Electrochromic sun visor with switchable vanity mirror

Abstract

A visor assembly with a switchable mirror element is provided. [Solution] The visor assembly of the automobile includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface, a second substrate located away from the first substrate and defining a third element surface and a fourth element surface, and an electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state, and a reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a visor assembly, and more specifically to a visor assembly having a switchable mirror element.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an automotive visor assembly includes a perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. The second substrate is located at a position away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state, and a reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an automotive visor assembly includes a perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. The second substrate is located at a position away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state, and a reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device, and an absorption polarizer is disposed on the opposite side of the liquid crystal device compared to the reflective polarizer.

[0004] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the visor assembly of an automobile includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. The second substrate is located away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first and second substrates. The visor assembly further includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, and a liquid crystal device sandwiched between the first and second electrode layers and configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

[0005] The above and other features, advantages, and purposes of this disclosure will be further understood and recognized by those skilled in the art by referring to the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is an internal perspective view of an automobile in which a visor assembly is incorporated into a conventional sun visor according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an interior perspective view of an automobile in which a visor assembly is incorporated into the front window according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a side view of a railway vehicle incorporating a visor assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a front view of a building, such as a house, incorporating a visor assembly according to one aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a side perspective view of an aircraft incorporating a visor assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a visor assembly according to a first configuration according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a visor assembly according to a second configuration according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a front view of a visor assembly having a liquid crystal device according to a first segmentation according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] This is a front view of a visor assembly having a liquid crystal device according to a second segmentation according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] This is a front view of a visor assembly having a liquid crystal device according to a third segmentation according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments illustrated herein primarily relate to a combination of method steps and apparatus components concerning a visor assembly with a switchable mirror element. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps are represented in the drawings by conventional symbols where necessary, and only specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure by details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Furthermore, the same figures in the specification and drawings represent the same elements.

[0008] For the purposes of this specification, the terms “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and their derivatives are used in relation to the direction of disclosure shown in Figure 1. Unless otherwise specified, the term “front” refers to the surface of the device closer to the intended viewer, and the term “rear” refers to the surface of the device further away from the intended viewer. However, unless expressly otherwise specified, it should be understood that this disclosure may assume various alternative directions. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept as defined in the accompanying claims. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting unless expressly otherwise stated in the claims.

[0009] The terms “includes,” “equip,” “possess,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include other elements not expressly listed or that are not specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus, rather than including only those elements. An element beginning with “equip” does not, unless further restricted, preclude the existence of identical additional elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 6, reference numeral 10 indicates a visor assembly 10 for an automobile 12 in a first configuration overall. The visor assembly 10 includes an outer perimeter 14 and an electrochromic element 16 configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element 16 includes a first substrate 18 defining a first element surface 20 and a second element surface 22. The electrochromic element 16 further includes a second substrate 24 located away from the first substrate 18 and defining a third element surface 26 and a fourth element surface 28. An electroactive medium 30 is positioned between the first substrate 18 and the second substrate 24. A liquid crystal device 32 is coupled to the electrochromic element 16 and configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state. A reflective element, such as a reflective polarizer 34, is positioned between the electrochromic element 16 and the liquid crystal device 32. In some embodiments, the reflective element may include other structures, such as a reflective film.

[0011] Next, referring to Figure 1-5, various structures of the visor assembly 10 can be incorporated into one or more structures. For example, Figure 1 shows the interior cabin 35 of a car 12 using the visor assembly 10 in, for example, a conventional sun visor position. More specifically, the visor assembly 10 may include a coupling member 36 that connects the visor assembly 10 to the interior cabin 35. As indicated by the arrows, the coupling member 36 may be configured to pivot and / or otherwise move the visor assembly 10 between a retracted position where the visor assembly 10 does not coincide with the driver's field of view and an extended position where the visor assembly 10 coincides with the driver's field of view. In the extended position, the visor assembly 10 can therefore switch between a transparent, dark, or reflective state, depending on the driver's needs. The visor assembly 10 may include a frame 38 (e.g., a bezel) that extends along at least a portion of the outer circumference 14 (e.g., the entire outer circumference) and connects with the coupling member 36. Referring next to Figure 2, the visor assembly 10 can similarly be incorporated into a window 40 (e.g., a front window) of the automobile 12. For example, the outer perimeter 14 of the visor assembly 10 can be embedded within the window 40 such that the front and rear surfaces of the window 40 have substantially the same width in the visor assembly 10 (e.g., there is no visible step). In some embodiments, the automobile 12 may include a commercial vehicle, a bus, an emergency vehicle, a residential vehicle, or the like.

[0012] Referring to Figure 3, a railway vehicle 42 (e.g., electric train, subway, trolley and / or similar) can use the visor assembly 10. For example, the visor assembly 10 can be placed inside the window 44 of the train (e.g., embedded), or on a coupling member 36 adjacent to the window 44 of the train, and / or on other sliding or swivel curtain-type couplings. Referring to Figure 4, a building 46 (e.g., residential, commercial building, medical facility and / or similar) can use the visor assembly 10. For example, the visor assembly 10 can be placed inside the window 48 of the building (e.g., embedded), or on a coupling member 36 adjacent to the window 48 of the building, and / or on other sliding or swivel curtain-type couplings. Referring to Figure 5, an airplane 50 can use the visor assembly 10. For example, the visor assembly 10 can be positioned (e.g., embedded) within the side windows 52 or front windows 54 of the aircraft, or on the connecting members 36 and / or sliding or swivel curtain-type connecting parts adjacent to the windows 52, 54 of the aircraft.

[0013] Referring next to Figure 6, the visor assembly 10 is shown according to the first structure. The liquid crystal device 32 can be sandwiched between the first electrode layer 56 and the second electrode layer 58, and the application of an electric field causes twisting and / or untwisting of the liquid crystal molecules, resulting in a rotation of the polarization of light (e.g., between the first polarization P1 and the second polarization P2). In some embodiments, the liquid crystal device 32 includes a twisted nematic configuration, where the liquid crystal molecules remain in a twisted arrangement until the electric field causes them to move to an untwisted state. In the untwisted state, the first polarization P1 can pass through the liquid crystal device 32 without substantial change in polarization. Thus, the reflective polarizer 34 can be configured to reflect the first polarization P1 to the viewer.

[0014] Continuing to refer to Figure 6, the visor assembly 10 may further include a front substrate 60 positioned on the opposite side of the liquid crystal device 32 from the reflective polarizer 34, and an absorbing polarizer 62 positioned between the front substrate 60 and the liquid crystal device 32. The absorbing polarizer 62 may be configured to transmit a first polarization P1 and absorb a second polarization P2. Thus, in the untwisted state, the first polarization P1 passes through the absorbing polarizer 62 and the liquid crystal device 32, and is reflected by the reflective polarizer 34 towards the viewer with substantially no change in polarization. However, in the twisted state, the first polarization P1 switches to the second polarization P2, and therefore all secondary reflected rays of the second polarization P2 are absorbed by the absorbing polarizer 62.

[0015] The front substrate 60 can define a screen 64 positioned closest to the observer. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the first element surface 20 of the electrochromic element 16 can define a screen (i.e., it can be configured to be positioned closest to the observer). An optical adhesive 66 is placed between the electrochromic element 16 and the liquid crystal device 32 to bond the electrochromic element 16 to the liquid crystal device 32. The electrochromic element 16 can define an EC outer circumference 68 which may be the same as or smaller than the outer circumference 14 of the visor assembly 10. The liquid crystal device 32 may include an LC outer circumference 70 which may be the same as or smaller than the EC outer circumference 68 of the electrochromic element 16. In the illustrated example, the LC outer circumference 70 is entirely within the range of the EC outer circumference 68 (for example, this may include one or more sides of the EC outer circumference 68 and the LC outer circumference 70 being aligned). In this way, a space 72 can be defined between the portion of the electrochromic element 16 outside the LC circumference 70 and the front substrate 60. The optical adhesive 66 can almost completely fill the space 72. In some embodiments, the refractive indices of the optical adhesive 66, the front substrate 60, and the transparent electrochromic element 16 are approximately the same.

[0016] The electroactive medium 30 can be placed between a pair of electrode layers and may include at least one solvent, at least one anode material, and at least one cathode material. Typically, both the anode and cathode materials are electroactive, and at least one of them may be electrochromic. Regardless of the usual definition, it should be understood that the term “electroactive” may include materials that undergo a change in oxidation state when exposed to a particular potential difference. In addition, regardless of the usual definition, it should be understood that the term “electrochromic” may include materials that exhibit a change in attenuation coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a particular potential difference. The electroactive medium 30 can be operated to change the transmittance of light. Therefore, it should be understood that in the dark, the electrochromic element 16 can allow the transmission of a certain amount of light. For example, in the dark, the transmittance of light may be about 40% or more, about 50% or more, about 60% or more, about 70% or more, about 80% or more, or about 90% or more.

[0017] Next, referring to Figure 7, the visor assembly 110 is shown by a second structure. Unless otherwise specified, the visor assembly 110 may incorporate at least the structure of Figure 1-5 and include similar features, elements, and materials as other structures described herein and shown in Figure 6. More specifically, the visor assembly 110 includes an outer perimeter 114 and an electrochromic element 116 configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element 116 includes a first substrate 118 defining a first element surface 120 and a second element surface 122. The electrochromic element 116 further includes a second substrate 124 located away from the first substrate 118 and defining a third element surface 126 and a fourth element surface 128. An electroactive medium 130 is positioned between the first substrate 118 and the second substrate 124. The liquid crystal device 132 is coupled to the electrochromic element 116 and is configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state. The reflective polarizer 134 is positioned between the electrochromic element 116 and the liquid crystal device 132.

[0018] Continuing with Figure 7, the liquid crystal device 132 can be sandwiched between the first electrode layer 156 and the second electrode layer 158, and the application of an electric field causes twisting and / or untwisting of the liquid crystal molecules, resulting in a rotation of the polarization of light (e.g., between the first polarization P1 and the second polarization P2). In some embodiments, the liquid crystal device 132 includes a guest host configuration in which at least one of a polymer, inorganic particles, or dichroic dye is scattered among the liquid crystal molecules. The guest host configuration can eliminate the need for one or more polarizers as described with reference to the first configuration shown in Figure 6. In the untwisted state, the first polarization P1 can be transmitted through the liquid crystal device 132 without substantial change in polarization. Thus, the reflective polarizer 134 can be configured to reflect the first polarization P1 to the viewer.

[0019] The visor assembly 110 may further include a front substrate 160 positioned opposite the reflective polarizer 134 of the liquid crystal device 132. In some embodiments, the visor assembly 110 according to the second configuration does not include an absorbing polarizer. Thus, in the untwisted state, the first polarization P1 can pass through the liquid crystal device 132 without significantly altering its polarization and then be reflected back towards the viewer by the reflective polarizer 134.

[0020] The front substrate 160 can define a screen 164 disposed closest to the observer. However, in some embodiments, it should be understood that the first element surface 120 of the electrochromic element 116 can define a screen (e.g., the surface closest to the observer). The optical adhesive 166 is disposed between the electrochromic element 116 and the liquid crystal device 132 and can couple the electrochromic element 116 to the liquid crystal device 132. The electrochromic element 116 can define an EC outer perimeter 168 that can be the same as or smaller than the outer perimeter 114 of the visor assembly 110. The liquid crystal device 132 can include an LC outer perimeter 170 that is the same as or smaller than the EC outer perimeter 168 of the electrochromic element 116. In the illustrated example, the LC outer perimeter 170 is completely within the scope of the EC outer perimeter 168 (e.g., it may include the case where one or more sides of the EC outer perimeter 168 and the LC outer perimeter 170 are aligned). In this way, a space 172 can be defined between the electrochromic element 116 outside the LC outer perimeter 170 and a portion of the front substrate 160. The optical adhesive 166 can substantially fill the space 172. In some embodiments, the refractive indices of the optical adhesive 166, the front substrate 160, and the electrochromic element 116 in the transparent state are substantially the same.

[0021] The electroactive medium 130 can be placed between a pair of electrode layers and may include at least one solvent, at least one anode material, and at least one cathode material. Typically, both the anode and cathode materials are electroactive, and at least one of them may be electrochromic. Regardless of the usual definition, it should be understood that the term “electroactive” may include materials that undergo a change in oxidation state when exposed to a particular potential difference. In addition, regardless of the usual definition, it should be understood that the term “electrochromic” may include materials that exhibit a change in extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a particular potential difference. The electroactive medium 130 can be operated to change the transmittance of light. Therefore, it should be understood that in the dark, the electrochromic element 116 can allow the transmission of a certain amount of light. For example, in the dark, the transmittance of light may be about 40% or more, about 50% or more, about 60% or more, about 70% or more, about 80% or more, or about 90% or more.

[0022] Next, referring to FIGS. 8 - 10, the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 can include at least one segment 232. For example, FIG. 8 shows the visor assemblies 10, 110, and the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 include a single segment 232. FIG. 9 shows the visor assemblies 10, 110, and the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 include a plurality of segments 232 arranged continuously in the horizontal direction. FIG. 10 shows the visor assemblies 10, 110, and the liquid crystal devices 32, 132 include a plurality of segments 232 arranged continuously in the vertical direction. It should also be understood that the segments 232 can form a matrix of segments 232 and the sizes of each segment 232 are equal. Since each segment 232 can be controlled individually, two segments 232 can be in different states simultaneously. For example, the first segment 232 can be in a reflective state while the second segment 232 can be in a transparent state at the same time. One or two or more segments 232 can be made in many shapes, such as circular, oval, and / or other shapes. Similarly, the dimensions of the visor assemblies 10, 110 that function as selectable mirrors can be changed based on user preferences or needs.

[0023] The disclosure described herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by any and all combinations of the various aspects described therein.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an automotive visor assembly includes a peripheral. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate that defines a first element surface and a second element surface. The second substrate is located at a position away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. The electroactive medium is positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. The visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state, and a reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

[0025] In another embodiment, the coupling member is coupled to an electrochromic element and configured to rotate between a retracted position and an deployed position.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the frame is coupled to the outer circumference of the visor assembly, and the coupling member is coupled to the frame.

[0027] In yet another embodiment, the outer perimeter of the visor assembly is embedded in the car window.

[0028] In another embodiment, the window is the front window of the automobile.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the electrochromic element includes an outer EC (external circulation) periphery, and the liquid crystal device includes an outer LC (liquid crystal) periphery that is entirely within the range of the outer EC periphery.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the liquid crystal device includes a torsion nematic configuration.

[0031] In another embodiment, the liquid crystal device includes a guest-host configuration.

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the liquid crystal device includes at least two segments that can be individually switched between a transparent state and a reflective state.

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the liquid crystal device is positioned on the screen side of the electrochromic element.

[0034] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the visor assembly of an automobile includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. The second substrate is located away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first and second substrates. The visor assembly further includes a liquid crystal device configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device, and an absorbing polarizer is positioned on the opposite side of the liquid crystal device from the reflective polarizer.

[0035] In another embodiment, the absorbing polarizer is configured to transmit a first polarization and absorb a second polarization.

[0036] In yet another embodiment, the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect a first polarization.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the liquid crystal device is configured to absorb the first polarization when twisted and to transmit the first polarization when untwisted.

[0038] In another embodiment, the liquid crystal device includes a torsion nematic configuration.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, an optical adhesive is placed between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

[0040] In yet another embodiment, the optical adhesive has a refractive index that matches that of the transparent electrochromic element.

[0041] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the visor assembly of an automobile includes an outer perimeter. The visor assembly further includes an electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state. The electrochromic element includes a first substrate defining a first element surface and a second element surface. The second substrate is located away from the first substrate and defines a third element surface and a fourth element surface. An electroactive medium is positioned between the first and second substrates. The visor assembly further includes a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, and a liquid crystal device sandwiched between the first and second electrode layers and configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state. A reflective polarizer is positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

[0042] In another embodiment, the liquid crystal device is configured to transmit a first polarization in an untwisted state, and the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect the first polarization.

[0043] In yet another embodiment, the liquid crystal device includes a guest host configuration.

[0044] Those skilled in the art will understand that the structures of the disclosed and other components described herein are not limited to any particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosed herein may be formed from a variety of materials unless otherwise specified herein.

[0045] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “joined” (in all its forms, such as joining, being joined, and so on) generally means that two components are joined to each other (electrically or mechanically), directly or indirectly. Such joints may be inherently immobile or inherently movable. Such joints may be achieved (electrically or mechanically) using two components and any additional intermediate members, either to each other or in the two components, formed integrally as a single unit structure. Such joints may be inherently permanent or inherently detachable or removable, unless otherwise specified.

[0046] It is also important to note that the structure and arrangement of the elements of this disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are merely examples. While this disclosure describes in detail only a few embodiments of the present invention, a person skilled in the art considering this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportions, parameter values, mounting arrangement, material use, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described. For example, an element shown as being formed as a single unit may be composed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be formed as a single unit. The operation of the interface may be modified in reverse or otherwise, and the structure of the system and / or the length or width of members or connectors or other elements may be modified. The nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be modified. It should be noted that the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from a wide range of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a wide range of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0047] It should be understood that any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form a structure within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that the aforementioned structures and methods may be modified and altered without departing from the concepts of this disclosure, and that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless otherwise expressly stated in those claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 10 Visor Assembly 14. Outer perimeter 16 Electrochromic elements 18. First substrate 20 First element surface 22 Second element surface 24 Second substrate 26 Third element surface 28. Fourth element surface 30 Electroactive media 32 Liquid Crystal Devices 34 Reflective polarizer 56 First electrode layer 58 Second electrode layer 60 Front board 62 Absorbing polarizers 64 screens 66 Optical Adhesives 68 Outer circumference 70 LC outer circumference 72 spaces P1 First polarization P2 Second Polarization

Claims

1. The outer perimeter and, An electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state, A car visor assembly comprising, The electrochromic element is A first substrate defining the first element surface and the second element surface, A second substrate located at a distance from the first substrate and defining the third element surface and the fourth element surface, An electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned visor assembly is A liquid crystal device configured to switch between a transparent state and a reflective state, A reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device, A visor assembly that further enhances this feature.

2. The visor assembly according to claim 1, comprising a coupling member coupled to the electrochromic element and configured to rotate between a retracted position and an deployed position.

3. The visor assembly according to claim 2, comprising a frame coupled to the outer circumference, wherein the coupling member is coupled to the frame.

4. The visor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer perimeter is embedded in the window of the automobile.

5. The visor assembly according to claim 4, wherein the window is the front window of the automobile.

6. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electrochromic element includes an outer EC perimeter, and the liquid crystal device includes an outer LC perimeter that is entirely within the range of the outer EC perimeter.

7. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device includes a torsion nematic configuration.

8. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device includes a guest host configuration.

9. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device includes at least two segments that can be individually switched between the transparent state and the reflective state.

10. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid crystal device is arranged on the screen side of the electrochromic element.

11. The outer perimeter and, An electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state, A car visor assembly comprising, The electrochromic element is A first substrate defining the first element surface and the second element surface, A second substrate located at a distance from the first substrate and defining the third element surface and the fourth element surface, An electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned visor assembly is A liquid crystal device configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state, A reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device, Compared to the reflective polarizer, an absorbing polarizer is positioned on the opposite side of the liquid crystal device, A visor assembly that further enhances this feature.

12. The visor assembly according to claim 11, wherein the absorbing polarizer is configured to transmit a first polarization and absorb a second polarization.

13. The visor assembly according to claim 12, wherein the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect the first polarization.

14. The visor assembly according to claim 13, wherein the liquid crystal device is configured to absorb the first polarization in the twisted state and transmit the first polarization in the untwisted state.

15. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the liquid crystal device includes a torsion nematic configuration.

16. The visor assembly according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein an optical adhesive is disposed between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device.

17. The visor assembly according to claim 16, wherein the optical adhesive has a refractive index that matches that of the transparent electrochromic element.

18. The outer perimeter and, An electrochromic element configured to switch between a transparent state and a dark state, A car visor assembly comprising, The electrochromic element is A first substrate defining the first element surface and the second element surface, A second substrate located at a distance from the first substrate and defining the third element surface and the fourth element surface, An electroactive medium positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, Equipped with, The aforementioned visor assembly is A first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, A liquid crystal device is sandwiched between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer and configured to switch between a twisted state and an untwisted state, A reflective polarizer positioned between the electrochromic element and the liquid crystal device, A visor assembly that further enhances this feature.

19. The visor assembly according to claim 18, wherein the liquid crystal device is configured to transmit a first polarization in the untwisted state, and the reflective polarizer is configured to reflect the first polarization.

20. The visor assembly according to claim 19, wherein the liquid crystal device includes a guest host configuration.

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