis and haze change differences, achieving the best balance of safety, response speed and visual experience.

[0088] Secondly, during the first cycle, the voltage of the dimming film 11 is initialized to a safe starting value of ≤12V to avoid instantaneous high-voltage shocks, and then increases steadily. According to the haze-voltage curve of the dimming film 11 itself, when the voltage is above 10V, the haze can be low. At this time, the voltage increases steadily, greatly reducing the obvious haze difference observed by the human eye.

[0089] Then, starting from the second cycle, the initial voltage is increased to the target voltage value by gradually increasing the voltage. The target voltage value Vtarget refers to the driving voltage required for the dimming film 11 to achieve a preset transmittance, and its value range must meet the following requirements:

[0090] Fog state (power off / low voltage): V≤1V (transmittance T<20%)

[0091] Transparent state (power on / target voltage): Vtarget∈[12V, 30V] (transmittance T≥70%).

[0092] To address the issue of abnormal electric field strength, a flexible strain gauge sensor is installed on the surface of the flexible dimming curtain 1 to monitor curvature changes in real time. When the curtain bends, the resistance of the flexible strain gauge sensor changes and is converted into a voltage signal. This voltage signal is amplified by a signal amplifier and then transmitted to the microcontroller (MCU) via a Bluetooth module (useful for Bluetooth-related functions such as remote transmission) or a wired connection. The MCU dynamically calculates the target voltage based on a pre-stored self-measured curvature-film thickness comparison table and experimentally calibrated voltage matching data. Using the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) module, it generates a sinusoidal output with a rise period of 5-7 cycles. This sinusoidal signal then enters a high-voltage op amp circuit for voltage boosting. The boosted signal is then filtered out by a low-pass filter circuit to remove noise, ultimately generating a stable driving voltage.

[0093] The system also includes a motor that works in conjunction with the MCU in certain scenarios, such as opening and closing curtains. In addition to its signal transmission function, the Bluetooth module can also be used to receive external control commands and other information and pass it on to the MCU.

[0094] The specific control process is as follows: When the dimming film 11 is activated in a bent state, the microcontroller sets the target voltage based on the current curvature and achieves precise control through a smooth voltage increase over 5-7 cycles. If the dimming film 11 bends after being illuminated, the flexible strain gauge sensor immediately amplifies the feedback signal through a signal amplifier and transmits it to the microcontroller. The system then instantly recalculates the compensation voltage and dynamically adjusts it within 5-7 cycles. Through real-time monitoring and closed-loop control, this solution effectively prevents damage to the dimming film 11 or poor dimming performance caused by excessively high or low electric field strength, ensuring that the flexible dimming curtain 1 maintains stable operation and efficient dimming performance even under complex deformation conditions.

[0095] In one exemplary embodiment, the flexible dimming curtain 1, through an integrated intelligent control system, not only supports remote control via a mobile app, but also allows users to flexibly adjust the curtain's retraction and extension status and the transparency of the dimming film 11, achieving a stepless transition from full light blocking to full transparency, adapting to light management needs at different times of day. Furthermore, it incorporates multimodal interaction, enabling deep compatibility with mainstream smart home ecosystems. Users can respond to voice commands (such as "open the balcony curtains" or "dim the conference room curtains"), greatly enhancing operational convenience. It also introduces a contextual mode setting function. For example, a customizable "disco mode" can be set via the mobile app. Based on a preset volume-sensing algorithm, the system automatically simulates the light effects of electronic music scenes or intelligently adjusts the curtain opening and closing frequency according to the rhythm of the music, creating an immersive interactive experience. This enhances the intelligence level and emotional interaction of home control systems.

[0096] The above are only optional embodiments of the present application and are not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A flexible dimming curtain system that can be bent and responds quickly, characterized in that: include: Flexible dimming curtain (1), comprising: A dimming film (11) for changing light transmittance when a voltage is applied; A polyurethane film comprising a first polyurethane film (12) provided on the outer surface of the dimming film (11) and a second polyurethane film (13) provided on the inner surface; The response control module is used to control the rising period required for the dimming film (11) to rise from the initial voltage value to the target voltage value when it is started; wherein the rising period is 5-7 periods, and the 5-7 periods refer to the periodic change of the alternating current, that is, the voltage and current change in a sinusoidal or cosine form over time, from the positive maximum value through the zero value to the negative maximum value, then back to the zero value and back to the positive maximum value, and the time required to complete this complete process; the target voltage value refers to the driving voltage value required for the dimming film (11) to achieve a preset transmittance; A bending curvature voltage regulating module, used for detecting the bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain (1) and outputting a corresponding voltage signal; The control module is electrically connected to the response control module and the bending curvature voltage regulation module respectively, and has a built-in bending curvature-dimming film thickness-voltage comparison table, which is used to determine the corresponding target voltage value according to the detected bending curvature, and control the voltage to be adjusted to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles.

2. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system further comprises: A light strip (2) is arranged on the top of the flexible dimming curtain (1) and transmits light through the polyurethane film; A counterweight (3) is provided at the bottom of the flexible dimming curtain (1) and is used to offset the elastic rebound tendency of the flexible dimming curtain (1) through the action of gravity, thereby maintaining its flatness in the unfolded state.

3. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light transmittance of the first polyurethane film (12) and the second polyurethane film (13) are respectively higher than the light transmittance of the dimming film (11) by 1-5%.

4. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratio of the thickness of the first polyurethane film (12) or the second polyurethane film (13) to the thickness of the dimming film (11) is (1-1.8):

1.

5. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The thickness of the dimming film (11) is 0.1-0.3 mm; The thickness of the first polyurethane film (12) is 0.1-0.5 mm.

6. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first polyurethane film (12) and the second polyurethane film (13) are bonded together using an optically transparent adhesive, and the thickness of the optically transparent adhesive is less than or equal to 50 μm.

7. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bending curvature voltage regulating module comprises a flexible strain resistance sensor for monitoring the bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain (1) and converting the bending curvature information into a voltage signal for transmission to the control module.

8. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the first polyurethane film (12) is coated with an anti-fingerprint / anti-glare coating.

9. The flexible dimming curtain system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system further comprises a support rod (4), a connecting rod (5) and a motor (6); One end of the connecting rod (5) is slidably connected to the supporting rod (4), and the other end is connected to the flexible dimming curtain (1); The motor (6) is electrically connected to the connecting rod (5) and is used to drive the connecting rod (5) to move and retract the flexible dimming curtain (1).

10. A method for controlling a flexible dimming curtain with a quick response and bendability, characterized in that: include: Voltage Rise Cycle Setting: Set the rise cycle of the dimming film drive voltage to 5-7 cycles. The 5-7 cycles refer to the periodic variation of the alternating current, i.e., the time required for the voltage and current to complete the sinusoidal or cosine variation over time, from the positive maximum value through zero to the negative maximum value, then back to zero and back to the positive maximum value. Initial voltage setting: In the first cycle, the voltage of the dimming film is set to an initial voltage value, which should be less than or equal to 12V; Boost control: starting from the second cycle, controlling the initial voltage value of the dimming film to rise to the target voltage value, wherein the target voltage value refers to the driving voltage value required for the dimming film to achieve a preset transmittance; Bending state detection: obtain the current bending curvature of the flexible dimming curtain; Curvature-voltage mapping: determining the compensation voltage corresponding to the current curvature based on a preset curvature-film thickness-voltage comparison table; Bending condition before starting: when the dimming film is started in a bent state, the compensation voltage is increased to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles based on the compensation voltage; Post-startup bending condition: when the dimming film is started and bends, the dimming film voltage is directly adjusted to the target voltage value within 5-7 cycles.

Images