JP7360626B2 - A light control unit, a light control member including the light control unit, and a moving object including the light control member - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a light control unit capable of adjusting light transmittance, a light control member including the light control unit, and a moving body including the light control member.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, a light control unit capable of adjusting light transmittance and a light control member including the light control unit are known. As a method for adjusting light transmittance in a light control unit, a method using liquid crystal is known.

For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a first laminate body having a first alignment film, and a second laminate body having a second alignment film, the second laminate body being disposed so as to face the first alignment film. a liquid crystal layer provided between a first alignment film and a second alignment film, and a sealing material located between the first stacked body and the second stacked body and surrounding the liquid crystal layer. A dimming unit is described in which at least one of the first laminate and the second laminate includes an electrode layer. In the light control units described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer are controlled by applying a voltage to the electrode layer provided on at least one of the first laminate and the second laminate. The orientation can be controlled and the light transmittance can be adjusted.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-97339 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-17775

a first laminate having a first alignment film; a second laminate having a second alignment film and disposed such that the second alignment film faces the first alignment film; A light control unit comprising: a liquid crystal layer provided between an alignment film; and a sealing material positioned between a first laminate and a second laminate and surrounding the liquid crystal layer, the first laminate and In a light control unit in which at least one of the second laminates includes an electrode layer, the first laminate and the second laminate deteriorate with use. In particular, when the light control unit is used in an environment where external light such as sunlight is irradiated, the first laminate and the second laminate are likely to deteriorate. When the first laminate and the second laminate deteriorate, the layer with reduced interlayer adhesion may peel off due to shrinkage stress of the sealing material or the like. Therefore, it is required to improve the weather resistance of the light control unit.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a light control unit having improved weather resistance, a light control member including the light control unit, and a moving body including the light control member.

As a result of intensive research to solve the above problems, the present inventors have found that the first laminate has a first alignment film, a second alignment film, and the second alignment film faces the first alignment film. a second laminate arranged as shown in FIG. 1; a liquid crystal layer provided between the first alignment film and the second alignment film; In the dimming unit comprising a surrounding sealing material, in which at least one of the first laminate and the second laminate includes an electrode layer, the first laminate and/or the second laminate includes a resin-based When using a laminate having a material, a hard coat layer, an electrode layer, and an alignment film in this order, the thickness of the sealing material surrounding the liquid crystal layer and the layer provided between the hard coat layer and the electrode layer may vary depending on the light control unit. It was found that the weather resistance of The present invention was completed based on these findings, and includes the following inventions.

[1] A first laminate having a first resin base material, a first hard coat layer, a first electrode layer, and a first alignment film in this order; a first laminate having a second resin base material and a second alignment film in this order; a second laminate in which a second alignment film is provided to face the first alignment film; a liquid crystal layer located between the first alignment film and the second alignment film; and the first laminate. A light control unit comprising: a sealing material located between the second laminate and surrounding the liquid crystal layer,
A first adhesion layer that is in close contact with the first hard coat layer and the first electrode layer is provided between the first hard coat layer and the first electrode layer,
the first adhesion layer contains silicon oxide,
The light control unit, wherein the sealing material has a thickness of 30 μm or less.
[2] The light control unit according to [1], wherein the first adhesive layer contains silicon dioxide.
[3] The light control unit according to [1] or [2], wherein the sealing material includes a cured product of a thermosetting resin.
[4] The light control unit according to [3], wherein the thermosetting resin is an epoxy resin.
[5] The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first hard coat layer includes a cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin.
[6] The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the first electrode layer contains indium tin oxide.
[7] A peripheral edge of the first electrode layer is exposed from the first alignment film, and an end of the sealing material on the first electrode layer side is fixed to the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer. , the light control unit according to any one of [1] to [6].
[8] The second laminate has a second hard coat layer and a second electrode layer between the second resin base material and the second alignment film in order from the second resin base material side,
A second adhesion layer that is in close contact with the second hard coat layer and the second electrode layer is provided between the second hard coat layer and the second electrode layer,
The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the second adhesive layer contains silicon oxide.
[9] The light control unit according to [8], wherein the second adhesive layer contains silicon dioxide.
[10] The light control unit according to [8] or [9], wherein the second hard coat layer includes a cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin.
[11] The light control unit according to any one of [8] to [10], wherein the second electrode layer contains indium tin oxide.
[12] A peripheral edge of the second electrode layer is exposed from the second alignment film, and an end of the sealing material on the second electrode layer side is fixed to the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer. , the light control unit according to any one of [8] to [11].
[13] The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [12], wherein the thickness of the sealing material exceeds 15 μm.
[14] The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [13], wherein the sealing material has a width of 1 mm or more.
[15] The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein the ratio of the thickness of the sealing material to the width of the sealing material (thickness/width) is 0.015 or less.
[16] The light control unit according to any one of [1] to [15], wherein the light control unit includes a spacer provided between the first laminate and the second laminate.
[17] A light control member comprising the light control unit according to any one of [1] to [16] and a light-transmitting member laminated on the light control unit.

According to the present invention, a light control unit having improved weather resistance, a light control member including the light control unit, and a moving body including the light control member are provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a light control member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a light-transmitting state (a state in which light can be transmitted) of a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a light-blocking state (a state in which light transmission is blocked) of a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the thickness and width of the sealing material. FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a moving body including a light control member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of manufacturing a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram (continuation of FIG. 10) for explaining a method for manufacturing a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram (continuation of FIG. 11) for explaining a method of manufacturing a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram (continuation of FIG. 12) for explaining a method of manufacturing a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a diagram (continuation of FIG. 13) for explaining a method of manufacturing a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. Note that in the drawings, the scale, vertical and horizontal dimensional ratios, etc. may be changed or exaggerated from those of the actual thing for convenience, taking into consideration ease of illustration and understanding. Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "board," "sheet," and "film" are not distinguished from each other based solely on the difference in designation. For example, the term "plate" is a concept that also includes members that may be called sheets or films. In addition, terms used in this specification that specify shapes, geometric conditions, and their degree (for example, terms such as "parallel," "orthogonal," and "identical," values of length, angle, etc.) is not limited to a strict meaning, but is interpreted to mean a range within which substantially equivalent and similar functions can be expected.

[Dimmer device]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a light control device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the light control device 1 includes a light control member 2 and a light control controller 4 electrically connected to the light control member 2. In this embodiment, a sensor device 5 and a user operation unit 6 are connected to the dimming controller 4.

[Dimmer component]
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light control member 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 2. Note that in FIGS. 2 and 3, wiring electrically connecting the light control member 2 and the light control controller 4 is omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light control member 2 has a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a thickness direction Z that are orthogonal to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light control member 2 includes a first light-transmitting member 21, a second light-transmitting member 22, a first light-transmitting member 21, and a second light-transmitting member 22. the first polarizing plate 23 provided between the first light transmitting member 21 and the light control unit 3; the second light transmitting member 22 and the light control unit 3; a second polarizing plate 24 provided between the second polarizing plate 24, a first bonding layer 25 for bonding the first light transmitting member 21 and the first polarizing plate 23, and a second light transmitting member 22 and the second polarizing plate. 24. A second bonding layer 26 is provided.

The light control member 2 actually has a three-dimensional curved surface, but in FIGS. 2 and 3, the light control member 2 is shown as a flat plate having a rectangular shape in plan view for the sake of ease of understanding. ing. The shape of the light control member 2 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the light control member 2 may be a flat plate having a rectangular shape in plan view, or may have a curved portion and/or a bent portion.

In this embodiment, the light-transmitting member is provided on both sides of the light control unit 3, but may be provided only on one side of the light control unit 3. That is, one of the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 can be omitted. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which one of the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 is omitted.

In this embodiment, the polarizing plates are provided on both sides of the light control unit 3, but they may be provided only on one side of the light control unit 3, or they may not be provided on both sides of the light control unit 3. Good too. That is, the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 are optional elements and can be omitted. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which one or both of the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 are omitted.

[Light transparent member]
The first light transmitting member 21 and the second light transmitting member 22 are not particularly limited as long as they have light transmittance (preferably visible light transmittance).

The materials constituting each of the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 include, for example, glasses such as soda glass, soda lime glass, potash glass, and quartz glass; Acrylic resins such as ethyl (meth)acrylate, polybutyl (meth)acrylate, ethylene-methyl (meth)acrylate copolymer, methyl (meth)acrylate-butyl (meth)acrylate copolymer; polycarbonate resin etc. In addition, in this specification, (meth)acrylic acid means acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. The first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 may be made of the same material, or may be made of different materials. The first light-transmitting member 21 and/or the second light-transmitting member 22 may contain a component (for example, an ultraviolet absorber) that inhibits the transmission of ultraviolet rays. A functional layer such as a highly rigid film (for example, a cycloolefin polymer layer, etc.) or a heat reflective film may be provided on the surface of the first light-transmitting member 21 and/or the second light-transmitting member 22.

The first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 actually have three-dimensional curved surfaces, but in FIGS. 2 and 3, for convenience, the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 are The transparent member 21 and the second light-transmissive member 22 are each shown as a rectangular flat plate in plan view. The shapes of each of the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first light-transmitting member 21 and/or the second light-transmitting member 22 may be a flat plate having a rectangular shape in plan view, or may have a curved portion and/or a bent portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 are each transparent members, such as glass plates.

The respective thicknesses of the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 can be adjusted as appropriate. The thickness of each of the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 is preferably 0.6 mm or more and 3.4 mm or less, more preferably 1.9 mm or more and 2.1 mm or less. The first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. When the thickness of each light-transmitting member is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each light-transmitting member can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

[Polarizer]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first polarizing plate 23 is provided between the first light transmitting member 21 and the dimming unit 3, and the second polarizing plate 24 is provided between the second light transmitting member 22 and the light control unit 3. It is provided between the light control unit 3 and the light control unit 3. However, the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 are optional elements and can be omitted. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which one or both of the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 are omitted. Whether or not to employ a polarizing plate can be determined as appropriate based on, for example, the adopted driving method for liquid crystal molecules. For example, when the GH method is adopted, one or both of the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 can be omitted.

The first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 selectively absorb one linearly polarized light component that vibrates in a direction parallel to its absorption axis, and also absorb a linearly polarized light component in a direction parallel to a transmission axis perpendicular to the absorption axis. It has a polarization function that selectively transmits the other vibrating linearly polarized component. The first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 each include, for example, a polarizer. A polarizer is configured to exhibit a desired polarizing function, and is typically produced by stretching PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) doped with an iodine compound. Generally, when a polarizer is made by stretching, the absorption axis of the polarizer is determined depending on the direction of the stretching, and polarizers stretched in the same direction have absorption axes in the same direction. The arrangement of the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 includes a so-called "parallel Nicol" arrangement in which the absorption axis of the first polarizing plate 23 and the absorption axis of the second polarizing plate 24 are parallel to each other; There is a mode called "crossed Nicols" in which the absorption axis of the polarizing plate 23 and the absorption axis of the second polarizing plate 24 are perpendicular to each other. In the VA system, by arranging the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 in a "crossed nicol" manner, the transmittance in the non-transmitting state can be more reliably reduced.

[Joining layer]
As shown in FIG. 3, the first bonding layer 25 is provided between the first light-transmitting member 21 and the first polarizing plate 23, and the first bonding layer 25 is provided between the first light-transmitting member 21 and the first polarizing plate 23. join. As shown in FIG. 3, the second bonding layer 26 is provided between the second light-transmitting member 22 and the second polarizing plate 24, and the second bonding layer 26 is provided between the second light-transmitting member 22 and the second polarizing plate 24. join.

The first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 each have light transmittance (preferably visible light transmittance). The first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 can each be formed of an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Examples of the adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive include polyvinyl butyral, urethane, acrylic, epoxy, rubber, and polyolefin adhesives. Examples of polyolefin adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesives include EVA (ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer), COP (cycloolefin polymer), and the like. The first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 may be formed with the same adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive, or may be formed with different adhesives or pressure-sensitive adhesives. In a preferred embodiment, the first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 are each formed of a polyvinyl butyral adhesive.

The respective thicknesses of the first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 can be adjusted as appropriate. The thickness of each of the first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 is preferably 0.01 mm or more and 5.2 mm or less, more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 3.5 mm or less. The first bonding layer 25 and the second bonding layer 26 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. When the thickness of each bonding layer is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each bonding layer can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

[Dimmer unit]
As shown in FIG. 3, the light control unit 3 is provided between the first light-transmitting member 21 and the second light-transmitting member 22. The light control unit 3 can change the light transmittance (preferably visible light transmittance) by applying a voltage from an external power source. That is, the light control unit 3 provides the light control member 2 with a light control function.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the light control unit 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 4. In addition, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the wiring that electrically connects the light control unit 3 and the light control controller 4, and the connection part of the light control unit 3 that is connected to the wiring are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light control unit 3 has a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y, and a thickness direction Z that are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the light control unit 3 correspond to the longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and thickness direction of the light control member 2, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light control unit 3 is sheet-shaped and preferably flexible.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the light control unit 3 includes a first laminate 31, a second laminate 32, and a liquid crystal layer 33 located between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32. a sealing material 34 located between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32 and circumferentially surrounding the liquid crystal layer 33; and a sealing material 34 located between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32. A plurality of spacers 35 are provided.

In this specification, one of the pair of stacked bodies provided facing each other will be referred to as a "first stacked body" and the other will be referred to as a "second stacked body". The laminate selected as the "first laminate" may be any one of the pair of laminates. For example, in this embodiment, the laminate located on the upper side in FIG. 5 is selected as the "first laminate", but the laminate located on the lower side in FIG. 5 is selected as the "first laminate". It's okay.

[Laminated body]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first laminate 31 includes a first resin base material 311, a first hard coat layer 312, a first adhesive layer 313, a first electrode layer 314, and a first alignment film 315 in this order.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first laminate 31 includes a first hard coat layer 312 provided on one surface of the first resin base material 311 and a first hard coat layer 312 provided on the other surface of the first resin base material 311. An additional hard coat layer 316 is provided. However, the additional hard coat layer 316 is an optional element and can be omitted. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which the additional hard coat layer 316 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second laminate 32 includes a second resin base material 321 and a second alignment film 325. As shown in FIG. 5, the second laminate 32 is provided such that the second alignment film 325 faces the first alignment film 315.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second laminate 32 includes a second hard coat layer 322, a second adhesive layer 323, and a second electrode layer 324 between the second resin base material 321 and the second alignment film 325. They are provided in order from the second resin base material 321 side. That is, the second laminate 32 includes a second resin base material 321, a second hard coat layer 322, a second adhesive layer 323, a second electrode layer 324, and a second alignment film 325 in this order. However, in the second laminate 32, the second hard coat layer 322, second adhesive layer 323, and second electrode layer 324 are optional elements and can be omitted. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which one or more of the second hard coat layer 322, the second adhesive layer 323, and the second electrode layer 324 are omitted in the second laminate 32.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second laminate 32 includes a second hard coat layer 322 provided on one surface of the second resin base material 321 and a second hard coat layer 322 provided on the other surface of the second resin base material 321. An additional hard coat layer 326 is provided. However, the additional hard coat layer 326 is an optional element and can be omitted. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which the additional hard coat layer 326 is omitted.

[Resin base material]
The first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 are members for supporting the layers provided on the surfaces thereof, respectively. By using a resin base material instead of a glass base material, it is possible to realize a thinner and lighter product. Further, by using the resin base material, flexibility can be imparted to the light control unit 3, and the light control unit 3 can be formed not only in a two-dimensional curved shape but also in a three-dimensional curved shape. Here, a two-dimensional curved surface means a curved surface that is two-dimensionally curved around a single axis, or a surface that is two-dimensionally curved at the same or different curvatures around multiple axes that are parallel to each other. do. On the other hand, a three-dimensional curved surface means a surface that is partially or completely curved about each of a plurality of axes that are non-parallel to each other.

The first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 are each in the form of a sheet and have light transmittance (preferably visible light transmittance). It is preferable that the first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 each have flexibility. In a preferred embodiment, the first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 are each transparent films. The first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 may be made of the same synthetic resin or may be made of different synthetic resins. Examples of the synthetic resins constituting the first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene resins and polypropylene resins; polyvinyl chloride resins, polyvinylidene chloride resins, polyvinyl alcohol resins, and vinyl chloride resins. Vinyl resins such as vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin; polyethylene terephthalate resin, polypropylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate resin, polyethylene naphthalate resin, ethylene naphthalate-isophthalate Polyester resins such as copolymer resins; Acrylic resins such as poly(meth)methyl acrylate resin, poly(meth)ethyl acrylate resin, and poly(meth)butyl acrylate resin; Polyamide resins such as nylon 6 and nylon 66; Examples include cellulose resins such as acetyl cellulose resin; polycarbonate resins such as aromatic polycarbonate resins based on bisphenols (such as bisphenol A) and aliphatic polycarbonate resins such as diethylene glycol bisallyl carbonate.

The respective thicknesses of the first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 can be adjusted as appropriate. The thickness of each of the first resin base material 311 and the second resin base material 321 is preferably 23 μm or more and 250 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or more and 188 μm or less. When the thickness of each resin base material is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each resin base material can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

The surface of the first resin base material 311 and/or the second resin base material 321 may be subjected to physical or chemical surface treatment such as an oxidation method or a roughening method for the purpose of improving adhesion or the like. Examples of the oxidation method include corona discharge treatment, chromium oxidation treatment, flame treatment, hot air treatment, ozone/ultraviolet treatment, etc., and examples of the roughening method include sandblasting, solvent treatment, etc.

An easily adhesive layer may be formed on the surface of the first resin base material 311 and/or the second resin base material 321. Examples of easily adhesive resins included in the easily adhesive layer (sometimes called primer layer or anchor layer) include acrylic resin, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyester resin, urethane resin, chlorinated polypropylene, and chlorine. Polyethylene and the like can be mentioned.

[Hard coat layer]
The first hard coat layer 312, the second hard coat layer 322, and the additional hard coat layers 316 and 326 each have a 2B hardness test (4.9N load) specified in JIS K5600-5-4 (1999). This layer has a hardness of the above. The hardness of each hard coat layer can be adjusted as appropriate in view of the scratch resistance required for the light control unit 3. The upper limit of the hardness of each hard coat layer is not particularly limited, but is usually about H.

The respective thicknesses of the first hard coat layer 312, the second hard coat layer 322, and the additional hard coat layers 316 and 326 can be adjusted as appropriate. The thickness of each hard coat layer is preferably 0.5 μm or more and 10 μm or less, more preferably 1 μm or more and 5 μm or less. These hard coat layers may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. When the thickness of each hard coat layer is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each hard coat layer can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

Both the first hard coat layer 312 and the second hard coat layer 322 preferably do not contain high refractive index particles. If the first hard coat layer 312 contains high refractive index particles, the adhesion between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first adhesive layer 313 may be reduced. Similarly, if the second hard coat layer 322 contains high refractive index particles, the adhesion between the second hard coat layer 322 and the second adhesive layer 323 may decrease. Examples of high refractive index particles include titanium oxide (TiO ₂ , refractive index: 2.3 to 2.7), niobium oxide (Nb ₂ O ₅ , refractive index: 2.33), zirconium oxide (ZrO ₂ , refractive index index: 2.10), antimony oxide (Sb ₂ O ₅ , refractive index: 2.04), tin oxide (SnO ₂ , refractive index: 2.00), indium tin oxide (ITO, refractive index: 1.95~ 2.00), cerium oxide (CeO ₂ , refractive index: 1.95), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO, refractive index: 1.90-2.00), gallium-doped zinc oxide (GZO, refractive index: 1. 90-2.00), zinc antimonate (ZnSb ₂ O ₆ , refractive index: 1.90-2.00), zinc oxide (ZnO, refractive index: 1.90), yttrium oxide (Y ₂ O ₃ , refractive index Metal oxide particles such as antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO, refractive index: 1.75-1.85), phosphorus-doped tin oxide (PTO, refractive index: 1.75-1.85), etc. can be mentioned. In a preferred embodiment, both the first hard coat layer 312 and the second hard coat layer 322 do not contain zirconium oxide.

The first hard coat layer 312, the second hard coat layer 322, and the additional hard coat layers 316 and 326 can each be made of resin. Each hard coat layer is formed by curing a composition containing an ionizing radiation-curable resin (ionizing radiation-curable resin composition), and preferably contains a cured product of the ionizing radiation-curable resin.

[Ionizing radiation-curable resin and ionizing radiation-curable resin composition]
The following description regarding ionizing radiation curable resins and ionizing radiation curable resin compositions refers only to ionizing radiation curable resins and ionizing radiation curable resin compositions used to form the hard coat layer, unless otherwise specified. However, the present invention also applies to ionizing radiation-curable resins and ionizing radiation-curable resin compositions used to form other layers.

The ionizing radiation curable resin composition contains one or more ionizing radiation curable resins. The ionizing radiation-curable resin composition is, for example, a mixture of a solid content such as an ionizing radiation-curable resin and a solvent or a dispersion medium. Examples of the solvent or dispersion medium include petroleum organic solvents such as hexane, heptane, octane, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, cyclohexane, and methylcyclohexane; ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, and 2-ethoxy acetate. Ester-based organic solvents such as ethyl; Alcohol-based organic solvents such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, normal propyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, and propylene glycol; Ketone-based organic solvents such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, and cyclohexanone Solvents; ether organic solvents such as diethyl ether, dioxane, and tetrahydrofuran; chlorinated organic solvents such as dichloromethane, carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethylene, and tetrachloroethylene; and inorganic solvents such as water. One type of solvent or dispersion medium may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

An ionizing radiation-curable resin is a resin that undergoes a crosslinking polymerization reaction upon irradiation with ionizing radiation and changes into a three-dimensional polymer structure. Ionizing radiation refers to electromagnetic waves or charged particle beams that have energy quantum capable of polymerizing or crosslinking molecules, and ultraviolet (UV) or electron beam (EB) are usually used, but other radiation such as X It also includes electromagnetic waves such as rays and gamma rays, and charged particle beams such as alpha rays and ion beams. Among ionizing radiation curable resins, electron beam curable resins are preferred because they can be made solvent-free and provide stable curing characteristics.

Ionizing radiation-curable resins include, for example, polymerizable unsaturated bonds (such as ethylenic double bonds), cationically polymerizable functional groups (such as (meth)acryloyl groups, vinyl groups, etc.) that can be crosslinked by irradiation with ionizing radiation. One or more types of monomers, oligomers, prepolymers, etc. each having an allyl group, etc. in the molecule can be used. In addition, in this specification, a "(meth)acryloyl group" means an acryloyl group or a methacryloyl group.

The weight average molecular weight of the monomer used as the ionizing radiation curable resin is, for example, less than 1000. In this specification, "weight average molecular weight" is a value measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) using polystyrene as a standard substance.

Examples of the monomer used as the ionizing radiation-curable resin include (meth)acrylate monomers having a radically polymerizable unsaturated group in the molecule, and polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomers are particularly preferred. In addition, in this specification, "(meth)acrylate" means acrylate or methacrylate.

The polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomer is a (meth)acrylate monomer having two or more (bifunctional or more), preferably three or more (trifunctional or more) polymerizable unsaturated bonds in the molecule. Examples of polyfunctional (meth)acrylates include ethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, propylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, 1,4-butanediol di(meth)acrylate, and 1,6-hexanediol di(meth)acrylate. Acrylate, neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, polyethylene glycol di(meth)acrylate, hydroxypivalic acid neopentyl glycol di(meth)acrylate, dicyclopentanyl di(meth)acrylate, caprolactone-modified dicyclopentenyl di(meth)acrylate acrylate, ethylene oxide modified phosphoric di(meth)acrylate, allylated cyclohexyl di(meth)acrylate, isocyanurate di(meth)acrylate, trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, di Pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, propionic acid modified dipentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, pentaerythritol tri(meth)acrylate, propylene oxide modified trimethylolpropane tri(meth)acrylate, tris(acryloxyethyl)isocyanurate, propion Examples include acid-modified dipentaerythritol penta(meth)acrylate, dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, ethylene oxide-modified dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate, and caprolactone-modified dipentaerythritol hexa(meth)acrylate. One type of polyfunctional (meth)acrylate may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. A monofunctional (meth)acrylate may be used together with the polyfunctional (meth)acrylate for the purpose of lowering its viscosity.

The weight average molecular weight of the oligomer used as the ionizing radiation-curable resin is, for example, 1,000 or more and less than 10,000. Examples of the above-mentioned oligomers used as ionizing radiation-curable resins include (meth)acrylate oligomers having radically polymerizable unsaturated groups in the molecule, and in particular, oligomers having two polymerizable unsaturated bonds in the molecule. Polyfunctional (meth)acrylate oligomers having at least two functionalities (two or more functionalities) are preferred. Examples of polyfunctional (meth)acrylate oligomers include polycarbonate (meth)acrylate, acrylic silicone (meth)acrylate, urethane (meth)acrylate, epoxy (meth)acrylate, polyester (meth)acrylate, and polyether (meth)acrylate. , polybutadiene (meth)acrylate, silicone (meth)acrylate, oligomers having a cationically polymerizable functional group in the molecule (e.g., novolac type epoxy resin, bisphenol type epoxy resin, aliphatic vinyl ether, aromatic vinyl ether, etc.). .

The weight average molecular weight of the prepolymer used as the ionizing radiation-curable resin is, for example, 10,000 or more. The weight average molecular weight of the prepolymer is preferably 10,000 or more and 80,000 or less, more preferably 10,000 or more and 40,000 or less. Examples of the above-mentioned prepolymers used as ionizing radiation-curable resins include (meth)acrylate prepolymers having radically polymerizable unsaturated groups in the molecule, particularly those having polymerizable unsaturated bonds in the molecule. A polyfunctional (meth)acrylate prepolymer having two or more (bifunctional or more) is preferred. Examples of polyfunctional (meth)acrylate prepolymers include polycarbonate (meth)acrylate, acrylic silicone (meth)acrylate, urethane (meth)acrylate, epoxy (meth)acrylate, polyester (meth)acrylate, and polyether (meth)acrylate. Examples include acrylate, polybutadiene (meth)acrylate, silicone (meth)acrylate, and oligomers having cationically polymerizable functional groups in the molecule (e.g., novolac-type epoxy resins, bisphenol-type epoxy resins, aliphatic vinyl ethers, aromatic vinyl ethers, etc.). It will be done.

Polycarbonate (meth)acrylate is not particularly limited as long as it has a carbonate bond in the polymer main chain and a (meth)acrylate group at the terminal or side chain. For example, polycarbonate polyol is mixed with (meth)acrylic acid. It can be obtained by esterification. The polycarbonate (meth)acrylate may be, for example, urethane (meth)acrylate having a polycarbonate skeleton. Urethane (meth)acrylate having a polycarbonate skeleton can be obtained, for example, by reacting a polycarbonate polyol, a polyvalent isocyanate compound, and a hydroxy (meth)acrylate. Acrylic silicone (meth)acrylate can be obtained by radical copolymerization of a silicone macromonomer and a (meth)acrylate monomer. Urethane (meth)acrylate can be obtained, for example, by esterifying a polyurethane oligomer obtained by reacting a polyether polyol or polyester polyol with a polyisocyanate with (meth)acrylic acid. Epoxy (meth)acrylate can be obtained, for example, by reacting (meth)acrylic acid with the oxirane ring of a relatively low molecular weight bisphenol-type epoxy resin or novolak-type epoxy resin to esterify it. Furthermore, a carboxyl-modified epoxy (meth)acrylate obtained by partially modifying this epoxy (meth)acrylate with a dibasic carboxylic anhydride can also be used. Polyester (meth)acrylate can be produced by, for example, esterifying the hydroxyl groups of a polyester oligomer having hydroxyl groups at both ends obtained by condensation of polycarboxylic acid and polyhydric alcohol with (meth)acrylic acid, or by esterifying the hydroxyl groups of polyester oligomer with (meth)acrylic acid. It can be obtained by esterifying the terminal hydroxyl group of an oligomer obtained by adding alkylene oxide with (meth)acrylic acid. Polyether (meth)acrylate can be obtained by esterifying the hydroxyl group of polyether polyol with (meth)acrylic acid. Polybutadiene (meth)acrylate can be obtained by adding (meth)acrylic acid to the side chain of a polybutadiene oligomer. Silicone (meth)acrylate can be obtained by adding (meth)(meth)acrylic acid to the terminal or side chain of silicone having a polysiloxane bond in its main chain.

The weight average molecular weight of the ionizing radiation curable resin is preferably 500 or more, more preferably 1000 or more. When the weight average molecular weight of the ionizing radiation curable resin is within the above range, it is easy to form a coating film of the ionizing radiation curable resin composition when applying the ionizing radiation curable resin composition.

The weight average molecular weight of the ionizing radiation-curable resin is preferably 80,000 or less, more preferably 50,000 or less. When the weight average molecular weight of the ionizing radiation curable resin is within the above range, the viscosity of the ionizing radiation curable resin composition can be easily adjusted to a viscosity suitable for coating.

The ionizing radiation-curable resin is preferably at least one selected from polyfunctional monomers and oligomers having a weight average molecular weight of 500 or more. Examples of such polyfunctional monomers or oligomers include acrylate resins such as dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate, urethane acrylate, polyester acrylate, and epoxy acrylate.

The ionizing radiation-curable resin composition may contain components involved in the curing reaction of the ionizing radiation-curable resin, such as a photopolymerization initiator (sensitizer), if necessary. For example, when an ionizing radiation-curable resin is cured by irradiation with ultraviolet rays, the ionizing radiation-curable resin composition preferably contains a photopolymerization initiator (sensitizer). Note that ionizing radiation-curable resins are sufficiently cured by irradiation with electron beams, so when curing ionizing radiation-curable resins by irradiating electron beams, ionizing radiation-curable resin compositions must be treated with a photopolymerization initiator (sensitizing agent) may not be included.

When the ionizing radiation-curable resin has a radically polymerizable unsaturated group, examples of the photopolymerization initiator include acetophenones, benzophenones, thioxanthones, benzoin, benzoin methyl ether, Michler benzoyl benzoate, Michler ketone, diphenyl sulfide, At least one of dibenzyl disulfide, diethyl oxide, triphenylbiimidazole, isopropyl-N,N-dimethylaminobenzoate, etc. can be used. In addition, when the ionizing radiation-curable resin has a cationically polymerizable functional group, examples of the photopolymerization initiator include aromatic diazonium salts, aromatic sulfonium salts, metallocene compounds, benzoinsulfonic acid esters, and freeloxysulfoxonium At least one kind such as diallylodosyl salt can be used.

The amount of the photopolymerization initiator contained in the ionizing radiation curable resin composition is not particularly limited, but is usually 0.1 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the ionizing radiation curable resin contained in the ionizing radiation curable resin composition. The amount is 10 parts by mass or less.

The ionizing radiation-curable resin composition may be used as a solvent-drying resin (thermoplastic resin, etc., which forms a film simply by drying the solvent added to adjust the solid content during coating). , a thermosetting resin, and the like. By adding a solvent-drying resin to the ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, film defects on the coated surface of the ionizing radiation-curable resin composition can be effectively prevented. As the solvent drying resin, for example, a thermoplastic resin can be used, and examples of the thermoplastic resin include styrene resin, (meth)acrylic resin, vinyl acetate resin, vinyl ether resin, and halogen-containing resin. , alicyclic olefin resin, polycarbonate resin, polyester resin, polyamide resin, cellulose derivative, silicone resin, and rubber or elastomer. Examples of thermosetting resins include phenol resins, urea resins, diallyl phthalate resins, melamine resins, guanamine resins, unsaturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, epoxy resins, aminoalkyd resins, melamine-urea cocondensation resins, silicon resins, Examples include polysiloxane resin.

The ionizing radiation curable resin composition may be added with a dispersant, a surfactant, an antistatic agent, a silane cup, etc. for the purpose of increasing the hardness of the surface layer, suppressing curing shrinkage, adjusting the refractive index, etc., as necessary. Ringing agents, thickeners, coloring inhibitors, coloring agents (pigments, dyes), antifoaming agents, leveling agents, flame retardants, ultraviolet absorbers, adhesion promoters, polymerization inhibitors, antioxidants, surface modifiers, It may also contain lubricants and the like.

Formation of a layer using the ionizing radiation curable resin composition can be carried out as follows. After applying an ionizing radiation-curable resin composition to the surface on which the layer is to be formed, and drying the coating film of the ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, the ionizing radiation-curable resin composition is irradiated with ionizing radiation such as ultraviolet rays or electron beams. Curing the resin composition. As a result, a layer containing a cured product of the ionizing radiation-curable resin is formed. Examples of the coating method include spin coating, dipping, spraying, slide coating, bar coating, roll coating, gravure coating, and die coating. When using ultraviolet rays as the ionizing radiation, a light source such as an ultra-high pressure mercury lamp, a high pressure mercury lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp, a carbon arc lamp, a blacklight fluorescent lamp, a metal halide lamp, etc. can be used as the ultraviolet source. The wavelength of ultraviolet rays is usually 190 nm or more and 380 nm or less. When using an electron beam as the ionizing radiation, an electron beam source such as a Cockcroft-Wald type, a Vandegraft type, a resonant transformer type, an insulated core transformer type, a linear type, a dynamitron type, or a high frequency type is used as the electron beam source. Linear accelerators can be used. The energy of the electron beam is usually 100 keV or more and 1000 keV or less, preferably 100 keV or more and 300 keV or less. The amount of electron beam irradiation is usually 2 Mrad or more and 15 Mrad or less.

[Adhesion layer]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first adhesive layer 313 is provided between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314, and is in contact with the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314. There is. The first adhesive layer 313 is a layer that is in close contact with the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314, and prevents the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314 from peeling off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent peeling that may occur between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314 due to shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc., thereby improving the weather resistance of the light control unit 3. I can do it.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second adhesive layer 323 is provided between the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324, and is in contact with the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324. There is. The second adhesive layer 323 is a layer that is in close contact with the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324, and prevents the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324 from peeling off. Therefore, it is possible to prevent peeling that may occur between the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324 due to shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc., thereby improving the weather resistance of the light control unit 3. I can do it.

The first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 each contain silicon oxide. Silicon oxide is represented by the general formula: SiOx (X=0-2). The value of X is not particularly limited as long as it is 2 or less, but is preferably 0.8 or more and 2 or less, more preferably 1 or more and 2 or less, and even more preferably 1.2 or more and 2 or less. The value of X (the degree of oxidation in the silicon oxide thin film) can be measured using a photoelectron spectroscopy apparatus (ESCA) or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the silicon oxide is silicon dioxide (silica). The first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 are each a single-layer film made of, for example, silicon oxide (preferably silicon dioxide). Examples of methods for forming the first adhesive layer 313 and the second adhesive layer 323 include dry processes such as sputtering, vacuum evaporation, ion plating, and CVD.

The amount of silicon oxide contained in each of the first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 is determined by the adhesion force with the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314 (adhesion force of the first adhesion layer 313), It can be adjusted as appropriate in consideration of the adhesion force with the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324 (adhesion force of the second adhesion layer 323), etc.

The first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 can each function as a functional layer other than the adhesion layer (for example, an index matching layer) based on the function of silicon oxide. Since the first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 function as index matching layers, the visibility of the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 (so-called bone visible phenomenon) can be reduced.

The first adhesive layer 313 preferably has a lower refractive index than the first resin base material 311 and the first electrode layer 314, and the second adhesive layer 323 preferably has a lower refractive index than the second resin base material 321 and the second electrode layer 324. Preferably, the material also has a low refractive index. That is, it is preferable that the first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 each function as a low refractive index layer. The first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 may have the same refractive index or different refractive indexes. The refractive index of the adhesive layer is measured in accordance with JIS K7142 (2008) in a state where the adhesive layer exists alone. The refractive index of the adhesive layer can be measured by the same method as the refractive index of the hard coat layer.

The respective thicknesses of the first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 are determined by the adhesion force with the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314 (adhesion force of the first adhesion layer 313), the second hard coat layer 322 It can be adjusted as appropriate by taking into consideration the adhesion force with the second electrode layer 324 (adhesion force of the second adhesion layer 323), etc. The first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. The thickness of each adhesive layer is preferably 1 nm or more and 200 nm or less, more preferably 10 nm or more and 30 nm or less. When the thickness of each adhesive layer is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each adhesive layer can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

[Electrode layer]
As shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer 314 is exposed from the first alignment film 315 (that is, not covered with the first alignment film 315), and the first electrode layer 314 of the sealing material 34 The end on the layer 314 side is fixed to the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer 314 . Similarly, the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer 324 is exposed from the second alignment film 325 (that is, not covered with the second alignment film 325), and is located on the second electrode layer 324 side of the sealing material 34. The end portion is fixed to the peripheral edge portion of the second electrode layer 324 . In an embodiment in which the sealing material 34 is firmly attached to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324, the effect of the first adhesion layer 313 (i.e., the shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc.) causes the first hard coat layer 312 and the second electrode layer 324 to adhere to each other. 1 electrode layer 314 can be prevented, thereby improving the weather resistance of the dimming unit 3) and the effect of the second adhesive layer 323 (i.e., the effect of the second adhesive layer 323 on the sealing material 34). It is possible to prevent peeling that may occur between the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324 due to shrinkage stress etc., thereby improving the weather resistance of the light control unit 3). Therefore, the existence of the first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 is significant.

However, the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer 314 may be covered with the first alignment film 315, and the end of the sealing material 34 on the first electrode layer 314 side may be fixed to the first alignment film 315. . Similarly, even if the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer 324 is covered with the second alignment film 325 and the end of the sealing material 34 on the second electrode layer 324 side is fixed to the second alignment film 325, good. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which the sealing material 34 is fixed to one or both of the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325.

The first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 are each, for example, a transparent conductive layer. The first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 are each made of, for example, an inorganic transparent conductive layer material, an organic transparent conductive layer material, or an inorganic transparent conductive layer material and an organic transparent conductive layer material. It can be formed from a mixed material with the layer material. Examples of inorganic transparent conductive layer materials include indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO), zinc oxide, indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and gallium-doped. Examples include metal oxides such as zinc oxide (GZO), tin oxide, zinc oxide-tin oxide type, indium oxide-tin oxide type, zinc oxide-indium oxide-magnesium oxide type, and carbon nanotubes. In a preferred embodiment, first electrode layer 314 and second electrode layer 324 each include indium tin oxide (ITO).

The first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 are each connected to the dimming controller 4 via, for example, FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). The arrangement of the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 is not particularly limited. The first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 may be arranged only at predetermined locations by patterning, or may be arranged over the entire surface. According to the voltage applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324, an electric field is formed that acts on the liquid crystal layer 33 disposed between the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324, and the liquid crystal layer The orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal material constituting 33 is adjusted.

The refractive index of each of the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 is preferably 1.5 or more and 2.5 or less, more preferably 1.5 or more and 2.0 or less. The first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 may have the same refractive index or different refractive indexes. The refractive index of the electrode layer is measured in accordance with JIS K7142 (2008) in a state where the electrode layer exists alone. The refractive index of the electrode layer can be measured by the same method as the refractive index of the hard coat layer.

The respective thicknesses of the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 can be adjusted as appropriate. The first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. The thickness of each electrode layer is preferably 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less, more preferably 20 nm or more and 50 nm or less. When the thickness of each electrode layer is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each electrode layer can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

[Alignment film]
As shown in FIG. 5, the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325 are each adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 33 and control the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 33. The method for producing the alignment film is not particularly limited. The first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325 having liquid crystal alignment ability can be manufactured by any method. For example, an alignment film may be produced by rubbing a resin layer such as polyimide, or a polymer film may be irradiated with linearly polarized ultraviolet light to selectively react polymer chains in the polarization direction. An alignment film may be produced based on an alignment method. Instead of such an alignment film or photo-alignment film produced by rubbing, the alignment film may be produced by producing fine linear irregularities produced by rubbing by molding.

The respective thicknesses of the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325 can be adjusted as appropriate. The first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325 may have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. The thickness of each alignment film is preferably 10 nm or more and 300 nm or less, more preferably 50 nm or more and 200 nm or less. When the thickness of each alignment film is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of each alignment film can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

[Liquid crystal layer]
As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid crystal layer 33 is provided between the first alignment film 315 of the first stacked body 31 and the second alignment film 325 of the second stacked body 32. Liquid crystal layer 33 includes a liquid crystal material. The orientation of liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 33 changes by applying voltage from an external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4). The driving method for liquid crystal molecules is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an IPS (In Plane Switching) method, a GH (Guest Host) method, or any of these methods. The following application method can be adopted. Note that the first laminate 31, the second laminate 32, and the liquid crystal layer 33 can be appropriately selected based on the adopted driving method for liquid crystal molecules. For example, when the IPS method is adopted, only one of the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32 may have an electrode layer. Further, when the GH method is adopted, the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 33 includes dichroic dyes as well as liquid crystal molecules. Further, when the GH method is adopted, one or both of the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 can be omitted.

In this embodiment, the GH method is adopted, and the light control unit 3 according to this embodiment is an example of a light control unit in which the GH method is adopted. The liquid crystal layer 33 is a guest-host (GH) type liquid crystal layer, and the liquid crystal material forming the liquid crystal layer 33 includes a dichroic dye (guest) and liquid crystal molecules (host). In this embodiment, since the liquid crystal layer 33 is of the GH type, one or both of the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 can be omitted.

A dichroic dye is a dye that has a property that the absorbance in the long axis direction of the molecule is different from the absorbance in the short axis direction. The dichroic dye preferably has the property of absorbing desired visible light, and more preferably has a maximum absorption wavelength (λMAX) in the range of 380 to 680 nm. Examples of dichroic dyes include acridine dyes, oxazine dyes, cyanine dyes, naphthalene dyes, azo dyes, and anthraquinone dyes. Preferred dichroic dyes are azo dyes. Examples of azo dyes include monoazo dyes, bisazo dyes, trisazo dyes, tetrakisazo dyes, and stilbene azo dyes. One type of dichroic dye may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination. For example, in order to block the entire visible light range, it is preferable to use a combination of two or more types of dichroic dyes, and it is more preferable to use a combination of three or more types of dichroic dyes.

The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 33 can be adjusted as appropriate. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 33 is preferably 2 μm or more and 15 μm or less, more preferably 5 μm or more and 10 μm or less. When the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 33 is not constant, it is preferable that both the minimum thickness and the maximum thickness are within the above range. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 33 can be measured by cross-sectional microscopic observation.

The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules and dichroic dye contained in the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 33 is determined by the voltage applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 from an external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4). The light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 33 changes accordingly. That is, the state of the liquid crystal layer 33 changes between a first state where the light transmittance is maximum and a second state where the light transmittance is the minimum.

The method for changing the light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 33 may be a normally white type or a normally black type. The normally white method is a method in which the light transmittance is maximum when no voltage is applied, and the light transmittance decreases when a voltage is applied. In the normally black method, the light transmittance is minimum when no voltage is applied, and the light transmittance increases when a voltage is applied.

When the normally white method is adopted, as will be described later, when the voltage between the pair of transparent electrodes (the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324) is on, the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal 222 Since it is necessary to align in the direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3, vertical alignment films are used as the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325, and negative-type liquid crystal molecules are used as the liquid crystal molecules. molecules are used.

When the normally black method is adopted, as will be described later, when the voltage between the pair of transparent electrodes (first electrode layer 314 and second electrode layer 324) is on, the dichroic dye 331 and liquid crystal molecules 332 in a direction parallel to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3 (vertical direction), horizontal alignment films are used as the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325, and positive type liquid crystal molecules are used as the liquid crystal molecules. Liquid crystal molecules are used.

Hereinafter, the mechanism by which the light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 33 changes will be explained based on FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the light-transmitting state of the light control unit 3, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the light-blocking state of the light control unit 3. Note that in FIGS. 6 and 7, the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules are conceptually shown in order to make it easier to understand the alignment directions of the dichroic dye and liquid crystal molecules.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the liquid crystal layer 33 includes a dichroic dye 331 and liquid crystal molecules 332. The dichroic dye 331 exists in a dispersed state in the liquid crystal molecules 332, has the same orientation as the liquid crystal molecules 332, and is basically aligned in the same direction as the liquid crystal molecules 332.

In the embodiment in which the normally white method is adopted, the voltage between the pair of transparent electrodes (the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324) is OFF (that is, when the voltage is OFF from the external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4) When no voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324), the desired electric field is not applied to the liquid crystal layer 33, and the dichroic dye 331 and liquid crystal molecules 332 are , they are arranged in a direction parallel to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3 (vertical direction). Therefore, the light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 33 (light that travels in the direction from the second alignment film 325 side to the first alignment film 315 side or from the first alignment film 315 side to the second alignment film 325 side) is The light blocking performance of the chromatic dye 331 is not exhibited much regardless of the vibration direction of the light, and the light that enters the liquid crystal layer 33 passes through the liquid crystal layer 33 (the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal molecules 332) with a high probability. .

In the embodiment in which the normally white method is adopted, the voltage between the pair of transparent electrodes (the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324) is ON (i.e., when the voltage is turned on from the external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4) When a voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324), a desired electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 33, and the dichroic dye 331 and liquid crystal molecules 332 are colored as shown in FIG. They are arranged in a direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3. Therefore, the light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 33 (light that travels in the direction from the second alignment film 325 side to the first alignment film 315 side or from the first alignment film 315 side to the second alignment film 325 side) is Light is blocked (absorbed) by the dichroic dye 331. It is preferable that the orientation of the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal molecules 332 in a state where a voltage is applied is twisted by 180 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction, so that the dichroic dye 331 is oriented in all horizontal directions.

In the embodiment in which the normally black method is adopted, the voltage between the pair of transparent electrodes (the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324) is OFF (i.e., when the voltage is off from the external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4) When no voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324), the desired electric field is not applied to the liquid crystal layer 33, and the dichroic dye 331 and liquid crystal molecules 332 are , they are arranged in a direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3. Therefore, the light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 33 (light that travels in the direction from the second alignment film 325 side to the first alignment film 315 side or from the first alignment film 315 side to the second alignment film 325 side) is Light is blocked (absorbed) by the dichroic dye 331. It is preferable that the orientation of the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal molecules 332 in a state where no voltage is applied is twisted by 180 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction, and the dichroic dye 331 is oriented in all horizontal directions.

In the embodiment in which the normally black method is adopted, the voltage between the pair of transparent electrodes (the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324) is ON (that is, when the voltage is turned on from the external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4) When a voltage is applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324), a desired electric field is applied to the liquid crystal layer 33, and the dichroic dye 331 and liquid crystal molecules 332 are They are arranged in a direction parallel to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3 (vertical direction). Therefore, the light that has entered the liquid crystal layer 33 (light that travels in the direction from the second alignment film 325 side to the first alignment film 315 side or from the first alignment film 315 side to the second alignment film 325 side) is The light blocking performance of the chromatic dye 331 is not exhibited much regardless of the vibration direction of the light, and the light that enters the liquid crystal layer 33 passes through the liquid crystal layer 33 (the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal molecules 332) with a high probability. .

In the embodiment in which the first polarizing plate 23 is provided, the first polarizing plate Light that vibrates parallel to the polarization axis (transmission axis) of 23 (light that vibrates in a direction perpendicular to the absorption axis direction of the first polarizing plate 23) passes through the first polarizing plate 23 and is emitted from the light control unit 3. do.

In the embodiment in which the second polarizing plate 24 is provided, among the light that has passed through the liquid crystal layer 33 (light that travels in the direction from the first alignment film 315 side to the second alignment film 325 side), the second polarizing plate 24 24 (light vibrating in a direction perpendicular to the absorption axis direction of the second polarizing plate 24) passes through the second polarizing plate 24 and is emitted from the light control unit 3. do.

In the embodiment in which the first polarizing plate 23 is provided, the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal molecules 332 are arranged in a direction parallel (perpendicular direction) to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3, and the first polarizing plate 23 is When arranged in a direction parallel to the polarization axis of the plate 23 (a direction perpendicular to the absorption axis direction of the first polarizing plate 23), light vibrating in a direction perpendicular to the absorption axis direction of the first polarizing plate 23 is dichroic. Light can be blocked by the dye 331, and light vibrating in other directions can be blocked by the first polarizing plate 23. Therefore, the light that has entered the light control unit 3 (light that travels in the direction from the second alignment film 325 side to the first alignment film 315 side) can be blocked by the dichroic dye 331 and the first polarizing plate 23. can.

In an embodiment in which the second polarizing plate 24 is provided, the dichroic dye 331 and the liquid crystal molecules 332 are arranged in a direction parallel to the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3 (vertical direction), and the second polarizing plate 24 is When arranged in a direction parallel to the polarization axis of the plate 24 (a direction perpendicular to the absorption axis direction of the second polarizing plate 24), light vibrating in a direction perpendicular to the absorption axis direction of the second polarizing plate 24 is dichroic. Light can be blocked by the dye 331, and light vibrating in other directions can be blocked by the second polarizing plate 24. Therefore, the light that has entered the light control unit 3 (light that travels in the direction from the first alignment film 315 side to the second alignment film 325 side) can be blocked by the dichroic dye 331 and the second polarizing plate 24. can.

As described above, by controlling the voltages applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324, the light transmittance (preferably visible light transmittance) of the liquid crystal layer 33 can be changed. The light transmittance (preferably visible light transmittance) of the light control unit 3 can be changed.

In the embodiment in which the VA method is adopted, the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 33 includes nematic liquid crystal having negative dielectric anisotropy. In the VA method, the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is regulated by the alignment ability of the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325 in a state where no voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324. vertically oriented. At this time, the polarization state of the light transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 33 is maintained. On the other hand, when a voltage is applied between the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324, the liquid crystal molecules collapse under the control of the electric field. At this time, one linearly polarized light component becomes the other linearly polarized light component by passing through the liquid crystal layer 33. That is, when the first polarizing plate 23 and the second polarizing plate 24 are arranged in a crossed Nicol state, light is transmitted (white display) in the applied state, and light is blocked (black display, normally black) in the non-applied state.

[Seal material]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sealing material 34 is provided between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32, and circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 33. That is, the sealing material 34 partitions the liquid crystal layer 33 filled with a liquid crystal material. The sealing material 34 plays a role of preventing the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 33 from leaking from the light control unit 3, and also serves to prevent the liquid crystal material constituting the liquid crystal layer 33 from leaking out from the light control unit 3. 2 alignment film 325) and serves to fix the two to each other.

As shown in FIG. 5, the end of the sealing material 34 on the first electrode layer 314 side is exposed from the first alignment film 315 (that is, not covered with the first alignment film 315). It is fixed to the peripheral edge of 314. Similarly, the end of the sealing material 34 on the second electrode layer 324 side is the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer 324 that is exposed from the second alignment film 325 (that is, not covered with the second alignment film 325). It is fixed. However, the end of the sealing material 34 on the first electrode layer 314 side may be fixed to the first alignment film 315 covering the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer 314. Similarly, the end of the sealing material 34 on the second electrode layer 324 side may be fixed to the second alignment film 325 covering the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer 324. Therefore, the present invention also includes embodiments in which the sealing material 34 is fixed to one or both of the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325.

The sealing material 34 is preferably formed by curing a composition containing a thermosetting resin (thermosetting resin composition), and includes a cured product of the thermosetting resin. Examples of thermosetting resins include epoxy resins, phenolic resins, unsaturated imide resins, cyanate resins, isocyanate resins, benzoxazine resins, oxetane resins, amino resins, unsaturated polyester resins, allyl resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, and silicones. Examples include resins, triazine resins, melamine resins, and the like. The thermosetting resins may be used alone or in combination of two or more. Among thermosetting resins, epoxy resins are preferred because they have excellent moldability, electrical insulation, and the like. Examples of the epoxy resin include bisphenol A epoxy resin, bisphenol F epoxy resin, bisphenol S epoxy resin, phenol novolac epoxy resin, cresol novolac epoxy resin, bisphenol A novolac epoxy resin, and bisphenol F novolac epoxy resin. , stilbene type epoxy resin, triazine skeleton-containing epoxy resin, fluorene skeleton-containing epoxy resin, triphenolphenolmethane type epoxy resin, biphenyl type epoxy resin, xylylene type epoxy resin, biphenylaralkyl type epoxy resin, naphthalene type epoxy resin, dicyclopentadiene Examples include diglycidyl ether compounds of type epoxy resins, alicyclic epoxy resins, polyfunctional phenols, and polycyclic aromatics such as anthracene. Furthermore, phosphorus-containing epoxy resins obtained by introducing phosphorus compounds into these epoxy resins may also be used.

The amount of thermosetting resin contained in the thermosetting resin composition can be adjusted as appropriate depending on the characteristics required for the sealing material 34. In addition to the thermosetting resin, the thermosetting resin composition includes a curing agent, a curing accelerator, a thermoplastic resin, an elastomer, a flame retardant, an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, a photopolymerization initiator, a fluorescent whitening agent, Adhesion improvers and the like can be added. When using an epoxy resin as a thermosetting resin, examples of curing agents include polyfunctional phenolic compounds such as phenol novolac and cresol novolak; amine compounds such as dicyandiamide, diaminodiphenylmethane, and diaminodiphenylsulfone; phthalic anhydride, pyroanhydride, etc. Examples include acid anhydrides such as mellitic acid, maleic anhydride, and maleic anhydride copolymers; polyimides, and the like. When using an epoxy resin as a thermosetting resin, examples of curing accelerators include imidazoles and their derivatives; organic phosphorus compounds; secondary amines, tertiary amines, and quaternary ammonium salts. Can be mentioned. Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include benzotriazole and the like. Examples of the antioxidant include hindered phenol and styrenated phenol. Examples of the photopolymerization initiator include benzophenones, benzyl ketals, and thioxanthone. Examples of the fluorescent brightener include stilbene derivatives. Examples of the adhesion improver include urea compounds such as urea silane, silane coupling agents, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the sealing material 34 includes a cured epoxy resin. In particular, when the method of filling the liquid crystal material between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32 is a vacuum injection method, it is preferable to use a sealing material made of epoxy resin as the sealing material 34. Note that when the ODF (One Drop Fill) method is used as the filling method for the liquid crystal material, the sealing material 34 is formed using a hybrid type material that has both thermosetting properties and UV curability (ultraviolet curing properties). It is preferable to do so. This is because if the liquid crystal material comes into contact with the sealing material before it hardens, it will cause problems in appearance. Therefore, it is preferable that the material constituting the sealing material 34 includes an ultraviolet curing acrylic resin and an epoxy resin.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sealing material 34 has a thickness T. The thickness T of the sealing material 34 is 30 μm or less. The thickness T of the sealing material 34 is preferably 25 μm or less. The lower limit of the thickness T of the sealing material 34 can be adjusted as appropriate in consideration of the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 33 and the like. The thickness T of the sealing material 34 preferably exceeds 15 μm. When the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is 15 μm or less, peeling that may occur between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314 can be easily prevented even if the first adhesive layer 313 is not formed. Similarly, when the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is 15 μm or less, peeling that may occur between the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324 is prevented even if the second adhesive layer 323 is not formed. Cheap. Therefore, if the thickness T of the sealing material 34 exceeds 15 μm, the effects of the first adhesive layer 313 (i.e., shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc.) may occur between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314. peeling can be prevented, thereby improving the weather resistance of the light control unit 3) and the effect of the second adhesion layer 323 (i.e., the shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc. can cause the second hard coat layer 322 to peel off). and the second electrode layer 324, thereby improving the weather resistance of the dimming unit 3). The existence of the adhesive layer 323 is significant.

The thickness T of the sealing material 34 is measured as the thickness of the sealing material 34 in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 (the length of the sealing material 34 in the thickness direction Z of the light control unit 3). The thickness T of the sealing material 34 can be measured from an image taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34. The extending direction of the sealing material 34 is the direction in which the sealing material 34 extends when the dimming unit 3 is viewed from above, and is, for example, the longitudinal direction X or the lateral direction Y of the dimming unit 3. The cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 is a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34, and is a cut surface formed by cutting the light control unit 3.

If the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is not constant in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34, the maximum thickness of the sealing material 34 is adopted as the thickness T of the sealing material 34.

Examples of embodiments in which the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is not constant in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 include an embodiment in which the central portion of the sealing material 34 is thickest, and an embodiment in which the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is the thickest at one end portion (for example, a liquid crystal display). Examples include an embodiment in which the layer 33 (the end opposite to the layer 33) is the thickest. An embodiment in which the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is not constant in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 occurs, for example, when the first laminate 31 and/or the second laminate 32 has flexibility. Cheap. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is not constant in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the central portion of the sealing material 34 is thickest. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the thickness Tm of the central portion of the sealing material 34 is adopted as the thickness T of the sealing material 34.

When the thickness T of the sealing material 34 is not constant in the extending direction of the sealing material 34 (that is, when the thickness T of the sealing material 34 in a plurality of cross sections perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 is different in each cross section), The thickness T of the sealing material 34 is measured in each of the plurality of cross sections, the average value of the plurality of measured thicknesses T is calculated, and the calculated average value is adopted as the thickness T of the sealing material 34. The number of cross sections for calculating the average value is three.

As shown in FIG. 5, the sealing material 34 has a width W. As shown in FIG. The width W of the sealing material 34 is defined by one end (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, one end 341) which is the end of the sealing material 34 on the liquid crystal layer 33 side, and the end on the opposite side from the liquid crystal layer 33. This is the distance from the other end (in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the other end 342). The width W of the sealing material 34 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more. The upper limit value of the width W of the sealing material 34 can be adjusted as appropriate. The width W of the sealing material 34 is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, even more preferably 8 mm or less. When the width W of the sealing material 34 is 1 mm or more, the effect of the first adhesive layer 313 (i.e., the peeling that may occur between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314 due to shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc.) (This can improve the weather resistance of the light control unit 3) and the effect of the second adhesion layer 323 (i.e., the shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc. can cause the second hard coat layer 322 to It is possible to prevent peeling that may occur between the second electrode layer 324 and thereby improve the weather resistance of the dimming unit 3. The existence of the layer 323 is significant.

The width W of the sealing material 34 is measured as the width of the sealing material 34 in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 (the length of the sealing material 34 in the longitudinal direction X or the transverse direction Y of the light control unit 3). Ru. The width W of the sealing material 34 can be measured from an image taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34. The extending direction of the sealing material 34 is the direction in which the sealing material 34 extends when the dimming unit 3 is viewed from above, and is, for example, the longitudinal direction X or the lateral direction Y of the dimming unit 3. The cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 is a plane extending in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34, and is a cut surface formed by cutting the light control unit 3.

If the width W of the sealant 34 is not constant in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealant 34, the maximum width of the sealant 34 is adopted as the width W of the sealant 34. An embodiment in which the width W of the sealing material 34 is not constant in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 occurs, for example, when the first laminate 31 and/or the second laminate 32 has flexibility. Cheap.

When the width W of the sealing material 34 is not constant in the extending direction of the sealing material 34 (that is, when the width W of the sealing material 34 in a plurality of cross sections perpendicular to the extending direction of the sealing material 34 is different in each cross section), In each of the plurality of cross sections, the width W of the sealing material 34 is measured, the average value of the plurality of measured thicknesses T is calculated, and the calculated average value is adopted as the width W of the sealing material 34. The number of cross sections for calculating the average value is three.

The ratio of the thickness T of the sealing material 34 to the width W of the sealing material 34 (thickness T/width W) is preferably 0.015 or less, more preferably 0.005 or less, and even more preferably 0.003 or less. The lower limit of the ratio of the thickness T of the sealing material 34 to the width W of the sealing material 34 (thickness T/width W) can be adjusted as appropriate. The ratio of the thickness T of the sealing material 34 to the width W of the sealing material 34 (thickness T/width W) is preferably 0.00075 or more, more preferably 0.0015 or more, and even more preferably 0.0018 or more. When the ratio of the thickness T of the sealing material 34 to the width W of the sealing material 34 (thickness T/width W) is 0.015 or less, the effect of the first adhesion layer 313 (that is, the shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc.) It is possible to prevent peeling that may occur between the first hard coat layer 312 and the first electrode layer 314, thereby improving the weather resistance of the dimming unit 3) and the effects of the second adhesive layer 323. (In other words, it is possible to prevent peeling that may occur between the second hard coat layer 322 and the second electrode layer 324 due to shrinkage stress of the sealing material 34, etc., thereby improving the weather resistance of the dimming unit 3. ) is remarkable, and the existence of the first adhesion layer 313 and the second adhesion layer 323 is significant.

[Spacer]
The spacer 35 is arranged between the first alignment film 315 of the first stacked body 31 and the second alignment film 325 of the second stacked body 32, and is arranged at a distance between the first alignment film 315 and the second alignment film 325. stipulates. The spacer 35 secures a space between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32. A liquid crystal layer 33 is formed by filling this space with a liquid crystal material. Since the liquid crystal layer 33 controls the amount of phase modulation of transmitted light, it needs to have a certain thickness between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32. Further, the plurality of spacers 35 are arranged discretely between the first laminate 31 and the second laminate 32. Each spacer 35 can be made of various resin materials, and in this embodiment, a bead spacer is used as the spacer 35. The bead spacer has a spherical shape. The spherical shape includes, for example, true spherical shape, elliptical spherical shape, and the like. Each spacer 35 may have a shape such as a truncated cone (for example, a truncated cone, a truncated pyramid, etc.). In addition to the scattering method, the bead-shaped spacers may be applied by being dispersed in liquid crystal or alignment film ink. Each spacer 35 can be formed at a desired location using photolithography technology,

[Dimmer controller, sensor device and user operation unit]
As shown in FIG. 1, a sensor device 5 and a user operation unit 6 are connected to the dimming controller 4. The dimmer controller 4 controls the dimmer state of the dimmer unit 3, switches transmission and blocking of light by the dimmer unit 3, and changes the transmittance (transmittance) of light transmitted through the dimmer unit 3. You can Specifically, the dimming controller 4 adjusts the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 through the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 of the dimming unit 3 to align the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 33. By changing it, it is possible to switch between blocking and transmitting light by the light control unit 3, or changing the degree of light transmission.

The dimming controller 4 can adjust the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 based on any method. The dimming controller 4 adjusts and adjusts the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 based on, for example, the measurement result of the sensor device 5 or an instruction (command) input by the user via the user operation unit 6. It is possible to switch between blocking and transmitting light by the optical unit 3, and change the degree of light transmission. Therefore, the dimming controller 4 may automatically adjust the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 according to the measurement result of the sensor device 5, or may adjust the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 33 according to the user's instruction via the user operation unit 6. It may also be adjusted manually. The object to be measured by the sensor device 5 is not particularly limited. For example, the object to be measured may be the brightness of the usage environment. In this case, the object to be measured by the sensor device 5 may be the brightness of the usage environment. In this case, the object to be measured may be the switching between blocking and transmitting light by the dimming unit 3 or the degree of light transmittance. changes are made depending on the brightness of the usage environment. Further, it is not necessary that both the sensor device 5 and the user operation section 6 are connected to the dimming controller 4, and even if only one of the sensor device 5 and the user operation section 6 is connected. good.

In the light control device 1 configured as described above, a voltage is applied from the light control controller 4 to the light control member 2 through wiring such as FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits). Depending on the degree of voltage applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 of the dimming unit 3, the electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer 33 of the dimming unit 3 changes, and the liquid crystal forming the liquid crystal layer 33 changes. The alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the material is adjusted. In this way, the light control device 1 can change the transmittance of light (particularly visible light) that passes through the light control unit 3. For example, by adjusting the transmittance of light that passes through the light control unit 3, it is possible to transmit external light such as sunlight with an appropriate amount of light, or to block external light such as sunlight. In addition, the visible light transmittance is the value for each wavelength when measured using a spectrophotometer ("UV-3100PC" manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, JIS K 0115 compliant product) in the measurement wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm. It can be calculated as an average value of transmittance.

Therefore, the light control device 1 can be applied to various technical fields where adjustment of the transmittance of light (particularly visible light) is required, and the scope of application is not particularly limited. The light control device 1 can be applied to various devices that require switching between light transmission and light blocking, such as windows of moving objects, windows of buildings, showcases, and partitions placed indoors.

[Mobile object]
In one embodiment of the present invention, the light control device 1 is applied to a moving body. Examples of moving objects to which the light control device 1 can be applied include automobiles, airplanes, ships, trains, and the like. When the light control device 1 is applied to a moving object, for example, a window of the moving object can be configured with the light control member 2.

FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an automobile 100 as an example of a moving object equipped with the light control device 1. As shown in FIG. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the sunroof of the automobile 100 is composed of the light control member 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. In the automobile 100, other windows (for example, a rear window, a side window, etc.) of the automobile 100 may be configured with the light control member 2 instead of or in addition to the sunroof. In the automobile 100, a voltage can be applied to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324 of the dimming unit 3 via wiring from a power source such as a battery (not shown), for example.

[Manufacturing method of dimming unit]
Hereinafter, one embodiment of a method for manufacturing the light control unit 3 will be described based on FIGS. 10 to 14. 10 to 14 are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing a light control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a first substrate 30a and a second substrate 30b are prepared. As shown in FIG. 10, the first substrate 30a includes a precursor 31' of the first laminate 31 and a plurality of spacers 35 provided on the precursor 31' of the first laminate 31. The first laminate 31 is formed by trimming the precursor 31' of the first laminate 31. As shown in FIG. 11, the second substrate 30b includes a precursor 32' of the second laminate 32 and a plurality of spacers 35 provided on the precursor 32' of the second laminate 32. The second laminate 32 is formed by trimming the precursor 32' of the second laminate 32. In this embodiment, both the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b have the spacer 35, but only one of the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b may have the spacer 35.

The first substrate 30a can be manufactured, for example, as follows. First, a first hard coat layer 312 is formed on one side of the first resin base material 311, and an additional hard coat layer 316 is formed on the other side of the first resin base material 311. The first hard coat layer 312 and the additional hard coat layer 316 are each formed by applying an ionizing radiation curable resin composition onto the first resin base material 311 and drying the coating film of the ionizing radiation curable resin composition. After that, it can be formed by irradiating the ionizing radiation curable resin composition with ionizing radiation such as ultraviolet rays or electron beams to cure the ionizing radiation curable resin composition. Next, a first adhesive layer 313 is formed on the first hard coat layer 312. The first adhesive layer 313 can be formed by a sputtering method, a vacuum evaporation method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, or the like. Next, a first electrode layer 314 is formed on the first adhesive layer 313. The first electrode layer 314 can be formed by a sputtering method, a vacuum evaporation method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, or the like. Spacers 35 are then sprinkled on the first electrode layer 314. Next, a composition for forming the first alignment film 315 is applied onto the first electrode layer 314 on which the spacers 35 are spread, and the coating film is dried. In this embodiment, the coating film is formed so that the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer 314 is exposed (that is, not covered with the composition for forming the first alignment film 315). A coating film may be formed such that the peripheral edge of the first electrode layer 314 is coated with the composition for forming the first alignment film 315. By adjusting the amount of polyimide, etc. contained in the composition for forming the first alignment film 315, the viscosity of the composition can be adjusted. Thereby, the degree of adhesion between the spacer 35 and the first alignment film 315 can be adjusted. Note that the spacers 35 may be dispersed in the composition for forming the first alignment film 315, and the composition containing the spacers 35 may be sprayed on the first electrode layer 314. Next, an alignment regulating force is applied to the coating film by rubbing, optical alignment, etc., to form a first alignment film 315. In this way, the first substrate 30a is manufactured.

The second substrate 30b can be manufactured, for example, as follows. First, a second hard coat layer 322 is formed on one surface of the second resin base material 321, and an additional hard coat layer 326 is formed on the other surface of the second resin base material 321. The second hard coat layer 322 and the additional hard coat layer 326 are each formed by applying an ionizing radiation curable resin composition onto the second resin base material 321 and drying the coating film of the ionizing radiation curable resin composition. After that, the ionizing radiation-curable resin composition can be cured by irradiating it with ionizing radiation such as ultraviolet rays or electron beams. Next, a second adhesive layer 323 is formed on the second hard coat layer 322. The second adhesive layer 323 can be formed by a sputtering method, a vacuum evaporation method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, or the like. Next, a second electrode layer 324 is formed on the second adhesive layer 323. The second electrode layer 324 can be formed by a sputtering method, a vacuum evaporation method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, or the like. Spacers 35 are then sprinkled on the second electrode layer 324. Next, a composition for forming the second alignment film 325 is applied onto the second electrode layer 324 on which the spacers 35 are spread, and the coating film is dried. In this embodiment, the coating film is formed so that the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer 324 is exposed (that is, not covered with the composition for forming the second alignment film 325). A coating film may be formed such that the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer 324 is coated with the composition for forming the second alignment film 325. By adjusting the amount of polyimide or the like contained in the composition for forming the second alignment film 325, the viscosity of the composition can be adjusted. Thereby, the degree of adhesion between the spacer 35 and the second alignment film 325 can be adjusted. Note that the spacers 35 may be dispersed in the composition for forming the second alignment film 325, and the composition containing the spacers 35 may be sprayed on the second electrode layer 324. Next, an alignment regulating force is applied to the coating film by rubbing, optical alignment, etc., to form a second alignment film 325. In this way, the second substrate 30b is produced.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12, a sealing material 34' is applied around the periphery of the second electrode layer 324 of the second substrate 30b that is exposed from the coating of the composition for forming the second alignment film 325. Apply in a shape. The sealing material 34' is a viscous liquid material having adhesive or sticky properties, and the sealing material 34 is formed by curing the sealing material 34'. In this embodiment, the sealing material 34' is applied to the second substrate 30b, but the first electrode layer 314 exposed from the coating film of the composition for forming the first alignment film 315 of the first substrate 30a is A sealing material 34' may be applied circumferentially around the periphery.

Next, as shown in FIG. 13, a liquid crystal material 33' containing liquid crystal molecules is supplied to the region of the second substrate 30b surrounded by the sealing material 34'. Note that when applying the sealing material 34' to the first substrate 30a, a liquid crystal material 33' containing liquid crystal molecules is supplied to a region of the first substrate 30a surrounded by the sealing material 34'.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b are laminated, for example, under reduced pressure. When laminating the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b, a roller or the like may be used to squeeze them. In the stacked body 3' of the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b, there is a space between the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b, which is secured by a spacer 35, and this space is filled with the spacer 35. The liquid crystal material 33' forms the liquid crystal layer 33.

Next, the laminate 3' of the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b is subjected to ultraviolet irradiation and/or heat treatment. As a result, the sealing material 34' is deformed and hardened to become the sealing material 34, and the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b are joined by the sealing material 34.

Through the above steps, the first substrate 30a, the second substrate 30b, the liquid crystal layer 33 located between the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b, and the space between the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b are formed. A precursor of the dimming unit 3 is prepared, which includes a sealing material 34 that is positioned and surrounds the liquid crystal layer 33, and a spacer 35 that is provided between the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b.

Next, parts of the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b are cut from the precursor of the light control unit 3, and the outer peripheries of the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b, which are redundant areas, are removed (that is, the first trimming the substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b). A portion of the sealing material 34 may also be cut and removed by trimming. Trimming of the first substrate 30a and the second substrate 30b can be performed using a tool such as a punching blade, a cutter, or the like. By trimming, the first substrate 30a becomes the first laminate 31, and the second substrate 30b becomes the second laminate 32. When part of the sealing material 34 is also cut by trimming, the end of the sealing material 34 coincides with the peripheral edge of the first stacked body 31 and the peripheral edge of the second stacked body 32 in plan view. In this way, the light control unit 3 is manufactured. In the manufactured dimming unit 3, the orientation of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 33 can be controlled by applying voltage from an external power source (for example, the dimming controller 4) to the first electrode layer 314 and the second electrode layer 324. I can do it. By changing the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, the amount of phase modulation of light when passing through the liquid crystal layer 33 changes. Thereby, the transmittance of light passing through the first laminate 31, the liquid crystal layer 33, and the second laminate 32 can be changed.

The light control member 2 has a first bonding layer 25 and a first light transmitting member 21 stacked in order on the first laminate 31 side of the light control unit 3, and the first bonding layer 25 connects the light control unit 3 and the first light. At the same time, the second bonding layer 26 and the second light-transmitting member 22 are sequentially laminated on the second laminate 32 side of the light control unit 3, and the second bonding layer 26 connects the light control unit 3 to the light control unit 3. It can be manufactured by joining the and second light-transmitting member 22.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above based on the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may include various aspects with various modifications that can be thought of by those skilled in the art. However, the effects achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above effects. Therefore, various additions, changes, and partial deletions can be made to each element described in the claims and specification without departing from the technical idea and gist of the present invention. Furthermore, it is also possible to appropriately combine two or more selected from the embodiments described in this specification.

[Test Examples 1 to 6]
(1) Preparation of laminates Laminate A (Test Example 1), Laminate B (Test Example 2), Laminate C (Test Example 3), Laminate D (Test Example 4), Laminate E (Test Example 5) ) and laminate F (Test Example 6) were prepared. All of the laminates A to F are commercially available products.

[Laminated body A]
Laminated body A includes a hard coat layer, a resin base material, a hard coat layer, a low refractive index layer, and an ITO layer in this order. The resin base material is a polycarbonate resin base material and has a thickness of 100 μm. The hard coat layer contains a cured product of ionizing radiation-curable resin (acrylic resin) as a main component. The low refractive index layer is a single layer film made of silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). The ITO layer is a layer composed of indium tin oxide.

[Laminated body B]
Laminated body B includes a hard coat layer, a resin base material, a hard coat layer, a low refractive index layer, and an ITO layer in this order. The resin base material is a polyethylene terephthalate resin base material and has a thickness of 100 μm. The hard coat layer contains a cured product of ionizing radiation-curable resin (acrylic resin) as a main component. The low refractive index layer is a single layer film made of silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). The ITO layer is a layer composed of indium tin oxide.

[Laminated body C]
The laminate C includes a hard coat layer, a resin base material, a hard coat layer, a low refractive index layer, and an ITO layer in this order. The resin base material is a polycarbonate resin base material and has a thickness of 100 μm. The hard coat layer contains a cured product of ionizing radiation-curable resin (acrylic resin) as a main component. The low refractive index layer is a single layer film made of silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). The ITO layer is a layer composed of indium tin oxide.

[Laminated body D]
Laminated body D includes a hard coat layer, a resin base material, a hard coat layer, a high refractive index layer, a low refractive index layer, and an ITO layer in this order. The resin base material is a polycarbonate resin base material and has a thickness of 100 μm. The hard coat layer contains a cured product of ionizing radiation-curable resin (acrylic resin) as a main component. The high refractive index layer is a single layer film made of titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ). The low refractive index layer is a single layer film made of silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). The ITO layer is a layer composed of indium tin oxide.

[Laminated body E]
The laminate E includes a hard coat layer, a resin base material, a hard coat layer, a high refractive index layer, a low refractive index layer, and an ITO layer in this order. The resin base material is a polycarbonate resin base material and has a thickness of 100 μm. The hard coat layer contains a cured product of ionizing radiation-curable resin (acrylic resin) as a main component. The high refractive index layer is a single layer film made of titanium dioxide (TiO ₂ ). The low refractive index layer is a single layer film made of silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). The ITO layer is a layer composed of indium tin oxide.

[Laminated body F]
The laminate F includes a hard coat layer, a resin base material, a hard coat layer, a low refractive index layer, and an ITO layer in this order. The resin base material is a polyethylene terephthalate resin base material and has a thickness of 100 μm. The hard coat layer contains a cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin (acrylic resin) as a main component, and contains ZrO ₂ particles as high refractive index particles. The low refractive index layer is a single layer film made of silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ). The ITO layer is a layer composed of indium tin oxide.

(2) Formation of sealing material A sealing material (thickness: 30 μm) was formed on the entire surface of the ITO layer of each laminate.
The composition for forming a sealing material is a commercially available product, and includes an epoxy resin and a polymerization initiator.

The method for forming the sealing material is as follows.
Using a seal dispenser (EzROBO Gx ST2520 manufactured by Iwashita Engineering Co., Ltd., discharge unit ACCURA DG), drawing was performed to a predetermined width and thickness.

(3) Weather resistance test After forming the sealing material on each laminate, a weather resistance test was conducted.
The weather resistance test was conducted using a xenon arc lamp type weather resistance tester (Atlas xenon weather resistance tester Ci4000) in accordance with JIS B 7754:2007 under the conditions described below for a specified period of time (laminate The test was carried out for 750 hours when A was used, and for 1000 hours when other laminates were used). The conditions of the weather resistance test are as follows.
Black panel temperature: 63±3℃, 50±5% (when irradiated)
Sample surface irradiance: 60W/m ² (continuous irradiation at 300-400nm)

(4) Measurement of peel strength Before and after the weather resistance test, samples with a width of 10 mm and a length of 15 mm were cut out from each laminate on which the sealing material was formed. A T-peel test (180 degree peel test) was performed using each sample to measure the peel strength of each sample. The T-type peel test was carried out using Tensilon (Tensile tester RTA-250 manufactured by Orientech Co., Ltd.) in accordance with JIS K6854-3:1999 (T-type peel test method). Note that the sealing material and the laminate were peeled off from one end in the length direction of each sample (the length of the peeled part was 7 mm), and the peeled part of the sealing material and the peeled part of the laminate were separated. fixed to the device. The angle between the tensile direction of the peeled portion of the sealant and the tensile direction of the peeled laminate portion is 180°. The T-peel test was performed at a tensile rate of 10 mm/min with a standard load cell under 20% load. The peel strength was calculated as an average value (N=3).

In the above T-peel test, if the interlayer peel strength of the laminate is greater than the peel strength between the seal material and the ITO layer, the peel strength between the seal material and the ITO layer is measured; If the peel strength is smaller than the peel strength between the sealing material and the ITO layer, the interlayer peel strength of the laminate is measured.

Table 1 shows the results of the T-peel test.

As shown in Table 1, when laminates A to C were used (test examples 1 to 3), the rate of decrease in peel strength before and after the weather resistance test was about 0 to 20%, but laminates D to C (Test Examples 4 to 6), the rate of decrease in peel strength before and after the weather resistance test was about 50 to 90%.

These results revealed that the layer provided between the hard coat layer and the electrode layer affects the weather resistance of the dimming unit. Furthermore, if a layer containing silicon oxide such as silica is provided between the hard coat layer and the electrode layer, the layer will adhere to the hard coat layer and the electrode layer, and the shrinkage stress of the sealing material will cause the layer to close to the hard coat layer. It has become clear that peeling that may occur between the electrode layer and the electrode layer can be prevented, thereby improving weather resistance.

[Test Examples 7 to 12]
Sealing material forming composition F1 (Test Example 7), sealing material forming composition F2 (Testing example 8), sealing material forming composition F3 (Testing example 9), sealing material forming composition F4 (Testing example 10) ), a composition for forming a sealant F5 (Test Example 11), and a composition for forming a sealant F6 (Test Example 12) were prepared. All of the sealing material forming compositions F1 to F6 are commercially available products and contain an epoxy resin and a polymerization initiator. The compositions F1 and F3 to F5 for forming a sealing material differ in the content of polymerization initiator, and the content of the polymerization initiator in the compositions F3, F4, and F5 for forming a sealing material is different from that for forming a sealing material. They are 0.25 times, 0.50 times, and 2.00 times the polymerization initiator in composition F1. The sealing material forming compositions F1 and F6 differ in the type of polymerization initiator.

A sealing material (thickness: 15 μm) was formed on the ITO layer of the laminate F in the same manner as above.

After forming the sealing material on the laminate F, a weather resistance test was conducted for a predetermined time (250 hours or 500 hours) in the same manner as above.

Before and after the weather resistance test, a sample with a width of 10 mm and a length of 15 mm was cut out from the laminate F on which the sealing material was formed, and each sample was used to perform a T-peel test (180 degree peel test) in the same manner as above. The peel strength of each sample was measured.

The results of the T-peel test are shown in Table 2.

As shown in Table 1, when the thickness of the sealing material was 30 μm, when laminate F was used (Test Example 6), the rate of decrease in peel strength before and after the weather resistance test was about 50%. On the other hand, as shown in Table 2, when the thickness of the sealing material was 15 μm, even when laminate F was used, the rate of decrease in peel strength before and after the weather resistance test was about 0 to 20%. .

These results revealed that the thickness of the sealing material affects the weather resistance of the light control unit. In addition, when the thickness of the sealing material is 30 μm or less, if a layer containing silicon oxide such as silica is provided between the hard coat layer and the electrode layer, the layer will be in close contact with the hard coat layer and the electrode layer, It has been found that peeling that may occur between the hard coat layer and the electrode layer due to shrinkage stress of the sealing material can be prevented, thereby improving weather resistance. Furthermore, the effect of the layer containing silicon oxide such as silica is remarkable when the thickness of the sealing material exceeds 15 μm, and the reason for the existence of the layer containing silicon oxide such as silica is that when the thickness of the sealing material exceeds 15 μm. It has become clear that it is large when the

1 Light control device 2 Light control member 3 Light control unit 4 Light control controller 5 Sensor device 6 User operation unit 21 First light transmitting member 22 Second light transmitting member 23 First polarizing plate 24 Second polarizing plate 25 First Bonding layer 26 Second bonding layer 31 First laminate 32 Second laminate 33 Liquid crystal layer 34 Sealing material 35 Spacer 100 Moving body (automobile)
311 First resin base material 312 First hard coat layer 313 First adhesive layer 314 First electrode layer 315 First alignment film 316 Additional hard coat layer 321 Second resin base material 322 Second hard coat layer 323 Second adhesive layer 324 Second electrode layer 325 Second alignment film 326 Additional hard coat layer

Claims (15)

a first laminate including a first resin base material, a first hard coat layer, a first electrode layer, and a first alignment film in this order;
a second laminate including a second resin base material and a second alignment film in this order, the second alignment film being provided to face the first alignment film;
a liquid crystal layer located between the first alignment film and the second alignment film;
A light control unit comprising: a sealing material located between the first laminate and the second laminate and surrounding the liquid crystal layer,
A first adhesion layer that is in close contact with the first hard coat layer and the first electrode layer is provided between the first hard coat layer and the first electrode layer,
the first adhesion layer contains silicon oxide,
The thickness of the sealing material is more than 15 μm and less than 30 μm,
The periphery of the first electrode layer is exposed from the first alignment film, and the end of the sealing material on the first electrode layer side is fixed to the periphery of the first electrode layer. light unit. The light control unit according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive layer contains silicon dioxide. The light control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing material includes a cured product of a thermosetting resin. The light control unit according to claim 3, wherein the thermosetting resin is an epoxy resin. The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first hard coat layer contains a cured product of an ionizing radiation-curable resin. The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first electrode layer contains indium tin oxide. The second laminate has a second hard coat layer and a second electrode layer between the second resin base material and the second alignment film in order from the second resin base material side,
A second adhesion layer that is in close contact with the second hard coat layer and the second electrode layer is provided between the second hard coat layer and the second electrode layer,
The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the second adhesive layer contains silicon oxide. The light control unit according to claim 7 , wherein the second adhesive layer contains silicon dioxide. The light control unit according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the second hard coat layer includes a cured product of an ionizing radiation curable resin. The light control unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9 , wherein the second electrode layer contains indium tin oxide. A peripheral edge of the second electrode layer is exposed from the second alignment film, and an end of the sealing material on the second electrode layer side is fixed to the peripheral edge of the second electrode layer. The light control unit according to any one of items 7 to 10 . The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the width of the sealing material is 1 mm or more. The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the ratio of the thickness of the sealing material to the width of the sealing material (thickness/width) is 0.015 or less. The light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the light control unit includes a spacer provided between the first laminate and the second laminate. A light control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 14 ,
a light transmitting member laminated on the light control unit;
A light control member comprising: