JP7218295B2 - vehicle sun visor - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle sun visor capable of realizing a mirror state.

In the vehicle sun visor disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-205914, the mirror provided on the surface of the sun visor body is covered or exposed by sliding the mirror lid along the surface of the sun visor body. You can let

JP 2006-205914 A

The sun visor main body requires a structure for sliding the mirror cover. Moreover, since the mirror cover is located on the surface of the sun visor body even when the mirror is exposed, the size of the mirror is limited accordingly. Therefore, it is preferable that the non-use state of the mirror can be achieved without a slide lid covering the mirror.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention discloses a vehicle sun visor capable of realizing a use state and a non-use state of a mirror without a slide lid, thereby further improving convenience.

A vehicle sun visor according to the present invention is a vehicle sun visor having a main body attached to the ceiling of a vehicle,
the body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first layered portion having a first liquid crystal layer and being switchable between a first transparent state and a light blocking state; a second layered portion having a second liquid crystal layer and capable of switching between a reflective state for mirror-reflecting light incident on the first surface and a second transparent state; the main body in which the two-layered portion is arranged closer to the first surface than the first layered portion;
By controlling the first layered portion to the light shielding state and the second layered portion to the second see-through state, the specular reflection of light by the second layered portion is suppressed, and the light is projected from the second surface to the second layered portion. The main body is brought into a first state of blocking light to one surface, and the second layered portion is controlled to the reflective state, so that the light incident on the first surface is mirror-reflected by the second layered portion. A third state including a transparent state by realizing two states in the main body, controlling the first layered portion to the first transparent state, and controlling the second layered portion to the second transparent state a control unit for realizing in the main body,
and an operation unit,
The light control unit has a plurality of light control regions capable of adjusting light transmittance,
When the third state is realized in the main body, the control unit causes a first region having transparency and a second region having a lower light transmittance than the first region to appear in the light control unit. let
The operation unit performs a first operation that directly determines the position of the boundary between the first area and the second area , and a gradation pattern in which the light transmittance gradually decreases from the first area to the second area. receives a second operation of selecting whether or not to appear in the light control unit ,
The control unit causes the first region and the second region to appear in the light control unit with the position determined by the first operation as a boundary, and changes the gradation pattern to the light control as the second operation. The gradation pattern is made to appear in the light control section when an operation to make it appear in the section is accepted .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicular sun visor that realizes the use state and the non-use state of the mirror without a slide lid, thereby further improving convenience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically exemplifying a main part of a cabin of an automobile to which a shade device is attached. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing an example of a shade device; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of each part before assembling the shade device; FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a vertical cross section of the shade device; FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a main part of a transparent plate and a support structure for the transparent plate; 6A and 6B are diagrams schematically showing examples of cross sections of a visor body; FIG. 7A is a diagram schematically showing an example of functions in a TN (Twisted Nematic) liquid crystal film, and FIG. 7B is a diagram schematically showing an example of functions in a VA (Vertical Alignment) liquid crystal film. FIG. 8A is a diagram schematically showing an example of a reflective polarizing layer of a linear polarization reflection system, FIG. 8B is a diagram schematically showing an example of a reflective polarizing layer using a cholesteric liquid crystal that transmits light, and FIG. 8C is a cholesteric liquid crystal. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example in which a reflective polarizing layer using liquid crystal reflects light; FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an exploded configuration example of a light control unit; FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of an electric circuit of the shade device; FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control region of a light control unit; FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of switching control processing performed by a control unit; 13A and 13B are diagrams schematically showing examples of states of the layered portion in a light shielding mode, a mirror mode, and a see-through mode; 14A and 14B are diagrams schematically showing an example of the state of a layered portion in a light shielding mode and a mirror mode; FIG. FIG. 15A is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control unit in a transparent state, and FIG. 15B is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control unit in a second state in which light incident on the first surface is specularly reflected. 15C is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control unit in a first state that suppresses specular reflection of light incident on the first surface and blocks light from the second surface to the first surface; FIG. FIG. 16A is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control unit in a first state that suppresses specular reflection of light incident on the first surface and blocks light from the second surface to the first surface; FIG. 16C is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control unit in a second state that mirror-reflects light incident on a surface, and FIG. 16C is a diagram schematically showing an example of a light control unit in a transparent state; FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of border position control processing performed by a control unit; 18A and 18B are diagrams schematically showing an example of a change in divided regions according to an operation for directly determining a boundary position; FIG. 19A and 19B are diagrams schematically showing an example of a change in a gradation area according to an operation for directly determining a boundary position; FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram schematically showing another example of the electric circuit of the shade device; FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a control region of a light control unit; FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing an example of using part of the divided control area as a conversation mirror; FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically showing an example of using part of the divided control area as a vanity mirror; 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of additional control processing performed by a control unit; FIG. FIG. 25 is a diagram schematically showing another example of the cross section of the visor body; FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the state of the layered portion in the light shielding mode and the mirror mode;

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Of course, the following embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention, and not all features shown in the embodiments are essential to the solution of the invention.

(1) Overview of technology included in the present invention:
First, an overview of the technology involved in the present invention will be provided with reference to the examples shown in FIGS. It should be noted that the figures of the present application are diagrams schematically showing examples, and the magnification in each direction shown in these figures may differ, and each figure may not match. Of course, each element of the present technology is not limited to specific examples indicated by reference numerals.

[Aspect 1]
A shade device 1 according to an aspect of the present technology includes a main body (for example, a visor main body 2) having a first surface 2a and a second surface 2b opposite to the first surface 2a, and a control unit 50. As exemplified in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 25, etc., the main body (2) has a first layered portion 110 having a light shielding state and a reflecting state for mirror-reflecting the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a. and a second layered portion 120 . At least one of the first layered portion 110 and the second layered portion 120 includes a liquid crystal layer (111, 121). The control unit 50 controls the state of the layered portion including the liquid crystal layer (111, 121) out of the first layered portion 110 and the second layered portion 120, so that at least , a first state (for example, see FIG. 15C) in which specular reflection of the light L5 by the second layered portion 120 is suppressed to block the light L4 from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a, and the first surface 2a and a second state (for example, see FIG. 15B) in which the light L5 incident on the second layered portion 120 is specularly reflected.

When the first state (FIG. 15C) of suppressing the specular reflection of the light L5 by the second layered portion 120 and blocking the light from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a is selected, the light is blocked by the shade device 1. can be done. Further, when the second state (FIG. 15B) in which the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a is mirror-reflected by the second layered portion 120 is selected, the first surface 2a side of the shade device 1 can be used as a mirror. can. Since a slide lid covering the mirror is not required, a structure for sliding the slide lid is not required, and the size of the mirror can be increased by, for example, using almost the entire body as a mirror. Thus, this aspect can provide a shade device that realizes the use state and the non-use state of the mirror without the slide lid.

Here, specular reflection is also called specular reflection, and means reflection of light macroscopically following the law of reflection, such as on a specular surface.
It should be noted that the additional remarks of the above aspect 1 are the same for the following aspects.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and the like, the shade device 1 further includes an operation unit 60 that receives states to be realized by the main body (2) from a plurality of states including the first state and the second state. good too. In this case, the control section 50 may cause the main body (2) to realize the state accepted by the operation section 60 .
Further, the control unit 50 causes the main body (2) to realize the first state when a first condition is satisfied, and causes the main body (2) to realize the first state when a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied. The second state may be realized. For example, the first condition may be when glare is detected in the photodetector 70 . The second condition may be a case where the intensity of light outside (for example, outside the vehicle) in the light detection section 70 is less than a predetermined intensity such as at night.

[Aspect 2]
As illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 7A, etc., the first layered portion 110 may have a first liquid crystal layer 111 and be switchable between the first transparent state and the light shielding state. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 8A, etc., the second layered portion 120 has a second liquid crystal layer 121, is arranged closer to the first surface 2a than the first layered portion 110, and is in the reflective state. and the second fluoroscopy state. As illustrated in FIG. 15C and the like, the control unit 50 controls the first layered portion 110 to the light blocking state and controls the second layered portion 120 to the second see-through state, thereby controlling the main body (2 ) to achieve the first state. As illustrated in FIG. 15B and the like, the control unit 50 may cause the main body (2) to realize the second state by controlling the second layered portion 120 to the reflective state. As illustrated in FIG. 15A and the like, the control unit 50 controls the first layered portion 110 to the first transparent state and the second layered portion 120 to the second transparent state, thereby controlling the main body. A third state including a transparent state may be realized in (2).

In the first state (FIG. 15C), the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a of the main body (2) passes through the second layered portion 120 in the second see-through state and passes through the first layered portion 110 in the light blocking state. be absorbed. Light L4 incident on the second surface 2b of the main body (2) is absorbed by the first layered portion 110 in the light blocking state. This suppresses the specular reflection of the light L5 by the second layered portion 120 and blocks the light L4 from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a.
In the second state (FIG. 15B), the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a of the main body (2) is specularly reflected by the second layered portion 120 in the reflective state. Thereby, the first surface 2a of the main body (2) functions as a mirror. Although the first layered portion 110 is preferably in a light blocking state, the main body (2) functions as a half mirror when the first layered portion 110 is in the first see-through state.
In the transparent state of the third state (FIG. 15A), the light L4 incident on the second surface 2b of the main body (2) passes through the first layered portion 110 in the first transparent state, and passes through the second transparent state. It penetrates the second layered portion 120 of the state. This allows the other side to be seen through the body (2).
As described above, this aspect can provide a shade device that can further improve convenience.

Here, the first layered portion includes a liquid crystal film, a liquid crystal panel, and the like.
A see-through state means a state in which the back can be seen through.
The light-shielding state means a state in which the light transmittance is smaller than that in the see-through state, and although the light transmittance is ideally 0%, it may be a state in which light is slightly transmitted. The light transmittance is the ratio of the intensity of light transmitted through an object (eg, the first layered portion) to the intensity of light incident on the object (eg, the first layered portion). "Translucency" is defined as "light passing through a substance and coming out from the other surface", and "translucency" may or may not have "transparency". "Transparency" is defined as the property of being able to see through the back.
The second layered portion includes a liquid crystal film, a liquid crystal panel, and the like.
The third state only needs to include a transparent state, and may be a state in which the transparency is always present, or a state in which the light transmittance can change to a state in which the transparency is absent.
The above remarks apply to the following aspects as well.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 12 and the like, the first layered portion 110 may be capable of adjusting the light transmittance. In this case, the control section 50 may perform control to change the light transmittance of the first layered section 110 . This aspect can provide a shade device that can further improve convenience.

[Aspect 3]
As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the second layered portion 120 may be arranged closer to the second surface 2b than the first layered portion 110 is. The control unit 50 causes the main body (2) to realize the first state by controlling the first layered portion 110 to the light shielding state, and the first layered portion 110 to the first see-through state. The body (2) may be controlled to achieve the second state.

In the first state, the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a of the main body (2) is absorbed by the first layered portion 110 in the light blocking state. Thereby, specular reflection of light by the second layered portion 120 is suppressed, and light from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a is blocked.
In the second state, the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a of the main body (2) passes through the first layered portion 110 in the first perspective state, is specularly reflected in the second layered portion 120, and is It penetrates the first layered portion 110 of the state. Thereby, the first surface 2a of the main body (2) functions as a mirror.
As described above, according to this aspect, it is possible to provide a suitable shade device that realizes the use state and the non-use state of the mirror without the slide lid.

[Aspect 4]
As illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 25, etc., the second layered portion 120 has a second liquid crystal layer 121, is arranged closer to the first surface 2a than the first layered portion 110, and is in the reflective state. and the second fluoroscopy state. The control unit 50 may cause the main body (2) to realize the first state by controlling the second layered portion 120 to the second see-through state. The controller 50 may cause the main body (2) to achieve the second state by controlling the second layered portion 120 to the reflective state.

In the first state, the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a of the main body (2) is transmitted through the second layered portion 120 in the second see-through state and absorbed by the first layered portion 110 in the light blocking state. Light L4 incident on the second surface 2b of the main body (2) is absorbed by the first layered portion 110 in the light blocking state. This suppresses the specular reflection of the light L5 by the second layered portion 120 and blocks the light L4 from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a.
In the second state, the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a of the main body (2) is mirror-reflected by the second layered portion 120 in the reflective state. Thereby, the first surface 2a of the main body (2) functions as a mirror. Note that the first layered portion 110 behind the second layered portion 120 is preferably in a light shielding state.
As described above, according to this aspect, it is possible to provide a suitable shade device that realizes the use state and the non-use state of the mirror without the slide lid.

[Aspect 5]
As illustrated in FIG. 21 and the like, the region corresponding to the second layered portion 120 on the first surface 2a includes a first divided region (eg, control region A12 in FIG. 22) and a second divided region (eg, control region A12 in FIG. 22). A control area A13) may be included. The control unit 50 controls the state of the layered portion including the liquid crystal layer (111, 121) out of the first layered portion 110 and the second layered portion 120 in the first divided area (A12). At least the first state and the second state may be selectively realized in the first divided area (A12). The control unit 50 controls the liquid crystal layer (111, 121) may be controlled to selectively realize at least the first state and the second state in the second divided region (A13). In this aspect, the state of the first divided area (A12) and the state of the second divided area (A13) are switched separately, so it is possible to provide a shade device that further improves convenience.

[Aspect 6]
As illustrated in FIG. 20 and the like, the shade device 1 may further include a light detection section 70 (for example, a solar sensor 71) that detects the intensity of the light L10 from the outside (for example, outside the vehicle). When the intensity of light detected by the light detection unit 70 is the first intensity, the control unit 50 selectively switches between at least the first state and the second state for the main body (2). can be realized. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the controller 50 controls the main body (2 ) may realize a state other than the first state. When the outside is dark, it is less necessary to block the light L4 from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a, so it is preferable for the main body (2) to be in a state other than the first state. Therefore, this aspect can provide a shade device that further improves convenience.
Here, the photodetector includes an illuminance sensor (including a solar radiation sensor), an imaging device, and the like.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4 and the like, the main body (2) may have a first transparent plate 310 arranged on the first surface 2a. The main body (2) may also have a second transparent plate 320 arranged on the second surface 2b. The main body (2) may have a support member 40 that supports the first transparent plate 310 and the second transparent plate 320 between which the first layered portion 110 and the second layered portion 120 are sandwiched. . Here, the first transparent plate 310 and the second transparent plate 320 are collectively called the transparent plate 30 .
The control unit 50 shown in aspects 1 to 5 described above may be arranged in the main body (2) such as the support member 40, or may be arranged in a place other than the main body (2) such as the steering wheel.
The operation unit 60 may be arranged on the main body (2) such as the support member 40 or the transparent plate 30, or may be arranged on a place other than the main body (2) such as a steering wheel.

(2) Specific example of shade device:
FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of using the shade device as a sun visor. FIG. 1 shows the essential parts of a vehicle interior CA1 of the automobile 100. As shown in FIG. Here, the code D11 indicates the vertical direction, and the code D12 indicates the vehicle width direction. The front, rear, left, and right positional relationship is based on the direction in which the vehicle 100 looks forward, as shown in FIG.
It should be noted that "perpendicular" is not limited to strict 90 degrees, and includes deviations from strict 90 degrees due to errors. Also, the sameness in terms of direction, position, etc. is not limited to strict matching, and includes deviation from strict matching due to an error. Furthermore, the description of the positional relationship of each part is merely an example. Therefore, the horizontal direction can be changed to the vertical direction or the front-rear direction, the vertical direction can be changed to the horizontal direction or the front-rear direction, the front-rear direction can be changed to the left-right direction or the vertical direction, or the rotation direction can be changed to the opposite direction. Equalizing is also included in the present technology.

An automobile 100 shown in FIG. 1 has a front window 101 in front, side windows 102 on the left and right, and front pillars 103 between the front window 101 and the side windows 102 when viewed from the driver's seat. In the vicinity of the front window 101 on the ceiling 104 of the automobile 100, a rearview mirror 105, a driver's seat side shade device 1A, and a passenger seat side shade device 1B are attached. Here, the shade devices 1A and 1B are collectively referred to as a shade device 1. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a state in which the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side is viewed from the first surface 2a side of the visor body 2 (an example of the body). Since the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side is bilaterally symmetrical with the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side, the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side will be described as a representative of the shade device 1. FIG. Here, the first surface 2a of the visor body 2 is the surface facing the occupant when the visor body 2 is in the use position PV2. The second surface 2b of the visor body 2 is the surface opposite to the first surface 2a in the visor body 2, and faces forward when the visor body 2 is in the use position PV2. Reference D1 indicates a predetermined direction that divides the dimming region 20, reference D1a indicates one side of the predetermined direction D1, and reference D1b indicates the other side of the predetermined direction D1. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the predetermined direction D1 is the vertical direction D11 in use. Reference numeral D2 denotes a width direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction D1, and FIG. 2 shows an example in which the width direction D2 is the vehicle width direction D12 in the state of use. FIG. 3 schematically illustrates each part before the shade device 1 is assembled. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a longitudinal section of the shade device 1. As shown in FIG. The right side of FIG. 4 shows the lower edge 32b of the transparent plate 30 and its vicinity in an enlarged manner. In FIG. 4, hatching representing cross sections of the light control section 10, the adhesive layers AD1 and AD2, and the transparent plate 30 is omitted. Reference numeral D13 indicates the front-rear direction, and FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the visor main body 2 in use.

The shade device 1 shown in FIG. 2 has a visor body 2 having a shaft member 90, a control section 50, an operation section 60, and a light detection section . The visor body 2 has a light control section 10 , a transparent plate 30 and a support member 40 . The shaft member 90 has a base portion 91 attached to the ceiling portion 104, and an L-shaped member 92 supported by the base portion 91 so as to be rotatable around a short shaft portion 92b. The upper portion 43 of the support member 40 of the visor body 2 is supported to the L-shaped member 92 so as to be rotatable around the long shaft portion 92a of the L-shaped member 92 . Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the user can move the visor body 2 around the long axis portion 92a to, for example, a non-use position PV1 along the ceiling portion 104, or a use position PV2 where a portion of the front window 101 is hidden. can be Further, the user can move the visor body 2 around the short axis portion 92b to the side position PV3 where part of the side window 102 is hidden, or return it to the use position PV2. A cable 95 (see FIG. 3) for supplying power from the battery of the vehicle 100 to the electric circuit of the visor body 2 is also arranged on the shaft member 90 . Of course, if a battery is installed in the visor body 2, the cable may be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, etc., the light control section 10 includes a first layered section 110 having a first liquid crystal layer 111 and capable of switching between a first see-through state and a light blocking state, and a first surface on the occupant side. and a second layered portion 120 having a reflective state that specularly reflects light L5 incident on 2a. Details of the dimming unit 10 will be described later. The layered light control section 10 is held by a transparent plate 30 for protection.

The transparent plate 30 is divided into a first transparent plate 310 arranged on one side 10a of the layered light control section 10 and a second transparent plate 320 arranged on the other side 10b of the layered light control section 10. . In this specific example, when the visor main body 2 is at the use position PV2, the driver can see the one side 10a of the light control section 10 but cannot see the other side 10b. Therefore, when the shade device 1 is used, the first transparent plate 310 is located on the compartment CA1 side, and the second transparent plate 320 faces the front window 101 . Hereinafter, when the first transparent plate and the second transparent plate are collectively described, they are simply referred to as "transparent plate".
A synthetic resin such as a thermoplastic resin can be used for the transparent plate 30, and polycarbonate (PC) resin, acrylic (PMMA) resin, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resin, silicone (SI) resin, and polyethylene (PE) resin can be used. , polypropylene (PP) resin, or the like having transparency can be used. For example, the transparent plate 30 having a desired shape can be formed by performing known molding such as injection molding on a transparent resin material.

As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the one surface side 10a of the light control section 10 can be adhered to the inner surface 312 of the first transparent plate 310 via the adhesive layer AD1. The other surface side 10b of the light control section 10 can be adhered to the inner surface 322 of the second transparent plate 320 via the adhesive layer AD2. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the layered portions 110 and 120 included in the dimming portion 10 can be adhered to each other via an adhesive layer AD3. As an adhesive for forming the adhesive layers AD1, AD2, AD3, an optical adhesive (OCA; Optical Clear Adhesive), an optical resin (OCR; Optical Clear Resin), or the like can be used, and an OCA tape or the like may be used.

As shown in FIG. 4, the edge 32 of the transparent plate 30 has a rounded R shape. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the edge portion 32 of the transparent plate 30 is divided into an upper upper edge portion 32a, a lower lower edge portion 32b, a first side edge portion 32c on the room mirror 105 side, and a front pillar. It is divided into a second side edge portion 32d on the 103 side (an example of the side opposite to the first side edge portion 32c). At least the lower edge portion 32b and the first side edge portion 32c are formed with grains 34 for diffuse transmission of light, as shown in FIG. The grains 34 are fine unevenness, and can be formed, for example, by forming fine unevenness on an injection mold or by blasting. When the edge portion 32 of the transparent plate 30 is made to be a diffusion transmission surface by the grain 34, as shown in FIG. Therefore, in this specific example, the layered light control section 10 can be used while improving the anti-glare property, so the convenience is improved.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a main part of the transparent plate 30. As shown in FIG. In the upper part of FIG. 5, the second transparent plate 320 behind the first transparent plate 310 is extracted and shown. The lower portion of FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal section of the support structure for the transparent plate 30 at the insertion portions 311 and 321 and their vicinity. Reference D3 indicates the direction from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a. The first transparent plate 310 shown in FIG. 5 has a first insertion portion 311 through which the screw SC1 is passed with play. The first insertion portion 311 is a hole penetrating in the thickness direction (direction D3) of the first transparent plate 310, and the screw SC1 is passed therethrough with play while leaving the head of the screw SC1. Further, the second transparent plate 320 shown in FIG. 5 has a second insertion portion 321 through which the boss 423 of the support member 40 is passed with play. The second insertion portion 321 is a hole penetrating in the thickness direction (direction D3) of the second transparent plate 320, and the boss 423 formed with the threaded portion 422 of the screw SC1 is passed therethrough.

A support member 40 shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 supports the transparent plate 30 holding the layered light control section 10 . The support member 40 of this specific example supports the first transparent plate 310 and the second transparent plate 320 between which the light control section 10 is sandwiched. The supporting member 40 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 includes a first bezel 410 having a first wall portion 411 on the side of the first transparent plate 310 and a second bezel 420 having a second wall portion 421 on the side of the second transparent plate 320. , are divided into Each bezel 410, 420 can be formed into a desired shape by performing known molding such as injection molding on a resin material, for example. Synthetic resins such as thermoplastic resins can be used as the resin material, and polyolefin resins such as PP resins, acrylonitrile styrene copolymer (AS) resins, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) resins, polyamide resins, and these resins can be used. Materials added with additives such as coloring agents and fillers can be used. In this specific example, the support member 40 is made of an opaque material, but the support member 40 is not limited to being opaque (light transmittance of 0%).

The first bezel 410 and the second bezel 420 are integrated with the transparent plates 310 and 320 between which the light control section 10 is sandwiched. This integration can be performed by ultrasonic welding, thermal welding, application of an adhesive, application of an adhesive tape, or the like.

A boss 423 protrudes from the second wall portion 421 of the second bezel 420 shown in FIG. 5 in a direction D3 from the second surface 2b toward the first surface 2a. The boss 423 has a thickness that allows it to pass through the second insertion portion 321, which is the through hole of the second transparent plate 320, with play, and can pass through the first insertion portion 311, which is the through hole of the first transparent plate 310. The thickness is such that it cannot be A threaded portion 422 is formed at the tip 423e of the boss 423 to be screwed with the screw SC1 passing through the first insertion portion 311. As shown in FIG. Since the threaded portion 422 is formed at the tip 423e of the boss 423 that has passed through the second insertion portion 321 with play, the screw SC1 that has passed through the first insertion portion 311 is screwed into the tip 423e of the boss 423. be. Edges of the second transparent plate 320 are held by bosses 423 that pass through the second insertion portion 321 .

The support member 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an upper portion 43 covering the upper edge portion 32a of the transparent plate 30 holding the layered light control portion 10, and a second side edge portion 32d of the transparent plate 30 on the front pillar 103 side. It has a covering side 44 . The support member 40 exposes the lower edge portion 32b and the first side edge portion 32c of the transparent plate 30 and covers the upper edge portion 32a and the second side edge portion 32d of the transparent plate 30 . The shape of the support member 40 in which the upper portion 43 and the side portions 44 are integrated is substantially L-shaped. In this specific example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 51, which is an example of a control unit 50, is accommodated inside the side portion 44, and an operation portion 60 is arranged on the surface of the side portion 44 on the side of the first bezel 410. A solar sensor 71 (an example of the photodetector 70) is arranged on the surface of the upper portion 43 on the second bezel 420 side.

Since the lower edge 32b of the transparent plate 30 is exposed from the opaque support member 40, the visibility of the lower edge 32b of the transparent plate 30 is improved. Further, since the first side edge portion 32c of the transparent plate 30 on the room mirror 105 side is exposed from the support member 40, the visibility of the room mirror 105 is improved. On the other hand, the upper edge 32a of the transparent plate 30 may be covered with an opaque support member 40 since it is highly likely that glare must be blocked when the visor body 2 is in use. Since the front pillar 103 that originally blocks the view is located on the opposite side of the transparent plate 30 to the room mirror 105 , the second side edge 32 d of the transparent plate 30 may be covered with the opaque support member 40 . Since the upper portion 43 and the side portions 44 of the support member 40 are integrated, the strength of the support member 40 that supports the transparent plate 30 holding the layered light control portion 10 is excellent.
In this specific example, the visibility of the room mirror 105 can be improved while the layered light control unit 10 can be used, thereby improving convenience.

FIG. 6A schematically illustrates a cross section of the visor body 2 in the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side. FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a cross section of the visor body 2 in the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side.
The first layered portion 110 of both shade devices 1A, 1B includes an absorptive polarizing layer 112, a first liquid crystal layer 111, and an absorptive polarizing layer 113 in order from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a. there is The first layered portion 110 is switchable between a first see-through state and a light blocking state. Although the first layered portion 110 in this specific example is assumed to be a liquid crystal film, the first layered portion 110 may be a liquid crystal panel or the like including a thin plate such as glass. In either case, the first layered portion 110 is protected by the polarizing layers 112 and 113 and the transparent plate 30 .

The second layered portion 120 differs between the shade device 1A and the shade device 1B.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the second layered portion 120 of the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side is arranged closer to the first surface 2a than the first layered portion 110, and extends from the second surface 2b toward the first surface 2a. It includes a reflective polarizing layer 122, a second liquid crystal layer 121, and an absorptive polarizing layer 123 in order. In the shade device 1A, there is an adhesive layer AD1 between the first transparent plate 310 and the absorptive polarizing layer 123, an adhesive layer AD2 between the second transparent plate 320 and the absorptive polarizing layer 112, and an absorptive polarizing layer Between layer 113 and reflective polarizing layer 122 is an adhesive layer AD3.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the second layered portion 120A of the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side is arranged closer to the second surface 2b than the first layered portion 110, and reflects light L5 incident on the first surface 2a to a mirror surface. It is a reflective material. Here, the concept of the second layered portion 120A is included in the concept of the second layered portion 120 . For the second layered portion 120A, a mirror obtained by vapor-depositing metal on a transparent plate such as glass, a metal mirror such as SUS (stainless steel), or the like can be used. In either case, the second layered portion 120A is protected by the transparent plate 30. FIG. In the shade device 1B, there is an adhesive layer AD1 between the first transparent plate 310 and the absorptive polarizing layer 113, an adhesive layer AD2 between the second transparent plate 320 and the second layered portion 120A, and a second layered Between the portion 120A and the absorptive polarizing layer 112 is an adhesive layer AD3.
The visor main body 2 of the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side may be constructed as shown in FIG. 6A, or the visor main body 2 of the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side may be constructed as shown in FIG. 6B. . Either case is included in the present technique.

First, an example of the function of the first layered portion 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
FIG. 7A schematically shows an example of functions when a TN (Twisted Nematic) type liquid crystal film is used for the first layered portion 110 . The absorption axis directions D21 of the absorptive polarizing layers 112 and 113 are orthogonal to each other. When the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 is off (OFF), the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules twists the polarized light L1 passing through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 from the outside by 90°. Pass 113. Thereby, the first see-through state is realized in the first layered portion 110 . Although not shown, polarized light that has passed through the absorptive polarizing layer 113 from the outside passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 after being twisted by 90°. When the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 is turned ON, the liquid crystal molecules stand up vertically, and the polarized light L1 that has passed through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 from the outside is not twisted and is blocked by the absorptive polarizing layer 113. be done. As a result, the light shielding state is realized in the first layered portion 110 . Although not shown, polarized light passing through the absorptive polarizing layer 113 from the outside is not twisted and is blocked by the absorptive polarizing layer 112 . As the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 increases within a predetermined range, the degree of rise of the liquid crystal molecules increases. Transmittance can be changed.

FIG. 7B schematically shows an example of functions when a VA (Vertical Alignment) type liquid crystal film is used for the first layered portion 110 . The absorption axis directions D21 of the absorptive polarizing layers 112 and 113 are orthogonal to each other. When the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 is OFF (OFF), the liquid crystal molecules are oriented vertically, and the polarized light L1 passing through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 from the outside is not twisted, and the absorptive polarizing layer 112 is not twisted. blocked by 113. As a result, the light shielding state is realized in the first layered portion 110 . Although not shown, polarized light passing through the absorptive polarizing layer 113 from the outside is not twisted and is blocked by the absorptive polarizing layer 112 . When the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 is turned ON, the liquid crystal molecules are tilted, and the polarized light L1 that has passed through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 from the outside is twisted by 90° and passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 113 . Thereby, the first see-through state is realized in the first layered portion 110 . Although not shown, polarized light that has passed through the absorptive polarizing layer 113 from the outside passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 after being twisted by 90°. As the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 increases within a predetermined range, the degree of tilting of the liquid crystal molecules increases. Transmittance can be changed.
Furthermore, the liquid crystal driving method of the first layered portion 110 may be an IPS (In-Plane-Switching) method or the like. Of course, a liquid crystal panel may be used instead of the liquid crystal film.

Since the response of the liquid crystal layer to voltage application is fast, the state of the first layered portion 110 can be quickly switched by switching the state of the first layered portion 110 with the voltage applied to the first liquid crystal layer 111 . In addition, since the first layered portion 110 in the light blocking state has a low light transmittance and looks black, it can effectively block glare such as sunlight.

An example of the function of the reflective polarizing layer 122 of the second layered portion 120 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 8A-8C.
FIG. 8A schematically shows an example of the function when the reflective polarizing layer 122 is of a linear polarization reflection type. A wire grid polarizer based on a film material, a reflective polarizing film having a multilayer thin film structure, or the like can be used for the reflective polarizing layer of the linearly polarized light reflection method. For example, in a wire grid polarizer, conductor wires made of metal or the like are arranged in a grid pattern at a specific pitch. If the pitch is, for example, less than half the wavelength of the incident light (for example, 400-800 nm of visible light), the wire grid polarizer will reflect most of the light whose electric field vector component oscillates parallel to the conductor wires. and transmit most of the light of the electric field vector component perpendicular to the conductor wire. In the present application, "Min to Max" means the minimum value Min or more and the maximum value Max or less. The reflective polarizing layer 122 shown in FIG. 8A has conductor lines oriented in the vertical direction, transmits most of the horizontally oscillating polarized light L2, and almost mirror-reflects the vertically oscillating polarized light L3. Even in the linearly polarized light reflection method other than the wire grid method, most of the polarized light L2 oscillating in a certain direction is transmitted, and most of the polarized light L3 oscillating in a direction orthogonal to that direction is specularly reflected.

8B and 8C schematically show examples of functions when the reflective polarizing layer 122 has a multilayer structure including the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 131. FIG. The reflective polarizing layer 122 shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C includes a retardation layer 132, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer 131, and a retardation layer 133 in order from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a. The cholesteric liquid crystal layer 131 transmits most of the circularly polarized light in the first direction of rotation as shown in FIG. 8B, and transmits the circularly polarized light in the second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation as shown in FIG. 8C. It is almost specularly reflected as circularly polarized light in one direction of rotation. A λ/4 retardation film or the like can be used for the retardation layers 132 and 133 . In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the retardation layer 132 converts the horizontally oscillating polarized light L2 into counterclockwise (first rotation direction) circularly polarized light, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 131 transmits this circularly polarized light. reverts to horizontal oscillation polarization. In the example shown in FIG. 8C, the phase difference layer 132 converts the vertically oscillating polarized light L3 into clockwise (second rotation direction) circularly polarized light, and the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 131 mirror-reflects this circularly polarized light to the phase difference layer. 132 restores the polarization of vertical oscillation.
As described above, the reflective polarizing layer 122 including the cholesteric liquid crystal layer 131 transmits most of the polarized light L2 oscillating in a certain direction, and mirror-reflects most of the polarized light L3 oscillating in a direction perpendicular to that direction.

As a driving method for the second liquid crystal layer 121 of the second layered portion 120, a TN method, a VA method, an IPS method, or the like can be adopted. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the absorption axis direction D21 of the absorptive polarizing layer 123 of the second layered portion 120 is horizontal, and the second liquid crystal layer 121 is of the TN system. Polarized light that has passed through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 from the outside is polarized light that oscillates up and down. When the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal layer 121 is off (OFF), the vertically oscillating polarized light is twisted by 90° due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules, and the horizontally oscillating polarized light is transferred to the reflective polarizing layer 122 . pass through. Thereby, the second see-through state is realized in the second layered portion 120 . Further, the horizontally vibrating polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing layer 122 from the outside is twisted by 90° due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules, and the vertically vibrating polarized light passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 . When the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal layer 121 is turned on (ON), the liquid crystal molecules stand up vertically, and the vertically vibrating polarized light that has passed through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 from the outside is not twisted, and the reflective polarizing layer 122 specularly reflected by The specularly reflected vertically vibrating polarized light passes through the second liquid crystal layer 121 and the absorbing polarizing layer 123 . Thereby, a reflective state is realized in the second layered portion 120 .
In addition, since the second layered portion 120 is a mirror using liquid crystal, the reflectance of obliquely incident light is lowered to reduce glare. In addition, as the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal layer 121 increases within a predetermined range, the degree of rise of the liquid crystal molecules increases. You can change the reflectance.

The second layered portion 120 including the reflective polarizing layer 122, the second liquid crystal layer 121, and the absorptive polarizing layer 123 is assumed to be a liquid crystal film, but may be a liquid crystal panel. In either case, the second layered portion 120 is protected by the polarizing layers 122 and 123 and the transparent plate 30. FIG.
Since the response of the liquid crystal layer to voltage application is fast, the state of the second layered portion 120 can be quickly switched by switching the state of the second layered portion 120 with the voltage applied to the second liquid crystal layer 121 .
The layered portions 110 and 120 are suitable for use in vehicle visor devices because they respond faster than those of the electrodeposition method or the like.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an exploded configuration example of the light control section 10 when the second layered section 120 including the reflective polarizing layer 122 is used. The light control unit 10 shown in FIG. 9 includes, in order from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a, an absorptive polarizing layer 112, a first liquid crystal layer 111, an absorptive polarizing layer 113, a reflective polarizing layer 122, and a second liquid crystal. It includes layer 121 and absorptive polarizing layer 123 . The absorption axis direction D21 of the absorptive polarizing layers 112 and 123 is horizontal. The absorption axis direction D21 of the absorptive polarizing layer 123 is the vertical direction. The reflection axis direction D22 of the reflective polarizing layer 122 is the vertical direction.

(3) Specific example of mode switching process:
FIG. 10 schematically illustrates an electric circuit of the shade device 1 including the light control section 10, the ECU 51 (example of the control section 50), the operation section 60, and the solar radiation sensor 71 (example of the light detection section 70). there is The ECU 51 is connected with the light control section 10 , the operation section 60 and the solar radiation sensor 71 .

The ECU 51 has, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a semiconductor memory, an I/O (input/output) circuit, a timer, and the like. Semiconductor memories include, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). When the control program for the shade device is recorded in a semiconductor memory, the semiconductor memory serves as a computer-readable recording medium in which the control program for the shade device is recorded. The CPU of the ECU 51 uses the RAM as a work area and reads and executes a control program recorded in a semiconductor memory (for example, ROM) as needed, thereby causing the computer to function as the control unit 50 .
Although the ECU 51 of this specific example is arranged on the side portion 44 of the support member 40 , the ECU 51 may be arranged on the upper portion 43 of the support member 40 or may be arranged on the main body side of the automobile 100 . If the signal line connecting the electric circuit of the visor body 2 and the ECU outside the visor body is arranged on the shaft member 90, for example, the ECU can be arranged outside the visor body.

The operating section 60 has a plurality of mode switching switches 61 and a long switch 62 (an example of a long operating section). The switches 61 and 62 in this specific example are capacitive switches that accept operation to touch the surface, but the switches 61 and 62 are capacitive proximity switches and mechanical contact type key switches. , etc. A capacitive switch that receives an operation that touches a surface is also called a touch switch, a touch sensor, or the like. A plurality of mode changeover switches 61 are arranged in a predetermined direction D1 and receive an operation to contact the surface 61a. The elongated switch 62 is arranged along the predetermined direction D1 and receives an operation of contacting the surface 62a.
Although the operation part 60 in this specific example is arranged on the surface of the first bezel 410 on the side part 44 of the support member 40, the operation part 60 may be arranged on the surface of the upper part 43 of the support member 40, It may be arranged on the main body side of the automobile 100 such as the steering wheel. If the signal line connecting the electric circuit of the visor body 2 and the operating section outside the visor body is arranged on the shaft member 90, for example, the operating section can be arranged outside the visor body. Also, if a transparent touch panel is attached to part or all of the surface of the transparent plate 30 , this touch panel can be used as the operation unit 60 .

The solar radiation sensor 71 detects the intensity of incident light as a current flowing through a built-in photodiode. The solar radiation sensor 71 may convert the detected current into a voltage and output it. With respect to the intensity of the external light L10, if a threshold value is set between the first intensity included in the daytime light intensity and the second intensity included in the nighttime light intensity, the solar radiation sensor 71 The intensity of the external light L10 can be determined based on the output from the . Note that the light detection unit 70 is not limited to a solar radiation sensor, and may be an imaging device or the like.
The solar radiation sensor 71 of this specific example is arranged on the surface of the second bezel 420 in the upper portion 43 of the support member 40, but may be arranged on the surface of the side portion 44 of the support member 40, or on the back side of the rearview mirror 105. , etc., may be arranged on the main body side of the automobile 100 . If the signal line connecting the electric circuit of the visor body 2 and the solar radiation sensor outside the visor body is arranged on the shaft member 90, for example, the solar radiation sensor can be arranged outside the visor body.

FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the dimming region 20 of the first layered portion 110 connected to the ECU 51. As shown in FIG. The light control region 20 shown in FIG. 11 includes elongated light control regions A1 to A8 arranged in the vertical direction D11 (example of the predetermined direction D1) when the visor body 2 is at the use position PV2. Hereinafter, the vertical relationship will be described with reference to the case where the visor body 2 is at the use position PV2. The elongated dimming areas A1 to A8 are arranged with the longitudinal direction facing the width direction D2, and the light transmittance can be individually adjusted. For the sake of convenience, the dimming areas are named A1, A2, . The number of light control regions of the light control unit 10 may be 7 or less, or may be 9 or more. Also, the light control region may be divided in the width direction D2.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the ECU 51 controls the light adjustment section 10 according to the operation of the operation section 60 . FIG. 12 illustrates switching control processing performed by the ECU 51 . This process may be started when energization of the visor body 2 is started, or may be started when it is detected that the visor body 2 has reached the use position PV2. For example, if the shade device 1 is provided with a sensor that detects that the visor body 2 has reached the use position PV2, the switching control process can be started with the detection that the visor body 2 has reached the use position PV2 as a trigger. can be done. In addition, since it is assumed that the incident light to the solar radiation sensor 71 becomes stronger when the visor body 2 changes from the non-use position PV1 to the use position PV2, it is detected that the increase in the intensity of the incident light exceeds the threshold for the increase in intensity. This can also be used as a trigger to start the switching control process.
Incidentally, when it is detected that the visor body 2 has reached the non-use position PV1, the energization to the visor body 2 may be stopped and the light control section 10 may be put in a light shielding state (for example, light transmittance of 0%). Further, even when it is detected that the visor body 2 has reached the side position PV3, the energization to the visor body 2 may be stopped so that the light control section 10 is placed in the light shielding state. Furthermore, if a rear operation section for setting the light control section 10 to the light blocking state is provided on the rear side (second bezel 420) of the visor body 2, when the visor body 2 is at the non-use position PV1 or the side position PV3, The light control unit 10 can be put into a light blocking state by operating the rear operation unit.

When the switching control process is started, the ECU 51 receives an operation to the operation unit 60 (step S102; hereinafter, description of "step" is omitted). After that, the ECU 51 performs processing according to the operation on the operation unit 60 (S104), and returns the processing to S102. The operation-specific processing of S104 can be performed, for example, according to the processing table TA1. Of course, the content of the processing table TA1 is only an example. A processing table TA1 shown in FIG. 12 has information for controlling the light adjustment section 10 of the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side. When controlling the dimming unit 10 of the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side, the processing table TA1 only needs information on the "light shielding mode" and the "mirror mode", and information on the "see-through mode" is unnecessary.

For example, when the contact operation of the "light shielding mode" is received at the mode switching switch 61, the ECU 51 controls the state of the light control section 10 to suppress the specular reflection of the light by the second layered section 120, thereby reducing the second surface. The visor body 2 is made to realize a first state in which light from 2b to the first surface 2a is blocked.
When the contact operation of the "mirror mode" is received in the mode changeover switch 61, the ECU 51 controls the state of the light control section 10 so that the light incident on the first surface 2a is specularly reflected by the second layered section 120. Two states are realized in the visor body 2.
When the contact operation of the “see-through mode” is received at the mode switching switch 61 , the ECU 51 controls the state of the light adjusting section 10 to realize the third state including the see-through state of the visor body 2 . This third state includes a transparent state, and is a state in which the light transmittance can change to a non-transparent state.

Here, the control of the dimming section 10 in each mode will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 schematically illustrates the state of the layered portions 110 and 120 in the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side. FIG. 14 schematically illustrates the state of the layered portions 110 and 120 in the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side. 15A to 15C schematically illustrate functions of the light control section 10 when the liquid crystal layers 111 and 121 are of the TN system in the driver's seat side shade device 1A. 16A to 16C schematically illustrate the function of the light control section 10 when the first liquid crystal layer 111 is of the VA system and the second liquid crystal layer 121 is of the TN system in the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side. there is 15A to 15C and 16A to 16C, illustration of the adhesive layer AD3 is omitted.

When the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side is set to the "light shielding mode", the ECU 51 controls the first layered portion 110 to the light shielding state and the second layered portion 120 to the second see-through state. 2 to realize a "black" state (first state in which light from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a is blocked). This state corresponds to FIGS. 15C and 16A.
In FIG. 15C, the ECU 51 turns on the first TN liquid crystal layer 111 and turns off the second TN liquid crystal layer 121 . In this case, of the light incident from the first surface 2a, the vertically vibrating polarized light L5 passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 and becomes horizontally vibrating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer 121. It passes through the reflective polarizing layer 122 (second see-through state). The polarized light of this horizontal oscillation passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 113 and the first liquid crystal layer 111 in the ON state, and is absorbed by the absorbing polarizing layer 112 . On the other hand, the vertically oscillating polarized light L4 of the light incident from the second surface 2b passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 and the first liquid crystal layer 111 in the ON state, and is absorbed by the absorptive polarizing layer 113 ( shading).

In FIG. 16A, the ECU 51 turns off the first liquid crystal layer 111 of the VA mode and turns off the second liquid crystal layer 121 of the TN mode. In this case, of the light incident from the first surface 2a, the vertically vibrating polarized light L5 passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 and becomes horizontally vibrating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer 121. It passes through the reflective polarizing layer 122 (second see-through state). This horizontally oscillating polarized light passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 113 and the first liquid crystal layer 111 in the OFF state, and is absorbed by the absorptive polarizing layer 112 . On the other hand, the vertically oscillating polarized light L4 of the light incident from the second surface 2b passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 and the off-state first liquid crystal layer 111, and is absorbed by the absorptive polarizing layer 113 ( shading).

When the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side is set to the "light shielding mode", the ECU 51 controls the first layered portion 110 to the light shielding state as shown in FIG. (First state in which light from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a is blocked) is realized. When the first liquid crystal layer 111 is of the TN system shown in FIG. 7A, the ECU 51 may turn on the first liquid crystal layer 111 . When the first liquid crystal layer 111 is of the VA type shown in FIG. 7B, the ECU 51 may turn off the first liquid crystal layer 111 .

When the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side is set to the "mirror mode", the ECU 51 controls the first layered portion 110 to be in a light blocking state and the second layered portion 120 to be in a reflective state so that the visor body 2 A "mirror" state (a second state in which the light incident on the first surface 2a is mirror-reflected) is realized. This state corresponds to FIGS. 15B and 16B.
In FIG. 15B, the ECU 51 turns on the TN liquid crystal layers 111 and 121 . In this case, the vertically oscillating polarized light L5 of the light incident from the first surface 2a passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 123 and the on-state second liquid crystal layer 121, and is specularly reflected by the reflective polarizing layer 122. (reflection state). This vertically oscillating polarized light reflected by the specular surface passes through the second liquid crystal layer 121 in the ON state and the absorptive polarizing layer 123, and exits from the first surface 2a. On the other hand, the vertically oscillating polarized light L4 of the light incident from the second surface 2b passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 and the first liquid crystal layer 111 in the ON state, and is absorbed by the absorptive polarizing layer 113 ( shading).

In FIG. 16B, the ECU 51 turns off the first liquid crystal layer 111 of the VA mode and turns on the second liquid crystal layer 121 of the TN mode. In this case, the vertically oscillating polarized light L5 of the light incident from the first surface 2a passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 123 and the on-state second liquid crystal layer 121, and is specularly reflected by the reflective polarizing layer 122. (reflection state). This vertically oscillating polarized light reflected by the specular surface passes through the second liquid crystal layer 121 in the ON state and the absorptive polarizing layer 123, and exits from the first surface 2a. On the other hand, the vertically oscillating polarized light L4 of the light incident from the second surface 2b passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 and the off-state first liquid crystal layer 111, and is absorbed by the absorptive polarizing layer 113 ( shading).

When the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side is set to the "mirror mode", the ECU 51 controls the first layered portion 110 to the first see-through state as shown in FIG. (the second state in which the light incident on the first surface 2a is mirror-reflected) is realized. When the first liquid crystal layer 111 is of the TN system shown in FIG. 7A, the ECU 51 may turn off the first liquid crystal layer 111 . When the first liquid crystal layer 111 is of the VA type shown in FIG. 7B, the ECU 51 may turn on the first liquid crystal layer 111 .

When the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side is set to the "transparent mode", the ECU 51 controls the first layered portion 110 to the first transparent state and the second layered portion 120 to the second transparent state. The visor body 2 is made to realize a state of "see-through" (a state with see-through). This state corresponds to FIGS. 15A and 16C.
In FIG. 15A, the ECU 51 controls the TN liquid crystal layers 111 and 121 to be off. In this case, of the light incident from the first surface 2a, the vertically vibrating polarized light L5 passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 and becomes horizontally vibrating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer 121. It passes through the reflective polarizing layer 122 (second see-through state). This horizontally vibrating polarized light passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 113, becomes upper limit vibrating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer 111, and passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 (first see-through state). , from the second surface 2b. On the other hand, the vertically oscillating polarized light L4 of the light incident from the second surface 2b passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 112, becomes horizontally oscillating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer 111, and is absorbed. pass through the type polarizing layer 113 (first transparent state). The polarized light of this horizontal vibration passes through the reflective polarizing layer 122, becomes the polarized light of the upper limit vibration due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer 121, and passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 (second see-through state). , exit from the first surface 2a.

In FIG. 16C, the ECU 51 turns on the first liquid crystal layer 111 of the VA mode and turns off the second liquid crystal layer 121 of the TN mode. In this case, of the light incident from the first surface 2a, the vertically vibrating polarized light L5 passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 and becomes horizontally vibrating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer 121. It passes through the reflective polarizing layer 122 (second see-through state). This horizontally vibrating polarized light passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 113, becomes upper limit vibrating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer 111, and passes through the absorptive polarizing layer 112 (first see-through state). , from the second surface 2b. On the other hand, the vertically oscillating polarized light L4 of the light incident from the second surface 2b passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 112, becomes horizontally oscillating polarized light due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the first liquid crystal layer 111, and is absorbed. pass through the type polarizing layer 113 (first transparent state). The polarized light of this horizontal vibration passes through the reflective polarizing layer 122, becomes the polarized light of the upper limit vibration due to the 90° twist of the liquid crystal molecules of the second liquid crystal layer 121, and passes through the absorbing polarizing layer 123 (second see-through state). , exit from the first surface 2a.

The transparent state as shown in FIGS. 15A and 16C may always be realized in the "transparent mode", but even in the state where the light transmittance can change to the non-transparent state as shown in FIG. good. The details of the "see-through mode" will be described below.

When the mode changeover switch 61 receives a touch operation of "division of the light shielding area", the ECU 51 causes the light control unit 10 to change the first light transmittance T1 having transparency downward (one side D1a) from the boundary 23 (one side D1a). A region 21 is made to appear, and a second region 22 having a second light transmittance T2 lower than that of the first region 21 is made to appear above the border 23 (on the other side D1b). That is, the first area 21 is arranged on one side D1a in the predetermined direction D1, and the second area 22 is arranged on the other side D1b in the predetermined direction D1.
When the touch operation of the "shading gradation" is received at the mode switching switch 61, the ECU 51 causes the light control section 10 to display a gradation pattern in which the light transmittance gradually decreases from the bottom to the top. Here, assuming that the highest light transmittance is set as a first light transmittance T1 and the lowest light transmittance is set as a second light transmittance T2, the light transmittance of the boundary 23 is (T1+T2). /2. Therefore, in the dimming unit 10, the first region 21 having transparency is arranged below the boundary 23, and the second region 22 having a lower light transmittance than the first region 21 is arranged above the boundary 23. .

When the mode changeover switch 61 receives a contact operation for "automatic adjustment of light transmittance", the ECU 51 adjusts the light transmittance of the dimming area 20 according to whether or not the dazzling light L11 is detected. ”. The light control areas 20 whose light transmittance is to be adjusted may be all (light control areas A1 to A8) or part of them.
When the mode changeover switch 61 receives a contact operation of "light transmittance manual adjustment", the ECU 51 shifts to the "light transmittance adjustment mode".

When the elongated switch 62 receives a contact operation in the "boundary position adjustment mode", the ECU 51 adjusts the first region 21 and the second region 22 so that the boundary 23 is determined according to the position of the contact operation. Make it appear at 10. The operating position of the elongated switch 62 is aligned with the position of the boundary 23 . Therefore, the elongated switch 62 accepts an operation for directly determining the position of the boundary 23 between the first area 21 and the second area 22 . The areas 21 and 22 may be divided areas when the "shading area division" operation is performed, or may be gradation areas when the "shading gradation" operation is performed. The operation to directly determine the position of the boundary 23 means the operation to the position corresponding to the boundary 23, and excludes the operation to indirectly determine the boundary 23 by changing the light transmittance as in the case of the gradation area. .
In the "light transmittance adjustment mode", when the elongated switch 62 receives a slide operation while it is in contact with the surface 62a, the ECU 51 controls the light transmittance of the dimming area 20 according to the slide operation. The light control areas 20 whose light transmittance is to be adjusted may be all (light control areas A1 to A8) or part of them.

Note that the first light transmittance T1 may be any light transmittance having transparency, and can be set in the range of 1 to 100%. When using a liquid crystal film, the maximum light transmittance may be about 30 to 65%. The second light transmittance T2 may be lower than the first light transmittance T1, and may be, for example, about 0 to 5% (more preferably about 0 to 1%, still more preferably 0%). . When the second light transmittance T2 is 0%, a preferable light shielding area is realized in the second area 22 .

Next, an example of border position control processing in the "border position adjustment mode" will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 exemplifies the boundary position control process performed by the ECU 51 . This process is triggered when the elongated switch 62 receives a contact operation. FIG. 18 schematically exemplifies the change of the divided regions (21, 22) according to the operation of directly determining the position of the boundary 23. FIG. FIG. 19 schematically illustrates changes in the gradation areas (21, 22) according to the operation of directly determining the position of the boundary 23. FIG.
When the boundary position control process shown in FIG. 17 is started, the ECU 51 branches the process depending on whether the light shielding area is set to the divided area or the gradation area (S202). If the mode changeover switch 61 has received the "shading area division" contact operation, the process proceeds to S204, and if the mode changeover switch 61 has received the "shading gradation" contact operation, the process proceeds to S210. be advanced.

At the time of the operation of "shading area division", the ECU 51 adjusts the light transmittance of each of the dimming areas A1 to A8 so as to form divided areas (21, 22) having a border 23 according to the contact operation on the elongated switch 62. is set (S204).

For example, as shown in the state ST11 of FIG. 18, the boundary 23 is between the light control areas A1 and A2, and the first area 21 with the first light transmittance T1 having transparency is only the light control area A1. , assume that the second regions 22 having a relatively low second light transmittance T2 are the dimming regions A2 to A8. The user touches the surface 62a of the elongated switch 62 with the finger F1 from the first operation point P1 corresponding to the boundary 23 upward (toward the other side D1b) to the second operation point P2 to perform a slide operation. Suppose In this case, the ECU 51 determines that the position of the boundary 23 is between the light control areas A7 and A8 corresponding to the second operation point P2, which is the last position of the contact operation. ˜A7 are controlled to have a first light transmittance T1, and the dimming area A8 is controlled to have a second light transmittance T2. As a result, the first region 21 having transparency appears in the dimming regions A1 to A7 with the position determined by the operation of the elongated switch 62 as the border 23, and the relatively low second region 21 appears in the dimming region A8. , the second region 22 having a light transmittance T2 of .vertline.(state ST12) appears.

In the case of state ST12, the surface 62a of the elongated switch 62 is moved downward (toward one side D1a) from the second operating point P2 corresponding to the boundary 23 to the first operating point P1. Assume that the user performs a slide operation by contacting the finger F1. In this case, the ECU 51 shifts the boundary 23 between the dimming areas A2 and A3 corresponding to the first operation point P1, which is the last position of the contact operation, and shifts the dimming areas A1 to A2 to the first light. The transmittance is controlled to T1, and the dimming areas A3 to A8 are controlled to have the second light transmittance T2. As a result, the first region 21 having transparency appears in the dimming regions A1 to A2, and the second region 22 having a relatively low second light transmittance T2 appears in the dimming regions A3 to A8 (state ST13 ).

After setting the divided areas (21, 22), the ECU 51 branches the process depending on whether or not the light transmittance of the transparent first area 21 is automatically adjusted (S206). If the mode changeover switch 61 has received a contact operation for "automatic adjustment of light transmittance", the ECU 51 performs anti-glare control processing until the next operation is performed (S208). When the mode changeover switch 61 has received the touch operation of "light transmittance manual adjustment", the ECU 51 terminates the boundary position control process. Since the boundary position control process is triggered when the elongated switch 62 receives a contact operation, in S204 the divided regions (21, 22) having the boundary 23 corresponding to the contact operation to the elongated switch 62 and The process of setting the light transmittance of each of the dimming areas A1 to A8 is repeated so that

Further, when the "shading gradation" is operated, the ECU 51 controls the light transmission of the light control areas A1 to A8 so as to form the gradation areas (21, 22) having the border 23 according to the contact operation of the long switch 62. A rate is set (S210).

For example, as shown in the state ST21 of FIG. 19, the boundary 23 is between the light control areas A3 and A4, the transparent first area 21 is the light control areas A1 to A3, and the light transmittance is relatively low. is the dimming areas A4 to A8. Further, the light control area A1 has the maximum light transmittance T1, the light control areas A6 to A8 have the minimum light transmittance T2, and the light control areas A2, A3, A4 and A5 have the light transmittances T3 and T4, respectively. , T5 and T6. however,
T2<T6<T5<(T1+T2)/2<T4<T3<T1
is. The user touches the surface 62a of the elongated switch 62 with the finger F1 from the first operation point P1 corresponding to the boundary 23 upward (toward the other side D1b) to the second operation point P2 to perform a slide operation. Suppose In this case, the ECU 51 determines that the position of the boundary 23 is between the dimming areas A5 and A6 corresponding to the second operation point P2, which is the last position of the contact operation, and the dimming areas A1 to A3 are the maximum light. The light transmittance is controlled to T1, the light control areas A4, A5, A6 and A7 are controlled to light transmittances T3, T4, T5 and T6, respectively, and the light control area A8 is controlled to the minimum light transmittance T2. As a result, the first area 21 having transparency appears in the dimming areas A1 to A5 with the position determined by the operation of the elongated switch 62 as the boundary 23, and the relatively low visibility in the dimming areas A6 to A8 appears. A second region 22 having a second light transmittance T2 appears (state ST22).
In either of the modes of "shading area division" and "shading gradation", when the user touches the surface 62a of the elongated switch 62 to the position corresponding to the light control area A8, the light control area A1 . . . A8 can all be made transparent first area 21 .

In the state ST22, the surface 62a of the elongated switch 62 is moved downward (toward one side D1a) from the second operating point P2 corresponding to the boundary 23 to the first operating point P1. Assume that the user performs a slide operation by contacting the finger F1. In this case, the ECU 51 shifts the boundary 23 between the dimming areas A1 and A2 corresponding to the first operation point P1, which is the final position of the contact operation, and the dimming areas A1, A2, and A3 are illuminated. The transmittances are controlled to T4, T5, and T6, and the dimming areas A4 to A8 are controlled to have the minimum light transmittance T2. As a result, the transparent first region 21 appears in the dimming region A1, and the second regions 22 with the relatively low second light transmittance T2 appear in the dimming regions A2 to A8 (state ST23).
In both modes of "light shielding area division" and "light shielding gradation", when the user touches the surface 62a of the elongated switch 62 at a position corresponding to the bottom of the light control area A1, the light control area A1 ˜A8 can all be second regions 22 of relatively low light transmittance.

After setting the gradation areas (21, 22), the ECU 51 branches the process depending on whether or not the light transmittance of the transparent first area 21 is automatically adjusted (S212). If the mode changeover switch 61 has received a contact operation for "automatic adjustment of light transmittance", the ECU 51 performs anti-glare control processing until the next operation is performed (S214). When the mode changeover switch 61 has received the touch operation of "light transmittance manual adjustment", the ECU 51 terminates the boundary position control process. Since the boundary position control process is triggered when the long switch 62 receives a contact operation, the gradation area (21, 22) having the boundary 23 corresponding to the contact operation to the long switch 62 in S210 and The process of setting the light transmittance of each of the dimming areas A1 to A8 is repeated so that

As described above, the user can select by operating the mode switching switch 61 whether to display the divided areas or the gradation areas in the dimming unit 10 . Further, when it is desired to widen the field of vision while using the shade device 1, the first region 21 can be expanded by directly positioning the boundary 23 so as to expand the first region 21 having a relatively high light transmittance. spreads. Furthermore, when it is desired to expand the anti-glare range, the second region 22 can be expanded by directly positioning the boundary 23 so as to expand the second region 22 having a relatively low light transmittance. Therefore, the shade device 1 is convenient.

The anti-glare control processing in steps S208 and S214 and the manual light transmittance control processing performed at the time of the touch operation of the "automatic light transmittance adjustment" are performed with the see-through area of the light control unit 10 as the target. The see-through area may be all of the dimming areas A1 to A8, or may be the first area 21 with a relatively high light transmittance.
When the antiglare control process is started, the ECU 51 may determine whether or not the sun sensor 71 has detected glare L11, and may reduce the light transmittance of the see-through area to approximately 0 to 5% when the glare is detected. For example, if a threshold for the glare L11 is set, the ECU 51 determines that the glare L11 is detected when the output value of the sun sensor 71 is equal to or greater than the threshold, and reduces the light transmittance of the see-through area to about 0 to 5%. can be lowered to Further, when the output value of the solar radiation sensor 71 is less than the threshold value, the ECU 51 can determine that the glare L11 has not been detected, and can maintain the light transmittance of the see-through area.

When the light transmittance manual control process is started, the ECU 51 calculates the distance (ΔL) from the operation start position to the operation end position for the slide operation received by the elongated switch 62, and determines the fluoroscopy area. The light transmittance may be changed according to the distance ΔL.
Further, the target of the anti-glare control process and the manual light transmittance control process may be the second area 22 above the boundary 23 .

As described above, when the first state (see FIGS. 15C and 16A) of suppressing the specular reflection of the light L5 by the second layered portion 120 and blocking the light from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a is selected, , the visor body 2 can block light. Further, when the second state (see FIGS. 15B and 16B) is selected in which the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a is mirror-reflected by the second layered portion 120, the first surface 2a side of the visor body 2 is used as a mirror. can do. Since a slide lid covering the mirror is not required, a structure for sliding the slide lid is not required, and the design of the visor body 2 can be improved. It is possible to increase the size. In this manner, this specific example can realize the use state and the non-use state of the mirror without the slide lid.
Furthermore, since the layered portions 110 and 120 can be made see-through, the opposite side can be seen through the visor body 2 . Therefore, the shade device of this specific example is convenient.

(4) Modification:
Various modifications of the present invention are conceivable.
For example , the present technology includes the case where some or all of the adhesive layers AD1, AD2, and AD3 described above are absent. The present technology also includes the case where one or both of the transparent plates 310 and 320 are absent.
Although the light transmittance of the main body changes in the see-through mode described above, the present technology also includes a case where the main body always has see-through properties in the see-through mode.

As illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, the control region 25 corresponding to the second layered portion 120 may be divided on the first surface 2a. FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an electric circuit of a shade device 1 with divided control areas A11-A18. FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the second layered portion 120 connected to the ECU 51. As shown in FIG. The control area 25 shown in FIG. 21 includes control areas A11 to A18 arranged in the width direction D2 when the visor body 2 is at the use position PV2. Each of the control areas A11 to A18 can individually adjust the light transmittance. For convenience, the control areas are named A11, A12, . . . , A18 from left (one side) to right (other side). The first divided area and the second divided area are arbitrarily selected from the control areas A11 to A18. For example, it is possible to apply the control area A12 to the first segmented area and apply the control area A13 to the second segmented area.
Of course, the number of divisions of the control area 25 may be 7 or less, or may be 9 or more. Also, the control area 25 may be divided in the vertical direction D11.

The operating portion 60 shown in FIG. 20 has an elongated switch 63 (an example of an elongated operating portion) similar to the elongated switch 62 except that the orientation and length are different. The elongated switch 62 is arranged along the width direction D2 and receives an operation of contacting the surface 63a.

FIG. 22 schematically shows an example of using part of the divided control areas A11 to A18 as conversation mirrors. A conversation mirror is used, for example, to check the state of the rear seats. FIG. 23 schematically shows an example of using part of the divided control areas A11 to A18 as vanity mirrors. Vanity mirrors are used, for example, to view the face of the user of the shade device. Here, it is assumed that the mode changeover switch 61 can be operated to switch between the “conversation mirror mode” and the “vanity mirror mode”.

When the contact operation of the "conversation mirror mode" is received at the mode switching switch 61, the ECU 51 switches the mirror area 26 including the control area A11 on the side of the rearview mirror 105 to the mirror mode (second state) as shown in FIG. Control. For example, assume that the boundary 28 between the mirror area 26 and the non-mirror area 27 is between the control areas A12 and A13, as shown in state ST31 of FIG. Assume that the user touches the surface 63a of the elongated switch 63 with the finger F1 from the operation point P11 corresponding to the border 28 to the operation point P12 to the right (toward the other side) and performs a slide operation. In this case, the ECU 51 determines the position of the boundary 28 between the control areas A14 and A15 corresponding to the operation point P12, which is the last position of the contact operation, and sets the control areas A11 to A14 to the second position with this position as the boundary. state, and controls the control areas A15 to A18 to the first state or the third state (state ST32). Of course, the second state is a state in which the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a is specularly reflected by the second layered portion 120, and a state in which the light L4 incident on the second surface 2b is blocked is preferable. In this way, a conversation mirror is realized on the visor body 2 .

When the contact operation of the "vanity mirror mode" is received at the mode switching switch 61, the ECU 51 switches the mirror area 26 including the control area A18 on the side of the front pillar 103 to the mirror mode (second state) as shown in FIG. Control. For example, assume that the boundary 28 between the mirror area 26 and the non-mirror area 27 is between the control areas A16 and A17, as shown in state ST33 of FIG. Assume that the user touches the surface 63a of the elongated switch 63 with the finger F1 from the operation point P13 corresponding to the border 28 to the operation point P14 to the left (toward one side) and performs a slide operation. In this case, the ECU 51 determines the position of the boundary 28 between the control areas A14 and A15 corresponding to the operation point P14, which is the final position of the contact operation, and sets the control areas A15 to A18 to the second position with this position as the boundary. state, and controls the control areas A11 to A14 to the light shielding mode (first state) or the see-through mode (third state) (state ST34). Of course, the second state is a state in which the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a is specularly reflected by the second layered portion 120, and a state in which the light L4 incident on the second surface 2b is blocked is preferable. In this way, a vanity mirror is realized on the visor body 2 .

The shade device 1 shown in FIGS. 20 to 23 selectively realizes at least the first state and the second state by controlling the state of the light adjusting section 10 in each of the control areas A11 to A18. As a result, the states of the respective control areas A11 to A18 are switched separately. Therefore, the shade device 1 shown in FIGS. 20-23 is convenient.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 24, when it is determined that it is nighttime, the mode may be switched to a mode other than the light shielding mode (first state). This is because there is little need to prevent glare at night. By setting a threshold for the intensity of nighttime light, it is possible to determine whether or not the brightness outside the vehicle is that of the nighttime brightness based on the output from the solar radiation sensor 71 . Here, light intensity stronger than the threshold is an example of first intensity, and light intensity lower than the threshold is an example of second intensity.

The additional control process shown in FIG. 24 is repeatedly performed in parallel with the switching control process shown in FIG. When this process is started, the ECU 51 determines whether or not the brightness outside the vehicle is nighttime brightness based on the output from the solar radiation sensor 71 (S302). When the intensity of light outside the vehicle is the first intensity, that is, when the brightness outside the vehicle is not the brightness at night, the ECU 51 sets the visor body 2 to at least a light shielding mode (first state) and a reflection mode ( Second state) is selectively realized, and the additional control process is terminated. When the intensity of the light outside the vehicle is the second intensity, that is, when the brightness outside the vehicle is the brightness at night, the ECU 51 determines whether or not the setting of the switching control process is the light shielding mode. (S304). When the setting of the switching control process is not the light blocking mode, the ECU 51 terminates the additional control process. When the setting of the switching control process is the light blocking mode, the ECU 51 switches the setting of the switching control process to the mirror mode (second state) (S306), and terminates the additional control process. Therefore, when the intensity of the light outside the vehicle is the second intensity, the visor body 2 is not provided with the light shielding mode (first state).

As described above, the present shade device is convenient because it is in the mirror mode (second state) instead of the light shielding mode (first state) at night when there is little need to prevent glare.
Note that in the process of S306, the setting of the switching control process may be set to the fluoroscopy mode.

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 25, a light absorbing plate 330 may be arranged on the visor body 2 as the first layered portion 110 (a part of the light control portion 10) instead of the second transparent plate 320. FIG. FIG. 25 schematically shows another example of the cross section of the visor body 2 in the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side. The light absorbing plate 330 of the shade device 1B is arranged closer to the second surface 2b than the second layered portion 120, and absorbs the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a and the light L4 incident on the second surface 2b. It is a material that blocks light by suppressing the reflection of light. Here, the concept of the light absorbing plate 330 is included in the concept of the first layered portion 110 . The light absorbing plate 330 includes a resin material or the like colored with a coloring material such as carbon black. The coloring material is preferably a black coloring material, but may be a white coloring material as long as it suppresses the reflection of light and blocks the light. The resin material is preferably the same resin material as the first transparent plate 310, such as polycarbonate (PC) resin, but is not limited to resin having transparency and may be opaque resin.

The second layered portion 120 is arranged closer to the first surface 2a than the first layered portion 110, and includes, in order from the second surface 2b toward the first surface 2a, a reflective polarizing layer 122, a second liquid crystal layer 121, and a , including an absorptive polarizing layer 123 . In the visor body 2 shown in FIG. 25, there is an adhesive layer AD1 between the first transparent plate 310 and the absorptive polarizing layer 113, and the light absorbing plate 330 as the first layered portion 110 and the reflective polarizing layer 122 are bonded together. There is an adhesive layer AD3 in between. The second layered portion 120 is sandwiched and held between the first transparent plate 310 arranged on the first surface 2a and the light absorbing plate 330 arranged on the second surface 2b. Although not shown, the supporting member 40 supports the first transparent plate 310 and the light absorbing plate 330 between which the second layered portion 120 is sandwiched.
Of course, the visor body 2 of the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side may be constructed as shown in FIG. This case is also included in the present technology.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the control of the dimming section 10 in each mode will be explained. FIG. 26 schematically illustrates the state of the layered portions 110 and 120 in the shade device 1B.
When the shade device 1B is set to the "light shielding mode", the ECU 51 controls the second layered portion 120 to the second see-through state as shown in FIG. A first state in which specular reflection of the light L5 by the layered portion 120 is suppressed to block the light L4 from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a) is realized. When the second liquid crystal layer 121 is of the TN system, the ECU 51 may turn off the second liquid crystal layer 121 .
When the shade device 1B is set to the "mirror mode", the ECU 51 controls the second layered portion 120 to be in a reflective state as shown in FIG. (second state) in which the light L5 incident on is mirror-reflected. When the second liquid crystal layer 121 is of the TN system, the ECU 51 may turn on the second liquid crystal layer 121 . When the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side has the layered portions 110 and 120 including the liquid crystal layers 111 and 121 as shown in FIG. 6A, how the reflected image in the shade device 1B on the passenger seat side shown in FIG. (For example, a slight tint) is substantially the same as the appearance of the reflected image in the shade device 1A on the driver's seat side.

In the example shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 as well, when the first state of suppressing the specular reflection of the light L5 by the second layered portion 120 and blocking the light from the second surface 2b to the first surface 2a is selected, the visor body 2 can block the light. Further, when the second state in which the light L5 incident on the first surface 2a is mirror-reflected by the second layered portion 120 is selected, the first surface 2a side of the visor body 2 can be used as a mirror. Therefore, the use state and the non-use state of the mirror can be realized without the slide lid.
6A and the passenger seat side shade device 1B shown in FIG. 25 have substantially the same appearance of the reflected image, the shade device 1 is used in the passenger compartment CA1. The appearance of the vehicle compartment CA1 in the case is improved.
Furthermore, since it is not necessary to arrange a liquid crystal film or a liquid crystal panel on the visor main body for the first layered portion having a light blocking state, the example shown in FIGS. The cost of the equipment can be reduced.

(5) Knot:
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology such as a shade device that can realize the use state and the non-use state of the mirror without a slide lid. Of course, the above-described basic actions and effects can be obtained even with a technique consisting only of the constituent elements of the independent claims.
In addition, a configuration in which each configuration disclosed in the above examples is replaced with each other or the combination thereof is changed, and each configuration disclosed in the known technology and the above example is replaced with each other or the combination thereof is changed. , etc. can also be implemented. The present invention also includes these configurations and the like.

Claims (3)

A vehicle sun visor having a main body attached to the ceiling of a vehicle,
the body having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first layered portion having a first liquid crystal layer and being switchable between a first transparent state and a light blocking state; a second layered portion having a second liquid crystal layer and capable of switching between a reflective state for mirror-reflecting light incident on the first surface and a second transparent state; the main body in which the two-layered portion is arranged closer to the first surface than the first layered portion;
By controlling the first layered portion to the light shielding state and the second layered portion to the second see-through state, the specular reflection of light by the second layered portion is suppressed, and the light is projected from the second surface to the second layered portion. The main body is brought into a first state of blocking light to one surface, and the second layered portion is controlled to the reflective state, so that the light incident on the first surface is mirror-reflected by the second layered portion. A third state including a transparent state by realizing two states in the main body, controlling the first layered portion to the first transparent state, and controlling the second layered portion to the second transparent state a control unit for realizing in the main body,
and an operation unit,
The light control unit has a plurality of light control regions capable of adjusting light transmittance,
When the third state is realized in the main body, the control unit causes a first region having transparency and a second region having a lower light transmittance than the first region to appear in the light control unit. let
The operation unit performs a first operation that directly determines the position of the boundary between the first area and the second area , and a gradation pattern in which the light transmittance gradually decreases from the first area to the second area. receives a second operation of selecting whether or not to appear in the light control unit ,
The control unit causes the first region and the second region to appear in the light control unit with the position determined by the first operation as a boundary, and changes the gradation pattern to the light control as the second operation. A vehicle sun visor that causes the gradation pattern to appear in the light control section when an operation to make it appear in the section is received . The region corresponding to the second layered portion on the first surface includes a first divided region and a second divided region,
The control unit selectively realizes the first state, the second state, and the third state in the first divided region by controlling the state of the second layered portion in the first divided region. , by controlling the state of the second layered portion in the second divided region separately from the control in the first divided region, the second divided region has the first state, the second state, and the third state; 2. The vehicle sun visor according to claim 1, selectively realizing The vehicle sun visor further comprises a light detection unit that detects the intensity of external light,
The control unit
when the intensity of light detected by the light detection unit is the first intensity, causing the body to selectively realize the first state, the second state, and the third state;
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the intensity of light detected by said photodetector is a second intensity weaker than said first intensity, said main body realizes a state other than said first state. Vehicle sun visor .

Images