A dimming glass and vehicle

Abstract

This application provides a smart glass and a vehicle. The smart glass includes a first glass and a second glass disposed opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal (LC) dimming film disposed between the first glass and the second glass. One side of the LC dimming film is bonded to the first glass via a first sealing film, and the other side of the LC dimming film is bonded to the second glass via a second sealing film. A third sealing film is bonded to the side of the LC dimming film. The first, second, and third sealing films form a sealed space for disposing of the LC dimming film. Since the smart glass uses only a single layer of LC dimming film, the manufacturing process of the smart glass can be simplified, and the cost of the smart glass can be reduced. The characteristics of the LC dimming film ensure a good visual experience for the user. Furthermore, the LC dimming film is sealed between the first and second glass to ensure its safety and prevent damage from water, dust, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and more particularly to a dimming glass and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing demands for vehicle comfort and aesthetics, smart glass is gradually becoming an important feature in the automotive industry. Smart glass generally refers to glass that can control light transmittance (hereinafter referred to as transmittance), allowing for adjustment of the interior lighting according to needs. The application of smart glass not only enhances the vehicle's appearance but also improves the user's visual experience.

[0003] The technological approaches to dimming glass generally include polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), liquid crystal (LC), electrochromic (EC), and suspended particle device (SPD). Among these, PDLC technology has relatively high haze, affecting the user's visual experience; LC technology has multiple layered structures, making the process complex and costly; EC technology has slow dimming speed and a poor user experience; and SPD technology requires high-voltage control, resulting in relatively poor safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a dimming glass and a vehicle to simplify the manufacturing process of dimming glass, reduce its cost, and ensure a better visual experience for users.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a dimming glass, including a first glass and a second glass disposed opposite to each other, and an LC dimming film disposed between the first glass and the second glass; wherein, one side of the LC dimming film is bonded to the first glass by a first sealing film, the other side of the LC dimming film is bonded to the second glass by a second sealing film, and a third sealing film is bonded to the side of the LC dimming film, the first sealing film, the second sealing film and the third sealing film forming a sealed space for disposing of the LC dimming film.

[0006] The dimming glass of this application uses only a single-layer LC dimming film, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the cost. The excellent color control and low haze of the LC dimming film ensure a superior visual experience for the user. Furthermore, the LC dimming film is sealed between the first and second glass panes by a first, second, and third sealing film, guaranteeing its safety and preventing damage from water, dust, or other contaminants.

[0007] One possible design includes an LC dimming film comprising a first conductive layer, a liquid crystal dimming layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially. The first and second conductive layers are each externally connected to conductive wires. The first conductive layer is bonded to a first sealing film, and the second conductive layer is bonded to a second sealing film. In this design, the externally connected wires of the first and second conductive layers are connected to a dimming glass controller, thereby enabling the dimming glass controller to control the first and second conductive layers to cause the liquid crystal dimming layer to dim.

[0008] One possible design involves applying the LC dimming glass to a vehicle, with a first surface of the first glass facing the LC dimming film and a second surface facing the exterior of the vehicle. A shielding film is provided at the edge of the first surface of the first glass, the light transmittance of which is less than the minimum light transmittance of the LC dimming film. In this design, the shielding film can cover appearance defects caused by the sealing layer and shadow defects of the LC dimming film, improving the user's visual experience.

[0009] One possible design is that the distance between the side of the LC dimming film and the side of the first glass is less than the width of the shielding film. This design ensures that the shielding film completely covers any appearance defects caused by the third sealing layer, further improving the user's visual experience.

[0010] One possible design is that the thickness of the first glass and the second glass is any one of the following: 2.5mm, 2.3mm, 2.1mm, 1.8mm, 1.1mm.

[0011] One possible design is that the first glass and the second glass are any of the following colors: white, green, gray; when the first glass and the second glass are both gray, the light transmittance of the first glass and the second glass is different.

[0012] One possible design is that the thickness of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film is any one of the following: 0.76 mm, 0.38 mm.

[0013] One possible design is that the first sealing membrane, the second sealing membrane, and the third sealing membrane are polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membranes.

[0014] One possible design is that the colors of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film are any one of the following: white, gray; when the colors of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film are all gray, the light transmittance of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film are different.

[0015] One possible design involves both the first and second glass panes being 1.8mm thick green glass, the first sealing film being a 0.76mm thick white PVB film, the LC dimming film having a thickness of 0.76mm, and the second sealing film being a 0.38mm thick white PVB film. This design allows the dimming glass to have a visible light transmittance (TL) of 0.3%–0.5% in the dark state (which can be understood as the dimming glass being inactive), and a TL of 13%–15% in the bright state (which can be understood as the dimming glass being active).

[0016] One possible design is that the dimming glass is applied to a vehicle, with a first surface of the second glass facing the LC dimming film and a second surface of the second glass facing the interior of the vehicle; the dimming glass also includes an edge-sealing layer that wraps around the sides of the first glass and the second glass, as well as the second surface of the second glass.

[0017] Secondly, this application also provides a vehicle including a dimming glass controller and the dimming glass described in the first aspect above; wherein the dimming glass controller is connected to an external wire of the conductive layer in the dimming glass, and the dimming glass controller is disposed inside the door panel of the vehicle. That is, the wiring harness and connectors between the dimming glass controller and the dimming glass are hidden inside the door panel to avoid affecting the appearance of the vehicle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a new energy vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a range-extended electric vehicle, or a gasoline vehicle. The dimming glass design of this application can be applied to vehicles with different power types to reduce overall vehicle costs and ensure the user's driving experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a dimming glass provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another type of dimming glass provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an LC dimming film 30 provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another type of dimming glass provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another type of dimming glass provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 10-First glass; 20-Second glass; 30-LC dimming film; 40-First sealing film; 50-Second sealing film; 60-Third sealing film; 70-Shielding film; 31-First conductive layer; 32-Liquid crystal dimming layer; 33-Second conductive layer; 80-Edge layer. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] In both production and daily life, the application of smart glass not only enhances the aesthetics of vehicles but also improves the user's visual experience. Smart glass controls light transmittance to regulate light levels. For example, in vehicle door windows and sunroofs, reducing the light transmittance of smart glass lowers the intensity of light entering the vehicle, preventing glare and eye strain for occupants.

[0029] Currently, the technical approaches for switching glass generally include polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), liquid crystal (LC), electrochromic (EC), and suspended particle device (SPD).

[0030] The principle behind PDLC dimming glass is that the polymers in the liquid crystal film align in an orderly manner when an electric current is applied, causing the glass to become transparent. When no current is applied, the glass appears translucent but not transparent. However, PDLC dimming glass is generally white and has relatively high haze, which affects the user's visual experience.

[0031] LC (liquid crystal) or DLC (dye-liquid crystal) smart glass incorporates dye molecules into liquid crystal molecules, allowing for a wider range of color choices. However, LC is difficult to integrate with large-curvature glass (such as skylight glass) and is expensive. Furthermore, current LC smart glass typically uses a double-layer or multi-layer LC dimming film design, which undoubtedly increases the complexity of the manufacturing process and the cost.

[0032] The principle behind EC (extracorporeal electroluminescence) dimming glass is the phenomenon that the optical properties of a material (including reflectivity, transmittance, and absorptivity) undergo stable and reversible color changes under the influence of an applied electric field. However, EC technology suffers from slow dimming speed and a poor user experience.

[0033] The principle behind SPD (Special Purpose Dimming) glass is to disperse particles with oriented light-absorbing properties in a suspension. When no electricity is applied, the Brownian motion particles randomly arrange themselves and absorb visible light; when electricity is applied, the particles align themselves, allowing light to pass through. However, SPD technology requires high-voltage control, resulting in relatively poor safety.

[0034] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of dimming glass to solve the above problems.

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0038] This application provides a dimming glass that can be applied to the automotive field, the architectural field, the field of artificial intelligence (AI) / augmented reality (AR) glasses, etc. Taking the automotive field as an example, the dimming glass can be the door glass of a vehicle, the triangular window glass on the rear side of the rear door, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0039] The dimming glass specifically includes a first glass 10 and a second glass 20 disposed opposite to each other, and an LC dimming film 30 disposed between the first glass 10 and the second glass 20; please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of a dimming glass structure provided in an embodiment of this application. One side of the LC dimming film 30 is bonded to the first glass 10 via a first sealing film 40, and the other side of the LC dimming film 30 is bonded to the second glass 20 via a second sealing film 50. A third sealing film 60 is bonded to the side of the LC dimming film 30. The first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 form a sealed space for setting the LC dimming film 30.

[0040] from Figure 1 As can be seen, the dimensions of the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 are larger than those of the LC dimming film 30, and the dimensions of the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 are the same as those of the first glass 10 and the second glass 20, respectively. Therefore, there is a gap between the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 (the space for setting the third sealing film 60). This gap, through the setting of the third sealing film 60, allows the first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 to form a sealed space, which is used to set the LC dimming film 30, thereby achieving the purpose of sealing the LC dimming film 30. Based on this description, it can be understood that the third sealing film 60 has a ring-shaped structure, and its shape corresponds to the shape of the LC dimming film 30.

[0041] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 are the same as the dimensions of the first glass 10 and the second glass 20, respectively, and the dimensions of the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 are equal to the dimensions of the LC dimming film 30. (See also...) Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another dimming glass structure provided in an embodiment of this application. In this case, the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 are completely bonded to the LC dimming film 30, while there is a gap between the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 (the space for setting the third sealing film 60). By setting the third sealing film 60, the sides of the first sealing film 40 and the second sealing film 50 are bonded to the third sealing film 60 to form a sealed space. This sealed space is used to set the LC dimming film 30, so as to achieve the purpose of sealing the LC dimming film 30.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first glass 10 (e.g.) Figure 1 The lower surface of the first glass 10 (from top to bottom) faces the LC dimming film 30, and the second surface of the first glass (such as...) Figure 1 The upper surface of the first glass 10 (from top to bottom) faces the outside of the vehicle (e.g., towards) Figure 1(The direction of the light ray S). A shielding film 70 (the part with thick lines in the figure) is provided on the edge area of ​​the first surface of the first glass. The light transmittance of the shielding film 70 is much smaller than the minimum light transmittance of the LC dimming film 30. In this way, the shielding film 70 can cover the appearance defects caused by the sealing layer (such as the third sealing film 60), as well as the shadow defects of the LC dimming film 30. In other words, it prevents the user inside the vehicle from seeing the third sealing film 60 and the shadow defects caused by the LC dimming film 30 being smaller than the first glass 10. Only the light ray S' of the light ray S passing through the LC dimming film can be seen, thereby improving the user's visual experience. It can be understood that the light ray S is the original light ray, and the light ray S' is the light ray S after passing through the dimming glass. The intensity of the light ray S' is generally weaker than that of the light ray S.

[0043] Optionally, the distance between the side of the LC dimming film 30 and the side of the first glass 10 ( Figure 1 (middle x2), less than the width of the shielding film 70 ( Figure 1 (x1). This ensures that the masking film 70 completely covers the third sealing layer 60, so that the user cannot see the third sealing film 60, further improving the user's visual experience.

[0044] Based on the above description, the first surface of the second glass 20 (such as...) Figure 1 The upper surface of the second glass 20 (from top to bottom) faces the LC dimming film 30, and the second surface of the second glass 20 (such as...) Figure 1 The lower surface of the second glass 20 (from top to bottom) faces the interior of the vehicle.

[0045] In this embodiment, the LC dimming film 30 includes a first conductive layer 31, a liquid crystal dimming layer 32, and a second conductive layer 33 sequentially stacked. Please refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an LC dimming film 30 provided in an embodiment of this application. A first conductive layer 31 is bonded to a first sealing film 40, and a second conductive layer is bonded to a second sealing film 50. Furthermore, the first conductive layer 31 and the second conductive layer 33 are respectively connected to external wires (e.g., wire 1 and wire 2), which are connected to a dimming glass controller. This allows the dimming glass controller to energize the liquid crystal dimming layer 32 through the first conductive layer 31 and the second conductive layer 33, thereby enabling the liquid crystal dimming layer 32 to perform dimming operations (i.e., changing the light transmittance of the liquid crystal dimming layer 32). Since the dimming glass of this application includes the LC dimming film 30, the dimming glass can also be called LC dimming glass.

[0046] Optionally, the first conductive layer 31, the liquid crystal dimming layer 32, and the second conductive layer 33 may be bonded together with an adhesive or pressed together, which is not limited herein.

[0047] based on Figure 1and Figure 3 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another type of dimming glass provided in an embodiment of this application. The connection relationships between the first glass 10, the second glass 20, the LC dimming film 30, the first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 are as described above. Figure 1 The described content; the connection relationship between the first conductive layer 31, the liquid crystal dimming layer 32, and the second conductive layer 33 is as described above. Figure 3 The details described herein will not be repeated here.

[0048] In some embodiments, the dimming glass further includes an edge-sealing layer 80; based on Figure 1 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another type of smart glass provided in an embodiment of this application. The edging layer 80 wraps around the sides of the first glass 10 and the second glass 20, the second surface of the second glass 20, and the sides of the third sealing film 60. This prevents the smart glass from breaking due to pressure, impacts, or other factors.

[0049] In some embodiments, the thickness of the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 is any one of the following: 2.5 mm, 2.3 mm, 2.1 mm, 1.8 mm, or 1.1 mm. For example, the thickness of the first glass 10 is 1.8 mm, and the thickness of the second glass 20 is 2.1 mm.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 are any of the following colors: white, green, or gray. For example, the first glass 10 is white (i.e., the first glass 10 is white glass, or the first glass 10 is transparent glass), and the second glass 20 is green (i.e., the second glass 20 is green glass). This can better ensure the light transmission effect of the dimming glass.

[0051] Optionally, both the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 are gray. In this case, the light transmittance of the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 is different. This can prevent the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 from failing to contribute to the light transmission effect.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thicknesses of the first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 are any one of the following: 0.76 mm, 0.38 mm. For example, the thickness of the first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 is all 0.38 mm. This thickness can reduce the impact of the sealing film on the light transmission effect.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first sealing membrane 40, the second sealing membrane 50, and the third sealing membrane 60 are polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membranes. It is understood that the first sealing membrane 40, the second sealing membrane 50, and the third sealing membrane 60 may also be made of other materials, and this application does not limit their use.

[0054] In some embodiments, the colors of the first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 are any one of the following: white, gray. For example, the color of the first sealing film 40 is white (or transparent), the color of the second sealing film 50 is white, and the color of the third sealing film 60 is gray.

[0055] Optionally, when the first sealing film 40, the second sealing film 50, and the third sealing film 60 are all gray, their light transmittances differ. This can reduce the impact of the sealing films on the light transmittance.

[0056] In some embodiments, a preferred embodiment of this application is as follows: the first glass 10 and the second glass 20 are both 1.8mm thick green glass, the LC dimming film 30 has a thickness of 0.76mm, the first sealing film 40 is a 0.76mm thick white PVB film, and the second sealing film 50 is a 0.38mm thick white PVB film. This embodiment allows the dimming glass to have a visible light transmittance (TL) of 0.3% to 0.5% in the dark state (which can be understood as the dimming glass being inactive), and a TL of 13% to 15% in the bright state (which can be understood as the dimming glass being activated).

[0057] In summary, the dimming glass of this application uses only a single-layer LC dimming film, which simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces the cost. The excellent color control and low haze of the LC dimming film ensure a superior visual experience for the user. Furthermore, the LC dimming film is sealed between the first and second glass panes using a first, second, and third sealing film, guaranteeing its safety and preventing damage from water, dust, or other contaminants.

[0058] Based on the above description, this application also provides a vehicle, which includes the dimming glass and dimming glass controller described above. See also... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of a vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application. The structure includes power windows on the left and right sides of the vehicle doors and triangular windows on the rear sides of the rear doors (also on the left and right sides of the vehicle). These power windows can be the aforementioned... Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3 The specific structure of the dimming glass shown is as described above and will not be repeated here. The dimming glass controller is connected to the external wires of the conductive layer in the dimming glass, and the dimming glass controller is located inside the vehicle's door sheet metal. In other words, the wiring harness and connectors between the dimming glass controller and the dimming glass are hidden inside the door panel sheet metal to avoid affecting the vehicle's appearance.

[0059] In some embodiments, the dimming glass controller may control the dimming glass in one or more of the following ways: soft switch control of the front screen of the vehicle, voice control, soft switch control of the rear armrest screen of the vehicle, gesture control, and physical switch control.

[0060] Among them, screen soft switches (such as controls on the screen) can enable the dimming glass to be turned on, off, and infinitely adjusted. Based on this, the dimming glass controller can control the dimming glass to turn on, off, or adjust to different brightness values ​​according to the user's triggering of the switch on the screen.

[0061] Gesture control can be achieved through one or more of the following gestures in a specific area around the glass (such as the area where a camera is installed): swipe up, swipe down, swipe forward, swipe backward, etc. Based on this, when the camera recognizes a gesture representing opening, closing, or adjusting to different brightness values, it sends a corresponding control signal to the dimming glass controller to control the dimming glass to open, close, or adjust to different brightness values.

[0062] Optionally, the dimming glass controller can control a single dimming glass individually, or multiple dimming glasses simultaneously.

[0063] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A type of dimming glass, characterized in that, It includes a first glass and a second glass disposed opposite to each other, and a liquid crystal LC dimming film disposed between the first glass and the second glass; In this design, one side of the LC dimming film is bonded to the first glass via a first sealing film, the other side of the LC dimming film is bonded to the second glass via a second sealing film, and a third sealing film is bonded to the side of the LC dimming film. The first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film form a sealed space for setting the LC dimming film.

2. The dimming glass as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The LC dimming film includes a first conductive layer, a liquid crystal dimming layer, and a second conductive layer stacked sequentially; wherein, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are respectively connected to external wires, the first conductive layer is bonded to the first sealing film, and the second conductive layer is bonded to the second sealing film.

3. The dimming glass as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The dimming glass is applied to a vehicle, with a first surface of the first glass facing the LC dimming film and a second surface of the first glass facing the outside of the vehicle. A shielding film is provided on the edge region of the first surface of the first glass, and the light transmittance of the shielding film is less than the minimum light transmittance of the LC dimming film.

4. The dimming glass as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The distance between the side of the LC dimming film and the side of the first glass is less than the width of the shielding film.

5. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The thickness of the first glass and the second glass is any one of the following: 2.5mm, 2.3mm, 2.1mm, 1.8mm, 1.1mm.

6. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The first glass and the second glass are any one of the following colors: white, green, or gray; When both the first glass and the second glass are gray, their light transmittances are different.

7. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The thickness of the first sealing film, the second sealing film and the third sealing film is any one of the following: 0.76 mm, 0.38 mm.

8. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film are PVB films; The colors of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film are any one of the following: white, gray; when the colors of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film are all gray, the light transmittance of the first sealing film, the second sealing film, and the third sealing film is different.

9. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Both the first and second glass are 1.8mm thick green glass, the first sealing film is a 0.76mm thick white PVB film, the LC dimming film has a thickness of 0.76mm, and the second sealing film is a 0.38mm thick white PVB film.

10. The dimming glass according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, In a vehicle, the first surface of the second glass faces the LC dimming film, and the second surface of the second glass faces the interior of the vehicle. The dimming glass also includes an edge-sealing layer, which wraps around the sides of the first glass and the second glass, as well as the second surface of the second glass.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: A dimming glass controller, and a dimming glass according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The dimming glass controller is connected to the external wire of the conductive layer in the dimming glass, and the dimming glass controller is disposed inside the door sheet metal of the vehicle.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that, The vehicles include new energy vehicles, hybrid vehicles, range-extended electric vehicles, or fuel vehicles.

Images