Dimming member and sandwich panel

Abstract

The dimming component (20) comprises a first component (30), a second component (40), a liquid crystal layer (50), a plurality of first bead-shaped spacers (60) and a plurality of second bead-shaped spacers (70). The first component (30) includes a first substrate (31). The second member (40) includes a second base material (41) facing the first base material (31). The liquid crystal layer (50) is disposed between the first member (30) and the second member (40). The plurality of first bead spacers (60) and the plurality of second bead spacers (70) are arranged so as to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer (50) between the first member (30) and the second member (40). The average particle diameter of the second bead spacers (70) is larger than the average particle diameter of the first bead spacers (60). The second bead spacers (70) are more flexible than the first bead spacers (60).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light-adjusting member and a sandwich panel. BACKGROUND

[0002] A light-adjusting member capable of adjusting visible light transmittance as shown in Patent Literature 1 is known. The light-adjusting member shown in Patent Literature 1 has, for example, a liquid crystal layer containing liquid crystal molecules. The light-adjusting member having the liquid crystal layer can change the visible light transmittance by applying a voltage. The light-adjusting member having the liquid crystal layer has an advantage that the change in the visible light transmittance is fast. The light-adjusting member is used for, for example, a transparent portion of a partition member such as a window.

[0003] The liquid crystal layer is disposed between a pair of plate-shaped members having a substrate. A bead-shaped spacer is also disposed between the pair of plate-shaped members. The bead-shaped spacer contacts the pair of plate-shaped members. The bead-shaped spacer appropriately maintains the thickness of the liquid crystal layer. The bead-shaped spacer suppresses the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer.

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-5040 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] When the light-adjusting member is exposed to high temperature, the liquid crystal layer expands due to heat. The bead-shaped spacer expands between the plate-shaped members. The liquid crystal molecules can move in the liquid crystal layer between the bead-shaped spacer and the plate-shaped members. When the light-adjusting member having the liquid crystal layer is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the liquid crystal molecules move in the liquid crystal layer due to gravity, and the liquid crystal molecules can be unevenly present on the lower side in the vertical direction. The unevenly present liquid crystal molecules are conspicuous and observed from the outside of the light-adjusting member. The appearance of the light-adjusting member can be deteriorated.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the deterioration of the appearance of the light-adjusting member caused by the uneven presence of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0010] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure relates to the following [1] to

[20] .

[0012] [1] A light-adjusting member comprising: a first member including a first substrate; a second member including a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; and a plurality of first bead-like spacers and a plurality of second bead-like spacers configured to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member; the second bead-like spacers having an average particle diameter larger than an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers, the second bead-like spacers being higher in flexibility than the first bead-like spacers.

[0013] [2] The light-adjusting member according to [1],

[0014] A ratio of an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers to an amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacers is 3.21 or more and 4.49 or less when the amounts of deformation of the first bead-like spacers and the second bead-like spacers are measured using a 50-μm angle plane indenter at a rate of 0.29 mN / s up to a load of 5 mN.

[0015] [3] A light-adjusting member comprising: a first member including a first substrate; a second member including a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; and a plurality of first bead-like spacers and a plurality of second bead-like spacers configured to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member; the second bead-like spacers having an average particle diameter larger than an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers, a ratio of an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers to an amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacers is 3.21 or more and 4.49 or less when the amounts of deformation of the first bead-like spacers and the second bead-like spacers are measured using a 50-μm angle plane indenter at a rate of 0.29 mN / s up to a load of 5 mN.

[0016] [4] The light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to [3],

[0017] An amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers measured using a 50-μm angle plane indenter at a rate of 0.29 mN / s up to a load of 5 mN is 2.38 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less.

[0018] [5] A light-adjusting member comprising: a first member including a first substrate; a second member including a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member; and a plurality of first bead-like spacers and a plurality of second bead-like spacers disposed to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member; an average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers is larger than an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers, and an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers is 2.38 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less when a load is applied to 5 mN at a speed of 0.29 mN / s using a 50 μm angle plane indenter.

[0019] [6] The light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to [5],

[0020] an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers is 0.04 μm or less when a load is applied to 5 mN at a speed of 0.29 mN / s using a 50 μm angle plane indenter, and the load is maintained for 5 seconds from when the load reaches 5 mN.

[0021] [7] The light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to [6],

[0022] an average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers is 110% or more and 130% or less of an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers.

[0023] [8] The light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to [7],

[0024] a number of the second bead-like spacers is larger than a number of the first bead-like spacers.

[0025] [9] The light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to [8],

[0026] a color of the first bead-like spacers and a color of the second bead-like spacers are black.

[0027]

[10] The light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to [9],

[0028] the second bead-like spacers have adhesiveness.

[0029]

[11] A sandwich panel comprising:

[0030] a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other; and the light-adjusting member according to any one of [1] to

[10] disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0031]

[12] The sandwich panel according to

[11] , further comprising:

[0032] a first bonding layer bonding the first substrate and the light adjusting member to each other; and a second bonding layer bonding the second substrate and the light adjusting member to each other.

[0033]

[13] The sandwich plate according to

[12] ,

[0034] The first bonding layer and the second bonding layer are uniform in thickness in-plane.

[0035]

[14] The sandwich plate according to

[12] or

[13] ,

[0036] The first bonding layer and the second bonding layer are connected to each other by an interposer.

[0037]

[15] The sandwich plate according to

[14] ,

[0038] The material of the interposer is polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or OCR.

[0039]

[16] The sandwich plate according to

[12] or

[13] ,

[0040] An outer peripheral fixing member is provided at the outer periphery of the first substrate, the first bonding layer, the light adjusting member, the second bonding layer, and the second substrate.

[0041]

[17] The sandwich plate according to any one of

[12] to

[16] ,

[0042] A gap layer is provided between the first bonding layer and the light adjusting member.

[0043]

[18] The sandwich plate according to

[17] ,

[0044] An anti-reflection layer is provided at a position facing the gap layer.

[0045]

[19] The sandwich plate according to

[18] ,

[0046] The first substrate is colored glass.

[0047]

[20] The sandwich plate according to

[17] ,

[0048] The first substrate has an anti-reflection function.

[0049] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress deterioration in appearance of the light adjusting member caused by uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobile body having a light adjusting member.

[0051] Figure 2is a plan view showing a state in which the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member is adjusted to be high.

[0052] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member is adjusted to be low.

[0053] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light adjusting member along the IV-IV line of Figure 2

[0054] Figure 5 is a view that enlarges a portion between the first member and the second member of the light adjusting member, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state at normal temperature.

[0055] Figure 6 is a view that enlarges a portion between the first member and the second member of the light adjusting member, and is a cross-sectional view showing a state heated to a high temperature.

[0056] Figure 7 is a view for explaining one example of a manufacturing method of the light adjusting member.

[0057] Figure 8 is a view for explaining one example of a manufacturing method of the light adjusting member.

[0058] Figure 9 is a view for explaining one example of a manufacturing method of the light adjusting member.

[0059] Figure 10 is a view for explaining one example of a manufacturing method of the light adjusting member.

[0060] Figure 11 is a view for explaining one example of a manufacturing method of the light adjusting member.

[0061] Figure 12 is a graph showing a relationship between a deformation amount and a load applied to the first bead-like spacer and the second bead-like spacer included in the light adjusting member of the embodiment and the comparative examples.

[0062] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich panel of a first deformation example.

[0063] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich panel of a second deformation example.

[0064] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich panel of a third deformation example.

[0065] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a sandwich panel of a fourth deformation example.

[0066] Figure 17 ​is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the sandwich plate of the fourth modification example.

[0067] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the sandwich plate of the fifth modification example.

[0068] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the sandwich plate of the fifth modification example.

[0069] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the sandwich plate of the fifth modification example.

[0070] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the sandwich plate of the sixth modification example.

[0071] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the sandwich plate of the sixth modification example.

[0072] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the sandwich plate of the sixth modification example.

[0073] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the sandwich plate of the seventh modification example.

[0074] Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the sandwich plate of the seventh modification example.

[0075] Figure 26 is a view showing a state at normal temperature, which is a cross-sectional view showing a state between a first member and a second member of an existing light adjusting member in an enlarged manner.

[0076] Figure 27 is a view showing a state heated to a high temperature, which is a cross-sectional view showing a state between a first member and a second member of an existing light adjusting member in an enlarged manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings attached to the present specification, the scale and the ratio of length and width, and the like are appropriately changed from the actual conditions and exaggerated for the convenience of illustration and easy understanding. The constitution and the like shown in a part of the drawings are sometimes omitted in other drawings.

[0078] In the present specification, terms such as "parallel", "orthogonal", "identical", and the like, and values of length, angle, and the like, which determine the shape or the geometry and the degree thereof, are not limited in a strict sense, but are interpreted in a range in which the same function can be expected.

[0079] In the present specification, the normal line direction of a plate-like member means the normal line direction of the plate surface of the plate-like member as an object. Further, the "plate surface" means the surface coinciding with the plate-like member as an object when the plate-like member as an object is observed integrally or globally. The same applies to the case where "plate" is referred to as "film" or "sheet" and the like.

[0080] In the present specification, in the case where a plurality of candidates of an upper limit value and a plurality of candidates of a lower limit value are presented with respect to a parameter, the parameter can also be a numerical range combining any one of the candidates of the upper limit value and any one of the candidates of the lower limit value.

[0081] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobile body 1 including a sandwich panel 10 of an embodiment. The sandwich panel 10 can be applied, for example, in a member partitioning a space. The sandwich panel 10 can be used as a window or a windshield device of a mobile body such as an automobile, a train, a ship, an airplane, and the like, a window on an outer wall, an inner wall, a door, and the like of a building, a transparent portion of a partition member called a partition of a portion. In the present embodiment, the sandwich panel 10 is applied to a sun visor of an automobile. The sandwich panel 10 can be of any shape in accordance with the member to which it is applied. The sandwich panel 10 has a light adjusting member 20 capable of adjusting the visible light transmittance. The sun visor adjusts sunlight and the like incident to the inside of the automobile by adjusting the visible light transmittance by the light adjusting member 20, and provides a good view to the driver and the passenger of the automobile. The sandwich panel 10 can be used in a side window, a rear window, a side mirror, and the like of the mobile body 1, not limited to the illustrated example. The mobile body 1 can be a ship, a railway vehicle, or an airplane, and the like, not limited to the illustrated example. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the sandwich panel 10 can also be used as a sun visor of an automobile. The sandwich panel 10 can be of any shape in accordance with the member to which it is applied. The sandwich panel 10 has a light adjusting member 20 capable of adjusting the visible light transmittance. The sun visor adjusts sunlight and the like incident to the inside of the automobile by adjusting the visible light transmittance by the light adjusting member 20, and provides a good view to the driver and the passenger of the automobile. The sandwich panel 10 can be used in a side window, a rear window, a side mirror, and the like of the mobile body 1, not limited to the illustrated example. The mobile body 1 can be a ship, a railway vehicle, or an airplane, and the like, not limited to the illustrated example.

[0082] Figure 2 is a plan view of the light adjusting member 20 and the sandwich panel 10 in a state where the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be high. Figure 3 is a plan view of the light adjusting member 20 and the sandwich panel 10 in a state where the visible light transmittance is adjusted to be low. The plan view of the sandwich panel 10 and the light adjusting member 20 is a view under the plan of the sandwich panel 10 and the light adjusting member 20. The plan of the sandwich panel 10 and the light adjusting member 20 means that the sandwich panel 10 and the light adjusting member 20 are observed from the normal line direction of the plate surface thereof. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sandwich panel 10 and the light adjusting member 20 along the IV-IV line of FIG. 1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sandwich panel 10 and the light adjusting member 20 along the IV-IV line of FIG. 1. Figure 4As shown, the sandwich plate 10 has a first substrate 11 and a second substrate 12, a first bonding layer 13 and a second bonding layer 14, and a light adjusting member 20. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 oppose each other. A plate surface of the first substrate 11 opposes a plate surface of the second substrate 12. The light adjusting member 20 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. The first bonding layer 13 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the light adjusting member 20. The second bonding layer 14 is disposed between the second substrate 12 and the light adjusting member 20.

[0083] The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 preferably have high visible light transmittance, so that the visible light transmittance of the sandwich plate 10 can be increased when the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be high. The visible light transmittance of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be 20% or more, 45% or more, 80% or more, or 85% or more. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be made of soda-lime glass. The thickness of the first substrate 11 and the thickness of the second substrate 12 can be 1 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 10 mm or less, 8 mm or less, or 5 mm or less. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 having such thicknesses have excellent strength and optical properties. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be made of the same material, or can differ from each other in at least one of the material and the configuration.

[0084] In the present specification, the visible light transmittance is determined as the average of the total light transmittance at each wavelength when the transmittance is measured at every 1 nm in the range of 380 nm to 780 nm using a spectrophotometer ("UV-3600i Plus" manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation, JIS K0115 compliant product). The incident angle when the visible light transmittance is measured is set to 0° in the case where the incident angle in the transmission direction is not particularly specified. The incident angle is the angle formed by the advancing direction of incident light with respect to the normal direction to the incident surface, and is a value less than 90°.

[0085] The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 each have a two-dimensional shape in which the surface shape is flat. However, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 each have a three-dimensional shape in which the surface shape has a curved surface shape. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 each can be formed in advance to have a shape in which the curved surface shape is convex on one side. In this case, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be formed so that the first substrate 11 side is convex with respect to the second substrate 12 side, or so that the second substrate 12 side is convex with respect to the first substrate 11 side. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be inorganic glass, or can be resin glass. As the resin glass, for example, polycarbonate, acrylic acid, or the like can be used. When inorganic glass is used as the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, a laminate 10 having excellent heat resistance and scratch resistance is obtained. On the other hand, when resin glass is used as the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, the laminate 10 can be made lightweight. Furthermore, the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be subjected to surface treatment such as hard coating, as needed.

[0086] The first bonding layer 13 bonds the first substrate 11 and the light adjusting member 20 to each other. The second bonding layer 14 bonds the second substrate 12 and the light adjusting member 20 to each other. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 preferably have high visible light transmittance, so that the visible light transmittance of the laminate 10 can be increased when the visible light transmittance of the light adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be high. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can have a visible light transmittance of 90% or more. The material of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be a material having various adhesion or cohesion. The material of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be polyvinyl butyral, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer, ionomer, OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive), OCR (Optically Clear Resin), a combination of OCA and OCR, a combination of polyvinyl butyral and OCR. The thickness of the first bonding layer 13 and the thickness of the second bonding layer 14 can be 0.15 mm or more, or 1 mm or less. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be formed of the same material, or can differ from each other in at least one of the material and the composition.

[0087] The dimming component 20 can adjust the visible light transmittance. The visible light transmittance that the dimming component 20 can achieve can be 0.5% or higher, 1% or higher, 10% or higher, 20% or higher, below 75%, below 70%, below 45%, or below 40%. The dimming component 20 is a plate-shaped component. The thickness of the dimming component 20 can be 0.1 mm or higher, or below 0.5 mm.

[0088] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the dimming component 20 includes a first component 30, a second component 40, a liquid crystal layer 50, and a sealing member 55. The liquid crystal layer 50 is disposed between the first component 30 and the second component 40. The sealing member 55 circumferentially surrounds the liquid crystal layer 50. Figure 5 This is a magnified view showing the area between the first component 30 and the second component 40 of the dimming component 20. Figure 5 For the sake of simplicity, the components of the first part 30 and the second part 40 are omitted in the illustration. Figure 5 As shown, the dimming component 20 also includes a plurality of first bead-shaped spacers 60 and a plurality of second bead-shaped spacers 70. The dimming component 20 may also include other components (not shown) intended to perform specific functions.

[0089] The first component 30 and the second component 40 are plate-shaped. The first component 30 and the second component 40 are configured such that their surfaces face each other. A liquid crystal layer 50 is sandwiched between the first component 30 and the second component 40. The first component 30 sequentially includes a first substrate 31, a first electrode 33, and a first alignment film 35. The second component 40 sequentially includes a second substrate 41, a second electrode 43, and a second alignment film 45. The second substrate 41 faces the first substrate 31. In the illustrated example, the first alignment film 35 of the first component 30 and the second alignment film 45 of the second component 40 face each other.

[0090] The first substrate 31 supports the first electrode 33 and the first alignment film 35. The second substrate 41 supports the second electrode 43 and the second alignment film 45. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 are thin plates. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 are transparent. The thickness of the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 can be 30 μm or more and 250 μm or less. The first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 having such thicknesses are excellent in strength and optical properties. The material of the first substrate 31 and the second substrate 41 can be glass, acetyl cellulose-based resins such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyolefin-based resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, polymethylpentene, and EVA, vinyl-based resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, acrylic resins, polyurethane-based resins, polysulfone (PSF), polyethersulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC), polyether, polyether ketone (PEK), (meth)acrylonitrile, cyclic olefin polymer (COP), cyclic olefin copolymer, and the like, and is particularly preferably polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like.

[0091] The term "transparent" means that the visible light transmittance is 40% or more, 70% or more, or 80% or more.

[0092] The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are separated from each other. The first electrode 33 extends along the first substrate 31. The second electrode 43 extends along the second substrate 41. In the light-adjusting member 20, the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are not directly electrically connected. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are applied with a voltage via a wiring not shown. By changing the voltage applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, the visible light transmittance of the light-adjusting member 20 can be adjusted. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 are transparent. The first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43 can be transparent conductive films composed of indium tin oxide (ITO), nets composed of copper, carbon nanotubes, silver nanowires.

[0093] The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 restrict the orientation of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 are thin films. The thickness of the first alignment film 35 and the thickness of the second alignment film 45 can be 10 nm or more, 45 nm or more, 1000 nm or less, or 150 nm or less. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 can be produced, for example, by rubbing treatment of a resin layer of polyimide or the like, can be produced by a photo-alignment method in which linearly polarized ultraviolet rays are irradiated to a polymer film to selectively react the polymer chains in the direction of polarization, or can be produced by molding a fine linear concave-convex shape produced by rubbing treatment. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 can also be produced by other methods. The first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 can also be produced without rubbing treatment.

[0094] The liquid crystal layer 50 includes a plurality of liquid crystal molecules. An electric field is formed in the liquid crystal layer 50 by applying a voltage to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules changes by the electric field. The orientation of the liquid crystal molecules can be changed by changing the electric field formed in the liquid crystal layer 50, and thus by changing the voltage applied to the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be changed by the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules. The driving method of the liquid crystal molecules is not particularly limited, and can be a VA (Vertical Alignment) method, a TN (Twisted Nematic) method, an IPS (In-Plane Switching) method, a GH (Guest Host) method, or an application of these methods. The liquid crystal layer 50 preferably does not include a polymerizable compound.

[0095] The light modulation member 20 can further include two polarizing plates disposed with the liquid crystal layer 50 interposed therebetween, depending on the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50. Each of the first member 30 and the second member 40 can further include a polarizing plate. The first alignment film 35 in the first member 30 and the second alignment film 45 in the second member 40 can be omitted, depending on the driving method of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50.

[0096] As one example, a case where the liquid crystal molecules included in the liquid crystal layer 50 are driven in a GH mode will be described. In the GH mode, the liquid crystal layer 50 further includes a dichroic pigment composition. In the GH mode, the orientations of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic pigment composition are restricted by the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 to be horizontal in a state where no voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 is reduced. In a state where a voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic pigment composition approach perpendicular with respect to the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 by the electric field. The visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 is increased. The orientations of the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic pigment composition change, and thus, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the visible light transmittance of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be changed. Figure 2 and Figure 3

[0097] Alternatively, the liquid crystal molecules and the dichroic pigment composition can have orientations that are restricted by the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 to be vertical in a state where no voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, and the orientations thereof can approach horizontal with respect to the first alignment film 35 and the second alignment film 45 by the electric field in a state where a voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43. That is, the liquid crystal layer 50 can have a visible light transmittance that is increased in a state where no voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43, and the visible light transmittance can be reduced in a state where a voltage is applied between the first electrode 33 and the second electrode 43.

[0098] The liquid crystal layer 50 has a reduced haze value in a state where the visible light transmittance is reduced. The light control member 20 including the liquid crystal layer 50 can have a haze value of 30% or less, or 15% or less in a state where the visible light transmittance is reduced.

[0099] The haze value is a ratio of the diffuse transmittance to the total light transmittance of an object, and indicates the diffusion rate of light that has passed through the object. The total light transmittance is a ratio of the amount of light that has passed through the object to the amount of light that has entered the object. The diffuse transmittance is a ratio of the amount of light that has passed through the object in a direction other than the straight-ahead direction, i.e., the amount of diffusely transmitted light, to the amount of light that has entered the object. The total light transmittance and the diffuse transmittance are measured by a haze meter (for example, NDH7000 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.) based on JIS K7361.

[0100] ​The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be 1 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 20 μm or less, or 15 μm or less. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained by the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 can vary depending on the temperature. For example, when the temperature of the liquid crystal layer 50 rises from 23°C to 100°C, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 increases by about 6%.

[0101] The seal 55 extends so as to surround the liquid crystal layer 50 in a peripheral shape. The seal 55 prevents the liquid crystal layer 50 from leaking out, and is bonded to the first laminate 30 and the second laminate 40 to fix them to each other. The material of the seal 55 can be a thermosetting resin, an ultraviolet-curable resin, or a thermally and ultraviolet-curable resin. Specifically, the material of the seal 55 can be an acrylic resin, an epoxy resin, or an epoxy-acrylic resin.

[0102] The plurality of first bead-like spacers 60 and the plurality of second bead-like spacers 70 are arranged between the first member 30 and the second member 40 so as to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. In other words, the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 prevent the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 from becoming less than a predetermined thickness. In further words, the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 ensure a space of a certain size or more between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 are preferably spherical or nearly spherical in shape so that a proper space can be ensured between the first member 30 and the second member 40 regardless of the orientation of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70. The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers 70 is larger than the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60. The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers 70 can be 110% or more and 130% or less of the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60. The average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60 can be 1 μm or more, 10 μm or more, 20 μm or less, or 15 μm or less. The difference between the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers 70 can be 1 μm or more or 5 μm or less.

[0103] The average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers 70 are determined as follows. The side surface in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 50 is observed at a magnification of 50,000 times with an accelerating voltage of 3.0 kV using a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi Hi-tachnologies S-4800) for an area of 1 mm 2 The number of bead-like spacers observed is counted. The side surface in the thickness direction of the liquid crystal layer 50 is observed under the same conditions, and the number of bead-like spacers is counted for an area of 1 mm 2The number of bead-like spacers observed was 1.5 times the area of ​​the bead-like spacers, and the particle size was determined. For example, at 1 mm... 2 When 100 bead-like spacers are observed in an area, the particle size of 150 bead-like spacers is measured. The particle size of a bead-like spacer is the distance between the two lines that are furthest apart when the observed bead-like spacer is sandwiched between any two parallel lines. Among the bead-like spacers whose particle size is measured, the average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of 30% of the smaller bead-like spacers is set as the average particle size of the first bead-like spacer 60, and the average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of 30% of the larger bead-like spacers is set as the average particle size (arithmetic mean diameter) of the second bead-like spacer 70. When measuring the particle size of bead-like spacers, when the bead-like spacers agglomerate, that is, when multiple bead-like spacers form a block, or in other words, when multiple bead-like spacers are in contact with each other, the particle size of each bead-like spacer in the agglomerate, i.e., the block of bead-like spacers, is measured. When measuring the particle size of bead-like spacers, the agglomerate of bead-like spacers cannot be regarded as a single bead-like spacer.

[0104] The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 are reduced. Specifically, the coefficient of variation of the particle size of the first bead-like spacer 60 can be less than 5% or less than 3%. The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the second bead-like spacer 70 can be less than 7%, less than 5%, or less than 3%. The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the first bead-like spacer 60 is calculated by dividing the standard deviation of the particle size of 30% of the smaller bead-like spacers by the average (arithmetic mean diameter) of the particle size of 30% of the smaller bead-like spacers among the bead-like spacers whose particle size is determined by the above method. The coefficient of variation of the particle size of the second bead-like spacer 70 is calculated by dividing the standard deviation of the particle size of 30% of the larger bead-like spacers by the average (arithmetic mean diameter) of the particle size of 30% of the larger bead-like spacers among the bead-like spacers whose particle size is determined by the above method.

[0105] The first bead-shaped spacer 60 is hardened so that it can appropriately maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. The second bead-shaped spacer 70 is more flexible than the first bead-shaped spacer 60. The hardness (flexibility) of the first bead-shaped spacer 60 and the second bead-shaped spacer 70 is quantified by an indentation test performed according to ISO 14577 using a hardness tester (DUH-211S manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). In the indentation test, the greater the amount of deformation when a load is applied to a single first bead-shaped spacer 60 or second bead-shaped spacer 70, the higher the flexibility is determined.

[0106] Here, a method of measuring the flexibility of the first and second bead-like spacers 60 and 70 will be described. First, a single first bead-like spacer 60 and a single second bead-like spacer 70 are taken out of the light adjusting member 20, and then placed on a glass plate of 1.0 to 1.2 mm in thickness in an air atmosphere at normal temperature and pressure. Next, a 50-μm-angle flat indenter is pressed against the top of the first and second bead-like spacers 60 and 70, and a load of 5 mN is applied at a rate of 0.29 mN / sec in the vertical direction. Then, the load is maintained for 5 seconds when the load reaches 5 mN, and then the load is removed at a rate of 0.29 mN / sec. The amount of movement in the vertical direction of the flat indenter at this time is quantitatively measured as the "amount of deformation" of the first and second bead-like spacers 60 and 70. The amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacer 60 measured using a 50-μm-angle flat indenter and applying a load of 5 mN at a rate of 0.29 mN / sec can be 0.1 μm or more, or 1 μm or less. The amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 measured using a 50-μm-angle flat indenter and applying a load of 5 mN at a rate of 0.29 mN / sec can be 2.38 μm or more, or 2.88 μm or more, or 3.32 μm or less.

[0107] The second bead-like spacer 70 can also be sufficiently more flexible than the first bead-like spacer 60. In the case where the amount of deformation of the first and second bead-like spacers 60 and 70 is measured using a 50-μm-angle flat indenter and applying a load of 5 mN at a rate of 0.29 mN / sec, the ratio of the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 to the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacer 60 can be 2.03 or more, or 3.21 or more, or 3.89 or more, or 4.49 or less.

[0108] The second bead-like spacer 70 deforms rapidly when a load is applied at an appropriate rate. In other words, when the same load is applied to the second bead-like spacer 70 at an appropriate rate, the deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 stops immediately, and the second bead-like spacer 70 hardly deforms during the application of the same load. Specifically, when a 50-μm-angle flat indenter is used and a load of 5 mN is applied at a rate of 0.29 mN / sec to the second bead-like spacer 70, the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 can be 0.1 μm or less, or 0.04 μm or less, or 0.03 μm or less during the 5 seconds when the load is maintained after the load reaches 5 mN.

[0109] The number of the second bead-like spacers 70 is larger than the number of the first bead-like spacers 60. The number of the second bead-like spacers 70 can be 100% or less than the number of the first bead-like spacers 60. Specifically, the second bead-like spacers 70 are 30 or more per 1 mm2of the light-adjusting member 20 in plan view. 2 160 or less. The first bead-like spacers 60 are 30 or more per 1 mm2of the light-adjusting member 20 in plan view. 2 240 or less. In counting the number of the bead-like spacers, when the bead-like spacers are aggregated, that is, when a plurality of the bead-like spacers are in a lump, further, when a plurality of the bead-like spacers are in contact with each other, the lump of the bead-like spacers, that is, the lump of the bead-like spacers is counted as one bead-like spacer.

[0110] The second bead-like spacers 70 can also have adhesiveness. The second bead-like spacers 70 having the adhesiveness are adhered to the first member 30 and the second member.

[0111] The material of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the material of the second bead-like spacers 70 can be formed of silica or silicone, inorganic materials such as acrylic resin, organic materials, or a core-shell structure combining them. The color of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the color of the second bead-like spacers 70 can be a color between a color in a state in which the liquid crystal layer 50 reduces the visible light transmittance and a color in a state in which the liquid crystal layer 50 increases the visible light transmittance, a color closer to the color in the state in which the liquid crystal layer 50 reduces the visible light transmittance than the color between them, or a color darker than the color in the state in which the liquid crystal layer 50 reduces the visible light transmittance. For example, the color of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the color of the second bead-like spacers 70 are black.

[0112] The first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 are held in the second member 40. The first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 can also be held by the second orientation film 45 fixed to the second member 40. The first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 can also be held in the second member 40 by an unillustrated adhesive layer provided to the second member 40. The movement of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 between the first member 30 and the second member 40 is limited.

[0113] Figure 5 The light-adjusting member 20 is illustrated in a state at normal temperature. The state at normal temperature means a state exposed to an environment at a temperature of 23°C ± 5°C for 16 hours or more. For example, Figure 5As shown, in the state at normal temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained by both the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70. The second bead-like spacer 70 is soft, and thus deforms in a flattened manner when sandwiched between the first member 30 and the second member 40. Figure 5 In the example shown, the second bead-like spacer 70 is sandwiched between the first member 30 and the second member 40 and deforms in a flattened manner. Both the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 are in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40.

[0114] When the temperature of the periphery of the light control member 20 changes, the temperature of the light control member 20 can also change. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the light control member 20 is used as a sun visor for a vehicle, the temperature of the light control member 20 changes in accordance with the temperature in the vehicle. When the temperature of the light control member 20 rises, the liquid crystal layer 50 expands due to the heat. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 changes. Figure 1 As shown, when the light control member 20 is used as a sun visor for a vehicle, the temperature of the light control member 20 changes in accordance with the temperature in the vehicle. When the temperature of the light control member 20 rises, the liquid crystal layer 50 expands due to the heat. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 changes. Figure 6 As shown, the light control member 20 is in a state heated to a high temperature. By a state heated to a high temperature, it is meant a state after exposure to an environment at a temperature of 100°C ± 5°C for 1 hour or more. As shown in FIG. 7, when the light control member 20 is heated to a high temperature, the liquid crystal layer 50 expands due to the heat. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 changes. Figure 6 As shown, in the state heated to a high temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is greater than the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacer 60 and less than the average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacer 70. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained by the second bead-like spacer 70. The second bead-like spacer 70 is in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. The second bead-like spacer 70 can be sandwiched between the first member 30 and the second member 40 and deformed in a flattened manner. When the second bead-like spacer 70 has adhesiveness, the second bead-like spacer 70 is difficult to separate from the first member 30 and the second member 40 because of the adhesion to the first member 30 and the second member 40. The first bead-like spacer 60 is separated from one of the first member 30 and the second member 40. When the first bead-like spacer 60 is held by the second member 40, the first bead-like spacer 60 is separated from the first member 30.

[0115] An example of a manufacturing method for the light control member 20 and the interlayer sheet 10 will be described. The manufacturing method for the light control member 20 includes a step of producing the first member and the second member, a step of applying a sealing material to the second member, a step of forming the liquid crystal layer, a step of superimposing the first member and the second member, and a step of cutting a portion of the first member and the second member. The manufacturing method for the interlayer sheet 10 includes a step of joining the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 to the light control member 20.

[0116] The first member 30 and the second member 40 are produced. The procedure for producing the second member 40 is described. The second electrode 43 is formed on the second substrate 41 by sputtering or the like. A coating liquid in which the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 are dispersed in a solvent together with a resin component to be a second alignment film 45 is partially applied to the second electrode 43. The resin component is solidified by sequentially performing a drying process and a baking process. The first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 are fixed to the resin component and are held. The second alignment film 45 is formed by applying an alignment restriction force to the solidified resin component by rubbing or photo-alignment or the like. The second alignment film 45 can also be formed without rubbing. A part of the outer periphery of the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 can be covered with the second alignment film 45. The first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 can also be adhered to the second alignment film 45 by an adhesive or the like. Through the above procedure, the second member 40 as shown in FIG. 4 is produced. The second member 40 holds the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 by the second alignment film 45. The first member 30 is produced by the same procedure as the second member 40 except that the first bead-like spacer 60 and the second bead-like spacer 70 are not dispersed in the coating liquid. Figure 7

[0117] In the surface of the second member 40 on which the second alignment film 45 is provided, a sealant 55A is provided in a peripheral shape. The sealant 55A is a viscous liquid material having adhesiveness or tackiness. The sealant 55A becomes the seal 55 by curing. The sealant 55A is cured, for example, by ultraviolet irradiation. As shown in FIG. 5, a liquid crystal material containing liquid crystal molecules is supplied to the portion surrounded by the sealant 55A, and a liquid crystal layer 50 is formed. Figure 8

[0118] As shown in FIG. 6, the first member 30 is overlaid on the surface of the second member 40 on which the sealant 55A is applied. The first member 30 can be pressed against the second member 40 using a roller or the like. The sealant 55A is deformed and cured to become the seal 55. The first member 30 and the second member 40 are joined by the seal 55. Figure 9 As shown by the broken line in FIG. 7, a part of the first member 30 and the second member 40 is cut. The outer peripheral portions of the first member 30 and the second member 40 are removed. The cutting of the first member 30 and the second member 40 can be performed on at least a part of the seal 55. The outer peripheral portion of the seal 55 can also be removed. The cutting of the first member 30 and the second member 40 can be performed using a tool composed of a punch or a cutter or a cutting device using a laser. Through the above procedure, the light-adjusting member 20 is produced.

[0119] Figure 10 ​​​​

[0120] As Figure 11 illustrated, a first bonding layer 13 and a first substrate 11 are laminated to one face of the light adjusting member 20. The first substrate 11 and the light adjusting member 20 are bonded via the first bonding layer 13. A second bonding layer 14 and a second substrate 12 are laminated to the other face of the light adjusting member 20. The second substrate 12 and the light adjusting member 20 are bonded via the second bonding layer 14. By the above procedures, the laminate 10 illustrated in Figure 4 is produced.

[0121] Figure 26 An enlarged sectional view of the first member 130 and the second member 140 of the existing light adjusting member 120 in a state at normal temperature is illustrated in FIG. 10. The first member 130 and the second member 140 hold a liquid crystal layer 150 therebetween. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 150 is maintained by a bead-like spacer 160. The bead-like spacer 160 is held by the second member 140.

[0122] The light adjusting member is sometimes exposed to high temperature for a long time. For example, when the light adjusting member is provided in the interior of an automobile, the temperature in the interior of the automobile rises due to sunlight or the like, and the light adjusting member is exposed to high temperature for a long time. When the temperature of the light adjusting member rises, the liquid crystal layer expands due to heat. Figure 27 An enlarged sectional view of the first member 130 and the second member 140 of the existing light adjusting member 120 in a state at high temperature is illustrated in FIG. 11. As Figure 27 illustrated, in the existing light adjusting member 120, when the liquid crystal layer 150 expands, the bead-like spacer 160 and the first member 130 expand, and liquid crystal molecules can move between the bead-like spacer 160 and the first member 130. In the existing light adjusting member, in a case where the light adjusting member 120 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, the liquid crystal molecules move in the liquid crystal layer 150 due to gravity, and the liquid crystal molecules can be deflected to the lower side in the vertical direction. The liquid crystal molecules present unevenly are conspicuously visually confirmed from the outside of the light adjusting member 120. The appearance of the light adjusting member 120 can be damaged.

[0123] The light adjusting member 20 of one embodiment includes a plurality of first bead-like spacers 60 and a plurality of second bead-like spacers 70. The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers 70 is larger than the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60. The second bead-like spacers 70 are higher in flexibility than the first bead-like spacers 60. In a state at normal temperature, the second bead-like spacers 70 are crushed and deformed by being sandwiched between the first member 30 and the second member 40 by their flexibility. The first bead-like spacers 60 inhibit the second bead-like spacers 70 from being excessively crushed and failing to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained to be not thinner than the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60 by the first bead-like spacers 60. In a state at normal temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained by both the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70. In a state heated to high temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is increased. The first bead-like spacers 60 are separated from one of the first member 30 and the second member 40, but the second bead-like spacers 70 are restored from the deformation by being crushed in accordance with the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50, and thus become in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. In the liquid crystal layer 50 between the second bead-like spacers 70 and the first member 30 and the second member 40, movement of liquid crystal molecules is inhibited. Deterioration of the appearance of the light adjusting member 20 due to uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules can be inhibited.

[0124] When the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 is measured with a 50-μm angle plane indenter, at a rate of 0.29 mN / s, to a load of 5 mN, the ratio of the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers 70 to the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacers 60 is greater than or equal to 3.21 and less than or equal to 4.49. The second bead-like spacers 70 are sufficiently higher in flexibility than the first bead-like spacers 60. The first bead-like spacers 60 inhibit the second bead-like spacers 70 from being excessively crushed and failing to maintain the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is maintained to be not thinner than the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60 by the first bead-like spacers 60. In a state at normal temperature, the second bead-like spacers 70 are appropriately deformed, and in a state heated to high temperature, the deformation of the second bead-like spacers 70 crushed in accordance with the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be restored. The second bead-like spacers 70 are still in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. In the liquid crystal layer 50 between the second bead-like spacers 70 and the first member 30 and the second member 40, movement of liquid crystal molecules is inhibited. Deterioration of the appearance of the light adjusting member 20 due to uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules can be inhibited.

[0125] The second bead-like spacer 70 was deformed by 2.38 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less when a load of 50 μm of a Vickers indenter was applied at a rate of 0.29 mN / s up to 5 mN. The second bead-like spacer 70 was sufficiently soft, and thus the second bead-like spacer 70 was appropriately deformed in a state at normal temperature. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 could be appropriately maintained in a state at normal temperature. The second bead-like spacer 70 was not excessively soft, and thus the deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 was appropriately recovered in a state heated to a high temperature in accordance with the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50. The second bead-like spacer 70 became in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. The movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 between the second bead-like spacer 70 and the first member 30 and the second member 40 was suppressed. The deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to the uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules could be suppressed.

[0126] The second bead-like spacer 70 was deformed by 0.04 μm or less when a load of 50 μm of a Vickers indenter was applied at a rate of 0.29 mN / s up to 5 mN, and the load was maintained for 5 seconds from when the load reached 5 mN. The second bead-like spacer 70 was rapidly deformed when the load was applied at an appropriate rate. The second bead-like spacer 70 was rapidly deformed when the second bead-like spacer 70 was sandwiched between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The first bead-like spacer 60 was not easily separated from between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 could be appropriately maintained by the first bead-like spacer 60. The movement of liquid crystal molecules was suppressed by the first bead-like spacer 60 in a state at normal temperature. The deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to the uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules could be suppressed.

[0127] The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacer 70 was 110% or more and 130% or less of the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacer 60. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 was substantially increased by 6% due to thermal expansion when the temperature changed from 23°C to 100°C. The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacer 70 was in an appropriate range with respect to the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacer, and thus the liquid crystal layer 50 expanded in a state heated to a high temperature, and the first bead-like spacer 60 was separated from one of the first member 30 and the second member 40, but the second bead-like spacer 70 easily became in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. The movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 was suppressed by the second bead-like spacer 70 in a state heated to a high temperature. The deterioration of the appearance of the light control member 20 due to the uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules could be suppressed.

[0128] The number of the second bead-like spacers 70 is larger than the number of the first bead-like spacers 60. The second bead-like spacers 70 are easily arranged between the first bead-like spacers 60. In a state where the light-adjusting member 20 is heated to a high temperature, the first bead-like spacers 60 are separated from one of the first member 30 and the second member 40, but the second bead-like spacers 70 are in contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. Between the first bead-like spacers 60, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 can be maintained by the second bead-like spacers 70. In a state where the light-adjusting member 20 is heated to a high temperature, the movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 is suppressed by the second bead-like spacers 70. The deterioration of the appearance of the light-adjusting member 20 caused by the uneven presence of the liquid crystal molecules can be suppressed.

[0129] The second bead-like spacers 70 have adhesiveness. The second bead-like spacers 70 are more firmly adhered to the first member 30 and the second member. The second bead-like spacers 70 are deformed in a manner that the second bead-like spacers 70 are flattened by being sandwiched by the first member 30 and the second member 40 due to the high flexibility of the second bead-like spacers 70, and thus the second bead-like spacers 70 are in contact with the first member 30 and the second member 40 in a large area. The second bead-like spacers 70 are more firmly adhered to the first member 30 and the second member. The second bead-like spacers 70 are more difficult to be separated from the first member 30 and the second member 40. The movement of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 is suppressed. The deterioration of the appearance of the light-adjusting member 20 caused by the uneven presence of the liquid crystal molecules can be suppressed.

[0130] The color of the first bead-like spacers 60 and the color of the second bead-like spacers 70 are black. When the visible light transmittance of the light-adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be low, the case where the transmittance becomes excessively high can be suppressed by the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70. When the visible light transmittance of the light-adjusting member 20 is adjusted to be high, the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70 are not easily conspicuous. The appearance of the light-adjusting member is not easily deteriorated by the first bead-like spacers 60 and the second bead-like spacers 70.

[0131] The light-adjusting member 20 according to an embodiment includes a first member 30 including a first substrate 31, a second member 40 including a second substrate 41 facing the first substrate 31, a liquid crystal layer 50 disposed between the first member 30 and the second member 40, and a plurality of first bead-like spacers 60 and a plurality of second bead-like spacers 70 configured to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 between the first member 30 and the second member 40. The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers 70 is larger than the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers 60. The second bead-like spacers 70 are more flexible than the first bead-like spacers 60. According to the light-adjusting member 20 according to an embodiment, the second bead-like spacers 70 are flattened by being sandwiched by the first member 30 and the second member 40 due to the flexibility thereof. In a state in which the liquid crystal layer 50 is heated to a high temperature, the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50 is increased, and the second bead-like spacers 70 are restored from the flattened deformation in accordance with the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 50, and thus come into contact with both the first member 30 and the second member 40. In the liquid crystal layer 50 between the second bead-like spacers 70 and the first member 30 and the second member 40, movement of liquid crystal molecules is suppressed. It is possible to suppress deterioration of the appearance of the light-adjusting member 20 caused by uneven presence of the liquid crystal molecules.

[0132] An embodiment is described, but the above-described embodiment is not limiting of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in other schemes, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, additions, and the like can be made within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

[0133] (Embodiment)

[0134] An embodiment is described, but the above-described embodiment is not limiting of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiment can be implemented in other schemes, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, additions, and the like can be made within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

[0135] As samples of the embodiment and comparative examples, a plurality of light-adjusting members including a first member, a second member, a liquid crystal layer, first bead-like spacers, and second bead-like spacers were prepared. In each sample, the types of the second bead-like spacers were different, but the other configurations were the same. The first member included a first substrate composed of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of 125 μm. The second member included a second substrate composed of polyethylene terephthalate having a thickness of 125 μm. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer was 12 μm in a state in which the sample was exposed to an environment at a temperature of 23°C ± 5°C for 16 hours or more. The average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers was set to 12 μm. The first bead-like spacers were 40 in number per 1 mm 2 in the plan view of the light-adjusting member.

[0136] In Sample 1, the second bead-like spacers were set to be the same as the first bead-like spacers. In Samples 2 to 7, the average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers was 14 μm. In each sample, the second bead-like spacers were 40 in number per 1 mm 250. The second bead-like spacers of each sample were different in physical properties. Specifically, the amount of deformation when a load was applied and the amount of change during the period when the same load was applied were different.

[0137] After each sample was exposed to the environment at a temperature of 100°C ± 5°C for 1 hour or more, the sample was arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction, and it was visually confirmed whether or not the liquid crystal molecules were present unevenly. The portion in which the liquid crystal molecules were present unevenly was visually confirmed from the outside because it was discolored in the light control member. For each sample, A was evaluated when no liquid crystal molecules were present unevenly, B was evaluated when the presence of liquid crystal molecules was confirmed to some extent, and C was evaluated when the presence of liquid crystal molecules was visually confirmed significantly.

[0138] The first bead-like spacers and the second bead-like spacers were taken out of each sample. The hardness (softness) of the first bead-like spacers and the second bead-like spacers of each sample was numerically determined by an indentation test using a hardness tester (DUH-211S manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) based on ISO 14577. Specifically, one first bead-like spacer or one second bead-like spacer was used, a 50-μm angle flat indenter was used, a load was applied at 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN, the load was maintained for 5 seconds from when the load reached 5 mN, and then the load was removed. During the period when the load was applied, the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacer or the second bead-like spacer with respect to the applied load was measured. The measurement results of the second bead-like spacers of each sample are shown in Table 1. The measurement of the first bead-like spacers was the same as that of Sample 1. Figure 12

[0139] For each sample, the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer when a load was applied, the ratio of the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer when a load was applied to the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacer (Sample 1), and the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer during the period when the load was maintained for 5 seconds from when the load reached 5 mN were determined. The results are shown in Table 1 below in combination with the results of the confirmation of the presence of liquid crystal molecules unevenly.

[0140] [Table 1]

[0141]

[0142] From the results shown in Table 1, the following understanding was made.

[0143] ​In a case where the ratio of the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer to the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacer is 3.21 or more and 4.49 or less, the liquid crystal molecules are less likely to be unevenly present, and in a case where the ratio of the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer to the amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacer is 3.89 or more and 4.49 or less, the liquid crystal molecules are more less likely to be unevenly present. This is considered to be because, in a state heated to a high temperature, the deformation of the flattened second bead-like spacer recovers in accordance with the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and thus movement of the liquid crystal molecules between the second bead-like spacer and the first member is suppressed.

[0144] When the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 is 2.38 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less, the liquid crystal molecules are less likely to be unevenly present, and when the amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacer 70 is 2.88 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less, the liquid crystal molecules are more less likely to be unevenly present. This is considered to be because, in a state heated to a high temperature, the deformation of the flattened second bead-like spacer recovers in accordance with the thickness of the liquid crystal layer, and thus movement of the liquid crystal molecules between the second bead-like spacer and the first member is suppressed.

[0145] When the softness of the second bead-like spacer is sufficiently high, and the load reaches 5 mN, the second bead-like spacer 70 deforms by 0.04 μm or less during the 5 seconds in which the load is maintained, the liquid crystal molecules are less likely to be unevenly present. This is considered to be because the second bead-like spacer deforms rapidly, and thus the first bead-like spacer is less likely to be separated from the first member, and movement of the liquid crystal molecules in a state at normal temperature is suppressed.

[0146] (Deformation Example)

[0147] Next, referring to Figures 13 to 25 , various deformation examples of the present embodiment will be described. Figure 13 and Figure 25 are drawings each showing a sandwich panel of a deformation example of the present embodiment. In Figures 13 to 25 , the same parts as those shown in Figures 1 to 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0148] (First Deformation Example)

[0149] Figure 13 A sandwich panel 10 of the first deformation example is shown. As shown in Figure 13 , the sandwich panel 10 of the present deformation example includes a first substrate 11, a first bonding layer 13, a light adjusting member 20, a second bonding layer 14, and a second substrate 12. The first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 are stacked in this order.

[0150] The first bonding layer 13 is disposed between the first substrate 11 and the dimming component 20, and is a component that bonds the first substrate 11 and the dimming component 20 together. Similarly, the second bonding layer 14 is disposed between the second substrate 12 and the dimming component 20, and is a component that bonds the second substrate 12 and the dimming component 20 together.

[0151] exist Figure 13 In this configuration, the first bonding layer 13, the dimming component 20, and the second bonding layer 14 have identical planar shapes. Furthermore, the planar shapes of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the dimming component 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 may also be identical. The thickness of the first bonding layer 13 is preferably uniform in its plane. Similarly, the thickness of the second bonding layer 14 is preferably uniform in its plane.

[0152] In this variation, at least one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 is a joint containing a non-compression adhesive component. Alternatively, both the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may contain non-compression adhesive components. Here, "a joint containing a non-compression adhesive component" refers to a joint that does not require pressure for proper bonding to adjacent objects, and is capable of proper bonding to adjacent objects under normal pressure. Examples of "joints containing non-compression adhesive components" include, for example, optically clear resins such as OCA (Optical Clear Adhesive) or OCR (Optical Clear Resin), and curing resins (e.g., thermosetting resins, room temperature curing resins, two-component mixed resins, ultraviolet curing resins, and electron beam curing resins).

[0153] In this modified example, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 may be composed of OCR, and the other may be composed of OCA. OCR is obtained by coating a liquid resin, such as an acrylic resin, silicone resin, or polyurethane resin, with additives onto an object and then curing it, for example, using ultraviolet light (UV). OCA is a layer produced, for example, by the following method: First, a liquid curable adhesive layer composition containing a polymerizable compound is coated onto a release film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and then cured using, for example, ultraviolet light (UV) to obtain an OCA sheet. The curable adhesive layer composition may also be an optical adhesive such as an acrylic resin, silicone resin, or polyurethane resin. After the OCA sheet is bonded to the object, the release film is removed by peeling to obtain a layer composed of the aforementioned OCA. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14, which are composed of OCA, are optically transparent, and more preferably have heat resistance, damp heat resistance, and weather resistance up to 120°C.

[0154] In Figure 13 which, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 is composed of OCR, and the other is composed of OCA. Alternatively, both of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of OCR. Alternatively, both of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of OCA. Alternatively, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 is composed of OCR, and the other is composed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component. As the bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component, for example, a resin such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or the like can be given. Further, the so-called "bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component" refers to a bonding body which needs to be pressurized (i.e., a pressure greater than the normal pressure) in order to properly bond to an adjacent object. The normal pressure is the ambient pressure, and is usually equal to the atmospheric pressure, and the standard atmospheric pressure can be used.

[0155] According to the present modification example, the planar shapes of the first bonding layer 13, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14 are the same as each other. Thereby, in use, when the interlayer sheet 10 is heated to a high temperature, the case where the thermal expansion of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 becomes non-uniform in the plane is suppressed. As a result, the case where the thermal expansion of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 is non-uniform in the plane, resulting in the non-uniform presence of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50 of the light-adjusting member 20, can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the appearance of the interlayer sheet 10 can be suppressed.

[0156] (Second Modification Example)

[0157] Figure 14 An interlayer sheet 10 of the second modification example is shown. In Figure 14 In the interlayer sheet 10 shown in FIG. 6, the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 are connected to each other by an interposer 16. The interposer 16 is a member in a frame shape in plan view, and more specifically, a member having a mouth shape (a quadrangular shape with the center hollowed out), or a shape in which a portion of the mouth shape is cut off. The interposer 16 can also be composed of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient close to that of the light-adjusting member 20. The difference between the thermal expansion coefficient of the interposer 16 and the thermal expansion coefficient of the light-adjusting member 20 is 3 x 10 －4 Hereinafter, 1.5 x 10 －4 Hereinafter, 5 x 10 －5 Hereinafter, 1 x 10 －5 Hereinafter. The material of the interposer 16 can also be, for example, a resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), or OCR. The thickness of the interposer 16 is preferably the same as the thickness of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0158] The insert 16 is a member that is formed in a thickness portion of the light adjusting member 20 in a cross-sectional view when the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 are larger than the light adjusting member 20 in a plan view. The insert 16 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the light adjusting member 20 in a plan view. The insert 16 has a shape obtained by cutting the planar shape of the light adjusting member 20 from the planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14.

[0159] The outer periphery of the insert 16 can also be the same size as the outer periphery of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. Alternatively, the outer periphery of the insert 16 can also be larger than the outer periphery of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12, or can be smaller. The inner periphery of the insert 16 can be the same size as the outer periphery of the light adjusting member 20, or can be larger than the outer periphery of the light adjusting member 20.

[0160] The thickness of the first bonding layer 13 is preferably uniform in the portion in contact with the light adjusting member 20 and the portion not in contact therewith (the portion in contact with the insert 16). The thickness of the first bonding layer 13 is more preferably uniform in-plane. Similarly, the thickness of the second bonding layer 14 is preferably uniform in the portion in contact with the light adjusting member 20 and the portion not in contact therewith (the portion in contact with the insert 16). The thickness of the second bonding layer 14 is more preferably uniform in-plane.

[0161] In the Figure 14 , one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCR, and the other can be composed of an OCA. Alternatively, both of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCR. Alternatively, both of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCA. Alternatively, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCR, and the other can be composed of a bonding body containing a pressure bonding component. As the bonding body containing a pressure bonding component, for example, a resin such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) can be given.

[0162] According to the present modification, the insert 16 is provided to the outer periphery of the light adjusting member 20. Thereby, when the interlayer sheet 10 is heated to a high temperature at the time of use, the difference in thermal expansion between the light adjusting member 20 and the members located around the light adjusting member 20 suppresses the unevenness of the interval between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 in the plane. In other words, the area located further outward than the light adjusting member 20 and the area where the light adjusting member 20 exists are uniformly thermally expanded. Thereby, the uneven presence of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50 of the light adjusting member 20 caused by the unevenness of the interval between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 is suppressed, and the deterioration of the appearance of the interlayer sheet 10 can be suppressed. Further, according to the present modification, the case where moisture or the like intrudes from the side surface of the interlayer sheet 10 is suppressed, and the water resistance of the interlayer sheet 10 can be further improved. Further, according to the present modification, the first substrate 11 (the first bonding layer 13) and the second substrate 12 (the second bonding layer 14) can be substantially held by the insert 16 rather than the light adjusting member 20. Therefore, the case where the sealant 55 constituting the light adjusting member 20 is peeled off, that is, the case where the first member 30 and the second member 40 are peeled off can be suppressed, and thus the first substrate 11 (the first bonding layer 13) and the second substrate 12 (the second bonding layer 14) can be suppressed from being peeled off.

[0163] (Third Modification)

[0164] Figure 15 An interlayer sheet 10 of the third modification is shown. In the interlayer sheet 10 shown in Figure 15 In the interlayer sheet 10 shown in

[0165] The outer periphery fixing member 17 is a member in a lower frame shape in plan view, and more specifically, a member having a mouth shape (a four-sided shape with the center hollowed out) or a shape in which a part of the mouth shape is cut off. The outer periphery fixing member 17 is formed to be a thickness portion of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 in plan view. The outer periphery fixing member 17 is formed to surround the periphery of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 in plan view. The inner periphery of the outer periphery fixing member 17 can also be the same size as the outer periphery of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12. The thickness of the outer periphery fixing member 17 can also be the same as the total thickness of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12.

[0166] In the interlayer sheet 10 shown in Figure 15In the illustrated example, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 is composed of an OCR, and the other is composed of an OCA. Alternatively, both the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCR. Alternatively, both the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCA. Alternatively, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of an OCR, and the other can be composed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component. As the bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component, for example, a resin such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) can be given.

[0167] According to the present modification example, the outer peripheral fixing member 17 is provided at the outer periphery of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light-adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12. At this time, the planar shapes of the first bonding layer 13, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14 can be the same as each other. Thereby, when the interlayer sheet 10 is heated to a high temperature at the time of use, the case where the interval between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 becomes uneven in the plane is suppressed. As a result, the case where the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 50 of the light-adjusting member 20 are unevenly present due to the unevenness of the interval between the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 can be suppressed, and the deterioration of the appearance of the interlayer sheet 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to the present modification example, the intrusion of moisture and the like from the side surface of the interlayer sheet 10 is suppressed, and the water resistance of the interlayer sheet 10 can be further improved. Furthermore, according to the present modification example, the first substrate 11 (the first bonding layer 13) and the second substrate 12 (the second bonding layer 14) can be substantially held by the outer peripheral fixing member 17 rather than the light-adjusting member 20. Therefore, the peeling of the light-adjusting member 20 from the first substrate 11 (the first bonding layer 13) or the second substrate 12 (the second bonding layer 14) can be suppressed.

[0168] (Fourth Modification Example)

[0169] Figure 16 An interlayer sheet 10 according to a fourth modification example is illustrated. Figure 16 The illustrated interlayer sheet 10 includes a first substrate 11, a first bonding layer 13, a first anti-reflection layer 23, a second anti-reflection layer 24, a third bonding layer 15, a light-adjusting member 20, a second bonding layer 14, and a second substrate 12. The first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 are stacked in this order. A gap layer G is provided between the first bonding layer 13 and the light-adjusting member 20, and more specifically between the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 are connected to each other by an outer peripheral bonding layer 18.

[0170] The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can also be formed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component. As the bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component, for example, a resin such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) can be given. The third bonding layer 15 bonds the second anti-reflection layer 24 and the light-adjusting member 20 to each other. The planar shape of the third bonding layer 15 can also be the same as the planar shape of the light-adjusting member 20. The third bonding layer 15 is formed of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR. The third bonding layer 15 can also be formed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component, not limited to this. The third bonding layer 15 can also be formed of the same material as the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14. In this case, the outer peripheral bonding layer 18 can also be integrated with the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14.

[0171] The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 is a member having a frame shape in plan view, more specifically, a member having a mouth shape (a four-sided shape with a center portion hollowed out), or a member in which a portion of the mouth shape is cut off. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 is formed of the thickness portions of the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the light-adjusting member 20, the third bonding layer 15, and the light-adjusting member 20 in cross section. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 is formed so as to surround the periphery of the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the light-adjusting member 20, the third bonding layer 15, and the light-adjusting member 20 in plan view. The inner periphery of the outer peripheral bonding layer 18 can be the same size as the outer periphery of the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the light-adjusting member 20, the third bonding layer 15, and the light-adjusting member 20. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18, the first bonding layer 13, and the second bonding layer 14 can also be formed of the same material. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 is formed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as a resin such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0172] The first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24 are respectively provided at positions facing the gap layer G. The planar shapes of the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24 are smaller than the planar shapes of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14. The planar shapes of the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24 can also be the same as the planar shape of the light-adjusting member 20.

[0173] The gap layer G is formed in the space between the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24. That is, the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24 are disposed apart from each other in the thickness direction without being bonded to each other. The gap layer G is filled with air, but is not limited to this, and can also be filled with a gas such as nitrogen or an inert gas. The thickness of the gap layer G can be, for example, greater than 0 μm and 10,000 μm or less, and is preferably set to 0.1 μm or more and 100 μm or less. The planar shape of the gap layer G can also be substantially the same as the planar shapes of the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24.

[0174] As the first antireflective layer 23 and / or the second antireflective layer 24, for example, an AR (Anti-Reflection) film can be used. An AR film is a film that suppresses positive reflection by utilizing the interference of reflected light. Examples of structures for the first antireflective layer 23 and the second antireflective layer 24 include a single-layer structure composed of a low-refractive-index layer, a double-layer structure with a low-refractive-index layer as the surface layer, and a multilayer structure in which low-refractive-index layers are alternately stacked. The high-refractive-index layer and the low-refractive-index layer represent the relative relationship of refractive indices between adjacent layers; for example, the layer with a higher refractive index than the layer being compared is the high-refractive-index layer, and the layer with a lower refractive index is the low-refractive-index layer. Examples of materials for forming the low-refractive-index layer include silicon oxide, magnesium fluoride, and fluorinated resins; examples of materials for forming the high-refractive-index layer include titanium oxide, zinc sulfide, zirconium oxide, and niobium oxide.

[0175] As the first substrate 11, colored glass with low visible light transmittance (tinted glass) can also be used. The visible light transmittance of the colored glass can be more than 10% and less than 60%. The method for measuring visible light transmittance is as described above. By using glass with low visible light transmittance as the first substrate 11, the effect of the first antireflective layer 23 and the second antireflective layer 24 is further improved, and the reflection of light in the void layer G can be further reduced.

[0176] like Figure 16 As shown, an extension 25 can also be formed by a portion of the first antireflective layer 23 and a portion of the second antireflective layer 24. The extension 25 protrudes outward from the sandwich panel 10 in the surface direction. The extension 25 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above and extends outside the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12. A vent hole is provided in the extension 25 to communicate with the gap layer G between the dimming member 20 and the first antireflective layer 23 and the external air. In this case, even if air is released from the gap layer G between the first antireflective layer 23 and the second antireflective layer 24 during the processing of the sandwich panel 10, air or nitrogen or other gases can be injected through the vent hole to restore the gap layer G. After restoring the gap layer G between the first antireflective layer 23 and the second antireflective layer 24, the vent hole can be sealed with an adhesive or a liquid bonding layer. The location of the extension 25 is not limited, but in order to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, it is preferable to place it outside the corner of the dimming member 20.

[0177] According to this modified example, a void layer G is provided between the first bonding layer 13 and the dimming member 20. Therefore, when the sandwich panel 10 is heated to a high temperature during use, the void layer G absorbs the thermal expansion of the dimming member 20. In other words, the void layer G facilitates the aforementioned effect of suppressing the movement of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 between the second bead-shaped spacer 70 and the first and second members 30 and 40. Thus, the uneven presence of liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 50 of the dimming member 20 is suppressed, and the deterioration of the appearance of the sandwich panel 10 can be prevented.

[0178] Furthermore, according to this modified example, by placing the void layer G between the first antireflective layer 23 and the second antireflective layer 24, the reflection of light at the interface between the dimming component 20 and the void layer G or at the interface between the first bonding layer 13 and the void layer G can be reduced.

[0179] Figure 17 Other examples of the sandwich panel 10 shown in the fourth variation are illustrated. Figure 17 As shown, a first substrate 11A with anti-reflection (AR) function can also be used as the first substrate. In this case, the first bonding layer 13 and the first anti-reflection layer 23 may not be provided.

[0180] exist Figure 17 In this structure, the first substrate 11A may have a multilayer structure. For example, the first substrate 11A may also have a pair of glass plates and a bonding layer located between the pair of glass plates. The bonding layer may also be a bond containing a compressible adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0181] (Fifth variation)

[0182] Figure 18 The sandwich panel 10 of the fifth modified example is shown. Figure 18 The sandwich panel 10 shown includes a first substrate 11, a first bonding layer 13, a first anti-reflective layer 23, a second anti-reflective layer 24, a third bonding layer 15, a dimming component 20, a second bonding layer 14, and a second substrate 12. The first substrate 11, first bonding layer 13, first anti-reflective layer 23, second anti-reflective layer 24, third bonding layer 15, dimming component 20, second bonding layer 14, and second substrate 12 are stacked in this order. A gap layer G is provided between the first bonding layer 13 and the dimming component 20, and more specifically between the first anti-reflective layer 23 and the second anti-reflective layer 24. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 are connected to each other by an outer peripheral bonding layer 18.

[0183] exist Figure 18In the embodiment, the first bonding layer 13 is configured of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 can be the same as the planar shape of the first substrate 11. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 can be smaller than the planar shape of the first substrate 11.

[0184] Figure 19 Another example of the laminated sheet 10 of the fifth modification example is shown. In the example, the first bonding layer 13 is configured of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 and the planar shape of the first anti-reflection layer 23 can be respectively the same as the planar shape of the first substrate 11. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 and the planar shape of the first anti-reflection layer 23 can be larger than the planar shape of the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, and the light-adjusting member 20. Figure 19

[0185] Another example of the laminated sheet 10 of the fifth modification example is shown. In the example, the first bonding layer 13 is configured of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 and the planar shape of the first anti-reflection layer 23 can be respectively the same as the planar shape of the first substrate 11. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13 and the planar shape of the first anti-reflection layer 23 can be larger than the planar shape of the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, and the light-adjusting member 20. Figure 20 Figure 20 In the example, the first substrate 11A can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first substrate 11A can have a pair of glass plates and a bonding layer between the pair of glass plates. The bonding layer can be a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0186] In the example, the first substrate 11A can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first substrate 11A can have a pair of glass plates and a bonding layer between the pair of glass plates. The bonding layer can be a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Figure 20 In the example, the first substrate 11A can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first substrate 11A can have a pair of glass plates and a bonding layer between the pair of glass plates. The bonding layer can be a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0187] Figures 18 to 20 In the example, the first substrate 11A can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first substrate 11A can have a pair of glass plates and a bonding layer between the pair of glass plates. The bonding layer can be a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Figure 16

[0188] (Sixth Modification Example)

[0189] Figure 21 A laminated sheet 10 of the sixth modification example is shown. Figure 21 The laminated sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a first substrate 11, a first bonding layer 13, a first anti-reflection layer 23, a second anti-reflection layer 24, a third bonding layer 15, a light-adjusting member 20, a second bonding layer 14, and a second substrate 12. The first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 are stacked in this order. A gap layer G is provided between the first bonding layer 13 and the light-adjusting member 20, and more specifically between the first anti-reflection layer 23 and the second anti-reflection layer 24. The first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12 are connected to each other by a peripheral fixing member 17A. ​​​

[0190] In Figure 21 In the interlayer sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1, the first bonding layer 13 is composed of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR. The second bonding layer 14 is composed of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14 can be made the same as each other. The planar shape of the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14 can also be made smaller than the planar shape of the first substrate 11 and the second substrate 12.

[0191] The outer peripheral fixing member 17A is a member having a frame shape in plan view, and more specifically, a member having a shape of a square with a hole in the center (a shape of a square with a hole in the center), or a shape obtained by cutting a part of the square with a hole in the center. The outer peripheral fixing member 17A forms a thickness portion of the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14 in cross section. The outer peripheral fixing member 17A is formed so as to surround the periphery of the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14 in plan view. The inner periphery of the outer peripheral fixing member 17A can also be the same size as the outer periphery of the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light-adjusting member 20, and the second bonding layer 14.

[0192] The outer peripheral fixing member 17A can be composed of, for example, a sealing material, an adhesive, a resin, or a metal. Among them, as the sealing material, a thermosetting resin such as an epoxy resin or an acrylic resin, or an ultraviolet-curable resin is exemplified. As the adhesive, for example, a double-sided tape having an acrylic foam as a base material can be used.

[0193] In Figure 21 In the interlayer sheet 10 shown in FIG. 1, the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Alternatively, one of the first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 can be composed of a bonding body containing a non-pressure-bonding adhesive component such as OCA or OCR, and the other can be composed of a bonding body containing a pressure-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0194] Figure 22 Other examples of the interlayer sheet 10 of the sixth modification example are shown. In Figure 22In the embodiment, the outer peripheral fixing member 17A forms the thickness portion of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 in plan view. The outer peripheral fixing member 17A is formed to surround the periphery of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 in plan view. The inner periphery of the outer peripheral fixing member 17A can be the same size as the outer periphery of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12. The thickness of the outer peripheral fixing member 17A can be the same as the total thickness of the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the first anti-reflection layer 23, the gap layer G, the second anti-reflection layer 24, the third bonding layer 15, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12.

[0195] Figure 23 Another example of the laminated sheet 10 of the sixth modified example is shown. As shown in Figure 23 the first substrate 11A having an anti-reflection (AR) function can be used. In this case, the first bonding layer 13 and the first anti-reflection layer 23 can not be provided.

[0196] In Figure 23 the first substrate 11A can have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first substrate 11A can have a pair of glass plates and a bonding layer between the pair of glass plates. The bonding layer can be a bonding body containing a press-bonding adhesive component such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0197] In Figures 21 to 23 the above-described configuration can be the same as that of the fourth modified example shown in Figure 16 .

[0198] (Seventh Modified Example)

[0199] Figure 24 A laminated sheet 10 of the seventh modified example is shown. As shown in Figure 24 the laminated sheet 10 of the present modified example includes the first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12. The first substrate 11, the first bonding layer 13, the light adjusting member 20, the second bonding layer 14, and the second substrate 12 are stacked in this order. The first bonding layer 13 and the second bonding layer 14 are connected to each other by the outer peripheral bonding layer 18.

[0200] The first bonding layer 13 may also be composed of a bonding body containing a non-compression adhesive component, such as OCR. The second bonding layer 14 may also be composed of a bonding body containing a non-compression adhesive component, such as OCA.

[0201] The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 is a component with a top-view bottom bezel shape, more specifically, a component having a square shape (a quadrilateral shape with a central cutout), or a shape with a portion of a square shape cut off. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18, when viewed from above, forms the thickness portion of the dimming component 20. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 is formed to surround the dimming component 20 when viewed from above. The inner periphery of the outer peripheral bonding layer 18 may also be the same size as the outer periphery of the dimming component 20. The outer peripheral bonding layer 18 may also be made of the same material as the first bonding layer 13, or may be integrally formed with the first bonding layer 13.

[0202] Figure 25 Other examples of the sandwich panel 10 shown in the seventh variation are illustrated. Figure 25 As shown, the peripheral bonding layer 18 can also form the thickness portion of the dimming component 20 and the second bonding layer 14. In top view, the peripheral bonding layer 18 is formed to encompass the periphery of the dimming component 20 and the second bonding layer 14. The inner periphery of the peripheral bonding layer 18 can also be the same size as the outer periphery of the dimming component 20 and the second bonding layer 14. The peripheral bonding layer 18 can be made of the same material as the first bonding layer 13, or it can be integrally formed with the first bonding layer 13. The peripheral bonding layer 18 can also be directly connected to the second substrate 12.

[0203] exist Figure 24 and Figure 25 In addition to the above, the composition can also be combined with Figure 13 The fifth variation shown is the same.

[0204] The constituent elements disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined as needed. Alternatively, several constituent elements can be deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

Claims

1. A light-adjusting member comprising: a first member including a first substrate, a second member including a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member, and a plurality of first bead-like spacers and a plurality of second bead-like spacers configured to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member; an average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers is larger than an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers, the second bead-like spacers are higher in flexibility than the first bead-like spacers.

2. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1, a ratio of an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers to an amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacers is 3.21 or more and 4.49 or less when the amounts of deformation of the first bead-like spacers and the second bead-like spacers are measured using a 50 μm angle plane indenter to apply a load at a rate of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN.

3. A light-adjusting member comprising: a first member including a first substrate, a second member including a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member, and a plurality of first bead-like spacers and a plurality of second bead-like spacers configured to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member; an average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers is larger than an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers, a ratio of an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers to an amount of deformation of the first bead-like spacers is 3.21 or more and 4.49 or less when the amounts of deformation of the first bead-like spacers and the second bead-like spacers are measured using a 50 μm angle plane indenter to apply a load at a rate of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN.

4. The light-adjusting member according to claim 1 or 3, an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers measured using a 50 μm angle plane indenter to apply a load at a rate of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN is 2.38 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less.

5. A light-adjusting member comprising: a first member including a first substrate, a second member including a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first member and the second member, and a plurality of first bead-like spacers and a plurality of second bead-like spacers configured to maintain a thickness of the liquid crystal layer between the first member and the second member; an average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacers is larger than an average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacers, an amount of deformation of the second bead-like spacers measured using a 50 μm angle plane indenter to apply a load at a rate of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN is 2.38 μm or more and 3.32 μm or less.

6. The light-adjusting member according to any one of claims 1, 3, 5, The second bead-like spacer deforms by 0.04 μm or less when a load of 50 μm angle plane indenter is applied at a rate of 0.29 mN / s to 5 mN, and the load is held for 5 seconds when the load reaches 5 mN.

7. The light control member according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 5, The average particle diameter of the second bead-like spacer is 110% or more and 130% or less of the average particle diameter of the first bead-like spacer.

8. The light control member according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 5, The number of the second bead-like spacer is more than the number of the first bead-like spacer.

9. The light control member according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 5, The color of the first bead-like spacer and the color of the second bead-like spacer are black.

10. The light control member according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 5, The second bead-like spacer has adhesiveness.

11. A sandwich plate comprising: a first substrate and a second substrate opposing each other; and the light control member according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 5 disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

12. The sandwich plate according to claim 11, further comprising: a first bonding layer bonding the first substrate and the light control member to each other; and a second bonding layer bonding the second substrate and the light control member to each other.

13. The sandwich plate according to claim 12, the thickness of the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer is uniform in-plane.

14. The sandwich plate according to claim 12, the first bonding layer and the second bonding layer are connected to each other by an interposer.

15. The sandwich plate according to claim 14, the material of the interposer is polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or OCR.

16. The sandwich plate according to claim 12, a peripheral fixing member is provided at the periphery of the first substrate, the first bonding layer, the light control member, the second bonding layer, and the second substrate.

17. The sandwich plate according to claim 12, a gap layer is provided between the first bonding layer and the light control member.

18. The sandwich plate according to claim 17, an anti-reflection layer is provided at a position facing the gap layer.

19. The sandwich plate according to claim 18, the first substrate is colored glass.

20. The sandwich plate according to claim 17, the first substrate has an anti-reflection function.

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