A sun visor and a vehicle applying the same

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sun shield and vehicle of application thereof, including the first light adjusting device of adjustable reflectivity, the first light adjusting device includes first reflective polaroid and second reflective polaroid and the first liquid crystal modulation device of clamping between first reflective polaroid and second reflective polaroid, the first liquid crystal modulation device is used for responding the voltage stimulus applied on it, and the polarization state of incident light is modulated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optoelectronic technology, and in particular to a sun visor and a vehicle using the same. Background Technology

[0002] The sun visor is an important component of a vehicle. Traditional sun visors require manual flipping to switch between sunshade and no sunshade, which is not only cumbersome but also affects driver safety.

[0003] To address this, existing technologies propose a solution using dimming glass to achieve electrically controlled sun visors. This allows the visor's transmittance to automatically switch based on ambient light intensity, eliminating the need for manual operation. However, traditional sun visors also have an important function: a reflective mirror integrated into the inner side. Current electrically controlled sun visors lack this reflective function, causing inconvenience for users. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a sun visor and a vehicle using it, which can retain the function of a reflector while providing sun visor switching.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a sunshade, including a first dimming device with adjustable reflectivity. The first dimming device includes a first reflective polarizer and a second reflective polarizer, and a first liquid crystal modulation device sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer. The first liquid crystal modulation device is used to modulate the polarization state of incident light in response to a voltage stimulus applied thereto.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the first liquid crystal modulator modulates the polarization state of the incident light by modulating the polarization direction of the incident linearly polarized light.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission axes of the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer are parallel or perpendicular to each other.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first liquid crystal modulation device is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device or a VA-type liquid crystal modulation device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first dimming device is in a state with the highest or lowest reflectivity when a first voltage is applied, and in a state with the lowest or highest reflectivity when no voltage is applied.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first dimming device is in a state with the lowest or highest transmittance when a first voltage is applied, and in a state with the highest or lowest transmittance when no voltage is applied.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the first dimming device is in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity when a voltage between a first voltage and no voltage is applied.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first dimming device is in a state with a transmittance between the highest and lowest transmittance when a voltage between a first voltage and no voltage is applied.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, when the sun visor is installed in a vehicle, the first dimming device is configured such that when the sun visor provides sun shading, the first reflective polarizer or the second reflective polarizer is close to the interior of the vehicle.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first dimming device further includes a first absorptive polarizer disposed on the side of the second reflective polarizer away from the first liquid crystal modulator.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, when the sun visor is installed in a vehicle, the first dimming device is configured such that when the sun visor provides sun shading, the second absorptive polarizer is positioned close to the outside of the vehicle.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the sunshade includes a dimming shading area and a dimming mirror area, wherein the first dimming device is located in the dimming mirror area, and the dimming shading area is provided with a second dimming device whose transmittance is adjustable.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the second dimming device may be a liquid crystal dimming device, an electrochromic dimming device, or an SPD dimming device.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the second dimming device includes a second absorptive polarizer and a third absorptive polarizer, and a second liquid crystal modulation device sandwiched between the second absorptive polarizer and the third absorptive polarizer, the second liquid crystal modulation device being used to modulate the polarization state of the incident light in response to a voltage stimulus applied thereto.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the second dimming device modulates the polarization state of the incident light by modulating the polarization direction of the incident linearly polarized light.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the transmission axes of the second and third absorptive polarizers are parallel or perpendicular to each other.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the second liquid crystal modulation device is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device or a VA-type liquid crystal modulation device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the sunshade further includes a reflection enhancement component, used to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light when the first condition is met.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the reflection enhancement component includes a transmission blocking component.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the first condition includes: determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device to incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device to incident light is decreased, or the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light.

[0026] In another aspect, this utility model also provides a vehicle including the sun visor as described above.

[0027] Through the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of a reflector while providing sunshade switching.

[0028] It should be understood that the above general description of the present invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a sunshade provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 4 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 5 of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment Six of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment Six of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 7 of this utility model;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 7 of this utility model;

[0045] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 8 of this utility model;

[0046] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the first dimming device in Embodiment 8 of this utility model;

[0047] Figure 18This is a schematic diagram of a sunshade provided in Embodiment 9 of this utility model;

[0048] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment 9 of this utility model;

[0049] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment 9 of this utility model;

[0050] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment 10 of this utility model;

[0051] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment 10 of this utility model;

[0052] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment Eleven of this utility model;

[0053] Figure 24 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment Eleven of this utility model;

[0054] Figure 25 This is a schematic diagram of one working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment Twelve of this utility model;

[0055] Figure 26 This is a schematic diagram of another working state of the second dimming device in Embodiment Twelve of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Now, reference will be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0057] The shapes, dimensions, ratios, angles, and quantities disclosed in the accompanying drawings, which are used to describe embodiments of the present invention, are merely examples, and therefore the present invention is not limited to the details illustrated. Similar reference numerals always denote similar elements. In the following description, detailed descriptions will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions of related known functions or constructions would unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the present invention.

[0058] Where the terms “comprising,” “having,” and “including” are used as described in this specification, additional parts may be added unless “only” is used. Singular terms may include plural forms unless otherwise stated.

[0059] When interpreting a component, it is interpreted as including a range of errors, although this is not explicitly described.

[0060] In the description of embodiments of the present invention, when a structure (e.g., an electrode, wire, wiring, layer, or contact) is described as being formed on top of or below an upper / lower portion of another structure or other structure, this description should be understood to include cases where these structures are in contact with each other, and further includes cases where a third structure is disposed therebetween.

[0061] In describing temporal relationships, for example, when time sequence is described as “after,” “following,” “next,” and “before,” discontinuous cases may be included unless “exactly” or “immediately following” is used.

[0062] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this invention, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0063] The “X-axis direction,” “Y-axis direction,” and “Z-axis direction” should not be interpreted solely by their geometric relationship of being perpendicular to each other, but rather can have a wider range of directions within the functional scope of the components of this invention.

[0064] The term "at least one" should be understood to include any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. For example, "at least one of the first, second, and third items" means a combination of all items proposed from the first, second, and third items, as well as two or more of the first, second, or third items.

[0065] The features of the various embodiments of this utility model may be connected or combined with each other in part or in whole, and may operate in various ways and be technology-driven, as will be fully understood by those skilled in the art. The embodiments of this utility model may be performed independently of each other, or may be performed together in an interdependent relationship.

[0066] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] Figure 1 The diagram shows a sunshade according to Embodiment 1 of this application. The sunshade includes a first dimming device 101 with adjustable reflectivity. The first dimming device 101 occupies the main area of ​​the sunshade and can adjust the reflectivity of the entire surface or include multiple areas with independently adjustable reflectivity.

[0069] Figure 2and Figure 3 These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the first dimming device 101 under two conditions: when a first voltage is applied (V=ON) and when no voltage is applied (V=OFF).

[0070] In this embodiment, the first dimming device 101 includes a first reflective polarizer 1011, a second reflective polarizer 1013, and a first liquid crystal modulation device 1012 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1011 and the second reflective polarizer 1013. The first liquid crystal modulation device 1012 is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 10121 and a conductive layer 10123, and a TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10121 and 10123. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10121 and 10123 (i.e., ...) Figure 2 In the V=ON state, the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), so that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10121 and the conductive layer 10123 (i.e., ... Figure 3 In the V=OFF state, the liquid crystal in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122 is twisted, changing the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the polarization state of the linearly polarized light can be maintained, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013 are parallel to each other.

[0071] Based on the above configuration, it can be deduced that after light is incident from one side of the first dimming device 101, the intensity of the reflected light obtained from the same side and the intensity of the transmitted light transmitted from the other side can be derived.

[0072] In this embodiment, the sun visor is installed on a vehicle, for example, it can be fixed to one side of the vehicle window glass (such as being adhered to the inner or outer surface of the window glass) or embedded inside the window glass (such as being embedded between two layers of glass, such as laminated glass or center console glass), or installed inside the vehicle without contacting the window glass (such as in the position of a traditional sun visor). The following description uses the example of the sun visor being in the sun-shading position with the first reflective polarizer 1011 close to the vehicle interior. When the sun visor can be flipped or moved, the sun visor being in the sun-shading position here refers to flipping or moving the sun visor to the sun-shading position. From Figure 2 and Figure 3The light incident on the first reflective polarizer from the left side is mainly ambient light, such as light reflected or actively emitted from inside the vehicle and by the driver; the light incident on the second reflective polarizer 1013 from the right side is mainly ambient light, such as light reflected or actively emitted from outside the vehicle. Therefore, it can be... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The left side of the first reflective polarizer 1011 is referred to as the inner side of the first dimming device 101, and the right side of the second reflective polarizer 1013 is referred to as the outer side of the first dimming device 101. It should be noted that when the sun visor can be flipped according to user needs, the positional relationship between the two sides of the sun visor and the vehicle interior is reversed. Therefore, the positional relationship limitation of the first reflective polarizer near the vehicle interior described in this embodiment refers to the corresponding position limitation when the sun visor is in the sun-shading state.

[0073] Reference Figure 2 The transmission paths of the internal ambient light r11 and the external ambient light r15 are analyzed below. The internal ambient light r11 can be natural light, incident on the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1011, and the resulting reflected light r10 is linearly polarized light. The vibration plane of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the reflection axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011, and we assume that the light ray r10 is S-ray. The light ray r12 transmitted from the other side of the first reflective polarizer 1011 is linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011, and we assume that the light ray r12 is P-ray. After the light ray r12 is incident on the first liquid crystal modulation device 1012, since the liquid crystal molecules in the TN type liquid crystal layer 10122 of the first liquid crystal modulation device 1012 are basically perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), the polarization state of the light ray r12 hardly changes during its propagation inside it. The light ray r13 transmitted from the other side of the first liquid crystal modulation device 1012 is still P-ray. The polarization plane of ray r13 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013. Therefore, ray r13 passes through the second reflective polarizer 1013 with high transmittance, forming ray r14, which is still a P-ray. Thus, the internal ambient light is drawn from the first dimming device 101... Figure 2 Transmission from the middle left side Figure 2 The right side has higher transmittance. And due to the presence of reflected light r10, the reflected light from the internal ambient light also has a certain intensity.

[0074] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The external ambient light r15 can be natural light, incident on the second reflective polarizer 1013. Figure 2On the right surface of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012, the light ray r17 transmitted from the second reflective polarizer 1013 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, which is P-ray. The light ray r16 reflected from the second reflective polarizer 1013 is also linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the reflection axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, which is S-ray. After the light ray r17 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 from the right, similar to the light ray r12, its polarization state hardly changes during its propagation inside the first liquid crystal modulator 1012. Therefore, the light ray r18 transmitted from the left side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 is still P-ray. Since the plane of vibration of the light ray r18 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011, the light ray r18 can pass through the first reflective polarizer 1011 with a high transmittance, forming the outgoing light r19, which is still P-ray. Therefore, ambient light from the first dimming device 101 Figure 2 Incident from the right side and from Figure 2 The transmittance on the left side is relatively high. At the same time, due to the presence of reflected light r16, the reflected light from the external ambient light also has a certain intensity.

[0075] In conclusion, Figure 2 When a first voltage is applied between conductive layer 10121 and conductive layer 10123, the first dimming device 101 has high overall transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 101 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 101 is installed. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of the reflected light of the internal ambient light by the personnel located inside the first dimming device 101 is correspondingly weakened.

[0076] Reference Figure 3The following details the operation of the first dimming device 101 when no voltage is applied. The ambient light r21 can be natural light, incident on the left surface of the first reflective polarizer 1011. The resulting reflected light r2d is linearly polarized, with its vibration plane parallel to the reflection axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011. Let's assume light r2d is S-ray. The light r22 transmitted from the other side of the first reflective polarizer 1011 is also linearly polarized, with its vibration plane parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011. Let's assume light r22 is P-ray. When light r22 is incident on the first liquid crystal modulator 1012, the polarization state of the light r22 changes during its propagation because the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122 of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 are in a twisted arrangement. For example, it can remain linearly polarized but its vibration plane rotates; as a special case, it can rotate 90 degrees. Therefore, the light ray r23 transmitted from the other side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 becomes S-ray. Since the polarization plane of ray r23 is parallel to the reflection axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, ray r23 is reflected from the position of the second reflective polarizer 1013 with a high reflectivity, forming ray r24, which is still S-ray. This ray r24 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 from the right side. Similarly, because the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10122 in the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 still changes the polarization state of this ray, for example, maintaining linear polarization but rotating the vibration plane by 90 degrees, an outgoing ray r25 is formed, becoming P-ray. Since the vibration plane of ray r25 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011, it is transmitted with a high transmittance, forming a transmitted ray r26, which is still P-ray. Thus, the internal ambient light enters from the first dimming device 101... Figure 3 Transmission from the middle left side Figure 3 The transmittance on the right side is very low, but due to the presence of rays r26 and r2d, the light intensity returning to the ambient light side is relatively high. From the perspective of the user inside the vehicle on the ambient light side, the first dimming device 101 has a high overall reflectivity for the ambient light inside the vehicle.

[0077] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The external ambient light r27 can be natural light, incident on the second reflective polarizer 1013. Figure 3On the right surface of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012, the light ray r29 transmitted from the second reflective polarizer 1013 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, which is P-ray. The light ray r28 reflected from the second reflective polarizer 1013 is also linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the reflection axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, which is S-ray. After the light ray r29 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 from the right, similar to the light ray r24, the plane of vibration of the light ray r29 rotates during its propagation inside the first liquid crystal modulator 1012. Therefore, the light ray r20 transmitted from the left side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 is S-ray. Since the plane of vibration of the light ray r20 is parallel to the reflection axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011, the light ray r20 can be reflected by the first reflective polarizer 1011 with a high reflectivity, resulting in reflected light r2a, which is S-ray. Light ray r2a, after entering the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 from the left, rotates its vibration plane during propagation inside the first liquid crystal modulator 1012, similar to light ray r29. Therefore, the light ray r2b transmitted from the right side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012 is a P-ray. Since the polarization vibration plane of light ray r2b is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, it receives transmitted light ray r2c, which is a P-ray, from the second reflective polarizer 1013 with high transmittance. Thus, ambient light enters from the first dimming device 101... Figure 3 Incident from the right side and from Figure 3 The transmittance on the left side is low, but due to the presence of light rays r28 and r2c, the light intensity returning to the external ambient light side is high. At this time, the overall reflectance of the first dimming device 101 to the ambient light outside the vehicle is high.

[0078] In conclusion, Figure 3 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 10121 and 10123, the first dimming device 101 as a whole has a high reflectivity to ambient light, which is higher than that of the first dimming device 101. Figure 2 The state shown indicates that the overall reflectivity for internal ambient light is also high and higher than [previous value]. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the driver and other personnel located inside the first dimming device 101 can see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 101 is installed. At this time, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed.

[0079] contrast Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two working states are shown. Figure 2 In the shown operating state, from the perspective of a person located on the inside, the first dimming device 101 is in a state of maximum transmittance and a certain reflectance. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 101 is in the state of hiding the sunshade; while Figure 3In the illustrated operating state, the first dimming device 101, viewed from the inside, is in a state of minimum transmittance and maximum reflectance. At this point, the first dimming device 101 can be considered to function as a sun visor and as a reflector, such as a vanity mirror. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 101 is applied a voltage between a first voltage and no voltage, viewed from the inside, the first dimming device 101 is in a state of partial transmittance and between... Figure 2 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 3 The reflectivity states between the intermediate states.

[0080] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0081] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0082] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0083] Example 2

[0084] The structure of the sunshade provided in this embodiment is similar to that of the sunshade in embodiment one. This sunshade includes a first dimming device 102 with adjustable reflectivity, the only difference being that the transmission axes of the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer are perpendicular to each other. See details... Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows the operating states of the first dimming device 102 under two conditions: when a first voltage is applied (V=ON) and when no voltage is applied (V=OFF).

[0085] The first dimming device 102 includes a first reflective polarizer 1021, a second reflective polarizer 1023, and a first liquid crystal modulator 1022 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1021 and the second reflective polarizer 1023. The first liquid crystal modulator 1022 is a TN-type liquid crystal modulator, specifically including a conductive layer 10221 and a conductive layer 10223, and a TN-type liquid crystal layer 10222 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10221 and 10223.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 The transmission paths of the internal ambient light r31 and the external ambient light r37 of the first dimming device 102 when a first voltage (V=ON) is applied to it are analyzed below. The internal ambient light r31 can be natural light, which is incident on the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1021. The resulting reflected light r3d is linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the reflection axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011. It is assumed that the light ray r3d is S light. The light ray r32 transmitted from the other side of the first reflective polarizer 1021 is linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1021. It is assumed that the light ray r32 is P light. When light ray r32 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1022, since the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10222 of the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 are arranged basically perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), the polarization state of light ray r32 hardly changes during its propagation inside. The light ray r33 transmitted from the other side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 is still P-ray. The polarization vibration plane of light ray r33 is parallel to the reflection axis of the second reflective polarizer 1023. Therefore, light ray r33 is reflected from the position of the second reflective polarizer 1023 with a high reflectivity to form light ray r34, which is also P-ray. Light ray r34 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 from the right side and exits with the same polarization state to obtain the outgoing light ray r35, which is also P-ray. Since the vibration plane of light ray r35 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1021, it is transmitted with a high transmittance to form the transmitted light ray r36. From the perspective of the user inside the vehicle on the side of the internal ambient light, due to the presence of light rays r3d and r36, the first dimming device 102 has a high overall reflectivity of the ambient light inside the vehicle.

[0087] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The external ambient light r37 can be natural light, incident on the second reflective polarizer 1023. Figure 4On the right surface of the first liquid crystal modulator 1012, the light ray r37 transmitted from the second reflective polarizer 1023 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1023, which is S-ray. The light ray r38 reflected from the second reflective polarizer 1013 is also linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the reflection axis of the second reflective polarizer 1013, which is P-ray. After light ray r39 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 from the right, similar to light ray r34, its polarization state does not change during propagation within the first liquid crystal modulator 1012. Therefore, the light ray r30 transmitted from the left side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 is S-ray. Since the plane of vibration of light ray r30 is parallel to the reflection axis of the first reflective polarizer 1011, light ray r30 can be reflected by the first reflective polarizer 1021 with a high reflectivity, resulting in reflected light ray r3a. Light ray r3a is also S-ray. The light ray r3a enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 from the left side and exits maintaining its original polarization state, resulting in the outgoing light ray r3b, which is still an S-ray. Since the vibration plane of light ray r3b is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1023, it is transmitted with high transmittance, forming the transmitted light ray r3c, which is also an S-ray. Thus, ambient light enters from the first dimming device 102... Figure 4 Incident from the right side and from Figure 4 The transmittance on the left side is lower. At the same time, due to the presence of reflected rays r38 and r3c, the reflectance on the side with external ambient light is also higher.

[0088] In conclusion, Figure 4 When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10221 and the conductive layer 10223 shown, since the first dimming device 102 has low overall transmittance to external ambient light and high overall reflectivity to internal ambient light, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 102 can see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 102 is installed. At this time, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed.

[0089] refer to Figure 5The following details the operation of the first dimming device 102 when no voltage is applied. The ambient light r41 can be natural light, incident on the left surface of the first reflective polarizer 1021. The resulting reflected light r40 is linearly polarized, with its vibration plane parallel to the reflection axis of the first reflective polarizer 1021. Let's assume light r40 is S-ray. The light r42 transmitted from the other side of the first reflective polarizer 1021 is also linearly polarized, with its vibration plane parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1021. Let's assume light r42 is P-ray. When light r42 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1022, the polarization state of the light r42 changes during its propagation because the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10222 are in a twisted arrangement. For example, it can remain linearly polarized but its vibration plane can rotate; as a special case, it can rotate 90 degrees. Therefore, the light ray r43 transmitted from the other side of the first liquid crystal modulation device 1022 becomes S-ray. Since the vibration plane of light ray r43 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1023, light ray r43 can pass through the second reflective polarizer 1023 with higher transmittance, forming the emitted light r44, which is still S-ray. Thus, the internal ambient light is transmitted from the first dimming device 102... Figure 5 Transmission from the middle left side Figure 5 The right side has higher transmittance. Due to the presence of reflected light r40, the reflected light from the internal ambient light also has a certain intensity.

[0090] See also Figure 5 The external ambient light r15 can be natural light, incident on the second reflective polarizer 1023. Figure 5 On the right surface of the first liquid crystal modulator 1022, the light ray r47 transmitted from the second reflective polarizer 1023 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1023, which is S-ray. The light ray r4a reflected from the second reflective polarizer 1023 is also linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the reflection axis of the second reflective polarizer 1023, which is P-ray. After light ray r47 enters the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 from the right, similar to light ray r42, its plane of vibration rotates during propagation within the first liquid crystal modulator 1022. Therefore, the light ray r48 transmitted from the left side of the first liquid crystal modulator 1022 is P-ray. Since the plane of vibration of light ray r48 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1021, it is transmitted with high transmittance, forming transmitted light ray r49, which is still P-ray. Simultaneously, due to the presence of reflected light ray r4a, the reflected light from the external ambient light also has a certain intensity.

[0091] In conclusion, Figure 5In the working state shown, since the first dimming device 102 has a high overall transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, the driver and other personnel located inside the first dimming device 102 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 102 is installed. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of the reflected light of the internal ambient light by the personnel located inside the first dimming device 102 is correspondingly weakened.

[0092] contrast Figure 4 and Figure 5 The two working states shown are in Figure 4 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 102, viewed from the inside, is in a state of lowest transmittance and highest reflectance. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 102 is functioning as a sun visor and can also act as a reflector, such as a vanity mirror. And... Figure 5 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 102, viewed from the inside, is in a state of maximum transmittance and a certain reflectance, indicating that the first dimming device 102 is functioning as a concealed sunshade. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 101 is applied a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, the first dimming device 101, viewed from the inside, is in a state of partial transmittance and a certain reflectance. Figure 4 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 5 The reflectivity states between the intermediate states.

[0093] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0094] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0096] Example 3

[0097] The sunshade provided in this embodiment includes a first dimming device 103 with adjustable reflectivity. The main difference between the internal structure of the first dimming device 103 and the first dimming device 101 in embodiment one is that the TN type liquid crystal modulator is replaced with a VA type liquid crystal modulator. Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the first dimming device 103 under two conditions: no voltage applied (V=OFF) and a first voltage applied (V=ON).

[0098] The first dimming device 103 includes a first reflective polarizer 1031, a second reflective polarizer 1033, and a first liquid crystal modulator 1032 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1031 and the second reflective polarizer 1033. The first liquid crystal modulator 1032 is a VA-type liquid crystal modulator, specifically including a conductive layer 10321 and a conductive layer 10323, and a VA-type liquid crystal layer 10322 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10321 and 10323. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10321 and 10323 (i.e., when...)... Figure 6 In the V=OFF state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10322 ensures that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged within it. For example, if the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10322, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10321 and the conductive layer 10323 (i.e., ... Figure 7 In the V=ON state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10322 changes the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the output light can still be linearly polarized, but the vibration plane of the output light and the vibration plane of the incident light have an angle. In this embodiment, a 90-degree angle is specifically used as an example. It should be noted that after the linearly polarized light is incident on the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10322 with the first voltage applied, the polarization state of the light gradually changes during propagation. For example, it can change between linearly polarized light, elliptically polarized light, and circularly polarized light with the increase of propagation distance. By designing the thickness and material of the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10322, linearly polarized light can be obtained at the output surface, and the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light can form an angle with the vibration plane of the incident light. From the user's perspective, the vibration plane of the incident light appears to have been rotated by the angle.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1031 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1033 are parallel to each other.

[0100] Since the polarization state adjustment effect of VA-type liquid crystal modulator based on applied voltage is essentially reversed compared to that of TN-type liquid crystal modulator, therefore... Figure 6 The transmission results of the VA-type liquid crystal modulator without applied voltage are shown in the figure. Figure 2 The light transmission results when a voltage is applied to a TN-type liquid crystal modulator are basically consistent, while Figure 7 The transmission results of time when voltage is applied to a VA-type liquid crystal modulator and Figure 3The light transmission results for TN-type liquid crystal modulators without applied voltage are basically consistent. The following is only a brief description of the transmission process of internal and external ambient light; the detailed reasoning will not be elaborated here.

[0101] Reference Figure 6 At this time, the ambient light r51 can be natural light. A portion of this light, r50 (S-ray), is reflected at the position of the first reflective polarizer 1031. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1031, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1032, and the second reflective polarizer 1033, resulting in transmitted rays r52, r53, and r54, all of which are P-rays. Therefore, the first dimming device 103... Figure 6 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to the internal ambient light.

[0102] Continue to refer to Figure 6 The ambient light r55 can be natural light. A portion of this light, at the position of the second reflective polarizer 1033, forms reflected light r56, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the second reflective polarizer 1033, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1032, and the first reflective polarizer 1031, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r57, r58, and r59, all of which are P-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 103... Figure 6 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to external ambient light.

[0103] In conclusion, Figure 6 When no voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10321 and the conductive layer 10323, the first dimming device 103 as a whole has high transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 103 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 103 is installed. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of the reflected light of the internal ambient light by the personnel located inside the first dimming device 103 is correspondingly weakened.

[0104] Reference Figure 7At this time, the internal ambient light r61 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1031, a portion forms a reflected ray r6d, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1031 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1032 to obtain transmitted rays r62 and r63, which are P-ray and S-ray respectively. Ray r63 is reflected at the surface of the second reflective polarizer 1033 to obtain a reflected ray r64, which is S-ray. This ray then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1032 and the first reflective polarizer 1031 to obtain transmitted rays r65 and r66, both P-ray. Due to the presence of rays r66 and r6d, the light intensity returning to the internal ambient light side is relatively high. Therefore, the first dimming device 103... Figure 7 The state shown has high reflectivity and low transmittance to internal ambient light.

[0105] Continue to refer to Figure 7 At this time, the ambient light r67 can be natural light. At the position of the second reflective polarizer 1033, a portion forms reflected light r68, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the second reflective polarizer 1033 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1032, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r69 and r60, which are P-ray and S-ray respectively. Ray r60 is reflected at the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1031, becoming reflected light r6a, which is S-ray. This reflected light then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1032 and the second reflective polarizer 1033, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r6b and r6c, both P-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 103... Figure 7 The state shown has high reflectivity and low transmittance to external ambient light.

[0106] In conclusion, Figure 7 When a first voltage is applied between conductive layer 10321 and conductive layer 10323, the first dimming device 103 has a low overall transmittance to external ambient light and a high reflectance to internal ambient light. Therefore, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 103 can see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 103 is installed. At this time, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed.

[0107] contrast Figure 6 and Figure 7 The two working states are shown. Figure 6 In the shown operating state, from the perspective of a person located on the inside, the first dimming device 103 is in a state with the highest transmittance and a certain reflectance. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 103 is functioning as a concealed sunshade. Figure 7In the illustrated operating state, the first dimming device 103, viewed from the inside, is in a state of minimum transmittance and maximum reflectance. At this point, the first dimming device 103 can be considered to function as a sun visor and as a reflector, such as a vanity mirror. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 103 is applied a voltage between a first voltage and no voltage applied, viewed from the inside, the first dimming device 103 is in a state of partial transmittance and between... Figure 6 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 7 The reflectivity states between the intermediate states.

[0108] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0109] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0110] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0111] Example 4

[0112] The sunshade provided in this embodiment four includes a first dimming device 104 with adjustable reflectivity. The main difference between the internal structure of the first dimming device 104 and the first dimming device 102 in embodiment two is that the TN type liquid crystal modulator is replaced with a VA type liquid crystal modulator. Figure 8 and Figure 9 These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the first dimming device 104 under two conditions: no voltage applied (V=OFF) and a first voltage applied (V=ON).

[0113] The first dimming device 104 includes a first reflective polarizer 1041, a second reflective polarizer 1043, and a first liquid crystal modulator 1042 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1041 and the second reflective polarizer 1043. The first liquid crystal modulator 1042 is a VA-type liquid crystal modulator, specifically including a conductive layer 10421 and a conductive layer 10423, and a VA-type liquid crystal layer 10422 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10421 and 10423. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10421 and 10423 (i.e., when...)... Figure 8 In the V=OFF state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10422 ensures that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged within it. For example, if the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10422, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10421 and the conductive layer 10423 (i.e., ... Figure 9In the V=ON state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10422 changes the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the output light can still be linearly polarized, but the vibration plane of the output light and the vibration plane of the incident light have an angle. In this embodiment, a 90-degree angle is specifically used as an example. It should be noted that after the linearly polarized light is incident on the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10422 with the first voltage applied, the polarization state of the light gradually changes during propagation. For example, it can change between linearly polarized light, elliptically polarized light, and circularly polarized light with the increase of propagation distance. However, by designing the thickness and material of the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10422, linearly polarized light can be obtained at the output surface, and the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light can form an angle with the vibration plane of the incident light. From the user's perspective, the vibration plane of the incident light appears to have been rotated by the angle.

[0114] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1041 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1043 are perpendicular to each other.

[0115] Since the polarization state adjustment effect of VA-type liquid crystal modulator based on applied voltage is essentially reversed compared to that of TN-type liquid crystal modulator, therefore... Figure 8 The transmission results of the VA-type liquid crystal modulator without applied voltage are shown in the figure. Figure 4 The light transmission results when a voltage is applied to a TN-type liquid crystal modulator are basically consistent, while Figure 9 The transmission results of time when voltage is applied to a VA-type liquid crystal modulator and Figure 5 The light transmission results of the TN-type liquid crystal modulation device without applied voltage are basically consistent.

[0116] The following is a brief description of the transmission status of internal and external ambient light; the detailed reasoning will not be elaborated here.

[0117] Reference Figure 8 The internal ambient light r71 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1041, a portion forms reflected light r7d, which is S-light. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1041 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1042, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r72 and r73, both P-light. Light ray r73 is reflected at the surface of the second reflective polarizer 1043, becoming reflected light r74, which is P-light. This reflected light then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1042 and the first reflective polarizer 1041 again, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r75 and r76, both P-light. Therefore, the first dimming device 104... Figure 8 The state shown has high reflectivity and low transmittance to internal ambient light.

[0118] Continue to refer to Figure 8The ambient light r77 can be natural light. At the position of the second reflective polarizer 1043, a portion forms reflected light r78, which is P-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the second reflective polarizer 1043 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1042, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r79 and r70, both S-rays. Ray r70 is reflected at the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1041, becoming reflected light r7a, which is also S-ray. This reflected light then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1042 and the second reflective polarizer 1043, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r7b and r7c, both S-rays. Therefore, the first dimming device 104... Figure 8 The state shown has high reflectivity and low transmittance to external ambient light.

[0119] In conclusion, Figure 8 When no voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10421 and the conductive layer 10423, the first dimming device 104 as a whole has low transmittance to external ambient light and high reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 104 can see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 104 is installed. At this time, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed.

[0120] Reference Figure 9 At this time, the internal ambient light r81 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1041, a portion forms reflected light r80, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1041, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1042, and the second reflective polarizer 1043, respectively, to obtain transmitted light r82, r83, and r84, which are P-ray, S-ray, and S-ray, respectively. Therefore, the first dimming device 104... Figure 9 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to the internal ambient light.

[0121] Continue to refer to Figure 9 The ambient light r85 can be natural light. At the position of the second reflective polarizer 1043, a portion forms reflected light r8a, which is P-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the second reflective polarizer 1043, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1042, and the first reflective polarizer 1041, respectively, to obtain transmitted light r87, r88, and r89, which are S-ray, P-ray, and P-ray, respectively. Therefore, the first dimming device 104... Figure 9 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to external ambient light.

[0122] In conclusion, Figure 9When a first voltage is applied between conductive layer 10421 and conductive layer 10423, the first dimming device 104 as a whole has high transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 103 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 104 is installed. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of the reflected light of the internal ambient light by the personnel located inside the first dimming device 104 is correspondingly weakened.

[0123] contrast Figure 8 and Figure 9 The two working states are shown. Figure 8 In the working state shown, the first dimming device 104 is in a state of minimum transmittance and maximum reflectance from the perspective of the person located on the inside. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 104 is functioning as a sunshade and can also be used as a reflector such as a dressing mirror. Figure 9 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 104, viewed from the inside, is in a state with the highest transmittance and a certain reflectance, indicating that the first dimming device 104 is functioning as a concealed sunshade. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 104 is applied a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, viewed from the inside, the first dimming device 104 is in a state with partial transmittance and a certain reflectance. Figure 8 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 9 The reflectivity states between the intermediate states.

[0124] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0125] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0126] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0127] Example 5

[0128] In the process of analyzing the sunshade solution proposed in Embodiment 1 above, when the utility model inventor... Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, regardless of the voltage applied to the first dimming device 101, the reflectivity of ambient light remains greater than a certain value. This causes other people outside the vehicle to receive strong reflected light, especially when the sun visor reflects strong external light sources (such as the sun) directly into their eyes. This can prevent others outside the vehicle from seeing their surroundings clearly, potentially leading to traffic accidents, or at least causing some degree of light pollution. To overcome this problem, this fifth embodiment proposes an improved solution based on the solution in the first embodiment. In this solution, the sun visor includes a first dimming device 105 with adjustable reflectivity. Based on the first dimming device 101 in the first embodiment, the first dimming device 105 adds a first absorptive polarizer 1054 to the side of the second reflective polarizer away from the first liquid crystal modulator.

[0129] Specifically, the first dimming device 105 includes a first reflective polarizer 1051, a second reflective polarizer 1053, and a first liquid crystal modulation device 1052 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1051 and the second reflective polarizer 1053. It also includes a first absorptive polarizer 1054 disposed on the side of the second reflective polarizer 1053 away from the first liquid crystal modulation device 1052.

[0130] The first liquid crystal modulation device 1052 is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 10521 and a conductive layer 10523, and a TN-type liquid crystal layer 10522 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10521 and 10523. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10521 and 10523 (i.e., Figure 10 In the V=ON state, the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10522 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), so that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10522. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10522, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10521 and the conductive layer 10523 (i.e., ... Figure 11 In the V=OFF state, the liquid crystal in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10522 is twisted, changing the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the polarization state of the linearly polarized light can be maintained, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1051 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1053 are parallel to each other, and the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1054 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1053.

[0131] Since the first reflective polarizer 1051, the second reflective polarizer 1053, and the first liquid crystal modulation device 1052 in this embodiment are basically the same as the first reflective polarizer 1011, the second reflective polarizer 1013, and the first liquid crystal modulation device 1012 in Embodiment 1, the influence of these devices on light transmission will not be described again. Only the influence of adding the first absorptive polarizer on light will be specifically explained.

[0132] Reference Figure 10 The ambient light r91 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1031, a portion forms reflected light r9a, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1051, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1052, and the second reflective polarizer 1053, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rays r92, r93, and r94, all of which are P-rays. Since the polarization plane of light ray r94 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1054, it forms transmitted light ray r95, which is also P-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 105... Figure 10 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to the internal ambient light.

[0133] Continue to refer to Figure 10 The ambient light r96 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1054, it becomes transmitted light r97, which is P-light. Since the polarization plane of light r97 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1053, it passes through the second reflective polarizer 1053 and continues to pass through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1052 and the first reflective polarizer 1051, forming transmitted light rays r98, r99, and r90, all of which are P-light. Therefore, the first dimming device 103... Figure 10 The state shown has high transmittance and low reflectance to external ambient light.

[0134] In conclusion, Figure 10 When a first voltage is applied between conductive layers 10521 and 10523, the first dimming device 105 has high overall transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, the driver or other personnel located inside the first dimming device 105 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 105 is located. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of reflected light from the internal ambient light by personnel located inside the first dimming device 103 is correspondingly weakened. In addition, due to its low reflectivity to external ambient light, it will not cause harm to other personnel outside.

[0135] Reference Figure 11The internal ambient light ra1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1051, a portion forms reflected light rae, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1051 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1052 to obtain transmitted light ra2 and ra3, which are P-ray and S-ray respectively. Light ra3 is reflected at the surface of the second reflective polarizer 1053 to obtain reflected light ra4, which is S-ray. This reflected light then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1052 and the first reflective polarizer 1051 again to obtain transmitted light ra5 and ra6, both P-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 105... Figure 11 The state shown has high reflectivity to internal ambient light.

[0136] Continue to refer to Figure 11 The ambient light ra7 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1054, it becomes transmitted light ra8, which is P-light. Since the polarization plane of light ra8 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1053, it passes through the second reflective polarizer 1053 and continues to pass through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1052, forming transmitted light rays ra9 and ra0, which are P-light and S-light, respectively. Light ra0 is reflected at the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1051, becoming reflected light raa, which is S-light. After passing through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1052 and the second reflective polarizer 1053, it becomes transmitted light rays rab and rac, both of which are P-light. Since the polarization plane of light rac is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1054, it forms transmitted light rad, which is P-light. Therefore, the first dimming device 105... Figure 11 The state shown has low transmittance and a certain reflectance to external ambient light.

[0137] In conclusion, Figure 11 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 10521 and 10523, the first dimming device 105 has low overall transmittance to external ambient light and high overall reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the first dimming device 105 can see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 105 is installed. In this case, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed. Meanwhile, although it has a certain reflectivity to external ambient light, it is still lower than that in the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 The reflectivity is shown in the state, thus still mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0138] contrast Figure 10 and Figure 11 The two working states are shown. Figure 11In the working state shown, the first dimming device 105 is in a state of minimum transmittance and maximum reflectance from the perspective of the person located on the inside. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 105 is functioning as a sunshade and can also be used as a reflector such as a dressing mirror. Figure 10 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 105, viewed from the inside, exhibits high transmittance and a certain reflectance, indicating that it is functioning as a concealed sunshade. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 105 is applied a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, it exhibits, viewed from the inside, a state with partial transmittance and a certain reflectance. Figure 10 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 11 The reflectivity varies between different states. Furthermore, regardless of the operating state of the first dimming device 105, the reflectivity to ambient light is significantly reduced compared to the scheme in Embodiment 1, thus effectively mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0139] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0140] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0141] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0142] In this embodiment, the above description uses the sun visor being in the sunshade position as an example, where the internal ambient light enters from the side of the first reflective polarizer and the external ambient light enters from the side of the first absorptive polarizer. In practice, it can also be replaced by a scheme where the internal ambient light enters from the side of the first absorptive polarizer and the external ambient light enters from the side of the first reflective polarizer. In this alternative scheme, the reflectivity and transmittance of the internal ambient light are equal to the reflectivity and transmittance of the external ambient light described in the above embodiment, and vice versa. Therefore, the detailed derivation and description are not provided here. However, it should be noted that this alternative scheme cannot reduce the reflectivity of the external ambient light compared to the scheme in Embodiment 1, thus failing to alleviate harm to other people outside. However, this alternative scheme can reduce the reflectivity of the internal ambient light, especially when the external ambient light has high transmittance, the reflectivity of the internal ambient light will be at a low level, which can minimize the visual impact of internal reflected light on the occupants of the vehicle.

[0143] Example 6

[0144] Based on considerations similar to those in Embodiment 5, this Embodiment 6 proposes an improved solution based on the solution in Embodiment 2. The sunshade in this solution includes a first dimming device 106 with adjustable reflectivity. Based on the first dimming device 102 in Embodiment 1, the first dimming device 106 adds a first absorptive polarizer 1064 on the side of the second reflective polarizer away from the first liquid crystal modulation device.

[0145] Specifically, the first dimming device 106 includes a first reflective polarizer 1061, a second reflective polarizer 1063, and a first liquid crystal modulation device 1062 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1061 and the second reflective polarizer 1063. It also includes a first absorptive polarizer 1064 disposed on the side of the second reflective polarizer 1063 away from the first liquid crystal modulation device 1062.

[0146] The first liquid crystal modulation device 1062 is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 10621 and a conductive layer 10623, and a TN-type liquid crystal layer 10622 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10621 and 10623. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10621 and 10623 (i.e., Figure 12In the V=ON state, the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10622 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), so that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10622. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10622, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10621 and 10623 (i.e., ... Figure 13 In the V=OFF state, the liquid crystal in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 10622 is twisted, changing the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the polarization state of the linearly polarized light can be maintained, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1061 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1063 are perpendicular to each other, and the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1064 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1063.

[0147] Since the first reflective polarizer 1061, the second reflective polarizer 1063, and the first liquid crystal modulation device 1062 in this embodiment are basically the same as the first reflective polarizer 1021, the second reflective polarizer 1023, and the first liquid crystal modulation device 1022 in Embodiment 2, the influence of these devices on light transmission will not be described again. Only the influence of adding the second absorptive polarizer on light will be specifically explained.

[0148] Reference Figure 12 The internal ambient light rb1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1061, a portion forms a reflected ray rbe (S-ray), and the other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1061 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1062 to obtain transmitted rays rb2 and rb3, both P-rays. Ray rb3 is reflected at the surface of the second reflective polarizer 1063 to obtain a reflected ray rb4 (P-ray), which then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1062 and the first reflective polarizer 1061 to obtain transmitted rays rb5 and rb6, both P-rays. Therefore, the first dimming device 106... Figure 12 The state shown has high reflectivity to ambient light.

[0149] Continue to refer to Figure 12The ambient light rb7 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1064, it becomes transmitted light rb8, which is S-ray. The polarization plane of light rb8 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1063, so it passes through the second reflective polarizer 1063 and continues to pass through the first liquid crystal modulator 1062, forming transmitted light rays rb9 and rb0, both of which are S-ray. Light rb0 is reflected at the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1061, becoming reflected light rba, which is S-ray. It then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1062 and the second reflective polarizer 1063, becoming transmitted light rays rbb and rc, both of which are S-ray. Since the polarization plane of light rbc is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1064, it forms transmitted light rbd, which is S-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 106... Figure 12 The state shown has low transmittance and a certain reflectance to external ambient light.

[0150] In conclusion, Figure 12 When a first voltage is applied between conductive layers 10621 and 10623, the first dimming device 106 exhibits low overall transmittance to external ambient light and high overall reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, occupants such as drivers located inside the first dimming device 106 can more clearly see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 106 is located. In this case, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed. Simultaneously, although it has a certain reflectivity to external ambient light, it is still lower than that in the second embodiment described above. Figure 4 The reflectivity is shown in the state, thus still mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0151] Reference Figure 13 The ambient light rc1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1061, a portion forms a reflected ray rca, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1061, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1062, and the second reflective polarizer 1063, respectively, to obtain transmitted rays rc2, rc3, and rc4, which are P-ray, S-ray, and S-ray, respectively. Since the polarization plane of ray rc4 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1064, it forms a transmitted ray rc5, which is S-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 106... Figure 13 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to the internal ambient light.

[0152] Continue to refer to Figure 13The ambient light rc6 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1064, it becomes the transmitted light rc7, which is S-ray. Since the polarization plane of the light rc7 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1063, it will pass through the second reflective polarizer 1063 and continue to pass through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1062 and the first reflective polarizer 1061, forming transmitted light rays rc8, rc9, and rc0, which are S-ray, P-ray, and P-ray, respectively. Therefore, the first dimming device 106... Figure 13 The state shown has high transmittance and low reflectance to external ambient light.

[0153] In conclusion, Figure 13 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 10621 and 10623, the first dimming device 106 has high overall transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the first dimming device 106 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor where the first dimming device 106 is located. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of reflected light from the internal ambient light by personnel located inside the first dimming device 106 is correspondingly weakened. And because it has low reflectivity to external ambient light, it will not cause harm to other people outside.

[0154] contrast Figure 12 and Figure 13 The two working states are shown. Figure 12 In the working state shown, the first dimming device 106 is in a state of highest reflectivity and low transmittance from the perspective of the person located on the inside. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 106 is in the case of functioning as a sunshade and can also be used as a reflector such as a dressing mirror. Figure 13 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 106, viewed from the inside, exhibits high transmittance and a certain reflectance, indicating that it is functioning as a concealed sunshade. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 106 is applied a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, it exhibits, viewed from the inside, a state with partial transmittance and a certain reflectance. Figure 12 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 13 The reflectivity varies between different states. Furthermore, regardless of the operating state of the first dimming device 106, the reflectivity to ambient light is significantly lower than that in Embodiment 2, thus effectively mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0155] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0156] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0157] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0158] In this embodiment, the above description uses the sun visor being in the sunshade position, with internal ambient light incident from the first reflective polarizer side and external ambient light incident from the first absorptive polarizer side as an example. In practice, it can be replaced by a scheme where internal ambient light incident from the first absorptive polarizer side and external ambient light incident from the first reflective polarizer side. In this alternative scheme, the reflectivity and transmittance of the internal ambient light are equal to the reflectivity and transmittance of the external ambient light described in the above embodiment, and vice versa. Therefore, the detailed derivation and description are not provided here. However, it should be noted that this alternative scheme cannot reduce the reflectivity of the external ambient light compared to the scheme in Embodiment 2, thus failing to mitigate harm to other people outside. However, this alternative scheme can reduce the reflectivity of the internal ambient light, especially when the external ambient light has high transmittance, the reflectivity of the internal ambient light will be at a low level, which can minimize the visual impact of internal reflected light on the occupants of the vehicle.

[0159] Example 7

[0160] The sunshade provided in this embodiment seven includes a first dimming device 107 with adjustable reflectivity. The main difference between the internal structure of the first dimming device 107 and the first dimming device 105 in embodiment five is that the TN type liquid crystal modulator is replaced with a VA type liquid crystal modulator. Figure 14 and Figure 15 These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the first dimming device 107 under two conditions: no voltage applied (V=OFF) and a first voltage applied (V=ON).

[0161] The first dimming device 107 includes a first reflective polarizer 1071, a second reflective polarizer 1073, and a first liquid crystal modulation device 1072 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1071 and the second reflective polarizer 1073. It also includes a first absorptive polarizer 1074 disposed on the side of the second reflective polarizer 1073 away from the first liquid crystal modulation device 1072.

[0162] The first liquid crystal modulation device 1072 is a VA-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 10721 and a conductive layer 10723, and a VA-type liquid crystal layer 10722 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10721 and 10723. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10721 and 10723 (i.e.,...) Figure 14In the V=OFF state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10722 ensures that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged within it. For example, if the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10722, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10721 and the conductive layer 10723 (i.e., ... Figure 15 In the V=ON state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10722 changes the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it can maintain the polarization state of the linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, a rotation of 90 degrees is specifically used as an example.

[0163] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1071 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1073 are parallel to each other. The transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1074 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1073.

[0164] Since the polarization state adjustment effect of VA-type liquid crystal modulator based on applied voltage is essentially reversed compared to that of TN-type liquid crystal modulator, therefore... Figure 14 The transmission state of the VA-type liquid crystal modulator when no voltage is applied is shown in the figure. Figure 10 When a voltage is applied to a TN-type liquid crystal modulator, the light transmission state is basically the same, while Figure 15 The transmission state of light when a voltage is applied to a VA-type liquid crystal modulator and Figure 11 The transmission state of TN-type liquid crystal modulators without applied voltage is basically the same. The following is only a brief description of the transmission states of internal and external ambient light; the detailed reasoning will not be elaborated here.

[0165] Reference Figure 14 At this time, the ambient light rd1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1071, a portion forms reflected light rda, which is S-light. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1071, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1072, and the second reflective polarizer 1073, respectively, to obtain transmitted light rd2, rd3, and rd4, all of which are P-light. Since the polarization plane of light rd4 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1074, it forms transmitted light rd5, which is P-light. Therefore, the first dimming device 107... Figure 14 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to the internal ambient light.

[0166] Continue to refer to Figure 14The ambient light rd6 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1074, it becomes transmitted light rd7, which is P-light. Since the polarization plane of light rd7 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1073, it will pass through the second reflective polarizer 1073 and continue to pass through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1072 and the first reflective polarizer 1071, forming transmitted light rays rd8, rd9, and r9d0, all of which are P-light. Therefore, the first dimming device 107... Figure 14 The state shown has high transmittance and low reflectance to external ambient light.

[0167] In conclusion, Figure 14 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 10721 and 10723, the first dimming device 107 has high overall transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, occupants such as drivers located inside the first dimming device 107 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor where the first dimming device 107 is located. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of reflected light from the internal ambient light by occupants located inside the first dimming device 107 is correspondingly weaker. In addition, due to its low reflectivity to external ambient light, it will not cause harm to other people outside.

[0168] Reference Figure 15 The ambient light re1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1071, a portion forms a reflected ray ree (S-ray), and the other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1071 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1072 to obtain transmitted rays re2 and re3, which are P-ray and S-ray respectively. Ray re3 is reflected at the surface of the second reflective polarizer 1073 to obtain a reflected ray re4 (S-ray), which then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1072 and the first reflective polarizer 1071 to obtain transmitted rays re5 and re6, both P-rays. Therefore, the first dimming device 107... Figure 15 The state shown has high reflectivity to internal ambient light.

[0169] Continue to refer to Figure 15The ambient light re7 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1074, it becomes transmitted light re8, which is P-light. Since the polarization plane of light re8 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1073, it passes through the second reflective polarizer 1073 and continues to pass through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1072, forming transmitted light rays re9 and re0, which are P-light and S-light, respectively. Light ray re0 is reflected at the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1071, becoming reflected light rea, which is S-light. After passing through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1072 and the second reflective polarizer 1073, it becomes transmitted light rays reb and rec, both of which are P-light. Since the polarization plane of light rec is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1074, it forms transmitted light red, which is P-light. Therefore, the first dimming device 107... Figure 15 The state shown has low transmittance and a certain reflectance to external ambient light.

[0170] In conclusion, Figure 15 When a first voltage is applied between conductive layers 10521 and 10523, the first dimming device 107 exhibits low overall transmittance to external ambient light and high overall reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, occupants such as drivers located inside the first dimming device 107 can more clearly see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 107 is located. In this case, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed. Simultaneously, although it has a certain reflectivity to external ambient light, it is still lower than that in the first embodiment described above. Figure 3 The reflectivity is shown in the state, thus still mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0171] contrast Figure 14 and Figure 15 The two working states are shown. Figure 15 In the working state shown, the first dimming device 107 is in a state of minimum transmittance and maximum reflectance from the perspective of the person located on the inside. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 107 is functioning as a sunshade and can also be used as a reflector such as a dressing mirror. Figure 14 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 107, viewed from the inside, is in a state of maximum transmittance and a certain reflectance, indicating that the first dimming device 107 is functioning as a concealed sunshade. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 107 is applied a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, viewed from the inside, the first dimming device 107 is in a state of partial transmittance and a certain reflectance. Figure 10 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 11The reflectivity varies between different states. Furthermore, regardless of the operating state of the first dimming device 107, the reflectivity to ambient light is significantly reduced compared to the scheme in Embodiment 1, thus effectively mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0172] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0173] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0174] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0175] In this embodiment, the above description uses the sun visor being in the sunshade position as an example, where the internal ambient light enters from the side of the first reflective polarizer and the external ambient light enters from the side of the first absorptive polarizer. In practice, it can also be replaced by a scheme where the internal ambient light enters from the side of the first absorptive polarizer and the external ambient light enters from the side of the first reflective polarizer. In this alternative scheme, the reflectivity and transmittance of the internal ambient light are equal to the reflectivity and transmittance of the external ambient light described in the above embodiment, and vice versa. Therefore, the detailed derivation and description are not provided here. However, it should be noted that this alternative scheme cannot reduce the reflectivity of the external ambient light compared to the scheme in Embodiment 1, thus failing to alleviate harm to other people outside. However, this alternative scheme can reduce the reflectivity of the internal ambient light, especially when the external ambient light has high transmittance, the reflectivity of the internal ambient light will be at a low level, which can minimize the visual impact of internal reflected light on the occupants of the vehicle.

[0176] Example 8

[0177] The sunshade provided in this embodiment eight includes a first dimming device 108 with adjustable reflectivity. The main difference between the internal structure of the first dimming device 108 and the first dimming device 106 in embodiment six is ​​that the TN type liquid crystal modulator is replaced with a VA type liquid crystal modulator. Figure 16 and Figure 17 These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the first dimming device 108 under two conditions: no voltage applied (V=OFF) and a first voltage applied (V=ON).

[0178] The first dimming device 108 includes a first reflective polarizer 1081, a second reflective polarizer 1083, and a first liquid crystal modulation device 1082 sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer 1081 and the second reflective polarizer 1083. It also includes a first absorptive polarizer 1084 disposed on the side of the second reflective polarizer 1083 away from the first liquid crystal modulation device 1082.

[0179] The first liquid crystal modulation device 1082 is a VA-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 10821 and a conductive layer 10823, and a VA-type liquid crystal layer 10822 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 10821 and 10823. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 10821 and 10823 (i.e....), Figure 16In the V=OFF state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10822 ensures that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged within it. For example, if the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10822, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When a first voltage is applied between the conductive layer 10821 and the conductive layer 10823 (i.e., ... Figure 17 In the V=ON state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 10822 changes the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it can maintain the polarization state of the linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, a rotation of 90 degrees is specifically used as an example.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission axis of the first reflective polarizer 1081 and the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1083 are perpendicular to each other. The transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1084 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1083.

[0181] Since the polarization state adjustment effect of VA-type liquid crystal modulator based on applied voltage is essentially reversed compared to that of TN-type liquid crystal modulator, therefore... Figure 16 The transmission state of the VA-type liquid crystal modulator when no voltage is applied is shown in the figure. Figure 12 When a voltage is applied to a TN-type liquid crystal modulator, the light transmission state is basically the same, while Figure 17 The transmission state of light when a voltage is applied to a VA-type liquid crystal modulator and Figure 13 The transmission state of TN-type liquid crystal modulators without applied voltage is basically the same. The following is only a brief description of the transmission states of internal and external ambient light; the detailed reasoning will not be elaborated here.

[0182] Reference Figure 16 The ambient light rf1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1081, a portion forms reflected light rfe (S-ray), and the other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1081 and the first liquid crystal modulator 1082 to obtain transmitted light rf2 and rf3, both P-rays. Light rf3 is reflected at the surface of the second reflective polarizer 1083 to obtain reflected light rf4 (P-ray), which then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1082 and the first reflective polarizer 1081 to obtain transmitted light rf5 and rf6, both P-rays. Therefore, the first dimming device 108... Figure 16 The state shown has high reflectivity to ambient light.

[0183] Continue to refer to Figure 16The ambient light RF7 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1084, it becomes transmitted light RF8, which is S-ray. The polarization plane of light RF8 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1083, so it passes through the second reflective polarizer 1083 and continues to pass through the first liquid crystal modulator 1082, forming transmitted light RF9 and RF0, both of which are S-ray. Light RF0 is reflected at the surface of the first reflective polarizer 1081, becoming reflected light RFA, which is S-ray. It then passes through the first liquid crystal modulator 1082 and the second reflective polarizer 1083, becoming transmitted light RFb and RFC, both of which are S-ray. Since the polarization plane of light RFC is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1084, it forms transmitted light RFD, which is S-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 108... Figure 16 The state shown has low transmittance and a certain reflectance to external ambient light.

[0184] In conclusion, Figure 16 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 10821 and 10823, the first dimming device 108 has low overall transmittance to external ambient light and high overall reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the first dimming device 108 can see the interior of the vehicle (including themselves) more clearly through the sun visor on which the first dimming device 108 is located. In this case, the sun visor can be used as a vanity mirror as needed. Meanwhile, although it has a certain reflectivity to external ambient light, it is still lower than that in the second embodiment described above. Figure 4 The reflectivity is shown in the state, thus still mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0185] Reference Figure 17 The ambient light rg1 can be natural light. At the position of the first reflective polarizer 1081, a portion forms a reflected ray rga, which is S-ray. The other portion passes sequentially through the first reflective polarizer 1081, the first liquid crystal modulation device 1082, and the second reflective polarizer 1083, respectively, to obtain transmitted rays rg2, rg3, and rg4, which are P-ray, S-ray, and S-ray, respectively. Since the polarization plane of ray rg4 is parallel to the transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer 1084, it forms a transmitted ray rg5, which is S-ray. Therefore, the first dimming device 108... Figure 17 The state shown has high transmittance and a certain reflectance to the internal ambient light.

[0186] Continue to refer to Figure 17The ambient light rg6 can be natural light. After passing through the first absorptive polarizer 1084, it becomes transmitted light rg7, which is S-ray. Since the polarization plane of light rg7 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer 1083, it passes through the second reflective polarizer 1083 and continues to pass through the first liquid crystal modulation device 1082 and the first reflective polarizer 1081, forming transmitted light rays rg8, rg9, and rg0, which are S-ray, P-ray, and P-ray, respectively. Therefore, the first dimming device 108... Figure 17 The state shown has high transmittance and low reflectance to external ambient light.

[0187] In conclusion, Figure 17 When a first voltage is applied between conductive layers 10821 and 10823, the first dimming device 108 has high overall transmittance to external ambient light and a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the first dimming device 108 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor where the first dimming device 108 is located. Furthermore, even though it has a certain reflectivity to internal ambient light, when the external ambient light is strong, the perception of reflected light from the internal ambient light by personnel located inside the first dimming device 108 is correspondingly weakened. And because it has low reflectivity to external ambient light, it will not cause harm to other personnel outside.

[0188] contrast Figure 16 and Figure 17 The two working states are shown. Figure 16 In the working state shown, the first dimming device 108 is in a state of minimum transmittance and maximum reflectance from the perspective of the person located on the inside. At this time, it can be considered that the first dimming device 108 is functioning as a sunshade and can also be used as a reflector such as a dressing mirror. Figure 17 In the shown operating state, the first dimming device 108, viewed from the inside, is in a state of maximum transmittance and a certain reflectance, indicating that the first dimming device 107 is functioning as a hidden sunshade. Furthermore, it is easy to deduce that when the first dimming device 108 is applied a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, viewed from the inside, the first dimming device 108 is in a state of partial transmittance and a certain reflectance. Figure 16 Reflectivity in the intermediate state and Figure 17 The reflectivity varies between different states. Furthermore, regardless of the operating state of the first dimming device 108, its reflectivity to ambient light is significantly lower than that in Embodiment 2, thus effectively mitigating harm to other people outside.

[0189] Therefore, by means of the first dimming device, the sunshade in this embodiment can retain the function of the reflector while providing sunshade state switching.

[0190] Furthermore, due to material limitations and performance errors in actual devices, in practice, even when the first dimming device in this embodiment is in its highest reflectivity state, it still has a certain transmittance of ambient light. When the ambient light is strong, this still negatively impacts the user's use of the reflector function. To overcome this problem, in a preferred embodiment, a reflection enhancement component is added. This reflection enhancement component, when a first condition is met, can enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light includes improving the human eye's perception of the reflected incident light without changing the incident light reflectivity. For example, the reflection enhancement component can be implemented using a transmission blocking component, which can be a light-shielding plate. The first condition can be determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device for incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device for incident light is decreased, or that the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. For example, when the user manually controls or the external environment automatically controls the first dimming device to decrease the transmittance of incident light or increase the reflectance of incident light, the reflection enhancement component is automatically triggered to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. Specifically, automatically triggering the reflection enhancement component can involve moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user. Conversely, manually switching the reflection enhancement component to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light can involve manually moving or flipping it to a position where the first dimming device faces away from the user.

[0191] In an alternative embodiment, the first dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the reflectivity of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the first dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0192] In this embodiment, the above description uses the sun visor being in the sunshade position, with internal ambient light incident from the first reflective polarizer side and external ambient light incident from the first absorptive polarizer side as an example. In practice, it can be replaced by a scheme where internal ambient light incident from the first absorptive polarizer side and external ambient light incident from the first reflective polarizer side. In this alternative scheme, the reflectivity and transmittance of the internal ambient light are equal to the reflectivity and transmittance of the external ambient light described in the above embodiment, and vice versa. Therefore, the detailed derivation and description are not provided here. However, it should be noted that this alternative scheme cannot reduce the reflectivity of the external ambient light compared to the scheme in Embodiment 2, thus failing to mitigate harm to other people outside. However, this alternative scheme can reduce the reflectivity of the internal ambient light, especially when the external ambient light has high transmittance, the reflectivity of the internal ambient light will be at a low level, which can minimize the visual impact of internal reflected light on the occupants of the vehicle.

[0193] Example 9

[0194] Although different structures were used to implement the first dimming device in Embodiments 1 to 8, all embodiments involve the first dimming device occupying the main area of ​​the sun visor. This ensures that whether the entire area of ​​the first dimming device is adjusted or multiple areas are adjusted independently, from the perspective of a user inside a vehicle, the entire sun visor only allows adjustment of reflectivity. Simultaneously, transmittance can also be adjusted, meaning continuous adjustment between the reflective mirror mode and the fully transparent mode. The advantages of these embodiments are their simple product structure and low manufacturing cost.

[0195] In practice, users sometimes want the sun visor to retain the vanity mirror while other areas can use a brightness adjustment mode. For example, the vanity mirror area can use an adjustable reflectivity mode, while the brightness adjustment area can use a continuous adjustment mode between full transparency and full darkness.

[0196] Based on the above requirements, this embodiment provides a sunshade, such as... Figure 18 As shown, the sunshade includes a dimming shading area A2 and a dimming mirror area A1. A first dimming device is disposed within the dimming mirror area A1. The structure of the first dimming device can adopt any one of the implementation schemes of the first dimming device described in Embodiments 1 to 8 above. A second dimming device with adjustable transmittance is disposed within the dimming shading area A2.

[0197] The second type of dimming device may include liquid crystal dimming devices, electrochromic (EC) devices, or SPD (suspended particle device) dimming devices.

[0198] Electrochromic dimming devices and SPD dimming devices can adjust light transmittance, and liquid crystal dimming devices can also adjust light transmittance.

[0199] In addition, there is another type of liquid crystal dimming device that can adjust both light transmittance and haze, such as the liquid crystal dimming device in Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. 202111232990.8 filed by the applicant in 2021, which will not be described in detail here. Therefore, this liquid crystal dimming device can be used as the implementation scheme of the second dimming device in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0200] In addition, the second dimming device in this embodiment adopts Figure 19 and Figure 20 The proposed solution is shown. Figure 19 and Figure 20 These are schematic diagrams showing the operating states of the second dimming device under two conditions: with a second voltage applied (V=ON) and without a voltage applied (V=OFF).

[0201] In this embodiment, the second dimming device 201 includes a second absorptive polarizer 2011, a third absorptive polarizer 2013, and a second liquid crystal modulation device 2012 sandwiched between the second absorptive polarizer 2011 and the third absorptive polarizer 2013. The second liquid crystal modulation device 2012 is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 20121 and a conductive layer 20123, and a TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122 sandwiched between the conductive layers 20121 and 20123. When a second voltage is applied between the conductive layers 20121 and 20123 (i.e., ...) Figure 19 In the V=ON state, the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), so that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layer 20121 and the conductive layer 20123 (i.e., ... Figure 20 In the V=OFF state, the liquid crystal in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122 is twisted, changing the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the polarization state of the linearly polarized light can be maintained, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, the transmission axis of the second absorption polarizer 2011 and the transmission axis of the third absorption polarizer 2013 are parallel to each other.

[0202] Based on the above configuration, the intensity of the light transmitted from one side to the other side after the light is incident from one side of the second dimming device 201 can be derived.

[0203] In this embodiment, the sun visor is installed on the vehicle, for example, it can be fixed to one side of the vehicle window glass (such as being adhered to the inner or outer surface of the window glass) or embedded inside the window glass (such as being embedded between two layers of glass, such as laminated glass or center console glass), or installed inside the vehicle without contacting the window glass (such as in the position of a traditional sun visor). The following description uses the example of the second absorptive polarizer 2011 being close to the vehicle interior when the sun visor is in the sun-shading position. When the sun visor can be flipped or moved, the sun visor being in the sun-shading position here refers to flipping or moving the sun visor to the sun-shading position. From Figure 19 and Figure 20 The light incident on the second absorptive polarizer from the left side is mainly ambient light, such as light reflected from inside the vehicle and light actively emitted by the driver; the light incident on the third absorptive polarizer 2013 from the right side is mainly ambient light, such as light reflected from or actively emitted from outside the vehicle. Therefore, it can be... Figure 19 and Figure 20 The left side of the second absorptive polarizer 2011 is referred to as the inner side of the second dimming device 201, and the right side of the third absorptive polarizer 2013 is referred to as the outer side of the second dimming device 201. It should be noted that when the sun visor can be flipped according to user needs, the positional relationship between the two sides of the sun visor and the vehicle interior is reversed. Therefore, the positional relationship limitation of the second absorptive polarizer near the vehicle interior described in this embodiment refers to the corresponding position limitation when the sun visor is in the sun-shading state.

[0204] refer to Figure 19 The transmission paths of the internal ambient light rh1 and the external ambient light rh5 are analyzed below. The internal ambient light rh1 can be natural light, incident on the surface of the second absorptive polarizer 2011. The light ray rh2 transmitted from the other side of the second absorptive polarizer 2011 is linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2011. It is assumed that the light ray rh2 is P-ray. After the light ray rh2 is incident on the second liquid crystal modulation device 2012, since the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122 of the second liquid crystal modulation device 2012 are basically perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), the polarization state of the light ray rh2 hardly changes during its propagation inside it. Therefore, the light ray rh3 transmitted from the other side of the second liquid crystal modulation device 2012 is still P-ray. The polarization plane of ray rh3 is parallel to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2013. Therefore, ray rh3 passes through the third absorptive polarizer 2013 with high transmittance, forming ray rh4, which is still a P-ray. Thus, the internal ambient light originates from the second dimming device 201. Figure 19 Transmission from the middle left side Figure 19The right side of the middle section has higher transmittance.

[0205] Continue to refer to Figure 19 The external ambient light RH5 can be natural light, incident on the third absorptive polarizer 2013. Figure 19 On the right surface of the third absorptive polarizer 2013, the light ray rh6 transmitted is linearly polarized light, and its vibration plane is parallel to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2013, making it P-ray. After light ray rh6 enters the second liquid crystal modulator 2012 from the right, similar to light ray rh2, its polarization state hardly changes during propagation within the second liquid crystal modulator 2012. Therefore, the light ray rh7 transmitted from the left side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2012 is still P-ray. Since the vibration plane of light ray rh7 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2011, light ray rh7 can pass through the second absorptive polarizer 2011 with high transmittance, forming the outgoing light rh8, which is still P-ray. Therefore, ambient light from the second dimming device 201... Figure 19 The transmittance from the right side to the left side is higher.

[0206] In conclusion, Figure 19 As shown in the diagram, when a second voltage is applied between conductive layer 20121 and conductive layer 20123, the second dimming device 201 as a whole has a high transmittance of ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the second dimming device 201 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor where the second dimming device 201 is located. In other words, regardless of... Figure 18 The reflectivity of the first dimming device in dimming mirror area A1 is switched to a state that allows the second dimming device 201 in dimming sunshade area A2 to be in an unshaded state. In practice, when the driver is driving, it is usually not necessary to switch dimming mirror area A1 to a high reflectivity state. Furthermore, in order to make the visual effect of all areas of the sun visor more consistent, when the second dimming device 201 in dimming sunshade area A2 is in an unshaded, high transmittance state, the first dimming device in dimming mirror area A1 should also be switched to a high transmittance state. Preferably, the transmittance of the second dimming device 201 to ambient light is approximately equal to the transmittance of the first dimming device to ambient light.

[0207] Reference Figure 20The following describes in detail the operation of the second dimming device 201 without applied voltage. The ambient light ri1 ​​can be natural light, incident on the left surface of the second absorptive polarizer 2011. The light ri2 transmitted from the other side of the second absorptive polarizer 2011 is linearly polarized light, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2011. Let's assume ri2 is P-ray. After ri2 is incident on the second liquid crystal modulator 2012, since the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20122 of the second liquid crystal modulator 2012 are in a twisted arrangement, the polarization state of ri2 changes during its propagation within the device. For example, it can remain linearly polarized but the plane of vibration rotates; as a special case, it can rotate 90 degrees. Therefore, the light ri3 transmitted from the other side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2012 becomes S-ray. The polarization plane of ray ri3 is parallel to the absorption axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2013, therefore ray ri3 is absorbed by the third absorptive polarizer 2013 with a high absorptivity. Thus, the internal ambient light is drawn from the second dimming device... Figure 20 Transmission from the middle left side Figure 20 The transmittance on the right side is very low.

[0208] Continue to refer to Figure 20 The external ambient light ri4 can be natural light, incident on the third absorptive polarizer 2013. Figure 20 On the right surface of the second liquid crystal modulator 2011, the light ri5 transmitted from the third absorptive polarizer 2013 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2013, making it P-ray. After the light ri5 enters the second liquid crystal modulator 2012 from the right, its plane of vibration rotates during propagation within the second liquid crystal modulator 2012. Therefore, the light ri6 transmitted from the left side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2012 is S-ray. Since the plane of vibration of the light ri6 is parallel to the absorption axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2011, the light ri6 can be absorbed by the second absorptive polarizer 2011 with a high absorptivity. Thus, ambient light from the second dimming device 201... Figure 20 Incident from the right side and from Figure 20 The transmittance on the left side is lower.

[0209] In conclusion, Figure 20 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 20121 and 20123, the second dimming device 201 can function as a sunshade because it has low overall transmittance to ambient light. In other words, regardless of... Figure 18 The reflectivity of the first dimming device in dimming mirror area A1 is switched to a certain state, and the second dimming device 201 in dimming shading area A2 is in a shading state.

[0210] contrast Figure 19 and Figure 20 The two working states shown are in Figure 19 In the shown operating state, the second dimming device 201 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of maximum transmittance, for example, it can be completely transparent; Figure 20 In the operating state shown, the second dimming device 201 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of minimum transmittance, such as a state of complete darkness. It is easy to deduce that when the second dimming device 201 is subjected to a voltage between the second voltage and no voltage applied, the second dimming device 201 is in a transmittance state between the highest and lowest transmittance, such as a state of intermediate grayscale.

[0211] In an alternative embodiment, the second dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the transmittance of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the second dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0212] Furthermore, similar to the designs in Embodiments 1 to 8, a reflection enhancement component can be added to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the reflection enhancement component is in the state of enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light, it may only cover area A1 in the sunshade, i.e., the area corresponding to the first dimming device, or it may further cover at least a portion of area A2, i.e., at least a portion of the area corresponding to the second dimming device.

[0213] Example 10

[0214] The structure of the sunshade provided in Embodiment 10 is similar to that of the sunshade in Embodiment 9. This sunshade includes a dimming shading area A2 and a dimming mirror area A1. A first dimming device is disposed within the dimming mirror area A1. The structure of the first dimming device can adopt any of the implementation schemes of the first dimming device in Embodiments 1 to 8 described above. A second dimming device with adjustable transmittance is disposed within the dimming shading area A2. The main difference lies in the specific implementation of the second dimming device in this embodiment, which differs somewhat from the second dimming device in Embodiment 9. Specifically, in this embodiment, the transmission axes of the second absorptive polarizer and the third absorptive polarizer are perpendicular to each other.

[0215] See details Figure 21 and Figure 22 The diagram shows the operating states of the second dimming device 202 under two conditions: when a second voltage is applied (V=ON) and when no voltage is applied (V=OFF).

[0216] The second dimming device 202 includes a second absorption polarizer 2021, a third absorption polarizer 2023, and a second liquid crystal modulation device 2022 sandwiched between the second absorption polarizer 2021 and the third absorption polarizer 2023. The second liquid crystal modulation device 2022 is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device, specifically including a conductive layer 20221 and a conductive layer 20223, and a TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222 sandwiched between the conductive layers 20221 and 20223. When a second voltage is applied between the conductive layers 20221 and 20223 (i.e.,...) Figure 21 In the V=ON state, the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), so that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layer 20221 and the conductive layer 20223 (i.e., ... Figure 22 In the V=OFF state, the liquid crystal in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222 is twisted, changing the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the polarization state of the linearly polarized light can be maintained, and the vibration plane direction of the linearly polarized light is rotated. In this embodiment, the transmission axis of the second absorption polarizer 2021 and the transmission axis of the third absorption polarizer 2023 are perpendicular to each other.

[0217] Reference Figure 21 The transmission paths of the internal ambient light rj1 and the external ambient light rj4 of the second dimming device 202 when a second voltage (V=ON) is applied to it are analyzed below.

[0218] The ambient light rj1 can be natural light, incident on the surface of the second absorptive polarizer 2021. The light ray rj2 transmitted from the other side of the second absorptive polarizer 2021 is linearly polarized, and the vibration plane of this linearly polarized light rj2 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2021. Assume that the light ray rj2 is P-ray. After the light ray rj2 is incident on the second liquid crystal modulator 2022, since the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222 of the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 are basically perpendicular to the conductive layer and the substrate (not shown in the figure), the polarization state of the light ray rj2 hardly changes during its propagation inside. Therefore, the light ray rj3 transmitted from the other side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 is still P-ray. The polarization vibration plane of the light ray rj3 is parallel to the absorption axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2023. Therefore, the light ray rj3 is absorbed by the third absorptive polarizer 2023 with a high absorptivity. Therefore, the transmittance of the internal ambient light transmitted through the second dimming device 202 is relatively low at this time.

[0219] Continue to refer to Figure 21 The external ambient light (rj4) can be natural light, incident on the fourth absorber surface (2023). Figure 21 On the right surface of the second liquid crystal modulator 2021, the light ray rj5 transmitted from the third absorptive polarizer 2023 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2023, making it an S-ray. After entering the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 from the right, similar to light ray rj2, light ray rj5 does not change its polarization state during propagation within the second liquid crystal modulator 2022. Therefore, the light ray rj6 transmitted from the left side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 is still an S-ray. Since the plane of vibration of light ray rj6 is parallel to the absorption axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2021, light ray rj6 is absorbed by the second absorptive polarizer 2021 with a high absorptivity. Consequently, the transmittance of ambient light transmitted from the second dimming device 202 is low.

[0220] In conclusion, Figure 21 When a second voltage is applied between the conductive layer 20221 and the conductive layer 20223 shown, the second dimming device 2022 can function as a sunshade because it has low transmittance to ambient light.

[0221] refer to Figure 22 The following details the operation of the second dimming device 202 when no voltage is applied. The ambient light rk1 can be natural light, incident on the left surface of the second absorptive polarizer 2021. The light rk2 transmitted from the other side of the second absorptive polarizer 2021 is linearly polarized, and the plane of vibration of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2021. Let's assume rk2 is P-ray. After rk2 is incident on the second liquid crystal modulator 2022, because the liquid crystal molecules in the TN-type liquid crystal layer 20222 of the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 are in a twisted arrangement, the polarization state of rk2 changes during its propagation within the device. For example, it can remain linearly polarized but the plane of vibration rotates; as a special case, it can rotate 90 degrees. Therefore, the light rk3 transmitted from the other side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 becomes S-ray. Since the vibration plane of the light beam rk3 is parallel to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2023, the light beam rk3 can pass through the third absorptive polarizer 2023 with high transmittance, forming the outgoing light beam rk4, which is still S-beam. As a result, the transmittance of the internal ambient light transmitted through the second dimming device 202 is high at this time.

[0222] Continue to refer to Figure 22 The external ambient light rk5 can be natural light, incident on the third absorptive polarizer 2023. Figure 22On the right surface of the first liquid crystal modulator 2022, rk6, transmitted from the third absorptive polarizer, is linearly polarized light, and the vibration plane of this linearly polarized light is parallel to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2023, thus it is S-ray. After rk6 enters the second liquid crystal modulator 2022 from the right, similar to rk2, its vibration plane rotates during propagation inside the first liquid crystal modulator 2022. Therefore, rk7, transmitted from the left side of the second liquid crystal modulator 2022, is P-ray. Since the vibration plane of rk7 is parallel to the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2021, it is transmitted with a higher transmittance, forming transmitted rk8.

[0223] In conclusion, Figure 22 When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 20221 and 20223 shown, the second dimming device 202 as a whole has a high transmittance of ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the second dimming device 202 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the second dimming device 202 is installed. In other words, regardless of the reflectivity of the first dimming device in the dimming mirror area A1 of the sun visor, the second dimming device 202 located in the dimming sun visor area A2 is in a non-shading state. In practice, when the driver is driving the vehicle, it is usually not necessary to switch the dimming mirror area A1 to a high reflectivity state. Furthermore, in order to make the visual effect of each area of ​​the entire sun visor more consistent, when the second dimming device 202 in the dimming sun visor area A2 is in a high transmittance state without sunshade, the first dimming device in the dimming mirror area A1 should also be switched to a high transmittance state. Preferably, the transmittance of the second dimming device 201 to ambient light is basically equal to the transmittance of the first dimming device to ambient light.

[0224] contrast Figure 21 and Figure 22 The two working states shown are in Figure 21 In the shown operating state, the second dimming device 202 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of minimum transmittance, for example, a state of complete darkness; Figure 22 In the illustrated operating state, the second dimming device 202 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of maximum transmittance, for example, it can be in a completely transparent state. It is not difficult to deduce that when the second dimming device 202 is subjected to a voltage between the second voltage and no voltage applied, the second dimming device 201 is in a transmittance state between the highest and lowest transmittance, for example, it can be in a mid-grayscale state.

[0225] In an alternative embodiment, the second dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the transmittance of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the second dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0226] Furthermore, similar to the designs in Embodiments 1 to 8, a reflection enhancement component can be added to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the reflection enhancement component is in the state of enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light, it may only cover area A1 in the sunshade, i.e., the area corresponding to the first dimming device, or it may further cover at least a portion of area A2, i.e., at least a portion of the area corresponding to the second dimming device.

[0227] Example 11

[0228] The sunshade provided in Embodiment Eleven has a similar structure to the sunshade in Embodiment Nine. This sunshade includes a dimming sunshade area A2 and a dimming mirror area A1. A first dimming device is disposed within the dimming mirror area A1. The structure of the first dimming device can adopt any of the implementation schemes of the first dimming device in Embodiments One to Eight described above. A second dimming device with adjustable transmittance is disposed within the dimming sunshade area A2. The main difference is that in this embodiment, the second dimming device replaces the TN-type liquid crystal modulator with a VA-type liquid crystal modulator.

[0229] Figure 23 and Figure 24 These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the second dimming device 203 under two conditions: no voltage applied (V=OFF) and a second voltage applied (V=ON).

[0230] The second dimming device 203 includes a second absorption polarizer 2031, a third absorption polarizer 2033, and a second liquid crystal modulator 2032 sandwiched between the second absorption polarizer 2031 and the third absorption polarizer 2033. The second liquid crystal modulator 2032 is a VA-type liquid crystal modulator, specifically including a conductive layer 20321 and a conductive layer 20323, and a VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 20321 and 20323. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 20321 and 20323 (i.e., when...)... Figure 23In the V=OFF state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322 ensures that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged within it. For example, if the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When a second voltage is applied between the conductive layer 20321 and the conductive layer 20323 (i.e., ... Figure 24 In the V=ON state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322 changes the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the output light can still be linearly polarized, but the vibration plane of the output light and the vibration plane of the incident light have an angle. In this embodiment, a 90-degree angle is specifically used as an example. It should be noted that after the linearly polarized light is incident on the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322 where a second voltage is applied, the polarization state of the light gradually changes during propagation. For example, it can change between linearly polarized light, elliptically polarized light, and circularly polarized light with the increase of propagation distance. However, by designing the thickness and material of the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322, linearly polarized light can be obtained at the output surface, and the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light can form an angle with the vibration plane of the incident light. From the user's perspective, the vibration plane of the incident light appears to have been rotated by the angle.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2031 and the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2033 are parallel to each other.

[0232] Since the polarization state adjustment effect of VA-type liquid crystal modulator based on applied voltage is essentially reversed compared to that of TN-type liquid crystal modulator, therefore... Figure 23 The optical transmission results of the VA-type liquid crystal modulator 2032 without applied voltage and Figure 19 The light transmission results when a voltage is applied to a TN-type liquid crystal modulator are basically consistent, while Figure 24 The transmission results of time when voltage is applied to a VA-type liquid crystal modulator and Figure 20 The light transmission results of the TN-type liquid crystal modulation device without applied voltage are basically consistent.

[0233] The following is a brief explanation of the transmission process of internal and external ambient light; the specific reasoning process will not be elaborated here.

[0234] Reference Figure 23 At this time, the internal ambient light rl1 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the second absorptive polarizer 2031, the second liquid crystal modulator 2032, and the third absorptive polarizer 2033, resulting in transmitted light rays rl2, rl3, and rl4, all of which are P-rays. Therefore, the second liquid crystal modulator 2032... Figure 23The state shown has high transmittance to internal ambient light.

[0235] Continue to refer to Figure 23 The ambient light rl5 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the third absorptive polarizer 2033, the second liquid crystal modulator 2032, and the second absorptive polarizer 2031 to obtain transmitted light rays rl6, rl7, and rl8, all of which are P-rays. Therefore, the second dimming device 203... Figure 23 The state shown has high transmittance to external ambient light.

[0236] In conclusion, Figure 23 As shown, when no voltage is applied between conductive layers 20321 and 20323, the second dimming device 203 as a whole has high transmittance of ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the second dimming device 203 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor where the second dimming device 203 is located. In other words, regardless of... Figure 23 The reflectivity of the first dimming device in dimming mirror area A1 is switched to a state that determines whether the second dimming device 201 in dimming sunshade area A2 is in an unshaded state. In practice, when the driver is driving, it is usually not necessary to switch dimming mirror area A1 to a high reflectivity state. Furthermore, in order to make the visual effect of all areas of the sun visor more consistent, when the second dimming device 203 in dimming sunshade area A2 is in an unshaded high transmittance state, the first dimming device in dimming mirror area A1 should also be switched to a high transmittance state. Preferably, the transmittance of the second dimming device 203 to ambient light is approximately equal to the transmittance of the first dimming device to ambient light.

[0237] Reference Figure 24 At this time, the ambient light rm1 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the second absorptive polarizer 2031 and the second liquid crystal modulator 2032 to obtain transmitted light rays rm2 and rm3, which are P-rays and S-rays, respectively. Light rm3 is absorbed by the third absorptive polarizer 2033 with a higher absorption rate. Therefore, the second dimming device 203... Figure 24 The state shown has low transmittance to internal ambient light.

[0238] Continue to refer to Figure 24 At this time, the ambient light rm4 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the third absorptive polarizer 2033 and the second liquid crystal modulator 2032, resulting in transmitted light rays rm5 and rm6, which are P-rays and S-rays, respectively. Light rm6 is absorbed by the second absorptive polarizer 2031 with a higher absorptivity. Therefore, the second dimming device 203... Figure 24 The state shown has low transmittance to external ambient light.

[0239] In conclusion, Figure 24 When a second voltage is applied between the conductive layer 20321 and the conductive layer 20323 shown, the second dimming device 203 can function as a sunshade because it has a low transmittance to ambient light.

[0240] contrast Figure 23 and Figure 24 The two working states shown are in Figure 23 In the shown operating state, the second dimming device 203 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of maximum transmittance, for example, it can be completely transparent; Figure 24 In the shown operating state, the second dimming device 203 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of minimum transmittance, such as a state of complete darkness. It is easy to deduce that when the second dimming device 203 is subjected to a voltage between the second voltage and no voltage applied, the second dimming device 203 is in a transmittance state between the highest and lowest transmittance, such as a state of intermediate grayscale.

[0241] In an alternative embodiment, the second dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the transmittance of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the second dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0242] Furthermore, similar to the designs in Embodiments 1 to 8, a reflection enhancement component can be added to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the reflection enhancement component is in the state of enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light, it may only cover area A1 in the sunshade, i.e., the area corresponding to the first dimming device, or it may further cover at least a portion of area A2, i.e., at least a portion of the area corresponding to the second dimming device.

[0243] Example 12

[0244] The sunshade provided in Embodiment Twelve has a similar structure to the sunshade in Embodiment Ten. This sunshade includes a dimming sunshade area A2 and a dimming mirror area A1. A first dimming device is disposed within the dimming mirror area A1. The structure of the first dimming device can adopt any of the implementation schemes of the first dimming device in Embodiments One to Eight described above. A second dimming device with adjustable transmittance is disposed within the dimming sunshade area A2. The main difference is that in this embodiment, the second dimming device replaces the TN-type liquid crystal modulator with a VA-type liquid crystal modulator.

[0245] Figure 25 and Figure 26These are schematic diagrams showing the working states of the second dimming device 204 under two conditions: no voltage applied (V=OFF) and a second voltage applied (V=ON).

[0246] The second dimming device 204 includes a second absorption polarizer 2041, a third absorption polarizer 2043, and a second liquid crystal modulator 2042 sandwiched between the second absorption polarizer 2041 and the third absorption polarizer 2043. The second liquid crystal modulator 2042 is a VA-type liquid crystal modulator, specifically including a conductive layer 20421 and a conductive layer 20423, and a VA-type liquid crystal layer 20422 sandwiched between the two conductive layers 20421 and 20423. When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 20421 and 20423 (i.e.,...) Figure 25 In the V=OFF state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20422 ensures that the polarization state of the incident light remains essentially unchanged within it. For example, if the incident light is linearly polarized, it retains its linear polarization state after passing through the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20422, and the direction of the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light does not change. When a second voltage is applied between the conductive layer 20421 and the conductive layer 20423 (i.e., ... Figure 26 In the V=ON state, the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20322 changes the polarization state of the incident light. For example, when the incident light is linearly polarized, the output light can still be linearly polarized, but the vibration plane of the output light and the vibration plane of the incident light have an angle. In this embodiment, a 90-degree angle is specifically used as an example. It should be noted that after the linearly polarized light is incident on the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20422 where a second voltage is applied, the polarization state of the light gradually changes during propagation. For example, it can change between linearly polarized light, elliptically polarized light, and circularly polarized light with the increase of propagation distance. However, by designing the thickness and material of the VA-type liquid crystal layer 20422, linearly polarized light can be obtained at the output surface, and the vibration plane of the linearly polarized light can form an angle with the vibration plane of the incident light. From the user's perspective, the vibration plane of the incident light appears to have been rotated by the angle.

[0247] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmission axis of the second absorptive polarizer 2041 and the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 2043 are perpendicular to each other.

[0248] Since the polarization state adjustment effect of VA-type liquid crystal modulator based on applied voltage is essentially reversed compared to that of TN-type liquid crystal modulator, therefore... Figure 25 The transmission results of the VA-type liquid crystal modulator without applied voltage are shown in the figure. Figure 21 The light transmission results when a voltage is applied to a TN-type liquid crystal modulator are basically consistent, while Figure 26 The transmission results of time when voltage is applied to a VA-type liquid crystal modulator and Figure 22 The light transmission results of the TN-type liquid crystal modulation device without applied voltage are basically consistent.

[0249] The following is a brief description of the transmission status of internal and external ambient light; the detailed reasoning will not be elaborated here.

[0250] Reference Figure 25 The internal ambient light rn1 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the second absorptive polarizer 2041 and the second liquid crystal modulator 2042, resulting in transmitted light rays rn2 and rn3, both of which are P-rays. Ray rn3 is absorbed by the third absorptive polarizer 2043 with a higher absorption rate. Therefore, the second dimming device 204... Figure 25 The state shown has low transmittance to internal ambient light.

[0251] Continue to refer to Figure 25 The external ambient light rn4 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the third absorptive polarizer 2043 and the second liquid crystal modulator 2042 to obtain transmitted light rays rn5 and rn6, both of which are S-rays. When light rn6 is incident on the second absorptive polarizer 2041, it is absorbed at a high absorption rate. Therefore, the second dimming device 204... Figure 25 The state shown has low transmittance to external ambient light.

[0252] In conclusion, Figure 25 When no voltage is applied between the conductive layers 20421 and 20423 shown, the second dimming device 204 can function as a sunshade because it has low transmittance to ambient light.

[0253] Reference Figure 26 At this time, the internal ambient light ro1 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the second absorptive polarizer 2041, the second liquid crystal modulator 2042, and the third absorptive polarizer 2043, resulting in transmitted light rays ro2, ro3, ​​and ro4, which are P-rays, S-rays, and S-rays, respectively. Therefore, the second liquid crystal modulator 2042... Figure 26 The state shown has high transmittance to internal ambient light.

[0254] Continue to refer to Figure 26 The ambient light ro5 can be natural light, which passes sequentially through the third absorptive polarizer 2043, the second liquid crystal modulator 2042, and the second absorptive polarizer 2041 to obtain transmitted rays ro6, ro7, and ro8, which are S-rays, P-rays, and P-rays, respectively. Therefore, the second dimming device 204... Figure 26 The state shown has high transmittance to external ambient light.

[0255] In conclusion, Figure 26 As shown, when a voltage is applied between conductive layers 20421 and 20423, the second dimming device 204 as a whole has a high transmittance of ambient light. Therefore, drivers and other personnel located inside the second dimming device 204 can see the external environment of the vehicle more clearly through the sun visor on which the second dimming device 204 is installed. In other words, regardless of the reflectivity of the first dimming device in the dimming mirror area A1 of the sun visor, the second dimming device 201 located in the dimming sun visor area A2 is in a non-shading state. In practice, when the driver is driving the vehicle, it is usually not necessary to switch the dimming mirror area A1 to a high reflectivity state. Furthermore, in order to make the visual effect of each area of ​​the entire sun visor more consistent, when the second dimming device 204 in the dimming sun visor area A2 is in a high transmittance state without sunshade, the first dimming device in the dimming mirror area A1 should also be switched to a high transmittance state. Preferably, the transmittance of the second dimming device 204 to ambient light is basically equal to the transmittance of the first dimming device to ambient light.

[0256] contrast Figure 25 and Figure 26 The two working states shown are in Figure 26 In the shown operating state, the second dimming device 204 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of maximum transmittance, for example, it can be completely transparent; Figure 25 In the shown operating state, the second dimming device 204 located within the dimming shading area A2 is in a state of minimum transmittance, such as a state of complete darkness. It is easy to deduce that when the second dimming device 204 is subjected to a voltage between the second voltage and no voltage applied, the second dimming device 204 is in a transmittance state between the highest and lowest transmittance, such as a state of intermediate grayscale.

[0257] In an alternative embodiment, the second dimming device described above can be divided into multiple dimming regions, and the transmittance of each dimming region can be adjusted independently. To achieve this, at least one conductive layer in the second dimming device can be divided into multiple regions, for example, forming multiple strip-shaped slit conductive layers, or a matrix conductive layer composed of multiple conductive regions, etc.

[0258] Furthermore, similar to the designs in Embodiments 1 to 8, a reflection enhancement component can be added to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light. It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the reflection enhancement component is in the state of enhancing the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light, it may only cover area A1 in the sunshade, i.e., the area corresponding to the first dimming device, or it may further cover at least a portion of area A2, i.e., at least a portion of the area corresponding to the second dimming device.

[0259] This application also provides a vehicle that includes the sun visor described in any of the above embodiments.

[0260] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0261] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this utility model can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this utility model, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A sunshade, comprising a first dimming device with adjustable reflectivity, the first dimming device comprising a first reflective polarizer and a second reflective polarizer, and a first liquid crystal modulation device sandwiched between the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer, the first liquid crystal modulation device being used to modulate the polarization state of incident light in response to a voltage stimulus applied thereto.

2. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid crystal modulation device modulates the polarization state of the incident light by modulating the polarization direction of the incident linearly polarized light.

3. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission axes of the first reflective polarizer and the second reflective polarizer are parallel or perpendicular to each other.

4. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first liquid crystal modulation device is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device or a VA-type liquid crystal modulation device.

5. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first dimming device is in a state with the highest or lowest reflectivity when a first voltage is applied, and in a state with the lowest or highest reflectivity when no voltage is applied.

6. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first dimming device is in a state with the lowest or highest transmittance when a first voltage is applied, and in a state with the highest or lowest transmittance when no voltage is applied.

7. The sunshade as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, When the first dimming device is subjected to a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, it is in a state with a reflectivity between the highest and lowest reflectivity.

8. The sunshade as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, When the first dimming device is subjected to a voltage between the first voltage and no voltage applied, it is in a state with a transmittance between the highest and lowest transmittance.

9. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the sun visor is installed in a vehicle, the first dimming device is configured such that when the sun visor provides sun shading, the first reflective polarizer or the second reflective polarizer is close to the interior of the vehicle.

10. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first dimming device further includes a first absorptive polarizer disposed on the side of the second reflective polarizer away from the first liquid crystal modulator.

11. The sunshade as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The transmission axis of the first absorptive polarizer is parallel to the transmission axis of the second reflective polarizer.

12. The sunshade as described in claim 11, characterized in that, When the sun visor is installed in a vehicle, the first dimming device is configured such that when the sun visor provides sun shading, the second absorptive polarizer is positioned close to the outside of the vehicle.

13. The sunshade as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sunshade includes a dimming shading area and a dimming mirror area. The first dimming device is located in the dimming mirror area, and the dimming shading area is provided with a second dimming device whose transmittance is adjustable.

14. The sunshade as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The second dimming device includes liquid crystal dimming devices, electrochromic dimming devices, or SPD dimming devices.

15. The sunshade as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The second dimming device includes a second absorptive polarizer and a third absorptive polarizer, and a second liquid crystal modulation device sandwiched between the second absorptive polarizer and the third absorptive polarizer. The second liquid crystal modulation device is used to modulate the polarization state of the incident light in response to a voltage stimulus applied thereto.

16. The sunshade as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The second dimming device modulates the polarization state of the incident light by modulating the polarization direction of the incident linearly polarized light.

17. The sunshade as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The transmission axes of the second and third absorptive polarizers are parallel or perpendicular to each other.

18. The sunshade as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The second liquid crystal modulation device is a TN-type liquid crystal modulation device or a VA-type liquid crystal modulation device.

19. The sunshade as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The sunshade also includes a reflection enhancement component, used to enhance the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light when the first condition is met.

20. The sunshade as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The reflection enhancement component includes: a transmission blocking component.

21. The sunshade as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first condition includes: determining that the reflectivity of the first dimming device to incident light is increased, determining that the transmittance of the first dimming device to incident light is decreased, or the reflection enhancement component is manually switched to a position that enhances the visual effect of the first dimming device reflecting incident light.

22. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the sunshade as described in any one of claims 1 to 21.

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