Light control laminated glass

Abstract

A light-adjustable laminated glass (10) includes a light-adjustable layer (14) capable of adjusting the transmittance of light by being applied with a voltage; a pair of conductive layers (15), (15) configured to sandwich the light-adjustable layer (14), and to apply the voltage to the light-adjustable layer (14) by being supplied with electric power; an intermediate layer (13) configured to sandwich the conductive layers (15), and having insulating properties; and a pair of glass plates (11), (12) configured to sandwich the intermediate layer (13), and each having a first region (A) and a second region (B) different in curvature from each other, the second region (B) including a curved region (40) having a smaller radius of curvature than the first region (A), a short-circuit prevention portion (50) preventing short-circuiting due to contact of the pair of conductive layers (15), (15) being formed between the pair of curved regions (40), (40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dimming laminated glass. Background Technology

[0002] In automobile and railway window glass, there are known dimming laminated glasses in which a dimming element capable of electrically changing transmittance is sealed into an interlayer. The dimming element consists of a dimming layer and a pair of conductive layers that hold the dimming layer in place. To improve passenger privacy, such dimming laminated glass, for example, scatters light to become frosted glass when the dimming layer is off, and becomes transparent when the dimming element is on. As the dimming layer, for example, a liquid crystal element is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 153998 Summary of the Invention The problem the invention aims to solve

[0004] In the dimming laminated glass used in vehicle windows, a thin dimming section is used. Furthermore, dimming laminated glass sometimes has curved areas to match the shape of the vehicle. Therefore, if the dimming section (dimming layer and a pair of conductive layers) is positioned between these curved areas, wrinkles may sometimes form in the dimming section, and the pair of conductive layers may short-circuit due to these wrinkles. In the event of a short circuit in the pair of conductive layers in the dimming section, proper current cannot be supplied to the dimming layer from the pair of conductive layers; therefore, not only the short-circuited area of ​​the pair of conductive layers, but the entire dimming layer cannot dim.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a dimming laminated glass that can prevent short circuits caused by the contact of a pair of conductive layers contained in the dimming section. Technical means for solving problems

[0006] The dimming laminated glass of the present invention is characterized by the following aspects: the dimming laminated glass includes: a dimming layer capable of adjusting the transmittance of light by applying a voltage; a pair of conductive layers disposed in a manner that clamps the dimming layer, the voltage of which is applied to the dimming layer by supplying power; an intermediate layer disposed in a manner that clamps the conductive layers and has insulating properties; and a pair of glass plates disposed in a manner that clamps the intermediate layer, each having a first region and a second region with different curvatures, the second region including a curved region with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the first region, and a short-circuit prevention portion formed between the pair of curved regions to prevent short circuits caused by contact between the pair of conductive layers.

[0007] In the case where a dimming laminated glass is formed as a pair of glass plates with a pair of curved regions and a dimming layer and a pair of conductive layers are disposed between the pair of curved regions, the pair of conductive layers may sometimes come into contact and short-circuit. Therefore, the dimming laminated glass of this structure includes a pair of glass plates, each of which has a first region and a second region with different curvatures. The second region includes a curved region with a smaller radius of curvature than the first region. A short-circuit prevention portion is formed between the pair of curved regions to prevent short circuits caused by contact between the pair of conductive layers that hold the dimming layer. Therefore, the dimming laminated glass can prevent short circuits between the pair of conductive layers disposed between the pair of curved regions by the presence of the short-circuit prevention portion. As a result, the dimming laminated glass can stably continue to dim even if it has a shape that includes curved regions. Consequently, the dimming laminated glass can maintain its dimming function well.

[0008] Other structural features include the following: the short-circuit prevention section does not have the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers, but is composed only of the intermediate layer and the pair of glass plates.

[0009] As in this structure, if the short-circuit prevention section does not have a dimming layer and a pair of conductive layers, but is only composed of an intermediate layer and a pair of glass plates, then a short circuit caused by the pair of conductive layers will not occur in the short-circuit prevention section. Therefore, the dimming laminated glass can stably continue dimming in areas other than the short-circuit prevention section. As a result, the dimming laminated glass can adequately ensure the dimming function.

[0010] Other structural features include the following: the short-circuit prevention section does not have a pair of conductive layers, but is composed only of the dimming layer, the intermediate layer and a pair of glass plates.

[0011] As in this structure, if the short-circuit prevention section does not have a pair of conductive layers but consists only of a dimming layer, an intermediate layer, and a pair of glass plates, then a short circuit caused by the pair of conductive layers will not occur in the short-circuit prevention section. Therefore, the dimming laminated glass can continue to dim in areas other than the short-circuit prevention section. As a result, the dimming laminated glass can adequately ensure the dimming function.

[0012] Other structural features include the following: the short-circuit prevention section spacees the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of first regions from the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of second regions, so that the boundary between the first region and the second region is non-electrically conductive when viewed from above.

[0013] According to this structure, the short-circuit prevention unit, when viewed from above, separates the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of first regions from the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of second regions. Therefore, the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers in the pair of first regions and the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between the pair of second regions each independently perform dimming functions. Thus, even if a pair of conductive layers in a pair of second regions, including the curved region, experiences a short circuit and dimming by the dimming layer is impossible, the dimming by the dimming layer disposed between the pair of first regions can still continue independently. As a result, the dimming function of the dimming laminated glass can be adequately ensured.

[0014] Other structural features include the following: the short-circuit prevention section makes the thickness of the dimming layer disposed between a pair of second regions greater than the thickness of the dimming layer disposed between a pair of first regions.

[0015] According to this structure, in a pair of second regions, since there is a dimming layer with a thickness greater than that between the pair of first regions, a larger distance between the pair of conductive layers can be ensured. Therefore, even if wrinkles occur in the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers in the second regions, including the curved regions, the pair of conductive layers can be maintained in a spaced-apart state, thereby preventing short circuits due to contact between the pair of conductive layers. Thus, even in the curved regions with short-circuit prevention features, the dimming laminated glass can stably continue dimming. As a result, the dimming laminated glass can adequately ensure the dimming function.

[0016] Other structural features include the following: the short-circuit prevention section has an insulating member sandwiched between the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of first regions and between the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of second regions, so that the boundary between the first region and the second region is non-electrically conductive when viewed from above.

[0017] According to this structure, an insulating member is sandwiched between the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of first regions and between the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of second regions. Therefore, the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between the pair of first regions and the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between the pair of second regions each independently perform dimming functions. Thus, even if dimming of the dimming layer disposed between the pair of second regions is impossible due to a short circuit or other effect of the pair of conductive layers, dimming of the dimming layer disposed between the pair of first regions can continue independently. As a result, the dimming function of the dimming laminated glass can be adequately ensured.

[0018] Other structural features include the following: when the haze value is set to below 10%, the dimming layer is subjected to a voltage of 30V or more.

[0019] As in this structure, the dimming layer is subjected to a voltage of 30V or more when the haze value is set to 10% or less. This effectively improves the transparency of the dimming layer and prevents short circuits caused by high voltage by using a short circuit prevention unit. Therefore, the dimming function can be properly performed.

[0020] Other structural features include the following: the thickness of the dimming layer is greater than 5 μm and less than 150 μm.

[0021] According to this structure, since the thickness of the dimming layer is 5 μm or more and 150 μm or less, the dimming laminated glass can achieve a lightweight dimming layer while ensuring proper dimming functionality. Furthermore, even with such a thin dimming layer, a short-circuit prevention feature can be used to prevent contact between the two conductive layers, thus preventing a short circuit.

[0022] Other structural features include the following: the glass plate in the second region has a three-dimensional curvature.

[0023] As in this structure, since the glass plate in the second region has a three-dimensional curvature, the shape of the dimming laminated glass can be appropriately changed according to the installation location. In addition, even for glass plates with complex shapes and three-dimensional curvature, a short-circuit prevention section can be used to prevent the contact between a pair of conductive layers and prevent short circuits.

[0024] Other structural features include the following: the intermediate layer comprises a support layer supporting the conductive layer and an adhesive layer with a Young's modulus smaller than that of the support layer.

[0025] To ensure the strength of laminated glass, the interlayer used in laminated glass is mostly made of materials with high Young's modulus. However, if an interlayer with a high Young's modulus is placed on both sides of a pair of conductive layers, vibrations transmitted from the interlayer to the conductive layers can sometimes adversely affect the dimming layer when the dimming laminated glass vibrates. Therefore, in this structure, the interlayer includes a support layer that supports the conductive layers and an adhesive layer with a Young's modulus lower than that of the support layer. With this configuration, the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers can be supported by the support layer, and vibrations transmitted from the adhesive layer to the support layer can be reduced when the dimming laminated glass vibrates. Thus, the dimming laminated glass can appropriately protect the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers using the support layer and adhesive layer. As a result, the dimming laminated glass can appropriately prevent functional degradation of the dimming layer caused by the interlayer.

[0026] Other structural features include the following: the dimming laminated glass is disposed on the roof of the vehicle.

[0027] As in this structure, since the dimming laminated glass is located on the roof of the vehicle, the dimming of the interior can be balanced with both a sense of openness and privacy through the dimming of the laminated glass located on the roof.

[0028] Other structural features include the following: at least the short-circuit prevention section is provided with a shielding membrane.

[0029] In a structure where the short-circuit prevention section lacks a dimming layer and a conductive layer, dimming is impossible. Therefore, the presence of the short-circuit prevention section may impair the appearance of the dimming laminated glass. Therefore, in this structure, a shielding film is provided in the short-circuit prevention section. This allows the short-circuit prevention section to be reliably shielded from the outside using the shielding film. As a result, the dimming laminated glass maintains its appearance well.

[0030] Other structural features include the following: the first region is a roughly flat plane with a radius of curvature of 3000 mm or more, and the second region is a curved surface with a radius of curvature of 2000 mm or less.

[0031] According to this structure, since the first region is flat and the second region is curved, the design flexibility of the vehicle can be improved. Furthermore, even for a glass plate with a curved surface having a second region radius of curvature of 2000 mm or less, a short-circuit prevention section can be used to prevent contact between a pair of conductive layers and prevent a short circuit. Moreover, the above values ​​are examples of lower or upper limits for the radius of curvature in the glass plate; for example, the radius of curvature of the first region is 3000 mm or more, preferably 4000 mm or more, and more preferably 5000 mm or more. Additionally, the radius of curvature of the second region is, for example, 2000 mm or less, preferably 1000 mm or less, and more preferably 500 mm or less. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a dimming laminated glass unit installed on the roof of a vehicle. Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the dimming laminated glass according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the dimming laminated glass according to the second embodiment. Figure 4 This is a top view of the dimming laminated glass according to the third embodiment. Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the dimming laminated glass according to the third embodiment. Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the dimming laminated glass according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 7 This is a top view of the dimming laminated glass according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 8This is a partial cross-sectional view of the dimming laminated glass according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 9 This is a comparative example of dimming laminated glass. Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of the curved shape of a dimming laminated glass. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing an example of the curved shape of a dimming laminated glass. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the dimming laminated glass of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, as an example of dimming laminated glass, a glass applied to a vehicle will be described. However, the embodiments are not limited to the following, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the dimming laminated glass 10 (hereinafter referred to as "laminated glass 10") is used, for example, as the roof glass of a vehicle. The laminated glass 10 can also be used for glass other than the roof glass of the vehicle 1, such as for the rear windshield, rear side windows, rear quarter windows, door windows, auxiliary glass, and windshield. Furthermore, the auxiliary glass is a glass installed at the rear of the vehicle 1 to improve the rearward visibility for the driver of the vehicle 1.

[0035] [First Implementation] like Figure 2 As shown, the laminated glass 10 includes a pair of glass plates 11 and 12, an intermediate layer 13, a dimming layer 14, and a pair of conductive layers 15 and 15. The intermediate layer 13 is, for example, composed of a first intermediate layer 31 (an example of an adhesive layer) bonded to the pair of glass plates 11 and 12, and a second intermediate layer 32 (an example of a support layer) disposed between the first intermediate layer 31 and the dimming layer 14. The dimming unit 20 includes the dimming layer 14, the pair of conductive layers 15 and 15, and the second intermediate layer 32. The dimming unit 20 includes elements capable of switching the light transmittance of the laminated glass 10.

[0036] The first intermediate layer (adhesive layer) 31, 31 is formed, for example, from a thermoplastic resin. Examples of thermoplastic resins include plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins, plasticized polyvinyl chloride resins, saturated polyester resins, plasticized saturated polyester resins, polyurethane resins, plasticized polyurethane resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer resins, cyclic olefin polymer resins, and ionomer resins. The first intermediate layer (adhesive layer) 31, 31 preferably uses plasticized polyvinyl acetal resins. These thermoplastic resins can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The material forming the first intermediate layer 31, 31 is not limited to thermoplastic resins. The first intermediate layer 31, 31 may contain functional particles such as infrared absorbers, ultraviolet absorbers, and luminescent agents. The first intermediate layer 31, 31 may have a colored portion referred to as a light-shielding band.

[0037] The second intermediate layers (support layers) 32, 32 are transparent resin layers. The thickness of the second intermediate layers 32, 32 is, for example, 5 μm or more and 500 μm or less, but preferably 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 50 μm or more and 150 μm or less. The material of the second intermediate layers 32, 32 is, for example, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polyamide, polyether, etc.

[0038] The dimming unit 20 can, for example, switch between a low transmittance state and a high transmittance state. The transmittance can be switched in multiple levels or continuously. Depending on the needs, the dimming unit 20 can be disposed on almost the entire laminated glass 10 or only a portion thereof. The planar shape of the dimming unit 20 is, for example, a rectangle smaller than the planar shape of the laminated glass 10.

[0039] The dimming unit 20 is surrounded by a first intermediate layer 31. In the dimming unit 20, the second intermediate layer 32 is a support layer that supports a pair of conductive layers 15, 15. Furthermore, the first intermediate layer 31 is an adhesive layer with a Young's modulus smaller than that of the second intermediate layer 32 (the support layer). Both the first intermediate layer 31 and the second intermediate layer 32 are formed of resin, and a pair of glass plates 11, 12 are bonded to the dimming unit 20 via the first intermediate layer 31.

[0040] For the dimming layer 14, for example, in the state where no voltage is applied, the parallel light transmittance is less than 30%, and in the state where voltage is applied, the parallel light transmittance is 30% or more. More preferably, for the dimming layer 14, in the state where no voltage is applied, the parallel light transmittance is 20% or less, and in the state where voltage is applied, the parallel light transmittance is 40% or more.

[0041] The dimming layer 14 can also achieve a haze of 10% or more when the voltage is not applied, and a haze of less than 10% when the voltage is applied. More preferably, the dimming layer 14 achieves a haze of 20% or more when the voltage is not applied, and a haze of 8% or less when the voltage is applied. The dimming layer 14 can also be formed with a surface area smaller than that of the intermediate layers 13 (the first intermediate layer 31 and the second intermediate layer 32).

[0042] The dimming layer 14 is composed of a dimming film or the like, and its haze rate is controlled according to the presence or absence of electricity, forming a transparent state and an opaque state. That is, the dimming layer 14 can adjust the light transmittance by applying a voltage. As the dimming layer 14, known types such as PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal), SPD (Suspended Particle Device), electrochromic, and thermochromic types can be used, for example. The dimming film is composed of a dimming layer 14 formed of, for example, liquid crystal and a pair of conductive layers 15, 15 disposed on both sides of the dimming layer 14.

[0043] A pair of conductive layers 15, 15 are configured to sandwich a dimming layer 14, and a voltage is applied to the dimming layer 14 by supplying power. An intermediate layer 13 (a first intermediate layer 31 and a second intermediate layer 32) is configured to sandwich the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 and has insulating properties. The conductive layers 15, 15 can be, for example, transparent conductive oxides (TCOs). Examples of TCOs include tin-doped indium oxide (ITO), aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and indium-doped cadmium oxide. Furthermore, the conductive layers 15, 15 can be made of transparent conductive polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), poly(4,4-dioctylcyclopentadithiophene), laminates of metal and dielectric layers, silver nanowires, and silver or copper meshes. The conductive layers 15, 15 are not limited to these and can also be formed from other materials.

[0044] The dimming layer 14 is opaque when no voltage is applied, and becomes transparent when dimming is performed by applying voltage through a pair of conductive layers 15, 15. Alternatively, the dimming layer 14 may be configured to be transparent when no voltage is applied and opaque when voltage is applied.

[0045] The dimming layer 14 is configured such that a voltage of 30V or more is applied when the haze value is set to 10% or less. If configured in this way, the dimming layer 14 can effectively improve the transparency of the laminated glass 10 and properly perform the dimming function.

[0046] The thickness of the dimming layer 14 is, for example, 5 μm or more and 150 μm or less, preferably 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. When the film thickness of the dimming layer 14 is 20 μm or more and 150 μm or less, the laminated glass 10 can achieve a lightweight dimming layer 14 and ensure appropriate dimming function in the dimming layer 14.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first glass plate 11 of the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 of the laminated glass 10 is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle, and the second glass plate 12 is disposed on the outer side of the vehicle. The pair of glass plates 11 and 12 face each other, and the intermediate layer 13, the dimming layer 14, and the pair of conductive layers 15 and 15 are located between the pair of glass plates 11 and 12. The pair of glass plates 11 and 12 are fixed together while the intermediate layer 13, the dimming layer 14, etc. are sandwiched between them. During this fixing, the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 sandwich the intermediate layer 13, the dimming layer 14, etc., forming a laminate. This laminate is fixed together, for example, in a vacuum controlled within a range of -100 kPa to -65 kPa and at a temperature range of 70°C to 110°C. These conditions are just one example, and heating conditions, temperature conditions, lamination methods, vacuum thickness, etc., can be appropriately selected.

[0048] The first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 can be made of known glass plates and can be formed from ordinary transparent glass. An example of the composition of transparent glass is shown below.

[0049] (Transparent glass) SiO2: 70-73% by mass Al2O3: 0.6-2.4% by mass CaO: 7-12% by mass MgO: 1.0-4.5% by mass R2O: 13-15% by mass (R represents an alkali metal) Total iron oxide (T-Fe2O3) converted to Fe2O3: 0.08-0.14% by mass

[0050] In addition to transparent glass, the first glass plate 11 and the second glass plate 12 can preferably be made of green glass, privacy glass, or ultraviolet-blocking green glass containing a predetermined amount or more of iron. An example of the composition of privacy glass is shown below.

[0051] (Privacy glass) SiO2: 66-75% by mass Al2O3: 0-5% by mass CaO: 5-15% by mass MgO: 0-6% by mass R2O: 10-20% by mass (R represents an alkali metal) Total iron oxide (T-Fe2O3) converted to Fe2O3: 0.5-2.5% by mass TiO2: 0.2-5% by mass Cobalt oxide (CoO) converted to CoO: 50-500 ppm by mass Se: 0-70 ppm (mass)

[0052] A pair of glass plates 11 and 12 are configured to sandwich an intermediate layer 13, each having a first region A and a second region B with different curvatures. The glass plates 11 and 12 in the second region B have three-dimensional curvature. That is, the glass plates 11 and 12 in the second region B are curved not only in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but also in the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0053] The second region B includes a curved region 40 with a radius of curvature smaller than that of the first region A. In the laminated glass 10, for example, the first region A is a generally flat surface with a radius of curvature of 3000 mm or more, and the second region B is composed of a curved surface with a radius of curvature of 2000 mm or less. Furthermore, the above values ​​are examples of the lower or upper limits of the radius of curvature in the glass plate. The radius of curvature of the first region A is, for example, 3000 mm or more, preferably 4000 mm or more, and more preferably 5000 mm or more. In addition, the radius of curvature of the second region B is, for example, 2000 mm or less, preferably 1000 mm or less, and more preferably 500 mm or less.

[0054] [Comparative Example] For example, in the case of Figure 9 A portion of the flat laminated glass 60A shown in the image above is bent and formed. Figure 9 In the case of the laminated glass 60B shown in the figure below, wrinkles may sometimes form in the surrounding portion C between the curved regions 40 contained in the second region B. In this case, the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 may come into contact and short-circuit. In the event of a short circuit between the pair of conductive layers 15, 15, dimming of all dimming layers 14 will not be possible.

[0055] The mechanism of wrinkle formation in laminated glass 60B will be explained below. If two deeply curved pieces of glass are formed as a pair of glass plates 11 and 12, the radii of curvature of the two glass plates are different. For example, the radius of curvature of the first glass plate 11 is smaller than that of the second glass plate 12. Due to this difference in the radii of curvature of the pair of glass plates 11 and 12, the pair of conductive layers 15 and 15 sandwiched between the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 will shift, leaving residual shear stress after pressing. This will increase the wrinkles in the dimming section 20. Moreover, if the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 have a three-dimensional curvature, it is more likely that the pair of conductive layers 15 and 15 will shift, further increasing the wrinkles in the dimming section 20.

[0056] In the process of fixing a pair of glass plates 11 and 12 while holding the intermediate layer 13, the dimming layer 14, etc., wrinkles will be generated in the dimming section 20 when the functional film follows the curved shape of the glass plates. In particular, these wrinkles are more likely to occur for curved surfaces with a small radius of curvature. In other words, the smaller the radius of curvature of the curved surface, the more incompatibility will occur between the upper and lower surfaces of the second intermediate layer 32 (support layer) and the conductive layer 15 when they follow the curved shape of the glass plates 11 and 12.

[0057] Furthermore, in a pair of glass plates 11 and 12, the perimeter of the curved surface of the portion with a larger radius of curvature varies depending on the location. When the planar dimming layer 14 enters the portion of the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 with a larger radius of curvature and the intermediate layer 13 is stacked with the dimming layer 14, excess portions appear in the intermediate layer 13 containing the dimming layer 14 at different perimeters. This excess portion is particularly generated in the portion where the difference between the perimeter of the pair of glass plates 11 and 12 and the perimeter of the intermediate layer 13 is large. The curved glass plates 11 and 12 are stacked with the intermediate layer 13 containing the dimming layer 14 to form a laminate. As described above, the laminate is fixed at high temperature in a vacuum to form laminated glass. At this high temperature, the intermediate layer 13 expands and contracts, and the aforementioned excess portion (the difference in perimeter) is gradually mitigated, with the planar intermediate layer 13 following the curved surface of the glass. However, in the portion of the pair of glass plates 11, 12 with a smaller radius of curvature, or in the case where the pair of glass plates 11, 12 have a three-dimensional curvature as described later, the easing is insufficient and wrinkles are produced, and the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 may sometimes come into contact and short-circuit due to these wrinkles.

[0058] As examples of three-dimensional laminated glass, the following two schemes are illustrated. Figure 10 The laminated glass 61 shown is a disc-shaped laminated glass with two convex portions (e.g., upward convex and upward convex) formed in the same direction in orthogonal directions. Figure 11The laminated glass 62 shown is a saddle-shaped laminated glass with two convex sections (upward and downward convex) formed in orthogonal directions with different radii of curvature. In the case of the dish-shaped laminated glass 61, the perimeter of the laminated glass 61 is shorter at the ends. That is, when a planar intermediate layer 13 is stacked between a pair of glass plates 11 and 12, the intermediate layer 13 becomes excess at the ends of the laminated glass 61. Therefore, wrinkles are easily formed at the ends of the laminated glass 61 relative to the dimming section 20. On the other hand, in the case of the saddle-shaped laminated glass 62, the perimeter of the laminated glass 62 is shorter at the center. That is, when a planar intermediate layer 13 is stacked between a pair of glass plates 11 and 12, the intermediate layer 13 becomes excess at the center of the laminated glass 62. Therefore, wrinkles are easily formed at the center of the laminated glass 62 relative to the dimming section 20. Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the case shown, the possibility of a short circuit due to the wrinkle in the contact of the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 is further increased.

[0059] Therefore, in the laminated glass 10 of this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, a short-circuit prevention portion 50 is formed between a pair of curved regions 40, 40. The short-circuit prevention portion 50 is provided to prevent short circuits caused by contact between the pair of conductive layers 15, 15. Therefore, the laminated glass 10 can prevent short circuits of the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 disposed between the pair of curved regions 40, 40 by the presence of the short-circuit prevention portion 50. Thus, even if the laminated glass 10 has a shape including the curved regions 40, it can stably continue to perform dimming. As a result, the dimming function of the laminated glass 10 can be well maintained.

[0060] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the short-circuit prevention section 50 does not have the dimming layer 14 and the pair of conductive layers 15, 15, but is only composed of the second intermediate layer 32 and the pair of glass plates 11, 12. Therefore, no short circuit caused by the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 will occur in the short-circuit prevention section 50. As a result, the laminated glass 10 can stably continue to dim in areas other than the short-circuit prevention section 50. Consequently, the dimming function of the laminated glass 10 can be properly ensured.

[0061] A shielding film 16 is provided in the short-circuit prevention section 50. The shielding film 16 is an opaque layer, for example, provided in a strip shape along the periphery of the laminated glass 10, including the short-circuit prevention section 50. The shielding film 16 is, for example, an opaque (e.g., black) colored ceramic layer. The shielding film 16 can be a colored intermediate film or a colored film with light-blocking properties, or it can be a combination of at least one of a colored intermediate film and a colored film with a colored ceramic layer. The colored film can also be integrated with an infrared reflective film, etc.

[0062] Because the laminated glass 10 has an opaque shielding film 16, the degradation of the polyurethane or other resin that holds the periphery of the laminated glass 10 to the vehicle body due to ultraviolet radiation can be suppressed. Furthermore, the shielding film 16 can conceal the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 electrically connected to the dimming layer 14 and the wiring connected to the electrodes in a manner that makes them difficult to visually identify from the outside and / or inside of the vehicle. Additionally, the shielding film 16 can reliably shield the short-circuit prevention section 50 from the outside. As a result, the laminated glass 10 can maintain its appearance well.

[0063] The masking film 16 can be formed, for example, by applying a ceramic color paste containing molten glass powder with black pigment to a glass plate (glass plate 11, 12) using screen printing or the like and then firing it, but is not limited to this method. The masking film 16 can also be formed, for example, by applying an organic ink containing black or dark pigment to a glass plate using screen printing or the like and then drying it.

[0064] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the masking film 16 is disposed on the inner side of the first glass panel 11 and the inner side of the second glass panel 12. The masking film 16 may also be disposed on only one of the inner side of the first glass panel 11 and the inner side of the second glass panel 12.

[0065] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the laminated glass 10 is disposed on the roof of the vehicle 1. Thus, the vehicle 1 can easily achieve a balance between a sense of freedom and the assurance of privacy inside the vehicle by adjusting the light of the laminated glass 10 disposed on the roof.

[0066] Preferably, the first region A of the laminated glass 10 is a generally flat surface with a radius of curvature of 5000 mm or more, and the second region B is a curved surface with a radius of curvature of 2000 mm or less. In this way, since the laminated glass 10 makes the first region Aa flat and the second region B curved, the design flexibility of the vehicle can be improved.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intermediate layer 13 includes a second intermediate layer 32 serving as a support layer for the conductive layer 15 and a first intermediate layer 31 serving as an adhesive layer with a Young's modulus smaller than that of the support layer (second intermediate layer 32). Therefore, the dimming layer 14 and the pair of conductive layers 15 can be supported by the support layer (second intermediate layer 32), and vibrations transmitted from the adhesive layer (first intermediate layer 31) to the support layer (second intermediate layer 32) can be reduced in the event of vibration of the laminated glass 10. Thus, the laminated glass 10 can appropriately protect the dimming layer 14 and the pair of conductive layers 15 using the first intermediate layer 31 and the second intermediate layer 32. As a result, the laminated glass 10 can appropriately prevent functional degradation of the dimming layer 14 caused by the intermediate layer 13. In particular, by configuring the second intermediate layer 32 as the dimming section 20, the processing of the dimming section 20 becomes easier, and by bonding the glass plates 11 and 12 to the dimming section 20 via the first intermediate layer 31, the laminated glass 10 can be easily manufactured. Furthermore, even if the first intermediate layer 31, which serves as the adhesive layer, is deformed, it can prevent damage to the dimming layer 14.

[0068] [Second Implementation] In the second embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the short-circuit prevention section 50 in the second region B of the laminated glass 10 is composed of a dimming layer 14, an intermediate layer 13, and a pair of glass plates 11 and 12. That is, in this embodiment, the short-circuit prevention section 50 does not have a pair of conductive layers 15. Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0069] As in this embodiment, if the short-circuit prevention section 50 does not have a pair of conductive layers 15, 15 but is only composed of an intermediate layer 13 and a pair of glass plates 11, 12, then a short circuit caused by the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 will not occur in the short-circuit prevention section 50. Therefore, the laminated glass 10 can stably continue to dim in areas other than the short-circuit prevention section 50. As a result, the dimming function can be properly ensured in the laminated glass 10.

[0070] [Third Implementation Method] In the third embodiment, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the short-circuit prevention portion 50 in the second region B of the laminated glass 10 spacees the dimming portion 20 disposed between a pair of first regions A and the dimming portion 20 disposed between a pair of second regions B, so that the boundary between the first region A and the second region B is non-electrically conductive when viewed from above. Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0071] According to this embodiment, since the short-circuit prevention section 50 is used to mitigate the bending state of the dimming section 20 disposed between a pair of second regions B, short circuits of the pair of conductive layers 15B, 15B in the pair of bent regions 40 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the dimming sections 20 of the pair of first regions A are separated from the dimming sections 20 of the pair of second regions B, dimming of the dimming layer 14A in the first region A and the dimming layer 14B in the second region B can be performed independently. Therefore, even if a short circuit occurs in the pair of conductive layers 15B, 15B in the second region B, preventing dimming of the dimming layer 14B, the laminated glass 10 can still perform dimming of the dimming layer 14A disposed between the pair of first regions A. As a result, the laminated glass 10 can appropriately ensure dimming function in a specific region (first region A).

[0072] [Fourth Implementation Method] In the fourth embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the short-circuit prevention portion 50 in the second region B of the laminated glass 10 is configured such that the film thickness T2 of the dimming layer 14B disposed between a pair of second regions B is greater than the film thickness T1 of the dimming layer 14A disposed between a pair of first regions A. Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0073] According to this embodiment, in a pair of second regions B, since there is a dimming layer 14B with a film thickness T2 greater than the film thickness T1, a larger distance between the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 can be ensured. Therefore, even if wrinkles occur in the dimming section 20 (dimming layer 14B and the pair of conductive layers 15, 15), the pair of conductive layers 15, 15 can be maintained in a spaced-apart state, thereby preventing short circuits due to contact between the pair of conductive layers 15, 15. As a result, even in the curved region 40 with the short-circuit prevention section 50, the laminated glass 10 can stably continue dimming with the dimming layer 14B. Consequently, the laminated glass 10 can adequately ensure the dimming function. Here, the film thickness T1 is, for example, 5 μm or more and 150 μm or less, preferably 5 μm or more and 100 μm or less, and more preferably 5 μm or more and 50 μm or less. On the other hand, the film thickness T2 is, for example, 50 μm or more and 500 μm or less, preferably 30 μm or more and 200 μm or less, and more preferably 40 μm or more and 150 μm or less.

[0074] [Fifth Implementation Method] In the fifth embodiment, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the short-circuit prevention section 50 in the second region B of the laminated glass 10 has an insulating member 51, such as rubber or resin, sandwiched between the dimming section 20 (dimming layer 14A and a pair of conductive layers 15A, 15A) between a pair of first regions A and the dimming section 20 (dimming layer 14B and a pair of conductive layers 15B, 15B) between a pair of second regions B, so that the boundary between the first region A and the second region B is non-electrically conductive when viewed from above. Other structures are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0075] According to this embodiment, since the insulating member 51, which serves as a short-circuit prevention section 50, mitigates the bending state of the dimming layer 14 and the pair of conductive layers 15B, 15B disposed between a pair of second regions B, a short circuit of the pair of conductive layers 15B, 15B in the pair of bent regions 40 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the dimming sections 20 of the pair of first regions A and the pair of second regions B are separated, the dimming layer 14A of the first region A and the dimming layer 14B of the second region B can be dimmed independently. Therefore, even if dimming of the dimming layer 14B is impossible in the second region B due to a short circuit of the pair of conductive layers 15B, 15B, the laminated glass 10 can still continue to dim the dimming layer 14A between the pair of first regions A. As a result, the laminated glass 10 can appropriately ensure dimming function in a specific region (first region A).

[0076] [Other Implementation Methods] (1) In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the second region B in the laminated glass 10 is provided only on the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. However, the second region B may also be provided on both the front and rear sides in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, or only on the rear side. In addition, the second region B may also be provided on both the left and right sides in the vehicle's left-right direction, or only on one side. (2) In the above embodiment, an example of the laminated glass 10 being used in the glass of the vehicle 1 is shown, but the laminated glass 10 may also be used in other vehicles. (3) In the above embodiments, several examples have been shown in which a shielding film 16 is provided in the short circuit prevention section 50, but the laminated glass 10 may also be configured such that a shielding film 16 is not provided in the short circuit prevention section 50. Industrial availability

[0077] This invention can be widely used in dimming laminated glass. Symbol Explanation

[0078] 10: Smart laminated glass 11: First glass plate 12: Second glass plate 13: Intermediate layer 14, 14A, 14B: Dimming layer 15, 15A, 15B: Conductive layers 16: Shielding film 20: Dimming Department 31: First intermediate layer (adhesive layer) 32: Second intermediate layer (support layer) 40: Curved area 50: Short circuit prevention section 51: Insulating components A: First Area B: Second Zone T1, T2: film thickness.

Claims

1. A dimming laminated glass, comprising: A dimming layer that can adjust the light transmittance by applying a voltage; A pair of conductive layers, configured to sandwich the dimming layer, apply the voltage to the dimming layer by being supplied with power; An intermediate layer, configured to sandwich the conductive layer, and having insulating properties; and A pair of glass plates, configured to sandwich the intermediate layer, each having a first region and a second region with different curvatures. The second region includes a curved region with a smaller radius of curvature than the first region. A short-circuit prevention section is formed between the pair of said curved regions to prevent short circuits caused by contact between the pair of said conductive layers.

2. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein, The short-circuit prevention section does not have the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers, but is only composed of the intermediate layer and the pair of glass plates.

3. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein, The short-circuit prevention section does not have a pair of conductive layers, but is composed only of the dimming layer, the intermediate layer and a pair of glass plates.

4. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein, The short-circuit prevention section spacees the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of first regions from the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of second regions, so that the boundary between the first region and the second region is non-electrically conductive when viewed from above.

5. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein, The short-circuit prevention section makes the thickness of the dimming layer disposed between a pair of second regions greater than the thickness of the dimming layer disposed between a pair of first regions.

6. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 1, wherein, The short-circuit prevention section has an insulating member sandwiched between the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of first regions and between the dimming layer and the pair of conductive layers disposed between a pair of second regions, so that the boundary between the first region and the second region is non-electrically conductive when viewed from above.

7. The dimming laminated glass according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, When the haze value is set to below 10%, the dimming layer is subjected to a voltage of 30V or more.

8. The dimming laminated glass according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The thickness of the dimming layer is greater than 5 μm and less than 150 μm.

9. The dimming laminated glass according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The glass plate in the second region has a three-dimensional curvature.

10. The dimming laminated glass according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The intermediate layer includes a support layer that supports the conductive layer and an adhesive layer with a Young's modulus smaller than that of the support layer.

11. The dimming laminated glass according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein, The dimming laminated glass is mounted on the roof of the vehicle.

12. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 11, wherein, At least the short-circuit prevention section is provided with a shielding membrane.

13. The dimming laminated glass according to claim 12, wherein, The first region is a roughly flat plane with a radius of curvature of 3000 mm or more, and the second region is a curved surface with a radius of curvature of 2000 mm or less.

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