JP2016038472A - Dimmer and method for installing dimmer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dimmer that can exhibit a sufficient light-shielding function.SOLUTION: A dimmer 10 includes a first dimming control panel 20 and a second dimming control panel 30 disposed at a position facing at least a part of the first dimming control panel and movable relative to the first dimming control panel. The transmittance of light transmitted through both of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel varies depending on relative positions of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel. An angle control layer that controls a propagation direction of transmitted light is also provided in the dimmer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a light control device that performs light control by relatively moving two light control panels. Moreover, this invention relates to the installation method of this light control apparatus.

  For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a light control device that performs light control by relatively moving two light control panels is known. The light control device is used, for example, as a blind or a partition that selectively blocks and transmits external light. The light control device enables adjustment of light transmittance by relative movement of the two light control sheets, and realizes switching between light shielding and transmission.

  In the light control device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-310567, each light control panel includes a polarizing plate that transmits only a specific linearly polarized light component, and a phase difference that causes a predetermined phase modulation amount in transmitted light. Includes film. In this light control device, by controlling the polarization state of the transmitted light, it is possible to see through the two light control panels and not through the two light control panels. It is possible to switch between the dark state.

JP-A-9-310567

  By the way, when the present inventors proceeded with research on the opacity in the dark state of the light control device, they came to know the following problems of the conventional light control device.

  The conventional light control device includes a polarizing plate and a retardation film. The polarizing plate and the retardation film can exert the expected optical action on the incident light from the normal direction. However, the optical effect exerted from the polarizing plate or the retardation film changes as the incident direction is inclined from the normal direction. That is, the polarizing plate and the retardation film cannot sufficiently exert the intended optical action against light greatly inclined from the normal direction.

  Further, in the conventional light control device, the two light control panels are each divided into areas having different optical characteristics. And the combination of the area | region which has faced between two dimming control panels changes because two dimming control panels move relatively. Incident light to the light control device is subjected to an optical action corresponding to a combination of optical characteristics of a region facing between the two light control panels. However, in such a conventional light control device, due to the gap generated between the two light control panels, the combination of the areas of the two light control panels through which the incident light from the normal direction is transmitted The combination of the areas of the two dimming control panels through which incident light from an oblique direction is transmitted may be different. That is, the optical action exerted from the light control device varies depending on the incident angle.

  In the above two examples, when light from the normal direction is shielded by the light control device, there may be a problem that light from an oblique direction passes through the light control device.

  In many cases, polarizing plates and retardation films are prepared by orienting rod-like molecules. In such a polarizing plate or retardation film, the orientation of rod-shaped molecules is likely to be disturbed at the boundary between two regions to which different optical functions are imparted. As a result, there is a problem that even if the relative position of the two light control panels is adjusted and light is blocked by the light control device, sufficient light blocking cannot be realized at the boundary between different regions. .

  As described above, the conventional light control device does not have a sufficient light shielding function. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a light control device capable of exhibiting a sufficient light shielding function.

The light control device according to the present invention comprises:
A first dimming control panel;
A second dimming control panel disposed at a position at least partially facing the first dimming control panel and movable relative to the first dimming control panel,
The transmittance of light transmitted through both the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel changes according to the relative position of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel,
An angle control layer for controlling the traveling direction of the transmitted light is provided.

  In the light control device according to the present invention, the angle control layer, the first light control panel, and the second light control panel may be arranged in this order.

In the light control device according to the present invention,
The first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel each have a light control sheet for controlling the polarization state of transmitted light,
The light control sheet of the first dimming control panel includes a first region and a second region in which the polarization state of transmitted light is controlled to be different from each other and alternately and repeatedly arranged.
The light control sheet of the second dimming control panel may include third regions and fourth regions in which the polarization state of transmitted light is controlled to be different from each other and are alternately and repeatedly arranged.

In the light control device according to the present invention,
The first light control panel has the light control sheet and a polarizing plate,
The light control sheet of the first dimming control panel is a retardation film that causes transmitted light to generate different phase modulation between the first region and the second region,
The second dimming control panel has the light control sheet and a polarizing plate,
The light control sheet of the second dimming control panel may be a phase difference film that causes transmitted light to generate different phase modulation between the third region and the fourth region.

In the light control device according to the present invention,
The light control sheet of the first dimming control panel is a polarizing plate whose absorption axis direction is non-parallel between the first region and the second region,
The light control sheet of the second dimming control panel may be a polarizing plate whose absorption axis direction is non-parallel between the third region and the fourth region.

  In the light control device according to the present invention, the angle control layer may include a light absorbing portion that absorbs light.

In the light control device according to the present invention,
The angle control layer includes a light absorbing portion that absorbs light,
The light absorbing portion is arranged at a position facing the boundary between the first region and the second region of the first dimming control panel along the normal direction of the first dimming control panel. May be.

  In the light control device according to the present invention, the light absorbing portions may be arranged in the arrangement direction and extend in a direction non-parallel to the arrangement direction.

  In the light control device according to the present invention, the light absorbing portion may have a lower refractive index than a portion adjacent in the arrangement direction.

The installation method according to the present invention comprises:
A method of installing any of the dimmers according to the invention described above,
A step of installing the first light control panel and the second light control panel;

  In the installation method according to the present invention, the angle control layer may be included in one of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel.

  The installation method according to the present invention may further include a step of disposing the angle control layer separate from the first light control panel and the second light control panel.

  According to the present invention, the light shielding function of the light control device can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the light control device. FIG. 2 is a view of the state in which the light control device shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing the light control device. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a dimming control panel incorporated in the dimming device. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the layer structure of the retardation film forming the first and second light control sheets. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the function of changing the amount of transmitted light according to the relative position between the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel. FIG. 7 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the relative positions of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel are changed from the state shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the angle control layer. FIG. 9 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 4 for explaining the operation of the light control device. FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 and showing a modified example related to the arrangement of the angle control layer. FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modified example related to area division of the light control panel.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1-11 is a figure for demonstrating one Embodiment and its modification by this invention. In the drawings attached to the present specification, for the sake of illustration and ease of understanding, the scale, the vertical / horizontal dimension ratio, and the like are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual product.

  In the present specification, the terms “panel”, “plate”, “sheet”, and “film” are not distinguished from each other based only on the difference in names. For example, “panel” is a concept including members that can be called plates, sheets, and films. Therefore, as an example, “light control panel” includes “light control board” and “light control sheet”. ”And“ light control film ”cannot be distinguished only by the difference in names.

  In addition, as used in this specification, the shape and geometric conditions and the degree thereof are specified, for example, terms such as “parallel”, “orthogonal”, “identical”, length and angle values, etc. are strictly Without being bound by meaning, it should be interpreted including the extent to which similar functions can be expected.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the dimming device 10 includes a first dimming control panel 20 and a cover panel 15 that are arranged to face each other. A second dimming control panel 30 is disposed between the first dimming control panel 20 and the cover panel 15, and the second dimming control panel 30 is located with respect to the first dimming control panel 20 and the cover panel 15. The relative movement is possible. An angle control layer 40 is laminated on the surface of the first dimming control panel 20 that faces away from the second dimming control panel 30. The frame 11 surrounds and holds the angle control layer 40, the first dimming control panel 20, the second dimming control panel 30 and the cover panel 15.

  The light control device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 can be installed in a partition member 100 that partitions the two spaces S1 and S2. FIG. 2 shows an example of installation on the wall 100 that partitions the outdoor S1 and the indoor S2. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the light control device 10 is installed on the wall 100 as viewed from the room S2 side. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the light control device 10 is fitted into an opening 101 provided in the wall 100. The light control device 10 controls the traveling direction of the transmitted light by the angle control layer 40. In the example described below, the angle control layer 40 adjusts the transmittance of incident light according to the incident angle. More specifically, the angle control layer 40 described below selectively absorbs light that is greatly inclined with respect to the normal direction to the angle control layer 40. Further, the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 adjust the amount of external light transmitted from the outdoor S1 to the indoor S2 depending on the relative position. That is, according to the light control device 10, it is possible to transmit light mainly from a direction included in a specific angle range while adjusting the amount of light.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first dimming control panel 20 and the cover panel 15 are held by the frame 11 so as to be parallel to each other. A second dimming control panel 30 is held between the first dimming control panel 20 and the cover panel 15. The second dimming control panel 30 is at least partially facing the first dimming control panel 20, and the panel surface of the second dimming control panel 30 is parallel to the panel surface of the first dimming control panel 20. It has become.

  In the present specification, the “panel surface (plate surface, sheet surface, film surface)” is the plane of the target plate-like member when the target panel-like member is viewed as a whole and globally. A surface that matches the direction. The “normal direction” used for the panel-shaped member means the normal direction to the panel surface of the target panel-shaped member. In the illustrated embodiment, the normal direction of the cover panel 15, the normal direction of the first dimming control panel 20, the normal direction of the second dimming control panel 30, and the normal direction of the angle control layer 40 are illustrated. Are parallel to each other, and this direction is hereinafter referred to as a front direction db.

  In the present embodiment, the second dimming control panel 30 is relative to the first dimming control panel 20 in the frame 11 along the first direction da along the panel surface of the first dimming control panel 20. It can be moved. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first direction da is parallel to the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 2, elongated holes 2a and 15a extending along the first direction da are formed in the frame 11 and the cover panel 15, respectively. The knob 3 is attached to the second dimming control panel 30 through the long holes 2a and 15a. By moving the knob 3 along the first direction da, the second dimming control panel 30 fixed to the knob 3 can be moved along the first direction da. The second dimming control panel 30 is sandwiched between the first dimming control panel 20 and the cover panel 15 with an appropriate holding force. Thus, the second dimming control panel 30 can be moved relative to the first dimming control panel 20 and can be maintained at the relatively moved position without being displaced by its own weight. It has become.

  In the illustrated example, the panels 20, 30, 15 and the angle control layer 40 are formed to have a rectangular shape in plan view. The frame 11 covers the peripheral edges of the panels 20, 30, 15 and the angle control layer 40, and the frame 11 is formed to have a rectangular outer contour in plan view. Hereinafter, the first dimming control panel 20, the second dimming control panel 30, and the angle control layer 40 included in the dimming device 10 will be described in order.

  First, the configuration of the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 that enables adjustment of the amount of transmitted light will be described mainly with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first dimming control panel 20 includes the first light control sheet 25, the bonding layer 24, the first polarizing plate 23, the bonding layer 22, and the first transparent support plate 21 in the second dimming. It includes in this order from the side close to the light control panel 30. On the other hand, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the second dimming control panel 30 includes the second light control sheet 35, the bonding layer 34, the second polarizing plate 33, the bonding layer 32, and the second transparent support plate 31. The first light control panel 20 is included in this order from the side close to it. Further, the angle control layer 40 is laminated on the surface of the first dimming control panel 20 facing the side opposite to the second dimming control panel 30 via the bonding layer 19. The first dimming control panel 20 is different from the second dimming control panel 30 only in that the angle control layer 40 is laminated, and otherwise the same as the second dimming control panel 30. Hereinafter, each layer will be described.

  The first transparent support plate 21 and the second transparent support plate 31 are supports for supporting the light control sheets 25 and 35 and the polarizing plates 23 and 33. As the first transparent support plate 21 and the second transparent support plate 31, for example, glass having excellent transparency to visible light, a transparent resin such as polycarbonate or acrylic, or the like can be used. As an example, the thickness of the first transparent support plate 21 and the second transparent support plate 31 is set to about 2 to 4 mm. The cover panel 15 disposed to face the second dimming control panel 30 can be configured in the same manner as the first transparent support plate 21 and the second transparent support plate 31.

  The first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 33 transmit light of one linearly polarized light component with high transmittance and absorb light of the other linearly polarized light component that vibrates in a direction orthogonal to the one linearly polarized light component. It has a function to do. In the present embodiment, the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 33 have their absorption axes that are not parallel to each other. In particular, in the illustrated example, the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 33 are arranged so that their absorption axes are orthogonal to each other, that is, in a crossed Nicols state. As the 1st polarizing plate 23 and the 2nd polarizing plate 33, the wide spread polarizing plate which makes iodine and a dichroic dye adsorb | suck to polyvinyl alcohol can be used.

  The first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35 can control the polarization state of the transmitted light. As shown in FIGS. 4-7, the 1st light control sheet 25 contains the 1st area | region Z1 and the 2nd area | region Z2 which have mutually different optical characteristics. The first light control sheet 25 controls the polarization state of the transmitted light to be different from each other in the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. In particular, in the present embodiment, the first light control sheet 25 is formed as a retardation film, and causes different phase modulation between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 in the transmitted light. Specifically, both the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are made of a retardation film having a retardation of λ / 4, provided that the retardation films are arranged so that their slow axes are orthogonal to each other. ing. Therefore, the first light control sheet 25 causes a phase modulation of “λ / 4” for the light transmitted through the first region Z1, and “−λ / 4” for the light transmitted through the second region Z2. Causes phase modulation.

  The second light control sheet 35 can be configured in the same manner as the first light control sheet 25. That is, the second light control sheet 35 includes a third region Z3 and a fourth region Z4 having different optical characteristics. The second light control sheet 35 controls the polarization state of the transmitted light to be different from each other in the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4. The second light control sheet 35 is formed as a retardation film, and causes different phase modulation in the transmitted light between the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4. Specifically, both the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 are made of a retardation film having a retardation of λ / 4. However, the retardation film is arranged so that the slow axes are orthogonal to each other. ing. Then, the second light control sheet 35 causes the phase modulation of “λ / 4” to the light transmitted through the third region Z3 and “−λ / 4” to the light transmitted through the fourth region Z4. Causes phase modulation.

  In addition, the 1st area | region Z1 and the 2nd area | region Z2 of the 1st light control sheet 25 are arrange | positioned alternately without the clearance gap in the 1st direction da, and have the same width W along the 1st direction da. Accordingly, the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are arranged in the first direction da at a constant pitch that is “W × 2” twice the width of each region. Similarly, the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35 are alternately arranged in the first direction da with no gap, and have the same width W along the first direction da. The third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 are arranged in the first direction da at a constant pitch that is “W × 2” twice the width of each region. Therefore, by moving the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35 in the first direction da, the first region Z1 and the third region Z3 face each other, and the second region Z2 and the fourth region Z4. The state can be switched between the state of FIG. 6 in which the first region Z1 and the fourth region Z4 face each other and the state in FIG. 7 in which the second region Z2 and the third region Z3 face each other. it can.

  Such first light control sheet 25 and second light control sheet 35 are, for example, patterns disclosed in International Publication No. 2013-054673 pamphlet, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-137725, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-198522, and the like. The retardation film 200 can be produced. FIG. 5 shows an example of a pattern retardation film 200 that forms the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35. In this example, the pattern retardation film 200 includes a substrate 210 as a low retardation translucent substrate such as triacetyl cellulose, a pattern alignment film 220 formed on the substrate 210, and a pattern alignment film 220. And the formed pattern retardation layer 230. The pattern alignment film 220 is divided into two regions corresponding to the first region Z1 and the second region Z2, or two regions 221a and 221b corresponding to the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4. The pattern alignment film 220 has an alignment regulating force in different directions between the two regions 221a and 221b. The pattern retardation layer 230 has liquid crystal molecules oriented in different directions between the two regions 231a and 231b by the alignment regulating force of the pattern alignment film 220, and causes different phase modulation in the transmitted light between the two regions. .

  The bonding layers 19, 22, 24, 32, and 34 are layers for bonding two portions, and are not particularly limited as long as sufficient bonding strength is obtained. For example, an adhesive layer using an adhesive or an adhesive layer using an adhesive can be used as the bonding layers 19, 22, 24, 32, 34. Moreover, you may provide various functions, such as an infrared shielding function and an antistatic function, to one or more joining layers 19, 22, 24, 32, and 34.

  Next, the angle control layer 40 will be described. As described above, the angle control layer 40 is a layer for controlling the traveling direction of transmitted light, in other words, for controlling the outgoing direction of transmitted light. As an example, the angle control layer 40 described below adjusts the transmittance of incident light according to the incident angle. More specifically, the angle control layer 40 described below has a function of selectively absorbing light greatly inclined with respect to the normal direction to the angle control layer 40.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the angle control layer 40 has a plurality of first portions 41 and second portions 42 arranged in the first reference direction dc. The first portions 41 and the second portions 42 are alternately arranged in the first reference direction dc. The first portion 41 and the second portion 42 extend linearly in the direction along the sheet surface of the angle control layer 40 and not parallel to the first reference direction dc. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 extend linearly in a second reference direction dd that is parallel to the sheet surface of the angle control layer 40 and orthogonal to the first reference direction dc. Yes. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the first reference direction dc is parallel to the first direction da. The second reference direction dd extends in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the first direction da.

  In one specific example shown in FIG. 8, the angle control layer 40 includes a control layer 40 a including a first portion 41 and a second portion 42, and a base material layer 40 b laminated with the control layer 40 a. Yes. The base material layer 40b is a part that can be provided due to the manufacturing method of the angle control layer 40, and is not a particularly essential component. As an example, the base material layer 40b can be formed of a simple transparent or translucent resin film.

  On the other hand, the control layer 40 a further includes a sheet-like base portion (land portion) 43 that supports the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 in addition to the first portion 41 and the second portion 42. The base portion 43 is formed integrally with the first portion 41, and forms the light control layer main body 44 together with the first portion 41. In other words, the control layer 40a of the first daylighting film 11 includes a light control layer body 44 formed with a plurality of grooves 44a, and a second portion 42 formed in each of the plurality of grooves 44a of the light control layer body 44. ,have. A portion between the adjacent grooves 44 a in the light control layer main body 44 defines a first portion 41.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the second portion 42 includes a bottom surface 45 that forms a part of the surface of the control layer 40 a opposite to the base material layer 40 b side, a first side surface 46 that extends from the bottom surface 45, and a second surface 42. Side surface 47. In the illustrated example, the spacing between the first side surface 46 and the second side surface 47 approaches each other as the distance from the bottom surface 35 increases along the normal direction to the sheet surface of the first daylighting film 11. Are connected to each other.

  In the illustrated example, the second portions 42 are arranged at equal intervals along the first reference direction dc. The second portion 42 extends in the second reference direction dd without changing the cross-sectional shape. Further, the multiple second portions 42 included in the angle control layer 40 are configured identically to each other. With the configuration of the second portion 42 described above, in the illustrated example, the first portions 41 included in the angle control layer 40 are arranged at equal intervals along the first reference direction dc to change the cross-sectional shape. And extend in the second reference direction dd and are identical to each other.

  Next, materials of the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 will be described. The first portion 41 is formed to be transparent. The visible light transmittance of the first portion 41 is preferably 50% or more, more preferably 70% or more, and further preferably 90% or more. The visible light transmittance is the transmittance at each wavelength when measured within a measurement wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm using a spectrophotometer (“UV-2450” manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, JIS K0115 compliant product). Identified as an average value.

  In the present embodiment, the base portion 43 is formed integrally with the first portion 41 using the same material as the first portion 41. As a material used for the light control layer main body 44 forming the first portion 41 and the base portion 43, for example, a resin material, particularly an ionizing radiation curable resin that is cured by irradiation with ionizing radiation can be used. Examples of the ionizing radiation curable resin include an ultraviolet curable resin, an electron beam curable resin, a visible light curable resin, and a near infrared curable resin. Specific examples of the resin material include an epoxy resin and an acrylic resin.

  On the other hand, the second portion 42 is a portion having a characteristic of absorbing light. The light absorptivity exhibited by the second portion 42 may be only for light in the visible light band. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second portion 42 includes a main part 42 a and a light absorbing material 42 b dispersed in the main part. As the light absorbing material 42b, for example, a material having visible light absorptivity such as titanium black or carbon black can be used. As the main portion 42a, for example, a transparent and opaque resin material can be used, and the same material as the first portion 41 can also be used. In the drawings other than FIG. 3, the second portion 42 is illustrated without distinguishing the main portion 42a and the light absorbing material 42b.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ratio of the height ha of the second portion 42 along the front direction db to the width wa of the second portion 42 along the first reference direction dc, that is, represented by ha / wa. The aspect ratio is preferably greater than 1, and more preferably 5 or more. The aspect ratio is preferably 10 or less in consideration of production stability. Thus, light that is greatly inclined with respect to the front direction db is likely to enter the second portion 42 having a high aspect ratio, and the optical function of the angle control layer 40 to be described later is more effectively exhibited. .

  In the light control device 10 configured as described above, the frame 11 is first installed in the opening 101 of the partition member 100, and then the laminate of the angle control layer 40 and the first light control panel 20, the second control. The light control panel 30 and the cover panel 15 can be installed by attaching them to the frame 11.

  Next, the operation of the light control device 10 having such a configuration will be described.

  In the combination of the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 as described above, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first region Z1 and the second light control of the first light control sheet 25 are used. When the third area Z3 of the sheet 35 faces and the second area Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and the fourth area Z4 of the second light control sheet 35 face each other, the first polarizing plate 23 is transmitted. The light of the directly polarized component is transmitted through both the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35, and then the vibration direction is rotated by 90 °. Therefore, the light L31 transmitted through both the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35 is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the other linearly polarized light whose vibration direction is orthogonal to the one linearly polarized light component. The light of the component is transmitted through the second polarizing plate 33.

  A state in which the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 are arranged at the relative positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 is referred to as a bright state. When the light control device 10 is in a bright state, light can be taken in via the two light control panels 20 and 30. Therefore, by setting the light control device 10 to the bright state, sunlight can be collected from the outdoor S1 to the indoor S2 to brighten the room. Further, by making the light control device 10 in a bright state, it is possible to see through through the light control device 10 by visual observation.

  On the other hand, when the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 are relatively moved in the first direction da by the width W of each of the regions Z1 to Z4 from the state of FIGS. As shown in FIG. 9, the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35 face each other, and the second region Z2 and the second light of the first light control sheet 25 are opposed to each other. The third region Z3 of the control sheet 35 faces. In this state, the light of one linearly polarized light component transmitted through the first polarizing plate 23 maintains the vibration direction after passing through both the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35. Therefore, the light L81 that has passed through both the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35 remains as one linearly polarized light component and is absorbed by the second polarizing plate 33, and the second polarizing plate 33. Cannot pass through.

  A state in which the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 are arranged at the relative positions shown in FIG. 4 is referred to as a dark state. When the light control device 10 is in a dark state, visible light can be blocked by the two light control panels 20 and 30. Therefore, by making the light control device 10 in the dark state, it is possible to effectively prevent the indoor S2 from being seen through from the outdoor S1 through the light control device 10.

  By the way, normally, the polarization function of the polarizing plate and the phase modulation function of the retardation film are designed on the basis of light of a predetermined wavelength incident from the front direction. Therefore, even if the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 are arranged in the dark state, it is impossible to realize complete light shielding, and in particular, the oblique light advances in a direction inclined from the front direction db. Compared with the oblique light traveling in the front direction db, the light is more easily transmitted through the two light control panels 20 and 30 arranged in the dark state. That is, by looking through the two dimming control panels 20 and 30 arranged in the dark state from an oblique direction, it may be possible to see through the two dimming control panels 20 and 30. .

  In addition, since there is a gap between the two dimming control panels 20 and 30, more strictly, the two light control sheets 25 and 35 are spaced apart from each other. As shown in FIG. 9, the light Lv82 traveling in the direction greatly inclined with respect to the front direction db passes through the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and faces the first region Z1. Without entering the fourth region Z4 of the two-light control sheet 35, the third region Z3 of the second light-control sheet 35 facing the second region Z2 adjacent to the first region Z1 may enter. Such light Lv 82 also passes through the two dimming control panels 20 and 30 arranged in the dark state in an oblique direction.

  On the other hand, the light control device 10 according to the present embodiment is provided with an angle control layer 40 that controls the traveling direction of transmitted light. The angle control layer 40 can effectively prevent seeing from the oblique direction of the light control device 10 in the dark state by reducing the amount of light transmitted in a direction greatly inclined from the front direction db. It becomes. The angle control layer 40 in the present embodiment has a second portion 42 that functions as a light absorbing portion as a specific configuration. The second portions 42 are arranged in the first reference direction dc along the panel surface of the first dimming control panel 20 and extend in the second reference direction dd along the panel surface of the first dimming control panel 20. . According to such a second portion 42, light traveling in a direction inclined from the front direction db, particularly light L82 traveling in a direction inclined from the front direction db to the first reference direction dc can be effectively absorbed. . Thereby, the light-shielding property excellent in the light modulation apparatus 10 can be provided.

  Furthermore, in many cases, polarizing plates and retardation films are produced by orienting rod-like molecules. In such a polarizing plate or retardation film, the orientation of rod-shaped molecules is likely to be disturbed at the boundary between two regions to which different optical functions are imparted. Therefore, the light Lv82 and Lv83 that enter the periphery of the boundary between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 or the periphery of the boundary of the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35. May pass through the light control panels 20 and 30 in the dark state without being subjected to the intended optical action. This defect is the light that travels both around the boundary between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and around the boundary between the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35. There is a possibility that Lv83 will be prominent, that is, light shielding in the front direction db may be insufficient.

  In the angle control layer 40 included in the light control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the light that travels in the vicinity of the boundary between the two regions of the light control sheets 25 and 35 also functions as the light absorbing portion. Can be effectively absorbed. Therefore, it is possible to effectively cope with such a malfunction and to realize excellent light shielding.

  In particular, in the illustrated example, the second portion 42 of the angle control layer 40 is disposed at a position facing the boundary between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 along the front direction db. ing. Accordingly, the angle control layer 40 includes the periphery of the boundary between the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25, the periphery of the boundary of the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35, It is possible to effectively absorb the light Lv83 that may cross both of them in the front direction db. Thereby, the light control device 10 can further improve the light shielding property.

  By the way, when the angle control layer 40 absorbs the transmitted light, the transmittance of the light control device 10 in the bright state is also lowered. In this regard, it is effective to make the main portion 42 a of the second portion 42 of the angle control layer 40 have a lower refractive index than the first portion 41. In this case, reflection at the interface between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 can be promoted. As shown in FIG. 3, the light L32 greatly inclined with respect to the front direction db is reflected at the interface between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42, and in particular, the refractive index difference between the first portion 41 and the second portion 42. The traveling direction is corrected so that the angle formed by the traveling direction with respect to the front direction db is reduced by the total reflection due to the light, and the two light control sheets 25 and 35 in the bright state are transmitted. Can do. Thereby, when the light control device 10 is in a bright state, it is possible to effectively prevent the transmittance from being significantly reduced, and to secure a certain amount of transmitted light.

  In the light control device 10 according to the present embodiment as described above, the first light control panel 20 and the second light control panel 30 each have a plurality of regions having different optical characteristics. And the light quantity which permeate | transmits two light control panels 20 and 30 can be adjusted with the combination of the area | region which faces between the two light control panels 20 and 30. FIG. The light control device 10 further includes an angle control layer 40 in addition to the two light control panels 20 and 30. The angle control layer 40 has a function of controlling the traveling direction of transmitted light. According to such a light control device 10 according to the present embodiment, the light shielding function can be effectively exhibited. Thereby, it is possible to more reliably prevent see-through through the light control device 10.

  Various modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of modification will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, for parts that can be configured in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiment are used. A duplicate description is omitted.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the angle control layer 40 is stacked on the first dimming control panel 20 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The angle control layer 40 may be laminated on the second dimming control panel 30. In addition, the angle control layer 40 is incorporated in the first dimming control panel 20 or the second dimming control panel 30 so as to form a part of the first dimming control panel 20 or the second dimming control panel 30. It may be. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, the angle control layer 40 may be provided as a separate body from the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30. In other words, the angle control layer 40 may be provided separately from the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30. In this example, the angle control layer 40 formed as a sheet-like member may be removable from a position facing the first dimming control panel 20 or the second dimming control panel 30. Moreover, the angle control layer 40 may be formed as a roll-up roll curtain. Also in such a modification, the same effect as the effect mentioned above can be show | played by the combination of the angle control layer 40, the 1st dimming control panel 20, and the 2nd dimming control panel 30. FIG. The dimming device 10 includes a first dimming control panel 20, a second dimming control panel 30, a frame 11 holding the dimming control panels 20 and 30, and an angle control layer 40 in an arbitrary order. For example, it can be installed by attaching it to an opening of a building.

  Further, the angle control layer 40 described in the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications can be made. As an example, the cross-sectional shape of the second portion (light absorbing portion) 42 included in the angle control layer 40 can be changed as appropriate. The plurality of second portions 42 included in the angle control layer 40 may have different configurations. Furthermore, the third region Z3 that is the arrangement direction of the second portions (light absorption portions) 42 may not be parallel to the first direction da that is the relative movement direction of the two light control panels 20 and 30. Further, the second portion (light absorbing portion) 42 may be arranged in two or more directions.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the relative movement of the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30 is a linear movement has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the first dimming control panel 20 may rotate relative to the second dimming control panel 30 as shown in FIG. The rotation axis a1 of the relative rotation in the example shown in FIG. 11 matches the normal direction of the first dimming control panel 20. The first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first dimming control panel 20 are fan-shaped regions centered on the rotation axis a1 of relative rotation. That is, the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 are alternately arranged in a direction parallel to the relative movement direction de of the first dimming control panel 20 and the second dimming control panel 30. The central angles θx of the fan-shaped regions that form the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 can be the same. The second dimming control panel 30 can be configured in the same manner as the first dimming control panel 20. Also in such a light control device 10, by rotating the first light control panel 20 and the second light control panel 30 by the same angle as the central angle θx, the first region Z1 and the third region Z3 are formed. A bright state in which the second region Z2 and the fourth region Z4 face each other, and a dark state in which the first region Z1 and the fourth region Z4 face each other and the second region Z2 and the third region Z3 face each other The state can be switched between.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 33 are arranged in a crossed Nicols state is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate are arranged. The plate 33 may be arranged in a parallel Nicol state. In this example, the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35 face each other, and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet 35 are in contact with each other. In the state of FIGS. 7 and 9 facing the third region Z3, the light control device 10 is in the bright state. On the other hand, the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and the third region Z3 of the second light control sheet 35 face each other, and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and the second region of the second light control sheet 35 In the state of FIGS. 3 and 6 where the four regions Z4 face each other, the light control device 10 is in the dark state.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which each light control sheet 25, 35 has two regions having different phase modulation amounts in a state of being repeatedly arranged. However, the present invention is limited to this example. Absent. Each of the light control sheets 25 and 35 may have three or more regions having different phase modulation amounts in a repeatedly arranged state. In this example, the phase modulation amounts in three or more regions may be set so as to gradually change so that the maximum difference becomes λ / 2. According to this example, it is possible to adjust the transmittance of light transmitted through the two light control sheets 25 and 35 in three or more stages.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, each of the light control panels 20 and 30 includes a pattern retardation film as the light control sheets 25 and 35 for controlling the polarization state of the transmitted light, and additionally includes polarizing plates 23 and 33. Including examples are shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the first region Z1 and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 are both made of a polarizing plate, provided that the polarizing plate is in the first region Z1 and the second region Z2. The absorption axes may be arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. In this example, the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35 are both made of a polarizing plate, provided that the polarizing plate has an absorption axis in the third region Z3 and the fourth region Z4. They are arranged so as to be orthogonal to each other. The absorption axis in the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and the absorption axis in the third region Z3 of the second light control sheet 35 are made parallel. The absorption axis in the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and the absorption axis in the fourth region Z4 of the second light control sheet 35 are parallel. In this modification, the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and the third region Z3 of the second light control sheet 35 face each other, and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and the second light control sheet The light control device 10 is in a bright state in a state where the 35 fourth regions Z4 face each other. On the other hand, the first region Z1 of the first light control sheet 25 and the third region Z3 of the second light control sheet 35 face each other, and the second region Z2 of the first light control sheet 25 and the second region of the second light control sheet 35 In a state where the four regions Z4 face each other, the light control device 10 enters a dark state. In this example, the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 33 described above can be omitted, and the light control device 10 can be simplified.

  In addition, although the some modification with respect to embodiment mentioned above was demonstrated above, naturally, it is also possible to apply combining several modifications suitably.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Light control apparatus 11 Frame 15 Cover panel 19 Bonding layer 20 1st light control panel 21 1st transparent support plate 22 Bonding layer 23 1st polarizing plate 24 Bonding layer 25 1st light control sheet 30 2nd light control panel 31 Second transparent support plate 32 Bonding layer 33 Second polarizing plate 34 Bonding layer 35 Second light control sheet 40 Angle control layer 40a Control layer 40b Base layer 41 First portion 42 Second portion 42a Main portion 42b Light absorber 43 Base Portion 44 Light control layer body 44a Groove 45 Bottom surface 46 First side surface 47 Second side surface 100 Partition member 0
101 opening 200 pattern retardation film 210 base material 220 pattern alignment film 230 pattern retardation layer da first direction db front direction dc first reference direction dd second reference direction Z1 first region Z2 second region Z3 third region Z4 first 4 areas

Claims (12)

A first dimming control panel;
A second dimming control panel disposed at a position at least partially facing the first dimming control panel and movable relative to the first dimming control panel,
The transmittance of light transmitted through both the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel changes according to the relative position of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel,
A light control device provided with an angle control layer for controlling a traveling direction of transmitted light.   The dimming device according to claim 1, wherein the angle control layer, the first dimming control panel, and the second dimming control panel are arranged in this order. The first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel each have a light control sheet for controlling the polarization state of transmitted light,
The light control sheet of the first dimming control panel includes a first region and a second region in which the polarization state of transmitted light is controlled to be different from each other and alternately and repeatedly arranged.
The light control sheet of the second dimming control panel includes a third region and a fourth region in which the polarization state of transmitted light is controlled to be different from each other and alternately and repeatedly arranged. Dimmer. The first light control panel has the light control sheet and a polarizing plate,
The light control sheet of the first dimming control panel is a retardation film that causes transmitted light to generate different phase modulation between the first region and the second region,
The second dimming control panel has the light control sheet and a polarizing plate,
The light control sheet according to claim 3, wherein the light control sheet of the second light control panel is a retardation film that causes transmitted light to generate different phase modulation between the third region and the fourth region. apparatus. The light control sheet of the first dimming control panel is a polarizing plate whose absorption axis direction is non-parallel between the first region and the second region,
4. The light control device according to claim 3, wherein the light control sheet of the second light control panel is a polarizing plate whose absorption axis direction is non-parallel between the third region and the fourth region. .   The said angle control layer is a light modulation apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5 containing the light absorption part which absorbs light. The angle control layer includes a light absorbing portion that absorbs light,
The light absorbing portion is arranged at a position facing the boundary between the first region and the second region of the first dimming control panel along the normal direction of the first dimming control panel. The light control apparatus as described in any one of Claims 3-5.   The light control device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the light absorption unit is arranged in an arrangement direction and extends in a direction non-parallel to the arrangement direction.   The said light absorption part is a light modulation apparatus as described in any one of Claims 6-8 whose refractive index is lower than the part which adjoins along the sequence direction. A method of installing the light control device according to claim 1,
An installation method comprising a step of installing the first light control panel and the second light control panel.   The installation method according to claim 10, wherein the angle control layer is included in one of the first dimming control panel and the second dimming control panel.   The installation method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of disposing the angle control layer separate from the first light control panel and the second light control panel.

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