JP2024058498A - glasses - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides eyeglasses that can be provided with excellent design even when the lenses are equipped with electrochromic elements.
[Solution] Sunglasses 100 to which the spectacles of the present invention are applied have an electrochromic element 60 in a colored region of a lens 30 that exhibits color when a voltage is applied. In sunglasses 100 configured in this way, a power supply board 40 is embedded in one of the temple parts 23, and a control board 80 is embedded in the other temple part 23. The electrochromic element 60 of one lens 30 and the electrochromic element 60 of the other lens 30 are electrically connected in series.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to eyeglasses equipped with lenses having electrochromic elements.

As lenses for eyeglasses (eyewear) such as sunglasses, lenses have been proposed that have on their surfaces optical sheets equipped with polarizing films or half-mirror layers that can provide design features by selectively reflecting light in a specific wavelength range (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

That is, in order to give the lens the desired optical characteristics, it has been proposed to have an optical sheet with such optical characteristics on its surface.

Apart from this, the phenomenon in which a reversible redox reaction occurs when a voltage is applied, resulting in a reversible change in color, is called electrochromism, and in recent years, electrochromic elements using electrochromic materials that exhibit this electrochromism have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

This electrochromic element develops color when a voltage is applied to it, and loses color and becomes transparent when the electrochromic element is short-circuited. Therefore, by providing a switch that can switch between applying a voltage to the electrochromic element and shorting the electrochromic element, it becomes possible to cause the electrochromic element to develop color and lose color at any desired timing.

Therefore, by applying this electrochromic element to the optical sheet described above, i.e., by using an electrochromic sheet having an electrochromic element as the optical sheet, it is conceivable that eyewear such as sunglasses (spectacles) may be made such that the lenses of the eyewear can be switched between coloring and decoloring at any time by turning a switch ON/OFF.

However, in order to make it possible to switch the lenses of the eyeglasses between coloring and decoloring by turning a switch on and off, i.e., by switching between applying a voltage to the electrochromic element and shorting it, as described above, it becomes necessary to incorporate a circuit board equipped with a power source, switches, etc., into the eyeglasses.

When considering incorporating this circuit board into eyeglasses, it is conceivable to incorporate the circuit board into the temples of the frame. In this case, however, it becomes necessary to incorporate (embed) wiring for electrically connecting the electrochromic element and the circuit board into the rim and bridge of the frame. However, this causes the wiring to become complicated, which creates the problem of being unable to impart a superior design to the eyeglasses.

JP 2009-294445 A JP 2017-167317 A

The object of the present invention is to provide eyeglasses that can be provided with excellent design even if the lenses are equipped with electrochromic elements.

These objects can be achieved by the present invention described in (1) to (6) below.
(1) A pair of lenses and a frame;
the frame has a pair of rim portions to which one of the lenses is attached, a bridge portion connecting the pair of rim portions to each other, and a pair of temple portions each connected to the pair of rim portions via a hinge,
The pair of lenses are glasses each having an electrochromic element disposed in a coloring area that exhibits color upon application of a voltage,
A power supply, a power supply substrate having the power supply, a control unit that controls the operation of the electrochromic element, and a control substrate having the control unit,
the power supply board is embedded in one of the temple parts, and the control board is embedded in the other temple part;
The eyeglasses, characterized in that the electrochromic element of one of the lenses and the electrochromic element of the other of the lenses are electrically connected in series.

(2) The electrochromic element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a colored layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode and colored by application of the voltage;
the lens has a first conductive portion electrically connected to the first electrode and a second conductive portion electrically connected to the second electrode, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion being exposed at ends of the lens in a surface direction;
The eyeglasses according to (1) above, wherein in the pair of lenses, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are provided at different positions near the temple portion when viewed in a plan view of the lenses.

(3) The color layer includes a first electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrochromic layer, which are stacked in this order from the first electrode side toward the second electrode,
The first electrochromic layer contains, as a main material, a material that exhibits color through an oxidation reaction,
The eyeglasses according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the second electrochromic layer contains, as a main material, a material that exhibits color through a reduction reaction.

(4) A control unit for controlling the setting of the operation pattern of the control unit is provided.
The operation unit is detachably provided on the control board,
The eyeglasses according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the operation unit sets the operation pattern when the eyeglasses are attached to the control board.

(5) A control unit for controlling the setting of the operation pattern of the control unit is provided.
Both the control unit and the operation unit have a communication function,
The eyeglasses according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the operation unit sets the operation pattern while being connected to the control unit via the communication function.

(6) The glasses described in any one of (1) to (5) above, which are provided with a secondary battery as the power source.

According to the present invention, even if the eyeglasses are configured to have electrochromic elements in the lenses, the circuit board equipped with a power source, switches, etc. used to drive the electrochromic elements and the pair of electrochromic elements equipped on each pair of lenses are electrically connected in series using wiring, which allows the wiring to be of a simple configuration, thereby providing eyeglasses equipped with this circuit board with excellent design.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of sunglasses to which the spectacles of the present invention are applied. 2 is a plan view showing lenses provided in the sunglasses shown in FIG. 1. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of the lens shown in FIG. 2 taken along line BB. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an electrochromic element provided in the lens shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the sunglasses shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the sunglasses shown in FIG. 1 . FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing a control board in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6 . 8 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing switching elements provided on the control board shown in FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing an operation board in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6 . 7 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing a power supply board in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation/stop pattern of a program recorded in a memory of a microcomputer module; FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of display content displayed on a display of an operation unit. FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing wiring connected to an electrochromic element provided in a lens in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6 . 14 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram showing another example of the configuration of the wiring connected to the electrochromic element shown in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, eyeglasses according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.
The glasses of the present invention are applied to glasses (eyewear) having lenses equipped with electrochromic elements, but below we will explain the case where the glasses are applied to sunglasses, which is an example of glasses (eyewear), in which an electrochromic sheet has electrochromic elements and the electrochromic sheet is equipped with lenses.

<Sunglasses>
Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of sunglasses to which the spectacles of the present invention are applied. In Fig. 1, when the sunglasses are worn on the head of a user, the surface of the lens facing the user's eyes is called the back surface, and the opposite surface is called the front surface.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sunglasses 100 include a frame 20, a pair of lenses 30 (eyeglass lenses) attached to the frame 20, and an operating unit 70 (operating pad) detachably attached to the frame 20.

In this specification, the term "lens (spectacle lens)" includes both lenses that have a light-gathering function and lenses that do not have a light-gathering function.

The frame 20 is worn on the user's head and positions the lenses 30 near the front of the user's eyes.

The frame 20 has a rim portion 21, a bridge portion 22, a temple portion 23, and a nose pad portion 24.

The rim portion 21 is ring-shaped and is provided for each of the right and left eyes, with a lens 30 attached to the inside of each. This allows the user to view external information through the lens 30.

The lens 30 comprises an electrochromic sheet 120 (electrochromic wafer) that has been thermally bent into a curved shape, and the electrochromic sheet 120 has an electrochromic element 60 that reversibly changes color and decolor at any timing by switching the voltage applied to the electrochromic element 60. When the lens 30 is attached to the inside of the rim portion 21, the lens 30 has a first conductive post 51 and a second conductive post 52 that function as connection terminals at positions corresponding to the connection portion where the temple portion 23 is connected to the rim portion 21, and a drive circuit 200 that functions as a control means, which will be described later, is electrically connected to the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 that function as connection terminals.

The bridge portion 22 is rod-shaped and is positioned in front of the upper part of the user's nose when the headset is worn on the user's head, connecting the pair of rim portions 21.

The temples 23 are vine-shaped and are connected to the edge of each rim 21 on the opposite side to where the bridges 22 are connected. The temples 23 are placed over the user's ears when the glasses are worn on the user's head.

As shown in FIG. 1, the right (one) temple portion 23 has a built-in control board 80 that constitutes the drive circuit 200, and the left (other) temple portion 23 has a built-in power supply board 40 that constitutes the drive circuit 200. By operating the control board 80 and the power supply board 40, it is possible to apply a voltage to the electrochromic element 60 of the electrochromic sheet 120, but a detailed explanation of this will be given later.

When the sunglasses 100 are worn on the head of the user, the nose pads 24 are provided on the edges of the rims 21 that correspond to the user's nose, come into contact with the user's nose, and are shaped to correspond to the contacting portion of the user's nose. This allows the sunglasses 100 to be stably maintained when worn.

The materials that make up the frame 20 are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, various metal materials or various resin materials. The shape of the frame 20 is not limited to the one shown in the figure, as long as it can be worn on the user's head.

One lens 30 is attached to each of the left and right rim portions 21. The lens shown in FIG. 2 is the lens attached to the right rim portion 21 of the sunglasses 100 shown in FIG. 1. The lens 30 is a light-transmitting member having an overall shape of a plate curved outward, and includes a resin layer 35 (molded layer) and an electrochromic sheet 120 having an electrochromic element 60.

The resin layer 35 is optically transparent and is located below (on the back side of) the lens 30 as shown in FIG. 3. When the lens 30 is given a light-collecting function, this resin layer 35 has the light-collecting function.

The material for the resin layer 35 is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin material that is optically transparent, but examples include various thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins, photocurable resins, and other curable resins, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

Examples of resin materials include polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, poly-(4-methylpentene-1), ionomers, acrylic resins, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS resins), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers (AS resins), butadiene-styrene copolymers, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyether, polyether ketone (PEK), and polyether Examples of the resin include ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherimide, polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene oxide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, aromatic polyester (liquid crystal polymer), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, other fluorine-based resins, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, urea resins, melamine resins, silicone resins, polyurethanes, etc., or copolymers, blends, polymer alloys, etc. that are mainly made of these, but among these, it is preferable that the resin layer 35 is the same as or identical to the resin material that mainly constitutes the second substrate 12 provided in the electrochromic sheet 120 described later. This makes it possible to improve the adhesion between the resin layer 35 and the electrochromic sheet 120. In addition, since the refractive index difference between the resin layer 35 and the electrochromic sheet 120 (second substrate 12) can be set low, diffuse reflection of light between the resin layer 35 and the electrochromic sheet 120 can be appropriately suppressed or prevented, and light can be transmitted between the resin layer 35 and the electrochromic sheet 120 with excellent light transmittance. The refractive index difference between the resin layer 35 and the second substrate 12 provided with the electrochromic sheet 120 is preferably 0.2 or less, and more preferably 0.1 or less. This makes it possible to more significantly exert the effect obtained by setting the refractive index difference low.

The thickness of the resin layer 35 is not particularly limited, and is preferably, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. This allows the lens 30 to have both relatively high strength and light weight.

<<Electrochromic sheet>>
The electrochromic sheet 120 is formed into a curved shape having a curved convex surface and a curved concave surface by thermal bending under heating, and is bonded onto the outer surface (curved convex surface) of the resin layer 35. By providing the lens 30 with this electrochromic sheet 120, it is possible to impart to the sunglasses 100 a function of reversibly coloring and decoloring at any timing by switching the application of voltage to the electrochromic elements 60 of the electrochromic sheet 120. The electrochromic sheet 120 will be described below.

Figure 2 is a plan view showing the lens provided in the sunglasses shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of the lens shown in Figure 2 taken along line B-B, and Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the electrochromic element provided in the lens shown in Figure 2. For convenience of explanation, the front side of the page in Figure 2 and the upper sides of Figures 3 and 4 will be referred to as "top", and the back side of the page in Figure 2 and the lower sides of Figures 3 and 4 will be referred to as "bottom". Furthermore, the electrochromic sheet 120 in Figure 3 and the electrochromic element 60 in Figure 4 are both actually curved, but are described as being flat for convenience of explanation.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned functions, in this embodiment, the electrochromic sheet 120 includes a first substrate 11, a second substrate 12, a sealing portion 55, an electrochromic element 60, a first conductive post 51, a second conductive post 52, a first auxiliary electrode 15, and a second auxiliary electrode 16, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Each of the members constituting the electrochromic sheet 120 will now be described.
The first substrate 11 supports other components including the electrochromic element 60, and also serves to position other components including the electrochromic element 60 between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The first substrate 11 constitutes the outermost layer in the thickness direction of the electrochromic sheet 120, and functions as a protective layer to protect the electrochromic element 60, etc.

In the electrochromic sheet 120, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 form the outermost layer in the thickness direction of the electrochromic sheet 120, so that other members including the electrochromic element 60 are not exposed on the surface of the electrochromic sheet 120. Therefore, when the electrochromic sheet 120 having a curved shape is applied to a lens 30, it is possible to reliably prevent the electrochromic element 60 from being struck by dust or even rain, or from being worn by other members. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the characteristics of the electrochromic element 60 from being adversely affected by such strikes or friction.

This first substrate 11 is not particularly limited as long as it is made primarily of a transparent resin material, but it is preferable that it contains a transparent resin (base resin) with thermoplastic properties as its main material.

The transparent resin is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include acrylic resins, polystyrene resins, polyethylene resins, polypropylene resins, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polycarbonate resins, polyamide resins, cycloolefin resins, vinyl chloride resins, polyacetal resins, and triacetyl cellulose (TAC), and other resins having transparency. One or more of these may be used in combination. Among these, polycarbonate resins or polyamide resins are preferred, and polycarbonate resins are particularly preferred. Polycarbonate resins are rich in transparency (translucency) and mechanical strength such as rigidity, and also have high heat resistance, so that the use of polycarbonate resins as the transparent resin can improve the transparency of the first substrate 11 and the impact resistance and heat resistance of the first substrate 11.

A variety of resins can be used as the polycarbonate resin, but aromatic polycarbonate resins are preferred. Aromatic polycarbonate resins have aromatic rings in their main chains, which allows the first substrate 11 to have superior strength.

This aromatic polycarbonate resin is synthesized, for example, by an interfacial polycondensation reaction between bisphenol and phosgene, or an ester exchange reaction between bisphenol and diphenyl carbonate.

Examples of bisphenols include bisphenol A and bisphenol (modified bisphenol) which is the source of the repeating units of polycarbonate shown in the following formula (1A).

(In formula (1A), X is an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aromatic group, or a cyclic aliphatic group, Ra and Rb are each independently an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, m and n are each an integer of 0 to 4, and p is the number of repeating units.)

Specific examples of bisphenols that are the source of the repeating units of the polycarbonate represented by formula (1A) include 4,4'-(pentane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, 4,4'-(pentane-3,3-diyl)diphenol, 4,4'-(butane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, 1,1'-(cyclohexanediyl)diphenol, 2-cyclohexyl-1,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzene, 2,3-biscyclohexyl-1,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)benzene, 1,1'-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)cyclohexane, and 2,2'-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane, and these can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

In particular, it is preferable that the polycarbonate resin is mainly composed of a bisphenol-type polycarbonate resin having a skeleton derived from bisphenol. By using such a bisphenol-type polycarbonate resin, the first substrate 11 exhibits even greater strength.

Furthermore, as long as the first substrate 11 is optically transparent, its color may be any color, such as colorless, red, blue, yellow, etc.

These colors can be selected by incorporating a dye or pigment into the first substrate 11. Examples of such dyes include acid dyes, direct dyes, reactive dyes, and basic dyes, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

Specific examples of dyes include, for example, C.I. Acid Yellow 17, 23, 42, 44, 79, 142, C.I. Acid Red 52, 80, 82, 249, 254, 289, C.I. Acid Blue 9, 45, 249, C.I. Acid Black 1, 2, 24, 94, C.I. Food Black 1, 2, C.I. Direct Yellow 1, 12, 24, 33, 50, 55, 58, 86, 132, 142, 144, 173, C.I. Direct Red 1, 4, 9, 80, 81, 225, 227, C.I. Direct Blue 1, 2, 15, 71, 86, 87, 98, 165, 199, 202, C.I. Direct Black 19, 38, 51, 71, 154, 168, 171, 195, C.I. Reactive Red 14, 32, 55, 79, 249, C.I. Reactive Black 3, 4, 35, etc.

In addition to the transparent resin, dye, or pigment described above, the first substrate 11 may further contain various additives such as antioxidants, fillers, plasticizers, light stabilizers, ultraviolet absorbers, heat absorbers, and flame retardants, as necessary.

The first substrate 11 may be stretched or non-stretched.

Furthermore, the refractive index of the first substrate 11 at a wavelength of 589 nm is preferably 1.3 or more and 1.8 or less, and more preferably 1.4 or more and 1.65 or less. By setting the refractive index n1 of the first substrate 11 within the above numerical range, it is possible to precisely suppress or prevent the function of the electrochromic element 60, which can switch between coloring (coloring) and decoloring at any timing by driving the driving circuit 200, from being impaired.

The average thickness of the first substrate 11 is preferably set to 0.1 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.3 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. By setting the average thickness of the first substrate 11 within this range, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the electrochromic sheet 120 while accurately suppressing or preventing the occurrence of bending in the electrochromic sheet 120.

The second substrate 12 is disposed opposite the first substrate 11 and supports other components including the electrochromic element 60, and also serves to position other components including the electrochromic element 60 between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. It constitutes the outermost layer in the thickness direction of the electrochromic sheet 120 and functions as a protective layer to protect the electrochromic element 60.

In the electrochromic sheet 120, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 form the outermost layer in the thickness direction of the electrochromic sheet 120, so that other members including the electrochromic element 60 are not exposed on the surface of the electrochromic sheet 120. Therefore, when the electrochromic sheet 120 having a curved shape is applied to a lens 30, it is possible to reliably prevent the electrochromic element 60 from being struck by dust or even rain, or from being worn by other members. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the characteristics of the electrochromic element 60 from being adversely affected by such strikes or friction.

The second substrate 12 may be made of the same materials as those listed for the first substrate 11. The second substrate 12 and the first substrate 11 may be made of the same material (same type) or different materials.

Furthermore, like the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12 may be stretched or non-stretched.

The refractive index of the second substrate 12 at a wavelength of 589 nm may be the same as or different from the refractive index n1 of the first substrate 11, but is preferably 1.3 to 1.8, and more preferably 1.4 to 1.65. By setting the refractive index n2 of the second substrate 12 within the above numerical range, it is possible to accurately suppress or prevent the function of the electrochromic element 60, which can switch between coloring and decoloring at any timing by being driven by the drive circuit 200, from being impaired.

The average thickness of the second substrate 12 may be the same as or different from that of the first substrate 11, but is preferably, for example, 0.1 mm to 10.0 mm, and more preferably 0.3 mm to 5.0 mm. By setting the average thickness of the second substrate 12 within this range, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the electrochromic sheet 120 while accurately suppressing or preventing the occurrence of bending in the electrochromic sheet 120.

The electrochromic element 60 is a light-emitting element that can switch between coloring (coloring) and decoloring at any timing when driven by the drive circuit 200, and is provided in a colored region 700 partitioned by a sealing portion 55, as shown in FIG. 3.

In this embodiment, the electrochromic element 60 includes a first electrode 13 and a first electrochromic layer 63 stacked in sequence on the first substrate 11 toward the second substrate 12, a second electrode 14 and a second electrochromic layer 64 stacked in sequence on the second substrate 12 toward the first substrate 11, and an electrolyte layer 65 filled between the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64 (see FIG. 4).

The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are electrodes that supply electrons between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, or receive electrons from between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, when a positive voltage or a negative voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 60.

The constituent materials of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are not particularly limited as long as they are transparent conductive materials, and examples thereof include oxides such as ITO (indium tin oxide), FTO (F-doped tin oxide), ATO (antimony tin oxide), IZO (indium zinc oxide), In ₂ O ₃ , SnO ₂ , Sb-containing SnO ₂ , and Al-containing ZnO, Au, Pt, Ag, Cu, and alloys containing these, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

The average thickness of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 is adjusted so as to obtain the electrical resistance value required for the redox reaction of the electrochromic layers 63, 64. For example, when ITO is used as the constituent material of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, the average thickness is preferably set independently to about 50 nm or more and 200 nm or less, more preferably about 50 nm or more and 110 nm or less.

The first electrochromic layer 63 contains as its main material a material that exhibits color through an oxidation reaction, and is thus the layer that is colored.

The material contained as the main material in the first electrochromic layer 63 and which exhibits coloration through an oxidation reaction is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polymers of radically polymerizable compounds having a triarylamine structure, triarylamine derivatives such as triphenylamine, bisacridan compounds, Prussian blue complexes, benzidine, and nickel oxide, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

An example of a Prussian blue type complex is a material made of Fe(III) ₄ [Fe(II)(CN) ₆ ] ₃ .

Among these, a polymer obtained by polymerizing a composition containing a radically polymerizable compound having triarylamine is particularly preferred, since it can be operated at a constant voltage, has excellent durability against repeated use, and produces an electrochromic element with high contrast.

The composition containing the radical polymerizable compound having a triarylamine may contain a radical polymerizable compound other than the radical polymerizable compound having a triarylamine, and the polymer obtained by polymerizing such a composition may be composed of a crosslinked product formed by crosslinking these radical polymerizable compounds.

The average thickness of such a first electrochromic layer 63 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.1 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and more preferably about 0.4 μm or more and 10 μm or less.

The second electrochromic layer 64 contains, as its main material, an electrochromic material that changes from transparent to colored by a reduction reaction, and is the layer that is colored by this.

It is preferable that the second electrochromic layer 64 is made of an electrochromic material having the same color tone as the first electrochromic layer 63. This increases the maximum color density, thereby improving the contrast.

On the other hand, when materials of different colors are used, it becomes possible to mix colors. In addition, by coloring the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 through oxidation and reduction reactions, the driving voltage of the electrochromic element 60 can be effectively reduced, thereby improving the repetitive durability of the electrochromic element 60.

The material contained as the main material in the second electrochromic layer 64 that exhibits coloration through a reduction reaction is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include inorganic electrochromic compounds, organic electrochromic compounds, conductive polymers, etc., and one or more of these can be used in combination.

Examples of inorganic electrochromic compounds include tungsten oxide, molybdenum oxide, iridium oxide, and titanium oxide, among which tungsten oxide is preferred. Tungsten oxide is preferably used because it has a low color development/discoloration potential due to its low reduction potential, and because it is an inorganic material, it has excellent durability.

Examples of organic electrochromic compounds include low molecular weight organic electrochromic compounds such as azobenzene, anthraquinone, diarylethene, dihydroprene, dipyridine, styryl, styrylspiropyran, spirooxazine, spirothiopyran, thioindigo, tetrathiafulvalene, terephthalic acid, triphenylmethane, triphenylamine, naphthopyran, viologen, pyrazoline, phenazine, phenylenediamine, phenoxazine, phenothiazine, phthalocyanine, fluoran, fulgide, benzopyran, and metallocene, among which viologen and dipyridine compounds are preferred. These compounds are preferably used because they have a low color development and fading potential and good color values.

Examples of viologen-based compounds include those described in Japanese Patent No. 3955641 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-171781. Examples of dipyridine-based compounds include those described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-171781 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-116718.

Furthermore, examples of conductive polymers include polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline, and derivatives thereof.

The average thickness of such a second electrochromic layer 64 is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 0.2 μm or more and 5.0 μm or less, and more preferably about 1.0 μm or more and 4.0 μm or less. If the average thickness is less than 0.2 μm, depending on the type of electrochromic material, it may be difficult to obtain a desired color density, and if it exceeds 5.0 μm, the manufacturing cost may increase, and depending on the type of electrochromic material, visibility may be reduced due to coloring.

The electrolyte layer 65 is filled between the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64 and contains an electrolyte having ionic conductivity.

This electrolyte is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include inorganic ion salts such as alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts, acids, _and alkali supporting salts, and specific examples thereof include _LiClO4 , _LiBF4 , LiAsF6, _LiPF6 , _LiCF3SO3 , _LiCF3COO , KCl, _NaClO3 , NaCl, _NaBF4 , _NaSCN , _KBF4 , Mg( _ClO4 ) ₂ , Mg( _BF4 ) ₂ , etc., and one or a combination of two or more of these can be used.

In addition to these, ionic liquids can also be used as electrolyte materials. Among these ionic liquids, organic ionic liquids are preferably used because they have a molecular structure that shows liquidity over a wide temperature range, including room temperature, and are easy to handle.

As the molecular structure of the organic ionic liquid, examples of the cationic component include imidazole derivatives such as N,N-dimethylimidazole salt, N,N-methylethylimidazole salt, and N,N-methylpropylimidazole salt; pyridinium derivatives such as N,N-dimethylpyridinium salt and N,N-methylpropylpyridinium salt; and aliphatic quaternary ammonium salts such as trimethylpropylammonium salt, trimethylhexylammonium salt, and triethylhexylammonium salt. In addition, in consideration of stability in the atmosphere, it is preferable to use a compound containing fluorine as the anionic component, and examples of the anionic component include BF ₄ ^- , CF ₃ SO ₃ ^- , CF ₃ CO ₃ ^- , PF ₄ ^- , PF ₆ ^- , (CF ₃ SO ₂ ) ₂ N ^- , and (SO ₂ F) ₂ N ^- .

The material for such an electrolyte is preferably an ionic liquid that contains any combination of cationic and anionic components.

The ionic liquid may be directly dissolved in the photopolymerizable monomer, oligomer, or liquid crystal material. If the ionic liquid has poor solubility in these materials, it may be dissolved in a small amount of solvent to obtain a solution, and then this solution may be mixed with the photopolymerizable monomer, oligomer, or liquid crystal material to dissolve the ionic liquid.

Examples of solvents include propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, γ-butyrolactone, ethylene carbonate, sulfolane, dioxolane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulfoxide, 1,2-dimethoxyethane, 1,2-ethoxymethoxyethane, polyethylene glycol, alcohols, or mixed solvents thereof.

The electrolyte filled between the first electrochromic layer 63 and the second electrochromic layer 64 as the electrolyte layer 65 can be a low-viscosity liquid, or can take various forms, such as a gel, a polymer cross-linked type, or a liquid crystal dispersion type. Among these, it is preferable for the electrolyte to be formed in a gel or solid state. This can improve the element strength and reliability of the electrochromic element 60.

As a method for making the electrolyte layer 65 solid, for example, a method in which a liquid containing an electrolyte and a solvent is held in a polymer resin is preferable. This makes it possible to obtain both high ionic conductivity and solid strength of the electrolyte layer 65. In addition, for example, a photocurable resin is preferable as the polymer resin. This makes it possible to obtain a solid electrolyte layer 65, and thus an electrochromic element 60, at a low temperature and in a short time, compared to the case in which a solid electrolyte layer 65 is obtained by thermal polymerization or evaporation of a solvent.

The average thickness of the electrolyte layer 65 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to about 10 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably about 20 μm or more and 80 μm or less.

In addition, an intermediate layer, such as an insulating porous layer or a protective layer, may be provided between each layer between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14.

By configuring the electrochromic element 60 as described above, it is possible to switch between coloring (coloring) and decoloring at any timing by driving the drive circuit 200.

In this embodiment, the electrochromic element 60 has a colored layer formed by the first electrochromic layer 63, the electrolyte layer 65, and the second electrochromic layer 64 located between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14. However, this colored layer is not limited to this configuration and may be any layer that exhibits color upon application of a voltage. For example, either the first electrochromic layer 63 or the second electrochromic layer 64 may be omitted.

The sealing portion 55 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and has the function of partitioning the colored region 700 and sealing the electrochromic element 60 within this colored region 700.

The constituent material of this sealing portion 55 is not particularly limited as long as it is an insulating material having transparency, but examples thereof include resin materials such as acrylic resin and epoxy resin, and inorganic oxides such as silicon oxide ( _SiO2 ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), and _aluminum oxide ( _Al2O3 ).

The average thickness of the sealing portion 55 is adjusted according to the average thickness of the electrochromic element 60, and is preferably set to, for example, about 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably about 40 μm or more and 80 μm or less.

As described above, the electrochromic sheet 120 is configured such that the electrochromic elements 60 are disposed in the colored regions 700 defined by the sealing portions 55 between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12.

In the electrochromic sheet 120 having such a configuration, the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 of the electrochromic element 60 are respectively routed as patterned wiring beyond (extending) the colored region 700 partitioned by the sealing portion 55 at a position corresponding to the connecting portion where the temple portion 23 is connected to the rim portion 21 when the lens 30 having the electrochromic sheet 120 is attached to the inside of the rim portion 21, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

As described above, the first conductive post 51 is provided to fill the first through-hole 57, which is a through hole provided through the sealing portion 55, so as to overlap in a plan view with the first electrode 13 provided as wiring extending from the colored region 700. In other words, the first electrode 13 provided as wiring beyond the colored region 700 between the first substrate 11 and the sealing portion 55 is extended until it reaches the first conductive post 51 (see Figures 2 and 3).

The first conductive post 51 is electrically connected to the first electrode 13 via the first auxiliary electrode 15, and is exposed at the end in the planar direction of the electrochromic sheet 120, i.e., on the outer peripheral surface of the electrochromic sheet 120, at a position that is on the temple portion 23 side (the right side in Figures 2 and 3) when the lens 30 equipped with the electrochromic sheet 120 is attached to the inside of the rim portion 21, in a plan view of the electrochromic sheet 120.

The second conductive post 52 is provided to fill the second through-hole 58, which is a through hole provided through the sealing portion 55, so as to overlap in a plan view with the second electrode 14 provided as wiring extending from the colored region 700. In other words, the second electrode 14 provided as wiring beyond the colored region 700 between the second substrate 12 and the sealing portion 55 is extended until it reaches the second conductive post 52 (see Figures 2 and 3).

The second conductive post 52 is electrically connected to the second electrode 14 via the second auxiliary electrode 16, and is exposed at a position different from the first conductive post 51 at the end in the planar direction of the electrochromic sheet 120, i.e., on the outer peripheral surface of the electrochromic sheet 120, on the temple portion 23 side (the right side in Figures 2 and 3) in a plan view of the electrochromic sheet 120 when the lens 30 equipped with the electrochromic sheet 120 is attached to the inside of the rim portion 21.

In this way, at the end in the planar direction (longitudinal direction) of the electrochromic sheet 120, i.e., at the outer peripheral surface of the electrochromic sheet 120 which has an overall shape of a disk (thin cylindrical shape) as shown in FIG. 2, the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 are exposed at different positions on the temple portion 23 side in a plan view of the electrochromic sheet 120, and these first conductive post 51 and second conductive post 52 are electrically connected to the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, respectively.

Therefore, at the end of the electrochromic sheet 120 in the surface direction, a voltage can be applied between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 through the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 exposed at different positions in a plan view of the electrochromic sheet 120 (lens 30). That is, the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 can be used as connection terminals when applying a voltage between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14. A drive circuit 200 functioning as a control means is electrically connected to the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 as these connection terminals, and the electrochromic element 60 can be switched between coloring (coloring) and decoloring at any timing by driving the drive circuit 200, the details of which will be described later.

The constituent material of the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 is not particularly limited as long as it is a conductive material, but examples include conductive paste such as silver paste, as well as metals such as gold and copper or alloys thereof.

The first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 are each independently set to an average thickness of preferably 20 μm or more and 100 μm or less, more preferably 40 μm or more and 80 μm or less. By setting the average thickness of the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 exposed at the end in the surface direction of the electrochromic sheet 120 within this range, the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 can be easily used as connection terminals when applying a voltage between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14.

Note that the first through-hole 57 and the second through-hole 58 each have a portion of their wall (inner surface) missing, exposing a portion of the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 at the end in the planar direction of the electrochromic sheet 120. In this specification, the term "through-hole" includes those having such a missing portion.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first through hole 57 and the second through hole 58 are both through holes that penetrate the sealing portion 55 in the thickness direction, but are not limited to this. The first through hole 57 may be a hole formed from the first substrate 11 side toward the second substrate 12 side, with the sealing portion 55 remaining at its bottom, and the second through hole 58 may be a hole formed from the second substrate 12 side toward the first substrate 11 side, with the sealing portion 55 remaining at its top.

The first auxiliary electrode 15 is laminated as wiring on the surface opposite to the first substrate 11 on the first electrode 13 extending from the colored region 700, and is electrically connected to the first conductive post 51 formed in the first through hole 57. In other words, the first auxiliary electrode 15 is formed between the first electrode 13 and the first conductive post 51 to electrically connect them to each other.

The second auxiliary electrode 16 is laminated as wiring on the surface opposite to the second substrate 12 on the second electrode 14 extending from the colored region 700, and is electrically connected to the second conductive post 52 formed in the second through hole 58. In other words, the second auxiliary electrode 16 is formed between the second electrode 14 and the second conductive post 52 to electrically connect them to each other.

The resistance values of the first auxiliary electrode 15 and the second auxiliary electrode 16 are set lower than the resistance values of the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, respectively. Therefore, by forming wiring electrically connected to the electrochromic element 60 with the laminate of the first electrode 13 and the first auxiliary electrode 15, and the laminate of the second electrode 14 and the second auxiliary electrode 16, respectively, it is possible to impart superior electrical conductivity to these wirings (laminates).

The constituent materials of the first auxiliary electrode 15 and the second auxiliary electrode 16 are not particularly limited as long as they have a lower resistance value than the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14, respectively, but materials with excellent conductivity are used, such as silver, aluminum, copper, chromium, and molybdenum, and one or more of these can be used in combination.

The first auxiliary electrode 15 and the second auxiliary electrode 16 are each independently set to an average thickness of preferably about 1 nm to about 100 nm, more preferably about 5 nm to about 50 nm. This ensures that the first auxiliary electrode 15 and the second auxiliary electrode 16 function as auxiliary electrodes.

The total thickness of the electrochromic sheet 120 having such a configuration is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 10.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less. This provides excellent strength to the electrochromic sheet 120, while also providing excellent thermoformability to the electrochromic sheet 120 when the electrochromic sheet 120 is molded into a curved shape.

<<Drive circuit>>
In the electrochromic sheet 120 as described above, the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 are exposed at different positions at the end in the surface direction when viewed in plan of the electrochromic sheet 120 (lens 30), and a drive circuit 200 functioning as a control means is electrically connected to the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52. Therefore, by being driven by the drive circuit 200, the electrochromic element 60 provided in the electrochromic sheet 120 can be switched between coloring (coloring) and decoloring at any timing. The drive circuit 200 will be described below.

5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the sunglasses shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the sunglasses shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing the control board in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing the switching elements provided on the control board shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing the operation board in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing the power supply board in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation/stop pattern of the program recorded in the memory of the microcomputer module; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the display content displayed by the display provided in the operation unit; FIG. 13 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram selectively showing the wiring connected to the electrochromic element provided in the lens in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 6; and FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged circuit diagram showing another configuration example of the wiring connected to the electrochromic element shown in FIG. 13.

The drive circuit 200 is provided in the sunglasses 100 to switch the electrochromic elements 60 of the electrochromic sheet 120 between coloring (coloring) and decoloring at any timing, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, has a power supply circuit 41, an operation circuit 71, a control unit 81, and an EC drive circuit 85.

In such a drive circuit 200, the power supply circuit 41 is provided on a power supply board 40 built in (embedded) in the left temple portion 23, the control unit 81 and the EC drive circuit 85 are provided on a control board 80 built in (embedded) in the right temple portion 23, and the operation circuit 71 is provided on an operation board 73 built in an operation unit 70 detachably connected via wiring 301 (see FIG. 1). When the user puts on the sunglasses 100, the operation unit 70 is detached from the frame 20 and used. Therefore, the power supply board 40 and the control board 80 built in the temple portion 23 can be made smaller, and the sunglasses 100 can be given an excellent design.

The power supply board 40 and the control board 80 form a circuit board built into the sunglasses 100 (frame 20).

The power supply circuit 41 is provided on the power supply board 40 built into (embedded in) the left temple portion 23, and is intended to supply power to the control unit 81 and EC drive circuit 85 provided on the control board 80.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 10, the power supply circuit 41 has a secondary battery 45 and a DC/DC converter 46 electrically connected via a connector 47 and wiring 311, and the DC/DC converter 46 is electrically connected to a connector 48 via wiring 311, and the connector 48 is electrically connected to a connector 89A provided on the control board 80 via wiring 321. As a result, power is supplied from the power supply circuit 41 to the EC drive circuit 85 and the control unit 81 provided on the control board 80.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the DC 3V power of the secondary battery 45 is boosted to DC 5V power in the DC/DC converter 46, and then this DC 5V power is supplied to the control board 80.

In this embodiment, a secondary battery 45 (rechargeable battery) is used as a power source to supply power to the control unit 81 and EC drive circuit 85 provided on the control board 80.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 10, this secondary battery 45 has a voltage of DC 3V as described above. Examples of secondary battery 45 include lithium ion batteries, lead acid batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and sodium ion batteries. However, when considering miniaturization and capacity, lithium ion batteries are preferred. Therefore, the voltage of secondary battery 45 is expected to be approximately DC 3.0V or more and 4.0V or less. Therefore, the voltage can be easily boosted to approximately DC 5V using DC/DC converter 46.

In contrast, the current consumption by the electrochromic element 60 configured as described above is approximately 75 mA, and the current consumption by the control board 80 equipped with the control unit 81 and EC drive circuit 85 configured as described below is estimated to be approximately 150 mA.

Furthermore, in this case, the battery capacity of the secondary battery 45 is approximately 400 mA·h, and assuming use with the control board 80, it can be said to have a capacity of approximately 5 V x 400 mA·h = 2000 mW·h.

In contrast, the power consumption by the electrochromic element 60 configured as described above is approximately 230 mW, and the power consumption by the control board 80 equipped with the control unit 81 and EC drive circuit 85 configured as described below is estimated to be approximately 530 mW.

Therefore, if the secondary battery 45 (lithium ion battery) exhibits the above-mentioned voltage, maximum current value, and battery capacity, it is possible to miniaturize the power supply circuit 41 while supplying a sufficient amount of power required to drive the control unit 81 and the EC drive circuit 85, and further the electrochromic element 60, for a long period of time.

If the power supply circuit 41 has such a configuration, the power supply board 40 that contains it is designed to be compact, with dimensions of approximately 20 mm wide x 40 mm long x 5 mm high. Therefore, even if the power supply board 40 is built into the temple portion 23, it is possible to impart an excellent design to the sunglasses 100.

In addition, it is preferable that the power supply circuit 41 further includes a solar cell in addition to the secondary battery 45 as a power source. This allows the control unit 81 and the EC drive circuit 85, as well as the electrochromic element 60, to operate for a longer period of time when the sunglasses 100 are worn by the user.

Furthermore, if the solar cell exhibits the above-mentioned voltage, maximum current value, and battery capacity, similar to the secondary battery 45, the power supply circuit 41 may be equipped with a solar cell alone as a power supply, instead of the secondary battery 45.

If the configuration of the electrochromic element 60, the control unit 81, and the EC driving circuit 85 is simplified so that they can be driven at low voltage and low current, a dry cell (button cell) of about DC 1.5 V may be used as the power source instead of the secondary battery 45. In other words, a battery of about DC 1.5 V or more and 4.0 V or less can be used as the power source.

The control unit 81 is provided on a control board 80 built in (embedded) in the right temple portion 23, and controls the operation of the EC drive circuit 85, and in turn the coloring and decoloring of the electrochromic element 60 (EC element) provided in the electrochromic sheet 120 (EC sheet). In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, it has a voltage regulator 82 and a microcomputer module 83.

The voltage regulator 82 is electrically connected to the connector 89A via a wire 381 and a switch 395, and is further electrically connected to the microcomputer module 83 via a wire 382, so that the power stepped down by the voltage regulator 82 is supplied to the microcomputer module 83.

The microcomputer module 83 has a processor such as a CPU, memory such as ROM and RAM, an I/O interface, etc., and operates the processor using power supplied by the voltage regulator 82, causing the processor to read and execute various programs stored in the memory, thereby controlling the operation of the EC drive circuit 85.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the DC 5V power supplied from the power supply board 40 (power supply circuit 41) via the connector 89A and wiring 381 is stepped down to DC 3.3V power in the voltage regulator 82, and then supplied to the microcomputer module 83 via wiring 382, so that the microcomputer module 83 operates on DC 3.3V power.

In this way, the drive voltage of the control unit 81 is equal to or lower than the voltage boosted by the DC/DC converter 46 provided in the power supply circuit 41. By configuring the control unit 81 to be driven based on such a voltage magnitude relationship, the circuit configuration of the control unit 81 can be simplified, and the control unit 81 and therefore the control board 80 can be made smaller.

The EC drive circuit 85, like the control unit 81, is provided on the control board 80, and controls the coloring and decoloring of the electrochromic element 60 (EC element) provided in the electrochromic sheet 120 (EC sheet) by operation controlled by the control unit 81. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, it has a voltage reference 86, a D/A converter 87, an amplifier circuit 88, and a switching element 89.

The voltage reference 86 is electrically connected to the connector 89A via a wire 381 and a switch 395, and is further electrically connected to the D/A converter 87 via a wire 383, so that power is supplied to the D/A converter 87 at a voltage value stepped down by the voltage reference 86.

The microcomputer module 83 is connected to the D/A converter 87 via wiring 384, and a program loaded from the memory is executed by the processor. The voltage value recorded in this program is transmitted as a digital signal from the microcomputer module 83 to the D/A converter 87, and the D/A converter 87 converts the voltage value of this digital signal into the voltage value of an analog signal. At this time, the D/A converter 87 is supplied with power stepped down by the voltage reference 86. Therefore, by using the voltage value of the stepped-down power as a reference, the D/A converter 87 can convert the voltage value of the digital signal into the voltage value of the analog signal with excellent accuracy.

The amplifier circuit 88 is electrically connected to the D/A converter 87 via wiring 385, and is further electrically connected to the connector 89A via wiring 381 and switch 395. As a result, the voltage value of the analog signal converted by the D/A converter 87 is amplified by the amplifier circuit 88, which is driven based on the voltage supplied via wiring 381. The voltage value of the amplified analog signal is then output to the switching element 89 via wiring 386.

The microcomputer module 83 is connected to the switching element 89 via wiring 387, and a program read from the memory is executed by the processor. The timing of application of voltage to the electrochromic element 60 recorded in the program is transmitted from the microcomputer module 83 to the switching element 89.

In this embodiment, the switching element 89 is a four-channel switching element, and as shown in FIG. 8, when all the switches are OFF, the microcomputer module 83 operates to switch the two switches (channels) in position 1 to ON, thereby applying a positive voltage (forward voltage) to the electrochromic element 60, and the microcomputer module 83 operates to switch the two switches (channels) in position 2 to ON, thereby applying a reverse voltage to the electrochromic element 60, and the microcomputer module 83 operates to switch the two switches (channels) in position 3 to ON, thereby shorting the electrochromic element 60, and the microcomputer module 83 operates to switch the two switches in position 4 to ON, thereby opening the electrochromic element 60. Here, the electrochromic element 60 being open means that the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 of the electrochromic element 60 are not electrically connected via wiring or the like due to the operation of the two switches of the switching element 89 in position 4.

When simplifying the EC drive circuit 85, a three-channel switching element can be used as the switching element provided in the EC drive circuit 85 instead of the four-channel switching element 89. In this case, the four-channel switching element 89 with the two switches in the four position omitted is used as the three-channel switching element. In other words, the switch (channel) that opens the electrochromic element 60 is omitted.

This switching element 89 is also supplied with power of a voltage value amplified by the amplifier circuit 88 via wiring 386. Therefore, when the switching element 89 switches the two switches in position 1 to ON due to the operation of the microcomputer module 83, a positive voltage (forward voltage) of this voltage value is applied to the electrochromic element 60, and when the switching element 89 switches the two switches in position 2 to ON due to the operation of the microcomputer module 83, a reverse voltage of this voltage value is applied to the electrochromic element 60.

The switching element 89 has a positive terminal connected to the first conductive post 51 and a negative terminal connected to the second conductive post 52 via a connector 89B (see FIG. 6). As a result, when the switching element 89 switches the two switches in position 1 to ON by the operation of the microcomputer module 83, as described above, a positive voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 60, and when the switching element 89 switches the two switches in position 2 to ON, a reverse voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 60. Furthermore, when the switching element 89 switches the two switches in position 3 to ON, the electrochromic element 60 is short-circuited. Furthermore, when the switching element 89 switches the two switches in position 4 to ON, the electrochromic element 60 is opened.

In this way, by switching the channel of the switching element 89 having such a configuration by the operation of the microcomputer module 83 (controller 81), it is possible to switch between a positive voltage mode in which a positive voltage (forward voltage) is applied to the electrochromic element 60, a reverse voltage mode in which a reverse voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 60, a short circuit mode in which the electrochromic element 60 is short-circuited, and an open mode in which the electrochromic element 60 is open, at any timing. In addition, since the switching between each mode is performed by switching the channel (switch) of the switching element 89 by the operation of the microcomputer module 83 (controller 81), it can be performed with excellent responsiveness. In other words, the electrochromic element 60 can be switched between coloring and decoloring with excellent responsiveness.

As described above, the switching element 89 is supplied with power of a voltage value amplified by the amplifier circuit 88 by the operation of the microcomputer module 83 (control unit 81). Therefore, by setting the voltage value of the power amplified by the amplifier circuit 88 to a predetermined value by the operation of the microcomputer module 83, the magnitude of the positive voltage applied to the electrochromic element 60 in the positive voltage mode and the magnitude of the reverse voltage applied to the electrochromic element 60 in the reverse voltage mode can be changed at any timing. Therefore, from this point of view as well, the electrochromic element can be switched between coloring and decoloring with excellent responsiveness.

Furthermore, among the modes by switching the channel (switch) of the switching element 89, by selecting the positive voltage mode, the electrochromic element 60 develops color, by selecting the open mode, the electrochromic element 60 maintains its color development, and by selecting the reverse voltage mode or the short circuit mode, the electrochromic element 60 is decolorized. In this way, both the reverse voltage mode and the short circuit mode are modes for decolorizing the electrochromic element 60, but the response is higher in the reverse voltage mode and lower in the short circuit mode. Furthermore, by combining both of these, better response can be obtained. Therefore, for example, after the operation is stopped in the operation/stop pattern II shown in FIG. 11, the short circuit mode is performed after the reverse voltage mode for a short time (time e) such as 1 second. Also, after the operation is stopped in the operation/stop pattern III shown in FIG. 11, the short circuit mode is performed for a short time (time d) such as 2 or 3 seconds, and then the short circuit mode is performed after the reverse voltage mode for a short time (time e) such as 1 second. This allows the electrochromic element 60 to be decolorized with even better response. In addition, the reverse voltage mode is implemented by applying a reverse voltage for a short period of time (time e), which minimizes the load effect on the electrochromic element 60, thereby improving the durability of the electrochromic element 60.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the DC 5V power supplied from the power supply board 40 (power supply circuit 41) via the connector 89A and wiring 381 is stepped down to DC 3.3V power in the voltage regulator 82 and then supplied to the switching element 89 via wiring 382, so that the switching element 89 operates on DC 3.3V power.

In addition, the DC 5V power supplied from the power supply board 40 (power supply circuit 41) via the connector 89A and wiring 381 is stepped down to DC 3.3V power in the voltage reference 86, and then supplied as a reference to the D/A converter 87 via wiring 383. The D/A converter 87 uses the DC 3.3V power as a reference and operates on the DC 3.3V power.

Furthermore, DC 5V power is supplied from the power supply board 40 (power supply circuit 41) via the connector 89A and wiring 381 to the amplifier circuit 88, so that the amplifier circuit 88 operates with DC 5V power and amplifies the voltage value of the analog signal converted by the D/A converter 87.

The control board 80 equipped with the control unit 81 and EC drive circuit 85 having such a configuration has a switch 395 in the middle of the wiring 381 that electrically connects the connector 89A to each component, and a switch 396 in the middle of the wiring 389 that grounds the microcomputer module 83, and these switches 395, 396 are provided so as to be exposed from the surface of the temple part 23. As a result, when the operator switches the switch 395 to ON alone, power is supplied to each component equipped on the control board 80 except for the microcomputer module 83, and when both switches 395, 396 are switched to ON, power is supplied to each component equipped on the control board 80.

By making the control board 80 equipped with the control unit 81 and EC drive circuit 85 having the circuit configuration described above, the control board 80 is designed to be compact with dimensions of approximately 20 mm wide x 50 mm long x 5 mm high. Therefore, even if the control board 80 is built into the temple portion 23, it is possible to impart excellent design to the sunglasses 100.

As described above, the switching element 89 has a positive terminal connected to the first conductive post 51 and a negative terminal connected to the second conductive post 52 via the connector 89B (see FIG. 6), and the specific configuration is as shown below.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 are exposed at different positions near the temple portion 23 in a plan view of the electrochromic sheet 120 at the end in the surface direction (longitudinal direction) of the electrochromic sheet 120 (see Figures 2 and 13). Note that the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 are exposed at different positions near the temple portion 23 in the same manner in the left and right lenses 30, as shown in Figure 13.

For the left and right lenses 30 having such a configuration, the positive terminal of the switching element 89 provided on the control board 80 built into the temple part 23 on the right side (one side) is electrically connected to the first conductive post 51 provided on the right side (one side) lens 30 (electrochromic element 60) via the connector 89B and the wiring 361, and the negative terminal of the switching element 89 is electrically connected to the second conductive post 52 provided on the left side (other side) lens 30 (electrochromic element 60) via the connector 89B and the wiring 362. The first conductive post 51 provided on the left side lens 30 and the second conductive post 52 provided on the right side lens 30 are electrically connected via the wiring 363 (see Figures 6 and 13). As a result, the electrochromic element 60 provided on the right side lens 30 and the electrochromic element 60 provided on the left side lens 30 are electrically connected in series to the switching element 89 via the wiring 361 to 363 and the connector 89B.

In this way, by connecting the three wirings 361-363 to the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 exposed on the left and right lenses 30, respectively, without forming a branch point, so that the left and right electrochromic elements 60 are electrically connected in series, the three wirings 361-363 are buried in the area near the temple portion 23 of the right rim portion 21. In contrast, only the two wirings 362, 363 are buried in the other areas of the right rim portion 21, and in the left rim portion 21 and bridge portion 22. In this way, the wiring buried in the rim portion 21 and bridge portion 22 can be made to have a simple configuration.

As mentioned above, the positions at which the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 are exposed at the ends in the planar direction (longitudinal direction) of the electrochromic sheet 120 can be the configuration shown in FIG. 13 as well as the configuration shown in FIG. 14 (another configuration example).

That is, in another configuration example, in both the right (one) and left (other) lenses 30, when viewed in plan of the electrochromic sheet 120, the first conductive post 51 is exposed near the right temple portion 23, and the second conductive post 52 is exposed near the left temple portion 23.

In the left and right lenses 30 of this other configuration example, the positive terminal of the switching element 89 is also electrically connected to the first conductive post 51 of the right lens 30 via the connector 89B and the wiring 361, and the negative terminal of the switching element 89 is electrically connected to the second conductive post 52 of the left lens 30 via the connector 89B and the wiring 362. The first conductive post 51 of the left lens 30 and the second conductive post 52 of the right lens 30 are electrically connected to each other via the wiring 363 (see Figures 6 and 14). As a result, the electrochromic element 60 of the right lens 30 and the electrochromic element 60 of the left lens 30 are electrically connected to the switching element 89 in series via the wiring 361 to 363 and the connector 89B.

In this way, by connecting the three wirings 361-363 without forming a branch point to the first conductive post 51 and the second conductive post 52 exposed on the left and right lenses 30, respectively, so that the left and right electrochromic elements 60 are electrically connected in series, two wirings 361, 362 are buried in the area near the temple portion 23 of the right rim portion 21, only one wiring 362 is buried in the other area of the rim portion 21, and two wirings 362, 363 are buried in the bridge portion 22. In this way, even for lenses 30 of other configuration examples, the wiring buried in the rim portion 21 and bridge portion 22 can be of a simple configuration.

As described above, by electrically connecting the electrochromic element 60 in the right lens 30 and the electrochromic element 60 in the left lens 30 in series, the wiring embedded in the rim portion 21 and the bridge portion 22 can be made to have a simple configuration. This allows the sunglasses 100 to have an excellent design.

The operation circuit 71 is provided on an operation board 73 built into the body of the operation unit 70, which is detachably connected to the frame 20 via wiring 301. When the operation unit 70 is attached to the frame 20 via the wiring 301, the connector 89C of the control board 80 and the connector 79A of the operation board 73 are electrically connected via the wiring 301. In the control board 80, the connector 89C is electrically connected to the microcomputer module 83 via wiring 388. Therefore, when the operation unit 70 is connected to the frame 20, the operation circuit 71 and the microcomputer module 83 are electrically connected.

When the device is attached, the operation circuit 71 is used to select a program stored in the memory of the microcomputer module 83 and to set the conditions of the selected program, i.e., to set the operation pattern of the control unit 81. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 9, the operation circuit 71 has an operation/adjustment switch 74, an operation/stop pattern switch 75, an up switch 76, a down switch 77, a setting changeover switch 78, and a display 72.

The switches 74 to 78, the display 72, and the connector 79A are electrically connected to the DC jack 373 and the switch 372 via wiring 371, and power is supplied to these elements by switching the switch 372 ON from an AC/DC adapter (not shown in FIG. 9) connected to the DC jack 373.

The operation/adjustment switch 74 is a switch (button) that switches the drive circuit 200 (control unit 81). Specifically, by repeatedly pressing the switch, it is possible to switch between an operation mode (RUN) in which the drive circuit 200 is operated to adjust the color by causing the electrochromic element 60 to develop and decolorize, a stop mode (END) in which the drive circuit 200 is stopped and the electrochromic element 60 is not adjusted to color, and an adjustment mode (ADJ) in which the conditions for operating the drive circuit 200, i.e., the timing at which the electrochromic element 60 develops and decolorizes, can be adjusted.

The operation/stop pattern switch 75 is a switch (button) that selects various programs stored in the memory of the microcomputer module 83 when the operation/adjustment switch 74 is in operation mode (RUN) or stop mode (END). For example, by repeatedly pressing the switch, it is possible to select one of operation/stop pattern I (PT1), operation/stop pattern II (PT2), and operation/stop pattern III (PT3) shown in FIG. 11.

The up switch 76 and the down switch 77 are switches for setting conditions such as voltage and time in the operation/stop patterns I to III selected by the operation/stop pattern switch 75, and the setting changeover switch 78 is a switch for selecting the condition to be set from among these voltages and times. Specifically, for example, when setting the magnitude of the voltage in the operation/stop patterns I to III, the setting changeover switch 78 is first used to select the mode for setting the magnitude of the voltage, and then the up switch 76 and the down switch 77 are used to select the magnitude of the voltage to be applied to the electrochromic element 60.

The display 72 is a display element that displays the conditions of the program to be executed by the processor of the microcomputer module 83 selected using each of the switches 74 to 78. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the adjustment mode (ADJ), operation/stop pattern I (PT1), and conditions a to d are displayed.

(Setting method using an operation circuit included in a drive circuit)
The method of setting the timing for coloring and decoloring of the electrochromic elements 60 included in the electrochromic sheet 120 using the above-described operation circuit 71 (operation unit 70) is carried out, for example, as follows.

In the following, an example will be described in which operation/stop pattern I is selected as the program stored in the memory of the microcomputer module 83, and the various conditions for operation/stop pattern I are set.

(First step)
First, the operator connects the operation unit 70 (operation pad) to the frame 20 of the sunglasses 100 via the wiring 301 .

As a result, the connector 89C of the control board 80 built into the temple portion 23 of the frame 20 and the connector 79A of the operation board 73 built into the operation unit 70 are electrically connected via the wiring 301, and therefore the operation unit 70 and the microcomputer module 83 of the operation board 73 (operation circuit 71) are electrically connected.

The operator turns on the switch 372 on the operation board 73 and the switches 395 and 396 on the control board 80 before and after connecting the operation unit 70 to the frame 20.

(Second step)
Next, the operator operates the operation unit 70 to select the operation/shutdown pattern I from among the operation/shutdown patterns I to III as a program stored in the memory of the microcomputer module 83 .

(2-1) First, the operator presses the operation/adjustment switch 74 to select the adjustment mode (ADJ) that adjusts the timing of coloring and decoloring of the electrochromic element 60.

(2-2) Next, the operator presses the operation/stop pattern switch 75 to select the operation/stop pattern I program from among the various programs.

(Third process)
Next, the operator sets each condition in the operation/shutdown pattern I by operating the operation unit 70 .

(3-1) First, the operator presses the setting switch 78 to select, from among the conditions, a mode for setting the magnitude of the voltage value a to be applied to the electrochromic element 60, and then presses either the up switch 76 or the down switch 77 to set the magnitude of the voltage value a to a predetermined value.

(3-2) Next, the operator presses the setting changeover switch 78 to select, from among the conditions, a mode for setting the length of time b for application of the voltage value a, and then presses either the up switch 76 or the down switch 77 to set the length of time b to a predetermined length.

(3-3) Next, the operator presses the setting changeover switch 78 to select, from among the conditions, a mode for setting the magnitude of the voltage value c to be applied to the electrochromic element 60, and then presses either the up switch 76 or the down switch 77 to set the magnitude of the voltage value c to a predetermined value.

By going through the second and third steps described above, it is possible to select operation/stop pattern I as a program stored in the memory of the microcomputer module 83, and further to set each condition in operation/stop pattern I.

Then, the operator presses the operation/adjustment switch 74 to select the operation mode (RUN), and the program for operation/stop pattern I is executed by the processor in the microcomputer module 83 under the conditions set above. Then, the operator presses the operation/adjustment switch 74 to select the stop mode (END), and the processor in the microcomputer module 83 stops applying voltage to the electrochromic element 60.

After the above, the operating unit 70 is detached from the frame 20 of the sunglasses 100, and the switches 395 and 396 of the control board 80 are turned OFF to store the sunglasses 100. Thereafter, when using the sunglasses 100, the switch 395 is switched ON to place the control board 80 in the stop mode (END), and when the switch 396 is switched ON to place the control board 80 in the operation mode (RUN), whereby the program of the operation/stop pattern I is executed by the processor of the microcomputer module 83 under the conditions set above. Therefore, when driven by the drive circuit 200, the electrochromic element 60 is switched between coloring (coloring) and decoloring according to the program of the operation/stop pattern I.

When the switch 396 is switched from ON to OFF, the control board 80 again enters the stop mode (END). In the stop mode (END), the control unit 81 (microcomputer module 83) of the control board 80 controls the operation of the switching element 89 to switch the two switches in position 3 of the switching element 89 to ON, thereby shorting the electrochromic element 60.

By carrying out the above-mentioned first to third steps, the operation/stop pattern I is selected as the program stored in the memory of the microcomputer module 83, and further, each condition in the operation/stop pattern I is set. In other words, the operation pattern of the electrochromic element 60 is set. Then, after this setting, the sunglasses 100 are used with the operation unit 70 detached from the frame 20. Therefore, the power supply board 40 and the control board 80 built into the temple portion 23 can be made smaller, and the sunglasses 100 can be given an excellent design.

In the above setting method, the memory of the microcomputer module 83 stores operation/stop patterns I to III as programs, and the setting method for selecting operation/stop pattern I from these has been described. However, the programs stored in the memory are not limited to operation/stop patterns I to III, and any operation/stop pattern may be stored as long as the positive voltage mode is selected when the electrochromic element 60 develops color, the open mode is selected when the electrochromic element 60 maintains its color, and the reverse voltage mode or short circuit mode is selected when the electrochromic element 60 loses color. Specifically, the operation/stop pattern may be, for example, six combinations of the three operation patterns before "operation stop" and the three stop patterns after "operation stop" in the operation/stop patterns I to III shown in FIG. 11, in any combination except for operation/stop patterns I to III.

The eyeglasses of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each part of the eyeglasses can be replaced with any other part that can perform the same function.

For example, the lens 30 of the sunglasses 100 may or may not have a light-gathering function.

In addition, in the above embodiment, glasses equipped with the lenses 30 are applied to sunglasses 100, but this is not limited thereto, and the glasses may be, for example, prescription glasses, fashion glasses, goggles that protect the eyes from wind, rain, dust, chemicals, etc.

In addition, for example, each layer constituting the electrochromic element 60 of the electrochromic sheet 120 can be replaced with any other layer that can exert a similar function. In addition, the electrochromic sheet 120 may further include other layers, such as intermediate layers, between the substrates 11, 12 and the electrochromic element 60.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the operation unit is detachably attached to the frame of the sunglasses (eyeglasses) via wiring, but is not limited to such a configuration. For example, if the operation board has a communication function for communicating via a Bluetooth (registered trademark) interface, Wifi (registered trademark) or a mobile phone network instead of a connector, and the microcomputer module of the control board has the above communication function, the operation board (operation unit) and the control board may be configured to be connected via each other's communication function. Furthermore, in this case, an application having the same function as the operation unit may be installed on a smartphone, so that the smartphone can be used as the operation unit.

11 First substrate 12 Second substrate 13 First electrode 14 Second electrode 15 First auxiliary electrode 16 Second auxiliary electrode 20 Frame 21 Rim portion 22 Bridge portion 23 Temple portion 24 Nose pad portion 30 Lens 35 Resin layer 40 Power supply substrate 41 Power supply circuit 45 Secondary battery 46 DC/DC converter 47 Connector 48 Connector 51 First conductive post 52 Second conductive post 55 Sealing portion 57 First through hole 58 Second through hole 60 Electrochromic element 63 First electrochromic layer 64 Second electrochromic layer 65 Electrolyte layer 70 Operation portion 71 Operation circuit 72 Display 73 Operation substrate 74 Operation/adjustment switch 75 Operation/stop pattern switch 76 Up switch 77 Down switch 78 Setting changeover switch 79A Connector 80 Control substrate 81 Control portion 82 Voltage regulator 83 Microcomputer module 85 EC drive circuit 86 Voltage reference 87 D/A converter 88 Amplification circuit 89 Switching element 89A Connector 89B Connector 89C Connector 100 Sunglasses 120 Electrochromic sheet 200 Drive circuit 301 Wiring 311 Wiring 321 Wiring 361 Wiring 362 Wiring 363 Wiring 371 Wiring 372 Switch 373 DC jack 381 Wiring 382 Wiring 383 Wiring 384 Wiring 385 Wiring 386 Wiring 387 Wiring 388 Wiring 389 Wiring 395 Switch 396 Switch 700 Colored area

Claims (6)

A pair of lenses and a frame,
the frame has a pair of rim portions to which one of the lenses is attached, a bridge portion connecting the pair of rim portions to each other, and a pair of temple portions each connected to the pair of rim portions via a hinge,
The pair of lenses are glasses each having an electrochromic element disposed in a coloring area that exhibits color upon application of a voltage,
A power supply, a power supply substrate having the power supply, a control unit that controls the operation of the electrochromic element, and a control substrate having the control unit,
the power supply board is embedded in one of the temple parts, and the control board is embedded in the other temple part;
The eyeglasses, characterized in that the electrochromic element of one of the lenses and the electrochromic element of the other of the lenses are electrically connected in series. The electrochromic element includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a colored layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode and colored by application of the voltage;
the lens has a first conductive portion electrically connected to the first electrode and a second conductive portion electrically connected to the second electrode, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion being exposed at ends of the lens in a surface direction;
The eyeglasses according to claim 1 , wherein in the pair of lenses, the first conductive portion and the second conductive portion are provided at different positions near the temple portions in a plan view of the lenses. the coloring layer includes a first electrochromic layer, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrochromic layer, which are laminated in this order from the first electrode side toward the second electrode,
The first electrochromic layer contains, as a main material, a material that exhibits color through an oxidation reaction,
The eyeglasses according to claim 2 , wherein the second electrochromic layer contains, as a main component, a material that exhibits color through a reduction reaction. An operation unit for operating settings of the operation pattern of the control unit is provided,
The operation unit is detachably provided on the control board,
The eyeglasses according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit sets the operation pattern when the eyeglasses are attached to the control board. An operation unit for operating settings of the operation pattern of the control unit is provided,
Both the control unit and the operation unit have a communication function,
The eyeglasses according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit sets the operation pattern while being connected to the control unit via the communication function. The glasses according to claim 1, further comprising a secondary battery as the power source.

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