Light control panel

Abstract

This application discloses a dimming panel. By setting a third conductive layer in the liquid crystal layer, the third conductive layer divides the liquid crystal layer into a first region and a second region alternately arranged along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer. By adjusting the first potential corresponding to the first conductive layer, the second potential corresponding to the second conductive layer, and the third potential corresponding to the third conductive layer, the arrangement state of liquid crystal molecules in each first region and each second region can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel. This solution avoids the change in light transmission direction caused by changes in light intensity on both sides of the panel, thereby achieving efficient and accurate control of the light transmission direction of the dimming panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of dimming technology, and in particular to a dimming panel. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, a one-way transparent panel can be formed by adding a reflective layer to the glass surface. By utilizing its reflective effect, the intensity of reflected light on the brighter side is greater than the intensity of transmitted light on the darker side, thereby achieving one-way transmission of light.

[0003] However, when the light intensity on both sides of a one-way vision panel changes, the direction of light transmission can easily reverse. For example, when a one-way vision panel is placed in a window, it can easily cause a situation where the person inside cannot see outside at night. Therefore, how to provide a dimming panel that can control the direction of light transmission is a technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a dimming panel, comprising: a first substrate, including a first substrate and a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer, and a first alignment layer sequentially disposed along the thickness direction of the first substrate and away from the first substrate; a second substrate, disposed opposite to the first substrate, including a second substrate and a second conductive layer, a second insulating layer, and a second alignment layer sequentially disposed along the thickness direction of the second substrate and away from the second substrate; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer, the liquid crystal layer comprising a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a third conductive layer, the third conductive layer dividing the liquid crystal layer into alternating first regions and second regions along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer, each pair of adjacent first regions and second regions having an inclined segment, the inclined segment being a portion of the third conductive layer inclined to the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein, by adjusting the first potential corresponding to the first conductive layer, the second potential corresponding to the second conductive layer, and the third potential corresponding to the third conductive layer, the arrangement state of the liquid crystal molecules in each of the first regions and each of the second regions can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel.

[0005] In some embodiments, each of the inclined segments includes a first inclined segment and a second inclined segment alternately arranged along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer, each of the first inclined segments being inclined along a first direction and parallel to each other, and each of the second inclined segments being inclined along a second direction and parallel to each other, wherein the first direction is different from the second direction.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first inclined segment includes a first edge and a second edge disposed opposite to each other, the second inclined segment includes a third edge and a fourth edge disposed opposite to each other, the distance between the first edge and the fourth edge and the first alignment layer is a first distance, and the distance between the second edge and the third edge and the second alignment layer is the first distance.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first distance is zero.

[0008] In some embodiments, in each group of adjacent first and second inclined segments, one of the following methods is used: the first and second inclined segments are connected by the second edge of the first inclined segment and the third edge of the second inclined segment; the second and first inclined segments are connected by the fourth edge of the second inclined segment and the first edge of the first inclined segment.

[0009] In some embodiments, the included angle between each group of adjacent first and second inclined segments is 90°.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the first potential is equal to the third potential and the second potential is not equal to the third potential, the liquid crystal molecules in the second region are arranged in an initial state, and the liquid crystal molecules in the first region are arranged in a first state different from the initial state, such that the light refractive index of the second region is less than the light refractive index of the first region, and the dimming panel is in a first unidirectional light transmission mode conforming to a first light transmission direction; if the first potential is not equal to the third potential and the second potential is equal to the third potential, the liquid crystal molecules in the second region are arranged in the first state, and the liquid crystal molecules in the first region are arranged in the initial state, such that the light refractive index of the second region is greater than the light refractive index of the first region, and the dimming panel is in a second unidirectional light transmission mode conforming to a second light transmission direction, the second light transmission direction being opposite to the first light transmission direction.

[0011] In some embodiments, if the first potential, the second potential, and the third potential are equal, the liquid crystal molecules in the first region and the second region are arranged in the initial state such that the light refractive index of the first region and the second region are equal, and the dimming panel is in a bidirectional light transmission mode.

[0012] In some embodiments, the third conductive layer is a mesh structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third conductive layer includes a conductive sublayer and an insulator layer covering the surface of the conductive sublayer.

[0014] By applying the above technical solution, a third conductive layer is set in the liquid crystal layer of the dimming panel. The third conductive layer divides the liquid crystal layer into alternating first and second regions along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer. By adjusting the first potential corresponding to the first conductive layer, the second potential corresponding to the second conductive layer, and the third potential corresponding to the third conductive layer, the arrangement state of liquid crystal molecules in each first and second region can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel. This solution avoids changes in the light transmission direction caused by changes in light intensity on both sides of the panel, thereby achieving efficient and accurate control of the light transmission direction of the dimming panel. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dimming panel according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of a dimming panel according to an embodiment of this application (the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer are omitted). Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electric field of a dimming panel in a first unidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid crystal arrangement of a dimming panel in a first unidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the light path of a dimming panel in a first unidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electric field of a dimming panel in a second unidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid crystal arrangement of a dimming panel in a second unidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the light path of a dimming panel in a second unidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid crystal arrangement of a dimming panel in bidirectional light transmission mode according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figures 1-9In the diagram, 100 is a first substrate; 110 is a first substrate; 120 is a first conductive layer; 130 is a first insulating layer; 140 is a first alignment layer; 200 is a second substrate; 210 is a second substrate; 220 is a second conductive layer; 230 is a second insulating layer; 240 is a second alignment layer; 300 is a liquid crystal layer; 310 is a liquid crystal molecule; 320 is a third conductive layer; 301 is a first region; 302 is a second region; 3200 is a tilted segment; 3201 is a first tilted segment; and 3202 is a second tilted segment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Various embodiments and features of this application are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the above description should not be considered as limiting, but merely as an example of embodiments. Other modifications within the scope and spirit of this application will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with the general description of the present application given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0021] These and other features of this application will become apparent from the following description of preferred forms of embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] It should also be understood that although this application has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art can certainly implement many other equivalent forms of this application.

[0023] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this application will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in view of the following detailed description.

[0024] Specific embodiments of this application are described thereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the claimed embodiments are merely examples of this application, which can be implemented in various ways. Well-known and / or repeated functions and structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary or redundant details that could obscure the application. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details claimed herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely serve as the basis and representative basis for the claims to teach those skilled in the art to use this application in a variety of substantially any suitable detailed structures.

[0025] This specification may use the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in yet another embodiment,” or “in other embodiments,” all of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to this application.

[0026] A dimming panel according to an embodiment of this application has a third conductive layer disposed in the liquid crystal layer. The third conductive layer divides the liquid crystal layer into a first region and a second region alternately disposed along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer. By adjusting the first potential corresponding to the first conductive layer, the second potential corresponding to the second conductive layer, and the third potential corresponding to the third conductive layer, the arrangement state of liquid crystal molecules in each first region and each second region can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel. This avoids changes in the light transmission direction caused by changes in light intensity on both sides of the panel, thereby achieving efficient and accurate control of the light transmission direction of the dimming panel.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the dimming panel includes: The first substrate 100 includes a first substrate 110 and a first conductive layer 120, a first insulating layer 130 and a first alignment layer 140 sequentially disposed along the thickness direction T of the first substrate 110 and away from the first substrate 110. The second substrate 200 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 100 and includes a second substrate 210, and a second conductive layer 220, a second insulating layer 230 and a second alignment layer 240 are sequentially disposed along the thickness direction T of the second substrate 210 and away from the second substrate 210. A liquid crystal layer 300 is disposed between a first alignment layer 140 and a second alignment layer 240. The liquid crystal layer 300 includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 310 and a third conductive layer 320. The third conductive layer 320 divides the liquid crystal layer 300 into alternating first regions 301 and second regions 302 along a direction L parallel to the liquid crystal layer 300. Each pair of adjacent first regions 301 and second regions 302 has an inclined segment 3200, which is a portion of the third conductive layer 320 that is inclined to the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210. Specifically, by adjusting the first potential φ1 corresponding to the first conductive layer 120, the second potential φ2 corresponding to the second conductive layer 220, and the third potential φ3 corresponding to the third conductive layer 320, the arrangement state of liquid crystal molecules 310 in each first region 301 and each second region 302 can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel.

[0028] In this embodiment, the dimming panel includes a first substrate 100 and a second substrate 200 disposed opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal layer 300 located between the first substrate 100 and the second substrate 200.

[0029] The first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210 are transparent substrates, serving as the basic support components of the dimming panel and providing a stable substrate for other functional layers. The first conductive layer 120 and the second conductive layer 220 are transparent conductive layers used to change the alignment of liquid crystal molecules 310 by applying a voltage to form an electric field. The first insulating layer 130 prevents current leakage in the first conductive layer 120 and also serves as the substrate deposition layer for the first alignment layer 140. The second insulating layer 230 prevents current leakage in the second conductive layer 220 and also serves as the substrate deposition layer for the second alignment layer 240. The first alignment layer 140 and the second alignment layer 240 are key functional layers for controlling the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 310, guiding the liquid crystal molecules 310 to align uniformly along a specific direction and establishing the initial alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules 310. The first alignment layer 140 and the second alignment layer 240 can be, for example, made of polyimide (PI), and alignment control can be achieved through rubbing or photoalignment processes. The liquid crystal layer 300 is the core functional layer for dimming. The liquid crystal molecules 310 in the liquid crystal layer 300 will change their alignment direction under the action of an electric field, thereby changing their own optical properties.

[0030] A third conductive layer 320 is disposed in the liquid crystal layer 300 and is a transparent conductive layer. The third conductive layer 320 can be arranged in multiple V-shaped bends or multiple M-shaped bends, dividing the liquid crystal layer 300 into alternating first regions 301 and second regions 302 along a direction L parallel to the liquid crystal layer 300. Each pair of adjacent first regions 301 and second regions 302 has an inclined segment 3200. By adjusting the first potential φ1 corresponding to the first conductive layer 120, the second potential φ2 corresponding to the second conductive layer 220, and the third potential φ3 corresponding to the third conductive layer 320, the arrangement state of liquid crystal molecules 310 in each first region 301 and each second region 302 can be adjusted, so that the refractive index of the first region 301 and the second region 302 on both sides of each inclined segment 3200 changes accordingly. The interface between the low-refractive-index medium and the high-refractive-index medium (i.e., the side of the inclined section 3200 facing the low-refractive-index medium) creates a light-focusing effect. If light travels from the low-refractive-index medium to the high-refractive-index medium, the light will pass through the inclined section 3200 and be transmitted out from the high-refractive-index medium. Conversely, the interface between the high-refractive-index medium and the low-refractive-index medium (i.e., the side of the inclined section 3200 facing the high-refractive-index medium) creates a reflection effect. If light travels from the high-refractive-index medium to the low-refractive-index medium, the light will be reflected or totally internally reflected at the inclined section 3200, and most of the light will not pass through the inclined section 3200.

[0031] For example, if the first potential φ1, the second potential φ2, and the third potential φ3 make each first region 301 a low-refractive-index medium and each second region 302 a high-refractive-index medium, then because the side of the inclined section 3200 facing the first region 301 has a light-focusing effect, light can be transmitted from the second substrate 200 to the first substrate 100; because the side of the inclined section 3200 facing the second region 302 has a reflection effect, light cannot be transmitted from the first substrate 100 to the second substrate 200. If the first potential φ1, the second potential φ2, and the third potential φ3 make each first region 301 a high-refractive-index medium and each second region 302 a low-refractive-index medium, then because the side of the inclined section 3200 facing the second region 302 has a light-focusing effect, light can be transmitted from the first substrate 100 to the second substrate 200; because the side of the inclined section 3200 facing the first region 301 has a reflection effect, light cannot be transmitted from the second substrate 200 to the first substrate 100.

[0032] The dimming panel of this application embodiment includes: a first substrate 100, including a first substrate 110, and a first conductive layer 120, a first insulating layer 130, and a first alignment layer 140 sequentially disposed along the thickness direction T of the first substrate 110 and away from the first substrate 110; a second substrate 200, disposed opposite to the first substrate 100, including a second substrate 210, and a second conductive layer 220, a second insulating layer 230, and a second alignment layer 240 sequentially disposed along the thickness direction T of the second substrate 210 and away from the second substrate 210; and a liquid crystal layer 300 disposed between the first alignment layer 140 and the second alignment layer 240, the liquid crystal layer 300 including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules 310 and a third conductive layer 140. Layer 320, the third conductive layer 320 divides the liquid crystal layer 300 into alternating first regions 301 and second regions 302 along a direction L parallel to the liquid crystal layer 300. Each pair of adjacent first regions 301 and second regions 302 has an inclined section 3200, which is a portion of the third conductive layer 320 inclined to the first substrate 110 and the second substrate 210. By adjusting the first potential φ1 corresponding to the first conductive layer 120, the second potential φ2 corresponding to the second conductive layer 220, and the third potential φ3 corresponding to the third conductive layer 320, the arrangement of liquid crystal molecules 310 in each first region 301 and each second region 302 can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel. By setting the third conductive layer 320, changes in the light transmission direction caused by changes in light intensity on both sides of the panel are avoided, thereby achieving efficient and accurate control of the light transmission direction of the dimming panel.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, each inclined segment 3200 includes a first inclined segment 3201 and a second inclined segment 3202 alternately arranged along a direction L parallel to the liquid crystal layer 300. Each first inclined segment 3201 is inclined along a first direction D1 and is parallel to each other, and each second inclined segment 3202 is inclined along a second direction D2 and is parallel to each other. The first direction D1 is different from the second direction D2.

[0034] In this embodiment, by making each first inclined segment 3201 inclined along the first direction D1 and parallel to each other, and each second inclined segment 3202 inclined along the second direction D2 and parallel to each other, the distribution of each first region 301 and each second region 302 in the liquid crystal layer 300 can be made more uniform, thereby making different regions of the dimming panel exhibit consistent optical characteristics.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the lengths of each first inclined segment 3201 and each second inclined segment 3202 are equal, and the distances between each first inclined segment 3201 and between each second inclined segment 3202 are equal, thereby further improving the uniformity of the distribution of each first region 301 and each second region 302 in the liquid crystal layer 300 and enhancing the light transmission effect of the dimming panel in different light transmission modes.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the first inclined segment 3201 includes a first edge a and a second edge b disposed opposite to each other, and the second inclined segment 3202 includes a third edge c and a fourth edge d disposed opposite to each other. The distance between the first edge a and the fourth edge d and the first alignment layer 140 is a first distance, and the distance between the second edge b and the third edge c and the second alignment layer 240 is a first distance.

[0037] In this embodiment, by setting the distance between the first edge a and the fourth edge d and the first alignment layer 140 as the first distance, and the distance between the second edge b and the third edge c and the second alignment layer 240 as the first distance, the third conductive layer 320 can be regularly distributed in the liquid crystal layer 300, thereby further improving the light transmission effect of the dimming panel in different light transmission modes.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, the first distance is zero.

[0039] By setting the first distance to zero, the first edge a and the fourth edge d are made to contact the first alignment layer 140, and the second edge b and the third edge c are made to contact the second alignment layer 240, thereby increasing the proportion of light reaching each tilted segment 3200 and improving the light transmission effect of the dimming panel in different light transmission modes.

[0040] In some embodiments of this application, in each group of adjacent first inclined segments 3201 and second inclined segments 3202, one of the following methods is used: connecting the first inclined segment 3201 and the second inclined segment 3202 through the second edge b of the first inclined segment 3201 and the third edge c of the second inclined segment 3202; or connecting the second inclined segment 3202 and the first inclined segment 3201 through the fourth edge d of the second inclined segment 3202 and the first edge a of the first inclined segment 3201. This results in the third conductive layer 320 exhibiting multiple continuous V-shaped structures, causing each first region 301 and second region 302 to be regularly distributed in the liquid crystal layer 300, increasing the proportion of light reaching each inclined segment 3200, and improving the light transmission effect of the dimming panel in different light transmission modes.

[0041] In some embodiments of this application, the included angle between each group of adjacent first inclined segments 3201 and second inclined segments 3202 can be 90°.

[0042] In this embodiment, the included angle between the first inclined segment 3201 and the second inclined segment 3202 includes the included angle between the second edge b of the first inclined segment 3201 and the third edge c of the second inclined segment 3202, or the included angle between the fourth edge d of the second inclined segment 3202 and the first edge a of the first inclined segment 3201. By making this included angle 90°, the dimming panel can present an accurate light transmission effect when switching from one unidirectional light transmission mode to another, thereby improving the stability of the dimming panel.

[0043] In some embodiments of this application, if the first potential φ1 is equal to the third potential φ3 and the second potential φ2 is not equal to the third potential φ3, the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the second region 302 are arranged in the initial state, and the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the first region 301 are arranged in a first state different from the initial state, so that the light refractive index of the second region 302 is less than the light refractive index of the first region 301, and the dimming panel is in a first unidirectional light transmission mode that conforms to the first light transmission direction. If the first potential φ1 is not equal to the third potential φ3, and the second potential φ2 is equal to the third potential φ3, the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the second region 302 are arranged in the first state, and the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the first region 301 are arranged in the initial state, so that the light refractive index of the second region 302 is greater than the light refractive index of the first region 301, and the dimming panel is in the second unidirectional light transmission mode that conforms to the second light transmission direction, which is opposite to the first light transmission direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, each liquid crystal molecule 310 includes a long axis and a short axis. In the initial state, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule 310 is along a direction L parallel to the liquid crystal layer 300; in the first state, the long axis of the liquid crystal molecule 310 is along a direction perpendicular to the liquid crystal layer 300, that is, along the thickness direction T of the dimming panel. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, if the first potential φ1 is equal to the third potential φ3, and the second potential φ2 is not equal to the third potential φ3, then the second voltage V2 between the first conductive layer 120 and the third conductive layer 320 is 0, the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the second region 302 are arranged in the initial state, and the first voltage V1 between the second conductive layer 220 and the third conductive layer 320 is ≠ 0, causing the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the first region 301 to be arranged in the first state, making the refractive index of the second region 302 less than the refractive index of the first region 301. Figure 5 As shown, light entering the dimming panel from the reverse side is transmitted from the second region 302 to the first region 301 at the inclined section 3200. Light entering the dimming panel from the front side is reflected at the inclined section 3200 and cannot be transmitted from the first region 301 to the second region 302, thus the dimming panel is in a first unidirectional light transmission mode. Therefore, when the human eye is on the front side of the dimming panel, the reverse side can be seen; when the human eye is on the reverse side of the dimming panel, the front side cannot be seen. The first light transmission direction is from the first substrate 100 to the second substrate 200.

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, if the first potential φ1 is not equal to the third potential φ3, and the second potential φ2 is equal to the third potential φ3, then the first voltage V1 between the second conductive layer 220 and the third conductive layer 320 is 0, the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the first region 301 are arranged in the initial state, and the second voltage V2 between the first conductive layer 120 and the third conductive layer 320 is ≠ 0, causing the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the second region 302 to be arranged in the first state, making the refractive index of the first region 301 less than the refractive index of the second region 302. Figure 8 As shown, light entering the dimming panel from the front is transmitted from the first region 301 to the second region 302 at the inclined section 3200. Light entering the dimming panel from the back is reflected at the inclined section 3200 and cannot be transmitted from the second region 302 to the first region 301, thus the dimming panel is in a second unidirectional light transmission mode. Therefore, when the human eye is on the back side of the dimming panel, the front side can be seen; when the human eye is on the front side of the dimming panel, the back side cannot be seen. The second light transmission direction is from the second substrate 200 to the first substrate 100.

[0046] It should be noted that when the second potential φ2 is not equal to the third potential φ3, the first voltage V1 is the voltage that enables the liquid crystal molecules to flip from the initial state to the first state. In some embodiments, 36V≤V1≤60V; when the first potential φ1 is not equal to the third potential φ3, the second voltage V2 is the voltage that enables the liquid crystal molecules to flip from the initial state to the first state. In some embodiments, 36V≤V2≤60V.

[0047] By adjusting the first potential φ1, the second potential φ2, and the third potential φ3, the dimming panel can be made to efficiently and accurately enter the corresponding one-way light transmission mode.

[0048] In some embodiments of this application, if the first potential φ1, the second potential φ2 and the third potential φ3 are equal, the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the first region 301 and the second region 302 are arranged in the initial state, so that the light refractive index of the first region 301 and the second region 302 are equal, and the dimming panel is in a bidirectional light transmission mode.

[0049] In this embodiment, as Figure 9 As shown, if the first potential φ1, the second potential φ2, and the third potential φ3 are equal, then the first voltage V1 between the second conductive layer 220 and the third conductive layer 320 is 0, and the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the first region 301 are arranged in their initial state; the second voltage V2 between the first conductive layer 120 and the third conductive layer 320 is 0, and the liquid crystal molecules 310 in the second region 302 are arranged in their initial state. At this time, the refractive indices of light in the first region 301 and the second region 302 are equal, the dimming panel is in a bidirectional light transmission mode, and the dimming panel is transparent, that is, light can be transmitted from one side of the first substrate 100 to one side of the second substrate 200, and also from one side of the second substrate 200 to one side of the first substrate 100. This improves the flexibility of the dimming mode of the dimming panel.

[0050] In some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the third conductive layer 320 has a mesh structure. This allows the third conductive layer 320 to form various inclined segments 3200 while saving material usage and reducing the cost of the dimming panel.

[0051] In some embodiments of this application, the third conductive layer 320 includes a conductive sublayer and an insulator layer covering the surface of the conductive sublayer.

[0052] By setting an insulator layer, current leakage from the conductor layer can be prevented, thus improving the reliability of the third conductive layer 320.

[0053] The dimming panel of this application embodiment can be applied to structures such as skylights, curtain walls, building partitions, building windows, vehicle windows, and billboards.

[0054] Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments have been described herein, their scope includes any and all embodiments based on this disclosure that have equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., schemes involving intersections of various embodiments), adaptations, or alterations. Elements in the claims will be interpreted broadly based on the language used in the claims and are not limited to the examples described in this specification or during the implementation of this application, and such examples will be interpreted as non-exclusive. Therefore, this specification and examples are intended to be considered illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit are indicated by the full scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

[0055] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above examples (or one or more thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used by those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, various features may be grouped together to simplify the disclosure. This should not be construed as an intention that a feature of the disclosure that is not claimed is necessary for any claim. Rather, the subject matter of this disclosure may be less than all the features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated herein by reference as examples or embodiments, wherein each claim is an independent, separate embodiment, and these embodiments are contemplated to be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents.

[0056] The above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the claims. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or equivalent substitutions to this application within its substance and scope of protection, and such modifications or equivalent substitutions should also be considered to fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A dimming panel, characterized in that, include: The first substrate includes a first substrate and a first conductive layer, a first insulating layer and a first alignment layer sequentially disposed along the thickness direction of the first substrate and away from the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate and includes a second substrate, and a second conductive layer, a second insulating layer and a second alignment layer are sequentially disposed along the thickness direction of the second substrate and away from the second substrate. A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and a third conductive layer. The third conductive layer divides the liquid crystal layer into alternating first and second regions along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer. Each pair of adjacent first and second regions has an inclined segment, which is a portion of the third conductive layer that is inclined to the first substrate and the second substrate. Specifically, by adjusting the first potential corresponding to the first conductive layer, the second potential corresponding to the second conductive layer, and the third potential corresponding to the third conductive layer, the arrangement state of liquid crystal molecules in each of the first and second regions can be adjusted to control the light transmission mode of the dimming panel.

2. The dimming panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the inclined segments includes a first inclined segment and a second inclined segment alternately arranged along a direction parallel to the liquid crystal layer. Each first inclined segment is inclined along a first direction and is parallel to each other, and each second inclined segment is inclined along a second direction and is parallel to each other. The first direction is different from the second direction.

3. The dimming panel as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first inclined segment includes a first edge and a second edge disposed opposite to each other, and the second inclined segment includes a third edge and a fourth edge disposed opposite to each other. The distance between the first edge and the fourth edge and the first alignment layer is a first distance, and the distance between the second edge and the third edge and the second alignment layer is the first distance.

4. The dimming panel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first distance is zero.

5. The dimming panel as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, In each group of adjacent first and second inclined segments, one of the following shall be used: The first inclined segment and the second inclined segment are connected by the second edge of the first inclined segment and the third edge of the second inclined segment. The second inclined segment and the first inclined segment are connected by the fourth edge of the second inclined segment and the first edge of the first inclined segment.

6. The dimming panel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The angle between the first and second inclined segments in each group is 90°.

7. The dimming panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, If the first potential is equal to the third potential and the second potential is not equal to the third potential, the liquid crystal molecules in the second region are arranged in the initial state, and the liquid crystal molecules in the first region are arranged in a first state different from the initial state, such that the light refractive index of the second region is less than the light refractive index of the first region, and the dimming panel is in a first unidirectional light transmission mode that conforms to the first light transmission direction. If the first potential is not equal to the third potential, and the second potential is equal to the third potential, the liquid crystal molecules in the second region are arranged in the first state, and the liquid crystal molecules in the first region are arranged in the initial state, such that the light refractive index of the second region is greater than the light refractive index of the first region, and the dimming panel is in a second unidirectional light transmission mode that conforms to the second light transmission direction, the second light transmission direction being opposite to the first light transmission direction.

8. The dimming panel as described in claim 7, characterized in that, If the first potential, the second potential, and the third potential are equal, the liquid crystal molecules in the first region and the second region are arranged in the initial state, such that the light refractive index of the first region and the second region are equal, and the dimming panel is in a bidirectional light transmission mode.

9. The dimming panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third conductive layer has a mesh structure.

10. The dimming panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The third conductive layer includes a conductive sublayer and an insulator layer covering the surface of the conductive sublayer.

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