WO2021045083A1 - Light modulating member - Google Patents

Light modulating member Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021045083A1
WO2021045083A1 PCT/JP2020/033224 JP2020033224W WO2021045083A1 WO 2021045083 A1 WO2021045083 A1 WO 2021045083A1 JP 2020033224 W JP2020033224 W JP 2020033224W WO 2021045083 A1 WO2021045083 A1 WO 2021045083A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
dimming
liquid crystal
light
state
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2020/033224
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
秀 森戸
啓介 三浦
Original Assignee
大日本印刷株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
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Publication date
Application filed by 大日本印刷株式会社 filed Critical 大日本印刷株式会社
Priority to JP2021543800A priority Critical patent/JPWO2021045083A1/ja
Publication of WO2021045083A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021045083A1/en

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1335—Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/1347—Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a dimming member.
  • an optical member capable of switching between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 is known.
  • the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 includes a unit that changes the light transmission state and a unit that changes the light scattering state. There is. As these units, a method using a liquid crystal can be considered. Such an optical member has a fast response to switching between a transparent state, an opaque state and a reflective state.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-211084 indicates that such an optical member is provided on a display surface of a display device.
  • the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 uses a unit that changes the light transmission state.
  • a unit that changes the light transmission state in order to switch between the transparent state, the opaque state, and the reflective state, in addition to the liquid crystal unit in which the optical member has a liquid crystal, two absorbent polarizing plates and one reflective polarizing plate are used. Will have more.
  • the liquid crystal unit in order to support the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal unit has a relatively thick transparent base material. That is, when the optical member described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 is used as the dimming member, the dimming member becomes thicker and therefore heavier.
  • the present invention has been made in consideration of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to lighten a dimming member capable of switching between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state.
  • the dimming member of the present invention A first dimming unit and a second dimming unit whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, respectively.
  • a half mirror arranged between the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is provided.
  • At least one of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit may have at least three haze values.
  • the maximum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is 80% or more.
  • the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit may be 15% or less.
  • the difference between the maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit may be 80% or more.
  • the transmittance of the half mirror is 20% or more and 80% or less.
  • the reflectance of the half mirror may be 20% or more and 80% or less.
  • the first dimming unit has a first liquid crystal unit and has a first liquid crystal unit.
  • the second dimming unit has a second liquid crystal unit and has a second liquid crystal unit. At least one of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit may include a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer.
  • the first dimming unit has a first liquid crystal unit and has a first liquid crystal unit.
  • the second dimming unit has a second liquid crystal unit and has a second liquid crystal unit. At least one of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit may contain a dichroic dye.
  • the dimming member capable of switching between the transparent state, the opaque state and the reflective state can be made lighter.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dimming member.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are not oriented.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid layer molecules are oriented.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are not oriented.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dimming member.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are not oriented.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which liquid crystal molecules are oriented.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member.
  • FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment.
  • the dimming member 10 is a plate-shaped member.
  • the dimming member 10 can switch between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state when observed from one side.
  • the transparent and opaque states may be adjusted automatically, for example, based on the brightness detected by the sensor.
  • the transparent state means a state in which the other side can be observed from one side through the dimming member 10.
  • the opaque state means a state in which the other side cannot be observed from one side via the dimming member 10. Therefore, the opaque state includes a state in which light is diffused and transmitted and a state in which light is blocked.
  • the reflection state means a state in which when the dimming member 10 is observed from one side, the other side is observed.
  • the dimming member 10 includes a first dimming unit 20, a second dimming unit 40, and a half mirror 15.
  • the half mirror 15 is arranged between the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40.
  • the haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted independently. By adjusting the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 to be high, the light incident on the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be transmitted while being diffused. Further, by adjusting the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 to be low, the light incident on the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted with almost no diffusion. be able to.
  • the haze value is expressed by the ratio of the diffusion transmittance to the total light transmittance of the target object, and means the diffusion rate of the light transmitted through the target object.
  • the total light transmittance is the ratio of the amount of light transmitted through the target object to the amount of light entering the target object.
  • the diffuse transmittance is the ratio of the amount of light that passes through the target object in a direction other than the straight direction, that is, the amount of light that is diffused and transmitted to the light that enters the target object.
  • the total light transmittance and the diffuse transmittance can be measured by a haze meter conforming to JIS K7361 (for example, manufactured by Murakami Color Technology Research Institute, product number: HM-150).
  • the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 80% or more at the maximum in order to block the outside light by the dimming member 10 at night. Further, it is more preferable that the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 85% or more in order to block the outside light by the dimming member 10 in the evening. .. Further, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 90% or more in order to sufficiently block the outside light by the dimming member 10 in the daytime. More preferred.
  • the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 By sufficiently increasing the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, it is possible to diffuse the light and make the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 opaque. Become. Further, in order to make the area within 1 m sufficiently visible through the dimming member 10, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 should be at least 15% or less. It is preferably adjustable. Further, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 10% or less so that the area within 5 m can be sufficiently visually recognized via the dimming member 10. Is more preferable.
  • the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 5% or less. preferable. By sufficiently lowering the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be made sufficiently transparent.
  • the maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may be the same or different.
  • the difference between the maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is set so that the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are clearly switched. It is preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 85% or more.
  • the maximum haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are states in which no voltage is applied.
  • the haze value in (0V state) is referred to as a haze value
  • the minimum haze value is a haze value in a state where a voltage of 50V is applied to a short AC wave having a duty ratio of 50% at 110Hz.
  • the maximum haze value of the second dimming unit 40 is 110 Hz
  • the maximum haze value is 50 V, which is a short AC wave having a duty ratio of 50%.
  • the haze value in the state where the voltage is applied, and the minimum haze value is the haze value in the state where no voltage is applied (0V state).
  • the first dimming unit 20 has a pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22, a pair of first electrodes 23 and 24, and a first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the first electrodes 23 and 24 are arranged between the pair of first transparent substrates 21 and 22.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 is arranged between the first electrodes 23 and 24.
  • the second dimming unit 40 has a pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42, a pair of second electrodes 43 and 44, and a second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the second electrodes 43 and 44 are arranged between the pair of second transparent substrates 41 and 42.
  • the second liquid crystal unit 50 is arranged between the second electrodes 43 and 44.
  • the thickness of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is, for example, 100 ⁇ m or more and 500 ⁇ m or less.
  • the pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22 are members that support each component of the first dimming unit 20. Further, the pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42 are members that support each component of the second dimming unit 40. As the materials of the pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42, it is preferable to use materials having flexibility and high visible light transmittance. Examples of the pair of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 include an acetyl cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN).
  • TAC triacetyl cellulose
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PEN polyethylene naphthalate
  • Polyester resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polymethylpentene, polyolefin resin such as EVA, vinyl resin such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, etc.
  • the pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42 may be thin-film glass.
  • the visible light transmittance of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 is preferably 90% or more.
  • At least one of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 is not limited to colorless and transparent, and may be colored and transparent.
  • a colored transparent layer (for example, a hard coat layer) (not shown) may be laminated on at least one of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42.
  • colored transparency means that the transmittance of light in a specific wavelength range is intentionally low, but the transmittance of visible light as a whole is high, specifically, that the wavelength is 380 nm to 780 nm. It means that the average transmittance is 50% or more, preferably 60% or more.
  • the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 preferably have a thickness of 30 ⁇ m or more and 250 ⁇ m or less in the case of polyethylene terephthalate, for example. With such a thickness, the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 having excellent strength and optical characteristics can be obtained.
  • Each of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 may be made of the same material and may be the same, or may be different from each other in at least one of the materials and the constitution. Good.
  • the first electrodes 23 and 24 are connected to a control device or the like to provide drive power and control signals to the first liquid crystal unit 30. Further, the second electrodes 43 and 44 are connected to a control device or the like to provide driving power and control signals to the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 are made of a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT). : It is preferably formed of a colored transparent conductor such as PSS).
  • the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 are substantially invisible from the outside, and the appearance of the dimming member 10 can be improved. Further, particularly when the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 are formed by PEDOT: PSS, the material forming the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 is the first transparent base material 21. , 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 can be applied to form the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44. That is, the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 can be easily manufactured.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 receive the liquid crystals of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 by applying a voltage via the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44.
  • the orientation can be changed.
  • the degree of diffusion of light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 can change depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal.
  • the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted by applying a voltage.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are, for example, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer (PDLC) having liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymers shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or FIGS. 4 and 4.
  • PDLC polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are not particularly limited, and either a normal type or a reverse type can be adopted.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may have the same configuration or may have different configurations from each other. That is, for example, at least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 may include a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer. At this time, the first liquid crystal unit 30 of the first dimming unit 20 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 of the second dimming unit 40 may both include the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, or the first dimming unit 20.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 of the above may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, and the second liquid crystal unit 50 of the second dimming unit 40 may include a polymer network type liquid crystal layer.
  • at least one of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may be able to adjust the haze value by other methods.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 including the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer and the first liquid crystal unit 30 including the polymer network type liquid crystal layer will be described, but the second liquid crystal unit 50 including the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer and the polymer
  • the second liquid crystal unit 50 including the network type liquid crystal layer can have the same configuration.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a normal type polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 includes a polymer 35 and a liquid crystal material 31.
  • the polymer 35 is made of a cured resin product.
  • the liquid crystal material 31 is arranged in the space formed in the polymer 35.
  • the space in which the liquid crystal material 31 is housed is dispersed in the polymer 35.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 32 are along the wall surface of the polymer 35 forming the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are not oriented.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule 32 in the lateral direction is different from the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is refracted by the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32. Since the interface between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 is irregularly formed, light is also refracted in an irregular direction. That is, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is diffused. In this way, in a state where no voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state and diffuses the transmitted light to make it opaque. On the other hand, in the state where the voltage shown in FIG.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 32 follow the direction of the electric field generated by the application of the voltage in the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are oriented.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 32 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 without being refracted and therefore diffused. In this way, in the state where the voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in the low haze state and becomes transparent.
  • the first dimming unit 20 can be adjusted to a state in which the haze value is high and a state in which the haze value is low.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a normal type polymer network type liquid crystal layer.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 includes a polymer network 36 and a liquid crystal material 31.
  • the polymer network 36 is made of a cured resin product.
  • the liquid crystal material 31 is arranged in the space formed in the polymer network 36.
  • the liquid crystal molecules 32 are along the wall surface of the polymer network 36 forming the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are not oriented.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule 32 in the lateral direction is different from the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31.
  • the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is refracted by the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32. Since the interface between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 is irregularly formed, light is also refracted in an irregular direction. That is, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is diffused. In this way, in a state where no voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state and diffuses the transmitted light to make it opaque. On the other hand, in the state where the voltage shown in FIG. 5 is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 32 follow the direction of the electric field generated by the application of the voltage in the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are oriented.
  • the refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 32 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 without being refracted and therefore diffused. In this way, in the state where the voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in the low haze state and becomes transparent. By applying such a voltage, the first dimming unit 20 can be adjusted to a state in which the haze value is high and a state in which the haze value is low.
  • a positive type liquid crystal molecule 32 is used in the normal type first liquid crystal unit 30 .
  • a negative type liquid crystal molecule 32 is used in the reverse type first liquid crystal unit 30, and the first is made of a pair of alignment films capable of exerting an orientation regulating force with respect to the liquid crystal molecule 32 and maintaining vertical orientation.
  • the liquid crystal unit 30 is sandwiched.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 preferably have a reflectance of 10% or less, and more preferably 8% or less in a state where the haze value is maximized.
  • the reflectance of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is the reflectance (SCI) including specular reflection and diffuse reflection.
  • the reflectance of the second dimming unit 40 can be measured by using, for example, a spectrocolorimeter / color difference meter (CM-700d manufactured by Konica Minolta).
  • the reflectance of the first dimming unit 20 and the reflectance of the second dimming unit 40 are obtained by coloring the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 in a state where the haze value is maximized. , Preferably black, so that it can be reduced.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be colored, for example, by having a colored transparent layer.
  • the colored transparent layer may be at least one of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42, or the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42. It may be a hard coat layer laminated on at least one of the above. Further, any of the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 may be colored and transparent.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 may contain the dichroic dye 33.
  • the dichroic dye 33 is arranged in the voids formed in the polymer 35 or inside the polymer network 36, similarly to the liquid crystal molecules 32. Like the liquid crystal molecule 32, the dichroic dye 33 follows the wall surface of the polymer 35 and the wall surface of the polymer network 36 in a state where no voltage is applied. At this time, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state and further exhibits the color of the dichroic dye 33.
  • the dichroic dye 33 can have various colors depending on the material thereof, but is preferably black.
  • the dichroic dye 33 follows the direction of the electric field generated by the application of the voltage. At this time, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a low haze state and does not exhibit the color of the dichroic dye 33. That is, the first liquid crystal unit 30 becomes transparent.
  • the total light transmittance of the first dimming unit 20 is in the state where the voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in the low haze state. It is preferably 70% or more, and the total light transmittance of the first dimming unit 20 is 50% or more in a state where no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in a high haze state. It is preferable to have.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 contains the dichroic dye 33
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a state where a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in a state where the haze is low and the dichroic dye 33 does not exhibit color.
  • the total light transmittance of the 1 dimming unit 20 is preferably 20% or more, and in a state where no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in a high haze state and the dichroic dye 33 colors. In the present state, the total light transmittance of the first dimming unit 20 is preferably 10% or more.
  • the dichroic dye may be contained in both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, or may be contained in only one of them. That is, at least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 may contain a dichroic dye.
  • the half mirror 15 transmits a part of the incident light and reflects the other part.
  • the half mirror 15 transmits about half of the incident light and reflects about half of the light, especially specular reflection.
  • the transmittance of the half mirror 15 is 20% or more and 80% or less in order to ensure visibility through the dimming member 10.
  • the transmittance of the half mirror 15 is preferably 40% or more and 60% or less in order to improve visibility through the dimming member 10.
  • the reflectance of the half mirror 15 is 20% or more and 80% or less in order to ensure the visibility of the light reflected by the dimming member 10.
  • the reflectance of the half mirror 15 is preferably 40% or more and 60% or less in order to improve the visibility of the light reflected by the dimming member 10. Since the half mirror 15 is arranged between the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, a part of the light incident from the side of the first dimming unit 20 is collected from the second dimming unit 40. It is transmitted to the side and the other part of the light is reflected to the side of the first dimming unit 20. Similarly, the half mirror 15 transmits a part of the light incident from the side of the second dimming unit 40 to the side of the first dimming unit 20, and the other part of the light is transmitted to the second dimming unit 40. Reflect on the side of.
  • the half mirror 15 is a thin film member.
  • the half mirror 15 includes, for example, a member provided with a metal vapor deposition film containing silver, aluminum, tin, indium, chromium, gold, etc. on a transparent substrate, zinc sulfide, cerium oxide (IV), titanium oxide (IV), and the like. It is composed of a member in which a non-metal vapor deposition film is provided on a transparent base material, or a material in which a plurality of layers of materials having different refractive indexes are laminated and subjected to interference reflection.
  • the thickness of such a half mirror 15 is, for example, 10 ⁇ m or more and 500 ⁇ m or less.
  • the thickness of the vapor-deposited film is, for example, 0.01 ⁇ m or more and 0.1 ⁇ m or less.
  • a transparent layer (not shown) may be laminated on the half mirror 15.
  • the transparent layer include a resin layer made of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, or the like, a non-metallic substance such as silicon dioxide, or the like.
  • FIGS. 6 to 9 the arrows indicate the traveling directions of the light.
  • both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are in a high haze state.
  • the light L1 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 while being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • a part of the light L1 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L1 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L1 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40.
  • the light L1 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the light L1 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20.
  • the light L1 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L2 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 while being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • a part of the light L2 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L2 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L2 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L2 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L2 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L2 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the dimming member 10 when a voltage is not applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20, the dimming member 10 is transmitted. Since both the light to be emitted and the reflected light are diffused, the dimming member 10 is observed to be cloudy and opaque, and even if the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, the dimming member 10 is observed. Since both the transmitted light and the reflected light are diffused, it is understood that the dimming member 10 is observed to be cloudy and opaque.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a low haze state
  • the second liquid crystal unit 50 is in a high haze state.
  • the light L3 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 without being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • a part of the light L3 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L3 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L3 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40.
  • the light L3 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the light L3 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20.
  • the light L3 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L4 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 while being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • a part of the light L4 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L4 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L4 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L4 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L4 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L4 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the dimming member 10 when a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and no voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal unit 50, when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20, it is adjusted. Since the light transmitted through the light member 10 is diffused and the reflected light is not diffused, the dimming member 10 is observed as a reflecting surface that reflects the light, and when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, Since both the light transmitted through the dimming member 10 and the reflected light are diffused, it is understood that the dimming member 10 is clouded and observed opaquely. In the observation from the side of the second dimming unit 40 of the dimming member 10, it can be observed brighter than the case where no voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state
  • the second liquid crystal unit 50 is in a low haze state.
  • the light L5 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 while being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • a part of the light L5 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L5 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L5 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40.
  • the light L5 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the light L5 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20.
  • the light L5 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L6 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 without being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • a part of the light L6 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L6 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L6 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L6 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L6 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L6 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20. Since both the light transmitted through the dimming member 10 and the reflected light are diffused, the dimming member 10 is observed to be cloudy and opaque, and when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, it is adjusted. It is understood that the dimming member 10 is observed as a reflecting surface that reflects light because the light transmitted through the light member 10 is diffused and the reflected light is not diffused. In the observation from the side of the first dimming unit 20 of the dimming member 10, it can be observed brighter than the case where no voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are in a low haze state.
  • the light L7 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 without being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • a part of the light L7 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L7 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L7 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40.
  • the light L7 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the light L7 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20.
  • the light L7 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L8 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 without being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • a part of the light L8 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L8 is reflected by the half mirror 15.
  • the light L8 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L8 passes through the first dimming unit 20 and is emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
  • the light L8 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L8 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
  • the dimming member 10 when a voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20, the dimming member 10 is light. As a reflecting surface that reflects light and is transparently observed through light, even if the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, the dimming member 10 is both as a reflecting surface that reflects light and light. It is understood that the light is transparently observed.
  • the state observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20 and the state observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40 can be controlled as shown in Table 1 below.
  • the dimming member 10 depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, the dimming member 10 can be seen from both sides of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40. In observation, it is transparent and can be switched between a reflective state, an opaque state and a reflective state.
  • the dimming member 10 When observing the bright side from the dark side through the dimming member 10 in the transparent and reflective state, the reflected light is hardly observed because the transmitted light is stronger than the reflected light. Therefore, the dimming member 10 is observed transparently. Further, when observing the bright side from the dark side through the dimming member 10 in the reflected state, the reflected light is hardly observed because the light transmitted while being diffused is stronger than the reflected light. Therefore, the dimming member 10 is observed opaquely when observed from the dark side. On the other hand, when observing the dark side from the bright side through the dimming member 10 in the transparent and reflective state, the reflected light is stronger than the transmitted light, so that the transmitted light is hardly observed. Therefore, the dimming member 10 is reflected and observed. For this reason, the dimming member 10 can be switched between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state depending on the installation position and the like.
  • the dimming member becomes thicker and therefore heavier.
  • the plate-shaped dimming member can be installed upright in the vertical direction.
  • the dimming member when used, for example, as a sun visor for an automobile, the dimming member can be vertically installed. In such a case, if the dimming member is heavy, it is difficult to stably install the dimming member. Therefore, it is desired to make the dimming member lighter.
  • the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment includes a first dimming unit 20 and a second dimming unit 40 whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, and a half mirror 15.
  • a dimming member 10 can switch between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state when observed from both sides of the first dimming unit 20 side and the second dimming unit 40 side.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be used by being supported by a thin film-like base material.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be used with a thickness of 100 ⁇ m or more and 500 ⁇ m or less.
  • the half mirror 15 is a thin film member, and the thickness thereof can be 10 ⁇ m or more and 500 ⁇ m or less. Therefore, the entire dimming member 10 can be made thinner, and therefore the dimming member 10 can be made lighter.
  • the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment does not include a polarizing plate, particularly a reflective polarizing plate, unlike the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084. Since the polarizing plate, particularly the reflective polarizing plate, is expensive, the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment can be manufactured at a lower cost than the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084. ..
  • At least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 includes a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer.
  • a first liquid crystal unit 30 and a second liquid crystal unit 50 can easily adjust the haze value.
  • the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 including the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 can be easily thinned and can be manufactured at low cost.
  • the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 contains a dichroic dye 33.
  • the dichroic dye 33 when the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are in a high haze state, the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are colored in an arbitrary color, for example, black. can do. Therefore, since the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 contain the dichroic dye, the dimming member 10 is placed in a high haze state when the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are in a high haze state. It can be made inconspicuous. Alternatively, the dimming member 10 can be harmonized with the surrounding environment.
  • the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment has the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, and the first dimming unit 20 and the first dimming unit 20.
  • a half mirror 15 arranged between the two dimming units 40 is provided.
  • Such a dimming member 10 can switch between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state. Then, according to such a dimming member 10, the entire dimming member 10 can be made thinner, and therefore the dimming member 10 can be made lighter.
  • Such a dimming member 10 is applied to, for example, an opening such as a window of a moving body such as a building or an automobile, or a transparent portion such as a sun visor.
  • At least one of the haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the haze value of the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted so as to be in an intermediate state as well as a high state and a low state. May be good. That is, at least one of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may have at least three haze values.
  • the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 By setting the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 to an intermediate state, a part of the light incident on the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted, and the other one. The part can be diffused. Therefore, the dimming member 10 can be in a translucent and semi-opaque state.
  • Dimming member 15 Half mirror 20 1st dimming unit 30 1st liquid crystal unit 31 Liquid crystal material 32 Liquid crystal molecule 33 Dichroic dye 35 Polymer 36 Polymer network 40 2nd dimming unit 50 2nd liquid crystal unit

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Abstract

A light modulating member 10 comprises: a first light-modulating unit 20 and a second light-modulating unit 40 that can each adjust a haze value through the application of voltage; and a half mirror 15 that is disposed between the first light-modulating unit 20 and the second light modulating unit 40.

Description

調光部材Dimming member
　本発明は、調光部材に関する。 The present invention relates to a dimming member.
　従来、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示すような、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り替え可能な光学部材が知られている。透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り換えるために、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示す光学部材は、光の透過状態を変化させるユニットと、光の散乱状態を変化させるユニットと、を有している。これらのユニットとして、液晶を利用する方式が考えられる。このような光学部材は、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態との間の切り換えの応答が早い。特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報では、このような光学部材を表示装置の表示面に設けることが示されている。 Conventionally, an optical member capable of switching between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 is known. In order to switch between the transparent state, the opaque state and the reflective state, the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 includes a unit that changes the light transmission state and a unit that changes the light scattering state. There is. As these units, a method using a liquid crystal can be considered. Such an optical member has a fast response to switching between a transparent state, an opaque state and a reflective state. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-211084 indicates that such an optical member is provided on a display surface of a display device.
　一方、透明状態及び不透明状態を切り替え可能なだけでなく、反射状態にも切り換え可能な調光部材が求められている。特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示す光学部材を調光部材として利用することで、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り替え可能な調光部材を得ることができると考えられる。 On the other hand, there is a demand for a dimming member that can switch not only the transparent state and the opaque state but also the reflective state. By using the optical member shown in JP-A-2010-211084 as a dimming member, it is considered that a dimming member capable of switching between a transparent state, an opaque state and a reflective state can be obtained.
　ところで、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示された光学部材は、光の透過状態を変化させるユニットを用いている。光の透過状態を変化させるユニットを用いる場合、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り換えるために、光学部材が液晶を有する液晶ユニットの他に、２つの吸収型偏光板と１つの反射型偏光板をさらに有することになる。また、液晶を支持するために、液晶ユニットが比較的厚い透明基材を有することになる。すなわち、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に記載された光学部材を調光部材として用いる場合、調光部材が厚くなり、したがって重くなってしまう。 By the way, the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 uses a unit that changes the light transmission state. When a unit that changes the light transmission state is used, in order to switch between the transparent state, the opaque state, and the reflective state, in addition to the liquid crystal unit in which the optical member has a liquid crystal, two absorbent polarizing plates and one reflective polarizing plate are used. Will have more. Further, in order to support the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal unit has a relatively thick transparent base material. That is, when the optical member described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 is used as the dimming member, the dimming member becomes thicker and therefore heavier.
　本発明はこのような点を考慮してなされたものであり、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り換え可能な調光部材を軽くすることを目的とする。 The present invention has been made in consideration of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to lighten a dimming member capable of switching between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state.
　本発明の調光部材は、
　電圧の印加によりそれぞれヘイズ値を調節可能な第１調光ユニット及び第２調光ユニットと、
　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの間に配置されたハーフミラーと、を備える。 The dimming member of the present invention
A first dimming unit and a second dimming unit whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, respectively.
A half mirror arranged between the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is provided.
　本発明の調光部材において、前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの少なくとも一方は、少なくとも３つのヘイズ値をとることができてもよい。 In the dimming member of the present invention, at least one of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit may have at least three haze values.
　本発明の調光部材において、
　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの最大のヘイズ値は、８０％以上であり、
　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの最小のヘイズ値は、１５％以下であってもよい。 In the dimming member of the present invention
The maximum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is 80% or more.
The minimum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit may be 15% or less.
　本発明の調光部材において、前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの最大のヘイズ値と最小のヘイズ値との差は、８０％以上であってもよい。 In the dimming member of the present invention, the difference between the maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit may be 80% or more.
　本発明の調光部材において、
　前記ハーフミラーの透過率は、２０％以上８０％以下であり、
　前記ハーフミラーの反射率は、２０％以上８０％以下であってもよい。 In the dimming member of the present invention
The transmittance of the half mirror is 20% or more and 80% or less.
The reflectance of the half mirror may be 20% or more and 80% or less.
　本発明の調光部材において、
　前記第１調光ユニットは、第１液晶ユニットを有し、
　前記第２調光ユニットは、第２液晶ユニットを有し、
　前記第１液晶ユニット及び前記第２液晶ユニットの少なくとも一方は、高分子分散型液晶層または高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含んでいてもよい。 In the dimming member of the present invention
The first dimming unit has a first liquid crystal unit and has a first liquid crystal unit.
The second dimming unit has a second liquid crystal unit and has a second liquid crystal unit.
At least one of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit may include a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer.
　本発明の調光部材において、
　前記第１調光ユニットは、第１液晶ユニットを有し、
　前記第２調光ユニットは、第２液晶ユニットを有し、
　前記第１液晶ユニット及び前記第２液晶ユニットの少なくとも一方は、二色性色素を含んでいてもよい。 In the dimming member of the present invention
The first dimming unit has a first liquid crystal unit and has a first liquid crystal unit.
The second dimming unit has a second liquid crystal unit and has a second liquid crystal unit.
At least one of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit may contain a dichroic dye.
　本発明によれば、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り換え可能な調光部材を軽くすることができる。 According to the present invention, the dimming member capable of switching between the transparent state, the opaque state and the reflective state can be made lighter.
図１は、調光部材の断面図である。FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the dimming member. 図２は、第１調光ユニットの第１液晶ユニットの一例を説明するための図であって、液晶分子が配向していない状態を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are not oriented. 図３は、第１調光ユニットの第１液晶ユニットの一例を説明するための図であって、液層分子が配向した状態を示す図である。FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid layer molecules are oriented. 図４は、第１調光ユニットの第１液晶ユニットの他の例を説明するための図であって、液晶分子が配向していない状態を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid crystal molecules are not oriented. 図５は、第１調光ユニットの第１液晶ユニットの他の例を説明するための図であって、液晶分子が配向した状態を示す図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of the first liquid crystal unit of the first dimming unit, and is a diagram showing a state in which liquid crystal molecules are oriented. 図６は、調光部材の作用を説明するための図である。FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member. 図７は、調光部材の作用を説明するための図である。FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member. 図８は、調光部材の作用を説明するための図である。FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member. 図９は、調光部材の作用を説明するための図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the dimming member.
　以下、図面を参照して本発明の一実施の形態について説明する。なお、本件明細書に添付する図面においては、図示と理解のしやすさの便宜上、適宜縮尺および縦横の寸法比等を、実物の縮尺および寸法から変更し誇張してある。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to the present specification, the scale and the aspect ratio and the like are appropriately changed from the actual scale and dimensions and exaggerated for the convenience of illustration and comprehension.
　図１には、本実施の形態の調光部材１０の断面図が示されている。調光部材１０は、板状の部材である。調光部材１０は、一方の側からの観察において、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り換えることができる。透明状態及び不透明状態は、例えばセンサによって検出された明るさに基づいて、自動で調節されてもよい。なお、透明状態とは、調光部材１０を介して一方の側から他方の側を観察可能な状態のことをいう。また、不透明状態とは、調光部材１０を介して一方の側から他方の側を観察できない状態のことをいう。したがって、不透明状態には、光を拡散透過する状態や光を遮光する状態が含まれる。また、反射状態とは、調光部材１０を一方の側から観察した際に、当該一方の側が観察される状態のことをいう。図１に示すように、調光部材１０は、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０と、ハーフミラー１５と、を有している。ハーフミラー１５は、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の間に配置されている。 FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment. The dimming member 10 is a plate-shaped member. The dimming member 10 can switch between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state when observed from one side. The transparent and opaque states may be adjusted automatically, for example, based on the brightness detected by the sensor. The transparent state means a state in which the other side can be observed from one side through the dimming member 10. Further, the opaque state means a state in which the other side cannot be observed from one side via the dimming member 10. Therefore, the opaque state includes a state in which light is diffused and transmitted and a state in which light is blocked. Further, the reflection state means a state in which when the dimming member 10 is observed from one side, the other side is observed. As shown in FIG. 1, the dimming member 10 includes a first dimming unit 20, a second dimming unit 40, and a half mirror 15. The half mirror 15 is arranged between the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40.
　第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、それぞれ独立にヘイズ値を調節することが可能となっている。第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値を高く調節することで、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０に入射した光を拡散させながら透過させることができる。また、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値を低く調節することで、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０に入射した光をほとんど拡散させずに透過させることができる。ここで、ヘイズ値は、対象となる物体の全光線透過率に対する拡散透過率の比で表され、対象となる物体を透過する光の拡散率を意味する。なお、全光線透過率とは、対象となる物体へ入光する光の量に対する、対象となる物体を透過する光の量の割合である。拡散透過率とは、対象となる物体へ入光する光に対する、直進方向以外の方向に対象となる物体を透過する光の量、すなわち拡散されて透過する光の量の割合である。全光線透過率と拡散透過率は、ＪＩＳ　Ｋ　７３６１に準拠したヘイズメーター（例えば、村上色彩技術研究所製、製品番号：ＨＭ－１５０）によって測定することができる。 The haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted independently. By adjusting the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 to be high, the light incident on the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be transmitted while being diffused. Further, by adjusting the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 to be low, the light incident on the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted with almost no diffusion. be able to. Here, the haze value is expressed by the ratio of the diffusion transmittance to the total light transmittance of the target object, and means the diffusion rate of the light transmitted through the target object. The total light transmittance is the ratio of the amount of light transmitted through the target object to the amount of light entering the target object. The diffuse transmittance is the ratio of the amount of light that passes through the target object in a direction other than the straight direction, that is, the amount of light that is diffused and transmitted to the light that enters the target object. The total light transmittance and the diffuse transmittance can be measured by a haze meter conforming to JIS K7361 (for example, manufactured by Murakami Color Technology Research Institute, product number: HM-150).
　夜間時に外光を調光部材１０で遮光するために、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値は、最大で８０％以上となるように調節可能であることが好ましい。また、夕方時に外光を調光部材１０で遮光するために、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値は、８５％以上となるように調節可能であることがより好ましい。さらに、昼間時に外光を調光部材１０で十分に遮光するために、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値は、９０％以上となるように調節可能であることがさらに好ましい。第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値を十分に高くすることで、光を拡散させて第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０を不透明にすることが可能となる。また、調光部材１０を介して１ｍ以内の領域を十分に視認可能とするために、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値は、最小で１５％以下となるように調節可能であることが好ましい。また、調光部材１０を介して５ｍ以内の領域を十分に視認可能とするために、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値は、１０％以下となるように調節可能であることがより好ましい。さらに、調光部材１０を介した視認性を良好に保つために、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値は、５％以下となるように調節可能であることがさらに好ましい。第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値を十分に低くすることで、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０を十分に透明にすることが可能となる。なお、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の最大のヘイズ値及び最小のヘイズ値は、同一であってもよいし、異なっていてもよい。 It is preferable that the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 80% or more at the maximum in order to block the outside light by the dimming member 10 at night. Further, it is more preferable that the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 85% or more in order to block the outside light by the dimming member 10 in the evening. .. Further, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 90% or more in order to sufficiently block the outside light by the dimming member 10 in the daytime. More preferred. By sufficiently increasing the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, it is possible to diffuse the light and make the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 opaque. Become. Further, in order to make the area within 1 m sufficiently visible through the dimming member 10, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 should be at least 15% or less. It is preferably adjustable. Further, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 10% or less so that the area within 5 m can be sufficiently visually recognized via the dimming member 10. Is more preferable. Further, in order to maintain good visibility through the dimming member 10, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted to be 5% or less. preferable. By sufficiently lowering the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be made sufficiently transparent. The maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may be the same or different.
　また、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０においてヘイズ値が明確に切り替わるよう、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の最大ヘイズ値と最小ヘイズ値との差は、８０％以上であることが好ましく、８５％以上であることがより好ましい。 Further, the difference between the maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is set so that the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are clearly switched. It is preferably 80% or more, and more preferably 85% or more.
　ここで、後述する第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０がノーマル型である場合、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の最大ヘイズ値とは、電圧を印加していない状態（０Ｖの状態）におけるヘイズ値のことをいい、最小ヘイズ値とは、１１０Ｈｚ、Ｄｕｔｙ比５０％の短形波の交流波で５０Ｖの電圧を印加した状態におけるヘイズ値のことをいう。一方、後述する第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０がリバース型である場合、第２調光ユニット４０の最大ヘイズ値とは、１１０Ｈｚ、Ｄｕｔｙ比５０％の短形波の交流波で５０Ｖの電圧を印加した状態におけるヘイズ値のことをいい、最小ヘイズ値とは、電圧を印加していない状態（０Ｖの状態）におけるヘイズ値のことをいう。 Here, when the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, which will be described later, are normal types, the maximum haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are states in which no voltage is applied. The haze value in (0V state) is referred to as a haze value, and the minimum haze value is a haze value in a state where a voltage of 50V is applied to a short AC wave having a duty ratio of 50% at 110Hz. On the other hand, when the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, which will be described later, are of the reverse type, the maximum haze value of the second dimming unit 40 is 110 Hz, and the maximum haze value is 50 V, which is a short AC wave having a duty ratio of 50%. The haze value in the state where the voltage is applied, and the minimum haze value is the haze value in the state where no voltage is applied (0V state).
　図１に示すように、第１調光ユニット２０は、一対の第１透明基材２１，２２と、一対の第１電極２３，２４と、第１液晶ユニット３０を有している。第１電極２３，２４は、一対の第１透明基材２１，２２の間に配置されている。第１液晶ユニット３０は、第１電極２３，２４の間に配置されている。第２調光ユニット４０は、一対の第２透明基材４１，４２と、一対の第２電極４３，４４と、第２液晶ユニット５０を有している。第２電極４３，４４は、一対の第２透明基材４１，４２の間に配置されている。第２液晶ユニット５０は、第２電極４３，４４の間に配置されている。このような第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の厚さは、例えば１００μｍ以上５００μｍ以下である。 As shown in FIG. 1, the first dimming unit 20 has a pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22, a pair of first electrodes 23 and 24, and a first liquid crystal unit 30. The first electrodes 23 and 24 are arranged between the pair of first transparent substrates 21 and 22. The first liquid crystal unit 30 is arranged between the first electrodes 23 and 24. The second dimming unit 40 has a pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42, a pair of second electrodes 43 and 44, and a second liquid crystal unit 50. The second electrodes 43 and 44 are arranged between the pair of second transparent substrates 41 and 42. The second liquid crystal unit 50 is arranged between the second electrodes 43 and 44. The thickness of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is, for example, 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less.
　一対の第１透明基材２１，２２は、第１調光ユニット２０が有する各構成要素を支持する部材である。また、一対の第２透明基材４１，４２は、第２調光ユニット４０が有する各構成要素を支持する部材である。一対の第１透明基材２１，２２及び一対の第２透明基材４１，４２の材料は、可撓性を有し、可視光透過率が高いものを用いることが好ましい。このような一対の第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２としては、トリアセチルセルロース（ＴＡＣ）等のアセチルセルロース系樹脂、ポリエチレンテレフタレート（ＰＥＴ）、ポリエチレンナフタレート（ＰＥＮ）等のポリエステル系樹脂、ポリエチレン（ＰＥ）、ポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）、ポリスチレン、ポリメチルペンテン、ＥＶＡ等のポリオレフィン系樹脂、ポリ塩化ビニル、ポリ塩化ビニリデン等のビニル系樹脂、アクリル系樹脂、ポリウレタン系樹脂、ポリサルホン（ＰＥＦ）、ポリエーテルサルホン（ＰＥＳ）、ポリカーボネート（ＰＣ）、ポリスルホン、ポリエーテル（ＰＥ）、ポリエーテルケトン（ＰＥＫ）、（メタ）アクロニトリル、シクロオレフィンポリマー（ＣＯＰ）、シクロオレフィンコポリマー等の樹脂を例示することができ、特に、ポリカーボネート、シクロオレフィンポリマー、ポリエチレンテレフタレート等の樹脂が好ましい。しかしながら、一対の第１透明基材２１，２２及び一対の第２透明基材４１，４２は、薄膜状のガラスであってもよい。第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２の可視光透過率は９０％以上であることが好ましい。なお、第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２の少なくともいずれかは、無色透明に限らず、着色透明であってもよい。あるいは、第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２の少なくともいずれかに、図示しない着色透明な層、例えばハードコート層が積層されていてもよい。ここで、着色透明とは、特定の波長域の光の透過率が意図的に低くなっているが、可視光全体としての透過率は高くなっていること、具体的には波長３８０ｎｍ～７８０ｎｍの透過率の平均が５０％以上、好ましくは６０％以上となっていることをいう。また、第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２は、例えばポリエチレンテレフタレートの場合、３０μｍ以上２５０μｍ以下の厚みを有していることが好ましい。このような厚みであると、強度及び光学特性に優れた第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２を得ることができる。第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２のそれぞれは、同一の材料で同一に構成されていてもよいし、或いは、材料および構成の少なくとも一方において互いに異なるようにしてもよい。 The pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22 are members that support each component of the first dimming unit 20. Further, the pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42 are members that support each component of the second dimming unit 40. As the materials of the pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42, it is preferable to use materials having flexibility and high visible light transmittance. Examples of the pair of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 include an acetyl cellulose resin such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Polyester resin such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polymethylpentene, polyolefin resin such as EVA, vinyl resin such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, etc. Polysulfone (PEF), polyether sulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polysulfone, polyether (PE), polyether ketone (PEK), (meth) acronitrile, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer, etc. Can be exemplified, and in particular, resins such as polycarbonate, cycloolefin polymer, and polyethylene terephthalate are preferable. However, the pair of first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the pair of second transparent base materials 41 and 42 may be thin-film glass. The visible light transmittance of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 is preferably 90% or more. At least one of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 is not limited to colorless and transparent, and may be colored and transparent. Alternatively, a colored transparent layer (for example, a hard coat layer) (not shown) may be laminated on at least one of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42. Here, colored transparency means that the transmittance of light in a specific wavelength range is intentionally low, but the transmittance of visible light as a whole is high, specifically, that the wavelength is 380 nm to 780 nm. It means that the average transmittance is 50% or more, preferably 60% or more. Further, the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 preferably have a thickness of 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less in the case of polyethylene terephthalate, for example. With such a thickness, the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 having excellent strength and optical characteristics can be obtained. Each of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 may be made of the same material and may be the same, or may be different from each other in at least one of the materials and the constitution. Good.
　第１電極２３，２４は、制御装置等に接続され、駆動電力や制御信号を第１液晶ユニット３０に提供する。また、第２電極４３，４４は、制御装置等に接続され、駆動電力や制御信号を第２液晶ユニット５０に提供する。第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４は、例えば酸化インジウムスズ（ＩＴＯ）等の透明な導電体や、ポリ（３，４－エチレンジオキシチオフェン）：ポリ（スチレンスルホン酸）（ＰＥＤＯＴ：ＰＳＳ）等の着色透明な導電体によって形成されることが好ましい。この場合、外部から第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４が実質的に視認されなくなり、調光部材１０の外観を向上させることができる。また、特に第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４がＰＥＤＯＴ：ＰＳＳによって形成される場合、第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４を形成する材料を第１透明基材２１，２２や第２透明基材４１，４２に塗布することによって第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４を形成することができる。すなわち、第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４を容易に作製することができる。 The first electrodes 23 and 24 are connected to a control device or the like to provide drive power and control signals to the first liquid crystal unit 30. Further, the second electrodes 43 and 44 are connected to a control device or the like to provide driving power and control signals to the second liquid crystal unit 50. The first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 are made of a transparent conductor such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT). : It is preferably formed of a colored transparent conductor such as PSS). In this case, the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 are substantially invisible from the outside, and the appearance of the dimming member 10 can be improved. Further, particularly when the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 are formed by PEDOT: PSS, the material forming the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 is the first transparent base material 21. , 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42 can be applied to form the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44. That is, the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 can be easily manufactured.
　第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４を介した電圧の印加によって、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の液晶の向きを変化させることができる。液晶の向きによって、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０を透過する光の拡散の度合いが変化し得る。これにより、電圧の印加によって、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値を調節することができる。第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０は、例えば、図２及び図３に示されたポリマー中に分散配置される液晶分子を有する高分子分散型液晶層（ＰＤＬＣ）、または図４及び図５に示された三次元の網目状に形成された樹脂からなるポリマーネットワークの内部に形成された空隙内に配置される液晶分子を有する高分子ネットワーク型液晶層（ＰＮＬＣ）を含んでいる。また、高分子分散型液晶層や高分子ネットワーク型液晶層には、電圧を印加していない状態でヘイズ値が低くなるノーマル型と、電圧を印加している状態でヘイズ値が低くなるリバース型がある。そして、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０は、特に限定されることなく、ノーマル型およびリバース型のいずれも採用することができる。 The first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 receive the liquid crystals of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 by applying a voltage via the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44. The orientation can be changed. The degree of diffusion of light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 can change depending on the orientation of the liquid crystal. As a result, the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted by applying a voltage. The first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are, for example, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer (PDLC) having liquid crystal molecules dispersed in the polymers shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, or FIGS. 4 and 4. It contains a polymer network type liquid crystal layer (PNLC) having liquid crystal molecules arranged in voids formed inside a polymer network made of a resin formed in a three-dimensional network shown in 5. In addition, the polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer and the polymer network type liquid crystal layer have a normal type in which the haze value is low when no voltage is applied and a reverse type in which the haze value is low when a voltage is applied. There is. The first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are not particularly limited, and either a normal type or a reverse type can be adopted.
　なお、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、同一に構成されていてもよいし、互いに異なる構成であってもよい。すなわち、例えば第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の少なくとも一方が、高分子分散型液晶層または高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含んでいてもよい。このとき、第１調光ユニット２０の第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２調光ユニット４０の第２液晶ユニット５０が共に高分子分散型液晶層を含んでいてもよいし、第１調光ユニット２０の第１液晶ユニット３０が高分子分散型液晶層を含んでおり、第２調光ユニット４０の第２液晶ユニット５０が高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含んでいてもよい。あるいは、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の少なくとも一方が、他の方法によりヘイズ値を調節可能であってもよい。 The first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may have the same configuration or may have different configurations from each other. That is, for example, at least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 may include a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer. At this time, the first liquid crystal unit 30 of the first dimming unit 20 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 of the second dimming unit 40 may both include the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, or the first dimming unit 20. The first liquid crystal unit 30 of the above may include a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer, and the second liquid crystal unit 50 of the second dimming unit 40 may include a polymer network type liquid crystal layer. Alternatively, at least one of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may be able to adjust the haze value by other methods.
　以下、高分子分散型液晶層を含む第１液晶ユニット３０及び高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含む第１液晶ユニット３０について説明するが、高分子分散型液晶層を含む第２液晶ユニット５０及び高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含む第２液晶ユニット５０も、同様の構成とすることができる。 Hereinafter, the first liquid crystal unit 30 including the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer and the first liquid crystal unit 30 including the polymer network type liquid crystal layer will be described, but the second liquid crystal unit 50 including the polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer and the polymer The second liquid crystal unit 50 including the network type liquid crystal layer can have the same configuration.
　図２及び図３に示された第１液晶ユニット３０は、ノーマル型の高分子分散型液晶層となっている。第１液晶ユニット３０は、ポリマー３５と、液晶材料３１と、を有している。ポリマー３５は、樹脂硬化物からなる。液晶材料３１は、ポリマー３５中に形成された空間内に配置されている。液晶材料３１が収容される空間は、ポリマー３５内に分散している。この例において、図２に示された電圧が印加されていない状態において、液晶分子３２は、液晶材料３１の収容空間を形成するポリマー３５の壁面に沿うようになる。すなわち、液晶分子３２は配向していない。液晶分子３２の短手方向の屈折率は、液晶材料３１の屈折率と異なっている。したがって、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する光は、液晶材料３１と液晶分子３２との屈折率差によって屈折する。液晶材料３１と液晶分子３２との界面が不規則に形成されるため、光も不規則な方向に屈折する。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する光は、拡散される。このように、電圧が印加されていない状態において、第１液晶ユニット３０は高ヘイズ状態となり、透過する光を拡散させて不透明にする。一方、図３に示された電圧が印加された状態において、液晶分子３２は、液晶材料３１の収容空間において電圧の印加によって生じた電場の方向に沿うようになる。すなわち、液晶分子３２は配向している。液晶分子３２の長手方向の屈折率は、液晶材料３１の屈折率と同一となっている。したがって、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する光は、屈折されることなく、したがって拡散されることなく、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する。このように、電圧が印加されている状態において、第１液晶ユニット３０は低ヘイズ状態となり、透明になる。このような電圧の印加により、第１調光ユニット２０をヘイズ値が高い状態及び低い状態に調節することができる。 The first liquid crystal unit 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a normal type polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal unit 30 includes a polymer 35 and a liquid crystal material 31. The polymer 35 is made of a cured resin product. The liquid crystal material 31 is arranged in the space formed in the polymer 35. The space in which the liquid crystal material 31 is housed is dispersed in the polymer 35. In this example, in the state where the voltage shown in FIG. 2 is not applied, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are along the wall surface of the polymer 35 forming the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are not oriented. The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule 32 in the lateral direction is different from the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is refracted by the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32. Since the interface between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 is irregularly formed, light is also refracted in an irregular direction. That is, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is diffused. In this way, in a state where no voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state and diffuses the transmitted light to make it opaque. On the other hand, in the state where the voltage shown in FIG. 3 is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 32 follow the direction of the electric field generated by the application of the voltage in the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are oriented. The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 32 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 without being refracted and therefore diffused. In this way, in the state where the voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in the low haze state and becomes transparent. By applying such a voltage, the first dimming unit 20 can be adjusted to a state in which the haze value is high and a state in which the haze value is low.
　図４及び図５に示された第１液晶ユニット３０は、ノーマル型の高分子ネットワーク型液晶層となっている。第１液晶ユニット３０は、ポリマーネットワーク３６と、液晶材料３１と、を有している。ポリマーネットワーク３６は、樹脂硬化物からなる。液晶材料３１は、ポリマーネットワーク３６中に形成された空間内に配置されている。この例において、図４に示された電圧が印加されていない状態において、液晶分子３２は、液晶材料３１の収容空間を形成するポリマーネットワーク３６の壁面に沿うようになる。すなわち、液晶分子３２は配向していない。液晶分子３２の短手方向の屈折率は、液晶材料３１の屈折率と異なっている。したがって、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する光は、液晶材料３１と液晶分子３２との屈折率差によって屈折する。液晶材料３１と液晶分子３２との界面が不規則に形成されるため、光も不規則な方向に屈折する。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する光は、拡散される。このように、電圧が印加されていない状態において、第１液晶ユニット３０は高ヘイズ状態となり、透過する光を拡散させて不透明にする。一方、図５に示された電圧が印加された状態において、液晶分子３２は、液晶材料３１の収容空間において電圧の印加によって生じた電場の方向に沿うようになる。すなわち、液晶分子３２は配向している。液晶分子３２の長手方向の屈折率は、液晶材料３１の屈折率と同一となっている。したがって、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する光は、屈折されることなく、したがって拡散されることなく、第１液晶ユニット３０を透過する。このように、電圧が印加されている状態において、第１液晶ユニット３０は低ヘイズ状態となり、透明になる。このような電圧の印加により、第１調光ユニット２０をヘイズ値が高い状態及び低い状態に調節することができる。 The first liquid crystal unit 30 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is a normal type polymer network type liquid crystal layer. The first liquid crystal unit 30 includes a polymer network 36 and a liquid crystal material 31. The polymer network 36 is made of a cured resin product. The liquid crystal material 31 is arranged in the space formed in the polymer network 36. In this example, in the state where the voltage shown in FIG. 4 is not applied, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are along the wall surface of the polymer network 36 forming the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are not oriented. The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecule 32 in the lateral direction is different from the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is refracted by the difference in refractive index between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32. Since the interface between the liquid crystal material 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 is irregularly formed, light is also refracted in an irregular direction. That is, the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit 30 is diffused. In this way, in a state where no voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state and diffuses the transmitted light to make it opaque. On the other hand, in the state where the voltage shown in FIG. 5 is applied, the liquid crystal molecules 32 follow the direction of the electric field generated by the application of the voltage in the accommodation space of the liquid crystal material 31. That is, the liquid crystal molecules 32 are oriented. The refractive index of the liquid crystal molecules 32 in the longitudinal direction is the same as the refractive index of the liquid crystal material 31. Therefore, the light that passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 passes through the first liquid crystal unit 30 without being refracted and therefore diffused. In this way, in the state where the voltage is applied, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in the low haze state and becomes transparent. By applying such a voltage, the first dimming unit 20 can be adjusted to a state in which the haze value is high and a state in which the haze value is low.
　なお、ノーマル型の第１液晶ユニット３０では、ポジ型の液晶分子３２が用いられる。一方、リバース型の第１液晶ユニット３０では、ネガ型の液晶分子３２が用いられ、且つ、液晶分子３２に対して配向規制力を発揮して垂直配向に維持し得る一対の配向膜によって第１液晶ユニット３０が挟まれる。 In the normal type first liquid crystal unit 30, a positive type liquid crystal molecule 32 is used. On the other hand, in the reverse type first liquid crystal unit 30, a negative type liquid crystal molecule 32 is used, and the first is made of a pair of alignment films capable of exerting an orientation regulating force with respect to the liquid crystal molecule 32 and maintaining vertical orientation. The liquid crystal unit 30 is sandwiched.
　第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、ヘイズ値が最大にされた状態で反射率が１０％以下であることが好ましく、８％以下であることがより好ましい。ここで、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の反射率とは、正反射及び拡散反射を含む反射率（ＳＣＩ）である。第２調光ユニット４０の反射率は、例えば分光色計・色彩色差計（コニカミノルタ製　ＣＭ－７００ｄ）を用いることで測定することができる。 The first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 preferably have a reflectance of 10% or less, and more preferably 8% or less in a state where the haze value is maximized. Here, the reflectance of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is the reflectance (SCI) including specular reflection and diffuse reflection. The reflectance of the second dimming unit 40 can be measured by using, for example, a spectrocolorimeter / color difference meter (CM-700d manufactured by Konica Minolta).
　第１調光ユニット２０の反射率及び第２調光ユニット４０の反射率は、ヘイズ値が最大にされた状態で第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０が着色されていることで、好ましくは黒色となっていることで、低減することができる。第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、例えば着色透明層を有することで、着色され得る。着色透明層は、第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２の少なくともいずれかであってもよいし、第１透明基材２１，２２及び第２透明基材４１，４２の少なくともいずれかに積層されたハードコート層であってもよい。また、第１電極２３，２４及び第２電極４３，４４のいずれかが着色透明であってもよい。 The reflectance of the first dimming unit 20 and the reflectance of the second dimming unit 40 are obtained by coloring the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 in a state where the haze value is maximized. , Preferably black, so that it can be reduced. The first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be colored, for example, by having a colored transparent layer. The colored transparent layer may be at least one of the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42, or the first transparent base materials 21 and 22 and the second transparent base materials 41 and 42. It may be a hard coat layer laminated on at least one of the above. Further, any of the first electrodes 23 and 24 and the second electrodes 43 and 44 may be colored and transparent.
　あるいは、第１液晶ユニット３０は、二色性色素３３を含んでいてもよい。図２乃至図５に示された例では、二色性色素３３は、液晶分子３２と同様に、ポリマー３５中やポリマーネットワーク３６の内部に形成された空隙内に配置されている。二色性色素３３は、液晶分子３２と同様に、電圧が印加されていない状態において、ポリマー３５の壁面やポリマーネットワーク３６の壁面に沿うようになる。このとき、第１液晶ユニット３０は、高ヘイズ状態になり、さらに二色性色素３３が有する色を呈するようになる。二色性色素３３は、その材料によって様々な色を有することができるが、黒色であることが好ましい。一方、電圧が印加された状態において、二色性色素３３は、電圧の印加によって生じた電場の方向に沿うようになる。このとき、第１液晶ユニット３０は、低ヘイズ状態になり、且つ二色性色素３３が有する色を呈しない。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０は、透明になる。 Alternatively, the first liquid crystal unit 30 may contain the dichroic dye 33. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the dichroic dye 33 is arranged in the voids formed in the polymer 35 or inside the polymer network 36, similarly to the liquid crystal molecules 32. Like the liquid crystal molecule 32, the dichroic dye 33 follows the wall surface of the polymer 35 and the wall surface of the polymer network 36 in a state where no voltage is applied. At this time, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state and further exhibits the color of the dichroic dye 33. The dichroic dye 33 can have various colors depending on the material thereof, but is preferably black. On the other hand, in the state where the voltage is applied, the dichroic dye 33 follows the direction of the electric field generated by the application of the voltage. At this time, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a low haze state and does not exhibit the color of the dichroic dye 33. That is, the first liquid crystal unit 30 becomes transparent.
　第１液晶ユニット３０が二色性色素３３を含んでいない場合、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されている状態において、すなわち低ヘイズ状態において、第１調光ユニット２０の全光線透過率は７０％以上となっていることが好ましく、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されていない状態において、すなわち高ヘイズ状態において、第１調光ユニット２０の全光線透過率は５０％以上となっていることが好ましい。第１液晶ユニット３０が二色性色素３３を含んでいる場合、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されている状態において、すなわち低ヘイズ且つ二色性色素３３が色を呈しない状態において、第１調光ユニット２０の全光線透過率は２０％以上となっていることが好ましく、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されていない状態において、すなわち高ヘイズ状態且つ二色性色素３３が色を呈する状態において、第１調光ユニット２０の全光線透過率は１０％以上となっていることが好ましい。 When the first liquid crystal unit 30 does not contain the dichroic dye 33, the total light transmittance of the first dimming unit 20 is in the state where the voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in the low haze state. It is preferably 70% or more, and the total light transmittance of the first dimming unit 20 is 50% or more in a state where no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in a high haze state. It is preferable to have. When the first liquid crystal unit 30 contains the dichroic dye 33, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a state where a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in a state where the haze is low and the dichroic dye 33 does not exhibit color. The total light transmittance of the 1 dimming unit 20 is preferably 20% or more, and in a state where no voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30, that is, in a high haze state and the dichroic dye 33 colors. In the present state, the total light transmittance of the first dimming unit 20 is preferably 10% or more.
　なお、二色性色素は、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に含まれていてもよいし、一方のみに含まれていてもよい。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の少なくとも一方が、二色性色素を含むようにしてもよい。 The dichroic dye may be contained in both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, or may be contained in only one of them. That is, at least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 may contain a dichroic dye.
　ハーフミラー１５は、入射した光の一部を透過し、他の一部を反射する。とりわけ、ハーフミラー１５は、入射した光のおよそ半分の光を透過し、およそ半分の光を反射、とりわけ鏡面反射する。具体的には、調光部材１０を介した視認性を確保するため、ハーフミラー１５の透過率は、２０％以上８０％以下である。特に、調光部材１０を介した視認性を良好にするため、ハーフミラー１５の透過率は、好ましくは４０％以上６０％以下である。同様に、調光部材１０で反射した光の視認性を確保するため、ハーフミラー１５の反射率は、２０％以上８０％以下である。特に、調光部材１０で反射した光の視認性を良好にするため、ハーフミラー１５の反射率は、好ましくは４０％以上６０％以下である。ハーフミラー１５は、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の間に配置されているため、第１調光ユニット２０の側から入射した光の一部を第２調光ユニット４０の側に透過させ、且つ光の他の一部を第１調光ユニット２０の側に反射させる。同様に、ハーフミラー１５は、第２調光ユニット４０の側から入射した光の一部を第１調光ユニット２０の側に透過させ、且つ光の他の一部を第２調光ユニット４０の側に反射させる。ハーフミラー１５は、薄膜状の部材である。ハーフミラー１５は、例えば銀、アルミ、スズ、インジウム、クロム、金等を含む金属蒸着膜を透明基材上に設けた部材、硫化亜鉛、酸化セリウム（ＩＶ）、酸化チタン（ＩＶ）等を含む非金属蒸着膜を透明基材上に設けた部材、もしくは、屈折率の異なる材料を複数層積層して干渉反射させた材料からなる。このようなハーフミラー１５の厚さは、例えば１０μｍ以上５００μｍ以下である。また、透明基材上に金属や非金属を蒸着する場合、蒸着膜の厚さは、例えば０．０１μｍ以上０．１μｍ以下である。 The half mirror 15 transmits a part of the incident light and reflects the other part. In particular, the half mirror 15 transmits about half of the incident light and reflects about half of the light, especially specular reflection. Specifically, the transmittance of the half mirror 15 is 20% or more and 80% or less in order to ensure visibility through the dimming member 10. In particular, the transmittance of the half mirror 15 is preferably 40% or more and 60% or less in order to improve visibility through the dimming member 10. Similarly, the reflectance of the half mirror 15 is 20% or more and 80% or less in order to ensure the visibility of the light reflected by the dimming member 10. In particular, the reflectance of the half mirror 15 is preferably 40% or more and 60% or less in order to improve the visibility of the light reflected by the dimming member 10. Since the half mirror 15 is arranged between the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, a part of the light incident from the side of the first dimming unit 20 is collected from the second dimming unit 40. It is transmitted to the side and the other part of the light is reflected to the side of the first dimming unit 20. Similarly, the half mirror 15 transmits a part of the light incident from the side of the second dimming unit 40 to the side of the first dimming unit 20, and the other part of the light is transmitted to the second dimming unit 40. Reflect on the side of. The half mirror 15 is a thin film member. The half mirror 15 includes, for example, a member provided with a metal vapor deposition film containing silver, aluminum, tin, indium, chromium, gold, etc. on a transparent substrate, zinc sulfide, cerium oxide (IV), titanium oxide (IV), and the like. It is composed of a member in which a non-metal vapor deposition film is provided on a transparent base material, or a material in which a plurality of layers of materials having different refractive indexes are laminated and subjected to interference reflection. The thickness of such a half mirror 15 is, for example, 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less. When a metal or non-metal is deposited on a transparent substrate, the thickness of the vapor-deposited film is, for example, 0.01 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less.
　ハーフミラー１５を保護するために、とりわけハーフミラー１５が傷つくことや酸化することを抑制するため、ハーフミラー１５に図示しない透明な層が積層されていてもよい。透明な層としては、例えばアクリル樹脂やウレタン樹脂等からなる樹脂層や、二酸化ケイ素等の非金属物質等を例示することができる。 In order to protect the half mirror 15, in particular to prevent the half mirror 15 from being damaged or oxidized, a transparent layer (not shown) may be laminated on the half mirror 15. Examples of the transparent layer include a resin layer made of an acrylic resin, a urethane resin, or the like, a non-metallic substance such as silicon dioxide, or the like.
　次に、調光部材１０の作用の一例について、図６乃至図９を参照しながら説明する。図６乃至図９において、矢印は光の進行方向を示している。 Next, an example of the operation of the dimming member 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. In FIGS. 6 to 9, the arrows indicate the traveling directions of the light.
　まず、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に電圧が印加されていない場合について、図６を参照しながら説明する。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０は、ともに高ヘイズ状態となっている。調光部材１０に第１調光ユニット２０の側から入射する光Ｌ１は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されながら、第１調光ユニット２０を透過する。第１調光ユニット２０を透過した光Ｌ１の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ１の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ１は、第２調光ユニット４０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ１は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されながら、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ１は、第１調光ユニット２０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ１は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されながら、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。 First, a case where no voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are in a high haze state. The light L1 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 while being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30. A part of the light L1 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L1 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L1 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L1 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50. On the other hand, the light L1 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L1 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
　調光部材１０に第２調光ユニット４０の側から入射する光Ｌ２は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されながら、第２調光ユニット４０を透過する。第２調光ユニット４０を透過した光Ｌ２の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ２の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ２は、第１調光ユニット２０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ２は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されながら、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ２は、第２調光ユニット４０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ２は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されながら、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。 The light L2 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 while being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50. A part of the light L2 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L2 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L2 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L2 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30. On the other hand, the light L2 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L2 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
　以上のことから、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に電圧が印加されていない場合、調光部材１０を第１調光ユニット２０の側から観察すると、調光部材１０を透過する光も反射する光も拡散されているため、調光部材１０は白濁して不透明に観察され、調光部材１０を第２調光ユニット４０の側から観察しても、調光部材１０を透過する光も反射する光も拡散されているため、調光部材１０は白濁して不透明に観察されることが理解される。 From the above, when a voltage is not applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20, the dimming member 10 is transmitted. Since both the light to be emitted and the reflected light are diffused, the dimming member 10 is observed to be cloudy and opaque, and even if the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, the dimming member 10 is observed. Since both the transmitted light and the reflected light are diffused, it is understood that the dimming member 10 is observed to be cloudy and opaque.
　次に、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されており、第２液晶ユニット５０に電圧が印加されていない場合について、図７を参照しながら説明する。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０は低ヘイズ状態となっており、第２液晶ユニット５０は高ヘイズ状態となっている。調光部材１０に第１調光ユニット２０の側から入射する光Ｌ３は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されることなく、第１調光ユニット２０を透過する。第１調光ユニット２０を透過した光Ｌ３の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ３の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ３は、第２調光ユニット４０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ３は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されながら、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ３は、第１調光ユニット２０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ３は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されることなく、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。 Next, a case where a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and no voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. That is, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a low haze state, and the second liquid crystal unit 50 is in a high haze state. The light L3 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 without being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30. A part of the light L3 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L3 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L3 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L3 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50. On the other hand, the light L3 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L3 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
　調光部材１０に第２調光ユニット４０の側から入射する光Ｌ４は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されながら、第２調光ユニット４０を透過する。第２調光ユニット４０を透過した光Ｌ４の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ４の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ４は、第１調光ユニット２０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ４は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されることなく、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ４は、第２調光ユニット４０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ４は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されながら、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。 The light L4 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 while being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50. A part of the light L4 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L4 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L4 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L4 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30. On the other hand, the light L4 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L4 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted while being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
　以上のことから、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されており、第２液晶ユニット５０に電圧が印加されていない場合、調光部材１０を第１調光ユニット２０の側から観察すると、調光部材１０を透過する光が拡散され且つ反射する光が拡散されないため、調光部材１０は光を反射する反射面として観察され、調光部材１０を第２調光ユニット４０の側から観察すると、調光部材１０を透過する光も反射する光も拡散されているため、調光部材１０は白濁して不透明に観察されることが理解される。なお、調光部材１０の第２調光ユニット４０の側からの観察では、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に電圧が印加されていない場合と比べて、明るく観察され得る。 From the above, when a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and no voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal unit 50, when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20, it is adjusted. Since the light transmitted through the light member 10 is diffused and the reflected light is not diffused, the dimming member 10 is observed as a reflecting surface that reflects the light, and when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, Since both the light transmitted through the dimming member 10 and the reflected light are diffused, it is understood that the dimming member 10 is clouded and observed opaquely. In the observation from the side of the second dimming unit 40 of the dimming member 10, it can be observed brighter than the case where no voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50.
　次に、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されておらず、第２液晶ユニット５０に電圧が印加されている場合について、図８を参照しながら説明する。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０は高ヘイズ状態となっており、第２液晶ユニット５０は低ヘイズ状態となっている。調光部材１０に第１調光ユニット２０の側から入射する光Ｌ５は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されながら、第１調光ユニット２０を透過する。第１調光ユニット２０を透過した光Ｌ５の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ５の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ５は、第２調光ユニット４０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ５は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されることなく、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ５は、第１調光ユニット２０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ５は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されながら、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。 Next, a case where a voltage is not applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and a voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the first liquid crystal unit 30 is in a high haze state, and the second liquid crystal unit 50 is in a low haze state. The light L5 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 while being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30. A part of the light L5 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L5 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L5 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L5 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50. On the other hand, the light L5 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L5 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
　調光部材１０に第２調光ユニット４０の側から入射する光Ｌ６は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されることなく、第２調光ユニット４０を透過する。第２調光ユニット４０を透過した光Ｌ６の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ６の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ６は、第１調光ユニット２０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ６は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されながら、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ６は、第２調光ユニット４０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ６は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されることなく、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。 The light L6 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 without being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50. A part of the light L6 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L6 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L6 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L6 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted while being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30. On the other hand, the light L6 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L6 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
　以上のことから、第１液晶ユニット３０に電圧が印加されておらず、第２液晶ユニット５０に電圧が印加されている場合、調光部材１０を第１調光ユニット２０の側から観察すると、調光部材１０を透過する光も反射する光も拡散されているため、調光部材１０は白濁して不透明に観察され、調光部材１０を第２調光ユニット４０の側から観察すると、調光部材１０を透過する光が拡散され且つ反射する光が拡散されないため、調光部材１０は光を反射する反射面として観察されることが理解される。なお、調光部材１０の第１調光ユニット２０の側からの観察では、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に電圧が印加されていない場合と比べて、明るく観察され得る。 From the above, when the voltage is not applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the voltage is applied to the second liquid crystal unit 50, the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20. Since both the light transmitted through the dimming member 10 and the reflected light are diffused, the dimming member 10 is observed to be cloudy and opaque, and when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, it is adjusted. It is understood that the dimming member 10 is observed as a reflecting surface that reflects light because the light transmitted through the light member 10 is diffused and the reflected light is not diffused. In the observation from the side of the first dimming unit 20 of the dimming member 10, it can be observed brighter than the case where no voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50.
　最後に、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に電圧が印加されている場合について、図９を参照しながら説明する。すなわち、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０は、ともに低ヘイズ状態となっている。調光部材１０に第１調光ユニット２０の側から入射する光Ｌ７は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されることなく、第１調光ユニット２０を透過する。第１調光ユニット２０を透過した光Ｌ７の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ７の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ７は、第２調光ユニット４０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ７は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されることなく、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ７は、第１調光ユニット２０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ７は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されることなく、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。 Finally, a case where a voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 will be described with reference to FIG. That is, both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 are in a low haze state. The light L7 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the first dimming unit 20 passes through the first dimming unit 20 without being diffused by the first liquid crystal unit 30. A part of the light L7 transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L7 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L7 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L7 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50. On the other hand, the light L7 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L7 is transmitted through the first dimming unit 20 and emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30.
　調光部材１０に第２調光ユニット４０の側から入射する光Ｌ８は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されることなく、第２調光ユニット４０を透過する。第２調光ユニット４０を透過した光Ｌ８の一部はハーフミラー１５を透過し、光Ｌ８の他の一部はハーフミラー１５で反射される。ハーフミラー１５を透過した光Ｌ８は、第１調光ユニット２０に入射する。その後、光Ｌ８は、第１液晶ユニット３０において拡散されることなく、第１調光ユニット２０を透過して出射する。一方、ハーフミラー１５で反射された光Ｌ８は、第２調光ユニット４０に再び入射する。その後、光Ｌ８は、第２液晶ユニット５０において拡散されることなく、第２調光ユニット４０を透過して出射する。 The light L8 incident on the dimming member 10 from the side of the second dimming unit 40 passes through the second dimming unit 40 without being diffused by the second liquid crystal unit 50. A part of the light L8 transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted through the half mirror 15, and the other part of the light L8 is reflected by the half mirror 15. The light L8 transmitted through the half mirror 15 is incident on the first dimming unit 20. After that, the light L8 passes through the first dimming unit 20 and is emitted without being diffused in the first liquid crystal unit 30. On the other hand, the light L8 reflected by the half mirror 15 re-enters the second dimming unit 40. After that, the light L8 is transmitted through the second dimming unit 40 and emitted without being diffused in the second liquid crystal unit 50.
　以上のことから、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の両方に電圧が印加されている場合、調光部材１０を第１調光ユニット２０の側から観察すると、調光部材１０は光を反射する反射面として且つ光を透過して透明に観察され、調光部材１０を第２調光ユニット４０の側から観察しても、調光部材１０は光を反射する反射面として且つ光を透過して透明に観察されることが理解される。 From the above, when a voltage is applied to both the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, when the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20, the dimming member 10 is light. As a reflecting surface that reflects light and is transparently observed through light, even if the dimming member 10 is observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40, the dimming member 10 is both as a reflecting surface that reflects light and light. It is understood that the light is transparently observed.
　以上のように、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０に電圧を印加することで、第１調光ユニット２０の側から観察した状態及び第２調光ユニット４０の側から観察した状態を、以下の表１のように制御することができる。 As described above, by applying a voltage to the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40, the state observed from the side of the first dimming unit 20 and the state observed from the side of the second dimming unit 40. The state can be controlled as shown in Table 1 below.
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
Figure JPOXMLDOC01-appb-T000001
　すなわち、この調光部材１０では、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０への電圧の印加の有無によって、第１調光ユニット２０の側及び第２調光ユニット４０の側の両側からの観察において、透明且つ反射状態、不透明状態及び反射状態が切り換え可能である。 That is, in the dimming member 10, depending on whether or not a voltage is applied to the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50, the dimming member 10 can be seen from both sides of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40. In observation, it is transparent and can be switched between a reflective state, an opaque state and a reflective state.
　なお、透明且つ反射状態において、調光部材１０を介して暗い側から明るい側を観察すると、透過する光が反射する光より強いため、反射する光はほとんど観察されない。したがって調光部材１０は透明に観察される。また、反射状態において、調光部材１０を介して暗い側から明るい側を観察すると、拡散されながら透過する光が反射する光より強いため、反射する光はほとんど観察されない。したがって調光部材１０は暗い側からの観察では、不透明に観察される。一方、透明且つ反射状態において、調光部材１０を介して明るい側から暗い側を観察すると、反射する光が透過する光より強いため、透過する光はほとんど観察されない。したがって調光部材１０は反射して観察される。このことから、調光部材１０は、設置される位置等により、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態が切り換え可能である。 When observing the bright side from the dark side through the dimming member 10 in the transparent and reflective state, the reflected light is hardly observed because the transmitted light is stronger than the reflected light. Therefore, the dimming member 10 is observed transparently. Further, when observing the bright side from the dark side through the dimming member 10 in the reflected state, the reflected light is hardly observed because the light transmitted while being diffused is stronger than the reflected light. Therefore, the dimming member 10 is observed opaquely when observed from the dark side. On the other hand, when observing the dark side from the bright side through the dimming member 10 in the transparent and reflective state, the reflected light is stronger than the transmitted light, so that the transmitted light is hardly observed. Therefore, the dimming member 10 is reflected and observed. For this reason, the dimming member 10 can be switched between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state depending on the installation position and the like.
　ところで、上述したように、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示された光学部材を調光部材とした場合、調光部材が厚くなり、したがって重くなってしまう。調光部材が例えば建物の窓部等に利用される場合、板状の調光部材は、鉛直方向に立てて設置され得る。あるいは、調光部材が例えば自動車のサンバイザとして利用される場合、調光部材は垂設され得る。このような場合、調光部材が重くなっていると、調光部材が安定して設置されにくい。したがって、調光部材を軽くすることが望まれる。 By the way, as described above, when the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084 is used as a dimming member, the dimming member becomes thicker and therefore heavier. When the dimming member is used for, for example, a window of a building, the plate-shaped dimming member can be installed upright in the vertical direction. Alternatively, when the dimming member is used, for example, as a sun visor for an automobile, the dimming member can be vertically installed. In such a case, if the dimming member is heavy, it is difficult to stably install the dimming member. Therefore, it is desired to make the dimming member lighter.
　一方、本実施の形態の調光部材１０は、電圧の印加によりそれぞれヘイズ値を調節可能な第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０と、ハーフミラー１５と、を備える。このような調光部材１０は、第１調光ユニット２０の側及び第２調光ユニット４０の側の両側からの観察において、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態が切り換え可能である。第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、フィルム状の薄い基材に支持されることで、使用することができる。具体的には、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、１００μｍ以上５００μｍ以下の厚さで使用することができる。さらに、ハーフミラー１５は、薄膜状の部材であり、その厚さを１０μｍ以上５００μｍ以下で使用することができる。このため、調光部材１０の全体を薄くすることができ、したがって調光部材１０を軽くすることができる。 On the other hand, the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment includes a first dimming unit 20 and a second dimming unit 40 whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, and a half mirror 15. Such a dimming member 10 can switch between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state when observed from both sides of the first dimming unit 20 side and the second dimming unit 40 side. The first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be used by being supported by a thin film-like base material. Specifically, the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 can be used with a thickness of 100 μm or more and 500 μm or less. Further, the half mirror 15 is a thin film member, and the thickness thereof can be 10 μm or more and 500 μm or less. Therefore, the entire dimming member 10 can be made thinner, and therefore the dimming member 10 can be made lighter.
　加えて、本実施の形態の調光部材１０は、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示された光学部材と異なり、偏光板、とりわけ反射型偏光板を含んでいない。偏光板、とりわけ反射型偏光板は高価であるため、本実施の形態の調光部材１０は、特開２０１０－２１１０８４号公報に示された光学部材と比較して、安価に製造することができる。 In addition, the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment does not include a polarizing plate, particularly a reflective polarizing plate, unlike the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084. Since the polarizing plate, particularly the reflective polarizing plate, is expensive, the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment can be manufactured at a lower cost than the optical member shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-211084. ..
　具体的には、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の少なくとも一方は、高分子分散型液晶層または高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含んでいる。このような第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０は、容易にヘイズ値を調節することができる。また、このような第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０を含む第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０は、容易に薄くすることができ、且つ安価に製造することができる。 Specifically, at least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 includes a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer. Such a first liquid crystal unit 30 and a second liquid crystal unit 50 can easily adjust the haze value. Further, the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 including the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 can be easily thinned and can be manufactured at low cost.
　さらに、第１液晶ユニット３０及び第２液晶ユニット５０の少なくとも一方は、二色性色素３３を含んでいる。二色性色素３３によれば、第１調光ユニット２０や第２調光ユニット４０が高ヘイズ状態において、第１調光ユニット２０や第２調光ユニット４０を任意の色、例えば黒色に着色することができる。このため、第１液晶ユニット３０や第２液晶ユニット５０が二色性色素を含んでいることで、第１調光ユニット２０や第２調光ユニット４０が高ヘイズ状態において、調光部材１０を目立ちにくくすることができる。あるいは、調光部材１０を周辺環境と調和させることができる。 Further, at least one of the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 contains a dichroic dye 33. According to the dichroic dye 33, when the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are in a high haze state, the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are colored in an arbitrary color, for example, black. can do. Therefore, since the first liquid crystal unit 30 and the second liquid crystal unit 50 contain the dichroic dye, the dimming member 10 is placed in a high haze state when the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 are in a high haze state. It can be made inconspicuous. Alternatively, the dimming member 10 can be harmonized with the surrounding environment.
　以上のように、本実施の形態の調光部材１０は、電圧の印加によりそれぞれヘイズ値を調節可能な第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０と、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の間に配置されたハーフミラー１５と、を備える。このような調光部材１０は、透明状態、不透明状態及び反射状態を切り換えることができる。そして、このような調光部材１０によれば、調光部材１０の全体を薄くすることができ、したがって調光部材１０を軽くすることができる。 As described above, the dimming member 10 of the present embodiment has the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, and the first dimming unit 20 and the first dimming unit 20. A half mirror 15 arranged between the two dimming units 40 is provided. Such a dimming member 10 can switch between a transparent state, an opaque state, and a reflective state. Then, according to such a dimming member 10, the entire dimming member 10 can be made thinner, and therefore the dimming member 10 can be made lighter.
　このような調光部材１０は、例えば、建築物や自動車等の移動体の窓部のような開口部や、サンバイザ等の透明部に適用される。 Such a dimming member 10 is applied to, for example, an opening such as a window of a moving body such as a building or an automobile, or a transparent portion such as a sun visor.
　なお、上述した実施の形態に対して、様々な変更を行うことが可能である。 It is possible to make various changes to the above-described embodiment.
　例えば、第１調光ユニット２０のヘイズ値及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値の少なくとも一方は、高い状態及び低い状態だけでなく、その中間状態をとることができるように調節可能であってもよい。すなわち、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０の少なくとも一方は、少なくとも３つのヘイズ値をとることができてもよい。第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０のヘイズ値を中間状態にすることで、第１調光ユニット２０及び第２調光ユニット４０に入射した光の一部を透過させ他の一部を拡散させることができる。このため、調光部材１０を半透明半不透明状態とすることができる。 For example, at least one of the haze value of the first dimming unit 20 and the haze value of the second dimming unit 40 can be adjusted so as to be in an intermediate state as well as a high state and a low state. May be good. That is, at least one of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 may have at least three haze values. By setting the haze values of the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 to an intermediate state, a part of the light incident on the first dimming unit 20 and the second dimming unit 40 is transmitted, and the other one. The part can be diffused. Therefore, the dimming member 10 can be in a translucent and semi-opaque state.
１０　　調光部材
１５　　ハーフミラー
２０　　第１調光ユニット
３０　　第１液晶ユニット
３１　　液晶材料
３２　　液晶分子
３３　　二色性色素
３５　　ポリマー
３６　　ポリマーネットワーク
４０　　第２調光ユニット
５０　　第２液晶ユニット 10 Dimming member 15 Half mirror 20 1st dimming unit 30 1st liquid crystal unit 31 Liquid crystal material 32 Liquid crystal molecule 33 Dichroic dye 35 Polymer 36 Polymer network 40 2nd dimming unit 50 2nd liquid crystal unit

Claims (7)

  1. 　電圧の印加によりそれぞれヘイズ値を調節可能な第１調光ユニット及び第２調光ユニットと、
    　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの間に配置されたハーフミラーと、を備える、調光部材。     A first dimming unit and a second dimming unit whose haze value can be adjusted by applying a voltage, respectively.
    A dimming member including a first dimming unit and a half mirror arranged between the second dimming units.
  2. 　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの少なくとも一方は、少なくとも３つのヘイズ値をとることができる、請求項１に記載の調光部材。 The dimming member according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit can take at least three haze values.
  3. 　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの最大のヘイズ値は、８０％以上であり、
    　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの最小のヘイズ値は、１５％以下である、請求項１または２に記載の調光部材。     The maximum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is 80% or more.
    The dimming member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is 15% or less.
  4. 　前記第１調光ユニット及び前記第２調光ユニットの最大のヘイズ値と最小のヘイズ値との差は、８０％以上である、請求項１乃至３のいずれか一項に記載の調光部材。 The dimming member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the difference between the maximum haze value and the minimum haze value of the first dimming unit and the second dimming unit is 80% or more. ..
  5. 　前記ハーフミラーの透過率は、２０％以上８０％以下であり、
    　前記ハーフミラーの反射率は、２０％以上８０％以下である、請求項１乃至４のいずれか一項に記載の調光部材。     The transmittance of the half mirror is 20% or more and 80% or less.
    The dimming member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reflectance of the half mirror is 20% or more and 80% or less.
  6. 　前記第１調光ユニットは、第１液晶ユニットを有し、
    　前記第２調光ユニットは、第２液晶ユニットを有し、
    　前記第１液晶ユニット及び前記第２液晶ユニットの少なくとも一方は、高分子分散型液晶層または高分子ネットワーク型液晶層を含んでいる、請求項１乃至５のいずれか一項に記載の調光部材。     The first dimming unit has a first liquid crystal unit and has a first liquid crystal unit.
    The second dimming unit has a second liquid crystal unit and has a second liquid crystal unit.
    The dimming member according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit includes a polymer dispersion type liquid crystal layer or a polymer network type liquid crystal layer. ..
  7. 　前記第１調光ユニットは、第１液晶ユニットを有し、
    　前記第２調光ユニットは、第２液晶ユニットを有し、
    　前記第１液晶ユニット及び前記第２液晶ユニットの少なくとも一方は、二色性色素を含んでいる、請求項１乃至６のいずれか一項に記載の調光部材。     The first dimming unit has a first liquid crystal unit and has a first liquid crystal unit.
    The second dimming unit has a second liquid crystal unit and has a second liquid crystal unit.
    The dimming member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the first liquid crystal unit and the second liquid crystal unit contains a dichroic dye.
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WO2023199915A1 (en) * 2022-04-11 2023-10-19 凸版印刷株式会社 Light control device
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