Multifunctional light control film, and structure including this film

Abstract

To provide a laminate grazing with a light control function.SOLUTION: A laminate grazing includes a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate including therebetween first and second polymer intermediate films, and a layer film stacked between the polymer intermediate films. The layer film includes at least three, first, second, and third, carrier films, a first light control layer disposed between the first and second carrier films, and a second light control layer disposed between the second and third carrier films. A surface of the carrier film is coated with transparent conductive coating. The first carrier film and the third carrier film include a polarized film.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 741,078, entitled "Multifunctional Light Management Film and Structures Including Same," filed October 4, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 811,048, entitled "Multifunctional Light Management Film and Structures Including Same," filed February 27, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to light management films having at least two functional layers. [Background technology]

[0003] Light management films in glass structures are provided for a variety of purposes, including, but not limited to, architectural and vehicle windows. Light management films include, but are not limited to, those based on liquid crystal structures. The light management films can be selectively changed from an opaque or dark state to a transparent state by applying an electric field to the film. Electrical connections can be placed within the glass structure to control the light management material. When an electric field is activated, the light management material changes from an opaque state to a transparent state, or vice versa.

[0004] Light-control materials can be provided in various forms, including polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) structures, polymer-network liquid crystal (PNLC) structures, and suspended particle device (SPD) structures. Furthermore, light-control films can include electrochromic structures. Specifically, PDLC films are formed by liquid crystals dispersed throughout a liquid polymer matrix. When the polymer matrix solidifies, the liquid crystals form droplets. The random arrangement of the liquid crystal droplets gives PDLC its opaque, milky appearance in the OFF state. When a current is applied to a PDLC, the liquid crystals align in a nematic orientation in the direction of the electric field. The parallel orientation allows light to pass through, making the PDLC transparent in the ON state. PNLCs can also provide films that can be selectively switched between opaque and transparent states. PNLC films have a much higher liquid crystal to polymer ratio and require a lower driving voltage. PDLC and PNLC films can also be configured with reverse alignment. In the default OFF state, the PDLC or PNLC is transparent, while in the ON state, when a voltage is applied, the PDLC or PNLC becomes opaque.

[0005] PDLC and PNLC films can be selectively used to provide privacy or allow light transmission in a variety of applications. PDLC and PNLC films can be used as display surfaces. The display surface can be a white, opaque film used in conjunction with a light source to project an image onto the film. However, PDLC and PNLC displays can be affected by light behind the film. In architectural and vehicular applications, sunlight and other light sources can shine behind the PDLC or PNLC film, interfering with the visibility of the projection on the display. Therefore, the prior art needs PDLC or PNLC films with improved performance in a variety of lighting conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102016216929 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Certain embodiments disclosed herein include laminated glazing that includes first and second glass substrates laminated together and having first and second polymer intermediate films therebetween, and a layered film laminated between the first and second polymer intermediate films. The layered film includes at least three carrier films arranged parallel to each other, with a second carrier film arranged between a first carrier film and a third carrier film, a first surface of the first carrier film coated with a first transparent conductive coating, a first surface of the second carrier film coated with a second transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the first carrier film facing the first surface of the second carrier film, a second surface of the second carrier film coated with a third transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the third carrier film coated with a fourth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the second carrier film facing the first surface of the third carrier film, a first light-controlling layer arranged between the first carrier film and the second carrier film, and a second light-controlling layer arranged between the second carrier film and the third carrier film.

[0008] In some embodiments, the laminate glazing can be architectural or automotive glazing.

[0009] The laminate glazing may further include an anti-reflective layer and a transparent dielectric layer.

[0010] A transparent dielectric layer may in particular be arranged between the at least one carrier film and the transparent conductive coating.

[0011] Additionally, the laminated glazing may include a suspended particle device light control layer. Some embodiments may include a liquid crystal light control layer, which may include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer or a polymer network liquid crystal layer. Certain embodiments may include an electrochromic light control layer.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the light management layer may be different. Certain embodiments may include a suspended particle device and a liquid crystal layer, which in certain embodiments may include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer or a polymer network liquid crystal layer.

[0013] The light control layer of the laminated glazing may include first and second electrical connections that may be separately controlled, and the electrical connections may be variable to provide an on state, an off state, and a partially on state.

[0014] In further embodiments, either or both photochromatic layers may be segmented, and the transparent conductive coating may include cutouts that form the segmentation. Segments may be provided in one or both photochromatic layers. If both photochromatic layers are segmented, the segmentations may be the same or different. Furthermore, the segments of the photochromatic layers may be electrically isolated from each other and separately connected to a power source.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the intermediate film may comprise polyvinyl butyral.

[0016] In certain embodiments, a fourth carrier film and a third light-regulating layer may be provided. The fourth carrier film faces the third carrier film, the second side of the third carrier film is coated with a fifth transparent conductive coating, the first side of the fourth carrier film is coated with a sixth transparent conductive coating, and the second side of the third carrier film faces the first side of the fourth carrier film. The third light-regulating layer is disposed between the third carrier film and the fourth carrier film.

[0017] The laminate glazing may further include an infrared reflective layer. In some embodiments, the infrared reflective layer may be a transparent conductive coating that includes the first transparent conductive coating.

[0018] In some further embodiments, two of the carrier films may be polarizing films, one of which has a polarization angle of 90° relative to the polarization angle of the other. A liquid crystal layer may be provided as a light-controlling layer between the polarizing films. Other light-controlling layers may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer or a polymer-network liquid crystal layer.

[0019] The present application further discloses a layered material including at least three carrier films arranged parallel to one another, with a second carrier film disposed between a first carrier film and a third carrier film, a first surface of the first carrier film coated with a first transparent conductive coating, a first surface of the second carrier film coated with a second transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the first carrier film facing the first surface of the second carrier film, a second surface of the second carrier film coated with a third transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the third carrier film coated with a fourth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the second carrier film facing the first surface of the third carrier film, a first light control layer disposed between the first carrier film and the second carrier film, and a second light control layer disposed between the second carrier film and the third carrier film.

[0020] Additionally, the layered material may include a suspended particle device light control layer. Some embodiments may include a liquid crystal light control layer, which may include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer or a polymer network liquid crystal layer. Certain embodiments may include an electrochromic light control layer. Certain embodiments may include a suspended particle device and a liquid crystal layer, which in certain embodiments may include a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer or a polymer network liquid crystal layer.

[0021] The layered material may include first and second transparent conductive coatings, which may be the same. In particular, the coatings may be indium tin oxide. Further embodiments may include multiple types of transparent conductive coatings. In certain embodiments, the transparent conductive coating may include an infrared-reflective layer.

[0022] Further embodiments of the layered material may include a transparent dielectric layer, hi some embodiments, the transparent dielectric layer may be disposed between the carrier film and the conductive coating.

[0023] In further embodiments, either or both photochromatic layers may be segmented, and the transparent conductive coating may include cutouts that form the segmentation. Segments may be provided in one or both photochromatic layers. If both photochromatic layers are segmented, the segmentations may be the same or different. Furthermore, the segments of the photochromatic layers may be electrically isolated from each other and separately connected to a power source.

[0024] Additionally, layered materials may be laminated between intermediate films including polyvinyl butyral, which may in turn be laminated between glass substrates.

[0025] Some embodiments may further provide a fourth carrier film and a third light-regulating layer. The fourth carrier film faces the third carrier film, the second surface of the third carrier film is coated with a fifth transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the fourth carrier film is coated with a sixth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the third carrier film faces the first surface of the fourth carrier film. The third light-regulating layer is disposed between the third carrier film and the fourth carrier film.

[0026] In some further embodiments, two of the carrier films may be polarizing films, one of which has a polarization angle of 90° relative to the polarization angle of the other. A liquid crystal layer may be provided as a light-controlling layer between the polarizing films. Other light-controlling layers may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer or a polymer-network liquid crystal layer.

[0027] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more exemplary aspects of the disclosure and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations thereof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of laminated glass including a laminate stack having two light-control layers according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a laminated glass including an SPD-PDLC film according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 shows a cross-sectional view of laminated glass including three light-control layers according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Disclosed herein are multifunctional light management films having multiple functional layers, and glass products having such films. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, specific details are set forth to facilitate a thorough understanding of one or more aspects of the present disclosure. However, it may be apparent that in some or all cases, many of the aspects described below can be practiced without employing the specific design details described below.

[0030] For purposes of this disclosure, a "side" of a PDLC, PNLC, SPD, electrochromic, photochromic, or carrier film refers to the surface or portion of the film onto which a substrate and / or film layer may be stacked. The films disclosed herein may be switchable from an "opaque" state to a "transparent" state. In the transparent state, the film has a higher visible light transmittance than in the opaque state. Some light may be transmitted through the opaque film, and opaque films may include dark films that are not milky white. Some films may have a visible light transmittance of less than 100% in the clear, on-state. Additionally, the film may have at least one partially opaque state that results in a visible light transparency between that in the opaque state and that in the transparent state. Visible light transparency may be determined, inter alia, by ISO 3538:1997, "Road vehicles - Safety glazing materials - Test methods for optical properties."

[0031] The light-controlling layer or film may comprise any suitable material, including polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), polymer-network liquid crystal (PNLC), suspended particle device (SPD), or electrochromic film. In particular, SPD materials may comprise particles suspended in a liquid. SPD films may be dark in color in the off state due to particles suspended within the film. In the on state under an applied voltage, the SPD film may be transparent or more transparent than the off state. When a current is applied to the SPD film, the particles align and light passes through the film. The amount of light transmitted through the SPD film may depend on the applied voltage. Therefore, a partially on state may be achieved by applying a voltage lower than that required to turn the SPD film on.

[0032] Liquid crystal light control films can be opaque or transparent in the off state. When a voltage is applied to a liquid crystal light control film, the film can switch from opaque to transparent or transparent to opaque in the on state. The amount of change in transparency and opacity can be controlled by the amount of voltage applied to the film, resulting in a partially on state. In particular, a partially on state can be achieved by applying a voltage lower than that which would provide a fully on state for the film. Like PDLCs and PNLCs, SPDs can be selectively on, partially on, or off depending on the voltage applied to the film.

[0033] Typically, PDLC or PNLC films provide a milky, opaque surface that can be used as a display screen; however, the film may not completely block light. Therefore, some light may be transmitted through the PDLC or PNLC film in its opaque state. When a PDLC or PNLC film is used as a screen, the light transmitted through the film may be undesirable. This light may interfere with the visibility of the display on the film surface and the comfort of the user using the film display. Limiting the light transmitted through the PDLC or PNLC film may be desirable to limit the interference of light sources such as the sun. A light-control layer, such as an SPD, can provide a dark surface behind the PDLC or PNLC display to limit the effect of sunlight on the LCD. A darker background can block sunlight from the PDLC or PNLC display, improving the viewing experience. Reducing the light transmitted through the display surface can improve the contrast of the image displayed on the film.

[0034] Furthermore, PDLC or PNLC displays are not directional. Therefore, an image projected onto a PDLC or PNLC display can be viewed from the opposite side of the film. A darkened light-control layer containing an SPD can reduce the visibility of an image on the opposite side of a PDLC or PNLC display under some lighting conditions.

[0035] Glass products with light-controlling functionality can be formed by placing a light-controlling film between two glass substrates. Generally, light-controlling layers, including PDLC, PNLC, and SPD layers, are each sandwiched between two carrier films. The carrier films can include, but are not limited to, polymer films such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate, or coated glass sheets. A transparent conductive material (including, but not limited to, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) such as indium tin oxide (ITO)) can be coated onto the carrier film so that the functional light-controlling layer faces the transparent conductive material coating. This film structure can be sandwiched between two adhesive polymer interlayers (including, but not limited to, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)). In particular, the PVB light-controlling film structure-PVB layered material can be laminated between two glass substrates. The layered film can also be used in any other suitable applications, including lamination between non-glass materials.

[0036] It may be desirable to include multiple light-controlling functional films, such as liquid crystal light-controlling films (e.g., PDLC, PNLC, and SPD films), in a single laminated glass to provide a dimming dark background for a light-controlling display screen. As described above, when multiple light-controlling layers are provided in a structure, each light-controlling layer is typically constructed separately between PET sheets, such that the structure may include two carrier films (e.g., PET films) for each light-controlling layer. Carrier films cannot be directly laminated together in the laminated glass without an adhesive between them. Therefore, an adhesive polymer layer, such as PVB, must be included between the carrier films of the light-controlling films. As a result, multiple polymer and adhesive sheets can increase the thickness of the laminate, introduce unwanted haze or light reflection, and increase the cost of the laminated product. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, adhesive and carrier film layers can be eliminated from the design of a final glass product with a multifunctional light-controlling composite film having multiple functional layers. Thus, fewer adhesive and carrier film layers can provide a lighter structure, potentially reducing the weight of the final glass product. Furthermore, composite film structures can require fewer steps to align the interlayers between glass substrates during glass product preparation and lamination. For at least these reasons, a laminate film with multiple functional light control layers in a single film sheet can be preferable to the additional thickness required for individual films. One such film can include a PDLC functional layer and an SPD functional layer within a single film structure.

[0037] In films with multiple functional layers, each layer can be separately connected to one or more power sources. Thus, users can independently control the on / off state of each functional layer. For example, in a structure with an SPD layer and a PDLC or PNLC layer, users can select either both layers as on, both layers as off, or one layer as on and the other as off. Either or both functional layers can even be partially on. Laminated glass can appear like typical glass when both functional layers are transparent. Alternatively, users can switch one or both functional layers to opaque to enhance privacy, limit light transmission, and / or provide a display screen. The electrical connection to the photochromic layer can have a variable voltage connection so that an on or partially on state can be achieved. The electrical connection can include a bus bar and connector affixed to each of the conductive coatings surrounding the photochromic layer, and the connectors can be connected to a power source. The power sources for each of the light-controlling layers may be the same or different, and each power source may be configured to provide a variable voltage to the light-controlling film, in which case the user may determine the applied voltage that corresponds to the desired light-control function.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a curved laminated glass 100 having two functional layers, an SPD 220 and a PDLC 230, within a single intermediate film according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the film 104 can include at least three carrier films 203, 206. In certain embodiments, the outer carrier films 203 can each be coated with a conductive material 204 on the inner surface facing the photochromic functional layer 205, which in some embodiments can include an SPD or PDLC. The inner carrier film 206 can be disposed between the photochromic layers 205, and both sides of the carrier film 206 can be coated with the conductive material 204. Thus, each of the photochromic layers 205 can be surrounded by the conductive material 204 coated on the adjacent carrier film 203, 206. The SPD-PDLC film or other multi-photochromic film 104 can be further sandwiched between intermediate adhesive polymer films 103, 105, which can include PVB. Glass substrates 502, 505 may be disposed outside the adhesive films 103, 105 to form the laminated glass 100. When the light control layer 205 includes an SPD and a PDLC, the SPD layer 220 may preferably be disposed between the PDLC 230 and the exterior surface of the laminated glass 100. For example, in a vehicle window, the PDLC layer 230 may be disposed closer to the interior of the vehicle than the SPD layer 220. Vehicle windows may include any suitable window, including side windows, sunroofs, windshields, and back windows. The films and laminated glass products disclosed herein may also be used in architectural glazing.

[0039] The transparent conductive material 204 can be any material suitable for coating the carrier films 203 and 206 to form a transparent conductive layer. The transparent conductive material 204 can include, but is not limited to, organic conductive polymers, transparent conductive oxides, and transparent conductive non-oxides. Organic conductive polymers can include, but are not limited to, polythiophenes (e.g., PEDOT), polypyrroles, and polyanilines. Transparent conductive oxides can include, but are not limited to, indium tin oxide (ITO), fluorine tin oxide (FTO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), and indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO). Transparent conductive non-oxides can include, but are not limited to, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires (AgNWs).

[0040] The transparent conductive material 204 adjacent to the SPD layer 220 may be the same or different from the transparent conductive material 204 adjacent to the PDLC layer 230. The functional photochromic layer 205 may be sandwiched between the same or different conductive layers 204 within a single multifunctional film 104.

[0041] In some embodiments, one or more photochromic layers can be segmented. A segmented photochromic layer can be disposed between transparent conductive layers with cutouts that define the segments. The segments can be electrically isolated from one another so that they can be electrically controlled independently of one another. Each segment in a photochromic layer can be individually connected to a power source. When multiple photochromic layers are segmented within a film, the segmentation can have the same or different patterns. When a photochromic layer is segmented, the transparent conductive layers surrounding the photochromic layer can each be etched with a desired segmentation pattern.

[0042] In further embodiments, a transparent dielectric layer may be coated between the transparent conductive layer 204 and the carrier films 203, 206. The transparent dielectric layer may be a reflectance matching (IM) layer or a passivation layer. The IM layer may include an inorganic or organic low-reflectivity layer, a high-reflectivity layer, or a combination thereof. The transparent dielectric layer may include, but is not limited to, any one of oxides, nitrides, or oxynitrides of Si, Ti, Al, or Zr, or a combination thereof.

[0043] Additionally, an anti-reflective layer can be included in a structure having the disclosed layered light management film 104. The anti-reflective layer can reduce the reflectivity of any appropriate layer in the structure. In particular, the anti-reflective layer can preferably limit reflection from the transparent conductive material 204. In some embodiments, the materials of the reflective IM layer, passivation layer, and anti-reflective layer can be the same. Furthermore, an anti-reflective layer can be provided on a substrate in front of the film 104 used as a screen to prevent glare from the substrate, such as glass, in front of the screen surface. In certain embodiments, an anti-reflective layer can be included on at least one carrier film 203, 206 and / or the glass substrate 502, 505. In some embodiments, an anti-reflective layer can be between at least one carrier film 203, 206 and the transparent conductive coating 204 to reduce the reflectivity of the transparent conductive coating 204. An anti-reflective film or coating can be applied to some or all of the transparent conductive coating 204.

[0044] In some embodiments, the laminated glass structure may include an infrared-reflecting (IRR) layer. The IRR layer may include a coating that may be provided on any suitable surface of the glazing, including a film or glass sheet. In certain embodiments, the IRR layer may be provided within a light management film. In particular, the IRR layer may also be a conductive material, such that a transparent conductive layer within the light management film may have IRR properties. Preferably, the IRR layer is located between the light management layer of the laminated film and the outward-facing glass sheet. The IRR layer may reflect infrared light before it reaches the light management material layer within the light management film, limiting exposure of the light management material to infrared radiation. The IRR coating may include multiple layers and any suitable functional material. In some embodiments, the IRR coating may include at least one functional layer that is metallic, such as silver, gold, copper, or a non-metallic material. Preferably, the IRR coating includes at least one functional layer that is silver.

[0045] According to aspects of the present disclosure, bus bars may be provided on the transparent conductive material 204 of the laminated glass 100 to provide power to control the on / off state of the photochromic layers 205, which may include SPD layers and liquid crystal photochromic layers. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 , a bus bar may be provided on each of the transparent conductive layers 204 on each of the outer and inner carrier films 203 and 206. Separate power sources may be provided for the first and second photochromic layers 205, which may include the SPD layer 220 and the liquid crystal photochromic layer 230, respectively, allowing a user to select whether to control one or both of the photochromic layers 205 in an on state, an off state, or a partial on state. The power sources may be the same or different for each photochromic layer 205. Varying the amount of power applied to the SPD 220 and liquid crystal 230 photochromic layers can change the light transmitted through the layers to provide a partial on state. The amount of power provided to each layer to provide the on state may be the same or different for each functional layer.

[0046] Any suitable light-controlling material can be used in the structures disclosed herein. For example, the light-controlling material can include any polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, polymer-network liquid crystal, suspended particle device, or electrochromic film, as any combination of one or more types of light-controlling material. The layered materials disclosed herein can include one or more types of light-controlling material within a single stack of materials. For example, layered material embodiments can include SPD and PDLC layers, or PDLC and electrochromic layers. Further embodiments can include three or more light-controlling materials. Any number of carrier films, transparent conductive coatings, and light-controlling layers can be stacked within the layered film.

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more of the carrier films can be polarizing layers. Polarizing layers can include polarizer composites and films or glass sheets, which can include polymer films. In particular, the outer carrier film 203 and inner carrier film 206 of the multifunctional light control film can be polarizing layers, where one of the polarizing layers has a polarization angle of 90° relative to the other polarizing layer within the structure. A liquid crystal layer can be disposed between the polarizing layers as a light control layer, with a transparent conductive coating provided on the polarizing layer facing the liquid crystal layer. In the off state, if the polarization angles of the polarizing layers are perpendicular to each other, light may not pass through each polarizing layer, so the polarizing layers and the liquid crystal layer between them can provide a black or dark surface, which can be suitable as a background for the display surface. The black or dark state can also provide privacy, if needed. In the on state, the liquid crystal can change the path of light passing through so that light can pass through both polarizing layers even when they are at 90° to each other. Light can pass through the first polarizing layer and then have its polarization changed by the liquid crystal layer so that it passes through the second polarizing layer. In a specific example, the inner polarizing film is coated on both sides with a transparent conductive coating, and the inner polarizing film is adjacent to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal or polymer network liquid crystal layer. The outer carrier film adjacent to the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal or polymer network liquid crystal layer can be a non-polarizing carrier film. Thus, a multifunctional light control film having a polarizing film can include a first non-polarizing carrier film with a transparent conductive coating, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal or polymer network liquid crystal layer, a polarizing film coated on both sides with a transparent conductive coating, a liquid crystal layer, and a polarizing film coated with a transparent conductive coating facing the liquid crystal layer.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3 , according to the present disclosure, three light management layers can be formed within a single laminate. Laminated glass substrates 502 and 505 surround two polymer adhesive layers 103 and 105, which in turn surround a light management film 104. A light management film can include any number of light management layers 205, which can be of any suitable material. The light management layers 205 within a light management film 104 can be the same or different. In the illustrated light management film 104, two outer carrier films 203 face the polymer adhesive layers 103 and 105, and are coated with a transparent conductive coating 204 on the opposite side. The side of the carrier film 203 with the transparent conductive coating 204 faces the light management layer 205. Between the light management layers 205 is a carrier film 206 coated with a transparent conductive coating 204 on both sides, with the transparent conductive coating 204 facing the light management layer 205. The carrier films 203 and 206 can include polymer films. A particular embodiment may include first, second, third, and fourth carrier films 203, 206 parallel to one another, each having a transparent conductive coating 204 on the surface of the carrier film facing one another. In this embodiment, three light-controlling layers 205 may be provided between the carrier films 203, 206 and the transparent conductive coating 204. For example, a liquid crystal layer that can be used as a display may be formed with an SPD layer on each side of the liquid crystal layer. It may be desirable to include an SPD layer that can mask the milky white color of the opaque liquid crystal layer when not in use. The SPD can then be switched to a transparent state when needed. Any combination of at least two light-controlling layers may be formed according to such an embodiment.

[0049] The above description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the common principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the above description in connection with the drawings illustrates examples and does not represent the only examples that may be practiced or the only examples that fall within the scope of the claims.

[0050] Additionally, although elements of the described aspects and / or embodiments may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is included unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. Moreover, all or a portion of any aspect and / or embodiment may be utilized with all or a portion of any other aspect and / or embodiment unless otherwise stated. Thus, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate laminated together and having first and second polymer intermediate films therebetween; a layered film laminated between the first and second polymer intermediate films; A laminated glazing comprising: The layered film is at least three carrier films arranged parallel to each other and a second carrier film disposed between the first carrier film and the third carrier film, a first surface of the first carrier film being coated with a first transparent conductive coating, a first surface of the second carrier film being coated with a second transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the first carrier film facing the first surface of the second carrier film, a second surface of the second carrier film being coated with a third transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the third carrier film being coated with a fourth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the second carrier film facing the first surface of the third carrier film; a first light-regulating layer disposed between the first carrier film and the second carrier film; a second light-regulating layer disposed between the second carrier film and the third carrier film; Including, the first carrier film includes a first polarizing film, the third carrier film includes a second polarizing film, and the first polarizing film has a polarization angle of 90° relative to the polarization angle of the second polarizing film; The second carrier film is made of a non-polarizing carrier film. Laminate glazing.

2. The laminate glazing of claim 1 , wherein the laminate glazing comprises an automotive glazing.

3. The laminated glazing of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first photochromic layer or the second photochromic layer comprises a liquid crystal layer.

4. The laminated glazing of claim 3 , wherein the second photochromic layer comprises a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer.

5. The laminated glazing of claim 1 , wherein the first photochromic layer and the second photochromic layer comprise different materials.

6. 2. The laminated glazing of claim 1, further comprising a first electrical connection for powering the first photochromic layer and a second electrical connection for powering the second photochromic layer, wherein the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection are individually controlled.

7. The laminated glazing of claim 1 , wherein the first and second transparent conductive coatings include a deletion that defines a first segment of the first and second transparent conductive coatings.

8. The layered film further comprises a fourth carrier film and a third light-regulating layer; the fourth carrier film faces the third carrier film, the second surface of the third carrier film is coated with a fifth transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the fourth carrier film is coated with a sixth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the third carrier film faces the first surface of the fourth carrier film; The third light-controlling layer is disposed between a third carrier film and a fourth carrier film.

2. The laminated glazing of claim 1.

9. 10. The laminated glazing of claim 1, comprising an infrared reflective layer.

10. 10. The laminated glazing of claim 9, wherein the infrared reflective layer is at least one of the transparent conductive coatings.

11. The laminated glazing of claim 1 further comprising a transparent dielectric layer.

12. 2. The laminated glazing of claim 1, wherein the second light-controlling layer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer and a polymer network liquid crystal layer.

13. at least three carrier films arranged parallel to each other and a second carrier film disposed between the first carrier film and the third carrier film, a first surface of the first carrier film being coated with a first transparent conductive coating, a first surface of the second carrier film being coated with a second transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the first carrier film facing the first surface of the second carrier film, a second surface of the second carrier film being coated with a third transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the third carrier film being coated with a fourth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the second carrier film facing the first surface of the third carrier film; a first light-regulating layer disposed between the first carrier film and the second carrier film; a second light-regulating layer disposed between the second carrier film and the third carrier film; Including, the first light-regulating layer includes a suspended particle device layer, and the second light-regulating layer includes a liquid crystal layer; the first carrier film includes a first polarizing film, the third carrier film includes a second polarizing film, and the first polarizing film has a polarization angle of 90° relative to the polarization angle of the second polarizing film; The second carrier film is made of a non-polarizing carrier film. Layered materials.

14. 14. The layered material of claim 13, wherein the first and fourth transparent conductive coatings include a deletion that defines a first segment of the first and fourth transparent conductive coatings.

15. The layered material further includes a fourth carrier film and a third light-regulating layer; the fourth carrier film faces the third carrier film, the second surface of the third carrier film is coated with a fifth transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the fourth carrier film is coated with a sixth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the third carrier film faces the first surface of the fourth carrier film; The third light-controlling layer is disposed between a third carrier film and a fourth carrier film. The layered material of claim 13.

16. a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate laminated together and having first and second polymer intermediate films therebetween; a layered film laminated between the first and second polymer intermediate films; A laminated glazing comprising: The layered film includes a plurality of carrier films and a plurality of light-regulating layers, each of which is disposed between two adjacent carrier films, and at least one surface of the two adjacent carrier films facing the light-regulating layer is coated with a transparent conductive coating; The layered film is configured to vary the amount of light transmitted through the laminated glazing depending on the properties of at least the transparent conductive coating and each photochromic layer; The plurality of carrier films and the plurality of light-controlling layers are At least three carrier films arranged parallel to each other, with a second carrier film disposed between a first carrier film and a third carrier film; a first light-regulating layer disposed between the first carrier film and the second carrier film; a second light-regulating layer disposed between the second carrier film and the third carrier film; Including, the first carrier film includes a first polarizing film, the third carrier film includes a second polarizing film, and the first polarizing film has a polarization angle of 90° relative to the polarization angle of the second polarizing film; The second carrier film is made of a non-polarizing carrier film. Laminate glazing.

17. a first surface of the first carrier film is coated with a first transparent conductive coating, a first surface of the second carrier film is coated with a second transparent conductive coating, and the first surface of the first carrier film faces the first surface of the second carrier film; the second surface of the second carrier film is coated with a third transparent conductive coating, the first surface of the third carrier film is coated with a fourth transparent conductive coating, and the second surface of the second carrier film faces the first surface of the third carrier film; 17. Laminated glazing according to claim 16.

18. 17. The laminated glazing of claim 16, wherein the first photochromic layer comprises a liquid crystal layer.

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