JP5454519B2 - Light control element - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a light control element.

  As a method for adjusting the light control color of the light control element, a suspension particle system is used for the light control means, and colored glass is used, or dyed polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is used. Such a technique is described in Patent Document 1.

JP 2009-534283 A

  When the light control state of the light control element is different from the chromaticity coordinate of the transmission state, even if the light control color of the light control element is adjusted by the technique as in Patent Document 1, the chromaticity coordinates of the light control state and the transmission state are different. There is a problem of being left alone. An object of the present invention is to obtain a light control element capable of adjusting light with a small color change between a light shielding state and a transmission state.

The features of the present invention for solving the above-described problems are as follows.
(1) First dimming means, second dimming means, a first drive circuit for driving the first dimming means, and a second drive circuit for driving the second dimming means In the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE 1976 color space, the distance between the chromaticity coordinates and the origin in the light-shielding state of the first dimming means is the dimming element of the first dimming means. In the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE1976 color space, the distance between the chromaticity coordinate in the light-transmitting state and the origin is larger than the distance between the chromaticity coordinate in the transmission state and the origin. The change in chromaticity from the light shielding state to the transmission state in the first light control means and the light shielding state in the second light control means are larger than the distance between the chromaticity coordinates and the origin in the transmission state of the first light control means. The light control element whose chromaticity change toward a transmission state is opposite in direction.
(2) In the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE 1976 color space, the chromaticity coordinates in the transmission state and the chromaticity coordinates in the light shielding state in the light control element are −20 <a * <20, −20 <b * <20. The light control element which is in the range.
(3) The light control element in which the first light control means and the second light control means are any one of a suspended particle method, a guest host liquid crystal method, and an electrochromic method.
(4) A light control element in which the first light control means is a suspended particle system and the second light control means is a guest-host liquid crystal system.
(5) A light control element in which the first light control means is an electrochromic method and the second light control means is a guest-host liquid crystal method.
(6) The first light control means is a suspended particle system, the first light control means has a suspension, the suspension has a dispersant and light control particles, and light is contained in the dispersant. The adjustment particles are dispersed, the light adjustment particles are rod-shaped, the aspect ratio of the light adjustment particles is 5 or more and 30 or less, and the light adjustment particles are any one of polyperiodide, carbon-based material, metal material, or inorganic compound The light control element which is the above.
(7) The light control element in which the first light control means has a matrix resin, and the suspension is covered with the matrix resin.
(8) The second light control means is a guest-host liquid crystal system, the second light control means has a guest-host liquid crystal, the guest-host liquid crystal has a dichroic dye and a liquid crystal, and two colors are contained in the liquid crystal. A light control element in which a photosensitive dye is dispersed, the second light control means has a matrix resin, and the guest-host liquid crystal is covered with the matrix resin.
(9) A light control element in which a substrate used for the first light control means and a substrate used for the second light control means are shared.
(10) The dimming speed of the first dimming means is larger than the dimming speed of the second dimming means, and when the dimming element is dimmed to a predetermined transmittance, the first drive circuit A light control element that is driven so as to adjust the transmittance of one light control means stepwise.
(11) The dimming element has a sensor, and based on information obtained from the sensor, the first driving circuit or the second driving circuit is driven so as to dimm the transmittance of the dimming element in stages. Dimming element to do.
(12) A first cover layer is formed outside the first light control means, a second cover layer is formed outside the second light control means, and at least one of the first cover layer and the second cover layer is A light control device having one or more functions of ultraviolet cut and infrared cut.
(13) The light control element has a functional layer, and the functional layer has one or more functions of ultraviolet cut, infrared cut, sound insulation, and scattering prevention.
(14) A light control element in which the first light control means and the second light control means are arranged between a pair of substrates, and the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are shared.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a dimming element capable of dimming the light shielding state and the transmissive state with little color change. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

It is the schematic which shows the structure of the light control element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the chromaticity change of the light control means of one Embodiment. It is a measurement result of chromaticity of one embodiment of the light control means and light control element of one embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the transmittance | permeability change of the light control means of the light control element of one Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the light control element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows the structure of the light modulation element of one Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following examples show specific examples of the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these examples, but by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in this specification. Various changes and modifications are possible. Further, in all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to those having the same function, and repeated explanation thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a light control device according to an embodiment, which includes a first light control means 10, a second light control means 20, a first drive circuit 100, and a second drive circuit 200. The first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 are laminated.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a cross section of a light control element according to an embodiment in which a suspended particle system is used for the first light control means 10 and a guest-host liquid crystal system is used for the second light control means 20. (A) represents a light shielding state, and (b) represents a transmissive state.

  The first light control means 10 of the suspended particle type of the present embodiment is predetermined so that the first electrode 13 formed on the first substrate 11 and the second electrode 14 formed on the second substrate 12 face each other. The suspension 17 fills the suspension filling space formed by the gap. The suspension 17 is obtained by dispersing the light adjusting particles 16 in the dispersant 15.

  The suspended particle type first light control means 10 of this embodiment can be manufactured by the following method. First, a set of glass substrates on which a transparent electrode made of indium tin oxide (ITO) is formed is prepared, which is referred to as a first substrate 11, a first electrode 13, a second substrate 12, and a second electrode 14, respectively. Next, the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are made to face each other, and a sealing agent containing spacer beads or the like is applied to opposite sides of both substrate end portions (not shown) to adhere both substrates. Thereby, a suspension filling space of the suspension 17 in which the distance between both the substrates is 25 μm is formed. The suspension filling space is filled with the suspension 17 by capillary action from the end portions of both substrates not bonded by the sealing agent. The suspension 17 is composed of a dispersant 15 made of an acrylate oligomer and light adjusting particles 16 made of polyperiodide. After filling the suspension 17, the end portions of both substrates that are not bonded are bonded and sealed with a sealing agent. The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are connected to the first drive circuit 100 by wiring, and the first light control means 10 is manufactured.

  The first light control means 10 of the suspended particle system of the present embodiment applies an alternating voltage between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 from the first drive circuit 100, so that the light adjusting particles 16 are randomly selected. The light is adjusted from a light-shielded state (FIG. 2A) to a transmissive state (FIG. 2B) arranged substantially perpendicular to the substrate. Further, since a state between a random state and a vertical state can be taken by changing the applied voltage, an arbitrary transmission state can be obtained.

  In this embodiment, polyperiodide is used as the light adjusting particles 16, and therefore, when the first light control means 10 is irradiated by the standard light source (D65), the light blocking state to the transmitting state is almost blue. It changes to almost transparent (achromatic color). This change is represented by an upper arrow in the a * b * chromaticity diagram of the CIE 1976 color space shown in FIG. As is apparent from the figure, the distance between the chromaticity coordinates in the light shielding state and the origin is larger than the distance between the chromaticity coordinates in the transmission state and the origin.

  The second dimming means 20 of the guest-host liquid crystal type of this embodiment is predetermined so that the third electrode 23 formed on the third substrate 21 and the fourth electrode 24 formed on the fourth substrate 22 face each other. The guest-host liquid crystal 27 fills the guest-host liquid crystal filling space formed by the gap. The guest host liquid crystal 27 is obtained by dispersing the dichroic dye 26 in the liquid crystal 25.

  The guest host liquid crystal type second light control means 20 of this embodiment can be manufactured by the following method. First, a set of transparent electrodes made of ITO is formed on a glass substrate, which are referred to as a third substrate 21, a third electrode 23, a fourth substrate 22, and a fourth electrode 24, respectively. Further, an alignment film (not shown) is formed on the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, and a rubbing process is performed on them. Next, the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22 are arranged to face each other so that the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 face each other and the alignment directions by the rubbing process are parallel to each other. No)) is applied to the opposite side, and a sealing agent containing spacer beads or the like is applied to bond both substrates. Thereby, a filling space of the liquid crystal 25 in which the dichroic dye 26 having a distance between both substrates of 25 μm is dissolved is formed. The liquid crystal filling space is filled with the liquid crystal 25 by capillary action from the end portions of both substrates not bonded with the sealing agent. The liquid crystal 25 is a liquid crystal exhibiting a nematic phase at room temperature, and the dichroic dye 26 dissolves an azo dye having an absorption peak at a wavelength of 470 nm. After filling the liquid crystal 25 between the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22, both substrate end portions that are not bonded are bonded and sealed with a sealing material. The third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 are connected to the second drive circuit 200 by wiring, and the second light control means 20 is produced.

  The second dimming means 20 of the guest-host liquid crystal type of this embodiment applies an AC voltage between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 from the second drive circuit 200, whereby the dichroic dye 26 is changed. The light-shielding state (FIG. 2 (a)) arranged in parallel with the substrate substantially parallel to the substrate changes to the transmission state (FIG. 2 (b)) arranged in a homeotropic alignment arranged almost perpendicular to the substrate. In addition, by changing the applied voltage, an intermediate state between the parallel state and the vertical state can be obtained, so that an arbitrary transmission state can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, since an azo dye having an absorption peak wavelength of 470 nm is used as the dichroic dye 26, when the second light control means 20 is irradiated by the standard light source (D65), the light blocking state is achieved. From the yellow to the transparent state, the color changes from yellow to almost transparent (achromatic). This change is represented by a downward arrow in the a * b * chromaticity diagram of the CIE1976 color space shown in FIG. As is apparent from the figure, the distance between the chromaticity coordinates in the light shielding state and the origin is larger than the distance between the chromaticity coordinates in the transmission state and the origin.

  When the dimming element composed of the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 is irradiated by the standard light source (D65), the chromaticity from the light shielding state to the transmission state of each dimming means. In the light-shielded state, the change of the color is achromatic (black) in which blue and yellow are combined, and an achromatic color in which the transmission state (achromatic color) and the transmission state (achromatic color) are combined. In addition, even if each of the intermediate states, i.e., light blue and light yellow, is adjusted and adjusted to have an achromatic color, the dimming element is not used not only in the light shielding state and the transmission state but also in any transmission state therebetween. There is an effect of dimming with coloring. Here, the direction in which the change in chromaticity is generally opposite is that the straight line connecting the chromaticity coordinates of the first light control means 10 and the light transmission state of the first light control means 10 is the light shielding state and the light transmission state of the second light control means 20. The angle formed by the straight line connecting the chromaticity coordinates is in the range from 90 degrees to 180 degrees, more preferably from 135 degrees to 180 degrees. In other words, a straight line connecting the light-blocking state and the transmissive state chromaticity coordinates of the first light control unit 10 and a straight line connecting the light-blocking state and the transmissive state chromaticity coordinates of the second light control unit 20 respectively. The smaller angle formed when the light-shielding states are matched is in the range of 90 to 180 degrees, more preferably 135 to 180 degrees. The light shielding states of the respective light control means may exist in the same quadrant in FIG. 3 or may exist in different quadrants.

As an example, FIG. 4 shows a measurement result of chromaticity coordinates when the D65 standard light source is irradiated on the light control element of this example. In the CIE 1976 color space,
The chromaticity coordinates of the first dimming means 10 in the transmission state and in the light shielding state are respectively
(A *, b *) = (10, −32),
(A *, b *) = (− 3, −4),
The chromaticity coordinates of the transmission state and the light shielding state of the second light control means 20 are respectively
(A *, b *) = (0, 13),
(A *, b *) = (2,35),
The angle formed by the straight lines connecting the light shielding state and the transmission state of the first light adjusting means 10 and the second light adjusting means 20 is about 150 degrees. In addition, the chromaticity coordinates of the light-transmitting state and the light-shielding state of the light control element in which the first light control unit 10 and the second light control unit 20 are stacked are respectively
(A *, b *) = (− 3, −7),
(A *, b *) = (− 1, −14),
Thus, both the transmission state and the light-shielding state are in the range of −20 <a * <20, −20 <b * <20, which can be regarded as an achromatic color. That is, the light control means of the present embodiment has an effect that it is possible to always perform substantially achromatic light control in the light shielding state, the transmission state, and any transmission state therebetween.

  In this embodiment, a D65 standard light source that simulates daytime outdoor light is taken as an example of the light source, but various other light sources such as other standard light sources, actual sunlight, general fluorescent lamps, light emitting diodes, incandescent lamps, etc. In the case where any one of white light sources or a combination thereof is used as the light source, in the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE 1976 color space, the first dimming means 10 has the chromaticity coordinates in the light-shielded state. The distance from the origin is larger than the distance between the chromaticity coordinate in the transmissive state and the origin, and the second dimming means 20 is configured such that the distance between the chromaticity coordinate in the light shielding state and the origin is the chromaticity coordinate in the transmissive state. The change in chromaticity from the light shielding state to the transmission state of the first dimming means 10 and the chromaticity from the light shielding state to the transmission state of the second dimming means 20 is greater than the distance between the light source and the origin. Adjustment so that the change in By configuring the device, it is possible to obtain the effects described above.

  In addition to the above-described members, the light control device using the suspended particle type first light control unit 10 and the guest host liquid crystal type second light control unit 20 of the present embodiment appropriately includes the following members. It can also be used.

  The first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the third substrate 21, and the fourth substrate 22 are substrates that transmit at least some wavelengths of visible light, such as transparent inorganic substrates such as various types of glass and quartz, and polyethylene terephthalate. Resin substrates such as (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and cycloolefin polymer (COP) can be used. Moreover, the board | substrate colored according to the use and the board | substrate with a scattering property can also be utilized.

  The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are electrodes formed on the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, and indium tin oxide (ITO) that transmits at least a part of the wavelength of visible light. Indium zinc oxide (IZO), tin oxide, zinc oxide, carbon nanotube, graphene, and the like can be used. In the present embodiment, the transparent electrode is formed on the entire surface of the support substrate, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the transparent electrode may be arranged in a pattern such as a circle or a character type. Further, even when the wiring itself does not transmit visible light, it is possible to use the wiring by narrowing the wiring width, making it mesh or comb-like, and reducing the light shielding rate by the wiring.

  Examples of the spacer beads include glass and polymer, and it is desirable that the spacer beads are stable with respect to the adhesive. The distance between the suspension filling space and the two substrates is preferably 4 μm or more and 100 μm or less from the viewpoint of transmittance and driving voltage. Alternatively, spacer beads may be dispersed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 to maintain the suspension filling space. When the spacer beads are dispersed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the spacer beads preferably have a refractive index close to that of the dispersant 15.

  The suspension 17 is obtained by dispersing light adjusting particles 16, which will be described later, in the dispersant 15, and fills the suspension filling space of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12.

  The light adjusting particles 16 are, for example, polyperiodide, have anisotropy in shape, exhibit optical anisotropy having different absorbance due to the orientation direction, and have an aspect ratio that is not 1. ing. In the process of synthesizing the light control particles 16, nitrocellulose or the like may be added to increase the uniformity of the particle size. In addition, it is desirable that the light adjusting particles 16 cause orientation polarization at the frequency of the alternating voltage applied to drive the suspended particle type light control means and at a frequency equal to or lower than that frequency. In that case, it is desirable to use a dielectric material having low conductivity as the light adjusting particles 16. Examples of the dielectric material having low conductivity include polymer particles and particles coated with a polymer.

  As the shape of the light adjusting particles 16, a rod shape, a plate shape, or the like can be considered. For example, by making the light adjusting particles 16 into a rod shape, it is possible to suppress the resistance of the particle rotational motion to the electric field and the increase in haze during transmission. At this time, the aspect ratio between the minor axis and the major axis of the light control particles is preferably, for example, about 5 or more and 30 or less. By setting the aspect ratio to 5 or more, optical anisotropy due to the shape of the light adjusting particles 16 can be expressed.

  The size of the light adjusting particles 16 is preferably 1 μm or less, more preferably 0.1 μm or more and 1 μm or less, and further preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.5 μm or less. When the size of the light adjusting particles exceeds 1 μm, there is a problem that the transparency is lowered, such as light scattering, or orientation movement in the dispersant 15 is reduced when an electric field is applied. This is because there is something to do. The size of the light adjusting particles 16 is measured by observation with an electron microscope or the like.

  The material of the light adjusting particle 16 is a particle made of a carbon-based material such as carbon black, a metal material such as copper, nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, titanium, or aluminum, or an inorganic compound such as silicon nitride, titanium nitride, or aluminum oxide. It does not matter. Further, particles obtained by coating these materials with a polymer may be used. As the light control particles 16, only one type of the above-described material may be included, or two or more types of the above-described materials may be included.

The dispersant 15 is a liquid copolymer made of an acrylate oligomer. Other examples include polysiloxane (silicone oil). The light adjusting particles 16 have a floating and operable viscosity, high resistance, no affinity with the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the first electrode 13, and the second electrode 14. It is preferable to use a liquid copolymer having a close ratio and a dielectric constant different from that of the light control particles 16. Specifically, it is desirable that the resistivity of the dispersant 15 is 10 ¹² Ωm or more and 10 ¹⁵ Ωm or less at a temperature of 298K. If there is a dielectric constant difference between the dispersing agent 15 and the light adjusting particles 16, it can act as a driving force under an alternating electric field in the alignment operation of the light adjusting particles 16. In this embodiment, the relative dielectric constant of the dispersant 15 is not less than 3.5 and not more than 5.0.

  As the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, the same electrodes as the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 described above can be used. Further, an alignment film may be formed on the electrode surface and rubbed in an appropriate direction. The rubbing direction of the alignment film may be parallel on the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24, or may be vertical or other angles. As a result, the liquid crystal is aligned along the alignment, and the dye follows it. Since the dichroism of the dye described later is enhanced, there is an effect of narrowing the cell gap and accompanying voltage reduction. Further, the effects of orientation and pretilt have the effect of suppressing the formation of multi-domains and increasing the response speed.

  Spacer beads similar to those described above can be used. Note that the liquid crystal filling space and the distance between the liquid crystal filling space and both substrates are preferably 1 μm or more and 50 μm or less from the viewpoint of transmittance and driving voltage. Alternatively, spacer beads may be dispersed between the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22 to maintain the liquid crystal filling space. At this time, the refractive index of the spacer beads is preferably close to the refractive index of the liquid crystal 25.

  The guest host liquid crystal 27 is obtained by dissolving a dichroic dye 26 described later in the liquid crystal 25 and fills the liquid crystal filling space of the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22.

  The liquid crystal 25 can use a generally known liquid crystal material, for example, a liquid crystal exhibiting a nematic phase at room temperature. A guest host liquid crystal host material having high dye solubility is preferred. There are P type and N type depending on the dielectric anisotropy, but both are available. Alternatively, a chiral agent may be dissolved in the liquid crystal to obtain a phase transition type liquid crystal.

  As the dichroic dye 26, a dichroic dye that is dissolved in the liquid crystal 25 and has dichroic properties, that is, an optical characteristic in which the transmittance varies depending on the direction of viewing the regularly arranged dyes can be used.

  The dichroic dye 26 can be selected from azo, anthraquinone, quinophthalone, perylene, perinone, azomethine, benzimedazole, naphthalimide, oxazine, naphthoquinone, etc. It is desirable to correct the chromaticity at the time of shading of 10 and select an object to be achromatic. As the dichroic dye 26, only one type of the above material may be included, or two or more types of the above materials may be included. The azo dye has a wide absorption wavelength range and is easily achromatic in combination with the light control particles of this example. Azo dyes and azomethine dyes are highly dichroic and tend to be achromatic when transmitted. Anthraquinone dyes and quinophthalone dyes are highly stable and hardly deteriorate against heat and light.

  Further, those having high solubility in the liquid crystal 25 and high dichroic characteristics are preferable. In the case of a dye having a rod-like molecular structure, the length is about 5 to 100 mm, more preferably about 10 to 50 mm from the viewpoint of dichroism and solubility.

  It is desirable that the dichroic dye absorbs the wavelength in the blue region. The absorption peak wavelength of the dichroic dye 26 is desirably 420 nm or more and 520 nm or less. When polyperiodide is used as the light adjustment particles 16, when the first light control means 10 is irradiated by the standard light source (D65), the light is changed from a substantially blue shading state to a substantially transparent (achromatic) transmission state. Because.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the cross section of the light control element of this embodiment when the electrochromic method is used for the first light control means 10 and the guest-host liquid crystal method is used for the second light control means 20. a) represents a light shielding state, and (b) represents a transmissive state. The electrochromic method has a memory property, and can maintain a transparent state even when the power is cut off in the transparent state.

  The first electrochromic first light control means 10 of the present embodiment includes a first electrode 13, a first electrochromic layer 151, an electrolyte layer 161, a second electrochromic layer 171, and a first electrochromic layer 171 formed on the first substrate 11. The two electrodes 14 and the second substrate 12 are configured.

The electrochromic first light control means 10 of this embodiment can be manufactured by the following method. First, a transparent electrode made of indium tin oxide (ITO) is formed on a glass substrate to form a first substrate 11 and a first electrode 13. Furthermore, a first electrochromic layer 151 made of tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ), an electrolyte layer 161 made of tantalum oxide (Ta ₂ O ₅ ), and a second electrochromic layer made of iridium oxide (IrO _x ) on the first electrode 13. 171 and the second electrode 14 made of ITO are sequentially formed. Next, the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are connected to the first drive circuit 100 by bonding to the second substrate 12 made of a glass substrate, and the first light control means 10 is manufactured.

  The first electrochromic first dimming means 10 of the present embodiment applies a DC voltage between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 from the first drive circuit 100, whereby the first electrochromic layer 151 and the first electrochromic layer 151. 2 The electrochromic layer 171 can be dimmed into a transmission state and a light shielding state. For example, when a voltage is applied so that the first electrode 13 is negative and the second electrode 14 is positive, the first electrochromic layer 151 and the second electrochromic layer 171 are colored and light-shielded. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied so that the first electrode 13 is positive and the second electrode 14 is negative, the coloring is eliminated and a transmission state is obtained.

  In this embodiment, tungsten oxide and iridium oxide are used as electrochromic materials. Therefore, when the first light control means 10 is irradiated with a standard light source (D65), the light shielding state is dark blue and the transmission state is almost achromatic. Indicates.

  On the other hand, the guest host liquid crystal type second light control means 20 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as that shown in the above-described embodiment, and shows a yellow color in the light shielding state and an achromatic color in the transmission state. Therefore, when the dimming element composed of the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 described above is irradiated by the standard light source (D65), the respective dimming means are changed from the light shielding state to the transmission state. The change in chromaticity is generally in the opposite direction, and in the light-shielding state, the achromatic color (black) is a combination of blue and yellow, and the achromatic color is a combination of the transmission state (achromatic color) and the transmission state (achromatic color). Further, even if each intermediate state, that is, light blue and light yellow are combined, an achromatic color is obtained, so that there is an effect of achromatic color in an arbitrary transmission state of the light control element.

  The light control element using the first electrochromic light control means 10 of the present embodiment can use the following members as appropriate in addition to the above members.

The first electrochromic layer 151 and the second electrochromic layer 171 can use an inorganic material made of a metal oxide such as tungsten oxide, Prussian blue, NiO, or IrO _x, or an organic material typified by a viologen derivative. It is. A combination of an inorganic substance such as tungsten oxide and iridium oxide is preferable because it has high durability against heat and light, and is a combination of oxidation coloring and reduction coloring films. As shown in this embodiment, when the first electrochromic layer 151 and the second electrochromic layer 171 are provided, a reduction coloring film such as tungsten oxide and an oxidation coloring film such as IrO _x are combined. Use. On the other hand, a configuration (not shown) having only the first electrochromic layer 151 can also be used as the light control means.

  As the electrolyte layer 161, a gel electrolyte or a solution electrolyte can be used in addition to the solid electrolyte, and examples thereof include tantalum oxide, antimonic acid, and tin phosphate. Solid electrolytes and gel electrolytes are easy to handle because there is no leakage. On the other hand, since the solution electrolyte has high electrical conductivity, it is preferable from the viewpoint of low voltage and high speed response. When using the gel electrolyte, the gel electrolyte is applied to the first substrate 11 on which the first electrode 13 and the first electrochromic layer 151 are formed by a bar coater, and the second electrode 14 and the second electrochromic are applied. It can be configured by being sandwiched between the second substrates 12 on which the layers 171 are formed. In the case of a solution electrolyte, it can be formed by a step of sealing and sealing an electrolyte filling space with a predetermined gap using the spacer beads described in the first embodiment.

  In the first and second embodiments, different dimming methods are adopted as the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20, but the same dimming method may be adopted.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a cross section of the light control element of this embodiment when the suspended particle system is used for the first light control means 10 and the guest-host liquid crystal system is used for the second light control means 20.

  In the first light control means 10 of the suspended particle system of this embodiment, the suspension 17 is dispersed and fixed in the matrix resin 18.

  The suspended particle type first light control means 10 of this embodiment can be manufactured by the following method. After the ultraviolet curable silicone resin used as the matrix resin 18 and the suspension 17 are mixed, the second electrode 14 is coated on the first substrate 11 on which the first electrode 13 is formed with an appropriate film thickness. The second substrate 12 on which is formed is bonded so that the second electrode 14 is on the inside. Furthermore, by irradiating with ultraviolet rays, the suspension 17 is covered with the matrix resin 18 and divided into small portions. At this time, a material in which the refractive index of the dispersant 15 and the matrix resin 18 in the suspension 17 is substantially equal is used. The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are connected to the first drive circuit 100 by wiring, and the first light control means 10 is manufactured. An acrylic resin may be used as the matrix resin 18.

  The first light control means 10 of the suspended particle system of the present embodiment applies an alternating voltage between the first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 from the first drive circuit 100, so that the light adjusting particles 16 are randomly selected. The light is adjusted from a light-shielded state to a transmissive state arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the substrate. Further, since a state between a random state and a vertical state can be taken by changing the applied voltage, an arbitrary transmission state can be obtained.

  The guest host liquid crystal type second light control means 20 of this embodiment has a guest host liquid crystal 27 dispersed and fixed in a matrix resin 28.

  The guest-host liquid crystal type light control means 20 of this embodiment can be manufactured by the following method. After mixing the ultraviolet curable acrylic resin used as the matrix resin 28 and the guest-host liquid crystal 27, the mixture is sealed between the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22 having a predetermined filling space and sealed. By irradiating ultraviolet rays, the guest-host liquid crystal 27 is covered with a matrix resin 28 and divided into small portions. The third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 are connected to the second drive circuit 200 by wiring, and the second light control means 20 is produced. Further, the liquid crystal 25 used for the guest-host liquid crystal 27 in this embodiment has refractive index anisotropy, and the vertical refraction of the liquid crystal 25 aligned when a voltage is applied between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24. Only the refractive index is approximately equal to the refractive index of the matrix resin 28.

  The second dimming means 20 of the guest-host liquid crystal type of the present embodiment applies the AC voltage between the third electrode 23 and the fourth electrode 24 from the second drive circuit 200 so that the dichroic dye 26 is formed on the substrate. From a light shielding state arranged substantially parallel to the substrate to a transmission state arranged substantially perpendicular to the substrate. In addition, by changing the applied voltage, an intermediate state between the parallel state and the vertical state can be obtained, so that an arbitrary transmission state can be obtained. In addition, the liquid crystal 25 has almost no scattering in the transmission state due to the refractive index anisotropy, but the scattering increases as the light shielding state is reached.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the effects described above, the matrix resin 18 and the matrix resin 28 have an effect of adhering and holding between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 and between the third substrate 21 and the fourth substrate 22. There is an effect that a more durable light control element can be manufactured. Since the suspension 17 and the guest host liquid crystal 27 are covered with the matrix resin 18 and the matrix resin 28 and are subdivided, there is almost no fear of liquid leakage. Furthermore, there is almost no liquid leakage even if it is arbitrarily cut after the light control element is formed, and particularly when a resin substrate is used for each substrate, there is an advantage that it can be easily cut with scissors and processed into an arbitrary shape.

  Further, since there is an optical characteristic that increases the scattering property as the second dimming means 20 is dimmed from the transmissive state to the light-shielded state, a scattering effect is added to the low transmittance at the time of light-shielding, making it more difficult to see the opposite side of the light-modulating element. Has a blindfold effect. In addition, each dimming means often has a relationship that if the transmittance in the light-shielded state is lowered, the transmittance in the transmissive state is also lowered, so that there is an effect of making the transmissive state brighter while obtaining a blinding effect. .

  In the present embodiment, the spherical resin is divided into approximately spherical shapes and dispersed in the matrix resin 18 and the matrix resin 28. However, other shapes, a mixed state of these, or a mesh state of the matrix resin 18 and the matrix resin 28 are shown. The same effect can be obtained even when the suspension 17 and the guest-host liquid crystal 27 are incorporated therein.

  In the present embodiment, both the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 are shown using the matrix resin 18 and the matrix resin 28. However, the present invention can be applied to only one of the dimming means. However, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the cross section of the light control element of this embodiment when the suspended light system is used for the first light control means 10 and the guest-host liquid crystal system is used for the second light control means 20. In this embodiment, the second substrate of the first light control means 10 and the third substrate 21 of the first light control means 10 are configured as a common substrate 29.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the above-described effects, there is an effect of reducing the number of members by changing the number of the four substrates required in the above-described embodiments to three. Moreover, these are applicable not only to the lamination of the light control means of the suspended particle system and the guest host liquid crystal system but also to the combination of the light control means described in any of the above-described embodiments.

  In particular, when the electrochromic method is used as the first dimming means 10, the first electrode 13, the first electrochromic layer 151, the electrolyte, and the second electro are sequentially formed on the first substrate 11 as shown in the second embodiment. The chromic layer 171 and the second electrode 14 can be formed and formed, and can be bonded to the third substrate 21 of the second dimming means 20 to form a common substrate 29. In manufacturing, four substrates are used. After the first light control means 10 and the second light control means 20 are manufactured, the steps are almost the same as in the case of combining them to form a light control element.

  Further, as shown in the third embodiment, when the process of applying the matrix resin 18 and the suspension 17 or the matrix resin 28 and the guest host liquid crystal 27 can be performed, the matrix resin 18 is applied to the first substrate 11. Then, the step of bonding the common substrate 29 and applying the matrix resin 18 to the common substrate 29 and bonding the fourth substrate 22 can be performed. After producing the light control means 20, the steps are almost the same as in the case of combining them to form a light control element, and it is suitable for the production of a roll-to-roll system.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 8 shows the maximum change in transmittance over time when the suspension-type first dimming means 10 and the guest-host liquid crystal-type second dimming means 20 of this embodiment are modulated from the light shielding state to the transmissive state. It is the figure normalized and expressed with the transmittance | permeability. In the figure, [1] is the suspension type, [2] is the guest-host liquid crystal type transmittance, and [3] is the second having the function of adjusting the transmittance in a stepwise manner in this embodiment. In this example, the transmittance is modulated by the driving circuit 200. As is apparent from the figure, the transition time from the light shielding state to the transmission state of the suspension-type light control means of [1] is later than that of the [2] guest-host liquid crystal system. For this reason, when the light control device of this embodiment is dimmed all at once from the light shielding state to the transmission state, a phenomenon in which coloring is seen occurs due to a difference in response speed between the two types of light control means.

  In the light control element of this embodiment, the second drive circuit 200 has a function of driving the light transmittance of the second light control means 20 in steps, so that the first light control means 10 and There is an effect of suppressing the difference in transmittance and reducing coloring due to the difference in response speed. Specifically, driving may be performed so that the voltage is increased stepwise. In addition, by increasing the number of steps or adjusting the step width (time) or height (change in transmittance) to drive, the transmittance change of the first dimming means 10 having a slow dimming speed is changed over time. However, even when the line is not a straight line (not shown), substantially the same transmittance change can be realized by the second light control means 20.

  Even when the dimming means having a high dimming speed is a suspension type or an electrochromic type, the same effect can be obtained if a driving circuit having a function of stepwise modulating the transmittance is provided. In particular, when the light control means is an electrochromic system, the transmittance can be changed stepwise by driving the voltage application time in the form of pulses and changing the time and voltage.

  The dimming speed of the suspension system, electrochromic system, and guest-host liquid crystal system is usually the electrochromic system <suspension system <guest-host liquid crystal system, but the physical properties (viscosity, mobility) of the system with a large dimming speed ) And the like can be controlled to reverse the dimming speed relationship.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the light control device of the present embodiment, which includes the first light control means 10, the first drive circuit 100, the second light control means 20, the second drive circuit 200, and the sensor 300. The first drive circuit 100 and the second drive circuit 200 are driven so as to adjust the transmittance of the respective light control means stepwise based on the signal of the sensor 300.

  The sensor 300 is a temperature sensor disposed around the dimming element main body including the first dimming means 10 and / or the second dimming means 20, and monitors the temperature of the ambient environment of the dimming element. . When the response speeds of the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 are temperature-dependent, the response speed at that temperature is the same as in the previous embodiment, corresponding to the information obtained by the temperature sensor. The transmittance of the fast dimming means can be modulated stepwise. That is, even when there is a difference in the temperature dependence of the response speed, there is an effect of reducing coloring due to the response speed difference at any temperature.

  In the above description, a temperature sensor is used as the sensor 300. However, the same effect can be obtained by measuring some ambient conditions such as light indirectly or pseudo-correlated and driving based on the information. Further, in conjunction with these sensors, for example, it may be used for automatic driving of the light control element such as lowering the transmittance of the light control element when the temperature is high or the solar radiation is strong.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light control device of the present embodiment, and a predetermined electrode is formed so that the first electrode 13 formed on the first substrate 11 and the second electrode 14 formed on the second substrate 12 face each other. The matrix resin 18 fills the gap, and the suspension 17 and the guest host liquid crystal 27 are dispersed therein. The first electrode 13 and the second electrode 14 are connected to the drive circuit 100. This embodiment has the same effect as the light control device described in the third embodiment, and further has the effect that the substrate and the drive circuit can be reduced as compared with the above-described embodiment. Further, adjusting the viscosity of the guest-host liquid crystal 27 having a high response speed to adjust it to a suspension system having a low response speed, for example, has an effect of reducing coloring due to a response speed difference.

  The embodiment of the light control device of the present invention will be described with respect to parts that are particularly different from the above-described embodiment.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light control device of this embodiment, and has a first cover layer 40 and a second cover layer 50 on the outer sides of the first light control means 10 and the second light control means 20, respectively. In addition, a functional layer 30 is provided between the first light control means 10 and the second light control means 20.

  In the light control device of this embodiment, the first substrate 11, the second substrate 12, the third substrate 21, and the fourth substrate 22 are each made of a resin substrate, and the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 are made of glass. It has become. The first cover layer 40 has an ultraviolet cut function. The functional layer 30 is a layer having a sound insulation function.

  The light control device having such a configuration has an advantage that the first light control means 10 and the second light control means 20 can take a process with excellent productivity such as roll-to-roll by using a resin substrate. The weak point that the substrate is easily damaged can be protected by the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 made of glass, and a product excellent in productivity and durability can be provided. In particular, when the light control element is used for a window glass or the like that separates the interior and the exterior of the vehicle and the outside of the vehicle, if the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 having an ultraviolet ray cutting function are disposed outside, Since the ultraviolet rays are cut by the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50, not only can harmful ultraviolet rays enter the room, but also the ultraviolet rays to the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 can be reduced. It is effective for extending the life of the light control means. In addition, the functional layer 30 having a sound insulation function has an effect of reducing intrusion of sound from the outside and sound leakage from the room, and the first dimming means 10 and the second dimming means 20 are bonded to each other. There is an effect of increasing the mechanical strength of the optical element.

  In addition, as described above, the present embodiment is merely an example of the light control element having the first cover layer 40, the second cover layer 50, and the functional layer 30, and for example, the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 include infrared rays. By providing a cutting function, it is possible to suppress the heat from entering the room and the interior of the vehicle and further suppress the thermal deterioration of the light control means. When the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are made of glass and the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 are made of resin, the resin of the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 should be made of glass. The function of preventing scattering when the substrate is broken can be expressed. The functional layer 30 is arranged not only between the first light control means 10 and the second light control means 20 but also between one of the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50 and the light control means. Depending on the location and the functions of the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50, the function may be one or more of any one of ultraviolet cut, infrared cut, sound insulation and scattering prevention. Also good. Further, the first substrate 11 and the fourth substrate 22 may also function as the first cover layer 40 and the second cover layer 50.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 1st light control means 11 1st board | substrate 12 2nd board | substrate 13 1st electrode 14 2nd electrode 15 Dispersant 16 Light control particle 17 Suspension 18, 28 Matrix resin 20 2nd light control means 21 3rd board | substrate 22 Fourth substrate 23 Third electrode 24 Fourth electrode 25 Liquid crystal 26 Dichroic dye 27 Guest host liquid crystal 29 Common substrate 30 Functional layer 40 First cover layer 50 Second cover layer 100 First drive circuit 151 First electrochromic Layer 161 Electrolyte layer 171 Second electrochromic layer 200 Second drive circuit 300 Sensor

Claims (14)

First dimming means;
A second light control means;
A first drive circuit for driving the first dimming means;
A dimming element having a second drive circuit for driving the second dimming means,
In the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE1976 color space, the distance between the chromaticity coordinate and the origin in the light-shielded state of the first dimming means is the chromaticity coordinate and the origin in the transmission state of the first dimming means. Greater than the distance between
In the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE 1976 color space, the distance between the chromaticity coordinate and the origin in the light-shielded state of the second light control means is the chromaticity coordinate and the origin in the transmission state of the second light control means. Greater than the distance between
An angle formed by a straight line connecting the light-blocking state of the first light control means and the chromaticity coordinates of the transmission state and a straight line connecting the light-blocking state of the second light control means and the chromaticity coordinates of the transmission state is 135 degrees or more. A light control element in a range of 180 degrees or less . In claim 1,
In the a * b * chromaticity diagram in the CIE 1976 color space, the chromaticity coordinates in the transmission state and the chromaticity coordinates in the light-shielding state in the dimming element are in the range of −20 <a * <20 and −20 <b * <20. The light control element which is inside. In claim 1,
The first light control means and the second light control means are light control elements that are any one of a suspended particle system, a guest host liquid crystal system, and an electrochromic system. In claim 3,
The first light control means is a suspended particle system;
A light control device, wherein the second light control means is a guest-host liquid crystal system. In claim 3,
The first dimming means is an electrochromic method;
A light control device, wherein the second light control means is a guest-host liquid crystal system. In claim 3,
The first light control means is a suspended particle system,
The first light control means comprises a suspension;
The suspension has a dispersant and light control particles;
The light control particles are dispersed in the dispersant,
The light adjusting particles are rod-shaped,
The light control particles have an aspect ratio of 5 or more and 30 or less,
The light control element, wherein the light adjusting particles are at least one of polyperiodide, carbon-based material, metal material, and inorganic compound. In claim 6,
The first light control means has a matrix resin;
A light control device in which the suspension is covered with the matrix resin. In Claim 3, A said 2nd light control means is a guest host liquid crystal system,
The second light control means includes a guest-host liquid crystal;
The guest-host liquid crystal has a dichroic dye and a liquid crystal,
The dichroic dye is dispersed in the liquid crystal,
The second light control means has a matrix resin;
A light control device in which the guest-host liquid crystal is covered with the matrix resin. In claim 1,
A light control element in which a substrate used for the first light control means and a substrate used for the second light control means are shared. In claim 1,
The dimming speed of the first dimming means is greater than the dimming speed of the second dimming means,
The dimming element that drives the dimming element so as to dimm the transmissivity of the first dimming means stepwise when dimming the dimming element to a predetermined transmittance. In claim 1,
The light control element has a sensor;
Based on information obtained from the sensor, the first drive circuit or the second drive circuit is driven so that the transmittance of the light control element is dimmed stepwise. In claim 1,
A first cover layer is formed outside the first light control means;
A second cover layer is formed outside the second light control means;
A light control element in which at least one of the first cover layer and the second cover layer has a function of at least one of ultraviolet cut and infrared cut. In claim 1,
The light control element has a functional layer,
The functional layer is a light control device having one or more functions of ultraviolet cut, infrared cut, sound insulation, and scattering prevention. In claim 1,
The first dimming means and the second dimming means are disposed between a set of substrates;
A light control element in which the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are shared.