JPH10193973A - Modulated light device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To offset gravity and reduce driving force for moving modulated light plates of a modulated light device by winding a rotatory-driven body, connecting the upper and lower face end parts of two modulated light plates around a rotor. SOLUTION: A modulates light device for adjusting light trans-mittance by adjusting the relative positions of a plurality of modulated light plates 16, 17 movable in parallel is provided with rotors, that is, rotary shafts 26A, 26B, provided at both end parts in the moving direction of the modulated light plates and rotated around axes orthogonal to the moving of the modulated light plates, a rotatory-driven body, that is, a belt 24A (24B) connecting both end parts in the moving direction of two modulated light plates and wound around the rotor so as to move in the rotating direction of the rotor when the rotor is rotated. One of the rotary shafts 26A, 26B is rotatory-driven by a DC motor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light control device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a light control device used by being attached to a rear window, a side window or a sun visor of an automobile, a window of various buildings such as stores, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of light control devices of this type have been provided. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the device described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 58-25218 has a light-shielding portion 1, 1... Are provided so as to form a checkerboard pattern, and the two light control plates 3A and 3B are maintained in a parallel state with each other.
It can move relatively. Each dimmer 3A,
If the light control plates 3A and 3B are positioned so that the light-shielding portions 1 and the light-transmitting portions 2 of 3B overlap each other, the area of the transparent portion increases, and the light transmittance (the ratio of the transmitted light amount to the incident light amount) increases. Will be higher. Also, one of the light control plates 3A,
When the light-shielding portions 1, 1... Of 3B and the light-transmitting portions 2, 2,. .

In the apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-8730 shown in FIG. 26, three light control plates in which light-shielding portions 4, 4... And light-transmitting portions 5, 5,. 6A, 6B, 6C
Are arranged in parallel with each other, and these light control plates 6A to 6A
6C is relatively movable in the direction indicated by arrow A. Also in this device, the light transmittance increases when the light-transmitting portions 5 overlap, and the light transmittance decreases when the light-shielding portion 4 and the light-transmitting portion 5 overlap.

[0004]

However, in the light control device described in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 58-25218 shown in FIG. 25, the light-shielding portions 1 of the two light control plates 3A and 3B and the light-transmitting portions 1 and 2 are transparent. Even when the light parts 2 overlap each other, the total area of the light shielding part 1 is only 50% of the area of the part where light enters. Therefore, the maximum value of the light transmittance in this light control device is only about 50%.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-873 shown in FIG.
In the light control device described in Japanese Patent Publication No.
In the state where the light-shielding portions 4 and the light-transmitting portions 5 of the light control plates 6A to 6C completely match each other, the ratio of the total area of the light-shielding portion 4 to the area of the light incident portion is The light transmittance is about 30%, and the maximum value of the light transmittance is about 70%. However, in this light control device, three light control plates 6A to 6A are used.
Since C is configured to move independently, the light control plates 6A to 6C
The driving force required to drive 6C is large.

As described above, in this type of light control device, the larger the number of light control plates, the larger the maximum value of light transmittance can be set. However, the driving required for moving the light control plate is required. The power will increase. The present invention has been made in order to solve the problem in the conventional light control device, and has an object to reduce a driving force for moving the light control plate.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention adjusts the light transmittance by adjusting the relative positions of a plurality of light control plates which can be moved in parallel in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In the dimming device, the rotating body is provided at both ends in the moving direction of the dimming plate, is orthogonal to the moving direction of the dimming plate, and rotates about an axis parallel to the surface of the dimming plate, It is characterized in that it comprises a rotation follower that connects both ends of the two light control plates in the moving direction among the light control plates, and is wound around the rotating body, and moves in the direction when the rotating body rotates. And

[0008] In the dimming device of the present invention having the above configuration,
Since the gravitational force acting on the two light control plates connected to the rotary follower is offset, the driving force can be reduced.

[0009] In the case of a configuration having a fixed light control plate, the number of light control plates can be increased to expand the adjustable range of light transmittance.

One of the rotating shafts may be driven to rotate by a DC motor. Also, a comb-shaped electrode is provided on a parallel-movable light control plate or a fixed light control plate, and the electrode is provided on the electrode. Due to the Coulomb force acting by the applied voltage,
It may be configured to drive a movable light control plate. The rotating body and the rotation follower may be a combination of a rotating shaft and a string member, a combination of a sprocket or a gear, a chain, and a rubber rat. Further, a linear actuator such as a linear stepping motor and a linear ultrasonic motor may be used.
A mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the rack, pinion, crank, etc. into a linear motion can be used. The driver may manually move one of the light control plates.

Further, the light control plate may be formed by providing a light-shielding portion that does not transmit light and a transparent light-transmitting portion in stripes. It may be provided alternately in a shape. The light control plate may be a thin film or a relatively thick plate.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention shown in the drawings will be described in detail. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 6 show a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a light control device 10 of the present invention is used by being attached to a rear window 12 of a car 11 on the side of a cabin 13.

The light control device 10 includes a holding frame 15 which is a rectangular frame having a U-shaped cross section. Inside the holding frame 15, an inner light control plate 16 and an outer light control plate 17 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. Also, as shown by arrows B1 and B2, they are housed so as to be able to move relative to each other in a direction (a vertical direction) inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. The rear window 1 is located at a required position of the holding frame 15.
2 is provided with a suction cup 18 for detachably fixing the suction cup.

The inner light control plate 16 is made of a transparent resin thin film and has a rectangular shape. Also, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the inner dimming plate 16 is printed in black to form horizontal stripe-shaped light shielding portions 21 and 2 having a light transmittance of almost 0%.
Are provided at equal intervals in a plurality of rows. The portions where black printing is not applied between the adjacent light shielding portions 21, 21... Are horizontal stripe-shaped light transmitting portions 22 having a light transmittance of approximately 100%.
…. The widths d1 and d2 of the light-shielding portion 21 and the light-transmitting portion 22 are set to be the same. A pair of protrusions 2 are provided at the upper and lower ends of the inner light control plate 16 at intervals.
3, 23 are provided.

The outer light control plate 17 is connected to the inner light control plate 1.
6 and the same material. Similarly to the inner light diffuser plate 16, the outer light control plate 17 is provided with horizontal stripe-shaped light shielding portions 21, 21... % Are alternately provided.
The outer light control plate 17 is also provided with a pair of protrusions 23 at an interval. Further, the widths d1 and d2 of the light blocking portion 21 and the light transmitting portion 22 of the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are the same.

A pair of protrusions 23, 23 provided on the upper end of the inner light control plate 16 and a pair of protrusions 23, 23 provided on the upper end of the outer light control plate 17 are formed by belts 24A, 24.
Are connected to each other by A. Similarly, the inner dimmer 1
A pair of protrusions 23, 23 provided at the lower end of the outer light control plate 17 and 6 are also connected to each other by belts 24B, 24B. These belts 24A, 24B are attached to the holding frame 15
It is wound around rotary shafts 26A and 26B having a circular cross section which are rotatably held at the upper and lower portions of the inside. These rotating shafts 26A, 26B rotate around axes L1, L2 perpendicular to the moving directions of the inner and outer dimmers 16, 17 indicated by the arrows B1, B2. The rotation shaft 26A,
The belts 24A, 24B and the rotating shaft 2 move so that when the 26B rotates, the belts 24A, 24B move in the rotating direction without slipping on the surfaces of the rotating shafts 26A, 26B.
The surfaces of 6A and 26B are roughened.

As shown in FIG. 3, a pinion gear 28 is fixed to a rotating shaft 26B supported on the lower side of the holding frame 15. A rotating shaft 30 is rotatably supported in a casing 29 provided at a lower end portion of the holding frame 15.
A DC motor 31 connected to a power supply and an operation switch (not shown) is accommodated. The pinion gear 32 fixed to the rotation shaft 30 meshes with a pinion gear 33 fixed to the output shaft 31a of the DC motor 31 and a pinion gear 28 fixed to the rotation shaft 26B.

In the initial state where the DC motor 31 is not operated, the upper and lower ends of the inner dimmer plate 16 and the outer dimmer plate 17 coincide with each other, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A. At this time, the rear window glass 1 indicated by an arrow C in FIG.
When viewed from a direction perpendicular to 2, the light control portions 16 and the light transmission portions 22 of the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control portion 17 coincide with each other and overlap each other. Therefore, outside the cabin 14
The light transmittance with respect to the incident light 35 which is perpendicularly incident on the rear window 12 from above becomes approximately 50%, which is the maximum value (light transmitting state).

When the operation switch is operated to rotate the output shaft 31a of the motor 31 in the direction shown by the arrow D1, the rotation is transmitted to the rotation shaft 24B via pinion gears 33, 32 and 28, and the rotation shaft 26B It rotates in the direction of arrow E1. The rotation of the rotation shaft 26B causes the inner light control plate 16 to rotate.
24B, 24 connecting the lower end of the outer light control plate 17 with the belts 24B, 24B.
B moves. As a result, the inner dimmer 16 rises in the direction of arrow B1, while the outer dimmer 17 descends in the direction of arrow B2. As the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 move from the light-transmitting state in this way, the area where the light-shielding portion 21 of the inner light control plate 16 and the light-transmitting portion 22 of the outer light control plate 17 overlap increases. At the same time, the area where the light shielding portion 21 of the outer light control plate 17 and the light transmitting portion 22 of the inner light control plate 16 overlap increases, and the light transmittance decreases.

5 and 6A, when viewed from the direction indicated by arrow C, the light-shielding portion 21 of the inner light control plate 16 and the light-transmitting portion 22 of the outer light control plate 17 coincide with each other and overlap each other. ,And,
The light-shielding portion 21 of the outer light control plate 17 and the light-transmitting portion 22 of the inner light control plate 16 coincide with each other and overlap each other, and the light transmittance is a minimum value of approximately 0% (light-shielded state). . When the DC motor 31 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow D2 from the light-shielded state, the rotating shaft 26B rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow E2, and the belts 24B and 24B move. As a result, the inner dimmer 16 is in the direction of arrow B2, and the outer dimmer 17 is in the direction of arrow B.
Moving in one direction, the area where the light transmitting portions 22 of the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 overlap each other increases, and the light transmittance also increases accordingly.

As described above, in the light control device 10 of the present embodiment, the light transmittance can be adjusted by relatively moving the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 in the vertical direction. . Further, since the upper and lower ends of the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 are connected by the belts 24A and 24B as described above, it is necessary to move the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17. Driving force can be reduced. That is, when the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are individually moved upward, it is necessary to drive them upward with a driving force exceeding the gravitational force acting on each of them. However, in the present embodiment, the upper ends of the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are connected by a belt 24A wound around a rotation shaft 26A. Therefore, assuming that the rotating shaft 26A around which the belt 24A is wound is a constant pulley, the inner dimmer plate 16 and the outer dimmer plate 17 correspond to the cones connected to both ends of the string hung on the constant pulley. However, the gravity acting on both is canceled out by each other. Therefore, the driving force is reduced when any of the inner and outer dimmer plates 16 and 17 is moved upward.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the polarizing films shown in FIG. 7 are used as the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17. Other structures of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The inner and outer dimming plates 16 and 17 have a rectangular shape in which first polarizing portions 38 and second polarizing portions 39 having polarization lines 37 provided in directions orthogonal to each other and having different polarization directions are provided alternately in horizontal stripes. It is a thin film. The widths d3 and d4 of the first polarizing section 38 and the second polarizing section 39 are the same.

As shown in FIG. 8, when the upper and lower ends of the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 are aligned, the first polarizing part 38 and the second polarizing part 39 of the inner dimmer 16 are separated. , The first polarizing part 38 and the second polarizing part 39 of the outer light control plate 17, respectively.
And overlap with each other to maximize the light transmittance. The DC motor 31 is operated from this transmissive state, and the rotating shaft 26B
Is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow E1, the inner light control plate 16
And the outer dimmer 17 move in the directions indicated by arrows B1 and B2, respectively.
7, one of the first polarizers 38 is the other second polarizer 3
The area overlapping with No. 9 increases, and the light transmittance decreases. Then, the first polarizing section 38 and the second polarizing section 39 of the inner light control plate 16 are provided.
Are made to coincide with and overlap with the second polarizing section 39 and the first polarizing section 38 of the outer light control plate 17, respectively, so that the light transmittance is minimized. From this light-shielded state, when the rotating shaft 26B is rotated by the DC motor 31 in the direction shown by the arrow E2, and the inner and outer dimmers 16 and 17 are moved in the directions shown by the arrows B2 and B1, the light transmittance is accordingly increased. To increase.

Also in the second embodiment, since the upper and lower ends of the inner and outer dimmers 16 and 17 are connected by belts 24A and 24B, gravity acting on the inner dimmer 16 and
The gravity acting on the outer light control plate 17 is canceled, and the driving force can be reduced as compared with the case where these are driven alone.

(Third Embodiment) FIGS. 9 to 12 show a third embodiment of the present invention. The dimmer 10 according to the third embodiment includes an inner dimmer 16, an outer dimmer 17, and an intermediate dimmer 41.

The upper and lower ends of the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 have belts 24 as in the first embodiment.
A, 24B, and the belts 24A, 24B are wound around rotating shafts 26A, 26B. On the other hand, the left and right ends of the intermediate light control plate 41 are fixed to the holding frame 15.

The inner light control plate 16, the outer light control plate 17, and the intermediate light control plate 41 have the same structure, and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, light shielding portions 21, 21,... Part 22,
Are alternately provided. The width d1 of the light shielding portion 21
And the width d2 of the light transmitting portion 22 is 1: 2.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the upper and lower ends of the inner light control plate 16, the outer light control plate 17, and the intermediate light control plate 41 coincide with each other, each of the light control plates 16, 17 is adjusted. , 41
The light-shielding portions 21 and the light-transmitting portions 22 coincide with each other and overlap each other, and the light transmittance is maximum.

In this state, when the DC motor 31 is driven to rotate the rotary shaft 26B in the direction shown by the arrow E1, the light shielding portions 21 of the respective light control plates 16, 17, 41 are changed to the light transmitting portions of the other light control plates. The area of the portion overlapping with 22 increases, and the light transmittance decreases. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the inner light control plate 16 is positioned above the intermediate light control member 41 by the width d1 of the light shielding portion 21, and the outer light control plate 17 is positioned at the middle by the width d1. When the light control member 41 is located below the light control member 41, the light transmitting portion 22 of each light control plate 16, 17, 41 overlaps with the light blocking portion 21 of the other two light control plates 16, 17 and the light transmittance is increased. Is minimal. When the rotating shaft 26B is rotated in the direction shown by the arrow E2 from the light-shielded state, the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are rotated.
Move in the directions of arrows B2 and B1, respectively, and the light transmittance increases.

In the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the belts 24A and 24B connecting the upper and lower ends are wound around the rotating shafts 26A and 26B. The gravity acting on the member 17 is canceled, and the driving force is reduced as compared with a case where these members are driven alone.

The light control device 10 according to the third embodiment has a 3
Light control plates 16, 17, and 41,
1 and the ratio of the widths d1 and d2 of the light-transmitting portion 22 are set to 1: 2.
The light transmittance with respect to No. 5 is about 0% in the light-shielded state and about 70% in the light-transmitted state, and the maximum light transmittance in comparison with the case where there are two light control plates as in the first embodiment. The value increases.

(Fourth Embodiment) A light control device 10 according to a fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 includes a first and a second intermediate light control plate between an inner light control plate 16 and an outer light control plate 17. 44, 45, and the outer dimmer 17, the first intermediate dimmer 44, the second intermediate dimmer 45, and the inner dimmer 16 are arranged in this order from the rear window 12 toward the vehicle interior 13. Are located.

The upper and lower ends of the inner light control plate 16 and the first intermediate light control plate 44 are connected by belts 46A and 46B.
Are wound around the first main rotating shafts 47A and 47B rotatably supported on the upper and lower sides of the main shaft. On the other hand, the upper and lower ends of the outer light control plate 17 and the second intermediate light control plate 45 are connected by belts 48A and 48B.
Reference numeral 48B is wound around the second main rotating shafts 50A and 50B rotatably supported on the upper and lower portions of the holding frame 15. The second main rotation shafts 50A, 50B are arranged on the vehicle exterior side 14 with respect to the first main rotation shafts 47A, 47B. The first and second main rotating shafts 47A to 50B can be independently driven by the same driving mechanism (see FIG. 3) as in the first embodiment.

The first and second main rotating shafts 47A and 47B and the second main rotating shaft 5 are provided on the upper and lower portions of the holding frame 15, respectively.
Guide rotation shafts 52A and 52B for guiding the belts 46A to 47B are rotatably supported between the shafts 0A and 50B. In addition, as shown in FIG.
Belts 48A and 48 connecting the first and second intermediate light control plates 45 to each other.
8B is located outside the belts 46A and 46B connecting the inner light control plate 16 and the first intermediate light control plate 44 in the left-right direction.

The inner light control plate 16, the outer light control plate 17, and the first
And the second intermediate light control plates 44 and 45 have the same structure,
As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG.
21 and the translucent portions 22, 22 are provided alternately. The ratio of the width d1 of the light shielding part 21 to the width d2 of the light transmitting part 22 is 1: 3.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the inner dimmer 16, the outer dimmer 17, the first and second intermediate dimmers 4,
In the light-transmitting state in which the upper and lower ends of the light-adjusting plates 4, 45 coincide with each other, the light-shielding portions 21 and the light-transmitting portions 22 of the light control plates 16, 17, 44, and 45 coincide with each other and overlap with each other, and the light transmittance is maximum. The value is about 75%.

When the first main rotation shaft 47A and the second main rotation shaft 47B disposed below the holding frame 15 are rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow E2 from this light-shielded state, the light control plates 16 to 45 are shielded from light. The area of the portion where the portion 21 overlaps the light transmitting portions 22 of the other light control plates 16 to 45 increases, and the light transmittance decreases. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first intermediate light control plate 44 is
When the outer light control plate 17 is positioned above the first intermediate light control plate 44 by twice the width d1, the first light control plate 44 is positioned above the inner light control plate 16 by the width d1. The light transmitting portion 22 of each of the light control plates 16 to 45 is connected to the other three light control plates 16 to 45.
The light transmittance becomes almost 0% by overlapping with the 45 light shielding portion 21.

In the fourth embodiment, a pair of light control plates 16
Since the belts 46A to 49B connecting the upper and lower ends of the light control plates 45 to 45 are wound around the first and second main rotation shafts 47A to 49B, the gravity acting on each of the dimming plates 16 to 45 is offset, and these are controlled independently. The driving force is reduced as compared with the case of driving with.

The light control device 10 according to the fourth embodiment has four light control devices.
Light modulating plates 16, 17, 44, 45, and the widths d 1, d of the light shielding portions 21 and the light transmitting portions 22 of the respective light modulating plates 16 to 45
Since the ratio of 2 is set to 1: 3, the light transmittance is 0%.
It can be adjusted over a wide range from to 75%.

(Fifth Embodiment) In a light control device 10 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the same light shielding portion 21 and light transmitting portion 2 as in the first embodiment are provided in a transparent case 55.
2 and the inner dimmer 16 and outer dimmer 17 provided with the arrow B
The upper and lower ends of the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 are accommodated so as to be movable in the directions 1 and B2.
They are connected by belts 24A and 24B wound around 26B. Also, the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17
Are driven on the same principle as the electrostatic actuator.

As shown in FIG. 19, elongated rectangular transparent electrodes 56a, 56b,... Are provided in the inner light control plate 16 for each of the light-shielding portion 21 and the light-transmitting portion 22 in a comb shape. The intervals e1 and e2 between the transparent electrodes 56a and 56b are uniform. The transparent electrodes 56a, 56b,... Are connected to power supply portions 57A, 57B made of a transparent conductive material provided on both sides for every two transparent electrodes 56a, 56b, and are connected to one power supply portion 57A. Transparent electrode 56
.. constitute the a-phase, and the electrodes 56b, 56b... connected to the other power supply portion 57B constitute the b-phase.

The inner light control plate 16 is also provided inside the outer light control plate 17.
Are provided with transparent electrodes 58a, 58b,.
The transparent electrodes 58a, 58b,... Are connected to feed portions 59A, 59B made of a transparent conductive material provided on both sides for every two transparent electrodes 58a, 58b, and are connected to one feed portion 59A. Transparent electrodes 58a, 58a
Configure the U-phase, and the electrodes 58b, 58b, connected to the other power supply portion 59B configure the V-phase. The a phase,
A high voltage of a predetermined polarity is applied to the b-phase, U-phase, and V-phase transparent electrodes 56a to 58b from a driving device (not shown).

In FIGS. 17 and 18, 60A, 60
B is the lower end position of the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 1 respectively.
7 are stoppers for regulating the lower end position and the upper end position, respectively. Reference numerals 61A and 61B denote switches provided above and below the outer light control plate 17. When the upper switch 61A comes into contact with the stopper 60A, the U-phase electrode 58a located at the uppermost stage is electrically connected to the power supply portion 59A. On the other hand, when the switch 61A is separated from the stopper 60A, the uppermost electrode 58a is cut off from the power supply section 59A. Similarly, the V-phase electrode 58b located at the lowermost stage of the outer light control plate 17 is also connected to the power supply unit 59B when the switch 61B contacts the stopper 60B, and is cut off from the power supply unit 59B when the switch 61B is separated from the stopper 60B. You. With such a configuration, when the outer dimming plate 17 is at the upper end position or the lower end position, the potential becomes unstable by one electrode 58a, 58b. As a result, the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 can be easily started from the light transmitting state or the light blocking state.

As shown in FIG. 21 from time t ₀ to time t ₁ and FIG. 17, the a-phase electrode 56a is negative (denoted by “−”), and the b-phase electrode 56b is positive (“+” and Notation.), "+" Is applied to the U-phase electrode 58a, and the V-phase electrode 58b.
When a voltage having a polarity of "-" is applied to the electrodes, the attraction force / repulsion force (Coulomb force) acting between the a-phase and b-phase electrodes 56a and 56b and the U-phase and V-phase electrodes 58a and 58b causes a
The phase electrode 56a and the U-phase electrode 58a face each other, the b-phase electrode 56b and the V-phase electrode 58b face each other, and the upper and lower ends of the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 match. I do. In this state, the light-shielding portions 21 and the light control portions 22 coincide with each other and overlap each other, and the light transmittance is approximately 50%.

On the other hand, as shown at time _t 1 ~t ₂ in FIG. 21, "+" to the electrode 56a of a phase, a b-phase electrodes 56b "-", the electrode 58a of the U-phase "+", V Phase electrode 58b
When a voltage having a polarity of “−” is applied to the a-phase electrode, the attraction force and the repulsive force acting between the a-phase and b-phase electrodes 56a and 56b and the U-phase and V-phase electrodes 58a and 58b cause the a-phase electrode 56a
And the V-phase electrode 56b face each other, and the b-phase electrode 56b and the U-phase electrode 58a face each other. At this time, the light-shielding portion 21 of the inner light control plate 16 and the light-transmitting portion 21 of the outer light control plate 17 coincide with each other and overlap with each other. The portions 21 coincide with each other and overlap with each other, so that the light transmittance is almost 0%.

As shown at times t _{2 to} t ₃ in FIG. 21, when no voltage is supplied to the a-phase, b-phase, U-phase and V-phase electrodes 56 a to 59 b and the potential is set to 0, the inside Light control plate 1
Although no force acts on the outer light control plate 6 and the outer light control plate 17 as described above, the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are held at predetermined positions by a position holding mechanism (not shown). .

Also in the fifth embodiment, since the upper and lower ends of the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are connected by the belts 54A and 54B wound around the rotary shafts 26A and 26B, the inner light control plate is formed. The gravitational force acting on the outer light control plate 17 and the outer light control plate 17 is canceled out. As a result, the driving force of the electrostatic actuator required to drive them is reduced, and the electric power required for driving can be reduced.

(Sixth Embodiment) A light control device according to a sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 to 24 includes belts 24A, 24 wound around rotating shafts 26A, 26b in the same manner as the third embodiment.
B, the inner dimmer plate 16 and the outer dimmer plate 17 whose upper and lower ends are connected to each other, and the intermediate dimmer plate 4 disposed between them.
1 is provided. The widths of the light shielding portion 21 and the light control portion 22 provided on the inner light control plate 16, the outer light control plate 17, and the intermediate light control plate are the same as those in the third embodiment. Further, the inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are driven by the principle of an electrostatic actuator as in the fifth embodiment.

On the inner light control plate 16 side of the intermediate light control plate 41,
As in the fifth embodiment, the transparent electrodes 65a, 65b, 6
5c are provided in a comb shape.
5a to 65c are connected to each other every third transparent electrode to form an a phase, a b phase, and a c phase. Similarly, transparent electrodes 66a, 66b, 66c,... Are provided in a comb-like shape on the outer light control plate 17 side of the intermediate light control plate 41, and every three transparent electrodes 66a to 66c are located. The U-, V-, and W-phases are connected to each other for each transparent electrode.
The inner light control plate 16 and the outer light control plate 17 are not provided with the transparent electrodes 65a to 66c as in the intermediate light control plate 41, and are thin provided with the light shielding portion 21 and the light transmitting portion 22. An insulating layer (not shown) made of a transparent material having a high resistance value is provided on the surface of the transparent film opposite to the intermediate light control member.

When switching from the light transmitting state shown in FIG. 22 where the light transmittance is approximately 30% to the light blocking state shown in FIG. 23 where the light transmittance is almost 0%, the time t ₀ to the time t shown in FIG. _As shown in FIG. ₁ , a-phase, b-phase, and c-phase electrodes 65a to
A voltage of “−”, “−”, “+” is applied to each of the transparent electrodes 65a to 65c, and the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase transparent electrodes 66a to 66c are applied.
A voltage of “+”, “−”, “−” is applied to c. When the voltage is applied in this manner, as shown in FIG. 22, the transparent electrodes 65a-66 of the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 are formed.
The portion facing c is charged with a polarity opposite to the polarity of the voltage applied to these voltages 65a to 66c. Next, as shown at time _t 1 ~t ₂ in FIG. 24, a phase, b phase, the polarity of the voltage applied to the transparent electrode 65a~65c the c-phase "+",
"-", "-", U-phase, V-phase, W-phase transparent electrodes 66a-
The polarity of the voltage applied to 66c is "-", "-", "+"
Respectively, a Coulomb force acts between the transparent electrodes 65a to 66c and the electric charges of the inner dimmer plate 16 and the outer dimmer plate 17, and the inner dimmer plate 16 and the outer dimmer plate 17 are moved by arrows B1 and B2, respectively. Move in the direction indicated by.

Conversely, when switching from the light-shielded state shown in FIG. 23 to the light-transmitted state shown in FIG. 22, the phases a, b, and c as shown at times t _{2 to} t ₃ in FIG. , "-" And "-" are applied to the transparent electrodes 65a to 65c, respectively, and the U-phase, V-phase and W-phase transparent electrodes 6 are applied.
Voltages of "-", "-" and "+" are applied to 6a to 66c, respectively. When the voltage is applied in this manner, as shown in FIG. 23, the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 are charged to polarities opposite to the polarities of the voltages applied to the electrodes 65a to 66c facing each other. Next, as shown at time _t 3 ~t ₄ in FIG. 24, a phase, b phase, the polarity of the voltage applied to the transparent electrode 65a~65c the c-phase "-", "-", "+", U phase,
When the polarity of the voltage applied to the V-phase and W-phase transparent electrodes 66a to 66c is switched to "+", "-", and "-", respectively, the electrodes 65a to 66c, the inner dimmer 16 and the outer dimmer 17 Coulomb force acts between the electric charges of the inner dimmer 1
6. The outer light control plate 17 moves in the directions indicated by arrows B2 and B1, respectively. Incidentally, as shown at time t ₄ ~t ₅ in FIG. 24, as in the fifth embodiment, the inner and outer dimming plate 1
When the electrodes 6 and 17 are not driven, the potentials of the a-phase to c-phase and U-phase to W-phase transparent electrodes 65a to 66c become “0”.

Also in the sixth embodiment, the inner light control member 16
24 connecting the upper and lower ends of the outer light control member 17
Since A and 24B are wound around the rotating shafts 26A and 26B, these gravitational forces cancel each other, and as a result, the driving force is reduced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. First, the rotating body and the rotation follower connecting the light control plate are not limited to the combination of the rotating shaft and the belt, but may be the combination of the rotating shaft and the string member, or the combination of the sprocket or gear with the chain or the rubber rat. Further, the method of moving the light control plate is not limited to the method of the above-described embodiment, and may be any method as long as it makes a linear motion. Specifically, a linear actuator such as a linear stepping motor or a linear ultrasonic motor may be used. In addition, a mechanism that converts the rotational motion of a rack, a pinion, a crank, or the like into a linear motion can be used. Further, the configuration may be such that the driver manually moves one of the light control plates.

In the above embodiment, the light control plate is translated in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction. However, the light control position may be translated in the vertical direction.

Further, the light control member to be fixed is not limited to the movable light control member, and may be arranged outside the vehicle compartment or inside the vehicle compartment.

[0056]

As is apparent from the above description, the light control device of the present invention has a light control device in which a rotary follower connecting the upper and lower ends of two light control plates is wound around the rotary member. The gravity acting on the plate is canceled out, and as a result, the driving force for driving the light control plate can be reduced even when the number of light control plates is large. Therefore, with the light control device of the present invention, the maximum value of the light transmittance can be set large without increasing the driving force.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an automobile including a dimming device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a part of the main part of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the light control device as viewed from the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the light control device in a light-shielded state as viewed from the direction of arrow C.

6A is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light-transmitting state, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light-shielding state.

FIG. 7 is a front view showing a light control plate of the light control device of the second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a light transmitting state.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light control device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a light transmitting state as viewed from the direction of arrow C.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a light-shielded state as viewed from the direction of arrow C.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a light-shielded state.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light control device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a light transmitting state as viewed from the direction of arrow C.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a light-shielded state as viewed from the direction of arrow C.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a light-shielded state.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light control device according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a light-shielded state.

FIG. 19 is a partial plan view of the inner light control plate.

FIG. 20 is a partial plan view of the outer light control plate.

FIG. 21 is a graph showing a waveform of a voltage applied to a transparent electrode.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a light control device according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view showing a light-shielded state.

FIG. 24 is a graph showing a waveform of a voltage applied to a transparent electrode.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing an example of a conventional light control device.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing another example of the conventional light control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 light control device 11 automobile 12 rear window 16 inner light control plate 17 outer light control plate 21 light shielding unit 22 light transmission unit 24A, 24B, 46A, 46B, 48A, 48B belt 26A, 26B rotation axis 41 intermediate light control plate 47A 47B, 50A, 50B Main rotary shaft 52A, 52B Guide rotary shaft 56a, 56b, 58a, 58b, 65a, 65b, 66a,
66b transparent electrode

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A light control device for adjusting a light transmittance by adjusting a relative position of a plurality of light control plates that can move in parallel in a direction inclined with respect to a horizontal direction. A rotating body that is provided in the portion and that rotates about an axis that is orthogonal to the direction of movement of the light control plate and that is parallel to the surface of the light control plate; A light control device, comprising: a rotating follower that connects both ends thereof, is wound around the rotating body, and moves in the direction when the rotating body rotates. 2. The light control device according to claim 1, further comprising a light control plate that is arranged in parallel with the parallel-movable light control plate and is fixed. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the rotating shafts is driven to rotate by a DC motor.
Alternatively, the light control device according to claim 2. 4. A comb-shaped electrode is provided on the parallel-movable dimming plate or the fixed dimming plate, and the movable dimming plate is moved by Coulomb force acting on a voltage applied to the electrode. The dimmer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the dimmer is configured to be driven. 5. The light control plate according to claim 1, wherein the light control plate is provided with a light shielding portion that does not transmit light and a transparent light transmitting portion in a stripe shape. The light control device as described in the above. 6. The light control device according to claim 1, wherein the light control plate is provided with two types of polarization portions having different polarization directions alternately in a stripe shape. Light device.