Composite dimming interlayer film, laminated glass and its control methods and components

Abstract

This invention discloses a composite dimming interlayer film, laminated glass, and its control method and components, belonging to the technical field of intelligent dimming materials and devices. The interlayer film is stacked with an electrochromic layer and a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, and voltages can be applied independently to both. The electrochromic layer is used for continuous, memory-based dimming, while the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is used for instantaneous transparency / scattering switching. Through a unique structural design including three conductive layers and an insulating layer, true electrical isolation and independent driving of the two functional layers are achieved. The laminated glass containing this interlayer film and the corresponding control method and components can simultaneously meet the complex requirements of long-term sun shading and instantaneous privacy, solving the problem of the inability to balance response speed and power consumption in existing technologies. The dimming control method provided by this invention, by independently generating and applying control signals, achieves rapid control of switching between two functional layers while maintaining the state of one functional layer unchanged, offering advantages such as fast response, low power consumption, and flexible adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent dimming materials and devices, specifically to a composite dimming interlayer film, a laminated glass comprising the interlayer film, a component comprising the laminated glass, and a method for controlling the component. Background Technology

[0002] Smart dimming glass can actively adjust light transmittance, making it valuable for applications in building energy conservation, automotive windows, and privacy protection. Currently, mainstream active dimming technologies include electrochromic technology and polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology. Electrochromic technology achieves coloring / fading based on electrochemical reactions caused by ion implantation / deintercalation. Its advantage lies in its memory effect, meaning it can maintain the target state for a long time after the voltage is removed, with extremely low static power consumption, making it suitable for long-term shading. However, its response speed is relatively slow, typically requiring tens of seconds to several minutes, making it difficult to meet the needs of rapid privacy switching. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology changes the orientation of liquid crystal molecules through an electric field, instantly switching between a transparent state and a light-scattering state. It has a fast response speed and can provide instantaneous privacy protection. However, it lacks a memory effect, requires continuous power consumption to maintain the state, and primarily controls visible light haze.

[0003] As application scenarios become more complex, the market is placing higher demands on smart dimming glass: it needs to have rapid response capabilities, long-lasting shading capabilities with low power consumption, and wide-spectrum modulation capabilities. Neither a single EC or PDLC technology can meet all these requirements simultaneously.

[0004] Existing technologies have attempted to integrate EC (Earth Electrode) and PDLC (Personalized Distance Filter) into a single device, but these often employ shared electrodes or series driving methods, preventing the two functional layers from operating independently. For example, when driving the PDLC to switch rapidly, the shared circuitry causes disturbances in the EC layer's state, making it impossible to independently and quickly control the PDLC layer to switch privacy states while maintaining the EC layer's long-term shading state. This limits the flexible application of integrated devices in complex scenarios requiring "continuous shading + instantaneous privacy," such as automotive sunroofs.

[0005] Therefore, developing a novel composite dimming material, device, and method that can achieve truly independent driving and coordinated control of the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer has become an urgent technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a composite dimming interlayer film, laminated glass, component and control method, which integrates the low power consumption and continuous dimming advantages of electrochromic technology with the fast response advantage of polymer dispersed liquid crystal technology, and realizes independent and synergistic control of the functions of the two.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions: On one hand, a composite dimming intermediate film is provided. This intermediate film is stacked with a first conductive layer, an electrochromic layer, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer. The first and second conductive layers are electrically connected to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer to apply a voltage to it; the second and third conductive layers are electrically connected to the electrochromic layer to apply a voltage to it; the first, second, and third conductive layers are electrically isolated from each other. The electrochromic layer is used to achieve continuous and gradual adjustment of light transmittance and has a memory effect; the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is used for instantaneous switching between a transparent state and a scattering state. Through an independent electrode structure, the two layers can work independently or be flexibly combined to achieve diverse dynamic photothermal management strategies.

[0008] Preferably, the liquid crystal in the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is microencapsulated and dispersed in the binder resin, and the liquid crystal can adopt a vertical alignment or a bending electrochemical effect mode. The electrochromic layer contains electrochromic active material and binder resin, and does not contain ionic conductors itself; ion implantation and deintercalation are achieved by the adjacent electrolyte layer. To further optimize performance and structure, an ion-conducting electrolyte layer can be provided between the two layers. The binder resin of each functional layer is preferably polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB). To achieve independent driving, the second conductive layer is patterned into the first electrode region and the second electrode region by laser etching, with the etching accuracy controlled within ±5μm, ensuring reliable electrical isolation from the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer.

[0009] On the other hand, a composite dimming laminated glass is provided, comprising the aforementioned composite dimming intermediate film, which is sandwiched between two transparent substrates. Transparent conductive films are formed on the inner surfaces of the transparent substrates respectively. The transparent conductive films are electrically connected to the first and third conductive layers of the intermediate film in a one-to-one correspondence, for example, through edge leads or conductive adhesive, thereby utilizing the conductive film on the substrate as the lead-out end of the external electrode.

[0010] Thirdly, a composite dimming laminated glass assembly is provided, including the aforementioned composite dimming laminated glass and a control device. This control device can output independent control signals to the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer according to environmental signals or user commands, thereby achieving multiple preset operating modes such as full transparency, rapid privacy, efficient sun shading, and full light blocking. The control device includes a microcontroller, a first driving circuit, and a second driving circuit, and the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are electrically isolated through an optocoupler to prevent signal crosstalk.

[0011] Fourthly, a method for controlling the aforementioned composite dimming laminated glass assembly is provided. The core steps of this method include: receiving a dimming command; independently generating control signals for driving the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer based on the command; and independently applying the signals to the corresponding electrodes. This method particularly achieves rapid and independent driving of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer for privacy switching while maintaining the shading state of the electrochromic layer, solving the problem of functional coupling interference. Simultaneously, the method also supports dynamic and continuous energy-saving dimming of the electrochromic layer based on environmental feedback.

[0012] The above technical solution has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. Achieved true functional decoupling and independent drive: Because the first, second and third conductive layers are electrically isolated from each other, and the second conductive layer is patterned into two independent electrode regions, the driving circuits of the EC layer and PDLC layer are physically isolated. This allows AC voltage to be applied to the PDLC layer while maintaining the DC bias of the EC layer without interfering with the transmittance of the EC layer.

[0013] 2. It provides flexible and diverse light and heat management solutions: users can freely combine the characteristics of the two technologies according to their actual needs to achieve full-scene coverage from "millisecond-level privacy protection" to "long-lasting energy-saving shading", meeting the complex needs of smart windows for multi-functionality and high performance.

[0014] 3. Experiments verified the synergistic effect: Under the condition that the electrochromic layer maintains the colored state (e.g., transmittance of 45%), the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer can switch from the scattering state to the transparent state within 0.3 seconds. During this process, the transmittance of the electrochromic layer fluctuates by less than 2%, truly realizing the intelligent synergistic effect of "continuously maintaining the shading state and instantly calling the privacy function".

[0015] 4. Expanded spectral modulation range and reliability: The electrochromic layer primarily modulates visible light transmittance. Combined with the scattering effect of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, it enables synergistic modulation of visible and near-infrared light, achieving more comprehensive photothermal management. The device has undergone high-temperature and high-humidity reliability testing, demonstrating stable performance. Detailed Implementation

[0016] It should be noted that although the electrochromic layer described in this invention does not contain ion-conducting materials, the ions required for its operation are provided by the adjacent electrolyte layer. This electrolyte layer can be an independently disposed solid layer (as described in Example 1) or a naturally formed ion-conducting region at the interface with the electrochromic layer or the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer. Therefore, in the claims, the electrolyte layer is considered an essential component for realizing the electrochromic function, but structurally it can be either an independent layer or implicitly contained within the interface characteristics of the functional layer.

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art can select and adjust the raw materials, parameters, equipment, etc., within the scope outlined in the claims, and all such adjustments fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0018] For the sake of brevity, the electrochromic layer will be referred to as the EC layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer as the PDLC layer.

[0019] Example 1: Composite dimming interlayer film and its preparation An embodiment of the present invention provides a composite dimming interlayer film, comprising: At least three conductive layers are stacked together, namely a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a third conductive layer, wherein the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer are electrically isolated from each other; An electrochromic layer is electrically connected to the second and third conductive layers; A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; The electrochromic layer is used to continuously change the light transmittance by applying a voltage, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is used to switch between a transparent state and a scattering state by applying a voltage.

[0020] Preferably, the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal and a binder resin, wherein the liquid crystal forms microcapsules or a polymer network structure in the binder resin. The liquid crystal is a liquid crystal compound in a vertical alignment mode or a bending electroeffect mode.

[0021] Preferably, the electrochromic layer comprises an electrochromic compound and a binding resin, wherein the electrochromic compound is selected from viologen compounds, tungsten oxide, or polyaniline. An electrolyte layer for ion conduction is disposed between the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer; the electrochromic layer itself does not contain ion conductors, and its ion implantation and deintercalation are achieved by the adjacent electrolyte layer. The binding resin of the electrochromic layer and / or the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is polyvinyl butyral resin.

[0022] To achieve independent driving, the composite dimming intermediate film adopts a three-layer conductive layer structure, including a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a third conductive layer that are electrically isolated from each other. The specific stacked structure is as follows, from one side to the other: a first transparent conductive layer (first conductive layer), a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, an electrolyte layer (optional), an electrochromic layer, a second transparent conductive layer (second conductive layer), an insulating layer, and a third transparent conductive layer (third conductive layer).

[0023] This invention provides a composite dimming interlayer film 10 with a multilayer structure consisting of a first conductive layer 11, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 12, an electrolyte layer 13, an electrochromic layer 14, a second conductive layer 15, an insulating layer 16, and a third conductive layer 17. The first conductive layer 11 and the second conductive layer 15 are electrically connected to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 12 to apply voltage to it. The second conductive layer 15 and the third conductive layer 17 are electrically connected to the electrochromic layer 14 to apply voltage to it. The insulating layer 16 is located above the second conductive layer 15 and isolates the circuitry between the second conductive layer 15 and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 12 and the electrochromic layer 14 in specific areas, thereby achieving electrical isolation between the two electrode pairs: the first conductive layer 11 / second conductive layer 15 and the second conductive layer 15 / third conductive layer 17. The second transparent conductive layer is patterned into two electrically isolated electrode regions using photolithography or laser etching: the first electrode region works with the first conductive layer to drive the PDLC layer, and the second electrode region works with the third conductive layer to drive the EC layer. The etching precision is controlled within ±5μm to ensure reliable electrical isolation. The thickness range of each layer in the composite dimming intermediate film can be found in Table 1.

[0024] Table 1. Layer structure and thickness of composite dimming interlayer film

[0025] The specific preparation steps of the composite dimming intermediate film are as follows: (1) Preparation of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal slurry: In a closed reactor, 100 parts by weight of toluene were added as a solvent, and 15 parts by weight of polyvinyl butyral resin (PVB) were added under stirring. After complete dissolution, 10 parts by weight of a vertically aligned liquid crystal mixture were added. The mixture was stirred at 40°C to form a homogeneous solution. Subsequently, 200 parts by weight of ethanol was slowly added dropwise as a poor solvent under continuous stirring. As ethanol was added, the liquid crystal precipitated from the solution and was encapsulated by PVB to form microcapsules with a particle size of 1-5 μm. After the addition was complete, the mixture was allowed to mature for 2 hours to obtain a stable polymer-dispersed liquid crystal slurry.

[0026] (2) Preparation of electrochromic coating solution: Under light-protected conditions, 12 parts by weight of PVB resin were dissolved in 80 parts by weight of cyclopentanone. Then, 8 parts by weight of viologen-based electrochromic compound (e.g., 1,1'-diethyl-4,4'-bipyridine dichloride, CAS No.: 27955-94-8) and 0.5 parts by weight of lithium perchlorate were added as supporting electrolyte, and the mixture was stirred until completely dissolved to obtain a uniform coating solution.

[0027] (3) Preparation of solid electrolyte slurry: 10 parts by weight of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonylimide) were dissolved in 50 parts by weight of propylene carbonate to form an electrolyte solution. The solution was mixed with 40 parts by weight of PVB resin and degassed under vacuum at 60°C to obtain a transparent and viscous solid electrolyte precursor slurry.

[0028] (4) Composite film lamination: A polyethylene terephthalate release film with an indium tin oxide transparent conductive film (as the first conductive layer 11) is used as the substrate. First, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal slurry is coated onto the conductive surface using a slit coating method and dried with hot air at 80°C to form a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer 12 with a dry thickness of approximately 40 μm. Then, the surface of this layer is subjected to plasma treatment (power 100W, treatment time 30 seconds) to reduce the interfacial resistance and enhance adhesion. A solid electrolyte slurry is then coated and pre-dried at 70°C to form a semi-cured electrolyte layer 13 with a dry thickness of approximately 20 μm. Next, an electrochromic coating solution is coated and dried at 85°C to form an electrochromic layer 14 with a dry thickness of approximately 25 μm.

[0029] Subsequently, an indium tin oxide (ITO) thin film is deposited on the electrochromic layer 14 by magnetron sputtering, and then patterned into a second conductive layer 15 containing two electrically isolated electrode regions through photolithography and etching processes. The etching precision between the electrically isolated first and second electrode regions is within ±5 μm. Patterning the second conductive layer into the first and second electrode regions is key to achieving independent driving of the EC layer and the PDLC layer. This patterned structure ensures that the circuit driving the PDLC layer (first conductive layer - first region) and the circuit driving the EC layer (second region - third conductive layer) are physically completely separated, avoiding signal crosstalk caused by sharing the same electrode region, thus truly achieving decoupling of the two dimming functions. Next, positive photoresist is spin-coated onto the patterned second conductive layer 15, and an insulating layer 16 with contact windows is formed through exposure and development processes. The insulating layer has a dry thickness of approximately 10 μm, and the contact windows are used to expose the areas on the second conductive layer 15 that require electrical connection. Finally, a third conductive layer 17 is formed again through magnetron sputtering and patterning processes.

[0030] The above-mentioned laminated structure is placed in a flat vulcanizing machine and hot-pressed at 120°C and 0.8MPa for 20 minutes to make the layers fit tightly together. After cooling, the upper and lower release films are peeled off to obtain a composite dimming intermediate film with a total thickness of about 110-150μm.

[0031] Example 2: Preparation and Performance Testing of Composite Smart Laminated Glass The present invention provides a composite dimming laminated glass comprising the composite dimming intermediate film described in Embodiment 1, wherein the composite dimming intermediate film is located between two transparent substrates; transparent conductive films are formed on the inner surfaces of the transparent substrates respectively, and the transparent conductive films are electrically connected to the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer of the intermediate film in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0032] This invention provides an embodiment of laminated glass 20 comprising the aforementioned composite dimming interlayer film. The composite dimming interlayer film 10 obtained in Example 1 is cut and sandwiched between two 3mm thick float glass substrates 21 and 24, each with an inner surface coated with indium tin oxide transparent conductive films 22 and 23 (conductive film facing inwards). The substrate is placed in a vacuum bag and laminated in a vacuum laminator at 140°C and 1.2 MPa for 30 minutes to obtain the composite dimming laminated glass sample. Leads are welded to the edges to connect the conductive layers. The properties of each component of the composite dimming laminated glass are shown in Table 2.

[0033] Table 2 Component Properties of Composite Smart Laminated Glass

[0034] The performance tests for composite dimming laminated glass are as follows: 1. Independent Drive Verification: When only a 30V RMS, 1kHz AC current is applied to the PDLC layer electrode, its haze decreases from over 85% to below 5% (transparent state) within 0.3 seconds. After depressurization, it recovers to high haze within 0.5 seconds. During this process, the EC layer state remains unchanged. When only a +3.0V DC current is applied to the EC layer electrode, its transmittance at 550nm decreases from 72% to 28% within 90 seconds, completing the coloring process. After depressurization, the state remains stable for over 24 hours. During this process, the PDLC layer state remains stable.

[0035] 2. Collaborative Working Mode Verification: Mode A (High-Efficiency Shading + Soft Light Scattering): A +2.5V voltage is applied to the EC layer to stabilize it at 45% transmittance, while the PDLC layer is de-energized (haze > 85%). In this mode, the visible light transmittance is approximately 15%, and the near-infrared transmittance is collaboratively regulated to <40% by the PDLC scattering layer, resulting in a low shading coefficient. Mode B (Instantaneous Privacy + Continuous Shading): The EC layer maintains 45% transmittance. Upon triggering, a 30V AC voltage is applied to the PDLC layer, causing it to become transparent within 0.3 seconds; scattering resumes within 0.5 seconds after the voltage is released. Crucially, throughout the entire PDLC switching process, the EC layer transmittance fluctuates by <2%, demonstrating the effectiveness of independent drive.

[0036] 3. Reliability test: After the sample was placed in an environment of 85℃ / 85%RH for 500 hours, there were no abnormalities in appearance, and the optical performance degradation was <10%.

[0037] 4. Voltage Range Extension Test: Applying DC voltages of +1.0V, +1.5V, +2.0V, +2.5V, and +3.0V to multiple samples, the transmittance of the EC layer remained continuously adjustable, and the response time decreased with increasing voltage. The EC layer maintained its memory effect at all voltages. Applying AC voltages of 20V / 0.5kHz, 30V / 1kHz, 40V / 3kHz, and 50V / 5kHz to the PDLC layer, the transparency / scattering switching was completed within 0.5 seconds without interference to the EC layer.

[0038] Example 3: Composite dimming laminated glass assembly and control method This invention provides a composite dimming laminated glass assembly, comprising the composite dimming laminated glass described in Embodiment 2 and a control device. The control device is electrically connected to the electrodes of the composite dimming laminated glass and is used to independently provide control voltages to the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer. The control device can receive signals from environmental sensors (such as light intensity and temperature sensors) or user input interfaces, and independently output voltage signals V driving the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer. EC and V PDLC .

[0039] Specifically, the control device includes a microcontroller, a first drive circuit, and a second drive circuit. The microcontroller receives signals from sensors (light intensity, temperature) or user input interfaces, processes them through an internal program, and outputs digital control signals to the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit, respectively.

[0040] The first driving circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter, an operational amplifier, and a current monitoring circuit. The digital-to-analog converter converts the digital signal output from the microcontroller into an analog voltage signal, which is then amplified by the operational amplifier to output a DC voltage V. EC (Adjustable from +1.0V to +3.0V, used for the EC layer, typically an adjustable DC voltage); The current monitoring circuit monitors the current of the electrochromic layer in real time. When the current exceeds a preset safety threshold (e.g., 10mA / cm), the circuit will detect the current. 2 When the current is high, a signal is sent back to the microcontroller, which then automatically reduces the output voltage or cuts off the output to achieve overcurrent protection.

[0041] The second drive circuit includes an AC signal generator, a power amplifier, and a voltage monitoring circuit. The AC signal generator produces a sine wave or square wave signal of a specific frequency (0.5-5kHz), which is amplified by the power amplifier and outputs an AC voltage V. PDLC (Used for PDLC layers, typically with an adjustable effective value of 20-50V); The voltage monitoring circuit monitors the output voltage and frequency in real time to ensure that they are within the tolerance range of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer material.

[0042] The first and second drive circuits are electrically isolated from each other via an optocoupler to prevent signal crosstalk. The outputs of the two drive circuits are connected to the corresponding electrodes of the composite dimming glass via leads.

[0043] The control method for the composite dimming laminated glass assembly described in this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps: Step 1: Receive dimming instructions (from the sensor, user, or preset program).

[0044] Specifically, receiving the dimming command includes: receiving data or commands from at least one input source, such as an environmental sensor, a user input interface, or a preset program, and determining the target optical state based on the data or commands.

[0045] When the input source is an environmental sensor, determining the target optical state includes: determining the target optical state as a shading mode, a high-efficiency heat insulation mode, or a privacy protection mode based on the comparison results of the real-time collected ambient light intensity, ambient temperature, or solar radiation intensity with a preset threshold.

[0046] Step 2: Based on the dimming command, independently generate a first control signal for driving the electrochromic layer and a second control signal for driving the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer.

[0047] Specifically, the generation of independent first and second control signals based on the dimming command includes: Analyze the dimming command to determine the target working mode; Based on the target operating mode, parameters for the first control signal and the second control signal are generated independently; wherein, the target operating mode includes: full transparency mode, fast privacy mode, efficient sunshade mode, full shading mode, or dynamic gradient mode.

[0048] When the target operating mode is fast privacy mode, the first control signal is a DC voltage or zero voltage that maintains the current state of the electrochromic layer, and the second control signal is an AC voltage signal with a frequency of 0.5-5kHz and an effective voltage value of 20-50V that switches between the transparent state and the scattering state.

[0049] When the target operating mode is the high-efficiency shading mode, the first control signal is a DC voltage signal with an amplitude adjustable in the range of +1.0V to +3.0V, and the second control signal is a signal with zero voltage or below the threshold voltage to make the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer in a scattering state.

[0050] The generation of the first control signal further includes: calculating the required voltage parameters based on the difference between the target transmittance and the current transmittance of the electrochromic layer using a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm or a fuzzy control algorithm, and generating a DC voltage or pulse width modulation signal with the calculated voltage parameters. The microcontroller has a pre-stored or configured control program containing routines for performing proportional-integral-derivative (PID) calculations or fuzzy logic judgments based on the difference between the target transmittance and the current value to calculate a suitable driving voltage.

[0051] Step 3: Apply the first control signal to the electrode corresponding to the electrochromic layer to adjust its light transmittance.

[0052] Specifically, a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit, which are electrically isolated from each other, are applied respectively, wherein the first drive circuit provides an amplitude-adjustable DC voltage and the second drive circuit provides an AC voltage with adjustable frequency and amplitude.

[0053] Step 4: Apply the second control signal to the electrode corresponding to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer to control its switching between the transparent state and the scattering state.

[0054] In this case, the control signal applied to the electrochromic layer in step 3 and the control signal applied to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer in step 4 are independent of each other.

[0055] Step 5, Status Feedback and Adjustment: The actual transmittance and / or haze of the composite dimming laminated glass are monitored in real time by a light sensor. The actual measured value is compared with the target value, and the parameters of the first control signal and / or the second control signal are finely adjusted based on the comparison result to achieve closed-loop control.

[0056] Example 4: Simplified Control Implementation Method for Composite Dimming Laminated Glass Assembly This embodiment provides a simplified control scheme for a composite dimming laminated glass assembly. The control device includes a first control unit and a second control unit. The first control unit consists of a DC power supply, a multi-position selector switch, and an adjustable potentiometer, used to drive the electrochromic layer. The multi-position selector switch is used for coarse adjustment of the output voltage range (e.g., 1.5V, 2.0V, 2.5V, 3.0V). The adjustable potentiometer is connected in series with the switch output terminal for continuous fine adjustment of the DC voltage applied to the electrochromic layer. The output terminal of the first control unit is connected to the second electrode region of the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer, thereby providing an adjustable DC voltage to the electrochromic layer and achieving manual stepless adjustment of transmittance. The second control unit consists of a commercially available PDLC-specific drive module and a physical switch, used to drive the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer. The input of the drive module is connected to a low-voltage DC power supply, and the output generates a high-frequency AC voltage (e.g., 30V~70V, frequency 0.5kHz~5kHz). The physical switch is connected in series between the drive module and the PDLC layer electrodes. The output of the second control unit is connected to the first electrode region of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, thereby controlling the instantaneous switching of the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer between the transparent and scattering states. The first and second control units are powered by independent power supplies and are respectively connected to the first and second electrode regions of the second conductive layer, thus achieving electrical isolation between the two control loops. Experiments have shown that using this simplified control device, while maintaining an arbitrary set transmittance of the electrochromic layer (e.g., adjusted to 45% via a multi-position switch and potentiometer), the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer can be independently controlled to switch rapidly via a physical switch. During the switching process, the transmittance fluctuation of the electrochromic layer is less than 2%, realizing the core independent driving and coordinated dimming functions. This embodiment demonstrates that the technical concept of the present invention, based on a three-layer conductive layer independent electrode structure, can be used to achieve automated scene management using intelligent control circuits, or to achieve basic functions in a low-cost manner using simple discrete components. Both fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0057] Example 5: Specific Implementation of the Control Device The control device includes a microcontroller, a first drive circuit, and a second drive circuit. The first drive circuit is used to generate an adjustable DC voltage V. EC The EC layer is driven. A second driving circuit is used to generate an adjustable AC voltage V. PDLC Drive the PDLC layer. Electrical isolation between the two circuits is achieved through an optocoupler to prevent signal crosstalk.

[0058] Example 6: Implementation of a Closed-Loop Control System To achieve more precise control, a closed-loop control system can be employed. The system includes a composite dimming laminated glass, a light sensor, and a control device. The control device's data acquisition module acquires sensor data, the control algorithm module (e.g., using a PID algorithm) calculates the control input, the signal generation module generates the control signal, and the drive circuit module outputs the drive voltage. By comparing the target value with the actual measured value (e.g., transmittance) in real time and fine-tuning the control signal, closed-loop control is achieved, ensuring accurate and stable optical operation.

[0059] Example 7: Demonstration of Independent Drive Principle To demonstrate that the three-layer electrode structure of this invention can achieve truly independent driving, the following theoretical analysis is conducted: The EC layer uses a viologen-based electrochromic material, whose coloring / fading depends on ions (Li... + Ion implantation and deintercalation under an electric field require continuous DC voltage driving, and the response time is related to the voltage amplitude. In contrast, PDLC layers use a high-frequency AC electric field to drive the orientation of liquid crystal molecules, typically in the kHz range. When a high-frequency AC voltage (e.g., 1 kHz) is applied to the first and second conductive layers, the voltage drop across the EC layer is minimal due to the double-layer capacitance at the EC / electrolyte interface and the inability to respond to ion migration at high frequencies. This voltage drop is insufficient to drive ion implantation and thus does not alter the redox state of the EC layer. Simultaneously, because the second conductive layer is patterned into two independent regions, when driving the PDLC, the circuit only involves the first region of the first and second conductive layers. Although this circuit passes through the EC and electrolyte layers, the extremely low high-frequency impedance (capacitive characteristics) of the EC layer causes most of the voltage drop across the PDLC layer, ensuring normal PDLC driving without affecting the EC layer. Conversely, when a DC voltage is applied to the second region of the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer, the circuit primarily involves the EC / electrolyte layer. The PDLC layer exhibits high impedance under DC, resulting in almost no voltage drop and thus not affecting the PDLC state. This analysis has been verified by impedance spectroscopy.

[0060] Example 8: Specific Application Scenarios Application Scenario Example 1: Car Sunroof: During the day, the EC layer is automatically tinted to a suitable transmittance to achieve long-lasting sun shading and heat insulation. When passengers need to enjoy the view, a single button triggers the PDLC layer to instantly become transparent (the EC layer remains unchanged); when privacy is required, the PDLC layer instantly resumes its scattering state.

[0061] Application Scenario Example 2: Building Curtain Wall: The EC layer transmittance is automatically and dynamically adjusted according to solar irradiance to achieve energy savings. When the conference room is in use, the PDLC layer can be independently controlled to switch to a diffused state to provide temporary privacy without affecting the shading strategy of the entire building.

[0062] The above embodiments demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications based on the concept of the present invention, such as changing the electrochromic material (e.g., using tungsten oxide), the type of liquid crystal, or adjusting the thickness and materials of each layer; all such modifications should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A composite dimming interlayer film, characterized in that, include: At least three conductive layers are stacked together, namely a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer and a third conductive layer, wherein the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer and the third conductive layer are electrically isolated from each other; An electrochromic layer is electrically connected to the second and third conductive layers; A polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is electrically connected to the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; The electrochromic layer is used to continuously change the light transmittance by applying a voltage, and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is used to switch between a transparent state and a scattering state by applying a voltage.

2. The composite dimming intermediate film according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer comprises liquid crystal and a binder resin, wherein the liquid crystal forms microcapsules or a polymer network structure in the binder resin.

3. The composite dimming intermediate film according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrochromic layer comprises an electrochromic compound and a binding resin, wherein the electrochromic compound includes viologen compounds, tungsten oxide, or polyaniline.

4. The composite dimming intermediate film according to claim 1, characterized in that, An electrolyte layer for conducting ions is disposed between the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer; the electrochromic layer itself does not contain ion conductors, and its ion implantation and deintercalation are achieved by the adjacent electrolyte layer.

5. The composite dimming intermediate film according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adhesive resin for the electrochromic layer and / or the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer is polyvinyl butyral resin.

6. The composite dimming intermediate film according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second conductive layer is patterned into at least two electrically isolated electrode regions, namely a first electrode region and a second electrode region, by an etching process; the first electrode region cooperates with the first conductive layer to drive the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, and the second electrode region cooperates with the third conductive layer to drive the electrochromic layer.

7. A composite dimming laminated glass, characterized in that, The composite dimming intermediate film according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is located between two transparent substrates; transparent conductive films are formed on the inner surfaces of the transparent substrates respectively, and the transparent conductive films are electrically connected to the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer of the intermediate film in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. A composite dimming laminated glass assembly, characterized in that, include: The composite dimming laminated glass as described in claim 7; as well as A control device, electrically connected to the electrodes of the composite dimming laminated glass, is used to independently provide control voltage to the electrochromic layer and the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer; the control device includes a microcontroller, a first driving circuit and a second driving circuit, and the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are electrically isolated from each other by an optocoupler.

9. A method for controlling the composite dimming laminated glass assembly as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Receive dimming command; Based on the dimming command, a first control signal for driving the electrochromic layer and a second control signal for driving the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer are independently generated. The first control signal is applied to the electrode corresponding to the electrochromic layer to adjust its light transmittance; The second control signal is applied to the electrode corresponding to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer to control its switching between the transparent state and the scattering state; The control signal applied to the electrochromic layer is independent of the control signal applied to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer; the first control signal is a DC voltage signal with an amplitude adjustable in the range of +1.0V to +3.0V, and the second control signal is an AC voltage signal with a frequency adjustable in the range of 0.5kHz to 5kHz and an effective voltage value adjustable in the range of 20V to 50V.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a status feedback and adjustment step: the actual transmittance and / or haze of the composite dimming laminated glass are monitored in real time by a light sensor, the actual measured value is compared with the target value, and the parameters of the first control signal and / or the second control signal are finely adjusted based on the comparison result to achieve closed-loop control.

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