Laminated body, dimming device, dimming component, and vehicle

Abstract

A laminated body is provided that can not only control the amount of transmitted external light but also be used as a mirror. The laminated body 1 includes a first liquid crystal component (100), a reflective polarizing component (200), and a second liquid crystal component (300). The first liquid crystal component has a first liquid crystal unit whose orientation state changes and a first absorption polarizing component; the first liquid crystal unit can switch between a mode of shielding one polarized light in the incident light and transmitting the other polarized light, and a mode of shielding one polarized light in the incident light and converting the direction of the other polarized light so that it is transmitted, or a mode of directly transmitting the incident light and a mode of shielding one polarized light and transmitting the other polarized light. , or switching between a mode of blocking one polarized light in the incident light and allowing another polarized light to pass through, and a mode of transmitting one polarized light in the incident light and blocking the other polarized light; the reflective polarizing component allows light that has passed through the first liquid crystal component to be incident, and transmits one polarized light of the incident light and reflects the other polarized light; the second liquid crystal component has a second liquid crystal unit whose orientation state will change and a second absorptive polarizing component, and the second liquid crystal unit can switch between a mode of blocking polarized light and a mode of transmitting it when the reflective polarizing component allows the polarized light to pass through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminated body, a dimming device, a dimming member, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various light-adjusting laminates have been proposed, such as those used in electronic blinds attached to windows to control the transmission of outside light (Patent Documents 1 and 2). Among such laminates, one utilizes liquid crystals.

[0003] In a stacked structure using liquid crystals, the liquid crystals are first sandwiched between substrates provided with transparent electrodes to create a liquid crystal cell. Next, the liquid crystal cell is sandwiched between absorptive polarizing elements to form the stacked structure. The voltage applied between the transparent electrodes is then varied to change the orientation of the liquid crystals, and this variation is used to control the amount of external light transmitted.

[0004] [Prior art literature]

[0005] [Patent Document]

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 03-47392

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-184273 Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0009] Such a laminated body is more convenient because it can not only control the amount of transmitted light incident from one side but also be used as a so-called mirror to reflect light incident from the other side as needed.

[0010] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0011] The present invention provides the following solutions in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0012] (1) A laminated body comprising a first liquid crystal member, a reflective polarizing member, and a second liquid crystal member, the first liquid crystal member comprising a first liquid crystal unit whose orientation state changes in accordance with a first applied voltage, and a first absorptive polarizing member disposed outside the first liquid crystal unit, or the first liquid crystal member comprising a first liquid crystal unit whose orientation state changes in accordance with a first applied voltage and which functions as the first absorptive polarizing member; by controlling the first applied voltage, the first liquid crystal unit can switch between a mode of shielding one polarized light in incident light and transmitting the other polarized light, and a mode of shielding one polarized light in incident light and converting the direction of the other polarized light and transmitting it, or a mode of directly transmitting the incident light and a mode of shielding one polarized light and transmitting the other polarized light, or It is capable of switching between a mode of blocking one polarized light in the incident light and allowing another polarized light to pass through, and a mode of transmitting one polarized light in the incident light and blocking the other polarized light; the above-mentioned reflective polarizing component allows light that has passed through the above-mentioned first liquid crystal component to be incident, and transmits one polarized light of the incident light and reflects the other polarized light; the above-mentioned second liquid crystal component includes a second liquid crystal unit whose orientation state changes according to a second applied voltage, and a second absorptive polarizing component arranged on the outside of the second liquid crystal unit, or the above-mentioned second liquid crystal component includes a second liquid crystal unit whose orientation state changes according to the second applied voltage and has the function of the above-mentioned second absorptive polarizing component; when the above-mentioned reflective polarizing component transmits polarized light, the above-mentioned second liquid crystal unit can switch between a mode of blocking the above-mentioned polarized light and a mode of transmitting the above-mentioned polarized light by controlling the above-mentioned second applied voltage.

[0013] (2) A laminate according to (1), wherein no absorptive polarizing member is provided between the first liquid crystal cell and the reflective polarizing member.

[0014] (3) A laminated body, in (1) or (2), wherein the first liquid crystal component is provided with a first absorptive polarizing component on the outside of the first liquid crystal unit, and the second liquid crystal component is provided with a second absorptive polarizing component on the outside of the second liquid crystal unit, the first absorptive polarizing component is arranged on the surface of the first liquid crystal unit opposite to the reflective polarizing component, and the second absorptive polarizing component is arranged on the surface of the second liquid crystal unit opposite to the reflective polarizing component.

[0015] (4) A laminate according to (2) or (3), wherein the second liquid crystal member includes a third absorptive polarizing member disposed on the side of the reflective polarizing member, the third absorptive polarizing member transmitting light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member.

[0016] (5) A laminate according to (2) or (3), wherein no absorptive polarizing member is provided between the second liquid crystal cell and the reflective polarizing member.

[0017] (6) A laminate according to any one of (2) to (5), wherein the first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are driven by a vertical alignment method, a transverse electric field switching method, or a twisted nematic method.

[0018] (7) A laminate according to (1) or (2), wherein the second liquid crystal unit functions as the second absorption-type polarizing member, and the second liquid crystal unit includes a liquid crystal layer driven by a twisted nematic method and containing a dichroic dye.

[0019] (8) A laminated body, wherein in (7), the first liquid crystal unit is driven by a vertical alignment mode, a transverse electric field switching mode or a twisted nematic mode, and includes a first absorptive polarizing member on the side of the first liquid crystal unit opposite to the reflective polarizing member.

[0020] (9) A laminate according to (1) or (2), wherein the first liquid crystal unit functions as the first absorption-type polarizing member, and the first liquid crystal unit includes a liquid crystal layer driven by a perpendicular electric field method and containing a dichroic dye.

[0021] (10) A laminated body, wherein in (9), the second liquid crystal unit is driven by a vertical alignment method, a transverse electric field switching method or a twisted nematic method, and includes a second absorptive polarizing member on the surface opposite to the reflective polarizing member of the second liquid crystal unit.

[0022] (11) A laminated body, in (1) or (2), wherein the first liquid crystal unit functions as the first absorption-type polarizing member, and the first liquid crystal unit includes a liquid crystal layer driven by a transverse electric field switching method and containing a dichroic dye.

[0023] (12) A laminate according to (11), wherein the second liquid crystal unit functions as the second absorption-type polarizing member, and the second liquid crystal unit includes a liquid crystal layer driven by a transverse electric field switching method and containing a dichroic dye.

[0024] (13) A light control member comprising a transparent member and a laminated body according to any one of (1) to (12) disposed on the transparent member.

[0025] (14) A vehicle, wherein the laminate according to any one of (1) to (12) is arranged at a location where external light is incident.

[0026] (15) A stacked body comprising at least a reflective polarizing member and a first liquid crystal member, wherein the reflective polarizing member reflects a first polarized light in incident light and transmits a second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light, and the first liquid crystal member has a first liquid crystal unit whose orientation state changes according to an applied voltage; the stacked body is characterized in that, with respect to the first incident light incident from the reflective polarizing member side of the stacked body, the first polarized light in the first incident light is reflected, and the second polarized light in the first incident light is switched between light shielding and light transmission; with respect to the second incident light incident from the side of the stacked body opposite to the reflective polarizing member side, any one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light of the second incident light is shielded, and the other polarized light is switched at least between light shielding and light transmission.

[0027] (16) A laminated body characterized in that, in (15), it includes: a first absorptive polarizing member, which is arranged on the side of the first liquid crystal member opposite to the side of the reflective polarizing member; and a second absorptive polarizing member, which is arranged between the reflective polarizing member and the first liquid crystal member.

[0028] (17) A laminated body characterized in that, in (15), it includes an absorptive polarizing member that transmits the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member; and the first liquid crystal unit contains a dichroic pigment.

[0029] (18) A laminated body characterized in that, in (17), the first liquid crystal unit contains a chiral auxiliary agent.

[0030] (19) A laminated body characterized in that, in (17), the first liquid crystal unit is driven by a vertical electric field method.

[0031] (20) A laminated body characterized in that, in (17), the first liquid crystal unit is driven by a transverse electric field method.

[0032] (21) A laminate comprising at least a reflective polarizing member, a first liquid crystal member containing a dichroic dye and whose orientation state changes according to an applied voltage, and a second liquid crystal member containing a dichroic dye and whose orientation state changes according to an applied voltage; the laminate is characterized in that at least one of the first liquid crystal member and the second liquid crystal member has a transmission axis in the same direction as the transmission axis of the reflective polarizing member according to the applied voltage.

[0033] (22) A dimming device comprising the stacked body according to any one of (15) to (21) and a driving power source for applying a voltage to the stacked body.

[0034] (23) A dimming device, characterized in that, in (22), it includes a transparent substrate adhered to the above-mentioned laminate.

[0035] (24) A light-adjusting member comprising a transparent member and a laminate of any one of (15) to (20) arranged on the transparent member.

[0036] (25) A vehicle, wherein the dimming component of (24) is arranged at a location where external light is incident.

[0037] [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] The present invention can control the amount of transmitted light of light incident from one side and reflect light incident from the other side as needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal member 100 .

[0041] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the second liquid crystal member 300 .

[0042] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 8 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1E according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1F according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 10It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1G according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 11 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1H according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 12 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1J according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 13 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1K according to the eleventh embodiment.

[0052] Figure 14 This figure shows a case where the laminate 1K is used as a sun visor or the like attached to an upper portion of the vehicle interior side such as a windshield of a vehicle.

[0053] Figure 15 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal unit 400 .

[0054] Figure 16 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1M according to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0055] Figure 17 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1P according to the fifteenth embodiment.

[0056] Figure 18 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1S according to the eighteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] (First embodiment)

[0058] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminate 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the laminate 1 comprises a first liquid crystal element 100, a reflective polarizing element 200, and a second liquid crystal element 300, arranged in this order. The laminate 1 is attached to, for example, window glass, with the first liquid crystal element 100 facing the viewer. The second liquid crystal element 300 side of the laminate 1 is bonded to a transparent plate member such as window glass using an adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0059] The laminate 1 is a member capable of switching between transmitting, blocking, and reflecting incident light. As described above, the laminate 1 is disposed on a transparent member and is primarily used as a light-adjusting member. For example, the laminate 1 is used as a light-adjusting member by being affixed to a transparent member such as a transparent resin plate or glass using an adhesive or the like, or by being sandwiched between glass plates (transparent members) together with or in place of an intermediate material in laminated glass.

[0060] The laminate 1 (dimming member) is placed at locations where dimming is desired (locations where external light is incident, such as front, side, rear, and top windows) such as window panes or display cases of buildings, transparent partitions in houses, and windows of vehicles.

[0061] Furthermore, the laminated body 1 (light control member) may be used as a sun visor or the like attached to an upper portion of a vehicle windshield (a portion into which external light is incident) on the interior side of the vehicle.

[0062] (First Liquid Crystal Member)

[0063] Figure 2 1 is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal member 100 . The first liquid crystal member 100 includes a first liquid crystal cell 104 whose alignment state changes in response to a first applied voltage, and a first absorptive polarizing member 102 provided outside the first liquid crystal cell 104 .

[0064] (First Absorption-Type Polarizing Element)

[0065] The first absorptive polarizing element 102 is manufactured by impregnating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with iodine or the like, then stretching the resulting film to form an optically functional layer that fulfills the optical function of the first absorptive polarizing element 102. The optically functional layer is sandwiched between substrates made of a transparent film material such as TAC (triacetyl cellulose). The first absorptive polarizing element 102 is attached to the first liquid crystal cell 104 via an adhesive layer such as a transparent acrylic adhesive resin. While the first absorptive polarizing element 102 includes a retardation film 102A on the first liquid crystal cell 104 side for optical compensation, this film 102A can be omitted as needed.

[0066] (First Liquid Crystal Unit)

[0067] The first liquid crystal cell 104 includes a first stacked portion 105D and a second stacked portion 105U, both of which are thin films. The first stacked portion 105D and the second stacked portion 105U sandwich a first liquid crystal layer 108 .

[0068] (First laminated portion, second laminated portion)

[0069] The first stacked section 105D is formed by forming a transparent electrode 111, a spacer 112, and an alignment layer 113 on a transparent film substrate 106. The second stacked section 105U is formed by forming a transparent electrode 116 and an alignment layer 117 on a transparent film substrate 115.

[0070] (Base material)

[0071] Although various transparent film materials can be used for substrates 106 and 115, a film material with low optical anisotropy is preferably used. Although a 100 μm thick polycarbonate film is used for substrates 106 and 115 in this embodiment, films of various thicknesses can be used, and COP (cycloolefin polymer) films can also be used.

[0072] (Transparent electrode)

[0073] The transparent electrodes 111 and 116 can be made of various electrode materials applicable to such thin film materials. In the present embodiment, the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 are made of a transparent electrode material such as ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).

[0074] (Spacer)

[0075] The spacers 112 are used to define the thickness of the first liquid crystal layer 108 and are suitable for use with a wide variety of resin materials. In this embodiment, they are formed using a photoresist by applying the photoresist onto the substrate 106 on which the transparent electrode 111 is formed, exposing the photoresist, and developing the resulting material. The spacers 112 can also be provided in the second stacked portion 105U, or in both the second stacked portion 105U and the first stacked portion 105D. Furthermore, the spacers 112 can also be provided in the alignment layer 113. Furthermore, so-called beaded spacers can also be used as spacers.

[0076] (Orientation Layer)

[0077] The orientation layers 113 and 117 are formed by a photo-orientation layer. Although the photo-orientation material applicable to the photo-orientation layer can be widely applicable to various materials that can be applied to the photo-orientation method, in this embodiment, for example, a photo-dimerization type material is used. The photo-dimerization type material is disclosed in "M.Schadt, K.Schmitt, V.Kozinkov and V.Chigrinov: Jpn.J.Appl.Phys., 31, 2155 (1992)" and "M.Schadt, H.Seiberle and A.Schuster: Nature, 381, 212 (1996)". In addition, instead of making a photo-orientation layer, it is also possible to make an orientation layer by friction treatment, or to make an orientation layer by shaping a fine linear concave-convex shape.

[0078] (Liquid crystal layer)

[0079] The first liquid crystal layer 108 can be made of a wide variety of liquid crystal layer materials suitable for this type of liquid crystal component. Specifically, a liquid crystal material such as MLC2166 manufactured by Merck & Co., Ltd. can be used as the first liquid crystal layer 108. Furthermore, a sealing material 119 is disposed in the first liquid crystal cell 104 to surround the first liquid crystal layer 108. This sealing material 119 maintains the second stacked portion 105U and the first stacked portion 105D in a unified manner, preventing leakage of the liquid crystal material. Examples of the sealing material 119 include epoxy resins, ultraviolet-curable resins, and the like.

[0080] (Drive power supply)

[0081] A driving power source S1 applies a first applied voltage, a rectangular wave whose polarity switches at regular time intervals, between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 of the first liquid crystal element 100. When the first applied voltage is applied to the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 provided in the second stacked portion 105U and the first stacked portion 105D, an electric field is generated in the first liquid crystal layer 108. The electric field generated in the first liquid crystal layer 108 controls the alignment of the liquid crystal material provided in the first liquid crystal layer 108. This controls the light transmitted through the first liquid crystal element 100.

[0082] The VA (Vertical Alignment) method is used to control the alignment of the first liquid crystal layer 108 in the first liquid crystal element 100 of the first embodiment. In the VA method, when the amplitude of the driving power source S1 is 0V (the driving voltage is 0V), that is, when there is no electric field, the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 108 are vertically aligned, thereby blocking incident light and achieving a light-shielding state. Furthermore, when the amplitude of the driving power source S1 is increased to activate the driving voltage, the liquid crystal layer 108 is horizontally aligned, and the first liquid crystal element 100 transmits incident light.

[0083] However, instead of the VA method, various driving methods such as a twisted nematic (TN) method, an in-plane switching (IPS) method, and a fringe field switching (FFS) method may be used.

[0084] The TN method is a method in which the orientation of liquid crystal molecules is changed in the vertical direction and the horizontal twist direction by applying an electric field, and the optical rotation of light is used to control the amount of transmitted light.

[0085] The IPS method is a method in which the amount of transmitted light is controlled by rotating aligned liquid crystal molecules in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) relative to the substrate.

[0086] In the FFS method, liquid crystal molecules move in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) relative to the substrate, similar to the IPS method, but the amount of transmitted light is controlled by twisting and bending.

[0087] In addition, the first liquid crystal cell 104 is driven by a so-called single domain in this embodiment due to the patterning of the photo-alignment layer, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and may also be driven by a multi-domain method.

[0088] The first liquid crystal unit 104 of the first liquid crystal component 100 will be described later. When the first applied voltage applied by the driving power supply S1 is turned off, it will become a mode of blocking one polarization of the incident light and allowing the other polarization to pass through (off). When the first applied voltage is turned on, it will become a mode of blocking one polarization of the incident light and converting the direction of the other polarization to allow it to pass through.

[0089] In addition, although it is driven in the same manner as in the present embodiment in the case of the IPS mode, in the case of the TN mode, when the first applied voltage applied by the driving power supply S1 is turned on, it becomes a mode in which one polarization of the incident light is blocked and the other polarization is transmitted (off), and when the first applied voltage is turned off, it becomes a mode in which one polarization of the incident light is blocked and the direction of the other polarization is converted and transmitted.

[0090] (Reflective polarizing member)

[0091] In this embodiment, DBEF (registered trademark, DBEF-D3-340 manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Co.) is used as the reflective polarizing element 200. DBEF is a polarizer composed of laminated films with different birefringence properties, which transmits linearly polarized light in one vibration direction and reflects linearly polarized light in the other vibration direction.

[0092] However, the reflective polarizing element 200 is not limited thereto and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. For example, it can also be a wire grid polarizer. A wire grid polarizer is a polarizer that uses fine metal wires to transmit one type of polarized light and reflect the other type. The wire grid polarizer arranges metal wires periodically. Because the wire grid functions as a polarizer, the wire spacing needs to be sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave. In a wire grid polarizer, metal wires are arranged at equal intervals. The polarized light component in the polarization direction parallel to the length direction of the metal wires is reflected by the wire grid polarizer, while the polarized light component in the polarization direction perpendicular to the length direction of the metal wires is transmitted through the wire grid polarizer.

[0093] Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned DBEF and wire grid, cholesteric liquid crystals are also considered as reflective polarizing elements 200. When using cholesteric liquid crystals, they are preferably those that reflect polarized light over a wide wavelength range. Therefore, a reflective polarizing element preferably comprises a stack of three layers: a λ / 4 retardation layer, a cholesteric liquid crystal layer, and a λ / 4 retardation layer. Alternatively, a stack of three layers of cholesteric liquid crystal layers that reflect polarized light for red, green, and blue light is also possible.

[0094] (Second Liquid Crystal Member)

[0095] Figure 3 3 is a cross-sectional view of the second liquid crystal member 300. The second liquid crystal member 300 has substantially the same structure as the first liquid crystal member 100. For the same structure, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The second liquid crystal member 300 differs from the first liquid crystal member 100 in that absorptive polarizing elements 302 and 303 are provided on both sides of a second liquid crystal cell 304. A third absorptive polarizing element 303 is provided between the second liquid crystal cell 304 and the reflective polarizing element 200, and a second absorptive polarizing element 302 is provided on the opposite side of the second liquid crystal cell 304. Similarly to the first liquid crystal layer 108 described above, the VA method is applied to the alignment control of the second liquid crystal layer 308 in the second liquid crystal member 300.

[0097] The second liquid crystal unit 304 of the second liquid crystal component 300 also becomes a mode (off) in which one polarization of the incident light is blocked and the other polarization is transmitted when the first applied voltage applied by the driving power supply S1 is cut off, and becomes a mode in which one polarization of the incident light is blocked and the direction of the other polarization is converted and transmitted when the first applied voltage is turned on.

[0098] (Description of the direction of the transmission axis)

[0099] Next, the directions of the transmission axes of the first absorptive polarizer 102 , the second absorptive polarizer 302 , and the third absorptive polarizer 303 and the reflection axis of the reflective polarizer 200 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0100] In this embodiment, the reflection axis of the reflective polarizer 200 is perpendicular to the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 303. That is, the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer 200 and the transmission axis of the third absorptive polarizer 303 are the same.

[0101] There are four combinations of the directions of the transmission axes of the first absorptive polarizer 102 , the second absorptive polarizer 302 , and the third absorptive polarizer 303 , and the direction of the reflection axis of the reflective polarizer 200 , as shown in Table 1 below.

[0102] In the following description, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 is referred to as the first direction (indicated by the up-and-down arrow in Table 1), and the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 (a direction perpendicular to the first direction) is referred to as the second direction (indicated by the left-and-right arrow in Table 1). Polarized light vibrating in the first direction is referred to as first polarized light, and polarized light vibrating in the second direction is referred to as second polarized light. Furthermore, when each polarized light is "transmitted," even if "transmitted," a portion of the light may be reflected or absorbed.

[0103] Furthermore, in the following description, the external light side and the observer side are distinguished from each other, but they may be used in the reverse direction depending on the intended use, and there is also a case where both sides are directed toward the observer side.

[0104] In addition, although only the light shielding, transmission, and reflection states are described in the embodiments, intermediate states can also be controlled. The transmittance, reflectance, and the ratio and absolute value of the reflectance to transmittance in the half mirror can be controlled.

[0105]

Table 1

[0106]

[0107] (1-1)

[0108] Regarding mode (1-1), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is the first direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is the first direction.

[0109] Table 2 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1 when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1 of mode (1-1).

[0110] Light enters the laminate 1 from one side of the laminate 1, that is, the viewer's side, and the other side of the laminate 1, that is, the outside. The incident light is reflected, transmitted, or blocked by the laminate 1.

[0111]

Table 2

[0112]

[0113] (1-1-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0114] (external light)

[0115] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the light incident from the outside (external light).

[0116] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0117] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0118] That is, external light is shielded by the laminated body 1 .

[0119] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0120] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0121] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0122] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0123] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0124] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0125] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected by the laminate 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0126] (1-1-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0127] (external light)

[0128] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0129] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0130] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having undergone direction conversion in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0131] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0132] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0133] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion in the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0134] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1 .

[0135] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0136] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0137] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0138] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing member 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0139] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0140] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0141] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0142] That is, light incident from the viewer's side passes through the laminated body 1 .

[0143] (1-1-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0144] (external light)

[0145] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0146] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0147] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0148] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0149] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0150] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0151] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0152] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing member 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0153] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0154] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0155] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0156] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0157] (1-1-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0158] (external light)

[0159] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0160] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0161] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0162] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0163] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0164] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction thereof is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0165] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0166] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0167] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0168] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0169] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0170] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0171] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0172] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0173] As described above, in mode (1-1) of the first embodiment, light incident from the viewer side can be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304 .

[0174] Therefore, because the laminated body 1 of this embodiment can not only transmit and block external light, but also transmit, block, and reflect light incident from the observer's side, it can also be used as a mirror when viewed from the observer's side. Moreover, because it can be used as transparent glass, as a light-shielding member to block sunlight, or as a mirror, it can be switched between transmission, blocking, and reflection as needed.

[0175] (1-2)

[0176] Regarding mode (1-2), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is the first direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is the second direction.

[0177] Table 3 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1 when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1 of mode (1-2).

[0178] Light enters the laminate 1 from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0179]

Table 3

[0180]

[0181] (1-2-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0182] (external light)

[0183] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0184] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0185] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0186] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0187] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0188] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction thereof is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0189] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0190] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0191] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0192] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0193] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0194] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0195] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0196] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0197] (1-2-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0198] (external light)

[0199] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0200] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0201] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0202] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0203] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0204] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0205] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0206] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing member 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0207] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0208] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0209] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0210] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0211] (1-2-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0212] (external light)

[0213] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0214] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0215] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0216] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0217] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0218] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0219] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1 .

[0220] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0221] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0222] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0223] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing member 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0224] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0225] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0226] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0227] That is, light incident from the viewer's side passes through the laminated body 1 .

[0228] (1-2-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0229] (external light)

[0230] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0231] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0232] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0233] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0234] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0235] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0236] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0237] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0238] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0239] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0240] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0241] As described above, in mode (1-2) of the first embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of mode (1-1) of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0242] (1-3)

[0243] Regarding mode (1-3), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is the second direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is the first direction.

[0244] Table 4 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1 when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1 of mode (1-3).

[0245] Light enters the laminate 1 from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0246]

Table 4

[0247]

[0248] (1-3-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0249] (external light)

[0250] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0251] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0252] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0253] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0254] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0255] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0256] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0257] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0258] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0259] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0260] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0261] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0262] (1-3-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0263] (external light)

[0264] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0265] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0266] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0267] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0268] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0269] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light converted by the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0270] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0271] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0272] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0273] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0274] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0275] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0276] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0277] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0278] (1-3-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0279] (external light)

[0280] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0281] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0282] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0283] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0284] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0285] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0286] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0287] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0288] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0289] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0290] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0291] (1-3-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0292] (external light)

[0293] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0294] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0295] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0296] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0297] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0298] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0299] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1 .

[0300] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0301] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0302] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0303] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0304] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0305] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0306] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0307] That is, light incident from the viewer's side passes through the laminated body 1 .

[0308] As described above, in mode (1-3) of the first embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as mode (1-1) of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0309] (1-4)

[0310] Regarding mode (1-4), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is the second direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is the second direction.

[0311] Table 5 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1 when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1 of mode (1-4).

[0312] Light enters the laminate 1 from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0313]

Table 5

[0314]

[0315] (1-4-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0316] (external light)

[0317] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0318] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0319] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0320] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0321] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0322] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0323] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1 .

[0324] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0325] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0326] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0327] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0328] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0329] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0330] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0331] That is, light incident from the viewer's side passes through the laminated body 1 .

[0332] (1-4-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0333] (external light)

[0334] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0335] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0336] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0337] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0338] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0339] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0340] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0341] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0342] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0343] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0344] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0345] (1-4-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0346] (external light)

[0347] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0348] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0349] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0350] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0351] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0352] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0353] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0354] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0355] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0356] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0357] In the reflective polarizing member 200 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction thereof is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200 .

[0358] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0359] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0360] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminated body 1 and returns to the viewer's side.

[0361] (1-4-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0362] (external light)

[0363] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0364] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0365] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0366] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0367] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0368] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0369] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0370] In the reflective polarizing element 200 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200 .

[0371] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizer 200 directly passes through the third absorptive polarizer 303 because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0372] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0373] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0374] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1 .

[0375] As described above, in mode (1-4) of the first embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of mode (1-1) of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0376] (Second embodiment)

[0377] Figure 4 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminate 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the laminate 1 includes a first liquid crystal member 100A, a reflective polarizing member 200A, and a second liquid crystal member 300A in this order.

[0378] The stacked body 1A of the second embodiment differs from the stacked body 1 of the first embodiment in that the second liquid crystal member 300A does not include a third absorptive polarizing member. That is, no third absorptive polarizing member is provided between the second liquid crystal cell 304 and the reflective polarizing member 200A.

[0379] The other points are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0380] (Description of the direction of the transmission axis)

[0381] Regarding the directions of the transmission axes of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , and the reflective polarizing element 200A in the second embodiment, there are four combination patterns shown in Table 6 below.

[0382]

Table 6

[0383]

[0384] (2-1)

[0385] In mode (2-1), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizer 102 is the first direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200A is the first direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the first direction.

[0386] Table 7 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1A when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1A of mode (2-1).

[0387] Light enters the laminated body 1A from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0388]

Table 7

[0389]

[0390] (2-1-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0391] (external light)

[0392] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0393] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0394] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0395] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0396] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0397] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0398] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0399] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0400] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0401] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0402] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0403] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0404] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0405] (2-1-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0406] (external light)

[0407] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0408] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0409] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light having its direction converted in the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200A because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0410] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0411] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having its direction converted in the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0412] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1A.

[0413] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0414] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0415] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0416] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200A because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0417] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0418] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having its direction converted in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0419] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1A.

[0420] (2-1-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0421] (external light)

[0422] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0423] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0424] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0425] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0426] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0427] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0428] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0429] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0430] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0431] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light having its direction converted in the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200A because its vibration direction is the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0432] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0433] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0434] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1A.

[0435] (2-1-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0436] (external light)

[0437] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0438] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0439] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light having its direction converted in the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200A because its vibration direction is the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0440] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0441] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction thereof is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0442] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1A.

[0443] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0444] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0445] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0446] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0447] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0448] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0449] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0450] As described above, in mode (2-1) of the second embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0451] (2-2)

[0452] In mode (2-2), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizer 102 is the first direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200A is the first direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the second direction.

[0453] Table 8 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1A when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1A of mode (2-2).

[0454] Light enters the laminated body 1A from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0455]

Table 8

[0456]

[0457] (2-2-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0458] (external light)

[0459] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0460] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0461] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200A because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0462] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0463] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction thereof is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0464] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1A.

[0465] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0466] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0467] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0468] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0469] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0470] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0471] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0472] (2-2-B) When the Second Liquid Crystal Unit 304 is On and the First Liquid Crystal Unit 104 is On

[0473] (external light)

[0474] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0475] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0476] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light having its direction converted in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because its vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0477] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0478] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having undergone direction conversion by the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0479] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0480] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0481] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0482] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0483] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light having its direction converted by the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200A because its vibration direction is the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0484] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0485] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0486] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1A.

[0487] (2-2-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0488] (external light)

[0489] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0490] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0491] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200A because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0492] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0493] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion by the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0494] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1A.

[0495] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0496] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0497] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0498] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200A because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0499] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is transmitted with its vibration direction maintained because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0500] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0501] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1A.

[0502] (2-2-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0503] (external light)

[0504] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0505] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0506] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0507] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0508] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0509] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0510] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0511] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0512] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0513] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0514] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0515] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0516] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected by the laminated body 1A.

[0517] As described above, in mode (2-2) of the first embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as the first embodiment are achieved.

[0518] (2-3)

[0519] In mode (2-3), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizer 102 is the second direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200A is the first direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the first direction.

[0520] Table 9 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1A when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1A of mode (2-3).

[0521] Light enters the laminated body 1A from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0522]

Table 9

[0523]

[0524] (2-3-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0525] (external light)

[0526] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0527] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0528] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0529] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0530] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0531] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0532] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0533] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0534] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0535] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0536] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0537] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0538] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1A.

[0539] (2-3-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0540] (external light)

[0541] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0542] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0543] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light having its direction converted by the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200A because its vibration direction is the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0544] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0545] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion by the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0546] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1A.

[0547] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0548] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0549] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0550] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0551] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0552] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0553] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0554] (2-3-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0555] (external light)

[0556] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0557] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0558] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0559] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0560] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0561] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0562] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0563] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0564] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0565] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0566] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0567] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0568] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0569] (2-3-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0570] (external light)

[0571] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0572] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0573] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light having its direction converted by the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200A because its vibration direction is the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0574] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0575] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction thereof is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0576] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1A.

[0577] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0578] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0579] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0580] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0581] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0582] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0583] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1A.

[0584] As described above, in mode (2-3) of the first embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as the first embodiment are achieved.

[0585] (2-4)

[0586] In mode (2-4), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizer 102 is the second direction, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200A is the first direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the second direction.

[0587] Table 10 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1A when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1A of mode (2-4).

[0588] Light enters the laminated body 1A from the viewer side and the outside side.

[0589]

Table 10

[0590]

[0591] (2-4-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0592] (external light)

[0593] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0594] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0595] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200A because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0596] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted by the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0597] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0598] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1A.

[0599] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0600] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0601] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0602] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0603] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200A is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0604] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0605] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1A.

[0606] (2-4-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0607] (external light)

[0608] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0609] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0610] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0611] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0612] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having undergone direction conversion by the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0613] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0614] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0615] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0616] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0617] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0618] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0619] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0620] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0621] (2-4-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0622] (external light)

[0623] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0624] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0625] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200A because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0626] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0627] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0628] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1A.

[0629] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0630] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0631] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0632] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0633] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0634] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0635] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1A and returns to the viewer's side.

[0636] (2-4-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0637] (external light)

[0638] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0639] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0640] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0641] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0642] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having undergone direction conversion by the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0643] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1 .

[0644] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0645] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0646] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0647] In the reflective polarizing element 200A, the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200A.

[0648] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200A has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0649] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0650] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1A.

[0651] As described above, in mode (2-4) of the second embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0652] (Third embodiment)

[0653] Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1B according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1B includes a first liquid crystal member 100B, a reflective polarizing member 200B, and a second liquid crystal member 300B in this order.

[0654] The stacked body 1B of the third embodiment differs from the stacked body 1 of the first embodiment in that the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 of the second liquid crystal member 300B contains liquid crystal molecules and a dichroic dye and is driven by a guest-host method. It does not include a second absorptive polarizer or a third absorptive polarizer, and the TN method is used for alignment control of the second liquid crystal layer 308. As described above, the TN method is a method in which the alignment of liquid crystal molecules is changed in the vertical and horizontal twist directions by applying an electric field, thereby controlling the amount of transmitted light by utilizing the optical rotation of light.

[0655] In the guest-host system, by varying the voltage applied to transparent electrodes 311 and 316, the electric field within the second liquid crystal layer 308 changes, causing the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules to shift between vertical and horizontal alignments. The dichroic dye moves in conjunction with the change in alignment of the liquid crystal molecules, thereby controlling the transmission of incident light.

[0656] The other points are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0657] In this embodiment, the TN method is used for alignment control of the second liquid crystal layer 308 in the second liquid crystal cell 304 driven by a guest-host method. When the applied voltage is off, light does not pass through the second liquid crystal cell 304. When the applied voltage is on, light is transmitted in all directions. A guest-host TN method liquid crystal cell such as that in this embodiment may function both as a liquid crystal cell, where the alignment of liquid crystal molecules changes in response to an applied voltage, and as an absorptive polarizer, which absorbs specific polarized light.

[0658] (3-1)

[0659] In mode (3-1), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is the first direction, and the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B is the first direction.

[0660] Table 11 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1B when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1B of mode (3-1).

[0661] With respect to the laminated body 1B, light is incident from the observer side and the outside side.

[0662]

Table 11

[0663]

[0664] (3-1-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0665] (external light)

[0666] Since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, light does not pass through the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, external light is blocked.

[0667] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0668] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0669] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0670] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0671] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0672] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0673] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1B and returns to the viewer's side.

[0674] (3-1-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0675] (external light)

[0676] Since the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0677] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0678] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200B has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0679] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having its direction converted in the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0680] That is, a so-called half-mirror state occurs in which the first polarized light in the external light is reflected by the laminate 1B, and the second polarized light is converted into the first polarized light and transmits through the laminate 1B.

[0681] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0682] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0683] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0684] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200B because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0685] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200B is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0686] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1B.

[0687] (3-1-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0688] (external light)

[0689] Since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, light does not pass through the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, external light is blocked.

[0690] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0691] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0692] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0693] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light having its direction converted in the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly transmits through the reflective polarizing element 200B because its vibration direction is the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0694] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200B is blocked because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0695] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1B.

[0696] (3-1-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0697] (external light)

[0698] Since the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0699] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0700] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200B is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0701] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction thereof is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0702] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B is transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 .

[0703] That is, the first polarized light in the external light is reflected by the laminate 1B, and the second polarized light is blocked by the laminate 1B.

[0704] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0705] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0706] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0707] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0708] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0709] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0710] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1B and returns to the viewer's side.

[0711] As described above, in mode (3-1) of the third embodiment, light incident from the viewer's side can be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0712] Furthermore, in the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since a guest-host system is adopted, the absorption-type polarizing member in the second liquid crystal member 300B is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[0713] (3-2)

[0714] In mode (3-2), the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizer 102 is the second direction, and the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200B is the first direction.

[0715] Table 12 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1B when the voltages applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 are turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1B of mode (3-2).

[0716] With respect to the laminated body 1B, light is incident from the observer side and the outside side.

[0717]

Table 12

[0718]

[0719] (3-2-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0720] (external light)

[0721] Since the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off, no light is transmitted, and thus external light is blocked.

[0722] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0723] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0724] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0725] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0726] Since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is off, light does not pass through it, and therefore the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing element 200B is blocked.

[0727] Therefore, light incident from the observer's side is blocked.

[0728] (3-2-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0729] (external light)

[0730] Since the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0731] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0732] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200B has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0733] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the first polarized light having its direction converted in the first liquid crystal cell 104 is absorbed and shielded because its vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0734] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B passes through the second liquid crystal cell 304 .

[0735] That is, the first polarized light in the external light is reflected by the laminate 1B, and the second polarized light is blocked.

[0736] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0737] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0738] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0739] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0740] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0741] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light whose vibration direction is changed by 90° in the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0742] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1B and returns to the viewer's side.

[0743] (3-2-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0744] (external light)

[0745] Since the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off, no light is transmitted, and thus external light is blocked.

[0746] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0747] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0748] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0749] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0750] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0751] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light whose vibration direction is changed by 90° in the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0752] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1B and returns to the viewer's side.

[0753] (3-2-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0754] (external light)

[0755] Since the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0756] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0757] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200B is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0758] In the first absorptive polarizing element 102 , the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0759] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200B passes through the second liquid crystal cell 304 .

[0760] That is, the second polarized light in the external light is transmitted through the laminate 1B, and the first polarized light is reflected by the laminate 1B.

[0761] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0762] Of the light incident from the viewer's side, the second polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 102 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 102 .

[0763] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 102 is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0764] In the reflective polarizing element 200B, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200B.

[0765] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200B is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0766] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1B.

[0767] As described above, in mode (3-2) of the third embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0768] Furthermore, in the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since a guest-host system is adopted, the absorption-type polarizing member in the second liquid crystal member 300B is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[0769] (Fourth embodiment)

[0770] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1C according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1C includes a first liquid crystal member 100C, a reflective polarizing member 200C, and a second liquid crystal member 300C in this order.

[0771] The stacked body 1C of the fourth embodiment differs from the stacked body 1C of the first embodiment in that the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 of the first liquid crystal member 100C contains liquid crystal molecules and a dichroic dye, is driven by a guest-host system, and does not include the first absorbing polarizing member 102. Both embodiments are identical in that the VA system is employed for alignment control of the first liquid crystal layer 108.

[0772] The other points are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0773] In this embodiment, the VA method is used to control the alignment of the first liquid crystal layer 108 in the first liquid crystal cell 104 driven by a guest-host method. When the applied voltage is off, light from all directions is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104. When the applied voltage is on, the first polarized light is blocked, while the second polarized light is transmitted. The guest-host VA method liquid crystal cell of this embodiment functions both as a liquid crystal cell, in which the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules changes in response to an applied voltage, and as an absorptive polarizer, which absorbs light of a specific polarization (this also applies to other embodiments).

[0774] (4-1)

[0775] In mode (4-1), the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200C is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the first direction.

[0776] Table 13 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1C when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1C of mode (4-1).

[0777] With respect to the laminated body 1C, light is incident from the observer side and the outside side.

[0778]

Table 13

[0779]

[0780] (4-1-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0781] (external light)

[0782] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0783] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0784] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0785] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1C.

[0786] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0787] Since the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0788] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0789] (Transmitted light)

[0790] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0791] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200C is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0792] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0793] (Reflected Light)

[0794] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200C directly passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0795] That is, the second polarized light among the light incident from the observer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1C, and the first polarized light is reflected and returns to the observer's side.

[0796] (4-1-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0797] (external light)

[0798] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0799] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0800] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0801] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0802] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200C is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0803] That is, external light is transmitted through the stacked body 1C.

[0804] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0805] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , of the light incident from the observer side, the second polarized light is transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0806] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0807] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0808] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200C has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0809] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0810] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1C.

[0811] (4-1-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0812] (external light)

[0813] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0814] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0815] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0816] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1C.

[0817] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0818] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0819] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0820] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0821] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0822] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0823] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the stacked body 1C.

[0824] (4-1-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0825] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0826] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0827] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0828] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0829] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200C is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0830] That is, external light is transmitted through the stacked body 1C.

[0831] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0832] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , light incident from the viewer's side is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0833] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0834] (Transmitted light)

[0835] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0836] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is converted into the first polarized light by 90° due to the second liquid crystal cell 304 being turned on.

[0837] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0838] (Reflected Light)

[0839] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200C directly passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0840] That is, a so-called half-mirror state is achieved in which the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted through the laminate 1C, while the first polarized light is reflected and returns to the observer side.

[0841] As described above, in mode (4-1) of the fourth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0842] Furthermore, in the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since a guest-host system is adopted, the absorption-type polarizing member in the first liquid crystal member 100C is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[0843] (4-2)

[0844] In mode (4-2), the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200C is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the second direction.

[0845] Table 14 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1C when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1C of mode (4-2).

[0846] With respect to the laminated body 1C, light is incident from the observer side and the outside side.

[0847]

Table 14

[0848]

[0849] (4-2-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0850] (external light)

[0851] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0852] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0853] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0854] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0855] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200C is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0856] That is, external light is transmitted through the stacked body 1C.

[0857] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0858] Since the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0859] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0860] (Transmitted light)

[0861] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 200C directly transmits through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0862] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200C is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0863] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0864] (Reflected Light)

[0865] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200C directly passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0866] That is, the second polarized light among the light incident from the observer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1C, and the first polarized light is reflected and returns to the observer's side.

[0867] That is, the first polarized light of the light incident from the viewer side is reflected by the stacked body 1C and returns to the viewer side, while the second polarized light passes through the stacked body 1C. Therefore, the stacked body 1CD functions as a half mirror.

[0868] (4-2-B) When the Second Liquid Crystal Unit 304 is On and the First Liquid Crystal Unit 104 is On

[0869] (external light)

[0870] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0871] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0872] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0873] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1C.

[0874] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0875] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0876] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0877] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0878] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200C has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0879] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0880] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the stacked body 1C.

[0881] (4-2-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0882] (external light)

[0883] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0884] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0885] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0886] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0887] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200C is transmitted directly because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0888] That is, external light is transmitted through the stacked body 1C.

[0889] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0890] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0891] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200C because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200C.

[0892] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[0893] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0894] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0895] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1C.

[0896] (4-2-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0897] (external light)

[0898] The second absorptive polarizing element 302 transmits the second polarized light in the external light that vibrates in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0899] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0900] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed because the vibration direction thereof is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0901] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1C.

[0902] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0903] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , light incident from the viewer's side is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0904] In the reflective polarizing element 200C, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0905] (Transmitted light)

[0906] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 200C is transmitted directly because the vibration direction of the second polarized light in the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0907] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200C is converted into the first polarized light by 90° due to the second liquid crystal cell 304 being turned on.

[0908] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having undergone direction conversion in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0909] (Reflected Light)

[0910] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200C directly passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0911] That is, the second polarized light among the light incident from the observer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1C, and the first polarized light is reflected and returns to the observer's side.

[0912] As described above, in mode (4-2) of the fourth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0913] Furthermore, in the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since a guest-host system is adopted, the absorption-type polarizing member in the first liquid crystal member 100C is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[0914] (Fifth embodiment)

[0915] Figure 7 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1D according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1D includes a first liquid crystal member 100D, a reflective polarizing member 200D, and a second liquid crystal member 300D in this order.

[0916] The laminate 1D of the fifth embodiment is substantially the same as the laminate 1C of the fourth embodiment, but differs in that it does not include the third absorptive polarizing member 303. Other points are the same as those of the fourth embodiment, and thus description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0917] In the fifth embodiment, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200D is the first direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is the first direction.

[0918] Table 15 shows the states that light incident on the stack 1D can achieve when the voltages applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 are turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1D of the fifth embodiment.

[0919] Light enters the stacked body 1D from one side of the stacked body 1D, that is, the viewer's side, and the other side of the stacked body 1D, that is, the outside.

[0920]

Table 15

[0921]

[0922] (5-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0923] (external light)

[0924] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0925] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0926] In the reflective polarizing member 200D, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected.

[0927] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200D is transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0928] The first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 .

[0929] That is, external light is reflected in the stacked body 1D.

[0930] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0931] Since the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on, light from all directions is transmitted.

[0932] In the reflective polarizing element 200D, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0933] (Transmitted light)

[0934] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200D is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0935] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0936] (Reflected Light)

[0937] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200D directly passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0938] That is, the second polarized light among the light incident from the observer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1D, and the first polarized light is reflected and returns to the observer's side.

[0939] (5-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[0940] (external light)

[0941] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0942] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0943] In the reflective polarizing element 200D, the second polarized light having its direction converted in the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200D.

[0944] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200D is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0945] That is, external light is transmitted through the stacked body 1D.

[0946] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0947] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0948] In the reflective polarizing element 200D, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted directly because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200D.

[0949] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200D has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0950] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0951] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the stacked body 1D.

[0952] (5-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[0953] (external light)

[0954] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0955] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0956] In the reflective polarizing member 200D, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected.

[0957] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200D is transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0958] The first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 .

[0959] That is, external light is reflected in the stacked body 1D.

[0960] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0961] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[0962] In the reflective polarizing element 200D, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200D because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200D.

[0963] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200D is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0964] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0965] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1D.

[0966] (5-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[0967] (external light)

[0968] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0969] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[0970] In the reflective polarizing element 200D, the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200D.

[0971] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200D is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0972] That is, external light is transmitted through the stacked body 1D.

[0973] (Light incident from the observer side)

[0974] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , light incident from the viewer's side is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0975] In the reflective polarizing element 200D, the second polarized light is transmitted and the first polarized light is reflected.

[0976] (Transmitted light)

[0977] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200D is converted into the first polarized light by 90° due to the second liquid crystal cell 304 being turned on.

[0978] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0979] (Reflected Light)

[0980] On the other hand, the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200D directly passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[0981] That is, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is blocked by the stacked body 1D, and the first polarized light is reflected and returned to the observer side, and the stacked body 1D functions as a half mirror.

[0982] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[0983] Furthermore, in the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since a guest-host system is adopted, the absorption-type polarizing member in the first liquid crystal element 100D is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[0984] (Sixth embodiment)

[0985] Figure 8 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1E according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1E includes a first liquid crystal member 100E, a reflective polarizing member 200E, and a second liquid crystal member 300E in this order.

[0986] Although the stacked body 1E of the sixth embodiment is substantially the same as the stacked body 1C of the fourth embodiment, the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 of the first liquid crystal member 100E is a guest-host liquid crystal containing liquid crystal molecules and a dichroic dye, but the first liquid crystal layer 108 differs in that the IPS method is employed for alignment control of the first liquid crystal layer 108. Other aspects are the same as those of the fourth embodiment. Identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0987] As described above, the IPS method is a method of controlling the amount of transmitted light by rotating aligned liquid crystal molecules in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) relative to the substrate.

[0988] The first liquid crystal cell 104 of the first liquid crystal member 100E of this embodiment transmits the second polarized light when turned on and transmits the first polarized light when turned off. A guest-host IPS-type liquid crystal cell such as that of this embodiment functions both as a liquid crystal cell, in which the alignment of liquid crystal molecules changes in response to an applied voltage, and as an absorptive polarizing member, which absorbs specific polarized light (this also applies to other embodiments).

[0989] In the sixth embodiment, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer 200E is the first direction, the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 is the second direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizer 302 is the first direction.

[0990] Table 16 shows the states that light incident on the stack 1E can achieve when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1E of the sixth embodiment.

[0991] Light enters the stacked body 1E from one side of the stacked body 1E, that is, the viewer's side, and the other side of the stacked body 1E, that is, the outside side.

[0992] Table 16

[0993]

[0994] (6-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[0995] (external light)

[0996] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[0997] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[0998] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[0999] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1E.

[1000] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1001] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1002] In the reflective polarizing element 200E, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200E.

[1003] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200E is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1004] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the stacked body 1E and returns to the viewer's side.

[1005] (6-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[1006] (external light)

[1007] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1008] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1009] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[1010] In the reflective polarizing element 200E, the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200E because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200E.

[1011] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200E is transmitted therethrough because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[1012] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1E.

[1013] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1014] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1015] In the reflective polarizing element 200E, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200E because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200E.

[1016] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200E is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[1017] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200E has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1018] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1019] That is, light incident from the viewer's side passes through the laminate 1E.

[1020] (6-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[1021] (external light)

[1022] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1023] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1024] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[1025] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1E.

[1026] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1027] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1028] In the reflective polarizing element 200E, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200E because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200E.

[1029] In the third absorptive polarizer 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizer 200E is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizer 303 .

[1030] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing member 303 is converted by 90° and passes through as the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1031] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1032] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1E.

[1033] (6-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[1034] (external light)

[1035] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1036] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1037] In the third absorptive polarizing element 303 , the second polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the third absorptive polarizing element 303 .

[1038] In the reflective polarizing element 200E, the second polarized light that has passed through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200E because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200E.

[1039] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200E is blocked because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1040] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1E.

[1041] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1042] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1043] In the reflective polarizing element 200E, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200E.

[1044] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200E is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1045] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the stacked body 1E and returns to the viewer's side.

[1046] As described above, in the sixth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[1047] Furthermore, in the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since a guest-host system is adopted, the absorption-type polarizing member in the first liquid crystal element 100E is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[1048] (Seventh embodiment)

[1049] Figure 9 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1F according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1F includes a first liquid crystal member 100F, a reflective polarizing member 200F, and a second liquid crystal member 300F in this order.

[1050] The laminate 1F of the seventh embodiment is substantially the same as the laminate 1E of the sixth embodiment except that the third absorptive polarizing member is not provided. Other points are the same as those of the sixth embodiment. Identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[1051] In the seventh embodiment, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200F is the first direction, and the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is the first direction.

[1052] Table 17 shows the states that light incident on the stack 1F can achieve when the voltages applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 are turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1F of the seventh embodiment.

[1053] Light enters the stacked body 1F from one side of the stacked body 1F, that is, the viewer's side, and the other side of the stacked body 1F, that is, the outside.

[1054] Table 17

[1055]

[1056] (7-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[1057] (external light)

[1058] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1059] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1060] In the reflective polarizing member 200F, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected.

[1061] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200F is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1062] The first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 .

[1063] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1F.

[1064] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1065] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1066] In the reflective polarizing element 200F, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200F.

[1067] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200F is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1068] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1F and returns to the viewer's side.

[1069] (7-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[1070] (external light)

[1071] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1072] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1073] The second polarized light having its direction converted by the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200F.

[1074] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200F is transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[1075] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1F.

[1076] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1077] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1078] In the reflective polarizing element 200F, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200F because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200F.

[1079] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200F has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the first polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1080] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the first polarized light having passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted directly because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1081] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1F.

[1082] (7-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[1083] (external light)

[1084] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1085] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light that has passed through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1086] In the reflective polarizing member 200F, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected.

[1087] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200F is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1088] The first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 .

[1089] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1F.

[1090] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1091] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1092] In the reflective polarizing element 200F, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200F.

[1093] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200F is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1094] In the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , the second polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is absorbed and shielded because the vibration direction is in the absorption axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1095] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1F.

[1096] (7-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[1097] (external light)

[1098] The first polarized light vibrating in the transmission axis direction of the second absorptive polarizing element 302 , among the external light, is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 302 .

[1099] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing member 302 has its vibration direction converted by 90° to become the second polarized light because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1100] In the reflective polarizing element 200F, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200F because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200F.

[1101] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200F is blocked because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1102] That is, external light is blocked in the laminated body 1F.

[1103] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1104] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1105] In the reflective polarizing element 200F, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200F.

[1106] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200F is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1107] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the laminate 1F and returns to the viewer's side.

[1108] As described above, in the seventh embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[1109] Furthermore, since the guest-host system is adopted in the first liquid crystal cell 101 and the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the absorption-type polarizing element in the first liquid crystal element 100F and the second liquid crystal element 300F is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[1110] (Eighth embodiment)

[1111] Figure 10 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1G according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1G includes a first liquid crystal member 100G, a reflective polarizing member 200G, and a second liquid crystal member 300G, arranged in this order.

[1112] The laminated body 1G of the eighth embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in the following respects: the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304, like the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104, is a guest-host liquid crystal layer employing an IPS system. Furthermore, because the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 is a guest-host liquid crystal layer, no second absorptive polarizing member is provided. All other respects are the same as those of the seventh embodiment. Identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[1113] In the eighth embodiment, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G is the first direction. The first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 transmit the first polarized light and block the second polarized light when the voltage is off. When the voltage is on, they block the first polarized light and transmit the second polarized light.

[1114] Table 18 shows the states that light incident on the stacked body 1G can achieve when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively.

[1115] Light enters the laminate 1G from the viewer's side and the outside side.

[1116]

Table 18

[1117]

[1118] (8-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[1119] (external light)

[1120] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, the first polarized light in the external light is transmitted.

[1121] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1122] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200G is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1123] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1G.

[1124] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1125] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1126] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1127] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200G is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1128] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the stacked body 1G and returns to the viewer's side.

[1129] (8-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[1130] (external light)

[1131] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on, the second polarized light in the external light is transmitted.

[1132] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1133] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200G is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[1134] That is, external light is transmitted through the laminated body 1G.

[1135] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1136] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1137] In the reflective polarizing member 200G, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 directly passes through the reflective polarizing member 200G because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200G.

[1138] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200G is transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1139] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1G.

[1140] (8-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[1141] (external light)

[1142] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, the first polarized light in the external light is transmitted.

[1143] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1144] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200G is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1145] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1G.

[1146] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1147] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1148] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because its vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1149] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the third absorptive polarizing element 303 is blocked because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1150] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1G.

[1151] (8-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[1152] (external light)

[1153] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on, the second polarized light in the external light is transmitted.

[1154] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 directly passes through the reflective polarizing element 200G because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1155] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200G is blocked because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1156] That is, external light is blocked by the laminated body 1G.

[1157] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1158] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1159] In the reflective polarizing element 200G, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200G.

[1160] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200G is directly transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1161] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is reflected in the stacked body 1G and returns to the viewer's side.

[1162] As described above, in the eighth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[1163] Furthermore, since the guest-host system is adopted in the first liquid crystal cell 101 and the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the absorption-type polarizing member in the first liquid crystal member 100G and the second liquid crystal member 300G is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[1164] (Ninth embodiment)

[1165] Figure 11 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1H according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1H includes a first liquid crystal member 100H, a reflective polarizing member 200H, and a second liquid crystal member 300H, arranged in this order.

[1166] Although the stacked body 1H of the ninth embodiment is substantially the same as the stacked body 1HG of the eighth embodiment, it differs in that the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 are guest-host liquid crystal layers driven using the VA method. Other points are the same as those of the eighth embodiment. Identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[1167] In the ninth embodiment, the reflection axis of the reflective polarizing element 200H is oriented in the first direction. When the voltage is off, the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 transmit both the first polarized light and the second polarized light. When the voltage is on, the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 blocks the first polarized light and transmits the second polarized light. When the voltage is on, the second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 transmits the first polarized light and blocks the second polarized light.

[1168] Table 19 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1H when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1H of the ninth embodiment.

[1169] Table 19

[1170]

[1171] (9-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[1172] (external light)

[1173] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, the first polarized light and the second polarized light are transmitted.

[1174] In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected. In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted.

[1175] (Transmitted light)

[1176] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200H passes through the first liquid crystal cell 104 because the applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1177] (Reflected Light)

[1178] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H is transmitted directly because the applied voltage to the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1179] That is, in the laminated body 1H, the first polarized light of the external light is reflected and the second polarized light is transmitted, so the laminated body 1H functions as a half mirror.

[1180] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1181] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light and the second polarized light incident from the observer side are transmitted.

[1182] The first polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H, while the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted by the reflective polarizing member 200H.

[1183] (Transmitted light)

[1184] The second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200H passes through the second liquid crystal cell 304 because the applied voltage to the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1185] (Reflected Light)

[1186] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H is transmitted directly because the applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1187] That is, in the laminated body 1H, the first polarized light of the light on the subject side is reflected and the second polarized light is transmitted, so the laminated body 1H functions as a half mirror.

[1188] (9-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[1189] (external light)

[1190] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on, the first polarized light in the external light is transmitted.

[1191] In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200H.

[1192] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1193] That is, external light is reflected in the stacked body 1H.

[1194] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1195] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1196] In the reflective polarizing member 200H, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 passes through the reflective polarizing member 200H because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200H.

[1197] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200H is blocked because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1198] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the stacked body 1H.

[1199] (9-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[1200] (external light)

[1201] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, the first polarized light and the second polarized light are transmitted.

[1202] In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected. In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted.

[1203] (Transmitted light)

[1204] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200H is transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[1205] (Reflected Light)

[1206] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1207] That is, in the laminated body 1H, the first polarized light of the external light is reflected and the second polarized light is transmitted, so the laminated body 1H functions as a half mirror.

[1208] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1209] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1210] In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200H.

[1211] The second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200H is transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1212] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the stacked body 1H.

[1213] (9-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[1214] (external light)

[1215] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 204 is turned on, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1216] In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200H.

[1217] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1218] That is, external light is reflected in the stacked body 1H.

[1219] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1220] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light and the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side are transmitted.

[1221] In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the first polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected. In the reflective polarizing element 200H, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted.

[1222] (Transmitted light)

[1223] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200H is blocked by turning on the applied voltage of the second liquid crystal cell 304 .

[1224] (Reflected Light)

[1225] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200H is transmitted directly because the applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1226] That is, in the laminated body 1H, the first polarized light of the light on the subject side is reflected, and the second polarized light is blocked.

[1227] As described above, in the ninth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or blocked by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[1228] Furthermore, since the first liquid crystal cell 101 and the second liquid crystal cell 304 adopt a guest-host system, the absorption-type polarizing element in the first liquid crystal member 100H and the second liquid crystal member 300H is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[1229] (10th embodiment)

[1230] Figure 12 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a stacked body 1J according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the stacked body 1J includes a first liquid crystal member 100J, a reflective polarizing member 200J, and a second liquid crystal member 300J, arranged in this order.

[1231] The stacked body 1J of the tenth embodiment differs from the stacked body 1G of the ninth embodiment in that the first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 is a guest-host liquid crystal layer driven by the IPS method. Other points are the same as those of the ninth embodiment.

[1232] In the tenth embodiment, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200J is the first direction.

[1233] The first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 transmits the first polarized light and blocks the second polarized light when the voltage is off. The first liquid crystal layer 108 of the first liquid crystal cell 104 blocks the first polarized light and transmits the second polarized light when the voltage is on.

[1234] The second liquid crystal layer 308 of the second liquid crystal cell 304 transmits the first polarized light and the second polarized light when the voltage is off, and transmits the first polarized light and blocks the second polarized light when the voltage is on.

[1235] Table 20 shows the states that can be achieved by light incident on the stack 1J when the voltage applied between the transparent electrodes 111 and 116 of the first liquid crystal unit 104 and the second liquid crystal unit 304, and between the transparent electrodes 311 and 316, is turned on / off, respectively, in the stack 1J of the tenth embodiment.

[1236] Table 20

[1237]

[1238] (10-A) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned off

[1239] (external light)

[1240] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, the first polarized light and the second polarized light are transmitted.

[1241] In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected. In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted.

[1242] (Transmitted light)

[1243] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200J is blocked because the applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1244] (Reflected Light)

[1245] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200J is transmitted directly because the applied voltage to the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1246] That is, in the laminated body 1J, external light is reflected.

[1247] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1248] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1249] In the reflective polarizing member 200J, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected.

[1250] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200J is directly transmitted because the applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1251] That is, in the laminated body 1J, light on the subject side is reflected.

[1252] (10-B) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is turned on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is turned on

[1253] (external light)

[1254] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on, the first polarized light in the external light is transmitted.

[1255] In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the first polarized light transmitted through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200J.

[1256] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200J is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1257] That is, in the laminated body 1J, external light is reflected.

[1258] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1259] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1260] In the reflective polarizing member 200J, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 passes through the reflective polarizing member 200J because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing member 200J.

[1261] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 200J is blocked because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on.

[1262] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is blocked by the laminated body 1J.

[1263] (10-C) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is off and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is on

[1264] (external light)

[1265] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off, the first polarized light and the second polarized light are transmitted.

[1266] In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the first polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is reflected. In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the second polarized light that has passed through the second liquid crystal cell 304 is transmitted.

[1267] (Transmitted light)

[1268] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the second polarized light having passed through the reflective polarizing member 200J is transmitted because the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on.

[1269] (Reflected Light)

[1270] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200J is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1271] That is, in the laminated body 1J, the first polarized light of the external light is reflected and the second polarized light is transmitted, so the laminated body 1J functions as a half mirror.

[1272] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1273] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned on, the second polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1274] In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the second polarized light that has passed through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is transmitted because the vibration direction is in the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200J.

[1275] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the second polarized light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member 200J is transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1276] That is, light incident from the viewer's side is transmitted through the laminate 1J.

[1277] (10-D) When the second liquid crystal unit 304 is on and the first liquid crystal unit 104 is off

[1278] (external light)

[1279] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , since the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned on, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1280] In the reflective polarizing element 200J, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected because the vibration direction is in the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 200J.

[1281] In the second liquid crystal cell 304 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200J is directly transmitted because the second liquid crystal cell 304 is turned off.

[1282] That is, external light is reflected in the laminated body 1J.

[1283] (Light incident from the observer side)

[1284] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , since the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off, the first polarized light of the light incident from the observer side is transmitted.

[1285] In the reflective polarizing member 200J, the first polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 104 is reflected.

[1286] In the first liquid crystal cell 104 , the first polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizing member 200J is directly transmitted because the applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 104 is turned off.

[1287] That is, in the laminated body 1J, light on the subject side is reflected.

[1288] As described above, in the tenth embodiment, light incident from the observer's side can also be reflected, transmitted, or shielded by changing the on / off combination of the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304. Therefore, the same effects as in the first embodiment are achieved.

[1289] Furthermore, since the guest-host system is adopted in the first liquid crystal cell 104 and the second liquid crystal cell 304, the absorption-type polarizing element in the first liquid crystal element 100J and the second liquid crystal element 300J is unnecessary, and the structure can be simplified.

[1290] While various embodiments have been described above, from the perspective of optimizing transmittance, a liquid crystal component preferably comprises a combination of a liquid crystal cell and a polarizing plate. This is because, when both the first and second liquid crystal components employ a guest-host configuration, absorption occurs even along the transmission axis, resulting in a darkening of both transmitted and reflected light.

[1291] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of enhancing light-shielding properties, the degree of polarization of each liquid crystal member when polarizing light is preferably 97% or higher, and more preferably 99% or higher.

[1292] From the perspective of color, the guest-host system is preferred because it minimizes color variation. This is because, in the case of a combination of a liquid crystal cell and a polarizing plate, although the polarization direction is reversed in the liquid crystal, the polarization varies with wavelength due to the difference in birefringence. This also causes changes in the transmittance of the polarizing plate, leading to coloration.

[1293] For the same reason, when it is desired to suppress color change in the mirror mode by combining a liquid crystal cell and a polarizing plate, it is preferable to set the mirror mode so that the transmission axis of the polarizing plate on the observer side is parallel to the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizer.

[1294] To suppress color change in transmission mode, it is preferable to set the transmission mode so that the transmission axis of the polarizer and the transmission axis of the reflective polarizer are parallel. More preferably, the transmission axes of the incident-side polarizer, the reflective polarizer, and the observer-side polarizer are all parallel.

[1295] In addition, the colored transmitted light can also be dyed by selecting a dye.

[1296] (11th embodiment)

[1297] Figure 13 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminate 1K according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The laminate 1K is used, for example, as a sun visor attached to the upper interior portion of a vehicle's windshield (where external light is incident). When viewed from the right side of the figure, the laminate can transmit or block incident light. When viewed from the left side of the figure, the laminate can function as a mirror or half-mirror that reflects light.

[1298] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a vehicle as seen from the side, showing an example of the use of the laminate 1K, when the laminate 1K is used as a sun visor or the like attached to an upper portion of the vehicle interior such as a windshield.

[1299] The laminate 1K can be moved between a use position in which it is arranged to overlap with the front window and a retracted position in which it is retracted from the front window. Figure 13 The right side of the stack is configured to be the observer side (indoor side). When used as a mirror or a half mirror, the stack is turned over to Figure 13 The center left side is arranged to be the observer side (indoor side).

[1300] The laminate 1K includes, in order from the right in the figure, a first absorptive polarizing member 401 , a first liquid crystal cell 400 , a second absorptive polarizing member 402 , and a reflective polarizing member 500 .

[1301] (First Absorption-Type Polarizing Element, Second Absorption-Type Polarizing Element)

[1302] The first absorptive polarizing member 401 and the second absorptive polarizing member 402 are not particularly limited as long as they include polarizers, and may include polarizing plate protective films on one or both sides of the polarizers.

[1303] Examples of polarizers include polarizers formed by immersing a film composed of a hydrophilic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in an aqueous solution containing iodine as a dichroic pigment and stretching it to form a complex of polyvinyl alcohol and iodine, and polarizers formed by treating a plastic film such as polyvinyl chloride and orienting the polyene.

[1304] In addition, when a dichroic dye is used as a dichroic pigment instead of iodine, as the dichroic dye, azo dyes, stilbene dyes, methine dyes, cyanine dyes, pyrazolone dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, quinoline dyes, oxazine dyes, thiazine dyes, and anthraquinone dyes are used.

[1305] The polarizing plate protective film can protect the polarizer and is not particularly limited as long as it has the desired transparency. As the material of the polarizing plate protective film, for example, cellulose acetate resin, cycloolefin resin, polyethersulfone resin, amorphous polyolefin, modified propylene polymer, polystyrene, epoxy resin, propylene resin, polycarbonate resin, polyamide resin, polyimide resin, polyester resin, or thermosetting resin such as propylene, carbamate, carbamate acrylic, epoxy, silicone, or ultraviolet curing resin can be cited. Among them, as the above-mentioned resin material, cellulose acetate resin, cycloolefin resin, or propylene resin is preferably used. Among them, triacetate cellulose (TAC) as cellulose acetate resin is particularly preferred.

[1306] The first absorptive polarizing element 401 and the second absorptive polarizing element 402 are disposed on the first liquid crystal cell 400 via an adhesive layer formed of, for example, an acrylic transparent adhesive resin. Furthermore, although a retardation film (not shown) is provided on each of the first absorptive polarizing element 401 and the second absorptive polarizing element 402 on the first liquid crystal cell 400 side for optical compensation, the retardation film may be omitted as desired.

[1307] (First Liquid Crystal Unit 400)

[1308] Figure 15 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first liquid crystal unit 400 .

[1309] The liquid crystal cell 400 is composed of a first liquid crystal layer 408 sandwiched between a first stacked portion 405D and a second stacked portion 405U, both of which are thin films.

[1310] (First laminated portion, second laminated portion)

[1311] The first stacked portion 405D is formed by stacking a transparent electrode 411 , a spacer 412 , and an alignment layer 413 on a substrate 406 .

[1312] The second stacked portion 405U is formed by stacking a transparent electrode 416 and an alignment layer 417 on a substrate 415 .

[1313] (Base material)

[1314] Although various transparent resin films can be used as the substrates 406 and 415 , it is preferable to use a transparent resin film having low optical anisotropy and a transmittance of 80% or more in the visible wavelength range (380 to 800 nm).

[1315] As materials for the transparent resin film, for example, there can be mentioned cellulose acetate resins such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefin resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polymethylpentene, and EVA, ethylene-polymer resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, propylene resins, polyurethane resins, high-pressure polyethylene (PEF), polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polysulfone, polyether (PE), polyetherketone (PEK), (meta)acrylonitrile, cycloolefin polymer (COP), cycloolefin copolymer and other resins.

[1316] In particular, resins such as polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin polymer (COP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are preferred.

[1317] Regarding the substrates 406 and 415, polycarbonate or cycloolefin polymer is preferably used, especially from the perspective of having a small in-plane phase difference. The in-plane phase difference is preferably set to 15 nm or less, and more preferably, to 10 nm or less. Because the present invention can switch to transmission, light blocking, reflection, half-mirror, etc. by controlling polarized light, if the polarization is unintentionally affected by the in-plane phase difference of the substrate, there may be a situation where the transmittance in the transparent state is reduced or the transmittance in the light blocking state is increased.

[1318] In this embodiment, a polycarbonate film having a thickness of 100 μm is used as the substrates 406 and 415 , but transparent resin films having various thicknesses can be used.

[1319] (Transparent electrode)

[1320] The transparent electrodes 411 and 416 are composed of a transparent conductive film laminated on the transparent resin film and the transparent resin film.

[1321] As the transparent conductive film, various transparent electrode materials applicable to such transparent resin films can be used, for example, oxide-based transparent metal thin films with a total light transmittance of 50% or more, such as tin oxide-based, indium oxide-based, and zinc oxide-based materials.

[1322] Examples of tin oxide (SnO 2 )-based materials include Nessil (tin oxide SnO 2 ), ATO (Antimony Tin Oxide: antimony-doped tin oxide), and fluorine-doped tin oxide.

[1323] Examples of indium oxide (In 2 O 3 )-based materials include indium oxide, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), and IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide).

[1324] Examples of zinc oxide (ZnO)-based materials include zinc oxide, AZO (aluminum-doped zinc oxide), and gallium-doped zinc oxide.

[1325] In this embodiment, the transparent conductive film is formed using ITO (Indium Tin Oxide).

[1326] (Spacer)

[1327] The spacer 412 can be the same spacer as the spacer 112 in the first embodiment described above.

[1328] (Orientation Layer)

[1329] The alignment layers 413 and 417 are formed of photo-alignment layers. As the photo-alignment material applicable to the photo-alignment layer, various materials applicable to photo-alignment methods can be widely used, for example, photolysis type, photodimerization type, and photoisomerization type.

[1330] In the present embodiment, a light dimerization material is used. As the material of the light dimerization type, for example, cinnamate, coumarin, benzylidenephthalimide, benzylideneacetophenone, diphenylacetylene, styrylpyridine, uracil, quinolinone, maleimide or a polymer with cinnamyl acetate derivatives can be enumerated. Wherein, in terms of good orientation constraint, it is preferred to use a polymer with one or both of cinnamate and coumarin. As a specific example of the material of this light dimerization type, for example, the compounds described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-118717 Gazette, Japanese Patent Table No. 10-506420 Gazette, Japanese Patent Table No. 2003-505561 Gazette and WO2010 / 150748 Gazette can be enumerated.

[1331] Alternatively, the alignment layer may be formed by rubbing treatment instead of forming a photo-alignment layer, or may be formed by shaping a fine linear concavo-convex shape.

[1332] (Liquid crystal layer)

[1333] The first liquid crystal layer 408 can be made of a wide variety of liquid crystal materials applicable to the light-adjusting film 1. Specifically, the first liquid crystal layer 408 can be made of nematic liquid crystal compounds, smectic liquid crystal compounds, and cholesteric liquid crystal compounds as liquid crystal compounds having no polymerizable functional groups.

[1334] As nematic liquid crystal compounds, for example, biphenyl compounds, terphenyl compounds, phenylcyclohexyl compounds, biphenylcyclohexyl compounds, phenyldicyclohexyl compounds, trifluoro compounds, phenyl benzoate compounds, phenyl cyclohexylbenzoate compounds, phenyl benzoate compounds, phenyl dicyclohexylcarboxylate compounds, azomethine compounds, azo compounds, and azoxy compounds, stilbene compounds, diphenylacetylene compounds, ester compounds, dicyclohexyl compounds, phenylpyrimidine compounds, biphenylpyrimidine compounds, pyrimidine compounds, and diphenylacetylene compounds.

[1335] Examples of the smectic liquid crystal compound include ferroelectric polymer liquid crystal compounds such as polyacrylate-based, polymethacrylate-based, polychloroacrylate-based, polyepoxide-based, polysiloxane-based, and polyester-based compounds.

[1336] Examples of the cholesterol liquid crystal compound include cholesterol linoleate, cholesterol oleate, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, and polyamino acids.

[1337] (Drive power supply)

[1338] In the dimming film 1, an AC voltage whose polarity switches at a predetermined cycle is applied to the transparent electrodes 411 and 416. This AC voltage generates an electric field in the first liquid crystal layer 408. This electric field controls the alignment of the liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 408, thereby controlling the amount of transmitted light.

[1339] The driving power source S1 applies an AC voltage whose polarity switches at a predetermined cycle between the transparent electrodes 411 and 416 of the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1340] The light-adjusting film 1 uses the AC voltage to form an electric field in the first liquid crystal layer 408. The electric field controls the alignment of liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal layer 408, thereby controlling the amount of transmitted light.

[1341] The VA method (Vertical Alignment) is used to control the alignment of the first liquid crystal layer 408 in the first liquid crystal cell 400 of the eleventh embodiment. The VA method employs an alignment film having a vertical alignment-constraining force provided on transparent electrodes formed on substrates, with the first liquid crystal layer 408 sandwiched between upper and lower substrates.

[1342] However, instead of the VA method, various driving methods such as the TN (Twisted Nematic) method, the IPS (InPlane Switching) method, the FFS (Fringe Field Switching) method, and the GH (Guest Host) method may be applied.

[1343] Here, the TN method employs an alignment film, rubbed to create a 90° difference in alignment direction, attached to transparent electrodes formed on substrates. A liquid crystal layer 408 is then sandwiched between the upper and lower substrates. The liquid crystal molecules align along the film's alignment direction due to the restraining force of the alignment film, while other liquid crystal molecules align along these liquid crystal molecules, resulting in a 90° twist in their orientation. Alternatively, a chiral auxiliary agent may be added to the liquid crystal layer 408 to impart a twist to the liquid crystal molecules.

[1344] The IPS method is a method in which electrodes are integrated on a substrate and the amount of transmitted light is controlled by rotating liquid crystal molecules aligned by the electric field of the electrodes in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) relative to the substrate.

[1345] In the FFS method, liquid crystal molecules move in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) relative to the substrate, similar to the IPS method, but the amount of transmitted light is controlled by twisting and bending.

[1346] When the first applied voltage from the driving power source S1 is turned off, the first liquid crystal cell 400 of the embodiment transmits incident light. Furthermore, when the first applied voltage is turned on, the first liquid crystal cell 400 blocks one polarization of the incident light and converts the direction of the other polarization to transmit it.

[1347] In the case of the IPS and FFS modes, switching the initial alignment direction and the alignment direction after voltage application reverses the on and off states, allowing for similar driving to the VA mode of this embodiment. In the case of the TN mode, the on and off states are opposite to those of the VA mode of this embodiment.

[1348] Furthermore, the GH method uses a liquid crystal component composed of a dichroic dye dissolved in a nematic liquid crystal (host) as a guest. Dichroic dyes have a single absorption axis and absorb only light oscillating along the absorption axis. Because the orientation of the dichroic dye changes with the movement of the liquid crystal caused by an electric field, the transmission state of the liquid crystal cell can be altered by controlling the direction of the absorption axis.

[1349] Liquid crystal compositions used in the GH method are classified into positive type and negative type due to the difference in the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules when an electric field is applied.

[1350] Positive nematic liquid crystal is a liquid crystal with positive dielectric anisotropy, in which the dielectric constant is larger along the long axis and smaller along the direction perpendicular to the long axis. When an electric field is applied, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is parallel to the electric field.

[1351] On the other hand, negative nematic liquid crystal is a liquid crystal with a negative dielectric anisotropy, in which the dielectric constant is smaller along the long axis and larger along the direction perpendicular to the long axis. When an electric field is applied, the long axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules is perpendicular to the electric field.

[1352] Here, when the dichroic dye is aligned in a predetermined direction within the sheet surface similarly to the liquid crystal molecules, the liquid crystal layer can be used as a polarizing plate that transmits specific polarized light and absorbs other polarized light.

[1353] In addition, even if the dichroic pigment and the liquid crystal molecules are arranged parallel to each other on the surface of the thin film, when the driving mode of the liquid crystal molecules is set to TN mode, the liquid crystal layer can absorb the incident light regardless of the polarization direction, and when it is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the thin film (parallel to the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer), the light transmittance will be improved.

[1354] Furthermore, by setting the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules to the VA method and adding a chiral auxiliary agent to the liquid crystal layer, the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye are twisted when a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, thereby entering a light-shielding state.

[1355] Examples of dichroic dyes used in the GH method include dyes that are soluble in liquid crystals and have high dichroism, such as azo, anthraquinone, quinophthalone, perylene, indigo, thioindigo, merocyanine, styryl, azomethine, and tetrazine dichroic dyes.

[1356] When the liquid crystal layer is made to function as a polarizing plate, the order parameter (S value) of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic dye is preferably 0.7 or more.

[1357] (Reflective polarizing member)

[1358] The same reflective polarizing member as the reflective polarizing member 200 of the first embodiment can be used as the reflective polarizing member 500. In this embodiment, DBEF (registered trademark, DBEF-D3-340 manufactured by Sumitomo 3M Co., Ltd.) is used.

[1359] Furthermore, in addition to the aforementioned DBEF and wire grid, cholesteric liquid crystals are also considered as reflective polarizing element 500. When using cholesteric liquid crystals, they are preferably those that reflect polarized light across a wide wavelength range. Alternatively, a three-layer stack of cholesteric liquid crystal layers reflecting polarized light for red, green, and blue light may be employed.

[1360] Here, cholesteric liquid crystal has the property of reflecting one type of circularly polarized light and transmitting the other type of circularly polarized light when the wavelength of light becomes equal to the helical pitch. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferably used in a laminate with a λ / 4 retardation layer to convert between circularly polarized light and linearly polarized light.

[1361] In the following description, the reflection axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 500 is referred to as the first direction (longitudinal direction) (indicated by the vertical arrow in Table 21 below), and the transmission axis direction of the reflective polarizing element 500 (a direction perpendicular to the first direction (longitudinal direction)) is referred to as the second direction (transverse direction) (indicated by the horizontal arrow in Table 21). The terms (longitudinal) and (transverse) are used for ease of understanding and are therefore labeled for convenience.

[1362] Polarized light vibrating in a first direction (longitudinal direction) is referred to as first (longitudinal) polarized light, and polarized light vibrating in a second direction (transverse direction) perpendicular to the first direction is referred to as second (transverse) polarized light.

[1363] In addition, for each polarized light, even when "transmission" occurs, some light may be reflected or absorbed. Although the embodiments below describe the stacked body 1K as being in light-shielding, light-transmitting, and light-reflecting states, as well as as a half-mirror, it is also possible to control the stacked body 1K to an intermediate level between light-shielding and light-transmitting states. Furthermore, even in the case of a half-mirror, the reflectivity and transmittance can be controlled.

[1364] Next, the transmission axis, reflection axis, etc. in each member of the eleventh embodiment will be described.

[1365] The reflective polarizing member 500 reflects the first (longitudinal) polarized light in the incident light and transmits the second (transverse) polarized light.

[1366] The first absorptive polarizing member 401 transmits the first (longitudinal) polarized light and blocks the second (transverse) polarized light.

[1367] The second absorptive polarizing member 402 transmits the second (transverse) polarized light and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1368] When the first applied voltage is turned off, the first liquid crystal cell 400 transmits the first (longitudinal) polarized light and the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light.

[1369] When the first applied voltage is turned on, the first liquid crystal cell 400 converts the first (longitudinal) polarized light incident from the first absorptive polarizer 401 into the second (transverse) polarized light and emits it toward the second absorptive polarizer 402 .

[1370] When the first applied voltage is turned on, the first liquid crystal cell 400 converts the second (transverse) polarized light incident from the second absorptive polarizer 402 into the first (longitudinal) polarized light and emits it to the first absorptive polarizer 401 side.

[1371] Table 21 shows states that can be taken by light incident on the stacked body 1K when the first applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on or off in the stacked body 1K of the eleventh embodiment.

[1372] The left side of Table 21 shows the viewer side (reflective polarizer side) of the laminate 1K when using a mirror surface. The right side of Table 21 shows the viewer side (opposite to the reflective polarizer side) of the laminate 1K when using it for light transmission (e.g., as a sun visor).

[1373] Table 21

[1374]

[1375] (1) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned off

[1376] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1377] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1378] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1379] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1380] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is blocked by the first absorptive polarizing member 401 .

[1381] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1K, while the second (transverse) polarized light is blocked. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned off, the stacked body 1K functions as a mirror with respect to the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1382] (Incident light from the observer side when using light-shielding transmission)

[1383] When light-shielding transmission is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 , while the second (transverse) polarized light is blocked.

[1384] The first (longitudinal) polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 401 transmits through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1385] The first (longitudinal) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is blocked by the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1386] Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned off, the stacked body 1K blocks incident light from the observer side when light-shielding transmission is used.

[1387] (2) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned on

[1388] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1389] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1390] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1391] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 is rotated into the first (longitudinal) polarized light in the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1392] The first (longitudinal) polarized light rotated in the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 401 .

[1393] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1K, while the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on, the stacked body 1K functions as a half mirror with respect to the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1394] (Incident light from the observer side when using light-shielding transmission)

[1395] When light-shielding transmission is used, of the incident light from the observer side, the first (longitudinal) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 , while the second (transverse) polarized light is blocked.

[1396] The first (longitudinal) polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 is rotated into the second (transverse) polarized light in the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1397] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1398] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 transmits through the reflective polarizing element 500 .

[1399] That is, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on, the stacked body 1K blocks the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side when light-shielding transmission is used, and transmits the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1400] As described above, in the 11th embodiment, the stacked body 1K reflects the first polarized light in the incident light from the observer side (the reflective polarizing component side) when using a mirror, and switches the second polarized light between shading and transmission according to the applied state of the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 408, so that it can be used as a mirror or a half-reflecting mirror.

[1401] Furthermore, in the eleventh embodiment, the laminate 1K blocks the second polarized light of incident light from the observer side (the side opposite to the reflective polarizer side) when light-blocking transmission is used, and switches the first polarized light between light-blocking and light-transmitting according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 408. Thus, on the observer side (the side opposite to the reflective polarizer side) when light-blocking transmission is used, the laminate 1K can switch between a light-transmitting state, in which light is transmitted, and a light-blocking state, in which light is blocked.

[1402] Furthermore, in the laminate 1K of this embodiment, since one surface of the reflective polarizing member 500 is uncovered, the reflectivity can be improved when used as a mirror. Furthermore, the color change and viewing angle characteristics can be improved, and the transmittance can be reduced when shielding light.

[1403] (12th embodiment)

[1404] Next, the 12th embodiment of the present invention will be described. The laminated body 1L of the 12th embodiment is similar to the laminated body 1L of the 11th embodiment ( Figure 13However, the laminate 1L of the twelfth embodiment differs from the laminate 1K of the eleventh embodiment in that the transmission axis direction of the first absorptive polarizing element 401 is in the second direction (lateral direction).

[1405] That is, the first absorptive polarizing member 401 of this embodiment transmits the second (transverse) polarized light and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1406] Table 22 shows possible states of light incident on the stacked body 1L when the first applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on or off in the stacked body 1L of the twelfth embodiment.

[1407] The left side of Table 22 shows the viewer's side when the laminate is used with a mirror surface, and the right side of Table 22 shows the viewer's side when the laminate is used in a transmission light-shielding mode.

[1408] Table 22

[1409]

[1410] (1) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned off

[1411] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1412] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1413] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1414] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1415] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 .

[1416] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1L, while the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned off, the stacked body 1L functions as a half mirror with respect to the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1417] (Incident light from the observer side when using light-shielding transmission)

[1418] When light-shielding transmission is used, of the incident light from the observer side, the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 , and the first (longitudinal) polarized light is blocked.

[1419] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 401 transmits through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1420] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1421] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 transmits through the reflective polarizing element 500 .

[1422] That is, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is off, the stacked body 1L transmits the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side when light-shielding transmission is used, and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1423] (2) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned on

[1424] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1425] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1426] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1427] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 is rotated into the first (longitudinal) polarized light in the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1428] The first (longitudinal) polarized light rotated in the first liquid crystal cell 400 is blocked by the first absorptive polarizing member 401 .

[1429] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1L, while the second (transverse) polarized light is blocked. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on, the stacked body 1L functions as a mirror with respect to the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1430] (Incident light from the observer side when using light-shielding transmission)

[1431] When light-shielding transmission is used, of the incident light from the observer side, the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 , and the first (longitudinal) polarized light is blocked.

[1432] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 is rotated into the first (longitudinal) polarized light in the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1433] The first (longitudinal) polarized light rotated in the first liquid crystal cell 400 is blocked by the second absorptive polarizing member 402 .

[1434] That is, in the stacked body 1L, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on, incident light from the viewer's side is blocked by the stacked body 1L when light-shielding transmission is used.

[1435] As described above, in the 12th embodiment, the stacked body 1L reflects the first polarized light in the incident light from the observer side (reflective polarizing component side) when using a mirror, and switches the second polarized light between shading and transmission according to the applied state of the voltage of the liquid crystal layer 408, so that it can be used as a mirror or a half-reflecting mirror.

[1436] Furthermore, in the twelfth embodiment, the laminate 1L blocks the first polarized light of incident light from the observer side (the side opposite to the reflective polarizing element side) when light-blocking transmission is used, and switches the second polarized light between light-blocking and light-transmitting according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 408. Thus, when light-blocking transmission is used, the laminate 1L can switch between a transmissive state, in which light is transmitted, and a light-blocking state, in which light is blocked, on the observer side (the side opposite).

[1437] Furthermore, in the laminated body 1L of the present embodiment, since one surface of the reflective polarizing member 500 is not covered, the reflectivity when used as a mirror can be improved.

[1438] Furthermore, in the transmission state of the laminated body 1L of this embodiment, the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal cell are vertically aligned, and the transmission axes of the polarizing elements are arranged in a parallel Nicol prism configuration. Therefore, light is transmitted without being affected by the birefringence of the liquid crystal. Consequently, light is emitted from the laminated body 1L with minimal influence from the wavelength dispersion of the liquid crystal material, resulting in a more favorable color of the transmitted light.

[1439] (Thirteenth embodiment)

[1440] Next, a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[1441] Figure 16 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laminated body 1M according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

[1442] Regarding the stacked body 1M of the 13th embodiment, it is different from the stacked body 1K of the 11th embodiment in that the first liquid crystal layer 408 of the first liquid crystal unit 400 is a guest-host liquid crystal containing liquid crystal molecules and dichroic pigments and is driven by the IPS method (GHIPS), does not have the second absorption-type polarizing element 402, and the transmission axis direction of the first absorption-type polarizing element 401 is the second direction (horizontal).

[1443] The IPS method is a method in which the amount of transmitted light is controlled by rotating aligned liquid crystal molecules in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) relative to a substrate.

[1444] The first absorptive polarizing member 401 of this embodiment transmits the second (transverse) polarized light and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1445] When the first applied voltage from the driving power source S1 is turned off, the first liquid crystal cell 400 of this embodiment transmits the second (transverse) polarized light and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1446] When the first applied voltage is turned on, the first liquid crystal cell 400 transmits the first (longitudinal) polarized light and blocks the second (transverse) polarized light.

[1447] Table 23 shows possible states of light incident on the stacked body 1M when the first applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on or off in the stacked body 1M of the thirteenth embodiment.

[1448] The left side of Table 23 shows the viewer's side when the laminate is used with a mirror surface, and the right side of Table 23 shows the viewer's side when the laminate is used in a transmission light-shielding mode.

[1449] Table 23

[1450]

[1451] (1) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned off

[1452] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1453] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1454] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 500 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1455] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 .

[1456] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1M, while the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned off, the stacked body 1M functions as a half mirror with respect to the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1457] (Incident light from the observer side when using light-shielding transmission)

[1458] When light-shielding transmission is used, of the incident light from the observer side, the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 , while the first (longitudinal) polarized light is blocked.

[1459] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing element 401 transmits through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1460] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 500 .

[1461] That is, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is off, the stacked body 1M blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side when light-shielding transmission is used, and transmits the second (transverse) polarized light.

[1462] (2) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned on

[1463] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1464] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1465] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member 500 is blocked by the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1466] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1M, while the second (transverse) polarized light is blocked. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on, the stacked body 1M functions as a mirror with respect to the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1467] (Incident light from the observer side when using light-shielding transmission)

[1468] When light-shielding transmission is used, of the incident light from the observer side, the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 , and the first (longitudinal) polarized light is blocked.

[1469] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 is blocked by the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1470] That is, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on, the stacked body 1M blocks incident light from the observer side when light-shielding transmission is used.

[1471] As described above, in the 13th embodiment, the stacked body 1M also reflects the first polarized light in the incident light from the observer side (reflective polarizing component side) when a mirror is used, and switches the second polarized light between shading and transmission according to the applied voltage state of the liquid crystal layer 408, so it can be used as a mirror or a half-reflecting mirror.

[1472] Furthermore, in the thirteenth embodiment, the laminate 1M blocks the first polarized light of incident light from the observer side (the side opposite to the reflective polarizing element side) when light-blocking transmission is used, and switches the second polarized light between light-blocking and light-transmitting according to the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer 408. Thus, when light-blocking transmission is used, the laminate 1M can switch between a light-transmitting state, in which light is transmitted, and a light-blocking state, in which light is blocked, on the observer side (the side opposite to the reflective polarizing element side).

[1473] Furthermore, in the laminated body 1M of the present embodiment, since one surface of the reflective polarizing member 500 is not covered, the reflectivity when used as a mirror can be improved.

[1474] In the present embodiment, when the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the stacked body 1M is set to an intermediate value when it is on, part of the light incident from the viewer side when light shielding transmission is used can be reflected.

[1475] This is because, when the voltage is set to an intermediate value, the transmission axis of the first liquid crystal cell 400 is oriented at 45°. Therefore, when light is incident from the viewer's side using light-blocking transmission, the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizer 401. Of the transmitted polarized light, the 45° polarized light is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400, while the -45° polarized light is blocked. The first (longitudinal) polarized light of the 45° polarized light is reflected by the reflective polarizer 500, while the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted. Furthermore, of the first (longitudinal) polarized light reflected by the reflective polarizer 500, the 45° polarized light component is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400, while the 45° polarized light component of the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizer 401 and returned to the viewer's side.

[1476] (14th embodiment)

[1477] Next, a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[1478] The laminated body 1N of the fourteenth embodiment is similar to that of the eleventh embodiment. Figure 13 The laminate 1N of the fourteenth embodiment differs from the laminate 1K of the eleventh embodiment in that the first liquid crystal layer 408 of the first liquid crystal cell 400 is a guest-host liquid crystal containing liquid crystal molecules and a dichroic dye and is driven by the IPS method (GHIPS), and that the transmission axis of the first absorption-type polarizing element 401 is oriented in the second direction (horizontally).

[1479] That is, the first absorptive polarizing member 401 of this embodiment transmits the second (transverse) polarized light and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1480] When the first applied voltage from the driving power source S1 is turned off, the first liquid crystal cell 400 of this embodiment transmits the second (transverse) polarized light and blocks the first (longitudinal) polarized light.

[1481] When the first applied voltage is turned on, the first liquid crystal cell 400 transmits the first (longitudinal) polarized light and blocks the second (transverse) polarized light.

[1482] Table 24 shows possible states of light incident on the stacked body 1N when the first applied voltage to the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned on or off in the stacked body 1N of the fourteenth embodiment.

[1483] The left side of Table 24 shows the viewer side of the laminate when a mirror surface is used, and the right side of Table 24 shows the viewer side of the laminate when a transmission light shield is used.

[1484] Table 24

[1485]

[1486] (1) When the first liquid crystal unit 400 is turned off

[1487] (Incident light from the observer side when using a mirror)

[1488] When a mirror is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the reflective polarizing element 500. When a mirror is used, the second (transverse) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500.

[1489] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing element 500 is transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 .

[1490] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the second absorptive polarizing element 402 is transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 .

[1491] The second (transverse) polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal cell 400 is transmitted through the first absorptive polarizing member 401 .

[1492] That is, when a mirror surface is used, the first (longitudinal) polarized light of the incident light from the observer side is reflected by the stacked body 1N, while the second (transverse) polarized light is transmitted. Therefore, when the first liquid crystal cell 400 is turned off, the stacked body 1N functions as a half mirror for the incident light from the observer side when a mirror surface is used.

[1493] (Incident light from the observer side when using ...

Claims

1. A dimming component comprising a laminated body, wherein: The stacked body is provided with a first liquid crystal component, a reflective polarizing component, and a second liquid crystal component in this order; The first liquid crystal member includes a first liquid crystal cell, an alignment state of the first liquid crystal cell changes in response to a first applied voltage, and a first absorptive polarizing member disposed outside the first liquid crystal cell; or the first liquid crystal member includes a first liquid crystal cell, an alignment state of the first liquid crystal cell changes in response to a first applied voltage, and functions as the first absorptive polarizing member. By controlling the first applied voltage, the first liquid crystal member A mode that can be switched between a mode of blocking one polarized light in the incident light and transmitting the other polarized light, and a mode of blocking one polarized light in the incident light and converting the direction of the other polarized light and transmitting it, or It is possible to switch between a mode in which the incident light is directly transmitted and a mode in which one polarized light is blocked and the other polarized light is transmitted, or A mode capable of switching between a mode of blocking one polarized light and transmitting the other polarized light, and a mode of transmitting one polarized light and blocking the other polarized light; The reflective polarizing member receives light having passed through the first liquid crystal member, transmits one polarized light of the incident light, and reflects the other polarized light; The second liquid crystal member includes a second liquid crystal cell, an alignment state of the second liquid crystal cell changes in response to a second applied voltage, and a second absorptive polarizing member disposed outside the second liquid crystal cell; or the second liquid crystal member includes a second liquid crystal cell, an alignment state of the second liquid crystal cell changes in response to a second applied voltage, and functions as the second absorptive polarizing member. When the reflective polarizing member transmits polarized light, the second liquid crystal member can be switched between a mode of blocking the polarized light and a mode of transmitting the polarized light by controlling the second applied voltage. The light control member may have the stacked body side facing the observer, and external light may be incident from the other side of the stacked body opposite to the observer side.

2. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein: No absorptive polarizing member is provided between the first liquid crystal cell and the reflective polarizing member.

3. The light adjusting member according to claim 1, wherein In the case where the first liquid crystal member includes a first absorptive polarizing member disposed outside the first liquid crystal cell, and the second liquid crystal member includes a second absorptive polarizing member disposed outside the second liquid crystal cell, The first absorptive polarizing member is disposed on a surface of the first liquid crystal cell opposite to the reflective polarizing member. The second absorptive polarizing member is disposed on a surface of the second liquid crystal cell opposite to the reflective polarizing member.

4. The light adjusting member according to claim 2, wherein: The second liquid crystal member includes a third absorptive polarizing member disposed on the reflective polarizing member side, and the third absorptive polarizing member transmits light that has passed through the reflective polarizing member.

5. The light adjusting member according to claim 2, wherein: No absorptive polarizing member is provided between the second liquid crystal cell and the reflective polarizing member.

6. The light control member according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first liquid crystal cell and the second liquid crystal cell are driven by a vertical alignment method, a transverse electric field switching method, or a twisted nematic method.

7. The light adjusting component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the second liquid crystal cell functions as the second absorptive polarizing member, The second liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer that is driven by a twisted nematic method and contains a dichroic dye.

8. The light adjusting member according to claim 7, wherein: The first liquid crystal unit is driven by a vertical alignment mode, a transverse electric field switching mode or a twisted nematic mode; The first liquid crystal cell includes a first absorptive polarizing member on the side opposite to the reflective polarizing member.

9. The light adjusting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the first liquid crystal cell functions as the first absorptive polarizing member, The first liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer that is driven by a vertical electric field method and contains a dichroic dye.

10. The light adjusting member according to claim 9, wherein The second liquid crystal unit is driven by vertical alignment, transverse electric field switching or twisted nematic mode; The second liquid crystal cell includes a second absorptive polarizing member on a surface opposite to the reflective polarizing member.

11. The light adjusting member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: When the first liquid crystal cell functions as the first absorptive polarizing member, The first liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer driven by a transverse electric field switching method and containing a dichroic dye.

12. The light adjusting member according to claim 11, wherein When the second liquid crystal cell functions as the second absorptive polarizing member, The second liquid crystal cell includes a liquid crystal layer driven by a transverse electric field switching method and containing a dichroic dye.

13. A vehicle, in, The light control member according to any one of claims 1 to 12 is arranged at a location where external light is incident.

14. A light-adjusting member comprising a laminated body, the laminated body being laminated with at least a reflective polarizing member that reflects a first polarized light in incident light and transmits a second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light, and a first liquid crystal member having a first liquid crystal cell whose alignment state changes in response to an applied voltage; The laminate is characterized in that With respect to the first incident light incident from the reflective polarizing member side of the laminate, Reflecting the first polarized light in the first incident light, switching the second polarized light in the first incident light between light shielding and transmission; With respect to the second incident light incident from the side of the laminate opposite to the reflective polarizing member side, shielding any one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light of the second incident light, and switching the other polarized light between at least shielding and transmitting, When a voltage is applied, the polarized light transmitted through the first liquid crystal unit is converted in a direction perpendicular to the polarization direction and transmitted. The light control member may have the stacked body side facing the observer, and external light may be incident from the other side of the stacked body opposite to the observer side.

15. A light-adjusting member comprising a laminated body, the laminated body being laminated with at least a reflective polarizing member that reflects a first polarized light in incident light and transmits a second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light, and a first liquid crystal member having a first liquid crystal cell whose orientation changes in response to an applied voltage and switches the direction of the transmitted polarized light; The laminate is characterized in that With respect to the first incident light incident from the reflective polarizing member side of the laminate, Reflecting the first polarized light in the first incident light, switching the second polarized light in the first incident light between light shielding and transmission; With respect to the second incident light incident from the side of the laminate opposite to the reflective polarizing member side, shielding any one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light of the second incident light, and switching the other polarized light between at least shielding and transmitting, The light control member may have the stacked body side facing the observer, and external light may be incident from the other side of the stacked body opposite to the observer side.

16. A light-adjusting member comprising a laminated body comprising at least a reflective polarizing member, a first liquid crystal member, and a first absorptive polarizing member, wherein the reflective polarizing member reflects a first polarized light in incident light and transmits a second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light, the first liquid crystal member having a first liquid crystal cell whose alignment state changes in response to an applied voltage, and the first absorptive polarizing member is disposed on a surface of the first liquid crystal member opposite to the reflective polarizing member and transmits the second polarized light; The laminate is characterized in that With respect to the first incident light incident from the reflective polarizing member side of the laminate, Reflecting the first polarized light in the first incident light, switching the second polarized light in the first incident light between light shielding and transmission; With respect to the second incident light incident from the side of the laminate opposite to the reflective polarizing member side, shielding any one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light of the second incident light, and switching the other polarized light between at least shielding and transmitting, The light control member may have the stacked body side facing the observer, and external light may be incident from the other side of the stacked body opposite to the observer side.

17. The light adjusting component according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: include: a first absorptive polarizing member provided on the side of the first liquid crystal member opposite to the reflective polarizing member; and The second absorptive polarizing member is provided between the reflective polarizing member and the first liquid crystal member.

18. The light control component according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that: comprising an absorptive polarizing member configured to transmit the second polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing member; The first liquid crystal cell includes a dichroic dye.

19. The light-adjusting component according to claim 18, wherein: The first liquid crystal cell contains a chiral auxiliary agent.

20. The light-adjusting component according to claim 18, wherein The first liquid crystal unit is driven by a vertical electric field method.

21. The light-adjusting component according to claim 18, wherein The first liquid crystal unit is driven by a transverse electric field method.

22. A light-adjusting member comprising a laminate comprising at least a reflective polarizing member, a first liquid crystal member containing a dichroic dye and having an alignment state that changes in response to an applied voltage, and a second liquid crystal member containing a dichroic dye and having an alignment state that changes in response to an applied voltage; The laminate is characterized in that At least one of the first liquid crystal member and the second liquid crystal member has a transmission axis in the same direction as the transmission axis of the reflective polarizing member depending on the state of voltage applied, The second liquid crystal member is provided between the first liquid crystal member and the reflective polarizing member. The light control member may have the stacked body side facing the observer, and external light may be incident from the other side of the stacked body opposite to the observer side.

23. A dimming device comprising: The light adjusting member according to any one of claims 14 to 22, and A driving power source for applying a voltage to the stacked body.

24. A vehicle, wherein The light control member according to any one of claims 14 to 22 is arranged at a location where external light is incident.

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