Dimming device and dimming structure

Abstract

The invention discloses a dimming device and a dimming structure. The dimming device comprises a first substrate (11), a first adhesive layer (12), a dimming function layer (13), a second adhesive layer (50) and a second substrate (41) which are sequentially stacked, the display panel further comprises a rubber frame (20), and the rubber frame (20) is arranged between the first substrate (11) and the second substrate (41) and surrounds the first adhesive layer (12), the dimming function layer (13) and the second adhesive layer (50). The order of magnitude of the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the rubber frame (20), the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the first adhesive layer (12) and the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the second adhesive layer (50) is 10 <-4 >. The invention relates to a dimming device and a dimming structure, which can reduce or even avoid interface bubbles generated at the junctions between a rubber frame (20) and a first adhesive layer (12) and between the rubber frame (20) and a second adhesive layer (50), so that the step of printing black edge covering can be omitted, and the problem that bubbles appear in a display area does not exist.

Description

Dimming device and dimming structure Technical Field

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

[0002] Laminated glass is a composite glass product consisting of two or more sheets of glass and one or more layers of an organic polymer interlayer between them. The glass and interlayer undergo a special high-temperature pre-pressing (or vacuuming) and high-temperature, high-pressure process, permanently bonding them together. Laminated glass can withstand impacts of a certain energy or temperature fluctuations without shattering. Even if it does break, the fragments adhere to the interlayer, minimizing injury and providing a certain level of safety. Therefore, laminated glass is widely used in architecture, transportation, and other fields.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and proposes a dimming device and a dimming structure.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present disclosure provides a dimming device, comprising a first substrate, a first adhesive layer, a dimming functional layer, a second adhesive layer, and a second substrate stacked in sequence; and a frame disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the first adhesive layer, the dimming functional layer, and the second adhesive layer.

[0006] The thermal expansion coefficients of the material of the adhesive frame, the material of the first adhesive layer, and the material of the second adhesive layer are all on the order of 10 -4 .

[0007] In some embodiments, the material of the adhesive frame is the same as that of the first adhesive layer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer and the adhesive frame are made of polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the material of the plastic frame includes polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer;

[0010] The material of the second adhesive layer includes optically transparent resin adhesive.

[0011] In some embodiments, the dimming device further includes a third adhesive layer, which is disposed between the first adhesive layer and the dimming functional layer and is configured to absorb thermal stress of the first adhesive layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the third adhesive layer is made of optical adhesive.

[0013] In some embodiments, the thickness of the third adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 188 μm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the third adhesive layer is on the order of 10 -4 , and / or, the elastic modulus of the third adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 30 kPa and less than or equal to 40 kPa.

[0015] In some embodiments, the glue frame has at least one glue pouring opening, and a projection of the glue pouring opening along a first direction at least partially overlaps with a projection of the second adhesive layer along the first direction; the first direction is perpendicular to a side surface of the glue frame where the glue pouring opening is located;

[0016] The diameter of the glue pouring opening is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0017] In some embodiments, the dimming functional layer includes a first substrate layer, a dye liquid crystal layer, a second substrate layer and a frame sealing glue stacked in sequence, wherein the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer are arranged opposite to each other, the dye liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer, and the frame sealing glue is arranged between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer and surrounds the dye liquid crystal layer; the dye liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules, dye molecules and a plurality of spacers arranged at intervals.

[0018] In some embodiments, the width of the frame sealant is greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm; and / or the distance between the outer peripheral edge of the frame sealant and the inner peripheral edge of the sealant frame is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0019] In some embodiments, the height of the spacer is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

[0020] In some embodiments, the height of the spacer is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 15 μm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent spacers is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the spacer has a shape of a truncated cone, a maximum radius of the truncated cone is greater than or equal to 12 μm and less than or equal to 17 μm; and a minimum radius of the truncated cone is greater than or equal to 5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0023] In some embodiments, the height of the dimming functional layer is greater than or equal to 0.21 mm and less than or equal to 0.38 mm.

[0024] In some embodiments, the width of the plastic frame is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0025] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate and the second substrate are both greater than or equal to 1.6 mm and less than or equal to 2.1 mm.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first substrate and the second substrate are both planar glass substrates, or glass substrates having curvature in a first direction, or glass substrates having curvature in both a first direction and a second direction intersecting each other.

[0027] In some embodiments, the curvature in the first direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm / m and less than or equal to 39 mm / m; the curvature in the second direction is greater than or equal to 19 mm / m and less than or equal to 26 mm / m, and the first direction and the second direction intersect with each other.

[0028] As another technical solution, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a dimming device, comprising a first substrate, a first adhesive layer, a dimming functional layer, and an explosion-proof laminated layer stacked in sequence;

[0029] The explosion-proof laminate includes at least two explosion-proof layers and at least two second adhesive layers; the explosion-proof layers and the second adhesive layers are alternately arranged, and the second adhesive layer closest to the dimming functional layer is located on the side of the explosion-proof layer closest to the dimming functional layer close to the dimming functional layer.

[0030] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof layer is made of plastic; and the second adhesive layer is made of optical adhesive.

[0031] In some embodiments, the thickness of the explosion-proof laminate is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 500 μm.

[0032] In some embodiments, the dimming device further includes a plastic frame, which is located between the first substrate and the explosion-proof laminate and surrounds the first adhesive layer and the dimming functional layer.

[0033] As another technical solution, the embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a dimming structure, including the above-mentioned dimming device also provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure; the dimming structure includes one of a curtain wall, a skylight, a rail transportation vehicle and a passenger car. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] FIG1 is a structural diagram of a dimming device in the related art;

[0035] FIG2 is a structural diagram of a dimming device according to some embodiments;

[0036] FIG3 is another structural diagram of a dimming device according to some embodiments;

[0037] FIG4 is a side structural diagram of a dimming device at a glue-filling opening according to some embodiments;

[0038] FIG5 is a top view of the dimming device at the glue-filling opening according to some embodiments;

[0039] FIG6 is a structural diagram illustrating relative positions of a glue-filling opening and a flexible circuit board according to some embodiments;

[0040] FIG7 is another structural diagram illustrating the relative positions of the glue-filling opening and the flexible circuit board according to some embodiments;

[0041] FIG8 is another structural diagram illustrating relative positions of a glue-filling opening and a flexible circuit board according to some embodiments;

[0042] FIG9 is a structural diagram illustrating relative positions of a glue filling opening, an exhaust opening, and a flexible circuit board according to some embodiments;

[0043] FIG10 is another structural diagram illustrating relative positions of a glue potting opening, an exhaust opening, and a flexible circuit board according to some embodiments;

[0044] FIG11 is a block diagram illustrating the position of a baffle according to some embodiments;

[0045] FIG12 is another structural diagram of a dimming device according to some embodiments;

[0046] FIG13 is a diagram illustrating a process after manufacturing a plastic frame according to some embodiments;

[0047] FIG14 is a structural diagram of a dimming functional layer according to some embodiments;

[0048] FIG15 is a structural diagram of a spacer according to some embodiments;

[0049] FIG16 is a structural diagram of a dimming functional layer and a second functional layer according to some embodiments;

[0050] FIG17 is a diagram illustrating a process after the second substrate is joined according to some embodiments;

[0051] FIG18 is a structural diagram of a dimming device including a fourth adhesive layer according to some embodiments;

[0052] FIG19 is a structural diagram illustrating that a fourth adhesive layer is flush with a second substrate according to some embodiments;

[0053] FIG20 is a structural diagram of a third functional layer according to some embodiments;

[0054] FIG21 is a structural diagram of forming a first light-shielding layer and a second light-shielding layer according to some embodiments;

[0055] FIG22 is a structural diagram of a dimming device including multiple dimming function layers according to some embodiments;

[0056] FIG23 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line CC in FIG22;

[0057] FIG24 is a structural diagram of a dimming device including a limit bar according to some embodiments;

[0058] FIG25 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line DD in FIG24 ;

[0059] FIG26 is a structural diagram of a limiting strip provided with a third opening according to some embodiments;

[0060] FIG27 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line EE in FIG26;

[0061] FIG28 is a structural diagram of an explosion-proof stack according to some embodiments;

[0062] FIG29 is another structural diagram of an explosion-proof stack according to some embodiments;

[0063] FIG30 is a block diagram of a vehicle according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0065] The shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings do not reflect the actual proportions, and are only intended to facilitate understanding of the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0066] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure should have the usual meanings understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, words such as "one", "an" or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the existence of at least one. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Words such as "connect" or "connected" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the object being described changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0067] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but include modifications of the configurations formed based on the manufacturing process. Therefore, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and the shapes of the regions shown in the drawings illustrate the specific shapes of the regions of the elements, but are not intended to be limiting.

[0068] In the related art, referring to FIG. 1 , a dimming device includes a stacked first substrate 01, a first adhesive layer 02, a first functional layer 03, a second adhesive layer 05, and a second substrate 06, along with a plastic frame 04 surrounding the first functional layer 03. For example, the first functional layer 03 is a dye-based liquid crystal dimming layer. The first adhesive layer 03 is made of polyvinyl butyral (Polyvinyl Butyral), the second adhesive layer 05 is made of optical clear resin (OCR), and the plastic frame 03 is made of RTV (room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber). The inventors have discovered that interfacial bubbles are prone to forming at the interfaces between the plastic frame 03, the first adhesive layer 02, and the second adhesive layer 05. Printing a black border to block these bubbles is necessary, but there is a risk that these interfacial bubbles may expand into the display area over time.

[0069] To address the aforementioned issues, referring to FIG2 , an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a dimming device comprising a first substrate 11, a first adhesive layer 12, a dimming functional layer 13, a second adhesive layer 50, and a second substrate 41, stacked in sequence. The device also includes a frame 20 disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41 and surrounding the first adhesive layer 12, the dimming functional layer 13, and the second adhesive layer 50. In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer 12 bonds the first substrate 11 and the dimming functional layer 13, while the frame 20 bonds the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41. The frame 20 abuts the dimming functional layer 13.

[0070] Moreover, the thermal expansion coefficients of the material of the plastic frame 20, the thermal expansion coefficients of the material of the first adhesive layer 12, and the thermal expansion coefficients of the material of the second adhesive layer 50 are all on the order of 10 -4 The materials of the adhesive frame 20, the first adhesive layer 12 and the second adhesive layer 50 are all of the order of magnitude of 10 -4 , the difference in the interfacial thermal expansion between the frame 20 and the first adhesive layer 12 and the second adhesive layer 50 can be reduced, and the interfacial thermal expansion between the frame 20 and the first adhesive layer 12 and the second adhesive layer 50 can even be made consistent or tend to be consistent, thereby reducing or even avoiding the generation of interface bubbles at the junction of the frame 20 and the first adhesive layer 12 and the second adhesive layer 50, thereby eliminating the step of printing black borders for masking, and eliminating the problem of bubbles in the display area.

[0071] In some embodiments, the material of the plastic frame 20 is the same as that of the first adhesive layer 12. This allows the thermal expansion of the interface between the plastic frame 20 and the first adhesive layer 12 to be consistent, and both have an order of magnitude of 10 -4 , thereby preventing the formation of interface bubbles at the interface between the frame 20 and the first adhesive layer 12. Furthermore, the uniformity of the materials in the dimming device can be improved, reducing the manufacturing cost of the dimming device. Furthermore, during the formation of the dimming device, the material of the frame 20 will permeate into the first adhesive layer 12, and the material of the first adhesive layer 12 will permeate into the frame 20, forming a single unit with the frame 20, thereby ensuring a more secure bond between the frame 20 and the first substrate 11.

[0072] Further optionally, the first adhesive layer 12 and the adhesive frame 20 are made of polyvinyl butyraldehyde (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). PVB has a thickness range of 0.38 mm to 0.76 mm, a flow start temperature greater than 90°C, a bonding temperature greater than 120°C, a Tr% (transmittance) ≥ 85%, a Hz% (haze) greater than 0.6%, a ΔYI (yellowing index or yellowing rate or yellowing index) ≤ 10, and a 400nm UV light cutoff rate ≥ 99%. PVB can filter out UV light below 400nm, thereby protecting the dye in the dye liquid crystal from damage, which could result in insufficient blackness. The thickness range of EVA is 0.38mm to 0.76mm, the flow start temperature is greater than 80℃, the bonding temperature is greater than 100℃, Tr% (transmittance) is greater than 85%, Hz% (haze) is greater than 0.6%, and the 380nm UV cutoff rate is ≥98%; EVA glue can filter out UV light below 400nm, thereby protecting the dye in the dye liquid crystal from damage, so as to avoid insufficient blackness of the dye.

[0073] In some embodiments, the second adhesive layer 50 is made of an optically clear resin (OCR) based on the material of the adhesive frame 20 including PVB or EVA. For example, the OCR has a thickness ranging from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, and is cured at 60°C to 80°C for 15 to 30 minutes, with a Tr% (transmittance) greater than 99%, a Hz% (haze) less than 0.2, a ΔYI (yellowing index or yellowing rate or yellowing index) less than 0.2, a Tg (the temperature at which the OCR transitions from a glassy state to a viscous state) of -38.9°C, and a shrinkage of less than 0.1%. After curing, the OCR becomes a colorless, transparent solid with no UV light blocking function.

[0074] The order of magnitude of the interface thermal expansion between the above-mentioned adhesive frame 20 and the second adhesive layer 50 is 10 -4, which can avoid the generation of interface bubbles at the junction of the glue frame 20 and the second adhesive layer 50. On this basis, by providing a first adhesive layer 12 on one side of the dimming functional layer 13, and the material is PVB or EVA, the thermal stress of the first adhesive layer 12 can be effectively released, avoiding the impact on the dimming functional layer 13, so that the internal and external pressures of the dimming functional layer 13 are balanced, and the second adhesive layer provided on the other side of the dimming functional layer 13 is used in combination. Since the material of the second adhesive layer is OCR, it has fluidity and can be heat-cured. During heat curing, OCR (the heat shrinkage rate is only 0.01, the unit is 1 / MPa) has a very small effect on the surface shrinkage stress of the dimming functional layer 13, and the fluid OCR has a good effect on spherical filling, thus having the feasibility of large-scale processing. In addition, the glue frame 20 made of PVB or EVA has better water vapor barrier performance than RTV.

[0075] Because the materials of the first adhesive layer 12 and the second adhesive layer 50 are different, the first adhesive layer 12 has better impact resistance, reducing the risk of the first substrate 11 being broken by external impacts of a certain energy or temperature fluctuations. The second adhesive layer 50 has better stress absorption properties, absorbing the stress exerted on the second adhesive layer 50 by the dimming functional layer 13, that is, the stress exerted on the dimming functional layer 13 due to the uneven thickness of the first adhesive layer 12. As a result, the second adhesive layer 50 exerts little or no stress on the dimming functional layer 13, reducing the risk of uneven stress on the dimming functional layer 13.

[0076] In addition, illustratively, when the material of the first adhesive layer 12 is PVB, the process conditions for laminating the first substrate 11 and the first adhesive layer 12 are high temperature and high pressure. Alternatively, illustratively, when the material of the first adhesive layer 12 is EVA, the temperature for laminating the first substrate 11 and the first adhesive layer 12 is lower than when the material of the first adhesive layer 12 is PVB, and the pressure for laminating the first substrate 11 and the first adhesive layer 12 is lower than when the material of the first adhesive layer 12 is PVB. In this way, the laminating process of EVA is relatively simple, which can reduce the preparation cost of laminating the first substrate 11 and the first adhesive layer 12.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41 may comprise a rigid material or a flexible material with high light transmittance, such as a glass substrate. Specifically, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41 may both be planar glass substrates (i.e., flat glass), or glass substrates having curvature in a first direction (i.e., single-curved glass), or glass substrates having curvature in both the first and second directions intersecting each other (i.e., double-curved glass). Further optionally, the curvature of the single-curved glass in the first direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm / m and less than or equal to 39 mm / m. The curvature of the double-curved glass in the first direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm / m and less than or equal to 39 mm / m, and the curvature in the second direction is greater than or equal to 19 mm / m and less than or equal to 26 mm / m.

[0078] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41 are both greater than or equal to 1.6 mm and less than or equal to 2.1 mm.

[0079] In some embodiments, the plastic frame 20 may include multiple stacked plastic layers, i.e., the thickness of the plastic frame 20 is N×d, where N is the number of plastic layers. The number of plastic layers is less than six. For example, the number of plastic layers is two to five, i.e., N is 2 to 5. The thickness of the plastic frame 20 refers to the distance between the surface of the plastic frame 20 away from the first substrate 11 and the surface of the first substrate 11 close to the plastic frame 20.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first adhesive layer 12 may include multiple stacked adhesive layers, i.e., the thickness of the first adhesive layer 12 is M×d, where M is the number of adhesive layers and d is the thickness of the adhesive layers. The number of adhesive layers is less than six, for example, the number of adhesive layers is one to three, i.e., M is 1 to 3. The thickness of the adhesive layer is 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm, for example, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, or 0.5 mm.

[0081] Under high temperature and high pressure, the adhesive layer material has fluidity, so the thickness of the adhesive layer may remain unchanged or decrease. That is, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 12 changes from M×d to M×d1, and the thickness of the adhesive frame 20 changes from N×d to N×d2, where d1 is less than or equal to d, d2 is less than or equal to d, and d1 and d2 are 0.3mm to 0.5mm, for example, d1 and d2 are 0.3mm, 0.38mm, or 0.48mm.

[0082] Since the thickness of the plastic frame 20 is greater than the thickness of the first adhesive layer 12, the fluidity of the material of the adhesive layer included in the plastic frame 20 is less than or equal to the fluidity of the material of the adhesive layer included in the first adhesive layer 12. That is, the reduction value of the thickness of the adhesive layer included in the plastic frame 20 is less than or equal to the reduction value of the adhesive layer included in the first adhesive layer 12. In other words, the thickness d2 of the adhesive layer included in the plastic frame 20 is greater than or equal to the thickness d1 of the adhesive layer included in the first adhesive layer 12.

[0083] In the case of an uneven thickness of the first adhesive layer 12, the thicker portion of the first adhesive layer 12 arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41. Accordingly, the portion of the dimming functional layer 13 bonded to this portion arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41. The thinner portion of the first adhesive layer 12 is concave in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11. Accordingly, the portion of the dimming functional layer 13 bonded to this portion moves in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11. In this way, the stress applied by the first adhesive layer 12 on the dimming functional layer 13 is released, reducing the risk of uneven stress on the dimming functional layer 13 due to the uneven thickness of the first adhesive layer 12.

[0084] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the orthographic projection of the dimming functional layer 13 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 12 on the reference surface. Compared with the orthographic projection of the dimming functional layer 13 on the reference surface, it is located within the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 12 on the reference surface and is spaced from the boundary of the first adhesive layer 12. In the process of applying pressure to the first substrate 11 and combining the first substrate 11 and the first adhesive layer 12, the entire first adhesive layer 12 is compressed, which can make the thickness of the first adhesive layer 12 consistent, so that the dimming functional layer 13 can be subjected to more uniform force.

[0085] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG3 , the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 12 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the first substrate 11 on the reference surface, and the orthographic projection of the dimming functional layer 13 on the reference surface is located within the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 12 on the reference surface and is spaced from the boundary of the first adhesive layer 12. In this way, the first adhesive layer 12 covers the first substrate 11. If the first substrate 11 is shattered by an external impact of a certain energy or a temperature change, any part of the first substrate 11 will adhere to the first adhesive layer 12, reducing the risk of fragments of the first substrate 11 flying around.

[0086] In some embodiments, the dimming functional layer 13 has a thickness d3, wherein d3 is greater than or equal to 0.21 mm and less than or equal to 3.28 mm.

[0087] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 4 and 5. When the material of the second adhesive layer 50 is a fluid material such as OCR, a glue pouring opening 21 can be provided on the glue frame 20, and the OCR can be poured between the dimming function layer 13 and the second substrate 41 by pouring glue through the glue pouring opening 21. Moreover, by making the glue frame 20 surround the first adhesive layer 12, the dimming function layer 13 and the second adhesive layer 50 (formed after the OCR glue is poured), the second adhesive layer 50 can be made to contact only the glue frame 20 and the dimming function layer 13, and the interface thermal expansion of the second adhesive layer 50 and the glue frame 20 is on the order of 10 -4 , thereby preventing interface bubbles from being generated at the interface between the glue frame 20 and the second adhesive layer 50 .

[0088] In some examples, as shown in FIG5 , the glue frame 20 has at least one glue pouring opening 21, the projection of which along a first direction M1 at least partially overlaps with the projection of the second adhesive layer 50 along the first direction M1; the first direction M1 is perpendicular to the side surface of the glue frame 20 where the glue pouring opening 21 is located. In this way, liquid glue (e.g., OCR) can be injected into the gap between the dimming functional layer 13 and the second substrate 41, which is connected to the glue pouring opening 21, through the at least one glue pouring opening 21 of the glue frame 20, and then the liquid glue is cured to form the second adhesive layer 50. In other words, the second adhesive layer 50 is prepared through a glue pouring and curing process, and the second adhesive layer 50 exerts no or minimal force on the dimming functional layer 13, thereby increasing the service life of the dimming functional layer 13.

[0089] In some embodiments, the thickness of the second adhesive layer 50 is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 188 μm.

[0090] In some embodiments, the diameter of the glue filling opening 21 is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm.

[0091] In some embodiments, the width of the plastic frame 20 is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm.

[0092] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG5 , along the second direction M2, the size of the glue pouring opening 21 on the glue frame 20 is less than or equal to one-half the size of the first substrate 11. For example, the size of the glue pouring opening 21 is less than or equal to one-half, one-third, or one-quarter the size of the first substrate 11. In other words, along the second direction M2, the size of the glue pouring opening 21 is less than the size of the side surface of the glue frame 20 where the glue pouring opening 21 is located. The second direction M2 is parallel to the side surface of the glue frame 20 where the glue pouring opening 21 is located.

[0093] Exemplarily, the plastic frame 20 has one, two, or three plastic filling openings 21. For example, FIG5 shows a plastic frame 20 having one plastic filling opening 21. This reduces the amount of material removed from the plastic frame 20, thereby reducing the risk of poor sealing of the plastic frame 20. Alternatively, the plastic frame 20 may have three plastic filling openings 21, thereby increasing the speed of plastic filling and reducing the time required to prepare the dimming device.

[0094] Figures 6 to 8 illustrate the positional relationship between the glue potting opening 21 and the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the first opening 21 and the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 are located on adjacent sides of the glue frame 20. For example, the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 is located on the upper side of the glue frame 20, and the first opening 21 is located on the left or right side of the glue frame 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the first opening 21 and the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 are located on opposite sides of the glue frame 20. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, the first opening 21 and the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 are located on the same side of the glue frame 20. When the dimming device is applied to a vehicle window, the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 is located on the lower side. Thus, when the window is raised or lowered, the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 is concealed within the vehicle door. Since the first opening 21 and the flexible printed circuit board 132 / 134 are located on the same side of the glue frame 20, the first opening 21 is also concealed within the vehicle door. Since a sealing block 80 (as shown in FIG. 4 ) is provided to seal the first opening 21 after the glue filling is completed, the sealing block 80 can also be hidden in the vehicle door using the above design, so that the sealing block 80 is not easily damaged, thereby reducing the risk of water vapor entering the interior of the dimming device 100 through the first opening 21 .

[0095] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG9 , the glue frame 20 further includes at least one exhaust opening 22 . During the process of injecting liquid glue into the gap between the dimming functional layer 13 and the second substrate 41 , the exhaust opening 22 can exhaust air from the gap, thereby reducing the risk of bubbles in the dimming device. For example, the glue frame 20 further includes one, two, or three exhaust openings 22 to ensure proper exhaust of the dimming device. The glue injection opening 21 and the exhaust opening 22 are, for example, located on the same side of the glue frame 20 .

[0096] When the glue filling opening 21 and the flexible circuit board 132 / 134 are located on the same side of the plastic frame 20, the relative positions of the glue filling opening 21, the vent opening 22, and the flexible circuit board 132 / 134 can be set according to actual conditions. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the glue filling opening 21 and the vent opening 22 are located on the same side of the flexible circuit board 132 / 134. For another example, as shown in Figure 10, the glue filling opening 21 is located on one side of the flexible circuit board 132 / 134, and the vent opening 22 is located on the other side of the flexible circuit board 132 / 134. When the plastic frame 20 is formed by stacking multiple glue layers, the flexible circuit board 132 / 134 extends from between two adjacent glue layers. A certain distance is maintained between the flexible circuit board 132 / 134 and the glue filling opening 21 to ensure that the portion of the flexible circuit board 132 / 134 located within the plastic frame 20 is completely enclosed by the plastic frame 20, and the multiple glue layers at the glue filling opening 21 are not separated by the flexible circuit board 132 / 134, thereby ensuring good sealing performance of the plastic frame 20. For example, the distance between the glue potting opening 21 and the flexible circuit board 132 / 134 is greater than 30 mm.

[0097] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG11 , a baffle 30 is used during the formation of the glue pouring opening 21 and the venting opening 22. The glue frame 20 has a glue pouring opening 21. The baffle 30 is located within the glue pouring opening 21, dividing the glue pouring opening 21 into two sub-openings, one of which is the glue pouring opening 21 and the other is the venting opening 22. The glue frame 20 having a glue pouring opening 21 allows for less removal of the glue frame 20, thereby reducing the risk of poor sealing of the glue frame 20.

[0098] As shown in Figure 4, the sealing block 80 is located at the glue potting opening 21 and seals the glue potting opening 21. The sealing block 80 can reduce the risk of water vapor entering the second adhesive layer 50 through the glue potting opening 21. Exemplarily, the material of the sealing block 80 is hot melt butyl adhesive. The specific process of sealing the glue potting opening 21 by the sealing block 80 can be to apply hot melt butyl adhesive in the glue potting opening 21, and the hot melt butyl adhesive seals the glue potting opening 21. The hot melt butyl adhesive can reduce the risk of water vapor in the air entering the second adhesive layer 50. In the case where the dimming device includes a baffle 30 (as shown in Figure 11), before sealing the glue potting opening 21, the baffle 30 needs to be removed from the glue potting opening 21. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the material of the glue frame 20 and the sealing block 80 can be the same. For example, the material of the glue frame 20 is PVB, and the material of the sealing block 80 is hot melt butyl adhesive.

[0099] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG12 , the dimming device further includes a third adhesive layer 16, which is disposed between the first adhesive layer 12 and the dimming functional layer 13 to absorb the thermal stress of the first adhesive layer 12. By absorbing the thermal stress of the first adhesive layer 12 with the third adhesive layer 16, the third adhesive layer 16 and the dimming functional layer 13 can be softly adhered to each other, thereby preventing the first adhesive layer 12 from deforming due to thermal stress, which may cause the dimming functional layer 13 to be subjected to heavier stress in some areas and lighter stress in other areas when the dimming device is assembled, thereby causing mura to appear in the dimming functional layer 13. The above-mentioned dimming device assembly refers to: the first substrate 11 on one side of the adhesive layer and the second substrate 41 on the other side of the adhesive layer are permanently bonded together after the adhesive layer undergoes special high-temperature pre-pressing (or vacuuming) and high-temperature and high-pressure process. The lamination process is performed under high temperature and high pressure. For example, the first substrate 11 , the first adhesive layer 12 , the dimming functional layer 13 , the second adhesive layer 50 , the second substrate 41 , and the frame 20 are laminated in an autoclave.

[0100] In some embodiments, the third adhesive layer 16 is made of optically clear adhesive (OCA). This optical adhesive has a high light transmittance. The thickness of OCA ranges from 100 μm to 200 μm. Preferably, to better absorb the thermal stress of the first adhesive layer 12, the thickness of the third adhesive layer 16 is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 188 μm. The UV cutoff rate of OCA in the range of 380 nm to 400 nm is ≥ 90%.

[0101] In some embodiments, the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the third adhesive layer 16 is on the order of 10 -4 In this way, the order of magnitude of the interface thermal expansion between the adhesive frame 20 and the third adhesive layer 16 can be 10 -4 , thereby preventing interface bubbles from being generated at the interface between the glue frame 20 and the third adhesive layer 16 .

[0102] In some embodiments, in order to better absorb the thermal stress of the first adhesive layer 12 , the elastic modulus of the third adhesive layer 16 is greater than or equal to 30 kPa and less than or equal to 40 kPa.

[0103] In some embodiments, FIG13 shows a process diagram of the dimming device after the glue frame is formed but before it is combined with the second substrate. As shown in FIG13, the glue frame 20 is farther away from one end of the first substrate 11 than the end of the dimming functional layer 13 is farther away from the first substrate 11. That is, along the thickness direction of the dimming functional layer 13, the lower surface of the glue frame 20 is lower than the lower surface of the dimming functional layer 13. In this way, on the one hand, in the subsequent process of bonding the second substrate 41, the glue frame 20 can create a gap 2 between the dimming functional layer 13 and the second substrate 41, so as to provide space for the glue filling process of the second adhesive layer 50. On the other hand, the portion of the glue frame 20 surrounding the dimming functional layer 13 is relatively large, which can further reduce the risk of water vapor entering the dimming functional layer 13.

[0104] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG13 , a telescopic gap 1 is provided between the plastic frame 20 and the dimming functional layer 13 . This telescopic gap 1 provides space for the thermal expansion and contraction of the dimming functional layer 13 , thereby reducing the risk of damage to the dimming functional layer 13 caused by compression between the plastic frame 20 and the plastic frame 20 , and thereby increasing the service life of the dimming functional layer 13 . When the plastic frame 20 is made of PVB or EVA, the plastic frame 20 material is fluid during the assembly process, and the telescopic gap 1 provides space for the plastic frame 20 to flow, thereby reducing the risk of the plastic frame 20 flowing to the surface of the dimming functional layer 13 away from the first substrate 11 . Exemplarily, the telescopic gap 1 is 1 mm to 5 mm, for example, 1 mm, 2.5 mm, or 5 mm, which prevents the dimming functional layer 13 from being compressed by the plastic frame 20 during thermal expansion and contraction.

[0105] Furthermore, when the plastic frame 20 is made of PVB, and when the PVB is not bonded to a substrate or film layer, the PVB surface is rough, i.e., it has uneven surfaces. Based on this, as shown in FIG2 , the orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 12 on the reference surface is within the orthographic projection of the first substrate 11 on the reference surface, and is spaced from the boundary of the first substrate 11. The orthographic projection of the first adhesive layer 12 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the dimming layer 13 on the reference surface. The reference surface is parallel to the surface of the first substrate 11 near the dimming layer 13. In this way, after the glue frame 20 is formed on one side of the first substrate 11, the glue frame 20 is in contact with the first substrate 11. Since the surface of the glue frame 20 formed by PVB is uneven, there is a small gap between the glue frame 20 and the first substrate 11. In the subsequent preparation process, the air in the above-mentioned expansion gap 1 (as shown in Figure 13) between the glue frame 20 and the dimming functional layer 13 can be discharged through the small gap between the glue frame 20 and the first substrate 11, thereby avoiding the generation of bubbles in the dimming device.

[0106] The dimming functional layer 13 may be a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) functional layer, an electrochromism (EC) functional layer, a dye liquid crystal functional layer, or a suspended particle functional layer.

[0107] In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 14 , the dimming functional layer 13 is a dye liquid crystal functional layer and includes a first substrate layer 1311, a dye liquid crystal layer 1314, a second substrate layer 1317, and a sealant 1318, which are stacked in sequence. The first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317 are disposed opposite each other, the dye liquid crystal layer 1314 is disposed between the first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317, and the sealant 1318 is disposed between the first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317 and surrounds the dye liquid crystal layer 1314. The dye liquid crystal layer 1314 includes liquid crystal molecules 1302, dye molecules 1301, and a plurality of spacers 1303. For example, the dimming functional layer 13 may include a first substrate layer 1311, a first electrode layer 1312, a first alignment layer 1313, a dye liquid crystal layer 1314, a second alignment layer 1315, a second electrode layer 1316, and a second substrate layer 1317, which are stacked in sequence.

[0108] The first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317 may be made of glass or plastic. Plastics may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphtholate (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyphenylene sulfone resins (PPSU), cycloolefin polymers (COP), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The thickness of the first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317 ranges from 60 μm to 188 μm, and the transmittance is greater than 85%.

[0109] In some embodiments, the outer surface or inner surface of the first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317 is also covered with a water-oxygen isolation film layer, the main component of which is a mixture of silicon nitride and silicon oxide, with a thickness ranging from 100nm to 200nm. The main function of the water-oxygen isolation film layer is to protect the dye liquid crystal functional layer from long-term moisture permeability.

[0110] The first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316 may be made of a conductive material with high light transmittance. For example, the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316 may be made of indium tin oxide (ITO). The thickness of the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316 may be greater than or equal to 100 nm and less than or equal to 150 nm.

[0111] The dye liquid crystal layer 1314 includes dye molecules 1301 and liquid crystal molecules 1302 (black ovals in FIG14 represent dye molecules 1301, and white ovals represent liquid crystal molecules 1302). The angle formed by the long axis of the dye molecules 1301 and the direction of the electric field between the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316 varies, resulting in different amounts of light absorbed by the dye molecules 1301. Changing the voltage between the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316 can change the angle formed by the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 1302 and the direction of the electric field between the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316. This can, by changing the angle formed by the long axis of the dye molecules 1301 and the direction of the electric field between the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316, change the amount of light absorbed by the dye molecules 1301 and adjust the light transmittance of the dye liquid crystal layer 1314. For example, when the long axis of the dye molecule 1301 is parallel to the direction of the electric field between the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316, light can pass through the dye liquid crystal layer 1314, causing the dye liquid crystal functional layer to be transparent (bright state). For another example, when the long axis of the dye molecule 1301 is perpendicular to the direction of the electric field between the first electrode layer 1312 and the second electrode layer 1316, light cannot pass through the dye liquid crystal layer 1314, causing the dye liquid crystal functional layer to be dark state.

[0112] The spacers 1303 are located between the second alignment layer 1315 and the first electrode layer 1312 and penetrate the first alignment layer 1313. The spacers 1303 are used to maintain the distance between the first substrate layer 1311 and the second substrate layer 1317.

[0113] In some embodiments, the height of the spacer 1303 is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm. More preferably, the height of the spacer 1303 is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 15 μm.

[0114] In some embodiments, the distance between adjacent spacers 1303 is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0115] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG15 , the shape of the spacer 1303 includes a truncated cone, the maximum radius D2 of the truncated cone is greater than or equal to 12 μm and less than or equal to 17 μm; the minimum radius D1 of the truncated cone is greater than or equal to 5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

[0116] Because the density of the spacers 1303 in the space between the second alignment layer 1315 and the first electrode layer 1312 is a significant factor affecting the appearance of bubbles (low-temperature bubbles, or vacuum bubbles) and mura in the dye liquid crystal functional layer, particularly affecting mura, by adopting the aforementioned numerical ranges for the dimensions of the spacers 1303 and / or the spacing between adjacent spacers 1303, the density of the spacers 1303 in the space between the second alignment layer 1315 and the first electrode layer 1312 can be adjusted to maintain the elasticity of the dye liquid crystal functional layer within an appropriate range, thereby reducing the generation of bubbles and mura (excessive stiffness of the dye liquid crystal functional layer can easily lead to bubbles, while too little stiffness can easily lead to mura). Furthermore, the height of the spacers 1303 is also a significant factor in the appearance of bubbles (low-temperature bubbles, or vacuum bubbles) and mura. By adopting the aforementioned numerical ranges for the height of the spacers 1303, these bubbles and mura are less likely to occur.

[0117] In some embodiments, the width of the sealant 1318 is greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm; and / or the distance between the outer edge of the sealant 1318 and the inner edge of the sealant frame 20 is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

[0118] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG14 , the dimming device further includes a flexible circuit board 132. The flexible circuit board 132 is used to drive the dimming functional layer 13 to adjust the light transmittance.

[0119] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 16, the dimming device also includes a second functional layer 14 and a fourth adhesive layer 15. The second functional layer 14 is located on the side of the dimming functional layer 13 away from the first substrate 11, and the fourth adhesive layer 15 is located between the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14, and is used to bond the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14.

[0120] The types of the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 can be set according to actual circumstances. For example, the dimming functional layer 13 is a dye liquid crystal functional layer, and the second functional layer 14 is also a dye liquid crystal functional layer. The dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 can have different transmittances. The dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 can cooperate to create at least two regions of different transmittances in the dimming device. Alternatively, the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 can cooperate to reduce the dark-state transmittance of the dimming device.

[0121] Alternatively, for example, the dimming functional layer 13 is a dye liquid crystal functional layer, and the second functional layer 14 is a touch functional layer. The touch functional layer is electrically connected to the dye liquid crystal functional layer, so that the transmittance of the dye liquid crystal functional layer can be adjusted by the touch functional layer, facilitating operation. For example, the transmittance can be adjusted by gestures using a finger swipe.

[0122] Alternatively, illustratively, the dimming function layer 13 is a display function layer, and the second function layer 14 is a dye liquid crystal function layer. Alternatively, the dimming function layer 13 is a display function layer, and the second function layer 14 is a touch function layer.

[0123] The fourth adhesive layer 15 is used to connect the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14. The material of the fourth adhesive layer 15 can be the same as that of the first adhesive layer 12. For example, the material of the fourth adhesive layer 15 and the first adhesive layer 12 are both PVB.

[0124] Based on the above embodiment, as shown in FIG17 , during the assembly of the first substrate 11, the first adhesive layer 12, the adhesive frame 20, the dimming functional layer 13, and the second substrate 41, the gap 2 between the first adhesive layer 12 and the second substrate 41 provides space for the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 to move. If the thickness of the first adhesive layer 12 is inconsistent, the thicker portion of the first adhesive layer 12 arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41. Accordingly, the portion of the dimming functional layer 13 bonded to this portion arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41, and the corresponding portion of the second functional layer 14 arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41. The thinner portion of the first adhesive layer 12 is concave in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11. Accordingly, the portion of the dimming functional layer 13 bonded to this portion is concave in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11, and the corresponding portion of the second functional layer 14 is concave in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11. In this way, the stress exerted by the first adhesive layer 12 on the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 is released, which can reduce the risk of uneven stress on the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 due to inconsistency of the first adhesive layer 12 .

[0125] When the thickness of the fourth adhesive layer 15 is inconsistent, the thicker portion of the fourth adhesive layer 15 arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41. Accordingly, the portion of the second functional layer 14 bonded to this portion arches in the direction from the first substrate 11 to the second substrate 41. The thinner portion of the fourth adhesive layer 15 is concave in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11. Accordingly, the portion of the second functional layer 14 bonded to this portion is concave in the direction from the second substrate 41 to the first substrate 11. In this way, the stress exerted by the fourth adhesive layer 15 on the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 is released, reducing the risk of uneven stress on the dimming functional layer 13 and the second functional layer 14 due to the inconsistency of the fourth adhesive layer 15.

[0126] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG18 , the dimming device further includes a fifth adhesive layer 42 laminated between the second substrate 41 and the second adhesive layer 50. This fifth adhesive layer 42 can reduce the risk of the second substrate 41 being broken by external impacts of a certain energy or temperature fluctuations. Even if the second substrate 41 breaks, the fragments will adhere to the fifth adhesive layer 42, thereby reducing the risk of fragments of the second substrate 41 being scattered. The material of the fifth adhesive layer 42 includes EVA, PVB, or SGP.

[0127] For example, as shown in FIG18 , the orthographic projection of the fifth adhesive layer 42 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the second substrate 41 on the reference surface, and the adhesive frame 20 abuts the fifth adhesive layer 42. Thus, the fifth adhesive layer 42 covers the second substrate 41. If the second substrate 41 is shattered by an external impact of a certain energy or a temperature change, any part of the second substrate 41 will adhere to the fifth adhesive layer 42, reducing the risk of fragments of the second substrate 41 flying everywhere.

[0128] Alternatively, as shown in FIG19 , the orthographic projection of the fifth adhesive layer 42 on the reference surface is within the range of the orthographic projection of the second substrate 41 on the reference surface and is spaced from the boundary of the second substrate 41. The orthographic projection of the fifth adhesive layer 42 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the second adhesive layer 50 on the reference surface. On the one hand, the abutment between the adhesive frame 20 and the second substrate 41 can reduce the risk of inconsistent spacing between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41 due to inconsistencies in the fifth adhesive layer 42. On the other hand, the material of the fourth adhesive layer includes PVB. Since the surface of the adhesive frame 20 formed by the PVB film is uneven, a small gap exists between the adhesive frame 20 and the first substrate 11. During the subsequent preparation process, air within the expansion gap 1 between the adhesive frame 20 and the dimming functional layer 13 can be discharged through the small gap between the adhesive frame 20 and the first substrate 11, thereby preventing the formation of bubbles in the dimming device.

[0129] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 20, the dimming device further includes a fifth adhesive layer 42 and a third functional layer 43 stacked between the second substrate 41 and the second adhesive layer 50. The third functional layer 43 can be a dimming functional layer, a display functional layer, or a touch functional layer.

[0130] The surface of the second substrate 41 near the third functional layer 43 is bonded to the plastic frame 20, with a gap between the second adhesive layer 50 and the third functional layer 43. The orthographic projection of the fifth adhesive layer 42 on the reference surface is within the orthographic projection of the second substrate 41 on the reference surface, and is spaced from the boundary of the second substrate 41. The orthographic projection of the fifth adhesive layer 42 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the third functional layer 43 on the reference surface. The plastic frame 20 also surrounds the third functional layer 43, reducing the risk of moisture entering the third functional layer 43.

[0131] The fifth adhesive layer 42 bonds the second substrate 41 and the third functional layer 43, and the orthographic projection of the third functional layer 43 on the reference surface coincides with the orthographic projection of the fifth adhesive layer 42 on the reference surface. Compared to the case where the orthographic projection of the third functional layer on the reference surface lies within the orthographic projection of the fourth adhesive layer on the reference surface and is spaced from the boundary of the fourth adhesive layer, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the entire fifth adhesive layer 42 is compressed during the application of pressure to the second substrate 41 and the assembly of the second substrate 41, the fifth adhesive layer 42, the third functional layer 43, and the second adhesive layer 50. This ensures a uniform thickness of the fifth adhesive layer 42 and a more even stress on the third functional layer 43.

[0132] In some embodiments, a dimming device is used for vehicle window glass, with the first adhesive layer 12 positioned closer to the interior of the vehicle than the second adhesive layer 50. As shown in FIG21 , the dimming device further includes a first light-shielding layer 60 and a second light-shielding layer 70. The first light-shielding layer 60 is positioned on the side of the first substrate 11 away from the second substrate 41. The first light-shielding layer 60 is disposed along the edge of the first substrate 11. The outer boundary of the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding layer 60 on the first substrate 11 coincides with the boundary of the first substrate 11, and the inner boundary is positioned within the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the plastic frame 20 on the first substrate 11. In other words, the inner boundary is located at the center of the dimming device relative to the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the plastic frame 20 on the reference surface. Thus, the first light-shielding layer 60 covers the plastic frame 20, reducing the risk of ultraviolet light irradiating the plastic frame 20, reducing the risk of plastic frame 20 aging, and increasing the service life of the plastic frame 20.

[0133] The second light-shielding layer 70 is located on the side of the second substrate 41 closest to the first substrate 11. The second light-shielding layer 70 is arranged along the edge of the second substrate 41, and at least a portion of the second light-shielding layer 70 is located between the second substrate 41 and the frame 20. Specifically, the outer boundary of the orthographic projection of the second light-shielding layer 70 on the second substrate 41 coincides with the boundary of the second substrate 41, and the inner boundary coincides with the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the frame 20 on the reference surface, or the inner boundary is located at the center of the dimming device relative to the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the frame 20 on the reference surface. In this way, the second light-shielding layer 70 covers the frame 20, reducing the risk of ultraviolet light reaching the frame 20, reducing the risk of frame 20 aging, and increasing the service life of the frame 20. The second light-shielding layer 70 is located on the side of the second substrate 41 closest to the first substrate 11, thereby reducing the risk of scratches on the second light-shielding layer 70 by objects outside the vehicle.

[0134] When the dimming device includes a first light-shielding layer 60 and a second light-shielding layer 70 , the first light-shielding layer 60 and the second light-shielding layer 70 can also reduce the risk of ultraviolet light irradiating the sealing block 80 , reduce the risk of aging of the sealing block 80 , and increase the service life of the sealing block 80 .

[0135] The first light-shielding layer 60 is located on a side of the first stacked structure 10 away from the second stacked structure 40 and is disposed along the edge of the first stacked structure 10. The outer boundary of the orthographic projection of the first light-shielding layer 60 on the reference surface coincides with the boundary of the orthographic projection of the first stacked structure 10 on the reference surface, and the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the plastic frame 20 on the reference surface is aligned with the center of the dimming device. That is, the first light-shielding layer 60 covers the plastic frame 20. In this way, the first light-shielding layer 60 can reduce the risk of ultraviolet light irradiating the plastic frame 20, reduce the risk of plastic frame 20 aging, and increase the service life of the plastic frame 20.

[0136] The second light-shielding layer 70 is located on the surface of the second substrate 41 and is arranged along the edge of the second light-shielding layer 70. The second light-shielding layer 70 is located on the side of the second substrate 41 near the dimming functional layer 13, which can reduce the risk of scratches on the second light-shielding layer 70 by objects outside the vehicle. At least a portion of the second light-shielding layer 70 is located between the second substrate 41 and the plastic frame 20. In other words, the outer boundary of the orthographic projection of the second light-shielding layer 70 on the reference surface coincides with the boundary of the orthographic projection of the second laminated structure 40 on the reference surface, and the inner boundary coincides with the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the plastic frame 20 on the reference surface, or the inner boundary is closer to the center of the dimming device than the inner boundary of the orthographic projection of the plastic frame 20 on the reference surface. In this way, the second light-shielding layer 70 covers the plastic frame 20. The second light-shielding layer 70 can reduce the risk of ultraviolet light irradiating the plastic frame 20, reduce the risk of plastic frame 20 aging, and increase the service life of the plastic frame 20.

[0137] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, there are multiple dimming functional layers 13, and each of the multiple dimming functional layers 13 is bonded to the first adhesive layer 12. Generally, it is more difficult to prepare a larger dimming functional layer 13, while it is easier to prepare a smaller dimming functional layer 13. Thus, when the dimming device is large, using multiple smaller dimming functional layers 13 instead of a larger one can reduce the difficulty of preparing the dimming device. There is a gap between two adjacent first functional layers 12, which can reduce the risk of collision between the two adjacent first functional layers 12. The second adhesive layer 50 is partially located in the gap between the two adjacent first functional layers 12.

[0138] Exemplarily, the plurality of dimming function layers 13 are arranged in an array, for example, a plurality of dimming function layers 13 are arranged in a rectangular array, or another example, a plurality of dimming function layers 13 are arranged in a circular array.

[0139] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the dimming device further includes a limiting bar 90. The limiting bar 90 is located in the gap between two adjacent dimming functional layers 13. The limiting bar 90 is used to separate the two adjacent dimming functional layers 13 and reduce the risk of collision between the two adjacent first functional layers 12. There is a gap between the limiting bar 90 and the second stacked structure 40. In this way, when liquid glue is injected into the dimming device 100, the liquid glue passes through the gap between the limiting bar 90 and the second stacked structure 40 and can fill the first gap between each dimming functional layer 13 and the second stacked structure 40.

[0140] Exemplarily, the surface of the limiting strip 90 away from the first substrate 11 is higher than the surface of the dimming functional layer 13 away from the first substrate 11. Alternatively, exemplary, the surface of the limiting strip 90 away from the first substrate 11 is approximately flush with the surface of the dimming functional layer 13 away from the first substrate 11. Alternatively, exemplary, the surface of the limiting strip 90 away from the first substrate 11 is lower than the surface of the dimming functional layer 13 away from the first substrate 11. When the surface of the limiting strip 90 away from the first substrate 11 is lower than the surface of the dimming functional layer 13 away from the first substrate 11, the second adhesive layer 50 is partially located in the gap between two adjacent dimming functional layers 13.

[0141] In other embodiments, as shown in Figures 26 and 27, the dimming device further includes a limiting strip 90. The limiting strip 90 is located within the gap between two adjacent dimming functional layers 13. The limiting strip 90 is used to separate the two adjacent dimming functional layers 13 and reduce the risk of collision between the two adjacent first functional layers 12. The limiting strip 90 contacts the second stacked structure 40. Thus, the limiting strip 90 can reduce the risk of moisture within the dimming functional layer 13 entering the adjacent dimming functional layer 13. The limiting strip 90 has multiple third openings 91, with at least one third opening 91 between two adjacent dimming functional layers 13. Thus, when liquid glue is injected into the dimming device 100, the liquid glue can flow through the third openings 91 into the first gap between each dimming functional layer 13 and the second stacked structure 40, thereby filling the first gap. The liquid glue also fills the third openings 91, causing the second adhesive layer 50 to be partially located within the third openings 91.

[0142] As another technical solution, please refer to Figure 28. The embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a dimming device, including a first substrate 11, a first adhesive layer 12, a dimming functional layer 13 and an explosion-proof stack 5 stacked in sequence; the explosion-proof stack 5 includes at least two explosion-proof layers 51 and at least two second adhesive layers 52; the explosion-proof layers 51 and the second adhesive layers 52 are alternately arranged, and the second adhesive layer 52 closest to the dimming functional layer 13 is located on the side of the explosion-proof layer 51 closest to the dimming functional layer 13 close to the dimming functional layer 13.

[0143] The use of the explosion-proof laminate 5 reduces the overall weight of the dimming device and provides resistance to mechanical impact, thereby preventing the first substrate 11 (e.g., a glass substrate) from shattering and splashing, potentially injuring people. Furthermore, by positioning the second adhesive layer 52 closest to the dimming layer 13 on the side of the explosion-proof layer 51 closest to the dimming layer 13, the explosion-proof laminate 5 can be directly attached to the side of the dimming layer 13 facing away from the first substrate 11.

[0144] In some embodiments, the explosion-proof layer 51 is made of plastic; and the second adhesive layer 52 is made of optical adhesive.

[0145] In some embodiments, the thickness of the explosion-proof laminate 5 is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 500 μm.

[0146] In some embodiments, the first substrate 11 may include a rigid material or a flexible material with high light transmittance, such as a glass substrate. Specifically, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 41 may both be flat glass substrates (i.e., flat glass), or glass substrates having curvature in a first direction (i.e., single-curved glass), or glass substrates having curvature in both the first and second directions intersecting each other (i.e., double-curved glass). Further optionally, the curvature of the single-curved glass in the first direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm / m and less than or equal to 39 mm / m. The curvature of the double-curved glass in the first direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm / m and less than or equal to 39 mm / m, and the curvature in the second direction is greater than or equal to 19 mm / m and less than or equal to 26 mm / m.

[0147] In some embodiments, the material of the first adhesive layer 12 includes optically clear adhesive (OCA), optically clear resin (OCR), polyvinyl butyraldehyde (PVB), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0148] In some embodiments, when the material of the first adhesive layer 12 is OCA, the thickness of the first adhesive layer 12 is in the range of 100 μm to 188 μm, the elastic modulus is in the range of 30 kPa to 40 kPa, the thermal shrinkage rate of the first adhesive layer 12 is on the order of 1%, and the thermal expansion coefficient is on the order of 10 -4 By adopting the above-mentioned numerical ranges for at least one parameter of the thickness, elastic modulus, thermal shrinkage rate, and thermal expansion coefficient of the above-mentioned first adhesive layer 12, the deformation amount of the first adhesive layer 12 caused by the thermal stress can be controlled within a minimum range, thereby preventing the deformation of the first adhesive layer 12 caused by the thermal stress from causing some areas of the dimming function layer 13 to be subjected to heavier force and some areas to be subjected to lighter force when the dimming device is assembled, thereby causing mura phenomenon in the dimming function layer 13.

[0149] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 29 , the dimming device further includes a rubber frame 53, which is positioned between the first substrate 11 and the explosion-proof laminate 5 and surrounds the first adhesive layer 12 and the dimming functional layer 13. The material of the rubber frame 53 is, for example, RTV (room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber). Exemplarily, the width of the rubber frame 53 ranges from 20 mm to 30 mm, which prevents water vapor from penetrating during boiling. The thickness of the rubber frame 53 ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm. The curing conditions of the rubber frame 53 are: a temperature within the range of 25°C ± 2°C; and a humidity greater than 60% ± 10% RH.

[0150] When the material of the first adhesive layer 12 is OCR, at least one glue pouring opening is provided on the glue frame 53 for pouring OCR into the gap between the first substrate 11 and the dimming functional layer 13. The diameter of the glue pouring opening ranges from 0.5 mm to 2 mm. During the glue pouring, the glue pouring pressure ranges from 1 MPa to 8 MPa. After the pouring is completed, it is allowed to stand for leveling for 5 minutes to 15 minutes, and then the dimming device is cured in an oven. Finally, the pouring port is sealed with RTV glue.

[0151] In some embodiments, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a dimming structure, the dimming structure includes a dimming device, and the dimming structure includes one of a skylight, a curtain wall, a rail transportation vehicle, a car, and a billboard.

[0152] The dimming device can be used in the architectural field, for example, in skylights or curtain walls, or in the glass of partitions. Compared to the use of brick walls to separate rooms in the architectural field, the light device of the embodiments of the present disclosure is thinner, thus saving space. It is also possible to display a company logo on the partition glass. In this case, the dimming structure including the dimming device can be, for example, a skylight, curtain wall, etc.

[0153] The dimming device can also be used in the transportation field, for example, in rail vehicles or automobiles. Rail vehicles can include subways, light rails, skytrains, trams, and maglev trains, which are not listed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Automobiles can include passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, or buses, which are not listed in the embodiments of this disclosure. In this case, the dimming structure including the dimming device can be, for example, a rail vehicle or automobile.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 30 , the present disclosure uses a dimming structure as an example of an automobile 1000. Automobile 1000 includes a vehicle body 1010 and a window glass 1020 mounted on vehicle body 1010. Window glass 1020 can be one or more of the vehicle's front window, sunroof, rear window, or side window. Window glass 1020 includes a dimming device according to any of the aforementioned embodiments. The dimming device can also be applied to the central control touchscreen of automobile 1000.

[0155] The dimming device may also be used in the field of advertising. For example, the dimming device may be used in billboards.

[0156] It should be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and substance of the present disclosure, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A dimming device, characterized in that, It includes a first substrate, a first adhesive layer, a light-adjusting functional layer, a second adhesive layer, and a second substrate that are sequentially stacked; it also includes a rubber frame, the rubber frame is arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and is arranged around the first adhesive layer, the light-adjusting functional layer, and the second adhesive layer; The order of magnitude of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the glue frame, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the first adhesive layer, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the second adhesive layer is 10 -4 .

2. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein, The material of the rubber frame is the same as that of the first adhesive layer.

3. The dimming device according to claim 2, wherein The materials of the first adhesive layer and the rubber frame include polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.

4. The dimming device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The material of the rubber frame includes polyvinyl butyral or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer; The material of the second adhesive layer includes an optically transparent resin adhesive.

5. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-adjusting device further includes a third adhesive layer, the third adhesive layer is arranged between the first adhesive layer and the light-adjusting functional layer, and is used to absorb the thermal stress of the first adhesive layer.

6. The dimming device according to claim 5, wherein The material of the third adhesive layer includes an optical adhesive.

7. The dimming device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the third adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 188 μm.

8. The dimming device according to claim 5, wherein The order of magnitude of the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material of the third adhesive layer is 10 -4 , and / or, the elastic modulus of the third adhesive layer is greater than or equal to 30 kPa and less than or equal to 40 kPa.

9. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rubber frame has at least one glue injection opening, and the projection of the glue injection opening along the first direction at least partially coincides with the projection of the second adhesive layer along the first direction; the first direction is perpendicular to the side surface of the rubber frame where the glue injection opening is located; The diameter of the glue injection opening is greater than or equal to 0.5 mm and less than or equal to 20 mm.

10. The dimming device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The light-adjusting functional layer includes a first base material layer, a dye liquid crystal layer, a second base material layer, and a sealing glue that are sequentially stacked. Among them, the first base material layer and the second base material layer are arranged oppositely, the dye liquid crystal layer is arranged between the first base material layer and the second base material layer, the sealing glue is arranged between the first base material layer and the second base material layer, and is arranged around the dye liquid crystal layer; the dye liquid crystal layer includes liquid crystal molecules, dye molecules, and a plurality of spacers arranged at intervals.

11. The dimming device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The width of the sealing glue is greater than or equal to 4 mm and less than or equal to 6 mm; and / or, the distance between the outer peripheral edge of the sealing glue and the inner peripheral edge of the rubber frame is greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 1.5 mm.

12. The dimming device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The height of the spacer is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 20 μm.

13. The dimming device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The height of the spacer is greater than or equal to 10 μm and less than or equal to 15 μm.

14. The dimming device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The distance between adjacent spacers is greater than or equal to 0.2 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

15. The dimming device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The shape of the spacer includes a frustum of a cone, the maximum radius of the frustum of the cone is greater than or equal to 12 μm and less than or equal to 17 μm; the minimum radius of the frustum of the cone is greater than or equal to 5 μm and less than or equal to 10 μm.

16. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height of the light-adjusting functional layer is greater than or equal to 0.21 mm and less than or equal to 0.38 mm.

17. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the rubber frame is greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 30 mm.

18. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein The thicknesses of the first substrate and the second substrate are both greater than or equal to 1.6 mm and less than or equal to 2.1 mm.

19. The dimming device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first substrate and the second substrate are both flat glass substrates, or glass substrates with curvature in the first direction, or glass substrates with curvature in both the first direction and the second direction that intersect each other.

20. The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein The curvature in the first direction is greater than or equal to 12 mm / m and less than or equal to 39 mm / m; the curvature in the second direction is greater than or equal to 19 mm / m and less than or equal to 26 mm / m, and the first direction intersects with the second direction.

21. A dimming device, characterized in that, It includes a first substrate, a first adhesive layer, a light-adjusting functional layer, and an explosion-proof laminate that are sequentially stacked. The explosion-proof laminate includes at least two explosion-proof layers and at least two second adhesive layers; the explosion-proof layers and the second adhesive layers are alternately arranged, and the second adhesive layer closest to the light-adjusting functional layer is located on the side of the explosion-proof layer closest to the light-adjusting functional layer and closer to the light-adjusting functional layer.

22. The dimming device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The material of the explosion-proof layer includes plastic; the material of the second adhesive layer includes optical adhesive.

23. The dimming device according to claim 21, characterized in that, The thickness of the explosion-proof laminate is greater than or equal to 100 μm and less than or equal to 500 μm.

24. The dimming device according to claim 21, wherein The light-adjusting device further includes a rubber frame, which is located between the first substrate and the explosion-proof laminate and surrounds the first adhesive layer and the light-adjusting functional layer.

25. A light-adjusting structure, including the light-adjusting device according to any one of claims 1 to 24; the light-adjusting structure includes one of a curtain wall, a daylighting roof, a rail transit vehicle, and a passenger vehicle.

Images