JP2021184044A - Dimming member - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a dimming member that can suppress occurrence of short-circuiting between adjacent electrodes even if electrodes are divided into plural areas and prevents a non-electrode area from being easily recognized visually.SOLUTION: A dimming film 1 is a dimming member including a first base material layer 10, a second base material layer 20, a first electrode layer 11 laminated on the first base material layer 10, a second electrode layer 21 laminated on the second base material layer 20, a first alignment layer 12 laminated on the first electrode layer 11, a second alignment layer 22 laminated on the second electrode layer 21, and a guest host liquid crystal layer 40 sandwiched between the first alignment layer 12 and the second alignment layer 22. The first electrode layer 11 is disposed while being divided into plural electrode areas, a non-electrode area is provided between adjacent electrode areas, the first alignment layer 12 is provided while filling up a non-electrode area, and the non-electrode area is as wide as 5 μm or longer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a dimming member.

Conventionally, various devices have been proposed for dimming members that control the transmission of external light by, for example, attaching to a window or sandwiching it with glass and attaching it to the window. As such a dimming member, a member using a guest host liquid crystal display has been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such a guest-host liquid crystal, the amount of transmitted light is controlled by changing the state in which the guest-host liquid crystal composition and the dichroic dye composition are randomly oriented and the so-called twist-oriented state by controlling the electric field. .. When arranging the dimming member in a vehicle window, a building window, or the like, it is desirable to apply a guest host liquid crystal as the dimming member when the color and viewing angle characteristics are emphasized.

Further, a dimming body capable of dividing a transparent electrode into a plurality of regions and independently changing the dimming state of each is disclosed (Patent Document 3).
However, even if the transparent electrodes are divided into a plurality of regions and formed, there is a possibility that a short circuit may occur between adjacent transparent electrodes.
Further, in order to avoid a short circuit between the electrodes, it is conceivable to widen the distance between the electrodes.
However, if the distance between the electrodes is widened, there is a risk that a region (non-electrode region) having the space between the electrodes will be visually recognized.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-139521 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-31384 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2019-128376

An object of the present embodiment is to provide a dimming member capable of suppressing the occurrence of a short circuit between adjacent electrodes even if the electrodes are divided into a plurality of regions.
Further, a further object of the embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a dimming member in which the non-electrode region is hard to be visually recognized.

The embodiments of the present disclosure solve the above-mentioned problems by the following solution means. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding, the description will be given with reference numerals corresponding to the embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The first disclosed embodiment includes a first base material layer (10), a second base material layer (20), and a first electrode layer (11) laminated on the first base material layer (10). , The second electrode layer (21) laminated on the second base material layer (20), the first alignment layer (12) laminated on the first electrode layer (11), and the second electrode layer ( A dimming member (40) including a second alignment layer (22) laminated on 21) and a liquid crystal layer (40) sandwiched between the first alignment layer (12) and the second alignment layer (22). 1), the first electrode layer (11) is divided into a plurality of electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), and the adjacent electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) are adjacent to each other. ), A non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g) is provided, and the first alignment layer (12) is provided so as to fill the non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g). The width of the non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g) is the dimming member (1) having a width of 5 μm or more.

The second-disclosure embodiment is characterized in that, in the dimming member (1) according to the first-disclosure embodiment, the width of the non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g) is less than 25 μm. It is a dimming member (1).

The third disclosed embodiment includes a first base material layer (10), a second base material layer (20), and a first electrode layer (11) laminated on the first base material layer (10). , The second electrode layer (21) laminated on the second base material layer (20), the first alignment layer (12B) laminated on the first electrode layer (11), and the second electrode layer ( A dimming member (40) including a second alignment layer (22) laminated on 21) and a liquid crystal layer (40) sandwiched between the first alignment layer (12B) and the second alignment layer (22). 1B), the first electrode layer (11) is divided into a plurality of electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) and is arranged, and the adjacent electrode regions (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) are adjacent to each other. ), A non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g) is provided, and the first alignment layer (12B) is arranged separately corresponding to the electrode region (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d). The width of the non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g) is 10 μm or more, which is the dimming member (1B).

The fourth disclosed embodiment is characterized in that, in the dimming member (1B) according to the third disclosed embodiment, the width of the non-electrode region (11e, 11f, 11g) is less than 25 μm. It is a dimming member (1B).

The fifth disclosure embodiment is the dimming member (1B) according to the third disclosure embodiment or the fourth disclosure embodiment, in which the second alignment layer (22) includes a bead spacer. The second electrode layer (21) is a dimming member (1B) characterized in that it is configured as one electrode region without being divided.

According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a dimming member capable of suppressing the occurrence of a short circuit between adjacent electrodes even if the electrodes are divided into a plurality of regions. Further, it is possible to provide a dimming member in which the non-electrode region is hard to be visually recognized.

It is a figure which shows the 1st Embodiment of the light control film 1 by the embodiment of this disclosure. It is a figure which looked at the 1st electrode layer 11 from the side of a guest host liquid crystal layer 40. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing process of the light control film 1 of 1st Embodiment. This is the result of evaluating the light control film 1 of the first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of the light control film 1B by the 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the manufacturing process of the light control film 1B of the 2nd Embodiment. This is the result of evaluating the light control film 1B of the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of the light control film 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.
In addition, each figure shown below including FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically shown, and the size and shape of each part are shown by exaggerating or omitting them as appropriate for easy understanding. ing.
Further, in the following description, specific numerical values, shapes, materials and the like will be described, but these can be changed as appropriate.
In the embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as plate, sheet, and film are used, but these are generally used in the order of thickness, plate, sheet, and film. It is used accordingly in this specification. However, since there is no technical meaning in such proper use, these words can be replaced as appropriate.
Further, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, "transparency" means that light of at least the wavelength to be used is transmitted. For example, even if it does not transmit visible light, if it transmits infrared rays, it shall be treated as transparent when used for infrared applications.
It should be noted that the specific numerical values specified in the present specification and the claims should be treated as including a general error range. That is, a difference of about ± 10% is substantially the same, and a value set in a range slightly beyond the numerical range of the present case is substantially the same as in the present disclosure. It should be construed as being within the scope of the embodiment.

The dimming film (dimming member) 1 of the first embodiment is attached to a dimming part such as a window glass of a building, a showcase, an indoor transparent partition, a roof window of an automobile or the like with an adhesive layer or the like. It is used together and controls the amount of transmitted light by changing the applied voltage. The light control film may be applied to an intermediate of laminated glass and arranged.
The light control film 1 includes a first base material layer 10, a first electrode layer 11, a first alignment layer 12, a second base material layer 20, a second electrode layer 21, and a second alignment layer 22. It includes a bead spacer 23, a sealing portion 30, and a guest host liquid crystal layer 40.

Various transparent film materials can be applied to the first base material layer 10, but it is desirable to apply a film material having a small optical anisotropy. In the first embodiment, a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film having a thickness of 125 μm is applied to the first base material layer 10, but film materials having various thicknesses can be applied, and further, a polycarbonate film or COP. A (cycloolefin polymer) film or the like may be applied.

The first electrode layer 11 is laminated on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side of the first base material layer. Various electrode materials applied to this kind of film material can be applied to the first electrode layer 11, and in the first embodiment, the first electrode layer 11 is formed of a transparent electrode material made of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).
FIG. 2 is a view of the first electrode layer 11 as viewed from the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side.
The first electrode layer 11 is divided into a plurality of electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d, and non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g are provided between the adjacent electrode regions. Here, an example in which the four electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are separately arranged will be described, but the number of divisions can be appropriately changed.

The first alignment layer 12 is laminated on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side of the first electrode layer, and is formed by a photoalignment layer. As the photo-alignment material applicable to the photo-alignment layer, various materials to which the photo-alignment method can be applied can be widely applied. Examples of the photo-alignment material include a photodecomposition type, a photodimerization type, and a photoisomerization type.

Examples of the photodimerization type material include cinnamate, coumarin, benzylidenephthalimidine, benzylideneacetophenone, diphenylacetylene, stillbazole, uracil, quinolinone, maleinimide, and a polymer having a cinnamyldenacetic acid derivative. Among them, a polymer having one or both of cinnamate and coumarin is preferably used because of its good orientation-regulating power. Specific examples of such photodimerization type materials include the compounds described in JP-A-9-118717, JP-A-10-506420, JP-A-2003-505561 and WO2010 / 150748. Can be mentioned.

A rubbing alignment layer may be used instead of the light alignment layer. The rubbing alignment layer may not be subjected to the rubbing treatment, or may be subjected to the rubbing treatment to form a fine line-shaped uneven shape to prepare the alignment layer. The first alignment layer 12 does not necessarily require photo-alignment or rubbing treatment.
Further, the first alignment layer 12 is provided by filling the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g.

The second base material layer 20 has the same structure as the first base material layer 10.
The second electrode layer 21 is laminated on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side of the second base material layer 20. The second electrode layer 21 has the same configuration as the first electrode layer 11 except that the second electrode layer 21 is not divided and the whole is one electrode region.

The second alignment layer 22 is laminated on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side of the second electrode layer 21, and has the same configuration as the first alignment layer 12. Further, the second alignment layer 22 includes the bead spacer 23.

Since the bead spacer 23 is formed by being applied to the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side of the second electrode layer 21 together with the second alignment layer 22, it constitutes a part of the second alignment layer 22. That is, most of the protruding portion of the bead spacer 23 is covered with the second alignment layer 22.
The bead spacer 23 is arranged to keep the cell gap, which is the thickness of the guest host liquid crystal layer 40, constant, and in this embodiment, a spherical bead spacer is applied. The bead spacer 23 preferably has a diameter of 2 μm or more and 20 μm or less, and is 9 μm in the first embodiment.
Further, the bead spacer 23 is formed from a spherical bead body portion by an inorganic material such as glass or various transparent resin materials, and is not provided with a surface layer used for fixing a fixing layer or the like, and is a second. Except for the alignment layer 22, the surface of the bead body is exposed on the surface of the bead spacer 23.

The seal portion 30 is arranged so as to surround the guest host liquid crystal layer 40. The entire light control film 1 is held integrally by the sealing portion 30, and leakage of the liquid crystal material is prevented. For example, an epoxy resin, an ultraviolet curable resin, or the like can be applied to the seal portion 30.

The guest host liquid crystal layer 40 is provided in a region sandwiched between the first alignment layer 12 and the second alignment layer 22. The guest host liquid crystal layer 40 is formed by a solution of the guest host liquid crystal composed of the guest host liquid crystal composition and the dichroic dye composition.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the light control film 1 is provided with the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 is shown, but a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, and an IPS that do not use a dichroic dye composition are shown. It may be configured to include a liquid crystal layer such as a (In-Plane-Switching) method. When such a liquid crystal layer is provided, it can function as a light control film by further providing a linearly polarizing layer on the surfaces of the first base material layer 10 and the second base material layer 20. In the case of an IPS liquid crystal layer, the electrode may be on one side of the liquid crystal layer.

In the light control film 1, the orientation regulating force related to the pretilt of the first alignment layer 12 and the second alignment layer 22 is set in a certain direction so that the orientation of the guest host liquid crystal composition at the time of shading is when an electric field is applied. It is composed of a vertically oriented layer. As a result, the light control film 1 is configured as normally clear. It should be noted that this setting at the time of translucency may be configured as a normal dryk when an electric field is applied. Here, the normal dryk is a structure in which the transmittance is minimized when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal display, resulting in a black screen (light-shielding state). Normal clear is a structure in which the transmittance is maximized and becomes transparent (transmissive state) when no voltage is applied to the liquid crystal display.
In the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 of the present embodiment, in the case of the normal-leading configuration, the liquid crystal is horizontally oriented when the voltage is not applied and vertically oriented when the voltage is applied. Further, in the case of the normally clear configuration, the liquid crystal is vertically oriented when the voltage is not applied and horizontally oriented when the voltage is applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the light control film 1 of the first embodiment.
First, the first electrode layer 11 is formed on the entire surface of the first base material layer 10 on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side (FIG. 3A).
Next, the first electrode layer 11 at the portion of the first electrode layer 11 that becomes the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g is removed (FIG. 3 (b)). The removal of the first electrode layer 11 may be performed by, for example, dry laser processing or wet etching processing.
After forming the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, 11g, the first alignment layer 12 is formed (FIG. 3 (c)). At this time, the first alignment layer 12 is also filled in the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g. This can be expected to have the effect of preventing a short circuit between the adjacent electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d.
Finally, the second base material layer 20, the second electrode layer 21, and the second alignment layer 22 (including the bead spacer 23), which are separately laminated and prepared, are arranged (FIG. 3 (d)) and sealed. The light control film 1 is completed by integrating with the part 30 and filling and sealing the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 (FIG. 1).
When the laser is applied to the second base material layer 20 side, the beads scatter the laser light, which may cause variations in electrode patterning and local unevenness due to non-uniform cell gap due to the beads falling off. Is desirable to irradiate the first base material layer 10 side (the side without beads).

The first electrode layer 11 is divided into a plurality of parts as described above, and has non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g. Therefore, there is a concern about short circuit between adjacent electrode regions. In addition, the presence of the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g may be visually recognized (hereinafter, also referred to as “line appearance”).
Therefore, a plurality of samples having different widths of the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g were prepared, and the short-circuit resistance and line appearance were evaluated.
FIG. 4 is a result of evaluating the light control film 1 of the first embodiment.
The photochromic film 1 used for the evaluation of FIG. 4 has a normal mear duck configuration.
In this evaluation, the thickness of the first base material layer 10 and the second base material layer 20 is 125 μm, the thickness of the first electrode layer 11 and the second electrode layer 21 is 20 nm, and the first alignment layer 12 and the second alignment layer are formed. The thickness of 22 (non-electrode region and bead spacer 23 are not included in the thickness) was set to 100 nm.
The evaluation item of "short" in FIG. 4 is an evaluation of the presence or absence of a short circuit between the adjacent electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d. In this evaluation, 〇 means that there is no short circuit.
The evaluation item of "line appearance dark display" in FIG. 4 is the evaluation of "line appearance" in dark display (in this example, voltage is not applied). In this evaluation, ◯ indicates that the line (non-electrode region 11e, 11f, 11g) cannot be visually recognized, and × indicates that the line can be visually recognized.
From this evaluation result, from the viewpoint of short-circuit resistance, the width of the non-electrode region is preferably 5 μm or more, and more preferably 10 μm or more.
Further, from the viewpoint of line appearance, the width of the non-electrode region is preferably less than 25 μm, more preferably 15 μm or less.
Further, in order to secure short-circuit resistance and prevent line appearance, the width of the non-electrode region is preferably 5 μm or more and less than 25 μm.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by setting the width of the non-electrode region to 5 μm or more, it is possible to prevent a short circuit in the non-electrode region. Further, by setting the width of the non-electrode region to less than 25 μm, line appearance can be prevented.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the light control film 1B according to the second embodiment.
The light control film 1B of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the light control film 1 of the first embodiment except that the form of the first alignment layer 12B is different from that of the first alignment layer 12 of the first embodiment. There is. Therefore, the same reference numerals are given to the portions that perform the same functions as those of the first embodiment described above, and duplicate description will be omitted as appropriate.

The first alignment layer 12B of the second embodiment is divided into alignment regions 12a, 12b, 12c, and 12d corresponding to the electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d of the first electrode layer 11. Therefore, the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g are formed so as to be connected to the position of the first alignment layer 12B. The non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g are filled with the liquid crystal of the guest host liquid crystal layer 40.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a manufacturing process of the light control film 1B of the second embodiment.
First, the first electrode layer 11 is formed on the entire surface of the first base material layer 10 on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side (FIG. 6A).
Next, the first alignment layer 12B is formed on the entire surface of the first electrode layer 11 on the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 side (FIG. 6 (b)).
Next, the first electrode layer 11 and the first alignment layer 12B at the portions of the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g of the first electrode layer 11 are removed (FIG. 6 (c)). In the second embodiment, the first electrode layer 11 and the first alignment layer 12B are removed by dry laser processing.
Finally, the second base material layer 20, the second electrode layer 21, and the second alignment layer 22 (including the bead spacer 23), which are separately laminated and prepared, are arranged (FIG. 6 (d)) and sealed. The light control film 1B is completed by integrating with the part 30 and filling and sealing the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 (FIG. 5).

In the first embodiment, the first alignment layer 12 was formed after removing the first electrode layer 11 at the positions of the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g. In this case, the etchant (acid), the dry film, the resist, or the like in the etching process may remain on the electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d that remain without being removed. Then, when the first alignment layer 12 is formed on these, there is a risk that the first alignment layer 12 will be repelled.
On the other hand, in the second embodiment, since the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g are formed after laminating the first alignment layer 12B, there is a possibility that the first alignment layer 12B as described above is repelled. It can be easily manufactured.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g are filled with the guest host liquid crystal layer 40 instead of the first alignment layer 12 of the first embodiment. Therefore, it is expected that the short-circuit resistance is inferior to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, regarding this point, also in the second embodiment, a plurality of samples having different widths of the non-electrode regions 11e, 11f, and 11g were prepared, and the short-circuit resistance and line appearance were evaluated.
FIG. 7 is a result of evaluating the light control film 1B of the second embodiment.
The photochromic film 1 used for the evaluation of FIG. 7 has a normal mear duck configuration.
In this evaluation, the thickness of the first base material layer 10 and the second base material layer 20 is 125 μm, the thickness of the first electrode layer 11 and the second electrode layer 21 is 20 nm, and the first alignment layer 12 and the second alignment layer are formed. The thickness of 22 (non-electrode region and bead spacer 23 are not included in the thickness) was set to 100 nm.
The evaluation item of "short" in FIG. 7 is an evaluation of the presence or absence of a short circuit between the adjacent electrode regions 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d. In this evaluation, 〇 means that no short circuit has occurred, and × means that a short circuit has occurred.
The evaluation item of "line appearance dark display" in FIG. 7 is the evaluation of "line appearance" in dark display (in this example, voltage is not applied). In this evaluation, 〇 indicates that the line (non-electrode region 11e, 11f, 11g) cannot be visually recognized, Δ indicates that the line is slightly visible but there is no problem in actual use, and × indicates that the line can be visually recognized. It is a thing.
From this evaluation result, from the viewpoint of short-circuit resistance, the width of the non-electrode region is preferably 10 μm or more, and more preferably 15 μm or more.
Further, from the viewpoint of line appearance, the width of the non-electrode region is preferably less than 25 μm.
Further, in order to secure short-circuit resistance and prevent line appearance, the width of the non-electrode region is preferably 10 μm or more and less than 25 μm.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by setting the width of the non-electrode region to 10 μm or more, it is possible to prevent a short circuit in the non-electrode region. Further, by setting the width of the non-electrode region to less than 25 μm, line appearance can be prevented.

(Deformed form)
Not limited to the embodiments described above, various modifications and changes are possible, and these are also within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

(1) In each embodiment, an optical adjustment layer may be further provided between the first base material layer 10 and the first electrode layer 11 and between the second base material layer 20 and the second electrode layer 21. good. This optical adjustment layer has a function of making the patterned electrodes difficult to see, and is formed by using particles such as zirconium oxide and titanium oxide.

1, 1B dimming film 10 1st base material layer 11 1st electrode layer 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Electrode region 11e, 11f, 11g Non-electrode region 12, 12B 1st alignment layer 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Orientation region 20 2nd base material layer 21 2nd electrode layer 22 2nd alignment layer 23 Bead spacer 30 Sealing part 40 Guest host liquid crystal layer

Claims (5)

The first base material layer and
The second base material layer and
The first electrode layer laminated on the first base material layer and
The second electrode layer laminated on the second base material layer and
The first alignment layer laminated on the first electrode layer and
The second alignment layer laminated on the second electrode layer and
A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer,
It is a dimming member equipped with
The first electrode layer is divided into a plurality of electrode regions and arranged, and a non-electrode region is provided between the adjacent electrode regions.
The first alignment layer is provided so as to fill the non-electrode region.
A dimming member having a width of the non-electrode region of 5 μm or more. In the dimming member according to claim 1,
The width of the non-electrode region shall be less than 25 μm.
A dimming member characterized by. The first base material layer and
The second base material layer and
The first electrode layer laminated on the first base material layer and
The second electrode layer laminated on the second base material layer and
The first alignment layer laminated on the first electrode layer and
The second alignment layer laminated on the second electrode layer and
A liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first alignment layer and the second alignment layer,
It is a dimming member equipped with
The first electrode layer is divided into a plurality of electrode regions and arranged, and a non-electrode region is provided between the adjacent electrode regions.
The first alignment layer is separately arranged so as to correspond to the electrode region.
A dimming member having a width of the non-electrode region of 10 μm or more. In the dimming member according to claim 3,
The width of the non-electrode region shall be less than 25 μm.
A dimming member characterized by. In the dimming member according to claim 3 or 4.
The second alignment layer contains a bead spacer, and the second alignment layer contains a bead spacer.
The second electrode layer is not divided and is configured as one electrode region.
A dimming member characterized by.

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